I actually picked this up because I thought it was set in Cardiff as opposed to Carmel, though both are in California, Cardiff is local to me and I was interested in reading something set locally.It did have some interesting elements. I liked the main character, Fremont Jones, a single woman trying to make her way in the world (set just after the San Francisco earthquake) after she lost everything in said disaster.I liked the Bohemians in Carmel, I liked the mystery, I liked the little bits of other stories incorporated into the work (Fremont is a typist and we get a couple of stories from the pages she's typing)But-- there were things about Fremont I didn't care for, much like Harry Potter, she doesn't like to share information, which of course leads to worse troubles, and I hate that as a character trait when it over used to introduce plot complications.I also couldn't stand her love interest, he was whiny and annoying, and it was made quite clear that he would be a fixture in the other books of the series.And although I enjoyed the added stories, one seemed pointless, the other too provocative and neither of them felt like they were written by someone else. Since the book is in first person, it just felt like Fremont was telling a story in her own words rather than sharing something written by another.I doubt I'll pick up any of the other in the series.
Fremont Jones is growing on me. She has actually matured since the last book. Thank goodness! She is still stubborn and head-strong. I can deal with that. Fremont makes her living by typing for people. So, Ms. Day takes the as an opportunity to entertain us with stories that Fremont is typing. As far as I can tell the stories do not relate to the mystery at all. There were two in this book. One was a short story and the other a novella. They were both good stories, but I am not sure why she wants to do this...unless it is to add more pages to the book. I am not going to tell you what I really liked best about this book because it would be a 'spoiler'. Now, did that entice you to read 'Fremont Jones'? If not, I will reveal all after the next book: 'Emperor Norton's Ghost'.
Do You like book The Bohemian Murders (1998)?
This one I like almost as much as Fire and Fog. For some reason Day is just really able to bring her settings alive for me. This one takes place in Carmel at an artist colony, and Fremont takes a post as tmporary lighthouse keeper at the Point Pinos lighthouse. Naturally a dead body washes up on the shore and she must figure out who dunnit! Also, Michael Archer's acting all crazy and wants to be called Misha--huh??? Totally ridiculous fun. But I pretty much just stop with this one and read the first three over and over again instead of rereading any of the rest of the series. They kinda just go downhill from here.
—Lara
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
—Dharia Scarab
I understand that Fremont's been burned by Justin and is hurt by the implication that the man she fell in love with is "a mistake," but I spent most of the book wanting to shake her and tell her just to hear what Michael had to say. As with the last book, I was disappointed that there just happened to be two criminals in what seemed to be a single case. Nonetheless, the writing was solid, and the characters are quite enjoyable.
—RachelAnne
