December 2021 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

Fell Murder by E.C.R. Lorac (1944)  3/5 stars

In this Golden Age mystery,  a north country farmer is murdered and Scotland Yard Inspector Macdonald is called in to solve the case.  The writing is excellent and Lorac was able to flesh out characters surprisingly well in a short time.  The solution, however, was obvious from the beginning so there was no suspense or tension built.  

What Did It Mean? by Angela Thirkell (1954)  4/5 stars

This is the 23rd novel in the Barsetshire series, and follows the residents of one of the county villages as they prepare to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.  As I have come to expect from Thrikell, it's witty, intelligent, a bit snarky, and fully enjoyable.  

(note: This series must be read in order to appreciate the complex relationships of the characters.)

Audio Books Completed:

The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers (1934)  5/5 stars

This is one of my favorites of the Lord Peter mysteries.  It is clever, intelligent, and excellently written, with an engrossing, memorable, and moving plot.  

The Fashion in Shrouds by Margery Allingham (1938)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Sweet Danger by Margery Allingham (1933)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers (1935)  2/5 stars  (my review here)

Did Not Finish:

Through a Glass, Darkly by Jostein Gaarder 

My discussion here.

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Books of 2021

I read ten five-star books this year.  Here they are, in no particular order:

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

This is a charming coming-of-age novel, beautifully penned, with  memorable characters.  I've read it several times, and each time I am again amazed at just how good it is.

The Killer and the Slain: a Strange Story by Hugh Walpole

Excellently written, disquieting and moving.  My full review is here.

The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King

Intelligent, compelling, and well-written.  King's greatest strength lies in her ability to weave together canon Holmes with her own inventions, as she does marvelously here. 

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

This fantasy is smart, witty, geeky, and mostly incredible and, though not perfect, it's close enough.  My full review is here.

The Red Right Hand  by Joel Townsley Roberts

This classic mystery/thriller is a fantastic read, engrossing and impossible to put down!  My full review is here.

The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers

This is one of my favorites of the Lord Peter mysteries.  It is clever, intelligent, and excellently written, with an engrossing, memorable, and moving plot.  

Crooked House by Agatha Christie

It's well-plotted, presents an extraordinary surprise, and the pieces fit together well.  I highly recommend it!

Jutland Cottage by Angela Thirkell

As is always the case with her novels, this one is a charming, gentle read with genuine wit and a bit of snark. (Note: This series must be read in order.)

The Mingham Air by Elizabeth Fair

This delightful, witty novel is filled with excellently-drawn characters, believable situations, and intelligent prose.  My full review is here.

Resorting to Murder: Holiday Mysteries

edited by Martin Edwards

This is a wonderful collection of (mostly) Golden Age mystery short stories, with a wide variety of situations by an equally diverse set of authors.  My full review is here.

Bonus:

I discovered Abir Mukherjee's Sam Wyndham series this year and while I didn't give any of them a five star rating, I highly recommend these books.  Wyndham is a morally gray Detective Inspector stationed in Calcutta during the 1920s. In generally, this series is excellently written, with beautiful descriptions, solid prose, and well-drawn characters.

Links to my full reviews:

A Rising Man 

A Necessary Evil

Smoke and Ashes

Death in the East

Top Ten Tuesday is a long-running weekly blog prompt, currently hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.

Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers

Gaudy Night 

Dorothy L. Sayers

1935

2/5 stars

Harriet Vane, Lord Peter's love interest, returns to her alma mater (the all-female Shrewsbury College, Oxford) to attend the annual Gaudy celebration.  While there, she discovers an anonymous letter and a malicious obscene drawing.  She is later contacted by the Dean, who reveals that, along with a spate of spiteful vandalism, threatening letters and drawings are being sent to most of the dons and some of the students, upsetting the college as a whole.  Harriet is requested to return to Shrewsbury to unmask the culprit.  When things take an even nastier turn, she finds herself out of her depth and requests Wimsey's help.

Gaudy Night is heralded as a great feminist novel, is widely lauded as a superb mystery, and was even a nominee for the Anthony Award for Best [mystery] Novel of the Century.

In actuality, it is a disappointment.

It is considered a feminist novel, I assume, because it takes place in an all-female college at a time when educated women were still looked on with some suspicion.  Unfortunately, rather than showing educated women in a favorable light, Sayers has the dons become stereotypical catty backbiters when confronted with obstacles outside of their intellectual sphere.  In addition, they are snobbish and out of touch with the real world, treating the less educated as inferior.  Shrewsbury College is most certainly not a positive feminist example.  (Not to mention that the ladies, including Harriet, were unable to solve this problem on their own and had to bring a man in to do it for them.)

Another negative factor is the protagonist herself.  Harriet Vane, not a particularly sympathetic character in Strong Poison or Have His Carcase,  is positively unlikable in Gaudy Night.  It is impossible to see what Wimsey finds lovable enough in Harriet to have kept him hanging around for five years.  Her self-obsession alone is enough to make her unbearable, and her interminable inner conversations as to why she can't marry Lord Peter are tedious and irritating.  

Then there are the continual philosophical discussions -- enough so that there have been arguments made that Gaudy Night is, in fact, a philosophical novel with some mystery thrown in.  Instead of prompting thought and interest, however, these dry talks are dull fillers, bloating an already lackluster mystery to 500 pages.

It feels wrong to rate only two stars to any book by so fine a writer as Sayers, but Gaudy Night is not a fine example of any mystery novel, let alone one of her own.  It isn't especially engrossing or surprising, has neither psychological thrills or suspense, and features Lord Peter only minorly.  It also lacks much of the wit of previous Sayers' novels, is haughty rather than intelligent, and is, frankly, not a fun read.

I expected to feel differently about this reread at this more mature age, and to see Gaudy Night as so many others do.  Sadly, I liked it much less and, next time I do a series read-through, will be skipping it along with Harriet's other two appearances.

Through a Glass, Darkly by Jostein Gaarder

Through a Glass, Darkly

Jostein Gaarder

1993 (first published in English, 1998)

Did Not Finish

This is a novel following the conversations of an angel, Ariel, with Cecilia, a terminally ill child.  There is little plot, the main emphasis being on the philosophical nature of their discussions which should make the reader ponder and think.

In 1995, when I read Gaarder's novel of philosophy, Sophie's World, I was simply blown away.  I loved how the author explained, taught, and challenged.  I read the Solitaire Mystery a few years later, and was just as amazed and enthralled.

Now, though, I'm questioning everything I've learned from Gaarder, looking at it through the lens of distrust caused by what I've read so far of Through a Glass, Darkly.

As I mentioned above, the angel Ariel comes to talk with Cecilia, who is bitter and angry about her illness. I expect that Ariel, in the end, helps her find peace with her eventual death, but I didn't get past this passage on page 44, when Ariel, speaking of being in heaven, says:

Sometimes, when we talk about how everything is and how everything might have been, God throws up his arms in despair and says, "I know that plenty of things might have been a little different, but what's done is done, and I'm not almighty, after all.

It's a simple thing, but it bothered me,  this denial of the almightiness of God.  I looked back at all the passages I had flagged as thought-provoking and profound, and wondered how does Gaarder feel about God?

After some research, I found an article in the L.A. Times from 1994 which says:

Gaarder is not a devotee of a single philosophical school, although he admits that way back when he discovered the German Romantics and the pantheistic approach to philosophy, “they made my heart beat a little quicker.” He said he subscribes to the Christian morals on which he was raised, but when pushed on whether he believes Jesus was God, he will answer only that that is a very good question.

I know that those not following the Christian faith will wonder just why I have a problem, but for me, if Gaarder won't commit as to whether Jesus is the Son of God, then it stands to reason he either doesn't think so, or is ashamed to be caught thinking so.  

Again, one might say "why does it matter?", but, for me, it does.  I don't feel I can trust Gaarder's philosophical opinions if we disagree so strongly on that point. 

Two by Allingham

Sweet Danger

Margery Allingham

1933

4/5 stars

In this adventure, the British Government enlists Campion's aid to locate the heirlooms of a forgotten Balkan  kingdom, Averna.  The Pontisbright family were the rightful heirs to this kingdom, but due to an unconfirmed marriage, the family lost their title.  All that is left of this House are the three Fittons: Amanda, her younger brother Hal, and older sister Mary.  Amanda, seventeen, becomes Campion's lieutenant as, following the clues of an aged riddle, they try desperately to find the crown, receipt, and deeds before their enemy does.

This is a delightful escapade, filled with secrets, excitement, and the unexpected.  Amanda Fitton steals the show from Campion, with her diverting ways and precocious practicality, but he still has ample time to shine with his understated heroism.   The intelligent and witty plot, while not necessarily credible, is a good deal of fun and one of Allingham's most memorable.

The Fashion in Shrouds

Margery Allingham

1938

4/5 stars

A few years ago the fiancé of Georgia Wells, a famous actress and femme fatale, disappeared.  She married another and continued with her career.  Now, however, the missing man's body has turned up, bringing with it just a hint of sordid shadow.  When another man in Georgia's life dies somewhat mysteriously,  Georgia sees it as fate's helping hand, while others aren't so sure.  Campion's sister Val, a brilliant and successful clothing designer, has her named linked to that death through an amusing anecdote shared by Georgia, making him decide that he must unearth the truth of Georgia's men to save Val's reputation.  

The story is clever and interesting, with nicely fleshed characters and an intriguing mystery.  Amanda Fitton, from Sweet Danger, makes a reappearance, and adds greatly to the charm of the novel.  Campion's underemphasized courage and audacity feature nicely, and his success as a detective and adventurer are plain.

I need to note that modern readers will have to ignore the horrible outlook on rape, and some quite dated attitudes toward women.  While not typical of all Golden Age mystery authors, these views do crop up in all artforms of that time occasionally, and have to be overlooked.  The rest of the book is quite nearly a five-star read, and I certainly recommend it.

November 2021 Wrap-Up

A lot of Animal Crossing made this a light reading month. 

Books Read:

The Beetle by Richard Marsh (1897)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Island of the Mad by Laurie R. King (2018)  4/5 stars

When the aunt of Russell's college friend disappears, she and Holmes head to Venice to find her.  This is another fun adventure, well-written and intelligent.  I had a problem with one part of the ending, however, hence four stars and not five.

Audio Books Completed:

Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie (1944)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Truth About Melody Browne by Lisa Jewell  (2009)  3/5 stars  (my review here)

Flowers for the Judge by Margery Allingham (1936)  4/5 stars

In this mystery, Campion's friend is arrested for murder, and  he races against time to find the real killer.  Despite remembering the solution, I enjoyed this reread immensely.  It's intelligent, witty, and interesting, with a surprise at the ending that seals the book as a solid four stars.

The Case of the Late Pig by Margery Allingham (1937)  4/5 stars

To help a friend, Campion becomes involved in solving a murder.  This was a reread for me, but I still enjoyed it immensely.  The only Campion novel written from his first-person point of view, it's well-written, amusing and intelligent, with a  good twisty solution.

Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers (1933)  4/5 stars

This, one of my favorite Lord Peter mysteries, sees him going to work incognito in an advertising agency to get to the bottom of a supposedly accidental death.  As is usual with Sayers, it's well-written, intelligent, witty, and at times surprising.  I thoroughly enjoyed this reread.

 

Did Not Finish:

When I Was You by Minka Kent

I knew the twist before I finished chapter eight, and, since I already had a bone to pick with the author about her depiction of mental illness, I gave up on this improbable plot.  On a whim, I read the spoilers on Goodreads; I was right on target, though the reason was even more hard-to-believe than I would have imagined.  

Angel with Two Faces by Nicola Upson

I didn't particularly care for the first of this series (An Expert in Murder; my review here) but, having run into several positive references to Upson recently, I decided to try the second book.  I had various problems with it, though was trying to press on, but after a stomach churning domestic abuse scene, I quit.  (I read the spoilers on Goodreads, and I was on the right icky track with my suspicions, but it got even worse than I was guessing.  I'm really glad I didn't read it.)

The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie

There is nothing wrong with this book, but it didn't grab me as a reread.  Since I already knew the ending, I decided to save it for another time, when I don't remember it so well.

The Truth About Melody Browne by Lisa Jewell

The Truth About Melody Browne 

Lisa Jewell  

2009

3/5 stars

When Melody was nine-years-old, she lost everything in a house fire -- including her memory.  Now, in her thirties, she is having flashbacks to a childhood that doesn't fit with what she knows of her life.  She begins a search to find the truth of her past, which leads to a new journey for her future self.

This was listed as suspense, but should in fact be called "women's fiction".  Not quite chick lit, but most certainly not a thriller of any sort, it focuses on relationships, healing, and self-improvement.  Jewell generally writes well, or I would never have continued reading about Melody's dismal early years.  However, she credits Melody was an amount of maturity and perspicacity that is unbelievable for a six-year-old, and includes several coincidences that also did not ring true.  Overall, it was a moderately intriguing plot, but not what I had expected and, while I didn't hate it, it's not one that I would recommend.

The Beetle by Richard Marsh

The Beetle: a Mystery

Richard Marsh

1897

4/5 stars

The plot of this Victorian horror-sensational-thriller, which was wildly popular in it's time, is difficult to explain without spoilers.  It (obviously) is about a beetle of a shocking, dreadful kind.  This beetle is seeking revenge on a young Member of Parliament, Paul Lessingham, and doesn't hesitate to crush any life that stands in it's way.  Lessingham, his acquaintance Sydney Atherton, and a private detective Augustus Champnell, frantically try to stop this creature from destroying Lessingham's fiancé, Marjorie Lindon, and Robert Holt, a clerk who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The story is told in four sections, from the points-of-view of Holt, Atherton, Miss Lindon, and Champnell.  It begins with a level of creepy suspense that hints at an intensity like that of it's contemporary, Dracula.  It doesn't maintain this, though, which was a disappointment.  However, the writing is excellent, the pace perfect, and the plot itself gripping -- combining into a novel that is enjoyable enough that the lightening of the story didn't matter in the end.  I would certainly recommend this to fellow lovers of the genre.

Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie

Sparkling Cyanide

(alternate title: Remembered Death)

Agatha Christie 

1944 

4/5 stars

After a woman dies of cyanide poisoning at a small dinner party, her husband becomes convinced that it was murder, not suicide.  He gathers the group of witnesses to a repeat of the situation, in hopes of surprising the truth out of the killer, but instead, another death occurs. 

Christie does a fantastic job of introducing the characters, chapter by chapter, while slowly revealing both the past and the present of the story.  One of her especial talents is the ability to make all characters appear guilty, and she does that to near perfection here.  The romance is rather cringe-worthy, hence the four stars instead of five, but otherwise, this character driven mystery is an example of Christie at her best.

October 2021 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War by Joseph Loconte (2015)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie 

(1944)  3/5 stars

When the concubine of a wealthy landowner-priest is found dead, it is ruled an accident, until other deaths begin to occur in the household.  Though set in Ancient Egypt, this is a typical Christie family drama, and enjoyable as such.  While both the characters and the writing are a bit flat, the plot kept me interested, and the solution was satisfying.

Audio Books Completed:

I Found You by Lisa Jewell (2017)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Worm of Death by Nicholas Blake (1961)   4/5 stars

In this mystery, a London doctor is found dead in the river and, while the police decide if it's suicide or murder, Nigel Strangeways does his own investigating.  This is one of Blake's best, in my opinion, and I found it enjoyable and engrossing, despite the obvious solution.

Have His Carcase by Dorothy L. Sayers 

(1932)  4/5 stars

This was a reread for me and, despite remembering the solution, I still enjoyed it immensely.  It's convoluted and rather ridiculous in a way, but still intelligent and interesting, as are all the Lord Peter stories.

Wolf to the Slaughter by Ruth Rendell 

(1967)  4/5 stars

Despite remembering part of the solution, I fully enjoyed this reread.  It is intelligent, gripping, and well-layered, with a memorable ending.  Rendell is a master of police mysteries, and this is an excellent example. 

Did Not Finish:
The Pure of Heart by Susan Hill

I mostly enjoyed the first of her mystery series (my review here) and was actually looking forward to this one.  It begins with a child abduction -- which was no surprise as it was mentioned in the blurb -- that would have been tolerable had it been kept at a distance, as most writers do with violence against children.  However, she depicts the nine-year-old's as he cries to go home to his mommy.  I simply could not take that.

When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro 

I'm not new to Ishiguro's style, having previously read four of his novels, but this one meandered and drifted and at 30% I decided I wasn't interested enough in the subject to continue working to keep up with the plot.

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

This was a major disappointment for me.  I've read (and loved) Christie's autobiography, but apparently Benedict has not -- she did not capture Christie's voice or personality at all.  I gave up in disgust a few hours into the audiobook. 

The 22 Murders of Madison May by Max Berry

This started off so solid, and I was really enjoying it, but after several murders of Madison it felt repetitious, and I lost interest.  

Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane

The premise is good, and I can't fault the writing for the first chapter or so.  It's just that Xe Sands narrates this audiobook, and I've yet to finish a book that she does.  (This will be the last one I try.)  I find her monotone to be grating and she ruins any book for me. 

This Side of Murder by Anna Lee Huber

The historical atmosphere was incredibly unconvincing and turned me off right away.  I read about 15%, though, hoping it would get better.  It didn't.

A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War by Joseph Loconte

A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918
Joseph Loconte
2015
4/5 stars

This is a nonfiction work in which the author's premise is that the combination of their experiences in WWI, their friendship, and their Christian faith resulted in C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien writing their particular and similar style of romantic fantasy.  Though it is rather light, it's still an enjoyable book, easily accessible to the casual scholar, which gives interesting information on the Great War and on the two authors.  I do recommend it, but with the caveat that if the reader is not interested in a Christian point of view, this book will not be as meaningful.

I Found You by Lisa Jewell

I Found You

Lisa Jewell 

2017  

4/5 stars

One rainy evening, Alice approaches a man she has noticed sitting on the beach outside her cottage since morning.  The man has no idea who he is, where he is, or even why he is the Northern town.  Alice, who is  a toughened single mother of three with a history of bad decisions, finds herself feeling sorry for him and allows him to use her shed as a shelter over night.  Instead of leaving the next day, however, Frank (as her daughter calls him), is still in a state of amnesia and, despite knowing she shouldn't, Alice finds herself making him a part of her family.  The only thing is, Frank thinks he might have killed someone.

Meanwhile, a young Ukrainian woman new to England, Lily, is concerned because her husband of three weeks did not come home to their suburban London flat.  When the police begin investigating, Lily learns that her husband may not be the man he claimed to be.

The story also goes back in time, over twenty years ago, to when the Ross family spent their summer holiday in Ridinghouse Bay.  What should be a typical stay becomes a nightmare for teenaged Gray and his younger sister, Kirsti, when a somewhat older man, Mark, becomes obsessed with her.  What happens to the three is tied in with the mystery of Frank and Lily's husband Carl, and is slowly revealed as the novel progresses.

Jewell writes well, and kept me engaged and intrigued to the very end. The plot becomes obvious as the story unfolds, but that doesn't make it less gripping or tense.    Yes, there are parts that are not fully credible, but I Found You is engrossing enough that I was willing to suspend belief and just enjoy the ride.  I was favorably impressed by Jewell, which was surprising as I disliked and did not finish another of her books, The Girls in the Garden (my discussion here), and wouldn't have tried this one if I had realized it was the same author.  As it stands, though, I'm certainly willing to try a third.

September 2021 Wrap-Up

 

Books Read:

The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley (2014)  3/5 stars  (my review here)

The Killer and the Slain: a Strange Story by Hugh Walpole (1942)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King (2016)  5/5 stars

This Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes adventure revolves around their housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, and her past.   As with most of the series, The Murder of Mary Russell is intelligent, compelling, and well-written, but King's greatest strength lies in her ability to weave together canon Holmes with her own inventions, as she does marvelously here. 

Mary Russell's War and Other Stories of Suspense 

by Laurie R. King (2016)  3/5 stars

The talent for writing short stories is quite different from that needed for novels, and sadly, Ms. King does not appear to possess that particular gift.  I feel I'm being generous giving the collection three stars, as many of them were rather poor.  However, the title story giving more of Mary's background was generally good and worth reading, and the story of their wedding was, despite feeling like a novice attempt, mostly amusing -- hence the rating.

Audio Books Completed:

The Stone Wife by Peter Lovesey (2014)  4/5 stars

Another solid mystery featuring Inspector Diamond. It seemed straight-forward at first, but then became nicely complex and twisty.  I fully enjoyed it; Lovesey and his Diamond are firm favorites.

Mistletoe and Murder by Carola Dunn (2004)  3/5 stars

This takes place during a Christmas house party, and has a real Golden Age of Mystery feel to it. In fact, I quite enjoyed it -- until the obvious murderer and weak motive were revealed.  I still continue to read the series, though I only find the books average, because I enjoy Dunn's cheerful, breezy style and her pleasant characters.

Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures by Stephen Fry (2018)  4/5 stars

Using his particular clever, intelligent, and witty style, Fry tells some of the Ancient Greek stories of heroes.  I would have preferred more details given to some of them -- I felt the same with Mythos (my review here) -- but otherwise Heroes is a wonderful collection of tales well-told.  

The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill  (2007)  3/5 stars

DS Freya Graffham moves to the cathedral town of Lafferton and becomes deeply interested in a missing person case.  When more women go missing, and she gets closer to the truth, Freya becomes a target herself.  

Hill writes well, and I was impressed by her ability to bring characters and situations to life.  I enjoyed it tremendously, found it engrossing and gripping. In the end, however, I had to give it three stars instead of four, because there were many people and incidents that had no purpose in the long run, except as filler.

Did Not Finish:

Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie

I've never not finished a Christie mystery, but. . .  This is set in Ancient Egypt and is, I think, the only one of her novels that I have not read.  I was instantly interested in the plot; however, I was listening to the book and found I couldn't keep up with the names.  Once I'd processed what the name was, Emilia Fox was two sentences on and I was left trying to catch up.  So, it's not the fault of the author, or even the narrator, but of my difficulty with the names.  I will probably get the book from the library; I think I would be much better served reading it at my own speed.

The Dead Letter by Seely Regester

This is considered the first full-length American detective novel, and, as Victorian era sensationalism is one of my favorite genres, I was excited to read it, and really enjoyed the first 30%.  At that point, though, a clairvoyant was introduced and was responsible for giving vital information; I prefer my crimes to be solved by the skill and intellect of the detective, not through a Deus Ex Machina situation.

The Detective Wore Silk Drawers by Peter Lovesey

I'm such a fan of Lovesey, so I have been trying his first series with the Victorian Sargent Cribb.  This is the second of that series, and is centered around bare-knuckle pugilism and, as such, didn't interest me as much as the first one did.  Having a stack of other library books to read, I decided to give this one a miss, at least for now.

Waltz into Darkness by William Irish (pseudonym of Cornell Woolrich)

I read and thoroughly enjoyed two other noir novels by Woolrich, and this one was good for the first quarter or so.  At around 33%, though, it lost it's momentum and liveliness and, as a result, my attention.

The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley

I read the first of this series (my review here) and since I found this one on audio at the library, decided to continue with it.  I listened for four hours, and then stopped.  My problems were threefold: the main characters all have French accents and the narrator didn't differentiate well with them; the over-melodramatic grieving grated on my nerves; and finally, the sense of unrecognized entitlement which allows these rich sisters to achieve their desires was more pronounced here than in the Seven Sisters.   I put most of the problem on the fact that I was listening to the Storm Sister  and therefore not in a position to skim over things, like I did when I read the first.  I've not called it quits on the series entirely, as the premise intrigues me, but I don't think audio is the way to go.

Her Dark Lies by J.T. Ellison

I really wanted to like this, as the blurb made it sound so interesting, but alas. . . the writing and the characters were unappealing, and I didn't make it longer than an hour of the audiobook.

The Killer and the Slain by Hugh Walpole

The Killer and the Slain: 

A Strange Story 

Hugh Walpole 

1942 

5/5 stars

The less known about the plot going in, the better, in my opinion.  Most of the blurbs give details, which may or may not spoil the reader's enjoyment.  I would have preferred to have known less, though, so I'm only going to say that this follows mild-mannered, often bullied, John Talbot as he becomes a different man after an act of violence.  

The story is one of Good and Evil, of the crumbling of the barriers that make a human act "decently", of effects that can snowball from the actions of one person.  Walpole's posthumously published macabre psychological study is emotional, suspenseful, believable, and sometimes frightening.  It's not a story one "enjoys"; it caused me tension, discomfort, and unease -- as was intended.  It is excellently written overall, with a most gratifying ending.  As an experience of the depths of a lost mind, the Killer and the Slain was exceptional.

I will note that those not believing in an Agent of Evil and a Deity of Good, may not find it as moving or satisfying as I did.  

The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley

The Seven Sisters

Lucinda Riley

2014

3/5 stars

The Seven Sisters is the first in a series that follows a set of adopted sisters as they heal from the loss of their father, consider their unknown past, and make decisions for the future.  This book sets the scene by introducing the sisters and then follows Maia, the eldest who is in thrall to her past, in her quest to uncover her birth-family's history in Rio.

This is not my typical genre (a combo of historical and contemporary romance/fiction) but I enjoyed it.  I did have quibbles with some of the plot, but for the most part found it engaging and intelligent, and with characters I came to care about.  At one point, I feared it was taking a predictable and trope-ish turn, but was pleasantly surprised.  In the end I found the Seven Sisters, if not fully original, both interesting and well-written enough to continue the series.

By the way. . .

 I'm bookstagramming again.

August 2021 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
Footsteps in the Dark by Georgette Heyer (1932)  3/5 stars

This, Heyer's first published mystery, doesn't have a great plot but still contains her signature humor, style, and well-written conversations.  It wasn't memorable, and I wouldn't recommend it as a first Heyer novel, but it does have some fun moments.

The Body in the Dumb River by George Bellairs (1961)  3/5 stars

This has a great start, but when the solution becomes obvious, the plot looses it's momentum.  Bellairs' prose is extremely sparse, as well, making the book feel unpolished.

Castle Skull by John Dickson Carr (1931)  3/5 stars

This is well written and entertaining, and I was completely engaged until the reason behind the murder was revealed.   To prevent spoilers, I'll merely say that I didn't find it believable.  I enjoyed it enough, though, that I wouldn't hesitate to read another mystery by Carr.

When a Man Marries by Mary Roberts Rinehart (1909)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Capital Crimes: London Mysteries edited by Martin Edwards (2015)  

4/5 stars

This is an anthology of crime -- though not always mystery -- short stories written by (mostly lesser known) Golden Age writers.  As always with the British Library Crime Classics collections, the appeal varies but the diversity is fantastic.  

The Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer (1933)  4/5 stars

This is a pleasant English Country House mystery written in Heyer's typical light, fun, and witty style.  I didn't feel like I had quite enough clues, but found the solution satisfying and the book enjoyable overall. 

Audio Books Completed:

Dreaming Spies by Laurie R. King (2015)  4/5 stars

This novel finds Mary Russell and her husband Sherlock Holmes in an adventure in Japan -- one which has repercussions that follow them to England a year later.  As nearly always with this series, it's well-written, completely engrossing, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Anna, Where Are You? by Patricia Wentworth (1951)  4/5 stars

When a young woman abruptly quits corresponding with an old friend, Miss Silver is hired to investigate her possible disappearance.  This was well-written and entertaining with a good plot and, though following Wentworth's typical formula, still managed a couple of surprises. 

The Perfect Guests by Anna Rous (2021)  4/5 stars

While sometimes referred to as a mystery or suspense, this complex story is not exactly either, but is a compelling, engaging, and hard-to-put-down novel.  While not every twist is a surprise, Rous does present some unpredictable turns, keeping the book interesting. I recommend reading as little as possible about the plot, however, to maximize the enjoyment of the experience.

Did Not Finish:

This was quite the month of not finishing!

Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English by John McWhorter

This read more like a thesis than a "survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammar" as advertised, and, as far as I read, focused primarily on disproving other theories instead of providing insights. 

Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger

I only made it about thirty minutes into the audio book and found it, frankly, awful.  This was my second time trying a thriller by Unger, and will be my last.

Cold Mourning by Brenda Chapman

This started out with sexual violence against a child, and I quit before the scene was over.

Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker

I only got about twenty minutes into the audiobook, but found it bit too "twee" for my taste.

The Searcher by Tana French

French's books have always been stellar for me, and I expected no less from this one. I had trouble with some animal scenes, though, and after a couple, I was wary of there being more, maybe worse, to come so I quit several hours into the audio book.  

The Last Landlady: an English Memoir by Laura Thompson

Despite the subject, it never captured my interest, though I gave it a good try.

The Transcendental Murder by Jane Langston

This is the first of a popular series, but I found the first chapter poorly written, to the point of being confusing, so stopped.  I'm sure it got better, but I wasn't interested enough to push on through.

Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams

I really enjoyed Our Woman in Moscow by Williams, but after several chapters I still wasn't particularly interested in the story.

After Alice by Gregory Maguire

I am Alice-mad.  I will read any Alice pastiche and as a result have encountered some horrible ones that I couldn't finish (Alice by Christine Henry, about sex slaves and sadism, springs to mind) as well as some magnificent ones (like Heartless by Marissa Meyer that beautifully tells the backstory of the Queen of Hearts).  After Alice falls into the "bad but at least not stomach churning" category.  Maguire did not capture any of the feel of Wonderland or of Carroll's style, and as a result just didn't interest me.  I went in with great hopes, loving the concept, but forgetting that I have not really enjoyed any of the few Maguire novels that I have previously read.

Note:
Force of Nature by Jane Harper (2017)  3/5 stars

I read this in July, but somehow missed both noting it and writing a review.

This was an enjoyable and well-written mystery/suspense with Harper's trademark style, but I did not find the solution fully satisfying.

When a Man Marries by Mary Roberts Rinehart

When a Man Marries

Mary Roberts Rinehart

1909 

4/5 stars

This turn-of-the-nineteenth century novel, a precursor of Hollywood's screwball comedies of the 1930s, is a laugh-out-loud misadventure that is well-written, engaging and completely entertaining.  Telling the plot would spoil it, I think, as so much of the pleasure is derived from wondering just WHAT could possibly happen next?!  The best thing to do, is to let Kit (the narrator) tell it in her own words: 

It began with Jimmy Wilson and a conspiracy, was helped on by a foot-square piece of yellow paper and a Japanese butler, and it enmeshed and mixed up generally ten respectable members of society and a policeman. Incidentally, it involved a pearl collar and a box of soap, which sounds incongruous, doesn’t it? 

Rinehart, known for her popular mysteries, has a wonderful knack for writing conversation and ridiculous situations, both of which made When a Man Marries such fun. It is not perfect, and there are a few bits that could have been smoothed out better or explained more, as well as some dated, now offensive, language.  Despite that, I got five stars worth of enjoyment out of it, and am truly sad that I can't honestly give it the full five rating. 

July 2021 Wrap-Up

Books Read

813 by Maurice Leblanc (1910)  4/5 stars

Arséne Lupin, gentleman thief and adventurer, is framed for murder, a situation which leads him to match wits with a most devious opponent.  This is a fun book, with many twists and turns, and though I guessed the biggest surprise, I enjoyed it thoroughly.  Leblanc writes engaging prose (or the translator is particularly good) and the fast-paced plot, incredible as it is, makes for an entertaining read.

Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams (2021)  4/5 stars

The less known about the plot of this well-written historical novel the better, as it allows for surprises, so I'll just say that it is a complex story regarding an American who defected to the Soviet Union with his family.  It's not my usual genre, but I was hooked immediately and engrossed throughout.  I certainly plan to try more of Williams' historical fiction.

Bab: a Sub-Deb by Mary Roberts Rinehart (1917) 4/5 stars

This novel about a few momentous events in the life of 17-year old Deb is, at times, hilarious, and always engrossing.  It's told in the first person, with bad spelling and rambling thoughts, and is the forerunner of Lorelei Lee in Anita Loos' equally funny Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.  My version contained a fourth story, added in later publications, dealing with the Great War which was sometimes poignant and gave an excellent insight into an American woman's view of the conflict.  Overall, while some parts weren't as side-splitting as others, I give this a whole-hearted recommendation for those who appreciate the time-period.

Audio Books Completed:

Watching From the Dark by Gytha Lodge (2020)   3/5 stars

This is a mostly well-written mystery, but I found the solution to be unsatisfactory.  I was impressed by Lodge's first book, but found this one to be contrived and only average.

Too Close by Natalie Daniels (2018)  4/5 stars

It's best to go into this knowing little of the plot, so I'll not give any description, except to say that it is not a psychological thriller as advertised but is instead a novel of female friendship and betrayal.  It's extremely well-written for the most part, but I felt like it built up to a fantastic conclusion but didn't deliver.  I still enjoyed it, and found the characters most natural and believable.

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle  (1902) 4/5 stars

This is an entertaining classic, despite the solution depending on a coincidence, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Through the Wall by Patricia Wentworth (1950)  3/5 stars

This follows Wentworth's typical formula with Miss Silver investigating while a light romance goes on around her.  I enjoyed it, as I have all of the series, but it wasn't particularly memorable.

The Widow's Cruise by Nicholas Blake (1959)   4/5 stars

While on a cruise, Nigel Strangeways investigates a death that could be suicide or murder.  It's quite well-written and very enjoyable.  I knew the solution early on, though, but that was not the fault of the author: it's simply that in all my years of reading mysteries, I had already encountered the situation.

Did Not Finish:

Aurora Floyd by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

I have enjoyed other melodramas by this Victorian author, but the plot of Aurora Floyd  was somewhat dull and seemed to go on interminably.  I quit and then returned numerous times, and, despite wanting to know the ending, when I realized that I was only about halfway through the three volume novel, I finally admitted defeat and read the Wikipedia plot summary. 

The Town in Bloom by Dodie Smith

Smith's I Capture the Castle is one of my top ten favorite books, but this one was simply not enjoyable.  I was struggling through it, expecting it to get better, but when the reader was supposed to regard an affair with a married man as amusing and charming, I quit.

The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths

During the summer of 2019, I binged on the Ruth Galloway series and loved it.  With last year's release, however, I became tired of Ruth's personal drama.  I still waited for months to borrow this new one, though, because Griffiths' mysteries are usually good.  I got a few chapters in, however, and realized I just couldn't get interested.

June 2021 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

The Lost Man by Jane Harper  (2019)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Girl from Montana by Grace Livingston Hill (1908)  3/5 stars

Written in 1908, this novel follows the story of a young woman fleeing Montana to escape from a wicked man's evil intent.  During her flight, she encounters a man from the East, lost and in trouble, whom she helps, and who helps her in return.  While sweet and mostly entertaining, this Christian-themed novel is light on plot in the second half -- quite a let-down after the promising start.

The Yellow Room by Mary Roberts Rinehart (1945)  

4/5 stars

When Carol Spencer arrives at her summer house in Maine, she discovers a burnt corpse in her linen closet, beginning a nightmare for her family and the small coastal town.  Written and taking place during WWII, this mystery is interesting, well-paced, and suspenseful.  The plot is convoluted, and couldn't be fully solved from the clues given, relying at times on information the detective has but doesn't reveal.  Despite that annoyance, it was a good, quick read, complicated enough to be enjoyable, with a surprising and satisfying ending.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley (2020)  3/5 stars

This thriller takes place on a remote island the day before and the day of the wedding of a high-profile couple.  It follows several members of the party, in first-person alternating chapters,  as they muse on their past and their personal demons, while gradually leading up to the end of the wedding and a murder.  The Guest List has some good twists, and I stayed mostly interested, but I was never invested in any of the characters or their situations.  The various voices weren't distinct enough, nor the prose engaging enough, to make it an immersive read.

Audio Books Completed:

The Lake House by Kate Morton (2015)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie (1925)  3/5 stars

This is a sometimes convoluted story of international intrigue taking place in an English country house.  It's not one of Christie's best written or most believable, in part because not all the clues are available for the reader, but, despite that, it is still a generally entertaining escape, though not fully engrossing.

Did Not Finish

The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter by Theodora Goss

I feel bad for not finishing this one.  I was interested in the plot, liked most of the characters, and generally enjoyed the format, but. . . I didn't care much for Mary, the main protagonist.  I didn't feel like she was well-drawn, nor particularly likable.  There were several historical inaccuracies, as well.  I tried to tell myself that as alternate history, the author doesn't have to stick to the facts, but (as a history major), it grated on my nerves continually. Then, there was the main reason: I especially hated how Goss made use of a  character called "Sherlock Holmes" who had very little in common with the canon Holmes.  (As a friend and I have discussed lately, Holmes fans tend to be very passionate about their interpretation of him, and soundly dislike authors that break with that vision.)  I began dreading to read it, not wanting any more interaction with the faux Holmes, so, with 57% completed, I stopped.  I  think it's really a case of "it's not you, it's me".  Good book on the whole, but a bad match for me.

Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch

This is the second in the Rivers of London series (my review here), and it was quite good: witty, funny, and interesting.  Unfortunately, about the time I reached page 75, BOOM, I was out of the mood for fantasy.  I'll set it aside and pick up the series again when I'm in that frame of mind again.

The Stranger in the Lake by Kimberly Belle

Oh my.  I'm sorry, but this book is not very good.  Part of the problem is that Belle is depicting a fictional small town in the mountains of NC.  Now, I grew up in an actual small town in the mountains of NC, and her idea of how one works is quite different from mine.  Then there were several other things I found off-putting or eye-roll worthy, including a lot of ageism, so after over an hour of the audio book, I just quit.  

The Last Flight by Julie Clark

I really wanted to like this one, as it's got an average of over four stars on Goodreads, but, while it's not exactly a trigger, I just don't like to read about women in abusive relationships.  I made it a few chapters in, and decided it wasn't for me. 

The Lake House by Kate Morton

The Lake House

Kate Morton 

2015  

4/5 stars

The complicated plot of the Lake House is difficult to describe, as it follows both different time lines and different characters.  The cornerstone of the plot is that DC Sadie Sparrow, on leave from the Met, visits her grandfather in Cornwall and becomes obsessed with a 70 year old cold case.  

It sounds bland, explained like that, but it is actually a rich, complex, and delightful novel that is not so much a mystery as a character study.  The lake house, Loeanneth, features as more than just a setting, while the secrets that surround the tragedy form most of the story.  

Morton writes well, though not seamlessly.  There were times when the switches between characters/time lines was jarring, and the story dragged a bit here and there. There were also a few details that didn't fit with the historical periods.  Nevertheless, despite it's length (nearly 500 pages, and over 20 hours of audiobook), this is an engrossing, satisfying, and at times moving book that is worth the investment.

The Lost Man by Jane Harper

The Lost Man 

Jane Harper  

2019  

4/5 stars

Cameron Bright is found dead outside the boundary of his large cattle ranch, having died of exposure to the elements of outback Queensland.  The entire Bright family is confused, shocked and horrified over the inexplicable nature of Cam's gruesome death -- was it suicide or murder?  The past begins to take on new shades of meaning, as his elder brother Nathan, fighting numerous demons of his own, seeks to make sense of the incident.  

Harper is a talented writer, creating characters and situations that are believable and engrossing, with the outback itself figuring largely in the plot.  The history of the family was revealed in an effective, gradual way, giving the novel an uncomfortable and atmospheric feel, and the story reached a conclusion that, though surprising, was, at the same time, not a surprise.  Overall, this slow paced and introspective book is a gripping work that, while a tightly plotted mystery, is also an intricate and detailed psychological character study of a family.

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

Rivers of London (original UK title) or

Midnight Riot (US title)

Ben Aaronovitch

2011

5/5 stars

Peter Grant, a probationary constable with the Met, is guarding a London crime scene one night, when he is approached by a ghost with information about the murder.  Discovering the previously unknown world of the paranormal, unsurprisingly, changes Peter's life completely and gives him a new position as the apprentice to DCI Nightingale, investigating preternatural crimes.  Together they hunt vampires, try to placate river gods, and search for an unearthly killer at the risk of their own lives.

This is an enormously fun book with spectacular world-building.  Peter is a likable protagonist, well-drawn and believable.  While some of the lesser characters weren't fleshed out as much as I would have liked, Nightingale in particular, the plot, action, and descriptions were great.  Rivers of London is smart, witty, geeky, and mostly incredible and, though not perfect, it's close enough. I'm truly sorry I waited so long to read it.

(note: It's so good that, even at nearly 400 pages, I read it in less than 24 hours.)

May 2021 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
A Necessary Evil by Abir Mukherjee (2017)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Smoke and Ashes by Abir Mukherjee (2018)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Death in the East by Abir Mukherjee (2019)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater (2020)  3/5 stars

This is a generally charming novel taking place in a Regency England filled with magic, where a young woman is suffering from a fairy curse that has taken away half her soul. Atwater is heavy handed with her morality message, unfortunately, and about half way through, she sends the plot in that direction, away from the interesting plight of the heroine, and creates a novel less engaging than it could have been.  Despite that, I enjoyed both the characters and the sweet romance, and those aspects kept my attention until the end.

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch (2011)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Audio Books Completed:

The Mysterious Mr. Quin by Agatha Christie (1930)  4/5 stars

This set of short stories all feature Mr. Satterthwaite, an elderly gentleman of the world, who spends much of his time visiting friends both in England and out of the country.  In each story, Mr. Satterthwaite runs into a mysterious man named Mr. Quin, and every meeting ends with Mr. Satterthwaite involved in some sort of conundrum that he helps resolve with aid from Mr. Quin.  It's hard to explain these stories, obviously, but they are well-written, completely enjoyable, and sometimes even moving.  They are not all out-and-out mysteries; some are about loss and recovery, and remind me more of Christie writing as Mary Westmacott than of a typical Christie plot.  The Mr. Quin stories do not seem to be as popular as her more traditional mystery stories, but should not be overlooked. 

Mythos: the Greek Myths Reimagined by Stephen Fry (2019)  4/5 stars

Fry uses his delightful way with words to give his own version of the famous Greek myths. As he says in the afterward, he has reimagined these tales -- they are not retellings or interpretations, rather the traditional stories told in his own words.  I am well-versed in Greek mythology, and did notice a lack of detail at times, which is the only reason this wonderful collection is not a five star book.  It is a fascinating read and would be appropriate for those new to the world of Greek myths or for those just wanting a refresher.

Garment of Shadows by Laurie R. King (2012)  4/5 stars

This picks up where Pirate King leaves off, with Mary Russell and her partner/husband Sherlock Holmes in Morocco.  Russell, waking up with amnesia, finds herself involved in a secret attempt to prevent war between the French government and the Moroccans of the Rif Revolt. Garment of Shadows is intriguing and gripping, and solidly good overall.  King remains one of my favorite authors of historical suspense.

The Witch Elm by Tana French (2018)  4/5 stars

Unlike French's Dublin Murder Squad series, this is not a crime novel, police procedural, or even really a thriller.  Instead, it's a psychological character study that centers on the discovery of a human skull in the back garden.  French is amazingly talented at creating a realistic, largely unlikable protagonist, and having the reader become intimate enough with this person that a sympathetic bond is formed.  While long and at times slow moving, the Witch Elm is still a skillfully written, sometimes unsettling, and overall powerful novel.   

Did Not Finish:

The Widening Stain by W. Bolingbroke Johnson

American authors aren't my first choice, as I've often said, but I've recently been trying some reprinted Golden Age American mysteries, and this is one of that series.  I didn't connect with the humor, location, or characters, but it could just be that I needed a break from mysteries for a bit, so  I'll not rule this one out as a definite "no".

The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey

After reading the Rivers of London, I was in the mood for more fantasy.   The plot was cute, but the writing was not so great.  I might try a different series another time, but for now I'm moving on.

Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March

This highly acclaimed first novel just did not have an authentic feel to me.  Maybe it was too soon after the fantastic Wyndham series for me to try another Colonial India mystery.

The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey

Exactly the same problems as with March's novel.

Two Books by Abir Mukherjee

Smoke and Ashes

Abir Mukherjee 

2018  

4/5 stars

This third installment of the series, takes place in 1921 in Calcutta, with Detective Inspector  Sam Wyndham stumbling over a murdered body in an opium den -- one he can do nothing about, as it would reveal that he had been there. The next day, he is called to the scene of another murder, and the victim has been killed in the same gruesome way.  Wyndham is hindered in his investigation by not being able to acknowledge the other corpse, which has yet to be reported by anyone.  He and Sergeant Bannerjee are searching for a connection between the two, when yet a third victim is killed the same way.

This is another solid mystery: interesting, compelling, and well-written.  Wyndham, with his morally gray ways and self-destructive habits, has fast become a favorite character.  Bannerjee is fleshed out more in this novel, and his friendship with Wyndham is more believable.  There was a surprising twist -- one that I perhaps should have seen coming, but was pleasantly taken off guard by it.  The action did get a bit melodramatic at the climax, but overall, Smoke and Ashes is still a great read. 

Death in the East

Abir Mukherjee 

2019  

4/5 stars

It is now 1922, and Detective Inspector Sam Wyndham leaves Calcutta for a trip to an ashram in Assam, in hopes of overcoming his opium addiction.  While there, he sees a face that reminds him of his first murder case, back in London in 1905.  That case becomes relevant again when an important Englishman is found dead in his bed in a locked room in the closest British settlement, Jatinga.  With Sergeant Bannerjee's help, Wyndham investigates the case -- one where a conflict of interest may be involved.

This is the fourth in the series, and is another strong mystery, atmospheric and well-written, with two engrossing plotlines.  Wyndham's past is skillfully told alongside his present situation, in alternating chapters eventually tying together, and the reader is given a glimpse into what has made Wyndham who he is.  As I've mentioned in all reviews of this series, Wyndham is morally gray, and that affects how he views this case in a most telling way.  The solution is ingenious, and while not a complete surprise, was satisfying, and the ending was pleasingly uncomfortable.