The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder (Herringford and Watts, #1) in Readers Unite

Feb 17, 2016 E.A. rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-copy, historical-adult

Fun, fanciful, mysterious - the perfect read for fans of Sherlock Holmes.

Set in 1910 Toronto, Canada, the two female detectives Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts tackle crime in the city—or, at least they want to. When the deaths of two Irish women kick start their detective business, they find that drastic measures and ridiculous disguises are the only answer to escape the Morality Squad that’s hot on their heels. Add in handsome police constable Jasper Forth and daring reporter Ray DeLuca and Fun, fanciful, mysterious - the perfect read for fans of Sherlock Holmes.

Set in 1910 Toronto, Canada, the two female detectives Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts tackle crime in the city—or, at least they want to. When the deaths of two Irish women kick start their detective business, they find that drastic measures and ridiculous disguises are the only answer to escape the Morality Squad that’s hot on their heels. Add in handsome police constable Jasper Forth and daring reporter Ray DeLuca and you’ve got a mystery worth figuring out.

I enjoyed this jaunt through the streets of Toronto on the heels of mystery and discovery inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve long been a fan of Holmes and enjoyed this nod to his mysteries and detective acumen. I found Jem to be an adorable character who’s growth through the book was enjoyable to watch. Merinda was slightly more difficult to love, as in the way of Sherlock. She had her lovable moments, but there were times when she was slightly oblivious in a way that made me a bit mad at her. Then again, that could have been the point.

I also enjoyed the romance aspect (being a fan of romance) and definitely enjoyed Ray’s character. I did, however wish there was more background into Merinda. I think I expected the story to be more about her (as a Sherlock figure) but that wasn’t really the case (no pun intended).

The only thing that I didn’t enjoy was the point of view changes. I’m a stickler when it comes to POV (must be a personal thing) but I love to be “in” someone’s head and know that’s where I rest. I feel as if I can truly get to know a character that way. That was not the case for this story and, often times when it switched POV in the middle of a scene, I wondered how we knew what we did. This always jerks me out of the story and was the case in this book. I’m sure there was a stylistic reason for it; I just don’t personally enjoy it. I did however enjoy the asides by way of footnote – they were fun!

I would recommend this to fans of Sherlock Holmes, historical fiction, and lovers of fun and lighthearted mysteries.

My Rating: 4*
Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2016/04...
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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
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Aug 26, 2015 Kerry Johnson rated it it was amazing

Just writing this review makes me smile.

What a fun read! Jem, Merinda, Ray, and Jasper are a quirky, loveable mix of characters searching for answers and battling bad fellas (and discovering love) in this feisty Sherlockian romp through early 1900s Toronto.

There's a lot to love: gorgeous writing, humorous banter (funny footnotes? Check.), mystery, and warm affection between the heroines. Strong-willed Merinda is the leader of this capable detective team, but Jem is her big-hearted, faithful si ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Nov 21, 2015 Abby Breuklander rated it it was amazing

This was such a great read, I was completely sucked in on page one! Now I'm waiting for a movie!! ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Oct 29, 2015 Mikal Dawn rated it it was amazing

My thoughts:
Jem, Merinda, Jasper, and Ray. Four characters who personify independence, joy, love, wit, and charisma.

This book, on the surface, is a rollicking good time. Lots of smirks, laughs, intelligence, and a bit of romance. What’s under the surface, however, is what makes this book so fascinating. You have two independent women who are “past an age” for proper society. These are women you’d love to know in real life and have on your side. They’re not trying to fit in with society—they’re t ...more

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Aug 22, 2018 Amanda Stevens rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction

3.5 stars for a book that surprised me. I didn't read this series when it first released because I assumed the cast would be mostly female (which would bore me) and because mixing humor with murder is not my thing (very few strains of humor are my thing). But then I read Murder at the Flamingo, and I was drawn to the promise of more Ray DeLuca on the page, and ... well, turns out I had deprived myself of a fun and endearing series. This historical romp includes a readable blend of mystery and ro ...more

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Apr 04, 2016 Laura rated it liked it

THE BACHELOR GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER is the debut novel by Rachel McMillian. Fans of Sherlock Holmes style mysteries should be entralled by this new voice on the block.

The two girls are attempt at finding trouble--from Jem being interviewed by a reporter while impersonating a male bum to losing her pants and wearing nothing but the reporter's trench coat while waiting for Merinda--who was too busy finding another body to worry about why her friend was partially undressed.

The story has touches o ...more

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Apr 25, 2016 Sandra Orchard rated it really liked it

This is a fun historical romantic mystery set in 1910 Toronto, featuring two female sleuths who aspire to be like Holmes and Watson, with personalities to match. There are so many unique and whimsical things about this story that made it engaging. The mystery didn't draw me into the story as much as the girl's lives and historical information. I especially enjoyed the unique extras that added to the historical feel of the story, from the cleverly constructed quotes of imagined how-to books of th ...more

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Feb 01, 2016 Alyssa rated it it was ok

Shelves: my-ebooks, historical, christian-fic, arc

To be entirely upfront, I am not sure my expectations were met. I was under quite the pretense that our leading ladies, Merinda and Jem, were going to be very much like Sherlock and his companion John Watson. This is NOT THE CASE. I had been hoping that Merinda and Jem would have been more Sherlock-esque and less two silly women pretending.

I was sad that the two came across as silly and inept since I think that was a message the author was trying to fight against--women being any less capable t ...more

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Feb 06, 2016 Just Commonly rated it really liked it

"A murder scene is no place for a proper lady."

Good thing our ladies are not proper ladies?! Think Sherlock & Watson, but in female form! Yep! Our heroines in The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan are just HILARIOUS to boot! I'm not sure what to say besides the fact that our female Sherlock, Merinda Herringford is funny, yet observant and inquisitive. Our Watson, Jemima Watts that is, is logical with all things, except when it relates to Merinda. I know, the resemblance is uncan "A murder scene is no place for a proper lady."

Good thing our ladies are not proper ladies?! Think Sherlock & Watson, but in female form! Yep! Our heroines in The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan are just HILARIOUS to boot! I'm not sure what to say besides the fact that our female Sherlock, Merinda Herringford is funny, yet observant and inquisitive. Our Watson, Jemima Watts that is, is logical with all things, except when it relates to Merinda. I know, the resemblance is uncanny, and you know what the kicker is? Merinda is a fan of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes! You know, not surprising, since the original publication of Sherlock was in the late 1800s, and this being the early 1900s, Toronto, we can assume the popularity of Sherlock is widespread.

O, how I find so much fun following Merinda and Jem on their little escapades and disguises! There were so many moments of chuckling, sneering and even laugh out loud ones that I had some queer looks from bystanders. The mystery case of the story have you searching and thinking yourself, before your thoughts are so humorously interrupted by our main protagonist, Merinda. Then the little romances and insinuations throughout the book between Jem and Ray, the truth-seeking reporter, and the obvious interest of the police constable, Jasper towards Merinda puts the cherry on top for this reader. Like any great crime-fighting, or rather mystery solving pair, (think Sherlock & Watson, Castle & Beckett, Booth & Bones, Starsky & Hutch, Batman & Robin...etc), this dynamic duo will definitely get your jaw working with laughter and disbelief, while providing a well thought out mystery for you to solve, plus some romance in the air; and maybe some dating advice.

O, did I mentioned this is a series?
And check out the lovely printed pages with some nice silhouettes (at least on the printed copy).

This review first appeared on Just Commonly Blog.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity Tours for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page. ...more

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Jul 15, 2015 Laurie rated it it was amazing

If you love Sherlock Holmes -- or just adventure and clever writing in a historical setting -- you'll love The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder, debut novel from Rachel McMillan and the first in her Herringford and Watts Mysteries. The story takes place in 1910, where our heroines Jem and Merinda are sleuthing in the streets of Toronto instead of behaving and preparing for marriage like most girls their age. Readers will love being a third-wheel to their adventures -- and want Merinda to be a "ba ...more

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Mar 29, 2016 Dominique *Paperbacks & Frybread* rated it really liked it

Shelves: christianity, 4-star, fiction, murder-mystery

This isn't my typical read by any means, but I can see how if you're big in to Mr. Doyle or Agatha Christie's works you would be all over this! There's murder, intrigue, a dynamic duo, and even disguises!

It's incredibly clean, which is a breath of fresh air when it comes to murder mysteries, and although it wasn't my favorite read-it was still light and fun.

"The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder" has also integrated faith into the story which also bumped up the star rating from me. It's not prea ...more

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Mar 18, 2023 Caryl rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mystery-suspense, 2023challenge

McMillan has crafted a brilliant and witty novel. Merinda and Jem are spunky spitfires! I so enjoyed following along on their case. Female sleuths are fabulous!

Recommend to readers who enjoy historical mysteries.

I purchased my copy. I've expressed my honest view. ...more

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