Friday 30 November 2018

An End Month Reading Update

I have completed three books the past three days to wind up November. I've started two more. I'll do my normal end month update in my next entry.

Just Finished

1. The Hand of Fu-Manchu by Sax Rohmer (Fu-Manchu #3).










"The Hand of Fu-Manchu is the 3rd book in the Dr. Fu-Manchu series by English writer, Sax Rohmer. It was originally published in 1917 as The Si-Fan Mysteries.

In the 2nd book, Fu-Manchu disappears. The third book finds Nayland Smith and his friend and assistant Dr. Petrie called back to London with a new threat to England and even the world. The threat is a secret cult / organization from Asia, the Si-Fan, which uses occult practices and strange mysterious people to try to take out Smith and Petrie. It turns out that Fu-Manchu was one of the senior members of Si-Fan.

The story is more like a collection of events as Smith and Petrie, along with faithful Scotland Yard detective Weymouth battle against the serious threat and find themselves backed against the wall in pretty well every chapter; especially poor Dr. Petrie. The book is more like one of those serials that used to start off a Saturday matinee (if you are old enough to remember them), with each chapter finding the duo in dire straits and hoping to survive for another chapter.

Smith and Petrie are very much like Holmes and Watson, sturdy, and. smart (even though they often seem to be caught up in these situations) and make an interesting duo. The stories are all well-crafted, described very well and action-packed. I think that people would now call them politically incorrect, what with the constant threat of the 'yellow peril' but consider instead that Fu-Manchu is Smith and Petrie's Professor Moriarty, an arch enemy that they need to find and destroy.

All in all, it's another entertaining chapter in the Fu-Manchu adventure, thriller series. If you want a quick entertaining read, it's worth trying (3.5 stars)."

2. I Am Curious (Yellow) by Vilgot Sjoman (Film).









"I found this book on the Swedish movie I Am Curious by Vilgot Sjöman (the film's director) purely by chance last year. While I've never seen the movie; when it came out in 1967 (I was only 12 years old). I do remember reading a Time Magazine article back then which discussed the film. I'm not sure what the context was exactly as it was 50ish years ago but I think it might have had to do with censorship and sexual freedom in film. There were other films discussed I'm sure.

The book basically is a full scenario of the film with 250 screen shots from the movie. It ends with pertinent testimony from key witnesses in the US District Court case which was trying to determine whether the movie was obscene or not. The film was unique at the time with its portrayals of sexual acts and nudity, especially that of male nudity. While the film was well-received throughout Europe it didn't get quite the same reception in the US. Saying that it was the 12th most financially successful film in 1969.

So what is the film about? It's filmed in almost a documentary format. Lena is a young Swedish woman who is trying to find answers to questions of the time period; interviewing people on the street, asking about Swedish mores; are woman treated differently from men, is the a class structure still in Sweden, should Sweden become a republic (get rid of the King), etc. At the same time she is dealing with family issues, her life with her father and those difficulties. As well, she is exploring her sexuality, focused on her new relationship with Borje. In these scenes there were scenes of nudity of both parties.

It was interesting to go back to this period with this book and find out more about the film and the issues it was trying to cover and the scandal that it caused when it first came out. All in all, for personal reasons especially, I found it interesting to read the book. I don't know that it would have the same impact for those who don't recall that period. It might be quite interesting for film buffs. (4 stars)"

3. Murder on Mulberry Bend by Victoria Thompson (Gaslight Mystery #5).

"I continue to enjoy Victoria Thompson Gaslight mystery series. Murder on Mulberry Bend is the fifth book in the series and finds Mrs. Sarah Brandt, mid-wife and sometimes crime solver, and her friend Detective Frank Malloy, looking into the murder of a girl living in a Mission on Mulberry Bend.

Sarah first hears of this Mission from a wealthy friend of her parents. His wife had volunteered to help at the Mission and had died due to an infection she seems to have acquired at the home. Sarah accompanies Richard Dennis to the house across from the NY Police building. Richard feels guilty because he feels he never displayed enough interest in his wife's charitable activities and wants to see what she was doing to understand her better and maybe to assuage some guilt. Sarah finds herself wanting to help there as well, upon visiting the place and finding something missing in her inner spirit. Should she be doing more?

Her involvement with the Mission becomes more personal. She donated clothes and a girl who was wearing some of the clothes is found dead the next day. Detective Malloy, recognizing Sarah's clothes, is terrified Sarah is the victim, and upon discovering his error, rushes to her home to find out more and to just be thankful she is still alive. Sarah's and Frank's feelings for each other continue to progress and infect their dealings.

So, without ruining more of the story, both Sarah and Frank investigate the murder of the young girl. Frank also continues his ongoing investigation into the earlier murder of Sarah's husband, Doctor Brandt. He feels an obligation to Sarah for her valuable help with his invalid son.

It's a nicely, well-paced story, an interesting investigation, as always and continued development of Sarah and Frank's relationship, including a new jealousy from Frank towards Richard. As always, Sarah's lovely, quirky neighbour, Mrs. Ellsworth, provides advice and a comforting presence. It's not the most complicated mystery; I had a good idea of the murderer, but it doesn't really matter. The story was still excellent and an enjoyable read. I'm enjoying this exploration into the lives of both main characters... Oh, there is one big surprise.. :0) (4 stars)"

Currently Reading
I hope to read at least 10 books in December. I've got eight put aside including the ones I'm currently reading. I'll wait until I finish those before I pick any more.

1. Wycliffe and the Three - Toed Pussy by W.J. Burley (Inspector Wycliffe #1). I've read a few of the Wycliffe mysteries so far but I finally managed to find a copy of the first book in the series.








"The peace of the village of Kergwyns has been shattered by a bizarre murder. A young woman has been shot. The only thing taken from a scene is the shoe and stocking from her left leg…exposing her deformed foot. Wycliffe uncovers evidence of an unhappy woman who routinely manipulated the men in her life. As half the men in the village have been known to visit her, and most have reason to lie about it, finding the murderer will not be easy. Wycliffe's task is complicated by the discovery of some clues in the form of crossword puzzles left by the victim herself. If Pussy Welles knew she was going to die, why did she make no effort to save herself?"

2. Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor (Chronicles of St. Mary's #1). I discovered this series recently and it seemed like a fun read.







"'History is just one damned thing after another.'

Behind the seemingly innocuous façade of St Mary's, a different kind of historical research is taking place. They don't do 'time-travel' - they 'investigate major historical events in contemporary time'. Maintaining the appearance of harmless eccentrics is not always within their power - especially given their propensity for causing loud explosions when things get too quiet.

Meet the disaster-magnets of St Mary's Institute of Historical Research as they ricochet around History. Their aim is to observe and document - to try and find the answers to many of History's unanswered questions...and not to die in the process. But one wrong move and History will fight back - to the death. And, as they soon discover - it's not just History they're fighting.

Follow the catastrophe curve from 11th-century London to World War I, and from the Cretaceous Period to the destruction of the Great Library at Alexandria. For wherever Historians go, chaos is sure to follow in their wake...."


So there you go. I'll probably get to my end-November update tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend!

Tuesday 27 November 2018

My Ongoing Look at the Mystery Genre - English Cops Part 10

Today was much nicer than yesterday, mostly sunny and about 14 degrees C. Bonnie is doing very well; her foot has much improved. She even went for a lunchtime walk (the first time in a week or so). I think the infection is almost gone if not totally. It's so good to see her wanting to go for walks, play a bit and even have a good appetite.. :0)

So today will be my last post in regard to English Cop mystery book series. I'm sure I'm just touching the surface with this past 10 part entry, but I hope it might have encouraged folks to give some of them a try and to explore other options. When I start my next portion, I'll probably take a look at English Detective series.

My Ongoing Look at the Mystery Genre - English Cops Part 9

Anne Perry
1. Anne Perry (William Monk). English mystery writer Anne Perry was born in London in 1938. She is best known for her two mystery series, one featuring Thomas and Charlotte Pitt and the other, discussed here, featuring Police Detective William Monk. Perry had a fascinating story of her own. At the age of 15, she was convicted in the murder of a friend's mother and served 5 years in prison. On release, she changed her name and as it seems, turned her life around totally.

Back in the early 2000's I discovered Anne Perry's William Monk series. Monk is a London cop who in the past, as a result of an accident, has lost his memory. He continues to be a cop but during the course of his investigations, begins to find out things about his past. He is an often angry man, partly due to his frustrations about not remembering his past. I read the first 7 books but it's been awhile since I've explored the series. Since 1990, she has written 24 books in this series. I think I noticed the great book covers when I first discovered them.

a. The Face of a Stranger (#1 / 1990).












"His name, they tell him, is William Monk, and he is a London police detective. But the accident that felled him has left him with only half a life; his memory and his entire past have vanished. As he tries to hide the truth, Monk returns to work and is assigned to investigate the brutal murder of a Crimean War hero and man about town. Which makes Monk's efforts doubly difficult, since he's forgotten his professional skills along with everything else... " (3 stars)

b. A Dangerous Mourning (#2 / 1991).












"Inspector William Monk has his hands full when an aristocrat's daughter is stabbed to death in her own bed. He is instructed to proceed without delay, but finds his efforts hamstrung by the lingering traces of amnesia and the craven ineptitude of his supervisor, who would love to see him fail. With the help of Hester Latterly, formerly a nurse with Florence Nightingale, Monk gropes warily through the silence and shadows, knowing that with each step he comes closer to the appalling truth...." (3 stars)

c. Defend and Betray (#3 / 1992).












"Although esteemed General Thaddeus Carlyon meets his death in a freak accident at home, his beautiful wife, Alexandra, confesses that she killed him. Investigator William Monk, nurse Hester Latterly, and the brilliant Oliver Rathbone, counsel for the defense, work feverishly to break down the wall of silence raised by the accused and her husband's proud family. With the trial only days away, they inch toward the dark and appalling heart of the mystery. The final act is a courtroom masterpiece, through which we dare not breathe too deeply, lest the precarious balance of a woman's life be lost." (3 stars)

The remaining books in this series can be found at this link

Ruth Rendell
2. Ruth Rendell (Inspector Wexford). Crime writer Ruth Rendell (Baroness Rendell of Babergh) was born in London and lived from 1930 - 2015. Rendell wrote mysteries, historical novels, books under the name of Barbara Vine and standalones. Her best known creation was Chief Inspector Wexford who was also a subject of a successful TV series. I've discovered the Wexford series only in the past few years. There are 24 books in the series. I've only read the first book so far, which I enjoyed very much. I have the next few sitting on my bookshelf.

a. From Doon to Death (#1 / 1964).












"I enjoyed the style and the characters of this series very much; Wexford can be a grumpy, frustrated inspector at times, but also sympathetic as the case needs. The story isn't a cozy mystery, but also not graphically violent. Basically it involves a missing wife and the later discovery of her body and the follow-on investigation. But the story is crafted very well and enjoyable to read, flowing nicely from situation to situation. I will say I had the general suspect and rationale figured out but it was nice to have it explained more succinctly and clearly. Enjoyable first book and I do look forward to getting to know Wexford and his team better. (4 stars)"


b. A New Lease of Death (#2 / 1967).

"It was a brutal, vicious crime -- sixteen years old. A helpless old woman battered to death with an axe. Harry Painter hung for it, and Chief Inspector Wexford is certain they executed the right man. But Reverend Archery has doubts . . . because his son wants to marry the murderer's beautiful, brilliant daughter. He begins unravelling the past, only to discover that murder breeds murder -- and often conceals even deeper secrets . . ."

c. Wolf to the Slaughter (#3 / 1967).









"Anita Margolis has vanished. Dark and exquisite, Anita's character is as mysterious as her disappearance.

There was no body, no crime - nothing more concrete than an anonymous letter and the intriguing name of Smith. According to headquarters, it wasn't to be considered a murder inquiry at all.

With the letter providing them with only one questionable lead to follow, Wexford and his sidekick Inspector Burden are compelled to make enquiries. They soon discover Anita is wealthy, flighty, and thoroughly immoral. The straight-laced Burden has a very clear idea of what happened to her. But Wexford has his own suspicions..."
 


The remaining books in the series can be found at this link

Peter Robinson
3. Peter Robinson (Inspector Banks). Peter Robinson was born in Leeds in 1950 but currently resides in Toronto, Ontario. He received his various English degrees at University of Leeds, Windsor University and York University. He's best known for his Inspector Banks mystery series set in Yorkshire. The books have been adapted for an excellent TV series as well. Jo and I enjoyed the TV series very much. I've begun the books in the past few years and they are also excellent, quite different from the TV show (so far at least). There are 26 books in the series as of 2019. I've read and enjoyed the first 3 so far.

a. Gallows View (#1 / 1987). 












"This is the first book in the Chief Inspector Banks mysteries. I liked it from the very opening pages and enjoyed the story thoroughly. Alan Banks is an interesting character, having moved from London to Eastvale in Yorkshire, in the hope of a quieter police life. He quickly is involved in a case of a peeper as well as a number of break-ins and finally a murder of an old woman. 

I enjoyed getting to know Alan and also his personal life. His wife, Sharon, was well-presented and also some of the other police officers that worked with Alan. The story was gritty enough but not so that it was disturbing. The pace of the book was excellent and I enjoyed how the cases were worked and ultimately how they were resolved. 

All in all, it was an excellent first story and I'm glad now that I have a few others of the series in my bookshelves awaiting my attention. As an aside, this series has also been developed for TV and while I felt the TV show to be quite different from the initial book, I enjoyed both immensely. Nice that both have their differences but at the same time hold there own as excellent series. I highly recommend you give this series a try if you like good mysteries. (5 stars)" 

b. A Dedicated Man (#2 / 1988).









 "A Dedicated Man is the 2nd Chief Inspector Banks mystery by Peter Robinson. Once again I found it to be quite different to the TV series that was based on the books. But that matters not as both are enjoyable in their own way.

Banks is called to a small town in his district in Yorkshire to investigate the murder of a local professor / historian. It's a very small hamlet with basically one police officer. He brings along Sgt Hatchley to assist. It's a typical case, the professor is well-loved, seems to have no enemies and even though he has friends, they all seem to have little motive and reasonable alibis.


The pacing is excellent; we aren't caught up with countless murders to cope with. It's Banks and Hatchley investigating, talking to possible suspects as they try to gather information and we also get the perspective of a variety of the locals; young Sally, the budding actress with her own ideas of the murder, the local singer who may have had a relationship with the victim, etc.


It was a pleasure to read and just enjoy the thought processes, the locality, the people and the case. I had ideas of how the murder might have happened but for some reason, never considered the final solution which was presented and I must say I found it very satisfying. Banks is not really like the TV version; he has a much smaller staff to work with and his personal circumstances are different, at least for the first two books, but I like him very much and was very satisfied with this most enjoyable mystery. Now to find the 3rd book. (5 stars)"


c. A Necessary End (#3 / 1989).












"A Necessary End is the 3rd book in the excellent Chief Inspector Banks mystery series by Peter Robinson. Each story has been excellent. In this one, a police officer is murdered during a protest against nuclear plants and a new US Air Force base being considered for the area of Banks's town. The protest turns into a riot and results in physical interaction between the protesters and riot police.

The investigation results in Superintendent Dirty Dick Burgess being sent from London to run the murder investigation. Banks knows and dislikes Burgess from previous encounters while he worked in London. Burgess is a rabble rouser, heavy drinker and carouser. He runs an investigation as a bulldozer, upsetting suspect and causing turmoil. 


Banks has to work around Burgess in trying to solve the murder. Burgess suspects left wing instigation in the murder while Banks has his own ideas. The case revolves around a group of people who live in a sort of commune nearby and varied other people who helped organize the protests, Banks begins to find out some disturbing things about the murdered police officer and wonders whether this might be a reason for the murder. He has some small side investigations being conducted by other police officers which slowly come to light as his ideas firm up. 


It's an interesting story. We find out more about Banks's life and his relationships. He's an interesting character. I like the small discoveries about Banks even if I don't necessarily like his taste in music. The ending comes a bit out of left field but at the same time is very satisfactory and believable. I continue to enjoy this series and look forward to continuing the series. (4 stars)" 


The complete list of of Inspector Banks books can be found at this link

R. D. Wingfield
4. R.D. Wingfield (Inspector Frost). English writer R.D.Wingfield was born in Hackney, London in 1928 and died in 2007. He's most noted, from my perspective, for his Inspector Frost mystery series of six books. For such a small library of stories, the books spawned a successful long-running TV series starring David Jason as the scruffy, disreputable, but effective Inspector Frost. One of the series that I have actually completed, I enjoyed every story. I'll highlight three for you.

a. Frost at Christmas (#1 / 1984).












"I've enjoyed the Inspector Frost series very much. Frost at Christmas is actually the first in the series, it seemed appropriate to read it over the Xmas period. We find out how Frost got his medal, learn to appreciate his bumbling style, even though he is well-loved by the rank and file within the Police station. Not so well-liked by DS Mullet, his boss, but then again, Mullet isn't all that nice anyway. Frost is tasked to take over the investigation and search for a lost girl when one of his peer is taken severely ill. As well, he must show a new DC, Clive Barnard, the Chief Constable's nephew, the ropes. As well, a multitude of other cases fall into his scruffy lap. A DI who works mostly on instinct, Frost muddles his way to solutions, all the while dealing with a winter storm and his own past. Very well-written and most enjoyable to read. Check out the Frost books. It's unfortunate that so few were ever written. (4 stars)"

b. Night Frost (#3 / 1992).












"A most entertaining, fast-paced police mystery. This is the third book in the DCI Jack Frost series that became one of the most well-loved British cop shows. From an six book series, the creators spun out a TV series that lasted for 42 episodes. In this book, the Denton Police Dept is suffering with manpower shortages due to a flu bug that is running rampant through the station. New DS Gilmore is forced to work with scruffy DCI Jack Frost and finds himself working all hours, affecting his home life as he travels around with Frost trying to solve a multitude of crimes; the Granny Ripper, the Poison Pen letter sender, a young girl's murder. As well, Frost, who is sloppy about paperwork must deal with the Superintendent Mullet, who is concerned only with his image with the higher HQ. It's a non-stop mystery, well-written and entertaining. Highly recommend. This is the second in the series that I've enjoyed. Will be taking up Book 4, Hard Frost, next. (4 stars)"

c. A Killing Frost (#6 / 2008).









"A Killing Frost by R.D. Wingfield is the sixth and final book in the Inspector Frost mystery series, set in the English town of Denton. The books inspired a long running TV series starring David Jason. While the books all have a certain sameness, it is a comfortable, welcoming sameness.

In this story, we find Frost's job once again hanging by a thread. His boss, Police Superintendent Mullett, who hates Frost and never willingly supports him, has brought in Detective Chief Inspector to do his dirty work for him and either have Frost fired or moved to a new police district. Skinner is a particularly unlikeable character who just wants to make everybody miserable, hang them out to dry for any errors and reap all the rewards for any of their successes.


While Frost must deal with this, he is also kept busy working on countless cases, with his staff reduced to a minimum as Mullett has volunteered the majority of the station to help with a drug investigation in another district. So Frost and his willing and mostly capable remainder investigate the discovery of a body, blackmailing at a local grocery chain, missing girls and other smaller cases. As always, Frost blunders as much as he succeeds. He is a capable, very likeable person, curmudgeonly and a bit of a dinosaur, but his heart is in the right place. He is especially distressed by the missing girls and works gamely to come to a solution before more bodies turn up.


As you read the Frost series, you will see similarities between all of them, but you will, nonetheless, enjoy them immensely. Frost is tireless, working on little to no sleep and pushing his team to follow his style. (4 stars)"


The remaining books in the series are -
- A Touch of Frost (1987)
- Hard Frost (1995)
- Winter Frost (1999)

The Frost series has been a favourite of mine and I'm sad that RD Wingfield is no longer with us to continue writing such an enjoyable character. (4 stars)"







I hope that the past 10 entries about English Police mysteries has provided you with some series that might interest you. Have a great day!

Monday 26 November 2018

Reading Update and My Ongoing Look at the Mystery Genre - English Cops Part 9

It's a rainy, windy Monday here in the Valley. Perfect for hunkering down in our cozy house. I finished two books this past weekend and have started two more. I've met my Goodreads' challenge of completing 110 books in 2018. Besides the five I'm currently enjoying, I've got another 5 more set aside in my bedside nightstand. If I can finish one or two more before end November, I may pick a couple more to finish off 2018 with. We'll see.

I'll update the two books I've just completed and the two I'm about to start and then move on to Part 9 of my look at the mystery genre. In my last entry I covered Peter Lovesey (Sgt Cribb and Peter Diamond) and J.J. Marric (Commander Gideon). I'll highlight 3 more English cop series in this entry.

Just Finished

1. The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories by Agatha Christie. A great collection of short stories, mostly standalone but with two featuring Hercule Poirot.










"Over the past few years, I've been exploring Agatha Christie's mysteries and enjoying them once again. I've enjoyed getting back into the old reliables, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. But I've also enjoyed discovering the Tuppence and Tommy Beresford books and I've also tried Colonel Race. I've just completed one of her short story collections (I have read others before), The Witness for the Prosecution: And Other Stories, which has two Poirot short stories, but the rest are standalones. I purchased it mainly for The Witness for the Prosecution as I've enjoyed the original movie based on the story very much. The most recent adaptation wasn't quite so enjoyable.

Short stories can definitely be hit or miss. I think it takes a special ability to crowd as much information as possible into a short story and make it cohesive and interesting. Saki and PG Wodehouse are excellent short story writers, as is Canadian Alice Munro, to name a few. Agatha Christie is also an excellent short story writer. This might put her in somewhat unique company as she is also a great novelist.

This collection consists of 12 stories. Some of the early ones were decidedly edgier than I'm used to from Christie; I include Witness for the Prosecution, Accident (especially, very creepy) and The Fourth Man. There were a couple that left me somewhat confused; especially SOS. For the most part, every story entertained me and often surprised me, even when I thought I'd figured out the basics. The two Poirot's, The Second Gong and Poirot and the Regatta Mystery were each gems in their own right, quick mystery and solutions.

All in all, it was a most enjoyable read with each short story having something unique to offer. I look forward to continuing my exploration of Christie's world of mystery. My wife is enjoying a collection of Miss Marple stories, ie, Marple is listening to stories or telling them and solving them, but not necessarily participating in the actual mystery. Sounds neat, eh? (4 stars)"

2. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I've had the book for a few years and been hesitant to read it, but I'm glad I finally did. Quite excellent.











"My wife and I got Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel as a gift about 5 years ago. It's sat on the shelf for a long time, as you can see, and I've had quite some trepidation about starting it. I can't say why. It might just have been the size, but in the end that's a pretty poor reason as I've read longer books than it. Suffice it to say, this year it was one of my challenge reads, selected for me by a book club friend of mine.

It's a historical novel, set during the time of Henry VIII in the early 1500's as he fights with the Pope to get his first marriage to Katherine of Aragon annulled so he can marry Anne Boleyn. The story focuses on the rise of Thomas Cromwell from the son of a blacksmith to Henry's chief adviser. We get to see palace intrigue, the life and family of Cromwell, those who people the court of Henry VIII and their dealings and personalities.

That's the story on its simplest level but it is indeed an intricate, complex, fascinating story. As with most large tomes, it took me awhile to get going with the story. I usually have a few books on the go and I can be easily distracted. But as I got deeper into the story, I found myself drawn to the characters, the richness of their personalities, the complexities of the court life and just the portrayal of England at the time.

Cromwell is made very human, as is Henry VIII and the rest of the large cast of thousands, from Cromwell's extended family, to the lords and dukes and ladies who you find at the King's court and in their dealings with Cromwell. The religious aspect is also well - described, the dealings between England and Rome as they try to get the first marriage annulled. Cromwell is everywhere, dealing with Henry, with Anne Boleyn, with Katherine, the lords and archbishops, etc. His rise in power is a fascinating story. His love and care of his family and of those people he seems to pick up off the street and add to his family was especially fascinating.

In the end, I enjoyed the whole story immensely and was pleasantly surprised at how much I did enjoy it. Now I have to dust off the 2nd book, Bringing up the Bodies.. I may wait awhile to catch my breath though. (5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Katapult by Karen Kijewski (Kat Colorado #2).









"A murderer has struck home—and Kat Colorado is taking it personally. Her cousin Johnny has been found stabbed to death in he parking lot of the Homestead Cafe. And now Kat's on the prowl—trailing a killer through a dangerous world of shady real estate shenanigans and teenage hookers. And she's about to uncover a closetful of sordid family secrets almost certain to get an overly inquisitive Kat skinned"

2. The Old Fox Deceiv'd by Martha Grimes (Inspector Jury #2).









"There was murder in the quaint North Sea village of Rackmoor. The body of a mysterious woman in a mummer's costume lay sprawled on a backwater street. Half her face had been painted black, the other half white, and the blood on her satin blouse had already turned a deep, dark red.

Who was she? Who had killed her? Inspector Richard Jury of Scotland Yard drank a pint with the local Yorkshire lads in a cozy pub to get some startling answers. And he would have to join the landed gentry in a deadly ride to the hounds if he wanted to track down a very foxy killer."

Bill's Ongoing Look at the Mystery Genre - English Cops Part 9

Ngaio Marsh
1. Ngaio Marsh (Inspector Roderick Alleyn). I've highlighted Ngaio Marsh a couple of times in this look at the mystery genre. In my look at Australian / New Zealand crime writers, I highlighted the Inspector Alleyn stories set down under. Click on this link to take a look at them. I also highlighted Ngaio Marsh in my look at the Queen's of Classic Crime. You can check out that entry at this link. I've read 11 of 34 mysteries in this series. I'll highlight the last couple of books that I enjoyed. The complete list of books can be found at this link.

a. Overture to Death (#8 / 1939).









"I do love the Roderick Alleyn mysteries. I've read the first 8 so far, with Overture to Death by Ngaio Marsh being the 8th one, plus a couple of others further down the line. They do seem to get better and better. The mysteries are always interesting. In this story, an unpopular woman is murdered in a most interesting way. Was she the target or another? Alleyn and his team, the steady, constant Inspector Fox and his friend, news reporter Nigel Bathgate, accompany Alleyn to Pen Cuckoo at the behest of the local authorities as they are busy trying to sort out a series of robberies. I love the investigation, the interviews with the various characters. I also like how Marsh develops the story, leading up the murder before even bringing Alleyn into the picture, about half way through the story. There is nice humour, there are lovely touches (I'm thinking of late in the story when Alleyn writes a letter to his beloved, Troy. The whole story is a joy to read and hard to put down. Excellent series and excellent story. (4 stars)"

b. A Wreath for Rivera (#15 / 1949).











"I enjoy the Chief Inspector Alleyn mysteries very much. The series, by Ngaio Marsh is right there with other classic mystery series; like those by Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers and Elizabeth Daly, amongst others. I've read 7 or 8 of the Alleyn books and they get better with each new story. A Wreath for Rivera, also written under the title (Swing Brother Swing) is the 15th Alleyn story. I'm reading it out of sequence as I've followed them in order for the most part, but it doesn't take away any of the enjoyment by reading this one now.

There are some details of Alleyn's private life with Agatha Troy that seem to have progressed but they don't play major parts in the story. We have here the story of the family of the Marquis of Pastern and Baggott, a strange and eccentric individual, heading to watch him play in a jazz band; one of his whims. There is a murder that takes place; one which Alleyn actually witnesses as he and Troy are also at the club.


The murder investigation, lead by Alleyn and his resolute and steady team; his right-hand man, Detective Inspector Fox and the others, is a methodical process and enjoyable to follow. Alleyn is the main character but Ngaio Marsh also provides a voice to Carlisle 'Lisle' Wayne, Lord Pastern's niece, who I liked very much.

It's a quirky story; the dialogue between Alleyn and Fox is excellent. They are obviously well-used to each other and have an excellent rapport. Lord Pastern is definitely eccentric and his family also have unique characteristics. The mystery is interesting, but at times, not as important as the development of the story, the investigation and the interactions between the characters. The ending was ultimately satisfying and I liked how it was resolved. As always, I enjoy this series very much and look forward to my next one. (3.5 stars)"


Val McDermid
2. Val McDermid (Tony Hill and Carol Jordan). I have discussed McDermid's mysteries previously in an entry where I was highlighting Scottish mysteries. This was her Karen Pirie series of five books. Click on this link if you wish to check those books out. One of her most popular series became an excellent TV cop series, Wire in the Blood, starring Robson Green as profiler Dr. Tony Hill and Hermione Norris as DI Carol Jordan. In later series, other cops worked with Tony Hill. The book series consists of 10 books from 1995 - 2017. I've read the first two books in the series so far.

a. The Mermaid's Singing (1995).












"YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME...
This was the summer he discovered what he wanted—at a gruesome museum of criminology far off the beaten track of more timid tourists. Visions of torture inspired his fantasies like a muse. It would prove so terribly fulfilling.

BUT THE NEXT TIME WOULD BE BETTER...
The bodies of four men have been discovered in the town of Bradfield. Enlisted to investigate is criminal psychologist Tony Hill. Even for a seasoned professional, the series of mutilation sex murders is unlike anything he's encountered before. But profiling the psychopath is not beyond him. Hill's own past has made him the perfect man to comprehend the killer's motives. It's also made him the perfect victim.

AND PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.
A game has begun for the hunter and the hunted. But as Hill confronts his own hidden demons, he must also come face-to-face with an evil so profound he may not have the courage—or the power—to stop it..." (5 stars)


b. The Wire in the Blood (1997).












"Across the country, dozens of teenage girls have vanished. Authorities are convinced they're runaways with just the bad luck of the draw to connect them. It's the job of criminal profilers Dr. Tony Hill and Carol Jordan to look for a pattern. They've spent years exploring the psyches of madmen. But sane men kill, too. And when they hide in plain sight, they can be difficult to find...

He's handsome and talented, rich and famous--a notorious charmer with the power to seduce...and the will to destroy. No one can believe what he's capable of. No one can imagine what he's already done. And no one can fathom what he's about to do next. Until one of Hill's students is murdered--the first move in a sick and violent game for three players. Now, of all the killers Hill and Jordan have hunted, none has been so ruthless, so terrifyingly clever, and so brilliantly elusive as the killer who's hunting them..." (5 stars)


The remaining books in this series are - (* for those I have)
- The Last Temptation (2002) *
- The Torment of Others (2004)
- Beneath the Bleeding (2007) *
- Fever of the Bone (2009) *
- The Retribution (2011)
- Cross and Burn (2013)
- Splinter the Silence (2015)
- Insidious Intent (2017)

Kay Mitchell
3. Kay Mitchell. English writer Kay Mitchell (aka Sarah Lacey) was born in 1941 and is noted for her Chief Inspector Morrissey series and Leigh Hunter. I've enjoyed two of the five books in the CI Morrissey series so far.

a. Lively Form of Death (#1 / 1990).












"The gossips of a tranquil village on the outskirts of Malminster have a field day spreading the news that Helen Goddard's husband has been seduced by the local femme fatale, Marion Walsh.
Then Marion's charwoman is poisoned by milk obviously intended for her employer, and suspicion naturally falls on Helen Goddard until Marion herself is brutally murdered and Chief Inspector Morrissey discovers that a lot of people wanted her dead." (3 stars)


b. Roots of Evil (#3 / 1993).











"If you enjoy an excellent police procedural, Roots Of Evil, the 3rd Chief Inspector Morrissey mystery, by Kay Mitchell is a good place to start... Well, you should start with the first book, but the series is what I was talking about. It reminds of other such excellent series, JJ Marric's Chief Inspector Gideon books or Michael Gilbert's Inspector Petrella series.

As you might have guessed, CI Morrissey is an English police inspector; he works out of Malminster police district. Like the other series I mentioned above, while Morrissey is the focus of action, the story also features many of the other detectives in the department. There are a number of cases being worked on. Things have been slow but with an apparent accidental death of a local member of the town's planning commission.  There are other goings on as well that starts making life interesting for Morrissey and his team; a racist attack on a row of houses owned by Asians, a vicious attack on another Asian boy. Besides this, one of his investigators has to be put in hospital and Morrissey is dealing with family issues.


How this is all tied together by Morrissey and Barret and Smythe, etc makes for an interesting, page turning story. There are murders, spousal abuse, political intrigue, etc. It's all matter-of-fact and almost thrown at you in a staccato, quick pace. I really enjoyed this, Morrissey's grumpiness but way of putting things together, the manner in which the investigations are conducted and the other characters on his team and the victims and suspects. I'll continue to search for books in this series. It's very enjoyable (4.5 stars)"


The remaining books in this series are -
- In Stony Places (1991)
- A Portion of Foxes (1995)
- A Rage of Innocents (1997)

So there you go, some reading material for you to start off your week, your month... or just start. :0) Enjoy your week!

Friday 23 November 2018

My Continuing Look at the Mystery Genre - English Cops Part 8

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

In my last entry in this thread, I discussed Peter James' Inspector Grace, Lynda Laplante's Anna Travis and John Lawton's Inspector Troy. I'll continue with this discussion today.

Peter Lovesey
1. Peter Lovesey. English writer Lovesey was born in Middlesex in 1936. He's author of historical and contemporary mysteries. I've tried one and am interested in another.

a. Sgt Cribb (Historical Crime series). This series consists of 8 novels from 1970 - 1978.The novels are set in the Victorian era. I've read the first one so far and it was interesting. The novels were adapted to a TV series on Granada TV and also as a radio dramatization.

i. Wobble to Death (1970).









"Wobble To Death by Peter Lovesey is the first book in his historical mystery series featuring Scotland Yard Sgt Cribb. It is also my first exposure to his writing. It's an interesting premise to say the least.

The story is set in London, 1879 and is centered around a pedestrian race at the Agricultural Hall. From the foreword, these races took place fairly regularly, where groups or walkers would participate in a 6 day race, with the winner being the one who was able to walk the longest distance; somewhere over 500 miles, in the six days. It reminds me of the movie They Shoot Horses, Don't They, which was about marathon dance contests.

Anyway, in this particular race one of the contestants dies and this brings in Sgt Cribb and Constable Thackeray to investigate the circumstances. It turns out the contestant was, in fact, murdered. There are a number of potential suspects that the two intrepid detectives must investigate. It's an interesting story with interesting characters, somewhat light on the mystery but still entertaining. You get a nice picture of the time and the race and contestants. It was a nice introduction to the series and I will find other books featuring Sgt Cribb. (3.5 stars) Lovesey also writes the Peter Diamond mystery series. I have the first book in that series to try as well."

ii. Abracadaver (#3 / 1972).












"A sadistic practical joker is haunting the popular music halls of London, interfering with the actors and interrupting their acts by orchestrating humiliating disasters that take place in view of the audience. A trapeze artist misses her timing when the trapeze ropes are shortened. A comedian who invites the audience to sing along with him finds the words of his song “shamefully” altered. Mustard has been applied to a sword swallower’s blade. A singer’s costume has been rigged. The girl in a magician’s box is trapped. Then the mischief escalates to murder. Or was murder intended all along? That indomitable detective team, Sergeant Cribb and Constable Thackeray of Scotland Yard, must track down the elusive criminal."

The remaining books in this series are -
- The Detective Wore Silk Drawers (1971)
- Mad Hatter's Holiday (1973)
- Invitation to a Dynamite Party (1974)
- A Case of Spirits (1975)
- Swing, Swing Together (1976)
- Waxwork (1978)

b. Peter Diamond. Diamond is a police detective who operates out of Bath. There are 17 novels in this series. I've not yet tried the series but I have the first book in the series and a couple of others.

i. The Last Detective (#1 / 1991).












"A woman's body has been found floating in a large reservoir just south of Bristol. In order to solve the mystery of the Lady in the Lake , Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond must locate two missing letters attributed to Jane Austen and defy his superiors on the force to save a woman unjustly accused of murder."

ii. Skeleton Hill (#10 / 2009).












"Battle & burial are built into the history of Lansdown Hill, so it is no great shock when part of a skeleton is unearthed there. But Peter Diamond, Bath's Head of CID, can't ignore the fresh corpse found close to Beckford's Tower. The Hill becomes the setting for one of the most puzzling cases he has ever investigated."


iii. Cop to Corpse (#12 / 2012).

"On a Sunday morning in Bath, a policeman on beat duty is shot dead - the 3rd killing of an officer in a matter of weeks.
The assassinations are the work of a sniper who seems to be everywhere and nowhere at once, always a step ahead. The younger detectives try their best with what little evidence he leaves, but they're no match for this murderer and his merciless agenda.

When Chief Superintendent Peter Diamond joins the case, he begins to find curious connections between the dead officers after talking to their widows. But a dangerous forest encounter with the killer leaves Diamond in the lurch and the sniper in the wind. Things get even more complicated when the evidence starts to suggest that the killer might be one of Britain's finest--a theory unpopular among Diamond's colleagues. Can Diamond manage to capture an elusive and increasingly dangerous killer while keeping his team from losing faith in him?"


The remaining books in the series are -
- Diamond Solitaire (1992)
- The Summons (1995)
- Bloodhounds (1996)
- Upon a Dark Night (1997)
- The Vault (1999)
- Diamond Dust (2002)
- The House Sitter (2003)
- The Secret Hangman (2007)
- Stagestruck (2011)
- The Tooth Tattoo (2013)
- The Stone Wife (2014)
- Down Among the Dead Men (2015)
- Another One Goes Tonight (2016)
- Beau Death (2017)

 
J.J. Marric
2. J.J. Marric AKA John Creasey (Commander Gideon). J.J. Marric was one of the pen-names used by English writer, John Creasey. Creasey was born in 1908 in Surrey and died in 1973. Over the course of his life he wrote countless series under a variety of names; as John Creasey, Doctor Palfrey, Department Z, The Toff, etc; as J.J. Marric, Commander Gideon; as Anthony Morton, The Baron, and so on. Suffice it to say, he was prolific. I've read one of The Baron books and am enjoying my introductions to the Commander Gideon series. From 1955 - 1976, he wrote 21 books in this police procedural series. I've read two books in the series thus far and have a number of others to try.

a. Gideon's Day (#1 / 1955).












"Gideon's day is a busy one. He balances family commitments with solving a series of seemingly unrelated crimes from which a plot nonetheless evolves and a mystery is solved.

One of the most senior officers within Scotland Yard, George Gideon's crime solving abilities are in the finest traditions of London's world famous police headquarters. His analytical brain and sense of fairness is respected by colleagues and villains alike." (3 stars)


b. Gideon's Week (#2 / 1956). I have but have not yet read.









"Gideon’s week…was long, and getting longer! It had all started when battered wife Ruby Benson set up her wanted-killer husband Sid for capture by the cops, hoping he’d be spending the rest of his worthless life in jail. But Benson had other plans. The brutal madman had escaped. And now he was back on the streets with only one thought in mind…revenge! And it looked like it was up to Commander George Gideon of Scotland Yard to save Ruby from her sadistic spouse’s blood vendetta…or die trying!"

c. Gideon's Month (#4 / 1958).









"I read my first Inspector Gideon mystery, Gideon's Day, 5 or 6 years ago. And while I've accumulated 3 or 4 more books in the series, I've kind of avoided getting back to them. My loss really. 

Gideon's Month, by J.J. Marric, aka John Creasey, is the 4th book in the series. We find Gideon now the Commander of Scotland Yard's Criminal Investigation Division, spending the month running the CID all over London, working various cases, moving and manipulating his personnel like chess pieces to try and get a hold on the varied criminal cases that are in the forefront of his schedule.

It's an interesting, very matter-of-fact police procedural. We follow Gideon, we follow various of his investigators who are working on the applicable cases and also the people who are the victims and / or the instigators of the crimes.
 

There is Frisky Lee, an arch-nemesis from Gideon's past, a man that Gideon has never been able to catch, who is moving to Australia, and who Gideon wants to sort out before he departs. There is a child crime ring; young children being taught to be pick-pockets by their mothers. This case strikes a chord with Gideon and his investigators who have strong feelings about child abuse. There is the nurse/ caretaker who seems to be killing off elder gentlemen to get their money. This is investigated by Inspector Marr, another interesting character. And there are other cases that Gideon follows, encourages his men to push forward and to try and solve the cases.

It's a month in the life, an interesting look at the criminals, the investigators and how the proceed to try and solve the crimes in their hands. I liked it very much and won't wait so long to try another of the Gideon series. (3.5 stars)"


The remaining books in the series are (I'll highlight * those I have on my bookshelf) - 
- Gideon's Night (1957)
- Gideon's Staff (1959) *
- Gideon's Risk (1960) *
- Gideon's Fire (1961)
- Gideon's March (1962) *
- Gideon's Ride (1963)
- Gideon's Vote (1964)
- Gideon's Lot (1965) *
- Gideon's Badge (1966)
- Gideon's Wrath (1967) *
- Gideon's River (1968)
- Gideon's Power (1969)*
- Gideon's Sport (1970)
- Gideon's Art (1971)
- Gideon's Men (1972)
- Gideon's Press (1973) *
- Gideon's Fog (1975) *
- Gideon's Drive (1976)

NB. There were another 5 books written after Creasey's death by William Vivian Butler)

Well, there you go, some books you might want to check out. Have a great weekend!!
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