First Sentence: Teddy, you would have been proud of me.
Somewhat agoraphobic Em Moore was part of a writing team focused on the biographies of the famo...moreFirst Sentence: Teddy, you would have been proud of me.
Somewhat agoraphobic Em Moore was part of a writing team focused on the biographies of the famous. Now that her partner, Teddy, is dead from a single-person automobile crash, it is up to Em to finish the book on film director Garrett Malcolm. It takes all her resolve, but Em travels to Cape Cod and finds Malcolm is more than just a story; he’s a very appealing man, with secrets. Em tries to learn more about his late wife and about his connection to alcoholic actor Brooklyn Pierce. In the meantime, Detective Snow isn’t ready to sign off on Teddy’s death as accidental.
One of the most important elements of a story is the character. Are they interesting? Can you empathize with them. In the case of Em, the answer to the first is “yes”. However, for me, the answer to the second is “no”, which is a shame. It’s not necessary to particularly like a character, which is a good thing in this case. Although the descriptions of her panic attacks and insecurities were compelling but they weren’t enough to keep her interesting and, after a time, became quite tiring.
Perhaps it was partly due to the story being told in first person with very long passages of narrative and very little dialogue that caused the story to feel very, very slow. What’s worse is that most of what dialogue there is, is internal and directed toward the dead Teddy. Garrett was the most interesting character, exemplifying all the ego, and fickleness ascribed to that persona, correctly or not. Unfortunately, of Detective Snow, we see almost nothing.
The setting is wonderful, and there were good description and pieces of historical information. However, I suspect unless you know the area, details of driving Route 2 to Storrow Drive or around Fresh Pond Circle wouldn’t mean much to most readers unless they had a map. Descriptions should allow the reader to see, hear, feel and smell a location. There was sadly little of that.
“The Perfect Ghost” isn’t without merit. It did keep me interested enough to read through to the end without putting it aside. For me, the “surprise” ending wasn’t particularly surprising, but it was nice to have my suspicion confirmed. Ms. Barnes is a good writer, her early Michael Sprague and Carlotta Carlyle books are proof of that, and it is nice to see her back. I am very interested to see what she’ll write next.
THE PERFECT GHOST (Novel/Mys-Em Moore-Cape Cod, MA-Contemp) – Okay Barnes, Linda – Standalone Minotaur Books, 2013
First Sentence: On an early morning in mid-August, EPA Special Agents Tim Singewald and Lenox Baker left the Region 8 Environmental Protection Agency...moreFirst Sentence: On an early morning in mid-August, EPA Special Agents Tim Singewald and Lenox Baker left the Region 8 Environmental Protection Agency building at 1595 Wynkoop Street in downtown Denver in a Chevrolet Malibu SA hybrid sedan they’d checked out from the motor pool.
When Joe finds a cut fence and his neighbor, Butch, on Wilderness land, he doesn’t think too much about it. However, when the EPA and Feds come in and insist on taking over an investigation of two murdered EPA agents found on the neighbor’s land, Joe seriously questions their motives and methods. In order to keep things as controlled as possible, he agrees to lead the agents into the mountains to track Butch down.
Boy, can this man write!! The story is completely engrossing; all the more so as the premise is taken from a true story. If anything, I can’t quite understand why he is not as popular and widely read as other, similar authors. It’s certainly not for lack of storytelling. Perhaps it is because he calls out the wrong-doing of some who work for public agencies and misuse their positions. I appreciate it, as it is one way to keep such agencies in check.
Box’s characters rank among the best. Joe is a man of strong morality and integrity, but knows there are times when justice must prevail over the letter of the law. He’s also not perfect, which makes him even better. His marriage has gone through rough patches, but they’re stronger for it. His daughters are growing up and are written very realistically for their ages. I like that Nate, a favorite character of the series’ fans, makes an appearance, albeit a small one. For those who’ve not yet read the series, there is enough information to jump in and not feel lost. However, do yourselves a favor—start at the beginning and catch up. It’s well worth the reading.
There is incredible sense of place. The tension and suspense are palpable. His ability to convey emotion is tangible. You feel Joe’s anger, fear, jubilation and sorrow.
The sign of a really good book is when you had intended to turn the light out and 10 p.m., but find yourself still reading until 2 a.m. in order to finish, and the ending leaves you a bit stunned. “Breaking Point” is that good.
BREAKING POINT (Lic Invest-Joe Pickett-Wyoming-Contemp)-Ex Box, C.J. – 13th in series Putnam, 2013 (less)
First Sentence: Blood dripped from the neck of the severed head and fell in a drizzle of red raindrops, clotting into a ruby pool upon the black and w...moreFirst Sentence: Blood dripped from the neck of the severed head and fell in a drizzle of red raindrops, clotting into a ruby pool upon the black and white tiles.
Pre-teen Flavia de Luce is excited about the opening of the 500-year-old tomb of Saint Tancred and is determined to witness the event. However, the first body uncovered, is that of Mr. Collicutt, the church organist—dead, wearing a gas mask. With her skill at chemistry, detection and a little help, Flavia has yet another murder to solve.
From the beginning, it is clear that Flavia is a delightful, unusual protagonist. She is 14 and wonderfully irreverent. When discussing how to get a bat out of one of the church organ’s pipes, her suggestion is for her sister to “…play Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor? Full throttle. That out to fix the little sod.” One cannot help but love her. She is an outsider in her own family. She is brilliant, yet has her insecurities. Her sisters have told her she’s adopted so she collects samples of everyone’s blood to test for matching. Her best friends are Gladys, her bicycle which she anthropomorphizes; and Dogger, the shell-shocked soldier who was with her father during WWII and now works for the family. There is such a wonderful bond between Dogger and Flavia. She is daring, but not fearless.
It cannot be overlooked that an older man has created such a vibrant, and realistic, young character. In an interview, he talks about how children of that age are undervalued and too much overlooked yet it’s a wonderful age as they are just on the cusp of adulthood. The story is told in first person and Bradley has such a wonderful voice…”Whenever I’m a little blue I think about cyanide, whose color so perfectly reflects my mood.”
The story is very much character-driven. The series started when Flavia was 11 years old; she is now 14 and we are starting to see her mature. However, those who come into the series late needn’t worry. Bradley provides sufficient back story for each of the characters for new readers to know who they are and the relationships between. He also introduces a fascinating new character in the shape of a flora archeologist with a Rolls Royce named Nancy.
Bradley has a wonderful eye for detail and period. He provides us with a real sense of post-war England, still in the stages of uncertainty about the future. He is also able to make chemistry fascinating.
Although character drives the story, the plot doesn’t at all suffer for it. We are taken down curious and shadowy paths. We, mistakenly, think we know where we are going, and we’re wrong. We’re given a delightful dessert filled with fascinating tidbits of information, suspense, resolution and a whopping cliffhanger--but not in a bad way--iced with humor and emotion.
“Speaking form Among the Bones” lags just a touch in the middle, but finishes with a roar. It is a wonderful book and now ranks among my favorites of the series.
SPEAKING FROM AMONG THE BONES (Ama Sleuth-Flavia de Luce-England-1950s) – VG+ Bradley, Alan – 5th in series Delacorte Press, 2013
First Sentence: It was March, well past midnight, and it was cold.
Free-lance investigator Dek Elstrom is still trying to fight his local city hall to...moreFirst Sentence: It was March, well past midnight, and it was cold.
Free-lance investigator Dek Elstrom is still trying to fight his local city hall to regain zoning rights to the tower—no castle, just a tower—in which he lives, but strange things start occurring. A large hole is dug for a new McMansion in a block of bungalows, a phone call from someone thought to be dead, and Dek’s best friend and loved ones suddenly disappearing. Dek is on the trail of answers and trying to stay alive. I have two admissions from the very start; 1) I have loved this series but, 2) this is not my favorite book of the series.
Among Frederickson’s strengths is his ability to create a vivid atmosphere from the very beginning. He has a great eye for detail and conveys it in a way that you are part of the scene. You feel the cold, you experience the turbulence of the boat ride and the driving rain; the tension becomes real and the atmosphere, threatening.
He also has an excellent ear for dialogue, whether in the narrative or between characters. It’s clear, it has the right edge to it and just enough dry humor.
The main characters are impossible to resist; Dek, who is trying hard to rebuild his life and his wonderful brilliant, completely devoid of any fashion-sense friend Leo are interesting and people about whom you want to know more. A few characters, however, feel as though they have become a bit of a joke that has gone on too long.
The weakest element, I felt, was actually the plot. It seemed we didn’t really know what was going on until nearly half-way through the story. Sometimes, this can work. In this case, it was only the appeal of Leo and an act of faith that draws you on.
“The Dead Caller From Chicago” is still a good read. If anything, I feel my frustration is in feeling that Mr. Frederickson is capable of doing so much more. I’m waiting…..
THE DEAD CALLER FROM CHICAGO (Myst-Dek Elstrom-Chicago-Contemp) – Good Frederickson, Jack – 4th in series Minotaur Books, 2013 (less)
Forensic archeologist Ruth Galloway is shocked to learn that a friend has died in a house fire. Thing ta...moreFirst Sentence: At first he isn’t even scared.
Forensic archeologist Ruth Galloway is shocked to learn that a friend has died in a house fire. Thing take on an eerie quality when she receives a letter from him, written days before he died. He talks about an historic archeological discovery but also that he’s afraid. With her daughter Katy and Druid friend Cathbad, Kate heads north to Lancashire. What she doesn’t plan on is that DCI Nelson, father to Katy, will also be there, his former hometown, with his wife and family.
If a completely compelling, albeit somewhat horrific, hook is what captures your attention; you can’t do better than here. Griffiths immediately draws you into the story and makes you want to keep reading by making each chapter more intriguing than the last. This is not a book you’ll put down.
Griffiths is very good at creating complicated relationships wherein you have sympathy for each of the characters involved. That takes real skill, and she has it. She also introduces characters very well and If you’ve read previous books, you become reacquainted; if you’re new to the series, you never feel lost wondering who they are and how they fit together. Sadly, not all authors are good at this. There are the favorites, of course; Ruth and Cathbad in particular. Children can be awkward, yet Katy is neither precocious nor annoying, but very realistic. One of the most appealing new characters is Sandy, Nelson’s friend and fellow DCI.
The atmosphere and tension created are excellent. The history related to the story is fascinating. I’ve always been a fan of Griffiths’ ear for dialogue and her occasional subtle humor.
“A Dying Fall” is a book which broad appeal as it works on so many levels. It may just be my favorite or second favorite, book in this series so far. What most pleases me is to know that there will be more books coming.
A DYING FALL (Trad. Myst-Ruth Galloway-England-Contemp) – VG+ Griffiths, Elly – 5th in series Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013 (less)
First Sentence: The man was so old his face sagged in crinkly, sallow folds and Jenny could see pink scalp through the thin white hair plastered by sw...moreFirst Sentence: The man was so old his face sagged in crinkly, sallow folds and Jenny could see pink scalp through the thin white hair plastered by sweat to his head.
Friends of Sebastian St. Cyr need his help. One has recently been found dead, leaving behind a wife and child. The second is Russell Yates, husband to St. Cyr’s great love, Kat. Yates is accused of having murdered Benjamin Eisler, a very wealthy dealer of gems, and of stealing an extremely rare and valuable blue diamond; the Hope diamond.
Harris has many great strengths as a writer, one of them being vivid and detailed descriptions that transport the reader into the Regency period. She provides a look at the lives of all economic strata, from the very wealthy to the very poor and orphaned, bringing both the period and the people to life.
The story is filled both with historical characters and events as well as bits of fascinating, and not always pleasant, details of life during this time. She even includes the growing fascination with the occult, but in a factual, academic manner.
The characters are appealing and interesting. Sebastian is even the dashing, brave protagonist with young Tom, his “tiger” (footman) at his side. I am glad that Sebastian is finally starting to mature in his relationship. Hero is independent, educated and appropriate in history’s role of wealthy women who worked to bring about social change. Paul Gibson, the former regimental surgeon, is a character I find particularly intriguing, studying anatomy and forensics in an age when that was still very new and the former—procuring human bodies--illegal.
This is a series that is, in many ways, truly written as a series. Although, in the end, the main mystery is solved, we are left some left unsolved and many threads to carry forward into subsequent books. This is not at all a negative, but lends to the appeal and fun of reading the series.
“What Darkness Brings” has all the elements that make a really good story; great characters and dialogue—if a bit modern at times—a very strong sense of time and place, plenty of intrigue, excitement, red herrings, romance and conflict. Ms. Harris is also a very visual writer, particularly in the action scenes. I’d consider this to be one of the stronger books in the series. It was definitely a very good enjoyable read.
WHAT DARKNESS BRINGS (Hist Mys-Sebastian St. Cyr-England-1812) – VG Harris, C.S. Obsidian, 2013
First Sentence: It was one of those late summer days that sometimes showed up in early October after a killing front—warm, dry, and hazy; Indian summe...moreFirst Sentence: It was one of those late summer days that sometimes showed up in early October after a killing front—warm, dry, and hazy; Indian summer.
Sheriff Walt Longmire, best friend Henry Standing Bear, and undersheriff Victoria Moretti are returning from a day of fishing. A distressed call from park ranger Chuck Coon leads them to find Coon and a tourist trapped on top of a campground Porta Potty, having been driven there by a large black bear sow and her cubs. Inside, also trapped, is a special creature who may be a special Messenger for Walt.
It takes a special author whose short stories equal the quality of his full-length novels. Johnson is just such an author. All of the elements of an excellent book are here. He draws you in from the first sentence with evocative descriptions and establishes a sense of place that makes you part of the story.
Johnson has created such wonderful characters in Walt, Henry and Victoria (Vic). Even in this short-story format and had you not read a previous book, they are fully developed; you know who they are and their relationships to one another. Each character’s personality, as well as the affection between them, is very evident.
One of Johnson’s greatest strengths is dialogue. The spoken dialogue is crisp, very natural, and further establishes each character. The internal narrative places us in Walt’s head and allows us to see the story from his perspective. There is excellent balance between the narrative and the dialogue. Both also allow us to enjoy Johnson’s humor.
Learning about the beliefs of the Cheyenne is fascinating. Even more, it takes what could have been a simple and delightful story, and gives it depth and import on Walt’s life. It gives us, the reader, a bit of education, and greater respect and sense of wonder for one of nature’s glorious creatures.
“Messenger” is a wonderfully original story with humor, mysticism and friendship. While you may wish it had been longer, you’ll also appreciate that it is perfect, just as it is.
Two significant benefits of buying this e-book are that a portion of the proceeds goes to the Teton Raptor Center in Jackson, Wyoming, and that it also includes the first chapter of Johnson’s next book, “A Serpent’s Tooth”.
MESSENGER (Pol Proc-Walt Longmire-Wyoming-Contemp) – Ex Johnson, Craig – Short Story – ebook Viking, 2013
First Sentence: Pitt stood at the top of the stairs and looked across the glittering ballroom of the Spanish Embassy in the heart of London.
Charlotte...moreFirst Sentence: Pitt stood at the top of the stairs and looked across the glittering ballroom of the Spanish Embassy in the heart of London.
Charlotte and Thomas Pitt are attending a glittering society ball. Charlotte notices a young woman who seems to be afraid of a young man who refuses to leave her alone. The young woman runs away and through a glass window to her death. A wealthy banker, also at the ball, returns home to find his wife brutally assaulted and dead. Although Thomas Pitt, now head of Special Branch, can’t openly investigate, he asks for the help of his former boss, Victor Narraway.
From the very beginning, Ms. Perry’s descriptions place you within the scene and make you feel part of the story. You also become completely involved with the characters, as she also describes emotions very well.
The characters are wonderful. They become people you care about and want to follow. I’ll admit I did try to figure out Great Aunt Vaspasia’s age. As Charlotte is now 40, I would guess Vaspasia to be in her late 70s/early 80s. She’s a wonderful character, no matter her age. One thing I did particularly like about this book is that it is an ensemble cast relying still on Charlotte and Thomas, but more on Victor Narraway, as well as Aunt Vaspasia and solicitor Peter Symington. Another thing I truly appreciate is that the characters grow and develop with each book, including seeing more of the Pitt’s daily life and their children.
Perry has also taken historical figures and either used, or referred to them, in their appropriate roles--Rudyard Kipling, Randolph Churchill, Dr. Jameson and Cecil Rhodes—as well as incorporating important events of the time, such as the search for gold and Boer War. This adds life and veracity to the story.
With each book Ms. Perry focuses on a social issue critical to the period as well as in today’s headlines. While some may find her focus on this issue to be heavy-handed, I felt it well-done and as critical a focus for the story as it is necessary to address today. The subject is well handled with the level of outrage and import it deserves. Beyond that, it is a very good mystery. You think you know who’s guilty, but are you right? Or is there a surprise waiting for you? Sorry, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
“Midnight at Marble Arch” held to the high standard of Ms. Perry’s writing and confirms her place among the very best mystery writers. Highly recommended.
MIDNIGHT AT MARBLE ARCH (Hist Mys-Pitt series–England–1896/Victorian) – VG+ Perry, Anne – 28th in series Ballentine Books, 2012 (less)
First Sentence: The lord marshal and the lord chamberlain, Prince Rudolf Liechtenstein, were observing Emperor Franz Joseph from the staircase.
1903 Vi...moreFirst Sentence: The lord marshal and the lord chamberlain, Prince Rudolf Liechtenstein, were observing Emperor Franz Joseph from the staircase.
1903 Vienna is a city of great learning, enlightenment, technological advancements, beauty, art and culture. It is also a city whose subtext of politics, antisemitism and peril grows with each day. Diva Ida Rosenkranz of the Vienna Opera is dead. Although her doctor proclaims it suicide due to an overdose of laudanum, DI Rheinhardt differs and proclaims it a murder. The investigation is complicated by politics. Gustav Mahler is the Director of the Vienna Opera but someone has been sending critical letters to the paper, trying to get him removed. Can Rheinhardt discover the identity of the letter writer? Liebermann becomes so taken with the life and works of composer David Freimark, he convinces Rheinhardt to have Freimark exhumed. What will they find?
This is a time of an enlightened Vienna where women could study medicine and attend lectures on equality. It is the time of Freud and Mahler; where psychiatry and music play a key role. There is a fascinating listing of technological achievements, and information on pathology, showing advancement in detection methods, as is the profiling by the detective while still at the crime scene and the use of crime scene photos. However, this was also a time when things were changing…”Perhaps bad things could still happen in this beautiful, cultured city.” and antisemitism is on the rise.
Being new to the series, I had a hard time figuring out who were the protagonists. It took a long time to realize the relationship between Rheinhardt and Liebermann. They weren’t really well introduced to the readers, nor was much backstory provided and their personalities seemed quite flat. However, as the story progressed, I became quite taken with them, both individually and as friends. Three quarters into the book, I was completely enchanted by them and wanting to know, and read, more of them.
There is a very good intermingling of actual historical characters-- Emperor Franz Joseph, Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler, and others--into the plot enhances the story’s veracity and strengthens the sense of time and place. There are wonderful scenes of Liebermann and Freud “…Freud found sex in the most unlikely places.” and his night at the opera with Arianne Amsel; a woman he is courting, as well as scenes of Rheinhardt meeting Emperor Franz Joseph and the witch.
The author’s descriptions are incredibly lush, both placing us within the scene and, at times, striking our emotions. While music is a central theme of the story, He also uses music to create images. There are passages that make you stop and consider…”the age of one hundred. Who was ever ready to die? There would always be one more book to read, one more person to see, one more hour or fleeting yet indispensable minute to spend.” One of my favorite passages, however, is after Rheinhardt reads a bedtime story to his daughter…”What are fairy tales? … Fairy tales were educational. Set in distant lands and among peoples comfortably removed from everyday life, fairy tales introduced children to the idea of badness existing in the world. They helped prepare children for the harsh reality of human iniquity.”
The plot started out just a bit of a slog, with a feeling of being uncertain as to where it was going or why it was interesting. That feeling disappeared as the story progressed, to the point where it is hard to stop reading. As the story proceeds, the plot becomes more complex, even introducing a second and third mystery. The trail of the original murder becomes more complicated and the stakes higher. The end was completely realistic and very well done. There is even an excellent portent—something I usually abhor—about the future which left me eagerly anticipating the next book.
“Death and the Maiden” was a very good read. Not only do I want to read future books in the series, but I want to go back and start from the beginning.
DEATH AND THE MAIDEN (Hist/Pol Proc-DI Oskar Rheinhardt/Dr. Max Liebermann-Vienna-1903/Gaslight) – VG Tallis, Frank – 6th in series Random House, 2012
First Sentence: The year People magazine selected George Clooney as its Sexiest Man in the World, women in that part of the world known as St. Louis s...moreFirst Sentence: The year People magazine selected George Clooney as its Sexiest Man in the World, women in that part of the world known as St. Louis shook their heads.
Attorney Rachel Gold is in the midst of a case representing residents of a community in threat of losing their homes to a wealthy and powerful developer. However, a contractor, Nick Moran, who had done beautiful work on Rachel’s home has been found dead in a scene suggesting gay sex and a heroin overdose. Nick’s sister doesn’t believe any of it and asks Rachel to investigate. The further Rachel investigates the more complicated and intertwined the two cases become.
There seems to be some confusion as to the title of this book. The e-galley I received from NetGalley lists it as "Zero Sum". However, the galley itself shows it as "The Flinch Factor."
No matter the title, Mr. Kahn has made me a very happy reader by bringing back Rachel Gold and her friends. Better still is the fact that new readers, those who have no idea that this last book in this very good series came out 11 years ago, will have no problem making this their first Rachel Gold read.
The characters are wonderful, smart, interesting, and just quirky enough to completely enthrall the reader. Rachel, a widow with a son and two step-daughters, is smart and capable but has her mom there to help her. Benny, long time friend and brilliant professor of law with no fashion sense, is the friend everyone would like to have. Add to the cast Jacqui Brand, partner in Rachel’s law firm, and Detective Tomaso, and these are characters you feel you could know and about whom you would care. Even the unique, and often troublesome, Judge Howard Flinch, becomes someone you rather hope to see again.
Kahn’s voice is a pleasure to read. I hate to say that men don’t often write female protagonists well. Kahn does. His dialogue is quick, sharp, natural and often very funny. There are times you do laugh out loud. At one point, Rachel is thinking about her widowed mother and the number of suitors she could have, were she so inclined. “She has gone on record that the developer of Viagra deserves a special place in Hell. I try my best not to think about the implications of that statement.”
The plot has very good twists. The legal aspects of the cases are clearly explained and never overwhelm the reader. The courtroom scenes were very well done and very visual. The pacing of the story has realistic ebb and flow. I even forgive the one portent which could have been left out.
“The Flinch Factor” is a true legal mystery and a very good read.
THE FLINCH FACTOR (Leg. Mys-Rachel Gold-St. Louis, MO-Contemp)-VG Kahn, Michael A. – 9th in series Poisoned Pen Press, 2013 (less)
Investigators Sam Blackman and Nakayla Robertson head out looking for mushrooms on the site of an historic, f...moreFirst Sentence: “So, where are we going?”
Investigators Sam Blackman and Nakayla Robertson head out looking for mushrooms on the site of an historic, freed-slave commune called The Kingdom of the Happy Land. In addition to mushrooms, Sam also finds a body. Wedged inside a rotting log with a spent bullet, this was no natural death. When Marsha Montgomery asks the pair to investigate the 1967 theft of a rifle and photograph, taken on the same site, Sam becomes suspicious. His concerns are realized with Marsh’s elderly mother is arrested for the murder of Jimmy Lang, believed to be the corpse. The question is whether this is about race, or is it about greed?
De Castrique provides us with a very good, compelling first chapter that makes us want to read more. His voice is easy with natural dialogue, although the bantering and self-deprecating humor can become a bit heavy-handed.
One of his great strengths is mixing the factual with the fictional. Learning new things is always wonderful and theirs is so much to learn here, both about recent and distant historical figures, regional and American history, ballistics, and of working with vets at the VA hospital. All of this is seamlessly woven into the story giving it a richness and veracity which enhances the experience. There is even a delightful nod to author Lee Child and his Jack Reacher series of books.
Sam, Nakayla—is partner in the firm and in life—and attorney Hewitt Donaldson are very good characters. Even if this is your first experience with the series, you are provided enough background to know who they are and their relationships to one another. If anything, a bit of editing could be recommended as we are reminded way too many times of how Sam and Nakayla met. It’s a smallish criticism but it was an element of which I became very aware.
On the other hand, it’s nice when an author uses coincidence as a deliberate element of the plot structure, rather than the only way they can think to get to the next point. That’s good writing.
“A Murder in Passing” has a very good plot filled with twists, turns and an excellent surprise. I very much enjoy Mr. de Castrique’s writing, both in this series and in his Barry Clayton series.
A MURDER IN PASSING (Lic Invest-Sam Blackman/Nakayla Robertson-North Carolina-Contemp) – G+ de Castrique, Mark – 4th in series Poisoned Pen Press, 2013(less)
First Sentence: I typed the date under my name: Lieutenant William Boyle, August 6, 1942.
Former Boston Irish Cop, from a family of Boston Irish Cops,...moreFirst Sentence: I typed the date under my name: Lieutenant William Boyle, August 6, 1942.
Former Boston Irish Cop, from a family of Boston Irish Cops, Billy Boyle was a newly-made detective and is now a Lieutenant in the US Army. In spite of thinking he wouldn’t be assigned to Europe, his distant cousin manages to get him a staff job—in England assigned to the staff of General Dwight D. Eisenhower as his personal investigator. His first assignment is to catch a spy who may have been planted at Beardsley Hall, English home for the exiled Norwegian government.
The book has an excellent opening with a style that addresses the reader in a let-me-tell-you-a-story style. His voice is engaging and humor, natural. There is also an honesty in the way he writes emotion.
Benn establishes a solid sense of place. Admittedly, the descriptions of London and Boston may have resonated more strongly with me than they may for others as I know both places. However, even when he moved the story away from those locations, there was always a clear feeling for the location.
The characters are fully drawn. Billy is the focus and the voice, but even with Kas, the Polish baron, and Daphne, proper English daughter of a knight, you know their backgrounds and who they are.
One of the most interesting aspects is Billy’s perspective on the war, as an American amongst the English and Norwegians. I particularly appreciated the way in which Benn intertwined the events of Billy’s present with memories from his past, as well as his understanding of people and level of caring.
There is a lot of fascinating historical detail embedded within the plot, much of which I had never known. Still, it is a mystery and I enjoyed Billy taking control of his first crime scene which also provided interesting information on forensics.
“Billy Boyle” was an absolutely treat to read for men and women. Although I wonder why I hadn’t discovered him sooner, I’m delighted to know there is a whole series ahead of me.
BILLY BOYLE (Hist Mys-Lt. Billy Boyle-England-WWII/1942) – VG+ Benn, James R – 1st in series Soho, 2006 (less)
First Sentence: Most of the riders were there well before the race was due to begin.
I always love the history I learn from this series; great characte...moreFirst Sentence: Most of the riders were there well before the race was due to begin.
I always love the history I learn from this series; great characters and dialogue, very good sense of place and a very clever mystery.
THE STALLIONS OF WOODSTOCK (Hist Mys-Eng-Middle Ages) - G+ Marston, Edward - 6th in series St. Martin’s Press, 1997 (less)
First Sentence: Some weird objects are handed in at Bath Police Stations.
Excellent hook. Love the characters, particularly his humor, bad puns and tha...moreFirst Sentence: Some weird objects are handed in at Bath Police Stations.
Excellent hook. Love the characters, particularly his humor, bad puns and that he sings Queen. Great dialogue..."Where did you find it.?" "At Hay-on-Wye." This was cause for a smile. "Sooner or later everything of no special distinction seems to end up there."
Excellent sense of place and fascinating information on some rather obscure history of Bath.
THE VAULT (Pol Proc-DS Peter Diamond-Bath, England-Contemp) - G+ Lovesey, Peter – 5th in series Soho, 1999 (less)
First Sentence: The last market day before Christmas in the small French town of St. Denis was unusually cold.
St. Denis police chief Bruno Courréges i...moreFirst Sentence: The last market day before Christmas in the small French town of St. Denis was unusually cold.
St. Denis police chief Bruno Courréges is multi-tasking, as usual. He’s organizing carolers, playing Father Christmas and preparing for a Christmas feast. In spite of the freezing weather, all is going well…until money raised for charity goes missing.
Lately, it hasn’t been easy finding a good Christmas story that is both enjoyable yet not too saccharine. Walker has done the trick.
Bruno is such a wonderful character. He is very much part of his village and a role model to its youth. He is strict when he needs to be, yet wise and a peacemaker when he can be.
The story is light—it is a holiday story, after all—but thoroughly enjoyable. It is also another example of an author using food to entice and delight us. I do want a Bruno cookbook.
If you’re looking for a heavy, serious police procedural; this is not it. However, if you’re in need of a delightful read and a quick visit to Provence, I highly recommend “Bruno and the Carol Singers”. If you’ve not yet read the “Bruno” series, I highly recommend that as well.
BRUNO AND THE CAROL SINGERS (Pol Proc-Bruno Courréges-France-Contemp) – VG Walker, Martin – eBook Novelette Knopf, 2012 (less)
First Sentence: Two villages, where two rivers meet.
The villages of Kushtaka and Kuskulana are the Hatfield’s and the McCoy’s of Alaska; the relations...moreFirst Sentence: Two villages, where two rivers meet.
The villages of Kushtaka and Kuskulana are the Hatfield’s and the McCoy’s of Alaska; the relationship between the two is uncomfortable, at best. The murder of a young man from Kushtaka risks more blood being shed and Alaska State Trooper Sergeant Jim Chopin isn’t having much luck getting people from either village to talk to him. A second death prompts Jim asking Kate to go undercover.
When an author is at their 20th book of a series, there is always the risk of that series becoming stale. With Dana Stabenow, there is never that worry.
The book opens with a look at the issues, and conflicts, of nature, man and wealth. The descriptions are evocative and visual, leaving you no question of the location. The characters are strong, well-written and very well defined. Kate is the woman most of us would like to be; independent, capable, self-sufficient yet still generous and caring. She could stride alone through the world, but chooses not to. I appreciated that we learn more about Jim in this book, and the horror of some of his past cases.
I always appreciate and enjoy Stabenow’s excellent dialogue and dry humor. The story started a bit slowly but, as with a dangerous rollercoaster, soon accelerated to a breathtaking ending. Although many people severely criticized the ending, even considering it a wall-banger, other than the shock of it, I wasn't bothered. I trust her as an author and, instead, it had the effect of leaving me demanding the next book--NOW!
“Bad Blood” is one of Ms. Stabenow’s best book in the series. I really can’t wait for the next.
BAD BLOOD (PI-Kate Shugak-Alaska-Contem) – VG+ Dana Stabenow – 20th in series Minotaur Books – 2013 (less)
First Sentence: The friendship between Yann Falquerho and Thierry Marchive had surprised everyone at the university.
The head of Aix University’s Theol...moreFirst Sentence: The friendship between Yann Falquerho and Thierry Marchive had surprised everyone at the university.
The head of Aix University’s Theology is expected to announce both the winner of the prestigious Dumas fellowship, and, with his retirement, the appointment of his successor—who will acquire his very luxurious apartment. Before any of this occurs, he is found having been murdered in his office. Police commissioner Bruno Paulik, his boss examining magistrate Judge Antoine Verlaque, and the judge’s lover, law professor Marine Bonnet, seek the killer
Although the author is British, her absolute love of all things French and Italian, shines through. Almost more than anything else, the book is a delight to read for its detailed descriptions of foods and wines, while art—I’d not known before of Gallés glass and ex-votos--, history—during the plague, the town fathers of Aix closed the city gates resulting in the plague passing without the loss of a single life in Aix--, literature—“What will survive of us is love.”--, and the French countryside receive their fair share of attention, as well.
Longworth more than brings the characters to life for us. We know their background—well, for most of them—their lives, their relationships and personal passions; Bruno’s love of opera and Verlaque’s cigars. She also presents one of the best descriptions I know of being in love with someone but being uncertain of their feelings in return.
The mystery is there; witnesses and suspects interviews, clues followed and investigation done. However, it does seem somewhat secondary to the abundance of characters and descriptions. Oddly, this is not a complaint.
“Murder in the Rue Dumas” is more on the cozy end of the genre, but what a delightful place it holds. I thoroughly enjoyed the book from its opening through its epilogue, which I very much appreciated. The character, their relationships and the author’s voice kept me interested and reading. I find I really do want to read the next book.
MURDER IN THE RUE DUMAS (Lic Inv-Magistrate Antoine Verlaque-Aix-en-Provence, France-Contemp) – G+ Longworth, M.L. Penguin Books, 2012 (less)
First Sentence: At 7:35 A.M. Ishigami left his apartment as he did every weekday morning.
A woman separated from her brutal husband. A neighbor devoted...moreFirst Sentence: At 7:35 A.M. Ishigami left his apartment as he did every weekday morning.
A woman separated from her brutal husband. A neighbor devoted to helping her. A policeman tasked with trying to solve a murder. A physicist asked to help his friend the policeman, and who knows the neighbor. These four elements combine into a game of cat and mouse.
My first thought was how much I wish they had included a map. My second thought was a wish for a cast of characters as I am not as familiar with Japanese names as some other cultures and, in the beginning, found it a bit difficult keeping track of who was whom. Both those thoughts quickly faded.
The story sets off with a very good beginning wherein we learn first of the characters, and then of the emotions and motives that drives them. All the characters, on both sides of the crime, draw you in. It’s fascinating as there is no real “bad” guy to the story.
That said, this is a story very much driven by the plot. And what a plot it is! There are surprises, twists and turns, and an intriguing game of cat-and-mouse. It is an intelligent plot, which even includes math and science. It is not all cerebral, as there is also some very good suspense. Most of all, there is an ending which is understandable yet emotionally raw and impactful.
“The Devotion of Suspect X” was a complete and wonderful surprise. It is a brilliantly structured story. It’s easy to see why Higashino is the most popular, best-selling mystery author in Japan. Hopefully, American readers will soon add him to their “must-read” lists as well.
THE DEVOTION OF SUSPECT X (Pol Proc-Det. Kusanagi/Dr. Yukawa-Japan-Contemp) - Ex Higashino, Keigo – Standalone Minotaur Books, 2005 (translated edition 2011) (less)
First Sentence: The past lingers all around us, a clear winter’s light, and a shroud.
Not only is academic and folklorist Fever Devlin still recovering...moreFirst Sentence: The past lingers all around us, a clear winter’s light, and a shroud.
Not only is academic and folklorist Fever Devlin still recovering for a coma after nearly dying, but his friends are concerned that he is crazy. This fear increases after Fever claims to have been visited by a woman claiming to be his wife and that he has a son. However, when there is no evidence of this woman having been there, Fever’s fiancée asks a friend, Dr. Nelson, to stay with him. No matter what they think, phantoms don’t use rifles.
From the very first chapter, DePoy draws you into the story and ensures the book won’t be closed until the last word is read. It’s always wise to set aside the time for a non-stop read with a Fever Devlin book, and this was no exception.
For those who’ve not read the previous books, DePoy provides very well-done, brief back-stories for the continuing characters. He also introduces fascinating new characters. There is a strong sense of place, excellent dialogue and delightfully wry humor. He also does surprise extremely well.
Fever is a wonderful and usual character, and I appreciate the acknowledgement that his life is far from that experienced by the average person. “Fever,” Skidmore began, “you’ve been back home for, what? Eight, nine years now? In that time you have found countless dead bodies, dozens of people have tried to kill you…. You’ve seen ghosts, witches, time travelers, racist murders, and an albino dwarf? So some wild boy shooting up your house a couple of days before Christmas? That’s just another ordinary day in your life. …” Even Fever admits “I am a deeply troubled person.” It’s that acknowledgement that makes the unbelievable, acceptable. Or, perhaps, Dr. Nelson is correct that he is a spook magnet.
I enjoyed Dr. Nelson coming up with all the psychological and para-psychological theories about Fever, and his very normal, rather irritated, frustrated dismissal of them; yet revealing an element of his own concern that she may not be wrong.
Please don’t dismiss this as a silly, paranormal mystery. What makes it, and the series work, is that the paranormal aspect is so wonderfully done. You don’t know whether events are real or not. The writing is also very intelligent. I love the inclusion of literary information, quotes and references. There are also mouth-watering references to feed which leave one hungry.
“December’s Thorn” is a wonderful read. Phillip DePoy is a treasure. May he continue this delightful, unique series for many years yet to come.
DECEMBER’S THORN (Ama Sleuth-Fever Develin-Georgia-Contemp)– VG+ DePoy, Phillip – 7th in series Minotaur Books, 2013 (less)
First Sentence: They kept it simple. They could cut off his right hand, or he could use it to learn how to fire the weapon they gave him.
PI Kate Shuga...moreFirst Sentence: They kept it simple. They could cut off his right hand, or he could use it to learn how to fire the weapon they gave him.
PI Kate Shugak is surprised to receive a call from State Trooper Liam Campbell. An even bigger surprise is being offered a job to investigate a murder; however, one of the possible suspects is Campbell’s wife. Traveling to Niniltana and working undercover doesn’t seem so bad, except someone is taking strong exception to her presence and making that clear in very physical ways. In spite of a handsome actor who is there, is soon becomes clear that the case of murder is only a small part of much bigger, uglier crimes.
As wonderful as are the characters of Kate and Mutt, it was a delight to have Liam Campbell and the cantankerous Moses, seer and master of tai-chi, back in the mix. There is no question but that Stabenow creates wonderful characters; good and bad.
Stabenow’s voice and humor bring humanity and balance to serious mysteries…”Kate marched them [the NNA board members] through old business like Alexander went through Asia…”. At the same time, this book did not, in any way, lack for suspense.
Dana Stabenow is an Alaskan who knows her state and its people. Her descriptions are powerful and create a very strong sense of place. Yet she also recognizes that life in Alaska is not for everyone…”Jim asked her [a perpetrator being extradited to another state] why she had confessed to charges that were five years old and three thousand miles away. “I’m tired of Alaskan winters.” She said.”. She also presents a very good look at the challenges, both in types of crimes and lack of manpower, policing Alaska.
One element which may bother some readers is that she addresses the issue of gun ownership and gun control. Some people might take exception to Kate’s views on guns, war, and those who fight. She does bring up as aspect of which I was unaware, yet is very disturbing.
“Restless in the Grave” is a very good book. It is well plotted. It follows both Kate and Chopper Jim’s cases, even though they are in different locations. One of Jim’s cases very much mirrors a major case currently in the news. It is suspenseful, yet with elements of humor, has great dialogue and excellent characters. For being a 19th book, Ms. Stabenow has definitely not lost her touch.
RESTLESS IN THE GRAVE (Lic Invest-Kate Shugak/Liam Campbell-Alaska-Contemp) – VG Stabenow, Dana – 19th in series Minotaur Books, 2012 (less)
First Sentence: It was a pleasant evening late August, one of the busiest times of year for the village of Swann’s Lake.
Swann’s Lake nightclub owner,...moreFirst Sentence: It was a pleasant evening late August, one of the busiest times of year for the village of Swann’s Lake.
Swann’s Lake nightclub owner, and ex-con, Robbie Peterson is found in his office with a six-inch nail driven into his head, and the local police requesting the assistance of Scotland Yard’s Chief Inspector Woodend and Sergeant Rutter. It is not a simple case but one that leads to other crimes hidden below the surface. A terrible event impacts Sergeant Rutter, but also reveals information relevant to the initial murder.
The opening chapter provides a very good setup for the investigation. We’re introduced to the main suspect characters and their relationships. Unfortunately, there is a portent in the very first paragraph which is completely unnecessary considering the very dramatic and compelling hook at the chapter end.
The characters of CI Charlie Woodend and Sgt. Bob Rutter are of my favorite type and reminiscent of the best traditional British police procedurals. These are not angst-ridden, alcoholic cops, but men with wives, children or a fiancée. They are mentor and pupil, who work together and support one another. Woodend is known as “Cloginn’ it Charlie” described by Rutter as “bloody brilliant and bloody impossible—often at the same time—and is the best bobby I’ve met,” Whereas Woodend refers to Rutter as “He’s a good lad”. Woodend’s wife, Joan, is a seasoned policeman’s wife, whereas Rutter’s fiancée is part Spanish. Her participation in an anti-Franco rally provides a dramatic subplot to the story.
The dialogue is so well done, you can hear it down to the accent. I do love the dry humor, particularly in the instances where Charlie mentors Rutter by asking Socratic questions along the way.
Spencer’s descriptions and voice create a strong sense of place. “The church loomed up ahead. It had been built early in the nineteenth century, the Chief Inspector guessed, before they had got the concept of the Gothic Revival quite right. Now it stuck out like a blot on the landscape—a small church trying to pretend it was a cathedral, a structure which attempted to soar and only succeed in being a dwarf standing on tiptoes.”
“Murder at Swann’s Lake” is not a cozy—she definitely doesn’t go for the saccharine--but a solid police procedural. There is very good final suspense and excellent plot twists on the resolution. It took me awhile, but I’ve very pleased to have discovered this series.
MURDER AT SWANN’S LAKE (Pol Proc-CI Woodend/Sgt Rutter-England-Cont) – VG Spencer, Sally – 2nd in series Severn House, 1999
First Sentence: Lieutenant Victor Narraway walked across the square in the cool evening air.
Young Lt. Victor Narraway has been given the unenviable ta...moreFirst Sentence: Lieutenant Victor Narraway walked across the square in the cool evening air.
Young Lt. Victor Narraway has been given the unenviable task of provide a defense for British medial orderly John Tallis. He is accused of being an accessory to murder. His guilt is based solely due to him being the only person whose whereabouts were unknown when a guard was brutally murdered and a prisoner escapes. Although Narraway isn’t encouraged to try very hard and is given very little time to investigate, his sense of justice leads him determined to find the truth.
Ms. Perry’s Christmas novellas have become an annual tradition with me; setting aside time with hot cider, a cookie or few, and her book in which she features a secondary character from her series mysteries. This year’s entry, however, took us far away from a cozy Christmas.
It was very nice to see a young Victor Narraway, best known to readers as an attorney in the Pitt books, once in love with Charlotte. Here is merely twenty and ordered to try a murder case. Something Ms. Perry does extremely well is revealing the inner thoughts and concerns of the character without slowing down the story.
The events leading up to the actual story are very grim. The point is firmly made about the horrors of war, both to those who fight and the civilians in the way. England’s presence in India was not a particularly noble point in her history. At the same time, the descriptions which serve to repulse us, also make us present in Narraway’s environment. We are in, and of, the time.
The plot is very well done. I did miss one major clue. Still I found ending very abrupt and a bit convenient. For that, the book lost a few points from me.
“A Christmas Garland” may not be the best of Ms. Perry’s annual books, but it is a very good story of justice being done.
A CHRISTMAS GARLAND (Hist/Mys-Lt Victor Narraway-India-1857) - G+ Perry, Anne – 10th in series Ballentine Books, 2012
First Sentence: Charles Lenox sat in the study of his town house at Hampden Lane—that small, shop-lined street off Grosvenor Place where he had passed...moreFirst Sentence: Charles Lenox sat in the study of his town house at Hampden Lane—that small, shop-lined street off Grosvenor Place where he had passed most of his adult life—and sifted through the papers that had accumulated upon his desk, as they would, inevitably, when one became a Member of Parliament.
Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman, former private investigator, is now married, a new father and a Member of Parliament. He has been given the huge honor of giving the upcoming session’s opening speech. To prepare, he takes the family off for a few quiet weeks at his uncle’s estate in Somerset. The stay is less restful than planned when he is asked to help investigate a couple strange cases of vandalism. Calm is truly shattered when a murder occurs.
Mr. Finch does an wonderful job of conveying the Victorian period of 1874 through details of social customs, such as soul-caking, and the formality of speech…”It’s an eligible sort of room” Even though Jane Austen wrote during the Regency Period, Finch’s voice has a very similar feel to it. The historical details are seamlessly woven into the story and provide a look at the changes wrought by the Reform Act of 1832. Yet, in spite of a conversation related to the appropriate sherry, the story is not exclusively set in the drawing room of a wealthy. Finch incorporates people and places of every level of the social strata, from large cities to a small village, and to the back-alley taverns of the lost.
The character, Charles, is intelligent and a good judge of the best way in which to approach various suspects. He respects the new scientific and procedural methods now being used by the police. However, he fears they’re relying too much on those methods and becoming less flexible and intuitive. He cares about those around him, particularly John Dallington, a young man he trained in investigation who became lost to drink. I also appreciated that he questions his new role in politics and admits to missing his old role as an investigator. It’s that introspectiveness that makes him a very human character.
The plot is very solid, in spite of a couple completely unnecessary portents. There’s good suspense and a break-neck ride I particularly liked. What I most appreciated was that you know the outcome of each of the characters; good, bad and peripheral.
“A Death in the Small Hours” is a near-excellent (points off for the portents) read and a likewise wonderful series whose characters have grown and developed with each book.
A DEATH IN THE SMALL HOURS (Hist/Mys-Charles Lenox-England-1874) – VG+ Finch, Charles Minotaur Books, 2012 (less)
First Sentence: I lifted my head when I heard her knocking.
Billy Webb is a young man, recently graduated from college, joins a dictionary publishing c...moreFirst Sentence: I lifted my head when I heard her knocking.
Billy Webb is a young man, recently graduated from college, joins a dictionary publishing company and begins work as a lexicographer on their annual update. His job is to research possible words which should be added. There he meets coworker Mona who keeps coming across slips of paper with words that seem to be bits of a story. The citation for each is a book entitled “The Broken Teaglass”, which doesn’t seem to exist, but sets the two on the hunt for the book, a possible crime and, possibly, a romance.
More of a literary novel, perhaps, than a mystery the book begins with an intriguing prologue followed by a first chapter that is a complete contrast.
Billy is young; something of which I had to keep reminding myself. He is 24 years old and seems immature at times. I do credit the author for, end the end, providing us with something of an explanation as to why he is, as he is. I did find the least appealing aspect of his character was the amount of alcohol he consumed, as well as his annoying habit of plying Mona with liquor. But again, he is young. Of the two characters, Mona was the better, stronger one. Mr. Samuelson, a retiree, was one of the best characters.
The most fascinating part of the story, for me, was learning how dictionaries are created; how words are included, updated, changed, etc. A dictionary is something on which I have always depended without every considering how or by whom. …”Oh, Billy,” she [Mona] said, opening her door,” Don’t hate words. Hate the people who misuse them.” I did appreciate that we slowly learn the quite interesting backstory on the characters.
“The Broken Teaglass” was an interesting story that kept me reading, even though I wasn’t always certain why. It was literate, funny at times, a bit slow at times, but also a bit poignant. In the end, nothing was really resolved, but isn’t that true of life. I wouldn’t define it as a “must read,” but I am very glad I read it.
THE BROKEN TEAGLASS (Mys-Billy Webb/Mona Minot-Massachusetts-Cont) – G+ Arsenault, Emily – 1st book / Standalone Delacourt Press, 2009 (less)
First Sentence: Shortly after midnight, a boat emerged out of the mist that rose like a fetid curse from the surface of the Hooghly River.
An infant, B...moreFirst Sentence: Shortly after midnight, a boat emerged out of the mist that rose like a fetid curse from the surface of the Hooghly River.
An infant, Ben, is brought to an orphanage whereupon the head if the orphanage has been told someone will try to kill the boy when he turns 16. Ben forms a secret society with five other orphans due to disband on that fateful birthday. And on that day, an old woman and a girl, Sheree, come to visit. Rather than disbanding, the group allows Sheree to join them on their final, and frightening, adventure at the Midnight Palace.
Zafon’s first book “The Shadow of the Wind” was, and is, one of my all time favorites, and I saw definite shades of what attracted me to that book in this one. This is quite different, however, particularly as it was written for the young adult audience. Even so, I was completely captivated by the story and never considered putting it down.
It is an ensemble cast with the story mostly told in retrospect by one of the members of the secret society. The descriptions are powerful …”In the hazy light of that humid, scorching day the reliefs and gargoyles on the façade of the Chowbar Society’s secret hideout resembled wax figures melting into the walls.” …and the dialogue quite wonderful…”I don’t know where to begin,” replied Ian. “Try the worst part,” Seth suggested. “Everything is the worst part,” said Ian.
If one approaches this as an adult novel, the story can seem over the top. However, it is good to remember it is a young adult book, and is set in India with all the sense of mysticism that location provides.
“The Midnight Palace” was a book I found absorbing and very much enjoyed. It is a battle of good against evil, with a wonderful atmosphere of suspense and menace from something you don’t know whether is real or supernatural. No matter what it is, it all adds up to one very good read.
First Sentence: By fixing his curtain to one side with a clothes-peg, Lucio could better observe the new neighbour at his leisure
Insp. Adamsburg has b...moreFirst Sentence: By fixing his curtain to one side with a clothes-peg, Lucio could better observe the new neighbour at his leisure
Insp. Adamsburg has bought a new house which, according to a neighbor, is haunted. When two men are found with their throats cut, causing him to ask a favor from pathologist Ariane Lagarde, with whom he did not have a good working relationship in the past. Upon learning an elderly nurse, whom Adamsburg imprisoned as a serial killer, has escaped he starts to think the cases are connected.
Vargas has such a wonderful voice and way of bringing her characters to life, right from the beginning. Her natural dialogue (thanks, in part, to her excellent translator, Siân Reynolds) and wry humor “…I work in the Serious Crime Squad.” “I see,” said the old man after registering a slight shock. “My specialty was the bench.” He winked. “Not the Judge’s Bench, wooden benches. I used to sell them.”…enhance the delight of the reader.
Vargas’ characters are special and unique. Adamsburg, with his individual style of investigation, Young Lt. Veyrenc has a tendency to speak in 12-sylable lines and has a childhood enmity for Adamsburg; Commandant Danglad, Adamsburg’s right hand, who can’t stand unsolved questions; Lt. Retancourt, much valued by Adamsburg, can sleep anywhere and whose kidnapping leads to one of the most interesting hunts ever written; and all the other characters, no matter how minor. She even incorporated Mathias and a mention of Marc and Vandossler, characters from her wonderful book “The Three Evangelists”, into the story.
There are such wonderful descriptions that enhance the story and bring it, the locations and the characters to life. She delightfully anthropomorphizes the first day of Spring “…She’s touchy. If you forget her, she’s liable to go off and sulk.”…and provides a wonderful summary of the squad’s members through descriptions provided by Retancourt. There is a element of the paranormal to the story, yet ghosts are referred to in a manner that is casual and matter of fact. Yet, there is also a scene that is incredibly wonderful and moving.
Unique is such an overused word, yet it is the one that best applies to every aspect of Vargas’ writing. “This Night’s Foul Work” once again proves there is absolutely nothing ordinary or expected about a Vargas book including the excellent twists and a threads you don’t think fit but do…or don’t. There is no question that Ms. Vargas has become one of my favorite authors.
First Sentence: The woman in the condemned cell was unaware of any of the technical intricacies involved in her imminent execution.
Margaret Dobbs was...moreFirst Sentence: The woman in the condemned cell was unaware of any of the technical intricacies involved in her imminent execution.
Margaret Dobbs was tried and executed for murdering her husband. Although all the evidence pointed to her, she maintained her innocence until the end. Thirty years on, her daughter, a member of the Queen’s Council, wants her mother’s name cleared. A powerful politician, who was the original investigating officer, wants the verdict to stand. CI Charlie Woodend needs to find the truth.
The prologue, set in 1934, is a unique and compelling opening drawing you in from the very first page. It also provides the background as to the lasting impression the murder trial and execution had on young Woodend, causing him to become a policeman.
It is character that drives the story. Woodend the type of detective I really like. He follows the clues and digs into the details. It was also interesting that there was another officer for whom the case became very personal. The characters aren’t just there to propel the story; you become involved and care about them.
The main portion of the story is set in the 1950’s and really shows the classic ignorance and prejudice toward homosexuals. While that’s not a major element of the story, it does add veracity to the plot. And it is a good plot. To solve one case, they need to solve a second and there is a very good twist.
“A Death Left Hanging” is only the second Woodend book I’ve read but it shan’t be my last.
First Sentence: It was nine-thirty on Christmas Eve.
It’s a simple-enough assignment. Solicitor Arthur Kipps is sent to attend the funeral and settle t...moreFirst Sentence: It was nine-thirty on Christmas Eve.
It’s a simple-enough assignment. Solicitor Arthur Kipps is sent to attend the funeral and settle the affairs of Mrs. Alice Drablow of Eel Marsh House. Instead, nothing is simple or what it appears. The house is isolated at the end of a causeway and accessible only when the tide permits. The townspeople are secretive and frightened, the longer Arthur stays at the house, the more ominous become. Then he sees the ghostly lady in black.
This is definitely a thing-that-go-bump-in-the-night book and so wonderfully British. I knew it was a ghost story when I started. Boy, is it ever.
It starts easily enough. Kipps is an interesting character who, it appears, suffers from the then unrecognized SAD (seasonal affective disorder), so going to Eel Marsh House isn’t exactly the best environment for him. Then slowly, “things” start happening.
In the best tradition of classic horror writers, Hill draws you into the story until, as with the marsh, you can’t escape. You’re not certain you should continue reading into the night, but you can’t put it down either. Some, I see, have complained about the ending, which I agree is a bit abrupt, but it is also very effective.
“The Woman is Black” is an very good ghost story that should be read in bright daylight. Otherwise, I don’t guarantee a good night’s sleep.
First Sentence: In September, amidst a driving rain that swept across the northern Norfolk coast, my hired coach rolled up the drive to my ancestral h...moreFirst Sentence: In September, amidst a driving rain that swept across the northern Norfolk coast, my hired coach rolled up the drive to my ancestral home and deposited me at the house’s front door.
Captain Gabriel Lacey travels with Dowager Viscountess Breckenridge, his future wife, to a house party in Norfolk. His family estate is also there, although not filled with warm memories. He also agreed to deliver a message from the criminal James Denis, to whom Gabriel is beholden, to a fellow estate owner, Brigadier Easton. The message causes Easton to flee the country, with Lacey’s help. What Lacey didn’t expect was becoming involved in a hunt for precious paintings, seeking the murderer of one man and trying to locate another.
The first sentence is a true example of how wonderfully Gardner creates a sense of place, time and atmosphere. The first chapter is a compelling indication of the mystery to come.
This is a series I discovered fairly early on. After each I wait anxiously for the next book. This was a particularly long wait—five years between books—but it was worth it.
Ashley has created an ensemble of wonderful characters. Lacey, whose childhood was anything but happy and whose military experience was anything but peaceful and left him injured; his friend Grenville, a wealthy, Beau Brummell-type; Matthias, Grenvile’s valet; Bartholomew, who worked under Matthias but now serves as butler for Lacey, and the lovely Donata, Lacey’s love. And then there’s Denis, to whom Lacey is beholden and an interesting character, indeed.
What is really well done is that new readers are given a solid back-story on the characters so as not to be lost, but even those who’ve been following the series learn much more about the characters than previously known. As well as the human characters, I appreciate an author who uses the weather as almost another character.
At the core is a really solid mystery with very good suspense. Lacey is an understandably strong character, given his background, yet his injury provides a challenge he must often work around. He is also a bridge between the hard world he has known and the society world of his intended.
“A Death in Norfolk” is an excellent book in a series that should be much better known. As always, I recommend reading the series from the beginning but, most of all, I recommend reading it.
First Sentence: The post office box was eighteen across, twelve down, and it had a loop of wool around the door so Dr. Buagaew wouldn’t miss it.
A bli...moreFirst Sentence: The post office box was eighteen across, twelve down, and it had a loop of wool around the door so Dr. Buagaew wouldn’t miss it.
A blind man, killed when hit by a bus, is carrying an envelope containing an apparently blank sheet of paper. Not only is it not blank, but it could have dire consequences for the country. Dr. Siri travels to a small village where a governor’s deputy died from electrocution in his bath. Was it assassination, suicide, accident or murder? A small boy has apparently drowned, but his body looks unusual. It is up to Siri, and his friends, to resolve these issues.
Anarchy and Old Dogs draws you in from its very compelling opening and never once do you think of stopping. His descriptions are poetic and evocative…”The drought had wrung every last tear of moisture from the sad earth.”
His characters are unique and charming. Dr. Siri, the 73-year-old coroner, imagines himself as Georges Simenon’s protagonist Inspector Maigret—and is occasionally referred to by others as “Inspector Migraine”—yet when he solves a case in very short order “…he was still a little upset that he hadn’t been given the opportunity to eliminate the suspects one by one through the magic of dactyloscopy.” Accompanying him on this venture are this friend Civilai and the faithful Nurse Dtui.
One thing that makes this book particularly interesting is that there is very little of the supernatural element, which was part of the previous books. There are fascinating descriptions of Siri’s dreams and the delightful character Auntie Bpoo, a transvestite fortune teller. Siri and Civilai, of whose background we finally learn, are much more introspective than in the past.
This is a more serious book dealing with a period of history about which I knew nothing. I very much appreciate that Cotterill doesn’t leave his reader floundering but incorporated historic information into the story in a way that added to it, rather than distracted the reader from it.
Colin Cotterill is one of the delights of reading mysteries. The style of his writing charms me, as does his dialogue and philosophies “As our age…you go for the small things and do them as well as you can.”
“Anarchy and Old Dogs” is right up there with “The Coroner’s Lunch” in its quality. I highly recommend it, but do start at the beginning of the series.
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