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A Dickens of a Crime #2
Grave Expectations
In this clever reimagining of Charles Dickens's life, he and fiance Kate Hogarth must solve the murder of a spinster wearing a wedding gown...
London, June 1835: In the interest of being a good neighbor, Charles checks in on Miss Haverstock, the elderly spinster who resides in the flat above his. But as the young journalist and his fiance Kate ascend the stairs, they are assaulted by the unmistakable smell of death. Upon entering the woman's quarters, they find her decomposing corpse propped up, adorned in a faded gown that looks like it could have been her wedding dress, had she been married. A murderer has set the stage. But to what purpose?
As news of an escaped convict from Coldbath Fields reaches the couple, Charles reasonably expects the prisoner, Ned Blood, may be responsible. But Kate suspects more personal motives, given the time and effort in dressing the victim. When a local blacksmith is found with cut manacles in his shop and arrested, his distraught wife begs Charles and Kate to help. At the inquest, they are surprised to meet Miss Haverstock's cold and haughty foster daughter, shadowed by her miserably besotted companion. Secrets shrouded by the old woman's past may hold the answers to this web of mystery. But Charles and Kate will have to risk their lives to unveil the truth . . .
London, June 1835: In the interest of being a good neighbor, Charles checks in on Miss Haverstock, the elderly spinster who resides in the flat above his. But as the young journalist and his fiance Kate ascend the stairs, they are assaulted by the unmistakable smell of death. Upon entering the woman's quarters, they find her decomposing corpse propped up, adorned in a faded gown that looks like it could have been her wedding dress, had she been married. A murderer has set the stage. But to what purpose?
As news of an escaped convict from Coldbath Fields reaches the couple, Charles reasonably expects the prisoner, Ned Blood, may be responsible. But Kate suspects more personal motives, given the time and effort in dressing the victim. When a local blacksmith is found with cut manacles in his shop and arrested, his distraught wife begs Charles and Kate to help. At the inquest, they are surprised to meet Miss Haverstock's cold and haughty foster daughter, shadowed by her miserably besotted companion. Secrets shrouded by the old woman's past may hold the answers to this web of mystery. But Charles and Kate will have to risk their lives to unveil the truth . . .
310 pages, Hardcover
First published July 30, 2019
120 people are currently reading
894 people want to read
About the author
Heather Redmond
14 books466 followersHeather Redmond is an author of commercial fiction and also writes as Heather Hiestand. First published in mystery, she took a long detour through romance before returning. Though her last known British ancestor departed London in the 1920s, she is a committed anglophile, Dickens devotee, and lover of all things nineteenth century.
She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, A Tale of Two Murders, has received a coveted starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, A Tale of Two Murders, has received a coveted starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 22, 2023
This is the second book in the A Dickens of a Crime series. I haven’t read the first book, but I don’t think that took away from my enjoyment or understanding of the story. I was super excited by the concept. What if Charles Dickens was a reporter and amateur sleuth and that is where he got the ideas for his novels. I felt like the story was authentic to the historical times, even if the crazy unjust way crime was investigated during those times was frustrating for me. I am already over the engagement of Charles and Kate and I hope their wedding is soon so that topic can be over and done with. (The engagement is fine, the story just repetitive around it). Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars rounded up for the super creative idea of reimagining Charles Dickens’ life.
June 23, 2019
WHAT IF CHARLES DICKENS GOT HIS INSPIRATION FROM BEING AN AMATEUR DETECTIVE?
Actual rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Well, the idea certainly is original. And entertaining. It's light, despite its dark subject matter (the murder of an elderly lady). And it's filled with likable characters. Still, rating this was difficult and I went back and forth between 3 and 4 ⭐️ a bunch of times...
Full disclosure! I did not know that this was the second in a series when I started this book, but I won't let that influence my opinion. Besides, it actually works quite well as a stand-alone, just FYI.
WHAT I LIKED
Charles Dickens: The Charles Dickens character was without a doubt my favourite in this book (though I also really liked his younger brother Fred and eccentric neighbour Breese). I loved his sense of honour and his charitable and romantic sensibilities.
Alternative history: While pretty much the entire story is fiction and none of this ever did happen to Charles Dickens, I still thought it was a interesting and original idea, that Dickens was inspired to write his books based on real adventures and mysteries from his own life. So yeah, as a historian I should object, but as a reader I am entertained.
WHAT I DISLIKED
One for all: "One for all and all for one" is most closely associated with the Alexandre Dumas novel The Three Musketeers which was released in 1844. This story takes place in 1835, yet Breese still uses this phrase. And yes, I know there is a possibility that the phrase was known before Dumas immortalized it, but since it is so closely associated with the musketeers it felt really wrong and out of place in a story that takes place 9 years before it publication.
'Mystery': While the mystery was often surprising and interesting, there were some major parts that were glaringly obvious and not at all mysterious. That sort of killed the mystery part for me...
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Actual rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Well, the idea certainly is original. And entertaining. It's light, despite its dark subject matter (the murder of an elderly lady). And it's filled with likable characters. Still, rating this was difficult and I went back and forth between 3 and 4 ⭐️ a bunch of times...
Full disclosure! I did not know that this was the second in a series when I started this book, but I won't let that influence my opinion. Besides, it actually works quite well as a stand-alone, just FYI.
"That is what fascinates me. Londoners. I am sure you can't find such a vast array of personalities anywhere else."
- Charles Dickens (fictional quote from the book)
WHAT I LIKED
Charles Dickens: The Charles Dickens character was without a doubt my favourite in this book (though I also really liked his younger brother Fred and eccentric neighbour Breese). I loved his sense of honour and his charitable and romantic sensibilities.
Alternative history: While pretty much the entire story is fiction and none of this ever did happen to Charles Dickens, I still thought it was a interesting and original idea, that Dickens was inspired to write his books based on real adventures and mysteries from his own life. So yeah, as a historian I should object, but as a reader I am entertained.
WHAT I DISLIKED
One for all: "One for all and all for one" is most closely associated with the Alexandre Dumas novel The Three Musketeers which was released in 1844. This story takes place in 1835, yet Breese still uses this phrase. And yes, I know there is a possibility that the phrase was known before Dumas immortalized it, but since it is so closely associated with the musketeers it felt really wrong and out of place in a story that takes place 9 years before it publication.
'Mystery': While the mystery was often surprising and interesting, there were some major parts that were glaringly obvious and not at all mysterious. That sort of killed the mystery part for me...
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
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May 24, 2020
April 29, 2019
This second installment in the A Dickens of a Crime series is a complex and highly satisfying mystery. Redmond weaves Dickensian themes—wealth and poverty, love and rejection—seamlessly throughout the story while evoking a Victorian era that feels immediate and alive. Fans of Anne Perry will love this one.
August 4, 2019
3.5 out of 5 stars
What a charming and most enjoyable historical fiction cozy mystery. This is author Heather Redmond's second installment in the, "A Dickens of a Crime" series. Although this reader had not read the first in series (A Tale of Two Murders), they found the second book stands alone easily and does not rely on the first book's character development to carry it. There were a few references to action which occurred within the previous installment but not enough to derail the progression of the second.
The story begins on June 20, 1835. A young Charles Dickens has rented additional quarters in order to be in closer proximity to his betrothed, Kate Hogarth, at least for the summer months. His 15 year old brother, Fred, resides with him as he prepares for eligibility for administrative employment or apprenticeship. Their father tends to be a spendthrift and Charles is often bailing out his family financially. This delays Charles' and Kate's marital plans and causes some consternation and a bit of friction. As the brothers rose on this Saturday morning, they discover that someone has slid a 50 year old article regarding a horrible group of children which had ganged up on a Jewish girl, thrown her in a barrel, and cast her to the waters of the outgoing tide. Perhaps initially done in fun, they, none the less, made no attempt to rescue poor Goldy. So who slid the article under the door? Is there any relationship between it and the subsequent murder of the tenant upstairs? A nearby neighbor is arrested on slim evidence of having killed or aided the killer of the upstairs neighbor. Charles, in turn, is eager to exonerate his new friend and thus the story begins.
As to character development, Redmond is spectacular in this area. Our protagonist, young adult Charles Dickens, is experiencing life on his own while caring for his young brother and simultaneously making wedding plans with his betrothed, Kate Hogarth. We see glimpses of future Dickens novels based on the lives of the people Charles encounters throughout this story. We are painfully informed of the social strata of the day and how the haves look upon the have-nots with discomfort and disdain. Charles, on the other hand, is part of a group of folks trying to lift a few orphaned "mudlarks" from their poverty and give them a bit of hope for their futures.
Redmond's development of 1835 London is rich in setting. The odors, along seedy streets or by the river's edge filled with sewage, are ripe in the telling. The sounds of horse hooves and bustling street markets are distinctly audible. The hand of fine silk or cotton batiste is richly textural and sumptuous to the touch. Kate's fresh and treasured strawberry jam is tasty down to its last bit. The fog of a smoky room is stifling and diminishes visibility. The reader richly experiences the mise en scène with all their senses.
There was one moment in the storytelling which caused this reader to bristle a touch and that was the statement by one character of, "One for all and all for one" with a reference to the Musketeers. Dumas has yet to write the Three Musketeers which is not completed for another nine years. But beyond that, the book is well written and the setting of 1835 London well created.
I am grateful to Kensington Publishing Corp. for having provided a free electronic copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
What a charming and most enjoyable historical fiction cozy mystery. This is author Heather Redmond's second installment in the, "A Dickens of a Crime" series. Although this reader had not read the first in series (A Tale of Two Murders), they found the second book stands alone easily and does not rely on the first book's character development to carry it. There were a few references to action which occurred within the previous installment but not enough to derail the progression of the second.
The story begins on June 20, 1835. A young Charles Dickens has rented additional quarters in order to be in closer proximity to his betrothed, Kate Hogarth, at least for the summer months. His 15 year old brother, Fred, resides with him as he prepares for eligibility for administrative employment or apprenticeship. Their father tends to be a spendthrift and Charles is often bailing out his family financially. This delays Charles' and Kate's marital plans and causes some consternation and a bit of friction. As the brothers rose on this Saturday morning, they discover that someone has slid a 50 year old article regarding a horrible group of children which had ganged up on a Jewish girl, thrown her in a barrel, and cast her to the waters of the outgoing tide. Perhaps initially done in fun, they, none the less, made no attempt to rescue poor Goldy. So who slid the article under the door? Is there any relationship between it and the subsequent murder of the tenant upstairs? A nearby neighbor is arrested on slim evidence of having killed or aided the killer of the upstairs neighbor. Charles, in turn, is eager to exonerate his new friend and thus the story begins.
As to character development, Redmond is spectacular in this area. Our protagonist, young adult Charles Dickens, is experiencing life on his own while caring for his young brother and simultaneously making wedding plans with his betrothed, Kate Hogarth. We see glimpses of future Dickens novels based on the lives of the people Charles encounters throughout this story. We are painfully informed of the social strata of the day and how the haves look upon the have-nots with discomfort and disdain. Charles, on the other hand, is part of a group of folks trying to lift a few orphaned "mudlarks" from their poverty and give them a bit of hope for their futures.
Redmond's development of 1835 London is rich in setting. The odors, along seedy streets or by the river's edge filled with sewage, are ripe in the telling. The sounds of horse hooves and bustling street markets are distinctly audible. The hand of fine silk or cotton batiste is richly textural and sumptuous to the touch. Kate's fresh and treasured strawberry jam is tasty down to its last bit. The fog of a smoky room is stifling and diminishes visibility. The reader richly experiences the mise en scène with all their senses.
There was one moment in the storytelling which caused this reader to bristle a touch and that was the statement by one character of, "One for all and all for one" with a reference to the Musketeers. Dumas has yet to write the Three Musketeers which is not completed for another nine years. But beyond that, the book is well written and the setting of 1835 London well created.
I am grateful to Kensington Publishing Corp. for having provided a free electronic copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
December 29, 2024
Zdecydowanie lepsza niż poprzednia część. Ale nie jest to książka dla wszystkich! Powinna się spodobać miłośnikom prozy Dickensa, bo skupia się na opisie życia ludzi w XIXw Londynie, który - mówiąc ogólnie - fiołkami nie pachnie. Do tego zagadka kryminalna zagnieżdżona w realich epoki. Mniej cierpliwym czytelnikom odradzam, bo zamiast czerpać satysfakcję z lektury będą się męczyć.
August 9, 2019
I enjoyed this audiobook. It’s a historical crime novel imagining Charles Dickens trying to solve the murder of his neighbour Miss Haverstock. I enjoyed the similar plot and names from Dickens own classic book Great Expectations, of Miss Haverstock ( Miss Haversham) Miss Jaggers (Estella) escaped convicts and a smithy.
In this series Charles Dickens isn’t a famous author yet, but a working journalist for The Chronicle which is owned by his fiance’s father. Even though it’s the second book in the series it didn’t really matter that I hadn’t read the first book as there was just enough backstory to fill me in.
I loved the author’s wonderful descriptions of Victorian London and at times felt like I was there with Mr Dickens and his fiance Kate Hogarth.
There was quite a lot going on in this story apart from Charles trying to solve the murder. He was also involved with helping a small group young mudlarks on the Thames, songwriting with one of his neighbours, which he was quite good at and earned a bit of extra cash. He also helped his parents neighbours who were being evicted by rent collectors. I must admit that I sometimes found some of these extra storylines a bit distracting and confusing taking me away from solving the murder. Perhaps that was the point though?
Tim Campbell is a new- to- me narrator, even though he has narrated over a hundred audiobooks!! I loved his portrayal of Dickens and the Hogarths, his Scottish and cockney accents were brilliant bringing authenticity to the recording.
I recommend this if you enjoy mysteries set in Victorian London.
Thanks to Hope Roy of Tantor Media for my digital copy of this audiobook.
In this series Charles Dickens isn’t a famous author yet, but a working journalist for The Chronicle which is owned by his fiance’s father. Even though it’s the second book in the series it didn’t really matter that I hadn’t read the first book as there was just enough backstory to fill me in.
I loved the author’s wonderful descriptions of Victorian London and at times felt like I was there with Mr Dickens and his fiance Kate Hogarth.
There was quite a lot going on in this story apart from Charles trying to solve the murder. He was also involved with helping a small group young mudlarks on the Thames, songwriting with one of his neighbours, which he was quite good at and earned a bit of extra cash. He also helped his parents neighbours who were being evicted by rent collectors. I must admit that I sometimes found some of these extra storylines a bit distracting and confusing taking me away from solving the murder. Perhaps that was the point though?
Tim Campbell is a new- to- me narrator, even though he has narrated over a hundred audiobooks!! I loved his portrayal of Dickens and the Hogarths, his Scottish and cockney accents were brilliant bringing authenticity to the recording.
I recommend this if you enjoy mysteries set in Victorian London.
Thanks to Hope Roy of Tantor Media for my digital copy of this audiobook.
March 29, 2024
Audiobook. Book 3.5 stars, rounded down; narration 4 stars.
Clever idea, but I found the narrative plodding.
Clever idea, but I found the narrative plodding.
August 8, 2024
Czerwiec 1835 roku jest dla młodego Charlesa Dickensa czasem przełomowym. Praca przynosi mu należyte zyski, powolnie rozwijająca się kariera pisarska wreszcie nabiera właściwego tempa, życie uczuciowe zaskakująco rozkwita, a po tragicznych wydarzeniach z mroźnej zimy pozostało ledwie mgliste wspomnienie. Dickensowi bowiem udało się zapomnieć o tym, jak parę miesięcy wcześniej uwikłał się w serię zabójstw młodych panien; przynajmniej do momentu, w którym pod jego drzwi ktoś nie zechciał wsunąć tajemniczego wycinku ze starej gazety. I może Charles do ów znaleziska nie przykładałby zbyt wielkiej wagi, gdyby nie to, że... W jakiś dziwny sposób łączy się ono ze śmiercią Panny Haverstock.
Nobliwa dama, zamieszkująca pokoje na piętrze wyżej, zniknęła niemalże z dnia na dzień. Od jakiegoś czasu żaden z sąsiadów nie widział, ani nie słyszał lokatorki. Ze względu na podeszły wiek, ciche usposobienie oraz kapryśne zdrowie, zaniepokojony Charles postanawia złożyć Pannie Haverstock kurtuazyjną wizytę. W towarzystwie swojej narzeczonej Kate Hogarth, rusza więc do mieszkania przyjaciółki i wówczas odkrywa jej zwłoki. Bez wątpienia można potwierdzić najgorsze – dama została zamordowana, zaś morderca dołożył wszelkich starań, aby ów fakt wybrzmiał aż nadto. Zadane ciosy, upozowane ciało i zainscenizowane miejsce zbrodni, dowodzą ponad wszelką wątpliwość o silnym motywie kierującym sprawcą.
Wstrząśnięci okrucieństwem i gwałtownością popełnionego czynu, Kate oraz Charles decydują się podążyć tropem zagadki sprzed lat…
****
Heather Redmond z miejsca zachwyciła mnie pomysłem na cykl wiktoriańskich kryminałów z postacią Charlesa Dickensa w roli głównej. Pierwsza część tej niesamowicie nastrojowej, a co za tym idzie – po prostu malowniczej historii – oczarowała, zaskoczyła choć także… Pozostawiła w lekkim niedosycie. Wszystko za sprawą wcześniej wspomnianego Dickensa, jego osobistych perypetii i miłosnych uniesień; nie sądziłam nawet, że połączenie wątku romantycznego z sensacyjną akcją oraz szczyptą suspensu może tak fantastycznie się uzupełniać.
Fabuła ,,Płonnych nadziei’’ osnuta nie tyle wokół sprawy zagadkowej śmierci Panny Haverstock, co dookoła codziennych zmagań ambitnego dziennikarza i debiutującego autora, początkowo nie zapowiadała się szczególnie nęcąco. Odrobinę przydługi wstęp, skupiający się w znacznej mierze na pomniejszych wydarzeniach z życia młodzieńca zaangażowanego twórczo, społecznie oraz obywatelsko, rozwiewał nastrój gorączkowego napięcia, który jeszcze dobrze nie opadł po lekturze poprzedniego tomu. Nic jednak straconego, bo pieczołowicie rozplanowana chronologia wypadków, miała w ogólnym rozrachunku niebagatelne znaczenie. Heather Redmond prowadzi swojego czytelnika przez mnogość wątków, konsekwentnie je realizując - ów drobiazgowość choć momentami odrobinę nużąca, finalnie okazuje się nieodzowna. Zarówno rozwój charakterologiczny postaci, jak i mozolnie prowadzonego śledztwa z zachowaniem wszelkich dostępnych niuansów oraz detali, składa się na spójną i absolutnie satysfakcjonującą całość. Granica pomiędzy osobistymi rozterkami zakochanego Dickensa, a z wolna odkrywaną tajemnicą morderstwa, nabiera więc subtelności; trudno bowiem określić moment zupełnego zachłyśnięcia się pędem akcji.
Skrzętnie ukartowana intryga, rosnące napięcie i groza, aura nerwowego wyczekiwania, nieoczywisty finał… To wszystko wydarza się wręcz w jednym mgnieniu, a Redmond sięgając po takie bogactwo środków oraz zabiegów, czyni głęboki ukłon w stronę klasycznych powieści z dreszczykiem osadzonych na tle epoki.
Nobliwa dama, zamieszkująca pokoje na piętrze wyżej, zniknęła niemalże z dnia na dzień. Od jakiegoś czasu żaden z sąsiadów nie widział, ani nie słyszał lokatorki. Ze względu na podeszły wiek, ciche usposobienie oraz kapryśne zdrowie, zaniepokojony Charles postanawia złożyć Pannie Haverstock kurtuazyjną wizytę. W towarzystwie swojej narzeczonej Kate Hogarth, rusza więc do mieszkania przyjaciółki i wówczas odkrywa jej zwłoki. Bez wątpienia można potwierdzić najgorsze – dama została zamordowana, zaś morderca dołożył wszelkich starań, aby ów fakt wybrzmiał aż nadto. Zadane ciosy, upozowane ciało i zainscenizowane miejsce zbrodni, dowodzą ponad wszelką wątpliwość o silnym motywie kierującym sprawcą.
Wstrząśnięci okrucieństwem i gwałtownością popełnionego czynu, Kate oraz Charles decydują się podążyć tropem zagadki sprzed lat…
****
Heather Redmond z miejsca zachwyciła mnie pomysłem na cykl wiktoriańskich kryminałów z postacią Charlesa Dickensa w roli głównej. Pierwsza część tej niesamowicie nastrojowej, a co za tym idzie – po prostu malowniczej historii – oczarowała, zaskoczyła choć także… Pozostawiła w lekkim niedosycie. Wszystko za sprawą wcześniej wspomnianego Dickensa, jego osobistych perypetii i miłosnych uniesień; nie sądziłam nawet, że połączenie wątku romantycznego z sensacyjną akcją oraz szczyptą suspensu może tak fantastycznie się uzupełniać.
Fabuła ,,Płonnych nadziei’’ osnuta nie tyle wokół sprawy zagadkowej śmierci Panny Haverstock, co dookoła codziennych zmagań ambitnego dziennikarza i debiutującego autora, początkowo nie zapowiadała się szczególnie nęcąco. Odrobinę przydługi wstęp, skupiający się w znacznej mierze na pomniejszych wydarzeniach z życia młodzieńca zaangażowanego twórczo, społecznie oraz obywatelsko, rozwiewał nastrój gorączkowego napięcia, który jeszcze dobrze nie opadł po lekturze poprzedniego tomu. Nic jednak straconego, bo pieczołowicie rozplanowana chronologia wypadków, miała w ogólnym rozrachunku niebagatelne znaczenie. Heather Redmond prowadzi swojego czytelnika przez mnogość wątków, konsekwentnie je realizując - ów drobiazgowość choć momentami odrobinę nużąca, finalnie okazuje się nieodzowna. Zarówno rozwój charakterologiczny postaci, jak i mozolnie prowadzonego śledztwa z zachowaniem wszelkich dostępnych niuansów oraz detali, składa się na spójną i absolutnie satysfakcjonującą całość. Granica pomiędzy osobistymi rozterkami zakochanego Dickensa, a z wolna odkrywaną tajemnicą morderstwa, nabiera więc subtelności; trudno bowiem określić moment zupełnego zachłyśnięcia się pędem akcji.
Skrzętnie ukartowana intryga, rosnące napięcie i groza, aura nerwowego wyczekiwania, nieoczywisty finał… To wszystko wydarza się wręcz w jednym mgnieniu, a Redmond sięgając po takie bogactwo środków oraz zabiegów, czyni głęboki ukłon w stronę klasycznych powieści z dreszczykiem osadzonych na tle epoki.
June 18, 2019
Grave Expectations by Heather Redmond is the second installment in the A Dickens of a Crime series.
This is a fantastic Victorian era murder/mystery involving the a fictionalization of the real life Charles Dickens.
I love the detail and the intricacies of the character niches that were developed in this novel. I love the interplay and the chemistry that the characters evoked. The author has a talent in creating rich, multi-layered characters with quick wit and banter.
The author did a fabulous job creating a nail-biting, thought-provoking, intricate plot involving the murder/mystery that kept me engaged throughout.
If you love historical fiction, murder/mysteries, or just a good old mystery, then this book is for you.
I look forward to future installments.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
This is a fantastic Victorian era murder/mystery involving the a fictionalization of the real life Charles Dickens.
I love the detail and the intricacies of the character niches that were developed in this novel. I love the interplay and the chemistry that the characters evoked. The author has a talent in creating rich, multi-layered characters with quick wit and banter.
The author did a fabulous job creating a nail-biting, thought-provoking, intricate plot involving the murder/mystery that kept me engaged throughout.
If you love historical fiction, murder/mysteries, or just a good old mystery, then this book is for you.
I look forward to future installments.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
August 24, 2022
A clever premise using Charles Dickens, an aspiring journalist, as the protagonist in this murder mystery. Redmond brilliantly captures the era through dialogue, social protocols, and descriptions of settings and dress. She achieves total immersion into Victorian England. But, some of this same detail became cumbersome and tedious in advancing the plot and slowed the overall pace of the book.
Charles’ character is well developed. However, the female characters, particularly Kate, came across as passive aggressive and became difficult to like.
Overall the book had me turning the pages to see who the murderer was- what a good mystery should do. 3.5 stars
Charles’ character is well developed. However, the female characters, particularly Kate, came across as passive aggressive and became difficult to like.
Overall the book had me turning the pages to see who the murderer was- what a good mystery should do. 3.5 stars
September 17, 2019
Disappointing book. I have really enjoyed Stephanie Barron's series of mysteries using Jane Austen as the heroine and solver of a number of murder mysteries. Barron does a great job of speaking in Austen's voice (or at least something that sounds like Austen's voice). I cannot say the same for Heather Redmond. I did not feel Charles Dickens' presence at all in this book. The characters were one dimensional, stilted and unimaginative. I will not be reading this series again.
September 1, 2020
I hate not having 1/2 stars. UGH!!! [3.5]
It was better than the first one; I wasn't as confused.
But it is a tough day when you have to listen to the whole book and not break it up because you slacked off the day before and now you have a million [okay three] NetGalley books due plus this one [that had to be read before one of the said NG books due]. My brain may be a little fried.
It was better than the first one; I wasn't as confused.
But it is a tough day when you have to listen to the whole book and not break it up because you slacked off the day before and now you have a million [okay three] NetGalley books due plus this one [that had to be read before one of the said NG books due]. My brain may be a little fried.
March 30, 2021
The second novel in the “Dickens of a Crime” series finds our protagonist Charles Dickens once again struggling financially to keep up with the demands of those who would take advantage of his generosity and good-hearted nature. Now engaged to be married, he works doubly hard to afford a wedding sooner rather than later. But when an elderly resident of a neighboring flat is found dead, by corkscrew no less, he and his fiancée must solve the murder to absolve an innocent friend that has been arrested for the crime.
Once again, I find myself enjoying a mystery/detective series that uses a real historical figure as the main sleuth. The author brings a certain humanity and charm to the legendary Charles Dickens and here again manages to insert several themes of Dickens' work into the story. The descriptions of pre-Victorian life serve well to amplify the mystery story, adding in much of the reality of the time including prejudices against homosexual people, Jewish people, and of course the always present class distinctions that were the hallmark of British society. Dickens, as a real-life reporter, is in a perfect place to stick his nose into other people’s business and solve the crime even though this time around he displays a penchant for jumping to wrong conclusions.
Another enjoyable historical mystery romp from Heather Redmond. Looking forward to book three.
Once again, I find myself enjoying a mystery/detective series that uses a real historical figure as the main sleuth. The author brings a certain humanity and charm to the legendary Charles Dickens and here again manages to insert several themes of Dickens' work into the story. The descriptions of pre-Victorian life serve well to amplify the mystery story, adding in much of the reality of the time including prejudices against homosexual people, Jewish people, and of course the always present class distinctions that were the hallmark of British society. Dickens, as a real-life reporter, is in a perfect place to stick his nose into other people’s business and solve the crime even though this time around he displays a penchant for jumping to wrong conclusions.
Another enjoyable historical mystery romp from Heather Redmond. Looking forward to book three.
January 3, 2021
This series is growing on me...
This books continues a couple of months after the last one. Charles has proposed to Kate who accepted. And now he has to save so that they can set up their own home.
I liked how the characters were more developed in this book. There was some conflict between Kate and Charles - not everything is rosy. We also get a more indepth look at the Dickens family - especially his father, and we see how his family effects his life and personality.
The story also brought in issues about the treatment of Jews and homophobia.
I liked the way it touched on the central characters of Great Expectations - despite the modifications Estelle, Pip and Mrs. H were immediately recognizable.
A good read.
This books continues a couple of months after the last one. Charles has proposed to Kate who accepted. And now he has to save so that they can set up their own home.
I liked how the characters were more developed in this book. There was some conflict between Kate and Charles - not everything is rosy. We also get a more indepth look at the Dickens family - especially his father, and we see how his family effects his life and personality.
The story also brought in issues about the treatment of Jews and homophobia.
I liked the way it touched on the central characters of Great Expectations - despite the modifications Estelle, Pip and Mrs. H were immediately recognizable.
A good read.
April 25, 2020
Another Dickens mystery. Similar to the first, the author still seems overly fond of her historical research putting in a level of minutiae that causes the story to drag from time to time. Dickens is more volatile in this volume and I found myself wishing that Kate would change her mind and decide not to marry him, which I know in real life did not work out well for her in the end.
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2020: A book with a pun in the title
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2020: A book with a pun in the title
August 24, 2019
The premise of this series fascinates me, and I enjoy Charles as a character. I don't really care for Kate and find no chemistry in their relationship. The book is well researched, and I appreciate the mixture of social injustices of the time period and the mystery itself.
July 24, 2019
For many, Charles Dickens is known for writing the iconic holiday tale "A Christmas Carol" period. Older readers may remember studying one of his classics in English Literature class. as he is considered one of the foremost authors of the 19th Century. I find 19th Century literature cumbersome, but Redmond had me at the title's pun, Grave expectations.
Redmond gifts of deep research and the development of a plausible plot, made it very acceptable for Dickens to be a solver of mysteries.
It is 1835, Charles and Catherine (Kate) Hogarth are engaged. Despite the class differences, they are sweet young romantic partners. Dickens longs to become someone of importance, Kate longs to fulfill her role as a helpmate and wife to a man modern enough to willingly listen to her point of view. Charles has moved to Holborn, home to low cost housing and also on the road to Tyburn Prison. Dickens moved to be closer to Kate, and her family.
He finds himself at the mercy of a penurious landlord. One who is without compassion and one who hires thugs to assist in rent collection. Redmond's style mirrors that of Dickens, especially in the descriptions of hardships of life among the destitute.
Great Expectations has a marvelous character, Miss Haversham. In Grave Expectations we have Miss Haverstock who Dickens considers dotty but interesting. At this point in time, the real Dickens worked as a journalist as he does in book 2. His journalistic curiosity combined with a hearty commitment for justice provide the means for Dickens to be an investigator. Early in the book Dickens and Kate discover Miss Haverstock''s corpse. Redmond relates a grizzly part of 19th century crime detection. The corpse must remain in situ until a Coroner examines the remains. Redmond;s factual prose had me wrinkling my nose reading this passage. Indeed Redmond, unlike a writer of less talent, describes the settings using all 5 senses in her descriptions. I was left feeling I could almost breath the fetid air of the Thames, and join the mudlarks in their struggles.
The wrong man was arrested; Dicken's choses to intervene. Will he and Kate find the actual perpetrator? What of the 'mudlarks, some of London's most pitiful beings. Will Dickens continue to help them? Will Dicken's plans for a December wedding be derailed again? Redmond's novels invite re reading. First read for the plot, second reading to allow a virtual time travel to a challenging era.
Recommended
Full disclosure: I received this e-copy from Kensington Press and netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Redmond gifts of deep research and the development of a plausible plot, made it very acceptable for Dickens to be a solver of mysteries.
It is 1835, Charles and Catherine (Kate) Hogarth are engaged. Despite the class differences, they are sweet young romantic partners. Dickens longs to become someone of importance, Kate longs to fulfill her role as a helpmate and wife to a man modern enough to willingly listen to her point of view. Charles has moved to Holborn, home to low cost housing and also on the road to Tyburn Prison. Dickens moved to be closer to Kate, and her family.
He finds himself at the mercy of a penurious landlord. One who is without compassion and one who hires thugs to assist in rent collection. Redmond's style mirrors that of Dickens, especially in the descriptions of hardships of life among the destitute.
Great Expectations has a marvelous character, Miss Haversham. In Grave Expectations we have Miss Haverstock who Dickens considers dotty but interesting. At this point in time, the real Dickens worked as a journalist as he does in book 2. His journalistic curiosity combined with a hearty commitment for justice provide the means for Dickens to be an investigator. Early in the book Dickens and Kate discover Miss Haverstock''s corpse. Redmond relates a grizzly part of 19th century crime detection. The corpse must remain in situ until a Coroner examines the remains. Redmond;s factual prose had me wrinkling my nose reading this passage. Indeed Redmond, unlike a writer of less talent, describes the settings using all 5 senses in her descriptions. I was left feeling I could almost breath the fetid air of the Thames, and join the mudlarks in their struggles.
The wrong man was arrested; Dicken's choses to intervene. Will he and Kate find the actual perpetrator? What of the 'mudlarks, some of London's most pitiful beings. Will Dickens continue to help them? Will Dicken's plans for a December wedding be derailed again? Redmond's novels invite re reading. First read for the plot, second reading to allow a virtual time travel to a challenging era.
Recommended
Full disclosure: I received this e-copy from Kensington Press and netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you for the opportunity.
July 31, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Ms. Heather Redmond for the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy of "Grave Expectations, A Dickens of a Crime Mystery Series".
A fun summer read that features Mr. Charles Dickens and his fiancee Kate as murder mystery sleuths!
This is the second book in the series by Heather Redmond where Charles Dickens and his friends solve crimes in Ye Olde Merry England
Keeping a true voice to the times, the setting is very much Dickensian as is the solving of the crime. Drawing on facts of Mr. Dickens real life, Charles comes alive as he draws on his personal knowledge as a journalist and a man of the common people.
This book also includes a book club reading guide to further discuss the inspired aspects of "Great Expectations" and of Victorian London life. Dark dirty streets, inept coppers, workhouses and thieves around every corner, this story comes alive with the sights and sound of Victorian life.
3 stars
A fun summer read that features Mr. Charles Dickens and his fiancee Kate as murder mystery sleuths!
This is the second book in the series by Heather Redmond where Charles Dickens and his friends solve crimes in Ye Olde Merry England
Keeping a true voice to the times, the setting is very much Dickensian as is the solving of the crime. Drawing on facts of Mr. Dickens real life, Charles comes alive as he draws on his personal knowledge as a journalist and a man of the common people.
This book also includes a book club reading guide to further discuss the inspired aspects of "Great Expectations" and of Victorian London life. Dark dirty streets, inept coppers, workhouses and thieves around every corner, this story comes alive with the sights and sound of Victorian life.
3 stars
August 9, 2019
This book deals with several aspects of Charles Dickens personality apart from his superior writings. Dickens was a champion of the under dog and the marginalized part of society and suffered much personal trouble as a result of constantly being embroiled in others affairs. In this case the story starts with the murder of an elderly, reclusive lady in unusual circumstances and then begins a rather complicated story going back decades and involving long lost relatives and lovers.
Dickens despite penury was supported by his very patient fiancée who saw with every episode her chances of having a wedding sooner rather than later fading away. Dickens had to maintain his newspaper job, whilst balancing his detective work and trying to cope with a family who tried his patience and was a huge burden on his purse.
The sleuthing was one aspect of this book. I enjoyed very much the exposure of the person Dickens was and for me, this was the real story.
June 19, 2019
Grave Expectations by Heather Redmond is the second installment in the A Dickens of a Crime series.
This is a fantastic Victorian era murder/mystery involving the a fictionalization of the real life Charles Dickens.
I love the detail and the intricacies of the character niches that were developed in this novel. I love the interplay and the chemistry that the characters evoked. The author has a talent in creating rich, multi-layered characters with quick wit and banter.
The author did a fabulous job creating a nail-biting, thought-provoking, intricate plot involving the murder/mystery that kept me engaged throughout.
If you love historical fiction, murder/mysteries, or just a good old mystery, then this book is for you.
I look forward to future installments.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
This is a fantastic Victorian era murder/mystery involving the a fictionalization of the real life Charles Dickens.
I love the detail and the intricacies of the character niches that were developed in this novel. I love the interplay and the chemistry that the characters evoked. The author has a talent in creating rich, multi-layered characters with quick wit and banter.
The author did a fabulous job creating a nail-biting, thought-provoking, intricate plot involving the murder/mystery that kept me engaged throughout.
If you love historical fiction, murder/mysteries, or just a good old mystery, then this book is for you.
I look forward to future installments.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
January 21, 2023
I’m still not sure how I feel about this series. I might leave it here it’s not really holding my interest.
2.5/3 star listen. I like the narrator but I’m not 100% on the characters. Maybe I’ll find another audio from this narrator and try again.
2.5/3 star listen. I like the narrator but I’m not 100% on the characters. Maybe I’ll find another audio from this narrator and try again.
August 15, 2022
I am enjoying this series. The books are quite interesting
June 19, 2019
Grave Expectations is a excellent historical mystery. Great writing and well developed characters. This is the second in the series.
March 29, 2022
Gravely wonky. Loved Great Expectations, was not, in the least, enthralled with this. I get period writing, but this was drawl, drab, hard to follow (unless you read start to finish) and annoying. The ending did hold a surprise, but by the time you reach it, you no longer care. I did like the character of Breese.
The premise of the story is that Dickens tasks himself with finding who murdered his upstairs neighbor, miss Haverstock. The characters from the original book are here, with different names and other slightly differences. It’s a cool idea, but just needs, well, a better writer.
The premise of the story is that Dickens tasks himself with finding who murdered his upstairs neighbor, miss Haverstock. The characters from the original book are here, with different names and other slightly differences. It’s a cool idea, but just needs, well, a better writer.
June 8, 2019
I enjoyed reading Grave Expectations. The second book of A Dickens of Crime Series is just as good as the first. Charles Dickens finds himself in yet another murder mystery, and along with his now Fiancee Kate and his friends he solves it. A good read with great characters and a very interesting plot. I'm looking forward to reading more from this Author.
I give Grace Expectations 4 stars for its murder mystery.
I would recommend this book to Historical/Mystery fans.
I give Grace Expectations 4 stars for its murder mystery.
I would recommend this book to Historical/Mystery fans.
July 30, 2019
“Charles wondered how long they’d be able to avoid more crime, now that they had had a taste of it. He had a bad feeling that he hadn’t heard the last of either of them.”
-Heather Redmond, Grave Expectations (A Dickens of a Crime #2)
2.5🌟/5
I received this e-book from Netgalley.
Mr. Charles Dickens, a reporter and a detective in his spare time, finds a murdered woman in his own home, all while juggling the imminent question: “when will he marry his fiancée Kate?” As she is very keen to NEVER let him forget of when it must happen...Oh, and she apparently also likes mysteries.
This book is a sequel of “A Tale of Two Murders” , which even though I…found out too late, it seemed as if it was a stand-alone book, where there were some mentions of what might have happened in the first book...however, (for me) fortunately enough it didn’t spoil much.
I had many high expectations, but it fell short since other than Fred and Julie, I didn’t care about most of the characters, even Charles Dickens was not as good as I thought...however, the “unnecessary character” prize should go to Kate!
The mystery of this book could have been better, as it felt all quite predictable.
-Heather Redmond, Grave Expectations (A Dickens of a Crime #2)
2.5🌟/5
I received this e-book from Netgalley.
Mr. Charles Dickens, a reporter and a detective in his spare time, finds a murdered woman in his own home, all while juggling the imminent question: “when will he marry his fiancée Kate?” As she is very keen to NEVER let him forget of when it must happen...Oh, and she apparently also likes mysteries.
This book is a sequel of “A Tale of Two Murders” , which even though I…found out too late, it seemed as if it was a stand-alone book, where there were some mentions of what might have happened in the first book...however, (for me) fortunately enough it didn’t spoil much.
I had many high expectations, but it fell short since other than Fred and Julie, I didn’t care about most of the characters, even Charles Dickens was not as good as I thought...however, the “unnecessary character” prize should go to Kate!
The mystery of this book could have been better, as it felt all quite predictable.
May 11, 2021
This is the one book available through Kindle Unlimited to introduce myself to the character of journalist Charles Dickens in pre-Victorian London before I read the book I was granted through NetGalley. So...on to that one.
There is a good deal of societal depiction of the time I found interesting and realistic for the times. For the most part the tone and pace is lively and of good humour. I had not given consideration to Dickens life working for Hogarth at the paper where he wrote Sketches of London before marrying Hogarth's daughter Catherine. I enjoyed the portrayal.
Kindle Unlimited
There is a good deal of societal depiction of the time I found interesting and realistic for the times. For the most part the tone and pace is lively and of good humour. I had not given consideration to Dickens life working for Hogarth at the paper where he wrote Sketches of London before marrying Hogarth's daughter Catherine. I enjoyed the portrayal.
Kindle Unlimited
October 7, 2019
Amusing premise but clunky writing.
DID NOT FINISH.
DID NOT FINISH.
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