July 2019 Wrap-Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths

The Stranger Diaries 
Elly Griffiths
2019
4/5 stars

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

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

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

Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym

Quartet in Autumn
Barbara Pym
1977
5/5 stars

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

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

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

June 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

C.S. Lewis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 2019 Wrap-Up

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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