| Title | : | Down the Rabbit Hole (In Death, #41.5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 426 |
| Publication | : | First published September 29, 2015 |
You’re late for a very important date...
Enter a wonderland of mesmerizing tales. It’s a place that’s neither here nor there, where things are never quite as they seem. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s whimsical masterpiece, ranging from the impossible to the mad to the curiouser, these stories will have you absolutely off your head.
Don’t be afraid to follow them…
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
Down the Rabbit Hole (In Death, #41.5) Reviews
-
I only read
Wonderment in Death.
This is a clever but sinister play on the classic children's story, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. I've always felt that story was really an adult fable and Robb's version definitely falls in that category.
What works about this story is how quickly we become connected to the victims and the rapidly developed investigation. What initially looked like a murder-suicide was later determined to be something other because of the determination of the friends and family of the victims who were lucky to get Eve Dallas assigned to the case and convinced her to take a deeper look.
The connections to Alice abounded, which I enjoyed. These stories are way too short but the hints of the paranormal always help to make them more interesting. -
Wonderment in Death by JD Robb--4 stars
It's Eve and Roarke. You need it. Need it now. lol I love everything about this series and getting a tasty little treat with a side of woo-woo is always a delight. It's a quick little murder mystery as Eve and the team are called to a murder/suicide that may have had some outside influences and is riddled full of Alice in Wonderlandish connections. It was a good time. Classic Robb. Humor, friendships, a little romance and loving and a curious mystery that kept the pages turning.
Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney--3 stars
A jaunt through time to save them all!!! Okay, really just to set two hearts free and give them a chance at love. lol This is part of a series it looks like but was still a fun one on it's own as two are sent back in time and Alice and Weston take their place in near present day London (2005), have their views on life rocked and return to their own time with opened eyes and hearts. They'd loved but lost due to a scandal and her worries it would taint him. That she wasn't good enough. But both still loved and yearned for each other. I liked these two. They had that sadly sweet feel of wanting each other but not thinking it was possible--her because of her parents scandalous divorce and him because of inheriting a nearly bankrupt earldom. I liked seeing them together and realzing none of that mattered. You just had to go with the time travel and put down any real need for explanation but that was fine. Even they talked about that. While there's tension between them there's little to no heat. I enjoyed it. I wasn't blown away but it was a nice read overall. I'd be up for checking out the series.
ILove by Elaine Fox--1 star
ILove didn't work for me on pretty much any level. Basically the heroine spur of the moment dumps her boyfriend without explanation at breakfast and walks away from him because she thinks he spends too much time on his phone instead of focusing entirely on her. And as she walks away he gets sucked into that phone into a crazy world to be rebooted. He can only get out if he finds love via the ILove app available to him.
I didn't care for the heroine at all. Or really any of the storyline. It came off as a preachy anti-technology PSA to live in the moment and get off technology which is fine but then everything was so wishy washy. She was upset he didn't call her after she dumped him, she'd tell her friends and they'd act like she was crazy because he was a good guy then next page they were telling her he just didn't love her, he was always on his phone but examples were waiting for an important work message or looking up something that they'd talked about (like if you're talking and go I wonder what...and he looked it up) or her taking him to a baby shower and him checking out his messages. It just didn't work for me. Had it been a more positive thing maybe I could have gotten into it but it seemed like the entire thing was about the hero learning how horrible a person he was and then the heroine finally realizing she was a horrible person too and things magically being fixed between them because they'd rather be together. It made me a bit grouchy and I was glad it was only a handful of chapters.
A True Heart by Mary Kay McComas-- 2.5 stars
Whew! Now, True Heart, definitely had me feeling like I had actually fallen down a rabbit hole. A mix of A Christmas Carol and Alice in Wonderland as Elsie visits with a friend costume shopping and slips into another world with a guide intent on showing her the troubles with her life one costume change at a time.
I spent a lot of the time feeling all swoopy and admittedly fairly confused on what was happening. So definitely got me on the theme for sure. Overall it was an okay read even with being all swirly. Elise and her guide wander through the shop trying on costumes that are supposed to help her with her life discoveries and watching flashbacks to conversations she's had or friends talking about her. A little cliche at the end but personal growth and a couple smiles along the way.
Fallen by RC Ryan--4 stars
Sexy highlanders. I just. Are more words needed? lol I loved Fallen. It was curious, sexy, fun and had a little danger added to the mix. It was a very quick read and one I didn't want to put down as Bethany travels to Scotland to broker a land sale and while making her way to the castle she falls, knocks her head and is transported into the past and the life of Laird Colin who is living under a curse and with two evil stepsiblings out to do him harm.
They were both lovely characters that suited each other and fit nicely. The world was magical and all of the characters (sans Bethany) waffled in and out of human and animal forms which was kind of fun. Things move quick, there's a little heat and a spot of evil lingering in the backgrounds. I was all set to be highly ticked with how things were ending but Ryan pulled off what could easily have been either cliche or a huge OMG NO YOU DIDN'T move and instead left me smiling and wishing there was more from this little world. Nicely done!
~~~~~~~~~
Escaping into a book for a while. Love JD Robb and totally needing a dose of her.
Reviewing for
herding cats & burning soup. -
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin:
http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2015/09...
“Wonderment in Death” (In Death, Book 41.5) by J.D. Robb
At first glance, the deaths of Marcus and Darlene Fitzwilliams is an open-and-shut case of murder/suicide. But when Eve Dallas takes on the case as a favor to a friend, the very down-to-earth lieutenant finds herself navigating a world of spirits, mediums, and poisonous tea parties to hunt down a killer who has twisted Lewis Carroll’s classic for his own deadly purposes.
J.D. Robb has blended Alice in Wonderland with the In Death-verse in a most wonderfully imaginative way. “Wonderment in Death” is a fast-moving hunt for a mad killer who targets his grief-stricken prey both for profit and pleasure. It is fascinating to see Eve navigate a case that’s riddled with Alice in Wonderland allusions. It’s completely at odds with her character, but she handles it like a pro (with the help of Roarke, Peabody, Louise, and others, of course). The story itself is twisted, yet highly entertaining, and I loved that even in novella format, Ms. Robb seamlessly weaves in Eve’s personal connections. There’s a lot to love about “Wonderment in Death.” Fans of the In Death series are in for a real treat!
“Alice and the Earl in Wonderland” by Mary Blayney
The new Earl of Weston is desperate to save his estate, but more importantly, he wants to win the hand of Miss Alice Kemp. Fortunately for him, a magical coin sends Weston and Alice tumbling through time to the wonderland that is 2005 London. If Weston plays his cards right, he’ll find the answers that can save both his estate and his love life.
“Alice and the Earl in Wonderland” is a sweet story of two lovers who get a new outlook on life when they time travel two hundred years into the future. Author Mary Blayney makes the romance work by showing the already solid connection between Weston and Alice. Love isn’t their problem – society’s strict rules are. Alice’s parents are divorced, which is scandalous in 1805, and she doesn’t wish to have Weston ostracized by his association with her. Both she and Weston learn a lot as they visit the twenty-first century, their newfound knowledge helping them solve their problems. I liked “Alice and the Earl in Wonderland,” but I wish I could have connected to the characters better. Most of the story is watching Weston and Alice marvel at life in 2005, which doesn’t leave much room for character development. Still, I look forward to reading “Amy and the Earl’s Amazing Adventure” (in the Dead of Night anthology) so I can see what happened to the characters who switched places with Weston and Alice during their time travel adventure.
“iLove” by Elaine Fox
Macy is in love with her boyfriend, Jeremy, but she believes he’s more in love with his phone than with her. She finally hits her limit and dumps him, but before he can go after her, Jeremy finds himself sucked into his phone, where he must win back Macy’s love through a dating app if he hopes to find a way out into the real world again.
“iLove” was an interesting, incredibly relevant story that emphasizes the importance of human connection. People are attached to their smartphones more and more, and I loved how Elaine Fox took that on in her story. Jeremy is a genuinely good guy, but he isn’t the best of boyfriends, more absorbed in his phone than in the woman he is dating – it’s easy to see why Macy is frustrated with him. There’s a slight Alice in Wonderland connection in this one, but mostly “iLove” is a story of second chances and the power of human contact. It’s interesting, unique, and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Fox’s work.
“A True Heart” by Mary Kay McComas
Costume shopping goes incredibly wrong – or right, depending on your point of view – for Elise when a supernatural being takes her on a doozy of a tour through her life. “A True Heart” is a fast-paced, intriguing story that perhaps owes more to A Christmas Carol than Alice in Wonderland. Elise has been badly hurt in the past, and because of this she’s formed a hard shell around her heart. Because author Mary Kay McComas shows how deeply vulnerable Elise is, she’s a very likeable, interesting, flawed heroine. When her supernatural guide takes her through various changes and scenes from her life, Elise begins to get a clearer picture of herself and how the walls she’s built have affected not only her life, but the lives of those around her. There’s a bittersweet quality to most of “A True Heart,” but I found it touching. There’s heartbreak, healing, and promise in this tale and though it can be a bit bizarre in parts, this works for the story overall. “A True Heart” is has a lot of emotion packed into one novella, and I finished the story a well-satisfied reader.
“Fallen” by R.C. Ryan
Softhearted Beth Campbell is determined to win her aunt’s approval and a place in her newly-merged company by convincing a Scottish recluse to sell his land to her client. But when she hits her head while en-route to the Highlands, Beth finds herself in a world of magic and intrigue…and falling for a sexy Highland warrior.
“Fallen” is a fairytale for adults that is sure to charm readers. I adored Beth and Colin and was easily swept away by the magic R.C. Ryan weaves into this lovely romance. Beth is out of sorts when she finds herself in eighteenth century Scotland, at the home of a laird who tempts her like no other man has before. Her attraction to Colin Gordon is instant, but there’s something deeply wrong with his home. People are flashing in and out of animal form, there’s a plot to kill Colin that Beth must thwart, and her grandmother’s legend of the Beast of the Highlands seems to be unfolding before her very eyes. There’s so much to unpack and enjoy about “Fallen” that I wish the story were longer. Beth and Colin’s romance is both sensual and sweet, but it’s also a bit rushed and the ending felt hurried. I wish I could have learned more about the curse upon Colin and it would have been great if we could have explored the magical side of the story further as well. Still, as it stands “Fallen” is an excellent story I thoroughly enjoyed.
Down the Rabbit Hole contains a wide range of tales, so there’s something for everyone. Aside from “Wonderment in Death,” the Alice in Wonderland connections in the anthology are tenuous at best. This is a pity, because Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale is rife with fantastical elements that would have been fun to see played up more. In Death fans will want Down the Rabbit Hole for “Wonderment in Death” alone, and the story is definitely worth it. But whether or not you’re a J.D. Robb fan, the anthology as a whole is unique and well worth the read.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. -
All these stories are loosely inspired by Alice and Wonderland so as a fan of Carroll’s original work, I was excited to read these collection of short stories.
This anthology has stories from several different genres. I’ve been on a Romantic Suspense kick so Robb’s story was the perfect read to fit my mood. I love these collections between these authors because while each theme is different whenever a new book is released, the stories are always entertaining as the authors do their take on the classic fairy tale.
When a murder/suicide occurs between a close brother and sister, Eve is on the case, trying to figure out who really is behind this mysterious occurrence. Naturally, this was my favorite of the collection because reading about Eve and Roarke just make me very happy. I don’t know why but I feel like I can read about them doing absolutely nothing and still find it enjoyable. Robb takes on a more sinister approach to this story, but I think it matches the theme very well.
Next to Robb’s story, I really enjoyed Mary Blayney’s contribution. I don’t normally go out and read her books so it’s nice to have a chance to discover her writing through this anthology. I thought the way she incorporated the Alice and Wonderland theme made for a very unique read. -
I've been thinking of reading
Down the Rabbit Hole for about a year. I was only interested in it for the In Death short story penned by JD Robb, but felt like only rating and reviewing the book based on one single story (out of 5) would be cheating.
As expected, the murder-mystery featuring Eve and Roarke from the In Death series was interesting enough, not too short, and also not too long to make all the the Alice-in-Wonderland references become tedious. Oh and I totally dig the mad hatter as the villain. So Wonderment in Death gets 3/5 stars
Next we get to follow a pair of reluctant star-crossed couple from the regency era, as they traipse around in present-time London. While the idea of the story was not bad, I kept getting hung up on every little detail that was meant to flesh out the characters. I was initially prepared to wishy-washily award it yet another 3 stars, but then one of the characters had to ruin it all by proclaiming Starbucks as the best thing present time London could offer the time travellers... Just. What. The. Hell?! 2/5 stars for Alice and the Earl.
The third story felt sort of... uncomfortable to me. As much as I like to tell myself, that I am not glued to my smartphone 24/7, I do find myself checking it quite often. The story follows a guy who gets sucked into an alternate reality, for neglecting his girlfriend for his device. Though, the general idea of it felt ridiculous, I somehow couldn't really justify giving it a dismal score. Guilt, I guess.
3/5 stars for iLove.
... and I just couldn't stomach going through the last two stories. -
Rated 3.5 - Five authors play with an ALICE IN WONDERLAND theme in this widely diverse anthology of novellas.
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE kicks off with WONDERMENT IN DEATH by J. D. Robb, book 41.5 in her IN DEATH series. I haven’t read an IN DEATH book in several years but it didn’t take me long to reconnect with Eve and Roarke. I love the way they feed off one another with a sense of playfulness that only comes from couples who know each other well. I enjoy that comfortable feeling you only get when the main characters stay the same in a series.
The suspense built on the ALICE IN WONDERLAND’s quirky scenarios in WONDERMENT IN DEATH was very intriguing with a Mad Hatter eccentricity that’s fun. Those who haven’t read this series prior to this novella will recognize the appeal of this couple without feeling completely lost in not knowing their history. There were a few references that I questioned that fans of the IN DEATH series might understand, but it wasn’t anything that ruined the story for me.
I especially enjoyed Peabody’s reaction to Eve’s driving skills, or lack of, depending on whether you’re Eve or her passengers. This scene was the perfect example of a well-crafted passage where the reader gets an excellent sense of each character’s temperament that’s really amusing.
J.D. Robb’s writing style is a shorthand of sorts, with abbreviated thoughts from her characters that’s not as common in romantic fiction, but it works with her style of fast-paced suspense. WONDERMENT IN DEATH’s excitement kept me glued, plus the quirky and likeable characters made me laugh, creating an enjoyable novella I’ll remember.
ALICE AND THE EARL IN WONDERLAND by Mary Blayney introduces us to Bennet William George Haven West, the third Earl Weston, whose inheritance is on the verge of bankruptcy if he doesn’t do something quickly.
Alice Kemp finds herself next to Weston when they’ve apparently time-traveled into the future. Her first appalled thought is launched at the blue pantaloons she finds herself in, exposing the shape of her legs in a most inappropriate manner. A Mr. Arbuckle explains that their time travel from 1805 to 2005 was made possible by a magic coin.
As they explore this new unfamiliar world, Weston can’t help but think that some idea can be carried back to his time to solve his inheritance’s predicted failure. If he can only convince Alice to marry him, too.
I haven’t read many time-travels into the future so this story entertained me with the characters’ reaction to the modern world. ALICE AND THE EARL IN WONDERLAND is a cute story with a clever twist at the end.
ILOVE by Elaine Fox and A TRUE HEART by Mary Kay McComas didn’t intrigue me as much as the first two novellas. I didn’t feel connected to the characters and I couldn’t pinpoint exactly why I was having issues, other than the style and subject matter wasn’t working for me. I was expecting deeper characterization but the emphasis seemed fixated on the weirdness. I couldn’t stay focused, feeling jumbled myself, which made it difficult to finish each story.
FALLEN by R. C. Ryan takes us to the highlands of Scotland when Beth Campbell from New York is expected to close a property deal in order to keep her job. When her car breaks down and Beth falls into a hole, she’s rescued by the man she is supposed to convince to sell his property to her firm. But something isn’t right with the lodge where she lands. The place where she was supposed to go now seems barbaric and of another time, mixed up with groundogs, kittens and rabbits that talk. The humor is immediately felt when Beth Campbell lands on opposing clan Colin Gordan’s land. When Beth overhears a sinister plot against Colin and decides to warn him, will it prove she’s not the threat they suspect?
An entertaining story, FALLEN seemed to be the novella that most closely resembled what I expected from a book titled DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE. It was quirky and kept me wondering why all these people kept turning into animals. The animals cleverly matched each human’s personality and made me laugh. Did the knock on Beth’s head mess up her mind, or did she really land in another time zone? Not such a bad thing to happen when there’s a hunky highlander to rescue you. I most enjoyed the historical aspects of FALLEN in this pseudo time travel. R. C. Ryan painted a realistic historical picture with her words, with just enough oddball shenanigans to keep me entertained. I’ll be looking for more of her books, especially historical-fantasy mixed, in the future.
In conclusion, DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE seemed like a stimulating concept and an entertaining way to explore some new-to-me authors, but I didn’t grasp some of the stories as strongly as I had hoped. The ALICE IN WONDERLAND idea intrigued me, which drew me to this anthology, but unfortunately it didn’t fully meet my expectations. I’m not convinced that these novellas should have been published together because they’re not cohesive in their execution, style or length, so it seems unfair to compare them in a review. Since I’m a fan of anthologies with stories that flow into each other with themes or time periods that meld well, I got distracted and couldn’t settle in for a cover-to-cover read. All the authors show promise, but I think the eclectic sub-genre mixture didn’t mesh with my preferences.
An intriguing concept, DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE introduces readers to five interpretations which are widely varied and are sure to hit a couple of each reader’s preference with such a diverse collection.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of
Romance Junkies and
The Zest Quest. Print ARC provided by the publisher. -
A fairly good read - I'm not a fan of novellas nor paranormal, but this novella wasn't bad - I only read "Wonderment In Death" part.
Reminesces of "Rapture in Death" to an extent - the mind control part. If you are an "In Death" fan then for sure include this on your reading list (it's worth one read), if not, then not all is lost. -
I saw the theme for this anthology and was enchanted by the idea of five stories with an Alice in Wonderland thematic element. At the time I picked it up, all the authors were new to me reads which was another big bonus because I love trying new authors. I finally took the opportunity to pull this one down from the shelf to work on a few of my reading challenges. Like most anthologies, it was definitely a mixed bag, but there were a couple clear winners.
Down the Rabbit Hole sports five novellas from five different authors. As such, I usually do a mini review of my thoughts and impressions on each which I will do.
Wonderment in Death by JD Robb
#41.5 In Death
Part of a series, but worked fine standalone. Homicide detective Eve Dallas is called in when an apparent murder-suicide doesn't add up to the close friends and family of the victim. Of course, her suave and sexy Irish husband Roarke and the usual team were involved in the case. Since, I first picked up this antho, I have enjoyed a few of the early books in this series so I was tickled to be back in Eve's world that now consists of Mad Hatter, tea party, and a whole lot of smoke and mirrors.
Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney
Based on the author's note this one is a sequel to another novella set in the same time travel world where Weston was a minor character and now gets his story. The other novella had time travelers who knew they were going to time travel while this pair got a twisted chance at romance after getting flung into the future which opens their eyes about their hang-ups on being together before things are righted. I liked it and would definitely like to read the first book that was Simon and Amy's story.
iLove by Elaine Fox
Now, this one was a bit of something different for me and reminded me vaguely of a few of the older movies when a person gets sucked into a virtual reality game or computer program type story. A guy gets dumped by his girlfriend for spending too much time on his phone instead of paying attention to her and ends up inside her phone as an app and can only get out if he finds love. Its creative and very much in tune with the fairytale vibe If not the Wonderland one. I liked that part, but the trouble for me was that I didn't feel he deserve being dumped and I didn't really care for the heroine. So yeah, the romance and its conflict didn't work for me that much.
A True Heart by Mary Kay McComas
A standalone magical masquerade adventure to help a woman see and understand she has a problem and what it is before she ends up empty and alone ala A Christmas Carol rather than a trip to Wonderland (at least to me). I found aspects fun, particularly some of the wryness in Elise's guides into her life education tour, but Elise herself was a so-so heroine for me. I am curious to read some more of this author's work.
Fallen by Ruth Ryan Langan
Well, this standalone offered me up a new author to pursue. I had a good time with this magical Highlander romantic adventure. The heroine, Beth, has to figure out who she wants to be. Her cold, calculating aunt who has been her guardian wants her to talk a man to sign over sale of his lands so a developer can move in, but Beth has an accident and the business trip is no longer cut and dry as she enters a land back in time where people turn into beasts and it all feels like a fairytale. But is it?
So, a nice variety of tales from a murder to a cursed Highlander. There was something in all of them to enjoy. This is actually this groups second themed anthology they've all done together surrounding a fairytale and the first was Mirror, Mirror. I understand there was even another one. I will not hesitate to snag either.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. -
Wonderment in Death by J. D. Robb ♥♥♥♥♥
Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney ♥♥♥♥
iLove by Elaine Fox ♥♥
A True Heart by Mary Kay McComas ♥♥♥
Fallen by R. C. Ryan ♥♥♥♥♥ -
Review will be posted at
www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
“Curiouser and curiouser!” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
“We're all mad here.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Wonderment in Death by J. D. Robb:Get ready for it. This was my first J.D. Robb read (waiting for the GASPS). I thoroughly enjoyed this story. While the who done it storyline was easy to know who done it, the why behind it was a tad bit mad. If you are a J.D. Robb fan you will love this book. Now I need to find the time to catch up on what 40 books before this one?
Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney: This was a cute story. Again, I have never read anything by Ms. Blayney. I am very intrigued by the world of Time Travel that she has created. I really enjoyed Weston and Alice’s story. I will be checking out Ms. Blayney’s other stories in this series.
iLove by Elaine Fox: Loved this story!!! Jeremy and Claire are great. And they face an issue that most people have to deal with now. Technology!!! I really enjoyed this story a lot.
A True Heart by Mary Kay McComas: I am on the fence about this one. I was a bit confused about the story and how it fit with the theme of the anthology. Not that it was not a good story. It just didn’t feel very Wonderland-y to me.
Fallen by R. C. Ryan: Loved this story. I am a sucker for a Highlander love story. Colin and Beth are great together. I want to know more about how their life turns out. Which leads me to my only issue with this story. The main reason that Beth is in Scotland. I would have liked her to address that.
If you are looking for a fun read and the possibility of finding a new author or two. And you are willing to go on a journey that might just leave you mad. I would say you need to grab a copy of Down the Rabbit Hole and see what wonders away you.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAWin exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review. -
I only picked this from my library for the JD Robb story. I keep reading the series because I want to follow Roarke and Eve's love story. I am completely over the mystery aspect (they've really gone over the top). I think the best books in the series are possibly 1-8. The rest of the books in the series have some great moments, but overall, eh. This latest (that I've read) is okay. It was kind of silly, the whole Alice in Wonderland theme. What ever happened to just straight up murders? Who would've thought I would be missing a good old gun to the head? Or maybe a knife to the heart? Without all the extra fluff. I can't say I would read this story again, but if I ever find the book at a yard sale, I will probably buy it because I will want the whole series. At some point, the series will end, and I think when that happens, it will be amazing (the story I mean, not the series ending). I've read several fan fiction stories and I would NOT be disappointed if some of those story ideas came real for Eve and Roarke.
P.S. I would LOVE to have a separate series of books totally dedicated to Charles and then to Louise (now wife). I am so in love with Charles and have been from the beginning. He's just too cute! Personality wise, charm wise, heart wise, and of course physically. -
I look forward to these books as a fun peek at my favorite In Death characters and the other stories tend to feel like a bonus. It's interesting to see how each author incorporates the theme of the compilation. Being a complete sucker for all things Wonderland-esque, I was looking forward to this read.
It was a good brain-cleaner book after a rather exhausting day but I do think it ranks as my least favorite compilation so far; at least on the part of J.D. Robb. The punch of the story was lacking for me. Robb has gone paranormal much more successfully in compilation pieces prior to this one, such as in Possession and Haunted . I just wasn't as hooked by the blend of Mad Hatter madness and paranormal elements as I hoped to be. It seemed more call-in than something Robb put any real effort into fleshing out.
I'd rank Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney the highest in this collection. Romance novels/authors aren't really my wheelhouse so I'm not sure if the ranking would translate for someone who loves romance. For me, however, Blayney showed some interesting style in her contribution. -
In the anthology Down the Rabbit Hole, we are presented with five short stories circling around an Alice in Wonderland theme. How fun, right? Especially considering that this year marks the 150th anniversary of the debut of Lewis Carroll’s masterpiece. What better time for authors J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, and R.C. Ryan to enter that slightly mad world and bring pieces of it forward into their entertaining tales.
Read More -
Any time with Eve, Roarke and the gang is well spent.
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Go through the looking glass as these five authors deliver stories inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Wonderment In Death by J.D. Robb (In Death Series Book 41.5)
Lt. Eve Dallas finds that an open -&-shut case is not just that. Called in to an apparent murder-suicide, Eve must figure out who twisted the Lewis Carroll classic for their own murderous gains.
Author JD Robb delivers another stellar story in her acclaimed In Death series with a twist on the Alice in Wonderland theme. Filled with some of our favorite characters from the series, we get a wild ride as we tag along with Eve, Roark and their friends as they race to solve the murder that at first seems so cut and dry. But as the reader finds out, things are not all that they seem in this universe and a murder is using people’s grief for their own ends. I love how this author skillfully weaves the anthology theme through the novella and delivers a pulse pounding ride from start to finish. It’s quite twisted yet totally engrossing story that had me in it’s grip till the very end. This is truly one of my favorite stories in this anthology and I am eager to see where the author goes next in the series.
Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney
The new Earl of Weston is determined to save his estate, win the hand of the woman he is in love with and finds that sometimes magic happens in a way that will transform his life forever.
As a sequel to ‘Amy and the Earl’s Amazing Adventure’ the reader is transported to the 1800’s where it’s a scandal to divorce, women were proper and the man is head of the house. When the Earl and his love, Alice, are transported to the 21st century via a magic coin, they find wonders beyond their imagination and truths that will set them free. I loved the first story, Amy and the Earl’s Amazing Adventure, when I read it in the anthology, Dead of Night, and was thrilled to see it continue in this latest installment. This time we get to see t he historical couple’s journey through the looking glass so to speak and it was quite enjoyable. The author delivers a sweet story of old lovers who find themselves in a time where women are more equal to men, people can love whomever they fall in love with and divorce is not a stigma in society. What I loved the most was the scenes of Weston and Alice marvel at the changes in 2005 as well as what is the same from their time, of 1805. I did have a little peeve about the character development in this story as there basically is none, in my opinion. The story focuses too much on Weston and Alice’s adventures in the future which didn’t leave much character development. Overall, it was a sweet story that you will enjoy.
iLove by Elaine Fox
Macy is in love with Jeremy but it seems he is in love with his Iphone more. When Macy dumps Jeremy, he is sucked into her phone and he finds that in order to leave, he will have to win Macy’s heart and learn that sometimes it’s better to put the phone down and find that love will walk away if he isn’t paying attention.
I just absolutely adored this story. It’s quite relevant to today’s world and I loved how the author captures the essence of Alice in Wonderland’s Heart Queen with the character of Mrs. Hartz. This author does an amazing job in capturing the characters and brings them to life amid the pages of DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE. I loved how Jeremy had to figure out with a dating app and no cell phone how to win Macy back and learn a few things as well. A perfect second chance at love story that is really unique and entertaining.
A True Heart by Mary McComas
When a day of costume shopping goes haywire, can Elise figure out the message her supernatural guide is giving her as they journey through her life?
This had me a bit confused as I felt it was more A Christmas Carol than Alice in Wonderland but overall it was an enjoyable read. Elise has been badly hurt in the past and now has a hard shell over her heart, afraid to let any man too close in case they hurt her. The author does a great job in capturing Elise’s pain, vulnerability and heartbreak. You get a sense of who the character is amid the layers and we get to see who the real Elise is amid the thorns, walls and more she has set up around her. This made her quite likeable and relatable, in my opinion. There is a lot of emotion in A True heart and the reader is taken on quite a ride but overall, it’s quite a satisfying journey to take.
Fallen by R.C. Ryan
Beth Campbell is determined to impress her aunt and find her place in the family company by convincing a Scottish recluse to sell his land to her. But things don’t go according to plan when Beth hits her head and is transported to the 1800’s and soon Beth finds magic and a little intrigue while in the highlands.
A sweet story that will charm you as you read Beth’s adventure in the Scottish Highlands that will leave you breathless. Ms. Ryan weaves a satisfying story that hits all my love buttons. Poor Beth is confused and just a little peeved when she finds herself transported to the eighteenth Century after hitting her head on her trip in the Scottish Highlands. Attracted to Colin Gordon wasn’t in her game plan. Between confusion as over why anyone would want to kill Colin to figuring out how to get back home, Beth has to solve a mystery, save the man from death and figure out how to get back to her time. Easy, right? I loved the interactions between Colin and Beth. There was such a connection instantly and you get a sense of who these characters are and how they interact with one another. The downside to this story was there is so much information in the story; it doesn’t feel long enough to get the job done. It felt rushed and a little incomplete in the end. I would have loved this story to be a bit longer and maybe fleshed out the magic portion of the story a bit more. Overall, it was a nice ending to the anthology as a whole.
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE is a wonderful anthology that has something for everyone to enjoy. I personally preferred two out of the five stories more than others but all deliver some reading goodness. I do have to say that other than Wonderment In Death, the other four stories don’t have much of an Alice In Wonderland connection that was a disappointment. I love the Alice in Wonderland theme and thought it could have been brought over better in the other stories. But DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE is truly a unique and entertaining story overall and even if you are an In Death fan like I am, all the stories in this anthology will keep you entertained till the very end.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement -
I had not read any of the five authors in this book before. But who can ignore some short stories based on Alice in Wonderland? I really enjoyed the Robb take the best which was a great introduction to the characters in her novels. The last story reminded me too much of Outlander, which was a bit of a let down. I did enjoy the other three stories, especially the modern-day ilove tale.
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I enjoyed this book. It had 4 different short stories that revolves around Alice in Wonderland. I thought they were all very good but some of them were drawn out and got a little boring. Other then that it was a good short story book.
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I just read JD Robb's Wonderment in Death! Short story but I enjoyed it!
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An anthology of five short stories revolving around the Alice in Wonderland theme.
The Series
"Wonderment in Death" (In Death, 41.5)
"Alice and the Earl in Wonderland" (Poppy's Coin, 6)
The Stories
It's 2061 and J.D. Robb's "Wonderment in Death" is probably the most literal of the five with a Mad Hatter, a March Hare, and a Dormouse all working together to destroy people in this romantic suspense. I am somewhat surprised that Galahad didn't show up as the Cheshire cat!
It's a fun story that will also make you cry at the loss. The fun involves Robb's depiction of that Mad Hatter, for he is mad and has an obsession with outlandish hats. And yes, he does love his tea parties…eeek… At the end, it's that interview with Peabody having her fun, lol, at which you can't help but crack up.
The sad is in what this serial killer does. How he destroys his victims. It's always such a heart-wrenching loss, and particularly well done when the author shows that loss.
As always, I do enjoy reading about the "criminal" working so closely with cops, talking the talk. And feeding them, lol.
Mary Blayney's "Alice and the Earl in Wonderland" is another of her historical romance shorts, and yes, it is a different story from her "
Amy and the Earl's Amazing Adventure". It's kind of cute, although I was expecting more based on Blayney's previous short stories.
In this one, Alice and the Earl of Weston come forward in time from Regency England, so it is fun to "watch" Alice Kemp and Bennet end up in 2005, having no idea where they are. Alice is an annoying character with her insistence on being below the pale due to her parents' divorce. Blayney pushes this too far, and I was so annoyed that I almost skipped over the story. Nor does Blayney's portrayal of 1805 feel real. If I had read this Poppy's Coin first, I would not have wanted to read any others.
Elaine Fox's "iLove" is cute with its contemporary play on the iPhone as Macy dumps Jeremy because of his "love affair" with his cellphone. It seems both have a lesson to learn, and Fox really jumps down that rabbit hole to make her point. Where Jeremy finds himself was a fascinating concept.
Mary Kay McComas' "A True Heart" has an intriguing way of diving into her protagonist's character as Elise goes costume hopping with Martin using a series of vignettes looking back in time to show Elise how her, well, character for lack of a better word, is going downhill. How she's missing out on life because of it.It's the scarecrow who tells Elise "it isn't the brain in your head or the heart in your chest that you make choices with. They aren't what you feel and care and empathize with. … It's you choosing who to be; you deciding how to live your life."
R.C. Ryan's "Fallen" is another one with time travel, which makes sense as it is so much easier to fall down the rabbit hole, lol. It reminded me of Lynn Kurland's
De Piaget/MacLeod historical romance time travel series. In this one, Ryan takes a slight twist in how Beth ends up with her man. It's how the curse plays out that is the bigger fall into that rabbit hole! There were a few odd threads in this, but Ryan does well enough.
The Cover and Title
The cover is is divided into graphic and text with the top third a shiny top hat at the woodsy entrance to a golden glowing hole in the distance in a whorl of glittering yellow. The bottom third lists the title and the authors in an embossed silver.
The title is the theme for each short story, and it's Down the Rabbit Hole interpreted five different ways. -
Wonderment in Death was just another "in Death" story. In fact, I think it was a wasted story line and could have been a whole book, not just a short story.
However, I am most disappointed by "ILove". It started well and I thought, finally, a story about how selfish and discourteous cell phones are. She dumps him because he is always on his phone and she is ignored, even during sex. However, once she dumps him, she becomes him, treating her friends the same way and then blaming herself for failing to be interesting enough to keep his attention.
Personal rant: I am so tired of going to lunch or out with friends and spending the time alone while they are on their cell phones. I didn't use to feel stupid and boring. When I was out with someone, we talked, and spent time together. Now, they are interacting with someone else and I am searching for something to keep their attention for an hour. Next time, I'm taking a good book to lunch.
The other three stories are just space holders; not worth the time. -
As a lifelong Alice In Wonderland fan, I couldn't help but try out this collection, despite never reading any of the authors previously. Wonderment In Death was fantastic. The characters, the imagery, and the plot had me hooked. I need to check out more of this Eve Dallas!
Alice and the Earl in Wonderland was reminiscent of Doctor Who - to me at least. When I think of time travel & there's an Amy involved, my thoughts go straight to Amy & Rory! I would check out more work by this author as well.
iLove had a great point overall, but for some reason wasn't as enjoyable as the rest. True Heart was enjoyable but somewhat cliché still at heart. As for Fallen, I don't believe any woman alive could resist a muscular hulking Scottish stud!
If half stars were allowed, I'd give the collection as a whole 3.5 stars. Wonderment In Death is straight up 5 stars and I must read more about Eve Dallas and Rourke STAT! -
I have only read the J.D. Robb book in this one so can only review that part of it. Another great short story with Eve, Roark and the rest of the gang making various appearances. This anthology is themed based in Alice in Wonderland.
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan -
I only rated this book for the JD Robb story. I'm an In Death fan and from the experience I don't enjoy the rest of the short stories in these anthologies she is put in so I don't bother.
This one was a bit weird, lots of references to Alice in Wonderland. I always enjoy the chase for truth and how this author's mind works on leading us to the end without giving too much away. This one included Charles and Louise and it was nice revisiting their lives. -
5 Stars! This was easily one of the top novellas in the Indeath series. I would have liked to know exactly how Roarke "...restrained the suspect." But, alas, I should have known that Roarke would never leave fingerprints;)
Also, I just read Wonderment In Death. Probably I should check out the rest of the novellas:) -
I don't normally like reading books with stories by several different authors, but this one had at least one story I wanted to read, a novella of the Eve Dallas series. As it turned out all but one of the stories were superb, and that one wasn't bad. I now have some new authors that I am going to look for to read.
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Meeeeh. Alice in Wonderland is overdone, and the In Death story doesn't have any spark in it, and I'm pretty sure I'll forget about it. I didn't have an interest in any of the other short stories, so this book was a bust for me.
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I usually enjoy the short stories in the JD Robb series but this one creeped me out. Morris says the ghost of his ex-girlfriend told him what color tie to wear that day. In the earlier books, Medical Examiner Morris never talked about an ability to speak to ghosts.
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I only read the JD Robb, but I quite liked it. I may go back to the others since the theme is Alice.
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Ok. Technically I didn't finish the whole book. I just like to read about Eve & Roarke and their people. I don't think I've ever read the other novellas in these collections. Oops.
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Awesome stories! (except for #4, which was a dud...)
