Location: United States
Member Since:
Dec. 29, 2012
Lydia Gastrell
Where to find Lydia Gastrell online
Facebook: Facebook profile
Lydia Gastrell's favorite authors on Smashwords
Brett Eastonfield
Latest book:
The Quantum Hypostasis - San Francisco 1938.
Published July 31, 2020. (5.00 from 3 reviews)
Published July 31, 2020. (5.00 from 3 reviews)
Smashwords book reviews by Lydia Gastrell
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Mortal Hobby
on Dec. 31, 2012
Although very short, this was a truly disturbing inside look into the mind of a sadistic serial killer. I could certainly see this being expanding into a full length crime drama. Perhaps the police POV taking turns with the killer POV.
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A Merchant Of Virtue - Book One Of The Real Victorians
on Jan. 20, 2013
Good historical fiction is difficult to find, but I think I've found a gem here. Historical fiction (especially romance) is usually either so stilted and stuffy that you feel like the author is making fun of the past, or the writing is totally anachronistic and out of place. Having read "My Secret Life", "Romance of Lust" and other actual contemporary Victorian works in this genre, I think the writing and dialogue are near perfect to the period. The terminology is period correct as are the...unfortunately...societal attitudes. Bawdy, but clever; suggestive, but blunt. Lot's of fun, when the author isn't tormenting your precious characters and making you weep for them! I will try not to make spoilers here, but the story is a wonderfully complex piece of intrigue that will leave you dying to see the outcome. Note, however, that the pace and writing style are for those who like to think and savor a story slowly. This is not some cheap bodice-ripper written at a 9th grade reading level. Enjoy =)
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Discovering You
on April 14, 2013
A good love story and and intriguing suspense. There are many, MANY, historical inaccuracies that will mean nothing if that sort of thing doesn't concern you. If it does, however, you'll be driven nearly crazy. The doctor using antibiotic cream, despite it not having yet been invented; party goers dancing the waltz when it too has yet to be invented; that sort of thing. Also, there is a lot of unnecessary transition stuff. You know what I mean, two pages of describing getting in and out of a carriage and the bland niceties between servants.
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The Earl's Inconvenient Wife
on April 29, 2013
Wonderful and full of genuine suspense. I was always holding my breath for something truly horrible to happen! I highly recommend it. And I do hope Lord Clement gets his own story, because he's just too lovable. =)
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Midnight Marriage
on May 01, 2013
Magnificent! It's been a while since I read something that actually had a surprising plot line. This truly had me in constant suspense. The writing is very well done and the historical accuracy is impressive. Even the "good" characters demonstrate a shocking level of class-snobbery, which is perfect! They should. It is the the mid 18th century, after all. I do not exaggerate when I say that this is on par with Dangerous Liaisons, though there is no sex (only alluded to). Wonderful book!