leandrathetbrzero's Reviews (412)

My least favorite in the series - a bit of a let down.

I read this book in ONE day.  🧩❤️ 

Thank you Samantha Larsen, Crooked Lane, and NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for this honest review!

PUB DATE: 20 Feb 2024

Samantha Larsen does it again! This series is 2-for-2 in reads I devour within 24 hours. One of my comfort-premises these days is “Strong, Resourceful Woman Solves Crimes in a Historical Time.” And Larsen takes us to 18th-century England, a time period I don’t often find myself in. Even better, she ensures a level of diversity within her cast that I think historical fiction tends to lack, but Larsen proves WITH RECEIPTS at the end of the book how and why diversity and historical settings are not universally exclusive elements.

I really love how our amateur sleuth, Tiffany, gains confidence in her independence as she finds her place in the community her half-brother’s controlling oppression was withholding from her prior to his death in book 1. She also continues to face challenges to her own morality and sense of justice surrounding serious issues: domestic violence and SA, prejudice and racism, and sexism. I have so much respect for an author who can juggle serious topics in a compelling murder mystery. This is a MUST read for historical mystery lovers!!

- SYNOPSIS -
“Miss Tiffany Woodall must sleuth the slaying of a footman to clear her beloved’s name in the second Lady Librarian mystery, in the vein of Deanna Raybourn and perfect for fans of Bridgerton. 

1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record; the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder...” 

I decided to listen to this both as a way to get me in the mood for Halloween but also as a cure to get me out of a reading slump. The audiobook was honestly such good fun, and I cannot recommend it enough. Writing this review in March 2024, nearly 6 months after reading it, I can say I still reflect on this title fondly. The three children protagonists were humorous, determined, and the type of characters you root for. Highly recommend it!

Buddy read with Danni!

This was the perfect spooky audiobook in the lead up to Halloween. And such a pleasant surprise for so many reasons! I loved the band of children led by the eldest sister, Charlie. Charlie is extremely protective of her supernatural adoptive siblings in the best way--not to mention that the adoption rep was really lovely to see! There is also very easy, normalized deaf representation with the werewolf brother Mateo. Whenever his siblings signed for him, it warmed my heart. 

The most fun surprise came when I realized that I had actually read a book by this author...and quite recently! But in a completely different age category and genre combo: the adult thriller, What Lies In The Woods. I enjoyed that book as well, but Extra Normal was even better in my opinion. I was gripped by the creepy family who moved in across the street, the spiders searching for ways to get inside their house, and the past events that still haunt Charlie. I loved this book (having borrowed the audiobook via Libby) so much that I had to buy a copy for myself!

This continues to be a series that I devour in a matter of days! It was so lovely to return to the dark, puzzling world of Joseph Spector. This time around, I entered it with a friend! And what a great buddy read choice this ended up being. Tom Mead kept us on our toes as we followed the perspective of lawyer Edmund Ibbs. There were so many elements to love: the illusionist sleuth, the multiple impossible crimes being juggled, the maps/blueprints included, and the Clue Key at the back of the book are just the tip of the iceberg.

P.S. Don't be fooled by the title. Yes, there is a Ferris wheel involved, but a majority of the setting takes place in a theater!