What I’ve been reading…
The temperature has been bitingly cold – and there’s been a bit of snow – so while I’ve been writing during the day, I’ve been catching up on my reading during the evening.
First up is the latest in the Libby Sarjeant murder mystery series from Lesley Cookman. Libby is an old friend and it’s always a joy to catch up what’s happening in her corner of Kent.
Cozy? Cosy? However you spell it murder is brutalWhen a man’s body is found bludgeoned to death in a doorway, Libby has to work hard to unravel this mysterious death but undeterred and with her fellow sleuth Fran at her side, she leaves no stone unturned, or pub unvisited, in her effort to find out who murdered Dickie Marsham.
Moving on to Norfolk…
My next read is the second book in Kate Hardy‘s Georgina Drake Murder Mysteries .
In the first book, The Body at Rookery Barn, we were introduced to Georgina, a widowed photographer, who has moved to the country where she isn’t constantly reminded of her much loved husband.
Kate gives us the Norfolk landscape, the village where Georgina lives and is making friends. And then she gives us a ghost whispering in Georgina’s ear, warning her not to go into the barn, now converted into holiday accommodation, because there’s a body in there.
The Body in the Ice HouseMoving on, when a body is found in the ice house where Georgie is taking photographs for the guide book a country manor house and estate, she is drawn into the mystery out of concern for her friends who immediately come under suspicion.
Once again working with DI Colin Bradshaw (I doubt the name Colin is accidental – he is, apparently Mr Darcy) and with a little help from her ghost, Doris, they hunt down the killer.
And when Georgie’s beloved spaniel uncovers the bones of a long dead young woman there is another mystery to solve. This time just for Georgie and Doris. (That’s Kate’s own spaniel, btw)
Set in stunning countryside, as English as afternoon tea, this second book in the series has a very sure touch and it was a delight to spend more time with Georgie and her friends.
You can pre-order here.
And then there’s the Queen
I have loved S J Bennett‘s books featuring HM in the role of sleuth in her last decade, and wondered how she would move on after her death.
Easily, is the answer, by going back in time to 1957 when the Queen, on a State visit to Paris, realises that her visit is being sabotaged and that one of the trusted “men in moustaches” is a traitor.
With the help of the magnificent Joan McGraw – Irish, from the East End and not at all welcomed by the well-entrenched courtiers – she searches for those who are doing their best to undermine her reign. And then there is the murder of the “tart in diamonds”.
This is close to home. Phillip was with the men who were there that night and Elizabeth knows he lied about his whereabouts. Could he be involved?
Engrossing, and full of fascinating insights into the life of royal. Much recommended.
You can pre-order here.
