Dec 29, 2015

Recent Reads: Curtsies and Conspiracies by Gail Carriger

Source: Received from Netgalley and Little Brown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review

Curtsies & Conspiracies (Finishing School, #2)Curtsies and Conspiracies by Gail Carriger
Series: Finishing School #2
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date:  November 2013



 

Format: Ebook


Rating:
 


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Does one need four fully grown foxgloves for decorating a dinner table for six guests? Or is it six foxgloves to kill four fully grown guests?

Sophronia's first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing! For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy--won't Mumsy be surprised? Furthermore, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners.

Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers' quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship's boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a field trip to London than is apparent at first. A conspiracy is afoot--one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot-and survive the London Season with a full dance card.

In this sequel to New York Times bestselling Etiquette & Espionage, class is back in session with more petticoats and poison, tea trays and treason. Gail's distinctive voice, signature humor, and lush steampunk setting are sure to be the height of fashion this season.
Review: 
I have really enjoyed these first books in the Finishing School series, the characters are fun, the plots interesting and I love all the spying. This book was a wonderful follow up to the first installment; Sophronia's adventures are still occurring - which she loves, and there are mysteries everywhere. In this book we get more into the politics between the werewolves, vampires, and picklemen, I found it all very interesting and the world building wonderfully done. 

I have to say however that these books tend to be a bit slow going, don't get me wrong there is a lot going on throughout, but the main action of the book really is in the last 2 chapters or so with a lot of  build-up throughout. I think some might find this plot arc too slow for their liking and give up before getting to the fun bits. I didn't though, I knew to keep reading after the first book was set up in a similar manner. 

I really love how the girls always get into a mess and have to work their way out of it - strong females are wonderful. I also loved the humor, there is always the comic relief of a mechanical wiener dog if nothing else. Bumbersnoot makes me giggle and I love it. If you are a fan of mysteries I think this is a great series for you to begin. 


 

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