December 2020 Wrap Up

Books Read:

Three Times Dead; or, The Secret of the Heath; or The Trail of the Serpent by Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1860)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Story of a Whim by Grace Livingston Hill (1903) 3/5 stars

Hazel sends a Christmas gift to a stranger on a whim.  As the stranger's name is "Christie", Hazel assumes she is gifting a college-age girl like herself, when instead, the receiver is a young orange farmer.  Hazel's gift leads him to discover a faith that changes his life.  This Christian novel written at the turn of the 20th century is a gentle, sweet read that is light on plot but full of charm.

Behind a Mask, Or, a Woman's Power by A.M. Barnard, pseudonym of Louisa May Alcott 

(1866)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Dorial Hay (1936)  4/5 stars

In this Golden Age mystery, the host of a house party is found murdered on Christmas Day.  Hay's prose is quite good, and the plot was absorbing.  I wasn't fully convinced by the solution, but enjoyed the book as a whole.

Audio Books Completed

The God of the Hive by Laurie R. King (2010)  4/5 stars

This well-written novel picks up at right as the previous volume ends, and takes Mary Russell and Holmes through an adventure that involves extreme danger to them and those they love most.  It is another wonderful, often touching, addition to the series, and is suspenseful, exciting, and completely engrossing. 

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz (2017)  3/5 stars  (my review here)

Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer (1941)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

A Scandalous Deception by Lynn Messina (2018)  4/5 stars

Picking up a few months after the end of  a Brazen Curiosity (my review here), this, the second in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series, follows Bea and the Duke of Kesgrave as they seek the killer of a dandy who fell dead at her feet.  This cozy mystery is as charming as the first, with some genuine laugh-out-loud moments, appealing characters, and generally well-written prose.   The solution hinges on Bea's knowledge of bizarre facts, which wasn't fully convincing, but overall, it was an enjoyable read.

Did Not Finish:
The Girls in the Garden by Lisa Jewell
This started off quite good, but then spiraled down, down, down.  Reading about pre-teen snogging and drug use is off-putting to say the least, and Jewell makes the reader feel like a pervert spying on these children.  If it had been handled better (by Nabokov for example) it could have been a compelling novel, but I felt so unclean reading it that I stopped about half way through.    

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

I've had this book for some time, and looked forward to reading it when I was in the mood for neo-gothic.  Referred to a fine example of that genre, it is instead, an utter disappointment.  Unlike a classic gothic tale, this novel is distasteful and sordid, and Setterfield is not talented enough to spin a palatable and readable tale of incest, torture, masochism and insanity.  Give this one a miss.

Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer

Envious Casca

(also published as A Christmas Party) 

Georgette Heyer

1941

4/5 stars

Joseph Herriard, against the wishes of his brother Nathaniel, plans a Christmas house party at Nathaniel's home, Lexham Manor.  In addition to himself and his wife, Joseph's house party includes his niece and her playwright friend, his nephew and his unsuitable fiancé, a cousin, and Nathaniel's business partner, most of whom have cause to argue with -- or at least annoy -- Nathaniel and each other.  Nathaniel is found stabbed on Christmas Eve, inside his room with the door locked.  Inspector Hemingway of Scotland Yard is put on the tricky case and struggles to discover how the murder could have been committed. Meanwhile, the quarrelling continues, accusations flourish, and speculation abounds, making for a truly unpleasant holiday.

Heyer's talent for conversation, absurd situations, and well-thought out plots is apparent in this clever mystery.  The characters, though not deeply-drawn, were generally believable and the near universal unlikableness of them added realism to the story.  I suspected the correct one immediately, but not how the crime was accomplished, and enjoyed the slow revelation of both.  One point did stand out for me as not fully reconciled, but overall, Envious Casca is an entertaining yuletide read.

Behind a Mask, or, a Woman's Power by A.M. Barnard

Louisa May Alcott

Behind a Mask, or, a Woman's Power

A.M. Barnard (pseudonym of Louisa May Alcott)  

1866 

4/5 stars 

In this short novel, Jean Muir, a deceitful governess, strives to find security for her future by wining the love of a her employer's son. A consummate actress, Jean works her way into the family quickly and easily puts her plans into action. As her past follows fast on her heels, she must work rapidly if she is to succeed. 

 Alcott's writing is strong, and she is able to flesh out the characters surprisingly well in such a short time. She hits the reader with the secret immediately, but that doesn't lessen the suspense or enjoyment, and the reader will be uncertain as to the outcome all the way to the end. Jean is a truly wicked woman, and yet Alcott causes the reader to unwillingly champion her cause. I read it in two sittings, completely engrossed, and literally yelled when I read the ending. For those fond of a Victorian-era sensational novel, this is a must-read. 

The Trail of the Serpent by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Three Times Dead; or, The Secret of the Heath; or The Trail of the Serpent

Mary Elizabeth Braddon

1860  

4/5 stars

This triple-named Victorian melodrama has everything that the genre should and more: murder, deceit, blackmail, love, true friendship, deep emotions, a foundling, a man jailed for a crime he didn't commit, a mute detective, a truly despicable villain, and lots and lots of drama.  

(A more detailed plot synopsis would spoil some of the surprises of the book, and I honestly think the less known, the more pleasure.)

I thoroughly enjoyed Braddon's first published sensation novel. It is one of, if not the, earliest British "detective" novels, and makes use of disguise, civilian assistants, a doggedly determined sleuth, and many other features characteristic to that story type.  The plot was twisty, sometimes unpredictable, with mostly well drawn characters and a satisfying ending.  While it's literary merit doesn't deserve five stars, I certainly got five stars worth of entertainment from the Trail of the Serpent (as it's most commonly known) and highly recommend it to fellow lovers of the genre.

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

The Word is Murder

Anthony Horowitz

2017

3/5 stars

A woman plans her funeral in the morning, and is murdered that evening.  Daniel Hawthorne, ex-cop and current private investigator, is working with the police to solve the mystery.  He approaches the author, Anthony Horowitz, to write a true-crime book about the case.  Horowitz agrees, and follows Hawthorne about as he works, being a Watson to his Holmes, and trying to find the answer himself.

The premise is unique and promising, but the result was not satisfying. The mystery itself was interesting, but never compelling. There were several nicely done false leads, but equally as many quickly-obvious "secrets".  The solution was not fully convincing and the murderer's confession scene was truly ridiculous.

The prose is a generally good, and Horowitz mixes his real life with fiction quite well, but after a few chapters, the novelty wore off and the story felt pretentious and too aware of it's cleverness.  He spent a good many words on describing his writing process and his personal life -- words that would have been better spent on fleshing out characters and giving more clues pointing to the guilty party.  I wavered between two and three stars, but decided that, as I did read it to the end, it deserves three stars, but certainly no recommendation.

November 2020 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

According to the Pattern by Grace Livingston Hill (1903)  3/5 stars   (my review here)

Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc and Edgar Jepson (1909)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Expiation by E. Phillips Oppenheim (1887)  4/5 stars

This Victorian novel follows the story of a man intent on vengeance at all costs, and the pain and distress he causes those around him.  Expiation is filled with romance, revenge, adventure, mystery, heartbreak, and, of course, melodrama.  The writing is not consistently strong and some of the characters are cardboard stereotypes, but the complex plot is compelling and the pace never drags. I enjoyed it tremendously from start to finish, and recommend it to all who appreciate this genre. 

 A Golden Argosy by Fred M. White (1886)  3/5 stars  (my review here)

The Blackout by Constance and Gwyneth Little (1951)  3/5 stars  (my review here)

The Language of Bees by Laurie R. King (2009) 4/5 stars

Mary Russell and her husband/partner, Holmes, become involved in an extremely personal case as they investigate a woman's disappearance and a bizarre religious cult.  This is more of a suspenseful adventure than a mystery, but it's compelling plot was engaging throughout. Russell is a delightful character, and her voice is natural and believable. Most of the action follows her alone,  but when Holmes is present, King, as usual, keeps his personality quite close to canon.  Overall, it's a great addition to this highly recommended series.  (Note: they must be read in order.)

Audio Books Completed:

A Keeper by Graham Norton (2018)  3/5 stars  (my review here)

The Moth Catcher by Ann Cleeves (2015)  3/5

Two seemingly unconnected men are murdered in the peaceful neighborhood of Valley Farm; not long after, a third murder occurs that seems to be tied to the two prior. The residents of the community are DI Vera Stanhope's focus, as she sorts out their secrets, their histories, and their lies.  The Moth Catcher is well written, as have been the six previous books of this series, but Cleeves does not provide enough clues to the essential connection.  I still enjoyed it -- Vera is a fantastic character -- but less than I have the others.

A Brazen Curiosity by Lynn Messina (2019)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Lady Audley's Secret by M.E. Braddon (1862)  5/5 stars

This is an astoundingly good Victorian melodrama.  It is well-written, has an intriguing and engrossing plot, and believable, flawed characters.   The "secret" is revealed early on, but the suspense that builds as the lead character tries to prove his theory is nicely done, and the story has several good twists.  I enthusiastically recommend this book to those who enjoy the genre, but would suggest not reading any descriptions, as I think the less known about the plot, the better the enjoyment.

The Seagull by Ann Cleeves  (2017)  4/5 stars

While I felt there were not enough clues given, it was still well-written and engrossing, and fleshed out even more of Vera's past.  I definitely recommend this series.

Did Not Finish:

The Foundling by Georgette Heyer

This is one of the few Heyer's Regency novels I had not read, and I was quite looking forward to it.  It's more of a coming of age story with lots of misadventures on the side.  I listened to a few hours of the audio book, but found myself anxious on the hero's account and not enjoying the experience as a result.  I'm putting it aside to try again another time. 

The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber

I listened to a few hours of the audio book, but a lack of authentic pre-Victorian atmosphere made me unable to finish.  

The Blackout by Constance and Gwenyth Little

The Blackout

Constance and Gwenyth Little

1951

3/5 stars

Two years ago, Joe Crolliz woke up in a hotel room with amnesia. Now, after seeing a house that tickles his memory, he answers an advertisement to be a companion to the blind owner, Madame Rose.  As he spends time with her and the other residents, his past slowly returns, only to be filled with things he doesn't particularly want to recall.

Though the story was interesting and generally well-plotted, the Blackout lacks the sparkle, charm, and humor that characterizes the novels of the Little sisters.  The various twists and surprises are quite good, however, and the tension buildup was nicely done.  Overall, though, this is a rather forgettable book*, not quite in the same class as most of their earlier works, and, while not a bad mystery, is certainly not one I would recommend to new readers of the authors.

* To let you know just how forgettable, I will admit that I was on page 113 of this 159 page book before I realized that I had read it before.

A Brazen Curiosity by Lynn Messina

A Brazen Curiosity

Lynn Messina 

2018

4/5 stars

It is 1816, and twenty-six-year-old Beatrice Hyde-Clare is a member of an English country house party.  Orphaned twenty years ago, Bea lives with her aunt, uncle, and cousins who, though not actively unkind, never let her forget that she is a poor relation.  Mousey and timid, Bea finds herself tongue-tied and panicky in society, and is still unmarried as a result of her disastrous debut Season some years ago.  However, when she stumbles upon fellow houseguest, the Duke of Kesgrave, standing over a murdered man, Bea finds herself able to converse with the annoying Duke firmly and intelligently as they combine forces to solve the mystery.

This is a charming cozy mystery taking place in Regency society, and is a definite nod to the mistress of Regency novels, Georgette Heyer.  Bea is a delightful character, and it's a pleasure to watch her overcome the trained submissive humility and find the true feisty, confident woman hidden inside.  Her friendship with Kesgrave is tempered by her prejudices against him, and her assumptions about her likability.  As she begins to enjoy his company more and more, the relationship becomes bittersweet to Bea in a most realistic way.  

Messina generally writes well, and has obviously researched the Regency period as she was able to use the cant, describe the clothing, and (except for a few instances) create a credible atmosphere.  The dialogue was often clever and amusing, and the characters, while still stereotypical of a Regency novel, were mostly believable. The mystery itself is interesting with a satisfactory ending, and, despite all the clues being in the open, not easy to solve right away.  

Overall, I enjoyed it from start to finish and am glad I chose to try it despite the negative reviews.  Those who enjoy light historical mysteries will most likely find A Brazen Curiosity charming as well.  I am certainly looking forward to reading more in the series.

A Golden Argosy by Fred M. White

Fred M. White

A Golden Argosy

Fred M. White 

1886  

3/5 stars

Before his death, Eleanor's uncle is influenced by his half-sister to cut Eleanor out of his will and leave all the money to the sister instead.  At his death, however, there is no money to be found.  Later, Eleanor is given a curious letter written by her uncle shortly before his death, which seems to be in code telling her where the money is hidden. With help from a new friend, Eleanor and her husband solve the mystery.

This Victorian melodrama is light on plot and suspense, and hinges entirely on improbable coincidences.  Despite that, it's well-written and compelling, and, as White's first novel (written at the age of 27), shows great promise for the popular and prolific author's later works, which I look forward to exploring.

The Red Thumb Mark by R. Austin Freeman

The Red Thumb Mark 

R. Austin Freeman

(1907)

4/5 stars

A young gentleman, Reuben Hornby, is accused of robbing the safe where his uncle kept valuables for his business.  His thumbprint, made in blood on a memorandum, is found in the safe when the loss is discovered.  When Hornby, professing his innocence, is arrested, he and his distressed family seek help from the medico-legal expert, Dr. Thorndyke.  The case is recounted by Thorndyke's friend and assistant, Dr. Jervis, who watches with admiration as Thorndyke slowly reveals his defense.

The real question of this novel is not so much who is guilty -- that is evident early on -- but how Thorndyke will be able to prove Hornby innocent.  Thorndyke does not share all his facts with Jervis, giving the reader the opportunity to find the solution by piecing together the clues and evidence to the correct conclusion.  

The Red Thumb Mark is well-written, despite the character of Thorndyke being less fleshed-out than that of Jervis, with a strong plot, good conversations, an enjoyable narrator, and a completely satisfying ending.  I'm late discovering Freeman, but I look forward to reading more of the Thorndyke mysteries.

A Keeper by Graham Norton

A Keeper

Graham Norton

2018  

3/5 stars

When Elizabeth returns to her Irish hometown to sort out her deceased mother's effects, she finds letters that lead to secrets she never expected of her mother. 

This is a mostly-well written novel, but the events are too unbelievable and the "surprises" are never quite that. I was hooked in the beginning, but as the improbabilities stacked up and the characters didn't develop, it lost it's emotional appeal and charm. The novel also suffered from a superfluity of "major" events, watering the main story. I wouldn't be tempted to read another book by Norton. 

(A note on the audio book: The author reads it himself and, while not terrible, is not a pleasure to hear with his too-fast speech and less-than-convincing voices.)

Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc and Edgar Jepson

Arsène Lupin
novelized by Edgar Jepson
from a play of the same name by Maurice Leblanc
1909

4/5 stars

first American edition, 1909 
Doubleday, Page & Company

Arsène Lupin is a gentleman thief with a wicked sense of humor, buckets of charm, and a genius for planning.  Several years ago, he sent a letter to the unbearable millionaire M. Gournay-Martin directing him to pack up the named items and send them to the given address, or Lupin would come and steal them himself.   M. Gournay-Martin did not; Lupin did.  Now, he is threatening  M. Gournay-Martin again with the intention of stealing an immensely valuable coronet.  M. Gournay-Martin's soon-to-be son-in-law, the Duke of Charmerace, takes a great interest in the goings-on and vows that he will help stop the crime. Mlle Gournay-Martin and her secretary/companion Sonia figure into the plot also, as the story fills with love, betrayal, deception, and greed. 

This is the novelization of Maurice Leblanc's 1908 play of the same name by Edgar Jepson, and fits in before the Hollow Needle in the series. (If one reads the Hollow Needle first, as I did, the surprises of this volume may be spoiled.)

Jepson's writing is not as melodramatic or as thrilling as is Leblanc's, but the tale is still told well.  Lupin's character is so appealing, that it's impossible for the reader not to root for him during the battle of wits between the Law and the Criminal.  The romance of the story is only lightly touched on, but there is still a strong and touching scene between the two lovers.  The plot is clever, and it's fun to see how Lupin works all the angles to create success.  His daring and impudence, along with the plot twists, make Arsene Lupin a fun read.

This is an entertaining series, and I found Arsene Lupin enjoyable from start to finish, but I recommend that a new reader begin with The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin: Gentleman Burglar (my review here), the set of short stories that introduces Lupin.

According to the Pattern by Grace Livingston Hill

According to the Pattern
Grace Livingston Hill
1903 
3/5 stars

Miriam discovers that her husband, Claude, has become infatuated with a glamourous society woman, Mrs. Sylvester.  In fear of what might happen to her and her three children if her marriage should fail, Miriam decides to fight back by becoming as elegant and sophisticated as Mrs. Sylvester.  In the meantime, Claude regrets his association with Mrs. Sylvester, but. aware that Miriam knows, is uncertain if she can ever forgive him and love him again.  When serious illness strikes, Miriam and Claude, with the help of a young seminary student, find peace and hope through a new-found faith.

This early twentieth-century novel is a gentle read though often tense, with an overt Christian message.  While not a first-class writer, Hill was an extremely popular author, and, as with this book, her plots are easy to follow, mostly realistic, and inspirational.  The reader expects the happy outcome, but the journey there is filled with enough crises, both emotional and actual, to keep the story interesting.  Of course, the mores and values will seem odd to some twenty-first century readers, but I enjoyed the flavor of genuine turn-of-the-century American melodrama.

October 2020 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

Vallista by Steven Brust (2017) 

4/5 stars

In this adventure, which fits in between two of the previous books, Vlad is trapped in a house that straddles time spans, trying to release a mysterious child who has come to him from the future to ask for help in her past.  The metaphysics of Necromancy, time travel, and the Halls of the Dead weren't always easy for me to follow, but the story in general was witty, well-written, and a good deal of fun.  I do hope Brust continues this fantastic series.

The Duke Decides by Headon Hill (1903)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Unwilling Guest by Grace Livingston Hill  (1902)  3/5 stars

This is a sweet turn-of-the-century romance, with average prose, a strong Christian message, and a gentle story.  It gives a good glimpse into the mores of that time, and touches on contemporary events.  While it's not exceptional, it is still a pleasant fluff novel.

The Hollow Needle by Maurice Leblanc (1909)  4/5 stars (my review here)

False Faces: Further Adventures from the History of the Lone Wolf  by Louis Joseph Vance (1918)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Audio Books Completed:

Evans Above by Rhys Bowen  (1997)  3/5 stars
Taking place in a small Welsh town in the 1990s, this light mystery has a charming setting and a likable protagonist. However, the crime was convoluted, the love angle was cringe-worthy, and the confrontation with the villain had me rolling my eyes.  I wasn't impressed when I read the first of Bowen's other series ("Royal Spyness") and I have no interest in reading more in this series, either.

Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier (1936)  3/5 stars 

After the death of her mother, Mary Yellan goes to live with her maternal aunt, who is married to the landlord of the Jamaica Inn.  She soon discovers that her Uncle Joss is an evil, dangerous man and becomes desperate to deliver herself and her aunt from his intrigues.  Du Maurier is one of my favorite authors, though I had not read this early novel; sadly, I found Jamaica Inn disappointing, and not up to her later standard.   There are still glimpses of the talent later realized, and the characters were generally well drawn, but both prose and plot were immature, the twists were not surprising, and the ending quite anticlimactic. I certainly wouldn't recommend this as an introduction to du Maurier's works.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

They Found Him Dead by Georgette Heyer (1937)  3/5 stars

Heyer's considerable talent for characters, dialogue, and situations is obvious throughout, but the mystery's (somewhat abrupt) solution was weak and unsatisfying.

Harbour Street by Ann Cleeves 

(2014)  5/5 stars

DI Joe Ashworth and his daughter are present when a woman is murdered on the Metro, involving DCI Vera Stanhope in a twisty case that centers on Harbour Street in the south Northumberland town of Mardle. The characters in this mystery are well-developed, the plot complex and mostly believable, and the solution satisfying.  Every time I read one in this series I am both more impressed with Cleeves and more attached to Vera.  I was truly surprised a couple of times, which brought this excellent novel to a full five stars.

The Whisper in the Gloom by Nicholas Blake (1954)  4/5 stars  (my review here) 

Did Not Finish:

Queen Lucia by E. F. Benson

I disliked the pretentious, selfish, smug Lucia from the beginning.  I know this is satire, and supposedly quite funny, but I simply could not continue reading about this unpleasant woman.

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

I didn't make it an hour into this mystery.  The anti-Victorian Victorian woman was enthralling the first time I read it, years ago; by now, it is a character so over used as to be laughable.  The heroine was not particularly likable, and I couldn't stomach hours of her and the dull writing.

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers 

by Hazel Gaynor

An hour into the audiobook and so many coincidences and improbabilities had occurred, in addition to historical inaccuracies and obvious "secrets", that I gave up.  After reading the negative reviews on Goodreads, I saw that I was not alone in my gripes and that, for those bothered by such things, it just got worse.

False Faces by Louis Joseph Vance

False Faces: 

Further Adventures from the History of the Lone Wolf 

Louis Joseph Vance

1918

4/5 stars

Michael Lanyard is a former gentleman thief, known as "the Lone Wolf".  In the early days of the Great War, he suffers private loss of enormous magnitude, leaving him with a personal vendetta against all Germans in general, but one spy in particular.  When the Allies accept his proffered talents, Lanyard travels to the U.S., and becomes embroiled in danger, espionage, intrigue, and revenge while still at sea, which dogs his steps all the way to a final encounter in New York City.

This was a completely entertaining adventure.  Vance's stark depiction of the trenches made a gripping hook, and, despite being overly melodramatic at times, False Faces remained absorbing through the final scene.  Lanyard is a surprisingly well-drawn character -- still tempted by the illicit, but striving to remain a lawful gentleman in his actions, even when life is at stake.  The plot was fast-paced, never dull, and, though unbelievable, still intelligent.   I enjoyed the first in the series (The Lone Wolf, my review here), but found this second to be far superior.  I will certainly read more of the exploits of the Lone Wolf. 

The Whisper in the Gloom by Nicholas Blake

The Whisper in the Gloom
Nicholas Blake
1954
4/5 stars 

Twelve-year-old Bert, known as "the Brain" to his friends, is about to sail his toy boat in Kensington Gardens when a dying man thrusts a message into the hull. Two men try to take his boat, and realizing he is in danger, he attaches himself to a strolling stranger, who happens to be Nigel Strangeways. Strangeways helps him get away safely, but Bert runs off without giving his name or any details. Realizing that the dead man was murdered for the information he now has, and fearing to trust any adult, Bert and his fellow Martian Society members, Foxy and Copper, try to solve the mystery themselves. In the meantime, Nigel, making the connection between the unknown boy and the murder, tries to find the boy and help Scotland Yard find the reason behind the assignation. 

 This was not a typical Strangeways novel, as it is more adventure than mystery. The attentive reader will recognize the guilty party early on, and the rest of the story is a race to see who will find Bert first, Nigel or the bad guys, and if either Bert or Nigel will correctly interpret the coded message. The boys were nicely written and their part of the story was thoroughly enjoyable. Nigel's actions played a minor role, but still made a good tale. On the whole, this is one of the best of the series that I've read so far.

The Hollow Needle by Maurice Leblanc

The Hollow Needle
Maurice Leblanc 
1909
4/5 stars

The cunning, highly skilled master thief, Arsène Lupin, matches wits with a preternaturally intelligent young man to be the first to solve the puzzle of the Hollow Needle -- a secret that has been passed down by royalty throughout generations.  

This adventure focuses more on the boy, Isidore Beautrelet, and his efforts at detection than it does on the charismatic Lupin or any crime he has committed. Beautrelet is a likable character and his observations make interesting reading.  There are a few twists to keep the reader engaged, and over all, with it's satisfying conclusion, the Hollow Needle is an entertaining read. 

The Duke Decides by Headon Hill

"The procession of three led by the stranger."

The Duke Decides
Headon Hill
1903 
4/5 stars

In this Edwardian novel of suspense, Charles Hanbury, a down-on-his-luck Englishman working as a clerk in an American shop, is approached by a criminal gang.  Desperately wanting the money to return to England, Hanbury agrees to be part of their plan.  When he later regrets his decision, his life is threatened and his friends band together in an attempt to rescue him from his folly.

The Duke Decides, though light reading, was thoroughly entertaining from start to finish, with likable characters and enough suspense to pull the reader into the story. While the prose was average, the style was engaging and the plot was intriguing.  I'm disappointed that so few of Hill's books are available now.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl

Gillian Flynn

2012

4/5 stars

On the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick goes home to discover his wife, Amy, has disappeared, apparently in the midst of a struggle.  As the investigation progresses, he becomes the chief suspect, with no way to prove his innocence. 

Flynn is a talented writer, and creates a convincing sense of dread.  The story was told from two points of view, by fully credible characters in distinctly separate voices.  In fact, Nick and Amy were so believably unlikable that, eleven hours into a fifteen hour audio book, I nearly called it quits. I didn't care for the excessive vulgar language, either; it was so over-the-top that it was as if Flynn was simply trying to shock -- and I've heard "bitch" enough to do me a lifetime.  The story, though, kept me interested through out, and the ending was exactly what it should be.  Some of the surprises were not as unexpected as I think Flynn wanted, but overall, this domestic thriller was a satisfyingly unpleasant read.

September 2020 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

Raffles: The Amateur Cracksman by E.W. Hornung (1898) 2/5 stars  (my review here)

The Angel of His Presence by Grace Livingston Hill (1902)  3/5 stars

This short Christian book is light on plot and, as one of Hill's earliest, is not a fully developed novel.  It was still a pleasant quick read, though, and hints at Hill's style to come.

Audio Books Completed:

Cop to Corpse by Peter Lovesey (2012)  4/5 stars

A sniper is picking off police officers in the district.  When one of Bath's own is murdered, Inspector Diamond follows his instincts and investigates the crime from an unofficial angle.  I love Diamond; he is flawed, likable, and real.  As usual, Lovesey created a solid plot with good twists and a satisfactory ending.  I'm proud of figuring out an important part early on, but I was still kept guessing as the book progressed.  I certainly recommend this series to mystery lovers.

Silent Voices by Ann Cleeves (2013)  4/5 stars

DI Vera Stanhope finds a murdered woman in the steam room of her gym, sparking an investigation that that appears to be tied in with the previous death of a child.  Vera Stanhope is a fantastic character, flawed and likable and real.  The well-written plot was twisty and involved, with a satisfying ending.  This series has become a solid favorite.

The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths (2020) 3/5 stars (my review here)

Murder at Archly Manor by Sara Rosett (2018)  3/5 stars

This is a light, historical cozy mystery with pleasant characters and a nice 1920's atmosphere.  The writing was good, but the mystery and solution were not particularly convincing.

The Glass Room by Ann Cleeves (2012)  4/5 stars

When DI Vera Stanhope's neighbor is implicated in a murder, Vera risks a conflict-of-interests to find the truth.  The investigation expands when another victim is found, and Vera seems to be involved in a case with literary touches.  The characters are nicely drawn, the prose is good, and there are many twists and false leads. Though a large coincidence played a major part, this is still another satisfying mystery by Cleeves.

Did Not Finish:

The Windfall by Diksha Basu

It began as a rather charming tale, but I became utterly repelled by the continual fixation on money -- then there was the body shaming, the idolization of the purely materialistic aspect of American culture, and some truly unlikable characters.  I'm really surprised at the rave reviews.

Emily Fox-Seton by Frances Hodgson Burnett

I generally enjoy light Edwardian novels,  and this was one of Burnett's most popular adult books and the type that I usually find delightful.  After reading the first quarter, though, I still didn't feel connected to the characters, and actually found Emily to be a bit weak and easily bullied.  

A Glass of Blessings by Barbara Pym

Her writing is fantastic, and this book was no different, but I just wasn't in the mood for a serious read.

Raffles: The Amateur Cracksman by E.W. Hornung

Raffles: The Amateur Cracksman 
E.W. Hornung
1898
2/5 stars 

This was such a disappointing read for me.  Described as the anti-Holmes, Raffles is a "gentleman thief", and the influence of Maurice Leblanc's great character Arsène Lupin. Based on this, I had high expectations rooting for the bad guy through a series of fun escapades.  

Unlike the Lupin books, though, these short stories, narrated by Raffles' friend Bunny, are dry, practically plot-less, and rarely amusing.  Raffles is amoral and narcissistic, and his friendship with Bunny is no friendship at all, but rather the situation of a strong person taking advantage of a weaker.  As he is unlikable, there is no redeeming features to his character and no reason for the reader to applaud his deeds -- particularly in the final story.

I thoroughly enjoy Victorian novels on the whole, so this gets two stars instead of one, due to the setting, with the mores and customs so clear.  This doesn't make Raffles worth reading, though, and I recommend giving Hornung's stories a miss.

The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths

The Lantern Men 
Elly Griffiths
2020
3/5 stars

DCI Nelson has just seen a serial killer sentenced, one that he was responsible for arresting.  While Nelson is completely satisfied with the case, March -- along with the three women in his life --continues to proclaim his innocence.  March then tells Nelson that he will give the location of two more bodies, if forensic archeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway is in charge of the dig.  Ruth agrees, and finds the two bodies, and another unexpected one.  In the meantime, another victim is murdered in March's style and now Nelson must wonder if he really did catch the right man.  Ruth, investigating in her own way, uncovers some vital evidence which puts her life in danger.

I have mixed feelings about this book.  It is an engrossing, compelling read -- nearly impossible to put down -- with excellent characters and an intriguing plot.  Unfortunately, I found the verb tense jarring (why didn't it affect me in the first eleven books??), the solution unsatisfying, and the continuing Nelson/Ruth personal drama wearing thin.  That said, I still enjoyed it; I just wasn't as captivated by it as I have been with others in the series.  (Note: this series must be read in order.)

August 2020 Wrap-Up

Grace Livingston Hill

Books Read:
The Sweet Dove Died by Barbara Pym (1978)  4/5 stars
This was a reread; my original review is here.

A Daily Rate by Grace Livingston Hill (1900)  3/5 stars
This gentle Christian novel was one of Hill's earliest, and lacks the depth and maturity of those published later.  It's still a pleasant read, and the details of early twentieth-century life were quite interesting.

The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis (1940)  5/5 stars
In this intelligent and insightful book, Lewis explains, among other things, his beliefs on how pain could possibly fit in with a merciful God.

Audio Books Completed:
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow (2019)  4/5 stars
This novel of fantasy/magical realism is hard to explain without giving away the complex plot.  It is quite enjoyable, though, and while I did have a few quibbles with it, I would recommend it to those readers who enjoy that genre.

To Davy Jones Below by Carola Dunn (2001)  3/5 stars
Another light but fun Daisy Dalrymple mystery, this time taking place on a ship traveling to the U.S.  It was rather easy to figure out what was going on and why, but the characters kept it interesting to the end.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsène Lupin: Gentleman Burglar by Maurice Leblanc (1907)  4/5 stars
This is a thoroughly entertaining set of adventure stories about a "gentleman burglar" in France at the turn of the 20th century.  Similar to Doyle's Holmes stories, the fun is finding out how it was done, with the difference being that the reader is cheering for the villain instead.

Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett (1996)  5/5 stars
This was a reread of this mystery featuring the Night Watch, Vetinari, and the Golems of Anhk-Morpork.  As is usual with the Discworld novels, it is excellently written, completely engrossing, and extremely amusing.  As is also the norm with Pratchett, it combines humor and action with bits of philosophy and deep life lessons.  Sir Terry was a true genius.

The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier (1969)  4/5 stars
Dr. Magnus Lane has created a drug which seems to cause the user to go back in time; he persuades his best friend, Richard, to test it for him.  Richard becomes engrossed in the other world, to the detriment of his life in the real world.  Du Maurier is an excellent writer, adept at creating a sense of building dread.  The plot is riveting and intriguing, and, despite this being a reread for me, I was completely drawn into Richard's story.

The Brading Collection by Patricia Wentworth  (1950)  4/5 stars
Miss Silver helps the police to discover a murderer in this well-plotted mystery.  I knew the who and how early on, but still enjoyed the slow reveal.

The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer (1946)  4/5 stars
In this light Regency romance/mystery, governess Elinor Rochdale is persuaded by Lord Carlyon to marry his dying reprobate cousin, Eustace Cheviot. Moving into the neglected Cheviot estate, the new widow finds intrigue and danger - - and eventually love.  Heyer is an excellent writer, and the meticulously researched historical details make a rich setting for the enjoyable plot.

Arsène Lupin versus Sherlock Holmes by Maurice Leblanc
(1910)  3/5 stars
Leblanc's plots are fun and interesting, but his depiction of Holmes is so far off from the canon that it's distracting.  Had Lupin squared off against an original detective, this would have been excellent; as it is, it's merely okay.

Hidden Depths by Ann Cleeves (2007)  4/5 stars
Inspector Stanhope investigates the murder of a teenager, who has been strangled, laid out in the bath, and covered with water and flowers.  While the denouement wasn't particularly surprising, the characters, backstory, and action are so well-written that it is completely engrossing and entertaining.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Did Not Finish: 
The Hidden Lives of Tudor Women by Elizabeth Norton
There was very little information given about "hidden lives"; the hours I listened to was mostly straightforward, well-rehearsed Tudor social history.  Norton flits from one woman to the next, and while she does use little known women for some of the vignettes, famous personalities are used more.  In addition, the narrator was simply terrible.  I finally had to give up.

Mrs Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn
This was supposed to be a sweet and charming story, but I'll never know.  Kuhn started it off with an ageist description of QEII as a bumbling senior unable to use email.  After that, he gives an apocryphal story as to why she is called "Lilibet", and it just went downhill from there.

The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton
I really enjoyed the Forgotten Garden last month, as was excited to read another by Morton.  Unfortunately, more than an hour into the audio book, I was not finding my interest piqued.  I may try it again later, if her other books turn out to be good.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient
Alex Michaelides
2019
4/5 stars

Six years ago, Alicia Berenson was found guilty of the murder of her husband, and placed in a secure forensic psychiatric ward in the Grove.  From the time the police found her by the body, she has never spoken. 

Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has come to work at the Grove specifically in the hopes of being able to work with Alicia.  He feels strongly that he can help her find her voice again.  As Theo begins working toward that end, he finds himself making unconventional decisions in an attempt to uncover her past and reveal the reason behind the murder. He becomes too focused on Alicia; seduced by her silence and verging on obsessed, Theo's motives become blurred, leading him into dangerous territory.

This is a well-written novel, engrossing from the beginning, which stays absorbing throughout.  The gradual reveal of personalities, motives, and history is well done.  The characters are realistic, the suspense builds nicely, and the overall plot is convincing. I figured out the twist in advance, but that did not lessen the enjoyment.  I would certainly recommend this slow burning mystery-thriller.

July 2020 Wrap-up

I was just not motivated in July, so I didn't write reviews.

Books Read:
Happy Returns by Angela Thirkell (1952)  4/5 stars

Audio Books:
Five Red Herrings by Dorothy L. Sayers (1931)   4/5 stars

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (2008)   4/5 stars

Rather difficult to explain without giving away spoilers, but it is definitely worth reading.

Espresso Tales by Alexander McCall Smith (2005)  4/5 stars

Telling Tales by Ann Cleeves (2005)  4/5 stars

Vera Stanhope became a favorite detective with the first book in the series; the second has further convinced me.

June 2020 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
On Being Catholic by Thomas Howard (1997)  5/5 stars
This scholarly work by the apologist Dr. Howard was both insightful and accessible.

Audio Books Completed:
The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain (2014)  4/5 stars
This is a sweet romance about a man who finds a stolen purse and attempts to reunite it with it's owner.  It's not my typical genre, but I enjoyed the writing and the style and would be willing to try another novel by Laurain.

Broken Harbor by Tana French (2012)  5/5 stars
In this grim mystery, Detective Kennedy is put on the case when a family is attacked inside their home.  With three of the victims dead, and the survivor comatose, he attempts to piece together what happened, all the while facing his own personal demons.  French is a phenomenally good writer; the characters were fleshed and believeable, and the plot was gripping.  As with the previous books in the series, not all the questions are answered, making it incredibly real.  I highly recommend French's novels.

Stagestruck by Peter Lovesey (2011)  4/5 stars
Detective Peter Diamond of the Bath CID is called in to investigate an accident in the theatre that may have been more than accidental.  A suicide follows, then a murder, and Diamond must work fast to prevent another death.  Peter Diamond became one of my favorite characters early in the series, and this one solidifies his realistic character.  Lovesey writes well and always creates an engrossing mystery.  I highly recommend this series.

Tied up in Tinsel by Ngaio Marsh (1972)  3/5 stars
Inspector Alleyn becomes involved in a murder case that takes place when his wife is at a Christmas house party.  Marsh doesn't do well in portraying the 1960s and '70s; her slang and references feel forced and the atmosphere creates the feel of a much earlier decade.  I enjoyed the characters and most of the plot, but wasn't fully convinced by either the murder or the reason behind it.

May 2020 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
Hawk by Steven Brust (2014) 4/5 stars
Tired of being on the run, Vlad plans a scam that will allow him to end his personal war with the city's criminal organization.  Amusing and engrossing, Hawk is another example of Brust's excellent world building and clever plots. I'll admit to being a bit disappointed by the ending, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book overall.

Audio Books Completed:
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (1894)  4/5 stars
This was a reread, so I was familiar with the stories and remembered most of the solutions.  Nonetheless, the various adventures are interesting, well-written, and truly enjoyable.

The Dreadful Hollow by Nicholas Blake (1953)   4/5 stars
Nigel is hired to find the source of the poison pen letters plaguing a small village, which has led to one suicide and another attempt.  Finding the culprit is straightforward for Nigel, but he didn't account on an additional perplexing murder.  This was a solidly good mystery, with plenty of suspects, clues, and false trails.  I did discover the answer before Nigel, but that did not lessen the enjoyment of the story.

A Death in the Dales by Frances Brody  (2015)  4/5 stars
While on vacation, Kate is introduced to a ten year old crime, and persuaded by the main eye-witness that the wrong man was hanged for it.  Brody captures the atmosphere well and adds in historical details that make the novel convincing.  The prose is good, the characters are appealing, and the mystery is involved enough to be engrossing without being over-complicated. Overall, it is satisfying and enjoyable read.

The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves (2001)  4/5 stars
Three women from very different backgrounds involved in an ecological survey at a remote cottage become the center of a murder investigation led by D.I. Vera Stanhope.  This is a very well written, completely engrossing mystery and while I didn't feel there were quite enough clues to point to the answer, I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to continuing the series.

Rattle His Bones by Carola Dunn (2003)  3/5 stars
Daisy is on the scene at the Museum of Natural History both when a murder occurs, and when a robbery is discovered that might have bearing on the killing.  This is another charming installment in this cozy mystery series.  The guilty party was easy to pick out, but the characters and period details make it an enjoyable, if casual, read.

44 Scotland Place by Alexander McCall Smith (2005)  4/5 stars
This novel follows the residents of 44 Scotland Place as they go about their daily life experiencing both the mundane and the exciting.  McCall Smith is excellent at writing realistic characters, believable situations, and gently amusing prose, and while not a lot happens, it is an altogether satisfying read.


Did Not Finish
White Nights by Ann Cleeves
I enjoyed the first of this series (my review here) and Cleeves writes well, but after two hours I had yet to become interested in the relationships that were so important, and as a result the story just dragged.

Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander
I made it about an hour into this Victorian mystery, and Lady Emily used the term "weekend"; I had other qualms, historical and otherwise, about the book and found the plot rather unappealing, so I gave it up.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
I read this and loved it as a teen, so thought I'd revisit it.  I'm guessing I must have read an abridged version, or skimmed a lot then, because I found it tedious at times, with stilted prose, unconvincing situations, and truly unlikable characters.  I made it ten hours into the audio book, and just couldn't go further.

April 2020 Wrap Up

Books Read:
Tiassa by Steven Brust (2011)  4/5 stars
This, the thirteenth in the Vlad Taltos series, chronicles the history of a silver statue and how it affected Vlad, those connected to him, and the Empire.  Old friends from another Brust series feature, and a long-standing mystery is answered.  The story is told in three parts, in three different periods of time, and from several voices.  Brust is skillful at weaving multiple plots together, at keeping the reader guessing, and at writing an intelligent, entertaining, and compelling story within an incredibly real world.  I highly recommend this fantasy series.

City of Fire by Grace Livingston Hill (1922) 4/5 stars
In this gentle Christian novel, Mark is accused of murder, and his childhood friend, Lynn, stands by him, while his young friend, Billy, has the proof to show Mark innocent, if only he will be unselfish enough to do so.  The plot is surprisingly engrossing, containing an adventure story in addition to the mild romance.  There were parts that would have been better more fleshed out, but overall, it's an enjoyable, light novel -- more substantial than a fluff-novel, but still a nice escape read.

The Black Smith by Constance and Gwenyth Little 3/5 stars  (1950)
A private hospital is the scene of past wrongs, disappearing corpses, complicated relationships, and a bit of murder.  The Little sisters are known for their screwball comedy-mysteries, but this one lacks the laugh-out-loud humor of their earlier books.  There is still enough snappy banter, ridiculous situations, and bizarre characters, though, to make it an enjoyable read.  The solution was the weak point; there weren't enough clues to point to the culprit and the reason was not fully convincing. I wouldn't recommend this as an introduction to the Littles, but their established fans will still find it fun.


Audio Books Completed:
The Clockwork Universe: Isaac Newton, the Royal Society, and the Birth of the Modern World by Edward Dolnick (2011)  4/5 stars
Dolnick gives a brief but interesting sketch of the history of the Royal Society, and some of it's doings during the 1600s, alongside a more detailed account of Isaac Newton and his discoveries, with anecdotes of other 17th century scientists.  With the exception of the long narrative about calculus, it is accessible to the lay-person, and written in an engaging and appealing style.  The title is a bit misleading, as the idea of a clockwork universe is not the main point of this book, and only appears in the last chapters, nor does the Royal Society figure largely.  Some of Dolnick's discussions about the religious atmosphere and about the general history of this period are too broad and do not give a correct portrayal.  Overall, though, it is enjoyable and informative.

The Blood Card by Elly Griffiths  (2016)  3/5 stars
D.I. Edgar Stephens and his friend, the magician Max Mephisto, are roped into the investigation of the murder of the Colonial who was over their war-time unit, the Magic Men.  The feel of 1950s England is convincing, but the plot was not.  The personal lives of the characters are more interesting than the mystery, and kept the book lively enough to finish.

Maskerade by Terry Pratchett (1995)  5/5 stars
Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax leave the familiarity of the Ramtop Mountains to travel to Ankh-Morpork to check on the welfare of one of their local girls, Agnes.  Agnes, currently in the chorus of the opera, becomes involved in a mystery featuring a ghost, some dead bodies, and the magic of the opera itself.  The two witches have to stick their noses into it, of course, and the result is a delicious mix of humor, drama, intrigue, and pathos. The characters are wonderfully written, the prose intelligent and the plot engrossing -- in other words, a typical, delightful Discworld novel.

Faithful Place by Tana French (2010)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Miss Silver Comes to Stay by Patricia Wentworth (1948)  3/5 stars
While on a visit to a friend, Miss Silver is asked by the chief suspect to investigate a murder.  As with all of Wentworth's novels, this is a cozy mystery with a a bit of romance sprinkled in, and featuring many false clues.  The plot was quite interesting throughout, but the solution is actually told to Miss Silver by another person, and though she gives her reasons later as to why she already knew, this was an unsatisfactory way to resolve the mystery.

Faithful Place by Tana French

Faithful Place
Tana French
2010
4/5 stars

Undercover cop Frank Mackey left his family 22 years ago and never returned.  Now, a suitcase belonging to his past has surfaced, causing Frank to have to go home again.  He will have to decide which has his loyalty: his job, his memories, or his family.

French is a fantastic writer, catching the reader immediately and never letting go until the end with excellent characters, an engrossing and convincing plot, and gripping prose.  Frank was beliveable, with his good points, his blind spots, and his flaws, making him easy to love, but just as easy to dislike at times.  The only thing holding this mystery back from a full five stars is that the solution was not fully convincing; it left a bit hanging, untied.  As with the two previous of this series, Faithful Place was grim, real, and at times unsettling, but always enthralling.

March 2020 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
The Duke's Daughter by Angela Thirkell  (1951)  4/5 stars  (my review here)


Audio Books Completed:
When in Rome by Ngaio Marsh (1970)  3/5 stars
While in Rome on an Interpol mission, Superintendent Roderick Alleyn is part of a sight-seeing tour which ends in murder.  As it ties in with his case, he rather reluctantly becomes part of the investigation -- and finds a solution quite different from that of the Roman police.

Though with well-written prose, the plot is not fully believable, the solution not fully satisfying, and the characters are somewhat stereotypical.  When in Rome is also dated by the 1960's slang, and, on the whole, does not feel as convincing as those Marsh wrote during the 1930s-50s.

Head of a Traveler by Nicholas Blake (1949)  3/5 stars
A headless corpse is discovered and, as  friends of Nigel are suspected, he becomes involved in the mystery.  The writing is good and the lead up to the end was interesting, but it was obvious who was the murderer from very early on and the solution not fully believable.  One should also note that this novel contains a dated and disturbing view of a rape.

Interesting Times by Terry Pratchett (1994)  4/5 stars
This, the 17th in the Discworld series, follows Rincewind's misadventures in the Aurient as he becomes unwillingly involved in revolution.  The Wizards of Unseen University make an appearance, while Cohen the Barbarian and his Horde feature prominently.  Interesting Times is funny, intelligent, and thoroughly entertaining, while still managing to be thought-provoking.

Death of an Expert Witness by P.D. James (1977)  5/5 stars
A forensic scientist is found murdered in his lab, and Dalgliesh is called in to investigate.  This is an excellent mystery with many well-drawn suspects with believable motives, a clever crime, and a satisfying conclusion.  It is compelling, intelligent, and, as always with James, excellently written.

A New Lease of Death by Ruth Rendell  (1967)  4/5 stars
When the Reverend Archery's son wants to marry the daughter of a convicted killer, Archery decides to delve into the past in hopes of finding that Inspector Wexford had got the wrong man.  This is a clever mystery, well-written and intelligent.  Both the main plot and the subplots draw the reader in fully, and the characters are believable and often appealing.  While not perfect, it is completely entertaining and worth reading.

The Duke's Daughter by Angela Thirkell

The Duke's Daughter
Angela Thirkell
1951
4/5 stars

This delightful continuation of the Barsetshire series follows eight youngish people, still finding their places after the War. It picks up right where County Chronicle leaves off, and needs to be read in order to understand the characters and relationships.

Thirkell's prose is witty, sometimes snarky, intelligent, and always entertaining. In the midst of the stories of the county are glimpses of post-World War II struggles, bringing poignant history to life.

I fell in love with these gentle novels from the first volume, and have yet to be disappointed as the inhabitants age, mature, and develop with the changes brought about by contemporary events.

February 2020 Wrap -Up

Books Read:
Murder at the Manor: Country House Mysteries edited by Martin Edwards (2015)  4/5 stars
As with all the Poison Pen Press/British Library Crime Classics short story collections edited by Edwards, this contains a five star assortment of authors, some well known and some now obscure.  The stories themselves vary in quality, with a few duds and a few gems sprinkled among average works.  Despite that, they are all worth reading for the exposure to the authors, the variety of styles, and the various takes on the country house mystery.

The Black Rustle by Constance and Gwenyth Little (1942)
4/5 stars
In this delightful screwball comedy/mystery, Marina visits a friend's family for the weekend and becomes entangled in not one, but two murders.  The Little sisters are aces at snappy dialogue and ridiculous situations that wrap nicely around a well-plotted, engrossing mystery.  While not their best, the Black Rustle is well-written and a great deal of fun.

Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis (1958)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Iorich by Steven Brust (2010)  4/5 stars
Vlad, still on the run from the main Dragaeran criminal organization, discovers that his friend has been arrested and, to save her life, he risks his own by a return to Adrilankha.   Iorich is clever, well-written, and thoroughly entertaining, as are all of the Vlad Taltos novels.  Brust's ability to build a realistic world is impressive, and he has created a plot that is complex, but still comprehensible and credible.

Audio Books Completed:
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz (2017) 3/5 stars  (my review here)

Soul Music by Terry Pratchett (1994)  4/5 stars
A new form of music known as "Music with Rocks In" appears on the Discworld, affecting everyone who hears it.  Archchancellor Ridcully is convinced it's alive and dangerous, while the other wizards begin to wear leather and grease up their hair.  Meanwhile, Death has disappeared, leaving his granddaughter Susan to carry on the family business.  Laugh-out-loud funny and full of tributes to classic rock-n-roll, Soul Music is entertaining and engrossing.  It lacks the poignancy of many of the Discworld novels, unfortunately, but is still the well-written, intelligent, and fun that one expects from Pratchett.

Monk's Hood by Ellis Peters (1980)  4/5 stars
When a man is murdered by a potion of Cadfael's own, he becomes interested in the death.  The man's young stepson, Edwin, is accused of the crime, but Cadfael is not convinced of his guilt -- and as Edwin's mother is Cadfael's childhood sweetheart, he has extra incentive to find the real killer.  Throughout this series, Peters writes with believable detail and creates intelligent, engrossing mysteries.  Cadfael is a delightful character and Monk's Hood is enjoyable all through.

A Caribbean Mystery by Agatha Christie (1964)  4/5 stars
While on vacation, Miss Marple becomes convinced that a man's "natural" death is anything but.  While she muses on that problem, another murder occurs, and she must race against time to stop a third.  This is a satisfying and enjoyable mystery, with excellent twists and turns, and yet with all the pieces obvious, once the reader knows the solution.  Christie is a master at false clues and deceptive happenings, and A Caribbean Mystery full of both. It is a light and easy read, but compelling and certainly worth while.

Styx and Stones by Carola Dunn  (1999)  3/5 stars
Daisy's brother-in-law asks for her help in uncovering the source of the poison pen letters in his village.  When she stumbles over a murder victim, her fiancé, Scotland Yard Inspector Fletcher, hurries down to the country to help. This cozy mystery, like the rest of the series, is mainly fluff and atmosphere, but still entertaining and peopled with endearing characters.

Did Not Finish:
The Disappearing Spoon and Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean
This book is supposed to be full of fascinating stories relating to the elements and their discoverers, and suitable for the layperson.  I made it two and a half hours (five chapters), but found that when it wasn't over my head, it simply wasn't interesting. I am truly disappointed, as I had high hopes for this book.

A Spider in the Cup by Barbara Cleverly
I listened to over three hours of the audiobook, and it was so rooted in international politics that I just couldn't stay interested.

Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis

Reflections on the Psalms 
C.S. Lewis
1958
5/5 stars

Lewis discusses the Psalms as poetry and as scripture, and expresses both his enjoyment of and his difficulties with them.  He offers wise insights into how they were intended to be read, and how to read them now.   Lewis also uses the Psalms as a springboard to other observations regarding the Bible, Christianity, and Christ.  I highly recommend this intelligent but accessible book, which is illuminating while still giving the reader much to muse on.