What do you think?
Rate this book
Stoker & Holmes #4
The Carnelian Crow
Ever since the debacle of the Chess Queen Enigma, Mina Holmes and Evaline Stoker have laid low, trying to settle back into their quiet lives as young ladies of London. But the Holmesian deductive abilities won't remain dormant for long, and when Mina receives a strange package from a winged, midnight visitor, she is catapulted into a new, dangerous adventure: the search for The Carnelian Crow.
Meanwhile, Evaline has received some very disturbing news--news that will change her life forever. Along with that unpleasant knowledge is the strange disappearance of her nemesis, the disreputable pickpocket Pix.
When it becomes clear the arch-villainess the Ankh has made her next move, it will take all of Mina's Holmesian ingenuity and Evaline's courage and determination to stop the criminal from executing her boldest and most dangerous plan yet!
Meanwhile, Evaline has received some very disturbing news--news that will change her life forever. Along with that unpleasant knowledge is the strange disappearance of her nemesis, the disreputable pickpocket Pix.
When it becomes clear the arch-villainess the Ankh has made her next move, it will take all of Mina's Holmesian ingenuity and Evaline's courage and determination to stop the criminal from executing her boldest and most dangerous plan yet!
282 pages, Hardcover
First published July 11, 2017
81 people are currently reading
1558 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Gleason
105 books1,677 followersAward-winning, NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason (who also writes as Colleen Cambridge) has written more than fifty novels in a variety of genres…but always feature smart, strong women determined to right wrongs and get shit done.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
July 26, 2017
There's finally an updated publication date.
Here's to hoping!
Update:
I may have just screamed a little when I saw that a cover has been added.
Update II:
Guess what I just picked up from the library!
Here's to hoping!
Update:
I may have just screamed a little when I saw that a cover has been added.
Update II:
Guess what I just picked up from the library!
August 11, 2017
The first 260 pages of this book are Flawess (TM). I refuse to comment on the last five because I'm pretending they don't exist.
(More Grayling dances and Pix disguises and Mina and Evaline being BFFs in the next book, pls. This was delightful.)
(More Grayling dances and Pix disguises and Mina and Evaline being BFFs in the next book, pls. This was delightful.)
March 14, 2018
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult, Mystery
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
The Carnelian Crow is the fourth installment in author Colleen Gleason's Stoker and Holmes series. This series features Mina Holmes, niece of Sherlock Holmes, and Evalina Stoker, great-granddaughter of Victoria Gardella (who you can read about in the Gardella Vampire Hunters series). Ever since the fiasco of The Chess Queen Enigma, Mina has been itching for a fight. She has spent the past 8 weeks in limbo without having her mentor, Irene Adler, give her and her supposed partner Evalina any cases to attempt to solve for Queen and country.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Young Adult, Mystery
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
The Carnelian Crow is the fourth installment in author Colleen Gleason's Stoker and Holmes series. This series features Mina Holmes, niece of Sherlock Holmes, and Evalina Stoker, great-granddaughter of Victoria Gardella (who you can read about in the Gardella Vampire Hunters series). Ever since the fiasco of The Chess Queen Enigma, Mina has been itching for a fight. She has spent the past 8 weeks in limbo without having her mentor, Irene Adler, give her and her supposed partner Evalina any cases to attempt to solve for Queen and country.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
October 6, 2017
**Read in July** I had to give in and buy this book because my library didn't have it yet and I waited long enough. I only buy a couple books a year so that says a lot. However, compared to the previous books I was slightly disappointed. The other books had more substance. The beginning of this one seemed to drag onto nowhere fast. Not much action but it did progress the story line slightly and left me with questions. I was a little disoriented because the last book came out so long ago and I don't remember the little details. Still a favorite series of mine and I hope I remember this one when the last book comes out.
August 18, 2019
Overall I enjoyed it, but..here's the thing...I don't do Romance. That doesn't mean I can't be persuaded to get on board with a well done, slow burn, potential pairing. In this case, I'm persuaded. However, I'm not reading a book about Detective Holmes and Vampire Hunter Stoker set in an alternate, mildly Steampunkish, Victorian England in order to "enjoy" the angst of an oddly passive Stoker being maneuvered into an unwanted marriage.
Add to that the fact that that little plot element wasn't resolved by the end, which means it's gonna be dragged out into the next book, and I'm annoyed.
Additionally, although this portion is well-written and I understand why Eveline is allowing herself to be used in this way, because she does love her family, but the behavior of her sister-in-law regarding it I cannot truly believe she loves Eveline, she cannot possibly be so dim-witted as to believe Eveline will see a marriage with pretty much a stranger that she's been manipulated into as a good and happy thing.
And lastly, I'm simply not happy about these quasi-love-triangles. I'm on board with the Inspector (for Mina) and Pix (for Evelyn), I really like Dillon as a character, but I'm not reading these books for Romance angst.
Gah, yes, I enjoyed it, but removed a point for that entire plot element. If I wanted that sort of thing I'd be reading an Historical Romance.
Add to that the fact that that little plot element wasn't resolved by the end, which means it's gonna be dragged out into the next book, and I'm annoyed.
Additionally, although this portion is well-written and I understand why Eveline is allowing herself to be used in this way, because she does love her family, but the behavior of her sister-in-law regarding it I cannot truly believe she loves Eveline, she cannot possibly be so dim-witted as to believe Eveline will see a marriage with pretty much a stranger that she's been manipulated into as a good and happy thing.
And lastly, I'm simply not happy about these quasi-love-triangles. I'm on board with the Inspector (for Mina) and Pix (for Evelyn), I really like Dillon as a character, but I'm not reading these books for Romance angst.
Gah, yes, I enjoyed it, but removed a point for that entire plot element. If I wanted that sort of thing I'd be reading an Historical Romance.
August 25, 2017
This has developed into such an entertaining Victorian mystery series with a paranormal twist. This fourth installment in the series has to be my favorite one so far, not least because a certain Dylan Eckert is out of the picture at last. Don't get me wrong, I liked him alright when he was busy making medical breakthroughs aka when he was too busy with science to flirt with Mina. But now that he's gone, it is finally time to shine for the lovely Inspector Grayling, just like I always knew he would. The Carnelian Crow did a good job at moving the overall story forward, answering some questions while at the same time raising some new ones, especially concerning the role Pix plays in the mystery surrounding electrical power, vampires, the infamous Siri and of course the Ankh. I'm very much looking forward to the fifth book in the Stoker & Holmes series, I just wish I didn't have to wait a whole year after that cliffhanger...
August 6, 2017
Hands-down the best one yet. I love all of these characters so much--well. Except you-know-who.
August 31, 2020
This series is honestly quite addictive. I simply cannot stop reading.
The only reason that this book is rated slightly lower than the rest was that the mystery was well, not really there. There wasn't a case to solve exactly, which diminished the intrigue slightly. Compounded with the unfortunate circumstances of the time, it wasn't my favorite of the series, but nonetheless a lot of fun.
The interactions between the characters were what kept this book alive, and suffice it to say, I cannot get enough of them. I love Mina and Evaline, and of course, Ambrose and Pix. This entire series is a delight, and yes, it isn't the most complex, accurate story I have ever read, but it is definitely entertaining.
And I'm out.
The only reason that this book is rated slightly lower than the rest was that the mystery was well, not really there. There wasn't a case to solve exactly, which diminished the intrigue slightly. Compounded with the unfortunate circumstances of the time, it wasn't my favorite of the series, but nonetheless a lot of fun.
The interactions between the characters were what kept this book alive, and suffice it to say, I cannot get enough of them. I love Mina and Evaline, and of course, Ambrose and Pix. This entire series is a delight, and yes, it isn't the most complex, accurate story I have ever read, but it is definitely entertaining.
And I'm out.
July 23, 2017
We are certainly climbing to the climax of this series as we find out the Ankh's plans. I'm looking forward to seeing how Evaline evades marriage, Mina foils the Ankh's plans, what happens to Grayling and Pix, and the mystery solved about what happened to Mina's mother.
December 7, 2019
review coming soon
July 12, 2017
This is book 4 in the fantastic YA Steampunk Stoker and Holmes series and they really need to be read in order, so if you haven't started them yet you need to grab book 1 ASAP and get on this train with me!.
Reviewing the 4th installment is HARD, not because they book was anything other than excellent, but because I don't want to give spoilers and pretty much everything I go to type seems to be filled with them.
Ass with all of this author's works the descriptions are absolutely incredible, but as this installment delves a little more into the society elements I feel that they shine here maybe even a little more than normal. Keep an eye out for a light festival that made me want to travel back and visit it now!
The characters have grown so much over the series of books, something that I always look for especially in YA reads, and all I can say is I have my endgame worked out for these 2, I can only hope that the author feels the same way!
As a huge fan of the Gardella series by the same author I am ALWAYS looking for those little crossover nods, and anyone who is there with me won't be disappointed. Book 5 cannot come soon enough ..... literally .... as I got to the end and was frantically trying to get more pages that just were not there!
An easy 5 out of 5 stars from me and a strong recommendation to start this series if you haven't!
V""V
Reviewing the 4th installment is HARD, not because they book was anything other than excellent, but because I don't want to give spoilers and pretty much everything I go to type seems to be filled with them.
Ass with all of this author's works the descriptions are absolutely incredible, but as this installment delves a little more into the society elements I feel that they shine here maybe even a little more than normal. Keep an eye out for a light festival that made me want to travel back and visit it now!
The characters have grown so much over the series of books, something that I always look for especially in YA reads, and all I can say is I have my endgame worked out for these 2, I can only hope that the author feels the same way!
As a huge fan of the Gardella series by the same author I am ALWAYS looking for those little crossover nods, and anyone who is there with me won't be disappointed. Book 5 cannot come soon enough ..... literally .... as I got to the end and was frantically trying to get more pages that just were not there!
An easy 5 out of 5 stars from me and a strong recommendation to start this series if you haven't!
V""V
May 22, 2019
I’ve had the first book in this series on my shelf FOREVER and I randomly decided to pick it up during one of my book slumps. I had no idea that I would enjoy it as much as I did!
For starters, I thoroughly enjoy the world and the characters. Each of them are decently developed and I love the “come together” dynamic that occurs at the end of the book (as well as in the prior ones).
*spoiler-ish section*
The characters are all extremely well rounded, and show immense signs of development (primarily Mina and Grayling, in my opinion). I do feel as though the beginning dragged a bit, but I assume that’s only per the publishing issues the book came into contact with.
As a picky reader, the author manages to not only hold my attention, but manages to make me set my book down in laughter, anger, and worry for the characters she created. I look forward to the next and finale installment!
For starters, I thoroughly enjoy the world and the characters. Each of them are decently developed and I love the “come together” dynamic that occurs at the end of the book (as well as in the prior ones).
*spoiler-ish section*
The characters are all extremely well rounded, and show immense signs of development (primarily Mina and Grayling, in my opinion). I do feel as though the beginning dragged a bit, but I assume that’s only per the publishing issues the book came into contact with.
As a picky reader, the author manages to not only hold my attention, but manages to make me set my book down in laughter, anger, and worry for the characters she created. I look forward to the next and finale installment!
February 13, 2021
Another great read featuring my favorite steampunk, mystery-solving duo! The romantic interests become more apparent (and complicated) in this novel as Evaline Stoker faces a need to marry for financial security and Mina Holmes wrestles with her feelings for two different men. And, of course, there is the matter of a crow depositing a strange object in Mina's bedroom, which leads to a mysterious underground establishment known as the Carnelian Crow. I enjoy experiencing the world of these novels, the adventures of Mina and Evaline, and twists in the mysteries they uncover. Overall, this book was really enjoyable reading and I hope to read the next book soon!
November 9, 2020
I really loved this fourth installment in the Stoker & Holmes steampunk/mystery series. it's an A- for me, so five stars here! And as usual, do NOT under any circumstances start reading with this entry. If the book sounds at all interesting, start back with the first. There is a tremendous amount of character development, relationship-building throughout the series, and a lot of this one would be meaningless without having read the rest.
And yes, this does something I normally hate: it ends on a rather large cliff-hanger. Just what is going to happen to all of them? I cannot wait to find out, and have already downloaded the last in the series.
And yes, this does something I normally hate: it ends on a rather large cliff-hanger. Just what is going to happen to all of them? I cannot wait to find out, and have already downloaded the last in the series.
September 26, 2017
This is the fourth book in the Stoker and Holmes series. I overall enjoyed the other books in the series but for me the two main characters are the main reasons that I read them. Normally I lean towards Holmes but for this one I preferred chapters from Stoker. Regardless of the two main characters I was not as interested in this story line. There is one more book in the series and I will be reading that but I am not as excited as I once was.
June 13, 2019
Highly amusing installment of the series, even if I wasn't as fond of a few of the subplots as usual. (Namely, I really don't like Ned. I'm not very fond of Florence and Bram either. And I'm mad at Miss Adler.) On the other hand, there are now many more questions to be answered in book five.
December 7, 2017
These just keep getting better and better. Give me next one!
September 25, 2018
Well, poop. Ended with a cliffhanger, and the next is not yet written. I'll be watching for the 5th and final of the series.
November 15, 2018
I enjoy this series. The villain is known but play between villain and Miss Holmes is entertaining.
April 15, 2018
That was really good. I had feels but now I have to wait for the next installment 😑😑😑. I am teh disappoint
July 4, 2024
It takes so long for anything to happen in this. Really feels like wheel spinning. Oh well.
July 24, 2017
4/4.5 - I found this one a little slow going in the beginning but it really ramped up in the end. I still love all of these characters. I need book 5 now! Seriously I can't wait for 2018!
January 19, 2020
(Updated after finishing the series: I'm rating this one a 2 for now. See this as tough love. I will say though, it's likely the "it's me, not you" situation; I feel like my limited reading range is possibly a factor as to why I wasn't able to enjoy this book, or maybe this entire series, as much as I probably could have: I don't get the references.
In this book it's more prominent that I can even just name some for example: There's mentions of Frankenstein and works of Edgar Allan Poe; there's probably a lot more cool tidbits, but the problem is, I'm not familiar with this field so I couldn't even tell if they are accurate RL facts or the author is making up some alternate historical ones, and I'm not intrigued enough to fact-check.
I DO like the literary references, and that was when it dawned to me that perhaps this has been done in previous books but because I don't recognize any of the names, it simply didn't mean anything to me. In this book's case, while I recognized those names... Like I said, because of the unfamiliarity, the references didn't excite me as it probably would have for those who have read the referenced stuff.
Now, why am I writing all this? Please know that, I AM NOT lowering the rating because of my personal shortcoming; I AM NOT blaming this book for containing stuff I don't understand lmao. I'm acknowledging those stuff are there and I actually appreciate the effort, just that, with or without it, to me, the arc of this book itself, does not seem terribly substantial, if anything, after finishing the final installment, this book imho was entirely a setup for the crisis to have the background, which, technically isn't NOT okay, but I think from most reviews, one can tell that most people don't think much about the dance and internal struggle in this book. Back on topic, I'm not dismissing the possibility that I might have enjoyed this book a little bit more had I understood those references, but because I don't ATM, I'm letting my rating reflect my opinion without the what-ifs.)
The bonus short story. Urgh. I admit, I totally just went reading a few reviews of the last book in the respective series the character starred as main character to spoil myself cuz I needed to know lmao. Yay triangle? lmao. I'm serious, because the short story def. was giving the vibes, so I guess, if I ever felt like going on a vampire theme read, I found another series? lol
April 18, 2019
I do believe I have said before how much I love this series. The Carnelian Crow finds our heroines downtrodden after the disappointing result of The Chess Queen Enigma. While moping in her bedroom, Mina Holmes receives a rather unusual visitor, a crow, and it comes bearing gifts, a carnelian. If it had stopped there, would have thought that the crow was building a nest. However, Inspector Grayling also visits, and our mystery begins.
For Evaline Stoker, things seem to be bad and getting worse by the second. After being informed that the family isn't doing so well financially, it appears that it is up to Evaline to marry a well to do man, and save them all. If she doesn't, they lose their home and have to move back to Dublin with her family. On top of that, she hasn't had contact with Pix, and she is beginning to get worried (again!).
What does a carnelian have to do with the Ankh? Where's Pix? How is Evaline supposed to do her fates cursed duty while finding a fiancée or an alternate solution? What does any of this have to do with the missing Miss Adler, and Mina's mother?
Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars, because the only downside I had were Pix and Evaline. Pix was very subdued in this novel, whereas Evaline seemed to have turned into a coward. The fact that their personalities changed so much was concerning. It seemed to take away from the plot because I was very confused as to what I was reading.
The highlight was imagining Mina and Grayling. I NEED THIS TO HAPPEN, PEOPLE!!!! Mina has a similar personality to her father and uncle (especially in how the TV show, movies, and other novels portray) in that intellect, not emotion, lead the way. However, I think Mina needs to learn that a little affection will not hurt her, and I think Grayling can teach her that. While also keeping her intellectually stimulated and "keeping up" with her family.
https://caitlinmariegonya.blogspot.co...
For Evaline Stoker, things seem to be bad and getting worse by the second. After being informed that the family isn't doing so well financially, it appears that it is up to Evaline to marry a well to do man, and save them all. If she doesn't, they lose their home and have to move back to Dublin with her family. On top of that, she hasn't had contact with Pix, and she is beginning to get worried (again!).
What does a carnelian have to do with the Ankh? Where's Pix? How is Evaline supposed to do her fates cursed duty while finding a fiancée or an alternate solution? What does any of this have to do with the missing Miss Adler, and Mina's mother?
Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars, because the only downside I had were Pix and Evaline. Pix was very subdued in this novel, whereas Evaline seemed to have turned into a coward. The fact that their personalities changed so much was concerning. It seemed to take away from the plot because I was very confused as to what I was reading.
The highlight was imagining Mina and Grayling. I NEED THIS TO HAPPEN, PEOPLE!!!! Mina has a similar personality to her father and uncle (especially in how the TV show, movies, and other novels portray) in that intellect, not emotion, lead the way. However, I think Mina needs to learn that a little affection will not hurt her, and I think Grayling can teach her that. While also keeping her intellectually stimulated and "keeping up" with her family.
https://caitlinmariegonya.blogspot.co...
May 6, 2022
There is one big plus to Book 4 compared to the previous books: the absence of both Mr. Dancy and Dylan Eckhert. Finally, the two love triangles are resolved - well, mostly, at least. I honestly don't get why they're in there anyway; as if one of them isn't enough.
This book is really the one where it starts to get obvious how both Mina and Evaline are rubbing of on each other, their behaviour has clearly jumped from the one to the other, and it's nice to see how they're handling it. The way they complement each other is fantastic. Grayling is a splendid fellow as well, although I don't care much for Pix.
Turns out that Mina was, indeed, correct about the Ankh's true identity. You had me there, Gleason, because I really wasn't convinced up to now. There's one more book to come and I am ashamed to admit that, even though I've already read it once, I can't remember a single thing about it anymore, except for the very end.
Once in a while, however, the writing style bugs me a bit. So, fine, the Victorian Era was, of course, one during which people spoke in a certain fashion, and all the formalisms do help getting the setting across. But sometimes it's just a bit too much, especially when it's Mina who's doing the talking. And I can't help but feel that, should Brits read this book, they'll sometimes come across words and phrases that are too American, especially for that time period. It's a bit anachronistic and - hmm, what should we call it? - anageographistic. Or something like that. Out of place.
But, all in all, definitely worth your time.
7.5/10
This book is really the one where it starts to get obvious how both Mina and Evaline are rubbing of on each other, their behaviour has clearly jumped from the one to the other, and it's nice to see how they're handling it. The way they complement each other is fantastic. Grayling is a splendid fellow as well, although I don't care much for Pix.
Turns out that Mina was, indeed, correct about the Ankh's true identity. You had me there, Gleason, because I really wasn't convinced up to now. There's one more book to come and I am ashamed to admit that, even though I've already read it once, I can't remember a single thing about it anymore, except for the very end.
Once in a while, however, the writing style bugs me a bit. So, fine, the Victorian Era was, of course, one during which people spoke in a certain fashion, and all the formalisms do help getting the setting across. But sometimes it's just a bit too much, especially when it's Mina who's doing the talking. And I can't help but feel that, should Brits read this book, they'll sometimes come across words and phrases that are too American, especially for that time period. It's a bit anachronistic and - hmm, what should we call it? - anageographistic. Or something like that. Out of place.
But, all in all, definitely worth your time.
7.5/10
February 21, 2017
I NEED TO READ IT
February 20, 2023
The Carnelian Crow by Colleen Gleason
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS:
Print: COPYRIGHT: 4/8/2022; ISBN: 978- 1944665869; PUBLISHER: Avid Press; PAGES: 262; UNABRIDGED (Reading age : 12 - 18 years; Lexile measure : 920L; Grade level : 7 – 12)
Digital: Available
* (This version) Audio: COPYRIGHT: 1/23/2018; ISBN: 9781509476015; PUBLISHER: Avid Press; DURATION: 9:37:19; Unabridged; (Overdrive LAPL)
Feature Film or tv: No
SERIES: Stoker & Homes, Book 4
MAIN CHARACTERS: (spelling could be wrong—I was listening, not reading—not comprehensive list)
Miss Alvemina (Mina) Holmes – Niece of Sherlock
Miss Evaline Stoker – Sister of Bram Stoker
Ambrose Greyling – an Inspector
Angus – Greyling’s dog described as a Basset Hound but referred to as a Beagle
Irene Adler
Dylan Eckhert
Pix
SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
How I picked it. It was the next book in the series.
What it was about: Sherlock Holmes’ niece and Graham Stoker’s sister, both aged 17, team up to assist Irene Adler solve another mystery, this one involving a secret club.
What I thought: As with the previous two books: Well done. I enjoy the steampunk genre and the descriptions of costumes and events and I’m attached to the characters. As mentioned before, I also enjoy the vocabulary and the humor the author employs.
AUTHOR:
Colleen Gleason
From Wikipedia:
“Colleen Gleason lives near Ann Arbor, Michigan[1] with her husband and children.[2][3] She has a degree in English and a MBA from the University of Michigan.[1] She started writing in primary school and wrote nine complete stories before selling the first book of her The Gardella Vampire Chronicles[3] series to a division of Penguin Books, which published it in January 2007:[3] the series arrives at a conclusion on March 2009. In 2008 she wrote a short story, a prequel to the series, titled In Which a Masquerade Ball Unmasks an Undead, published first in the Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, then as Victoria Gardella: Vampire Slayer. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in sales and marketing and started her own business[3] in the insurance field.[4]
In 2010, she started the six-novel series The Envy Chronicles, written using the pen name Joss Ware. In 2011, she wrote The Regency Draculia trilogy.”
She has also written short stories. In 2010, she collaborated with Mary Balogh, Susan Krinard and Janet Mullany in a paranormal tribute to Jane Austen, writing "Northanger Castle" for the book Bespelling Jane Austen, published on October 1, 2010.[5]”
NARRATOR:
Jayne Entwistle
From “thejayneshow” .com:
“Jayne was born in the North of England and lived in a myriad of places (Vancouver, San Francisco, Tucson, Sequim, Seattle) before landing in Los Angeles. She is an avid improviser who hitched her space-work wagon to Patrick Bristow’s company, Improvatorium, where she studied, taught, directed and performed improv.
She is an award-winning audiobook narrator best known for her narration of the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley. She also received the 2015 Odyssey Honour Award for The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry and the 2016 Odyssey Award for, The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
When not inhaling books for work or pleasure, Jayne works in film, television and commercials. The biggest star she has ever worked with is Shaquille O’Neal. He is quite literally THE biggest star she has ever worked with. Ever. He’s really big!”
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed Jayne’s narration!
LOCATION(S)
London
TIME(S)
1889
GENRE
Fantasy; Mystery; Historical Fiction; Young Adult Fiction; Steampunk
SUBJECTS:
Time travel; vampires; vampire slayers; Sherlock Holmes characters; Great Britain; Girls and Women’s issues
DEDICATION:
Not found
SAMPLE QUOTATION:
From Chapter 1, “Miss Holmes ~In Which Miss Holmes Is Outsmarted by a Corvus~”
" There was a soft tapping at my window.
Normally it wouldn't have disturbed me, as I am blessed with the ability to slumber deeply, but tonight I was wide awake. Unfortunately, that had been the case for many weeks now. The dark circles beneath my eyes ahd become large and puffy enough that even Mrs. Raskill had seen fit to make comment.
Declining to rise unless I ascertained that someone or something needed entrance to my bedchamber--the most likely candidate being Miss Stoker, of course, considering the mode of entrance--I peered at the window from the warm comfort of my bed.
In the distance, I could hear the constant hum of the mechanized world in which I reside: the dull click of cogs and wheels, a rhythmic clunk of clockworks and pulleys, and the hiss of steam emitting from the very corner of London.
Tap, tap, tap.
I sat up. It was a raven--or perhaps a crow; I couldn't see the shape of its tail, and the difference between the two jet-black specimens in the Corvus genus are hardly discernible otherwise.
And this particular raven (or crow) was using its beak to tap at my window.
How extraordinary.
"Go away," I suggested flatly, certain the creature could not only hear me, but comprehend. They are amazingly intelligent birds. "I'm sleeping."
RATING:.
4
STARTED READING – FINISHED READING
1-28-2023 to 2-17-2023
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS:
Print: COPYRIGHT: 4/8/2022; ISBN: 978- 1944665869; PUBLISHER: Avid Press; PAGES: 262; UNABRIDGED (Reading age : 12 - 18 years; Lexile measure : 920L; Grade level : 7 – 12)
Digital: Available
* (This version) Audio: COPYRIGHT: 1/23/2018; ISBN: 9781509476015; PUBLISHER: Avid Press; DURATION: 9:37:19; Unabridged; (Overdrive LAPL)
Feature Film or tv: No
SERIES: Stoker & Homes, Book 4
MAIN CHARACTERS: (spelling could be wrong—I was listening, not reading—not comprehensive list)
Miss Alvemina (Mina) Holmes – Niece of Sherlock
Miss Evaline Stoker – Sister of Bram Stoker
Ambrose Greyling – an Inspector
Angus – Greyling’s dog described as a Basset Hound but referred to as a Beagle
Irene Adler
Dylan Eckhert
Pix
SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
How I picked it. It was the next book in the series.
What it was about: Sherlock Holmes’ niece and Graham Stoker’s sister, both aged 17, team up to assist Irene Adler solve another mystery, this one involving a secret club.
What I thought: As with the previous two books: Well done. I enjoy the steampunk genre and the descriptions of costumes and events and I’m attached to the characters. As mentioned before, I also enjoy the vocabulary and the humor the author employs.
AUTHOR:
Colleen Gleason
From Wikipedia:
“Colleen Gleason lives near Ann Arbor, Michigan[1] with her husband and children.[2][3] She has a degree in English and a MBA from the University of Michigan.[1] She started writing in primary school and wrote nine complete stories before selling the first book of her The Gardella Vampire Chronicles[3] series to a division of Penguin Books, which published it in January 2007:[3] the series arrives at a conclusion on March 2009. In 2008 she wrote a short story, a prequel to the series, titled In Which a Masquerade Ball Unmasks an Undead, published first in the Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, then as Victoria Gardella: Vampire Slayer. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in sales and marketing and started her own business[3] in the insurance field.[4]
In 2010, she started the six-novel series The Envy Chronicles, written using the pen name Joss Ware. In 2011, she wrote The Regency Draculia trilogy.”
She has also written short stories. In 2010, she collaborated with Mary Balogh, Susan Krinard and Janet Mullany in a paranormal tribute to Jane Austen, writing "Northanger Castle" for the book Bespelling Jane Austen, published on October 1, 2010.[5]”
NARRATOR:
Jayne Entwistle
From “thejayneshow” .com:
“Jayne was born in the North of England and lived in a myriad of places (Vancouver, San Francisco, Tucson, Sequim, Seattle) before landing in Los Angeles. She is an avid improviser who hitched her space-work wagon to Patrick Bristow’s company, Improvatorium, where she studied, taught, directed and performed improv.
She is an award-winning audiobook narrator best known for her narration of the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley. She also received the 2015 Odyssey Honour Award for The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry and the 2016 Odyssey Award for, The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
When not inhaling books for work or pleasure, Jayne works in film, television and commercials. The biggest star she has ever worked with is Shaquille O’Neal. He is quite literally THE biggest star she has ever worked with. Ever. He’s really big!”
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed Jayne’s narration!
LOCATION(S)
London
TIME(S)
1889
GENRE
Fantasy; Mystery; Historical Fiction; Young Adult Fiction; Steampunk
SUBJECTS:
Time travel; vampires; vampire slayers; Sherlock Holmes characters; Great Britain; Girls and Women’s issues
DEDICATION:
Not found
SAMPLE QUOTATION:
From Chapter 1, “Miss Holmes ~In Which Miss Holmes Is Outsmarted by a Corvus~”
" There was a soft tapping at my window.
Normally it wouldn't have disturbed me, as I am blessed with the ability to slumber deeply, but tonight I was wide awake. Unfortunately, that had been the case for many weeks now. The dark circles beneath my eyes ahd become large and puffy enough that even Mrs. Raskill had seen fit to make comment.
Declining to rise unless I ascertained that someone or something needed entrance to my bedchamber--the most likely candidate being Miss Stoker, of course, considering the mode of entrance--I peered at the window from the warm comfort of my bed.
In the distance, I could hear the constant hum of the mechanized world in which I reside: the dull click of cogs and wheels, a rhythmic clunk of clockworks and pulleys, and the hiss of steam emitting from the very corner of London.
Tap, tap, tap.
I sat up. It was a raven--or perhaps a crow; I couldn't see the shape of its tail, and the difference between the two jet-black specimens in the Corvus genus are hardly discernible otherwise.
And this particular raven (or crow) was using its beak to tap at my window.
How extraordinary.
"Go away," I suggested flatly, certain the creature could not only hear me, but comprehend. They are amazingly intelligent birds. "I'm sleeping."
RATING:.
4
STARTED READING – FINISHED READING
1-28-2023 to 2-17-2023
January 25, 2018
Light and fun but missing that punch at the ending 🙃
July 9, 2020
2.5*
The continuation of the Stoker and Holmes novels was, again a light and easy read. I zipped through this novel just like I have the previous 3. Plus, unlike the other 3 books, I skimmed it less. I have complained a few times that I shouldn’t be able to skim such large portions of a novel and skill know exactly what’s going on. Not only is this not typical for me to do in books, but I think the overall immaturity of the writing style and plot development, not to mention the lack of any depth, lent itself to my ability to do so with little to no remorse. Nevertheless, I was delightfully surprised when I found myself skimming less while reading The Carnelian Crow than I had in any previous novel. I think this means that, either the story is growing on me, or the author’s writing style is slowly but surely improving. (Although I think we’ll wait for subsequent books to make any grand statements).
Nevertheless, this book still had some hefty flaws. First and foremost, after the ending of book 3 (The Chess Queen Enigma), the girls have a lot to discuss. They’re both holding useful information and, if they’re serious about buckling down and wrapping up this mystery that has now plagued us for 3 books, they need to do some talking and planning. But the girls don’t speak to each other for 2 months after the final incident from book 3 – 2 whole months. Why, you ask? Great question! It seems that one girl sent 1 letter that of course got lost. So, each girl thought, “Well, if she doesn’t want to talk to me, then fine! I won’t talk to her either!” It was the silliest and most immature move either girl has made up to this point and the tension and trouble this causes was just plain silly.
In the meantime, Evaline is being courted, and it’s not by our mysterious and handsome Pix. Although Ned may seem okay, Evaline is being forced into an engagement and marriage by her brother and sister-in-law. To make matters worse, the dynamics here seemed unrealistic. Evaline’s brother and sister-in-law were mentioned as being almost like second parents to her. She felt safe and loved with them. Yet, all either of them display during this novel, in particular, is selfishness. They ignore Evaline’s wishes and bully her into their plan. Her sister-in-law, especially displays no sign of love for Evaline, instead looking out for herself and being highly manipulative to get what she wants. And, what’s worse is that Evaline never once really fought back. It was so frustrating! Evaline loves her family and is being selfless but the way she allows herself to be so thoroughly disregarded, unacknowledged, and ignored was beyond me.
Mina, on the other hand, is having a bit more luck in the love department and I was thrilled that her relationship with Ambrose takes a positive turn. Things seem to be going a little bit better for her but by the end of the novel, the unexpected
And, since I’ve mentioned it in previous reviews, no, I’m still not hopping on the steampunk train. Especially where was concerned and how actions can change the future, I was less than impressed and feel other writers have tackled such a complex butterfly effect way beyond the abilities of this author (and that’s where she should have left it).
It was a quick read that took me no time at all to get through. I will finish the series with book #5 but I don’t think I’d ever recommend the series to friends.
The continuation of the Stoker and Holmes novels was, again a light and easy read. I zipped through this novel just like I have the previous 3. Plus, unlike the other 3 books, I skimmed it less. I have complained a few times that I shouldn’t be able to skim such large portions of a novel and skill know exactly what’s going on. Not only is this not typical for me to do in books, but I think the overall immaturity of the writing style and plot development, not to mention the lack of any depth, lent itself to my ability to do so with little to no remorse. Nevertheless, I was delightfully surprised when I found myself skimming less while reading The Carnelian Crow than I had in any previous novel. I think this means that, either the story is growing on me, or the author’s writing style is slowly but surely improving. (Although I think we’ll wait for subsequent books to make any grand statements).
Nevertheless, this book still had some hefty flaws. First and foremost, after the ending of book 3 (The Chess Queen Enigma), the girls have a lot to discuss. They’re both holding useful information and, if they’re serious about buckling down and wrapping up this mystery that has now plagued us for 3 books, they need to do some talking and planning. But the girls don’t speak to each other for 2 months after the final incident from book 3 – 2 whole months. Why, you ask? Great question! It seems that one girl sent 1 letter that of course got lost. So, each girl thought, “Well, if she doesn’t want to talk to me, then fine! I won’t talk to her either!” It was the silliest and most immature move either girl has made up to this point and the tension and trouble this causes was just plain silly.
In the meantime, Evaline is being courted, and it’s not by our mysterious and handsome Pix. Although Ned may seem okay, Evaline is being forced into an engagement and marriage by her brother and sister-in-law. To make matters worse, the dynamics here seemed unrealistic. Evaline’s brother and sister-in-law were mentioned as being almost like second parents to her. She felt safe and loved with them. Yet, all either of them display during this novel, in particular, is selfishness. They ignore Evaline’s wishes and bully her into their plan. Her sister-in-law, especially displays no sign of love for Evaline, instead looking out for herself and being highly manipulative to get what she wants. And, what’s worse is that Evaline never once really fought back. It was so frustrating! Evaline loves her family and is being selfless but the way she allows herself to be so thoroughly disregarded, unacknowledged, and ignored was beyond me.
Mina, on the other hand, is having a bit more luck in the love department and I was thrilled that her relationship with Ambrose takes a positive turn. Things seem to be going a little bit better for her but by the end of the novel, the unexpected
And, since I’ve mentioned it in previous reviews, no, I’m still not hopping on the steampunk train. Especially where was concerned and how actions can change the future, I was less than impressed and feel other writers have tackled such a complex butterfly effect way beyond the abilities of this author (and that’s where she should have left it).
It was a quick read that took me no time at all to get through. I will finish the series with book #5 but I don’t think I’d ever recommend the series to friends.
August 5, 2018
Quality Rating: Three Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Four Stars
Oh, these books are fun. Every time I race through them and want the next one immediately. Yeah, they're silly and border on absurdity, but I enjoy every second reading them and I appreciate an action and puzzle-solving mystery with female heroines.
Honestly, I ended up skimming the text a bit. Luckily, it's the kind of book where you can miss the odd sentence and still understand what's going on - a lot of internal monologue that has varying degrees of interest. I'm not ultimately here for the inner musings of Mina and Evaline; they tend to be a bit simple and shallow in the grand scheme of things. Their mystery-solving, puzzle skills and action, however, is definitely what's kept me coming back. The interactions between characters, too, but I'll get onto that. But it's satisfying to watch these girls go through deliciously gothic murder mysteries and grand robberies when I'm so used to watching boys in those roles. I don't really care how feasible it is, that's not the point to me.
That being said, I feel like The Carnelian Crow finally shows things starting to fall together and gain proper rhythm. Each novel stands very much on its own as well as holding little details that have clearly been building up to the final chapter, but this was the first time I felt like I could see people's paths intersecting and pointing in the same direction. I'm not sure whether the fifth book in the Stoker and Holmes series is the final one, but we're defintely coming near to the end.
One thing that did bug me a little bit about The Carnelian Crow (there's always one thing that gets me each time) was the way it addressed marriage. Now, I'm ambivalent because I appreciate it being explored in the first place, but I think the way everyone outside of the situation was demonised is slightly counter-intuitive. We get a situation where Evaline is in the predicament of having to marry in order to keep her family finacially secure, and only she feels reluctant to do it. Yes, it was the societal expectation, but you're telling me that not even the other women vaguely understand the pressure? Or, at least, they would notice that she's uncomfortable and reason with her, rather than just acting confused at her hesitation. The only person that vaguely responds understandably is Mina (predictably, because they're the most developed) - and I did like that. She's slightly cold about it, but she gets into an argument about it with Grayling who just can't understand. That bit was great. But having everyone other than the main characters react thoughtlessly just doesn't make sense and taints the argument.
With a warning of mild spoilers (not really it was obvious), the best part of this book is the fact that Mina and Grayling finally get together. It's taken bloody long enough. Dylan, with the greatest affection, is an unnecessary distraction who's purpose I still don't entirely understand in both the characterisation and narrative of our heroines. What we really wanted was for young-detective heroine Mina and the polite-but-respectful Inspector to speak their minds about more than their suspects. (If you want the way to my heart, give me a love interest that values and encourages the intgellience and curiosity of the heroine.)
The only reason I didn't read The Carnelian Crow sooner was because how expensive it was on kindle (£9 on kindle?! Come on!), but after reading Ash and Quill I wanted more fun and caved in. Do I regret it? No. Did I wish it was less expensive, oh yeah. Would I pay the same to get the next book right now? You bet I would.
Enjoyment Rating: Four Stars
Oh, these books are fun. Every time I race through them and want the next one immediately. Yeah, they're silly and border on absurdity, but I enjoy every second reading them and I appreciate an action and puzzle-solving mystery with female heroines.
Honestly, I ended up skimming the text a bit. Luckily, it's the kind of book where you can miss the odd sentence and still understand what's going on - a lot of internal monologue that has varying degrees of interest. I'm not ultimately here for the inner musings of Mina and Evaline; they tend to be a bit simple and shallow in the grand scheme of things. Their mystery-solving, puzzle skills and action, however, is definitely what's kept me coming back. The interactions between characters, too, but I'll get onto that. But it's satisfying to watch these girls go through deliciously gothic murder mysteries and grand robberies when I'm so used to watching boys in those roles. I don't really care how feasible it is, that's not the point to me.
That being said, I feel like The Carnelian Crow finally shows things starting to fall together and gain proper rhythm. Each novel stands very much on its own as well as holding little details that have clearly been building up to the final chapter, but this was the first time I felt like I could see people's paths intersecting and pointing in the same direction. I'm not sure whether the fifth book in the Stoker and Holmes series is the final one, but we're defintely coming near to the end.
One thing that did bug me a little bit about The Carnelian Crow (there's always one thing that gets me each time) was the way it addressed marriage. Now, I'm ambivalent because I appreciate it being explored in the first place, but I think the way everyone outside of the situation was demonised is slightly counter-intuitive. We get a situation where Evaline is in the predicament of having to marry in order to keep her family finacially secure, and only she feels reluctant to do it. Yes, it was the societal expectation, but you're telling me that not even the other women vaguely understand the pressure? Or, at least, they would notice that she's uncomfortable and reason with her, rather than just acting confused at her hesitation. The only person that vaguely responds understandably is Mina (predictably, because they're the most developed) - and I did like that. She's slightly cold about it, but she gets into an argument about it with Grayling who just can't understand. That bit was great. But having everyone other than the main characters react thoughtlessly just doesn't make sense and taints the argument.
With a warning of mild spoilers (not really it was obvious), the best part of this book is the fact that Mina and Grayling finally get together. It's taken bloody long enough. Dylan, with the greatest affection, is an unnecessary distraction who's purpose I still don't entirely understand in both the characterisation and narrative of our heroines. What we really wanted was for young-detective heroine Mina and the polite-but-respectful Inspector to speak their minds about more than their suspects. (If you want the way to my heart, give me a love interest that values and encourages the intgellience and curiosity of the heroine.)
The only reason I didn't read The Carnelian Crow sooner was because how expensive it was on kindle (£9 on kindle?! Come on!), but after reading Ash and Quill I wanted more fun and caved in. Do I regret it? No. Did I wish it was less expensive, oh yeah. Would I pay the same to get the next book right now? You bet I would.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews