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The Hummingbird Dagger
1833. After young Lord James Ellerby witnesses a near-fatal carriage accident on the outskirts of his estate, he doesn't think twice about bringing the young woman injured in the wreck to his family's manor to recuperate. But then she finally regains consciousness only to find that she has no memory of who she is or where she belongs.
Beth, as she takes to calling herself, is an enigma even to herself. She has the rough hands of a servant, but the bearing and apparent education of a lady. Her only clue to her identity is a gruesome recurring nightmare about a hummingbird dripping blood from its steel beak.
With the help of James and his sister, Caroline, Beth slowly begins to unravel the mystery behind her identity and the sinister circumstances that brought her to their door. But the dangerous secrets they discover in doing so could have deadly ramifications reaching the highest tiers of London society.
Beth, as she takes to calling herself, is an enigma even to herself. She has the rough hands of a servant, but the bearing and apparent education of a lady. Her only clue to her identity is a gruesome recurring nightmare about a hummingbird dripping blood from its steel beak.
With the help of James and his sister, Caroline, Beth slowly begins to unravel the mystery behind her identity and the sinister circumstances that brought her to their door. But the dangerous secrets they discover in doing so could have deadly ramifications reaching the highest tiers of London society.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
78 people are currently reading
5057 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Anstey
7 books662 followersCindy fought a courageous (and stubborn) battle with cancer for 10 years. She took delight in proving several doctors’ prognostications wrong, until, finally, the disease won out. Cindy will be greatly missed.
She lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals and enjoyed the jazz of Beale St.
Cindy loves history, mystery and... a chocolate Labrador called Chester. The Hummingbird Dagger, her first YA mystery, was released April 2019; her second, Deadly Curious, was released in 2020.
She lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals and enjoyed the jazz of Beale St.
Cindy loves history, mystery and... a chocolate Labrador called Chester. The Hummingbird Dagger, her first YA mystery, was released April 2019; her second, Deadly Curious, was released in 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
April 12, 2019
I’ve enjoyed all of the Cindy’s previous books and considering the murder aspect of this one, I was all in. Sadly, I’m wondering if 3 stars is too high of a rating.
I liked Beth and James well enough. It’s an interesting set up and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow as they leaned on each other. Caroline was a lovely friend and I liked how supportive and accepting she was. The characters were easy to root for, yet also a little flat.
Plot wise it was a struggle. It was quite boring and felt longer than it should have been. This was the slowest of slow build ups and the reveals don’t really start until near the very end. A big issue was the formatting of the e-arc. There wasn’t any sort of page break or show of POV switch...and there were several jumps in each chapter.
Overall, I liked the idea, but this story felt really drawn out. And even though there were loads of things happening, it lacked the tension a plot like this should have.
**Huge thanks to Swoon Reads for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Beth and James well enough. It’s an interesting set up and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow as they leaned on each other. Caroline was a lovely friend and I liked how supportive and accepting she was. The characters were easy to root for, yet also a little flat.
Plot wise it was a struggle. It was quite boring and felt longer than it should have been. This was the slowest of slow build ups and the reveals don’t really start until near the very end. A big issue was the formatting of the e-arc. There wasn’t any sort of page break or show of POV switch...and there were several jumps in each chapter.
Overall, I liked the idea, but this story felt really drawn out. And even though there were loads of things happening, it lacked the tension a plot like this should have.
**Huge thanks to Swoon Reads for providing the arc free of charge**
April 4, 2020
This book starts with a bang and the rest is basically a whimper. If your into flat characters sitting around talking to each other the way I imagine robots do this is the book for you. There is no emotion on a single page. None of the characters have chemistry together making every conversation painfully boring to read. The brother of the main guy in the book was the only interesting one but thats not saying much, I can't even remember his name. There is a mystery element that is kind on interesting but they don't do much with it. If you have to choose between watching paint dry and reading this book I would recommend the paint.
Want to read
August 20, 2018Yaaaasss, OF COURSE I want to read Cindy Anstey's next book???? DUHHHH???? 😍😍😍😍
April 2, 2019
Cindy Anstey's latest novel The Hummingbird Dagger caught my attention when I saw it described as Regency literature for YA. You all may remember I decided to give the YA genre a fair shot last year and was pleasantly surprised by what I found.
So when I saw a book written in the style of Jane Austen full of mystery, mistaken identity, and an MC in grave danger who has lost her memory, I was all in.
The new Lord James Ellerby is stunned to witness his young brother Walter racing carelessly into the path of an oncoming carriage near Hardwick Manor. The carriage accident leaves a young woman injured.
Lord Ellerby finds the situation curious and instead of leaving the lady to continue on her journey, he brings her to his manor to be seen by the local physician.
Upon waking, the woman finds she has no memory of who she is or why she was traveling by carriage. She suffers the same terrifying nightmare each night, about a dagger shaped like a hummingbird dripping in blood.
Lord Ellerby's sister Caroline believes the unidentified woman to be a lady and believes her family will soon come to find her.
"'Her people will inquire after her, James.' Caroline said, as if reading his mind. 'I think we will be surprised by her circumstances. Her voice and manner seem educated. She might even be a gentleman's daughter.'
No bonnet or gloves, a torn gown and filthy hands, traveling alone. This did not sound like any lady James knew. Still, he did find her direct gaze intriguing; it was almost a challenge. Yes, there something about her, something . . . interesting." *
While waiting for her memories to return, the Ellerby family calls the young lady Beth and she becomes Caroline's companion for the time being.
Beth's identity becomes more confusing when a man arrives in town claiming that he is her brother. It is thanks to the kindness and protection of the Ellerbys that she isn't sent away with the man, who quickly disappears.
"Beth was almost certain that her past was painful---the circumstances of her arrival shouted of danger, disaster, and ruin. Her nightmares reinforced that foreboding. Yes, something had happened. Were her injuries all a result of the carriage accident or something else?" *
With the death of a young maid in the manor, a failed attempt to grab Beth and Caroline on horseback, and eventually an attempt on her life, Beth realizes the intent is not to recapture her but to kill her.
"A proper lady was not hounded; a sensible woman did not travel alone. She might regain her memories and wish to God that she hadn't. The longer she had no name, the longer she endangered the family." *
James and Caroline will not give up on finding Beth's real identity and who and why someone wants her dead. They soon find that someone is willing to risk everything for a vote in the House of Lords and Beth may not be the only lady in danger.
The Hummingbird Dagger is heavy on mystery but light on action. Most of the story is simply conversations about discoveries made by the characters, who never fully develop.
This will be a fun book for readers who enjoy Regency, mystery, and/or historical fiction. It's listed as YA but it doesn't quite fit in the genre in my opinion.
Thanks to Swoon Reads and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Hummingbird Dagger is scheduled for release on April 16, 2019.
*Quotes included are from a digital advance reader copy and are subject to change upon final publication.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
So when I saw a book written in the style of Jane Austen full of mystery, mistaken identity, and an MC in grave danger who has lost her memory, I was all in.
The new Lord James Ellerby is stunned to witness his young brother Walter racing carelessly into the path of an oncoming carriage near Hardwick Manor. The carriage accident leaves a young woman injured.
Lord Ellerby finds the situation curious and instead of leaving the lady to continue on her journey, he brings her to his manor to be seen by the local physician.
Upon waking, the woman finds she has no memory of who she is or why she was traveling by carriage. She suffers the same terrifying nightmare each night, about a dagger shaped like a hummingbird dripping in blood.
Lord Ellerby's sister Caroline believes the unidentified woman to be a lady and believes her family will soon come to find her.
"'Her people will inquire after her, James.' Caroline said, as if reading his mind. 'I think we will be surprised by her circumstances. Her voice and manner seem educated. She might even be a gentleman's daughter.'
No bonnet or gloves, a torn gown and filthy hands, traveling alone. This did not sound like any lady James knew. Still, he did find her direct gaze intriguing; it was almost a challenge. Yes, there something about her, something . . . interesting." *
While waiting for her memories to return, the Ellerby family calls the young lady Beth and she becomes Caroline's companion for the time being.
Beth's identity becomes more confusing when a man arrives in town claiming that he is her brother. It is thanks to the kindness and protection of the Ellerbys that she isn't sent away with the man, who quickly disappears.
"Beth was almost certain that her past was painful---the circumstances of her arrival shouted of danger, disaster, and ruin. Her nightmares reinforced that foreboding. Yes, something had happened. Were her injuries all a result of the carriage accident or something else?" *
With the death of a young maid in the manor, a failed attempt to grab Beth and Caroline on horseback, and eventually an attempt on her life, Beth realizes the intent is not to recapture her but to kill her.
"A proper lady was not hounded; a sensible woman did not travel alone. She might regain her memories and wish to God that she hadn't. The longer she had no name, the longer she endangered the family." *
James and Caroline will not give up on finding Beth's real identity and who and why someone wants her dead. They soon find that someone is willing to risk everything for a vote in the House of Lords and Beth may not be the only lady in danger.
The Hummingbird Dagger is heavy on mystery but light on action. Most of the story is simply conversations about discoveries made by the characters, who never fully develop.
This will be a fun book for readers who enjoy Regency, mystery, and/or historical fiction. It's listed as YA but it doesn't quite fit in the genre in my opinion.
Thanks to Swoon Reads and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Hummingbird Dagger is scheduled for release on April 16, 2019.
*Quotes included are from a digital advance reader copy and are subject to change upon final publication.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
December 20, 2019
1.5 Stars
Probably closer to 1 star than 2 stars but yesterday I rated a book I absolutely loathed one star and it seems super extreme to lump them together. I didn't hate this book.
I just felt sooooooooooooooooooo bored by it.
The thing is, I generally like Cindy Anstey's books and was super excited when Michelle found an ARC for me. I expected something fluffy and cute.
Instead I got...murder.
Which I would normally be totally down for but somehow I just could not get into it. I never felt the tension or the alarm. The settings were quite vivid and the characters likable enough but they all could have been wiped out and I don't think I would have cared particularly. Except maybe because that would be a super awesome twist and here...
The murder/kidnappings/etc. just did not take up the plot enough. Oh, they moved things along well enough, I guess. But they always felt like abrupt breaks from a deathly slow novel. And maybe I was going in expecting more of a comedy of manners so really I'm disappointed in what I didn't get instead of what I did...but I do love Regency cozy mysteries so I don't think that was it.
The characters are too perfect. All of them. The romance too obvious. And the plot too centered on discovering Beth's lost memories when they are actually painfully obvious.
So, maybe that is a better way too describe this book. Just obvious. (Even if the kidnapper itself isn't. Or might have been? TBH I zoned out by that point.) And with nothing else going on to redeem the story...it resulted in me really struggling to finish.
Probably closer to 1 star than 2 stars but yesterday I rated a book I absolutely loathed one star and it seems super extreme to lump them together. I didn't hate this book.
I just felt sooooooooooooooooooo bored by it.
The thing is, I generally like Cindy Anstey's books and was super excited when Michelle found an ARC for me. I expected something fluffy and cute.
Instead I got...murder.
Which I would normally be totally down for but somehow I just could not get into it. I never felt the tension or the alarm. The settings were quite vivid and the characters likable enough but they all could have been wiped out and I don't think I would have cared particularly. Except maybe because that would be a super awesome twist and here...
The murder/kidnappings/etc. just did not take up the plot enough. Oh, they moved things along well enough, I guess. But they always felt like abrupt breaks from a deathly slow novel. And maybe I was going in expecting more of a comedy of manners so really I'm disappointed in what I didn't get instead of what I did...but I do love Regency cozy mysteries so I don't think that was it.
The characters are too perfect. All of them. The romance too obvious. And the plot too centered on discovering Beth's lost memories when they are actually painfully obvious.
So, maybe that is a better way too describe this book. Just obvious. (Even if the kidnapper itself isn't. Or might have been? TBH I zoned out by that point.) And with nothing else going on to redeem the story...it resulted in me really struggling to finish.
dnf
April 16, 2019I have been “reading” this book for about three weeks now. I have dropped and picked this book up quite a few times. I think it’s about time to call it quits and DNF. I read up to about 48% of the book and NOTHING was happening. It was just a ton of dialogue.
I did like the idea of the book and love a good Regency novel, but the execution wasn’t very good for me.
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I did like the idea of the book and love a good Regency novel, but the execution wasn’t very good for me.
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February 17, 2020
***3.5 stars***
This was a very interesting book. It has a goth vibe to it. It was dark with intrigue, suspense, and murder.
I have to admit that I didn't connect with the characters very much. The story moved for me because of the plot. A young woman is involved in a carriage accident due to the recklessness of a teenage boy.
She is taken in by the teen's older brother and it is discovered that she is suffering amnesia. The name she decides to go by is Beth. From this point on, bad things start to happen around and to her.
She is targeted for murder, her maid is killed, she is stalked by men with malicious intent. The only question is why? The only clue is the nightmare she has every night about blood dripping from a hummingbird dagger.
If you like good suspense and the search for a bad guy before he can inflict more harm, you should give this book a try. It has a little bit of romance and non-graphic violence.
Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This was a very interesting book. It has a goth vibe to it. It was dark with intrigue, suspense, and murder.
I have to admit that I didn't connect with the characters very much. The story moved for me because of the plot. A young woman is involved in a carriage accident due to the recklessness of a teenage boy.
She is taken in by the teen's older brother and it is discovered that she is suffering amnesia. The name she decides to go by is Beth. From this point on, bad things start to happen around and to her.
She is targeted for murder, her maid is killed, she is stalked by men with malicious intent. The only question is why? The only clue is the nightmare she has every night about blood dripping from a hummingbird dagger.
If you like good suspense and the search for a bad guy before he can inflict more harm, you should give this book a try. It has a little bit of romance and non-graphic violence.
Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
May 17, 2020
The Hummingbird Dagger is a mystery surrounding Beth, who is found on the outskirts of Lord James Ellerby's estate, after an accident with absolutely no memory of who she is (even her name is unknown, but she likes Beth), or how she got there. James and his sister Caroline, want to help Beth, and know from observations that while she has hands that a servant might have, she by all means appears to be a lady. Her one memory is that of a bloodstained hummingbird dagger, and using that as a means of discovering who Beth really is could lead all three of them into a dangerous situation.
Cindy's books have always been favourites of mine, but this one takes the prize of my most favourite! From the get go, I was hooked, and every page had me gasping or in shock, and I needed to read it as fast as possible to find out more. Beth's character was wonderful, and even with her amnesia, she was feisty though somewhat vulnerable, and doesn't want to see by while there's a mystery out there. When she is taken in by the Ellerby's, she becomes close to them all, and James is smart and sensitive, and the perfect hero for Beth. Their romance is the slowest of slow burns, to the extent that it was almost painful, but as they relied on each other and got to know one another, we saw the romance blossom and bloom naturally. The secondary characters of Caroline, Walter and his Henry, were all true characters too, with their own tales and characteristics, and really added to the story. Some of the plot lines were a little too out there, but I was left guessing at what would happen next. Cindy has retained her spot on my auto buy list, and I can't wait for my pre-order of Deadly Curious to arrive!
Cindy's books have always been favourites of mine, but this one takes the prize of my most favourite! From the get go, I was hooked, and every page had me gasping or in shock, and I needed to read it as fast as possible to find out more. Beth's character was wonderful, and even with her amnesia, she was feisty though somewhat vulnerable, and doesn't want to see by while there's a mystery out there. When she is taken in by the Ellerby's, she becomes close to them all, and James is smart and sensitive, and the perfect hero for Beth. Their romance is the slowest of slow burns, to the extent that it was almost painful, but as they relied on each other and got to know one another, we saw the romance blossom and bloom naturally. The secondary characters of Caroline, Walter and his Henry, were all true characters too, with their own tales and characteristics, and really added to the story. Some of the plot lines were a little too out there, but I was left guessing at what would happen next. Cindy has retained her spot on my auto buy list, and I can't wait for my pre-order of Deadly Curious to arrive!
April 23, 2019
After seeing the cover and synopsis on NetGalley, I couldn't request the book fast enough. Despite the interesting beginning, the rest of the book fell flat. The storyline itself was slow paced and uneventful. Furthermore, I found myself mostly unattached to any of the characters. The constant abrupt changes in scene/time was never denoted and proved confusing and eventually frustrating. (Even if this was due to early review status, it should not have been presented this way.)
Sadly, this isn't one I'd recommend to my historical mystery friends. If this hadn't been a review copy, I probably would have DNFed it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Swoon Reads for my advanced review copy.
Sadly, this isn't one I'd recommend to my historical mystery friends. If this hadn't been a review copy, I probably would have DNFed it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Swoon Reads for my advanced review copy.
June 3, 2021
Overall Rating : C-
"His heart spoke such a different language from his tongue. It was full of eloquence, devotion, and passion intertwined with excitement and dreams. His words were formal and staid and brainless."
Boring, slow, and severely lacking in the mystery department. I actually might have liked this better if the mystery wasn't part of the story. At least then I wouldn't have expectations. This happens every time I read a Regency novel and I don't know why I keep trying. It must be the peer pressure.
"His heart spoke such a different language from his tongue. It was full of eloquence, devotion, and passion intertwined with excitement and dreams. His words were formal and staid and brainless."
Boring, slow, and severely lacking in the mystery department. I actually might have liked this better if the mystery wasn't part of the story. At least then I wouldn't have expectations. This happens every time I read a Regency novel and I don't know why I keep trying. It must be the peer pressure.
March 11, 2019
Oh man, I finished this days ago and forgot to update the status. It was an interesting story. Reads like a murder mystery written in the same style as Austen, Bronte, and their contemporaries. It was slow to start, but by the halfway mark it really picked up.
September 16, 2019
I'm always game for a sweet Regency romance novel, and the Hummingbird Dagger didn't disappoint. The premise of a mysterious young houseguest with amnesia was a fun twist on the genre. I enjoyed the characters. James was practically flawless, though. It would have been nice to see him a little more rounded. I liked Beth and Caroline. Both were strong female characters in a time when strength wasn't of much value. I think I enjoyed James's little brother Walter's character most of all, even when he was being a petulant. I did see the end coming, and [spoiler] it was a little unbelievable, as protective as James had been of Beth the entire book, that he would send her off with someone he really doesn't know all that well [end spoiler]. Still, this was an entertaining read. Just what I was looking for. Oh, and I love the cover. It's gorgeous!
April 27, 2019
Whenever I hear an announcement for a new Cindy Anstey book, I get excited. She usually has the perfect blend of mystery, intrigue, and YA regency romance. Unfortunately, The Hummingbird Dagger missed the mark for me.
Plot-wise, this book was kind of all over the place. The first half seemed to drag on, alternating between Beth being in danger and the characters trying to conduct a surreptitious search to figure out her identity. Overall, it felt repetitive. The ending was my favorite part, everything came together nicely and the action flowed smoothly. But it all happened rather quickly. I would have preferred the reveals to have been spread out a bit more to increase the tension in the rest of the book.
I also found it hard to connect with the characters. I liked Beth, Caroline, and James but never really felt like I knew them. They just didn’t jump off the page like Anstey’s characters usually do. Plus the dialogue wasn’t quite as witty or funny.
I think The Hummingbird Dagger had an intriguing premise but ultimately didn’t quite live up to it. I’m definitely still going to pick up Anstey’s books in the future though!
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Plot-wise, this book was kind of all over the place. The first half seemed to drag on, alternating between Beth being in danger and the characters trying to conduct a surreptitious search to figure out her identity. Overall, it felt repetitive. The ending was my favorite part, everything came together nicely and the action flowed smoothly. But it all happened rather quickly. I would have preferred the reveals to have been spread out a bit more to increase the tension in the rest of the book.
I also found it hard to connect with the characters. I liked Beth, Caroline, and James but never really felt like I knew them. They just didn’t jump off the page like Anstey’s characters usually do. Plus the dialogue wasn’t quite as witty or funny.
I think The Hummingbird Dagger had an intriguing premise but ultimately didn’t quite live up to it. I’m definitely still going to pick up Anstey’s books in the future though!
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
lost-interest
June 29, 2018I don't know much about this book but that cover *gasp*
August 22, 2019
Самая. Скучная. Книга. В. Мире.
Серьезно. Обычно книга бывает для кого-то скучной, а для кого-то нет. Эта же, если верить отзывам, скучной показалась абсолютно всем (впервые такое встречаю).
По сути, в ней ничего не происходило. Вообще. Как бы увлекательное начало и более-менее динамичный (хоть и совершенно неинтересный) конец. Все остальное время герои ныли о том, как им скучно все время сидеть дома и читать книжки. А нам прямо дико весело было! Автор такая странная…
Сама детективная линия настолько банальная и неинтересная, что я немного в шоке. Я люблю детективы и стараюсь разгадать загадки по мере прочтения, мне это очень нравится. Но тут это было невозможно. Даже когда в финале нам раскрыли преступника и причину его поступка… Первый мой вопрос был: «Кто это вообще?» Мне пришлось по фамилии преступника искать его упоминания в тексте, чтобы понять, когда он вообще в сюжете появлялся, так как он был здесь настолько мимоходом (как и десятки других людей с разными фамилиями), что я вообще не запомнила его. Худшее, что может быть в детективе! Как вообще можно было настолько плохо прописать сюжет?
А уж про мотив преступления я вообще молчу. Безумно, конечно, интересная версия для книги YA… Серьезно, не пойму, о чем автор только думала, когда это все писала? Вроде, не первая ее книга. Говорят, предыдущие вполне неплохи. А тут рейтинг 3,5… И это прекрасно объяснимо. Книга и по сюжету, и по персонажам… просто никакая. Иначе не опишешь.
Отношения героев описаны как-то странно. Ну, допустим, все сразу полюбили Бет и стали с ней дружить. Бывает. Но любовь между главными героями за три недели, когда они практически не виделись, а девушка сама не знала, кто она такая… Что за ерунда?
В общем, книга действительно плоха. Не ужасна, а просто одна из скучнейших историй, что я брала в руки.
Серьезно. Обычно книга бывает для кого-то скучной, а для кого-то нет. Эта же, если верить отзывам, скучной показалась абсолютно всем (впервые такое встречаю).
По сути, в ней ничего не происходило. Вообще. Как бы увлекательное начало и более-менее динамичный (хоть и совершенно неинтересный) конец. Все остальное время герои ныли о том, как им скучно все время сидеть дома и читать книжки. А нам прямо дико весело было! Автор такая странная…
Сама детективная линия настолько банальная и неинтересная, что я немного в шоке. Я люблю детективы и стараюсь разгадать загадки по мере прочтения, мне это очень нравится. Но тут это было невозможно. Даже когда в финале нам раскрыли преступника и причину его поступка… Первый мой вопрос был: «Кто это вообще?» Мне пришлось по фамилии преступника искать его упоминания в тексте, чтобы понять, когда он вообще в сюжете появлялся, так как он был здесь настолько мимоходом (как и десятки других людей с разными фамилиями), что я вообще не запомнила его. Худшее, что может быть в детективе! Как вообще можно было настолько плохо прописать сюжет?
А уж про мотив преступления я вообще молчу. Безумно, конечно, интересная версия для книги YA… Серьезно, не пойму, о чем автор только думала, когда это все писала? Вроде, не первая ее книга. Говорят, предыдущие вполне неплохи. А тут рейтинг 3,5… И это прекрасно объяснимо. Книга и по сюжету, и по персонажам… просто никакая. Иначе не опишешь.
Отношения героев описаны как-то странно. Ну, допустим, все сразу полюбили Бет и стали с ней дружить. Бывает. Но любовь между главными героями за три недели, когда они практически не виделись, а девушка сама не знала, кто она такая… Что за ерунда?
В общем, книга действительно плоха. Не ужасна, а просто одна из скучнейших историй, что я брала в руки.
May 18, 2019
I just adored Anstey's debut, Love, Lies and Spies which is a bit like an Austenesque romp. It was just a fun easy read so I didn't hesitate to pick this one up. The Hummingbird Dagger though sounds a little more gothic and even the cover hinted at something more sinister than her other books. Then again, I just lurve mysteries! This is a win-win for me :)
One of my favourite tropes is a protagonist suffering amnesia at the beginning of the novel and having to slowly regain their memories and identity through the plot. It was exciting start to the novel as Lord James Ellerby witnessed a carriage accident in which his brother was involved. A rather horrific accident where he found a lady, thrown out of the carriage, lying battered & unconscious. Immediately, his sense of responsibility kicked in and with a dose of kindness & generosity, he took charge of the care of this lady.
Beth, as she's called for she could not remember her name, is a likeable heroine although I feel that I could have loved her had she known who she is. Her gentility, intelligence, and sense of independence still shone through her inability to recall her background; and she has guts! Even while she is depended on the Elerby family in investigating her identity, she wasn't just going to sit there when the safety of herself & her friends are threatened.
The Hummingbird Dagger with its slight gothic overtone was a terrificly fun read. I feel that this is one that I'd happily snuggle up to reread upon a rainy day over & over again.
Thanks to Pan MacMillans Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review
One of my favourite tropes is a protagonist suffering amnesia at the beginning of the novel and having to slowly regain their memories and identity through the plot. It was exciting start to the novel as Lord James Ellerby witnessed a carriage accident in which his brother was involved. A rather horrific accident where he found a lady, thrown out of the carriage, lying battered & unconscious. Immediately, his sense of responsibility kicked in and with a dose of kindness & generosity, he took charge of the care of this lady.
Beth, as she's called for she could not remember her name, is a likeable heroine although I feel that I could have loved her had she known who she is. Her gentility, intelligence, and sense of independence still shone through her inability to recall her background; and she has guts! Even while she is depended on the Elerby family in investigating her identity, she wasn't just going to sit there when the safety of herself & her friends are threatened.
The Hummingbird Dagger with its slight gothic overtone was a terrificly fun read. I feel that this is one that I'd happily snuggle up to reread upon a rainy day over & over again.
Thanks to Pan MacMillans Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review
June 27, 2022
This review first appeared on Happy Indulgence Book Blog and my Instagram, @booktineus.
The Good Things
- A YA historical mystery and my first Cindy Anstey book.
- An interesting mystery and the type of amnesia trope I enjoy.
- I really liked the overall structure of the mystery. There were some fantastic red herrings scattered throughout the story.
- I loved the side characters a lot! They were entertaining and had more character growth than I was expecting.
The Not-So-Good Things
- This book fell a bit flat overall for me, unfortunately. I liked it but didn’t love it. I just didn’t get all that attached to the story and characters.
- The pacing was really slow. Which is fine, but I was in the mood for something with a bit more suspense and danger.
- I also wasn’t all that surprised by the villain reveal. I predicted the true culprit fairly early on, though it did take longer to uncover the motive.
- I wasn’t all too fussed about the main romance subplot. In fact, I shipped two side characters (who don’t even end up in a relationship) more than I did the main couple.
TL; DR:
This was the first book I’ve read by Cindy Anstey and it was… well, it was alright. I enjoyed it overall but wanted more. More suspense, more of the side characters, and more romance. I’m hoping Anstey’s other books fit my mood a bit better.
April 16, 2019
What a fun, entertaining read! Spooky of course, and different from the author’s other books. I am such a sucker for mysteries, anything remotely English or resembling a Jane Austen novel. And really, that’s what this book felt like: a blend of Jane Austen, Jack the Ripper, and your favorite cozy mystery. While the cast is large, everyone felt realized and fully drawn, and I enjoyed the different POV shifts.
The romance was lovely, and sweet and a perfect subplot to the darker tones of murder, mystery and mayhem. Highly recommend!
The romance was lovely, and sweet and a perfect subplot to the darker tones of murder, mystery and mayhem. Highly recommend!
November 12, 2018
A heart-racing Regency mystery with memory loss, kidnappings, and, of course, a breathtaking romance. Anstey has hit her stride in the Regency rom-com genre, so this change of pace into the slightly macabre was a pleasant and welcome surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed every twist, turn, and scandalous forehead kiss in this daring addition to Antsey's repertoire.
June 8, 2021
Great book, however the beginning portion of the book was too slow paced compared to the ending...
May 2, 2019
5 Stars!
I loved The Hummingbird Dagger! It was filled with mystery and intrigue with great characters, and the eerie dark depths of Beth's past. This novel was not the non stop action and death like other books, but I liked that about it. The setting felt so real and true. Some reviewers thought the characters were dull, flat, and sat around in a boring way throughout the middle of the novel. I, on the other hand, did not think that at all. I found myself constantly amused and curious about the characters and all that they did and said. I was so wrapped up in the mystery and the conversations as I tried to solve the ending before I got to it, that I didn't have the time or the mind to be bored.
I loved the interaction between the Ellerby siblings, and I thought that Cindy Anstey did an excellent job with how she built the relationships between them. I've read many books where the sibling relationships are so strange and completely unrealistic, I have siblings myself so I feel comfortable with knowing the difference, but I didn't feel that way at all with the Ellerby siblings. I especially was amused by Walter and his antics, he was spot on with the whole little brother feel.
I loved the growth of the characters also. I feel that out of all the characters Walter grew the most, but I saw growth and change in the others as well. I thought that each character had great depth and personality and I never found myself bored with them, and I never thought them dull.
The writing was amazing! It was so sophisticated, it flowed beautifully, and it also fit so well with the time period of the novel which is hard to do I think. I loved the many British words and terms that I was unfamiliar with, though I did have to keep looking up the words and that interrupted my reading, but it was in a good way. I can definitely tell that a lot of hard work and effort went into the writing of this book, it really shows.
There was not really any swearing in here, there were maybe two or three words, however they're words that match the time period. For example, at one point a character yells "hell and damnation" but those are more descriptions almost than actual swear words. The word "arse" I think was also used, but I don't think this is meant to be a swear word either. I took it as more of the proper terminology for something, like how a donkey back then was called an ass.
I would recommend this book to anyone really, though the reading level is a little advanced, but if you are an advanced reader, or know someone who is, then I think that you would like it too.
I really enjoyed The Hummingbird Dagger and I am so glad I stumbled upon it by accident, I had no idea that it or Cindy Anstey existed otherwise. If you're considering this book I would say give it a chance, it was really well thought out and well done. It was a little different than I am used to, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Happy reading!
I loved The Hummingbird Dagger! It was filled with mystery and intrigue with great characters, and the eerie dark depths of Beth's past. This novel was not the non stop action and death like other books, but I liked that about it. The setting felt so real and true. Some reviewers thought the characters were dull, flat, and sat around in a boring way throughout the middle of the novel. I, on the other hand, did not think that at all. I found myself constantly amused and curious about the characters and all that they did and said. I was so wrapped up in the mystery and the conversations as I tried to solve the ending before I got to it, that I didn't have the time or the mind to be bored.
I loved the interaction between the Ellerby siblings, and I thought that Cindy Anstey did an excellent job with how she built the relationships between them. I've read many books where the sibling relationships are so strange and completely unrealistic, I have siblings myself so I feel comfortable with knowing the difference, but I didn't feel that way at all with the Ellerby siblings. I especially was amused by Walter and his antics, he was spot on with the whole little brother feel.
I loved the growth of the characters also. I feel that out of all the characters Walter grew the most, but I saw growth and change in the others as well. I thought that each character had great depth and personality and I never found myself bored with them, and I never thought them dull.
The writing was amazing! It was so sophisticated, it flowed beautifully, and it also fit so well with the time period of the novel which is hard to do I think. I loved the many British words and terms that I was unfamiliar with, though I did have to keep looking up the words and that interrupted my reading, but it was in a good way. I can definitely tell that a lot of hard work and effort went into the writing of this book, it really shows.
There was not really any swearing in here, there were maybe two or three words, however they're words that match the time period. For example, at one point a character yells "hell and damnation" but those are more descriptions almost than actual swear words. The word "arse" I think was also used, but I don't think this is meant to be a swear word either. I took it as more of the proper terminology for something, like how a donkey back then was called an ass.
I would recommend this book to anyone really, though the reading level is a little advanced, but if you are an advanced reader, or know someone who is, then I think that you would like it too.
I really enjoyed The Hummingbird Dagger and I am so glad I stumbled upon it by accident, I had no idea that it or Cindy Anstey existed otherwise. If you're considering this book I would say give it a chance, it was really well thought out and well done. It was a little different than I am used to, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Happy reading!
March 19, 2019
I think my rating for this one is more of a 2.5 stars.
I was excited to get this as a GR giveaway. I was looking forward to a fun Victorian England mystery.
I loved the title.
The cover is gorgeous.
Turns out, those are my only favorite things about this book.
The story starts off with the proverbial bang.
Then slows down.
Maybe speeds up... but doesn't.
Maybe speeds up again... nope.
It's not until about chapters 22 & 23 do things get going... (there are 24 chapters with a prologue & an epilogue).
Ultimately, it's an almost 350 pg book, with around 50 pgs of some action and 300 pgs of (I kid you not) conversations.
The book is in 3rd person with alternating POVs. I didn't count it, but James had the most page time and oddly Beth had the least (or second to least) with the shortest segments of each chapter.
I think we spent more time with James' sister, Caroline, than we did with Beth when the book was supposed to be about her (Beth).
There is a minor love-story between Beth and James that is secondary to the mystery. Which is great and all, but it didn't feel like a natural progression.
I know I said there is about 300 pgs of conversation, but oddly Beth and James don't have enough page time together, getting to know each other, for the reader to see any chemistry between the two.
They had one scene together, where it was just the two of them talking. It was 1pg and nothing personal was shared that a blossoming relationship could bond over.
It kind of came off as an "insta-love" plot device that luckily wasn't heavy-handed. But it was embellished on when James' internal dialog would wax poetic about how great a person Beth is.
- she has a reverence for books
- she is "sunshine"
- she is "laughter"
- strong
- independent
- intelligent
- lively
- enthusiastic
- she is traditional yet outrageous
- confused yet clear-headed
- fascinating... but NOT mysterious (which is funny when she's the one with amnesia so SHE is the MYSTERY of the whole book)
(And the story only spans about 6 weeks, James and Beth are only in each other's presence for about 4 of those.)
Mind you, we don't see any of this. We are just told this.
And this rolls into the next thing.
There is too much tell and not enough show.
Not only are there inflated impressions with nothing on the page to back them up, but there are 2 deaths, a funeral, a break-in, spying, and some investigations that all happen off stage only to end up being the topic of one of the many conversations that happen on stage.
Outside of the villains, all the characters are essentially perfect, impractically so, especially James.
Except for maybe Caroline. It seemed like every time she'd turn around she was purse-ing her lips, reprimanding, chastising, and correcting all in a "frosty" voice.
But not with Beth. If anything, between Caroline and James, the two were almost parental. There's even a scene where Caroline is staying up late waiting to have a conversation with James about what they are going to do about Beth. And another scene where Caroline (I kid you not) tucks Beth into bed like a child. <---described as such in the book.
Which is problematic because it's not the kind of relationship dynamic I would expect or want with my new bff and my new beau.
The end is tied up neatly. This doesn't usually bother me. I feel if a book were to take me on a roller coaster ride of organized chaos, then I earned and deserve the reward of a neat and satisfying ending.
But, this book did none of those things and then it just came off as a little too neat.
Kind of like a sitcom ending. Where everybody's happy and the villain shouts his innocence and blames it on his dead and conveniently silent cohort.
There is even the group laugh at the end of the last chapter when a new character appears asking if they missed anything and Caroline pipes-up with a "nope, not a thing".
It's a little sad when you get to the last page and the word of relief that pops into your head is the same exact word, the last word, in its own sentence, on its own line...
Finally.
I was excited to get this as a GR giveaway. I was looking forward to a fun Victorian England mystery.
I loved the title.
The cover is gorgeous.
Turns out, those are my only favorite things about this book.
The story starts off with the proverbial bang.
Then slows down.
Maybe speeds up... but doesn't.
Maybe speeds up again... nope.
It's not until about chapters 22 & 23 do things get going... (there are 24 chapters with a prologue & an epilogue).
Ultimately, it's an almost 350 pg book, with around 50 pgs of some action and 300 pgs of (I kid you not) conversations.
The book is in 3rd person with alternating POVs. I didn't count it, but James had the most page time and oddly Beth had the least (or second to least) with the shortest segments of each chapter.
I think we spent more time with James' sister, Caroline, than we did with Beth when the book was supposed to be about her (Beth).
There is a minor love-story between Beth and James that is secondary to the mystery. Which is great and all, but it didn't feel like a natural progression.
I know I said there is about 300 pgs of conversation, but oddly Beth and James don't have enough page time together, getting to know each other, for the reader to see any chemistry between the two.
They had one scene together, where it was just the two of them talking. It was 1pg and nothing personal was shared that a blossoming relationship could bond over.
It kind of came off as an "insta-love" plot device that luckily wasn't heavy-handed. But it was embellished on when James' internal dialog would wax poetic about how great a person Beth is.
- she has a reverence for books
- she is "sunshine"
- she is "laughter"
- strong
- independent
- intelligent
- lively
- enthusiastic
- she is traditional yet outrageous
- confused yet clear-headed
- fascinating... but NOT mysterious (which is funny when she's the one with amnesia so SHE is the MYSTERY of the whole book)
(And the story only spans about 6 weeks, James and Beth are only in each other's presence for about 4 of those.)
Mind you, we don't see any of this. We are just told this.
And this rolls into the next thing.
There is too much tell and not enough show.
Not only are there inflated impressions with nothing on the page to back them up, but there are 2 deaths, a funeral, a break-in, spying, and some investigations that all happen off stage only to end up being the topic of one of the many conversations that happen on stage.
Outside of the villains, all the characters are essentially perfect, impractically so, especially James.
Except for maybe Caroline. It seemed like every time she'd turn around she was purse-ing her lips, reprimanding, chastising, and correcting all in a "frosty" voice.
But not with Beth. If anything, between Caroline and James, the two were almost parental. There's even a scene where Caroline is staying up late waiting to have a conversation with James about what they are going to do about Beth. And another scene where Caroline (I kid you not) tucks Beth into bed like a child. <---described as such in the book.
Which is problematic because it's not the kind of relationship dynamic I would expect or want with my new bff and my new beau.
The end is tied up neatly. This doesn't usually bother me. I feel if a book were to take me on a roller coaster ride of organized chaos, then I earned and deserve the reward of a neat and satisfying ending.
But, this book did none of those things and then it just came off as a little too neat.
Kind of like a sitcom ending. Where everybody's happy and the villain shouts his innocence and blames it on his dead and conveniently silent cohort.
There is even the group laugh at the end of the last chapter when a new character appears asking if they missed anything and Caroline pipes-up with a "nope, not a thing".
It's a little sad when you get to the last page and the word of relief that pops into your head is the same exact word, the last word, in its own sentence, on its own line...
Finally.
January 16, 2020
2.5 stars
No matter how hard I try, I just cannot connect with this author’s books for some reason. There’s nothing bad, per se, so I can’t even really explain why this book didn’t work for me. The characters were flat and the romance was unnecessary, but I think my biggest gripe is the writing style. Everything is told, not shown, which I think is a big part of my problem. The amnesia plot could have been so exciting, but it seemed like all the characters did was sit around waiting for Beth’s memories to come back. Oh, and they all made really stupid decisions.
No matter how hard I try, I just cannot connect with this author’s books for some reason. There’s nothing bad, per se, so I can’t even really explain why this book didn’t work for me. The characters were flat and the romance was unnecessary, but I think my biggest gripe is the writing style. Everything is told, not shown, which I think is a big part of my problem. The amnesia plot could have been so exciting, but it seemed like all the characters did was sit around waiting for Beth’s memories to come back. Oh, and they all made really stupid decisions.
July 27, 2021
This was a FANTASTIC Work of historical fiction!!!!!! I absolutely ADORED all the main characters, Especially "Beth"!!!!! While I did see quite a few things coming, several things were Very unexpected!!! Overall I thought was writing was Very well done, especially how the growing romance was written!!!!!! The YEARNING!!!!! That's what really makes a Good romance, especially in Historical fiction!!!!!!
September 10, 2021
4.5⭐️ rating! Great mystery and the whole dark theme of the book was so enticing. The tension between Lord James Ellerby and Beth was insane I swear this book could’ve easily be given spice but I think it’s perfect that it didn’t. It isn’t a full star rating cause It started with a bang but I feel like it dwindled a little bit towards the end but nonetheless still great.
I recommend these to my dark academia babes out there.
I recommend these to my dark academia babes out there.
August 26, 2022
AHHHHHH THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! I can't even begin to explain how much I enjoyed this book! The ending was just the best!
August 28, 2019
First off, absolutely incredible cover!! Sadly, the contents within failed to live up to the promises that the cover made.
While there was a mystery, I felt like it was trying to be far more mysterious and chilling than it ever remotely accomplished. The writing was not a bit different than Anstey's other books, which have cute covers and don't involve as much blood and possible murders as this. Something just did not work for me here. The writing needed a different tone for me to really get into this, I think.
The word 'melodrama' or a derivative was used far too often.
For what was accomplished, this could have been significantly shorter a book.
While there was a mystery, I felt like it was trying to be far more mysterious and chilling than it ever remotely accomplished. The writing was not a bit different than Anstey's other books, which have cute covers and don't involve as much blood and possible murders as this. Something just did not work for me here. The writing needed a different tone for me to really get into this, I think.
The word 'melodrama' or a derivative was used far too often.
For what was accomplished, this could have been significantly shorter a book.
dnf
December 12, 2020DNF @ 16%
i couldn’t mesh with the writing. At all. I’ll talk more about this on my blog.
i couldn’t mesh with the writing. At all. I’ll talk more about this on my blog.
March 31, 2022
Walter is an idiot.
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