The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan | RE:View

-->

Fun, fanciful, mysterious - the perfect read for fans of Sherlock Holmes.

Set in 1910 Toronto, Canada, the two female detectives Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts tackle crime in the city—or, at least they want to. When the deaths of two Irish women kick start their detective business, they find that drastic measures and ridiculous disguises are the only answer to escape the Morality Squad that’s hot on their heels. Add in handsome police constable Jasper Forth and daring reporter Ray DeLuca and you’ve got a mystery worth figuring out.

I enjoyed this jaunt through the streets of Toronto on the heels of mystery and discovery inspired by Sherlock Holmes. I’ve long been a fan of Holmes and enjoyed this nod to his mysteries and detective acumen. I found Jem to be an adorable character who’s growth through the book was enjoyable to watch. Merinda was slightly more difficult to love, as in the way of Sherlock. She had her lovable moments, but there were times when she was slightly oblivious in a way that made me a bit mad at her. Then again, that could have been the point.

I also enjoyed the romance aspect (being a fan of romance) and definitely enjoyed Ray’s character. I did, however wish there was more background into Merinda. I think I expected the story to be more about her (as a Sherlock figure) but that wasn’t really the case (no pun intended).

@createexploreread

The only thing that I didn’t enjoy was the point of view changes. I’m a stickler when it comes to POV (must be a personal thing) but I love to be “in” someone’s head and know that’s where I rest. I feel as if I can truly get to know a character that way. That was not the case for this story and, often times when it switched POV in the middle of a scene, I wondered how we knew what we did. This always jerks me out of the story and was the case in this book. I’m sure there was a stylistic reason for it; I just don’t personally enjoy it. I did however enjoy the asides by way of footnote – they were fun!

I would recommend this to fans of Sherlock Holmes, historical fiction, and lovers of fun and lighthearted mysteries.

My Rating: 4*
Purchase: The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder

Book Description
 (from Amazon)

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

______________________

 I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.