January 2018 Wrap Up

Books Read:
The Black Iris by Constance and Gwyneth Little  4/5 stars
In this, their penultimate book, the Little sisters deliver another screwball comedy with missing bodies, gruesome murder, and a little romance on the side.  The witty dialogue and bizarre situations make for a fun read.

Unfinished Portrait by Mary Westmacott  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Audio Books Completed:
On the Loose by Christopher Fowler  4/5 stars
A mix of the esoteric and mundane, this mystery follows the PCU on a search for a decapitating murderer that may, or may not, have a historical connection with King's Cross.  It is one of the better Bryant and May mysteries, with strong writing, a suspenseful plot, and a dramatic conclusion.

It's Always the Husband by Michelle Campbell 5/5 stars  (my review here)

My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse  4/5 stars
The first set of short stories to feature Jeeves and Wooster; Reggie Pepper stories are also included.  It's, as expected, charming and entertaining.  Not as smooth as some of Wodehouse's later collections, but still great fun.

The Heiress of Linn Hagh by Karen Charlton  4/5 stars
A young woman vanishes from a locked room in this mystery.  While searching for the heiress, Inspector Lavender uncovers family secrets that point to a deadly scheme.  The plot was interesting, and the characters well written.  This was my first Inspector Lavender book, but it won't be my last.

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynn Jones  5/5 stars
This tale of a selfish, vain wizard and a bewitched girl is excellently written, with a smart plot and living characters.  This was a reread, and I enjoyed it even better this third time.

Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott  4/5 stars
In this highly didactic sequel to Little Men, we follow the late teen/early adult years of the students of Plumfield.  The stories are interesting, though dated, and Alcott infuses the novel with life and laughter.


Did Not Finish:
Alice by Christina Henry
Good grief, you guys. .. this book!  I love Carroll's Alice and am always eager to read retellings.  This one is about sex slaves and sadism, though, and it is the most grim book I've ever attempted to read.  I listened to the audio book, and with just TWO HOURS left to go, couldn't stand another minute of it.  It's well written, the allusions are clever, but. . . just darn, y'all.