Upon a Dark Night by Peter Lovesey

Upon a Dark Night
Peter Lovesey
4/5 stars

A woman is dumped in a parking lot, suffering a concussion and memory loss.  Another young woman falls off a roof during a party.  An elderly man is found shot through the head in an apparent suicide.  As Peter Diamond investigates these separate incidents, he finds what could be a common thread running through them.

Diamond, with all his faults, is a highly likable character and this series is a delight to read.  This mystery is complex, and the motive doesn't seem strong enough in the end, but overall it was well worth the read.

Growing Up by Angela Thirkell

Growing Up
Angela Thirkell
1944
4/5 stars

In this most satisfactory novel, Thirkell continues following the residents of Barsetshire as they live through WWII.  Growing Up focuses mainly on the twenty-somethings living in Winter Overcotes, as they take on adult responsibilities and grow out of childish thinking.  Thirkell writes with humor, charm, and just a bit of snark, which makes her books a true pleasure to read.  They must be read in order, though, so as to keep up with the characters.  If you like a gentle read, and have any interest in England in the 1930's and 1940's, I certainly recommend this series.  (High Rising begins the series.)

      

House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

House of Many Ways
Diana Wynne Jones
4/5 stars

Charmain Baker has been brought up perfectly respectably, without a hint of magic in her life.  It's much to her surprise, then, when she is left in charge of her great-uncle William's house--since he is the Royal Wizard Norland and his house is as magical as he.  She and Norland's new apprentice Peter become embroiled in a Royal mystery, make new friends, and see the end of old enemies.

Jones is a fantastic writer, and this is a solidly written fantasy.  The characters are well drawn, and the plot well written.  It is humorous and entertaining, and while not perfect, a fun read, well recommended. 

Note: While it seems like a stand-alone novel at first, this is actually the third in the Wizard Howl series.  Readers without the knowledge of the other two books will find themselves lost in certain situations.