September 2023 Wrap-Up

I'm a wee bit late, aren't I? 

The Devil and Her Son by (Margery Allingham writing as) Maxwell March  (1935)  4/5 stars
The plot is hard to describe, and it's really better to go in knowing as little as possible about the book, to be able to enjoy the surprises more fully.  It's easy to sum up in this way, though: melodramatic, gothic, improbable, and yet, extremely enjoyable   

Dead Men Don't Ski by Patricia Moyes  (1959)  4/5 stars
In this book, the first in a series following Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Tibbit, Tibbit is requested to investigate a potential drug smuggling ring while on a skiing holiday.  It is well-written and entertaining, with an excellent number of clues and red herrings.  Despite having read it before, I enjoyed it immensely and found Moyes' plotting to nicely executed. 

The Sunken Sailor  by Patricia Moyes  (1961)  4/5 stars
In this very enjoyable and well written novel, vacationing Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Tibbit feels that the apparently explained death of a sailor seems to be less certainly an accident and more definitely murder.  

House of Storm by Mignon Eberhart (1949) 4/5 stars
Early on, this suspense novel seems light, silly, and painfully obvious.  As it progresses though, Eberhart infuses it with such Gothic vibes that even the location is menacing.  

Postmark Murder by Mignon Eberhart (1956)  4/5 stars
A large amount of bequeathed money, an orphaned Polish child, and a murdered stranger combine with a likable heroine in this light novel of mystery and suspense.  Eberhart had a knack for creating a sinister atmosphere in the most normal of environs, and did so nicely in this entertaining story.  

Call After Midnight by Mignon Eberhart (1964)  4/5 stars
In this mystery-suspense novel, Jenny, thinking she is still in love with her ex-husband, is quick to go to his aid when his new wife is shot.  When the wife is shot again -- fatally this time -- Jenny is among the short list of suspects.  This is an atmospheric, enjoyable read that, though short, had some good moments.

Audiobooks Completed:

The Taste of Conquest: The Rise and Fall of the Three Great Cities of Spice by Michael Krondl (2007)  4/5 stars
In this nonfiction, Krondl gives the history of the spice trade through the three most important spice trading cities of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries: Venice, Lisbon, and Amsterdam.  It's easy to read and, though light, still informative and enjoyable.

The Artist, the Philosopher, and the Warrior: The Intersecting Lives of Da Vinci, Machiavelli, and Borgia and the World They Shaped by Paul Strathern (2009)  2/5 stars

The author's premise is that these three men spent a small amount of time together, and that time changed their perspectives and, from there, the course of history.  Unfortunately, the book is full of supposition and speculation -- especially about Da Vinci -- with these repeated words and phrases summing up the gist of the information given:  might; might could have; possibly; probably; must have; in all likelihood; it would seem; it would appear to suggest; it would have been out of character; if we assume; we can surmise.  Though I finished it in hopes that he would eventually prove his point, I came away very frustrated as he was unable to do so without postulating.

Elixir: A Parisian Perfume House and the Quest for the Secret of Life by Theresa Levitt (2023)  5/5 stars

Levitt tells the history of the development of organic chemistry in 18th and 19th century France through biographies and anecdotes, with a strong grounding in historical context.  The book is accessible to those (like me) with little or no chemistry background, the prose is well-written, and is a delightfully interesting and engaging read.

November 2022 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

The Face on the Cutting Room Floor by (Ernest Borneman writing as) Cameron McCabe  (1937)  2/5 stars  (my review here)

Audio Books Completed:
Portrait of Jennie by Robert Nathan (1940)  3/5 stars
This is a modern fantasy of sorts, in which a painter meets a child who slips through time to visit him, aging quickly across the months of their friendship, trying, as she says, to catch up with him.  The plot premise of this popular book is intriguing and appealing, but the delivery was underwhelming. The prose is often dull, the story barebones, and the characters not well-fleshed.  It's only 125 pages, and it might have packed more punch had it been pared to the length of a short story instead.  

The Lady and the Highwayman by Sarah M. Eden (2019)  3/5 stars (my review here)

Catherine Aird

The Golden Age of Murder by Martin Edwards (2015)  5/5 stars (my review here)

Slight Mourning by Catherine Aird  (1975) 3/5 stars
Though somewhat predictable, Aird's sly sense of humor and solid writing make this an enjoyable mystery. 

The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton (1911)  4/5 stars

This is the first set of short stories to feature Father Brown, and I found them generally enjoyable.  Father Brown's personality is developed very little, unfortunately, but Chesterton creates clever and sometimes baffling problems, and writes well overall.  His Christian faith comes out clearly in his moral judgements, which is only fitting for the Catholic priest and his outlook.

Some Die Eloquent by Catherine Aird   (1979)  4/5 stars

Interesting plot with a satisfying solution, combined Aird's particular humor and strong writing, made this an enjoyable read.

Did Not Finish:

The Gentleman and the Thief  by Sarah M. Eden (my discussion here)

The Face on the Cutting Room Floor

The Face on the Cutting Room Floor 
by (Ernest Borneman writing as) Cameron McCabe 
1937 
2/5 stars

Going into this novel, it's best to know as little as possible about the plot, so as to preserve the surprises. The premise is that the book's author, Cameron McCabe, is narrating his experiences in the investigation of the murdered of an actress.  After McCabe's manuscript ends, an epilogue follows, written by another character in the drama.

This book starts off at a frantic pace, pushed on by a stream-of-consciousness-narrative that doesn't always make sense and rarely stops for breath during McCabe's portion. Borneman does an admirable job of giving the epilogue author a distinctive voice, and that portion feels entirely different, though it felt entirely too long.  There are many twists and turn in this bizarre and original mystery, but it was impossible for me to enjoy the story due to McCabe's prose.* The brief wrap up of the plot was too abrupt and, anyway, by then I was just so relieved to be nearly finished that the ending fizzled instead of shocked.  

*Note: I say this as a fan of earlier stream-of-consciousness authors such as Woolf.  It's not the style Borneman chose that is the problem -- it's his execution of it.

April 2022 Wrap Up

Books Read:

Seducers in Ecuador and The Heir by Vita Sackville-West (1925 and 1922)  5/5 stars (my review here)

Audio Books Completed:

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides  (2021)  4/5 stars

This slow-but-steady thriller is generally well-written, mostly suspenseful, and quite intriguing.  I did figure out part of the ending in advance, but Michaelides delivered a surprise that brought the book up from three to four stars.  Overall, it was compelling and entertaining.  (As a bonus, some characters from Michaelides' debut novel cross into this one, adding another level of enjoyment to The Maidens.)

Ladies' Bane by Patricia Wentworth (1952)  3/5 stars

While easily solved, this was an attention-keeping mystery, and though it followed the usual Miss Silver formula, it was still enjoyable.

The Au Pair by Emma Rous (2019)  2/5 stars

This is advertised as a mystery-suspense-thriller, but it wasn't.  Most plot developments were completely expected, and nothing particularly imaginative.  It wasn't terrible, though, until about the eighth hour of the audio book, when it got extremely silly.  I kept thinking that it was going to take that particular turn, but also thought that it couldn't it surely couldn't get that ridiculous.  By then, though, I only had two hours to go, so I thought I'd finish and see if the author could save the book.  I hate to give a bad review, but in my opinion, there was no redemption.  My recommendation is to just give this one a miss.

Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897) 5/5 stars  (my review here)

Did Not Finish:

The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan

This domestic thriller was too predictable; it seemed that every plot development was expected.  I also found the main character's motives to be unbelievable, so despite listening to 44 out of 80 chapters, I finally gave it up.

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.

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.

January 2021 Wrap Up

Books Read:

So Pretty a Problem by Francis Duncan (1950)  3/5 stars

Retired tobacconist and amateur detective Mordecai Tremaine is awakened from a nap on the Cornish coast by a woman's announcement that she has accidently shot her husband.  Neither Tremaine nor the local police Inspector believe her story, and suspect that she is covering for someone.  The plot never gripped me, nor was I convinced by the rather elaborate solution.  I quite enjoyed the two previous Mordecai Tremaine mysteries, but found this one to be only average.

The Mingham Air by Elizabeth Fair (1960)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Audio Books Completed:

An Infamous Betrayal by Lynn Messina (2018)  2/5 stars  (my review here)

Pirate King by Laurie R. King (2011)  4/5 stars

Mary Russell takes on a job with a movie company as a favor for Scotland Yard and finds herself involved with pirates looking to recapture the glory of the past.  With some laugh out loud moments, this well-written and engaging novel is a more lighthearted read than is usual with King, but it was welcome after the gravity of the two previous volumes of the series.  (Some reviewers complained about the lack of mystery, but I'd like to point out that King does not refer to these books as "mysteries", rather as "novels of suspense".)

Did Not Finish:

The Perfect Mother by Caroline Miller

This domestic thriller has excellent reviews on Goodreads, but I found it slow, unbelievable, and boring.  I read a third of the book, but as Miller had yet to cause me to care about the main character or her plight, nor had she built a feeling of suspense or dread, I put it aside.

A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny

This is not the fault of the book -- not at all.  I read the first couple of chapters and it's the kind of laugh-out-loud funny that requires immediate sharing.  I was really enjoying it, and then I went to sleep.  And dreamed.  A bad dream.  About this book.  *sigh*  Bryan, however, read it, loved it, and recommends it, so I'll definitely try it again later.

The Mouse that Roared by Leonard Wibberly

Another instance of "it's not you, it's me".  It's witty and laugh out loud funny, but it was not what I was in the mood for at the time.  It comes highly recommended by Bryan, though. 

An Infamous Betrayal by Lynn Messina

An Infamous Betrayal

Lynn Messina 

2018  

2/5 stars

Beatrice Hyde-Clare, fresh from solving two mysteries, is approached by an acquaintance to help find a murderer.   Her investigation leads her around Regency London and it's ballrooms, and, with help from the Duke of Kesgrave, to a successful conclusion.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two of this series (A Brazen Curiosity and A Scandalous Deception), but found An Infamous Betrayal to be disappointing for a host of reasons.  

To begin with, I was well over two hours into the audio book, and the past adventures were still being rehashed, which was annoying and, frankly, felt like a filler designed to bulk it up to it's final 202 pages.

Then, Bea's ability to get in and out of her home unseen became increasingly unbelievable, as was her photographic memory for convenient bizarre facts. Next there was the farce of her romantic encounter with the Duke, which was off-putting, to say the least.  

Her growing friendships were nicely written, as were some of the characters, and there were several laugh-out-loud moments, but the plot as a whole was clunky and slow -- so different from the two previous, that it could have been a different author. I nearly quit listening several times and honestly don't feel that I would have missed much had I done so.  I will continue the series, as I already own the next book, and hopefully the sparkle and charm will have returned.

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.

November 2019 Wrap-Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 2019 Wrap-Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

C.S. Lewis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

December 2018 Wrap Up

Books Read:
Private Enterprise by Angela Thirkell  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Silent Nights edited by Martin Edwars  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan  4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories edited by Martin Edwards  5/5 stars  (my review here)


Audio Books Completed:
Gunpowder Plot by Carola Dunn  3/5 stars
While Daisy is visiting her friend, Gwen, Gwen's father and a visitor are found dead.  Daisy's husband is called to investigate, with Daisy assisting.  I knew from the time of the murder who and why, and how it would end. There was very little detecting that went on -- it was mainly waiting for the culprit to confess.  The breezy, fun style made it possible for me to finish, though, despite the lack of surprise.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt   4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Last Woman in His Life by Ellery Queen  3/5 stars
In this 1970 mystery, a millionaire friend of Ellery's is murdered and the three ex-wives are suspects.  This dated novel was not fully believable, but still was mostly entertaining.

The Christmas Hirelings by Mary Elizabeth Braddon  4/5 stars  (my review here)

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore  5/5 stars  (my review here)

The Ex-Wife by Jen Ryder  2/5 stars  (my review here)


Did Not Finish:
Owl's Well That Ends Well by Donna Andrews
This book was so slow.  It took forever to get through the opening (dull as ditch water) yard sale to the murder, then there was an agonizingly long amount of time spent eavesdropping in a dumb waiter.  At that ridiculousness, I gave up.  I'm extra disappointed because there are 25 books in this series, and I'm always looking for new mystery authors.

Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners by Gretchen Anthony
This novel is told in three voices, one of which I actively disliked.  I made it three hours into the audio book, and while I was interested in the rest of the story, my dislike for Richard was too strong for me to finish.

Stats for 2019:
I read 36 books and listened to 57 audio books this year.  According to my Goodreads stats, I read 9,184 pages. My shortest book was 84 pages, my longest was 688 pages. I read a good deal more last year, but listened to close to the same amount of audio books.

The Ex-Wife by Jess Ryder

The Ex-Wife: a Nail Biting Gripping Psychological Thriller
Jess Ryder
2018
2/5 stars

After a brief affair with rich, married Nick, Natasha finds herself in a perfect life as his wife and mother to their daughter, Emily.  The only flaw in Natasha's beautiful new world is Nick's ex-wife, Jen, who haunts them and seems determined to win him back.  However, it turns out that Jen was the least of her worries, and that Nick was not the man Natasha had imagined.  She finds herself in a nightmare, with her beloved daughter at the apex, and uncertain who in her life can be trusted.

For a novel that proclaims itself to be "a nail biting gripping psychological thriller", the Ex-Wife turned out to be a bit of a yawn.  It had great potential, and there were a few surprises early on that kept me listening when I was about to give up on it.  However, nothing gripping happened, and though there were some twists and turns, it just fizzled out in the end.  I would certainly not read another "thriller" by Ryder.

July 2018 Wrap Up

Books Read:
The Native Heath by Elizabeth Fair  4/5 stars
The third of Fair's charming, sometimes snarky novels sees widowed Julia returning to the village she visited regularly as a child, and becoming involved in the lives of some of her neighbors.  Witty and thoroughly enjoyable, the Native Heath is well-written with believable characters.

The Headmistress by Angela Thirkell  4/5 stars
Thirkell continues her Barsetshire series with this 1945 novel.  As with all of her novels, it is witty and charming, and quite well written.

Regency Buck by Georgette Heyer  4/5 stars
I'm currently reading a nonfiction book about the Regency world, and it caused me to crave one of Heyer's excellent novels.  I am not a fan of romance, but I am certainly a fan of Heyer.

Audio Books Completed:
My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni   3/5 stars  (my review here)

Fall of a Philanderer by Carola Dunn  3/5 stars
Daisy and her husband find the body of a man dashed on the cliffs while  on vacation and investigate the murder.  Another average mystery from Dunn; enjoyable but not memorable.

Unconditional Surrender by Evelyn Waugh  4/5 stars
The third in the tragi-comedic "Sword of Honor" trilogy is, as I said about the two previous volumes, a good read thanks to the strong writing, understated humor and masterful satire.

The Yellow Mask by Wilkie Collins  2/5 stars
This is a short Victorian romantic thriller, hampered by it's brevity and hence a lack of detail, and overall not fully satisfying.

The Moor by Laurie R. King  4/5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyable Russell/Holmes mystery.  King has a good idea of Holmes, and keeps his attitude consistent with canon.

February 2018 Wrap Up

Books Read:
Elmet by Fiona Mozley  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Audio Books Completed:
In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Castle in the Air by Diana Wynn Jones   4/5 stars (my review here)

The Bette Davis Club by Jane Lotter  4/5 stars  (my review here)

A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King 3/5 stars
This second in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series started off so slowly that I nearly abandoned it.  Once it picked up, in the second half, it was a good tale.  Like the first, it reads a bit like fan-fiction, but then don't we all want to be Holmes' MarySue?

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles   2/5 stars (my review here)

Did Not Finish:
The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra by Vaseem Khan
I listened to over half of this mystery, and it was a good book up to that point.  However, it continually hit three emotional triggers for me and I just couldn't comfortably listen to it.  I would recommend it to people who love books set in today's India, and that don't get emotional over animals.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
2/5 stars

According to this short book, the Japanese concept of ikigai --the happiness of always being busy-- will lead to having a long, happy, and purposeful life.

This book lacks in many areas  How to find one's ikigai is not discussed, and the focus is on living extremely long lives. Impractical suggestions are offered, such as (having found one's ikigai) changing jobs to one that fulfills, flows, and increases ikigai.  Working at a job one loves would be wonderful for all, yet it most often is impossible. 

A lot of this book is taken up with information from studies by other people; the research done by the authors is mostly given as quotes from interviews with super-centenarians on Okinawa.  This advice was mainly diet, exercise, ikigai, and friendships.  A large portion of the book is taken up with giving diet and exercise information.

Learning the brief bits about ikigai was interesting, but overall, very little practical guidance was given and reading the book felt like a waste of time.  I honestly would not have finished it had it not been so short, and had I not purchased it.

August Wrap-Up

Due to being sick for three weeks this month, I didn't do much reading!

Books Read:
The Lost by Jonathan Aycliffe 2/5 stars (my review here)

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Greip  3/5 stars  (my review here)

Audio Books Completed:
Little Men by Louisa Mae Alcott 4/5 stars
While not as good as Little Women, this was an enjoyable read with memorable characters and cute vignettes.

Opening Night (a/k/a Night at the Vulcan) by Ngaio Marsh 5/5 stars
Marsh's excellent mystery focuses on a murder during the opening night of a play.  It is complex and entertaining, as is the norm with her novels.

Devices and Desires by P.D. James  5/5 stars
James is a master storyteller, giving in depth character studies of all those involved.  This was a complex, sophisticated, and engrossing mystery.

Inspector Queen's Own Case by Ellery Queen 4/5 stars (my review here)

Did Not Finish
The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen
Despite an intriguing synopsis, I could't connect with the characters and as a result was unable to be interested in the plot.

The Lost by Jonathan Aycliffe

The Lost
Jonathan Aycliffe
2/5 stars

After his Romanian father's death, Englishman Michael discovers that he is the heir to a castle in Romania.  A series of frightening events follow him, as well as his friends back in England, as he makes his way to the castle.  Once there, he discovers the terrible secret of his family.

Excellently written in the epistolary style, The Lost mirrors Dracula in some ways.  Like the original, it builds in suspense slowly, given the reader an increasing sense of unease.  Unlike the original, though, it falls flat with it's climax.  In addition, there were several unexplained circumstances and loose ends.  Overall, I found it to be quite disappointing.