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Emily Castles Mysteries #1
Three Sisters
Three Sisters introduces twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles in this entertaining new mystery series from best selling British author Helen Smith.
Emily receives an invitation to a party in a large house at the end of her street, hosted by a mysterious troupe of circus performers. She accepts, despite her misgivings, because her dog has died and she needs cheering up. But when she witnesses a murder in the midst of the surreal entertainment, no one will believe what she has seen. Is Emily befuddled with grief at the loss of her pet? Or has something wicked happened in plain sight of all the party-goers? Emily and her eccentric neighbours attempt to discover the truth in a charming story that will have you giggling at every funny line.
Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new mystery author.
Chosen as a “Book of the Year” by Elizabeth at The Frugal Ereader.
This short mystery is a standalone story set in London. The Emily Castles mysteries can be read in any order.
PRAISE FOR THREE SISTERSFast-paced, funny, and mysterious all at the same time… I can’t wait to see what Emily’s next adventure will be. Socrates Book Reviews
Helen Smith manages to pack in surprises and plot twists, creating a story that is fully engaging from start to finish. The characters are creative and multi-dimensional and I loved the unique personalities and talents of all the party guests. As a wallflower turned super-sleuth, Emily Castles was a wonderful protagonist and I'm eager to read more of her adventures. Her Book Self
PRAISE FOR THE EMILY CASTLES MYSTERY SERIES
Emily Castles is one character you cannot help but fall in love with! Julie's Book Reviews
Helen Smith has created a great little cozy series with the charming Emily Castles. Criminal Element
Very funny indeed... There seems to be a winning line on every page. The Bookbag
Emily receives an invitation to a party in a large house at the end of her street, hosted by a mysterious troupe of circus performers. She accepts, despite her misgivings, because her dog has died and she needs cheering up. But when she witnesses a murder in the midst of the surreal entertainment, no one will believe what she has seen. Is Emily befuddled with grief at the loss of her pet? Or has something wicked happened in plain sight of all the party-goers? Emily and her eccentric neighbours attempt to discover the truth in a charming story that will have you giggling at every funny line.
Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new mystery author.
Chosen as a “Book of the Year” by Elizabeth at The Frugal Ereader.
This short mystery is a standalone story set in London. The Emily Castles mysteries can be read in any order.
PRAISE FOR THREE SISTERSFast-paced, funny, and mysterious all at the same time… I can’t wait to see what Emily’s next adventure will be. Socrates Book Reviews
Helen Smith manages to pack in surprises and plot twists, creating a story that is fully engaging from start to finish. The characters are creative and multi-dimensional and I loved the unique personalities and talents of all the party guests. As a wallflower turned super-sleuth, Emily Castles was a wonderful protagonist and I'm eager to read more of her adventures. Her Book Self
PRAISE FOR THE EMILY CASTLES MYSTERY SERIES
Emily Castles is one character you cannot help but fall in love with! Julie's Book Reviews
Helen Smith has created a great little cozy series with the charming Emily Castles. Criminal Element
Very funny indeed... There seems to be a winning line on every page. The Bookbag
102 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2011
430 people are currently reading
1085 people want to read
About the author
Helen Smith
22 books275 followersSign up for Helen Smith's Book News and receive a FREE Kindle copy of one of Helen Smith's books: http://helensmithbooks.com/freebook
Helen Smith is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, The Crime Writers Association and English PEN. She traveled the world when her daughter was small, doing all sorts of strange jobs to support them both – from cleaning motels to working as a magician's assistant – before returning to live in London where she wrote her first novel. She's the author of Alison Wonderland, Being Light, The Miracle Inspector and the Emily Castles mystery series as well as children's books, poetry and plays.
Helen Smith's books have reached number one on Amazon's bestseller lists in the US, UK, Canada and Germany. Her first book, Alison Wonderland, was one of Amazon Publishing's top five bestselling books when it was launched in the US in 2011. In July 2013, following the publication of Invitation to Die, Helen Smith reached the top spot as "America's most popular mystery author" on Amazon. Her books have been praised in The Times, The Times Literary Supplement, the Guardian, Time Out and Wired.com. They have appeared on "best books of the year" lists in For Books' Sake, The Cult Den, The Independent and the Guardian.
Helen Smith has been invited to read at literary events and festivals in London and New York and points in between – including, most recently, a cruise ship en route to California via the Suez Canal. Her work has been read or performed at the National Theatre, The Royal Festival Hall, the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood, Amnesty International’s Headquarters, The Edinburgh Festival and The University of London. She’s a Literary Death Match champion and the recipient of an Arts Council of England award. Her work has been optioned by the BBC. She’s amazing! Please buy her books.
"Smith is gin-and-tonic funny." Booklist
Helen Smith is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, The Crime Writers Association and English PEN. She traveled the world when her daughter was small, doing all sorts of strange jobs to support them both – from cleaning motels to working as a magician's assistant – before returning to live in London where she wrote her first novel. She's the author of Alison Wonderland, Being Light, The Miracle Inspector and the Emily Castles mystery series as well as children's books, poetry and plays.
Helen Smith's books have reached number one on Amazon's bestseller lists in the US, UK, Canada and Germany. Her first book, Alison Wonderland, was one of Amazon Publishing's top five bestselling books when it was launched in the US in 2011. In July 2013, following the publication of Invitation to Die, Helen Smith reached the top spot as "America's most popular mystery author" on Amazon. Her books have been praised in The Times, The Times Literary Supplement, the Guardian, Time Out and Wired.com. They have appeared on "best books of the year" lists in For Books' Sake, The Cult Den, The Independent and the Guardian.
Helen Smith has been invited to read at literary events and festivals in London and New York and points in between – including, most recently, a cruise ship en route to California via the Suez Canal. Her work has been read or performed at the National Theatre, The Royal Festival Hall, the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood, Amnesty International’s Headquarters, The Edinburgh Festival and The University of London. She’s a Literary Death Match champion and the recipient of an Arts Council of England award. Her work has been optioned by the BBC. She’s amazing! Please buy her books.
"Smith is gin-and-tonic funny." Booklist
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
January 26, 2013
I love me a good mystery, so I was very excited to read Three Sisters by Helen Lester.
Three Sisters is part of Lester's Emily Castles series, which is a little like Agatha Christie's Miss Marple series; none of the stories are tied together or continue on from each other, they just feature the same heroine. This story focuses on a party that Emily attends with her neighbors and a group that seems like a bunch of carnies. Emily believes she has witnessed a murder, but no one believes her.
At only 40 pages long, Three Sisters is a novella and a super quick read. It is the perfect length for reading on the train to work or if you only have a short time to relax and don't want to begin a whole novel.
Even though the story is short, so many things about it were long. The sentences were long, the paragraphs were long, and the number of pages it takes to get to some action seems long. I think this is in part because, like Christie, Lester gives a lot of detail. It made the story move rather slowly and I found myself wishing for action or dialog instead of the narrator telling, telling, telling.
I also found that I did not enjoy Emily. At first, I didn't realize that she was 26, I thought she was around 70. Like other famous female detectives such a Jessica Fletcher, Emily is a total busy body and there is a complete lack of her description, so I pictured a British version of Murder She Wrote. I like that the character is younger and is bringing a new generation of female detectives to readers, I just wish she was less of a fuddy duddy.
While I like the twist to the story, I found parts of the plot unbelievable (a guy finds 2 people knocked out and in a fiberglass horse head, but doesn't question this?) and the dialog that is present is awkward. Emily talking to other characters was like one long, bad date. There seemed to be little emotion behind what was said and, once Emily starts investigating what she believes is a murder, I can't believe anyone would put up with this amateur detective's questions in real life.
Since mystery novels are one of my favorite genres, I was set to love this story, but Three Sisters fell flat with me. It's a quick read, so it's worth checking out on your own and deciding for yourself, however. If you do read it, let me know what you think!
Three Sisters is part of Lester's Emily Castles series, which is a little like Agatha Christie's Miss Marple series; none of the stories are tied together or continue on from each other, they just feature the same heroine. This story focuses on a party that Emily attends with her neighbors and a group that seems like a bunch of carnies. Emily believes she has witnessed a murder, but no one believes her.
At only 40 pages long, Three Sisters is a novella and a super quick read. It is the perfect length for reading on the train to work or if you only have a short time to relax and don't want to begin a whole novel.
Even though the story is short, so many things about it were long. The sentences were long, the paragraphs were long, and the number of pages it takes to get to some action seems long. I think this is in part because, like Christie, Lester gives a lot of detail. It made the story move rather slowly and I found myself wishing for action or dialog instead of the narrator telling, telling, telling.
I also found that I did not enjoy Emily. At first, I didn't realize that she was 26, I thought she was around 70. Like other famous female detectives such a Jessica Fletcher, Emily is a total busy body and there is a complete lack of her description, so I pictured a British version of Murder She Wrote. I like that the character is younger and is bringing a new generation of female detectives to readers, I just wish she was less of a fuddy duddy.
While I like the twist to the story, I found parts of the plot unbelievable (a guy finds 2 people knocked out and in a fiberglass horse head, but doesn't question this?) and the dialog that is present is awkward. Emily talking to other characters was like one long, bad date. There seemed to be little emotion behind what was said and, once Emily starts investigating what she believes is a murder, I can't believe anyone would put up with this amateur detective's questions in real life.
Since mystery novels are one of my favorite genres, I was set to love this story, but Three Sisters fell flat with me. It's a quick read, so it's worth checking out on your own and deciding for yourself, however. If you do read it, let me know what you think!
July 7, 2015
Disclaimer: I was given this book for an honest review.
I started reading this just before going to sleep. I finished at a decent bedtime. I had to read it with the text-to-speech turned on as I found it going rather slowly. I didn't care for Emily, the main character. She seemed like a nosey neighbor more than anything.
Beware of the spoiler, the title of the book. That took all the mystery out of the story. Most of the time I found I was feeling left out. That the author just gave it all to me. And yet... Would you believe it? I still have no real idea whodunit. Since I don't like short stories, and I don't much like mysteries, this didn't feed me anything. Even the chance that I could travel to England and learn something new about the country or her people, fell flat.
Okay, there seems to be a lot of higher star ratings, so it may just be me. I don't feel at all compelled to see what happens to Emily next. But I wish the author well and that you all will find me wrong.
I started reading this just before going to sleep. I finished at a decent bedtime. I had to read it with the text-to-speech turned on as I found it going rather slowly. I didn't care for Emily, the main character. She seemed like a nosey neighbor more than anything.
Beware of the spoiler, the title of the book. That took all the mystery out of the story. Most of the time I found I was feeling left out. That the author just gave it all to me. And yet... Would you believe it? I still have no real idea whodunit. Since I don't like short stories, and I don't much like mysteries, this didn't feed me anything. Even the chance that I could travel to England and learn something new about the country or her people, fell flat.
Okay, there seems to be a lot of higher star ratings, so it may just be me. I don't feel at all compelled to see what happens to Emily next. But I wish the author well and that you all will find me wrong.
June 5, 2023
This is a short book about a woman who lives in London and is invited to a Halloween / Bonfire night party at an empty home that has been taken over by performers
There is a mystery along with general weirdness.
It's weird
There is a mystery along with general weirdness.
It's weird
February 8, 2013
Three Sisters is the first chapter in The Emily Castle Mysteries.
Emily decides she will go to the bonfire party at the end of her block. She has nothing pressing and really needs to get out of the house.
The party is a combination of Halloween and Guy Fawkes night, where people dress up in costumes. At this party the participants each have a role they play and the guests are there as observers only.
The knife throwing event draws a large crowd. As the two woman throw their knives back and forth, one of them is struck in the chest.
Panic ensues and the police are summoned. Shortly after they arrive, the crowd begins to cheer. When Emily gets to the front of the crowd she sees the dead girl standing and smiling, displaying the prop, a rubber knife. It was all part of the performance, or was it?
Emily had seen the light go out of the girl’s eyes. She was certain she had died.
I really enjoyed Three Sisters and became quite fond of Emily Castle. I dove right in and started digging for clues, going down wrong paths, suspecting everyone, and finally getting to the truth.
This author does an excellent job giving you a fun and intriguing mystery to solve in a short, easy read. I know I’ll be watching for more about Emily Castle and her adventures.
Four Stars for this performance!
Emily decides she will go to the bonfire party at the end of her block. She has nothing pressing and really needs to get out of the house.
The party is a combination of Halloween and Guy Fawkes night, where people dress up in costumes. At this party the participants each have a role they play and the guests are there as observers only.
The knife throwing event draws a large crowd. As the two woman throw their knives back and forth, one of them is struck in the chest.
Panic ensues and the police are summoned. Shortly after they arrive, the crowd begins to cheer. When Emily gets to the front of the crowd she sees the dead girl standing and smiling, displaying the prop, a rubber knife. It was all part of the performance, or was it?
Emily had seen the light go out of the girl’s eyes. She was certain she had died.
I really enjoyed Three Sisters and became quite fond of Emily Castle. I dove right in and started digging for clues, going down wrong paths, suspecting everyone, and finally getting to the truth.
This author does an excellent job giving you a fun and intriguing mystery to solve in a short, easy read. I know I’ll be watching for more about Emily Castle and her adventures.
Four Stars for this performance!
April 7, 2013
Great start to a new series! I look forward to seeing more of Emily. Overall, this story is a quick read. The story started a little slow for me, but once Emily made it to the party, I was fascinated by the people, the sights and the whole situation. There are several moments as the action picks up that I actually feel a little scared for Emily. Helen Smith's wonderful eye for detail captures that false feeling of safety we often feel when we're in a crowd of people we know, but we don't really know. From the moment Emily steps into the party, I had a strong sense that something sinister is happening. The creepy and crawly details drew me in. One of my favorite descriptions of the party is of the party food; especially the image of the plastic fork pushing that potato salad around on the plate. I stopped reading around 75% of the way in, but didn't stay away from the story for long. As several other readers have pointed out, short stories can leave a reader feeling like they've just skimmed the surface. This story is a great peep into a new character's set of eyes. There were so many unforgettable musings and the setting of the party is absolutely unique. So far, Emily herself is rather a mystery, but I have no doubt that Helen Smith will reveal Emily over the course of the series.
February 11, 2013
Read Three Sisters FIRST to be introduced to Emily Castles, the quirky protagonist.
Three Sisters and Showstoppers were stories that were fast-paced from the beginning, light-hearted, and complete with quirky British humor. Smith's mysteries were set-up with precise thought and executed with twists and turns that made them both very entertaining reads. I think that Emily Castles is the newest proverbial nosey eccentric character that British cozy mysteries are so popular for creating.
I chose to feature these books because I am a big fan of British mysteries and their subtle humor, clues, and spunky dialogue. Smith's books delivered all this to me; they were the perfect 'snuggle on my end of the couch with a cup of English Breakfast Tea' type of mysteries.
Anyone who is a fan of British mysteries will enjoy reading these novellas just in time for the first full-length Emily Castles Mystery to publish. This is one book series worth following as you'll fall in love with Emily's commentary, humor, and energy. The character of Emily, as well as her supporting cast, will keep you wanting to make them a consistent part of your reading pursuits.
Three Sisters and Showstoppers were stories that were fast-paced from the beginning, light-hearted, and complete with quirky British humor. Smith's mysteries were set-up with precise thought and executed with twists and turns that made them both very entertaining reads. I think that Emily Castles is the newest proverbial nosey eccentric character that British cozy mysteries are so popular for creating.
I chose to feature these books because I am a big fan of British mysteries and their subtle humor, clues, and spunky dialogue. Smith's books delivered all this to me; they were the perfect 'snuggle on my end of the couch with a cup of English Breakfast Tea' type of mysteries.
Anyone who is a fan of British mysteries will enjoy reading these novellas just in time for the first full-length Emily Castles Mystery to publish. This is one book series worth following as you'll fall in love with Emily's commentary, humor, and energy. The character of Emily, as well as her supporting cast, will keep you wanting to make them a consistent part of your reading pursuits.
February 27, 2011
Imagine one of the murder mystery dinner shows that are popular many places, only make the murder real with only one person actively trying to solve the crime. In essence, that describes at a very high level the plot of Three Sisters. You have a cast of characters with strange quirks and uncertain allegiances. A murder even the police aren’t convinced happened. A house and yard full of potential suspects. Someone has to figure out what really happened. As a short mystery, it all works quite well.
However, as I’ve found with other books of Smith’s, the big picture – the actual plot or storyline – is a relatively small part of the pleasure I got from reading Three Sisters. Instead, it’s the way she has of describing people and places. A subtle wit. Generally, just an evocative and clever way she has with words that those who appreciate language will love for its own sake as much as the story.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
However, as I’ve found with other books of Smith’s, the big picture – the actual plot or storyline – is a relatively small part of the pleasure I got from reading Three Sisters. Instead, it’s the way she has of describing people and places. A subtle wit. Generally, just an evocative and clever way she has with words that those who appreciate language will love for its own sake as much as the story.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
February 21, 2015
First a small confession that I didn't know it was a short story when I started the book.
I would have preferred it to be a bit longer, as certain parts seemed a bit rushed now, like you were missing part of the action and jumped straight to the next thing.
But the writing and the idea was really good, I liked reading it and will try to find another book about the same detective for sure.
Guess if you buy the book from an online shop you will know how short it is anyway, so I would certainly tell my friends about the new author I found with this book!
ps. I received a free copy of this story from the writer, without any obligations. This has in no way influenced my review!
I would have preferred it to be a bit longer, as certain parts seemed a bit rushed now, like you were missing part of the action and jumped straight to the next thing.
But the writing and the idea was really good, I liked reading it and will try to find another book about the same detective for sure.
Guess if you buy the book from an online shop you will know how short it is anyway, so I would certainly tell my friends about the new author I found with this book!
ps. I received a free copy of this story from the writer, without any obligations. This has in no way influenced my review!
August 4, 2014
This was a very quick read. There is a circus, a murder (or maybe not), and a neighborhood party. This is very steampunk and full of awesomeness. Anyone who is looking to finish their goodreads goal should definitely add this to their list. I really enjoyed it.
May 25, 2018
Review coming up.
September 15, 2018
I thought I was reading a novella but the file turned out to be a few pages' worth of excerpt.
Based on this - a lonely woman goes to a neighbour's Bonfire Night party in London - I would not be rushing out to buy the book. The first paragraph goes from a three word sentence ending in a preposition to a ten line sentence. Plenty of sentences starting with 'it was'. Lengthy naming of types of food on the table. No action or challenge, except of course the stress of getting to know one's neighbours in the city.
If I ever get the rest of the book I'll revisit this review. I understand that a book in KDP can't be given away entirely on Instafreebie, but I do think a few more pages would have helped as I don't know whether this is a crime, romance, fantasy or women's fiction. Other readers may of course enjoy the book more than I did.
I downloaded an excerpt from Instafreebie. This is an unbiased review.
Based on this - a lonely woman goes to a neighbour's Bonfire Night party in London - I would not be rushing out to buy the book. The first paragraph goes from a three word sentence ending in a preposition to a ten line sentence. Plenty of sentences starting with 'it was'. Lengthy naming of types of food on the table. No action or challenge, except of course the stress of getting to know one's neighbours in the city.
If I ever get the rest of the book I'll revisit this review. I understand that a book in KDP can't be given away entirely on Instafreebie, but I do think a few more pages would have helped as I don't know whether this is a crime, romance, fantasy or women's fiction. Other readers may of course enjoy the book more than I did.
I downloaded an excerpt from Instafreebie. This is an unbiased review.
February 23, 2019
Emily has just lost her dog and decides she better get out and start living again. She goes to a party given by a neighbor in a very large house. The givers of the party are all actors, etc. She speaks to a couple of the people there. Then it is time for the knife throwing act--one of the sisters in that act is killed--Emily realizes it--but then the sister returns from the dead? Emily does not beleive it and goes searching for clues--
All the main characters are well defined. All elements of a good mystery are in it.
This is a short mystery which will have you guessing!
All the main characters are well defined. All elements of a good mystery are in it.
This is a short mystery which will have you guessing!
November 2, 2017
And intriguing story-moves quickly and reads easily. Emily is a fascinating lead-a great start to this series.
April 5, 2021
Even though this book is only about 100 pages, I still DNFed it 😂
It was just so slow and wayyyyyy to descriptive for my taste.
It was just so slow and wayyyyyy to descriptive for my taste.
March 1, 2013
This is a dual review for both Three Sisters and Showstoppers
A good mystery should read like a good magic show. Full of flash, curiosity, misdirects and in the end leave you wanting for more. We may learn what we think is the true outcome, the solving of a crime, but we will never know all of what was behind the curtain. It is what makes us pick up the next book in the series. Helen Smith has done this for me with these two novella’s. I want more and more Emily Castle adventures!
I never get tired of a good mystery. A mystery must keep me guessing, be written with a flair for the flamboyant (despite the blandness of colours on the buffet table) and keep me biting my nails till the end. Whatever mystery I am reading must have a unique protagonist combined with a cast of other intriguing characters. It should draw me in and make me part of the sleuthing. Though I have been want to read the new sub-genre of a cozy*, I will forever be a fan of Agatha Christie and Sir Author Conan Doyle. Classical mysteries at their finest.
What makes me adore and driven with the need to send threatening e-mails for more more and more Emily Castles Mysteries is the combination of both the classical mystery, the cozy style (because she is an independent female and very smart) and a writing style which is reminiscent of a Hard Boiled Raymond Chandler (several metaphors and allegorical content remind me of The Big Sleep) and sublimeness of David Foster Wallace. The description of the buffet table is just a small example of the beautiful and poetic writing style of the author. I could see the table full of food and feel just as washed out as she was feeling. Each step was a hint, and a hint either leading you towards solving the mystery or down a dead-end.
How she managed to pull this off in under 50 pages with each book is beyond me. It works though, all aspects and conventions of the Mystery genre are not only intact but are more powerful than some of the full length novels I have read. They do not give you time to take a breath, it was non-stop reading with each and the stories kept me hopping. As with their length, Ellen has a shortened period of time to solve this mystery, whether stated or suggested. The surreal evening of Bonfire night (Guy Fawkes night) is a ticking bomb, the party is almost a traveling circus, a side-show pulling up in a covered wagon and pouring out with entertainers that could not possibly all fit inside. Three Sisters is like the wagon, so many distractions it is hard to keep up with what is going on and I felt like I was spinning in circles, despite the title which had me figuring out the main mystery, there were still tons of other blanks I had to fill.
Moving onto Showstoppers, Emily is just coming up for air after the Bonfire party. We have several of the characters introduced in Three Sisters who are fleshed out. Emily seems to be coming into her own after the loss of a loved one and her constant temporary state of living. It is another race of the clock, but this time she has to engage with her neighbors, put herself out there more and trust in a few other people as well as own instincts.
These two novella’s, for me a mystery buff at heart (I have my complete Nancy Drew collection to prove it) were the perfect vehicle to drive new fans into a the “bated breath” stage of wait. If you love a good stand alone mystery heroine who has a love for dogs, has not figured out where she fits in life and is a bit too traditional with a setting in a London we do not get to peak at with many other of these types stories.. pick these two stories up and keep tabs on each upcoming books. I hope we will get new adventures soon!
“Everything was on the spectrum from brown to cream, and the overall effect was a sepia-toned display that had been put together by someone nostalgic for a time before Britons had learned to cook, but after they had learned to shop at supermarkets.” - Three Sisters
A good mystery should read like a good magic show. Full of flash, curiosity, misdirects and in the end leave you wanting for more. We may learn what we think is the true outcome, the solving of a crime, but we will never know all of what was behind the curtain. It is what makes us pick up the next book in the series. Helen Smith has done this for me with these two novella’s. I want more and more Emily Castle adventures!
I never get tired of a good mystery. A mystery must keep me guessing, be written with a flair for the flamboyant (despite the blandness of colours on the buffet table) and keep me biting my nails till the end. Whatever mystery I am reading must have a unique protagonist combined with a cast of other intriguing characters. It should draw me in and make me part of the sleuthing. Though I have been want to read the new sub-genre of a cozy*, I will forever be a fan of Agatha Christie and Sir Author Conan Doyle. Classical mysteries at their finest.
“The south London sky exploded with a thousand deaths that night“ – Three Sisters
What makes me adore and driven with the need to send threatening e-mails for more more and more Emily Castles Mysteries is the combination of both the classical mystery, the cozy style (because she is an independent female and very smart) and a writing style which is reminiscent of a Hard Boiled Raymond Chandler (several metaphors and allegorical content remind me of The Big Sleep) and sublimeness of David Foster Wallace. The description of the buffet table is just a small example of the beautiful and poetic writing style of the author. I could see the table full of food and feel just as washed out as she was feeling. Each step was a hint, and a hint either leading you towards solving the mystery or down a dead-end.
How she managed to pull this off in under 50 pages with each book is beyond me. It works though, all aspects and conventions of the Mystery genre are not only intact but are more powerful than some of the full length novels I have read. They do not give you time to take a breath, it was non-stop reading with each and the stories kept me hopping. As with their length, Ellen has a shortened period of time to solve this mystery, whether stated or suggested. The surreal evening of Bonfire night (Guy Fawkes night) is a ticking bomb, the party is almost a traveling circus, a side-show pulling up in a covered wagon and pouring out with entertainers that could not possibly all fit inside. Three Sisters is like the wagon, so many distractions it is hard to keep up with what is going on and I felt like I was spinning in circles, despite the title which had me figuring out the main mystery, there were still tons of other blanks I had to fill.
“Sunlight streamed from the tall windows along the corridor and dripped coppery highlights into Victoria’s plaits and Dolly’s liquorice-coloured curly hair; a woman dressed as a child from a story about a tornado induced dream…” Showstopper
Moving onto Showstoppers, Emily is just coming up for air after the Bonfire party. We have several of the characters introduced in Three Sisters who are fleshed out. Emily seems to be coming into her own after the loss of a loved one and her constant temporary state of living. It is another race of the clock, but this time she has to engage with her neighbors, put herself out there more and trust in a few other people as well as own instincts.
These two novella’s, for me a mystery buff at heart (I have my complete Nancy Drew collection to prove it) were the perfect vehicle to drive new fans into a the “bated breath” stage of wait. If you love a good stand alone mystery heroine who has a love for dogs, has not figured out where she fits in life and is a bit too traditional with a setting in a London we do not get to peak at with many other of these types stories.. pick these two stories up and keep tabs on each upcoming books. I hope we will get new adventures soon!
February 22, 2013
I happened to LOVE this short story! I found it as entertaining as Emily Castle, our protagonist did! Things never ceased to entertain her in this short story, as well as myself. Helen Smith did a great job engaging us with Emily Castle in this short story. This is Book One of Two in this series, and I think the best of the two.
Emily is invited to a new neighbors party, a Bonfire, in honor of Bonfire night (Halloween), also in honor of Diwali, a Hindu festival of light involving a lot of Fireworks, and Guy Fawkes night, a British holiday and another reason for the Fireworks. (The book has much more detail about these holidays, which take place in England and seem to be all rolled into one big one.)
She gets to the party, meets her new, overtly extravagant neighbors, and essentially finds out these are very quirky people who more or less just moved into this house, and as they called it, moved in to decorate and take care of this big, neglected empty home, decorating it to celebrate it with art and more before they move on home back to Hungary. It did indeed been renovated for the better by these people, overly so, but good as it gave this distressed house some life back to it. (Essentially, these people are house squatters!)
They had a huge party in honor of all the previous celebrations I just mentioned, dressed up as all types of different, crazy, zany characters. One of them was acting as a DJ, and they even had a show planned as well. This show involved sisters doing a knife show, kind of like in a circus.
As this performance takes place, a sisters ends up with a knife landing in the center of her chest/a fake knife. It killed her, or at least Emily thinks it might have, but it's all part of the act, right? This turns into a mystery as Emily thinks a murder has taken place. She knows what she saw, but is talked out of it. She discusses this with a friend, Dr. Muriel, and together, this starts them on an investigation to find a 'supposed' murdered sister.
Helen Smith's writing is SO entertaining in this story, a mystery, and yet a light-hearted comedy at times, too! All of her books are very entertaining, humorous, and hold your attention till the very end!
I really enjoy reading her writing! She is British, so we stumble upon some words at times that are not used here quite as much, so I've found myself looking them up online at times, out of curiosity because I 'have' to know what they mean! Other times, the British just have words for things that we don't, which makes her writing enjoyable again, and there I go again, back on the internet trying to find out what a 'whatever' is!
Truly, this was a very entertaining book that I think anyone could sit down for a few hours and enjoy immensely. Well worth taking the time to read this one! I received this book for FREE from the author, and Book Blast Promotions, in exchange to read and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but of my own honest opinion. “Free” means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Emily is invited to a new neighbors party, a Bonfire, in honor of Bonfire night (Halloween), also in honor of Diwali, a Hindu festival of light involving a lot of Fireworks, and Guy Fawkes night, a British holiday and another reason for the Fireworks. (The book has much more detail about these holidays, which take place in England and seem to be all rolled into one big one.)
She gets to the party, meets her new, overtly extravagant neighbors, and essentially finds out these are very quirky people who more or less just moved into this house, and as they called it, moved in to decorate and take care of this big, neglected empty home, decorating it to celebrate it with art and more before they move on home back to Hungary. It did indeed been renovated for the better by these people, overly so, but good as it gave this distressed house some life back to it. (Essentially, these people are house squatters!)
They had a huge party in honor of all the previous celebrations I just mentioned, dressed up as all types of different, crazy, zany characters. One of them was acting as a DJ, and they even had a show planned as well. This show involved sisters doing a knife show, kind of like in a circus.
As this performance takes place, a sisters ends up with a knife landing in the center of her chest/a fake knife. It killed her, or at least Emily thinks it might have, but it's all part of the act, right? This turns into a mystery as Emily thinks a murder has taken place. She knows what she saw, but is talked out of it. She discusses this with a friend, Dr. Muriel, and together, this starts them on an investigation to find a 'supposed' murdered sister.
Helen Smith's writing is SO entertaining in this story, a mystery, and yet a light-hearted comedy at times, too! All of her books are very entertaining, humorous, and hold your attention till the very end!
I really enjoy reading her writing! She is British, so we stumble upon some words at times that are not used here quite as much, so I've found myself looking them up online at times, out of curiosity because I 'have' to know what they mean! Other times, the British just have words for things that we don't, which makes her writing enjoyable again, and there I go again, back on the internet trying to find out what a 'whatever' is!
Truly, this was a very entertaining book that I think anyone could sit down for a few hours and enjoy immensely. Well worth taking the time to read this one! I received this book for FREE from the author, and Book Blast Promotions, in exchange to read and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but of my own honest opinion. “Free” means I was provided with ZERO MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
December 11, 2012
3.5 stars.
**The author contacted me directly with a request to review her work. All opinions expressed are my own.**
Short stories aren't my preferred genre, but as a big fan of mystery novels, especially cosy mysteries, I was keen to meet Emily Castles, a 20-something amateur sleuth who is set to star in her first full-length mystery novel (to be released in paperback) soon. This novella is a almost a 'taster' of what is in store for Emily in future, and I have to say that with its theatrical atmosphere and array of quirky characters it has definitely piqued my interest.
Set in London, the somewhat reclusive Emily is just getting over the loss of her long-time companion, her beloved dog, when she is invited to a party at her neighbours house. Emily tentatively accepts the invitation to what turns out to be a shindig hosted by a collective of artists, and once there finds herself caught up in a real-life murder mystery... the only trouble is, that the body seems to be missing and Emily is the only person who actually believes that a crime has been committed.
This was a quick, fun read, filled with subtle humour which had an almost 'old-fashioned' tone to it which held my attention throughout. The story had some really vivid descriptions that drew me right into the events and created a strong sense of atmosphere, particularly around the house where Emily attended the admittedly odd-sounding party, which was full of knife-throwers, stilt walkers and the like. I feel that the strong imagery did make up for the little that we found out about Emily herself during the course of the story as the scene-setting was beautifully done.
Though the plot moves quickly, overall the writing flows well with a nice, fluid pace and a quick shifting between scenes that kept my interest throughout. It was also fantastic (and reassuring!) to read a book on my Kindle that has actually been proof-read- I have read some really poor quality stories lately that have definitely suffered in that department! I didn't pick up on any grammar issues whatsoever in this, which makes a lot of difference to my reading experience (and undoubtedly a lot of other people's).
Though this story is only short, I do feel perhaps that the title alludes to too much of the premise of the plot for my personal tastes and I did find the storyline a little bit predictable as a result of this. However, this is only a small criticism and with it being a novella, this does not matter as much as it would have perhaps in a longer novel.
Ultimately, I think this short story lays a good foundation for establishing Emily as a character, as well as creating an incentive for wanting to get to know her a bit better within the context of the authors full-length novel. That is certainly a book that I would really like to experience now that I have been introduced to Helen Smith's work. I would recommend this short story to fans of cosy mystery/crime novels, and also to those wishing to make the acquaintance of Emily Castles, prior to the release of the full-length book.
**The author contacted me directly with a request to review her work. All opinions expressed are my own.**
Short stories aren't my preferred genre, but as a big fan of mystery novels, especially cosy mysteries, I was keen to meet Emily Castles, a 20-something amateur sleuth who is set to star in her first full-length mystery novel (to be released in paperback) soon. This novella is a almost a 'taster' of what is in store for Emily in future, and I have to say that with its theatrical atmosphere and array of quirky characters it has definitely piqued my interest.
Set in London, the somewhat reclusive Emily is just getting over the loss of her long-time companion, her beloved dog, when she is invited to a party at her neighbours house. Emily tentatively accepts the invitation to what turns out to be a shindig hosted by a collective of artists, and once there finds herself caught up in a real-life murder mystery... the only trouble is, that the body seems to be missing and Emily is the only person who actually believes that a crime has been committed.
This was a quick, fun read, filled with subtle humour which had an almost 'old-fashioned' tone to it which held my attention throughout. The story had some really vivid descriptions that drew me right into the events and created a strong sense of atmosphere, particularly around the house where Emily attended the admittedly odd-sounding party, which was full of knife-throwers, stilt walkers and the like. I feel that the strong imagery did make up for the little that we found out about Emily herself during the course of the story as the scene-setting was beautifully done.
Though the plot moves quickly, overall the writing flows well with a nice, fluid pace and a quick shifting between scenes that kept my interest throughout. It was also fantastic (and reassuring!) to read a book on my Kindle that has actually been proof-read- I have read some really poor quality stories lately that have definitely suffered in that department! I didn't pick up on any grammar issues whatsoever in this, which makes a lot of difference to my reading experience (and undoubtedly a lot of other people's).
Though this story is only short, I do feel perhaps that the title alludes to too much of the premise of the plot for my personal tastes and I did find the storyline a little bit predictable as a result of this. However, this is only a small criticism and with it being a novella, this does not matter as much as it would have perhaps in a longer novel.
Ultimately, I think this short story lays a good foundation for establishing Emily as a character, as well as creating an incentive for wanting to get to know her a bit better within the context of the authors full-length novel. That is certainly a book that I would really like to experience now that I have been introduced to Helen Smith's work. I would recommend this short story to fans of cosy mystery/crime novels, and also to those wishing to make the acquaintance of Emily Castles, prior to the release of the full-length book.
February 8, 2013
I have reviewed both novellas together.
Emily Castles Mysteries are fun, humorous and intriguing. You can’t help but get drawn into the mysteries that Emily undertakes. It’s like Scooby Doo or Nancy Drew, Emily gets the help of her neighbour, Dr Muriel and together they search for clues to discover the culprit to the murders.
Three Sisters
Emily is still grieving the loss of her beloved Golden Retriever, Jessie and to help her think about something else, she is invited to a street party down the road. There is to be a bonfire and fireworks, plus performers and all sorts of entertainment. Moving from room to room throughout the house, Emily is trying to sort out what is an act and what is a real person. During a performance, a knife throwing act, two sisters’ are blindfolded and throwing knives at each other, one gets misdirected and a sister dies, but does she. The next minute the sister walks on stage and gives a bow. Emily is determined to get to the bottom of it all. Was it really a murder or just part of the entertainment?
Showstoppers
Emily’s work contract has ended and her neighbour across the road, Victoria, needs some help at her drama school, Showstoppers. While returning mail to Victoria, Emily is unloaded with details of “poison pen” letters that have arrived trying to threaten Victoria about a long ago filmed video that apparently killed a man. With another mystery on her hands, Emily agrees to help Victoria at Showstoppers and help discover who is sending these elusive letters. During the end of term performance a murder is committed and there are several possibilities as to “who did it”. Emily and Dr Muriel take it upon themselves to find the clues and the culprit. What is the old boyfriend from the video or the landlord trying to sell the building? Perhaps it is Victoria seeking attention or the handyman Dizzy?
In both of these novellas, all of the characters are strong, personable people that everyone can relate to. Emily and Dr Muriel are determined, sticky-nose characters, that like to get into everybody’s business in order to solve the mystery at hand. With Dr Muriel’s analytical approach and Emily’s thoughtful, intellectual methods, they both make a fantastic team to solve the mysteries. I enjoyed Showstoppers more than Three Sisters, as it was faster paced and the mystery began towards the beginning of the book, which allowed more mystery and more time to think about the suspects. Overall this is a great series with well written, light and funny mysteries.
Emily Castles Mysteries are fun, humorous and intriguing. You can’t help but get drawn into the mysteries that Emily undertakes. It’s like Scooby Doo or Nancy Drew, Emily gets the help of her neighbour, Dr Muriel and together they search for clues to discover the culprit to the murders.
Three Sisters
Emily is still grieving the loss of her beloved Golden Retriever, Jessie and to help her think about something else, she is invited to a street party down the road. There is to be a bonfire and fireworks, plus performers and all sorts of entertainment. Moving from room to room throughout the house, Emily is trying to sort out what is an act and what is a real person. During a performance, a knife throwing act, two sisters’ are blindfolded and throwing knives at each other, one gets misdirected and a sister dies, but does she. The next minute the sister walks on stage and gives a bow. Emily is determined to get to the bottom of it all. Was it really a murder or just part of the entertainment?
Showstoppers
Emily’s work contract has ended and her neighbour across the road, Victoria, needs some help at her drama school, Showstoppers. While returning mail to Victoria, Emily is unloaded with details of “poison pen” letters that have arrived trying to threaten Victoria about a long ago filmed video that apparently killed a man. With another mystery on her hands, Emily agrees to help Victoria at Showstoppers and help discover who is sending these elusive letters. During the end of term performance a murder is committed and there are several possibilities as to “who did it”. Emily and Dr Muriel take it upon themselves to find the clues and the culprit. What is the old boyfriend from the video or the landlord trying to sell the building? Perhaps it is Victoria seeking attention or the handyman Dizzy?
In both of these novellas, all of the characters are strong, personable people that everyone can relate to. Emily and Dr Muriel are determined, sticky-nose characters, that like to get into everybody’s business in order to solve the mystery at hand. With Dr Muriel’s analytical approach and Emily’s thoughtful, intellectual methods, they both make a fantastic team to solve the mysteries. I enjoyed Showstoppers more than Three Sisters, as it was faster paced and the mystery began towards the beginning of the book, which allowed more mystery and more time to think about the suspects. Overall this is a great series with well written, light and funny mysteries.
February 7, 2011
was very pleased when I received an email a couple of days ago from Helen Smith, asking if I would like a copy of her new short story for review. It's just gone live on Amazon so this review is a hot off the press type thing! I read her book Being Light back in December and really enjoyed both the story and her style so it took all of a second to ping a message back saying Yes please! This (longish) short story is an introduction to amateur sleuth Emily Castles, who will be featuring in a mystery series.
In this story Emily is going to a Bonfire Night party at a neighbouring house, hosted by the inhabitants who are performance artists of various sorts. Emily is mourning the recent loss of her dog and sees the invite as an opportunity to socialise, but in the course of the evening she finds herself investigating a murder that may or may not have occured.
While we don't learn a huge amount about her background Emily is an interesting, quirky character and I'm sure we'll gradually discover more in the series. Despite the mention of a boyfriend he's possibly in the past, and although she knows her neighbours it is in a typical suburban passing kind of way. She comes across as a slightly solitary but very inquisitive individual. The other characters range from the harassed mum of three to the doctor of ethics via Hungarian performers and form a colourful cast.
From the beginning I was amused by the imagery used, for example describing fireworks as "like Midget Gems suspended mid-rinse in a toddler's open mouth" Comical but very graphic. I was also very pleased to see how well formatted and proofread it was - some of my recent kindle reads have been somewhat lacking on those fronts. I found myself laughing often, and the darker humour as the story progresses is the sort of thing I enjoy but may not be to everyone's taste. Emily's wanderings round the house and gardens as the story developed really drew me in and when I had to take a break from reading I found myself weighing up the story so far and debating with myself about what might happen. In short I thought this was a great read from start to finish and will be looking out for the series.
In this story Emily is going to a Bonfire Night party at a neighbouring house, hosted by the inhabitants who are performance artists of various sorts. Emily is mourning the recent loss of her dog and sees the invite as an opportunity to socialise, but in the course of the evening she finds herself investigating a murder that may or may not have occured.
While we don't learn a huge amount about her background Emily is an interesting, quirky character and I'm sure we'll gradually discover more in the series. Despite the mention of a boyfriend he's possibly in the past, and although she knows her neighbours it is in a typical suburban passing kind of way. She comes across as a slightly solitary but very inquisitive individual. The other characters range from the harassed mum of three to the doctor of ethics via Hungarian performers and form a colourful cast.
From the beginning I was amused by the imagery used, for example describing fireworks as "like Midget Gems suspended mid-rinse in a toddler's open mouth" Comical but very graphic. I was also very pleased to see how well formatted and proofread it was - some of my recent kindle reads have been somewhat lacking on those fronts. I found myself laughing often, and the darker humour as the story progresses is the sort of thing I enjoy but may not be to everyone's taste. Emily's wanderings round the house and gardens as the story developed really drew me in and when I had to take a break from reading I found myself weighing up the story so far and debating with myself about what might happen. In short I thought this was a great read from start to finish and will be looking out for the series.
November 27, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book (on request) in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first in a new series, introducing amateur sleuth Emily Castles. I would describe it as a novella, more than a full length novel, at just 104 pages.
It’s Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes, whichever you prefer) and Emily is quite down in the dumps. Her beloved dog has just died and she is feeling rather sorry for herself. She’s received an invitation to a party being held in her street at a house inhabited by a band of circus performers. While most of her neighbours are familiar to her, this group of people who have recently moved in and renovated the space are a bit of a mystery.
Emily decides it will be better to go to the party than to mope on her own at home. She meets a colourful group of people, interspersed with her more familiar neighbours, but throughout the story, she seems uncomfortable and finds it difficult to fit in with this arbitrary group of revellers. Emily discovers that there are certain ‘entertainments’ underway, with people behaving as if in character, and she finds it challenging to know who is and isn’t acting, and if she is meant to participate or not. I felt her discomfort quite vividly.
As Emily attempts to navigate her way through the party we discover that she is a very perceptive person, and while she clearly doesn’t understand many social cues, she is very good at spotting what others might not. However, when she is sure that a murder has been committed right in front of her (and all the other partygoers), she finds it virtually impossible to convince anyone else what’s happened.
I couldn’t read fast enough, waiting to find out what had actually happened, and how Emily was going to prove that a crime had indeed been committed (because I didn’t doubt her for a second!). She’s quirky, determined and quite endearing, a bit like a cross between a young Miss Marple and and an older Nancy Drew! Very enjoyable reading.
This is the first in a new series, introducing amateur sleuth Emily Castles. I would describe it as a novella, more than a full length novel, at just 104 pages.
It’s Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes, whichever you prefer) and Emily is quite down in the dumps. Her beloved dog has just died and she is feeling rather sorry for herself. She’s received an invitation to a party being held in her street at a house inhabited by a band of circus performers. While most of her neighbours are familiar to her, this group of people who have recently moved in and renovated the space are a bit of a mystery.
Emily decides it will be better to go to the party than to mope on her own at home. She meets a colourful group of people, interspersed with her more familiar neighbours, but throughout the story, she seems uncomfortable and finds it difficult to fit in with this arbitrary group of revellers. Emily discovers that there are certain ‘entertainments’ underway, with people behaving as if in character, and she finds it challenging to know who is and isn’t acting, and if she is meant to participate or not. I felt her discomfort quite vividly.
As Emily attempts to navigate her way through the party we discover that she is a very perceptive person, and while she clearly doesn’t understand many social cues, she is very good at spotting what others might not. However, when she is sure that a murder has been committed right in front of her (and all the other partygoers), she finds it virtually impossible to convince anyone else what’s happened.
I couldn’t read fast enough, waiting to find out what had actually happened, and how Emily was going to prove that a crime had indeed been committed (because I didn’t doubt her for a second!). She’s quirky, determined and quite endearing, a bit like a cross between a young Miss Marple and and an older Nancy Drew! Very enjoyable reading.
February 21, 2013
This is the first Emily Castles mystery I have ever read, and for the most part, I truly enjoyed it. Hardly any profanity (almost not worth mentioning) and no sex scenes, and a very easy-to-read book. Although this is a short book, I recommend that you have a dictionary handy. Helen Smith has a fantastic vocabulary, and her writing is very descriptive. And I can't tell you how much I appreciated that! I look forward to reading a full novel featuring the character Emily Castles.
I only have one criticism, and I suppose I can identify with to a degree. I myself am an unpublished author, and I tried to write mystery. And for some reason, it never really came out the way I wanted. I had potential in the area, but it was not my most comfortable genre. In time, I think I could get better, but I sort of gave up. What I see in Helen Smith is vast potential in the area of mystery-writing, but I do wonder if it is her most comfortable genre. Perhaps when she writes a full length novel with this character, she will have more time to develop the mystery. Although portions of the mystery story were quite clever, I felt that some parts of the story did not match up.
But let me say that I love the English feel of the book! Okay, so it helps that the author is English, but this book definitely has more an English feel that some "English" books I have read. I look forward to reading more from this author and Emily in the future!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I only have one criticism, and I suppose I can identify with to a degree. I myself am an unpublished author, and I tried to write mystery. And for some reason, it never really came out the way I wanted. I had potential in the area, but it was not my most comfortable genre. In time, I think I could get better, but I sort of gave up. What I see in Helen Smith is vast potential in the area of mystery-writing, but I do wonder if it is her most comfortable genre. Perhaps when she writes a full length novel with this character, she will have more time to develop the mystery. Although portions of the mystery story were quite clever, I felt that some parts of the story did not match up.
But let me say that I love the English feel of the book! Okay, so it helps that the author is English, but this book definitely has more an English feel that some "English" books I have read. I look forward to reading more from this author and Emily in the future!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
August 1, 2011
Alright, as a rule I don’t like short stories. They usually leave a lot lacking and give you the bare minimum, but Helen Smith’s Three Sisters fell straight into the likeable category. While short, it has it all: a mystery, a likeable main character and humorous elements to keep the mystery light.
Emily is still sad about the death of her dog Jessie, who she understandably misses a lot. So in an effort to cheer herself up, she goes to a Halloween party she’s invited too. However, nothing goes quite as she’s hoped. She’s witness to a murder but there’s no body, and the hosts are more like performing artists. In fact the part is more like a Murder Mystery night… or is it? And no, it’s not the butler ;-)
The story is fast paced – it has to be since it’s so short. A lot happens in those 70 pages and you have to keep your head in the game. The characters are fun, but sometimes a little of the top.
I would have liked to have seen more of Emily and get to know her a little more apart from Emily the woman who just lost her beloved dog.
Three Sisters is a good solid story with a fun mystery. It’s not as humorous as the description would like you to believe as it has a bit of a dark tone – but you have to like that.
All in all, I can really recommend Three Sisters as a short cozy read if you like a good mystery.
Emily is still sad about the death of her dog Jessie, who she understandably misses a lot. So in an effort to cheer herself up, she goes to a Halloween party she’s invited too. However, nothing goes quite as she’s hoped. She’s witness to a murder but there’s no body, and the hosts are more like performing artists. In fact the part is more like a Murder Mystery night… or is it? And no, it’s not the butler ;-)
The story is fast paced – it has to be since it’s so short. A lot happens in those 70 pages and you have to keep your head in the game. The characters are fun, but sometimes a little of the top.
I would have liked to have seen more of Emily and get to know her a little more apart from Emily the woman who just lost her beloved dog.
Three Sisters is a good solid story with a fun mystery. It’s not as humorous as the description would like you to believe as it has a bit of a dark tone – but you have to like that.
All in all, I can really recommend Three Sisters as a short cozy read if you like a good mystery.
August 14, 2015
This is a short book that introduces the reader to Helen Smith's latest creation Emily Castles. It is fast paced and entertaining with a sense of foreboding that malevolence lurks in the house at the end of her street.
Emily is not openly confident and but for the recent loss of her pet she may have ignored the party invitation. Perhaps decisions are often inconsequential in the grand scheme of things that we rarely weigh them up fully. With this in mind this story is based on the premise that sometimes a decision made without thought gets us into real bother.
As she wanders down to the party venue she has second thought but now it seems too late as a compulsion drives her on. Surely all these familiar faces, neighbours known by sight but not really friends mean she'll be safe.
Great idea for a novella and perfectly structured to keep up the reader's interest. The benefit of the read is it introduces a new author to me and a character who is engaging, more direct than most and perhaps more than we could imagine we'd be in such situations. But is she just naive and will her inquisitive ways lead her into more trouble for just answering a party invitation by having no excuse not to attend.
Emily is not openly confident and but for the recent loss of her pet she may have ignored the party invitation. Perhaps decisions are often inconsequential in the grand scheme of things that we rarely weigh them up fully. With this in mind this story is based on the premise that sometimes a decision made without thought gets us into real bother.
As she wanders down to the party venue she has second thought but now it seems too late as a compulsion drives her on. Surely all these familiar faces, neighbours known by sight but not really friends mean she'll be safe.
Great idea for a novella and perfectly structured to keep up the reader's interest. The benefit of the read is it introduces a new author to me and a character who is engaging, more direct than most and perhaps more than we could imagine we'd be in such situations. But is she just naive and will her inquisitive ways lead her into more trouble for just answering a party invitation by having no excuse not to attend.
February 13, 2013
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"Three Sisters" was a short, but interesting story. After Emily's dog - Jessie - died, she couldn't forget him. But when Emily is invited to a party in the neighborhood, she tries to go back to her normal life. But the thought that she doesn't have Jessie anymore is freting her. At the party she makes new friends and meets two interesting sisters, Zizi and Zsa-Zsa. They are twins and they're going to give a knife-trowing performance. But during the performance, a knife hits Zsa-Zsa's chest and she dies. When the police comes, Zsa-Zsa miracoulously revives and everybody believes her. But Emily, who just went through her dog's death, is convinced that she witnessed a murder and, helped by Dr. Muriel, she discovers that Zizi and Zsa-Zsa have another, identical, sister. Finaly, Emily realized that she doesn't want to forget so fast Jessie's death.
This story was really realistic. I liked very much that Emily was so suspicious and she doesn't believes other's tricks so easy. She has her own personality and she's very smart. She managed to find Zsa-Zsa's corpse and to make justice very easily.
"Three Sisters" was a short, but interesting story. After Emily's dog - Jessie - died, she couldn't forget him. But when Emily is invited to a party in the neighborhood, she tries to go back to her normal life. But the thought that she doesn't have Jessie anymore is freting her. At the party she makes new friends and meets two interesting sisters, Zizi and Zsa-Zsa. They are twins and they're going to give a knife-trowing performance. But during the performance, a knife hits Zsa-Zsa's chest and she dies. When the police comes, Zsa-Zsa miracoulously revives and everybody believes her. But Emily, who just went through her dog's death, is convinced that she witnessed a murder and, helped by Dr. Muriel, she discovers that Zizi and Zsa-Zsa have another, identical, sister. Finaly, Emily realized that she doesn't want to forget so fast Jessie's death.
This story was really realistic. I liked very much that Emily was so suspicious and she doesn't believes other's tricks so easy. She has her own personality and she's very smart. She managed to find Zsa-Zsa's corpse and to make justice very easily.
February 18, 2013
Three Sisters is a hilarious short story by Helen Smith. It is the first Emily Castle mystery.
Emily Castle is a 20 something woman living in a London neighborhood. Her elderly dog has recently died and she is feeling very alone. So when new neighbors invite her to a bonfire night party, she accepts, thinking it will get her out of her funk. The party is an odd one. It's like a carnival/theater performance night. There are people from all nationalities living in the house and each plays a part in the night. Some put on little random improv acts. Others walk on stilts around the outside. And two sisters from Hungary are knife throwing experts.
As the night progresses, Emily gets involved with some of the kooky characters, witnesses a murder (or is it part of the show), gets bonked over the head, carries a heavy suitcase, does NOT find out if burning human flesh smells like bbq, and has a generally odd time.
The final 2 sentences had me cracking up! This is a great first cozy mystery in the Emily Castle series. I loved the quirkiness of the characters and could not wait to read the second book. Luckily for me, I got to read it for this book tour as well!
Emily Castle is a 20 something woman living in a London neighborhood. Her elderly dog has recently died and she is feeling very alone. So when new neighbors invite her to a bonfire night party, she accepts, thinking it will get her out of her funk. The party is an odd one. It's like a carnival/theater performance night. There are people from all nationalities living in the house and each plays a part in the night. Some put on little random improv acts. Others walk on stilts around the outside. And two sisters from Hungary are knife throwing experts.
As the night progresses, Emily gets involved with some of the kooky characters, witnesses a murder (or is it part of the show), gets bonked over the head, carries a heavy suitcase, does NOT find out if burning human flesh smells like bbq, and has a generally odd time.
The final 2 sentences had me cracking up! This is a great first cozy mystery in the Emily Castle series. I loved the quirkiness of the characters and could not wait to read the second book. Luckily for me, I got to read it for this book tour as well!
October 11, 2014
Emily Castles is grieving the loss of her beloved dog, Jessie. She’s feeling quite emotional and all alone in the world. Emily is invited to a neighborhood bonfire party by her new neighbors. This isn’t your typical party and one thing Emily never expects is to witness a murder.
Readers are treated to a crazy evening complete with an eccentric group of performers who give Emily a run for her money. She’s sure one of them has been murdered, but who could have done it? To make matters even more confusing, there’s no dead body and she begins to wonder if anyone really died.
This is a short story, approximately 70 printed pages and a very quick read. Talk about leaving readers wanting more. This is the first of a series of Emily Castles mysteries set in London. It’s fast-paced, funny, and mysterious all at the same time. I’ve never read anything by Helen Smith before, but she’s a new-to-me author that I will be looking for in the future. I can’t wait to see what Emily’s next adventure will be.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Readers are treated to a crazy evening complete with an eccentric group of performers who give Emily a run for her money. She’s sure one of them has been murdered, but who could have done it? To make matters even more confusing, there’s no dead body and she begins to wonder if anyone really died.
This is a short story, approximately 70 printed pages and a very quick read. Talk about leaving readers wanting more. This is the first of a series of Emily Castles mysteries set in London. It’s fast-paced, funny, and mysterious all at the same time. I’ve never read anything by Helen Smith before, but she’s a new-to-me author that I will be looking for in the future. I can’t wait to see what Emily’s next adventure will be.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 16, 2013
Three Sisters introduces us to Emily Castles. Emily lives in London and is attending a neighborhood Halloween party. What a party this turns out to be! With so many strange things happening you don't know if it is part of the show or not. Emily is grieving the loss of her Golden Retriever, Jessie and thinks of him often while trying to enjoy the party. When an act goes horribly wrong, Emily is sure that she has witnessed a murder. The only trouble is, no body! With the help of the quirky Dr Muriel, Emily will snoop around until she finds out what is going on.
I enjoyed reading this short story and being introduced to Emily. I am also a dog lover so that part of the story drew me in. I usually don't read short stories but this one was good. I would like to learn more of Emily's back story and get to know her character better. I also like the London setting. You will breeze through this book. If you like a good cozy mystery, I recommend reading this one.
I enjoyed reading this short story and being introduced to Emily. I am also a dog lover so that part of the story drew me in. I usually don't read short stories but this one was good. I would like to learn more of Emily's back story and get to know her character better. I also like the London setting. You will breeze through this book. If you like a good cozy mystery, I recommend reading this one.
December 14, 2012
Emily’s dog has just died and she is feeling unhappy and not really in a party mood but she decides to go anyway. It is a combined Halloween and Guy Fawkes party and is being held in a big house at the end of the road which appears to be a rather upmarket squat. The party has a surreal atmosphere with the hosts dressed up in costume and acting out what seems to be snippets of plays.
Emily is unsure what is real and what isn’t but she is certain that a knife throwing girl has been murdered. She has her work cut out to prove she saw what she did see. I enjoyed reading this novella which took me just over an hour to read. I liked Emily and her friends and I thought the surreal atmosphere was very well realised.
This is an interesting read and if you want something short in the mystery line then I would recommend it.
Emily is unsure what is real and what isn’t but she is certain that a knife throwing girl has been murdered. She has her work cut out to prove she saw what she did see. I enjoyed reading this novella which took me just over an hour to read. I liked Emily and her friends and I thought the surreal atmosphere was very well realised.
This is an interesting read and if you want something short in the mystery line then I would recommend it.
May 30, 2013
TITLE - THREE SISTERS
AUTHOR - HELEN SMITH
STARS - 4
REVIEWER - WENDE SHEETS
In Brixton South London, lives Emily Castles, who is 26. She is grieving for her beloved dog Jesse, who died just a week ago. The neighbors invited her to a bonfire to celebrate Halloween. It takes place in the "party house", where people are dressed in "character" and they kept everyone entertained. At times Emily was not sure what was real or not real. Emily watches what she believes is an actually murder, but those around her tell her its an act. Emily is convinced and is willing to keep looking for the clues.
This is a short read but one that kept you guessing. Who done it? Was that real or fake ? Was Emily really the only one to believe its real ?
complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
AUTHOR - HELEN SMITH
STARS - 4
REVIEWER - WENDE SHEETS
In Brixton South London, lives Emily Castles, who is 26. She is grieving for her beloved dog Jesse, who died just a week ago. The neighbors invited her to a bonfire to celebrate Halloween. It takes place in the "party house", where people are dressed in "character" and they kept everyone entertained. At times Emily was not sure what was real or not real. Emily watches what she believes is an actually murder, but those around her tell her its an act. Emily is convinced and is willing to keep looking for the clues.
This is a short read but one that kept you guessing. Who done it? Was that real or fake ? Was Emily really the only one to believe its real ?
complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
February 19, 2013
Very unusual neighbors for sure! This is the second book in this series that I have read. We reunite with some from the first story.
Emily reluctantly goes to a very weird party one of her neighbors is having. She lives in London, and enters and sees a troupe of performers.
I think I would have turned around right then! Or at least in a few minutes, when she thinks she has witnessed a murder.
Emily is the type that once she sees something...she has to see it through. She cannot let it go, even when her own safety is in danger.
This is a very quick read, and with most mysteries once you begin, you won't put this one down until you are done. It is only 40 pages long!
I received this book from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Emily reluctantly goes to a very weird party one of her neighbors is having. She lives in London, and enters and sees a troupe of performers.
I think I would have turned around right then! Or at least in a few minutes, when she thinks she has witnessed a murder.
Emily is the type that once she sees something...she has to see it through. She cannot let it go, even when her own safety is in danger.
This is a very quick read, and with most mysteries once you begin, you won't put this one down until you are done. It is only 40 pages long!
I received this book from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
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