Pam B. (PamelaK) reviewed The Masterful Mr. Montague (Casebook of Barnaby Adair, Bk 3) on + 1217 more book reviews
I adore this author; I have read each and every book she has written. But this one left me so blah, I found myself speed-reading through it. The hero & heroine don't hook up until the very end of the book; more time was spent on Barnaby Adair & Inspector Stokes & their wives than the h/h. And Ms. Laurens has gone on a tangent, almost sermonizing about 'finding a balance' in your life, & how children need both parents. It felt really awkward within this story. The whole book felt disjointed; I was disappointed in this one.
Carol S. (waucondacarol) reviewed The Masterful Mr. Montague (Casebook of Barnaby Adair, Bk 3) on + 319 more book reviews
Stephanie Laurens is a great story teller, however, I would rate this more of a mystery than a romance. The cast of suspects in the death of an old lady are her children and grandchildren and after 3 murders and an attempted murder, the investigators are still baffled even after calling their wives in to help gather information on the suspected family. I enjoyed it but it wasn't the Laurens I expected.
Lynne T. (mignon) reviewed The Masterful Mr. Montague (Casebook of Barnaby Adair, Bk 3) on + 256 more book reviews
I think this is my favorite of this whole series including The Cynsters. Mr. Montague has been a co-star for so many stories. I have been wanting to hear his story forever. Then, I was surprised that I also got a better look at the Barnaby and Stokes families. What a bonus...three in one! I liked all of the characters as a team and individually. Recommend!
SoBe -
Finished August 24, 2014
Well, huh. I don't think it's ever taken me this long to finish an SL title before.
From the day it came out til today, that's what, like 3 and a half months? Yeesh!
Before I go any further, I should mention you probably wanna read the first Barnaby Adair book, as the non mystery bits is a sorta continuation from there. And my review bitching assumes you already know who the players are.
So what annoyed me...well honestly, it's that despite this being about 'the Masterful Mr Montague', there's was too much that wasn't about him and his heroine, Violet. As the "Casebook of Barnaby Adair", I knew we'd get some of Barnaby's perspective, and I figured we'd get quite a bit of Stokes, which would've been fine, I figured they'd be around to help solve the case.... but so so so much of the story is from their wives, Penelope and Griselda...who've already had their stories, darn it!
The entire first half of this book, IMO spent too much time on them ( P&G) and their desire to find a balance between being mamas and their "work", (Penelope's a translator and gives lectures, Griselda, a shop keeper, and they both help out with cases)
There just wasn't nearly enough of Montague's heroine. She sorta gets the shaft so that P and G could figure themselves out, which wasn't something I was expecting, or even interested in reading considering it wasn't supposed to be their book!
And to be blunt, IMO we also didn't need the sex scenes ( and there were so many!) with Barnaby and Penelope or Stokes and Griselda. Like I said, they've had their story, this one should've focused on who should've been its main characters, Montague ( his names in the title, dammit!) and Violet.
On a positive note, I did like that both MC's were older. It's been a while, and I have no interest in going back so I don't remember their exact ages, (or if we even got them), but they're not super young...and the older I get the more I appreciate stories about people who are 'past the first blush of youth'.
So yeah, 2 stars. At least if I decide to read the next one, I'll know what to expect!
Well, huh. I don't think it's ever taken me this long to finish an SL title before.
From the day it came out til today, that's what, like 3 and a half months? Yeesh!
Before I go any further, I should mention you probably wanna read the first Barnaby Adair book, as the non mystery bits is a sorta continuation from there. And my review bitching assumes you already know who the players are.
So what annoyed me...well honestly, it's that despite this being about 'the Masterful Mr Montague', there's was too much that wasn't about him and his heroine, Violet. As the "Casebook of Barnaby Adair", I knew we'd get some of Barnaby's perspective, and I figured we'd get quite a bit of Stokes, which would've been fine, I figured they'd be around to help solve the case.... but so so so much of the story is from their wives, Penelope and Griselda...who've already had their stories, darn it!
The entire first half of this book, IMO spent too much time on them ( P&G) and their desire to find a balance between being mamas and their "work", (Penelope's a translator and gives lectures, Griselda, a shop keeper, and they both help out with cases)
There just wasn't nearly enough of Montague's heroine. She sorta gets the shaft so that P and G could figure themselves out, which wasn't something I was expecting, or even interested in reading considering it wasn't supposed to be their book!
And to be blunt, IMO we also didn't need the sex scenes ( and there were so many!) with Barnaby and Penelope or Stokes and Griselda. Like I said, they've had their story, this one should've focused on who should've been its main characters, Montague ( his names in the title, dammit!) and Violet.
On a positive note, I did like that both MC's were older. It's been a while, and I have no interest in going back so I don't remember their exact ages, (or if we even got them), but they're not super young...and the older I get the more I appreciate stories about people who are 'past the first blush of youth'.
So yeah, 2 stars. At least if I decide to read the next one, I'll know what to expect!
Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Series: Casebook of Barnaby Adair (Book 2)
Montague has devoted his life to managing the wealth of Londons elite, but at a huge cost: a family of his own. Then the enticing Miss Violet Matcham seeks his help, and in the puzzle she presents him, he finds an intriguing new challenge professionally . . . and personally.
Violet, devoted lady-companion to the aging Lady Halstead, turns to Montague to reassure her ladyship that her affairs are in order. But the famous Montague is not at all what shed expected -- this man is compelling, decisive, supportive, and strong -- everything Violet needs in a champion, a position to which Montague rapidly lays claim.
But then Lady Halstead is murdered and Violet and Montague, aided by Barnaby Adair, Inspector Stokes, Penelope, and Griselda, race to expose a cunning and cold-blooded killer who stalks closer and closer. Will Montague and Violet learn the shocking truth too late to seize their chance at enduring love?
Good book. This was somewhat different than most of Laurens's previous books. The main characters are those from the working world, not the aristocracy, so there is an entirely different way of looking at things. Montague is a financial adviser, a man who works for a living. Violet is a companion, a woman is well born, but has to make her own way in the world.
I was happy when this book came out, as I was looking forward to Montague having his own story. He has been an important secondary character in previous stories, and I've grown more interested in him with each appearance. At the beginning of this story, he is shown as a bit of a workaholic, as he has no family of his own. He realizes that he's missing something in his life, but hasn't found what it is. Enter Violet, who has come to request his help on behalf of her employer. There's something about her that makes him want to know more.
Violet is surprised that Montague is younger than she expected. His decisive actions upon learning of her employer's concerns impress her, as does his sensitivity to the old lady's fears. And when Lady Halstead is found murdered one morning, Montague is the first person she calls.
Here is where the book begins to veer more towards mystery than romance. Montague sends for Inspector Stokes, also a well known character from previous books. Stokes arrives, accompanied by Barnaby Adair. All agree that it must have something to do with the problems Lady Halstead noticed, and the goal is to find out who and why. Much time is spent on Montague's efforts to trace the financial irregularities. Suspicion falls on her ladyship's children, but they have to be careful how they go about their investigations.
In previous books, Adair's and Stoke's ladies have been involved in the investigations. Even though both are now married and new mothers, they still wish to be involved. It was very interesting to see the way that each of them made their cases to their husbands, and how those husbands were wise enough to see the truth. As is often the case in a SL book, the women play a very important role, by uncovering information that would have never occurred to the men. I really enjoyed the scene where Penelope and Griselda called on the Cynster ladies. It was great to see the support they received from those women, and the seriousness of how they treated the inquiries. It was very satisfying to have the men admit that the women's information was just as important as that discovered by the men. The example of the Adair and Stokes relationships gave Montague a good idea of how to treat Violet.
I loved seeing the relationship that built between Montague and Violet. Montague was very protective of Violet, especially as the danger intensified. I also liked the solid core of respect they had for each other. I loved seeing that Montague believed in Violet's intelligence and integrity enough to keep her informed from the very beginning, and how that helped to save her life. I also enjoyed seeing the confidence that Violet had in his ability to track down who was responsible for the murders. The attraction between them built throughout the story, and both admitted to feeling it. It was a bit disconcerting to have them decide they weren't going to pursue it until after they solved the mystery, as that put the romance definitely on the back burner. However, there was enough to keep my interest in them through the end of the book. I loved seeing them get together at the end and share their hopes and dreams with each other. For being such a numbers guy, I thought Montague turned out to be a pretty sweet and romantic man. I also liked the fact that Violet was a pretty strong person in her own right. She did an excellent job of making sure her own wants and needs were considered.
The mystery was quite good with plenty to keep my mind engaged. I enjoyed seeing the way that Montague and his people worked to follow the money. The murdered woman's family were quite interesting with their attitudes, and were obviously the best suspects for her murder. There were multiple leads and figuring out who it was did not come easily. There was an interesting twist about two-thirds of the way through the book that added another layer to work through. The ending was pretty intense, as Violet managed to walk right into danger. I loved seeing a different side of Montague as he hurried to save her. I enjoyed the "after action" get together with the three couples, and the deepening of the relationship among them.
Montague has devoted his life to managing the wealth of Londons elite, but at a huge cost: a family of his own. Then the enticing Miss Violet Matcham seeks his help, and in the puzzle she presents him, he finds an intriguing new challenge professionally . . . and personally.
Violet, devoted lady-companion to the aging Lady Halstead, turns to Montague to reassure her ladyship that her affairs are in order. But the famous Montague is not at all what shed expected -- this man is compelling, decisive, supportive, and strong -- everything Violet needs in a champion, a position to which Montague rapidly lays claim.
But then Lady Halstead is murdered and Violet and Montague, aided by Barnaby Adair, Inspector Stokes, Penelope, and Griselda, race to expose a cunning and cold-blooded killer who stalks closer and closer. Will Montague and Violet learn the shocking truth too late to seize their chance at enduring love?
Good book. This was somewhat different than most of Laurens's previous books. The main characters are those from the working world, not the aristocracy, so there is an entirely different way of looking at things. Montague is a financial adviser, a man who works for a living. Violet is a companion, a woman is well born, but has to make her own way in the world.
I was happy when this book came out, as I was looking forward to Montague having his own story. He has been an important secondary character in previous stories, and I've grown more interested in him with each appearance. At the beginning of this story, he is shown as a bit of a workaholic, as he has no family of his own. He realizes that he's missing something in his life, but hasn't found what it is. Enter Violet, who has come to request his help on behalf of her employer. There's something about her that makes him want to know more.
Violet is surprised that Montague is younger than she expected. His decisive actions upon learning of her employer's concerns impress her, as does his sensitivity to the old lady's fears. And when Lady Halstead is found murdered one morning, Montague is the first person she calls.
Here is where the book begins to veer more towards mystery than romance. Montague sends for Inspector Stokes, also a well known character from previous books. Stokes arrives, accompanied by Barnaby Adair. All agree that it must have something to do with the problems Lady Halstead noticed, and the goal is to find out who and why. Much time is spent on Montague's efforts to trace the financial irregularities. Suspicion falls on her ladyship's children, but they have to be careful how they go about their investigations.
In previous books, Adair's and Stoke's ladies have been involved in the investigations. Even though both are now married and new mothers, they still wish to be involved. It was very interesting to see the way that each of them made their cases to their husbands, and how those husbands were wise enough to see the truth. As is often the case in a SL book, the women play a very important role, by uncovering information that would have never occurred to the men. I really enjoyed the scene where Penelope and Griselda called on the Cynster ladies. It was great to see the support they received from those women, and the seriousness of how they treated the inquiries. It was very satisfying to have the men admit that the women's information was just as important as that discovered by the men. The example of the Adair and Stokes relationships gave Montague a good idea of how to treat Violet.
I loved seeing the relationship that built between Montague and Violet. Montague was very protective of Violet, especially as the danger intensified. I also liked the solid core of respect they had for each other. I loved seeing that Montague believed in Violet's intelligence and integrity enough to keep her informed from the very beginning, and how that helped to save her life. I also enjoyed seeing the confidence that Violet had in his ability to track down who was responsible for the murders. The attraction between them built throughout the story, and both admitted to feeling it. It was a bit disconcerting to have them decide they weren't going to pursue it until after they solved the mystery, as that put the romance definitely on the back burner. However, there was enough to keep my interest in them through the end of the book. I loved seeing them get together at the end and share their hopes and dreams with each other. For being such a numbers guy, I thought Montague turned out to be a pretty sweet and romantic man. I also liked the fact that Violet was a pretty strong person in her own right. She did an excellent job of making sure her own wants and needs were considered.
The mystery was quite good with plenty to keep my mind engaged. I enjoyed seeing the way that Montague and his people worked to follow the money. The murdered woman's family were quite interesting with their attitudes, and were obviously the best suspects for her murder. There were multiple leads and figuring out who it was did not come easily. There was an interesting twist about two-thirds of the way through the book that added another layer to work through. The ending was pretty intense, as Violet managed to walk right into danger. I loved seeing a different side of Montague as he hurried to save her. I enjoyed the "after action" get together with the three couples, and the deepening of the relationship among them.
jjares reviewed The Masterful Mr. Montague (Casebook of Barnaby Adair, Bk 3) on + 3413 more book reviews
This is my first book by Stephanie Laurens and frankly I expect it to be my last. If this story goes any slower it will be traveling backward. This is awful; the conversations are repetitive and mind-numbingly trite. I can't believe that Scotland Yard allows wives to participate in murder investigations.
Penelope, an engaging figure, goes on-and-on about participating in investigations as part of her future. Frankly, I couldn't care one way or the other, yet she has monologues and dialogues about how important it is.
I happen to have 'read' this via a talking book from the library. Boy, am I glad I didn't buy this book. The reader did absolutely nothing for the book; his reading was as overblown as the story itself. I've been seeing this author's name for years and am shocked that the book is this bad.
The plot is interesting enough; an elderly Lady Halstead is anticipating the end of her life and asks her man-of-business to go over her portfolio. She says there is a problem with her bank account -- it has too much money in it. First, I consider this a fairly modest problem. But when she mentions this 'problem,' she has to be murdered. OK; but this just starts the bodies falling.
I put down the exceedingly flowery prose to the era it was written about -- the Victorians. But the Halstead children are so unlikable, it is painful to read about them. The story is supposed to be about the growing relationship between Montague and Violet, but they are small potatoes in this turgid story.
After due consideration, I think this story is worthy of one star -- or less.
Casebook of Barnaby Adair
1. Where the Heart Leads (2008)
1.5. The Peculiar Case of Lord Finsbury's Diamonds (2014)
2. The Masterful Mr Montague (2014)
Penelope, an engaging figure, goes on-and-on about participating in investigations as part of her future. Frankly, I couldn't care one way or the other, yet she has monologues and dialogues about how important it is.
I happen to have 'read' this via a talking book from the library. Boy, am I glad I didn't buy this book. The reader did absolutely nothing for the book; his reading was as overblown as the story itself. I've been seeing this author's name for years and am shocked that the book is this bad.
The plot is interesting enough; an elderly Lady Halstead is anticipating the end of her life and asks her man-of-business to go over her portfolio. She says there is a problem with her bank account -- it has too much money in it. First, I consider this a fairly modest problem. But when she mentions this 'problem,' she has to be murdered. OK; but this just starts the bodies falling.
I put down the exceedingly flowery prose to the era it was written about -- the Victorians. But the Halstead children are so unlikable, it is painful to read about them. The story is supposed to be about the growing relationship between Montague and Violet, but they are small potatoes in this turgid story.
After due consideration, I think this story is worthy of one star -- or less.
Casebook of Barnaby Adair
1. Where the Heart Leads (2008)
1.5. The Peculiar Case of Lord Finsbury's Diamonds (2014)
2. The Masterful Mr Montague (2014)
Betty R. reviewed The Masterful Mr. Montague (Casebook of Barnaby Adair, Bk 3) on + 4 more book reviews
I like when minor characters get their own stories. Finally the Man of Affairs got his story. Glad I was able to get this book.
