Is 'The Right Sort Of Man' Worth Reading?

I stumbled upon 'The Right Sort of Man' during a weekend bookstore crawl, and it turned out to be one of those delightful surprises that stick with you. Set in post-World War II London, the book follows Iris Sparks and Gwendolyn Bainbridge, two women running a detective agency while navigating the societal expectations of the time. What hooked me wasn't just the mystery—though it's cleverly plotted—but the way the author, Allison Montclair, breathes life into her characters. Iris is sharp-witted and unapologetically bold, while Gwendolyn carries this quiet resilience that makes her chapters glow. Their dynamic feels authentic, peppered with dry humor and moments of vulnerability that had me rooting for them by page 30.

The historical backdrop isn't just set dressing; it actively shapes the story. Montclair nails the atmosphere of 1946 London, from the rationing-era struggles to the lingering trauma of the war. There's a scene where Gwendolyn confronts a client in a bombed-out building that's so visceral, I could practically smell the damp brick. The mystery itself is satisfying—a missing persons case that spirals into something darker—but it's the pacing that impressed me. Some historical novels drag in the middle, but this one keeps the tension simmering while still leaving room for character growth.

If I had to nitpick, a few supporting characters lean toward archetypes (the smarmy aristocrat, the gruff but kind inspector), but they're written with enough flair to avoid feeling stale. And while the resolution ties up neatly, it doesn't shy away from acknowledging the era's complexities—especially for women rebuilding their lives. I finished the last chapter with that bittersweet feeling of wanting more, which is always a good sign. The sequel's already on my shelf, if that tells you anything.