This reading review is slightly less than my average monthly reads as I have been working very hard on drafting my debut fantasy novel. I have been writing non-stop throughout August and managed a weighty 30,000 words. This now brings my current work count to 60K words! Read about my writing and drafting journey here, to learn more what I learnt and what my goals are to find a literature agent and publish my novel. Now onto the novels I read this month, I read one ARC ebook (advanced readers copy) courtesy of Netgalley and one romcom.
Books of August
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
The Undetectables is a murder mystery series that evolves around a group of supernatural friends who attempt to solve murders starting with their friend Theodore. Throughout the novel, their friendship is pushed to its limits and the threat of the unknown killer is becoming closer and closer. Can they solve the murder before it is too late?
The concept was really interesting and the idea that these murders were happening in public places, closed rooms and spaces the undetectables were completely puzzled as to how the murders happened. I figured out who the murderer was fairly early on in the novel, but the plot twist as to why and how were well-written.
I did feel at times that there was too much dialogue that info-dumped onto the reader rather than showing instead of telling such as the history of Wrackton and I also thought there was too much dialogue bunched together in a several scenes that made it very difficult to understand who was talking. This also contributed to the lack of personality that some of the main characters had because the reader didn’t spend enough time alone with characters like Cornelia, Diana or Jacob. This meant that these characters were not as relatable to the reader. This being said Mallory and Theordore’s characterisations and personalities were well-developed and I was eagerly awaiting Theodore’s dramatic entrances and speeches. The representation of Mallory’s fibromyalgia that permeates throughout the novel takes the forefront of her characterisation and how she tries to overcome the feelings of loneliness felt with the condition. The author does this in a way that doesn’t over shadow the overarching plot.
Overall, I enjoyed reading about the undetectables and their quest to solve these murders while still confused as to who murdered Theodore at the start of the novel. I think the villain was weak in places and could have done with more plot twists or red herrings. However, it had many supernatural elements that I would be interested in exploring in a potential sequel.
Secretly Yours is the first in a duology of a romcom set on a vineyard in Napa. The first in the series follows Julian Vos and Hallie who has had a crush on Julian since school. Her crush and fantasies become a reality when Julian returns to Napa to write a historical fiction novel. Julian becomes embroiled in Hallie’s life and vendetta against a rival wine store Uncorked. Their romance blooms into a more than just cheese sample stealing and prank calls. I did read the second in the series first, Unfortunately Yours, as the plot of a marriage of convenience was more intriguing to me than the plot of Secretly Yours.
The plots, characters and romance was ok. I didn’t think this was the best romcom in comparison to Tessa Bailey’s other novels but it wasn’t her worst. I did enjoy Unfortunately Yours (book 2 in the series more) because the comedy and marriage of convenience created a good amount of tension and humour. But that still had its issues.
Bailey can write romance very well and her ability to command tension is perfect, however I didn’t feel there was much tension between Julian and Hallie. The element of the secret admirer letter didn’t add much jeopardy to their relationship and the conflict was resolved very quickly – about a page and a half. I did enjoy reading about Napa and the setting a St Helena with funny side characters like Natalie and Lavinia who added comedic relief. I think Hallie and Julian were well written and they had a decent back story with problems that they each overcame. The book and chapters were too long and the pace slowed towards the end. I felt that while reading not a lot actually happened. I wanted to see more of Julian’s involvement in the vineyard and Hallie’s gardening business take off.
The jealousy between Owen and Julian who both loved Hallie needed more drama and tension that makes Hallie take a side. This was weak. I think if Hallie went on a date with Owen and then Julian realised his feelings, this would have made more conflict. The secret admirer letter didn’t produce enough of a conflict.
Overall, I enjoyed the novel and characters but I think the conflict was weak and the pacing was slow with long chapters. I still eagerly anticipate Tessa Bailey’s future publications but I don’t know if they will live up to the hype and standards of It Happened One Summer. Bailey writes very well and can create compelling and immersive worlds that are very realistic.
Final thought
Overall, I dived into a new genre that I don’t usually reach for and that was murder mystery. I enjoy murder mysteries that are light hearted and humorous, but are not blood-curdling thrillers. Therefore, The Undetectables was a good read for this purpose and proves that mysteries do not have to be gory to be enjoyable reads. I also read a romcom that while it did have its problems it was a good and easy read. It is what I like to call a palate cleanser that resets the mind for the next book. I am excited to see what I read in September and do return to my blog to read my SEPTEMBER READING REVIEW
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