Reviews

The Secret of the Lost Pearls by Darcie Wilde

leandrathetbrzero's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 A Household full of Liars, a Thief, and a Murderer

↓ Similar Reading Experiences ↓
1. A Useful Woman by Darcie Wilde
2. Murder in Westminster by Vanessa Riley
3. The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

SYNOPSIS
Rosalind Thorne may not have a grand fortune of her own, but she possesses virtues almost as prized by the haut ton: discretion, and a web of connections that enable her to discover just about anything about anyone. Known as a “most useful woman,” Rosalind helps society ladies in need—for a modest fee, of course—and her client roster is steadily increasing…

This title was my introduction to the Useful Woman mystery series, and I am grateful to Kensington Publishing for the gifted copy. I cannot wait to do a deep dive into the books that came before and those to be published in the future because I am hooked! The series is perfect for lovers of historical fiction mysteries, Jane Austen, and authentic depictions of the Regency era. And the mystery was one in which I found myself fully invested up to the final pages!

After Golden Age detective fiction, my second favorite mystery subgenre is historical fiction. And Darcie Wilde’s writing is just brilliant. I am most impressed by Wilde’s ability to present strong, wilful women characters and feminist themes while presenting a very believable Regency-era society where gender inequality restricts the freedom and agency of women. And this novel has a great cast of characters. I loved following Rosalind as our capable, level-headed sleuth. Others may disagree, but she reminded me of Elinor Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility or Juliet Tilney, one of the young amateur detectives in The Murder of Mr. Wickham. None of this is surprising as this series is inspired by Jane Austen and includes some great quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

I am genuinely so excited for whatever adventures Rosalind comes across in the future, and I will cherish both the ARC and the finished copy I now own. 

annarella's review against another edition

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5.0

i think that Sarah Zettel aka Darcie Wilde aka Delia James can write good novels regardless of the genre and era.
I always enjoyed them and this book confirmed my opinion.
Rosalind is well developed, interesting and clever character. An unusual heroine who knows how to relate to the Ton and discover the culprits.
This was another well plotted and solid mystery that kept me guessing. Entertaining and gripping.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

marcirenee1974's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. I wish that I had not jumped into the series at this book, but I still loved it. I will now go back and read the books that came before this one! I love how strong the females are in this series and can't wait to read more of them!
#TheSecretoftheLostPearls
#NetGalley
 

joyematt's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0