Historical Mystery Lovers discussion
2022 - Scatter Mysteries
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Robin - 2022 Scatter Mysteries - FINISHED
JANUARY - Letter "T "
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: T
Category: Historical Mysteries 2019
PopSugar 2022: #7 - A book with an onomatopoeia in its title
Snap Shot: An atmospheric historical thrillerFinished: 01/04/2022
First book in the series. Not at all what I expected. Somewhat vague in spots, but tolerable. Surprise ending. Will continue the series.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: T
Category: Historical Mysteries 2020
PopSugar 2022: #20 - A book whose title begins with the last letter of your previous read (T)
A Thread of MadnessFinished: 01/7/2022
First book in series. It was just OK. Nothing exciting really.
Rating: 3 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: T
Category: Mysteries with Literary Authors
PopSugar: #2 - A book set on a plane, train, or cruise ship
The Titanic MurdersFinished: 01/09/2022
Literary Authors: Jacques Futrelle
Another example of why Max Collins is one of my favorite authors. This past summer, I saw the Titanic Exhibition at the Luxor in Las Vegas, which is extremely impressive: artifacts retrieved from the ocean floor, recreations of the state rooms, corridors, even a promenade deck, and a piece of the actual ship. It is a fascinating and amazing exhibit, not to be missed. Collins book recreates the days prior to the tragic event and incorporates a truly believable mystery. The research is impeccable and extremely detailed. His main character is Jacques Futrelle, the author of the Thinking Machine stories, who was a passenger aboard the doomed ship. Put this on you TBR list!
Rating: 5 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: T
Category: Best Historical Crime Fiction
PopSugar: #49 - Two books set in twin towns, aka "sister cities" (1)
31 Bond Street: A Novel
Mod
I answered your question about a title beginning with a number. In principle, the first letter in this title is B not T because the 31 is digits and not letters.
Don't worry about changing this book out, but going forward this is the idea.
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: T
Category: Best Historical Crime Fiction
PopSugar: #49 - Two books set in twin towns, aka "sister cities" (1)
31 Bond Street: A NovelFinished: 01/15/2022
An excellent fictional account of the murder of a New York dentist in 1857. Well written and a "good read" all around.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: T
Category: Best Historical Crime Fiction
PopSugar: #50 - Two books set in twin towns, aka "sister cities" (2)
A Tale from Ripper Street: Inspector Edmund Reid's Hunt for Jack the RipperFinished: 01/22/2022
As a fan of BBC's "Ripper Street", this book caught my attention. It's a good telling of the Ripper legend from the investigators' side, but...
...it was proofread by a six-year old.
Rating: 3.5 stars due to the grammatical and punctuation errors.
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: T
Category: Sleuths in Silks (Female Detectives)
PopSugar #29 - A different book by an author you read in 2021
Tough CookieFinished: 01/26/2022
2nd book in series. Good story, but had the killer figured out early on. Some obvious clues were overlooked. Maggie has a great attitude, but she's still learning.
Rating 3.5 stars.
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: B
Category: Best Historical Crime Fiction (Moved to Mysteries first published before 1970)
PopSugar: #42 - A book that features two languages
The Benson Murder CaseFinished: 02/06/2022
First in series, originally published in 1926. Philo Vance is a very interesting character; kind of an American version of Lord Peter-Wimsey. What a vocabulary!
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: B
Catagory: Great War Veterans as Detectives (moved to Historical Mysteries 2021)
PopSugar: #21 - A book about a band or musical group
A Baffling Murder at the Midsummer BallFinished: 02/10/2022
The 2nd book in the "Dizzy Heights" series. A fun read, but I had the killer figured out early on. I really enjoy the banter that goes on between the band members.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: B
Category: #3 - Regency and Victorian Mysteries (moved to Mysteries first published before 1970)
PopSugar: #24 - A book you can read in one sitting
The Body SnatcherFinished: 02/11/2022
Nice to read a classic once in a while. Only took about an hour.
Rating: 5 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: B
Category: #3 - Regency and Victorian Mysteries
PopSugar: #34 - A book set in Victorian times
The Body in the FogFinished: 02/11/2022
Alfie and his gang solve their fifth case in this excellent YA series from Cora Harrison. The kids are resourceful, fending for themselves on the streets of Victorian London, and are likeable characters.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: B
Category: Great War Veterans as Detectives (Moved to Historical Mysteries 2021)
PopSugar: #25 - A book about a secret
The Big FarewellFinished: 02/13/2022
If you like ghost mysteries, you'll like this one. Set in the 1920's, the body of a flapper turns up on a beach, and a "hit man" sets out to find the truth, with her help. Don't want to give too much away. If you've ever seen "Boardwalk Empire", you'll recognize a similarity in the hit man (in fact, the author refers to it in his afterword).
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: B
Category: Mysteries with Literary Authors
PopSugar: None
The Redemption MurdersFinished: 02/19/2022
Another great book in this Dickens series by JC Briggs. This is #6, and involves the murder of a ship's captain. My only criticism is there are so many characters, it's hard to keep them straight sometimes. Luckily, the author has a character listing in the back!
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: B
Category: Sleuths in Silks (Female Detectives)
PopSugar: #33 - A social-horror book
The Business of BloodFinished: 02/21/2022
Fiona Mahoney is a "Post-Mortem Sanitation Specialist", she cleans up murder scenes. Set two years after the Ripper murders, Fiona is on a mission to find the Ripper, whose last victim was her best friend, Mary Kelly. I found it interesting and fast-moving, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: B
Category: Historical Mysteries 2020
PopSugar: None
Barlow: Seeker of Justice 1880Finished: 02/24/2022
Follow the exploits of attorney Sam Barlow, his secretary and part-time actress, Phoebe, and his investigator, Tobias, through a series of cases in 1880's Texas. Not the most spectacular writing and could use a better proofreader, but a fun read all the same.
Rating: 3 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: H
Category: #20 - Great War Veterans as Detectives
PopSugar: #38 - A book featuring a party
Heirs and AssignsFinished: 03/05/2022
First in a series. Very well written. Good plot and likeable characters. Moves right along, and keeps you guessing.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: H
Category: Regency and Victorian Mysteries
PopSugar: #48- A book with two POVs
Hanging MaryFinished: 03/08/2022
A fictional account of the events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the involvement of Mary Surratt, told by two women, Mary (South) and her boarder, Nora Fitzpatrick (North). Very well written and researched.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: H
Category: Historical Mysteries
PopSugar: None
The Anatomist's ApprenticeFinished: 03/12/2022
First book in the Dr. Thomas Silverstone series, set in the 1780's. Multiple murders and lots of "red herrings". The ending was a surprise. Well written and detailed.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: H
Category: Mysteries with Literary Authors
PopSugar: #31 - A book featuring a man-made disaster
The Hindenburg MurdersFinished: 3/17/2022
Author Leslie Charteris (The Saint series), aboard the Hindenburg on it's final voyage, becomes involved in the search for the killer of his cabin-mate. Using real passengers as characters, Max Collins weaves a story based on the popular opinion that the airship was sabotaged. Well researched, and well written, which you come to expect from Collins.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: H
Category: Regency and Victorian Mysteries
PopSugar: #37 - A book about gender identity
Half Moon StreetFinished: 03/20/2022
I needed a book for the PopSugar challenge, and stumbled across this one. Not a genre I would normally read (LGBTQ+++), but it sounded interesting; a murder mystery surrounding a transgender male in Victorian London. It wasn't bad; a little slow in spots, and the story was good. Not at all what I expected. The ending was a surprise. I picked up the next one in the series.
Rating: 3+ stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: H
Category: Best Historical Crime Fiction (Moved to Historical Mystery 2021)
PopSugar: #46 - A book about someone leading a double life
HydeFinished: 03/26/2022
There is a reason this book was the winner of the 2021 McIlvanney Prize for Best Crime Novel of the Year...It is extraordinary! A story of murder and madness, as told to, not by, Robert Louis Stevenson. Lots of twists and turns here, and the ending will shock you. The best book I've read so far this year.
Rating 5 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: L
Category: Historical Mysteries (Moved to Mysteries first published before 1970)
PopSugar: None
The LodgerFinished: 04/07/2022
Written in 1913, this classic psychological mystery is based on the Ripper murders. Very interesting and well written.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: L
Category: Sleuths in Silks (Female Detectives) (Moved to Historical Mysteries 2019)
PopSugar: #30 - A book with the name of a board game in the title. (Life)
Life at the Coffin JointFinished: 04/10/2022
Great characters, Western setting (Deadwood), a female "executioner", a couple of bickering cowboys, demonic creatures, and a couple of smart horses...what's not to like about this book?
Will be continuing in the series. A fun read!
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: L
Category: Sleuths in Silks (Female Detectives)
PopSugar: None
Murder on Lot BFinished: 04/15/2022
First in a series. Poppy Starfire and her brother, Jasper, take over their uncle's investigation business. Cute, cozy mystery with very likeable characters. Set in 1920's Hollywood.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: L
Category: Best Historical Crime Fiction
PopSugar: None
Degrees of Evil(Levee District, Book 3)Finished: 04/17/2022
In this third installment of the Levee District series, Moses returns to Chicago to assist in the investigation of the murder of two senior women. The plot thickens with the resurfacing of old cases and new ones. Good series, moves fast. Love Chicago crime novels.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: L
Category: Historical Mysteries 2020
PopSugar: None
Edinburgh MidnightFinished: 04/20/2022
Third book in the Ian Hamilton series by Carole Lawrence. A very good series set in Victorian Edinburgh. This is the last book in the series, so far. I hope there will be a fourth since there were many unanswered questions.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: L
Category: Historical Mysteries 2020
PopSugar: None
The Scole Confession (Lawrence Harpham series)Finished: 04/23/2022
Third book in the Lawrence Hapham series. A complicated mystery; sometimes difficult to follow. Slow-paced but picks up at the end. The growing relationship between Lawrence and his partner, Violet, is intriguing, and about to take a major turn. Will continue with the series.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: L
Category: Great War Veterans as Detectives (Moved to Mysteries first published before 1970)
PopSugar: None
Unnatural Death (Lord Peter Wimsey #3)Finished: 04/28/2022
Lord Peter Wimsey is at it again, with a new character in his entourage. This classic series by Dorothy Sayers is always a great read. I like the humor in it.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: M
Category: Historical Mysteries
PopSugar: 19. A book that takes place during your favorite season (Baseball)
Murder at Wrigley FieldFinished: 05/05/2022
Third book in the Mickey Rawlings series. I love baseball, and this series is just the ticket. In this installment, Mickey is playing for the Chicago Cubs when a teammate is murdered. I enjoy the many references and interactions with "classic" players, like "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. Baseball fans, try this series!
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: M
Category: Regency and Victorian Mysteries
PopSugar: None
Stalking Jack: The Hunt Begins (Madeline Donovan #1)Finished: 05/08/2022
A dud. And that's all I have to say about that...
Rating: 1.5 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: M
Category: Historical Mysteries 2020
PopSugar: None
Murder in the SnowFinished: 05/14/2022
Lady Swift and her butler, Clifford, are on another case. And it's Christmas in Little Buckford. I really enjoy this series. The banter between Ellie and Clifford is so entertaining.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: M
Category: Historical Mysteries
PopSugar: None
Marbeck and the Double Dealer (Martin Marbeck Mysteries #1)Finished: 05/17/2022
First in a series set in Elizabethan London. Marbeck is an "intelligencer" for the Queen; a 17th century James Bond. I like the way Pilkington writes; you get the feel of the period and you become comfortable with his characters. I've also been reading his "Thomas the Falconer" series, which is also very good.
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: M
Category: Mysteries with Literary Authors
PopSugar: None
Mr. Doyle & Dr. Bell: A Victorian MysteryFinished: 05/21/22
Bell & Doyle/Holmes & Watson...hard to tell the difference in this well-written, entertaining novel of Victorian Edinburgh. Bell and Doyle are great "characters". Doyle is charming and Bell is a hoot. Very enjoyable read!
Rating: 4 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: M
Category: Historical Mysteries
PopSugar: None
A Cruel Courtship: The Margaret Kerr Series - Book ThreeFinished: 05/27/2022
Third book in the Margaret Kerr Series by Candace Robb. It was OK, but rather monotonous. I found Maggie to be a bit annoying. This is the final book in the series, but didn't "wrap things up", so I'm guessing there will be more in the future.
Rating: 3 stars
Level: #2 - Master of HistoryRandom Letter: M
Category: Sleuths in Silks (Female Detectives)
PopSugar: None
Murder at Kensington PalaceCompleted: 06/02/2022 - Master of History Achieved!
Third book in this delightful series. Gotta love those Weasels! A couple of new twists added which I see continuing on.
Rating: 4 stars
Now that I've achieved my "Masters", I'm moving on to the Doctorate.
Level #3: Doctor of HistoryRandom Letter: E
Category: Historical Mysteries
PopSugar: #36 - A book you know nothing about
The Dolocher by European P DouglasFinished: 06/05/2022
This is the first book in a series and was an interesting story, kind of like an urban legend. However, I did not get the "historical" feel; not many historical details. Character development was slow, and the alderman (the detective) didn't do much but walk around. That being said, this was part of a 4-book "bundle", so I will probably try the next one to see if it improves.
Rating: 3 stars
Level #3: Doctor of HistoryRandom Letter: E
Category: Best Historical Crime Fiction
PopSugar: None
China Basin by Edward ClineFinished: 06/11/22
This first book in the Cyrus Skeen series was a pleasant surprise. Skeen is a private detective in 1920's San Francisco. The writing was good, the characters well-defined, the story flowed, and the mystery was complex. Definitely intend to continue this series.
Rating: 4 stars
Level #3: Doctor of HistoryRandom Letter: E
Category: Sleuths in Silks
PopSugar: None
The Inventor by Emily OrganFinished: 06/15/2022
Fourth book in the Penny Green series. I like the series, but found Penny to be a bit irritating in this installment.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Level #3: Doctor of HistoryRandom Letter: E
Category: Regency and Victorian Mysteries
PopSugar: None
The Slum Reaper(Esther & Jack Enright Mysteries #4)Finished: 6/18/2022
In the fourth book in the series, the focus is more on Uncle Percy, who is a very engaging character. Good plot, like the characters, a quick and easy read.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Level #3: Doctor of HistoryRandom Letter: E
Category: Mysteries first published before 1970
PopSugar: None
The House Without a Key by Earl Derr BiggersFirst published January 1, 1925
Finished: 6/22/2022
This is the novel that introduced Charlie Chan to the world, and it was wonderful. There is something appealing about the mysteries of the 1920's; the writing styles, attention to detail, clean language. This one rates with the best - Christie, Sayers, etc. Chan is an awesome character. Looking forward to the next one.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Level #3: Doctor of HistoryRandom Letter: E
Category: Historical Mystery 2021
PopSugar: None
A Peculiar Combination (Electra McDonnell #1)Finished: 6/28/2022
I was very impressed by this first book in the Electra McDonnell series by Ashley Weaver. Set during WWII, a group of unlikely characters are brought together to thwart the Germans. The characters are engaging, the pace comfortable, an excellent plot. A great read! I highly recommend it.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Historical Mystery Lovers
Books mentioned in this topic
Murder by Magic: A Charles Dickens short story (other topics)Death in the Devil's Den: Alfie's gang face the biggest threat yet! (other topics)
A Rogues Gallery (other topics)
The Teacher (other topics)
The Teacher (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jacqueline Beard (other topics)Sax Rohmer (other topics)
Stuart M. Kaminsky (other topics)
Level #4: History with Honors - 15-20 books in at least 15 categories
*1. Historical Mysteries
*2. Historical Mysteries 2014
*3. Regency and Victorian Mysteries
4. Historical Ghost Fiction
5. Historical Mysteries 2015
*6. Sleuths in Silks (Female Detectives)
*7. Historical Mysteries 2016
8. Historical Mysteries in Ancient Times (Greece & Rome)
*9. YA Historical Mysteries
*10. Historical Mysteries 2017
11. Dual Time Mysteries
*12. Mysteries with Literary Authors
*13. Sherlock Holmes
*14. Historical Mysteries 2018
*15. Historical Cozy Mysteries
*16. Historical Mysteries 2019
*17. Best Historical Crime Fiction
*18. Historical Mysteries 2020
*19. Medieval Mysteries
*20. Great War Veterans as Detectives
*21. Historical Mystery 2021
22. Historical Mystery 2022
*23. Mysteries first published before 1970