So I said I need to read Hobb’s books back to back but my Everand subscription restarted so I thought I better make the most of it.
My new approach, don’t have too many series on the go. And since I’m alternating between fantasy and mystery, seemed like a good point to read the third (and last?) volume of the Countess of Harleigh series.
I like this series. I feel like Frances is a more competent Julia and George is a more likeable Brisbane (comparing to the Lady Julia Grey series). George also lets Frances contribute more to the sleuthing than Brisbane, although I share Frances’ frustrations with his withholding information from her. Although it seems like he finally is compromising on this, shame that there’s no follow up novel to take advantage of this.
I liked the introduction of Anne and Alonzo. They seem like a cute couple. And with Leo becoming family, the drama of the sisters would surely play a future part in more mysteries (and murders). And the series has been building up Frances’ strained relationship with her mother which was surprisingly addressed more than I expected in this novel, especially since this is the first time Daisy has showed up in person. Which leads me to believe that healing the rift between Frances and Lily’s parents could be a potential future plot.
Rose growing up and playing a bigger part would be interesting too. And Bridget already plays a small but valuable part as Frances’ trusty maid. Cousin Charles is super endearing too.
I’m spending most of this review rambling on about all the good set-up that doesn’t look like it’s going to be acted upon. As for the actual mystery of this novel, the sherry was obvious. So it was a little tedious waiting for Frances and George to come to the same conclusion. Although George definitely didn’t help in this regard, keeping his non-sherry drinking a secret from both Frances and the reader 🙄 Leo being the target also felt like a red herring, but again, because George was being evasive it didn’t feel like as the reader I could definitively claim he was the real target. Except maybe the letter from the prison…? Tbh I kinda forgot about that.
Anyway, the last volume of this came out in 2020, so five years ago, so I’m guessing it’s unlikely to be continued. Which is a shame because Lady Julia Grey also isn’t being continued. I need a new ‘lady of society solves British mysteries’ series. Veronica Speedwell doesn’t really count since she’s a scientist, not a lady 😛 Plus I’m kinda down on that and the Lady Sherlock series atm…
Categories: Book Reviews
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