When her beloved grandfather dies, Theodora Lestrange finds herself dependent on the charity of others to survive. As a Victorian woman intent on making her living by her pen, she still doesn’t earn enough to house herself, but she’s repulsed by the idea of living with her sister and brother-in-law and children. Luckily, her friend Cosmina writes to her, urging her to attend her wedding in Romania to the enigmatic Count Dragulescu, and stay for a while. Theodora gratefully accepts, planning to write her novel in an atmospheric castle. But when she arrives, she discovers more than atmosphere – a mystery that could have more to do with the supernatural than anything she’s ever encountered before.
If you’re a long-time reader of my blog, you’ll know that I just adore Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey series. I was made a little sad by the fact that she took time off from Julia to write this book, but I looked forward to it just the same. And with good reason; her writing quality stands up to the test and I definitely enjoyed my time with this book.
The beginning started off particularly slowly, which had me worrying at first. It all felt like a simple summary of what had gone before and way more telling than showing. I was waiting for the action to get started, and it finally picked up when Theodora got to Romania and the book began properly.
I didn’t love it quite as much as the Lady Julia Grey series, though, perhaps because much of it feels like the same characters in a different story. Theodora is a paler imitation of Julia and the Count just doesn’t have the appeal that Nicholas Brisbane does. I didn’t fall in love with them and I felt the Count in particular remained shadowy, possessed of few attributes beyond his physical attractiveness and rakish past. But I liked them and I was intrigued by the mystery, whether there were truly supernatural creatures in Romania or not and what was the true cause of these crimes. I didn’t predict the outcome, but then I didn’t think about it all the much either. I was too busy reading!
The Dead Travel Fast is an engaging gothic romance, but doesn’t quite touch the appeal of the Lady Julia Grey series. If you’re new to Raybourn’s books, I would suggest starting with Silent in the Grave.
I am an Amazon Associate. I received this book for free from the Amazon Vine program for review.
I just returned this book to the library unread (for the second time!). I want to read it because it is Deanna Raybourn’s book, but I haven’t yet read a raving review about it.
.-= Marg´s last blog ..Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale =-.
I felt the same way about this one – I liked it but it paled in comparison to Julia Grey.
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..Book Review: The One That I Want – Allison Winn Scotch =-.
I have this on my list but think I might start with the Lady Julia Grey series first.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..My Favorite Reads – Good Omens =-.
I could barely finish it: I kept falling asleep. I did not find the romance passionate or compelling — I frankly was more interested in the heroine’s time in Scotland. It just didn’t work for me, maybe because Julia Grey worked so well. It’s odd, there was more s’mexy in this one but the longing and the waiting in the Grey series was so much more powerful.
I have been wondering about this book, and am glad to have read this review. It sounds like a book that I would really like, and the mystery aspects of the story really intrigue me. I am glad you liked it and I am looking forward to reading it as well!
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..The Miracles of Prato by Laurie Albanese and Laura Morowitz – 400 pgs =-.
Okay, the consensus says Julia Grey — so that’s what I’d start with.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Weekend Cooking: Review and Giveaway of SOS! by Aviva Goldfarb =-.