Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris: Theodosia Throckmorton, #2 -- R. L. LaFevers

I received a copy of the newest book in this series a little while back, which made me realize that I'd never read the second one -- and obviously I couldn't read the books out of order! 

Due to a shocking discovery at a social event she attends with her parents, Theodosia is well aware that the Serpents of Chaos are back in London and Up To No Good.  So that's a problem. 

Unfortunately, her investigatory efforts are severely curbed by her grandmother, who is set on finding a governess to turn Theo into a Proper Young Lady -- though Theo has noticed that her grandmother seems to be a bit more easygoing when the jolly Admiral Sopcoate is around, so she may be able to use that to her advantage...

But then everything gets more complicated -- and public -- when all of the mummies of London begin to walk on their own.  Right into the Museum of Legends and Antiquities.

Add to that the jackal statue that's inexplicably come to life, the secret troubles of her pickpocket friend Sticky Will, and Our Heroine -- as plucky, adventurous and capable as she is -- has to admit that she may be in over her head this time.

While Theo's voice was still as amusing as ever (I love it how she's able to rationalize any sort of Bad Behavior):

Yes, eavesdropping is a vile habit.  Luckily, I wasn't eavesdropping.  I was spying.  Spying is noble, especially when doing it for a good cause, such as my parents.

I felt like I was just treading water until page 200 or so.  I think that the slow start may have been because there was so much going on -- there were so many plotlines that none of them had much depth and so none of them felt all that satisfying.  (I felt that the governess plot, especially -- while it showcased some of the difficulties of being a bright young female in that time period -- felt extraneous.)  After everything was set into motion, the action carried it -- both Thrills and Chills were had -- and there were some genuinely surprising plot twists. 

So, yeah.  I didn't think this one came close to the strength of the first book, but I do enjoy Theodosia herself so much that I'll certainly give the third book a try.

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Previously:

Theodosia Throckmorton and the Serpents of Chaos

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Book source:  ILLed through my local library.

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Comments

[Kate]

I've read the first one. I was so excited about the whole premise . . . but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Waahh. I don't know if I'll read the second.

[Amanda]

I'm a big fan of Theodosia as a character, but I agree with the slowness and the "too many plot lines." I'm working my way through book 3 now.

[Maureen]

I had the good fortune of reading the first two just after the latest Enola Holmes mystery, and luckily she lived up to it. The slowness didn't bother me because Theodosia is so much fun.