A Sunday Update and My Favorite Authors

Thanks for the bath, Dad

It's been a nice relaxing Sunday. Jo made a huge pot of pork stew last night and we had a bowl for lunch. Yummy! The puppies also had a bath today. Lots of fun. It's just cool enough that they've been curled up as close as possible as they can to us.

The Glam Look!

I finished my 3rd book of March this morning. I'll provide my review of it plus the synopsis of the next book in line. I'll also continue with my ongoing and quickly winding down look at favorite authors.

Just Finished

1. The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper (The Dark is Rising #2).

"The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper is the 2nd book of her YA / Fantasy Dark is Rising series of 5 books. There was a gap of 8 years between the first two and the 2nd features a different cast of characters but the story follows the same theme of the battle between Good (the Old Ones) and Evil (the Dark Tide).

In this story, young Will Stanton is about to turn eleven and it's almost Christmas and Will is the 7th son of a 7th son and his life is about to change forever.Did this grab your interest? Well, Will is to discover he is a special person, the last of the 'Old Ones' to come into his own and he has a huge, scary, fascinating mission, because..... 'the Dark is Rising'.

Will must grow up quickly because he and his world will be put in desperate straits. Will must find the Signs to keep the Dark at bay, hence his title the Sign-Seeker. Throughout his journey he will be assisted by various Old Ones, especially fascinating Mr. Merriman and threatened by the Dark Rider. It's a great adventure that will travel through time to different ages, all the while his present time will be threatened by the Dark, in the form of a major snowstorm that blankets southern England.

We get to meet Will's excellent family and his neighbors and friends and also those members of the Old Ones who exist on so many planes. There are scary enemies, the Dark Rider, the Witch Girl, the ravens and also those who you won't know for sure, especially the Walker.

Cooper has created an imaginative, fascinating world. The story is somewhat ponderous at times but still so very interesting. I can see characteristics utilized by other fantasy authors; the Old Ones,, the Hunt, etc. Will is an excellent character and his friends and family make a great cast of supporters. The journey is dark and foreboding but there is also hope in the battle with the Dark forces. I've enjoyed both of the 1st two books so far and look forward to reading the others, which already reside on my bookshelves. I also look forward to trying her trilogy, The Boggart. (3.5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks (Culture #2). This is one of my favorite Sci-Fi series.

"The Culture--a humanoid/machine symbiotic society--has thrown up many great Game Players. One of the best is Jernau Morat Gurgeh, Player of Games, master of every board, computer and strategy. Bored with success, Gurgeh travels to the Empire of Azad, cruel & incredibly wealthy, to try their fabulous game, a game so complex, so like life itself, that the winner becomes emperor. Mocked, blackmailed, almost murdered, Gurgeh accepts the game and with it the challenge of his life, and very possibly his death."

My Favorite Authors - Victoria Thompson

Victoria Thompson

Victoria Thompson is an American author of an interesting mystery series, the Gaslight books, set in turn of the century (20th century) New York, when Teddy Roosevelt is Chief of Police. The book features midwife Sarah Brandt who comes from a wealthy family but lives a working life. It also features Police Detective Frank Malloy who has a sometimes antagonist relationship with Sarah but who also ends up working with her on the cases featured in each book. It's a neat series. Thompson has written 23 books in this series. I've read the first six so far.

1. Murder on Astor Place (1999).

"A new author for me, this is the first book in the Gaslight mystery series. I enjoyed this very much. I liked the setting, New York city when Teddy Roosevelt was trying to improve the police force. The story resolves around mid-wife, Sarah Brandt, a widow, and Police Sgt Frank Malloy. Malloy asks her help to go through the effects of a young woman murdered in a flat in a house where Sarah has gone to perform her mid-wife duties. Almost against his will, Frank finds himself getting more assistance from Sarah in investigating the case. With her background with the rich of New York, she can gain ready access to the people involved. The story was interesting, well-paced and well-written. I'm looking forward to starting the second book, Murder on St Mark's Place. (3 stars)"

2. Murder on St. Mark's Place (2000).

"I enjoyed the first Gaslight series mystery earlier and must say I liked this one even more. I like both of the main characters, Sarah Brandt, the midwife who also gets involved solving mysteries, and Police detective, Frank Malloy. They make a very nice team and the mysteries they work on are well-crafted and well-paced. I like reading about the time frame the stories are set in, turn-of-the- century New York City. I like how both characters personal stories are developing and I like their relationship, which is developing into a very nice friendship. I also like that Sarah's neighbour, Mrs. Ellsworth is taking shape and becoming more three-dimensional, not just a busy-body neighbour. Victoria Thompson has moved the series to a new level with this second story and I hope the others continue to develop her characters and her writing style. Excellent and most enjoyable. And an interesting, tensely crafted mystery to boot.. :0) (4 stars)"

3. Murder on Gramercy Park (2001).

"I'm finding this a very entertaining series. I like the developing relationship between mid-wife Sarah Brandt and Inspector Frank Malloy. Sarah is a spunky, likable personality and Malloy finds himself growing more attached to her and comfortable with her even as he tries to keep her out of his investigations. I enjoyed this mystery, the murder of a healer which at first appears to be a suicide. Many suspects; his partner, his wife and/ or her lover, or his wife's father and others. Malloy and Brandt work together to sort the crimes out, as other suspects are murdered. The interesting thing is the access that Sarah, who comes from a rich family, can gain to these households and because of that, Malloy is also able to interrogate the wealthy. The situation in New York for the police is changing, they are becoming less corrupt, due in part to the leadership of Teddy Roosevelt. At any rate, an entertaining, well-written, nicely flowing mystery. I will keep reading this series. (4 stars)"

4. Murder on Washington Square (2002).

"Murder on Washington Square is the 4th book in the Gaslight mystery series by Victoria Thompson. The series stars New York midwife, Sarah Brandt who finds herself involved in various mysteries over the course of her travels and who partners with, albeit not always voluntarily, with Police Detective, Frank Malloy.

In this 4th book, the son of Sarah's neighbour, Mrs. Ellsworth, is arrested for the murder of a young woman. It seems she has been blackmailing him, after he got her pregnant, and her dead body is discovered in Washington Square. Prior to this event, Mr. Ellsworth has asked for Sarah's help in determining if the woman is in fact pregnant only to have their efforts rebuffed. The woman is found shortly thereafter, hence the suspicion that Mr. Ellsworth is guilty.

Sarah asks her friend Malloy to help in the investigation as she can't believe the young man is capable of murder. This starts an interesting chain of events as the investigation progresses. Malloy's relationship with Sarah becomes somewhat more friendly, Sarah's relationship with her parents is improved; the press hounds Mrs. Ellsworth and her son, and many interesting clues and facts are unearthed, including another attempted murder.

The story moves along very nicely and the characters as always are very enjoyable. The mystery, while not necessarily too complex, keeps you thinking and the whole story and setting, early 1900 NY City, adds to the interest. As well, there are clues dropped for future stories, that will make you want to continue reading. I've found that the stories and character development have improved a bit with each story. I'm looking forward to starting #5. (4 stars)"

5. Murder on Mulberry Bend (2003).

"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)"

6. Murder on Marble Row (2004).

"I've enjoyed the Gaslight Mysteries since the very first book. Murder on Marble Row by Victoria Thompson is the sixth book in the series. In this latest mystery, mid-wife Sarah Brandt and Detective Sgt Frank Malloy investigate the murder of wealthy industrialist Gregory van Dyke. He is killed in an explosion at his office. Suspects abound; oldest son Creighton who has left home and taken up with anarchists, van Dyke's partner Mr Snowberger with whom there has been considerable enmity, youngest son Tad, the anarchists, etc. Frank is assigned the case by the Police Commissioner, Teddy Roosevelt, himself, which adds to the pressure on him.

It's an entertaining story. Both Sarah and Frank are wonderful characters, both with their own issues. Sarah has strong feelings for a young girl living in an 'orphanage' but her lifestyle as a mid-wife makes her concerned about adopting her. Frank's young deaf son, Brian, has shown steady improvement after surgery to repair his club-foot and Frank is now trying to sort out whether he should go to school. We don't see as much of Sarah's neighbor,  Mrs Ellsworth but there is enough to still enjoy her character. But in this story, Sarah's mother, Mrs. Decker, plays a bigger role and her common sense attitude and straight forward ways are a breath of fresh air. She accompanies Sarah in her investigations, even travelling on the subway and wandering around the streets of the seedier areas of New York. It was nice to see her playing a bigger role.

All in all, it's an entertaining story, frantic at times and it progresses very nicely, investigation mixed with the personal lives of Sarah and Frank. The picture of New York in the early 1900's is well portrayed and the characters are all interesting. Has their been progress in Sarah's and Frank's relationship? Well, somewhat maybe, but you'd have to read it to come to your own conclusions. Still entertaining and enjoyable, much recommended. (4.0 stars)"

I have another 4 books in the series on my bookshelf. The complete list of Thompson's books can be found at this link.

Have a great, safe week. 😷

A Reading Update and My Favorite Authors

Yesterday was a rainy, windy day but today has been quite nice. If it's like this tomorrow, I may go for a morning walk. Since my last update, I've completed one book. I also received a new book in the mail. I'll provide my review of the completed book, the synopsis of the next book in line and also the synopsis of the new book. I'll also get back to my ongoing look at my favorite authors. I've got about 6 left on my list.

New Book

1. Rocannon's World by Ursula K. Le Guin (Hainish Cycle #1). I'm sure I read this back in my university days but I'm looking forward to reading the complete series.

"A world shared by three native humanoid races - the cavern-dwelling Gdemiar, elvish Fiia, and warrior clan, Liuar - is suddenly invaded and conquered by a fleet of ships from the stars. Earth scientist Rocannon is on that world, and he sees his friends murdered and his spaceship destroyed. Marooned among alien peoples, he leads the battle to free this new world - and finds that legends grow around him even as he fights."

Just Finished

1. The Baron and the Arrogant Artist by Anthony Morton (John Creasey) (The Baron #44). I found an episode of The Baron, starring Steve Forrest, on YouTube after I read this. Reminded me of The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Saint and all those shows.

"The Baron and the Arrogant Artist is author Anthony Morton's 44th book in his The Baron mystery / adventure series. Morton, nee John Creasey, also wrote under the name JJ Marric, Gordon Ashe, Creasey, etc etc. He was a prolific writer and some of his series, including the Baron, were turned into successful TV series. The Baron books, on their own, consisted of 40+ books. 

The Baron, in reality antique dealer John Mannering, started out his career as a jewel thief, the began assisting the police, and by the time of this story, had retired as the Baron, and was enjoying life as a high end antique dealer, from his store Quinns, living a successful, wealthy life with beautiful wife, successful artist, Lorna Mannering.

A young couple show up at Mannering's store, Tom Forrester (budding artist) and girl friend Julie Clarendon. Forrester, an angry young man, feels that people like Mannering should sponsor budding artists and becomes quite obstreperous about it. Mannering agrees to go to their flat and check out Forrester's work. Before he can do it, Julie calls in a panic. It seems that Forrester has tried to hang himself and she is beside herself. Mannering goes and assists and discovers someone in their attic who tries to kill Mannering.

The story moves on from their, becoming more of a mystery. The police are looking for the Fiora jewels. Someone is trying to link Mannering with them. Are the young couple involved and, if so, how? How about their neighbors, the Pagets? Threats are made against Mannering, there is a break-in at his home, endangering Lorna. New police inspector Willison is suspicious of Mannering and wants to investigate old Baron cases. 

It's a well-crafted, interesting story as we follow Mannering once again assuming his Baron alter ego to conduct his own investigation and keep his wife safe. He is a neat character, think maybe Raffles, and his assistant, ex-police inspector and ex-nemesis Bristow, is also straight-forward and efficient. The story moves along nicely, developing and increasing tension. Not a complex story but still most entertaining. I've enjoyed Creasey's Inspector Gideon (written under JJ Marric) very much. I'm going to read more books in this series, starting from the beginning. (3.5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. The Hermit of Eyton Forest by Ellis Peters (Cadfael #14). Both a favorite book series and TV series of mine.

"Brother Cadfael’s pastoral life is upended by the disappearance of a young boy and the arrival of a saintly hermit.

The year is 1142, and England is in the grip of civil war. Within the cloisters of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, there begins a chain of events no less momentous than the upheavals of the outside world.

It starts with the sad demise of Richard Ludel, Lord of Eyton, whose ten-year-old son and heir, also named Richard, is a pupil at the abbey. The boy refuses to surrender his newly inherited powers to Dionysia, his furious, formidable grandmother. A stranger to the region is the hermit Cuthred, who enjoys the protection of Lady Dionysia, and whose young companion, Hyacinth, befriends Richard. Despite his reputation for holiness, Cuthred’s arrival heralds a series of mishaps for the monks. When a corpse is found in Eyton forest, Brother Cadfael must devote his knowledge of human nature to tracking down a ruthless murderer."

My Favorite Authors - Josephine Tey

Josephine Tey

Josephine Tey, née Elizabeth MacKintosh, was born in Inverness, Scotland in 1896 and died in London in 1952. She wrote plays under the name Gordon Daviot but I'm focused on her mystery novels. She wrote six mystery novels featuring Scotland Yard inspector Alan Grant. She also wrote two standalone mysteries. Thus far I've enjoyed 5 of these novels. Recently I discovered a mystery series by Nicola Upson which features Josephine Tey as the protagonist of a number of mysteries. I've read two so far and enjoyed them. Today I'll look at the five books I've read by Tey.

1. The Franchise Affair (Inspector Grant #3/ 1948).

"The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey is listed as the 3rd book in her Inspector Grant mystery series, but in fact, he plays only a very minor inconsequential role in this story. Josephine Tey wrote six books in this series over the course of her life. I've now read four of them. I think, though, that my favorite book of hers so far was her standalone mystery, Brat Farrar, which was an excellent story.

As I mentioned Inspector Grant makes only a couple of brief appearances in this story and is mentioned once or twice besides. The story belongs to small-town English lawyer, Robert Blair, who may be considered somewhat staid and comfortable with his life. However this will be turned upside down when he receives a call from one Marion Sharpe who lives at an estate called The Franchise (understand the title now?) with her mother. They have been accused of kidnapping a fifteen year old girl and keeping her locked up in the attic for a month, basically as a free labor force, until the girl escapes and eventually reports the two to the police.

Inspector Grant (in his main appearance) brings the girl to the estate, accompanied by the local police inspector and also Robert Blair, where the girl describes the house and shows where she was held. The rest of the story involves Robert and some friends investigating the claims and trying to prove the girl is a liar. This is something very new for Roger and he finds himself drawn to Marion and frustrated with his perceived limitations. 

It's a very interesting, different mystery. It moves along slowly as Roger tries to determine his courses of action, how to investigate, how to protect the two women from curious onlookers and more dangerous intruders. The whole process is fascinating and while resolution might seem somewhat pat, ultimately, it doesn't really matter as the journey to this solution is readable and enjoyable. The story is peopled with wonderful characters, from Roger's Aunt Lim and his cousin Nevil and the two garage men, Stanley and Bill, who help Roger and the ladies; and of course, Marion and her mother as well, both down to earth and matter of fact in the middle of this awful situation.

Entertaining mystery, great characters and story telling and satisfying resolution. (4 stars)"

2. To Love and Be Wise (Inspector Grant #4 / 1950).

"To Love and Be Wise is the 4th book in the Inspector Grant mystery series by Josephine Tey. If you enjoy Agatha Christie or Ngaio Marsh or Dorothy Sayers, you'll also enjoy this classic writer of mysteries.

Inspector Grant is a Scotland Yard inspector who has been assigned to investigate a disappearance of an American. It turns out that Grant had previously met this American when he was attending a party with his actress acquaintance, Marta Hallard. The American, photographer Leslie Searle, meets Grant and through him another acquaintance of Grant. Searle is asked to spend a weekend with the at the families estate. After a time there, Searle disappears, is presumed possibly to have drowned or been murdered and Grant is assigned to investigate.

The rest of the story is taken up with Grant's investigation. It's quite a gentle story but it is thoughtful and well-written and keeps you engrossed. Grant is a likeable, appealing character to carry the story. His investigation is tidy and intuitive and the people with whom he interacts are also quirky and interesting. I especially liked his Sgt, Williams, as he is a nice foil for Grant and he admires Grant very much. I also liked Grant's 'girlfriend', actress Marta Hallard; lovely, intelligent, sensible and someone who Grant is able to bounce his thoughts off.

All in all, I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. It was well-crafted, thoughtful and ended satisfyingly. (4 stars)"

3. A Shilling for Candles (Inspector Grant #2 / 1936).

"Beneath the sea cliffs of the south coast, suicides are a sad but common fact. Yet even the hardened coastguard knows something is wrong when a beautiful young film actress is found lying dead on the beach one morning. Inspector Grant has to take a more professional attitude: death by suicide, however common, has to have a motive - just like murder." (4 stars)

4. Brat Farrar (1949).

"I've read a few books by Josephine Tey. The others have been part of her Inspector Alan Grant Series. Brat Farrar is one of two standalone mysteries by Tey. It was also turned into a TV mini-series and a movie. 

I will readily admit that I had an inkling about part of the book when I was fairly shortly into it and this turned out to be correct. However, having said that, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book at all.

Brat Farrar, an orphan, left England at a young age and traveled through France and the US until as he neared the age of 21, he returned to England. Alex Loding sees him by chance in London and realizes that he looks remarkably like Patrick Ashby, who committed suicide as a young boy after a tragic accident which killed his parents. The Ashby's live in Westover County and run an estate that makes its money breeding horses. Simon Ashby, Patrick's younger twin stands to inherit the estate on achieving his 21st birthday. Alex Lodings' proposal is that Brat should turn up at the Ashby estate and claim the inheritance and for his efforts, Alex would receive a monthly allowance from Brat.

Brat allows himself to be persuaded and after training on Patrick's life and that of the family, he introduces himself to the family solicitors to be identified as the true heir.

I won't get into the story anymore except to say that all goes well, and Brat is welcomed into the family as the long lost prodigy. There are of course mixed feelings, especially those of Simon who now loses the inheritance.

The story is an evenly paced work of fiction as we follow Brat through his introductions and new life with the Ashbys. They are wonderful characters, especially Aunt Bea, who has run the estate while Simon, now Brat, grew to the appropriate age to take over. And also, the lovely Eleanor, oldest of the sisters, who trains horses and welcomes Brat. 

At times I wondered how this would work out, waiting patiently for some action. But, you know, it wasn't necessary. The story reminded me of watching one of those thoughtful, excellent movies on TCM, the classics, enjoying the characters and the story. Of course, Brat's taking over of the life of Patrick has consequences and it's a joy to see how everything is resolved. 

An excellent novel and enjoyable mystery, one of those little surprising gems (5 stars)"

5. The Man in the Queue (Inspector Grant #1 / 1929)

"Enjoyable classic mystery. I liked Inspector Grant, a sound police inspector but also fallible. There wasn't a lot of detail on his helpers although they did form key parts of the investigation into the murder of the man in the queue. Interesting story, nice twists and even though I thought I had figured out the guilty party, there was a nice logical twist to the story that kept me in the dark. If you like classic British crime stories, I recommend." (3 stars)

I have the last two Inspector Grant books on my shelf. The complete listing of Tey's books can be found at this link. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and next week. Take care and stay safe. 😷

A Midweek Reading Update and New Books

This is a bit of a catch up post; update on the last books completed, some new books and the latest books started. I'll review the last 3 books I've read and the follow-on books plus I've received some new books this past week so I'll provide the synopses of those too.

Most Recently Completed

1.Agatha Raisin and the Day the Floods Came by M.C. Beaton (Agatha Raisin #12).

"Agatha Raisin and the Day the Floods Came is the 12th Agatha Raisin mystery by M.C. Beaton. Once again, Agatha, who had retired to the Cotswolds finds herself involved investigating a murder mystery.

The story starts with Agatha running away to an island out in the Pacific. Her marriage to James Lacey had ended when he ran off to a monastery. While Agatha enjoys her stay, the wife of a newly wed couple is found dead and her new husband arrested for murder. Back in Evesham, Agatha discovers she has a new neighbor, a mystery writer John Armitage. After a few mishaps, they finally meet but Agatha doesn't take to the man. Starting a new healthy life, she takes a Pilates course in a neighboring town. While there she discovers a body floating in the flooding river.

Along with her ex-partner in the publishing business, Roy, she begins investigating the murder of the young lady. They pretend to be news reporters looking into clubbing activities of the local young people. Her new neighbor also ends up assisting Agatha in her investigation. The young lady was found in her wedding dress and suspects abound, especially her work mates and her fiance and old boyfriend.

It's a very shallow group of people for the most part. Agatha still struggles with personal issues; should she or shouldn't she get involved with John. Is she too old? All the old issues come back to haunt her. For such a successful business person, Agatha has many issues still unresolved. But she is trying to quit smoking finally which is something. Her friend Mrs. Bloxby is a steadying influence, trying to protect Agatha from getting involved in another heart-breaking relationship. Her friend Bill, the local cop, makes appearances but not in such a major role as normal because Agatha is dealing with the Worcester police department. Even Charles, her rich friend and sometime paramour makes an appearance. Only James Lacey is absent.

It's an interesting tale even if Agatha is wearing a bit thin. She needs something good to happen in her life, needs to regain her bounce and confidence. Still, there is enough action, an interesting mystery and a satisfying ending. (3.5 stars)"

2. Wycliffe and the Dead Flautist by W.J. Burley (Wycliffe #17)

"Wycliffe and the Dead Flautist is the 17th book in the Superintendent Charles Wycliffe mystery series by W.J. Burley. The books are set in the Cornwall region of the UK. I've not read the series in any particular order and it hasn't affected my enjoyment of the books by reading them in this manner.

Wycliffe and his wife Helen have returned from the Dordogne region of France and Wycliffe is drawn immediately into a 'murder', or more accurately a suicide, which the investigating officer believes to be a murder. This has occurred on the estate of Lord and Lady Bottrel; the body of their groundskeeper has been found in his cottage, killed with his shotgun.

An aside here. Wycliffe has returned thinking he might like to retire in the Dordogne... except "his French wasn't very good, he found the summers there too hot, he had never fished in his life and he didn't particularly like the French.'... lol

Anyway, the body has been discovered by a young couple, son of the Lord and daughter of the Lord's lawyer, whose home is also on the estate. The investigation will for the most part stick to that seemingly isolated estate, with Wycliffe and his team, led by Inspector Kersey, his Scene of Crime expert Fox and DS Lucy Lane. Of course there are others who help, including the pathologist Franks, with whom he has a respectful relationship... Besides the investigators who make up an interesting team, you've got a mix of suspects / witnesses from the Bottrels, the Landers and the family of missing young woman Lizzie Biddick, whose importance to the investigation grows as the story moves along.

I do like Wycliffe, who uses his forensic teams and investigators, often as sounding boards for his thoughts as he tries to get a sense of the investigation. Wycliffe needs to be at the location (most Superintendents would stay back and let the investigators do their work) to get a feel for the area for the people for the crime scene. Of course that means that lovely, understanding Helen is once again on her own.

As always, an interesting mystery with tenuous clues and uncooperative but seemingly cooperative witnesses. It seems at times like Wycliffe is pulling teeth. There is a mixture of sexual issues, maybe blackmail, etc that Wycliffe must  work through as he and his team investigate. I like the way they interact, an excellent working relationship, discussions over breakfast and meals at the local inn.

Considering the small cast of characters, progress is slow but steady and there are no obvious suspects (or all they all suspects?). The ending comes quickly and ultimately satisfyingly. I like Wycliffe very much, his style, his personality and I also like those who work with him, no matter how small their role. I think I like that we aren't swamped with their personal issues; it's all about the investigation. All in all, I enjoyed very much, have no complaints with the progress of the investigation or the final denouement. Very satisfying; a favorite series of mine. (4.5 stars)"

3. The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie (Miss Marple #3).

"The Moving Finger is the 3rd Miss Marple mystery by mystery author, Agatha Christie. Having said that Jane Marple plays a very small, albeit critical role in this entertaining story.

The narrator and focus of the story is one Jerry Burton, a young man who, along with his lovely sister Joanna, has moved temporarily to the small country town of Lymstock, taking up rented accommodation from elderly Miss Barton. Miss Barton, being somewhat down on her luck and experiencing monetary difficulties has rented out her house and moved herself and her maid into a smaller residence. Jerry was a flyer and injured himself in a crash and his doctor sent him off to the country for rest and rehabilitation.

Relaxation becomes something of an issue when the pair receive an anonymous letter implying that the two are not really brother / sister in very derogatory terms. While they find this very disturbing, the pair, as they make rounds of the other villagers discover that they are not the only ones who have received such letters; Mr Symmington is having an affair with his clerk, etc etc. For the first portion of the novel, we meet the other main characters as seen through Jerry and Joanna's eyes. Mr. Symmington, the lawyer and his fragile wife, their daughter, the unloved Megan who attaches herself to the Burton's, their nanny, young lovely Elsie Holland who cares for their two boys; the doctor Mr Griffiths and his busy body sister Aimee Griffiths; the quirky vicar's wife Mrs Dane Calthrop. She has a habit of seeing right through you, telling you truths which make you feel uncomfortable. Definitely my favorite character.

The letters ultimately result in the death (by suicide) of one of the residents. This brings in Inspector Nash, a competent, efficient police inspector who begins an investigation of the letters and who might have written them. It's deemed that while the death might have been a suicide, the letter writer must bear a responsibility. When another death, a murder takes place, the residents of town begin to suspect each other.

Finally, about 3/4's of the way through this entertaining, flowing story, Mrs Dane Calthrop calls in an expert, who turns out to be Miss Marple. And while she makes only small appearances to the story afterwards, she will be the source of the fascinating conclusion to the mystery. I have to say that I've probably seen various TV versions of this story, featuring one or two of the wonderful actresses who portrayed Miss Marple. And while I remembered the story and had a vague recollection of who might have committed the crimes, it still came as a pleasant surprise to me. It's a short story but is peopled with wonderful characters, especially the Burtons and of course the wonderful Dane Calthrop and it flows so nicely and is light, airy and wonderful. I really couldn't put it down and enjoyed everything about it... well, there could have been more of Miss Marple. (4.5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper (Dark Rising #2).

""When the Dark comes rising, six shall turn it back, three from the circle, three from the track; wood, bronze, iron; water, fire, stone; five will return, and one go alone.”

With these mysterious words, Will Stanton discovers on his 11th birthday that he is no mere boy. He is the Sign-Seeker, last of the immortal Old Ones, destined to battle the powers of evil that trouble the land. His task is monumental: he must find and guard the six great Signs of the Light, which, when joined, will create a force strong enough to match and perhaps overcome that of the Dark. Embarking on this endeavor is dangerous as well as deeply rewarding; Will must work within a continuum of time and space much broader than he ever imagined."

2. The Baron and the Arrogant Artist by Anthony Morton (Baron #44).

"When an unpleasant young man called Forrester forced his way into Quinns, determined that Mannering should finance his artistic efforts, the art dealer was firm but unimpressed.

The Baron was not to know that later that day he would receive a desperate phone call from the artist's terrified girl-friend. She had found Forrester half-dead, hanging with a noose round his neck. But why should such a brash young man want to kill himself? Or was the victim of attempted murder?"

3. The Murder in the Links by Agatha Christie (Hercule Poirot #2).

"On a French golf course, a millionaire is found stabbed in the back…

An urgent cry for help brings Poirot to France. But he arrives too late to save his client, whose brutally stabbed body now lies face downwards in a shallow grave on a golf course.

But why is the dead man wearing his son’s overcoat? And who was the impassioned love-letter in the pocket for? Before Poirot can answer these questions, the case is turned upside down by the discovery of a second, identically murdered corpse…"

New Books

1. The President is Missing by Bill Clinton & James Patterson (2018).

"The President is Missing. The world is in shock.

But the reason he’s missing is much worse than anyone can imagine.

With details only a President could know, and the kind of suspense only James Patterson can deliver."

2. The Man Who Would Be King & Other Stories by Rudyard Kipling (1888). 

"This anthology of tales by Rudyard Kipling contains some of the most memorable and popular examples of the genre of which he is an undisputed master. The Man Who Would Be King (later adapted as a spectacular film) is a vivid narrative of exotic adventure and disaster.

The other tales include the ironic, horrific, poignant and haunting. Here Kipling displays his descriptive panache and realistic boldness. Shrewd, audacious, abrasive and challenging, he remains absorbingly readable.

Contents of this Wordsworth Classics edition:
* The Education of Otis Yeere
* At the Pit's Mouth
* A Wayside Comedy
* The Hill of Illusion
* A Second-Rate Woman
* Only a Subaltern
* The Phantom 'Rickshaw
* My Own True Ghost Story
* The Strange Ride of Morrowbie Jukes
* The Man Who Would Be King
* Wee Willie Winkie
* Baa Baa, Black Sheep
* His Majesty the King
* The Drums of the Fore and Aft"

3. The Alexandria Link by Steve Berry (Cotton Malone #2).

"Cotton Malone retired from the high-risk world of elite operatives for the U.S. Justice Department to lead the low-key life of a rare-book dealer. But his quiet existence is shattered when he receives an anonymous e-mail: “You have something I want. You’re the only person on earth who knows where to find it. Go get it. You have 72 hours. If I don’t hear from you, you will be childless.” His horrified ex-wife confirms that the threat is real: Their teenage son has been kidnapped. When Malone’s Copenhagen bookshop is burned to the ground, it becomes brutally clear that those responsible will stop at nothing to get what they want. And what they want is nothing less than the lost Library of Alexandria.

A cradle of ideas–historical, philosophical, literary, scientific, and religious–the Library of Alexandria was unparalleled in the world. But fifteen hundred years ago, it vanished into the mists of myth and legend–its vast bounty of wisdom coveted ever since by scholars, fortune hunters, and those who believe its untold secrets hold the key to ultimate power.

Now a cartel of wealthy international moguls, bent on altering the course of history, is desperate to breach the library’s hallowed halls–and only Malone possesses the information they need to succeed. At stake is an explosive ancient document with the potential not only to change the destiny of the Middle East but to shake the world’s three major religions to their very foundations.

Pursued by a lethal mercenary, Malone crosses the globe in search of answers. His quest will lead him to England and Portugal, even to the highest levels of American government–and the shattering outcome, deep in the Sinai desert, will have worldwide repercussions."

4. Murder on the Champs de Mars by Cara Black (Aimee Leduc #15).

"Paris, April 1999: Aimée Leduc has her work cut out for her—running her detective agency and fighting off sleep deprivation as she tries to be a good single mother to her new bébé. The last thing she has time for now is to take on a personal investigation for a poor manouche (Gypsy) boy. But he insists his dying mother has an important secret she needs to tell Aimée, something to do with Aimée’s father’s unsolved murder a decade ago. How can she say no?

The dying woman’s secret is even more dangerous than her son realized. When Aimée arrives at the hospital, the boy’s mother has disappeared. She was far too sick to leave on her own—she must have been abducted. What does she know that’s so important it’s worth killing for? And will Aimée be able to find her before it’s too late and the medication keeping her alive runs out?"

5. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie (Hercule Poirot #17). 

"The tranquillity of a cruise along the Nile was shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway had been shot through the head. She was young, stylish, and beautiful. A girl who had everything...until she lost her life.

Hercule Poirot recalled an earlier outburst by a fellow passenger: "I'd like to put my dear little pistol against her head and just press the trigger." Yet in this exotic setting nothing is ever quite what it seems."

6. Trunk Music by Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch #5).

 

"Back on the job after an involuntary leave of absence, LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch is ready for a challenge. But his first case is a little more than he bargained for.


It starts with the body of a Hollywood producer in the trunk of a Rolls-Royce, shot twice in the head at close range - what looks like "trunk music," a Mafia hit. But the LAPD's organized crime unit is curiously uninterested, and when Harry follows a trail of gambling debts to Las Vegas, the case suddenly becomes more complex - and much more personal.


A rekindled romance with an old girlfriend opens new perspectives on the murder, and he begins to glimpse a shocking triangle of corruption and collusion. Yanked off the case, Harry himself is soon the one being investigated. But only a bullet can stop Harry when he's searching for the truth . . ."

7. Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff (2016).

"Chicago, 1954. When his father Montrose goes missing, 22-year-old Army veteran Atticus Turner embarks on a road trip to New England to find him, accompanied by his Uncle George — publisher of The Safe Negro Travel Guide — and his childhood friend Letitia. On their journey to the manor of Mr. Braithwhite — heir to the estate that owned one of Atticus’s ancestors — they encounter both mundane terrors of white America and malevolent spirits that seem straight out of the weird tales George devours.

At the manor, Atticus discovers his father in chains, held prisoner by a secret cabal named the Order of the Ancient Dawn — led by Samuel Braithwhite and his son Caleb — which has gathered to orchestrate a ritual that shockingly centers on Atticus. And his one hope of salvation may be the seed of his — and the whole Turner clan’s — destruction."

8. Extra Kill by Dell Shannon (Lieutenant Luis Mendoza #3).

"Lieutenant Luis Mendoza is tasked with solving a double murder, shrouded in strange rites. Acting on one of his famous hunches, he is drawn into the world behind the glitter of Hollywood and into the Temple of Mystic Truth. There he finds cultists Martin and Cara Kingman, who turn out to be less than spiritual . . ."

There you go. All caught up. Next post I'll try to get back to my ongoing look at favorite authors. 

Your Midweek Music Medley

Posting this a bit late today as Jo and I had a busy morning. In fact yesterday was pretty busy too. We ordered our new glasses yesterday. I got some herbal tea at the local tea shoppe and visited Laughing Oyster book store. Today Bonnie got her shot and had her eyes checked, best they've been for ages. Then Jo did some grocery shopping while I waited in the car with the dogs. 

So we had a nice lunch and are relaxing and watching shows we taped Monday. Jo tried our new spirolater again made zucchini noodles. Excellent.

I'll do a reading update later or tomorrow. But for the moment here is your midweek music medley to get you through the rest of the year.

Your Midweek Music Medley - 03 Mar 2021

1. Australian rock band INXS - Don't Change (1982).

2. American rock band Living Colour - Love Rears Its Ugly Head (1991).

3. English rock band The Cure - Never Enough (1990).

Rock on. Enjoy the rest of your week.