The Curious Affair of the Witch at Wayside Cross is the second in the Jesperson & Lane series. The first in the series (The Curious Case of the Somnambulist & the Psychic Thief reviewed here) had a great set-up, and I remember being pleased and expectant as I read the first few pages, but I ended up being disappointed. "Maybe," I thought, "the next one will be better. The author will have a sense of direction and the characters will emerge as more than pawns."
Alas, not so. Once again, an interesting beginning full of all kinds of possibilities and intriguing characters. Once again, a failure to take advantage of what worked and instead taking a ridiculous direction that seemed almost a spur-of-the-moment inclusion.
Jesperson is controlling, holding back information and failing to keep Lane fully apprised of his theories or knowledge. Lane is ostensibly a partner in this psychic detective agency, but her purpose is largely to give a first person account of the cases they encounter. Rather than a partner as indicated on the calling card--Lane is a sort of attendant, even though her role in events is more detailed.
The best characters in the book, the ones with such potential, are the three sisters at Wayside Cross.
Read in August; blog review scheduled for Nov. 4.
NetGalley/Random House
Mystery/Supernatural. Nov. 28, 2017.
What a pity. It sounds interesting though, with the characters and all. Perhaps I'll give this a miss.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these started out so well, but went down hill (for me). I did love the "weird sisters"--they should have a series of their own. :)
DeleteThat's sad. Two in a row...guess you won't be trying this series again. And they had such awesome titles, too! What a waste. :)
ReplyDeleteNo, I won't be giving this series another chance. I'm sure others will love both books, but they didn't work for me. :(
DeleteOh no, it sounded like it had a lot of potential. This covers are fun too.
ReplyDeleteBoth books began with great potential, and it is always a personal preference about what ends up working. I was disappointed, however, that my interest went down hill.
Delete