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John Joseph Lintott #1
عزيزتى لورا
تصف هذه الروايه النادره والتى كتبت فى النصف الثانى من القرن العشرين الحياه فى انجلترا فى العصر الفيكتورى او فى نهايه القرن التاسع عشر على المستوين الفردى و العام
473 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
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276 people want to read
About the author
Jean Stubbs
62 books13 followersAka Emma Darby
Jean was born in Lancashire and educated in Manchester. She has written many novels and short stories for magazines and collections, several of which have been adapted for radio and television. She has lived for more than twenty years in a cottage in Cornwall, England, with her husband.
Jean was born in Lancashire and educated in Manchester. She has written many novels and short stories for magazines and collections, several of which have been adapted for radio and television. She has lived for more than twenty years in a cottage in Cornwall, England, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 26, 2022
A Victorian whodunit with a few twists at the end. I really loved how it was written. To me it was just smooth to read!! -Sorry for my lack of eloquence
Laura: "I am no more alone now than I was then"
Laura: "I am no more alone now than I was then"
March 2, 2017
Eh, maybe 2.5 rounded up. (Mysteries aren't my thing, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.)
The first half -- i.e., the portrait of a stifling, staid marriage -- was fairly interesting (though the writing style kept everyone at arm's length). But then the Inspector showed up to start his tedious interviews & I lost interest as everything was hashed & rehashed. The prose itself was Lit Fic Lite. Clearly Stubbs was trying to inject some intellect into a well-tread tale of Victorian sexual hypocrisy, but the distant writing style didn't endear me to the characters. (Even so, it's a fairly easy read; I'll give it that much.)
As for the mystery itself...raciness depends on how much you've read the aforementioned Victorian noir subgenre. Personally, I was underwhelmed; such things have been covered before, both in nonfiction & fiction alike. Without a potboiling plot or vivid characters, it was the paper equivalent of mediocre biscuits.
The first half -- i.e., the portrait of a stifling, staid marriage -- was fairly interesting (though the writing style kept everyone at arm's length). But then the Inspector showed up to start his tedious interviews & I lost interest as everything was hashed & rehashed. The prose itself was Lit Fic Lite. Clearly Stubbs was trying to inject some intellect into a well-tread tale of Victorian sexual hypocrisy, but the distant writing style didn't endear me to the characters. (Even so, it's a fairly easy read; I'll give it that much.)
As for the mystery itself...raciness depends on how much you've read the aforementioned Victorian noir subgenre. Personally, I was underwhelmed; such things have been covered before, both in nonfiction & fiction alike. Without a potboiling plot or vivid characters, it was the paper equivalent of mediocre biscuits.
December 4, 2018
an intriguing tale of twists and turns, I enjoyed all the character development and was left guessing at all the plot twists, I enjoyed this book, 4 stars
November 26, 2018
3 stars
It is 1869 in Wimbledon, England and Inspector John Joseph Lintott responds to a call of a suicide. Or, is it a case of murder?
Theodore Crozier is the name of the dead man. He was the owner of Crozier Toys and he was a very difficult man to like. While his death appears to be suicide, (how does one give himself an aneurysm?), nasty letters are revealed that point to Crozier’s wife Laura being involved with Crozier’s brother Titus.
Inspector Lintott begins to suspect murder. The family doctor is ferociously protective of Laura and it got me to wondering. Lintott patiently (sometimes), ferrets out clues and reaches his conclusions.
The servants are a hoot. They all seem to have active schemes afoot.
The writing style of this book is off-putting. I couldn’t really get into it, but gave the author three stars for her effort. I like the way the author describes Victorian England with its law and quirks. I also liked Inspector Lintott who can be very firm in his questioning when the situation calls for it, but also seems to have a measure of humanity. I read a lot of historical fiction and this book just didn’t measure up to my usual standards. It was interesting and vaguely entertaining, but didn’t really capture my interest.
I want to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review.
It is 1869 in Wimbledon, England and Inspector John Joseph Lintott responds to a call of a suicide. Or, is it a case of murder?
Theodore Crozier is the name of the dead man. He was the owner of Crozier Toys and he was a very difficult man to like. While his death appears to be suicide, (how does one give himself an aneurysm?), nasty letters are revealed that point to Crozier’s wife Laura being involved with Crozier’s brother Titus.
Inspector Lintott begins to suspect murder. The family doctor is ferociously protective of Laura and it got me to wondering. Lintott patiently (sometimes), ferrets out clues and reaches his conclusions.
The servants are a hoot. They all seem to have active schemes afoot.
The writing style of this book is off-putting. I couldn’t really get into it, but gave the author three stars for her effort. I like the way the author describes Victorian England with its law and quirks. I also liked Inspector Lintott who can be very firm in his questioning when the situation calls for it, but also seems to have a measure of humanity. I read a lot of historical fiction and this book just didn’t measure up to my usual standards. It was interesting and vaguely entertaining, but didn’t really capture my interest.
I want to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review.
December 7, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this novel set in the Victorian age. Superbly written, with historical details regarding a 19thC middle class family abounding. It was a complete mystery to me who could have committed the crime, literally until the last few pages. Brilliantly thought out. Definitely a 5*!
December 30, 2018
I seem to have been reading a lot of historical fiction lately featuring spunky women heroines who won't be tied down by the conventions of the period they live in. They talk to men they haven't been introduced to, they learn to read and write, and they express profoundly liberal opinions on matters like women's suffrage and take up unlikely professions such as surgery.
The truth is that life for women in, say, the 19th century could be pretty grim. Dear Laura shows us just how unpleasant it could be, even if you were a middle-class wife with a rich husband living in comfort in late 1890 Wimbledon.
Dear Laura is presented as a detective story, but it's more a psychological thriller. We hear a lot nowadays about coercive control, as if it were a new thing. What Dear Laura makes terrifyingly clear is that "coercive control" is what many a Victorian paterfamilias would have called "family life".
Jean Stubbs takes us into a well-off but not ridiculously rich Victorian home. The husband is a brute, who rules his little empire with a coldness bordering on sadism. His sons are sent off to boarding school, his daughter, despised because she is a girl, is left to the not-so-tender mercies of her nurse. Below stairs Cook rules over the alcoholic coachman, the maid and the skivvy, while Kate, the lady’s maid, occupies an ambiguous position between the regular servants and the better class of persons Upstairs. Laura, meanwhile, floats around the house looking beautiful, saying as little as possible and subject to constant headaches. Kept away from her children because her husband thinks she spoils them, she finds love only from her brother-in-law. Titus, her would-be lover, is, in his way, as objectionable as her husband: extravagant, promiscuous, selfish, but – unlike his brother – not actively cruel.
When Laura’s husband dies suddenly and anonymous letters hint at poison, the estimable Inspector Lintott is called to investigate and he uncovers a positive cesspit of secrets and lies that draw in almost everyone in the house.
This is by no means a perfect book. Some things are revealed in uncomfortable flashbacks than can take you out of the moment and leave you wondering what exactly is going on. Occasionally the sub-text of conversations is presented in italic, usually a sign that the characterisation and the dialogue aren’t quite up to carrying the load placed on them. I’m happy to forgive Ms Stubbs these flaws, though, because the book carried me along, anxious to find out the truth about these people – some good, some bad but all trapped in the bonds of a social system in which “knowing your place” was the key to survival.
Above all, I welcomed a book that showed the truth of many Victorian women’s lives. For anyone who thinks Stubbs’ view is unrealistically bleak, the epigraphs with which she starts her chapters are revealing:
* I know nothing like the petty grinding tyranny of a good English family… Florence Nightingale
* Home is the girl’s prison and the woman's workhouse. George Bernard Shaw
* As a general rule, a modest woman seldom desires any sexual gratification for herself. She submits to her husband only to please him… William Acton MRCS
The book rings true to its period – sometimes a little too true. Stubbs has done her research and occasionally ladles it in rather over-enthusiastically. On the whole, though, she does not allow details of the price of meat or the numbers dying of influenza to get in the way of her narrative. They are the background of a wider world, but her story dwells in one household and we see how its inhabitants cope with the social order that the wider world forces on them.
In summary, an excellent book and a wonderful antidote to some of the romantic nonsense being written about women living at a time where #MeToo was more #TheWayThingsAre.
The truth is that life for women in, say, the 19th century could be pretty grim. Dear Laura shows us just how unpleasant it could be, even if you were a middle-class wife with a rich husband living in comfort in late 1890 Wimbledon.
Dear Laura is presented as a detective story, but it's more a psychological thriller. We hear a lot nowadays about coercive control, as if it were a new thing. What Dear Laura makes terrifyingly clear is that "coercive control" is what many a Victorian paterfamilias would have called "family life".
Jean Stubbs takes us into a well-off but not ridiculously rich Victorian home. The husband is a brute, who rules his little empire with a coldness bordering on sadism. His sons are sent off to boarding school, his daughter, despised because she is a girl, is left to the not-so-tender mercies of her nurse. Below stairs Cook rules over the alcoholic coachman, the maid and the skivvy, while Kate, the lady’s maid, occupies an ambiguous position between the regular servants and the better class of persons Upstairs. Laura, meanwhile, floats around the house looking beautiful, saying as little as possible and subject to constant headaches. Kept away from her children because her husband thinks she spoils them, she finds love only from her brother-in-law. Titus, her would-be lover, is, in his way, as objectionable as her husband: extravagant, promiscuous, selfish, but – unlike his brother – not actively cruel.
When Laura’s husband dies suddenly and anonymous letters hint at poison, the estimable Inspector Lintott is called to investigate and he uncovers a positive cesspit of secrets and lies that draw in almost everyone in the house.
This is by no means a perfect book. Some things are revealed in uncomfortable flashbacks than can take you out of the moment and leave you wondering what exactly is going on. Occasionally the sub-text of conversations is presented in italic, usually a sign that the characterisation and the dialogue aren’t quite up to carrying the load placed on them. I’m happy to forgive Ms Stubbs these flaws, though, because the book carried me along, anxious to find out the truth about these people – some good, some bad but all trapped in the bonds of a social system in which “knowing your place” was the key to survival.
Above all, I welcomed a book that showed the truth of many Victorian women’s lives. For anyone who thinks Stubbs’ view is unrealistically bleak, the epigraphs with which she starts her chapters are revealing:
* I know nothing like the petty grinding tyranny of a good English family… Florence Nightingale
* Home is the girl’s prison and the woman's workhouse. George Bernard Shaw
* As a general rule, a modest woman seldom desires any sexual gratification for herself. She submits to her husband only to please him… William Acton MRCS
The book rings true to its period – sometimes a little too true. Stubbs has done her research and occasionally ladles it in rather over-enthusiastically. On the whole, though, she does not allow details of the price of meat or the numbers dying of influenza to get in the way of her narrative. They are the background of a wider world, but her story dwells in one household and we see how its inhabitants cope with the social order that the wider world forces on them.
In summary, an excellent book and a wonderful antidote to some of the romantic nonsense being written about women living at a time where #MeToo was more #TheWayThingsAre.
January 18, 2009
Set in late Victorian England, when the master of the family dies his doctor rules natural causes but poison pen letters point to the wife and brother of the deceased. Nobody does hypocrisy like the Victorians. A very compelling look at a family that seemed to have it all.
November 23, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Sapere Books for a review copy of Dear Laura, the first novel in a projected series to feature Victorian police officer, Detective John Joseph Lintott.
Theodore Crozier of Crozier Toys dies unexpectedly from a brain haemorrhage, leaving his brother Titus, his wife Laura and his three children mourning his loss. Until anonymous letters accuse Titus and Laura of conspiring in his death. When an exhumation discovers fatal levels of morphine Inspector Lintott is sent to investigate.
There is much to admire in Dear Laura but it didn’t capture my imagination and I found it slow, heavy going in parts. I think it will appeal more to readers of historical fiction than crime fiction aficionados like myself. It is very informative on the Victorian era with explanations of the laws and mores of the time and paints a vivid picture. Mostly though it is an examination of the Crozier family dynamic and what led to Theodore’s death with all the requisite twists, turns and lurid secrets. I must admit that I guessed many of them ahead of the reveal which spoiled the read a little but my main complaint is the format which has an alternating timeline, in that a statement is made and the timeline switches to an event in the past to illustrate it. I wouldn’t say it’s confusing as the switch is apparent but it’s alienating as it interrupts the flow of Inspector Lintott’s investigation.
I like Inspector Lintott who is a comfortable man, able to induce confidences but also able to instil fear when required. He has a lot of common sense garnered over his many years of service and yet, he has his weaknesses.
I think many readers will enjoy Dear Laura which is a solid read, it just didn’t overly appeal to me.
Theodore Crozier of Crozier Toys dies unexpectedly from a brain haemorrhage, leaving his brother Titus, his wife Laura and his three children mourning his loss. Until anonymous letters accuse Titus and Laura of conspiring in his death. When an exhumation discovers fatal levels of morphine Inspector Lintott is sent to investigate.
There is much to admire in Dear Laura but it didn’t capture my imagination and I found it slow, heavy going in parts. I think it will appeal more to readers of historical fiction than crime fiction aficionados like myself. It is very informative on the Victorian era with explanations of the laws and mores of the time and paints a vivid picture. Mostly though it is an examination of the Crozier family dynamic and what led to Theodore’s death with all the requisite twists, turns and lurid secrets. I must admit that I guessed many of them ahead of the reveal which spoiled the read a little but my main complaint is the format which has an alternating timeline, in that a statement is made and the timeline switches to an event in the past to illustrate it. I wouldn’t say it’s confusing as the switch is apparent but it’s alienating as it interrupts the flow of Inspector Lintott’s investigation.
I like Inspector Lintott who is a comfortable man, able to induce confidences but also able to instil fear when required. He has a lot of common sense garnered over his many years of service and yet, he has his weaknesses.
I think many readers will enjoy Dear Laura which is a solid read, it just didn’t overly appeal to me.
January 8, 2020
Good story
Interesting insight into Victorian times. The society demanded much from a woman but gave her little in return. The mystery needed to be solved but always within the constricted confines of the times. The detective, Linnett, was complex and very enjoyable in his abilities to ferret out truths. Very enjoyable book.
Interesting insight into Victorian times. The society demanded much from a woman but gave her little in return. The mystery needed to be solved but always within the constricted confines of the times. The detective, Linnett, was complex and very enjoyable in his abilities to ferret out truths. Very enjoyable book.
November 30, 2018
Dear Laura is a Victorian mystery that introduces the engaging, but shrewd and perceptive Inspector Lintott.
Surprisingly, Detective Lintott doesn't really make an appearance until about half way through the book. The first half of the book introduces the characters in the house hold of Theodore Crozier. Crozier, his wife, his brother, and the household servants are presented in both current situations and situations which provide background for the characters.
Initially, Theodore Crozier's death is thought to have been caused by an aneurysm, but anonymous letters imply something else. Suicide? Murder?
When the cause of death comes into question, Scotland Yard's Inspector Lintott is called in. He has an interesting interview method and good insight into character, but he also finds himself reconsidering some of his opinions as he learns more. He doesn't stick with first assumptions, but alters his investigation with new information.
What I particularly loved about him is when he made a comment completely in keeping with Victorian values, but later, despite his initial response, begins a deeper understanding of the situation. Even today, men have opinions about women and their place, and many are incapable of seeing past the views they have adopted. Lintott is no feminist, but he allows a change in his attitude and convictions because he examines his opinions. He may not approve, but he comes to understand certain situations.
The twist at the very end is not exactly a surprise, but I was never certain that it would end as I sometimes expected.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical mystery and Inspector Lintott and was surprised to realize when I finished that the book was first published in 1974. One advantage to any historical novel is that it is less likely to feel dated. :)
NetGalley/Sapere Books
Historical Mystery. 1974. Nov. 1, 2018. Print length: 267 pages.
Surprisingly, Detective Lintott doesn't really make an appearance until about half way through the book. The first half of the book introduces the characters in the house hold of Theodore Crozier. Crozier, his wife, his brother, and the household servants are presented in both current situations and situations which provide background for the characters.
Initially, Theodore Crozier's death is thought to have been caused by an aneurysm, but anonymous letters imply something else. Suicide? Murder?
When the cause of death comes into question, Scotland Yard's Inspector Lintott is called in. He has an interesting interview method and good insight into character, but he also finds himself reconsidering some of his opinions as he learns more. He doesn't stick with first assumptions, but alters his investigation with new information.
What I particularly loved about him is when he made a comment completely in keeping with Victorian values, but later, despite his initial response, begins a deeper understanding of the situation. Even today, men have opinions about women and their place, and many are incapable of seeing past the views they have adopted. Lintott is no feminist, but he allows a change in his attitude and convictions because he examines his opinions. He may not approve, but he comes to understand certain situations.
The twist at the very end is not exactly a surprise, but I was never certain that it would end as I sometimes expected.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical mystery and Inspector Lintott and was surprised to realize when I finished that the book was first published in 1974. One advantage to any historical novel is that it is less likely to feel dated. :)
NetGalley/Sapere Books
Historical Mystery. 1974. Nov. 1, 2018. Print length: 267 pages.
December 5, 2018
Dear Laura is about a family with secrets and it takes place in England in the late 1800s. Laura is the wife of the wealthy Theodore Crozier. Theodore dies suddenly and questions regarding his death arise, along with suspicions about the relationship between his wife and his philandering brother Titus. An inquest into Theodore’s death resulted in the discovery of a lethal quantity of morphine in his body and it is up to Inspector Lintott to discover the truth of what happened.
There were things I liked about this book and things I did not like. Sadly my dislikes outweighed my likes.
I liked the plot. It was creative and probably innovative when this book was originally published, particularly the twist at the end.
I did not like the manner of writing. Ms. Stubbs clearly has a firm grasp of how “civilized” and “upper-crust” Victorians spoke, but I personally struggled with maintaining interest during the first third of the book because of the writing style. The manner of writing was so verbose that it was nearly incomprehensible at times. I had to concentrate to get the gist of her sentences and to keep up with her narrative. It became easier in the last two-thirds of the book – either because I finally learned how to read/comprehend her writing or the writing style eased up a bit with the arrival of Inspector Lintott in the story. I read my share of Victorian era novels and approximately 200 books in general each year, so I’m not inexperienced in various writing styles. Yet this book seemed overly difficult to me to read. I think the book would have been better served with a more succinct, even simple, narrative. A more succinct narrative would have also shortened the book and improved it in my opinion, as it felt a bit tedious, repetitive, and overlong.
This book is what I call a “surface read”. Everything about the story was on the surface - there was no emotional depth for me, no connection with the characters. In general, none of the characters were likeable, save perhaps the little daughter Blanche and the young kitchen maid, but they weren’t a significant part of the story. I really wish there had been more of an emotional connection with any of the main characters. I wanted to root for someone, and I liked the plot, but I just did not have a vested interest in any of the characters. A “surface read” in and of itself isn’t a bad thing, but for me they never result in more than a 2 or a 3 rating.
This book was first published in 1974 and was an Edgar Allan Poe Award® Nominee for Best Novel according to Goodreads.com. I feel a little bad about my comments on the book since it was apparently at least well received enough in 1974 to be nominated for the Edgar Award. I just personally don’t feel like it would hold up to scrutiny today in comparison to the myriad other mystery novels available.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Sapere Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were things I liked about this book and things I did not like. Sadly my dislikes outweighed my likes.
I liked the plot. It was creative and probably innovative when this book was originally published, particularly the twist at the end.
I did not like the manner of writing. Ms. Stubbs clearly has a firm grasp of how “civilized” and “upper-crust” Victorians spoke, but I personally struggled with maintaining interest during the first third of the book because of the writing style. The manner of writing was so verbose that it was nearly incomprehensible at times. I had to concentrate to get the gist of her sentences and to keep up with her narrative. It became easier in the last two-thirds of the book – either because I finally learned how to read/comprehend her writing or the writing style eased up a bit with the arrival of Inspector Lintott in the story. I read my share of Victorian era novels and approximately 200 books in general each year, so I’m not inexperienced in various writing styles. Yet this book seemed overly difficult to me to read. I think the book would have been better served with a more succinct, even simple, narrative. A more succinct narrative would have also shortened the book and improved it in my opinion, as it felt a bit tedious, repetitive, and overlong.
This book is what I call a “surface read”. Everything about the story was on the surface - there was no emotional depth for me, no connection with the characters. In general, none of the characters were likeable, save perhaps the little daughter Blanche and the young kitchen maid, but they weren’t a significant part of the story. I really wish there had been more of an emotional connection with any of the main characters. I wanted to root for someone, and I liked the plot, but I just did not have a vested interest in any of the characters. A “surface read” in and of itself isn’t a bad thing, but for me they never result in more than a 2 or a 3 rating.
This book was first published in 1974 and was an Edgar Allan Poe Award® Nominee for Best Novel according to Goodreads.com. I feel a little bad about my comments on the book since it was apparently at least well received enough in 1974 to be nominated for the Edgar Award. I just personally don’t feel like it would hold up to scrutiny today in comparison to the myriad other mystery novels available.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Sapere Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2018
Time for another book review, time for another classic mystery. Though actually I’m not sure that merely reissuing a detective novel, in this case from the 1970s, necessarily makes it a classic and to be honest some of the oldies have lasted better than others.
Perhaps I’m being a bit harsh on Dear Laura by Jean Stubbs, because it does have a lot to commend it. It’s a historical mystery set in late Victorian times. Wealthy but emotionally cold businessman Theodore Crozier is dead and his death wasn’t the result of natural causes — but was the overdose of morphine in his system accident or murder? Theodore’s relationship with his wife, Laura, is cold, distant and unemotional, and her relationship with his wayward younger brother, Titus, is anything but. The servants are divided and Inspector Lintott of Scotland Yard is there to unravel the mystery.
As I say, there’s a lot going for this book. It’s well-written and the characters are cleverly-drawn. The author paints a terrific picture of a society whose conventions force those of all classes to accept what is expected of them and illustrates that the rich can be as miserable as the poor. The plot is clever, with plenty of twists and turns, although for me it had a less than satisfactory conclusion, and I didn’t particularly like any of the characters, which can make a book a hard read.
Where it fell down for me is in the solving of the mystery. The book is the first in a series featuring Inspector Lintott but apart from whisking across the narrative very fleetingly early on, the detective doesn’t make an appearance until almost half way through. The rest of the book is scene-setting which, while necessary up to a point, seemed rather out of balance. And the investigation itself consisted of Lintott talking to everyone involved and coming to a conclusion — no spoilers but…
Perhaps it’s down to the expectation we have detective fiction but, for me, if the investigating officer is the main protagonist (and he or she has his name on the cover) then he or she needs to be at the heart of the book from the beginning. I thought there was too much back story and not enough detecting and, as a result, I couldn’t really engage with Inspector Lintott in the way I feel I was meant to.
Thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
Perhaps I’m being a bit harsh on Dear Laura by Jean Stubbs, because it does have a lot to commend it. It’s a historical mystery set in late Victorian times. Wealthy but emotionally cold businessman Theodore Crozier is dead and his death wasn’t the result of natural causes — but was the overdose of morphine in his system accident or murder? Theodore’s relationship with his wife, Laura, is cold, distant and unemotional, and her relationship with his wayward younger brother, Titus, is anything but. The servants are divided and Inspector Lintott of Scotland Yard is there to unravel the mystery.
As I say, there’s a lot going for this book. It’s well-written and the characters are cleverly-drawn. The author paints a terrific picture of a society whose conventions force those of all classes to accept what is expected of them and illustrates that the rich can be as miserable as the poor. The plot is clever, with plenty of twists and turns, although for me it had a less than satisfactory conclusion, and I didn’t particularly like any of the characters, which can make a book a hard read.
Where it fell down for me is in the solving of the mystery. The book is the first in a series featuring Inspector Lintott but apart from whisking across the narrative very fleetingly early on, the detective doesn’t make an appearance until almost half way through. The rest of the book is scene-setting which, while necessary up to a point, seemed rather out of balance. And the investigation itself consisted of Lintott talking to everyone involved and coming to a conclusion — no spoilers but…
Perhaps it’s down to the expectation we have detective fiction but, for me, if the investigating officer is the main protagonist (and he or she has his name on the cover) then he or she needs to be at the heart of the book from the beginning. I thought there was too much back story and not enough detecting and, as a result, I couldn’t really engage with Inspector Lintott in the way I feel I was meant to.
Thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
January 16, 2019
I love books based in the Victorian era and I love crime so went into this book with high expectations, which was probably a little unfair,
Theodore Crozier of Crozier Toys (and a huge hypochondriac) dies unexpectedly, leaving a mourning wife and three children as well as a younger brother. It's certified as a natural death by the family doctor, and no-one suspects differently (well, maybe some of the servants do...) until anonymous letters start appearing, accusing Titus and Laura of conspiring to murder Theodore. When an exhumation discovers fatal levels of morphine Inspector Lintott is sent to investigate.
Dear Laura is the first crime thriller in a classic historical series, the Inspector Lintott Mysteries. There is a lot to like, if you like Victorian detail, but from a crime point of view I think readers will feel a little let down. Laura's character flips between being an enigma and emotionally open, and these flips are used to drive the plot forward which felt a little contrived. However, I did enjoy Inspector Lintott; his interactions with the servants in his attempts to get at the truth created some genuinely amusing moments and he felt fully-realised as a character.
The twists and turns are pretty obvious and the modern day mini soapbox moment at the end about how women need to take control of their lives jarred after such a heavily Victorian era soaked novel, but overall I quite enjoyed this. And I definitely want to read more of Lintott's adventures and will look out for the next in this new series.
Theodore Crozier of Crozier Toys (and a huge hypochondriac) dies unexpectedly, leaving a mourning wife and three children as well as a younger brother. It's certified as a natural death by the family doctor, and no-one suspects differently (well, maybe some of the servants do...) until anonymous letters start appearing, accusing Titus and Laura of conspiring to murder Theodore. When an exhumation discovers fatal levels of morphine Inspector Lintott is sent to investigate.
Dear Laura is the first crime thriller in a classic historical series, the Inspector Lintott Mysteries. There is a lot to like, if you like Victorian detail, but from a crime point of view I think readers will feel a little let down. Laura's character flips between being an enigma and emotionally open, and these flips are used to drive the plot forward which felt a little contrived. However, I did enjoy Inspector Lintott; his interactions with the servants in his attempts to get at the truth created some genuinely amusing moments and he felt fully-realised as a character.
The twists and turns are pretty obvious and the modern day mini soapbox moment at the end about how women need to take control of their lives jarred after such a heavily Victorian era soaked novel, but overall I quite enjoyed this. And I definitely want to read more of Lintott's adventures and will look out for the next in this new series.
December 9, 2018
Just finished the kindle version , digitalised by 'Sapere Books' , and available on 'Kindle Unlimited'
Got mixed feelings about this one. Found the jumbled timeline and even the storyline hard to follow at times. But added to the enjoyment as couldn't predict what was going to happen next. Also there is something enjoyable about being presented with a Victorian suburban accomplished family, then seeing the respectable facade crumbling to reveal the misery, hypocrisy, and lying that are lurking. And add a lady of the house whose loneliness and isolation are explained away by 'hysteria', over inquisitive servants, a suspicious death. All entertaining. I found the attitudes and dialogue convincing for the 1890s . The reminders of how wretched the lives of the Poor were got depicted well without over-statement .
Inspector Linnott seems a reasonable enough chap, compassionate , down to earth and perceptive.
Not sure how readers who are well versed in Victorian History would find this novel, nor if the pace is fast enough for fans of crime thrillers. But whatever possible reservation, have to admit that I want to read more of this series.
Got mixed feelings about this one. Found the jumbled timeline and even the storyline hard to follow at times. But added to the enjoyment as couldn't predict what was going to happen next. Also there is something enjoyable about being presented with a Victorian suburban accomplished family, then seeing the respectable facade crumbling to reveal the misery, hypocrisy, and lying that are lurking. And add a lady of the house whose loneliness and isolation are explained away by 'hysteria', over inquisitive servants, a suspicious death. All entertaining. I found the attitudes and dialogue convincing for the 1890s . The reminders of how wretched the lives of the Poor were got depicted well without over-statement .
Inspector Linnott seems a reasonable enough chap, compassionate , down to earth and perceptive.
Not sure how readers who are well versed in Victorian History would find this novel, nor if the pace is fast enough for fans of crime thrillers. But whatever possible reservation, have to admit that I want to read more of this series.
July 24, 2019
Thanks to NetGallley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dear Laura is a not-quite linear mystery surrounding the death of Theodore Crozier; whispers of an alleged affair between the titular Laura and her brother-in-law Titus buzz about the household. Inspector Lintott investigates the crime, interviewing the household, sifting through the innuendos to find the truth. The solution to the crime seems to be a trope used in Victorian mysteries, which to me seemed a convenient cop-out. The structure of the story bounces between the past and present with little indication that a shift in time has occurred - the reader needs to be extra attentive to keep track of the narrative. The dialogue tries too hard to emulate that of Victorian times, to the point of throwing in Cockney slang and some terms that would require a visit to Wikipedia to understand its context.
Enjoyable, but sometimes hard to follow.
Dear Laura is a not-quite linear mystery surrounding the death of Theodore Crozier; whispers of an alleged affair between the titular Laura and her brother-in-law Titus buzz about the household. Inspector Lintott investigates the crime, interviewing the household, sifting through the innuendos to find the truth. The solution to the crime seems to be a trope used in Victorian mysteries, which to me seemed a convenient cop-out. The structure of the story bounces between the past and present with little indication that a shift in time has occurred - the reader needs to be extra attentive to keep track of the narrative. The dialogue tries too hard to emulate that of Victorian times, to the point of throwing in Cockney slang and some terms that would require a visit to Wikipedia to understand its context.
Enjoyable, but sometimes hard to follow.
December 8, 2018
I received this book from Sapere Books for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the setting of the story, a mystery set in Victorian times. The book was not only a mystery but did present some insight into the Victorian home and the mores of the society. Without giving anything away, there were quite a few suspicious characters who could have committed the crime, and the explanation given for the death made sense, originally. I was completely surprised to read the ending, so A+ to the author for that! (It's so challenging to write this without giving anything away!)
So why deduct a star? Lintott, the detective, was not my favorite character. At times he was too cavalier with the ladies and affected street language willy nilly. Overall, though, read the book! I bet you will be as surprised by the ending as I was.
I was intrigued by the setting of the story, a mystery set in Victorian times. The book was not only a mystery but did present some insight into the Victorian home and the mores of the society. Without giving anything away, there were quite a few suspicious characters who could have committed the crime, and the explanation given for the death made sense, originally. I was completely surprised to read the ending, so A+ to the author for that! (It's so challenging to write this without giving anything away!)
So why deduct a star? Lintott, the detective, was not my favorite character. At times he was too cavalier with the ladies and affected street language willy nilly. Overall, though, read the book! I bet you will be as surprised by the ending as I was.
November 1, 2021
This was an decent mystery. There were parts which I felt were a bit out of context for that time in history. The Inspector was always touching the lower class women, grabbing their chin or cheek, which I thought was odd behaviour. I didn’t care for his method of getting information, being friendly with people and then acting with the full weight of his position. It was effective but I didn’t care for it.
The character development was interesting. I particularly liked the insight into Lintott’s marriage and his relationship with his wife.
The character development was interesting. I particularly liked the insight into Lintott’s marriage and his relationship with his wife.
December 5, 2018
Enjoyable
A good read although I have to admit to disliking the long, unnecessary words that were littered throughout. Words that made me feel like I was reading a thesaurus at times and dejected from a detailed description of Victorian life. It just interrupted the flow for me in what was an enjoyable rollercoaster with an unexpected reveal towards the end. I will look for the other books in the series
A good read although I have to admit to disliking the long, unnecessary words that were littered throughout. Words that made me feel like I was reading a thesaurus at times and dejected from a detailed description of Victorian life. It just interrupted the flow for me in what was an enjoyable rollercoaster with an unexpected reveal towards the end. I will look for the other books in the series
July 20, 2019
I've never heard of Jean Stubbs and assumed that this was a new release and not a re-release. The story was good for the most part and was generally well written but it was just a bit mediocre. The characters were fine but nothing was impressive about it. The 'twist' was fine but it was kind of obvious and I had my suspicions from the beginning. There are better Victorian crime fictions out there but this is a fine read if you are starting out or want to try a slightly unknown author.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2017
I found this old book at a thrift store for a dime and thought it sounded interesting. It WAS interesting, not always in a good way. This Victorian mystery had a lot of twists and turns. I especially liked the Scotland Yards Inspector Lintott, and it was interesting to learn that this book was based on an actual case.
April 22, 2019
It's not really.......
a murder mystery in the sense of your typical Victorian murder mystery. Yes there is a suspicious death, cast of suspects and an inspector, who seems to have been an afterthought.
If I'm honest it was okay, but felt rather disappointed at the end as it was predictable towards the end.
a murder mystery in the sense of your typical Victorian murder mystery. Yes there is a suspicious death, cast of suspects and an inspector, who seems to have been an afterthought.
If I'm honest it was okay, but felt rather disappointed at the end as it was predictable towards the end.
August 27, 2019
A well done mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. The Inspector pits his wits against well written characters that come alive on each page. The attitudes of how women were treated in the Victorian area shine through on each page. Difficult to write much more about it without giving anything away...well written and a compelling read.
December 2, 2018
Captivating
Excellent job of confusing the reader. After trying to solve the murder, which I could not for a long time. It wasn't until just before I read the very last chapter, that I realized, positively, who it had to be. This one will keep you guessing.
Excellent job of confusing the reader. After trying to solve the murder, which I could not for a long time. It wasn't until just before I read the very last chapter, that I realized, positively, who it had to be. This one will keep you guessing.
December 23, 2018
Dear Laura
I enjoyed this immensely. Thought provoking throughout. As a woman I found I needed Laura to take a stand and fight for her freedom of thought she was groomed never to have. Until.......
I enjoyed this immensely. Thought provoking throughout. As a woman I found I needed Laura to take a stand and fight for her freedom of thought she was groomed never to have. Until.......
March 3, 2019
Beautiful tragic love story!
A very well written tragic love story. Taken through so many wonderful characters lives. Their ups and downs, loves and losses. I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to many more adventures and investigations of this Scotland Yard Inspector.
A very well written tragic love story. Taken through so many wonderful characters lives. Their ups and downs, loves and losses. I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to many more adventures and investigations of this Scotland Yard Inspector.
May 30, 2019
I had this book laying around for years and just kept tossing it aside. Well I finally decided to read it.
What a good book Great setting with good characters and a very interesting mystery plot line. I really enjoyed the book
What a good book Great setting with good characters and a very interesting mystery plot line. I really enjoyed the book
January 30, 2020
Well researched late 1800's novel...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book especially from a historical point of view. The book gives a realistic picture of life in late 19th century England. The mystery was well done as well with a surprise ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book especially from a historical point of view. The book gives a realistic picture of life in late 19th century England. The mystery was well done as well with a surprise ending.
June 8, 2020
Excellent Traditional Mystery
Loved, loved this traditional English mystery! Unusual, in-depth characters, a wonderfully droll detective, atmospheric, plenty of subtle clues to keep you guessing. Suitable for all ages.
Loved, loved this traditional English mystery! Unusual, in-depth characters, a wonderfully droll detective, atmospheric, plenty of subtle clues to keep you guessing. Suitable for all ages.
August 28, 2020
Good victorian mystery. The policeman was a working class, salt of the earth type. The servants were an enjoyable mix of personalities. The wealthy employers were not very likeable spoiled people. Altogether an enjoyable book. A couple of nice twists near the end.
August 14, 2021
I was prepared to enjoy this book as it was historical mystery, so a combination of 2 things I enjoy. This was a major let down. The book was pretentious in language and was very boring. I am glad it was offered on Kindle Unlimited so that I didn't pay separately for it.
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