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Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery #3
Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna
From the author of Cinderella Six Feet Under, a beauty must solve a beastly murder.
Variety hall actress Ophelia Flax knows how to win over an audience. That’s why she’s accepted the marriage proposal of the brutish Comte de Griffe to nettle her occasional investigative partner—and romantic sparring partner—the pompous if dashing Professor Penrose.
But with his boorish table manners, wild mane of hair, and habit of prowling away the wee hours, the comte has shredded Ophelia’s last nerve. She intends to disengage from her feral fiancé at his winter hunting party—until Penrose, his lovely new fiancée, and a stagecoach of stranded travelers arrive at the comte’s sprawling château. Soon she can’t tell the boars from the bores.
When one of the guests is found clawed and bloody in the orangerie, Ophelia is determined to solve the murder before everyone starts believing the local version of Beauty and the Beast. But until the snows melt, she can’t trust her eyes—or her heart—since even the most civilized people hold beastly secrets...
Variety hall actress Ophelia Flax knows how to win over an audience. That’s why she’s accepted the marriage proposal of the brutish Comte de Griffe to nettle her occasional investigative partner—and romantic sparring partner—the pompous if dashing Professor Penrose.
But with his boorish table manners, wild mane of hair, and habit of prowling away the wee hours, the comte has shredded Ophelia’s last nerve. She intends to disengage from her feral fiancé at his winter hunting party—until Penrose, his lovely new fiancée, and a stagecoach of stranded travelers arrive at the comte’s sprawling château. Soon she can’t tell the boars from the bores.
When one of the guests is found clawed and bloody in the orangerie, Ophelia is determined to solve the murder before everyone starts believing the local version of Beauty and the Beast. But until the snows melt, she can’t trust her eyes—or her heart—since even the most civilized people hold beastly secrets...
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 2, 2016
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1228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 26, 2020
Beauty, Beast and Belladonna is a mystery full of fairy tale lore.
I'm not gonna lie, this book just did not sit well with me. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't enjoy it because it had everything I love: murder mystery, fairy tales, splash of potential romance, and historical mumbo jumbo.
Our lead, Ophelia is engaged to a total dufus (He reminds me of Gaston, if we are talking fairy tale references). While she's at this lovely palace like place, a horrendous murder happens and it's most likely due to a beast (from the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, of course). Ophelia and the gorgeous Professor Penrose try to solve the mystery of this brutal murder.
I felt that a lot of this book just did not need to be there. Half of the content felt like filler to me and left me very bored. I wanted to have more juicy information on the murder or Ophelia and Penrose potentially flirting more. I got neither. There was lots of drama filled random scenes that just left me aching for some more action.
I did really love the descriptions and history in this book. I found that's where this book shined for me. Unfortunately, that positive didn't outweigh the negatives. I was still utterly bored with this book. I'm sure there are many more people who will absolutely love it - I'm the kind of reader that needs constant action and movement.
Overall, this is a cozy mystery that would be great for some tea and a warm fire. Cozy mystery lovers should and will flock to this book. It is a wonderful gem, it's just not fast enough for me. I'd highly recommend this book if you love sweet, historical novels.
Two out of five stars.
I'm not gonna lie, this book just did not sit well with me. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't enjoy it because it had everything I love: murder mystery, fairy tales, splash of potential romance, and historical mumbo jumbo.
Our lead, Ophelia is engaged to a total dufus (He reminds me of Gaston, if we are talking fairy tale references). While she's at this lovely palace like place, a horrendous murder happens and it's most likely due to a beast (from the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, of course). Ophelia and the gorgeous Professor Penrose try to solve the mystery of this brutal murder.
I felt that a lot of this book just did not need to be there. Half of the content felt like filler to me and left me very bored. I wanted to have more juicy information on the murder or Ophelia and Penrose potentially flirting more. I got neither. There was lots of drama filled random scenes that just left me aching for some more action.
I did really love the descriptions and history in this book. I found that's where this book shined for me. Unfortunately, that positive didn't outweigh the negatives. I was still utterly bored with this book. I'm sure there are many more people who will absolutely love it - I'm the kind of reader that needs constant action and movement.
Overall, this is a cozy mystery that would be great for some tea and a warm fire. Cozy mystery lovers should and will flock to this book. It is a wonderful gem, it's just not fast enough for me. I'd highly recommend this book if you love sweet, historical novels.
Two out of five stars.
February 25, 2016
Cute & sassy. That is what both this novel & the main character in it are. I loved the mix of history and fairy tale, mystery and all out hilarity that Chance develops throughout this novel. The well thought out plot kept me on my toes through all of the twists and turns. I was still guessing when all was revealed at the very end. The intricate descriptions bring everything to life in a very fairy tale oriented manner that allowed me to not simply picture it, but to walk through the pages of this novel. Chance does refer to previous novel sin the series for background context on a few things, yet I was able to enjoy this one fully without having read them. It was an absolutely charming novel.
The quirky main character in this novel will definitely grab your attention, and your heart. Ophelia was such a mix and a contradiction. Getting to know her was a blast and she definitely did this story justice. And I must say. I absolutely fell in love with Professor Penrose. This quirky academic with a kick is simply fetching. The entire cast was very well developed. There were many I enjoyed getting to know and a couple that I simply didn’t like, creating a well-rounded hunting party that truly demonstrated the variety of personality types out there.
This was a cute, funny, and endlessly entertaining take on a well-known fairy tale. This new to me author is definitely going on my ‘authors to watch’ list.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The quirky main character in this novel will definitely grab your attention, and your heart. Ophelia was such a mix and a contradiction. Getting to know her was a blast and she definitely did this story justice. And I must say. I absolutely fell in love with Professor Penrose. This quirky academic with a kick is simply fetching. The entire cast was very well developed. There were many I enjoyed getting to know and a couple that I simply didn’t like, creating a well-rounded hunting party that truly demonstrated the variety of personality types out there.
This was a cute, funny, and endlessly entertaining take on a well-known fairy tale. This new to me author is definitely going on my ‘authors to watch’ list.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2017
MUCH MUCH MUCH better than the second one. M U C H.
Did I say that it was MUCH better? It really was.
In this one, there is only Ophelia and Henrietta [Pru's Mom], Professor Penrose and a crazy cast of characters that lead everyone on a merry chase throughout the French countryside.
Pru has stayed in Paris in the convent that she found at the end of the previous [HORRIBLE] book. Ophelia is [regretfully] engaged to a count who is a pompous windbag, who wants to have the wedding at his estate in rural France and Henrietta, who is on the hunt for a new man, connives to get Ophelia to take her with her when she travels there [even though Ophelia had not really WANTED to go get married]. Once there get there, craziness and murder abound and it is up to Ophelia and Professor Penrose to solve the murder before people start dropping like flies.
This book was really so much better than the last one; it was less frantic, it was less jumbled and it didn't make me wish it was over the second I picked it up. I am glad that I decided to finish this series and read this. It really made up for book 2.
Did I say that it was MUCH better? It really was.
In this one, there is only Ophelia and Henrietta [Pru's Mom], Professor Penrose and a crazy cast of characters that lead everyone on a merry chase throughout the French countryside.
Pru has stayed in Paris in the convent that she found at the end of the previous [HORRIBLE] book. Ophelia is [regretfully] engaged to a count who is a pompous windbag, who wants to have the wedding at his estate in rural France and Henrietta, who is on the hunt for a new man, connives to get Ophelia to take her with her when she travels there [even though Ophelia had not really WANTED to go get married]. Once there get there, craziness and murder abound and it is up to Ophelia and Professor Penrose to solve the murder before people start dropping like flies.
This book was really so much better than the last one; it was less frantic, it was less jumbled and it didn't make me wish it was over the second I picked it up. I am glad that I decided to finish this series and read this. It really made up for book 2.
February 2, 2016
An imaginative retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast fable.
Author Maia Chance has taken on the challenge of transforming beloved fairy tales into mysteries. I must say, she is more than capable of the task.
BEAUTY, BEAST, AND BELLADONNA once again follows intrepid protagonist, Ophelia Flax. Ophelia wants out of her engagement to beastly Comte de Griffe, but many obstacles keep barring her way. The biggest obstacle of all? Murder!
Creative and intriguing, author Chance has penned a delightful tale of nineteenth century mystery, intertwined with a timeless fairy tale. Superb writing and an admirable understanding of the speech and ways of the 1800’s serve to elevate a theme that otherwise may have fallen flat.
BEAUTY, BEAST, AND BELLADONNA is as perfect cross genre story appropriate for readers of mystery, historic, and young adult genres.
Check out the back of the book for an excerpt from, SNOW WHITE RED-HANDED (Note: The books says this is the “next” in the series. However it is the first.)
Author Maia Chance has taken on the challenge of transforming beloved fairy tales into mysteries. I must say, she is more than capable of the task.
BEAUTY, BEAST, AND BELLADONNA once again follows intrepid protagonist, Ophelia Flax. Ophelia wants out of her engagement to beastly Comte de Griffe, but many obstacles keep barring her way. The biggest obstacle of all? Murder!
Creative and intriguing, author Chance has penned a delightful tale of nineteenth century mystery, intertwined with a timeless fairy tale. Superb writing and an admirable understanding of the speech and ways of the 1800’s serve to elevate a theme that otherwise may have fallen flat.
BEAUTY, BEAST, AND BELLADONNA is as perfect cross genre story appropriate for readers of mystery, historic, and young adult genres.
Check out the back of the book for an excerpt from, SNOW WHITE RED-HANDED (Note: The books says this is the “next” in the series. However it is the first.)
February 11, 2016
Despite her intension to leave Paris for America, Ophelia Flax finds herself going to the country estate of her soon to be ex-fiancée to join a hunting party. But a broken down coach brings strangers into the mix, and the next morning one of them is dead. The locals are blaming it on the legend of an ancient beast, but Ophelia thinks poison was involved. Can she figure out whose heart is beastly enough to be a killer?
This is such a great book! The author weaves in elements of “Beauty and the Beast” and plays with it as a real legend while presenting a puzzling mystery filled with real characters and viable suspects. Everything kept me guessing until the great climax, and the way this book leaves things, I hope we get more soon.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is such a great book! The author weaves in elements of “Beauty and the Beast” and plays with it as a real legend while presenting a puzzling mystery filled with real characters and viable suspects. Everything kept me guessing until the great climax, and the way this book leaves things, I hope we get more soon.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 2, 2016
I found this addition the series less convoluted than the others. There are a whole lot of suspects still, but by and large, the main ones are identifiable. And I also like that Ophelia keeps them in mind, and doesn't pointedly look away. This is a strange series. I've read three of the books, and with each of them I've had similar issues. I am always excited and happy to pick them up as they are different from the usual crafty foody cozy mysteries I read, but the story always ends up disappointing.
It's probably Penrose. I loathed him from the beginning, and it hasn't changed at all with this book. I'm tired of him, but I don't see the author letting go of him. To be fair, I don't see any other review for this book whose author hates him. Ophelia had a new sidekick, a precocious pre-teen by name Abel, who is the kind of character I would not like in any other book, but I largely preferred Ophelia's team up with him rather than Penrose. I'll still read the next in the series, and I will be still excited when I pick it up, but I don't have much hopes for truly liking it.
It's probably Penrose. I loathed him from the beginning, and it hasn't changed at all with this book. I'm tired of him, but I don't see the author letting go of him. To be fair, I don't see any other review for this book whose author hates him. Ophelia had a new sidekick, a precocious pre-teen by name Abel, who is the kind of character I would not like in any other book, but I largely preferred Ophelia's team up with him rather than Penrose. I'll still read the next in the series, and I will be still excited when I pick it up, but I don't have much hopes for truly liking it.
March 7, 2016
Much, much better than the previous two installments.
We've got a classic case of a murder in the middle of the night with a bunch of strangers living at a mansion. Since we've got such a solid foundation, all that's left is to build upon it with interesting characters. And Chance plays her cards really well his time. Not only have we got a complicated history between Penrose and Flax, their respective betrotheds are also added in. Plus, I think it was very clever to add Flax's fellows from her acting days. And finally, Prue's replacement: Abel was much more interesting so she gets a thumbs up for that as well.
The more isolated setting resulted in a more focused story and made it easier to follow it. And of course, Chance's fairy tale retelling was unique and. Very enjoyable.
Overall, a really good story with a solid foundation, complicated but manageable murder mystery and an unexpected ending that was met with great approval.
We've got a classic case of a murder in the middle of the night with a bunch of strangers living at a mansion. Since we've got such a solid foundation, all that's left is to build upon it with interesting characters. And Chance plays her cards really well his time. Not only have we got a complicated history between Penrose and Flax, their respective betrotheds are also added in. Plus, I think it was very clever to add Flax's fellows from her acting days. And finally, Prue's replacement: Abel was much more interesting so she gets a thumbs up for that as well.
The more isolated setting resulted in a more focused story and made it easier to follow it. And of course, Chance's fairy tale retelling was unique and. Very enjoyable.
Overall, a really good story with a solid foundation, complicated but manageable murder mystery and an unexpected ending that was met with great approval.
July 17, 2016
For my full review, check out my website: http://murderisdelicious.blogspot.com...
The classic fairy tale (and best Disney movie ever), Beauty and the Beast, is re-imagined as a fun take on the traditional mystery.
Our heroine, Ophelia Flax, a former actress/circus performer/lord-knows-what-else, seems to have landed herself in a bit of trouble by agreeing to marrying the rich, yet brutish Comte de Griffe. He believes that she is a rich American heiress, a ruse that she is quickly becoming uncomfortable with. Before she can come clean and break off the engagement, the money she set aside for passage back to America mysteriously disappears. Her scheming companion Henrietta promises to reimburse her if Ophelia keeps up the charade long enough for Henrietta to seduce a rich acquaintance of the Comte. A conman named Forthwith jumps in on this scheme. Wacky hijinks ensue.
To further complicate things, Professor Penrose, a romantic entanglement from previous books, makes an appearance at the Comte's estate with his beautiful fiancee and future father-in-law in tow. To add to this ever-growing party, a stagecoach breaks down outside the Comte's gate and several mysterious strangers join our cast of characters.
Murder(s), snooping, false imprisonment, and a history lesson behind the original story of Beauty and the Beast follow this curious event.
The classic fairy tale (and best Disney movie ever), Beauty and the Beast, is re-imagined as a fun take on the traditional mystery.
Our heroine, Ophelia Flax, a former actress/circus performer/lord-knows-what-else, seems to have landed herself in a bit of trouble by agreeing to marrying the rich, yet brutish Comte de Griffe. He believes that she is a rich American heiress, a ruse that she is quickly becoming uncomfortable with. Before she can come clean and break off the engagement, the money she set aside for passage back to America mysteriously disappears. Her scheming companion Henrietta promises to reimburse her if Ophelia keeps up the charade long enough for Henrietta to seduce a rich acquaintance of the Comte. A conman named Forthwith jumps in on this scheme. Wacky hijinks ensue.
To further complicate things, Professor Penrose, a romantic entanglement from previous books, makes an appearance at the Comte's estate with his beautiful fiancee and future father-in-law in tow. To add to this ever-growing party, a stagecoach breaks down outside the Comte's gate and several mysterious strangers join our cast of characters.
Murder(s), snooping, false imprisonment, and a history lesson behind the original story of Beauty and the Beast follow this curious event.
April 8, 2017
This is my first book by Maia Chance, but it definitely will not be the last. Chance writes smart, witty and funny prose while including a good mystery to solve!! What more could you ask for. You just know it is a great book when the author can work in characters named Forthwith Golden, a pet named Meringue and use words like hornswoggle.
The mystery was well developed and well thought out and kept me guessing right to the very end! There are lots of possibilities for a villain but Ophelia never loses sight of her main suspects. That was one thing I liked. In so many mysteries, the main character will 'eliminate' or turn away from the real culprit -- Chance doesn't let Ophelia do that and I like that!
Ophelia is quirky, cute and sassy and has some friends that are a little on the odd side. I think you'll like both this book and Ophelia!
The mystery was well developed and well thought out and kept me guessing right to the very end! There are lots of possibilities for a villain but Ophelia never loses sight of her main suspects. That was one thing I liked. In so many mysteries, the main character will 'eliminate' or turn away from the real culprit -- Chance doesn't let Ophelia do that and I like that!
Ophelia is quirky, cute and sassy and has some friends that are a little on the odd side. I think you'll like both this book and Ophelia!
July 23, 2016
Ultimate Reading Challenge 2016. A book based upon a fairy tale (Beauty and the Beast).
Convoluted. The villagers are crazy, the Comte and his sister are crazy, and most of his guests are as well. Far too many suspects for the murders. And seriously, a jawbone of a human/boar half breed? Apparently, part of a series about fairy tales.
Convoluted. The villagers are crazy, the Comte and his sister are crazy, and most of his guests are as well. Far too many suspects for the murders. And seriously, a jawbone of a human/boar half breed? Apparently, part of a series about fairy tales.
April 23, 2018
Compared to the first two in the series, this one is okay. My least favorite, but I guess that there has to be a least favorite.
May 1, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/be...
Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna
A Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery #3
By Maia Chance
ISBN#9780425271643
Maiachance.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Variety hall actress Ophelia Flax knows how to win over an audience. That’s why she’s accepted the marriage proposal of the brutish Comte de Griffe to nettle her occasional investigative partner—and romantic sparring partner—the pompous if dashing Professor Penrose.
But with his boorish table manners, wild mane of hair, and habit of prowling away the wee hours, the comte has shredded Ophelia’s last nerve. She intends to disengage from her feral fiancé at his winter hunting party—until Penrose, his lovely new fiancée, and a stagecoach of stranded travelers arrive at the comte’s sprawling château. Soon she can’t tell the boars from the bores.
When one of the guests is found clawed and bloody in the orangerie, Ophelia is determined to solve the murder before everyone starts believing the local version of Beauty and the Beast. But until the snows melt, she can’t trust her eyes—or her heart—since even the most civilized people hold beastly secrets… (Goodreads)
Review:
Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna is the third book in the fantastic Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery series by Maia Chance, and it is a roaring good time from start to finish.
American actress Ophelia Flax has made a mess of things by pretending to be someone she is not and agreeing to marry the Comte de Griffe, all in an effort to make Oxford professor, and scholar of folk tales, Gabriel Penrose jealous. She plans to break things off with the comte, but fellow actress Henrietta Bright begs her to maintain the charade long enough for Henrietta to bag her next husband at the comte’s winter hunting party. Since Henrietta has agreed to pay her for her trouble, Ophelia reluctantly agrees. Ophelia arrives at the chateau to find Penrose, along with his new fiancé and future father-in-law, among the guests. Mayhem ensues when the comte announces that the wedding will take place within a few days, a stranded traveler is murdered, and a thief steals items from each of the guests, including Ophelia’s engagement ring. When whispers start swirling about the beast of local legend being responsible for the death, Ophelia decides she must unmask the murderer and find her ring so that she can call off the wedding, all while dealing with her unresolved feelings for Penrose.
I love the Fairy Tale Fatal series, and this third installment does not disappoint. It is a fanciful combination of fairy tales come to life, cozy mystery, Victorian historical fiction, and romance. Ms. Chance masters writing that completely transports the reader to Ophelia’s world. With rich details and period correct characters, Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna provides the perfect escape from daily life.
The characters are well developed and interesting. Ophelia is plucky and resourceful, and I love her knack for disguise. Professor Penrose is charming, intelligent, and daring in his own right. They are like oil and water with their very different upbringings, stations in life, and personalities, but they make an excellent investigative team. The supporting characters are equally skillfully drawn, and each one is vital to the story. The murder mystery itself it top notch, a complex weaving of plot twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. What a smart, unexpected unraveling of relationships and events! And, of course, the inclusion of the fairy tale is integral to the plot and completely plausible.
I give Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna my highest recommendation.
Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna
A Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery #3
By Maia Chance
ISBN#9780425271643
Maiachance.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Variety hall actress Ophelia Flax knows how to win over an audience. That’s why she’s accepted the marriage proposal of the brutish Comte de Griffe to nettle her occasional investigative partner—and romantic sparring partner—the pompous if dashing Professor Penrose.
But with his boorish table manners, wild mane of hair, and habit of prowling away the wee hours, the comte has shredded Ophelia’s last nerve. She intends to disengage from her feral fiancé at his winter hunting party—until Penrose, his lovely new fiancée, and a stagecoach of stranded travelers arrive at the comte’s sprawling château. Soon she can’t tell the boars from the bores.
When one of the guests is found clawed and bloody in the orangerie, Ophelia is determined to solve the murder before everyone starts believing the local version of Beauty and the Beast. But until the snows melt, she can’t trust her eyes—or her heart—since even the most civilized people hold beastly secrets… (Goodreads)
Review:
Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna is the third book in the fantastic Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery series by Maia Chance, and it is a roaring good time from start to finish.
American actress Ophelia Flax has made a mess of things by pretending to be someone she is not and agreeing to marry the Comte de Griffe, all in an effort to make Oxford professor, and scholar of folk tales, Gabriel Penrose jealous. She plans to break things off with the comte, but fellow actress Henrietta Bright begs her to maintain the charade long enough for Henrietta to bag her next husband at the comte’s winter hunting party. Since Henrietta has agreed to pay her for her trouble, Ophelia reluctantly agrees. Ophelia arrives at the chateau to find Penrose, along with his new fiancé and future father-in-law, among the guests. Mayhem ensues when the comte announces that the wedding will take place within a few days, a stranded traveler is murdered, and a thief steals items from each of the guests, including Ophelia’s engagement ring. When whispers start swirling about the beast of local legend being responsible for the death, Ophelia decides she must unmask the murderer and find her ring so that she can call off the wedding, all while dealing with her unresolved feelings for Penrose.
I love the Fairy Tale Fatal series, and this third installment does not disappoint. It is a fanciful combination of fairy tales come to life, cozy mystery, Victorian historical fiction, and romance. Ms. Chance masters writing that completely transports the reader to Ophelia’s world. With rich details and period correct characters, Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna provides the perfect escape from daily life.
The characters are well developed and interesting. Ophelia is plucky and resourceful, and I love her knack for disguise. Professor Penrose is charming, intelligent, and daring in his own right. They are like oil and water with their very different upbringings, stations in life, and personalities, but they make an excellent investigative team. The supporting characters are equally skillfully drawn, and each one is vital to the story. The murder mystery itself it top notch, a complex weaving of plot twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. What a smart, unexpected unraveling of relationships and events! And, of course, the inclusion of the fairy tale is integral to the plot and completely plausible.
I give Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna my highest recommendation.
October 25, 2016
I like to read this type of "cutesy" series when I REALLY want to NOT think, if that makes any sense. They're like swallowing ice cream rather than chewing candy. But I don't always like them. They're something to read instead of doing something else stupid.
But I liked this one and have already ordered the other two from the library. So why is this different?
First of all, I think it has to do with the fact that this is set in the past (1860s) rather than the present. I have absolutely NO reason to try to identify with the main character or to understand her life and/or lifestyle since she isn't of my century.
Also, I suppose is the fact that a feisty heroine in past centuries is much more unusual than a spunky gal today.
Plus, in these stories, we have an undertone of something like the Hound of the Baskervilles - a village/familial legend that seems to cause/underscore/whatever the murder at hand.
Which is to say, it's Gothic "horror" after a fashion.
Ophelia Flax is an actress of rather the lower kind who has been mascarading as an Ohio soap manufacturing heiress. Comte de Griffe has called her bluff (although he doesn't know it) and proposed to her. To her surprise, she has accepted. (There's more here than that, but you don't need it to continue.) She has decided to call it off, but her friend Henrietta wants her to continue the charade for two more weeks so they can attend a hunting party at which Henrietta intends to capture a rich Norwegian.
The first night they are there, a coach breaks down just outside the gates and three passengers disembark - a clergyman with his "ward" and an old lady and her poodle. That very night the clergyman is killed and the mystery is on.
Ophelia determines to discover whodunnit. To top it off, the Comte makes a demand that the wedding take place in five days, the ring that Ophelia wants to return to him to break the engagement has been stolen, the preparations for the wedding keep being destroyed and now a man with the head of a boar has been seen in the village and has apparently killed several sheep. This creature may actually be real, since one of the guests, a zoologist, is carrying a jawbone with him that has human characteristics but with the addition of a huge tusk. The further discovery of a cave with ancient animal figures drawn on the wall AND with a picture of the man/boar along with an apparent shrine inclines towards belief as well.
Anyway, I really liked this one. I'll be interested to read the others.
But I liked this one and have already ordered the other two from the library. So why is this different?
First of all, I think it has to do with the fact that this is set in the past (1860s) rather than the present. I have absolutely NO reason to try to identify with the main character or to understand her life and/or lifestyle since she isn't of my century.
Also, I suppose is the fact that a feisty heroine in past centuries is much more unusual than a spunky gal today.
Plus, in these stories, we have an undertone of something like the Hound of the Baskervilles - a village/familial legend that seems to cause/underscore/whatever the murder at hand.
Which is to say, it's Gothic "horror" after a fashion.
Ophelia Flax is an actress of rather the lower kind who has been mascarading as an Ohio soap manufacturing heiress. Comte de Griffe has called her bluff (although he doesn't know it) and proposed to her. To her surprise, she has accepted. (There's more here than that, but you don't need it to continue.) She has decided to call it off, but her friend Henrietta wants her to continue the charade for two more weeks so they can attend a hunting party at which Henrietta intends to capture a rich Norwegian.
The first night they are there, a coach breaks down just outside the gates and three passengers disembark - a clergyman with his "ward" and an old lady and her poodle. That very night the clergyman is killed and the mystery is on.
Ophelia determines to discover whodunnit. To top it off, the Comte makes a demand that the wedding take place in five days, the ring that Ophelia wants to return to him to break the engagement has been stolen, the preparations for the wedding keep being destroyed and now a man with the head of a boar has been seen in the village and has apparently killed several sheep. This creature may actually be real, since one of the guests, a zoologist, is carrying a jawbone with him that has human characteristics but with the addition of a huge tusk. The further discovery of a cave with ancient animal figures drawn on the wall AND with a picture of the man/boar along with an apparent shrine inclines towards belief as well.
Anyway, I really liked this one. I'll be interested to read the others.
February 24, 2016
Where to even start with this book? This isn't just a simple cozy with a murder or two. This is a complicated story but it's so beautifully done it didn't feel overly complicated or messy.
The atmosphere is heavy at the chateau. Not only is Ophelia trying to figure out how to get out of her engagement but she's trying to figure out who is stealing items from the guests' rooms, who murdered the vicar, is everyone really who they say they are, and deal with her past relationship with Proferssor Penrose. Along with that is a mysterious beast like creature that has been spotted in the countryside, the mysterious death of several farm animals, and the villagers vocal unhappiness and unease about Comte de Griffe's plans to cut down a portion of the forest. There's a Gothic-y atmosphere but Chance's light turn of phrase and quick on her feet main character keep it from feeling overwrought.
I loved Ophelia. She's intelligent and grounded with a good sense of humor and a strong dash of mischief. She definitely isn't a conman but she seems to have a talent for getting herself into situations that she has to extricate herself from rather carefully.
This is the 3rd book in the series but the first book I have read. Most of the relationships were formed prior to this book but it at no point got confusing. Without over explaining, Chance made it very clear who was who and how they were connected. I am excited to go back to the earlier two books and get the scoop but only because I want more from the characters not because I wasn't sure what was going on.
The mystery wraps up nicely and all the loose ends are tied up nicely without being contrived. I thoroughly enjoyed all the time I spent with Ophelia and Professor Penrose and want more! My only negative is that if you're looking for a straight retelling of Beauty and the Beast I don't think you'll find that here though there is discussion of the story and the legend of the beast itself.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
The atmosphere is heavy at the chateau. Not only is Ophelia trying to figure out how to get out of her engagement but she's trying to figure out who is stealing items from the guests' rooms, who murdered the vicar, is everyone really who they say they are, and deal with her past relationship with Proferssor Penrose. Along with that is a mysterious beast like creature that has been spotted in the countryside, the mysterious death of several farm animals, and the villagers vocal unhappiness and unease about Comte de Griffe's plans to cut down a portion of the forest. There's a Gothic-y atmosphere but Chance's light turn of phrase and quick on her feet main character keep it from feeling overwrought.
I loved Ophelia. She's intelligent and grounded with a good sense of humor and a strong dash of mischief. She definitely isn't a conman but she seems to have a talent for getting herself into situations that she has to extricate herself from rather carefully.
This is the 3rd book in the series but the first book I have read. Most of the relationships were formed prior to this book but it at no point got confusing. Without over explaining, Chance made it very clear who was who and how they were connected. I am excited to go back to the earlier two books and get the scoop but only because I want more from the characters not because I wasn't sure what was going on.
The mystery wraps up nicely and all the loose ends are tied up nicely without being contrived. I thoroughly enjoyed all the time I spent with Ophelia and Professor Penrose and want more! My only negative is that if you're looking for a straight retelling of Beauty and the Beast I don't think you'll find that here though there is discussion of the story and the legend of the beast itself.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
February 19, 2016
I have come to enjoy a good fairytale spin off story. That is what I was hoping for with this book, yet it wasn’t quite what I thought. I expected Beauty and the Beast. There was talk of a beast, there was definitely a beauty yet I’m not sure about it. What I did love was the historical aspect of the story. The words used, the transportation modes, the way the women were treated, just everything historic about the book was great.
This is the third book in this series and I have not read the first two yet I feel like I didn’t miss out on anything. Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna is an easy standalone story. It is one that I was pulled into by the great writing of Maia Chance. The story flowed at a good speed with a lot of attention to details. The characters were enchanting. They were engaging, fun, and interesting. I would like to find the time to go back and read the first two books in this series.
I recommend checking out Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna.
This is the third book in this series and I have not read the first two yet I feel like I didn’t miss out on anything. Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna is an easy standalone story. It is one that I was pulled into by the great writing of Maia Chance. The story flowed at a good speed with a lot of attention to details. The characters were enchanting. They were engaging, fun, and interesting. I would like to find the time to go back and read the first two books in this series.
I recommend checking out Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna.
January 22, 2017
Expected at least a little more fairy tale connection in this "Fairy Tale Mystery" series. This turned out to be a rather convoluted country house mystery with some odd local folklore elements. I couldn't quite figure out the main character...is she also central to others of the series?- as I have not read any others. Beyond the mystery there is a romantic element in which the parties love one another but she keep pushing him away. Annoying. Another thing that annoyed me was the author's seeming delight in the word "whippletree" a part of a horse carriage that is a key element in the mystery. She drags that word into the story so many times I wanted to scream. Chose to read this as I look for all sorts of Beauty and the Beast type stories but the B&B content here was fleeting. Doubt very much I will seek out more of this series.
December 12, 2018
In brief: Ophelia Flax, sometime variety hall actress, is at her new fiancé’s manor to attend a hunting party and, oh yes, break up with him. But then a stagecoach breaks down at the gate, one of the travellers is found dead the next morning, and suddenly it’s up to her and Professor Penrose to catch the killer. Oh, and there’s a monster in the woods, scaring the peasants. Third in a series.
Thoughts: I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as the last two Fairy Tale Fatal books, but I think that was largely because I’d recently read another cozy and the tropes were at the forefront of my mind. I still found it very good fun, though, and I still adore Ophelia. And as always, the mid-1800s is wonderfully evoked without being shallow or twee, and the manor setting was nicely atmospheric. I liked the take on the closed-room mystery, too.
7/10
Thoughts: I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as the last two Fairy Tale Fatal books, but I think that was largely because I’d recently read another cozy and the tropes were at the forefront of my mind. I still found it very good fun, though, and I still adore Ophelia. And as always, the mid-1800s is wonderfully evoked without being shallow or twee, and the manor setting was nicely atmospheric. I liked the take on the closed-room mystery, too.
7/10
February 5, 2016
Miss Flax is preparing to call of her engagement with the count and return to America, but her nest egg has been stolen. When Henrietta, Prue's mom, offers to pay her to continue the charade so that she can get the rich friend to marry her, Ophelia goes ahead to the Count's home. Penrose is also there with his now actual fiance Miss Ivy Banks and her father. A carriage breaks down at the gates and next thing you know one of the passengers is dead. Theft is afoot and the engagement ring is part of the missing treasure so Ophelia can't break off the wedding. Crazy beauty and the beast things are mixed in with this tale of murder. Didn't really figure the whole thing out, but lots of the pieces.
February 1, 2016
Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna is the 3rd book in the Fairy Tale Fatal series, set in 1867. I love cozies and historical fiction, and this story was a wonderful mix of the two. Variety hall actress Ophelia Flax finds herself at a hunting party in France, pretending to be someone she is not, and trying to figure out how to avoid getting herself married to the Compte de Griffe. When an unexpected guest turns up dead after a string of petty thefts, she must try to find both the thief and the killer to get herself out of more than one entanglement. I absolutely loved the colorful characters, the time period, and the setting in this story. I plan on going back soon to read this series from the start!
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 8, 2018
I want to give this book a 3.5. I probably would have liked it better had I read the earlier books in the series first. But since this is my first, I have to admit that it took me a while to get into the story. There are a lot of characters and I had trouble figuring out who was who in the first few chapters. That being said, I'm glad I pushed through because the more I read, the more intrigued I became. Chance had crafted a unique plot with multiple twists and turns--and a plethora of suspects--to keep the reader guessing. I was impressed with the unique characters and story, how she sprinkled it with the Beauty and the Beast legend, and how she twisted all the strands together.
February 13, 2017
1.5 stars
My rating for this went up and down like a rollercoaster as I read it. First, it went up (when compared to the first two books) to 3 stars because there is no Prue! Then it almost immediately plummeted to 2 stars because Ophelia, who has up to this point been smart, sassy, and brave, became dumb. Unfortunately, she kept doing dumb things with only glimmers of the character she had been in the previous two books.
The murder plot was still good but the rest just makes me wince. So I think I will probably not be reading any more in this series should any be published.
My rating for this went up and down like a rollercoaster as I read it. First, it went up (when compared to the first two books) to 3 stars because there is no Prue! Then it almost immediately plummeted to 2 stars because Ophelia, who has up to this point been smart, sassy, and brave, became dumb. Unfortunately, she kept doing dumb things with only glimmers of the character she had been in the previous two books.
The murder plot was still good but the rest just makes me wince. So I think I will probably not be reading any more in this series should any be published.
July 24, 2018
I put off reading this one because book #2 in the series was such a disappointment. I’m glad to say that Chance is back in business with #3. There is lot to like about it - the plot line is tighter, the characters (while numerous) are rounded out enough to make them quite interesting, and the romantic tension between Ophelia and the Professor is again palpable. The tie-in to the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale is pretty successful, and the actual mystery and its reveal work well with all of the other elements.
March 28, 2018
I was a little disappointed with this one in the Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite story and I had hoped more of the story would be incorporated. The relationship between Ivy Banks and her father didn't feel very flushed out which made the ending seem a bit far-fetched. I enjoyed Abel as the sidekick and found him a lot better than Prue. I'm hoping he shows up again in later books.
June 5, 2017
Another fascinating installment in the saga of Miss Ophelia Flax!
I absolutely love her & this series! I kept changing my mind, who I thought the killer was. I love twists that hit me and this story had them. Very highly recommended
I absolutely love her & this series! I kept changing my mind, who I thought the killer was. I love twists that hit me and this story had them. Very highly recommended
June 13, 2017
Still really like this series although I feel it is for an older audience than YA. The main character is the same, but some of the supporting characters have changed which keeps the story fresh and moving along.
June 21, 2017
I had no idea who the culprit was until it was explained at the end! I love it when I don't know easily who-done-it.
Read this series! It's one of the best Cozy Mysteries that I've had the pleasure of picking up in a while. Eagerly anticipating the release of the next book!
Read this series! It's one of the best Cozy Mysteries that I've had the pleasure of picking up in a while. Eagerly anticipating the release of the next book!
July 26, 2016
A very amusing historical cozy. Nice insight into the lore behind the French literary fairy tale, as well.
May 25, 2017
3.5 stars
September 21, 2018
The plot was ok, the romance got very irritating, this will be the last one I read unfortunately.
May 2, 2019
I just love this series.
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