This book told in the first person point of view of Flo Armstrong who is a lady’s maid to Lady Emily Hardcastle. Flo and her employer have just returned to England after a series of hinted-at adventures in India and China. The quiet life in the country they thought they’d have upon returning to England doesn’t eventuate, however, when they stumble across a dead body and soon after get entangled in the subsequent investigation.
The speed Flo and Lady Hardcastle are taken into the police's confidence is farfetched. Actually, there's a lot of implausible situations in the book. I certainly wasn’t a fan of the background stories. Okay, maybe there were a couple of cute ideas but I think Kinsey just pushed it all too far. The women's mad skills left both characters edging towards Mary Sue territory.
The mystery plot line overall wasn’t too bad but I did feel like it was a bit erratic at times. I have since learned that this novel was originally a couple of shorter stories that Kinsey combined and edited them into one book. This seems obvious now and explains the mish-mash feeling I had whilst reading when it came to the crimes.
Talking of mish mashes, I didn’t really understand what Kinsey was going for with respect to the relationship between Flo and Lady Hardcastle. Is he trying to lead them towards a lesbian/romantic relationship? He could be going for a mother/daughter relationship, considering their ages, but I never got that impression. There’s nothing wrong with just female friends but the book seemed to include a bit of an odd undercurrent between them that, in the end, left me plain confused.
What I wasn’t confused about was that Lady Hardcastle does not treat Flo like a servant and considers her an equal. I know for sure they eat all their meals together. I know for sure they like to spend time with each other socially. I know for sure that every other character in the book is confused by all this but some find it quite amusing. I know all this because Kinsey reminded me of these points at least once every 5 or so pages. Yes, a show and not tell style could have made me less annoyed.
Look, I have since read Kinsey’s website about the book and he seems to have good intentions. His thoughts were that it was probably pretty common for women and their maids to be real friends and, yes, it is an interesting premise. However, the reader didn’t need to have this ‘quirky’ idea shoved down their throat over and over. In fact, we got it in the first chapter. The whole irritating mentioning of it again and again and again is probably what muddied the waters and added to my confusion as to the true nature of the women's relationship.
I did listen to this via audible and, although the narrator does a pretty good job, maybe she influenced me unduly. If I am to read any of the sequels I think I will just do it the old fashioned way.
Anyway… rant over. I've pondered my rating and have decided to go straight down the middle and give the book 2 1/2 stars out of 5.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera, scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
| Amazon Price | New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
$0.00
| Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Audio CD, CD, Unabridged
"Please retry" | $8.13 | $8.13 | — |
- This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited
-
Audiobook
$0.00 - 1 Used from $15.93 10 New from $19.22
- 3 New from $8.13
Money with Jess: Your Ultimate Guide to Household Budgeting
Learn how to get money, how to spend it and how to save it. Shop now
Frequently bought together
- +
- +
Total Price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Money with Jess: Your Ultimate Guide to Household Budgeting
Learn how to get money, how to spend it and how to save it. Shop now
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Customer reviews
Top reviews from other countries
The Reading Room
Outstanding Cosy Mystery
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 February 2019Verified Purchase
RoseAnne
Disappointing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 March 2019Verified Purchase
Trillion
Waste of time
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 March 2019Verified Purchase
Elizabeth Westray
Great fun yarn with classic lady detectives!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 March 2017Verified Purchase
Philip Meers
Amusing break from serious reading.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 February 2022Verified Purchase
