September 2025 Wrap Up

Books Read:

You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego (2025)  3/5 stars

This is a fast-paced, compelling and entertaining thriller that I read in just over 24 hours.  Unfortunately, not all the pieces fit snugly and the solution wasn't believable, even by that genre's standards.  I still enjoyed it enough that I would certainly try this debut author's next offering in the future.

The Case of Alan Copeland by Moray Dalton (1937)  3/5 stars

This started off really well, with a net of lies tightening around the titular character in a way that gave a tense atmosphere to the book.  As it progressed, though, there was very little deducing, the courtroom drama was repetitive, and the solution lacked emotional punch.  Dalton is one of my favorite Golden Age crime writers, but this is not a good example of her work. 

Manor for Sale, Baron Included by Esther Hatch (2021)  3/5 stars

A Romance of Rank, book 1

This is a sweet, clean, historical rom-com and while it's not my usual genre, I did enjoy it.  As a long-time reader of  Victorian literature and nonfiction, I have to say that it definitely didn't have a convincing Victorian era feel, but it's still a fun read.

Bride by Candlelight by Dorothy Eden (1954)  3/5 stars

A young woman arrives in New Zealand to marry a man she hasn't seen in years, only to find him, his family, and his situation different from what she was expecting.  Most of the mystery was easy to figure out, but with the gothic atmosphere and prevailing sense of unease, it was still highly entertaining.

Bridge of Fear by Dorothy Eden (1961)  4/5 stars

In this mystery/suspense, a young bride comes to a new country and discovers that her husband isn't what she thought him to be.  This was a quick read, full of tension and uncertainty.  I figured out a good portion, but it was completely engrossing and entertaining.    

Cat's Prey by Dorothy Eden (1952)  4/5 stars

In this novel of suspense, Antonia travels to New Zealand to visit a cousin and receive a legacy, only to find mystery, danger, and romance.  This is a surprisingly complex story, with an engrossing plot that was highly entertaining

On the Night of the Seventh Moon by Victoria Holt (1972)  3/5 stars

A Victorian teenager, finishing her last year in a German school, meets and falls in love with a romantic stranger, opening the door to deception and danger.  This book is simultaneously silly, predictable, and a page-turner, but definitely not in the gothic genre for which Holt was best known.  It's the only book I've read by this popular author, but based on the entertainment value of this one, I'd be willing to try another.

Audiobooks Completed:

Murder at the Spring Ball by Benedict Brown (2021)  3/5 stars

Lord Edgington Investigates #1

This is a cozy mystery taking place in England in the 1920s; the atmosphere was mostly believable, except for the progressive ideas of Lord Edgington.  The plot was far-fetched and the solution required a suspension of belief that, taken with lead characters that weren't fully likable, made this just an okay read.  This is the first of what has become a well-liked fifteen-book series; I own the next in the series, so I may try it later to see if it's a better fit for me.

Trent's Last Case by E.C. Bentley (1913)  4/5 stars

This classic mystery is well-written, intriguing, and engrossing.  I can certainly see why it was so popular at publication and has remained well-regarded.

The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation by Ian Mortimer (2006)  5/5 stars

This fantastic biography is easy to follow, well-written, detailed, and fascinating.  I highly recommend it if you have an interest in medieval England. 

Did Not Finish:

Quite frankly, it's amazing I actually finished as much as I did this month, what with start-stopping so many others!

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

I didn't find her mess of a life a bit funny and before the first chapter was over, I knew it wasn't for me.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova 

She has a character disparagingly refer to Stoker as "disturbed and melodramatic", and then proceeds to one-up him with this overwrought and pretentious vampire tale.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

This is my third attempt at Foley's thrillers.  The first one I did finish -- it was three stars; the second I did not.  I didn't make it far in this one before I decided it just wasn't for me.  This is a reminder to my future self that Foley and I just aren't meant to be.

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott

I've never read this classic, and gave it a good try.  I enjoyed the first five chapters a good deal, but was unable to stomach the brutal antisemitism of that time period.  I wouldn't hesitate to try another novel by Scott, but I don't think this one is a good fit for me.

The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin

It started off really good, but as the conflicts and drama increased, I found it wasn't a good fit for me. 

 

Six Suspects by Vikas Swarup

It appeared to be a mystery that I would love, taking place in India with a varied cast of characters, and with lots of backstory and development.  After a several chapters, though, I realized that Swarup's style, word choices, and interests were not my taste, so I gave up.

Ravenscroft by Dorothy Eden

I enjoyed the three by Eden that I read prior to this one, but an unpalatable scene ruined this one for me.

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica

This was my second time trying and not finishing one of Kubica's books.  This is a reminder to myself that her thrillers are too full of characters with drama for me, and not to try again.

Slow Horses by Mick Herron

This is my second time trying this popular mystery/thriller/espionage series, but for some reason, I just can't connect with the plot or characters.  This is a reminder to myself to not try again.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Have I dnf'd this one or not?  I'm still not sure.  The discussion of my problems can be found here.

Two Campions by Allingham

The Beckoning Lady by Margery Allingham (1955)  4/5 stars

Albert Campion series, Book 15

Campion returns to his wife's old home to attend a funeral and, later, a party, only to becomes involved in a murder investigation while he is there.

Unlike a good many of the Campion tales, The Beckoning Lady is a true mystery and not an adventure or thriller.  There are plenty of suspects, red herrings, and false scents.  The plot is engrossing, with many well-drawn characters (both old and new).  I found the solution to be most satisfying, and the build-up nicely done.  

(This one could be read without reading the previous Campion stories, but it may be confusing at times due to the recurring and returning characters)   

Hide my Eyes by Margery Allingham (1958)  5/5 stars

Albert Campion series, Book 16

An unsolved murder has gotten under the skin of Detective Superintendent Charlie Luke, to the concern of both his superiors and his friend Albert Campion.  When a surprise bit of evidence appears, it gives Luke the spark he needs to start another investigation, this time with the encouragement and help of Campion.  

In this psychological thriller, the reader knows who the murderer is early on, and waits in agony and suspense as he prepares to kill again, all the while watching Campion and Detective Superintendent Luke play a game of "hot and cold" trying to identify him.  This is one of Allingham's finest, to my mind.  It's extremely well written, deeply explores some of the characters, is emotional without being sentimental, and is quite memorable.  I had read it before, but was as impressed and moved as I was the first time.

(I generally advise reading these books in order, as many of the characters are recurring, but I think this one could stand alone.)    

November 2024 Wrap Up

Books Read:

Killing with Confetti by Peter Lovesey (2019)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Passionate Nomad: The Life of Freya Stark by Jane Fletcher Geniesse (1999)  4/5 stars

Freya Stark (31 January 1893 – 9 May 1993) was a self-taught explorer and adventurer, who became a respected Arabist and a renowned author and letter writer. Geniesse tells Freya's story in entertaining, interesting, and accessible prose, showing the many facets of her life, including her formative years, her motives, and her dreams.  Freya Stark was a fascinating, if flawed, woman, and I learned a good deal both about her, and about the world around her during her long life.

The Finisher by Peter Lovesey (2020)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Singapore Sapphire by  A.M. Stuart (2019)  4/5 stars

Harriet Gordon series, Book 1

This was an interesting, well-written, and mostly satisfying mystery taking place among the Europeans living in Singapore in 1910.  I cared for the characters and look forward to the rest of the series. 

Behold, Here's Poison by Georgette Heyer (1936)  4/5 stars

This is a solidly good Golden Age mystery with some nice twists.  While it lacks Heyer's signature witty banter, it was still quite enjoyable and satisfying.

Diamond and the Eye  by Peter Lovesey (2021)  3/5 stars (my review here)

Showstopper  by Peter Lovesey (2022)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd (2022)  3/5 stars

This was a very light Regency romantic suspense novel.  The blurbs describe it as Charlotte Bronte meets Jane Austen, but the only similarities were superficial.  I didn't dislike it, but I feel it could have been much better with more substance, as the idea of the plot was intriguing. 

Her Fae Secret by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Beast's Magician by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars (my review here)

  

Her Forgotten Sea by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars (my review here)

    

Her Cursed Apple by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Her Enchanted Tower  by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Her Accidental Frog  by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Audiobooks Completed:

Toward Zero by Agatha Christie (1944)  5/5 stars

This was a reread of this twisty, layered, excellent example of Christie's craft.  Definitely worth five stars.

Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie (1958)  4/5 stars

This was a reread; here is my review from 2018:

In this stand-alone mystery, Jack Argyle is found guilty of the murder of his mother, but two years later his alibi is verified. Now the rest of his family are under suspicion, and the true killer will not hesitate to kill again to remain unidentified. This is one of my favorite Christie mysteries: it is intelligent, well-written, and believable. I highly recommend it.

The Hollow by Agatha Christie (1946)  5/5 stars

Poirot comes to a country house for a Sunday luncheon, only to find a woman, holding a gun, standing over a dying man.  That she is the killer seems so obvious, until the evidence comes to light.

Poirot is only a minor part of this mystery; the main focus of the plot is the inter-relations between the house party members and how those relationships led to murder.  This is one of my favorites by Christie, despite the fact that I dislike most of the characters, because the study of the personalities is so well-done.  It's a slow, leisurely story, which may be a drawback for some readers, but I was completely immersed in this intriguing and gripping tale.  

After the Funeral by Agatha Christie (1953)  4/5 stars

A most intriguing, entertaining, and engrossing mystery.  The solution was surprising and satisfying.

The Tiger in the Smoke by Margery Allingham (1952)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

The Tiger in the Smoke

The Tiger in the Smoke 

Albert Campion series, book 14 

Margery Allingham 

1952 

5/5 stars

Meg Elginbrodde is a war widow, recently engaged to be remarried.  She begins receiving recent snapshots of a man that looks the husband that was presumed dead so turns to her cousin, Albert Campion, for help.

Jack Havoc has escaped from prison and is leaving a trail of death in his wake, narrowly escaping the pursuing police, as he tries to locate a treasure he learned about during the War.

Their paths begin to crisscross, with Meg and her family becoming more and more at risk as Jack's desperation increases.  

This is not a mystery story -- most of the Campion novels are not -- but is rather a crime novel/psychological thriller.  Allingham expertly explores Havoc's mind and motives, leaving the reader on seat-edge waiting for what will happen next.  Meg's father, Canon Averill, is nearly as major a character as Havoc, and Allingham's treatment of him and his reasons for his actions is masterly and moving.  

Campion is only a minor character, so while I usually advise reading this series in order, I think this one could be safely read with no prior knowledge of the established characters; there will be a bit of confusion here and there, but the meat of the story will be unaffected.

This was a reread for me, and remains firmly my favorite of Allingham's work.  It is intelligent and well-written, completely engrossing, at times heart-rending, with an absolutely perfect ending.

Two More by Moray Dalton

I've been binge-reading mystery/thrillers by Moray Dalton the past couple of weeks.  Here are two more.  (See this post for biographical information on Dalton.)

The Belfry Murder  (1933)  4/5 stars

It's impossible to give a coherent summary of the plot of this mystery/thriller, as it is complicated, elaborate, and layered.  While requiring a suspension of belief at times, it's also completely enjoyable, well-written, and thoroughly attention-holding.  Inspector Collier, Dalton's believable recurring character, is sometimes uncertain and fallible, making him quite likable.  It is full of clues and false clues with a few twists, and is overall an entertaining read.

The Mystery of the Kneeling Woman (1936)  5/5 stars

When two murders occur within hours of each other in a small county, a Scotland Yard Detective, Inspector Collier, is sent to investigate. The more Collier uncovers about the victims, the more complex the case becomes.  Collier becomes friends with Toby, the boy who found the first, and the vicar, the only friend of the second, making the local police force feel that he may be biased.  

As I have come to expect from Dalton's novels, this is well-written and engaging.  In addition, it's an absorbing mix of mystery, suspense, police procedure, and court room drama, with a memorable solution.  I certainly recommend it.

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September 2022 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
No physical books were read this month, as I only played and cross stitched in my spare time.

Audio Books Completed:

The Duke's Children by Anthony Trollope (1880)  5/5 stars

This is the final book of Trollope's Palliser series and, in my opinion, the best. Despite it's length (21 hours/525 pages), I was engrossed throughout.  It is well-written, insightful, often humorous, and completely entertaining.  I was sorry to see it -- and the series -- end.

The Warden by Anthony Trollope (1855)  3/5 stars (my review here)

Elizabeth von Arnim

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster (1912)  4/5 stars

This novel is made up of the chatty letters of Jerusha ("Judy") Abbott, an orphan who is sent to college by an anonymous donor.  It's charming and humorous and, while light and short, is quite entertaining.  

Elizabeth and Her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim

(1898)  4/5 stars

This charming semi-autobiographical novel follows the titular Elizabeth over the course of a year as she journals about her garden, her family, her friends, and her daily life.  It's often funny, with a slyly tongue-in-cheek humor, which caused me to laugh out loud several times.  Though short, it's  engagingly written, memorable, and enjoyable.

Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley (1917)  4/5 stars

Spinster housewife Helen McGill buys a traveling bookstore -- wagon, horse, and dog included -- from the owner, Roger Mifflin, who is planning to retire to author a memoir.  Told in the first person by Helen, this short tale of her adventure is a charming, feel-good ode to books and readers. Despite the brevity and lightness, it's filled with vibrant characters and an engaging plot.  I absolutely loved  this little gem, from beginning to end. 

False Dawn by Edith Wharton (1924)   3/5 stars

This is the first novella in Wharton's "Old New York" series.  It's a rather dull story with flat characters and, while well-penned in other ways, is forgettable.

The Old Maid by Edith Wharton (1922)  3/5 stars

Though written first, this is the second novella in the "Old New York" series, and the best known/most popular. Wharton does portray the emotions and thoughts well, but the characters were cardboard and the plot predictable.  I found it underwhelming and disappointing, especially considering how highly lauded it is. (There are two more in the series, but I dreaded the thought of continuing.)

Legend in Green Velvet by Elizabeth Peters (1976)  3/5 stars

This escapade is illogical and unbelievable, but still a good deal of fun.  As is typical of Peters' adventure novels, it features a strong female protagonist with lots of history discussed; this one focused on Scottish history, and was quite interesting.  Overall, while it's just an average read, if one isn't expecting anything other than light enjoyment, it doesn't disappoint.

Elizabeth Peters

The Camelot Caper by Elizabeth Peters (1969)  3/5 stars

Jessica makes her first visit to England to meet her estranged grandfather, but finds herself involved in a dangerous mystery. This story is light, implausible, and not as well-written as Peters' later novels, yet it's easy to ignore the absurd and just enjoy the adventure.

Borrower of the Night by Elizabeth Peters (1973)  4/5 stars

This is the first of a series featuring American art historian Vicky Bliss, and finds her following medieval clues to a potential lost masterpiece.  It's a fun and sometimes suspenseful adventure, with snappy dialogue, likable characters, and an entertaining, if improbable, plot.

Street of the Five Moons by Elizabeth Peters (1978)  4/5 stars

This is the second Vicky Bliss adventure, and she follows an excellent forgery to Rome in hopes of finding the culprit.  Again, it's a fun,  humorous and witty mystery-suspense, with likable characters and a fully entertaining, though not fully believable, plot.

Did Not Finish:
Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope (1887)

I loved Trollope's Palliser series -- every one was a five-star book to my mind -- and yet the Barsetshire series has not grabbed me.  This is the second in the series (see above for book one) and I listened to several hours, but was simply not interested in story of the characters.  Maybe it is too soon after the Palliser books; maybe if I try again in a few years, I be struck by the Barsetshire novels.  For right now, though, I am extremely disappointed.

The Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley

I absolutely loved Parnassus on Wheels (review above) and was excited to read this, the sequel.  Unfortunately, in the time lapsed between novels, Morley seems to have forgotten how he described his characters, for they lack many of their previous qualities and all of their dynamic personality.  I listened to a few hours, but could not care for anyone in the story, nor about the plot.  Such a disappointment.

June 2022 Wrap Up

Books Read:

Before the Fact by Francis Iles (1932)
5/5 stars  (my review here)

The Honorable Algernon Knox, Detective by E. Phillips Oppenheim (1913/1920)  3/5 stars (my review here) 

The Zeppelin's Passenger or Mr. Lessingham Goes Home by E. Phillips Oppenheim (1918)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Amiable Charlatan by E. Phillips Oppenheim (1915)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Great Impersonation by E. Phillips Oppenheim (1920)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Ambrose Lavendale, Diplomat by E. Phillips Oppenheim (1920)  3/5 stars 
My review for this will be published later, paired with the Oppenheim thriller that I'm currently reading.

Audio Books Completed:

Armadale by Wilkie Collins (1866)  5/5 stars  (my review here) 

The Leavenworth Case by Anna Katharine Green (1878)  3/5 stars (my review here)

Did Not Finish:
The Golden Bowl by Henry James

I have thoroughly enjoyed James in the past, and was enjoying this one as well.  However, it's a rather dense and meaty book and I felt like I was missing a lot, and that it didn't work well on audio.  I own it, so I'm sure I'll read it at some point.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

I've read this several times, and listened to a few hours, but I just wasn't in the mood for tragedy.

The Inevitable Millionaires by E. Phillips Oppenheim

I've been on an Oppenheim binge of late, but this lighthearted story wasn't what I wanted it.  I dropped it and went on to a more serious novel of suspense and espionage.

Two More by Oppenheim

the Parkers and Walmsely
illustrated by Will Grefé

I introduce E. Phillips Oppenheim in this previous post. 

An Amiable Charlatan (U.S. title)
(Original UK title: The Game of Liberty)

1915

4/5 stars

An English gentleman, Paul Walmsley, becomes infatuated with a young American woman that he sees regularly at a restaurant.  One evening, her father -- Joseph H. Parker, the amiable charlatan of the title -- abruptly enters the restaurant, suddenly sits at Walmsley's table, begins eating his food, and asks Walmsley to play along.  After this unusual introduction, Walmsley meets Miss Eve Parker, and falls deeply in love with her, despite learning that she and her father are "adventurers".  When these adventures seem to be only cons, Walmsley's desire to marry Eve allows him to turn a blind eye.  When theft becomes an issue, though, Walmsley finds it hard to balance his morals with the apparent amorality of the Parkers.  

This is a funny and charming set of stories with likable characters, a good twist, and solid prose.  The various plots are amusing, with Walmsley watching (and sometimes helping) his prospective father-in-law get in and out of scrapes with Scotland Yard, professional criminals, and even designing young women.  My only complaint is that Eve doesn't figure enough as the book progresses, and is a less dynamic character than the two men.  In general, though, An Amiable Charlatan  is a truly entertaining experience and I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy the light and innocent style of popular Edwardian novels.

Dominey and von Ragenstein,
illustrated  by Nana French Bickford 

The Great Impersonation

1920

4/5 stars

Sir Everard Dominey left England in disgrace eleven years ago, went to Africa, and continued his profligate lifestyle there.  Now, in 1913, he runs across an old acquaintance from his school days, the German nobleman Leopold von Ragenstein .  Their similarity in looks had always been commented on, but now, Dominey's dissipation has left him just a shadow of what von Ragenstein has become.

Von Ragenstein, a thorough patriot, was undertaking work for the government as a Commandant in German East Africa, but has now been instructed to find a way to insinuate himself in English high society.  The opportunity is too good to be missed, and he takes on the identity of his doppelganger and goes to London, certain that Dominey's decade-long absence will make his task easy.

This serious adventure-espionage-drama is a darn fine yarn.  I enjoyed it completely, from compelling start to thrilling finish.  Oppenheim writes well enough that I cared for the characters, was surprised several times, and thought about the plot when I wasn't reading.  I can't rate it a full five stars, but I undoubtedly got five stars-worth of enjoyment from 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.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula

Bram Stoker

1897

5/5 stars

This was a reread of this familiar, and for me much-loved, classic.  Stoker writes quite well, and the voices of the characters in this epistolary novel are recognizable and distinct.  

Those whose only experience is with movie versions will most likely be surprised by the strong Christian message of the book.  It is not just a battle of good versus evil, but of Godly good versus Satanic evil. 

One of the best parts of the book is that, within the confines of the era's mores, Stoker has made Mina an extraordinary woman.  She is as intelligent as the men and assists them often, is as courageous as any of them, is strong, both emotionally and physically, and while they still seek to protect her, they respect her for these characteristics. 

Naturally, Dracula is melodramatic, as is to be expected from sensation fiction, but it is also entertaining, gripping, and satisfying.  I highly recommend it.

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.

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.

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.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl

Gillian Flynn

2012

4/5 stars

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

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

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient
Alex Michaelides
2019
4/5 stars

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

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

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

March 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

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

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

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

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

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

Audio Books Completed:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

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

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

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

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

I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll

I Am Watching You
Teresa Driscoll
2017
4/5 stars

Ella witnesses two fresh-from-prison men chatting up two teenaged girls, thinks about stepping in, but doesn't.  When one of the girls, Anna, goes missing, Ella blames herself.  A year later, Ella begins to receive threatening postcards from someone else who blames her.  In the meantime, Anna's family issues another appeal for help, and this time new witnesses step forward, involving Anna's family and friends, showing that they all had something to lie about during the investigation.

While one of the premises of the story is flimsy, the rest of the plot is strong.  Driscoll is a fine writer, neatly combining thrills with every day occurrences.  The slow way that the backstory was shared was particularly effective.  Overall, with the one flaw, it's a suspense novel that is a solidly good read.

A note on the audiobook: Elizabeth Knowelden is an excellent narrator, with varied voices and well-expressed emotions.

Silent Child by Sarah A. Denzil

Silent Child
Sarah A. Denzil 
2017
4/5 stars

Emma's six-year-old son Aiden, is drowned in a flood, his body never recovered.  Shockingly, ten years later, he stumbles out of the woods, mute from the trauma of a decade of abuse.  With Aiden not talking, Emma suspects everyone of the heinous crime, and her life becomes a mess of fear and doubt, distrusting those closest to her.

This thriller is tense and stressful, and completely compelling.  The reader is gripped from early on, and the first-person narration adds to the experience.  Denzil is a talented writer, and Silent Child is hard to put down, giving multiple surprises and twists, and delivering a satisfying ending. 

A note on the audiobook: Joanne Froggart is a masterful narrator, who delivers a stunning, emotional performance.

Heart-Shaped Box

Heart-Shaped Box
Joe Hill
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (December 22, 2009)
4/5 Stars

The hero of Heart-Shaped Box is Jude Coyne, a middle-aged metal-rock star with a fascination for the morbid which shows itself, not only in his music, but also in his collection of creepy curios. When he sees a ghost being auctioned on the internet, he knows he has to have it for his collection. If it's a real ghost, cool; if it's not, it's still good press.

The seller states that she will send the buyer her stepdad's suit, because that is what the ghost seems to be clinging to, in the expectation that the ghost will follow the suit.

The suit arrives.

All hell breaks loose.

Hill's supernatural thriller is intense and frightening in the first section as the ghost makes his plans known to Jude--so much so that I often felt the pound of my heart. In the second part, as Jude begins to formulate a plan to survive the ghost, it feels like an action thriller, with car chases and gun standoffs and physical danger. As the story winds up to the climax, it returns to pure preternatural terror and then, thankfully, the storm is over and the final sections pull it all together with fine prose.

Hill's writing is excellent. He displays emotions so well, layers upon layers of emotion, that the characters actions and reactions are fully believable. The emotional depth of this story was surprising at times, and there were some very beautiful moments in the midst of all the thrills.

The characters are well developed, with back stories being fleshed out in a natural way, through memories and conversation. The only flaw I found in the book was that the hero suffered from Dan Brown Syndrome--Jude was able to keeping going an unnaturally long amount of time while injured. That said, Hill explained Jude's relationship to pain earlier in the book, and Jude often passed out, slept, hurt and was cranky. So, while he had way more pain tolerance that was probably possible, Hill covered all his bases with that one and it isn't a serious problem.

The importance of music in the story was a nice angle. I particularly enjoyed all the references to classic metal-rock bands, musicians and songs, some obvious and some very subtle.

Overall I was very impressed with Hill's prose, style and plot development. Heart-Shaped Box is more than just a "horror" novel. It is a well crafted novel that is certainly worth reading.