It was a beautiful day in the Valley today. I finally bit the bullet and put up the outside Xmas lights. I may put a bit more on the fence tomorrow. We'll see.
I finished two books since my last update, two that I started in November. I also received one in the mail yesterday. I'll provide my reviews of the two I finished, the synopses of the two books that I've since started and also that of the new book. I'll also continue with my ongoing look at my favorite authors.
New Books
"The fragrant, sun-checkered canyon lands of the planet Dinadh seem to be a peaceful backwater of the universe...except for one thing. A century ago, a mysterious force wiped out human life on all surrounding worlds, leaving Dinadh untouched. Every team sent to investigate vanished. Every attempt to contact survivors met with a devastating silence. Now the unknown force is back - and this time humanity's only hope for survival lies on Dinadh...with a woman who'd give anything not to get involved.
Lutha Tallstaff is a brilliant linguist, a devoted mother, and a reluctant emissary to Dinadh. Her mission is to locate the famed adventurer Leelson Famber, who has disappeared, taking with him what may be the only clue to the nature of the deadly threat. But for Lutha, finding Famber, who also happens to be her estranged lover and the father of her child, is the last thing she wants to do. At Lutha's side on this perilous quest is her strange and beautiful young son, a boy whose father denies his humanity but whose bizarre abilities will soon have far-reaching consequences. Reunited on Dinadh, the threesome find themselves traversing a planet dazzling in its cool springs and blossoming fruit trees, dangerous in its fountains of fire and rapacious winged wraiths. Yet only when they approach the planet's holiest place will Lutha discover the truth about her child, about the savage Ularians, and about the future of humankind. For she, her lover, and their son figure in a pattern of cosmic importance that will shake the universe - and their understanding of life, love, good and evil - to its very foundations."
Just Finished
"At one time I was a voracious consumer of anything written by horror author, Stephen King. When Rose Madder, Dolores Claiborne and some others came out I kind of lost interest in his books for awhile. I still read and enjoyed The Green Mile and The Gunslinger series. Lately I've tried a few, Under the Dome was ok. When I saw Everything's Eventual: 14 Dark Tales, I thought I'd give it a try as I've tended to enjoy King's short story / novella writing. He has a knack for getting you right into the story and grabbing your attention.
Everything's Eventual was excellent. There wasn't a story that I didn't enjoy. Some grabbed me more than others but they were all excellent. Some stood out for me. The Little Sisters of Eluria featured Roland, the Gunslinger, on his quest. In it he meets up with a dangerous group of nuns. The story drew me right back into Roland's world and introduced a wonderful character, Jenna. The title story, Everything's Eventual introduced a fascinating hit man and reminded me of Firestarter, The Dead Zone with their characters who used the powers of their minds. 1408 was probably the scariest story, featuring a haunted hotel room.. Excellent and downright scary. Riding the Bullet was also excellent, dealing with the devil; creepy and tense.
King's way with words and story crafting are well on display in this collection. It brought me right back to my earliest enjoyment of his works. I'll have to start searching through his books more now.. (4.5 stars)"
"The Coroner by M.R. Hall is the first book in British author Hall's Jenny Cooper mystery series, set in the Severn Vale. I first discovered the series from a Canadian TV version based on the books. The TV series is set in Toronto, Canada, but seems to respect the basic premise of the book. Jenny Cooper, trying to move away from a nasty divorce and to deal with psychological issues, has just taken over the job as the Severn Vale Coroner, basically Bristol England.
Jenny hits the ground running, rubbing people the wrong way, reopening two cases involving the deaths of a young man (apparent suicide while being held in custody at a made-for-profit juvenile detention center) and a young woman (previous resident of the same institution). While trying to deal with her issues, which involve panic attacks, settle into her residence on the Welsh side of the border, and trying to grapple with her new position, Jenny investigates the two deaths. She is suspicious of the previous coroner's investigation (or lack thereof) and feels there is an effort underway to hide the murders under the carpet and also to discredit anyone trying to conduct an investigation.
Jenny is a frustrating character but also appealing, if that makes sense. She has issues, definitely, living of of temazapam (*sp*) to try and control her feelings of panic. She has an initially fractious relationship with her assistant Alison who resents her rehashing the previous coroner's (who died) cases and maybe discrediting his reputation. In fact, Jenny rubs many people the wrong way as she tries to establish herself and this will affect her position.
The story develops slowly but is a very interesting concept. I had some exposure to the concept of the Coroner from a Canadian TV series, Da Vinci's Inquest which dealt with the Vancouver coroner and a British TV series about a coroner in Cornwall, but I think this is the first written series I've tried. It's an interesting variation as the coroner isn't the police but still conducts investigations involving suspicious deaths and can recommend criminal charges and other sorts of recommendations.
Jenny is definitely an interesting character. I liked Alison as she tries to adjust to Jenny's ways and also tries to defend her old boss. There are other interesting characters; Steve, her new 'handsome' neighbor and also the Welsh policeman, Mr Williams, who assists her investigation. The cases were interesting, the corporate corruption well crafted and the introduction to Jenny was excellent. Tense and well-written, the story is an excellent introduction to this series. (4.5 stars)"
Currently Reading
"Space Legionnaires
They
were the greatest trio of swashbuckling adventurers ever to shop out to
the stars! There was giant Hal Samdu, rock-like Jay Kalam and the
incomparable shrewd and knavish Giles Habibula.
Here is there
first thrilling adventure - the peril-packed attempt to rescue the most
important person in the galaxy, keeper of the vital secret essential to
humanity's survival in the deadly struggle against the incredibly evil
Medusae... "
"The Irishman is
an epic saga of organized crime in post-war America told through the
eyes of World War II veteran Frank Sheeran, a hustler and hitman who
worked for legendary crime boss Russell Bufalino alongside some of the
most notorious figures of the 20th Century. Spanning decades, Sheeran's
story chronicles one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American
history, the disappearance of legendary union boss Jimmy Hoffa, and
offers a monumental journey through the hidden corridors of organized
crime: its inner workings, rivalries and connections to mainstream
politics. Sheeran would rise to a position of such prominence that in a
RICO suit against The Commission of La Cosa Nostra, the US Government
would name him as one of only two non-Italians in conspiracy with the
Commission. Sheeran is listed alongside the likes of Anthony "Tony Pro"
Provenzano and Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno.
In the course of
nearly five years of recorded interviews, Sheeran confessed to Charles
Brandt that he handled more than twenty-five hits for the mob, and
Brandt turned Sheeran's story into a page-turning true crime classic."
My Favorite Authors - Ngaio Marsh
Dame Edith Ngaio Marsh was a New Zealand crime writer. She lived from 1895 - 1982. She was one of the Queen's of Crime, along with Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers and Margery Allingham. Over the course of her life, he wrote 33 novels in the series I've enjoyed the most, the Roderick Alleyn mystery series. I've read 14 books in the series since I discovered it. It's excellent. I'll highlight the last 5 books I've enjoyed in the series.
Ngaio Marsh
"The Inspector Alleyn mystery series by Ngaio Marsh is one of the classics, like Agatha Christie's mystery books or those of Josephine Tey... to name a few. I've enjoyed 13 of the books so far, all entertaining and excellent mysteries. When in Rome is one of the later books, originally published in 1970 and it finds Alleyn on his own, working undercover for Scotland Yard and Interpol in Rome.
Alleyn is trying to find out about the drug syndicates, led by a man known as Ziegfeldt. His syndicate has changed its routing of drugs and Alleyn believes his contact in Rome is a man by the name of Sebastian Mailer, a British citizen. Mailer has other side lights besides dealing drugs; they include blackmail and murder.
Mailer organizes a tour of the city, which includes visits to shady night spots. Alleyn instigates himself into one of the tours. The other members of the tour all have their own secrets; maybe being blackmailed or trying to purchase drugs from Mailer. It's an interesting group and becomes more interesting when a body is found and Mailer disappears.
There is your kernel of the story and mystery; and Alleyn must tred carefully and ensure he doesn't interfere or upset the Italian authorities in their own investigation. Marsh almost sets the story up as a play, as she does in many of her stories. She provides the Cast of characters and then enjoyably presents them and develops them.
As in all the Alleyn mysteries I've read so far, the Inspector is smart, intuitive and capable. He must work without his intrepid sidekick, Fox for this one, although we do see him briefly even just as a corresponder to Alleyn. As well, his love, Troy is only another character we see at the end of Alleyn's correspondence, but that suffices for this story. As always, enjoyable and caringly presented. It's not necessary to read in sequence although I'd suggest reading the first few to get comfortable with the story style and the various characters that people Marsh's excellent mystery series. (4 stars)"
"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)"
"I've enjoyed reading the Inspector Alleyn mysteries by Ngaio Marsh very much. I've read the first few in order but I've also jumped around a bit in the series. A case in point being my latest, Spinsters in Jeopardy which is the 17th book in the series. I guess it's probably somewhat important to read the series in order as you do get to see how Alleyn's relationship with artist, Agatha Troy develops. I was a bit surprised to find that the duo now have a son. But having said that, the stories also stand very well on their own.
In Spinsters, we see our intrepid family on a 'vacation' in southern France, ostensibly visiting a long lost relative of Troy's. On the train journey to Roqueville, as the train approaches the city, both Alleyn and Troy see what appears to be an act of violence from their train compartment. On arrival in Roqueville, they are also thrown into a dire situation, as one of the passengers, an elderly woman, Miss Truebody, has a problem with her appendix and must see a doctor immediately. Fortunately, while all of the local doctors are away at a conference, there is an Egyptian doctor at the villa, which the train just passed and the family brings Miss Truebody there.
Now Alleyn isn't exactly on vacation, he is instead working with la Surete to find a drug smuggling ring working in the area. So, there is lots going on here. Alleyn must try to remain somewhat incognito as he visits la Chevre de l'Argent (the silver goat), as there appear to be people there who know both he and Troy. He must keep his family safe from the strange goings on at the chateau, while still investigating. There is more going on than just drug smuggling, maybe>
For an Alleyn mystery, there is considerable action. There are great characters, Alleyn, Troy (nice to see her playing a bigger role) and Ricky, their young son. As well, you have the inestimable Raoul, Alleyn's driver who is so much assistance. And of course, suitable villain abound. It's an interesting, quick moving story and one of the more entertaining Alleyn mysteries. (4 stars)"
"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) "
"Death at the Bar is the 9th book in the Inspector Roderick Alleyn mystery series by Ngaio Marsh and the 14th that I've read; obviously not all sequence. I don't think it's critical to read them in order but there are changes in Alleyn's life that do make it worth while to do so.
The story start at an isolated village and pub in south Devon. We meet the main characters; one Luke Watchman, distinguished barrister, gets into a fender bender with another man, while on his way to the Plume of Feathers. He plans to spend his annual holiday with his cousin; an actor and his best friend, a painter. The rest of the cast is a small group; a young woman graduate, a lady (another painter) from Ireland, a drunk farmer and the inn owner and his son. Someone will die and although the inquest seems to indicate it may have been an accident, the inn owner, not satisfied and also fearing for his inn's reputation, goes to Scotland Yard and presents himself to Inspector Alleyn and his intrepid Sgt Fox. Alleyn can't just go lollygagging down to Devon without a request from the local authorities but this also comes.
So our two intrepid investigators head off to see what's what and that's the gist of the story. It appears that the victim has been poisoned with arsenic. How this happened is one of the subjects of the inquiry. Was it when he was pricked by a dart? Was it when he drank the glass of brandy? Or something else? And who might have done it? The woman he harassed? The cousin who would inherit his estate? The man who collided with him? Or one of the others?
It's an interesting, nicely paced mystery, as are all of the Alleyn mysteries. The witnesses / suspects aren't very forthcoming, quite often due to their distrust of the police; the big machine! Alleyn and Fox make a great team, one playing off the other and the local police are also interesting enough. The story builds very nicely and gets quite exciting as we near the end, no big bombs going off or anything like that, but very tense. All in all, a satisfying, excellent, entertaining story. (4 stars)"
So there you go, a few books to give you a bit of a feel for Marsh's work. The complete list of her novels can be found at this link.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. 😷
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