Behind the Scenes (Apart from the Crowd Book #1)

This was a fairly nice read. Period romance with a bit of mystery. Though I recommend reading the novella first, the author briefly explains events of the prequel so this can be read as a standalone. Research is evident in the writing, and I appreciate the progressive nature of this piece. I was slightly disappointed, however, that the author fell into the hyper possessive male trope, and very disappointed that Permilia’s pistol skills were all talk, deciding for some reason to pull an umbrella, instead of her pistol, in the face of a blade. There were a couple of continuity errors, as Permilia stated the shoe could be a warning or blackmail, but soon after says she wasn’t expecting a warning, just blackmail or a threat. Also, at the Huxley home, Sprague “sat down right beside Permilia” but somehow “edged his chair a few inches closer to where Asher was sitting,” who would have been on her other side, having already “sat down directly beside her” earlier. But these are nitpicks.

Jen never disappoints. I’ve read this book several times and it just keeps getting better. But then I’ve read all of her books and that seems to be the case with all of them... I’m on pins and needles for her next book to come out. Only a few more days! Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend this book! Read it and you won’t regret it!

This wonderful book is filled with an incredible cast of quirky characters! I love both of the main characters especially. Many of the names are so unusual that just saying them out loud put a smile on my face. I have no idea how the author came up with them. Miss Permilia Griswold has found her own way to make her life more tolerable. She has even found a way to feel that she is contributing to the world. I was extremely amused by her antics. It was very clear from the beginning that she was in a very real sense a fish-out-of-water. As the story progressed more and more information is revealed as to how she was thrust into such an awkward position. Mr. Asher Rutherford is truly considered one of the highest level of those in high society. He is keeping his own secret that he feels would ruin that standing if it ever got out. I think that his choice of who to have as his closest friend brought me much amusement. The plot of the story is delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this marvelous story. I was kept guessing about many aspects of the suspected danger Asher was in simply because of the twists the story took. I received a free copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion. Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano is the first book in Apart from the Crowd series. Miss Permilia Griswold lives in New York City with her father, stepmother and stepsister. Permilia (what an unusual name) was raised by her father, George after her mother passed away. She traveled with him around the country while he took care of his mining business. Permilia received a man’s education and Permilia thought she would help her father run his businesses. Then George Griswold married Ida, a widow. Ida is a society woman who believes a woman should debut, get married, have children and go to parties. Ida raised her daughter, Lucy in this manner. Permilia is frustrated by all of Ida’s rules and the endless functions and society parties. The Griswold’s have been invited to Mr. & Mrs. Williams Vanderbilt’s costume ball (event of the year). Permilia is considered a wallflower by society because of her unconventional ideas, manner of dress, and the way she speaks. Mr. Asher Rutherford of Rutherford and Company (a department store) is also attending the ball. Lucy is interested in Asher, but Ida does not believe he is a suitable mate for her daughter because he is “in trade”. Permilia is sneaking around the ball taking notes for her society column Miss Quill’s Quality Corner. While helping a friend, Permilia overhears a plot to murder Asher. Permilia tells Asher about it, but he does not believe her until he is attacked with arrows. Permilia and some friends come to his rescue, but the killer will not be so easily thwarted. Asher and Permilia will need to join forces to find the evildoer, before they find themselves in the obituary pages instead of the society columns. I was looking forward to Jen Turano’s Behind the Scenes. I had enjoyed the lighthearted humor and engaging characters in her A Class of Their Own series. What I appreciated in that series was missing in Behind the Scenes. I found the writing to be awkward with stilted dialogue. Permilia was too peculiar (her education, way she spoke, unusual dress, clumsy, cannot dance, gets tongue-tied, etc.). I did not understand Asher being so possessive of Permilia at the ball. They had only had two unpleasant encounters prior to this occasion. Asher went out of his way to protect Permilia especially from Eugene Slater, an interested suitor. Then there is the offensive stepmother, Ida and her equally annoying daughter, Lucy. I give Behind the Scenes 2 out of 5 stars. I just did not like Behind the Scenes. I tried to read the complete novel, but it was impossible. I ended up skimming through some portions of the story. The ball scene took up 35% of the book (it seemed like it went on forever). The reader is subjected to every little detail about the ball. The dances, what people were wearing, room décor, food, and so forth (this attention to detail continues throughout the book). There was also one inane incident after another. I do not mind some light, fun humor, but this was just plain silly (idiotic would be a better word). Every single one of the wallflowers were eccentric. I found the ending to be predictable. The mystery was easily solved early in the story. The Christian element was very light. I did like Mrs. Davenport and the Huxley sisters (Mabel and Henrietta). I think a book about Mrs. Davenport would be more entertaining (what a character). I believe I will be skipping the rest of the Apart from the Crowd series.