November 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
Dragon by Steven Brust  (1998)  4/5 stars
Another excellent chapter in the Vlad Taltos adventures, in which he becomes embroiled in a war, while being perhaps the only one who can bring it to an end.  As always, it was well-written, and engrossing, set in a captivating and surprisingly real fantasy world.

Audio Books Completed:
See Delphi and Die by Lindsey Davis (2005) 4/5 stars
Falco travels to Greece to investigate two murders, one recent and one in the past.  As is usual with the Falco mysteries, it was amusing and satisfying.

Minute for Murder by Nicholas Blake (2947) 2/5 stars
I have enjoyed the previous Nigel Strangeways mysteries, but wasn't impressed with this one.  The plot was convoluted and the solution flimsy.

The Likeness by Tana French (2008)  4/5 stars
The plot was difficult to believe at first, but then the excellence of French's writing took over and it became engrossing.

The Catherine Wheel by Patricia Wentworth  (1949) 3/5 stars
While investigating potential smugglers, Miss Silver is on the scene when a murder occurs.  This was light and mostly enjoyable, but not fully convincing.

Murder in the Afternoon by Francis Brody  (2011)  3/5 stars
This was an average historical murder mystery, enjoyable at the time but not memorable.

Did Not Finish:
A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev (2014)
I had high hopes for this due to the blurb and reviews, but was extremely disappointed. I made it through two hours and couldn't take any more: the book was poorly written, immature, not credible, and, frankly, demeaning.

October 2019 Wrap-Up

October was another difficult month, as is shown by the low amount of books I consumed.

Books Read:
Orca by Steven Brust  4/5 stars
An immediate sequel to Athyra, this book finds Vlad attempting to help a young friend suffering from a nervous breakdown.  He finds a promising healer, but in return for her help, she needs help of her own.  As a result, Vlad becomes embroiled in a financial scandal that could rock the entire Empire -- and end in his death.  As always, Brust creates a believable situation with living characters in an amazingly detailed world.  Kiera the Thief pays a larger-than-usual part, with part of the story told from her perspective. Overall, Orca is intelligent, funny, well-written, and a great addition to the Taltos series; it also delivers an especially good surprise near the end, and, as with the others, should only be read in order of publication.

Audio Books Completed:
4.50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie  4/5 stars
One of Christie's most well known, this Miss Marple mystery seems so obvious and then throws quite a curve.

Unnatural Death by Dorothy L. Sayers  4/5 stars
Sayers' mysteries are so rewarding as they are extremely well-written, generally believable, and thoroughly enjoyable.  In this one, Wimsey investigates what appears a natural death on the surface, but strikes the attending doctor as just a bit odd.

Heirs of the Body by Carola Dunn  3/5 stars
Daisy's cousin is searching for the heir to his title, which leads to murder.  As all in this series, this mystery is light and cute, rather predictable, but pleasant to read.

An Infamous Army by Georgette Heyer  4/5 stars
This well-researched novel meticulously recounts the Battle of Waterloo, weaving a fictional couple and their romance into it.  Heyer's novels are always a delight, and this one was in general, but the battle details did get tedious in parts.

Death at the Dolphin by Ngaio Marsh  3/5 stars
Marsh is a master, but this one wasn't her best.  The pre-murder story was well-told, with the characters nicely fleshed out, but the actual mystery wasn't fully convincing or satisfying. 

September 2019 Wrap-Up

September was a difficult month for various reasons, and as a result, I did very little reading.

Books Read:
Athyra by Steven Brust (1993)  4/5 stars
Up until this book in the Vlad Taltos series, the story has been told in the first person point of view, with Vlad speaking.  This one follows a young man named Sven, telling in third person how he saves Vlad's life at risk of his own.  Athyra is another well-written, engrossing story with an ending that makes the reader anxious for the next book.

Audio Books Completed:
Eric by Terry Pratchett (1990)  4/5 stars
Rincewind and the Luggage, trapped in the Dungeon Dimensions, are accidentally summoned by Eric, a teenager with big dreams and the desire for a demon to fulfill them.  As with all of the Discworld series, this is an intelligent, well written, laugh-out-loud funny novel.  Not Pratchett's best, it's true, but certainly enjoyable.

The Murder Room by P. D. James  4/5 stars
A man is brutally murdered at a private museum, and Dalgliesh is called in to investigate.  The plot is well planned, the characters believable, and the writing excellent.  James never disappoints, even in a re-read.

Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett (1990)  4/5 stars
The alchemists of Ankh-Morepork discover moving pictures, unknowingly responding to the spirit of Holy Wood that wants to take over the Discworld.  This is a witty, well-written and fully enjoyable novel, with lots of Hollywood references to laugh about.

She Lies in Wait by Gytha Lodge  (2019) 4/5 stars
When the body of a girl is found, it answers one question of the thirty year old missing person case, but opens a complicated investigation for DCI Jonah Sheens.  This was an intelligent, well written, and fully engrossing mystery and I look forward to more from this author.


Did Not Finish:
The Baker's Daughter by D.E. Stevenson
I thoroughly enjoyed the Miss Buncle books by Stevenson, but I didn't care for this one.  I tried hard to like it -- read half of the novel -- but had no connection with the characters and didn't really care for where the plot was heading.

August 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
Smoke and Mirrors by Elly Griffiths  (2015)  3/5 stars
While Max performs in a local pantomime, the murder of two children sees Edgar scrabbling for clues.  This second in the Magic Men series continues the personal lives of the protagonists, in addition to the solving of a mystery.  Griffiths writes well, and the plot and characters are appealing, but she projects 21st century mores and views onto characters from the 1950s, giving an unrealistic atmosphere.  In addition, the culprit's motive was unconvincing, as were some details of the crime.  Griffiths, while quite talented, is not at her best with this series.

Jhereg by Steven Brust (1987)  5/5 stars
Vlad Taltos, a Jhereg assassin in Dragaera with forty-two successful jobs to his credit, recounts the events leading up to his forty-third.  It's hard to give any more information about this book, because the world-building is so amazing, with a society that is rich, complex, detailed, and believable, that it just isn't easily explainable.  This was a re-read for me, and Jhereg still immediately engages the reader, and continues to do so to the last page, due to strong writing, a thrilling plot, likable characters, and an unforgettable world.

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield (1916)  4/5 stars
In this delightful children's book, coddled city-girl Elizabeth Ann goes to live with relatives on a Vermont Farm and finds a new level of happiness.  The story is both fun and tender, with well-written prose.  Canfield, who was responsible for introducing the Montessori method to the United States, clearly shows the way she feels children should be reared and taught, but not in a didactic manner.  Though dated, Understood Betsy is still a charming novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Yendi by Steven Brust (1984)  4/5 stars
Vlad recounts the turf war that gave first gave him his territory, and the conspiracy that was behind it. While not as fully charming as Jhereg and a bit heavy on dialogue at times, this is an entertaining tale with appealing characters and a fascinating world.

Teckla by Steven Brust  (1987)  4/5 stars
Vlad's wife, Cawti, becomes involved with a grassroots revolutionary group at the risk of her life and their marriage.  Brust writes well, the characters are real and likable, and the world of Dragaera is fantastically imagined.  The discussion of the whys and hows of the proposed revolution did tend to drone on a bit, but the overall plot, while not as lighthearted as the previous volumes, was gripping and compelling.

Taltos by Steven Brust (1988)  5/5 stars
Vlad is hired by two Dragaerans, Morrolan of the House of Dragon and master of the floating Castle Black, and Sethra Lavode, the undead Enchantress of Dzur Mountain, to traverse the Paths of the Dead and rescue the Dragonlord heir to the throne.  Brust skillfully weaves three tales together to tell the story of the rescue, while also recounting what led up to his working for the Jhereg Organization, and following Vlad as he performs a potentially deadly spell.  Brust, unlike some other authors and screenwriters, has no trouble going back and forth in time with his stories, and doesn't have to retcon characters or rewrite events to make it work.  As with the other Vlad novels, Taltos is intelligent, funny, exciting, and memorable -- all that good fantasy should be. 

Phoenix by Steven Brust (1990)  4/5 stars
The Demon Goddess Verra requests Vlad's talents for a regicide and the consequences are many.  Brust excels at world building and creating memorable characters.  The plot is solid, intelligent, and complex resulting in a memorable novel.

Audio Books Completed:
Regency Buck by Georgette Heyer  (1935)  4/5 stars
Heyer's first Regency novel sets the tone for those to follow: it's intelligent, witty, enjoyable, and historically accurate.  While I generally eschew romance, I have been a Heyer fan since my early teens, and appreciate the details and tangled plots even more now.

Cat of Many Tails by Ellery Queen (1949)  3/5 stars
A serial killer is loose in New York City, and the Mayor requests Ellery's help.  The plot was quite good, but long passages of introspection, discussion, and explanation made it twice as long as it should have been.  I knew the answer quite some time before Ellery, and by the last hour, I was antsy just to get it finished.
(Ellery Queen is one of the few American mystery authors I enjoy; others include Mary Roberts Rinehart and Anna Katharine Green, and sometime Mignon Eberhart.)


Alter by Jeremy Robinson  (2018)  4/5 stars
Greg is the sole survivor of a plane crash, which leaves him stranded in the Amazon with few supplies.  He makes allies, learns new skills, and finds himself forgetting that a world exists outside the jungle.  Robinson writes well and makes Greg and other characters believable. The plot is interesting, sometimes riveting. The last chapters drag, but the ending was beautiful.

Locked Rooms by Laurie R. King (2005)  4/5 stars
Mary Russell and her husband visit San Francisco for Mary to attend to some family business.  While there, they become involved in a mystery in Mary's past.  This is a well-written, intelligent, and entertaining mystery, with wonderful characters and an engrossing plot.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine (2017) 3/5 stars
Amber is a conwoman, who has picked Jackson Parrish as her intended husband.  She ingratiates herself with Jackson's wife, Daphne, and worms her way into their lives.  The story is told in two parts, first from Amber's point of view, then from Daphne's.  This had such promise, but lacked excitement and depth.  It kept me intrigued, but I was certainly disappointed as it worked it's way to a conclusion.

Pocket Full of Rye by Agatha Christie  (1953)  4/5 stars
A businessman who is poisoned is discovered with a pocket full of rye.  Miss Marple becomes interested due to a personal connection, and helps the police find the solution.  The answer seems so straightforward, but Christie throws in a fantastic surprise making it a truly enjoyable read.

Did Not Finish:
Middlemarch by George Eliot
This was a reread for me, to fit in with a reading challenge, and I remember loving this the first time I read it.  This time, though it was still wonderful, I found that I was just not in the mood for a lengthy, slow-paced novel at this time, so I went back to quick, lighter reads.

Dead Souls by Ian Rankin
I've enjoyed the two mysteries I've previously read by Rankin but this one was bleak and depressing.  I made it five hours through, but when I looked and saw that I had that much more to go, I simply couldn't.

Super in the City by Daphne Ulliver
I made it a few pages into this, but it was not my style.

Dangerous to Know by Margaret Yorke
This highly recommended thriller deals with domestic abuse and I simply couldn't stomach it.

July 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read
The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths (2015)  4/5 stars
When the body of a World War II pilot is unearthed, both forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway and DCI Nelson are called in for their opinion.  It is obvious that man was murdered, leading Nelson to investigate a local well-known family, while Ruth excavates for evidence that will lead to the killer.  As with the previous books of the series, the Ghost Fields is an intelligent and engrossing mix of mystery and the private life of the main characters.  (This series should be read in order.)

The Woman in Blue by Elly Griffiths (2016)  3/5 stars
DCI Nelson is investigating the murder of a young woman, a crime that could be connected to the poison pen letters being received by one of Ruth's friends.  The mystery and solution were a bit convoluted, but the story was interesting and the writing excellent.  (This series should be read in order.)

The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths (2017)  4/5 stars
When bones are found in an underground chamber, both forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway and DCI Nelson are called in to investigate.  Soon, Nelson is involved in a case involving the murders of two homeless men and the disappearance of three women.  Meanwhile, Ruth, though on the periphery of the case, becomes involved in the solution.  This is another well-written, intelligent, and gripping story by Griffiths. Ruth and Nelson are such likable people - - well-intentioned, fallible, and completely convincing - - that the reader is as much drawn to their story as to the mystery.   (This series should be read in order.)

The Art of Disappearance by Anita Desai  (2011)  2/5 stars
This is a set of three melancholy longish short stories.  Desai's prose is beautiful, sometimes poetic.  The plots of the stories, however, are meandering and uninteresting, exploring the inner workings of bland characters with endings that feel unfinished.

Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym  (1977)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths  (2018)  3/5 stars
An Italian colleague requests Ruth's help, but while visiting she discovers a murder victim.  Meanwhile, back in Norwich, a convicted murderer who has sworn revenge on DCI Nelson is out of prison and possibly stalking his family.  This one was more about the personal lives of the two, with the mystery being just the hook for hanging the story.  It was still well-written and engrossing, but lacked the suspense and atmosphere of previous books.

The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths  (2019)  4/5 stars
DCI Nelson becomes involved in solving a cold case from the 1980s, and later, a kidnapping case that may be tied to it.  Ruth Galloway, forensic archaeologist, helps solve part of the puzzle, while also dealing with specters from her past.  As with all the Ruth Galloway novels, this is intelligent, well-written, and engrossing.  The mix of  mystery with personal life is perfect, making for a hard-to-put-down read.

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths (2019) 4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths (2014)  3/5 stars
In Brighton, in 1950, a woman is gruesomely murdered in an imitation of a magician's trick, in a crime that seems to be connected with a special operations group from the War.  Griffiths' talent for arresting prose, entertaining plots, and likable characters shines through in this mystery.  There were a few plot holes, and the culprit's reasons weren't convincing, both issues which weakened the book. The Zig Zag Girl it's still a fun read, though, and completely engrossing.

Audio Books Completed
King Arthur: History and Legend by Dorsey Armstrong, PhD (2015)  5/5 stars
This is not a book, but a 12 hour course from the Great Courses about King Arthur in history and literature.  It was fascinating and informative, and Dr. Armstrong was clear in speech and idea, as well as an obvious expert in the field.

Birds of a Feather  by Jacqueline Winspear  (2004)  4/5 stars
In 1930, Detective Maisie Dobbs is hired for a missing person case, which leads her to investigate three murders which may all be connected to the Great War.  While Maisie's character isn't fully believable,  the writing is great and the mystery was fully engrossing.

The Voyage of the Basilisk by Marie Brennan (2015) 3/5 stars
Isabella, Lady Trent, continues her autobiography in this third volume, as she describes a sea voyage and subsequent adventures while hunting for aquatic dragons in the Broken Sea.  As with the previous two novels, the world building is fantastic and the writing solid, but it was certainly not as charming or captivating as the prior books. In addition, the plot dragged at the beginning, then occasionally through out, with most of the action occurring in the last quarter of the book, making for uneven reading.

Hand in Glove by Ngaio Marsh  (1962)  4/5 stars
This is another of Marsh's Inspector Alleyn murder mysteries.  One of Marsh's strengths is how well she introduces the characters before the actual event, letting the reader feel invested in the suspects and victim.  This book is also solidly plotted, and though the actual murder was a bit far-fetched, the overall whole was satisfying.

An Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson (2008)  3/5 stars
Josephine makes a friend on the train to London, and when the girl is murdered, she becomes involved in the solving of a crime that has in origins in the Great War twenty years prior.  The mystery itself hinged on many coincidences and had some plot holes. The last third dragged on and on due to three excruciatingly long personal confessions.  I'm giving it three stars instead of two, though, because of Upson's good prose and character development.

Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett (1989)  5/5 stars
The eighth in the series, this Discworld novel introduces the City Watch of Ankh-Morpork, who must defeat a dragon summoned by a secret cult trying to take over the city.  This is one of Pratchett's best: witty, funny, intelligent, and wise, with a complex and entertaining plot, and fantastic, lovable characters.

Did Not Finish:
Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart
Another mystery located in the U.S. that I just couldn't get interested in, despite it's being historical and based loosely on fact.  I listened for a couple of hours, but never became connected to the characters or their situation.

A Death of No Importance by Mariah Fredricks
Yes, I tried another U.S. based mystery.  You can see where that got me.  The protagonist is a lady's maid during the Gilded Age that apparently has enough time on her hands to solve mysteries.  (I dumped one with the same premise in May.)  The historical accuracy of mores and social intricacies was lacking, and I couldn't connect with the character.

Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss by Rajeev Balasubramanyam
I listened to over an hour, but did not connect with Chandra nor feel any interest in his life.  I did not like Chandra's (the author's ?) view of the world around him or of his inner self, and I didn't care enough to stick around and see if he changed either.

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths

The Stranger Diaries 
Elly Griffiths
2019
4/5 stars

It's difficult to explain this novel without giving away some of the surprises, so I'll be brief: When a colleague and close friend is murdered, Claire, a high school literature teacher, becomes involved in a nightmare.

Griffiths is a skilled story-teller, with prose that is both intelligent and down-to-earth.  The Stranger Diaries alternates points-of-view between Claire, her daughter, and the detective in charge of the case; all three have distinct voices and are well-defined.  The plot is complex, but not convoluted, and is atmospheric, gripping, and intriguing.  The climax wasn't fully believable, thanks to a coincidence combined with an unexplained happening (the only thing keeping this from being a five star read), but the who and why were satisfying, and the overall experience a pleasant thrill.

On a personal note: I read it in the course of a few hours of non-stop reading: it's just that hard to put down.

Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym

Quartet in Autumn
Barbara Pym
1977
5/5 stars

"But at least it made one realise that life still held infinite possibilities for change."

Edwin, Norman, Letty, and Marcia are coworkers in an office, all four nearing retirement age.  The women retire at the same time, and as is to be expected, the dynamics of the relationships between the four alter as their individual lives change.

To read the description of the plot, it doesn't seem likely that it would be an interesting book, and yet, it is engrossing.  The story appears to be just a gentle character study, but underneath it is witty, wry, poignant, sad, and, in the end, triumphantly hopeful.  Pym's characters and situations are believable and alive, and this book, as a whole, is exceptional.

June 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

C.S. Lewis

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis  (1952) 5/5 stars
Lewis, the great Christian apologist, does an excellent job of explaining what Christianity is and isn't, why he chose it, and what the final point of it is.

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar  (2018)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Lizard by Banana Yoshimoto  (1993)  2/5 stars
This is a selection of short stories by one of Japan's renowned storytellers. They are actually slices of life, without a concrete beginning or end, some even without a defined conflict. I did not connect with, nor was I even interested by, the characters or plots.  I was unimpressed with Yoshimoto's style, as well, but this could be a fault of the translation.  I hate to rate it two stars, but this was not a good match for me.

The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths (2009)  4/5 stars
When bones are found in a marsh, Detective Inspector Harry Nelson calls in forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway to determine whether it is a child that has been missing for a decade or an age-old skeleton.  Another child is abducted with links to the previous one, and Ruth becomes involved in the search at the risk of her life.

I was impressed with this mystery, even though I had solved part of it mid-way, and still found it thrilling to the end.  Both Ruth and Nelson were appealing characters, the plot was mostly sound, and the story flowed well.  I look forward to continuing the series.

The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths (2011)  4/5 stars
The skeleton of a decapitated child is discovered on a building site, and forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is asked to give her expertise.  This leads to a decades old mystery and a threat to Ruth's life.

While it's rather improbable to think that Ruth would find herself in deadly peril just a few months after the incidents of the Crossing Places, I still enjoyed this immensely.  The prose was good, the story stayed intense and interesting, and Griffiths is deft at creating an atmosphere of suspense and unease.  I'm looking forward to reading the third in the series. (Note: These books are best read in order.)

The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths (2011)  4/5 stars
Ruth Galloway, forensic archaeologist, succonded to Serious Crimes Unit, investigates when six skeletons are found,  with hands bound and shot execution style. Scientific evidence dates the remains to World War II, and Ruth and Detective Inspector Nelson begin to uncover a secret from the past that someone will kill to keep hidden.

This, the third in the series, is well-written, intelligent, and engrossing.  Having Ruth's life threatened three times in just over a year does require suspension of disbelief, but doesn't lessen the entertainment value of this novel.  (Note: These books are best read in order.)

A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths (2012)  4/5 stars
When Ruth finds a young curator dead in his museum, it begins a case for DCI Nelson that involves suspicious deaths, drug smuggling, and the bones of ancestors.  Ruth is only tangentially involved  in this crimes in this novel, but is still a strong presence, and the reader is given more glimpses of her personal life.  Nelson's subordinates feature more prominently than he does, but this does nothing to lessen the appeal of the book.  It's well-written, intelligent, and strongly interesting.  I definitely recommend this series.  (Note: These books are best read in order.)

A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths (2013)  4/5 stars
After a colleague of forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is murdered in a house fire, she receives a letter from him, posted before his death, hinting of a major archaeological discovery that could shake academia.  Ruth is asked to investigate his find, which leads her into contact with a dangerous underground society.  As with previous volumes of this series, A Dying Fall is well-written and attention-holding, continuing to further Ruth's personal story in addition to providing a satisfying mystery.  (Note: These books are best read in order.)

The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths (2014) 3/5 stars
While DCI Nelson is investigating a potential infanticide, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is excavating what may be the skeleton of a Victorian woman hanged for the same crime.  Things get worse for Nelson when a child-snatching occurs in his jurisdiction, with Ruth and her friends also involved.  This is another well-written mystery, with believable and likable characters.  The solution arrived too suddenly and without enough clues, but despite that, the Outcast Dead is another enjoyable read from Griffiths.  (Note: These books are best read in order.)

Audio Books Completed:
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty  (2013) 4/5 stars  (my review here)

Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson  (2016) 5/5 stars  (my review here)

Let it Bleed by Ian Rankin  (1995) 3/5 stars
A double suicide, followed by another suicide, leads Inspector Rebus to a plot involving politicians, industry leaders, and the establishment in general. 

Rankin writes well, and Rebus is an engaging character. However, this story is more of intrigue than mystery, and wasn't a good fit for me.

The Secret Hangman by Peter Lovesey  (2007)  4/5 stars
Inspector Peter Diamond investigates both an apparent murder/suicide, and a series of ram-raids plaguing Bath.  I love the character of Peter Diamond: he is likable, fallible, and believable.  There is a nice mix of personal and professional in this mystery, with a generally credible crime and solution.


Did Not Finish
Fragile by Lisa Unger
I listened to two hours of this novel, and nothing had happened yet.  I found it deadly dull and wasn't willing to wait any more for the suspense to begin.

Mistletoe Man by Susan Wittig Albert
This is a series, and I started in the middle; this could be why I couldn't get into it, but neither the story, nor the prose, nor the characters caught my interest.

Death on Demand by Carolyn Hart
I wasn't drawn in by the characters, plot, or writing style, and the murder seemed unnecessarily complicated and ridiculous.

Father's Day Murder by Leslie Meier
 I didn't like the family dynamics at the beginning, and though I listened for nearly two hours (all the way up to the murder), I was never drawn in to the story. It's possible that it was because I started mid-series, but I didn't connect with protagonist, either.  I generally don't like American mysteries (both the Hart and the Albert books above are also American); I don't know why I keep trying!

Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson

Be Frank With Me
Julia Claiborne Johnson
2016
5/5 stars

Alice Whitley is sent by her boss to be assistant to literary legend and recluse M.M. (Mimi) Banning while Banning writes her much anticipated second book.  Once installed in the Banning's Hollywood household, she finds she is to be cook, babysitter, housekeeper, and general dogsbody.  Mimi's son, Frank, takes up most of Alice's time.  He is a nine-year-old classic movie buff, who dresses like his favorite actors, has awkward social skills, is prone to tantrums, and does not fit in with his fourth grade classmates.  He is also immensely lovable, which Alice discovers almost immediately.  While she waits impatiently for any sign that Mimi is actually writing the book, she and Frank bond over a series of misadventures.

This, Johnson's debut novel, is stellar.  It is warm, moving, funny, and heartbreaking.  The opening hooks the reader right away, and the well-crafted story keeps the reader enthralled all the way through to it's perfect ending.  The characters, while quirky, are believable, as is the plot.

While the book never states what might cause Frank to act as he does, personal experience tells me that he is on the high functioning end of the Autism spectrum.  Johnson makes him alive, never a caricature, and the reader grows to love him as deeply as Alice.

Be Frank With Me is a not-to-be-missed experience for the right audience, and I highly recommend it.

On a side note: Tavia Gilbert, the audio book narrator, does an amazing job.   

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock
Imogen Hermes Gowar
2018
4/5 stars

When the captain of one of Jonah Hancock's ship returns bearing  the skeleton of a mermaid, Hancock is catapulted into fame, with all classes being eager to view his treasure.  A famous madam arranges a lavish party at her brothel to feature the mermaid, and while there, Hancock meets a well-known courtesan, Angelica Neal, just returning to society after the death of her patron.  The lives of Mr. Hancock and Mrs. Neal become entwined due to the mermaid, leading them to an interesting future, which may be blighted by the power of a mermaid's curse.

This is an amazingly well-written novel, filled with details about the Georgian age, believable characters, and a hauntingly engaging plot.  It is witty, interesting, intelligent, and engrossing.

The reason for four stars instead of five, however, is the addition of the story of Polly, a black teenager, training to be a high-class prostitute.  Her story was no less intriguing, but did not mesh well with the stories of Mr. Hancock and Mrs. Neal.  Each time she interrupted, the flow of story stalled.  Polly deserved a novel of her own, instead of a throw-away filler.

Other than that, this is stunning debut novel and I look forward to following Gowar's career.   

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

The Husband's Secret
Liane Moriarty
2013
4/5 stars

Cecilia has it all together; she's the perfect wife, mother, and Tupperware saleswoman.  She's looked up to and envied by her friends.  Her perfect life comes crashing down, however, when she discovers a letter written by her husband, which contains his deepest secret.

In the same neighborhood, Rachel lives with a 30 year old grief that she is unable to surrender.  Her entire life is shaped by her loss, and she has settled all her hatred on one man she views as the cause.  Now, her life is entwined with Cecilia's in a manner she would never have expected.

Tess comes to that neighborhood to stay with her mother after her marriage seems at an end.  She begins a relationship that ties her to Rachel, though neither woman realizes it.

This is an excellent book; it is gripping from the beginning and stays compelling all the way through.  Moriarty fleshed her characters well, built up the emotions nicely, and presented a twist toward the end that was unexpected. 

One thing I disliked, however, was the fat shaming; this is the second book I've read by Moriarty, and both have pushed perfect bodies. 

The other thing that kept this book from being five stars was Tess' story.  The story itself is fine, and as well written as the rest,  but it really didn't connect to the main plot the way the other two stories did; it almost felt like filler.

Despite those two negative points, it's a fantastic read that I would recommend universally. 

May 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
Death in Zanzibar by M.M. Kaye  (1959)  4/5 stars
In this novel, Dany is invited to visit her mother and step-father in Zanzibar for a relaxing vacation, but murder, suspense and danger follow her from England to Africa.  While at times absurdly unbelievable, Death in Zanzibar is consistently entertaining and atmospheric.  I enjoyed it much more than anticipated, and will certainly read more of Kay's mystery-adventures.

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister  (2009) 4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Imperfectionist by Tom Rachman (2010) 4/5 stars (my review here)



Audio Books Completed:
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton  (1911)  4/5 stars
This classic tells of a love triangle between Ethan Frome, his wife Zeena, and her cousin Mattie Silver.  Wharton's skill breathes life into the characters and the location, and gives an ending that makes this sad, short novel well-worth reading.

A Medal for Murder by Frances Brody  (2010)  4/5 stars
It is 1922 in England, and Kate Shackelton is hired to recover stolen goods. However, while investigating she becomes accidentally involved in murder.   Brody weaves the story between several points of view, which works surprisingly well.   This second of a series is charming and enjoyable; I was kept interested until the end.

The Ex by Alafair Burke  (2016)  3/5 stars  (my review here)

The Tropic of Serpents by Marie Brennan  (2014)  3/5 stars
This is the second in the "a Natural History of Dragons" series, and follows Isabella as she ventures into the swamp known as the Green Hell, in search of indigenous dragons.  The world of these novels is meticulously created, making for an excellent reading experience.  The main story line was engaging, but the politics (though well-explained) caused the story to lag at times.  It was still a pleasure, and I look forward to reading more in the series.

The Guardians of the Horizon by Elizabeth Peters  (2004)  4/5 stars
Amelia Peabody Emerson and her family travel to the Sudan in order to help a friend from a previous novel, who is living in the Lost Oasis.  Murder, intrigue, and royal politics involve them in an experience that the Emersons may not survive.  I have not read all the series up to this one, and was at a bit of a disadvantage in the beginning, as I tried to make sense of who everyone was and what the previous adventure of the Lost Oasis had been.  After that, however, it turned into an exciting adventure that was a pleasure to read.

Murder at the Brightwell by Ashley Weaver  (2014) 4/5 stars
Amory Ames is invited to visit the seaside by a friend from her past, and while there she becomes involved in a murder investigation.  Set in the 1930s, this has a lovely atmosphere, a rather good mystery, and likable characters.  Amory is in a failing marriage, however, and as a result there is much angst throughout the novel.  Otherwise, I enjoyed it, and will probably continue the series.

Congo by Michael Crichton  (1980) 3/5 stars
This is an enjoyable adventure tale, following a team of scientists and their guide as they navigate the terrors of the Congo in search for diamonds.  Crichton's genius -- which is certainly not for lyrical prose -- is his ability to mesh fact with fiction seamlessly.  Even though I only gave it three stars (due to the mechanical prose), it's great escapist fiction.



Did Not Finish:
The Story Hour by Thrity Umrigar
The first narrator of this novel is a Hidustani woman living in America, whose thoughts are related in an off-putting pigeon English,  I found it impossible to believe that Lakshmi would think in such language; she would, I would assume, think in perfect Hindi.  I quit only a few pages in.

The Bridal Wreath (Kristin Lavransdatter, book one) by Sigrid Undset
According to Goodreads, I am in the minority.  I simply could not get into this book.  It was deadly dull with poor writing, and I kept wondering how it won the Nobel Prize.  Perhaps if I had stuck with it, I would have loved it, too, but I simply couldn't.

Murder on Millionaire's Row by Erin Lindsey
This Gilded Age mystery was entirely too unbelievable and lacked authentic historical atmosphere.

Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler
I'm not sure why I picked this book - - it is a retelling of the Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare's worst play - - but I did give it a try.  I wasn't impressed with the writing of what I did read, and the more I thought about the play, the less interested I became in the novel.
(My review of the play is here.)

The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman

The Imperfectionists
Tom Rachman
2010
4/5 stars

This is a set of stories about the various employees (and one reader) of a failing international English language newspaper located in Rome.  Each chapter focuses on one person, giving a glimpse of both private and working life, and how the paper affects that person.  The backstory of the creation, rise, and decline of the newspaper is told as well, in vignettes at the end of each chapter.  The stories are tied together through the paper and through common characters, making it a cohesive whole, if not an actual novel.

Rachman creates intimate portraits of his characters, generally showing each at a most vulnerable point in life or career.  The stories are not up-lifting or cheerful -- most are sad, even depressing -- and yet the prose is light, easy, flowing.  This is not a particularly enjoyable book, but it is extremely readable, and, at times, compelling. 

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

The School of Essential Ingredients
Erica Bauermeister
2009
4/5 stars

Lillian holds a class in her restaurant, and instead of teaching how to follow a recipe, she teached the art of cooking and the love of ingredients.  The eight members of her class come from a variety of backgrounds and current situations, but all find themselves in the experience.

Each chapter focuses on one night of the class, and one of the students, weaving the past with the present.  Giving life and story to all of the eight students plus Lillian is ambitious, but Bauermeister is generally successful.  Her prose is lyrical and flows gently from one sentence to the next, and she is skillful at creating atmosphere.  Overall, it's quite an impressive debut novel. 

The Ex by Alafair Burke

The Ex
Alafair Burke
2016
3/5 stars


Criminal defense lawyer Olivia Randall is stunned when she hears that her former fiancé, Jack Harris, has been arrested for a triple homicide.  She agrees to take his case and uncovers what appears to be a plot to frame Jack for these murders.  As Olivia delves deeper into the evidence, though, questions begin to arise.

This domestic suspense had me riveted from the beginning.  The plot was faced-paced and intriguing, and Burke's prose fit the characters and situations well.  As the story neared the end, I realized the solution and waited to see how Burke would make it work.  Unfortunately, she left many plot holes, so that the evidence was irreconcilable with the conclusion.  I thoroughly enjoyed this novel up until then, however, and will certainly try another of Burke's novels.

April 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling  4/5 stars
As I mentioned last month, I'm rereading this series with a group; no need to review such a popular book.

Death of an Airman by Christopher St. John Sprigg  4/5 stars
This is an enjoyable Golden Age mystery, a bit convoluted at times, but otherwise engaging and generally well-written.  The three main characters were likable, and the solution was not easily apparent.  I would certainly read another mystery by Sprigg.

Antidote to Venom by Freeman Wills Croft  4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Mapmaker's Wife by Robert Whitaker  4/5 stars (my review here)


Audio Books Completed:
Eternity Ring by Patricia Wentworth  3/5 stars
When a young woman announces she's seen a murder, Detective Frank Abbot finds himself personally involved, and asks for Miss Silver's help.  It was obvious from the beginning who the guilty party was, and the coincidences leading up to the crime weren't fully convincing.  However, it was still an enjoyable, light mystery.

An Irish Country Village by Patrick Taylor  3/5 stars
This second of the series picks up exactly where An Irish Country Doctor leaves off, and follows Barry Laverty in his second month as a village G.P.  It wasn't as charming or engaging as the first, and dragged a bit in parts with events that weren't as funny as the author intended.  It does leave the reader curious to read the next Ballybucklebo installment, though.  (On  side note: Nearly every speaker uses "Jesus" as an exclamation in nearly every conversation.  I find it distracting and displeasing.)

The Game by Laurie R. King  4/5 stars
Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, are sent to India to search for a missing British spy.  This is more of an adventure than a mystery, and was great fun to read. Russell is an engaging character and her narration enjoyable. Holmes is comparable to the original and the dynamics between him and Russell are enjoyable.  (I would recommend reading the series in order.)

A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan  4/5 stars
Isabella, Lady Trent, narrates her first experience of studying dragons in this engaging and well-written tale.  The fictional world is especially intriguing, with hints of detailed religion, politics and culture.  The first of a series, it leaves the reader looking forward to the next adventure.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins  4/5 stars
This is an engrossing domestic thriller, excellently told from three points of view.  Whether by author design or not, I knew the answer three-fourths of the way through, but still enjoyed the rest.  While not perfect, it was a suspenseful novel that stayed in my mind even when I wasn't reading it. 

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke  3/5 stars
In this beginning to a series, Minnesotan Hannah Swensen finds the murdered body of her milkman and helps her brother-in-law (the local sheriff's officer) to solve the case.  This is not a mature mystery, and most obviously a first novel, but the characters are certainly engaging.  I would be willing to give the next book a try, as it was easy to become interested in Hannah and her life.

Pyramids by Terry Pratchett  4/5 stars
This Discworld novel follows the adventures of Pteppic, the crown prince of the tiny kingdom of Djelibeybi, as he studies to become an Assassin in Ankh-Morpork, through to his ascension as King.  His new position becomes filled with difficulties as he tries to bring change to his kingdom, has an adventure in the neighboring country, and saves his world from the gods with a little help from his dead relatives.  As is usual with Pratchett, this is an intelligent, often hilarious novel, well-written, slyly perceptive, and always engaging,   

The Mapmaker's Wife by Robert Whitaker

The Mapmaker's Wife
Robert Whitaker

Isabel Gramesón Godin

2004
4/5 stars

In 1735, a expedition to South America is undertaken by a group of French scientists and their assistants with the purpose of measuring the circumference of the earth.  This led to a ten-year-long trek through South America (principally in the Quito region) in which the Frenchmen made valuable scientific discoveries and experienced many adventures.

In 1741, one of the signal carriers, Jean Godin, married a thirteen-year-old Peruvian noblewoman, Isabel Gramesón.  In 1749, Godin was still in Peru with his wife, but a letter from France made him decide it was time to go home.  Godin then made an unwise decision which would have tragic results.  He traveled down the Amazon to French Guiana without Isabel, with plans to return to Peru for her after trying out the route first himself.  Portuguese and Spanish officials refused to allow him to return through their territory, and Godin spent the next 19 years trying to find a way to reach Isabel or to have her travel to him.

At last, Godin was able to send for Isabel, and she and a forty-two person party of friends, relatives, and slaves began their trip down the Amazon.  After many misadventures, Isabel was the only remaining member of the party, but did manage to join her husband, twenty-one years after they separated.

The title of this book is quite misleading.  First, as noted above, Jean was not a mapmaker; he was, in fact, a very minor assistant, brought along as a signal carrier because he was cousin to the expedition's chief scientist, Louis Godin.  Secondly, the book is not fully about Isabel, as the title would suggest.  The majority of the book is taken up with describing the French expedition and their experiences.  Isabel was not mentioned until half way through the book, and her Amazon trip does not begin until page 226 of the 295 page book, and then isn't given in detail.

Other than this quibble, I quite enjoyed the Mapmaker's Wife.   It is an engrossing book, with the story of the French expedition described extensively using first-hand documents.  Whitaker writes well and intelligently, gives a surprisingly good description of the personalities involved, and presents a lively account of an interesting set of events. 

Antidote to Venom by Freeman Wills Crofts

Antidote to Venom 
Freeman Wills Crofts
1938
4/5 stars

This "inverted" mystery begins by following George Surridge, director of the Birmington Zoo.  He is short on cash, due mostly to bad decisions on his part, and finds himself contemplating the unthinkable  as a means to alleviate his difficulties.  The reader waits for the inevitable to happen, as Surridge gets in deeper and deeper, with the suspense being where and how he would commit murder.

Once the deed is done, it comes to the notice of Scotland Yard detective, Inspector French, who notices a clue not picked up on by the Birmington police.  French proceeds to investigate, while Surridge becomes paranoid and panicky, wondering how soon it will be before his guilt is discovered.

This was a nicely plotted, intelligent, and well-written mystery.  The method of the crime was truly ingenious, if a bit implausible, and Crofts' development of Surridge's character quite good.  Crofts intended for this to be a moral tale of sorts, with a redemptive ending, but that part of the novel was somewhat awkward, as if Crofts were slightly embarrassed by what he was doing.  Otherwise, this is a fully entertaining story and I hope to read more by this Golden Age author.  

March 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

The Prodigious Hickey by Owen Johnson  4/5 stars
This 1910 boys' school novel is pure fun.  It is made up of connected short stories of the adventures of the students of the Lawrenceville School, largely focusing on William "Hickey" Hicks and his exploits against the masters.  Johnson is an engaging writer, and the book, as a whole, is extremely entertaining.

Madam, Will You Talk? by Mary Stewart  3/5 stars  (my review here)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling  4/5 stars
This is an I-don't-know-how-many-ith time reading of this enjoyable book for a buddy read with a stitching/reading group.  It's too well-known to need a review, but suffice it to say that the series is certainly worth reading.

Lilith by George MacDonald  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett  5/5 stars
In this Discworld tribute to Shakespeare, the three Ramtops witches meddle in politics to put a rightful king on the Lancre throne.  This is an intelligent, often hilarious, and entirely entertaining book with an engaging plot and a wonderful unexpected twist.  Pratchett excels at making the ridiculous and incredible believable, and Wyrd Sisters is a perfect example of that talent. 

Audio Books Completed:

The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Poison Belt by Arthur Conan Doyle  3/5 stars
The heroes of the Lost World find themselves together at what seems to be the end of the world, as a belt of poison ether enters the atmosphere.  This is an uneven novella, with some parts exciting, and other parts rather dull.  It was a pleasure to revisit the familiar characters, however, and interesting to see how a post-apocalyptic world would appear to an Edwardian.

Gone West by Carola Dunn  3/5 stars
Daisy becomes involved in a murder case whilst she is staying with friends.  Her husband, Chief Inspector Fletcher of New Scotland Yard, is called in to investigate, and Daisy assists.  As with the rest of the series, Gone West is charming and light, with very little meat to the story, but still entertaining.

False Scent by Ngaio Marsh  4/5 stars
A famous actress dies from inhaling bug spray, and murder is suspected.  This, as with all of Marsh's mysteries, is intelligent, engrossing, and satisfying.  Marsh prepared the characters' background excellently, drawing the reader in quickly.  The plot was perhaps not fully believable, but certainly entertaining.  I can not recommend the Roderick Alleyn series enough.

The Secret Mother by Shalini Boland  4/5 stars
In this domestic thriller, Tessa finds an unknown child in her home; as a result, her life turns upside down and her sanity is challenged.  I've read other novels by Boland, and, as in those, she writes engagingly, with realistic characters.  It wasn't perhaps as thrilling as advertised, but this was still an solidly good read.

The Case of the Abominable Snowman by Nicholas Blake  3/5 stars
Nigel Strangeways becomes involved in solving a case of murder that was staged to look like suicide.  This is an intelligent and mostly believable mystery, but at the end, it relied too much on one coincidence, and that lessened the credibility of the whole experience.

The Fifth Business by Robertson Davies  3/5 stars  (my review here)

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn  4/5 stars  (my review here)

In the Woods by Tana French  5/5 stars  (my review here)

In the Woods by Tana French

In the Woods
Tana French
2007
5/5 stars

Dublin Murder Squad detectives Rob Ryan and Cassie Maddox are partners and best friends.  When a twelve-year-old is murdered, they are given the case.  It appears that it could be tied into a cold case from 30 years back that involved Rob.  Possibly compromising his professional reputation -- if not his job -- Rob becomes personally and emotionally involved in both cases, creating unexpected consequences for himself and Cassie.

Into the Woods is effectively told in first person from Rob's point of view; he is flawed and sometimes unlikable, but his voice is always realistic.  The relationship between Rob and Cassie is also well-written and believable.  The mystery itself was gripping and surprising, and the overall plot was riveting.  French excels at creating an uneasy atmosphere and at drawing the reader deep into the story.  I was impressed by this novel, and will certainly read more of the Dublin Murder Squad series.

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

The Woman in the Window
A.J. Finn
2018
4/5 stars

Anna Fox is a recluse, trapped in her home due to agoraphobia, who spends her days watching vintage suspense, drinking wine, and spying on her neighborhood.  One night, she sees a neighbor apparently dying from a stab wound, but the police find nothing wrong in the house across the way.  Now Anna must decide if she is delusional, or if she really did witness murder.

This novel, a loving tribute to Hitchcock, builds up the psychological suspense well, slowly spooning out Anna's backstory, and leaving the reader as unsure as Anna is about what to believe.  The surprise is not fully unpredictable, but still makes a nice twist.  The book moves too slowly in parts, and Anna's character will certainly be unappealing to some readers, but overall it was an above average thriller.

A note about the audio book: Ann Marie Lee is an exceptional narrator, expressing emotions perfectly and adding to the suspense with her tone.  However, she failed to correctly imitate the famous actors in the movies Anna was watching, and it was galling to one familiar with those voices.

Fifth Business by Robertson Davies

Fifth Business
Robertson Davies
1970
3/5 stars

The protagonist, Dunstan Ramsay,  is the unwitting cause of an accident that leads to the eventual derangement of a local woman.  In this epistolary novel, he explains the accident and how that affected his life for the next sixty years.

This novel is highly regarded, and is listed n the American Modern Library's "reader's list" of the 100 best novels of the 20th century.  Davies writes well, and the story moves along seamlessly.  The characters are well-drawn, and the ending worth the wait.  Unfortunately, I felt no connection to Dunstan, and was never emotionally connected to him.  That is, I fully realize, most likely a problem with the reader and not with the writer; however, as a result, I can't rate it higher than average.

Lilith by George MacDonald

Lilith 
George MacDonald
1895
5/5 stars

The protagonist, known only by his last name of Vane, follows a raven through a mirror to another world.  There he meets the original Adam and Eve, Adam's first wife Lilith, and the Little Ones -- children living in the forest under the care of a young woman named Lona.  Vane becomes involved in protecting the children from the Bad Giants, and of overthrowing Lilith from the city of Bulika.  Vane must make difficult choices and overcome temptation in various guises before he can lay down to sleep, and awake in perfect life.

This allegorical fantasy is darker and deeper than his first, Phantastes (1858), and can be obscure in it's meaning.  McDonald's main points seem to be that, to a Christian, death is actually life, that one must work hard for salvation, and that, though all will be saved eventually (he was a Christian universalist), God's punishment can be severe in the meantime.  However, these themes do not override the story, and are there to be found if one is looking, but can mostly be ignored if the reader is only interested in the fantasy itself.

The prose is typical of a Victorian author, in that it is often dense, but generally lovely.  The plot itself is dark and makes the reader uneasy throughout.  The story is interesting, often gripping, and has several nice twists.  It's certainly not light, fun reading, and is not always enjoyable; given that I would not recommend it universally.  It is, however, an excellent example of both Victorian fiction and Christian allegory, and the reader interested in either or both of these genres will find Lilith to be a gem. 

Read as part of the Classics Club.  My explanation is here.

The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Lost World
Arthur Conan Doyle
1912
4/5 stars

In the 1910s, Professor Challenger returns to England from a trip to South America, claiming to have discovered a plateau populated by dinosaurs and other extinct creatures, but he has no evidence to prove it.  Naturally, this is disbelieved, so a committee of Professor Summerlee (Challenger's professional rival), cub reporter Edward Malone, and well-known big game hunter Lord John Roxton sets out to prove or disprove Challenger's word.  Challenger joins them in South America, and they have the adventure of a life-time exploring a lost world.

I have read this classic adventure several times; it's one of my favorites of both the genre and the time period.  Doyle writes engagingly, and the plot is generally exciting.  Being written before the South American continent had been fully explored, it would have been most thrilling for the contemporary audience.   Over all, the Lost World is fun to read, especially for those accustomed to Doyle's style, and the mores of the Edwardian era.

A note about the audio book: Narrator Glen McCready is superb and heightened the enjoyment of the story.

Illustration from the 1912 edition.

Madam, Will You Talk? by Mary Stewart

Madam, Will You Talk?
Mary Stewart
1955
3/5 stars

While on holiday in France, Charity meets young David and befriends the child.  This friendship involves her in a suspenseful adventure that could lead to the death of Charity and those she loves.

The plot relies a good deal on coincidence, and often requires a suspension of belief from the reader.  Stewart writes dialog and action well, but the descriptive passages, while vivid, drag and slow the story.   Overall, it was a quick, mostly enjoyable read, but largely unmemorable.  As this was Stewart's first novel, however, I will most probably try another and see if they improve in probability and prose.

February 2019 Wrap Up

Books Read:

County Chronicle by Angela Thirkell  4/5 stars

Two weddings, a christening, a death, and numerous parties make up the events of this 18th novel of Barsetshire, with focus on the new story of Isabel Dale, and on the continuing story of Mrs. Brandon. While Isabel meets new people, mourns an old love, and enjoys a secret career, Mrs. Brandon must deal with the miserable effects of an intolerably selfishness adult son. As with all Thirkell books, it is charming, witty, occasionally snarky, and a thoroughly delightful read.  (Note: these books must be read in order.)

Murder of a Lady by Anthony Wynne  4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Lone Wolf by Louis Joseph Vance  3/5 stars  (my review here)

Phantastes by George MacDonald  5/5 stars  (my review here)

The White Cottage Mystery by Margery Allingham  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Audio Books Completed:
On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle  3/5 stars
When Clare finds the comatose body of her employee at the bottom of her coffee house stairs, she is determined to discover who was responsible.  This is an average book all the way around, with no sparkle to it.  I was completely uninterested in Claire's personal life, and found quite a bit to be unbelievable, so I don't know if I'll continue the series or not.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty  5/5 stars  (my review here)

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan  3/5 stars  (my review here)

Scandal Takes a Holiday by Lindsey Davis  4/5 stars
Falco goes to Ostia to find a missing scribe, and becomes involved in searching out a kidnapping ring.  As is generally the case with the Falco mysteries, it is witty, quick paced, and a good deal of fun.  Davis writes well, and the details of Roman life during the early Flavian dynasty are always fascinating.

An Irish Country Doctor  by Patrick Taylor 4/5/stars
During the 1960s, Barry Laverty, fresh out of medical school, takes a position as an assistant to a GP in the Irish village of Ballybucklebo.  This first of a series, follows Barry as he gets accustomed to his new life.  It was a light-hearted, enjoyable novel, well-written with obvious knowledge of the subject, and I look forward to the rest of the series.

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters  4/5 stars
This is a delightful, lighthearted mystery with an intrepid Victorian woman in the center, and an Egyptian archaeological dig as the setting.  I've read it before, and enjoyed Peters' engaging style and the solid plot just as much this time.  It certainly comes recommended.

The White Cottage Mystery by Margery Allingham

The White Cottage Mystery
Margery Allingham
1927
5/5 stars

Eric Crowther is found dead in his neighbors' cottage and Chief Inspector W.T. Challenor is called to investigate.  Everyone in the cottage, plus two of Crowther's employees, had reason to kill him.  Challenor finds himself involved in a case with too many suspects and no reasonable solution.

This short novel is well-written, tightly plotted, and thoroughly engaging; I finished it in one sitting.  The solution is perfectly plausible, as are the characters and their stories.  While I am crazy about her Campion adventures, I do wish Allingham had written a few more like this fantastic mystery.

Phantastes by George MacDonald

Phantastes: a Faerie Romance
George MacDonald
1858
Annotated edition edited by John Pennington and Roderick McGill in 2017.
5/5 stars

Published in 1858, Phantastes is a coming of age story, that tells of Anodos' journey through Fairy Land.  MacDonald's prose is beautiful and lush and his poetry, while a product of it's time, is often enchanting.  The story itself is engaging and at times enthralling.  It is a delightful read for those who enjoy both allegory and Victorian literature.

I have read this before, and was excited to find an annotated version.  The editors John Pennington and Roderick McGillis define some of the more obscure words, interpret foreign phrases, place the novel in it's historical and literary place, point out influences, and give insights to the allegory.  They also include a detailed introduction and appendices including illustrations, influences, contemporary reviews, and scholarly articles, in addition to a lengthy bibliography.  This adds greatly to the enjoyment of the novel, and I'm delighted to have read it.

Read as part of the Classics Club.  My explanation is here. 

Letters to Malcolm by C. S. Lewis

Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer
C. S. Lewis
1964
5/5/stars

This slim volume is precisely as advertised: essays written in letter form, mainly about prayer.  Petitionary prayers, adoration, and penitence are discussed, as well as other church topics such as Communion, resurrection, the purpose of church services, and Purgatory.
As a Christian apologist, Lewis faces tough issues and gives his opinion unhesitatingly.  Due to his incredible intelligence, some of his arguments are well above my grasp.  However, he often succinctly expresses in words the thoughts that weren't concretely formed in my mind, helping me to pin down my belief on an issue.

I have to say that I didn't care for the format; simple essays would have been better than faked letters with insincere personal details.  That's only a small point, though, as the worth of the book far surpasses any minor irritations.