I enjoyed this historical mystery by Tasha Alexander. I didn't particularly like Lady Emily at first, but grew to like her throughout the story. I also enjoyed her banter with her mother over roles in society. The aspect of the story I liked most though was the alternation between life upstairs and downstairs. It gave a better picture of what was happening throughout the story. I will definitely continue the series. It is always enjoyable to escape into the world of Lady Emily, especially when I need some mindless "fluff." But lately the Lady Emily books just haven't been as good as the rest of the series. I don't know whether the plots are less compelling or whether the series lost some of its charm after Emily and Colin got married or whether I'm just losing interest for reasons that have nothing to do with the books themselves. Hard to say. But one thing I will say: I got extremely frustrated with Emily after about the third time she said something about how Colin looked at her with "that look" in his eyes and she wished that they didn't have work to do at the moment. It's great that she and her husband are so in love that they can't keep their hands off each other. But, really. If every time he looks at her she finds it difficult to control herself, I think maybe she needs to work on that. Anyway, it could just be me, but that drove me a bit crazy.Also, as a side note, I know it's how things were done by the upper class in Victorian England, but it annoyed me that Lady Emily is considered such a wonderful mother just because she visits her sons in the nursery now and then. I know it's how things were. But it still bothered me. If she's such a forward-thinking woman, why isn't she more involved with the boys? Apparently she's too busy teaching herself ancient languages (a pursuit that I completely approve of, by the way... just not if it's going to take the place of being a good mother) and shocking everyone by drinking port and smoking cigars. I think perhaps her priorities need a little reexamining.So, overall a fine read. I didn't really care about the mystery and wanted to slap Lady Emily more than once. But it was a decent, fluffy read, which is what I needed at the moment.
What do You think about Za Razbitim Steklom (2013)?
Love this series and this book is no disappointment. Lady Emily and Colin again work their magic.
—XtianLeigh
not the best in the series, but still a good read.
—pantlin
