The Collector of Dying Breaths: A Novel of Suspense by M.J. Rose

The Collector of Dying Breaths: A Novel of Suspense by M.J. Rose
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

There is nothing inherently wrong with this book, I just didn't find enough interest in it to enjoy it. It lacked the suspense and a solid story that I like and left some holes that bothered me. Apparently there is an earlier story with some of the cast of characters that the story refers to. It's not a big deal but it rarely had significant bearing on the current story.

I found the characters to be shallow, under developed or just weird. Although the science and whatnot of 16th century alchemy and chemistry is well described, as well architecture and surroundings, the general story line tended toward a weak excuse to write a weird romance novel. For instance, based on one meeting with a woman who transforms his perfumes with her own body chemistry into a blooming garden, Rene seduces her immediately and falls hopelessly and passionately in love. Declared devotion forever based on a few shared minutes. Hot sex scene ensues then they don't see each other for many weeks.

It's fiction yet based on historical period of Catherine Medici. If you like romance novels of buttons popping and bodice tearing with detailed sex scenes, here it is. For me, not so much.