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Herringford and Watts Mysteries #1
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder
In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.
Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.
While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.
Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.
While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.
222 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2016
66 people are currently reading
2464 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McMillan
26 books1,169 followersRachel McMillan is the author of over 20 novels including the bestselling The London Restoration and The Mozart Code and the upcoming Operation Scarlet. She has also co-written The Liberty Scarf and The Castle Keepers with Aimie K Runyan and J'nell Ciesielski. Her works of non-fiction include Dream, Plan and Go: A Travel Guide for Independent Adventure and the upcoming: An Aim at Eternity: The Life of Christopher Wren. Rachel lives in Toronto where she works as a literary agent and is always planning her next trip to Vienna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
November 23, 2015
Super biased, of course, but that Italian reporter is a SUPER dish! ;)
February 3, 2017
Crackerjacks, this book was bad. I kept peeking at the cover, just to make sure my library didn't have some weird, pre-edited version. I can't believe this book got past an editor. I'm so baffled. I definitely missed the appeal here. Maybe it would have been better if I had known going in that this was Christian fiction? I didn't mind that aspect of the plot but I would definitely have lowered my expectations.
Where to begin? This book is full of weird, switching POVs and a mystery that takes backseat to a confusing insta-romance. I didn't like Merinda, the female Sherlock Holmes of this story, but it was partially because I never got a chance to know her. Her POVs are brief and rude. Jasper's POVs are equally unsatisfactory. This is really the story of Jem (our Watson?) and Ray but also not really. Their romance made no sense and basically had nothing to do with the story except that the murdered girls brought them together.
The book is super poorly paced. Action scenes are glazed over and character "change" comes out of nowhere. Half of this book was unnecessary and the other half didn't fit anywhere. It entirely lacks transition. There are weird footnotes that don't fit with the story. By the end of the book, I sort of forgot what the point of the mystery was in the first place and I'm still confused about the motivation of the killer and his minions.
In short, I loved the title of this book and absolutely nothing else about it. I repeat my earlier question, how did this get past an editor?!
Where to begin? This book is full of weird, switching POVs and a mystery that takes backseat to a confusing insta-romance. I didn't like Merinda, the female Sherlock Holmes of this story, but it was partially because I never got a chance to know her. Her POVs are brief and rude. Jasper's POVs are equally unsatisfactory. This is really the story of Jem (our Watson?) and Ray but also not really. Their romance made no sense and basically had nothing to do with the story except that the murdered girls brought them together.
The book is super poorly paced. Action scenes are glazed over and character "change" comes out of nowhere. Half of this book was unnecessary and the other half didn't fit anywhere. It entirely lacks transition. There are weird footnotes that don't fit with the story. By the end of the book, I sort of forgot what the point of the mystery was in the first place and I'm still confused about the motivation of the killer and his minions.
In short, I loved the title of this book and absolutely nothing else about it. I repeat my earlier question, how did this get past an editor?!
January 6, 2016
So I first heard of this story over a year ago (I can't believe it's been that long already) when a friend of mine, I don't remember who, posted a comment on a photo of Rachel McMillan signing her book deal for a Sherlockian novel. The word Sherlockian was all it took for me to get excited for this story. And that story is now out in the world, well at least to those of us who got to read it early.
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder set in 1910 Victorian Toronto, Canada is the story of amateur slueths Jem and Merinda who are on the trail for a serial killer who is targeting young Irish women. And along the way they run into a super swoony Italian reporter whom Jem has the hots for. Well, once you meet Ray DeLuca you'll understand why. Trust me. Also Jasper Forth comes into the picture. Jasper is a Police Constable.
The story balances mystery, romance, and wonderful sarcasm and dry humour. Even when reading a story about murder I don't want to be depressed the entire time. So those moments of laughter were well appreciated. I also have to applaud Rachel's flawless research/details on Victorian Toronto. It made me want to visit Toronto even more than I did before.
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder gave me exactly what I wanted in a Sherlockian tale. I very much look forward to the next novella, "Of Dubious and Questionable Memory" coming in 2016 and "A Lesson in Love and Murder" coming October 2016.
Note:::I recieved an e-copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my review.
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder set in 1910 Victorian Toronto, Canada is the story of amateur slueths Jem and Merinda who are on the trail for a serial killer who is targeting young Irish women. And along the way they run into a super swoony Italian reporter whom Jem has the hots for. Well, once you meet Ray DeLuca you'll understand why. Trust me. Also Jasper Forth comes into the picture. Jasper is a Police Constable.
The story balances mystery, romance, and wonderful sarcasm and dry humour. Even when reading a story about murder I don't want to be depressed the entire time. So those moments of laughter were well appreciated. I also have to applaud Rachel's flawless research/details on Victorian Toronto. It made me want to visit Toronto even more than I did before.
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder gave me exactly what I wanted in a Sherlockian tale. I very much look forward to the next novella, "Of Dubious and Questionable Memory" coming in 2016 and "A Lesson in Love and Murder" coming October 2016.
Note:::I recieved an e-copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my review.
October 3, 2016
What a fun debut!
In The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder, Jemima and Merinda are both single in early 1900s Toronto. They are unconventional for the time period and dress up as men to help solve mysteries. This novel is full of calamities the two main characters get involved with. There is also a blossoming romance in the pages. One of my favorite parts of the novel was the end of each chapter which provided additional information or foot note for the chapter.
I look forward to the next in the series. I recommend this novel for fans of Jen Turano.
In The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder, Jemima and Merinda are both single in early 1900s Toronto. They are unconventional for the time period and dress up as men to help solve mysteries. This novel is full of calamities the two main characters get involved with. There is also a blossoming romance in the pages. One of my favorite parts of the novel was the end of each chapter which provided additional information or foot note for the chapter.
I look forward to the next in the series. I recommend this novel for fans of Jen Turano.
April 25, 2018
A fun romp of a story, with two irrepressible heroines who are determined to solve some crime, against the better judgment of two guys who, in more official roles, also have an eye on those crimes. It's a lighthearted story with a fun mix of clues and was a really fun one to read.
April 16, 2021
One of my weaknesses is historical settings set in or around the 1900s. I know the blame for this lies squarely on the shoulders of Julian Fellowes and a little drama called Downton Abbey. This is partial reason why the debut novel of Rachel McMillan rose up to be one of my most anticipated reads of 2016. Never mind its premise being completely different, it became the one novel I was 99.9% sure of 100% adoring. Helping to sell this educated guess of mine was the beautiful and swirly cover art that featured the old-fashioned art of silhouettes to say nothing of its gorgeous swirly font. As I turned the pages, within the span of 10-15, I was swept into Rachel’s Toronto and the fascinating historical setting of 1910.
STORY: Jemima Watts isn’t what anyone would call a rebel. She grew up a good girl and prepared to become a proper society wife and mother. At least that was the plan until she met Merinda Herringford. Merinda is the complete opposite of Jem. She’s opinionated, regularly dons trousers and refuses to play by anyone’s rules. Somehow the two girls get along swimmingly. Their friendship eventually takes them to being roommates and operating a consulting detective agency that Merinda frequently likens to that of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson’s exploits. When the girls stumble onto a string of unsolved murders, they find themselves in over their heads. But with the help of police constable Forth and the hot-tempered (but oh-so-swoony) reporter Ray DeLuca, they might uncover more than they bargained on finding.
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder, by Rachel McMillan | Book Review
If I were to keep this review simple, the one word that I’d pin on this novel is “delightful.” Fortunately, I don’t have to leave it at merely a one word acclaim because The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is that and so much more. Readers who appreciate humor in their historical fiction will love this. Thrill seekers who enjoy historical time periods will find their fix inside these pages. Romantics will discover a chaste and swoon-worthy romance wrapped carefully inside the mystery. Given the book’s leading characters are women this novel does have a strong sense of feminism which is why some of the turns did take me by surprise. But I appreciate the balance Rachel gave the subjects. Her voice creates strong characters in Merinda and Jem and yet, the men in her story don't (thankfully) receive ill treatment.
When I look back on my blogging origins up to the place where I am now in this journey, one of the things I never anticipated is the chance to review novels of people who I’d “meet” on this adventure. Rachel McMillan is a popular blogger who many of us will recognize. As fellow book blogger Cassie aptly coins the description of ‘Bachelor Girls’ as "full of Rachel-isms" that will make readers giggle. Each layer this story adds is as captivating as the last. Even with a sense of "end" in the final page, you’ll wish the next chapter in Jem and Merinda’s adventures were at arm’s length.
Tempting as it is to say so much more, all I will say is this: go read this debut. You won't regret it.
Sincere thanks to the author for providing a complimentary e-galley of this novel for the purpose of reviewing it.
STORY: Jemima Watts isn’t what anyone would call a rebel. She grew up a good girl and prepared to become a proper society wife and mother. At least that was the plan until she met Merinda Herringford. Merinda is the complete opposite of Jem. She’s opinionated, regularly dons trousers and refuses to play by anyone’s rules. Somehow the two girls get along swimmingly. Their friendship eventually takes them to being roommates and operating a consulting detective agency that Merinda frequently likens to that of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson’s exploits. When the girls stumble onto a string of unsolved murders, they find themselves in over their heads. But with the help of police constable Forth and the hot-tempered (but oh-so-swoony) reporter Ray DeLuca, they might uncover more than they bargained on finding.
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder, by Rachel McMillan | Book Review
If I were to keep this review simple, the one word that I’d pin on this novel is “delightful.” Fortunately, I don’t have to leave it at merely a one word acclaim because The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is that and so much more. Readers who appreciate humor in their historical fiction will love this. Thrill seekers who enjoy historical time periods will find their fix inside these pages. Romantics will discover a chaste and swoon-worthy romance wrapped carefully inside the mystery. Given the book’s leading characters are women this novel does have a strong sense of feminism which is why some of the turns did take me by surprise. But I appreciate the balance Rachel gave the subjects. Her voice creates strong characters in Merinda and Jem and yet, the men in her story don't (thankfully) receive ill treatment.
When I look back on my blogging origins up to the place where I am now in this journey, one of the things I never anticipated is the chance to review novels of people who I’d “meet” on this adventure. Rachel McMillan is a popular blogger who many of us will recognize. As fellow book blogger Cassie aptly coins the description of ‘Bachelor Girls’ as "full of Rachel-isms" that will make readers giggle. Each layer this story adds is as captivating as the last. Even with a sense of "end" in the final page, you’ll wish the next chapter in Jem and Merinda’s adventures were at arm’s length.
Tempting as it is to say so much more, all I will say is this: go read this debut. You won't regret it.
Sincere thanks to the author for providing a complimentary e-galley of this novel for the purpose of reviewing it.
February 23, 2017
Jem and Merinda make me smile.
Some reviews I’ve read said that Merinda is difficult to love, but I found her absolutely delightful. In fact, I enjoyed her even more than I did Jem (whom I also adored). Merinda is, admittedly, a little rough around the social-propriety edges but she is also after all inspired by Sherlock Holmes. Her eccentricities and obvious enthusiasm for crime solving endeared her to me right away – as soon as page 13 in fact when she whips out her magnifying glass and commands Jem to “Search for clues!” And her friendship with Jem is a highlight of the book – and will be for the duration of the series, I imagine.
Rachel McMillan not only has crafted a truly fabulous story of friendship and crime-fighting, but she has also painted a captivating picture of Toronto in the early 1900s. One does not need Merinda’s magnifying glass to decipher Rachel’s love for her city or for its rich history. Political corruption as well as immigration and women’s rights share the stage with architectural and societal progress.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention how much I ADORE the design of The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder – from the cover to the interior page art to the clever footnotes. The FOOTNOTES! Delightful. As were the snippets from made-up works of literature that Rachel included at the beginning of each chapter. Rachel’s humor speaks my language!
Bottom Line: Mystery, romance, friendship, humor, and history – all wrapped up in a meticulous attention to detail both on the page and surrounding it. Merinda and Jem are quite possibly my favorite crime fighting gal pals since Nancy Drew and her chums, and Jasper and Ray make much better love interests than Ned Nickerson ever did. Even if Ray does write bad poetry (something I learned from one of those footnotes I mentioned), he still merits several dreamy sighs throughout. And he speaks Italian… so… there’s that. You will laugh and grin and cheer and yes you will probably fan yourself a time or thrice. But you will absolutely be swept away to 1910 Toronto where you of course keep your eyes peeled for Merinda and Jem… or Jasper and Ray. Because wherever they – and Rachel McMillan – are, delightful adventure is sure to follow!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Some reviews I’ve read said that Merinda is difficult to love, but I found her absolutely delightful. In fact, I enjoyed her even more than I did Jem (whom I also adored). Merinda is, admittedly, a little rough around the social-propriety edges but she is also after all inspired by Sherlock Holmes. Her eccentricities and obvious enthusiasm for crime solving endeared her to me right away – as soon as page 13 in fact when she whips out her magnifying glass and commands Jem to “Search for clues!” And her friendship with Jem is a highlight of the book – and will be for the duration of the series, I imagine.
Rachel McMillan not only has crafted a truly fabulous story of friendship and crime-fighting, but she has also painted a captivating picture of Toronto in the early 1900s. One does not need Merinda’s magnifying glass to decipher Rachel’s love for her city or for its rich history. Political corruption as well as immigration and women’s rights share the stage with architectural and societal progress.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention how much I ADORE the design of The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder – from the cover to the interior page art to the clever footnotes. The FOOTNOTES! Delightful. As were the snippets from made-up works of literature that Rachel included at the beginning of each chapter. Rachel’s humor speaks my language!
Bottom Line: Mystery, romance, friendship, humor, and history – all wrapped up in a meticulous attention to detail both on the page and surrounding it. Merinda and Jem are quite possibly my favorite crime fighting gal pals since Nancy Drew and her chums, and Jasper and Ray make much better love interests than Ned Nickerson ever did. Even if Ray does write bad poetry (something I learned from one of those footnotes I mentioned), he still merits several dreamy sighs throughout. And he speaks Italian… so… there’s that. You will laugh and grin and cheer and yes you will probably fan yourself a time or thrice. But you will absolutely be swept away to 1910 Toronto where you of course keep your eyes peeled for Merinda and Jem… or Jasper and Ray. Because wherever they – and Rachel McMillan – are, delightful adventure is sure to follow!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 17, 2024
This book was just flat out fun!! Perfect for summer! I had such a great time reading this story. Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts have become one of my favorite crime solving duos!
While most bachelor's girls in Toronto, 1910, are finding husbands and polishing their domestic skills. Miranda and Jem decide to launch their detective business. We follow Jem and Miranda on a wild ride, filled with disguises, sneaking around, and danger, as they try to solve the death of a young Irish woman. Which leads them deep into the mire of the city's underbelly. The ladies team up with Miranda's friend Jasper Forth ,Toronto's premier detective And Ray Deluca, a reporter in whom Jem takes more than a professional interest. Merinda and Jem may very well become Toronto's premier detectives...if they can stay alive long enough to do so.
Merinda and Jem's friendship and their love for mysteries is really what drew me in. Lol! These two ladies always find themselves in the most precarious situations in their search for answers.( while strolling around in bowler hats). Rachel McMillan did a wonderful job of keeping the dialogue light and witty but also layering it with mystery and the seriousness of solving a murder. I love the detective tips/bachelor girl etiquette/ journal entries ( that Jem was not supposed to be reading) before each chapter.
Oh! And the moments between Ray Deluca and Jem will just steal your heart away (sigh). If your looking for a nice light mystery this is definitely the book to grab. I am so looking forward to the next book, and I'm so glad I don't have to wait long to read it!
While most bachelor's girls in Toronto, 1910, are finding husbands and polishing their domestic skills. Miranda and Jem decide to launch their detective business. We follow Jem and Miranda on a wild ride, filled with disguises, sneaking around, and danger, as they try to solve the death of a young Irish woman. Which leads them deep into the mire of the city's underbelly. The ladies team up with Miranda's friend Jasper Forth ,Toronto's premier detective And Ray Deluca, a reporter in whom Jem takes more than a professional interest. Merinda and Jem may very well become Toronto's premier detectives...if they can stay alive long enough to do so.
Merinda and Jem's friendship and their love for mysteries is really what drew me in. Lol! These two ladies always find themselves in the most precarious situations in their search for answers.( while strolling around in bowler hats). Rachel McMillan did a wonderful job of keeping the dialogue light and witty but also layering it with mystery and the seriousness of solving a murder. I love the detective tips/bachelor girl etiquette/ journal entries ( that Jem was not supposed to be reading) before each chapter.
Oh! And the moments between Ray Deluca and Jem will just steal your heart away (sigh). If your looking for a nice light mystery this is definitely the book to grab. I am so looking forward to the next book, and I'm so glad I don't have to wait long to read it!
November 26, 2017
I cannot remember the last time I had this much fun reading a book! I fell in love with all the main characters, but especially Merinda Herringford, who had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. What a delightful, charming excursion into mysterious Toronto, 1910. The city itself was a character on its own, and the author's love for it came through in her boisterous and colorful rendering of it. Rachel McMillan is an author I can definitely binge read.
September 3, 2016
After enjoying the pleasurable read that was A Singular and Whimsical Problem, I was so ready to spend an entire book with Jem and Merinda. And what a ride it is! I surely do love these ladies, with all their quirkiness, confident posturing (Merinda), and doubtful wonderings (Jem), as they go barreling headlong into trouble. They are determined to make a go of their detective business, but it's 1910 and lady detectives are simply unheard of! This does, of course, not deter them. (Naturally.) Which means we get a fun adventure with a side note of mysterious goings-on and clever villains.
Jem and Merinda, ah what can be said of these two? Merinda....I'm not so sure I have any words for her yet. She's such an intriguing mix of perfect manners and nonexistent tactfulness, with a brain that is constantly spinning with thoughts and ideas. Meanwhile, the "normal" things of life seem to never even occur to her! You know, like making sure she and Jem have food on the table and perhaps double-checking that they don't get caught by the Morality Squad...? Thank goodness for Jem! We spend much of the book in her head and she's quite a delight. By far the more sensible (and romantic) of the two, she's the one holding a steady job and keeping Merinda's ideas from getting too out of hand (most of the time). And she's the one fighting the doubts about where her life is going. Much as she loves Merinda (and loves detective work!), she still has her hopes and dreams of getting married some day and having a family. And that's where a certain someone comes in....
Dear, dear Ray, how I loved him! He's so sweet to his sister, which just endeared him to me. Because he's got such a gruff exterior and doesn't like to let anybody know about his soft heart inside. But once he begins to spend more time with our ladies....that protective and tender heart just can't be hidden. He and Jem were too adorable with all their awkward attraction. And Jasper! We didn't get to spend near enough time with him. I'm expecting more Jasper awesomeness come book two, Ms. McMillan! Especially of the "trying to woo Merinda" sort. I have a feeling those two are going to have quite a long road ahead of them. Poor Jasper. ;)
The Morality Squad and general deplorable conditions for women back then makes for several bits of frustration and scary moments for our two detectives. I loved how all the seemingly different mysteries came together and created quite a hullabaloo that just needed Merinda's brilliant mind to sort it all out. A big mystery is solved by the final page, but there is still much corruption and deviousness to be dealt with so I've no qualms that there is ever so much more to Jem and Merinda's story!
Take two awesome lady detectives, dump them in the middle of mayhem and murderous villains, give them two handsome gentlemen determined to cause their hearts a bit of havoc, add in all the little "footnotes" that were hilarious and great for helping us to understand particular moments, don't forget the sarcastic and witty tone of Ms. McMillan's writing, and you have the makings of a fantastic book one! It definitely needs to be added to your TBR pile as near to the top as possible. Then read it, fall in love with these characters, and look forward to book two! :)
**I received a complimentary copy from Harvest House through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Jem and Merinda, ah what can be said of these two? Merinda....I'm not so sure I have any words for her yet. She's such an intriguing mix of perfect manners and nonexistent tactfulness, with a brain that is constantly spinning with thoughts and ideas. Meanwhile, the "normal" things of life seem to never even occur to her! You know, like making sure she and Jem have food on the table and perhaps double-checking that they don't get caught by the Morality Squad...? Thank goodness for Jem! We spend much of the book in her head and she's quite a delight. By far the more sensible (and romantic) of the two, she's the one holding a steady job and keeping Merinda's ideas from getting too out of hand (most of the time). And she's the one fighting the doubts about where her life is going. Much as she loves Merinda (and loves detective work!), she still has her hopes and dreams of getting married some day and having a family. And that's where a certain someone comes in....
Dear, dear Ray, how I loved him! He's so sweet to his sister, which just endeared him to me. Because he's got such a gruff exterior and doesn't like to let anybody know about his soft heart inside. But once he begins to spend more time with our ladies....that protective and tender heart just can't be hidden. He and Jem were too adorable with all their awkward attraction. And Jasper! We didn't get to spend near enough time with him. I'm expecting more Jasper awesomeness come book two, Ms. McMillan! Especially of the "trying to woo Merinda" sort. I have a feeling those two are going to have quite a long road ahead of them. Poor Jasper. ;)
The Morality Squad and general deplorable conditions for women back then makes for several bits of frustration and scary moments for our two detectives. I loved how all the seemingly different mysteries came together and created quite a hullabaloo that just needed Merinda's brilliant mind to sort it all out. A big mystery is solved by the final page, but there is still much corruption and deviousness to be dealt with so I've no qualms that there is ever so much more to Jem and Merinda's story!
Take two awesome lady detectives, dump them in the middle of mayhem and murderous villains, give them two handsome gentlemen determined to cause their hearts a bit of havoc, add in all the little "footnotes" that were hilarious and great for helping us to understand particular moments, don't forget the sarcastic and witty tone of Ms. McMillan's writing, and you have the makings of a fantastic book one! It definitely needs to be added to your TBR pile as near to the top as possible. Then read it, fall in love with these characters, and look forward to book two! :)
**I received a complimentary copy from Harvest House through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2016
If you want a story with intelligent female characters who solve crimes and who have a strong female friendship....then put this book down immediately.
Ugh. Where to begin?
First off, this is the second book with completely random footnotes that added nothing to the plot. I think they were supposed to add humor...? Well they didn't.
I put this book on my to read list because I thought it would be about two single women who are content to be single and happily solve crimes. I was expecting the "bachelor girls" of the title to be self actualized and happy with who they were.
Boy was I wrong.
In reality, the mystery takes a backseat to the romance of Jem and Ray. Honestly, I forgot they were solving a crime for a while there. Jem is not happy at all to be a detective and I'm not sure why she stayed with Merinda if she was so miserable since she had a job of her own. Merinda idolized Sherlock Holmes and tried to apply his logic to their situations but it didn't work very well for her. She seemed to take a long time to put the pieces together. I did not buy either one of them as detectives at all. It mentioned that they solved so many cases but condensing all of their successes into one paragraph just seemed rushed.
I guess the bottom line is that I just didn't care for either of the "bachelor girls." For example, when Jem realizes she is in "love," she thinks that she would "do anything for this man" including sacrificing and changing herself. I would have liked her more had she been more empowered and happy to be on her own. She just seemed weak.
Also, I can't even begin to count the number of times she and Merinda had to be "rescued" by one of the male characters. It made them seem incapable and silly.
Merinda I think was supposed to be the cerebral Holmes character but she didn't seem to have any depth to me.
I'm sad to give this such a low rating because it had so much potential and I was really excited to read it, but it did not live up to my expectations.
Ugh. Where to begin?
First off, this is the second book with completely random footnotes that added nothing to the plot. I think they were supposed to add humor...? Well they didn't.
I put this book on my to read list because I thought it would be about two single women who are content to be single and happily solve crimes. I was expecting the "bachelor girls" of the title to be self actualized and happy with who they were.
Boy was I wrong.
In reality, the mystery takes a backseat to the romance of Jem and Ray. Honestly, I forgot they were solving a crime for a while there. Jem is not happy at all to be a detective and I'm not sure why she stayed with Merinda if she was so miserable since she had a job of her own. Merinda idolized Sherlock Holmes and tried to apply his logic to their situations but it didn't work very well for her. She seemed to take a long time to put the pieces together. I did not buy either one of them as detectives at all. It mentioned that they solved so many cases but condensing all of their successes into one paragraph just seemed rushed.
I guess the bottom line is that I just didn't care for either of the "bachelor girls." For example, when Jem realizes she is in "love," she thinks that she would "do anything for this man" including sacrificing and changing herself. I would have liked her more had she been more empowered and happy to be on her own. She just seemed weak.
Also, I can't even begin to count the number of times she and Merinda had to be "rescued" by one of the male characters. It made them seem incapable and silly.
Merinda I think was supposed to be the cerebral Holmes character but she didn't seem to have any depth to me.
I'm sad to give this such a low rating because it had so much potential and I was really excited to read it, but it did not live up to my expectations.
June 30, 2016
I SO wanted to love this book. I'm very sad to say I wasn't able to do that.
The book has some terrific components to it, and for some readers, those may make this a better fit than it was for me.
I did love the view of my city, Toronto, as it was in the early 1900s! It was fun to see my city in its early days, and get a sense of what life was like way back when. Hearing about familiar places and locations was neat and that was a definite plus.
I am also always positive about books with strong female characters and certainly Merinda and Jem are that, particularly given the times they lived in, and the societal strictures placed on women in this period. Both women thumb their noses at how women are told they "should" behave.
Unfortunately, I could not like Merinda, not even a little bit. I found her self-absorbed, inconsiderate and occasionally downright mean, particularly to Jemima, who is supposed to be her best friend, and partner. More than once, when Merinda took advantage of, or pushed Jem aside for her own convenience, I thought to myself: "If one of my supposed friends treated me like that, we wouldn't be friends much longer".
I realize that Merinda idolizes Sherlock Holmes, and I see that Merinda and Jem were intended to pay homage to Holmes and Watson. Certainly, Holmes had issues in behaving in societally appropriate ways, and wasn't always terribly polite. However, with Watson, even when Holmes was being snarky or sarcastic, it always felt to me that there was an underpinning of fondness and camraderie, and that Watson held his own and gave Holmes back a dose of his own medicine, so they always felt like equals. The relationship between Jemima and Merinda didn't come across this way to me. Jem has difficulties - which I won't detail to avoid any spoilers - that mean she is vulnerable on many levels. Merinda may be super-focused on her objectives, but sometimes she was inconsiderate and thoughtless to Jem even when she didn't even need to be. That rankled for me, and it made it very hard to connect to Merinda on any positive level.
Jemima comes across for the most part as weak and soft. She shows an undercoating of steel eventually, but I ultimately couldn't respect her for allowing Merinda to take advantage of her the way she does.
As I said, this book has things to recommend it, and for other readers, it could be a wonderfully engaging story. The writing is terrific, and the sense of place of early Toronto is a gem, but I needed to be able to like the main characters more than I was able to do. I probably won't read other books in this series as a result.
The book has some terrific components to it, and for some readers, those may make this a better fit than it was for me.
I did love the view of my city, Toronto, as it was in the early 1900s! It was fun to see my city in its early days, and get a sense of what life was like way back when. Hearing about familiar places and locations was neat and that was a definite plus.
I am also always positive about books with strong female characters and certainly Merinda and Jem are that, particularly given the times they lived in, and the societal strictures placed on women in this period. Both women thumb their noses at how women are told they "should" behave.
Unfortunately, I could not like Merinda, not even a little bit. I found her self-absorbed, inconsiderate and occasionally downright mean, particularly to Jemima, who is supposed to be her best friend, and partner. More than once, when Merinda took advantage of, or pushed Jem aside for her own convenience, I thought to myself: "If one of my supposed friends treated me like that, we wouldn't be friends much longer".
I realize that Merinda idolizes Sherlock Holmes, and I see that Merinda and Jem were intended to pay homage to Holmes and Watson. Certainly, Holmes had issues in behaving in societally appropriate ways, and wasn't always terribly polite. However, with Watson, even when Holmes was being snarky or sarcastic, it always felt to me that there was an underpinning of fondness and camraderie, and that Watson held his own and gave Holmes back a dose of his own medicine, so they always felt like equals. The relationship between Jemima and Merinda didn't come across this way to me. Jem has difficulties - which I won't detail to avoid any spoilers - that mean she is vulnerable on many levels. Merinda may be super-focused on her objectives, but sometimes she was inconsiderate and thoughtless to Jem even when she didn't even need to be. That rankled for me, and it made it very hard to connect to Merinda on any positive level.
Jemima comes across for the most part as weak and soft. She shows an undercoating of steel eventually, but I ultimately couldn't respect her for allowing Merinda to take advantage of her the way she does.
As I said, this book has things to recommend it, and for other readers, it could be a wonderfully engaging story. The writing is terrific, and the sense of place of early Toronto is a gem, but I needed to be able to like the main characters more than I was able to do. I probably won't read other books in this series as a result.
April 2, 2017
What fun! An exciting mystery, dashing gentlemen, strong heroines who aren't afraid to take a stand, and a good dose of humour- what's not to like? No crime is too big or too small for Merinda Herringford and her crime-solving partner, Jem Watts (at least, that's what Merinda thinks. Jem's not so sure), who open a consulting detective agency. With the help of friends, including Detective Constable Jasper Forth and newspaper reporter Ray DeLuca, they tackle a case that high society seems to want to ignore and go on an adventure that ends in justice (for some), a few bumps and bruises, and romance.
I loved the Sherlock Holmes and John Watson theme and enjoyed exploring 1910s Toronto with the characters. Merinda, the Sherlock Holmes of the story, was a bit hard to like (though I think that was the intention) but her eccentricities were balanced with how likeable Jem was as a main character. Excited to read more crazy adventures with Merinda and Jem at the helm!
I loved the Sherlock Holmes and John Watson theme and enjoyed exploring 1910s Toronto with the characters. Merinda, the Sherlock Holmes of the story, was a bit hard to like (though I think that was the intention) but her eccentricities were balanced with how likeable Jem was as a main character. Excited to read more crazy adventures with Merinda and Jem at the helm!
April 26, 2016
Toronto is one of the cities on my bucket list that I haven’t visited yet. After reading this book, I feel like I’ve been there — at least a century ago :-)
The characters are fun and quirky with Merinda diving into all kinds of chaos and more than a little uncomfortable in her own skin, and Jem following along because she just can’t say no to Merinda. Together with the help of a demoted police investigator and a reporter, they set out to solve the murders of two young women. The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder has political intrigue, romantic entanglements, and a mystery that is well-layered. I found it a fun read and am already looking forward to the next novella and the novel, both of which will release in the next few months.
Readers who love the Drew Farthering mysteries from Julianna Deering will love these.
The characters are fun and quirky with Merinda diving into all kinds of chaos and more than a little uncomfortable in her own skin, and Jem following along because she just can’t say no to Merinda. Together with the help of a demoted police investigator and a reporter, they set out to solve the murders of two young women. The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder has political intrigue, romantic entanglements, and a mystery that is well-layered. I found it a fun read and am already looking forward to the next novella and the novel, both of which will release in the next few months.
Readers who love the Drew Farthering mysteries from Julianna Deering will love these.
April 4, 2016
Whether or not Jem is in, she's in with Merinda and her detective scheme. Though Jem's last name is Watts, she doesn't at all think she compares to Wattson--even though Merinda is determined to be a Sherlock Holmes and refuses to let two mysterious murders go unnoticed in political unrest.
Seriously, who would NOT laugh at the title of this book? It just entices you to the humorous account of two bachelor girls as they get into the detective world. This story had me laughing aloud--and that doesn't usually happen when I read. Yes, there was romance in this book but it was hysterically funny. Going into detail would give spoilers.
I'm not usually a murder mystery reader, but besides the first chapter in which they trailed alongside Jasper Forth--without permission--and saw the first girl's demise, I pretty much forgot that was the "theme" of the book. It did not at all take on a dark setting.
The girls call one of the men a name which is probably not fit to be repeated (in my vocabulary) but other than that, I suppose one would call it clean. If someone cursed, it was mentioned, "He cursed under his breath" and the author did not fill the reader in with which words he said--which I appreciated it.
Two things knock a star off for me:
It is yet another book that seems to have only "partial Christianity" in it. The one mystery that Merinda doesn't care to solve is that of religion. Jem acknowledges God, goes to the church in the end. It mentions Ray meeting weekly with a pastor, but a real relationship with Christ isn't threaded throughout the story.
Secondly, Jem and Merinda really are independent, feministic women. It is tastefully covered in wit, but Jem's parents disowning her for the way she has chosen to live and Merinda's whole outlook in life just doesn't match what I perceive as Biblical womanhood.
A favorite quote:
"Can't you just see the headlines? 'Herringford and Watts stomp out the Morality Squad.'"
Jem threw up her hands. "'Herringford and Watts get thrown in jail!'"
"'Herringford and Watts become Toronto's premiere investigators!'"
"Herrington and Watts better get fed soon or Watts won't be long for their new enterprise."
*I received this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review*
Seriously, who would NOT laugh at the title of this book? It just entices you to the humorous account of two bachelor girls as they get into the detective world. This story had me laughing aloud--and that doesn't usually happen when I read. Yes, there was romance in this book but it was hysterically funny. Going into detail would give spoilers.
I'm not usually a murder mystery reader, but besides the first chapter in which they trailed alongside Jasper Forth--without permission--and saw the first girl's demise, I pretty much forgot that was the "theme" of the book. It did not at all take on a dark setting.
The girls call one of the men a name which is probably not fit to be repeated (in my vocabulary) but other than that, I suppose one would call it clean. If someone cursed, it was mentioned, "He cursed under his breath" and the author did not fill the reader in with which words he said--which I appreciated it.
Two things knock a star off for me:
It is yet another book that seems to have only "partial Christianity" in it. The one mystery that Merinda doesn't care to solve is that of religion. Jem acknowledges God, goes to the church in the end. It mentions Ray meeting weekly with a pastor, but a real relationship with Christ isn't threaded throughout the story.
Secondly, Jem and Merinda really are independent, feministic women. It is tastefully covered in wit, but Jem's parents disowning her for the way she has chosen to live and Merinda's whole outlook in life just doesn't match what I perceive as Biblical womanhood.
A favorite quote:
"Can't you just see the headlines? 'Herringford and Watts stomp out the Morality Squad.'"
Jem threw up her hands. "'Herringford and Watts get thrown in jail!'"
"'Herringford and Watts become Toronto's premiere investigators!'"
"Herrington and Watts better get fed soon or Watts won't be long for their new enterprise."
*I received this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review*
January 11, 2016
NOTE: Received as an ARC from Netgalley.
Frothy vintage story of two girl detectives who always get their man. Subtle faith elements balanced with feminism, a swoonyworthy leading man, and a "Morality Squad" (based in fact) that will make you furious.
Frothy vintage story of two girl detectives who always get their man. Subtle faith elements balanced with feminism, a swoonyworthy leading man, and a "Morality Squad" (based in fact) that will make you furious.
April 1, 2016
OH MY STARS THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!!! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK *GRABBY HANDS* I NEED MORE OF JEM AND MERINDA AND RAY AND JASPER
February 10, 2016
This story is fun and sweet, with just enough action and mystery to propel story while the characters worm their way into your heart in-between the exciting moments! The unique setting and era alone are vivid and memorable. Rachel has combined meticulous research and her imagination resulting in a setting with both historical significance and imagined whimsy (like fictitious public figures and morality squads).
Eccentric is the perfect word for Merinda, while Jem is the romantic and grounded best friend who gets pulled along on their adventures. I like how Jem's perspective is the one we get to experience the most. In many cases, "sidekicks" stay in the shadows of a feisty heroine, but let me tell you, Jem is no weak wallflower (though she might think of herself as one).
Jasper and Ray, our ladies' romantic interests, are both thoughtful and protective when necessary. Ray, which we get to know best, is possibly my favorite character of the novel! He gets tangled in the mystery the girls are trying to solve and proves quite the distraction for Jem. Rachel McMillan's talent and ability to write romantic tension between Ray and Jem is another favorite part of mine! I mean, the perfect recipe for a fictional heartthrob is Italian gibberish, flirting, bad poetry, and refreshing honesty, right? :)
I hope we see more of Ray and his sister Viola's sibling relationship in later stories! (and with the setting of book 2, I have a feeling we will.) They have a sweet, caring relationship. Ray's personal character is revealed in the way he treats his sister and the extent of his sacrifice for her.
To briefly address one aspect of the humor of this story, I want to say Rachel's "footnotes" are awesome. Sometimes they offer short explanations or brief tongue-in-cheek asides as though from a narrator. This type of story device is unique and rarely (if ever?) used in this genre, so it's all the more effective in adding a touch of style and comedy.
Underneath the layers of independent feminine spirit, witty dialogue, nods to Sherlock Holmes, criminal motives, and humorous prose is a story of finding purpose and belonging. It imparts that sometimes life doesn't play out like the fairy tale you would imagine. Sometimes it's messy, quite different, and ok that way. Sometimes it's just achieving a simple dream. But sometimes, God's plan for your life is even better than you could imagine. And He will use the most unlikely people and circumstances for His purposes.
To end my gushing review, I will say that this is a must-read! Personally, I'm very excited for the adventures of these characters later this year in the novella Of Dubious and Questionable Memory and book 2, A Lesson in Love and Murder. I'm so glad this is a series and we get more Merinda, Jasper, Jem, and Ray. But mostly, more Ray.
Thank you to Rachel McMillan, Harvest House, and Netgalley for providing copies of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Eccentric is the perfect word for Merinda, while Jem is the romantic and grounded best friend who gets pulled along on their adventures. I like how Jem's perspective is the one we get to experience the most. In many cases, "sidekicks" stay in the shadows of a feisty heroine, but let me tell you, Jem is no weak wallflower (though she might think of herself as one).
Jasper and Ray, our ladies' romantic interests, are both thoughtful and protective when necessary. Ray, which we get to know best, is possibly my favorite character of the novel! He gets tangled in the mystery the girls are trying to solve and proves quite the distraction for Jem. Rachel McMillan's talent and ability to write romantic tension between Ray and Jem is another favorite part of mine! I mean, the perfect recipe for a fictional heartthrob is Italian gibberish, flirting, bad poetry, and refreshing honesty, right? :)
I hope we see more of Ray and his sister Viola's sibling relationship in later stories! (and with the setting of book 2, I have a feeling we will.) They have a sweet, caring relationship. Ray's personal character is revealed in the way he treats his sister and the extent of his sacrifice for her.
To briefly address one aspect of the humor of this story, I want to say Rachel's "footnotes" are awesome. Sometimes they offer short explanations or brief tongue-in-cheek asides as though from a narrator. This type of story device is unique and rarely (if ever?) used in this genre, so it's all the more effective in adding a touch of style and comedy.
Underneath the layers of independent feminine spirit, witty dialogue, nods to Sherlock Holmes, criminal motives, and humorous prose is a story of finding purpose and belonging. It imparts that sometimes life doesn't play out like the fairy tale you would imagine. Sometimes it's messy, quite different, and ok that way. Sometimes it's just achieving a simple dream. But sometimes, God's plan for your life is even better than you could imagine. And He will use the most unlikely people and circumstances for His purposes.
To end my gushing review, I will say that this is a must-read! Personally, I'm very excited for the adventures of these characters later this year in the novella Of Dubious and Questionable Memory and book 2, A Lesson in Love and Murder. I'm so glad this is a series and we get more Merinda, Jasper, Jem, and Ray. But mostly, more Ray.
Thank you to Rachel McMillan, Harvest House, and Netgalley for providing copies of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2024
3.5 stars
This was a book I've had my eye on from the first moment it appeared on Goodreads-- two lady detectives? In Edwardian times? Inspired by Sherlock Holmes? Obviously, I'm in. While at times bending history to suit its needs, The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder was a fun, quirky romp through 1900s Toronto. And the footnotes. I loved the footnotes. Easily one of my favorite aspects of the book.
I do have a few issues from a theological perspective, as there are a few times that I felt there was too much emphasis on "doing what's right for you" and flouting societal conventions, since honestly I don't think that's the best way for Christians to act in certain circumstances. It actually wasn't in some ways as uber-feministic as I feared, although there were definitely several times the book veered into territory I didn't agree with.
That being said, The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is a madcap adventure that includes quite a lot of laughs. Its strength isn't so much in its mystery but in the charming writing style, the characters, and the promise that we'll be getting the chance to see these ladies again soon.
Also, the phrase "cracker jacks!" has permanently entered my vocabulary.
I received this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for my honest review.
(also, a note: I was confused at first, because I thought the Herringford and Watts novella A Singular and Whimsical Problem was a prequel; however, it actually takes place during this novel. Just FYI, in case you've read the novella and wonder why on earth Merinda and Jem haven't met Ray yet in Bachelor Girl's Guide.)
This was a book I've had my eye on from the first moment it appeared on Goodreads-- two lady detectives? In Edwardian times? Inspired by Sherlock Holmes? Obviously, I'm in. While at times bending history to suit its needs, The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder was a fun, quirky romp through 1900s Toronto. And the footnotes. I loved the footnotes. Easily one of my favorite aspects of the book.
I do have a few issues from a theological perspective, as there are a few times that I felt there was too much emphasis on "doing what's right for you" and flouting societal conventions, since honestly I don't think that's the best way for Christians to act in certain circumstances. It actually wasn't in some ways as uber-feministic as I feared, although there were definitely several times the book veered into territory I didn't agree with.
That being said, The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is a madcap adventure that includes quite a lot of laughs. Its strength isn't so much in its mystery but in the charming writing style, the characters, and the promise that we'll be getting the chance to see these ladies again soon.
Also, the phrase "cracker jacks!" has permanently entered my vocabulary.
I received this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for my honest review.
(also, a note: I was confused at first, because I thought the Herringford and Watts novella A Singular and Whimsical Problem was a prequel; however, it actually takes place during this novel. Just FYI, in case you've read the novella and wonder why on earth Merinda and Jem haven't met Ray yet in Bachelor Girl's Guide.)
September 23, 2020
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
I’m pretty sure there’s no way to not enjoy Rachel McMillan’s The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder. With two friends-turned-detectives as adventurous and spirited as Merinda Herringford and Jemima Watts, it’s a delight to read. I highly recommend it.
In early twentieth-century Toronto, Merinda pulls Jem into an Sherlock-Holmes-esque adventure to solve a string of murders. And it’s a fun one, as these two lady detectives don trousers, find quite a bit of trouble amidst the clues, and worry the dashing men in their lives to no end. Merinda has a penchant for concocting eccentric and entertaining schemes, while Jem keeps her grounded (just barely) on the acceptable side of propriety - and the dynamic of their friendship works surprisingly well to bring them, clue after clue, closer to the mysterious truth.
A perfect mix of mystery, history, romance, and humor, The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder is an excellent starting novel to Rachel McMillan’s series. Readers in search of a quick and fun historical read will not be left disappointed. I loved it and am now very eager for another Herringford & Watts adventure.
Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
I’m pretty sure there’s no way to not enjoy Rachel McMillan’s The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder. With two friends-turned-detectives as adventurous and spirited as Merinda Herringford and Jemima Watts, it’s a delight to read. I highly recommend it.
In early twentieth-century Toronto, Merinda pulls Jem into an Sherlock-Holmes-esque adventure to solve a string of murders. And it’s a fun one, as these two lady detectives don trousers, find quite a bit of trouble amidst the clues, and worry the dashing men in their lives to no end. Merinda has a penchant for concocting eccentric and entertaining schemes, while Jem keeps her grounded (just barely) on the acceptable side of propriety - and the dynamic of their friendship works surprisingly well to bring them, clue after clue, closer to the mysterious truth.
A perfect mix of mystery, history, romance, and humor, The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder is an excellent starting novel to Rachel McMillan’s series. Readers in search of a quick and fun historical read will not be left disappointed. I loved it and am now very eager for another Herringford & Watts adventure.
Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
March 28, 2016
Just writing this review makes me smile.
What a fun read! Jem, Merinda, Ray, and Jasper are a quirky, loveable mix of characters searching for answers and battling bad fellas (and discovering love) in this feisty Sherlockian romp through early 1900s Toronto.
There's a lot to love: gorgeous writing, humorous banter (funny footnotes? Check.), mystery, and warm affection between the heroines. Strong-willed Merinda is the leader of this capable detective team, but Jem is her big-hearted, faithful sidekick, and my favorite character.
And Ray...oh, he's wonderful. Sigh.
The adventurous spirit of the story and witty dialogue kept a grin on my face, and the romance...sweet with just the right touch of realism. Well done!
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is a beautifully rendered romp of a mystery. I can't wait to read what this author puts out next, and I highly recommend this story.
What a fun read! Jem, Merinda, Ray, and Jasper are a quirky, loveable mix of characters searching for answers and battling bad fellas (and discovering love) in this feisty Sherlockian romp through early 1900s Toronto.
There's a lot to love: gorgeous writing, humorous banter (funny footnotes? Check.), mystery, and warm affection between the heroines. Strong-willed Merinda is the leader of this capable detective team, but Jem is her big-hearted, faithful sidekick, and my favorite character.
And Ray...oh, he's wonderful. Sigh.
The adventurous spirit of the story and witty dialogue kept a grin on my face, and the romance...sweet with just the right touch of realism. Well done!
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is a beautifully rendered romp of a mystery. I can't wait to read what this author puts out next, and I highly recommend this story.
August 22, 2018
3.5 stars for a book that surprised me. I didn't read this series when it first released because I assumed the cast would be mostly female (which would bore me) and because mixing humor with murder is not my thing (very few strains of humor are my thing). But then I read Murder at the Flamingo, and I was drawn to the promise of more Ray DeLuca on the page, and ... well, turns out I had deprived myself of a fun and endearing series. This historical romp includes a readable blend of mystery and romance, and I wanted to hug these characters almost the moment I met them. The book is under 250 pages, a length that fits the tone, but I was so enjoying myself (and a certain bilingual reporter most decidedly not female) that I binged the trilogy. The second and third books are even better as the characters continue to grow. I was disappointed to reach the end of The White Feather Murders. I want more pages with Ray, Jem, Jasper, and Merinda. (Or, you know, just more pages with Ray, if that had to be a thing.)
February 16, 2016
My thoughts:
Jem, Merinda, Jasper, and Ray. Four characters who personify independence, joy, love, wit, and charisma.
This book, on the surface, is a rollicking good time. Lots of smirks, laughs, intelligence, and a bit of romance. What’s under the surface, however, is what makes this book so fascinating. You have two independent women who are “past an age” for proper society. These are women you’d love to know in real life and have on your side. They’re not trying to fit in with society—they’re trying to find out who they are, and in Jem’s case, come to terms with it.
Jasper and Ray are charmers. Ray was more the focus in this story, and may be a new crush. He is sweet, caring, loyal, compassionate, and has just enough flaws to make you love him that much more. Including his bad poetry. ;)
Rachel McMillan has done a phenomenal job giving us lovable characters in the tempestuous setting of 1910 Toronto. She’s crafted a fun murder mystery with wit and charm while not shying away from the plight of women and immigrants in Toronto during that time.
This is a book I highly recommend!
*I was given this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Jem, Merinda, Jasper, and Ray. Four characters who personify independence, joy, love, wit, and charisma.
This book, on the surface, is a rollicking good time. Lots of smirks, laughs, intelligence, and a bit of romance. What’s under the surface, however, is what makes this book so fascinating. You have two independent women who are “past an age” for proper society. These are women you’d love to know in real life and have on your side. They’re not trying to fit in with society—they’re trying to find out who they are, and in Jem’s case, come to terms with it.
Jasper and Ray are charmers. Ray was more the focus in this story, and may be a new crush. He is sweet, caring, loyal, compassionate, and has just enough flaws to make you love him that much more. Including his bad poetry. ;)
Rachel McMillan has done a phenomenal job giving us lovable characters in the tempestuous setting of 1910 Toronto. She’s crafted a fun murder mystery with wit and charm while not shying away from the plight of women and immigrants in Toronto during that time.
This is a book I highly recommend!
*I was given this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 13, 2016
Put on your detective's hat and hang on for a fast moving murder mystery! Toronto, Canada in 1910 makes an interesting backdrop for the slightly awkward pair of women, who are Holmes and Watson wannabees. Breaking most of the social mores of the day to achieve their goal, the pair try to solve the mystery of two murders, with the help of a few faithful friends. Things really heat up the closer they get to the truth, and danger lurks everywhere they roam.
It took a few chapters for me to get into the grove of the story, with a lot of characters to keep straight at first, but it was a fun ride through the dark streets to the upscale districts of old Toronto. There were some funny scenes and touching moments, along with the suspenseful and violent ones, making it an interesting read overall. It was hard not to sigh a little when Ray and Jasper came to the aid of Merinda and Jemima, sparking some romantic moments.
A good clean mystery, in the style of a young Sherlock Holmes with a twist of Murdoch. Look forward to reading more in this series!
(Book provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
It took a few chapters for me to get into the grove of the story, with a lot of characters to keep straight at first, but it was a fun ride through the dark streets to the upscale districts of old Toronto. There were some funny scenes and touching moments, along with the suspenseful and violent ones, making it an interesting read overall. It was hard not to sigh a little when Ray and Jasper came to the aid of Merinda and Jemima, sparking some romantic moments.
A good clean mystery, in the style of a young Sherlock Holmes with a twist of Murdoch. Look forward to reading more in this series!
(Book provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
July 28, 2016
This is not a book about two lady detectives in the early 1900s. Half of this book is about a woman who has absolutely no agency in her own life and is pushed into situations she doesn't want to participate in by her inconsiderate "friend." The other half is about a reporter who is quite bad at his job and is more adept at protecting the two non-detective women from experiencing any confrontation or consequences. The mystery is laughable, the romance is inexplicable, and all of the resolution of the mystery takes place completely out of view of the "Bachelor Girls" whose guide to murder we're supposedly reading.
The book blurb is a lie. A complete lie. It's not what you think it is.
The book blurb is a lie. A complete lie. It's not what you think it is.
Read
November 7, 2016A refreshing out-of-the-box read for me! A fabulous tale full of wit and charm and sprinkles of Rachelisms.
Now, where can I buy a Rachel McMillan vocabulary?
p.s. I love the relationship between the girls...and I loooooove Ray.
Now, where can I buy a Rachel McMillan vocabulary?
p.s. I love the relationship between the girls...and I loooooove Ray.
February 16, 2016
I'd give this book a million stars if I could. Love all the characters and can't wait for book two!
April 22, 2023
This was just kinda meh for me? Which is kinda disappointing. There's not really anything wrong with it, I just didn't connect with it like I was hoping to. It felt like it couldn't decide if it wanted to be a mystery or a romance, so both felt a little underdeveloped. Jem and Merinda are very fun, though, with a dynamic that feels very. "Sherlock and Watson".
3.5 stars from me!
3.5 stars from me!
April 11, 2016
About this book:
“In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.
Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.
While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Herringford and Watts Mysteries” series. (There is also a novella that is considered #.5 in the series, see review Here!)
Spiritual Content- Talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Jem has a faith; Merinda thinks God is a mystery that she has no interest in solving; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of Church, mass, crossing, confessions, priests & a Reverend; A few mentions of places & those in the Bible; A couple mentions of the Bible; A mention of Sunday School.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: five ‘blasted’s and five ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm; Pain, Blood, Biting/Hitting & Slapping (semi-detailed): Many mentions of murders, strangulation & a body (semi-detailed); Mentions of fighting, black eyes & bruises (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of assaulting; Mentions of gunshots & aiming guns; Mentions of drinking, liquor, drunks & a tavern; Mentions of smoking, cigars & cigarettes; Mentions of gambling; Mentions of jail.
Sexual Content- two hand kisses, four check kisses, three almost kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss and two semi-detailed kisses; A cad tries to kiss Jem four times & lingers when touching her; Touches & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Staring; Jem wants the first man she kisses to be the man she marries; A mention of wolf whistles; A mention of a ladies’ man; A few mentions of physical contact; Mentions of jealousy, flirting & blushes; Mentions of reputations & morals; Mentions of assaulting; Mentions of men having female company, a woman familiar with a man & a man wanting to be with a girl over night; Mentions of romance & those in love; Mentions of staring at lips; Many mentions of kissing, kisses & a first kiss; Love, falling in love & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of unmentionables; Mentions of Jem’s curvy form & figure.
-Jemima Watts, age 24
-Merinda Herringford
P.O.V. switches between them, Ray & Jasper (a few times)
Set in 1910
222 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I’ve been eagerly awaiting “A Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder” for around eight months now. It’s set in my favorite time period and has female detectives. That right there was enough for me to want to read it. (But, oh my goodness! That cover is just wonderful!) This was a fun, witty (and short!) novel that I really enjoyed! I do wish it had been longer and some parts drawn out a smidge. A bit more Spiritual Content would have been nice too, but it was good. I personally think the novella would be most enjoyed if read after this one, since this book has a bit more background on who’s-who and how they met. Overall, I really enjoyed the writing style and can’t for the next books to come out! :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Harvest House) for this honest review.
“In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.
Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.
While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Herringford and Watts Mysteries” series. (There is also a novella that is considered #.5 in the series, see review Here!)
Spiritual Content- Talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Jem has a faith; Merinda thinks God is a mystery that she has no interest in solving; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of Church, mass, crossing, confessions, priests & a Reverend; A few mentions of places & those in the Bible; A couple mentions of the Bible; A mention of Sunday School.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: five ‘blasted’s and five ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm; Pain, Blood, Biting/Hitting & Slapping (semi-detailed): Many mentions of murders, strangulation & a body (semi-detailed); Mentions of fighting, black eyes & bruises (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of assaulting; Mentions of gunshots & aiming guns; Mentions of drinking, liquor, drunks & a tavern; Mentions of smoking, cigars & cigarettes; Mentions of gambling; Mentions of jail.
Sexual Content- two hand kisses, four check kisses, three almost kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss and two semi-detailed kisses; A cad tries to kiss Jem four times & lingers when touching her; Touches & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Staring; Jem wants the first man she kisses to be the man she marries; A mention of wolf whistles; A mention of a ladies’ man; A few mentions of physical contact; Mentions of jealousy, flirting & blushes; Mentions of reputations & morals; Mentions of assaulting; Mentions of men having female company, a woman familiar with a man & a man wanting to be with a girl over night; Mentions of romance & those in love; Mentions of staring at lips; Many mentions of kissing, kisses & a first kiss; Love, falling in love & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of unmentionables; Mentions of Jem’s curvy form & figure.
-Jemima Watts, age 24
-Merinda Herringford
P.O.V. switches between them, Ray & Jasper (a few times)
Set in 1910
222 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I’ve been eagerly awaiting “A Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder” for around eight months now. It’s set in my favorite time period and has female detectives. That right there was enough for me to want to read it. (But, oh my goodness! That cover is just wonderful!) This was a fun, witty (and short!) novel that I really enjoyed! I do wish it had been longer and some parts drawn out a smidge. A bit more Spiritual Content would have been nice too, but it was good. I personally think the novella would be most enjoyed if read after this one, since this book has a bit more background on who’s-who and how they met. Overall, I really enjoyed the writing style and can’t for the next books to come out! :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Harvest House) for this honest review.
July 21, 2016
I’ve been reading less historical fiction this year, but I just couldn’t resist The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder. I’m not sure what appealed to me most—the awesome title, the pretty cover, the not-so-typical setting (finally, a book not set in the United States!), or just the idea of two single women attempting to solve murders in 1910. The summary reminded me a lot of The Hourglass Factory by Lucy Ribchester, and that kind of closed the deal for me. I had to read it. Just not immediately, as I have a very active toddler who makes it difficult to find time to read. Still, a belated review is better than none, right? And this book was definitely worth waiting for.
The actual murder may not have been the most interesting part of the book for me. I think I was more intrigued by the character of Ray DeLuca, the reporter Jem runs into at the start of the novel. Not so much as a romantic interest (although I can see the appeal) but as an Irish immigrant trying to make a place for himself in the field of journalism while also sticking to his conviction to expose the truth, even if it upsets those who pull the political strings. His commitment to his sister was equally admirable. Honestly, Ray’s dilemma—stop exposing political corruption or lose his job—is very likely still relevant to modern day journalists. The world needs more Rays!
It wasn’t just the immigrant culture that intrigued me in The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder, but the entire setting of 1910 Toronto. From the note at the end of the novel, it’s clear that Rachel McMillan fabricated a lot of the political issues she presented, but it still seemed like a fascinating city and time period, especially for young women like Jem and Merinda. The World Wars would soon open up new freedoms for women, but they aren’t quite there yet, and older generations have very different expectations for how young ladies should behave. I wouldn’t like to trade places with Jem or Merinda but I did enjoy reading about their attempts to subvert societal norms, and I was impressed with their bravery in cross-dressing. Christian Historical Fiction needs more heroines like these young ladies!
I didn’t guess who was behind the murders as quickly as I sometimes do with mystery novels, mostly because I was a) distracted by a toddler and b) more focused on the character development than the actual mystery. So if you’re not big on solving crimes but enjoy stereotype-defying heroines in the early twentieth century, I’d encourage you to still give this novel a shot. Jem is a very likable heroine, and while I did sometimes wish she stood up for herself more—particularly when Merinda pushed her further into a relationship that made her uncomfortable—her flaws made her all the more real. I look forward to seeing her grow more confident in the sequel, and I hope we also get more insight into Merinda’s character. She intrigued me, but I never felt like I truly got inside her head, so at times she felt like a bit of a caricature. She was awesome, don’t get me wrong, but maybe not entirely authentic since I didn’t know how she’d come to be so eccentric and determined to push aside all societal conventions and expectations. The bottom line: Merinda is great, but I wanted more of her!
While I didn’t completely love The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder, I can’t think of any major flaws with it either. It could have been longer (it comes in at a pretty short 224 pages), and it could have had more Merinda, but otherwise I really enjoyed it. Rachel McMillan did a great job of developing the characters and the setting, and I’m eager to see what Jem and Merinda are up to in the next instalment in the series. For such a short book, the story was fantastically engaging and just downright fun, and I’d encourage historical and mystery fans alike to give it a shot.
Review title provided by Harvest House.
The actual murder may not have been the most interesting part of the book for me. I think I was more intrigued by the character of Ray DeLuca, the reporter Jem runs into at the start of the novel. Not so much as a romantic interest (although I can see the appeal) but as an Irish immigrant trying to make a place for himself in the field of journalism while also sticking to his conviction to expose the truth, even if it upsets those who pull the political strings. His commitment to his sister was equally admirable. Honestly, Ray’s dilemma—stop exposing political corruption or lose his job—is very likely still relevant to modern day journalists. The world needs more Rays!
It wasn’t just the immigrant culture that intrigued me in The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder, but the entire setting of 1910 Toronto. From the note at the end of the novel, it’s clear that Rachel McMillan fabricated a lot of the political issues she presented, but it still seemed like a fascinating city and time period, especially for young women like Jem and Merinda. The World Wars would soon open up new freedoms for women, but they aren’t quite there yet, and older generations have very different expectations for how young ladies should behave. I wouldn’t like to trade places with Jem or Merinda but I did enjoy reading about their attempts to subvert societal norms, and I was impressed with their bravery in cross-dressing. Christian Historical Fiction needs more heroines like these young ladies!
I didn’t guess who was behind the murders as quickly as I sometimes do with mystery novels, mostly because I was a) distracted by a toddler and b) more focused on the character development than the actual mystery. So if you’re not big on solving crimes but enjoy stereotype-defying heroines in the early twentieth century, I’d encourage you to still give this novel a shot. Jem is a very likable heroine, and while I did sometimes wish she stood up for herself more—particularly when Merinda pushed her further into a relationship that made her uncomfortable—her flaws made her all the more real. I look forward to seeing her grow more confident in the sequel, and I hope we also get more insight into Merinda’s character. She intrigued me, but I never felt like I truly got inside her head, so at times she felt like a bit of a caricature. She was awesome, don’t get me wrong, but maybe not entirely authentic since I didn’t know how she’d come to be so eccentric and determined to push aside all societal conventions and expectations. The bottom line: Merinda is great, but I wanted more of her!
While I didn’t completely love The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder, I can’t think of any major flaws with it either. It could have been longer (it comes in at a pretty short 224 pages), and it could have had more Merinda, but otherwise I really enjoyed it. Rachel McMillan did a great job of developing the characters and the setting, and I’m eager to see what Jem and Merinda are up to in the next instalment in the series. For such a short book, the story was fantastically engaging and just downright fun, and I’d encourage historical and mystery fans alike to give it a shot.
Review title provided by Harvest House.
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