Dead Language and Other Stories

by Helen Jacey

388 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2022

Reviews

[Lynsey Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Language and Other Stories is a collection of novelettes and one short story featuring Elvira Slate, an ex-con from London who makes a transatlantic migration in 1945 to become a Holywood private eye.

These 5 mystery stories were all great, I could have happily read full books of them all, especially the first one, Female Gumshoe.

Each novelette features interesting story lines, a diverse range of wonderful characters, and the most fabulous descriptions of the scenery and fashion of the time. You get totally emersed in 1940s Holywood, and feel the need to know each of the characters more.

This book is number 3 in the Elvira Slate Investigations series, book 1 was Jailbird Detective and book 2 was Chipped Pearls. I previously read and thoroughly enjoyed Chipped Pearls, so Shedunnitproductions kindly gifted me this copy of Dead Language and Other Stories.

There is enough reference to Elvira Slate's backstory, as well as other chatacters from the previous books, to read this collection as a standalone, but I would recommend reading it as the third book to get the most out of it. (It will leave you wanting more!). 4⭐️

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great summer read! I love a good vintage investigation story, and the third book in the Elvira Slate Investigations series doesn't disappoint! I read the second book, Chipped Pearls, last year and loved it so I was really excited to read this next one in the series. 


This book is called Dead Language And Other Stories, and it's a collection of shorter stories following the adventures of Ms Slate as she takes on detective cases in 1940s America. There's glamour, shooting, dancing, daring eacapes - everything! 


Aside from the stories themselves, my favourite thing about the whole premise of this series is that feminism and equality are at the heart. Certainly a breathe of fresh air and an absolute 'hurrah' for previously under or mis-represented groups. 


Ps. They're also great as stand alone books - it's more fun when you know Elvira's history but you can absolutely dive in mid way through the series and you'll still know what's going on.

[Gina Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a period detective novel that won't give you the ick with period racism, homophobia and yuck? This series is for you. The protagonist is a women with a full personality, characters are from every social class, a mix of poc and non-cis straight characters with their own developed characters and not just a tragic story line makes these books special. While I love all three in the series this one is my favourite and makes me excited to see where the author takes Elvira next.


This is book three of the Elvira Slate Investigations and I've absolutely loved it. It's a collection of shorts which has made it perfect for train reading!