Stiletto (The Checquy Files #2) by Daniel O'Malley

Amy       

 Lynnie 

 
fantasy, action/suspense, mystery

Stiletto focuses on two new characters, Felicity Clements, a Pawn in the Checquy (which is “the secret government department that employ[s] the supernatural to protect the populace from the supernatural”), and Odette Leliefeld, a member of the Grafters delegation. However, all of the characters from The Rook make an appearance and, fortunately, we get to see a lot of Myfanwy Thomas about whom the first novel is titled. It picks up after the events in The Rook and follows the events occurring in the lives of Felicity and Odette.

Amy's Review

Another hit by Daniel O’Malley! The first book in this series, The Rook, was one of the best books I read in 2017. And now this second in the series did not disappoint! I do not believe another novel has been announced for this series but the author has left that possibility open by leaving one definite loose end and another fuzzier loose end (carried over from the first novel). The title, Stiletto, while sexy, is not really as fitting a title as The Rook. I will also note that the first four chapters had an awful lot of bathrooms and functions typically performed in bathrooms. Otherwise, this novel almost felt like a book of short stories which were woven together into an overall story arc. I loved the storylines, the characters, the adventure, the mystery, and especially the author’s astounding creativity and humor which were also very present in The Rook. I continue to be fascinated that Mr. O’Malley is so adept at capturing female friendships, points of view, and strengths and he even includes wardrobe details. I will be quite happy reading anything he writes. 

Lynnie's Review

This series was a lot of fun and I'm sad that it's over (I think it's over anyway). Stiletto focused mainly on two new characters (Felicity and Odette), and while their adventures were fascinating and wonderful I found myself missing the voice of Myfawny Thomas from the first novel- though she does appear periodically throughout. Still, this book is just as creative as The Rook and equally engaging. I loved the characters and the insane situations they found themselves in and could not wait to pick up the book again in order to figure out what was happening.

I'm slightly disappointed that I predicted, fairly early, one of the books big "surprise" reveals, but it didn't take away from the joy of watching it unfold. I do find it fascinating that these books are written by a man because his female characters are really well-written and not just the typical one-dimensional females you find in many stories created by men. I love these strong, smart, powerful women that O'Malley has created.

I'd love to spend even more time with the Checquy so I'm going to keep my eyes open in case O'Malley adds to the series.