This is a story that follows our main character Clara as she tries to discover the truth behind a murder that she is suspected of committing, I really didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did as i found the first 20% to be slightly flat, but I could also see this to be important to explain the story and motivations for each character, as soon as I got to around 30% it’s like we suddenly switched gears and I really started getting into the plot. I really loved the found family feel that we got from our characters and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. The idea of certain people having “Functions” which enhanced certain abilities really interested me but it wasn’t that clear to at first until we got to a few more peoples abilities. Overall I found the story to be super interesting and the interactions between everyone was really funny and the banter that Clara had with her little gang of misfits made me smile, this book was definitely a pleasant surprise for me! Thankyou Netgalley for an arc of this book :)

The Victorian era is one of my favourites to read about in terms of historical fiction, and from the description, I thought this book sounded interesting.

This was an entertaining read. The narrator struck me as not particularly kind or caring, but funny, confident and sassy. Even if she didn't seem particularly likeable, she had a strong personality that I appreciated.

The author wrote with a sort of simplicity that I liked, bringing to life both the setting and the characters within it, without over-embellishing. Maybe this was partly due to the personality of the narrator, telling the reader what they needed to know, and nothing more.

I did find this quite humorous in places, and it was quite light, easy reading. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

I really enjoyed this! Read it on a plane (two sittings) and it was a perfect in-flight book. The pacing was quick, the banter was witty, and I enjoyed the premise.

As other reviewers have noted, it's not particularly deep or complex, but if you go in looking for a fun, goofy, anti-hero story, I think it stands up. Will recommend.

The description of the book seemed interesting, so I wanted to check the story out. Unfortunately, I have since lost my initial interest in the story. I may try and find a physical copy to add the my library when it is released, though, because I think my readers could like it!

Thank you to BHC Press for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed the premise of this story but I found it very fast paced. To fast paced to really connect to any of the character’s properly or have any emotional stake in what was happening.

The magic system (functions) was never really properly hashed out or explained. I would have loved more info about functions and how they came to be and what their purpose is. Most of the ones we hear about seem to just be random talents that push the plot along. The main character even says something like “I don’t know exactly how this works, but it’s best with functions not to think about it too much”. like what? I want to know how they work!

I did enjoy the banter between Clara and Morgan though. I chuckled several times. That was a highlight of the book. The relationships between the main character group are solid. I enjoyed whenever they were all together and the friendly teasing that ensued.


Overall I did enjoy the book, I just felt it was a little rushed and didn’t quite hit the mark with Clara. She makes a point the whole book of saying what a heartless mean person she is and she’s self absorbed but I don’t feel it coming from her actions.

As a side note, LOVED Victor!

I found this to be a super cute story. The witty banter between Miss Taks and Morgan (the assassin) made me giggle out loud. A quick and fun read that has supernatural elements.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this but unfortunately I will not be finishing this one. I was intrigued by the premise of this story but it felt a little flat to me and I didn't see much in the way of world or character building.

I wanted to love this story! The cover is awesome!

I found the story to be all over the place! The building of the characters fell flat for me! I feel you didn't get to know them to be able to enjoy the story!

I hope this gets a revamp before published!

Thabks NetGalley for letting me read and review

'This story wanted to do so much more than it could deliver. I found it quite messy, the characters felt a bit flat and the story was too fast-paced. You didn’t get to know the characters you were supposed to like.

Also did not get the magic system, that could be explained a bit better to help the readers understand the setting better. I think its totally achievable since this book isn’t published until June 2024 so I wish Murphy and her literary team all the best!