Dorothy E. (islandflower) reviewed Cut to the Quick (Julian Kestrel, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
a very enjoyable read, as was each of her four books.Lots of information about Regency social classes and life in general. The author died far to young...she will be missed.
Real good mystery. In 1820 it was hard to be a detective, especially when it's your first murder to solve. This is Ms Ross's first of a few detective novels with Julian Kestrel and his servant Dipper. It is a shame Ms Ross could only write a few before she died. I love all of her books.
Dark and intersting
A good mystery that takes place in Regency England.
Wonderful author, wonderful book.
It's a little convoluted, but quite good. I haven't quite finished it yet.
Excellent book . I enjoyed and have read everything by this author .
Lorraine T. (mysterylover) reviewed Cut to the Quick (Julian Kestrel, Bk 1) on + 318 more book reviews
Julian Kestrel is visiting a friend's country estate and murder victim is found in his bed.
"Cut to the Quick"is a well written mystery. The first book in a series, it features Julian Kestrel, a Regency dandy, as the detective. When a young woman is found dead in his bed while he is visiting a friend, his servant, Dipper is suspected of having killed the woman, who seems to be unknown to all the house's inhabitants. Believing Dipper to be innocent, and knowing that having a non-family member convicted of the crime would please everyone, Kestrel forces his host to allow him to investigate. His host, who is also the local magistrate, would prefer Kestrel kept out of it, but can't deny that investigating his own family is a conflict of interest.
I don't like contrivances in murder mysteries, and here there are only two. The first one is completely necessary, because without it Kestrel wouldn't be in the house, so it's forgivable. the second contrivance, however, while necessary to tie up all loose ends, is too strained. Despite that, the book was well worth reading.
I don't like contrivances in murder mysteries, and here there are only two. The first one is completely necessary, because without it Kestrel wouldn't be in the house, so it's forgivable. the second contrivance, however, while necessary to tie up all loose ends, is too strained. Despite that, the book was well worth reading.
