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| RRP $39.99 AUD Published May 2019 |
London 1863 and Christabel Berwick - a girl of striking appearance and unnatural powers - has been kidnapped. Investigating the kidnapping is our protagonist Mrs Bridie Devine, a pipe-smoking redheaded domestic investigator who also conducts minor surgical procedures.
This detective novel takes us into the seedier corners of Victorian London and the lives of nefarious doctors, anatomists and their collections of curiosities and a travelling circus renowned for showcasing the strange and wonderful.
The city of London is expertly described:
Bridie Devine enjoys smoking Prudhoe's Bronchial Balsam Blend despite the possible side effects:
The city of London is expertly described:
"But for now, the slums are as they have always been: as warm and lively as a blanket full of lice." Page 25
"Follow the fulsome fumes from the tanners and the reek from the brewery, butterscotch rotten, drifting across Seven Dials. Keep on past the mothballs at the cheap tailor's and turn left at the singed silk of the maddened hatter. Just beyond you'll detect the unwashed crotch of the overworked prostitute and the Christian sweat of the charwoman. On every inhale a shifting scale of onions and scalded milk, chrysanthemums and spiced apple, broiled meat and wet straw, and the sudden stench of the Thames as the wind changes direction and blows up the knotted backstreets." Page 25As you can see, the writing in Things In Jars by Jess Kidd is superb. At one point she describes a character as having resplendent whiskers and I thought yes! Her writing is just that: resplendent. I paused often to enjoy a sentence or particular description which seemed effortless yet poignant and often quite funny. My mind was buzzing with sheer joy at her turn of phrase and the story became a mere byproduct.
Bridie Devine enjoys smoking Prudhoe's Bronchial Balsam Blend despite the possible side effects:
"But the list is long and includes many adverse reactions, from sweating of the eyeballs to sensitivity to accordion music." Page 14
It was difficult to rate Things In Jars by Jess Kidd; the writing was divine (see what I did there?) and definitely worthy of 5 stars however the story wasn't anywhere near as faultless, earning 3 stars.
As much as it pains me, I give this gothic historical fiction detective novel 4 stars. Highly recommended.
Carpe Librum!
As much as it pains me, I give this gothic historical fiction detective novel 4 stars. Highly recommended.
Carpe Librum!
Pity the storyline didn't live up to the writing. It's only Kidd's third novel. I say give her the time and she will deliver an amazing book that ticks all the boxes. Great review Tracey, it's made want to read it
ReplyDeleteTash (Thoughts by Tash)
Thanks Tash and you're right, she'll only get better from here. No matter what happens I think she's an automatic read for me now. Hope you enjoy it too.
DeleteSounds like my kind of read...
ReplyDeleteI think it really is Theresa, I think you'd enjoy this, although I should say that one of the supporting characters is a ghost. This isn't a spoiler though. I can guarantee you'll love the writing, no matter what.
DeleteThis is on my Christmas Wishlist
ReplyDeleteI just saw your post about your Christmas wishlist, I really hope you get it :-)
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