I have extremely mixed feelings about this book. It’s very well written and researched. Each character has a unique voice, easy to distinguish from the others. Set in June 1908, the story is told in a diary-like narrative from three different points of view: Dolly Butler, a cross-dressing brand new detective; Jessie Spink, her apprentice; and her maid, Maggie Fisher.

At first, it reminded me of Gentleman Jack with a more comedic tone. None of the characters felt lovable but I thought it would be okay since their clashing personalities made me chuckle a few times. Then, as the investigation Dolly and her crew have been hired to conduct at a local feather factory gets serious, the comedy aspect leaves way to terrible men doing terrible things to women and girls. I felt extremely uncomfortable but not in a way that would lead to reflection or interest.

My issue isn’t with the story, which is clever and complex, it’s with the tone. Alternating between humorous scenes and much darker ones felt like a cold shower ruining a cosy moment. However, judging from other reviews, all of which are very positive, I’m an outlier. Therefore, if the story sounds like one you’d enjoy, I recommend checking it out and making your own mind up.

Read Dolly Butler’s Eight-Day Week:

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