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Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery #2
Cinderella Six Feet Under
This Cinderella goes from ashes to ashes in the new Victorian-era Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery by the author of
Snow White Red-Handed . .
.
Variety hall actress Ophelia Flax’s plan to reunite her friend Prue with her estranged—and allegedly wealthy—mother, Henrietta, is met with a grim surprise. Not only is the marquise’s Paris mansion a mouse-infested ruin, but Henrietta has inexplicably vanished, leaving behind an evasive husband, two sinister stepsisters, and a bullet-riddled corpse in the pumpkin patch decked out in a ball gown and one glass slipper—a corpse that also happens to be a dead ringer for Prue.
Strangely, no one at 15 rue Garenne seems concerned about who plugged this luckless Cinderella or why, so the investigation is left to Ophelia and Prue. It takes them through the labyrinthine maze of the Paris Opera, down the trail of a legendary fairy tale relic, into the confidence of a wily prince charmless, and makes them vulnerable to the secrets of a mysterious couturière with designs of her own on Prue’s ever-twisting family history.
Variety hall actress Ophelia Flax’s plan to reunite her friend Prue with her estranged—and allegedly wealthy—mother, Henrietta, is met with a grim surprise. Not only is the marquise’s Paris mansion a mouse-infested ruin, but Henrietta has inexplicably vanished, leaving behind an evasive husband, two sinister stepsisters, and a bullet-riddled corpse in the pumpkin patch decked out in a ball gown and one glass slipper—a corpse that also happens to be a dead ringer for Prue.
Strangely, no one at 15 rue Garenne seems concerned about who plugged this luckless Cinderella or why, so the investigation is left to Ophelia and Prue. It takes them through the labyrinthine maze of the Paris Opera, down the trail of a legendary fairy tale relic, into the confidence of a wily prince charmless, and makes them vulnerable to the secrets of a mysterious couturière with designs of her own on Prue’s ever-twisting family history.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
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1999 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 31, 2015
I’ve mentioned this in several reviews…cozy mysteries are starting to add more and more historicals to the genre. Hmmm…a new subgenre, historical-cozies. But none of the others are quite like the Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery series.
Author Maia Chance is breathing new life not only into cozies, but into fairy tales as well. CINDERELLA SIX FEET UNDER is a delightfully murderous take on the well-loved story of Cinderella. This story starts off early into the book with the discovery of the victim’s body. What follows is a well plotted, wonderfully written mystery that kept me guessing.
Ms. Chance really did her research and captured the feel of her Victorian setting. Through her use of language and descriptions, I was transported back to Victorian times and found myself in the mystery/fairy tale and part of the investigation myself.
If you’ve read the first book in this series, SNOW WHITE RED-HANDED, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy this next installment. But, if like myself, you haven’t read the first book, no worries, you won’t feel lost in CINDERELLA SIX FEET UNDER at all.
Keep reading after the story is over for a sneak peek of BEAUTY, BEAST, AND BELLADONNA, book 3 in this great series!
Author Maia Chance is breathing new life not only into cozies, but into fairy tales as well. CINDERELLA SIX FEET UNDER is a delightfully murderous take on the well-loved story of Cinderella. This story starts off early into the book with the discovery of the victim’s body. What follows is a well plotted, wonderfully written mystery that kept me guessing.
Ms. Chance really did her research and captured the feel of her Victorian setting. Through her use of language and descriptions, I was transported back to Victorian times and found myself in the mystery/fairy tale and part of the investigation myself.
If you’ve read the first book in this series, SNOW WHITE RED-HANDED, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy this next installment. But, if like myself, you haven’t read the first book, no worries, you won’t feel lost in CINDERELLA SIX FEET UNDER at all.
Keep reading after the story is over for a sneak peek of BEAUTY, BEAST, AND BELLADONNA, book 3 in this great series!
March 7, 2016
Rakes and rogues are so last year. Strait-laced, proper English gentlemen's where it's at, ladies.
On one hand, the story is just as enjoyable, maybe even more so, than the last, but that ending came out of nowhere eh? And honestly, do we even really need Prue? Seems to me she does nothing but eat sweets and get kidnapped.
On one hand, the story is just as enjoyable, maybe even more so, than the last, but that ending came out of nowhere eh? And honestly, do we even really need Prue? Seems to me she does nothing but eat sweets and get kidnapped.
June 29, 2021
Although the fairy tale connection is especially strong for me, as Cinderella is my all time favorite story ... this book did not have enough of a connection to the story to make it truly amazing. It is, however, a delightful little cozy mystery, with some references to the fairy tale, and thus was a fun read.
March 5, 2023
I remember enjoying the first one of the series, but I didn't remember the characters very well. It took me a few chapters to warm up to them, but I enjoyed the mystery. The killer was on my list, but not at the top. Ophelia and Prue arrive in Paris looking for Prue's mother, but she is gone. Prue's stepfamily is very strange, but when her half-sister is found dead, in a Cinderella type dress, and on a pumpkin patch, they will need to use all their wits to find the killer.
February 21, 2019
This is about solving a murder and kidnapping. I thought this was okay. I didn't feel a connection to the characters and felt this was a bit boring.
September 7, 2015
Cinderella Six Feet Under is the second book in Maia Chance's Fairy Tale Fatal mystery series. This series is very unique in a genre that is saturated with a lot of the same kinds of stories. Chance makes the reader take a look at fairy tales as though they are real. She uses historical background and context to bring the reader a mystery that is steeped in history and lore. Who didn't hear fairy tales when they were growing up? It's a perfect hook!
What I liked:
I liked just about everything in this book. First and foremost the premise of the series. Cinderella Six Feet Under takes up the mantle of fairy tale truth following Snow White Red Handed. This book takes the fairy tale of Cinderella and interprets it in such a distinctive way. Readers have to suspend their belief in reality a bit for this series, because the characters and the world building of the series, assumes that fairy tales were real, not just stories or even legends, but real happenings that can be traced and followed. Gabriel, one of the main characters is a professor that is obsessed with fairy tales and proving their existence. It is just a rare and unusual premise. I love it!
I have to admit that Cinderella was always one of those fairy tales that I felt was a little trite and predictable. The way Maia Chance tells it is totally different from the abused step daughter meeting her prince and it involves a murder... who knew! One of the things that stands out is the historical aspect of the story. It is set in 1867. I loved the references to Paris of the day and how the culture and prevailing thoughts of the times were incorporated into the story. Historical cozies are becoming really popular and I hope it is a trend that continues, but this book and series take it in a whole new direction.
The re-occurring characters of Gabriel, Prue and Ophelia are back once again in this one. Gabriel, the professor, has this fascination with fairy tales and really his perspective is what makes the series work. I loved Prue and that this book had a lot to do with her and her family. She comes off as a bit of a blond at times but I found that kind of endearing in a way. Ophelia is the sensible one, the stubborn one, and the one that has the most trouble believing the significance of fairy tales. She was skeptical but open minded enough to see where the clues were leading. Loved all three of them in this book and found so much more about them that will probably be explored in future books.
What I Didn't Like:
The mystery was really clever. But there were a lot of characters to keep up with. A lot of big long names and a lot of references to the previous case these three worked on. It was on the confusing side. If you read Snow White Red Handed, that will help, but it doesn't completely alleviate the disorientation you might feel in the first few chapters of the book. It's one of those stories that may have been served better to have had less characters carrying the story.
Bottom Line:
There is so much potential for this series. I love the history, the mystery and the premise is out of this world. The light fantasy type feel to the book is fun for all of us readers who enjoy a bit of the paranormal, but it will still speak to those who don't want to go too far in that direction. This book has Cinderella like you've never seen her before and of course a murder and a victim that looks just like Prue. Not mention wicked step sister who won't let Prue in the house and a missing mother... oh my!
What I liked:
I liked just about everything in this book. First and foremost the premise of the series. Cinderella Six Feet Under takes up the mantle of fairy tale truth following Snow White Red Handed. This book takes the fairy tale of Cinderella and interprets it in such a distinctive way. Readers have to suspend their belief in reality a bit for this series, because the characters and the world building of the series, assumes that fairy tales were real, not just stories or even legends, but real happenings that can be traced and followed. Gabriel, one of the main characters is a professor that is obsessed with fairy tales and proving their existence. It is just a rare and unusual premise. I love it!
I have to admit that Cinderella was always one of those fairy tales that I felt was a little trite and predictable. The way Maia Chance tells it is totally different from the abused step daughter meeting her prince and it involves a murder... who knew! One of the things that stands out is the historical aspect of the story. It is set in 1867. I loved the references to Paris of the day and how the culture and prevailing thoughts of the times were incorporated into the story. Historical cozies are becoming really popular and I hope it is a trend that continues, but this book and series take it in a whole new direction.
The re-occurring characters of Gabriel, Prue and Ophelia are back once again in this one. Gabriel, the professor, has this fascination with fairy tales and really his perspective is what makes the series work. I loved Prue and that this book had a lot to do with her and her family. She comes off as a bit of a blond at times but I found that kind of endearing in a way. Ophelia is the sensible one, the stubborn one, and the one that has the most trouble believing the significance of fairy tales. She was skeptical but open minded enough to see where the clues were leading. Loved all three of them in this book and found so much more about them that will probably be explored in future books.
What I Didn't Like:
The mystery was really clever. But there were a lot of characters to keep up with. A lot of big long names and a lot of references to the previous case these three worked on. It was on the confusing side. If you read Snow White Red Handed, that will help, but it doesn't completely alleviate the disorientation you might feel in the first few chapters of the book. It's one of those stories that may have been served better to have had less characters carrying the story.
Bottom Line:
There is so much potential for this series. I love the history, the mystery and the premise is out of this world. The light fantasy type feel to the book is fun for all of us readers who enjoy a bit of the paranormal, but it will still speak to those who don't want to go too far in that direction. This book has Cinderella like you've never seen her before and of course a murder and a victim that looks just like Prue. Not mention wicked step sister who won't let Prue in the house and a missing mother... oh my!
September 4, 2015
Cinderella Six Feet Under by Maia Chance is the second book in A Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery series. It takes place in late 1867 in Paris, France. Gabriel Augustus Penrose (Lord Harrington) is a professor at St. Remigius’s College in Oxford (and has an obsession with fairy tales). He notices an article while reading the paper during tea time. The article is about a woman who was murdered in France. The picture looks like Miss Prudence (Prue) Bright who Gabriel met in the Black Forest (Germany). Gabriel might be a little bit smitten with Miss Ophelia Flax who was traveling with Prue. Gabriel decides to head to Paris immediately.
Prue (she is nineteen) and Ophelia (she is twenty-five) are finally at their destination. Ophelia is taking Prue to her mother’s house. Prue’s mother is Henrietta Bright-Malbert (wife of Renouart Malbert, Marquis de la Roque-Fabliau—what a mouthful). Henrietta was an actress at the Howard DeLuxe’s Varieties in New York, but she left everything behind to marry (including Prue). Ophelia is an actress and she is in disguise to act as chaperone to Prue (a lady would not travel alone). When they arrive Henrietta is not in residence and Mademoiselle Eglantine (Prue’s new step-sister) will not let her in the house. They await nearby to watch for Henrietta when they discover the body of a woman. The woman looks just like Prue!
Renouart, upon meeting Prue, invites her to stay at the house. He explains that his wife, Henrietta, is missing (and the police do not seem to be doing anything). They also believe Prue’s look-a-like was a woman of the streets and murdered by a vagabond (sounds fishy to me). After a few days of staying in the house and being bored to death (they believe that Prue might be in danger), Ophelia takes matters into her own hands (she is frustrated with the police). Ophelia along with Gabriel start investigating. As they gather more clues everything points to Cinderella, the original, very old version. Turns out that there is a special artifact that is desired by many people. Can they solve the crime before anyone else is hurt?
I give Cinderella Six Feet Under 3.75 out of 5 stars. The book is interesting with a different take on the story of Cinderella. I think Ophelia Flax is an interesting character (determined, stubborn, and the ability to jump to conclusions). Gabriel and Ophelia make a great team (though Gabriel needs to learn to speak up and grow a stronger back bone). However, there are just too many people and so many different things going on. The mystery was complex and clever (I liked that part). I just found the book to be very confusing. Too many elements jammed into one book. It made it a difficult book to read. This is the second book in the series, and I highly recommend that you would read the first book before reading Cinderella Six Feet Under. It will make things a little bit clearer. I did find Prudence Bright to be portrayed as nitwit (and a twit) which was unfortunate (I do not like woman being portrayed in this manner). She was also not essential to the story except for one of the final scenes in the book.
I received a complimentary copy of Cinderella Six Feet Under from the author in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
Prue (she is nineteen) and Ophelia (she is twenty-five) are finally at their destination. Ophelia is taking Prue to her mother’s house. Prue’s mother is Henrietta Bright-Malbert (wife of Renouart Malbert, Marquis de la Roque-Fabliau—what a mouthful). Henrietta was an actress at the Howard DeLuxe’s Varieties in New York, but she left everything behind to marry (including Prue). Ophelia is an actress and she is in disguise to act as chaperone to Prue (a lady would not travel alone). When they arrive Henrietta is not in residence and Mademoiselle Eglantine (Prue’s new step-sister) will not let her in the house. They await nearby to watch for Henrietta when they discover the body of a woman. The woman looks just like Prue!
Renouart, upon meeting Prue, invites her to stay at the house. He explains that his wife, Henrietta, is missing (and the police do not seem to be doing anything). They also believe Prue’s look-a-like was a woman of the streets and murdered by a vagabond (sounds fishy to me). After a few days of staying in the house and being bored to death (they believe that Prue might be in danger), Ophelia takes matters into her own hands (she is frustrated with the police). Ophelia along with Gabriel start investigating. As they gather more clues everything points to Cinderella, the original, very old version. Turns out that there is a special artifact that is desired by many people. Can they solve the crime before anyone else is hurt?
I give Cinderella Six Feet Under 3.75 out of 5 stars. The book is interesting with a different take on the story of Cinderella. I think Ophelia Flax is an interesting character (determined, stubborn, and the ability to jump to conclusions). Gabriel and Ophelia make a great team (though Gabriel needs to learn to speak up and grow a stronger back bone). However, there are just too many people and so many different things going on. The mystery was complex and clever (I liked that part). I just found the book to be very confusing. Too many elements jammed into one book. It made it a difficult book to read. This is the second book in the series, and I highly recommend that you would read the first book before reading Cinderella Six Feet Under. It will make things a little bit clearer. I did find Prudence Bright to be portrayed as nitwit (and a twit) which was unfortunate (I do not like woman being portrayed in this manner). She was also not essential to the story except for one of the final scenes in the book.
I received a complimentary copy of Cinderella Six Feet Under from the author in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
March 23, 2016
This review was originally posted on Backchatting Books
Prue's plan to catch up with her mother Henrietta hits a hitch when she and Ophelia arrive in Paris. In a short space of time they discover that her mother has gone missing and her half-sister has been murdered in the pumpkin patch. Prue's step-sisters (who are descended from Cinderella's step-sisters) are fairly nasty and there are rats running around the gloomy mansion. Ick!
Prue's plan to catch up with her mother Henrietta hits a hitch when she and Ophelia arrive in Paris. In a short space of time they discover that her mother has gone missing and her half-sister has been murdered in the pumpkin patch. Prue's step-sisters (who are descended from Cinderella's step-sisters) are fairly nasty and there are rats running around the gloomy mansion. Ick!
Reading this was a bit of a slog as I had to re-read sections to try to understand what was going on and couldn't just pick it up from where I left off. I only finished it out of sheer stubbornness.
The good bits
Cinderella is my favourite fairytale although I favour the Grimm Brothers' Ashenputtel over Perrault's Cendrillon. Chance's Cinderella has a touch of Ashenputtel about her as she took charge of her own destiny courtesy of a magic object rather than waiting passively like Cendrillon. I enjoyed the glimpses of Cinderella that we got throughout the book but it would have been awesome if there had been stronger parallels between how the tale had played out and the mystery that Ophelia, Prue and Gabriel got embroiled in.
The not so good bits
Prue is still so incredibly dense and helpless. I can't fathom how she has managed to survive for so long given her propensity for being kidnapped by unsavoury people. She didn't value-add to the story and just sort of faffed about.
Ophelia, Gabriel and Prue rarely talked to each other in detail about the case so often worked at cross purposes. It was difficult to keep track of who knew what and who was concealing what information. The book was stuffed to the gills with disparate plot threads and a really awkward romance. The sub-plot involving fairytale collectors could have been axed without really affecting the main story. Ditto with the step-father's creepiness and the companion's hijinks.
The ending was a bit hard to swallow. I worked out who the guilty party was and had a good guess at why but the reason behind the automatons was bizarre.
Verdict
This book simply didn't work for me. I've read some really positive reviews about it on Goodreads so it obviously struck a chord with others though. I suggest you try the first in the series if you are interested before diving into this one.
January 12, 2016
A heroine so strong and witty, is to be reckoned with not only in the 19th century but also in the coming centuries.
Miss Ophelia Flax (25 years old) has arrived in Paris in disguise as a chaperon with a face painted in grease, wig and bulky padding for her bust and hip with Prudence 'Prue' Bright (19 years old) in tow. She plans on reuniting Prue with her estranged mother Henrietta, who wed an Marquis and left new York and her daughter behind. They are surprised to learn that Henrietta is missing and the police are not doing anything about it. When they are not welcomed into the Marquis Malbert's home they decide to snoop to know what is happening. But are met with a grim surprise when they stumble upon a corpse which looks exactly Prue, dressed in the same gown as of a Cinderella, with one shoe missing. When they see that corpse looks exactly like Prue they decide to shelter her inside so that she can be safe until they catch the killer. Ophelia disguised as Mrs. Brand decides to investigate as she believe the murder has something to do with Henrietta disappearance. Lord Gabriel Harrington arrives in Paris thinking that Miss Prudence Bright has been killed, a misunderstanding on part of the newspaper folks who printed the murdered girl's picture and to see if Ophelia was alright. They join forces to know who is the real murderer. And trying very hard not to fall in love. All of this sleuthing leads to the original Cendrillon (Cinderella) story in which a great heirloom, a artifact which belonged to the original Cinderella is in the center of it all.
Its a very interesting read, set in 1867 Paris. Its a great spin on Cinderella fairy tail.
There were so many things which were so fun to read, like the banter between Gabriel and Ophelia. Prue and her innocence.
It's a great read for fans of Fairy tail, and mystery.
*I received this copy as part of Goodreads Giveaway.*
Miss Ophelia Flax (25 years old) has arrived in Paris in disguise as a chaperon with a face painted in grease, wig and bulky padding for her bust and hip with Prudence 'Prue' Bright (19 years old) in tow. She plans on reuniting Prue with her estranged mother Henrietta, who wed an Marquis and left new York and her daughter behind. They are surprised to learn that Henrietta is missing and the police are not doing anything about it. When they are not welcomed into the Marquis Malbert's home they decide to snoop to know what is happening. But are met with a grim surprise when they stumble upon a corpse which looks exactly Prue, dressed in the same gown as of a Cinderella, with one shoe missing. When they see that corpse looks exactly like Prue they decide to shelter her inside so that she can be safe until they catch the killer. Ophelia disguised as Mrs. Brand decides to investigate as she believe the murder has something to do with Henrietta disappearance. Lord Gabriel Harrington arrives in Paris thinking that Miss Prudence Bright has been killed, a misunderstanding on part of the newspaper folks who printed the murdered girl's picture and to see if Ophelia was alright. They join forces to know who is the real murderer. And trying very hard not to fall in love. All of this sleuthing leads to the original Cendrillon (Cinderella) story in which a great heirloom, a artifact which belonged to the original Cinderella is in the center of it all.
Its a very interesting read, set in 1867 Paris. Its a great spin on Cinderella fairy tail.
There were so many things which were so fun to read, like the banter between Gabriel and Ophelia. Prue and her innocence.
It's a great read for fans of Fairy tail, and mystery.
*I received this copy as part of Goodreads Giveaway.*
September 3, 2015
Cinderella Six Feet Under is the second book in the A Fairy Tale Mystery series. Gabriel Penrose has returned to Oxford and has resumed his teaching duties. But one afternoon, while taking tea, he notices a story in the newspaper about a girl that has been found dead in Paris. The body appears to be that of Prue Bright, who had recently met while looking for the home of Snow White. Ophelia Flax and Prue Bright are also in Paris trying to find Prue's mother. It is believed Henrietta has married and is living in Paris. As the young ladies enter the yard of the Marquis and passing thru the garden, they trip over the body that Gabriel has seen in the newspaper. As the story develops it is learned that the body they found is actually Prue's sister and she is wearing what is reputed to be Cinderella's gown. By chance, Penrose finds Ophelia.
Together they begin to search for Prue's mother, who has gone missing, and to find out who had murdered Prue's sister. Also, they learn of a rare manuscript on Cinderella are searching for that, too.
I particularly enjoy historical mysteries and I found this series to be very enjoyable.
Will be watching for the next book in this series.
Together they begin to search for Prue's mother, who has gone missing, and to find out who had murdered Prue's sister. Also, they learn of a rare manuscript on Cinderella are searching for that, too.
I particularly enjoy historical mysteries and I found this series to be very enjoyable.
Will be watching for the next book in this series.
September 1, 2015
Loved It!
This is a great book, I loved it! This is the second book in the Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery series by Maia Chance. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but once you read one you will want to go back and read the first one. I love Fairy Tales so I was excited when I won an advance copy of this book. This is a historical cozy mystery with a wonderful spin to our favorite fairy tale Cinderella. Ophelia Flax is a variety hall actress who wants to reunite her friend Prue with her estranged mother, Henrietta. Ophelia and Prue travel to Paris and when they get to her mother’s mansion they find her mother Henrietta missing, and a woman shot wearing a ball gown and one glass slipper. Who happens to look just like Prue. When nobody is worried about the dead woman, Ophelia and Prue decide to investigate and find out what happened and who the killer is. If you are looking for a great mystery with a fairy tale twist then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great book, I loved it! This is the second book in the Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery series by Maia Chance. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but once you read one you will want to go back and read the first one. I love Fairy Tales so I was excited when I won an advance copy of this book. This is a historical cozy mystery with a wonderful spin to our favorite fairy tale Cinderella. Ophelia Flax is a variety hall actress who wants to reunite her friend Prue with her estranged mother, Henrietta. Ophelia and Prue travel to Paris and when they get to her mother’s mansion they find her mother Henrietta missing, and a woman shot wearing a ball gown and one glass slipper. Who happens to look just like Prue. When nobody is worried about the dead woman, Ophelia and Prue decide to investigate and find out what happened and who the killer is. If you are looking for a great mystery with a fairy tale twist then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
March 14, 2016
Cinderella Six Feet Under was not quite as exciting or enchanting as Snow White Red-Handed, for me.
BUT, I very much liked how, once again, Chance built the entire mystery around the "true story" behind a well-known fairy tale. This time, it was Perrault's "Cendrillon, ou la petite pantoufle de verre."
Recommended to cozy mystery enthusiasts who are looking for something different, something centered around a fairy tale.
3.5 stars
(and I'll be starting Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna very soon)
BUT, I very much liked how, once again, Chance built the entire mystery around the "true story" behind a well-known fairy tale. This time, it was Perrault's "Cendrillon, ou la petite pantoufle de verre."
Recommended to cozy mystery enthusiasts who are looking for something different, something centered around a fairy tale.
3.5 stars
(and I'll be starting Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna very soon)
June 27, 2015
With the first installment in the series, Snow White Red Handed, telling such a complete story, I was very interested to see where the series would go from there - but this installment demonstrates that the author is only at the beginning of showing us these characters. Ophelia and Penrose make a great detective team - a sort of Victorian Mulder and Scully. And just like those other characters, the will they or won't they aspect of their relationship is an underlying theme, but doesn't get in the way of the primary mystery. And this mystery is a good one, with plenty of memorable suspects and the introduction of a few characters who I suspect will turn up again in future installments (It made me very happy to see an excerpt from the third book at the end of this one, indicating that the series will continue). If you enjoy cozy mysteries, Victorian ambience, or fairy tales, you will love this series!
September 1, 2015
Ophelia and Prue have traveled to Paris where they hope to reunite Prue with her mother. Instead, they find that Prue’s mother is missing and there is a dead body in Prue’s step-family’s home – a body wearing a ball gown and only one slipper. Then Gabriel shows up and insists that’s not the only tie in to Cinderella.
The combination of fairy tale with cozy mystery is successful once again. There are a couple of plot points that seem a bit rough, but for the most part the story is a fun, fast paces romp. I love the trio at the heart of the series, and the rest of the cast is just as sharp and fun. I already can’t wait to see where they go next.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The combination of fairy tale with cozy mystery is successful once again. There are a couple of plot points that seem a bit rough, but for the most part the story is a fun, fast paces romp. I love the trio at the heart of the series, and the rest of the cast is just as sharp and fun. I already can’t wait to see where they go next.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 18, 2015
The Fairy Tale Mystery series is rapidly becoming one of my favorite series. It is a wonderful combination of cozy historical mystery and fairy tale folklore, a unique and clever premise in the genre. Ophelia and Gabriel make an excellent investigative team, and their ongoing tension and class clash are interesting. The mystery itself is skillfully laid out and resolved and kept me guessing until the end. Delightful and entertaining from start to finish.
February 6, 2016
I was lucky enough to Win this Book from Goodreads. when it arrived I was instantly intrigued by the title and the mix of murder and fairy tale. I was not disappointed it was a very well written fun to read story which I 100% loved reading, I have passed it to a friend to read as I didnt want to keep it to myself I wanted someone else to enjoy it too. i have now bought Snow White Red Handed and am sure i will enjoy it just as much
January 11, 2016
This was a refreshing mystery in that it had a touch of gothic, a fairytale inspired plot full of great twists and turns and taking place in Paris during the Victorian times. The characters were fantastic! This is second in this new series and I have started the first one which seems just as fantastic. Certainly not your everyday cozy. Something fresh and new and as a lover of fairy tales, I can't wait to see where this series goes!
August 2, 2016
If it takes beyond 4-5 chapters for a book to grab my attention, then it is utterly boring to me. In this instance after only 5 chapters, I refused to attend to any more of the reading of this book. There was nothing within the beginning that could hold my attention span long enough to want to keep going until the very end.
October 30, 2016
Maia Chance writes mysteries based in the late 1860s revolving around an "actress" named Ophelia Flax. They also involve fairy tales in some way which is a marvelous touch. I like these much more than the typical Prime Crime novels, probably because they have the extra touch.
In this one, Ophelia has taken her friend Pru to Paris to reunite with Pru's mother Henrietta who has married a marquis. They are refused entry and, while roaming around the "mansion" to see if they can find another door or other way in, they land smack on a corpse, dressed as Cinderella - down to the missing shoe - in a rotting pumpkin patch. And that's just for starters.
The murdered girl is the spittin' image of Pru and is actually her half sister. When they finally gain entrance to the mansion, they find that neither the two "step sisters" of Pru (and the murdered girl) or their father are particularly concerned about the corpse. Oh, and Pru's mother has disappeared, to which her husband merely says, "she'll be back."
So what's going on? Of course, Ophelia decides that the crime needs investigating, especially since no one, even the police, seems to care. They say the murderer has been identified and only needs to be picked up, but no picking up occurs.
In addition, Gabriel Penrose, Lord Harrington, who became acquainted with Ophelia in Germany, sees the gruesome morgue picture of the young girl and fears that the deceased is Pru and that Ophelia must be in danger. He immediately sets out for Paris.
In addition to being interested in Ophelia's well-being, Lord Harrington is a specialist in fairly tales and knows that the mansion the two young women have gone to is the actual house in which the original Cinderella - yes, a real live person - lived and the current residents are descendents of the father and "evil" stepmother.
Things just keep getting better. The house itself is infested with mice. A prince is throwing a huge ball and plans to make some sort of important announcement. The step-sisters are vying for the prince's attention and, to top it off, Pru decides to "learn" housekeeping and cooking and becomes a sort of servant in the house.
It's a delightful romp through the Cinderella story with little pieces here and there added to the delight. Ophelia and Gabriel make a great team, with just enough romantic tension to make it interesting. The book is wonderful to curl up with before going to bed, with a hot cup of cocoa, a couple of dogs at the foot.....
In this one, Ophelia has taken her friend Pru to Paris to reunite with Pru's mother Henrietta who has married a marquis. They are refused entry and, while roaming around the "mansion" to see if they can find another door or other way in, they land smack on a corpse, dressed as Cinderella - down to the missing shoe - in a rotting pumpkin patch. And that's just for starters.
The murdered girl is the spittin' image of Pru and is actually her half sister. When they finally gain entrance to the mansion, they find that neither the two "step sisters" of Pru (and the murdered girl) or their father are particularly concerned about the corpse. Oh, and Pru's mother has disappeared, to which her husband merely says, "she'll be back."
So what's going on? Of course, Ophelia decides that the crime needs investigating, especially since no one, even the police, seems to care. They say the murderer has been identified and only needs to be picked up, but no picking up occurs.
In addition, Gabriel Penrose, Lord Harrington, who became acquainted with Ophelia in Germany, sees the gruesome morgue picture of the young girl and fears that the deceased is Pru and that Ophelia must be in danger. He immediately sets out for Paris.
In addition to being interested in Ophelia's well-being, Lord Harrington is a specialist in fairly tales and knows that the mansion the two young women have gone to is the actual house in which the original Cinderella - yes, a real live person - lived and the current residents are descendents of the father and "evil" stepmother.
Things just keep getting better. The house itself is infested with mice. A prince is throwing a huge ball and plans to make some sort of important announcement. The step-sisters are vying for the prince's attention and, to top it off, Pru decides to "learn" housekeeping and cooking and becomes a sort of servant in the house.
It's a delightful romp through the Cinderella story with little pieces here and there added to the delight. Ophelia and Gabriel make a great team, with just enough romantic tension to make it interesting. The book is wonderful to curl up with before going to bed, with a hot cup of cocoa, a couple of dogs at the foot.....
February 16, 2020
An interesting mystery based on Cinderella, even weaving in the notion that descendants of Cinderella's relatives were involved as well. And it's basically in the same time era as Sherlock Holmes, so this really tickled my fancy. So why four stars instead of five? Well, tbh, I really want Goodreads to allows us to give out half stars, because I want to give it 4.5 stars. That extra half star will probably go to the Beauty and the Beast and the Sleeping Beauty mysteries in this series (if there is a Sleeping Beauty mystery, haven't checked yet. The first two chapters of the Beauty and the Beast mystery was at the back of this book) because those are my favorite fairy tales. XD But this is a great introduction to this series (even if this isn't the first book) as now I'm intrigued about the other stories in this series. I'm so grateful I grabbed it off the shelf in the library, it was good. And rather funny timing too, two YouTubers I follow were playing games related to Cinderella at the same time I started reading this. It's been a very Cinderella-themed week, and I was enjoying it, to be honest. I hope the next one I pick up will fit the same theme again, lol, if only. Ah well, it was really good, great mystery, great thrills, and perfect setting. Oh, plus the perfect amount of romance to spice things up. Highly recommend.
January 11, 2019
I read this second installment from the Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery series for the 2019 Popsugar Challenge category "book with an item of clothing or accessory on the cover". Like the first in the series, the book is set in the Victorian period, although this time in Paris. And again we have the amateur detective team of Professor Penfield (who researches the history behind fairy tales and collects items related to that history), and variety hall actress Ophelia Flax trying to solve a murder and kidnapping. One of the items involved in the search is a stomacher from either Cinderella or one of the step-sister's gowns, and so we have a gown on a dress form on the cover to satisfy the challenge category. Prue's main role again seems to be "damsel in distress". It's an entertaining little story. 3.5 stars
April 3, 2018
It may be because I grabbed this book out of order, but I felt a bit lost from the beginning. I didn't really enjoy the characters. The only thing that saved it for me was the fairy tale theme. the first 2/3 of the book plodded along following rabbit trails that felt completely unconnected. The author's voice changing when talking about Prue versus any other character (Ophelia, Gabriel) was a bit of an annoyance. It eliminated some of the continuity for me. The Cinderella aspect was not as interwoven in the characters' stories as I had hoped, either. I was planning on reading more in the series, but I'm not sure if I enjoyed it enough.
January 9, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It is a fun, clever cozy that moves along with some interesting twists and turns. I enjoyed Ophelia's spirit in this book as much as in the first, and that Prue seems to be figuring out who she is as a person. I also appreciated that Chance added some romantic elements while still always remembering that this is a mystery novel, so giving prominence to the mystery story and the investigation by the main characters.
I am looking forward to reading the next of the series.
I am looking forward to reading the next of the series.
February 19, 2018
Not a bad cozy read. I think I enjoyed the first one in the series better though in this one I wasn't able to guess who the killer was like in the first. The secondary character of Prue is still super annoying and useless. The series would do better without her. The author could at least give her some slight intelligence to make up for it. I'm excited to read the third one but am a bit sad there's only three in the series so far.
November 25, 2020
This was even better than the first book in the series!
I enjoyed clever Miss Flax and her resourcefulness. She and the professor are quite a pair of investigators.
Prue is again entangled in the mystery.
What I liked best about this book is the true feeling of Paris during this historical period. I could just imagine a 6 hour uncomfortable carriage ride to a country estate. While the Crutlach family was VERY odd, I think there were and continue to be eccentric folks in the world.
I enjoyed clever Miss Flax and her resourcefulness. She and the professor are quite a pair of investigators.
Prue is again entangled in the mystery.
What I liked best about this book is the true feeling of Paris during this historical period. I could just imagine a 6 hour uncomfortable carriage ride to a country estate. While the Crutlach family was VERY odd, I think there were and continue to be eccentric folks in the world.
August 22, 2017
2.5 stars
I like this author and enjoyed the first book in the series. This one, though, was a big disappointment. It was cluttered with characters and locations and storylines, bouncing around among them at breakneck speed and never really engaging me in any. The writing is decent, but I absolutely HATED the ending. Hated it.
I like this author and enjoyed the first book in the series. This one, though, was a big disappointment. It was cluttered with characters and locations and storylines, bouncing around among them at breakneck speed and never really engaging me in any. The writing is decent, but I absolutely HATED the ending. Hated it.
November 1, 2018
Highly entertaining. I didn’t predict the ending. Loved how intertwined Cinderella the fairytale was and how it mattered to different characters. 19th c Paris is always a fun setting. I do wish there had been more interaction between Prue and Ophelia though; their chapters were often separate.
February 14, 2019
Not quite as good as the first, but still worth my time. Looking forward to reading the next one. I really enjoy the characters, the humor, and the mystery. These are just so different from the normal cozy mystery.
May 26, 2017
This was a satisfying sequel and developed the characters a bit more. I will be continuing on to #3.
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