No detection team was ever more mismatched: Julian Kestrel, the debonair and elegant Regency dandy, and Sally Stokes, a bold and bewitching Cockney...
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Aug 24, 2011
Stephanie
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Mar 16, 2009
earthy
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In some ways a lot stronger than her first Kestral novel (Cut to the Quick), in other ways weaker. Julian and co. have to deal with yet another anonymous dead woman, only this time they're aided by Dipper's sister Sally, who, while feisty and clever, ultimately embarks on a very unbelieveable romantic relationship with Julian. There's more action and actual sleuthing rather than parlor-room theoretical discussions, which makes this plot work a lot better than the somewhat exposition-heavy Cut
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Jul 27, 2011
Simone
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Meh. The mystery was OK, but I really didn't buy the relationship between our hero, Julian, and Sally, the prostitute sister of Julian's valet. It seemed kind of icky all around, given the power and class differential. And the part where the valet figured out they had slept together, and was HAPPY about it because it made him and his boss kind of like blood-brothers in some way? Eww. I'm also not a big fan of the Dr. MacGregor character. He's too much a caricature, and he doth protest too m
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Sep 04, 2010
Jennifer
rated it: 
As much as I love these books, there is something inherently sad about reading them. I know that with each passing book--as I am falling more and more in love with this series--I am getting closer and closer to the end.
I am now halfway finished and am trying to decide: should I rush forward and buy the next book, or should I wait awhile and try to draw out concluding this series as long as possible?
This book itself is every bit as charming as its predecessor. I thought Sa More...
I am now halfway finished and am trying to decide: should I rush forward and buy the next book, or should I wait awhile and try to draw out concluding this series as long as possible?
This book itself is every bit as charming as its predecessor. I thought Sa More...
Jun 25, 2011
Christy
rated it:
Another gem; I loved it almost as much as Cut to the Quick.
One night, a prostitute name Sally Stokes picks up three separate men. She swipes a handkerchief from each of their pockets in the hope of selling them later. After a bad run-in with John #3, whom she refers to as 'Blinkers', she runs into her brother, who just happens to be manservant to one Mr. Julian Kestrel.
Kestrel discovers a letter hidden in one of the handkerchiefs. Problem is, he's not sure which handkerch More...
One night, a prostitute name Sally Stokes picks up three separate men. She swipes a handkerchief from each of their pockets in the hope of selling them later. After a bad run-in with John #3, whom she refers to as 'Blinkers', she runs into her brother, who just happens to be manservant to one Mr. Julian Kestrel.
Kestrel discovers a letter hidden in one of the handkerchiefs. Problem is, he's not sure which handkerch More...
Sep 10, 2007
LJ
rated it:
Ross, Kate – A Broken Vessel – G+
Julian Kestrel, the Regency dandy, teams with Sally Stokes, a cockney prostitute who helps him solve a clever and devilish murder. One night, as is her custom, Sally steals a handkerchief from each of her three clients. In one, she finds a letter from a woman being held against her will and begging for help. A concerned and frightened Sally runs into her brother, a reformed pickpocket and Kestrel's valet. Soon she and Kestrel are matching wits to find the o More...
Julian Kestrel, the Regency dandy, teams with Sally Stokes, a cockney prostitute who helps him solve a clever and devilish murder. One night, as is her custom, Sally steals a handkerchief from each of her three clients. In one, she finds a letter from a woman being held against her will and begging for help. A concerned and frightened Sally runs into her brother, a reformed pickpocket and Kestrel's valet. Soon she and Kestrel are matching wits to find the o More...
Nov 19, 2009
Jess
rated it:
A fantastic follow-up to Cut to the Quick, with a very different mystery and setting, but even more of the inimitable Julian Kestrel. Julian's getting more into the swing of things, as a detective, and now he's on his own turf in Regency London. He is thrown out of his element a bit by the introduction of Dipper's sister, Sally, who brings a crime his way and provides him with an often hilarious counterpart. I'm curious to see how Sally figures into the later books, but I'm trying not to gobb
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Jun 28, 2009
Nancy
rated it:
A satisfying mystery told from the point of view of 19th century London prostitute. There is a fair amount of old time English slang but it is fairly easy to catch on to what it means. It starts with a mysterious letter hinting at a women in distress with more questions developing, seemingly in unrelated directions. The answers are revealed in a satisfying finale.
Feb 12, 2011
Joy
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Julian Kestrel has a valet, a former pickpocket, who has a sister, a prostitute. Sally likes to steal keepsakes from her clients, and one night her haul includes a letter from a lady in distress. She, Dipper, and Julian would like to help the lady, but Sally doesn't know which man she stole the letter from. Sally lights up the usual intricate psychological plots enjoyed by Kestrel and his readers. I'd call this my favorite mystery read so far this year.
Jul 20, 2010
Jenine
rated it:
I dearly needed a novel and this filled the bill. But lordy, what an anachronistic bundle of romance among the Dickensian grime. The dialogue is handled well. But the characters in this strictly proscribed historical social setting seem to have very little awareness of class or morality.
Jan 31, 2008
Jennifer
rated it:
Set in Regency England, Julian Kestrel is a dandy slightly modeled after Beau Brummel. He's not rich and not a member of the aristocracy, just well known for being extremely well-dressed and witty. He's also a bit bored and has a habit of trying to solve mysteries. In A Broken Vessel, he hooks up with his valet (and former picket pocket) Dipper's sister, a prostitute names Sally. Together the three characters work to solve the mysterious letter Sally stole from one of three men she serviced
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Oct 12, 2011
Daniele
rated it:
I wish I could give this book 3.5 stars. It was a vast improvement over the first entry in the series (Cut to the Quick), but I still find Kestral a bit one-dimentional. I will keep reading the Ross's other efforts if I come across them.
Jun 19, 2011
Sara
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I really liked this mystery novel. I haven't read the first Julian Kestrel book so I cannot compare them. I thought Ross did a fine job of weaving a story that kept us guessing and thinking. This was a very fun vacation read!
Aug 07, 2011
Bev
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Kate Ross does an excellent job with this series. Julian Kestrel is a marvelous addition to the ranks of gentlemen detectives. Ms. Ross was taken from us way too soon. More books would have been very welcome.
Apr 27, 2010
Carolyn
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An unlovely topic handled in the usual Kate Ross manner. The writing is good, the subject not so savory. Human trafficking and prostitution underlie the murder Julian Kestrel must solve. Uncomfortable read.
Dec 15, 2009
Amy
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I've recently discovered the sub-genre of Regency/Victorian era mystery novels (ok, that should probably be sub-genres!). This has become one of my favorites. I love Sally Stokes.
Aug 05, 2011
Tracy
rated it:
An enjoyable read of the historical-mystery-fiction genre, #2 in the Julian Kestrel series. I thought this was a tighter book than #1. The plot progressed at a nice pace and the characters were well-written. I liked the new character Sally. It's fun trying to figure out the Cockney phrases that she and her brother, Dipper (Kestrel's streetwise valet and ex-pickpocket) use in conversation. The three suspects are wildly divergent in background and motive -- discovering whodunit is fun without bein
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Nov 24, 2008
Nicole
rated it:
Though still a good book, my least favorite? Why? Umm, probably because I didn't like Sally. Why? Umm, probably because I was jealous.
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Nov 16, 2009
Kim
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Quite a satisfying historical mystery. The new character of Sally Stokes, a prostitute, was an enjoyable addition to the cast. The historical details in this book were superior to the last.
Dec 20, 2011
Kel
rated it:
Subtle plot twists abound in this story as Julian uncovers a horrific prostitution ring in London.
Apr 12, 2011
Snail in Danger (Sid)
rated it:
I felt like this lost a little momentum in the middle. It was an interesting read, though.
Sep 01, 2010
Kory
rated it:
Kate Ross is my all time favorite author. Her early death was a great loss to the mystery world
Aug 21, 2009
Alesia
rated it:
I think I'm hooked on a new series. Kate Ross perfectly captures the Victorian English period & setting, and presents a really good story twist. Or 3!
Oct 22, 2011
Sure I read it before, but can't remember any of it so far. Kinda a light read. Petrina said I read it.
Jun 30, 2009
Aimee
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Average mystery w/out much mystery. The characters could have been more engaging.
Mar 18, 2009
susanne
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Fantastic mystery series set in 1800s England with great period details.
Aug 23, 2010
Grace
rated it:
Excellent writing! Great character development and plot. Highly recommended.
