Kept: A Novel Review

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Kept: A Novel ReviewI enjoyed this novel immensely. I don't know how to categorize it, though. I love period pieces that are well done, and this is extremely well done. If you like fiction that is not told in a straight timeline, the ordinary PI or police story, (not that I don't like these) you'll be delighted with this.Kept: A Novel Overview
When Henry Ireland dies unexpectedly from what appears to be a riding accident in August 1863, the failed landowner leaves behind little save his high-strung young widow, Isabel—who somehow ends up in the home of Ireland's friend James Dixey. A celebrated naturalist, Dixey collects strange trophies in his secluded, decaying manse and has questionable associations with rather unsavory characters—including a pair of thuggish poachers named Dewar and Dunbar. Dixey's precocious, inquisitive young servant, Esther, cannot turn a blind eye to the suspicious activities surrounding her. While in the crime-ridden streets of London, a determined captain of Scotland Yard follows the threads that may well link a daring train robbery to the disappearance of a disturbed heiress as well as to the possible murder of Henry Ireland.

D. J. Taylor's Kept is a gorgeously intricate, dazzling reinvention of Victorian life and passions that is also a riveting investigation into some of the darkest, most secret chambers of the human heart.


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Urn Burial (Phryne Fisher Mysteries) Review

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Urn Burial (Phryne Fisher Mysteries) ReviewPhryne Fisher is an enchanting young socialite who enjoys setting society in 1928 slightly on its ear. She drives a cool car, flies planes, is a crack shot, and shows up at house parties with her Chinese lover, scandalizing her hosts and fellow guests. And she is gorgeous and wealthy, too. Is it wrong to be jealous of a fictional character?
Urn Burial follows a typical theme for mysteries set in the 20's - a weekend party at a country house. So it is no big surprise when the river cuts the house off from the town and they are all trapped with a murderer. The cast of characters is also as expected with some old maids, a military man, young socialites and dashing young men. But this setup has some modern twists. I don't remember books written in the 20's having quite so much sex in them, for example. Not that this is a bad thing, just different. The attitudes and actions of the characters also have a touch of modernity to them - there are stronger roles for women and less social rigidity that probably existed at the time.
And did I mention that this book is set in Australia? Another interesting twist on the classic mystery. This book highlights and incorporates into the story some of the amazing natural wonders found all over Australia.
This book is a good read. The characters are good, the setting interesting, and the urn theme is bizarre and intriguing. There is some sex, some action, and a good ending. If the mystery is a little weaker than you might like, you don't notice much because it is all of a piece and enjoyable.
Did I guess it? Parts. Will I read more? Yes, I'm looking forward to them!Urn Burial (Phryne Fisher Mysteries) Overview

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After the Armistice Ball: A Dandy Gilver Murder Mystery Review

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After the Armistice Ball: A Dandy Gilver Murder Mystery ReviewReading "After the Armistice Ball" was almost like stepping back in time and a bit of a challenge. To begin with the author's, Catriona McPherson, style of writing was reminiscent of Nancy Mitford and E.F. Benson, with some (very) light Agatha Chrsitie-like touches thrown in. All this really takes getting uses to -- esp characters' tendency to pepper practically all their conversations with the word "darling." But once you get used to it, the book was quite the enjoyable read, full of atmosphere and colour, and fairly intriguing from beginning to end.
World War I is over, and the landed gentry is beginning to feel the pinch not only of the changing times and fashions, but also monetarily-wise. All except the Esslmonts, that is. Silas and Daisy Esslmont are enjoying all the comforts and luxury that owning the very distasteful and comercial enterprise of an insurance company can bring. That is until scandal rears its ugly head. Lena Duffy has discovered to her horror that the fabulous Duffy diamonds are fakes, and she's claiming that the switch must have taken place when she was visitng the Esslemonts during the Armistice Ball. She wants Silas to pay for stolen diamonds and because he won't (because the policy has lapsed) is conducting a whispering campaign about Silas' culpability and his lack of honour. At her wit's end about what to do, Daisy, Silas's wife, hires Dandy Gilver to find out what it is Lena really wants. Bored with life at the moment, Dandy readily agrees, especially since Daisy has offered her a fee to solve her problem for her. But the last thing Dandy expected when she agreed to act as go-between for Lena and the Esslemonts was to become involved in the suspicious death of a young giril she's rather fond of, or that trying to make heads or tails as to what's going on would bring her face to face with a very cold blooded killer...
Cationa McPherson has written a very absorbing debut novel. The prose style may take a little getting used to, and Dandy's tendency not to accept certain unpleasant home truths mainly because she cannot believe anyone of her set would behave that way can get a little grating, but that manner in which the author presents us with a strata of society that has had its time and that is struggling to come to grips with the change while valiantly plowing onwards, was fasincating. So that even though "After the Armistice Ball" was not very supenseful and lacked any telling plot twists and red herring suspects, it was a compelling read neonetheless. Reading of how Dandy gradually come to realise what's going on, and how she manages to solve the mystery was great fun -- I rather enjoyed the realistic manne in which the author presented us with how an amateur investigator would naturally blunder about while trying to solve her first case. A well written and enjoyable read, this is especially for readers who enjoy mysteries set in the 1920s and that is full of vibrant fun.After the Armistice Ball: A Dandy Gilver Murder Mystery Overview

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The Thousand Review

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The Thousand ReviewIn an odd way, there was much that I admired about Kevin Guilfoile's preposterous new thriller "The Thousand." Ultimately I did find the novel entertaining, with some terrific action sequences, but the entire set-up is so "out there" (that's my nice way of saying nonsensical) that it detracts from the elements that do work. Principally a conspiracy tale having something to do with a secret sect based on the teachings of Pythagoras, "The Thousand" attempts to weave mathematics as the backbone of EVERYTHING in the world. With long passages about art and music and loads of math--it is as if Guilfoile has thrown everything but the kitchen sink into his plotting. If the focus of the book had been slightly smaller--not EVERYTHING in the world--that might have given the reader a bite sized entry into this labyrinthine mystery. But as presented, it's all too much. Heck there isn't even one secret society! No, there are rival factions within this nefarious group!
The story is a little hard to describe succinctly. We've got Canada Gold, the daughter of a slain musical genius, whose brain is literally wired. She's got enough individual character quirks to fuel a dozen novels! Her lover who is almost stalking her, her father's lawyer with a huge secret of his own, local law enforcement hot on the trail of new murders, a disturbed artist who may be the key to unlocking a greater mystery--these are a few of the random plot threads that are followed throughout. To Guilfoile's credit, he does juggle a lot of interesting characters quite effectively. "The Thousand" is never dull, if anything it is overstuffed.
I genuinely liked most of the characters--and that, in itself, is a recommendation. Individual sections of the book can be riveting and the action sublime. But you can't take pieces out of the whole. Even as the novel comes to a madcap conclusion that involves a city-wide riot (nothing is small in this book), I kept wishing I didn't hate the very foundation the story was based on. It's not only that I didn't believe it--I can suspend belief for some pretty ludicrous things--I just found the main conspiracy to be far less compelling and interesting than some of the smaller interactions. The big picture ruined the little pleasures of "The Thousand" and it's unfortunate--I'd have been happy to follow Canada and her cohorts into a better overall book. KGHarris, 8/10.
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Brunswick Gardens (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt Novels) Review

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Brunswick Gardens (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt Novels) ReviewBrunswick Garden is a story that is set in the home of a highly placed religious scholar. A death there brings Pitt to investiage. However, before Pitt even gets more than a brief glimpse of what has happened, pressure is brought to bear from the government and Church of England to reach a quick conclusion with as little public fanfare a possible. This sets Pitt onto a path that is even more determined to be thorough and as painstaking as possible; he shows he will not be dictated to as he carries out his investigation.
As he enters deeper into the household, he discovers that he has crossed paths with his brother-in-law Dominic Cord - a man Charlotte, Pitt's wife, was infatuated with as a teenager and young woman. His return to their life rekindles Charlotte's thoughts of him and also restokes Pitt's resentment towards him. The fact that he is a suspect makes it harder for Pitt to remain purely objective because of the inner resentment he feels against Dominic. This situation makes Pitt more human and believeable. If I met a man in the course of my work, who was once the object of my wife's adoration, I'd have a hard time staying neutral and not resenting the hell out of him too. Perry catches this emotional load that Pitt has to bear exactly right.
Throughout the book, emotions are barely under the surface. From Charlotte's renewed attention to Dominic, Pitt's resentment of Dominic and Charlotte, religious beliefs etc., there is an current that is almost palpable and real. Where these emotions lead is surprising as well as sad. In one case, these is the start of an affection that can only be returned obliquely and indirectly, not as it should be. While Tellman and Gracie continue thier somewhat eccentric courtship - neither has recognized thier true feelings for the other or if they have, they are reluctant to admit them, to themselves and to each other.
This is a book that I found on par with Perry's other writings. This gives us a new developement of Pitt's charecter - we see his emotions and his own insecurities quite vividly. I think it goes a long way to giving background and depth to the relationship of Charlotte and Thomas, making them more believeable as people. I highly recommend this book to all Perry fans.Brunswick Gardens (Charlotte & Thomas Pitt Novels) Overview

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31 Bond Street Review

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31 Bond Street ReviewThat is not my quote, but rather one by Beverly Swerling on the back cover of Ellen Horan's marvelous novel, "31 Bond Street".
Horan's novel is a remarkable combination of history and crime, centering on the real life murder of Dr Harvey Burdell, in New York City in 1857. Dr Burdell, a dentist and businessman, was smitten - to some degree, at least - with Emma Cunningham, a widow with two teenage daughters. The story of the grim murder by person or persons unknown was brought to life daily with lurid details in the tabloids of the time. Mrs Cunningham was arrested and brought to trial for Burdell's brutal murder in his own home.
Horan's story - she takes the four or five main characters in the real murder and subsequent trial and gives them all a back story and blends them together to come up with what might have happened in January, 1857. What was true and what was fictional come together in a beautifully written saga by Horan that never failed to hold my attention. She is quite well versed in the New York City politics and the national politics of 1857, both of which contribute to her story.
One of the historical tidbits I picked up from the story was the origin of the New York Times' claim to be "The Paper of Record". I had always just assumed it was an advertising boast, but evidently, in the 1800's, the New York Times actually sent court reporters to trials and hearings and wrote the official trial transcripts. Hence, "The Paper of Record"
Horan's novel is quite a read.31 Bond Street Overview

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Fire, Burn (Carr, John Dickson) Review

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Fire, Burn (Carr, John Dickson) ReviewClosely related to The Devil in Velvet: a time-travelling policeman, in love with a woman whose picture he saw at the Victoria and Albert Museum, finds himself involved in a late nineteenth-century murder (impossible, of course). Although unnecessarily emotive in parts, there is plenty of action and local colour, although the gambling den brawls and fisticuffs with Captain Hogben somewhat obscure the truly ingenious murder and surprising murderer.Fire, Burn (Carr, John Dickson) OverviewHere is another in Carr's entrancing series of historical mysteries. Complete with an exciting and puzzling plot, period romance, and accurate historical detail, Fire, Burn! is a captivating depiction of the early years of the world's first true police force: Sir Robert Peel's "Peelers".

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The Last Full Measure: A Katy Green Mystery Review

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The Last Full Measure: A Katy Green Mystery ReviewThis is number three in the series about Katy Green, a clever violin and saxophone musician who takes on the dangerous events that confront her in every book. Here she rejoins an all girl swing band who have landed a promising gig performing on the Matson Steamship Company's flagship, the SS Lurline, traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii, and back. In this era, female bands were much sought after as male performers increasingly were drafted into the armed services. Katy's group, all unmarried and needing to find work, are a post Depression free spirited, even racy bunch determined to live life to the fullest.
On board the ship, there is mounting realization that the U.S. is on the verge of war, not only with Germany but possibly with Japan. The racism of some of the passengers against their Japanese-Hawaiian shipmates emerges as does the pro-Japan viewpoint of one of the characters. The fears of the full blooded Hawaiians about the possible Japanese destruction of their endangered heritage offer yet another perspective.
The story ends with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The ship will now become a war transport vehicle. And the girls' careers, like those of many women, must change as well.
The story's historical details are vast. Discussed are the streets of San Francisco, popular music and how it was played, the layout and daily passenger life of the SS Lurline, and events in Hawaiian history, including the 1890s when Queen Lili'uokalani attempted to retain power and the haole annexationists succeeded in taking it away. The fullness of these accounts compensates for some literary weaknesses: the crime doesn't appear until half way through the book, the ending is improbable, and the author's confusing claim in the Forward of using the work of a "ghost writer" named Hannah Dobryn is denied in his Afterword when he says that in fact he created her!
Information about the actual events, characters and the sources is provided in a lengthy Afterward. Glatzer's clever and fun website has period photos, postcards, advertisements, and more information on women's work.The Last Full Measure: A Katy Green Mystery OverviewA pleasure cruise, a treasure hunt, swing music, and murder? who could ask for anything more? In late November 1941, swing musician Katy Green joins two old friends in a dance band on the SS Lurline en route to Honolulu. Hidden treasure at their destination could make them rich, but murder—as well as World War II—is in the offing. Swing music fans, nostalgia buffs and history enthusiasts will enjoy the authentic period and musical detail in this delightful historical mystery. And Stanford and Cal graduates will enjoy the traditional Big Game rivalry aboard ship! A vintage postcard of the SS Lurline introduces each of the 13 chapters, as well as cover and frontispiece illustrations.

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Dead Serious (Superintendent Bone Mystery) Review

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Dead Serious (Superintendent Bone Mystery) ReviewWhile attending the Biddinghurst village fete, Superintendent Bone is alerted to the presence of a body in the boot of the town busybody's car. No sooner has he begun the investigation than a fatal stabbing takes place in the fete's haunted house. Bone must contend with a plethora of suspects with sundry motives: longtime residents party to old family feuds, a group of curiously reticent teenagers, and a pair of TV celebrity newcomers who turn out to be involved in some particularly unsavory clandestine activities. The case is further complicated by local ghost stories and by another suspicious death in London. On the way to the solution, the intricate, complex web of relationships in a small village is revealed bit by bit, often reminding me of Sherlock Holmes's comment that "the lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside."
Much of the attraction of this series is in the continuing story of articulate and charming Robert Bone and his family: daughter, second wife, and now an expected addition. This should appeal to readers of Deborah Crombie and Jill McGown, among others. Each book is like catching up with the lives of old friends.
Another plus is in the finely drawn characters who populate the stories. Some are new, for example, Heather Armitage, who reminded me of Hyacinth Bucket and provided several laughs. Some reappear from previous books, either in a major role (Cha's former boyfriend Justin) or in a peripheral part (Emily Playfair, a psychic who ties in nicely with the ghost theme--great attention to detail!). For a good puzzle and for news of good friends, I always look forward to my visits with Superintendent Bone.Dead Serious (Superintendent Bone Mystery) OverviewInvestigating a series of serial killings that has taken place in the reputedly haunted village of Biddinghurst, Kent, Superintendent Robert Bone uncovers an unlikely but disturbingly plausible scenario for the crimes. Original.

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Fruit of the Poisoned Tree (A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery) Review

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Fruit of the Poisoned Tree (A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery) ReviewPeggy Lee and her associates are interesting characters. Peggy is a professor of botany and a buisness owner (garden shop). Her character is well developed and has grown since Pretty Poison. There are no tricks to the plot and the botanical information is plausable. This is just a good, fast-moving detective fiction book. Pleasant readig.Fruit of the Poisoned Tree (A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery) OverviewEveryone suspects Park Lamonte's wife killed him for the ten-million-dollar insurance policy. But Peggy, of The Potting Shed, has a growing suspicion there's more to the story-and sets out to dig up the truth.

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Whom the Gods Love (Julian Kestrel Mystery) Review

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Whom the Gods Love (Julian Kestrel Mystery) ReviewI mourn Julian Kestrel, and even more, I mourn Kate Ross, the gifted writer who created him. I would have read ten, twenty or more Kestrel books, but alas, there are only four. In WHOM THE GODS LOVE, Kestrel investigates the death of a "golden boy" who turned out to have a nasty way of ferreting out other people's secrets and turning them to his advantage. The question is, which of Alexander Falkland's many victims finally killed him? Like Anne Perry, the late Ms. Ross touched on the social problems of the time, but her touch was lighter. I recommend WHOM THE GODS LOVE and all the other Kestrel books to anyone who enjoys the work of Anne Perry and Dorothy L. Sayers.Whom the Gods Love (Julian Kestrel Mystery) Overview

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Death of a Colonial (Sir John Fielding) Review

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Death of a Colonial (Sir John Fielding) ReviewDeath of a Colonial by Bruce Alexander brings to life an interesting historical period. Sir John Fielding a blind magistrate in London helped to develop the Bow Street Runners, the first professional police organization in England . Sir John, the brother of Henry Fielding was a famed and gifted magistrate who compensated for his lack of sight by developing other skills. It is said that he never forgot a voice and could recognize a criminal by his voice alone.
Sixteen year old Jeremy Proctor assists Fielding in this pursuit of justice in Death of a Colonial. Fielding is commissioned to ascertain the validity of the claim of a fortune by Lawrence Paltrow the brother of an executed murderer, Arthur Paltrow. Arthur had been a wealthy man when he was executed and it was thought that there were no heirs to his estate. Together Jeremy and Fielding travel to Bath to meet the man's mother. It is at this point that the plot thickens. Jeremy and Fielding work together as a formidable team in discovering the conspirators.
Death of a colonial is rich in description of the feeling and times of England from Bath to London to Oxford. The reader is intrigued by Fieldings and Jeremy's journey through England and is ready to assist them in their search for criminals. The characters in the book are well developed and entertaining.
This is an entertaining book for those who love historical mysteries. Those who want fast paced action may wish to avoid this bookDeath of a Colonial (Sir John Fielding) Overview

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