tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2436693488493674576.post6202663689861068733..comments2024-03-26T12:21:59.765-06:00Comments on Mysteries and My Musings: Review - India Black and the Widow of WindsorA.F. Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12300113406228013929noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2436693488493674576.post-73088909833700015762011-11-18T13:14:55.329-07:002011-11-18T13:14:55.329-07:00Jo,
I understand the dilema. French is a mixed ba...Jo,<br />I understand the dilema. French is a mixed bag. I can't say his character was horrible throughout. He has his moments where he clearly cares for India, which in itself says something about the man considering her profession. This book had some hints that he is growing attached to India beyond working with her.<br /><br />He never appears to hold her profession against her or looks down at her for it. He does take it seriously that she is going into dangerous work and the opening scene is of them fencing - his attempt to help her learn to better protect herself.<br /><br />He is still a mystery to India and thus the reader since she doesn't know much about him personally. <br /><br />My complaints were a scene at India's establishment where a homeless boy who had assisted them in the last book is hanging around French, his hero, and French invites him to dine with them when India clearly doesn't want the smelly boy to. To me that was French being high handed when it wasn't his house. French may consider the boy an asset and not want to slight him or he may just want to feed the urchin. <br /><br />My other complaint is that the story has India working all hours and gets perhaps an hour or two sleep each night. French even comments that she is looking pretty ragged, but drops the topic since they have a ticking clock. His undercover role allows him far more liberty and thus chances to rest and he didn't seem to appreciate just how much India was sacrificing.<br /><br />That should give you a pretty good picture of the good and bad of the character so you can judge if those are too irksome or minor for you. <br /><br />I know how it is with having so many books you want to read, you don't want to waste time with something that isn't going to entertain you.A.F. Hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12300113406228013929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2436693488493674576.post-2895050645857277062011-11-18T13:13:38.545-07:002011-11-18T13:13:38.545-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.A.F. Hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12300113406228013929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2436693488493674576.post-88357844897469577982011-11-18T12:43:23.408-07:002011-11-18T12:43:23.408-07:00I don't know exactly. Part of it is that char...I don't know exactly. Part of it is that characters are a huge part of what makes or breaks a book for me and it doesn't sound from your review like French is a very good one. Part of it is because historical attitudes (for lack of a better term) can make me queasy, and it sounds like this book might have a lot of that. <br /><br />I don't know if that makes sense, and I don't suppose it really matters since I have an abundance of other books to read.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15574327321984659993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2436693488493674576.post-92104212197704982812011-11-17T18:08:11.853-07:002011-11-17T18:08:11.853-07:00Jo,
I had not really paid much attention, but I ha...Jo,<br />I had not really paid much attention, but I have been reading more historical mysteries lately. They seem to be what is appealing to me of the books sent for review. After all the paranormals during October, I guess the historicals have caught my fancy. <br /><br />But I will be reviewing the latest Flavia DeLuca in December and some suspense books too. <br /><br />What is it that you are questioning about the India Black? Perhaps I can answer any questions or concerns you may have.A.F. Hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12300113406228013929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2436693488493674576.post-47839912302687109682011-11-17T16:25:44.550-07:002011-11-17T16:25:44.550-07:00You seem to be on something of a historical kick l...You seem to be on something of a historical kick lately, or is that just what you've been given to review?<br /><br />It sounds like this series has the potential to be one I'd enjoy, but it also sounds like one with the potential to really bother me. I think I'd have to actually try it to know... and I'm not sure I'd be willing to try it.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15574327321984659993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2436693488493674576.post-87738718793217913662011-11-17T10:22:43.226-07:002011-11-17T10:22:43.226-07:00I adored both boths and can't wait for the thi...I adored both boths and can't wait for the third installment. I particularly like that India and French are not involved, that she knows nothing about him, that he remains a mystery to her.Elizabeth Kerri Mahonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07763642809052430107noreply@blogger.com