#Cozy Mystery Book Review #Death at Wentwater Court by #Carola Dunn

Summary: Death at Wentwater Court (Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries #1) by Carola Dunn

This first installment of a cozy mystery series transports listeners back to the bygone era of 1923 Britain, where unflappable flapper and fledgling journalist Daisy Dalrymple daringly embarks on her first writing assignment—and promptly stumbles across a corpse.

No stranger to sprawling country estates, wealthy Daisy Dalrymple is breaking new ground in having scandalously traded silver spoon for pen and camera to cover a story for Town and Country magazine. But her planned interviews with the inhabitants of Wentwater Court give way to interrogation after suave Lord Stephen Astwick meets a dire fate on the tranquil skating pond. Armed with evidence that his fate was anything but accidental, Daisy joins forces with Scotland Yard to examine an esteemed collection of suspects and to see that the unlikely culprit doesn’t slip through their fingers just as the unfortunate Astwick slipped through the ice (from Goodreads).

Book Review: Death at Wentwater Court (Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries #1) by Carola Dunn

When journalist Daisy Dalrymple goes to Wentwater Court to write a magazine article about the estate, she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. One of the guests is found face down in the nearby pond and Chief Detective Inspector Alec Fletcher of Scotland Yard has come to investigate. He relies on Daisy’s help to get the information he needs. Strange and intense secrets come to light between family members and guests at the estate.

Death at Wentwater Court is the first installment in the Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries by Carola Dunn. I listened to an audio edition published by Blackstone Audio Inc. Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey in this story set in Britiain 1923. We follow Daisy Dalrymple who comes from a wealthy family, but wants to work as a journalist. She discovers intrigue both past and present among the family and guests. Lord Stephen Astwick is found face down in the nearby pond. Many of the inhabitants had it in for him as he was a swindler, extortionist and a cad. Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher of Scotland Yard comes to investigate the case. Daisy is a skilled stenographer and takes very helpful forensic photographs for the police and helps with valuable insight into the family.

Main character Daisy Dalrymple, 25, is the daughter of a baron. Family and guests trust her and she clearly knows her way around the rich and titled, but I felt she took over and behaved a bit like the hostess instead of the guest at times.

Supporting character Annabel, Countess of Wentwater seems desperately unhappy. I was pleased to see Annabel trusted Daisy because she seemed to be in need of a friend. She was my favorite character in this story.

Different from Agatha Christie’s plots is that the sleuth arrives before the murder happens. The setting is an isolated opulent place. Guests and people who live at the manor all become suspects. While investigation is ongoing, police order everyone to stay put. All this is similar to Agatha Christie’s plots. Not similar is the questioning of servants as a vital source of information about the family.

Following some exciting twists and turns, the ending was a thoroughly shocking surprise I could never have anticipated.

The dialogue and language in this story were very entertaining. It felt like seeing a movie. Skating as the winter activity for the wealthy was an enjoyable and different element I haven’t read about before. I loved the unique and amusing, posh language which drew me into the story. My favorite part of the story was descriptions of Alec’s thought process and deliberations during the investigation and when Alec and Daisy discussed the findings of the investigations.
My least favorite part was descriptions of the intrigue and dysfunctional family relationships within this family.

Conclusion: Death at Wentwater Court is the Agatha Christie meets Downton Abby like story which included some exiting twists along the way and a surprise ending in more ways than one. 

Fans of Carola Dunn will love this book. As will readers who enjoy the cozy mysteries genre. Similar authors to explore might be Rhys Bowen or Victoria Thompson. 

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: interesting plot, great language and dialogue, very surprising ending

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Book Details

Series: Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries (1) (Book 1)
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books; Reprint edition (March 17, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250060796
ISBN-13: 978-1250060792

About The Autor

Carola Dunn is the author of more than 30 Regency romances, as well as 16 mysteries (the Daisy Dalrymple mystery series is set in England in the 1920s). Ms. Dunn was born and grew up in England, where she got a B.A. in Russian and French from Manchester University. She travelled as far as Fiji before returning to settle in California. After 30 years in the US, she says she still sounds as if she arrived a month ago.

Prior to writing, Ms. Dunn’s various jobs included market research, child-care, construction--from foundation trenches to roofing--and writing definitions for a dictionary of science and technology. She wrote her first novel in 1979, a Regency which she sold to Warner Books.

Now living in Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Dunn has a son in California who has just made her a grandmother, and a large black dog named Willow who takes her for a walk by the Willamette River each morning. (www.belgravehouse.com). Author's website: https://caroladunn.weebly.com/

#Historical Romance Book Review #The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by #Sarah E. Ladd

Summary: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor (The Cornwall Novels #2) by Sarah E. Ladd

In Regency England an advantageous match could set up a lady for life. Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. But why can’t she steal her gaze away from his younger brother, Isaac?

Cornwall, England, 1818

Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.

As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender (from Goodreads).

Book Review: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor (The Cornwall Novels #2) by Sarah E. Ladd

Julia Twethewey finds herself in a dangerous armed robbery where handsome mining captain Isaac Blake saves her from being shot. Strange things start to happen at Lanwyn Manor where she visits. Valuable items go missing and there is rumors the manor is cursed. Julia and Isaac have to cooperate to find what is going on with the mining community and the thefts from the manor.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall Novels by Sarah E. Ladd, published by Thomas Nelson. The story is set in Cornwall, England 1818 and focuses on Julia Twethewey as she goes to visit her cousin in Cornwall. On arrival she finds herself in the center of an armed robbery, where mining captain Isaac Blake saves her from being shot. When Isaac’s twin brother, mine owner Matthew Blake, starts flirting with Julia, she is pretty sure he just wants to get his hands on her uncle’s mine. Silver and jewels go missing from Lanwyn Manor and something seems a miss. Julia and Isaac are forced to cooperate as strange things keep happening at the manor.

Main character Julia Twethewey is mine owner Lambourne niece. She seems quite a determined, assertive and kind but sensitive young woman who looks past wealth and status to focus more on personal character traits, like we would today. She is my favorite character of this story.

Uncle William Lambourne is the mine owner who has a collection of negative traits. I find him seriously disagreeable and unsympathetic man who seems to not have much of a heart. He is by far my least favorite character of this story, although there were a couple of other strong contenders. 

I found the dramatic robbery at the start of the story was particularly well written. I could feel the danger, hairs rising on my back. I enjoyed the vivid and descriptive writing of impressive interiors of the manor and local environments, which made the story come alive. 

My favorite part of the plot was the mystery about the thievery from Lanwyn Manor. It included several surprising twists and an exciting ending to the story. My least favorite part was descriptions of Matthew Blake’s personal traits and attitude. He seemed condescending and prejudiced. I felt my skin crawl.

The mining theme of the plot and the setting in Cornwall reminds me of the Poldark series, but it includes a mystery part about the manor and the sleuthing of the theft, which sets it apart from Poldark.

Julia and Isaac were drawn to each other from when he rescues her in the robbery. They meet «accidentally» in the mornings to talk and as they get to know each other better, new closeness emerges. 

Fans of Sarah E. Ladd would love this story. Readers of historical romance fiction would enjoy it as well. Similar authors to explore might be Julie Klassen or Michelle Griep. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

Conclusion: This plot is exciting with a surprising end. It reminds me of the Poldark series and reads like a mystery plot with romance included. I found the character building great and the fabulous writing drew me in from the very start. I excitedly await last installment in the series.

My rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: exiting plot with surprise ending, great character building, fabulous writing

 

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Book Details

Series: The Cornwall Novels (Book 2)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 7, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0785223185
ISBN-13: 978-0785223184

About The Author

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She holds degrees in public relations and marketing and lives in Indiana with her family and spunky Golden Retriever.

https://sarahladd.com/

#Historical Romance Book Review #A Reluctant Bride by #Jody Hedlund

Summary: A Reluctant Bride (The Bride Ships #1) by Jody Hedlund

Living in London's poorest slum, Mercy Wilkins has little hope of a better life. When she's offered an opportunity to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, she agrees. After witnessing so much painful heartache and loss in the slums, the bride ship is her only prospect to escape a bleak future, not only for herself but, she hopes, someday for her sister.

Wealthy and titled Joseph Colville leaves home and takes to the sea in order to escape the pain of losing his family. As ship's surgeon, he's in charge of the passengers' welfare aboard the Tynemouth, including sixty brides-to-be. He has no immediate intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, the two must fight against a forbidden love.

With hundreds of single men congregating on the shore eager to claim a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph lose their chance at true love, or will they be able to overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart? (from Goodreads).

My thoughts of A Reluctant Bride 

When offered the opportunity to escape hunger and poverty in London, care giver Mercy Wilkins agrees to join the first bride ship to British Columbia. On board she learns to assist wealthy and titled ships surgeon, Joseph Colville, in treatment of patients. They have to fight against their own feelings and society’s prejudice.

A Reluctant Bride is the first book in The Bride Ships series by Jody Hedlund, and I listened to an audio edition published by arrangement with Baker Publishing Group.

The plot is set in the poorest part of London 1862. We follow Mercy Wilkins as she tries to take care of her small siblings. Life seems a constant fight for survival, so when Mercy gets the opportunity to join the bride ship voyage to Vancouver Island, she accepts. On board she meets Baron of Wiltshire and ships surgeon Joseph Colville. Mercy learns to assist him in treatment of patients. They both fight against the mutual attraction they feel and know they come from different worlds, which makes a relationship between them unacceptable in the eyes of society.

Main character is child caregiver and nursing assistant Mercy Wilkins who thinks she is going to British Columbia to find employment. That she has to marry upon arrival has escaped her notice. I find her a very kind and impressive character who manages to care for others when she has so little herself. She is my favorite character of this story.

Supporting character Reverent William Richard Scott acts as chaperone for the brides on the trip. He is patronizing and demeaning, taking his position way too seriously. He was my least favorite of the story. His character will probably haunt me for a long time. I found the character development of this story fabulous. 

The vivid description of evergreen trees, sandy beaches and wildlife on Vancouver Island, I found were fantastic in all 3 books. I thoroughly loved the entertaining writing style, dialogue and vibe which make this series one of my absolute favorites. I can’t wait for the release of installment #4.

My favorite part was the romance between Mercy and Joseph. During the voyage they live through hardship and become friends. The closeness increases.

The plot has a distinct spiritual element and Mercy and Joseph pray for help with processing their grief. Mercy has not felt God’s nearness in her struggle to survive in London’s slums. She tries to pray, but feels she is not quite able to. Joseph is running from God and his grief. Nothing seems to have meaning and he prays to God to show him the next step.

Fans of Jody Hedlund are sure to love A Reluctant Bride. Readers of historical romance fiction will enjoy it too. Similar authors to explore might be Julie Klassen or Elizabeth Camden. 

Conclusion: This is the first book in the captivating series about young English women going to British Columbia to help populate the colony. I thoroughly loved the entertaining writing style, dialogue and vibe which make this series one of my absolute favorites. I can’t wait for release of installment #4. All opinions in this review are my own.

Rating: 5 stars / 5

Main reasons: exiting plot, vivid writing, fabulous characters

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Book Details

Series: The Bride Ships (Book 1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 4, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764232959
ISBN-13: 978-0764232954

About The Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she's learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she's not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate. (from Amazon)

https://jodyhedlund.com/

#Crime Fiction Book Review #Devises and Desires by #P.D. James

Summary: Devises and Desires (Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries #8) by P.D. James

When Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh takes a well-deserved break, in his newly inherited cottage on the Norfolk Coast, relaxation is the last thing he can expect.

He becomes involved in the hunt for a serial killer, known as the Whistler, who is terrorizing the small community of Larksoken. In the course of 15 months the killer has claimed four victims and created a climate of mounting fear, with each murder seeming that much closer to home.

When Dalgliesh discovers the body of a woman by the sea, it looks like the Whistler has claimed yet another life. But how could this be, when the killer's own body was found earlier that night along with a suicide note?

In the shadow of the massive nuclear power station which dominates the bleak landscape, passions and hatreds are surfacing under the strain of fear. And if the Whistler isn't responsible for the latest killing, there must be other enemies lurking within the community (copied from Amazon)

 

Book Review of Devises and Desires 

Commander Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard goes to Larksoken, Norfolk to sort out the cottage he has inherited from his late aunt. On a walk, he finds the body of Hillary Robarth, Acting Administrative Officer of the local nuclear power plant. A serial killer known as “The Whistler” has committed several murders in the area and this one has the same m.o. Dalgliesh helps local police with the investigation. 

I listened to the audio edition of Devises and Desires, published by BBC Worldwide Ltd. It  is number 8 in the (Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries) series by P.D. James. We follow Commander Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard as he goes to Larksoken in Norfolk to clear out his late aunt’s cottage he has recently inherited. Acting Administrative Officer of the local nuclear power plant Hillary Robarth is found strangled on the beach close to Dalgliesh’s cottage. This is made to look like one of “The Whistler”’s works, but it’s a copycat. “The Whistler” was already dead at the time of the murder.

Devises and Desires was first published in 1989, 3 years after the Tsjernobyl nuclear disaster. The exciting and relevant plot includes nuclear and environmental issues which was very real and present in people’s minds at the time and is engagingly dealt with in the plot. 

Main character is Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh is the analytical character who manages to help tie up all lose ends in this story. As a hero he comes across as slightly quiet, but seems very dependable and stable. One I could put my trust in. He is my favorite of the story.

Secondary character Dr Alex Mare is Director at the nuclear plant. He had an affair with the victim 3-4 months ago, which seems to have not quite ended. He strung the victim along ever since, while having a new affair with the wife of a local environmental activist. I find him really unsympathetic and my least favorite in this story.

My favorite part of this story was the entertaining and enjoyable way the dialogue was acted out by British actors. It felt reminiscent of a radio play where I could make out the visuals myself. 

P.D. James managed to include a mix of issues like environmental extremism, blackmail, adultery, gay-lesbian and suicide among others. There were quite a few twists along the way so my suspicions went in a different direction. The ending was a complete surprise to me.

The audio edition of Devises and Desires, is the exciting #8 installment in the (Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries) series by P.D. James. The plot has a nuclear and environmental theme highly relevant today and the audio edition was expertly acted out by British actors. I enjoy P.D. James’ work so much; I am on a quest to pick up on the remaining ones I have not yet read.

Fans of P.D. James will enjoy this work, as will readers of crime fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Elizabeth George or Colin Dexter.

Thank you to Kristiansand Folkebibliotek for lending me the audio edition which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

 

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: Relevant plot, Interesting characters, Great dialogue

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Book Details: (from Amazon)

Series: Inspector Adam Dalgliesh (Book 8)
Hardcover: 433 pages
Publisher: Alred A. Knopf; 1st edition (January 14, 1990)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0394580702
ISBN-13: 978-0394580708

About The Author

P. D. James is the author of twenty previous books, most of which have been filmed and broadcast on television in the United States and other countries. She spent thirty years in various departments of the British Civil Service, including the Police and Criminal Law Departments of Great Britain's Home Office. She has served as a magistrate and as a governor of the BBC. In 2000 she celebrated her eightieth birthday and published her autobiography, Time to Be in Earnest. The recipient of many prizes and honors, she was created Baroness James of Holland Park in 1991 and was inducted into the International Crime Writing Hall of Fame in 2008. She lives in London and Oxford.(copied from Amazon)

#Crime Fiction Book Review #A Suitable Vengance by #Elizabeth George

Summary: A Suitable Vengance (Inspector Lynley #4) by Elizabeth George

Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, 8th Earl of Asherton, has brought to Howenstow, his ancestral home, the woman he wishes to marry. But the savage murder of a local journalist soon becomes the catalyst for a lethal series of events which shatters the calm of the picturesque Cornish community (copied from Goodreads).

Book Review: A Suitable Vengance 

When journalist Mick Cambrey is found dead, castrated, local opinion is that he got what was coming to him. Inspector Lynley of Scotland Yard investigates the murder in his hometown Howenstow where he knows everybody from his childhood. As the investigation proceeds another murder occurs.

A Suitable Vengance is the fourth book by Elizabeth George about Inspector Lynley and I listened to an audio edition of it published by Bantam Audio Publishing of 1991. I jumped right into A Suitable Vengance and I felt it worked well as a standalone. I am curious what happened to Lynley in the 3 previous installments. In this early release Havers only makes a brief “guest appearance” working with the local investigator. She has not met Lynley at this point.

The story is set in and around idyllic Cornish village of Howenstow. He takes on the investigation assisted by Simon St James. As they are outside their jurisdiction, they are not working in any real professional capacity; more or less as private citizens when investigating the murder of Mick Cambrey.

The plot of A Suitable Vengance has a number of fascinating elements. We get to read about cocaine trafficking, experiments with cancer drugs, cross dressing, posh lifestyle and complicated, bad relationships.

Main character is Inspector Thomas Lynley, 8^th Lord Asherton who is heir to the Howenstow estate, has a seriously complicated relationship with his estranged mother following her infidelity. Fortunately as the story progressed, they both to become a little more mature about the incident. 

Secondary character Peter Lynley is Inspector Lynley’s younger brother who is a drop out of Oxford. He is addicted to cocaine and lives from one fix to the next. I felt very sorry for him as he felt abandoned by his older brother when very young and kind of gave up on his own life.

To choose a favorite character in this story feels hard. Thomas seemed to be the hero and Peter more of tragic character. My least favorite I think was the first victim’s father Harry Cambrey, who was creating and trying to keep up a lie about his son to shield the family from prejudice.

My favorite part of the plot was descriptions of the posh lifestyle of the Lynleys. Reminiscent of environments from Downton Abbey set in a crime fiction story. It included everything from dinner parties and big social events to descriptions of the manor house itself.

 A Suitable Vengance (Inspector Lynley #4) by Elizabeth George is a story with a mix of very fascinating elements ranging from cocaine trafficking to drug experiments. Including twists and turns a very surprising ending. As I am curious about the main character’s relationships, I will definitely go back and pick up on that storyline.

Fans of Elizabeth George would love A Suitable Vengance, as would readers of crime fiction. 

Similar authors to explore might be Louise Penny or P.D. James.

Thank you to Kristiansand Public Libraray for providing me with this audio CD edition of A Suitable Vengance, which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: exiting plot, great character development, surprise ending

Get your copy here

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Amazon-A Suitable Vengance Paperback

Amazon-A Suitable Vengance Hardcover

Amazon-A Suitable Vengance Kindle

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About The Author

Elizabeth George is the New York Times bestselling author of fourteen novels of psychological suspense, one book of nonfiction, and two short-story collections. Her work has been honored with the Anthony and Agatha awards, the Grand Prix de LittÉrature PoliciÈre, and the MIMI, Germany's prestigious prize for suspense fiction. She lives in Washington State. Check out author's website: http://www.elizabethgeorgeonline.com/

#Cozy Mystery Book Review #The Body in the Library by #Agatha Christie

Summary: The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) by Agatha Christie

Dolly Bantry, mistress of Gossington Hall, is enjoying a pleasant doze when suddenly her dreams take a strange turn. The housemaid Mary is telling her that there is a body in the library... When she wakes up, she finds that it is true. But who is the strange young blonde dressed in an evening gown who is lying strangled on the library hearth rug? Enter St Mary Mead's resident sleuth, Miss Marple. With her keen eye for the complexities of human nature and her observational skills, she studies the body closely and makes mental notes. But even she cannot provide an immediate explanation. The police hunt through reports of missing persons, and before long the identity of the victim becomes obvious. What is not apparent, however, is how she ended up on the Bantrys' library floor. Sifting every word from the suspects and exploring every possible motive, Miss Marple slowly comes to a shocking conclusion. Agatha Christie's puzzling mystery is dramatised with a full cast including Richard Todd, Pauline Jameson and Jack Watling. 2 CDs. 1 hr 30 mins. (from Goodreads)

Book Review: The Body in the Library

When Rugby Keen, a young professional dancer is found murdered in St. Mary Mead, Miss Marple steps up to find out what happened to her. With patience, knowledge of human nature and observational skills she manages to carve out information to solve the crime.

I listened to the CD Audio edition of The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) by Agatha Christie. I found it a great option to listen to The Body in the Library as an audio book.  

Miss Marple is the famous Agatha Christie character who aids police investigators with her gossipy ways, yet with a keen eye for complexities in human nature. This is story #3 about her. The Miss Marple character seems to vary slightly from story to story, but mainly she keeps to her gossipy, shrewd sleuthing manner which I so much enjoy and which makes the story work so well as a standalone.

Main character June (Miss) Marple, is famous for sleuthing out information while under some kind of unsuspicious cover. In this story she raises money for a good cause locally in St. Mary Mead. I find it impressive the way she gets access to people and manages to get them to open up and give her information they would be too afraid to give the police.

Secondary character, Basil Blake, is the party boy connected to film industry that seems very rude and has a dodgy attitude. I find him to be a very unsympathetic person who is easy to suspect of having committed some kind of criminal offence. I don’t think he would be anyone’s idea of a hero. -Certainly not mine. He is my least favorite character.

My favorite part of The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) by Agatha Christie was the setting of the plot. I really enjoyed the parts describing village life in St. Mary Mead and the feeling that Miss Marple very much enjoys living there.

The plot consists of all the well tested elements. The plot was intricate. Plenty of suspects, and well laid out clues for Miss Marple to investigate. The identity of the murderer was so well disguised. It felt like a surprise, as I had been looking in a completely different direction.

The writing is excellent in the trademark way of The Queen of Crime. Readers get pulled into life in a sleepy little English village where nothing much happens.

The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) is the exiting story of Miss Marple set in her home town St. Mary Mead. The writing is excellent and the plot expertly crafted in the way of Agatha Christie. Fans of Agatha Christie will love The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) with all the trademark ingredients. As will readers of crime fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Arthur Conan Doyle.

All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: Expertly crafted plot, interesting characters, surprise ending

Book Details (from Amazon)

ASIN: B00435F8QE

About The Author (from Amazon)

Agatha Christie was born in 1890 and created the detective Hercule Poirot in her debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920). She achieved wide popularity with The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) and produced a total of eighty novels and short-story collections over six decades.

#Cozy Mystery Book Review #At Bertram’s Hotel by #Agatha Christie

Summary: At Bertram’s Hotel (Miss Marple #11) by Agatha Christie

Jane Marple is being treated to a few days' holiday by her nephew, staying at Bertram's Hotel—a dignified establishment tucked away in a back street of busy Mayfair. It is a place where sedate upper-class ladies, retired military gentlemen, and the higher echelons of the clergy can indulge in the comforts of a bygone age. But Miss Marple begins to feel uneasy. Something sinister lurks beneath the polished veneer. Why are so many major crimes associated in some way with the hotel and those eminently respectable people staying there? Instead of rest and relaxation, Miss Marple finds herself hard at work as she attempts to discover what goes on behind closed doors. Siân Phillips and Maurice Denham are among the cast of this absorbing mystery, starring June Whitfield as Miss Marple. (from Goodreads.com)

Book Review: At Bertram’s Hotel

Miss Marple goes on holiday to posh and traditional Bertram’s Hotel. She has fond memories of the place, but now nothing is as it seems. A murder takes place, a priest disappears and there is a major robbery. Bertram’s seems to be in the center of it all and Miss Marple is asked to help the police with their investigation.

 
I listened to the audio CD edition of At Bertram’s Hotel (Miss Marple #11) and it is one of the shorter stories. Listening time is only 2 hours and 20 minutes. I thoroughly enjoyed the pre WWII vibe I get from stories about Miss Marple. I am a great and longtime fan of Agatha Christie’s characters and have read, listened to or watched TV adaptations of a number of her works. I particularly enjoyed the little music bits throughout, which added an extra element of uniqueness to the story.

At Bertram’s Hotel (Miss Marple #11) continues Agatha Christie’s stories about Miss Marple. The police investigate the disappearance of the forgetful and absent minded Canon Pennyfather. Turning up again with a concussion and memory loss, he is very little help to the police when they try to question him about his whereabouts at the time when other criminal activity takes place in the area.

With the combination of investigative skills and eavesdropping, Miss Marple shares with the police details of what she has seen and heard during her stay at the hotel. In this story I am very pleased to see she is actually taken seriously and her contributions prove valuable to the solution of the case. Miss Marple feels there is something wrong with Bertram’s Hotel and that ends up being true on so many levels.

Main character Miss Marple is her usual gossipy, sleuthing self in this story. I find her very funny as she is actually making eavesdropping into an art form. I find her clever and entertaining as well as a person to be reckoned with, which makes her my favorite character of this story.

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Secondary character Lady Bess Sedgewick is the eccentric famous, danger seeking guest with a forceful and domineering personality. Her business interests are shady and she has dangerous secrets. I find her demanding and pushy personality unsympathetic, which makes her my least favorite character of this story, but she is memorable and adds drama to the plot.

The audio CD edition of At Bertram’s Hotel (Miss Marple #11) is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. It is the exciting and entertaining story of Miss Marple as she is re-visiting Bertram’s Hotel. This is one of many stories I have read, watched or listened to, which is expertly crafted by The Queen of Crime.

There are numerous books starring Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, and I would recommend any one of them to fans of Agatha Christie as well as anyone who enjoy crime fiction. Trust me, it would be time well spent. Similar works to explore might be the Sherlock Holmes Series by Arthur Conan Doyle.

All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 5 stars / 5

Main reasons: Expertly crafted characters, exiting plot, addition of music throughout

Book Details (from Amazon.com)

ASIN: B0042N8TP4

About The Autor (from Amazon.com)

Agatha Christie was born in 1890 and created the detective Hercule Poirot in her debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920). She achieved wide popularity with The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) and produced a total of eighty novels and short-story collections over six decades.

#Crime fiction book review: #The Skull beneath the Skin by #P.D. James

Summary: The Skull beneath the Skin (Cordelia Gray Mystery Series #2) by P.D. James 

Combining the classic ingredients of a murder mystery with elements of horror, apparitions and hairbreadth episodes, The Skull Beneath The Skin creates a dark and claustrophobic atmosphere in a masterpiece of crime fiction. When leading actress Clarissa Lisle receives threats to her life the young detective, Cordelia Gray, is hired to accompany her to a private island where she is going to star in The Duchess Of Malfi. In this gripping dramatization, the sharp-witted slueth, played by Greta Scaachi, finds herself in the enclosed setting of a chilling country house on an island with a blood-stained history.

Book Review: The Skull beneath the Skin (Cordelia Gray Mystery Series #2) by P.D. James

The Skull beneath the Skin (Cordelia Gray Mystery Series #2) by @P.D. James
is about eccentric actor Clarissa Lisle, Lady Ralston, who receives death threats and is scared for her life and PI Cordelia Grey who is hired by Clarissa’s husband to keep her out of danger. A murder occurs on private Courcy Island and the small group of people present become suspects. 

I listened to an audio CD of The Skull beneath the Skin by P.D. James. This was my first encounter with her work, except for numerous TV adaptations I have watched over the years. The plot is set on small, privately owned Courcy Island. Actor Clarissa Lisle is invited there with a small group of acquaintances to star in a theater play, but is scared for her life because of all the death threats she has received ahead of performances. PI Cordelia Grey is hired to keep her safe while pretending to be her secretary.

Main character Cordelia Gray felt a bit like the mother hen who kept everything together when things got rough. I really liked her character and was impressed by her detective skills. She had analytical skills like Agatha Christie’s Poirot, but I felt she added a womanly touch when helping the police with their investigation. 

Ambrose Gorringe is a longtime friend of the victim and the owner of Courcy Island. I felt he was a cynical and cold person and felt unsettled by his collection of gruesome items kept on the island. Entertainment for the guests included a scary sightseeing and telling of gruesome legends from the middle ages. 

Roma Lyle, Clarissa's heir was my least favorite character of this story as she seemed an unsympathetic, greedy and rude person who disliked the victim. As she was in acute need for money to please her boyfriend, she seemed to be near the top of the suspects list.

The victim I felt was a well crafted character who was rich, controlling and disliked by many of the guests. I disliked her attitude intensely, but she certainly added drama to the plot. Most of the guest’s characters I found to be seriously superficial in an entertaining as well as shocking way. -One asking if the play would go on as planned after the murder had happened. They seemed well developed, like the author might have taken their traits from posh people in her real life. 

My favorite part of the story was also the scariest, where guests were taken on a tour around solitary and scary Courcy Castle and told a horrifying legend of the island. I found it to be a perfect element in a Halloween read, and one of the parts I felt was particularly well written.
The plot and the writing I found reminded me somewhat of Agatha Christie. A group of people were gathered on a solitary place when a murder took place. Slightly more gory details were added in this story, like descriptions of how the dead body looked.

The Skull beneath the Skin (Cordelia Gray Mystery Series #2) by P.D. James
is a thrilling and entertaining story of PI Cordelia Gray solving a horrible murder in opulent English environment on a private solitary island. Fans of P.D. James will enjoy this and it is also recommended for readers of crime fiction. Similar books to explore might be one of Agatha Christie’s numerous works.

All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 4 stars / 5

Book Details (kindle edition) (from Amazon)

Print Length: 483 pages
Publisher: Faber & Faber; New Ed edition (November 20, 2008)
Publication Date: November 20, 2008
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English

About The Author (from Amazon)

P. D. James is the author of twenty previous books, most of which have been filmed and broadcast on television in the United States and other countries. She spent thirty years in various departments of the British Civil Service, including the Police and Criminal Law Departments of Great Britain's Home Office. She has served as a magistrate and as a governor of the BBC. In 2000 she celebrated her eightieth birthday and published her autobiography, Time to Be in Earnest. The recipient of many prizes and honors, she was created Baroness James of Holland Park in 1991 and was inducted into the International Crime Writing Hall of Fame in 2008. She lives in London and Oxford.

#Crime Fiction Book Review: #The ABC Murders by #Agatha Christie

Summary: The ABC Murders (Hercule Poirot #13) by Agatha Christie

Alice Ascher, a poor, elderly shopkeeper, is murdered in Andover. Betty Barnard, a young waitress, is strangled with her own belt at Bexhill-on-Sea. Next comes Carmichael Clarke, collector of Chinese art, clubbed to death in Churston. Only in Doncaster does the pattern vary: the man found stabbed in the Regal Cinema is called George Earsfield. But each time, an ABC railway guide is found by the dead bodies, and each time, Poirot is warned in advance by a taunting letter from someone signed 'ABC'. Who is ABC? And can Poirot find out in time to prevent the death of a whole alphabet of victims? The police doubt him and the public are in a state of panic, but Poirot is convinced that the murderer's luck will turn, and sooner or later he will make a crucial mistake. And Poirot will be there when he does... This full-cast dramatisation of one of Agatha Christie's most imaginative mysteries stars John Moffatt as the great Belgian detective, Simon Williams as his faithful sidekick Captain Hastings and Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp.

Book Review: The ABC Murders (Hercule Poirot #13) by Agatha Christie

Poirot receives letters warning him of murders, all signed ABC. A homicidal maniac seems to be working himself through the alphabet challenging Poirot’s little gray cells. In every case the ABC railway guide is found close to the body.

The ABC Murders is #13 in the Series about Hercule Poirot, written by Agatha Christie and I listened to it as an audio CD edition.

This story is about a murderer sending letters to Poirot warning him that there is going to be a murder. A pattern develops of victims and murder scenes chosen in alphabetical order.

While confident of a successful outcome of this investigation, Poirot seems to be slightly less cocky than he might seem in the TV adaptations I have seen. Maybe he develops a super confident celebrity persona as time goes by and he solves many more cases.

In this story Poirot manages to collaborate well with Inspector Japp of Scotland Yard. He uses what proof the investigation offers, including fingerprints, combined with his analytic skills to solve the case. The little gray cells work in his favor yet again, which is not unexpected but still nice to see.

I got caught up in a strong red herring, which distracted me right until the real culprit was revealed. It became a surprise element I enjoyed very much. The affluent settings of Agatha Christie's plots I always love. This is no different. There is just something about the characters, the settings and the time period which I can't get enough of. I just get drawn to stories set in a historic time frame, both 1930s and earlier.

Poirot is the Agatha Christie's expertly crafted fashionable and rather vain private sleuth of the 1930s. I find he has a funny and demeanor, being very conscious about his appearance. In this story Poirot gets fired up by the way Hastings is wrinkling his clothes when trying to pack his luggage.

Captain Hastings is the hands-on, devil’s advocate-like assistant. He seems the type of character who wants to act and not think too much, which occasionally leads to funny situations in spite of the murder investigation. I find it funny that Poirot picks on him because he prefers to stay close to the ladies. I think Poirot and Hastings have a quite interesting, and sometimes amusing, working relationship where Hastings is sometimes sent off to deal with some minor detail of the case, whereas Poirot gets to use his "little gray cells" in peace.

The ABC Murders (Hercule Poirot #13) by Agatha Christie is expertly crafted as we come to expect from the Queen of Crime, building this particular plot around the alphabet. I found the ending surprising. There are numerous works to choose from by Agatha Christie, both featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, so there should be no problem finding one that suits.

I have previously read several of Agatha Christie's books and seen numerous tv-adaptations. I can safely say I love them all. The ABC Murders (Hercule Poirot #13) works well as a standalone. It would be a perfect read for fans of Agatha Christie and for readers of Crime Fiction. Similar works to explore might be the Sherlock Holmes Series by Arthur Conan Doyle. All opinions are completely my own.

My rating 5 stars / 5

Book Details (from Amazon)

Series: Hercule Poirot Radio Dramas (Book 1936)
Audio CD
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks (May 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1483035433
ISBN-13: 978-1483035437

About The Author (from Amazon.com)

Agatha Christie was born in 1890 and created the detective Hercule Poirot in her debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920). She achieved wide popularity with The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) and produced a total of eighty novels and short-story collections over six decades.