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A Merriweather and Royston Mystery #2
Death Comes to Dartmoor
The mist-shrouded moors of Devon proffer a trove of delights for two vacationing zoologists--but also conceal a hoard of dark secrets reaching down to the fathomless depths of the ocean.
Miss Merula Merriweather barely saved her uncle from the gallows after he was wrongly accused of murder--and now, she's left the bustle of Victorian London to recuperate in the fresh air of Dartmoor with her fellow zoologist, Lord Raven Royston. The trip offers a unique treat, as they'll be staying with a friend of Raven's, who owns a collection of rare zoological specimens--including a kraken, a sea monster of myth and legend.
But all is not right in the land of tors, heaths, and mist. Their host's maid has vanished without a trace, and the townspeople hold him responsible, claiming that his specimens are alive and roam the moors at night, bringing death to anyone who crosses their path. Merula and Raven are skeptical--but the accusations become more ominous when they find several specimen jars empty.
As the two hunt for clues across a desolate and beautiful landscape, a stranger appears bearing a shadowy secret from Merula's past. Could there be a connection between her family history, the missing girl, and a fearsome monster that could be on the loose? The race is on to find the truth.
Miss Merula Merriweather barely saved her uncle from the gallows after he was wrongly accused of murder--and now, she's left the bustle of Victorian London to recuperate in the fresh air of Dartmoor with her fellow zoologist, Lord Raven Royston. The trip offers a unique treat, as they'll be staying with a friend of Raven's, who owns a collection of rare zoological specimens--including a kraken, a sea monster of myth and legend.
But all is not right in the land of tors, heaths, and mist. Their host's maid has vanished without a trace, and the townspeople hold him responsible, claiming that his specimens are alive and roam the moors at night, bringing death to anyone who crosses their path. Merula and Raven are skeptical--but the accusations become more ominous when they find several specimen jars empty.
As the two hunt for clues across a desolate and beautiful landscape, a stranger appears bearing a shadowy secret from Merula's past. Could there be a connection between her family history, the missing girl, and a fearsome monster that could be on the loose? The race is on to find the truth.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2019
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176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 24, 2019
I chose to read this Victorian historical mystery purely because of the Dartmoor location, an area that brims with mystery, atmosphere, superstitions, myths, smuggling and legends. This was an alright read, but it missed the mark for me, although I am well aware that many readers will love it. There were still aspects of it I enjoyed it, and it begins with amateur zoologists Merula Merriweather and Lord Raven Royston travelling with his valet, Bowsprit, and her personal companion, a promotion for Ann Lamb, only to encounter trouble in the form of the wreckmaster and a search that requires them to take a different route to their destination, the village of Cranley, and an acquaintance of Raven's, Charles Oaks, with his extensive exotic zoological collection in his home. On arrival, they find an extremely agitated Oaks and a missing maid, Tillie, that turns out to have been murdered.
The locals blame Oaks and his malevolent zoological specimens claiming one of them, the kraken, a sea monster, is responsible for Tillie's death, with it apparently travelling by the river and roaming the area as it seeks victims. Events become rather hairy when a mob of baying locals turn up intent on burning the house down and wanting to get hold of Oaks. So the stage is set for Raven and Merula to begin looking at this puzzling mystery, despite the fact they had been looking for a vacation to recuperate from their last taxing case that had involved Merula's Uncle Rupert. This is a case that takes in railway speculators, the odd locals, gossip, superstitions, and connections with Merula's past and family when a stranger turns up with clues to her secret past.
It may well have been that I was not in the right mood to read this, but for me I was faintly exasperated with a narrative that meandered too much, characters that had insufficient depth, and a positive irritation with Merula's personal companion, Lamb but I did enjoy the location and it was a quick read. I think there will be many other readers who will be more appreciative of this book. Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for an ARC.
The locals blame Oaks and his malevolent zoological specimens claiming one of them, the kraken, a sea monster, is responsible for Tillie's death, with it apparently travelling by the river and roaming the area as it seeks victims. Events become rather hairy when a mob of baying locals turn up intent on burning the house down and wanting to get hold of Oaks. So the stage is set for Raven and Merula to begin looking at this puzzling mystery, despite the fact they had been looking for a vacation to recuperate from their last taxing case that had involved Merula's Uncle Rupert. This is a case that takes in railway speculators, the odd locals, gossip, superstitions, and connections with Merula's past and family when a stranger turns up with clues to her secret past.
It may well have been that I was not in the right mood to read this, but for me I was faintly exasperated with a narrative that meandered too much, characters that had insufficient depth, and a positive irritation with Merula's personal companion, Lamb but I did enjoy the location and it was a quick read. I think there will be many other readers who will be more appreciative of this book. Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for an ARC.
August 19, 2019
Set on Dartmoor in England, one of my favourite places and a great setting for any mystery. I enjoyed the main characters, Merula and Raven, and the touch of romance between the two of them was well done. Bowsprit was a great character too.
The mystery was quite involved but it came to a satisfactory and rather surprising conclusion. I enjoyed Death Comes to Dartmoor and will look out for other books by Vivian Conroy.
The mystery was quite involved but it came to a satisfactory and rather surprising conclusion. I enjoyed Death Comes to Dartmoor and will look out for other books by Vivian Conroy.
June 22, 2019
The second in the Merrieweather &Royston series, Death Comes to Dartmoor is a 19th century mystery surrounding the strange disappearances and death of young village girls. As zoologist Merrula and Lord Raven attempt to solve the case, Merrula learns more about her strange origins.
Author Vivian Conroy provides enough information about the characters that this could be read as a standalone. Albeit the mystery is a bit on the silly side, I did enjoy the story enough to reach the end.
Goodreads review: 22/06/19
Expected publication: 13/08/19
Author Vivian Conroy provides enough information about the characters that this could be read as a standalone. Albeit the mystery is a bit on the silly side, I did enjoy the story enough to reach the end.
Goodreads review: 22/06/19
Expected publication: 13/08/19
August 16, 2019
Death Comes to Dartmoor is the 2nd book in the Merriweather and Royston Mystery Series by Vivian Conroy. The story centers around the mysterious murder of a girl, whom the villagers immediately believe was killed by Merula’s and Raven’s current host, Oaks. Oaks is known for his house full of zoological specimens and its existence stirs fears, gossip, and rumors in the nearby village. Merula and Raven wish to help their host out and find the real culprit, so they use their knowledge, power and deduction to help find clues and whittle down the list of suspects.
For me, what always sets these type of mysteries apart from one another are two things: 1) are there other stories and plots occurring outside of the main mystery and 2) how is the mystery actually solved within the story – meaning is it just told to us or do we as readers get to look at the clues ourselves and make assumptions and guesses, even if the characters can’t hear our ideas.
In this story, there are additional stories or subplots that occur that help the readers take a mental break from the mystery at hand as well as help us get to know the characters better and what is important to them. In this book, this mainly includes a potential romance for Lamb and some clues to Merula’s parentage. I am always thankful when there are backstories and subplots in mysteries as it makes it more enjoyable for me and helps me to care more about the characters as well know who they in different situations.
As with any mystery story, writing a review can be difficult since you don’t want to spoil anything. So, what I will say is that I did enjoy the mystery as well as enjoyed seeing the world a little differently than how I see it in my 2019 eyes. We have so much knowledge and information now right at our fingertips, but at the time of this mystery there was still much learning occurring – in this case zoologically speaking – and no internet to help provide answers to questions that arise. As far as the mystery goes, the main issue that did call out to me as I read it was that toward the end of the story the main characters seemed to throw out random guesses at the potential culprit without any proof in the hopes to see what would stick. Although that kind detective work does occur, it seemed to happen too frequently within a short reading time span and the characters didn’t really have too much to go on when they did it. So, all in all I would have liked a little more ‘fact’ going into that section of the book.
This novel is a delightful read and one of the best things about this mystery is how easy it is to enjoy. This is what I call a Sunday afternoon read – it is pleasant, enjoyable, and entertaining. I hadn’t read the first in the series and there were at times I wished I had in order to help me understand the relationship between Merula and Raven better, but it never kept me from enjoying the book I do recommend this book and I myself will look forward to reading the next in the series.
Rating: 4.5
For me, what always sets these type of mysteries apart from one another are two things: 1) are there other stories and plots occurring outside of the main mystery and 2) how is the mystery actually solved within the story – meaning is it just told to us or do we as readers get to look at the clues ourselves and make assumptions and guesses, even if the characters can’t hear our ideas.
In this story, there are additional stories or subplots that occur that help the readers take a mental break from the mystery at hand as well as help us get to know the characters better and what is important to them. In this book, this mainly includes a potential romance for Lamb and some clues to Merula’s parentage. I am always thankful when there are backstories and subplots in mysteries as it makes it more enjoyable for me and helps me to care more about the characters as well know who they in different situations.
As with any mystery story, writing a review can be difficult since you don’t want to spoil anything. So, what I will say is that I did enjoy the mystery as well as enjoyed seeing the world a little differently than how I see it in my 2019 eyes. We have so much knowledge and information now right at our fingertips, but at the time of this mystery there was still much learning occurring – in this case zoologically speaking – and no internet to help provide answers to questions that arise. As far as the mystery goes, the main issue that did call out to me as I read it was that toward the end of the story the main characters seemed to throw out random guesses at the potential culprit without any proof in the hopes to see what would stick. Although that kind detective work does occur, it seemed to happen too frequently within a short reading time span and the characters didn’t really have too much to go on when they did it. So, all in all I would have liked a little more ‘fact’ going into that section of the book.
This novel is a delightful read and one of the best things about this mystery is how easy it is to enjoy. This is what I call a Sunday afternoon read – it is pleasant, enjoyable, and entertaining. I hadn’t read the first in the series and there were at times I wished I had in order to help me understand the relationship between Merula and Raven better, but it never kept me from enjoying the book I do recommend this book and I myself will look forward to reading the next in the series.
Rating: 4.5
April 20, 2019
The second installment of the Merriweather and Royston series and a new author. I will read this author again.
Merula Merriweather and a zoologist, Lord Raven Royston have accepted an invitation to visit a friend of his to see his collection of zoological species that include a Kraken, a sea monster that pulls ships into the seas and will eat people. As they near the home, they are stopped by the wreckmaster that road was closed and they need to use the road that passes through Cranley. They find that the affairs of his friend are not right and tried to help him and at one party a visitor to the area tells Merula she looks just like her Mother. Merula is determined to find out what he knows about her background. Will she succeed? I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Merula Merriweather and a zoologist, Lord Raven Royston have accepted an invitation to visit a friend of his to see his collection of zoological species that include a Kraken, a sea monster that pulls ships into the seas and will eat people. As they near the home, they are stopped by the wreckmaster that road was closed and they need to use the road that passes through Cranley. They find that the affairs of his friend are not right and tried to help him and at one party a visitor to the area tells Merula she looks just like her Mother. Merula is determined to find out what he knows about her background. Will she succeed? I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 11, 2019
Less is more. Show not tell. If only an editor would have given these two pieces of advice to Conroy somewhere along the line.
Death Comes to Dartmoor is the second book in the Merriweather and Royston series. I haven’t read the first but I don’t think this caused any issues. I could easily follow who was who and their relationships with each other. Merula Merriweather and Raven Royston (ugh at the alliteration) are zoologists in the 1800s who, in this installment, travel to Dartmoor to visit a colleague who has a collection of exotic animals including a giant kraken. When they arrive, they find a young girl has been strangled and the marks on her neck seem to indicate that she could have been killed by the kraken. Merriweather and Royston obviously dismiss this fanciful idea and set out to solve the mystery.
It sounds pretty good on paper, doesn’t it?
Show not tell… There is an awful lot of characters standing around talking in this book. Pretty much everything happens off screen. The kraken murdering people, for example, should have had a nice creepy gothic feel but... Unfortunately Conroy doesn’t actually add any gothic chills into her descriptions. Neither does she use the moors to their full advantage in this respect.
Less is more… Along with the kraken killer (now that’s a better alliteration) there is a plethora of characters and ideas thrown in to be red herrings (I assume) that just become mixed up and after I finished the book I realised some of them are not only unnecessary but their lack of resolution annoyed me further. Railroads and wreckmasters, Tasmanian Devils and meteor showers, acting tropes and missing parents. Too much.
The major subplot is that of Merula’s search for her parents. It had one nice touch I wasn’t expecting but, other than that, it didn’t excite me too much.
Conroy attempted to add in some UST between the two leads. Usually a good thing but in this case it was sudden and forced and just didn’t work. I also wondered why no one questioned these unmarried pair travelling alone together. For the period, I found it inappropriate. I suppose this did give Conroy a chance to include Merula’s ladies maid, Lamb, and Raven’s valet, Bowspirit. Bowspirit adds to the problems I have with the ‘less is more’ and ‘show not tell’ adages by going undercover to detect in disguise. Lamb does her bit by becoming the bait to draw out the killer. *sigh*
After finishing the book, I googled Conroy and find the lack of information regarding her (him?) rather weird. She/he has a huge list of works and yet I can’t find much information around her/him at all.
I didn’t find anything grammatically incorrect about the books nor could I find fault in the Victorian Era terms either. Plus, like all Conroys books, its cover is gorgeous. I will probably give Conroy another go but for this book I wish there'd been tighter editing and someone to chant in his/her ear - less is more, show not tell.
2 ½ out of 5
Death Comes to Dartmoor is the second book in the Merriweather and Royston series. I haven’t read the first but I don’t think this caused any issues. I could easily follow who was who and their relationships with each other. Merula Merriweather and Raven Royston (ugh at the alliteration) are zoologists in the 1800s who, in this installment, travel to Dartmoor to visit a colleague who has a collection of exotic animals including a giant kraken. When they arrive, they find a young girl has been strangled and the marks on her neck seem to indicate that she could have been killed by the kraken. Merriweather and Royston obviously dismiss this fanciful idea and set out to solve the mystery.
It sounds pretty good on paper, doesn’t it?
Show not tell… There is an awful lot of characters standing around talking in this book. Pretty much everything happens off screen. The kraken murdering people, for example, should have had a nice creepy gothic feel but... Unfortunately Conroy doesn’t actually add any gothic chills into her descriptions. Neither does she use the moors to their full advantage in this respect.
Less is more… Along with the kraken killer (now that’s a better alliteration) there is a plethora of characters and ideas thrown in to be red herrings (I assume) that just become mixed up and after I finished the book I realised some of them are not only unnecessary but their lack of resolution annoyed me further. Railroads and wreckmasters, Tasmanian Devils and meteor showers, acting tropes and missing parents. Too much.
The major subplot is that of Merula’s search for her parents. It had one nice touch I wasn’t expecting but, other than that, it didn’t excite me too much.
Conroy attempted to add in some UST between the two leads. Usually a good thing but in this case it was sudden and forced and just didn’t work. I also wondered why no one questioned these unmarried pair travelling alone together. For the period, I found it inappropriate. I suppose this did give Conroy a chance to include Merula’s ladies maid, Lamb, and Raven’s valet, Bowspirit. Bowspirit adds to the problems I have with the ‘less is more’ and ‘show not tell’ adages by going undercover to detect in disguise. Lamb does her bit by becoming the bait to draw out the killer. *sigh*
After finishing the book, I googled Conroy and find the lack of information regarding her (him?) rather weird. She/he has a huge list of works and yet I can’t find much information around her/him at all.
I didn’t find anything grammatically incorrect about the books nor could I find fault in the Victorian Era terms either. Plus, like all Conroys books, its cover is gorgeous. I will probably give Conroy another go but for this book I wish there'd been tighter editing and someone to chant in his/her ear - less is more, show not tell.
2 ½ out of 5
August 15, 2019
Hi and welcome to my review of Death Comes to Dartmoor by Vivian Conroy!
Many thanks to Vivian for inviting me to request this on NetGalley and to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
Merula Merriweather and Raven Royston (don’t you just love a good alliteration!) have just solved a murder mystery and are on their way to Dartmoor. However, it seems that peace and quiet in the country is not exactly in the books for them. A girl is missing and the townsfolk are convinced that Mr Oats, Merula’s and Raven’s host, has something to do with it.
Right from the start, Death Comes to Dartmoor struck me as very atmospheric. It felt to me like a combination of an Agatha Christie novel (because of all the mystery), Wuthering Heights (because of the gothic feel and the moors and rugged landscapes, and some rather peculiar characters) and – and bear with me here, kids, this is going to sound strange and rather unconventional – Beauty and the Beast. That part where Belle walks around the forbidden part of the castle, and there’s that eerie music, and everything seems strange and malevolent? That. That vibe is exactly what I got from Death Comes to Dartmoor, when Raven and Merula wander around Oats’ house and find jars with dead animals and a kraken to boot.
In an author’s note, Vivian states that it was her love for The Hound of the Baskervilles that made her want to set a mystery in Dartmoor, including a legendary murderous creature. It was hearing David Attenborough speak of the mythological kraken and the giant squid that made her decide that in this story the creature would be a kraken / squid. Reading Death Comes to Dartmoor and the author’s note made me very curious about both The Hound of the Baskervilles and David Attenborough’s Natural Curiosities, so I’ve listened to the former via Audible and added the latter to my to-watch list. (Full disclosure: I liked Death Comes to Dartmoor much more than The Hound of the Baskervilles)
Oats keeping his kraken on a bath stand was inspired by this famous photograph (Moses Harvey in 1874), by the way.
When Vivian contacted me to ask if I wanted to review Death Comes to Dartmoor via NetGalley, she told me that it’s the second instalment in the Merriweather and Royston Mystery series but that it can be read as a standalone. Having read it, I agree, since there are no spoilers of the first book (The Butterfly Conspiracy) and I didn’t feel like I was missing something vital to the story. However, it’s obvious that the foundations of the mystery surrounding the main characters have been laid in the first book – as well they should be – and I did feel like I was missing a little something there, that maybe I would have related to Merula just a tad more, or feel a little more involved in her relationship with Raven. As it stands, I did like them and we all got along just fine, but I think perhaps at a somewhat more superficial level, if that makes any sense at all. Anyhoo, Merula is quite a character. I always love a strong female character, especially when it’s a young emancipated woman in far from emancipated times, standing up for what she wants, even if it goes against social conventions. She’s got quite the brain too, sharp as a tack she is, and I really enjoyed spending time with her. Merula is haunted by the ghosts of her parents, never having known them, having no memories of them. I found this a nice little side mystery to the main one, and I’m hoping to find out a little more about Merula in the next instalment (and in the first instalment which I happily added to my wishlist as soon as I’d finished Death Comes to Dartmoor).
Death Comes to Dartmoor is a great addition to any mystery lover’s collection, especially if you like your mysteries on the dark, atmospheric side. Recommended!
Many thanks to Vivian for inviting me to request this on NetGalley and to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
Merula Merriweather and Raven Royston (don’t you just love a good alliteration!) have just solved a murder mystery and are on their way to Dartmoor. However, it seems that peace and quiet in the country is not exactly in the books for them. A girl is missing and the townsfolk are convinced that Mr Oats, Merula’s and Raven’s host, has something to do with it.
Right from the start, Death Comes to Dartmoor struck me as very atmospheric. It felt to me like a combination of an Agatha Christie novel (because of all the mystery), Wuthering Heights (because of the gothic feel and the moors and rugged landscapes, and some rather peculiar characters) and – and bear with me here, kids, this is going to sound strange and rather unconventional – Beauty and the Beast. That part where Belle walks around the forbidden part of the castle, and there’s that eerie music, and everything seems strange and malevolent? That. That vibe is exactly what I got from Death Comes to Dartmoor, when Raven and Merula wander around Oats’ house and find jars with dead animals and a kraken to boot.
In an author’s note, Vivian states that it was her love for The Hound of the Baskervilles that made her want to set a mystery in Dartmoor, including a legendary murderous creature. It was hearing David Attenborough speak of the mythological kraken and the giant squid that made her decide that in this story the creature would be a kraken / squid. Reading Death Comes to Dartmoor and the author’s note made me very curious about both The Hound of the Baskervilles and David Attenborough’s Natural Curiosities, so I’ve listened to the former via Audible and added the latter to my to-watch list. (Full disclosure: I liked Death Comes to Dartmoor much more than The Hound of the Baskervilles)
Oats keeping his kraken on a bath stand was inspired by this famous photograph (Moses Harvey in 1874), by the way.
When Vivian contacted me to ask if I wanted to review Death Comes to Dartmoor via NetGalley, she told me that it’s the second instalment in the Merriweather and Royston Mystery series but that it can be read as a standalone. Having read it, I agree, since there are no spoilers of the first book (The Butterfly Conspiracy) and I didn’t feel like I was missing something vital to the story. However, it’s obvious that the foundations of the mystery surrounding the main characters have been laid in the first book – as well they should be – and I did feel like I was missing a little something there, that maybe I would have related to Merula just a tad more, or feel a little more involved in her relationship with Raven. As it stands, I did like them and we all got along just fine, but I think perhaps at a somewhat more superficial level, if that makes any sense at all. Anyhoo, Merula is quite a character. I always love a strong female character, especially when it’s a young emancipated woman in far from emancipated times, standing up for what she wants, even if it goes against social conventions. She’s got quite the brain too, sharp as a tack she is, and I really enjoyed spending time with her. Merula is haunted by the ghosts of her parents, never having known them, having no memories of them. I found this a nice little side mystery to the main one, and I’m hoping to find out a little more about Merula in the next instalment (and in the first instalment which I happily added to my wishlist as soon as I’d finished Death Comes to Dartmoor).
Death Comes to Dartmoor is a great addition to any mystery lover’s collection, especially if you like your mysteries on the dark, atmospheric side. Recommended!
August 26, 2019
Death Comes to Dartmoor is an entertaining read, if a little bogged down in places, and with a few 'Americanisms' that I wouldn't expect to find in a book set in Victorian Britain.
While the mystery is interesting enough, it is when the reader begins to learn about Merula's past that the novel really shows some spark.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
While the mystery is interesting enough, it is when the reader begins to learn about Merula's past that the novel really shows some spark.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
September 15, 2019
rather convoluted and written blandly
I would like to thank Vivian Conroy, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lord Raven Royston and Miss Merula Merriweather journey to Dartmoor in an effort to escape the scandal they’ve recently been involved in in London. Expecting to relax with some peace and quiet, they are dismayed to find their host, Oaks, raving like a madman and the villagers ready to burn the house down, regardless of who’s inside. A local girl has been found dead—murdered—and the villagers hold Oaks responsible. Though it’s none of their business, Raven and Merula find themselves investigating the mystery, because if they don’t find the true culprit, their friend will be convicted of a murder he didn’t commit and may spend the rest of his life in an asylum.
Spoilers
I had problems with this book. It took a while for me to care about the plot—or the characters, for that matter. I think I started this book three times before I resigned myself to hunkering down and pushing through to the end. I’m not entirely sure why the beginning didn’t grab me; the tension, intrigue, and action began just a few pages in. I’m inclined to think it was the rather bland writing style that in turn made the characters bland. By bland I mean there was a noticeable lack of adjectives and adverbs and the verbs alone weren’t colorful enough to add richness and emotion to the telling. There was also little humor. I remember thinking early on that the writing, the descriptions, were plain. Just plain. That sentiment lasted through to the end, though events and heightening tension eventually brought some energy to the story.
That plain writing style infected characterization. Lamb the irritating lady’s maid—I really didn’t like her—and Bowsprit the valet had more personality than Merula and Raven; the pair of whom also lacked chemistry. Hell, Merula had more chemistry with Bowsprit—whose name made me think of the Pokemon Mesprit every time I read it—than Royce, probably because she actually had meaningful conversations with him. Wait—I mean Raven, not Royce; there was no Royce. I keep getting his name confused and calling him Royce, probably because Raven doesn’t suit him. Not only am I used to it being a female name—thank you, X-Men—it’s too sexy and enigmatic for a man who is neither.
There was nothing special about either Merula or Royce—damn it, Raven! I was rather disgusted in the beginning when Merula stayed to cook and do house stuff while Roy—Raven went off to sleuth. That happened again and again—him leaving her behind to go investigate. To my recollection, the only thing she did to help the investigation was speak with the blacksmith when he answered their summons—not a proactive effort on her part—and act as a sounding board for Raven. Oh, and she did talk to the stable boy, but she didn’t even have to leave the grounds to do that. I only started to care about Merula when out of the blue, around 37%, she revealed that her mother had spent time in Dartmoor before she died, and, I inferred, on a subconscious level Merula was hoping to find traces of her there. Suddenly she had something to do—investigate her parentage—and it was completely irrelevant to the main plot.
I’m honestly not sure I liked Raven; I’m probably closer to dislike than like. To me he came off as disrespectful and dismissive—generally arrogant, I suppose. He kind of did what he wanted and expected everyone else to go along with it and/or accommodate him. (I was so pleased when Merula blatantly ignored his wishes and went off to do what she wanted. That show of independence and backbone is probably the only thing that made me like her.) One could argue that it wasn’t unexpected he would be like that—being a lord and all. But there was some mention of him falling pretty much into ruin in the not-so-distant past, and I would think—hope—that experience would have humbled him. And that’s the heart of the matter—I just didn’t know enough about him—his history, his influences, his motivations, his values—to care. All I knew was that he was something of a natural historian and his mother had died under mysterious circumstances when he was boy. And the latter didn’t matter to the plot, so it was hardly explored.
Which leads me to another problem—I haven’t read the first book in this series, The Butterfly Conspiracy, and I really got the feeling Conroy expected me to have done so. Which, to be fair, is her prerogative—this is a series after all, following the same characters. Naturally the events of the previous book and the consequences thereof would factor in here. But the events of book one were alluded to so frequently—and often so vaguely—that I really began to feel like I was missing major information, and that distanced me from the story. I felt rather excluded, like I was new to a group of friends and didn’t understand their inside jokes. It was unfortunate.
As for the mystery, it…kind of made sense in the end. I have enough of a vague understanding to know that most of it was superfluous; instead of clever storytelling, Conroy buried us in a sprawl of suspects with vague motivations and figured simply confusing us was the same as intriguing us. And it was largely futile; I knew who the culprit was pretty early. What I didn’t understand was why, and imagine my disappointment when the true villain—the true motivation for all the suspects, the thinnest of threads making them at all relevant to each other—was the mere concept of progress. It came down to whether they were for it or against it, and each had their reasons for wanting or not wanting it and limits as to what they would do to see it achieved—or not. The murder mystery itself was good—but adding in all that crap about the railroads and investors and land and whatever—was convoluted and took away any satisfaction to be felt in the capture of the murderer.
One of the most frustrating things was that no one ever asked for names. It became such a thing that I immediately highlighted the one time Raven actually said to the stable boy, “So, my boy…what’s your name, anyway?” It was most notable when Merula met with that man who knew her mother; they met three times, and she never once tried to get his name. Wouldn’t that be one of the first natural things to say— “Who are you?” I mean, jesus. It was ignored so deliberately that it’s obvious Conroy is trying to prolong the intrigue. I did not appreciate it. It just made Merula look stupid. It was also notable when Merula and Royce interrogated first Webber, then Fern. Both denied Merula and Royce’s accusations and tried to discredit their statements again and again—but neither Merula nor Roy—goddamn it, RAVEN—asked, “All right, if it wasn’t you, then who? Who do you believe to be the father? Who do you believe to be the killer? We’re open to suggestions.”
Last thing—Merula should have shown Raven her sketches in the end. It was a huge missed opportunity to develop their relationship—which isn’t surprising; their relationship was nowhere near top priority. From the very first page, it was clear time and time again that Raven wanted to see her sketches—wanted to see that private part of her, to feel as if he were someone special to her for having been shown them—and she was too wary of their attraction to one another, and what could develop from it, to allow him. If the development of their relationship had been more important, it would have been a wonderful demonstration of her acceptance of him, of her letting him in, if the book had ended with her showing him her sketches.
Overall, many aspects of this story were interesting and full of storytelling potential—but few if any of them were well executed. Having recently read Anna Lee Huber’s Lady Darby mystery series, as well as Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series, I can’t help but compare them with this book, as it could very well be pitched as the marriage of the two—which is why I wanted to read it. But I’ve found this book does not measure up to either of those series.
noapologybookreviews.com
keeneyeediting.com
I would like to thank Vivian Conroy, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lord Raven Royston and Miss Merula Merriweather journey to Dartmoor in an effort to escape the scandal they’ve recently been involved in in London. Expecting to relax with some peace and quiet, they are dismayed to find their host, Oaks, raving like a madman and the villagers ready to burn the house down, regardless of who’s inside. A local girl has been found dead—murdered—and the villagers hold Oaks responsible. Though it’s none of their business, Raven and Merula find themselves investigating the mystery, because if they don’t find the true culprit, their friend will be convicted of a murder he didn’t commit and may spend the rest of his life in an asylum.
Spoilers
I had problems with this book. It took a while for me to care about the plot—or the characters, for that matter. I think I started this book three times before I resigned myself to hunkering down and pushing through to the end. I’m not entirely sure why the beginning didn’t grab me; the tension, intrigue, and action began just a few pages in. I’m inclined to think it was the rather bland writing style that in turn made the characters bland. By bland I mean there was a noticeable lack of adjectives and adverbs and the verbs alone weren’t colorful enough to add richness and emotion to the telling. There was also little humor. I remember thinking early on that the writing, the descriptions, were plain. Just plain. That sentiment lasted through to the end, though events and heightening tension eventually brought some energy to the story.
That plain writing style infected characterization. Lamb the irritating lady’s maid—I really didn’t like her—and Bowsprit the valet had more personality than Merula and Raven; the pair of whom also lacked chemistry. Hell, Merula had more chemistry with Bowsprit—whose name made me think of the Pokemon Mesprit every time I read it—than Royce, probably because she actually had meaningful conversations with him. Wait—I mean Raven, not Royce; there was no Royce. I keep getting his name confused and calling him Royce, probably because Raven doesn’t suit him. Not only am I used to it being a female name—thank you, X-Men—it’s too sexy and enigmatic for a man who is neither.
There was nothing special about either Merula or Royce—damn it, Raven! I was rather disgusted in the beginning when Merula stayed to cook and do house stuff while Roy—Raven went off to sleuth. That happened again and again—him leaving her behind to go investigate. To my recollection, the only thing she did to help the investigation was speak with the blacksmith when he answered their summons—not a proactive effort on her part—and act as a sounding board for Raven. Oh, and she did talk to the stable boy, but she didn’t even have to leave the grounds to do that. I only started to care about Merula when out of the blue, around 37%, she revealed that her mother had spent time in Dartmoor before she died, and, I inferred, on a subconscious level Merula was hoping to find traces of her there. Suddenly she had something to do—investigate her parentage—and it was completely irrelevant to the main plot.
I’m honestly not sure I liked Raven; I’m probably closer to dislike than like. To me he came off as disrespectful and dismissive—generally arrogant, I suppose. He kind of did what he wanted and expected everyone else to go along with it and/or accommodate him. (I was so pleased when Merula blatantly ignored his wishes and went off to do what she wanted. That show of independence and backbone is probably the only thing that made me like her.) One could argue that it wasn’t unexpected he would be like that—being a lord and all. But there was some mention of him falling pretty much into ruin in the not-so-distant past, and I would think—hope—that experience would have humbled him. And that’s the heart of the matter—I just didn’t know enough about him—his history, his influences, his motivations, his values—to care. All I knew was that he was something of a natural historian and his mother had died under mysterious circumstances when he was boy. And the latter didn’t matter to the plot, so it was hardly explored.
Which leads me to another problem—I haven’t read the first book in this series, The Butterfly Conspiracy, and I really got the feeling Conroy expected me to have done so. Which, to be fair, is her prerogative—this is a series after all, following the same characters. Naturally the events of the previous book and the consequences thereof would factor in here. But the events of book one were alluded to so frequently—and often so vaguely—that I really began to feel like I was missing major information, and that distanced me from the story. I felt rather excluded, like I was new to a group of friends and didn’t understand their inside jokes. It was unfortunate.
As for the mystery, it…kind of made sense in the end. I have enough of a vague understanding to know that most of it was superfluous; instead of clever storytelling, Conroy buried us in a sprawl of suspects with vague motivations and figured simply confusing us was the same as intriguing us. And it was largely futile; I knew who the culprit was pretty early. What I didn’t understand was why, and imagine my disappointment when the true villain—the true motivation for all the suspects, the thinnest of threads making them at all relevant to each other—was the mere concept of progress. It came down to whether they were for it or against it, and each had their reasons for wanting or not wanting it and limits as to what they would do to see it achieved—or not. The murder mystery itself was good—but adding in all that crap about the railroads and investors and land and whatever—was convoluted and took away any satisfaction to be felt in the capture of the murderer.
One of the most frustrating things was that no one ever asked for names. It became such a thing that I immediately highlighted the one time Raven actually said to the stable boy, “So, my boy…what’s your name, anyway?” It was most notable when Merula met with that man who knew her mother; they met three times, and she never once tried to get his name. Wouldn’t that be one of the first natural things to say— “Who are you?” I mean, jesus. It was ignored so deliberately that it’s obvious Conroy is trying to prolong the intrigue. I did not appreciate it. It just made Merula look stupid. It was also notable when Merula and Royce interrogated first Webber, then Fern. Both denied Merula and Royce’s accusations and tried to discredit their statements again and again—but neither Merula nor Roy—goddamn it, RAVEN—asked, “All right, if it wasn’t you, then who? Who do you believe to be the father? Who do you believe to be the killer? We’re open to suggestions.”
Last thing—Merula should have shown Raven her sketches in the end. It was a huge missed opportunity to develop their relationship—which isn’t surprising; their relationship was nowhere near top priority. From the very first page, it was clear time and time again that Raven wanted to see her sketches—wanted to see that private part of her, to feel as if he were someone special to her for having been shown them—and she was too wary of their attraction to one another, and what could develop from it, to allow him. If the development of their relationship had been more important, it would have been a wonderful demonstration of her acceptance of him, of her letting him in, if the book had ended with her showing him her sketches.
Overall, many aspects of this story were interesting and full of storytelling potential—but few if any of them were well executed. Having recently read Anna Lee Huber’s Lady Darby mystery series, as well as Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series, I can’t help but compare them with this book, as it could very well be pitched as the marriage of the two—which is why I wanted to read it. But I’ve found this book does not measure up to either of those series.
noapologybookreviews.com
keeneyeediting.com
March 31, 2019
Dartmoor. The very name conjures up darkness, fears, and folklore. This story embodies all that and more! I found it rather Sherlockian in its relentless search for the realities that fed the fear of the locals as well as the misdirection and astounding plot twists. Which is my way of saying that I loved it! The publisher's blurb is better than most, and spoilers are disrespectful to the author, so I can only suggest that if it looks intriguing, you won't regret reading it.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thanks again!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thanks again!
August 14, 2020
After saving her uncle from an erroneous murder charge, Merula Merritweather is traveling to Dartmoor with her friend Lord Raven Royston for a nice vacation. She's eager to meet Raven's friend, Mr. Oaks, a zoologist who has traveled the world in search of unique and rare creatures. Dartmoor is a lonely and desolate place full of superstitions about murderous dogs and white ladies. There's also the mysterious beachcoming and an angry man who won't allow the coach to pass and who doesn't want Merula sketching what she sees. The trip becomes even more strange when Oaks is distracted and disoriented, almost to the point of madness. Early the next morning an angry mob nearly burns down the house until a newcomer, Mr. Bixby, tells them some tall tales about Oaks's creatures. Then a missing local girl turns up dead with strange markings around her neck. Add to this stories of mysterious shipwrecks caused by the legendary kraken, a sea monster with tentacles. The marks around the girl's neck resemble the tentacles of the kraken and Mr. Oakes is arrested for murder. Raven and Merula don't believe in the silly superstitions, only in science. They set out to prove Oaks was set up for murder in an elaborate hoax. Who would do such a thing and why? Meanwhile, Merula has really come to Dartmoor to learn more about her past. Can she finally discover the truth about the parents she's never known and have the happily-ever-after she's always craved or will she open up Pandora's box ?
I read this book primarily to learn more about Merula and Raven's personal mysteries. I've read about Dartmoor before and didn't like the gloomy landscape and superstitions. Dartmoor inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles. I can see why the dark and sparse landscape would lend itself to gothic horror stories and ghost stories but the plot of this novel goes beyond that into ignorantly superstitious territory and the gothic. It took 200 pages for Raven to figure out something I realized right away. That took a bit of enjoyment away from the story. I also figured out some more clues to the puzzle and got distracted by red herrings. I couldn't put the book down and never did figure out who. On some level I must have known because while I was surprised and shocked at the reveal, I didn't gasp! The whole story is truly awful and showcases some of the worst of Victorian village life. The story of Merula's parents was surprising but not entirely. I hope she doesn't pursue what she's told not to at the end.
Merula is very naïve about her own personal journey and remains blinded by her own wishes. Merula isn't so naïve she can't see what's going on with her maid. She's a bit too harsh on Lamb, showing her Victorian paternalism. However, I would probably think and act the same way trying to protect someone I cared about. Merula's compassion for others helps her learn more about what has happened and put some of the clues together. I don't like how her relationship with Raven has changed. SHE hasn't change but HE has. He's kind of a jerk. He orders her around, takes over the investigation, bullies people and harshly throws his theories out there without much proof. I sense he still cares about Merula and doesn't want her to get hurt. He may be a little hurt and angry with her for going off on her own investigation and lashing out at her. Bowsprit and Lamb have a similar relationship. Bowsprit tries to protect Anne. I think he likes her a lot and may be a bit jealous. Lamb is brave, bold and adventurous in the beginning but she turns into a silly, whiny, girl. She's also very naïve when it comes to men which is surprising given where she comes from. Still, I felt compassion for her. Bowsprit and Lamb are both incredibly loyal companions.
I feel sorry for Mr. Oaks. Perhaps he's mad. Perhaps he's inhaled too much formaldehyde and it's made him crazy or maybe there's a conspiracy against him. Why? He seems nice. I don't approve of killing animals even for scientific study but I know that was common in the Victorian era. We don't really get to know Oaks very well. There's no good reason that Raven and Merula should assume he's innocent of murder. I'm suspicious of Mr. Bixby. Like Merula, I don't approve of how he stoked the villagers' fear and created more superstition. He should be supporting Oaks as a fellow scholar and gentleman. Is Dr. Twicklestone a real psychiatrist? Did those even exist in the Victorian era? I feel sorry for Oaks but Bixby could just be trying to act like a good friend and get Oaks the help he needs.
Tillie, the missing local girl, was said to have been kind and well-liked. She seems like she was an innocent victim, possibly of wanting a better life married to Mr. Oaks. I wouldn't feel comfortable with men groping me in the tavern either and I would want to leave there too. I would want to leave the creepy, gloomy village and try a new life. I feel intense sympathy for her even if she was sometimes catty and silly. She didn't deserve to die. Who killed her? The stable boy seems to have been fond of her, infatuated with her. He knows more than he's letting on about why Tillie may have been killed. I don't think he did it though. Tillie's friend Fern is more satisfied with her life than Tillie's. They fought over a boy which never ends well. They needed each other and the rift may have caused Tillie's death. Tillie's father, the local blacksmith, is a sad man. He blames everyone but himself for his misfortunes. That can't possibly end well. He drinks and gambles and makes his daughter give him her money. She was a sweet girl devoted to her father but I think his misery was not good company and she probably felt trapped.
Ben Webber is the son of the local greengrocer. He has big dreams and like to brag about them but in reality, his overbearing mother controls him. She's scary! Ben is not a nice young man. I don't like him AT ALL. His morals are low, he brags too much and he lies a lot, even to himself. I strongly suspect he had something to do with Tillie's death and might even be the murderer.
Who is the Wreckmaster? He's never given an actual name, just his title. He sounds like a nasty person. For years he's controlled the village, taking a cut of the spoils of shipwrecks and acting as a sort of mayor of the village. I think he's up to no good. There's no way those shipwrecks happened naturally. I know what's he's up to and was surprised it took Raven so long to figure it out until I did some research and discovered that I read too much fiction! I had two guesses about what the man is up to and why his henchman tore up Merula's sketchbook. Either way, this man is up to something and I think Tillie was killed because she knew too much. The Scotland Yard detective isn't very good at his job if a bunch of nosy visitors figured out what was going on before he did. At least he doesn't believe in the kraken.
The mysterious man who helps Merula discover her family's past seems to know more than he's telling. I think the story of the will in blood on the Tor has some truth if it's not nearly the literal truth. I think Raven is too suspicious. Nothing about this man suggests he wants anything from Merula. He just wants to see her and know she's well. I think he loved Merula's mother and paid a terrible price for his love. It may have been unrequited and I believe he still loves the memory of Merula's mother. A note on historical accuracy: It would be unlikely for him to rip a photo in two and probably unlikely he'd carry it around it his wallet. Photos were either printed on metal or a thick paper card. At that time, most likely the photo could have been a card de visite or cabinet card which could, if one had a strong, sharp object be cut in two but not torn. The first snapshot camera was a decade and an ocean away. These little details help set your story in a specific time. Even if it doesn't really affect the overall story, it's still important to get right.
This story was a little too dark and Gothic for me. I am satisfied with the information on Merula's background. I don't know if Raven's personal mystery can ever be found. This series doesn't appeal to me as much as A Curious Beginning. This one is better suited for a younger audience, maybe 16+, whereas Veronica Speedwell is an adults only series.
I read this book primarily to learn more about Merula and Raven's personal mysteries. I've read about Dartmoor before and didn't like the gloomy landscape and superstitions. Dartmoor inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles. I can see why the dark and sparse landscape would lend itself to gothic horror stories and ghost stories but the plot of this novel goes beyond that into ignorantly superstitious territory and the gothic. It took 200 pages for Raven to figure out something I realized right away. That took a bit of enjoyment away from the story. I also figured out some more clues to the puzzle and got distracted by red herrings. I couldn't put the book down and never did figure out who. On some level I must have known because while I was surprised and shocked at the reveal, I didn't gasp! The whole story is truly awful and showcases some of the worst of Victorian village life. The story of Merula's parents was surprising but not entirely. I hope she doesn't pursue what she's told not to at the end.
Merula is very naïve about her own personal journey and remains blinded by her own wishes. Merula isn't so naïve she can't see what's going on with her maid. She's a bit too harsh on Lamb, showing her Victorian paternalism. However, I would probably think and act the same way trying to protect someone I cared about. Merula's compassion for others helps her learn more about what has happened and put some of the clues together. I don't like how her relationship with Raven has changed. SHE hasn't change but HE has. He's kind of a jerk. He orders her around, takes over the investigation, bullies people and harshly throws his theories out there without much proof. I sense he still cares about Merula and doesn't want her to get hurt. He may be a little hurt and angry with her for going off on her own investigation and lashing out at her. Bowsprit and Lamb have a similar relationship. Bowsprit tries to protect Anne. I think he likes her a lot and may be a bit jealous. Lamb is brave, bold and adventurous in the beginning but she turns into a silly, whiny, girl. She's also very naïve when it comes to men which is surprising given where she comes from. Still, I felt compassion for her. Bowsprit and Lamb are both incredibly loyal companions.
I feel sorry for Mr. Oaks. Perhaps he's mad. Perhaps he's inhaled too much formaldehyde and it's made him crazy or maybe there's a conspiracy against him. Why? He seems nice. I don't approve of killing animals even for scientific study but I know that was common in the Victorian era. We don't really get to know Oaks very well. There's no good reason that Raven and Merula should assume he's innocent of murder. I'm suspicious of Mr. Bixby. Like Merula, I don't approve of how he stoked the villagers' fear and created more superstition. He should be supporting Oaks as a fellow scholar and gentleman. Is Dr. Twicklestone a real psychiatrist? Did those even exist in the Victorian era? I feel sorry for Oaks but Bixby could just be trying to act like a good friend and get Oaks the help he needs.
Tillie, the missing local girl, was said to have been kind and well-liked. She seems like she was an innocent victim, possibly of wanting a better life married to Mr. Oaks. I wouldn't feel comfortable with men groping me in the tavern either and I would want to leave there too. I would want to leave the creepy, gloomy village and try a new life. I feel intense sympathy for her even if she was sometimes catty and silly. She didn't deserve to die. Who killed her? The stable boy seems to have been fond of her, infatuated with her. He knows more than he's letting on about why Tillie may have been killed. I don't think he did it though. Tillie's friend Fern is more satisfied with her life than Tillie's. They fought over a boy which never ends well. They needed each other and the rift may have caused Tillie's death. Tillie's father, the local blacksmith, is a sad man. He blames everyone but himself for his misfortunes. That can't possibly end well. He drinks and gambles and makes his daughter give him her money. She was a sweet girl devoted to her father but I think his misery was not good company and she probably felt trapped.
Ben Webber is the son of the local greengrocer. He has big dreams and like to brag about them but in reality, his overbearing mother controls him. She's scary! Ben is not a nice young man. I don't like him AT ALL. His morals are low, he brags too much and he lies a lot, even to himself. I strongly suspect he had something to do with Tillie's death and might even be the murderer.
Who is the Wreckmaster? He's never given an actual name, just his title. He sounds like a nasty person. For years he's controlled the village, taking a cut of the spoils of shipwrecks and acting as a sort of mayor of the village. I think he's up to no good. There's no way those shipwrecks happened naturally. I know what's he's up to and was surprised it took Raven so long to figure it out until I did some research and discovered that I read too much fiction! I had two guesses about what the man is up to and why his henchman tore up Merula's sketchbook. Either way, this man is up to something and I think Tillie was killed because she knew too much. The Scotland Yard detective isn't very good at his job if a bunch of nosy visitors figured out what was going on before he did. At least he doesn't believe in the kraken.
The mysterious man who helps Merula discover her family's past seems to know more than he's telling. I think the story of the will in blood on the Tor has some truth if it's not nearly the literal truth. I think Raven is too suspicious. Nothing about this man suggests he wants anything from Merula. He just wants to see her and know she's well. I think he loved Merula's mother and paid a terrible price for his love. It may have been unrequited and I believe he still loves the memory of Merula's mother. A note on historical accuracy: It would be unlikely for him to rip a photo in two and probably unlikely he'd carry it around it his wallet. Photos were either printed on metal or a thick paper card. At that time, most likely the photo could have been a card de visite or cabinet card which could, if one had a strong, sharp object be cut in two but not torn. The first snapshot camera was a decade and an ocean away. These little details help set your story in a specific time. Even if it doesn't really affect the overall story, it's still important to get right.
This story was a little too dark and Gothic for me. I am satisfied with the information on Merula's background. I don't know if Raven's personal mystery can ever be found. This series doesn't appeal to me as much as A Curious Beginning. This one is better suited for a younger audience, maybe 16+, whereas Veronica Speedwell is an adults only series.
August 14, 2019
“Death Comes to Dartmoor” is the second installment in the “A Merriweather and Royston Mystery” by Vivian Conroy. It is a great historical mystery series that takes place during the Victorian era.
The mist-shrouded moors of Devon proffer a trove of delights for two vacationing zoologists—but also conceal a hoard of dark secrets reaching down to the fathomless depths of the ocean.
Miss Merula Merriweather barely saved her uncle from the gallows after he was wrongly accused of murder—and now, she’s left the bustle of Victorian London to recuperate in the fresh air of Dartmoor with her fellow zoologist, Lord Raven Royston. The trip offers a unique treat, as they’ll be staying with a friend of Raven’s, who owns a collection of rare zoological specimens—including a kraken, a sea monster of myth and legend.
But all is not right in the land of tors, heaths, and mist. Their host’s maid has vanished without a trace, and the townspeople hold him responsible, claiming that his specimens are alive and roam the moors at night, bringing death to anyone who crosses their path. Merula and Raven are skeptical—but the accusations become more ominous when they find several specimen jars empty.
As the two hunt for clues across a desolate and beautiful landscape, a stranger appears bearing a shadowy secret from Merula’s past. Could there be a connection between her family history, the missing girl, and a fearsome monster that could be on the loose? The race is on to find the truth.
The characters are well developed and likeable. The description of moors in Devon was realistic and in true spooky fashion. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book is engaging from start to finish, grabbing you from the very beginning.
I highly recommend this series but I also suggest that the books be read in the order they are written.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The mist-shrouded moors of Devon proffer a trove of delights for two vacationing zoologists—but also conceal a hoard of dark secrets reaching down to the fathomless depths of the ocean.
Miss Merula Merriweather barely saved her uncle from the gallows after he was wrongly accused of murder—and now, she’s left the bustle of Victorian London to recuperate in the fresh air of Dartmoor with her fellow zoologist, Lord Raven Royston. The trip offers a unique treat, as they’ll be staying with a friend of Raven’s, who owns a collection of rare zoological specimens—including a kraken, a sea monster of myth and legend.
But all is not right in the land of tors, heaths, and mist. Their host’s maid has vanished without a trace, and the townspeople hold him responsible, claiming that his specimens are alive and roam the moors at night, bringing death to anyone who crosses their path. Merula and Raven are skeptical—but the accusations become more ominous when they find several specimen jars empty.
As the two hunt for clues across a desolate and beautiful landscape, a stranger appears bearing a shadowy secret from Merula’s past. Could there be a connection between her family history, the missing girl, and a fearsome monster that could be on the loose? The race is on to find the truth.
The characters are well developed and likeable. The description of moors in Devon was realistic and in true spooky fashion. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book is engaging from start to finish, grabbing you from the very beginning.
I highly recommend this series but I also suggest that the books be read in the order they are written.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2019
I loved this book! 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is the 2nd book in a series, but I didn’t read the first book yet and had no issues understanding plot or character dynamics. The premise surrounds a woman who travels with her companions to the English moors in order to stay at the home of a well know collector of zoological specimens, which she is fascinated by. Just before their arrival, the murder of a local girl sparks superstition and mass hysteria. She was found strangled by the river with markings on her neck that indicate she was killed by a kraken!! A kraken (as seen below) is essentially a large squid, but in certain communities, especially along the sea, is a source of great fear and irrational thinking. They believe kraken are to blame for ship wrecks and other water tragedies. A kraken is part of Lord Oak’s collection and the villagers believe this and other specimens are coming to life at night and killing the locals!!
Are his specimens somehow supernaturally causing harm or is there an evil person behind these deeds?
The story is fun, gave me a peek at some cool folklore, keeps you guessing, maintains suspense and was an overall fascinating mystery!!
#ThankYouNetgalley
#DeathComesToDartmoor
#Kraken
#Folklore
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is the 2nd book in a series, but I didn’t read the first book yet and had no issues understanding plot or character dynamics. The premise surrounds a woman who travels with her companions to the English moors in order to stay at the home of a well know collector of zoological specimens, which she is fascinated by. Just before their arrival, the murder of a local girl sparks superstition and mass hysteria. She was found strangled by the river with markings on her neck that indicate she was killed by a kraken!! A kraken (as seen below) is essentially a large squid, but in certain communities, especially along the sea, is a source of great fear and irrational thinking. They believe kraken are to blame for ship wrecks and other water tragedies. A kraken is part of Lord Oak’s collection and the villagers believe this and other specimens are coming to life at night and killing the locals!!
Are his specimens somehow supernaturally causing harm or is there an evil person behind these deeds?
The story is fun, gave me a peek at some cool folklore, keeps you guessing, maintains suspense and was an overall fascinating mystery!!
#ThankYouNetgalley
#DeathComesToDartmoor
#Kraken
#Folklore
August 18, 2019
Wasn't quite sure how I was going to feel about this book as it started off slow and I just wasn't getting into it. but still I gave it a chance.. after the mystery was set into place I was really enjoying the story. I like how the main characters were very determined to help out their friend and prove his innocence. I like the face this it felt like a stand alone with minimum mention to the first book in the series, so I didn't feel like I was missing much, since I had not read it. what I didn't like that that the author added to the story by adding a secondary story of Merula and finding out who she really is.. I felt that it took away from the main story and was just confusing. Overall all I enjoyed the story and would read more from the Author.
lastly I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.
lastly I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.
August 31, 2019
Death Comes to Dartmoor is #2 in the Merriweather and Royston Mystery Series by Vivian Conroy.
The story tells of the murder of a girl, who is believed to have been killed by Oaks. Oaks is a bit of an eccentric, with his home full of taxidermy, so obviously suspicion falls on him,
So, as Merula and Raven are staying with Oaks, they decide to use their skills and find out who really is the murderer.
This is an in-depth story, with its many little side plots and lots of background into the main characters, which I really enjoyed as it builds the story into more than just the mystery at hand…..I also love the atmosphere, a glimpse into the past and a simpler time. An easy, enjoyable murder mystery in a classic style.
Thank you to the publishers, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this for free. This is my honest and unbiased review.
The story tells of the murder of a girl, who is believed to have been killed by Oaks. Oaks is a bit of an eccentric, with his home full of taxidermy, so obviously suspicion falls on him,
So, as Merula and Raven are staying with Oaks, they decide to use their skills and find out who really is the murderer.
This is an in-depth story, with its many little side plots and lots of background into the main characters, which I really enjoyed as it builds the story into more than just the mystery at hand…..I also love the atmosphere, a glimpse into the past and a simpler time. An easy, enjoyable murder mystery in a classic style.
Thank you to the publishers, the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this for free. This is my honest and unbiased review.
September 30, 2021
This sequel in the Merriweather and Royston mystery series is as well written as the first story. The plot weaves around several possible suspects in the murder of a young girl. The Dartmoor setting adds to the dark bleak atmosphere of the story as it progresses. There are a few nods to the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the author continues to include her love of the historical development of the field of zoology as part of the story. I did find it unusual that her female character was allowed to travel extensively with a male unrelated to her, even with a lady’s maid, during this Victorian era in which the story is set.
March 19, 2019
The book reminds me of the old style of mysteries where the plot was twisted and the ending was a surprise. I liked the old style! The village is a bit creepy and the inhabitants are a bit backward,,,at first glance. Then the greed and human frailties start to appear. The story unfolds less like a mystery and more like the result of finding themselves in a situation. I found the book to be well done in keeping the characters revealing parts of themselves as the story progressed. I liked the story.
I read the book on NetGalley
I read the book on NetGalley
October 21, 2019
Not the best book I've read but not the worst either. The plot is good and that's what kept me reading and I liked the descriptive writing of Dartmoor. The characters could be better, more believable but that's my only criticism.
January 10, 2020
A fine look at the mysterious Moors.
March 31, 2019
I really wanted to like this book. The characters sounded interesting, and I’m a fan of Victorian Era mysteries. However, this one didn’t hold my attention. There was a great deal of talking rather than showing, and the heroine seemed more interested in her own past than in finding the murderer. Her lady’s maid had to be one of the more annoying characters I’ve encountered. The series has definite possibilities, but the author simply hasn’t perfected her style yet.
August 15, 2019
Death Comes To Dartmoor is the second book in the A Merriweather and Royston Mystery series.
Merula Merriweather and Lord Royston have set off for Dartmoor to visit with a fellow zoologist and friend of Royston, Mr. Oaks. Mr. Oaks has a rather extensive collection of rare specimens which includes a kraken, a sea monster of myth and legend.
When they arrive Mr. Oaks seems to be rather deranged. Royston with the help of his valet, Bowsprit, get him settled in his bedchamber. They are rather surprised that there are no servants in the house as their visit was expected. They are awakened the next morning by a vicious mob who want to hang Oaks. Mr. Bixby, a neighbor of Oaks, shows up and can calm the mob and get them to leave. He informs Merula and Royston that the maid that worked at Oaks home was found murdered and the mob believes that she was murdered by a kraken that Oaks owns.
As Merriweather and Royston begin to investigate to clear Oaks name they find many suspects may have killed the maid. The spurned boyfriend, Ben Webber seems to be high on the list. Also going on is a battle between some of the residents of the town that want a railroad to service the local community to be in more tourist. The wreckmaster, who has had a stranglehold on the town for many years wants things to stay the way they are. Even the neighbor, Mr. Bixby ranks high on the miss of suspects. Hopefully, they will find the murderer before any other deaths occur.
A subplot to the story concerns Merriweather’s search for the identity of her parents. There are a group of traveling actors near the Oaks home and one of them claims to know who her parents are but is reluctant to share the information with her. Merriweather hopes they will be around long enough to convince the man to tell her what he thinks to know about her parents.
This a well-plotted and told story with an interesting cast of characters. The story’s setting and time seemed to be properly researched and written.
Merula Merriweather and Lord Royston have set off for Dartmoor to visit with a fellow zoologist and friend of Royston, Mr. Oaks. Mr. Oaks has a rather extensive collection of rare specimens which includes a kraken, a sea monster of myth and legend.
When they arrive Mr. Oaks seems to be rather deranged. Royston with the help of his valet, Bowsprit, get him settled in his bedchamber. They are rather surprised that there are no servants in the house as their visit was expected. They are awakened the next morning by a vicious mob who want to hang Oaks. Mr. Bixby, a neighbor of Oaks, shows up and can calm the mob and get them to leave. He informs Merula and Royston that the maid that worked at Oaks home was found murdered and the mob believes that she was murdered by a kraken that Oaks owns.
As Merriweather and Royston begin to investigate to clear Oaks name they find many suspects may have killed the maid. The spurned boyfriend, Ben Webber seems to be high on the list. Also going on is a battle between some of the residents of the town that want a railroad to service the local community to be in more tourist. The wreckmaster, who has had a stranglehold on the town for many years wants things to stay the way they are. Even the neighbor, Mr. Bixby ranks high on the miss of suspects. Hopefully, they will find the murderer before any other deaths occur.
A subplot to the story concerns Merriweather’s search for the identity of her parents. There are a group of traveling actors near the Oaks home and one of them claims to know who her parents are but is reluctant to share the information with her. Merriweather hopes they will be around long enough to convince the man to tell her what he thinks to know about her parents.
This a well-plotted and told story with an interesting cast of characters. The story’s setting and time seemed to be properly researched and written.
March 21, 2019
I loved this book! 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is the 2nd book in a series, but I didn’t read the first book yet and had no issues understanding plot or character dynamics. The premise surrounds a woman who travels with her companions to the English moors in order to stay at the home of a well know collector of zoological specimens, which she is fascinated by. Just before their arrival, the murder of a local girl sparks superstition and mass hysteria. She was found strangled by the river with markings on her neck that indicate she was killed by a kraken!! A kraken (as seen below) is essentially a large squid, but in certain communities, especially along the sea, is a source of great fear and irrational thinking. They believe kraken are to blame for ship wrecks and other water tragedies. A kraken is part of Lord Oak’s collection and the villagers believe this and other specimens are coming to life at night and killing the locals!!
Are his specimens somehow supernaturally causing harm or is there an evil person behind these deeds?
The story is fun, gave me a peek at some cool folklore, keeps you guessing, maintains suspense and was an overall fascinating mystery!!
#ThankYouNetgalley
#DeathComesToDartmoor
#Kraken
#Folklore
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is the 2nd book in a series, but I didn’t read the first book yet and had no issues understanding plot or character dynamics. The premise surrounds a woman who travels with her companions to the English moors in order to stay at the home of a well know collector of zoological specimens, which she is fascinated by. Just before their arrival, the murder of a local girl sparks superstition and mass hysteria. She was found strangled by the river with markings on her neck that indicate she was killed by a kraken!! A kraken (as seen below) is essentially a large squid, but in certain communities, especially along the sea, is a source of great fear and irrational thinking. They believe kraken are to blame for ship wrecks and other water tragedies. A kraken is part of Lord Oak’s collection and the villagers believe this and other specimens are coming to life at night and killing the locals!!
Are his specimens somehow supernaturally causing harm or is there an evil person behind these deeds?
The story is fun, gave me a peek at some cool folklore, keeps you guessing, maintains suspense and was an overall fascinating mystery!!
#ThankYouNetgalley
#DeathComesToDartmoor
#Kraken
#Folklore
April 3, 2021
I actually ended up reading Death Comes to Dartmoor twice, because my health got in the way when I initially read it with an intent to review so I had to reread it now that I am actually reviewing it.
This historical mystery invokes the feeling of gothics and Sherlock Holmes both in descriptions and the writing style. The setting has a good creep factor, so you definitely know in the first couple chapters that something bad is going to happen.
I liked the main female character a lot. She accepts enough convention to feel credible to the time period while still rebelling enough to be appealing to a modern woman. I liked her intelligence and connected with her insecurities about herself.
Although this is a second book in a series, I was able to read it without having read the first one. I am not left out of anything essential to the mystery and lots of information is provided to fill me in on the history between the female MC and her sleuthing partner. I did occasionally feel a bit like more was going on that I didn't know, but it wasn't essential to this mystery.
The initial opening scene does not feel as strong to me as the rest of the book. It also felt a bit info-dumpy. However, the copy I have is an advance copy, despite my delay actually reviewing it, so it is possible this has been improved in final revisions.
I read a lot of mysteries because I enjoy the puzzle aspect--trying to figure out the culprit from the pieces available. Unfortunately, the resolution in this one was not completely satisfying to me in connection with my personal preferences. I do not want to explain more and potentially ruin things for others.
Despite this slight letdown in the ending, I would definitely read more in this series.
I end up with an overall 3 star rating, which means I consider the book a solid, decent read. It passed the time well on both reads and served effectively as a distraction.
This historical mystery invokes the feeling of gothics and Sherlock Holmes both in descriptions and the writing style. The setting has a good creep factor, so you definitely know in the first couple chapters that something bad is going to happen.
I liked the main female character a lot. She accepts enough convention to feel credible to the time period while still rebelling enough to be appealing to a modern woman. I liked her intelligence and connected with her insecurities about herself.
Although this is a second book in a series, I was able to read it without having read the first one. I am not left out of anything essential to the mystery and lots of information is provided to fill me in on the history between the female MC and her sleuthing partner. I did occasionally feel a bit like more was going on that I didn't know, but it wasn't essential to this mystery.
The initial opening scene does not feel as strong to me as the rest of the book. It also felt a bit info-dumpy. However, the copy I have is an advance copy, despite my delay actually reviewing it, so it is possible this has been improved in final revisions.
I read a lot of mysteries because I enjoy the puzzle aspect--trying to figure out the culprit from the pieces available. Unfortunately, the resolution in this one was not completely satisfying to me in connection with my personal preferences. I do not want to explain more and potentially ruin things for others.
Despite this slight letdown in the ending, I would definitely read more in this series.
I end up with an overall 3 star rating, which means I consider the book a solid, decent read. It passed the time well on both reads and served effectively as a distraction.
March 3, 2020
This is the second book in the series and I had the opportunity of reading book one a while back and I was quite interested in knowing what else would happen to Merula Merriweather in this new novel.
Merula was quite a brilliantly written character from the very beginning, I loved her attitude and defiance. And following her in this new mystery was an intriguing adventure. I do wish there were some more development in terms of the relationships with other characters, but I assume in the future that may happen. Who knows?
Nevertheless, despite a couple of "Come on!" moments, she's still a fun character. And the new characters that are introduced are interesting as well, and I did wonder a couple of times about some of them and the interactions with Merula.
Another point I like in this series is the connection with nature, that was something I liked in the previous story and I'm glad it continue to exist in this one, because it's part of the main character's essence, and something I found unique.
The storyline was a bit different from book one because of course it had new secrets and questions for us to find out about, but still the plot was fun to read about and uncovering the truth is not always easy. I was asking and theorizing while reading, which is always good because it means I'm very curious about what's going on.
Overall, I enjoyed it and the murder mystery, with enough drama, but comparing this one with the previous one, I enjoyed "The Butterfly Conspiracy" a lot more. Than been said, that doesn't mean I didn't liked "Death Comes to Dartmoor", I did and I am curious to see what other mysteries is Merula going to end up in, because I know there is lot of potential for more novels.
[I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Vivian Conroy and Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
Merula was quite a brilliantly written character from the very beginning, I loved her attitude and defiance. And following her in this new mystery was an intriguing adventure. I do wish there were some more development in terms of the relationships with other characters, but I assume in the future that may happen. Who knows?
Nevertheless, despite a couple of "Come on!" moments, she's still a fun character. And the new characters that are introduced are interesting as well, and I did wonder a couple of times about some of them and the interactions with Merula.
Another point I like in this series is the connection with nature, that was something I liked in the previous story and I'm glad it continue to exist in this one, because it's part of the main character's essence, and something I found unique.
The storyline was a bit different from book one because of course it had new secrets and questions for us to find out about, but still the plot was fun to read about and uncovering the truth is not always easy. I was asking and theorizing while reading, which is always good because it means I'm very curious about what's going on.
Overall, I enjoyed it and the murder mystery, with enough drama, but comparing this one with the previous one, I enjoyed "The Butterfly Conspiracy" a lot more. Than been said, that doesn't mean I didn't liked "Death Comes to Dartmoor", I did and I am curious to see what other mysteries is Merula going to end up in, because I know there is lot of potential for more novels.
[I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Vivian Conroy and Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
June 9, 2019
Even the carriage ride to Dartmoor for Merula and Royston suggests that something is not quite right in the area where they will be visiting. Hot on the heels of saving her uncle from the gallows, Merula and Royston decide to visit one of his friends who supposedly has gathered many zoological oddities from his many trips to different exotic places in the world. Their host’s maid has gone missing, and the townspeople believe that those specimens that he has come to life and roam the moors at night, wreaking havoc. What is going on at Dartmoor?
The author has a great way of setting up suspense and scenes. On the carriage ride at the start of the book, suspense is set in motion right away when the carriage is not allowed to pass on a road near the cliffs. Clearly, somebody doesn't want what is happening on the beach to be seen. The description of their host’s home is very nearly Gothic. A giant bat is seen outside before they even get in. The host has no servants, so the whole manor is in a bit of disarray—and more than a little bit creepy. I thought Merula and Royston played well off each other. They both have distinct personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. I love the dry humor and banter between them.
If you enjoy historical suspense with creepy things that go bump in the night (and creepy villagers fomenting to become a mob), you may very well enjoy this engaging book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
The author has a great way of setting up suspense and scenes. On the carriage ride at the start of the book, suspense is set in motion right away when the carriage is not allowed to pass on a road near the cliffs. Clearly, somebody doesn't want what is happening on the beach to be seen. The description of their host’s home is very nearly Gothic. A giant bat is seen outside before they even get in. The host has no servants, so the whole manor is in a bit of disarray—and more than a little bit creepy. I thought Merula and Royston played well off each other. They both have distinct personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. I love the dry humor and banter between them.
If you enjoy historical suspense with creepy things that go bump in the night (and creepy villagers fomenting to become a mob), you may very well enjoy this engaging book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
August 13, 2019
I enjoyed the first in the Merriweather and Royston mysteries immensely, and the second one lives up to the promise that this would be a stunning and very satisfying series.
Following on from the events in the first book, Merula Merriweather, under the watchful eye of Raven Royston, heads for the country to recover from the injuries she has sustained as well as getting her out of London for a while. However, before they even reach their destination of Dartmoor there are signs of trouble; it seems to follow them around!
What follows is a puzzling and enthralling tale of intrigue. Not easy to work out, and so much the better for it! With a murder to solve and a friend being wrongly accused, there is plenty for the pair to ponder on and an abundance of characters to suspect. As with all the best tales, there is more than one thread to this tale, and they progress side by side. Not in the least a straightforward mystery, and a worthy successor to The Butterfly Conspiracy.
Vivan Conroy writes many different kinds of mysteries; his 'cosies' are excellent entertainment, his period mysteries always well researched and plotted but I think that this mystery series tops them all. These are utterly superb; true to the time they are set in and gripping, interesting reads. With a little hint at the end of this one as to where they may head next, I cannot wait! In the style of some of the very best mystery writers this is a superb read and one I highly recommend to all those who love a good historical mystery. As such, it is absolutely a five star read!
Following on from the events in the first book, Merula Merriweather, under the watchful eye of Raven Royston, heads for the country to recover from the injuries she has sustained as well as getting her out of London for a while. However, before they even reach their destination of Dartmoor there are signs of trouble; it seems to follow them around!
What follows is a puzzling and enthralling tale of intrigue. Not easy to work out, and so much the better for it! With a murder to solve and a friend being wrongly accused, there is plenty for the pair to ponder on and an abundance of characters to suspect. As with all the best tales, there is more than one thread to this tale, and they progress side by side. Not in the least a straightforward mystery, and a worthy successor to The Butterfly Conspiracy.
Vivan Conroy writes many different kinds of mysteries; his 'cosies' are excellent entertainment, his period mysteries always well researched and plotted but I think that this mystery series tops them all. These are utterly superb; true to the time they are set in and gripping, interesting reads. With a little hint at the end of this one as to where they may head next, I cannot wait! In the style of some of the very best mystery writers this is a superb read and one I highly recommend to all those who love a good historical mystery. As such, it is absolutely a five star read!
August 13, 2019
Merula Merriweather is a Victorian only because of the time period. As a person she marches to her own drummer. Her passion is butterflies and she has, with the help of Raven Royston, succeeded in clearing her uncle of a murder charge. He raised her and has acted as her 'front man' regarding the butterflies. That case is now closed and she and Raven are off for a change of scenery. Traveling with them are her maid, Ann Lamb (now her personal companion) and Raven's valet. Bowsprit. They are going to Dartmoor which is one of my favorite places, so much atmosphere that it just begs for a spooky mystery to be spun. I won't go into great detail because of spoilers but this tale has a Kraken in it, believe it or not and the locals are believers. The zoologist who collected this beast is a friend of Raven's. When they arrive at his residence it turns out that his maid has gone missing, later being found dead. Rumors fly that the Kraken got her. Superstitions are the norm and the locals are focusing all of their fear and anger on Raven's friend, Charles Oaks. Will Merula and Raven be able to figure out the mystery before the locals get their revenge? Will there be some progress in the growing romance between Merula and Raven? I don't allow spoilers so brew yourself a cuppa, find a nice comfy chair and settle down for a fun read. I hope that there will be another book to enjoy this time next year.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2021
Well, I enjoyed this, but not as much as the first book.
One of the things I most loved in book 1 was how smart and spunky Merula was, in spite of some of the hard things life has given her. She was determined and capable and didn't let anyone stop her or discouragee her. In this book she came across as more "boo-hoo, woe-is-me" than she was in the first book and that disappointed me as I was terribly fond of Merula when we first met her.
I understand that learning more about her parents and past, as she does in this book, would knock anyone back a bit, I cut her some slack, but just overall, the feel of Merula seems changed in this book and not - in my opinion - in a good way. I'm hoping that turns out to be an aberration.
Raven as well seems to have changed in this book. He was commanding and confident, taking charge and getting things done in the first book, while also being attentive and supportive of Merula. I loved the cock-eyed team they created in book 1, but in this book it felt like they were a crabby old married couple poking at one-another, and they aren't even a couple yet (at least not officially) so that didn't work for me!
I am going to continue with this series (assuming there will be more books to come) with the hope that the feel of book 1 will return with next installments. I like Merula and Raven when they are strong, confident and capable, both individually and with each other. That was what made me love book 1 and I hope that feel will return in future adventures with this duo.
One of the things I most loved in book 1 was how smart and spunky Merula was, in spite of some of the hard things life has given her. She was determined and capable and didn't let anyone stop her or discouragee her. In this book she came across as more "boo-hoo, woe-is-me" than she was in the first book and that disappointed me as I was terribly fond of Merula when we first met her.
I understand that learning more about her parents and past, as she does in this book, would knock anyone back a bit, I cut her some slack, but just overall, the feel of Merula seems changed in this book and not - in my opinion - in a good way. I'm hoping that turns out to be an aberration.
Raven as well seems to have changed in this book. He was commanding and confident, taking charge and getting things done in the first book, while also being attentive and supportive of Merula. I loved the cock-eyed team they created in book 1, but in this book it felt like they were a crabby old married couple poking at one-another, and they aren't even a couple yet (at least not officially) so that didn't work for me!
I am going to continue with this series (assuming there will be more books to come) with the hope that the feel of book 1 will return with next installments. I like Merula and Raven when they are strong, confident and capable, both individually and with each other. That was what made me love book 1 and I hope that feel will return in future adventures with this duo.
August 14, 2019
This is my first’ Merriweather and Royston mystery’. This is a standalone mystery, and there is sufficient backstory to place the characters, and their relationship in this story, but if you can, read book one first.
The Dartmoor setting of this novel plays on the Victorian belief that strange, dangerous creatures roam the moor in the darkness. This is not the Dartmoor I know, but it is well documented in Victorian literature like ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’.
This story contains all the essential elements of a Victorian murder mystery. Enigmatic, intelligent, but flawed detectives, with a degree of emotional damage. A community steeped in folklore and tradition, and a dislike of outsiders or anyone who is different from them. An undercurrent of criminal activity, and gruesome murder, possibly due to supernatural causes.
The mystery that unfolds in this story has all of the above. There is much we do not know about our detectives, but they are complex individuals. Victorian pioneers, a little before their time, especially Merriweather. The mystery is well constructed and embellished with Victorian beliefs and themes, that make solving it difficult.
The writing style and time period, will not suit everyone, but it is faithfully represented, and worth reading, to see if it is for you.
I received a copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The Dartmoor setting of this novel plays on the Victorian belief that strange, dangerous creatures roam the moor in the darkness. This is not the Dartmoor I know, but it is well documented in Victorian literature like ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’.
This story contains all the essential elements of a Victorian murder mystery. Enigmatic, intelligent, but flawed detectives, with a degree of emotional damage. A community steeped in folklore and tradition, and a dislike of outsiders or anyone who is different from them. An undercurrent of criminal activity, and gruesome murder, possibly due to supernatural causes.
The mystery that unfolds in this story has all of the above. There is much we do not know about our detectives, but they are complex individuals. Victorian pioneers, a little before their time, especially Merriweather. The mystery is well constructed and embellished with Victorian beliefs and themes, that make solving it difficult.
The writing style and time period, will not suit everyone, but it is faithfully represented, and worth reading, to see if it is for you.
I received a copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 28, 2024
This book manages to be both bland and preposterous at the same time. Merula is *supposed* to be smart and independent, but she actually does next to nothing. Raven is *supposed* to be a different sort of man in this era - one who respects the intellect of women scientists - but instead he spends the whole book taking off on his own and saying things to Merula like, "Why can't you ever listen? I knew no good would come from it. Just look at you now."
There is *supposed* to be sexual tension between Merula and Raven (his name is Lord Raven Royston, for heaven's sake) but there just isn't. There's no banter, no inside jokes, no confiding in each other, nothing. They're *supposed* to be investigative partners, but they're not. Readers should be dying to see them get together after two books, but nope. Meh.
Everything interesting happens off-screen (off-page?) and instead of characters actually making astute observations, we get this:
"It's a clean cut, one would think it was done in a single movement."
Oaks nodded. "Very astute, Raven. The cut was made by an ax."
Yes, certainly, only a brilliant mind could have deduced that.
A couple more things: Merula would never, ever have been allowed to go on "vacation" with the allegedly disreputable Raven, even with a lady's maid along. Never.
Also, they never would have referred to their holiday as a vacation because this is Britain in the late 1800's. Sigh.
There is *supposed* to be sexual tension between Merula and Raven (his name is Lord Raven Royston, for heaven's sake) but there just isn't. There's no banter, no inside jokes, no confiding in each other, nothing. They're *supposed* to be investigative partners, but they're not. Readers should be dying to see them get together after two books, but nope. Meh.
Everything interesting happens off-screen (off-page?) and instead of characters actually making astute observations, we get this:
"It's a clean cut, one would think it was done in a single movement."
Oaks nodded. "Very astute, Raven. The cut was made by an ax."
Yes, certainly, only a brilliant mind could have deduced that.
A couple more things: Merula would never, ever have been allowed to go on "vacation" with the allegedly disreputable Raven, even with a lady's maid along. Never.
Also, they never would have referred to their holiday as a vacation because this is Britain in the late 1800's. Sigh.
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