After the murder of a rich but unloved old man, the police make the obvious arrest. The nephew in desperate need of money who visited unexpectedly on After the murder of a rich but unloved old man, the police make the obvious arrest. The nephew in desperate need of money who visited unexpectedly on the day of the murder is a natural choice. Even so, there are two spanners in the works. The first is the Ouija board which predicts the murder at the very time of death from miles away at a different, snowed in house. The second is Emily Trefusis, the nephew's fiance, who will stop at nothing to clear him.
Emily is a delightful detective. Her manipulative manner is superior to even Poirot, if her connections are a little slower. I especially adore the way she told almost every man in the story that he was someone on whom she could rely. It's absolutely perfect.
The actual solution to the mystery was a little obvious, but I have the idea that it's only obvious to me because it's one of those tropes that a dozen other writers stole from this book. Besides, even when the destination is obvious, the journey can be an adventure worth having. I highly recommend this story to all readers. ...more
As much a thriller as a mystery, this novel begins with Hilary Craven attempting suicide. Just before she can go through with it, she's given another As much a thriller as a mystery, this novel begins with Hilary Craven attempting suicide. Just before she can go through with it, she's given another option. Leaving Craven behind, she takes on a new identity and goes on a suicide mission. At the time, it seems a more interesting way to die. Along the way, of course, she makes connections to people as well as her case, and starts to value things like freedom and life.
Aside from one little quibble with the ending, (view spoiler)[that new love will heal her former heartbreak, instead of all the adventure and heroism, (hide spoiler)] I really liked this one. The secret of the stolen scientists was extremely well played, and the big bad was particularly well done. ...more
The facade of the old fashioned Georgian hotel clinging to a bygone era makes a lovely setting for crime, murder, and melodrama. Love affairs, hidden The facade of the old fashioned Georgian hotel clinging to a bygone era makes a lovely setting for crime, murder, and melodrama. Love affairs, hidden daughters, race cars, and money are outside of Miss Marple's usual purview, but as always her outside perspective offers a new lens through which the mystery might come together.
While the mystery itself might seem particularly larger than life in this one, that's rather the point. Paralleled by the reveals about the hotel, the nature of the crime and the dramatic nature of everyone involved lends to a certain questioning of reality. In the end, the answer is a simple one, however. Murder is real. All the set dressing in the world can't disguise it. ...more
Retiring to a house in the country, Tommy and Tuppence happen into a stack of old children's books. Tuppence does exactly what I would do in that situRetiring to a house in the country, Tommy and Tuppence happen into a stack of old children's books. Tuppence does exactly what I would do in that situation, shelving them slowly so that she can read all the good ones as she goes. Finding a secret code in an old favorite, she uncovers a child's conclusion that a certain person did not die a natural death.
Between the old books, the slow process of settling into a new house, and the bits with the dog, this book is a delight. It has all the action and danger one expects from a Tommy and Tuppence novel, but as they're grandparents now, the mysteries and the investigation is along a slightly different line.
This series is short by comparison to Christie's other works, but it covers such a span of time that it feels almost more complete than the others. Each novel checks in with the pair at a different point in their lives. Each novel takes place at a different point in history. In this story, a period is often referred to by the case Tommy and Tuppence were investigating then. So WWI becomes the time when Jane Finn was being handed those papers on the Lusitania, and other similar dates are give. The conceit grounds this book so well and makes the characters feel truly genuine.
I highly recommend this series to all readers....more
Tuppence never accidentally happens upon a mystery or walks into a library to find a body. Tuppence is as insulated and protected from danger as any mTuppence never accidentally happens upon a mystery or walks into a library to find a body. Tuppence is as insulated and protected from danger as any middle class wife and mother can be. She finds mysteries because she goes to look for them. Visiting Tommy's aunt in a nursing home, she speaks to another old woman, hears an off hand comment about a dead child sometime deep in the past, and goes looking. Because she has leisure, she can take trains through the country seeking out a house to match an old painting, crawl through graveyards looking for death dates, and talk with any number of people with only a vague idea of a puzzle. Working as hard as any other sleuth, she doesn't know what mystery she's solving until she gets to the end.
Tommy takes a bit of a back seat in this one, but when the time comes for head coshing, hospitals, adventure, and dashing about he does his bit. Interestingly, after a lifetime of marriage, as they approach retirement age, Tommy and Tuppence are at the most distant point of their relationship. Unlike in N or M? where Tommy has a mystery and Tuppence simply shows up, Tommy can't take the same interest in Tuppence's life. He has a conference to attend and a job to do.
While the old mystery in this story could never be resolved without the free time Tuppence is afforded, it reads more than a little like an argument for letting adult women leave the house. Given that it was published in the sixties, I'd say it has a definite feminist air, which I appreciated more than a little. ...more
A cute story of fashion, politics, romance, and following a dream. With lovely art, darling characters, and moments of high drama this is an excellentA cute story of fashion, politics, romance, and following a dream. With lovely art, darling characters, and moments of high drama this is an excellent graphic novel for the target audience. Given the subject matter, it might also be a fine opener for a conversation on transgender politics. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy YA or are looking for a soft discussion of that topic. ...more
With the hilarious conceit of a dungeoneering party who can't afford food to make it through a dungeon and therefore has to eat monsters, this book stWith the hilarious conceit of a dungeoneering party who can't afford food to make it through a dungeon and therefore has to eat monsters, this book starts off funny and gets funnier. Featuring an epicurean dwarf, an epi-curious human fighter, a halfling there to get the job done, and an elf disgusted by the entire concept who nevertheless feels strongly about the rescue mission they're on.
I particularly enjoy the recipes and nutrition charts for each monster cuisine cooked, but this is also a deeper look at the ecosystems of dungeons and monsters than most fantasy writers bother to take. I highly recommend this book to anyone who might enjoy the genre. ...more
A tour of Jerusalem sets the scene for intense family drama. This is another mystery where Poirot only steps on stage toward the very end, which I likA tour of Jerusalem sets the scene for intense family drama. This is another mystery where Poirot only steps on stage toward the very end, which I like a lot. It makes room for the other characters to be established. With such a cast of suspects, it really does feel like anyone could be guilty, because everyone is dynamic enough to be a murderer.
In this particular case, blame is hard to find. The abuse and control exerted by the victim is shown in such a way as to present the murderer as almost a hero. However, Poirot still does not approve of murder. Christie tosses in a reference to the conclusions after the affair on the Orient Express, for those who don't fully comprehend the verdict rendered by that novel, and makes it clear that they do not apply in this case. That they cannot apply in any lesser case than that one, which I like.
The first story of Tommy and Tuppence, both jobless after the end of the war, seeking work, adventure, and riches. In so doing, they happen upon a mysThe first story of Tommy and Tuppence, both jobless after the end of the war, seeking work, adventure, and riches. In so doing, they happen upon a mystery and Tommy's old contacts in the intelligence services turn it into a job. Tuppence meet a millionaire, which is a good thing since her goal is to marry rich, and we have no clue whatever as to how that might turn out.
These mysteries aren't quite the brain teasers that Poirot investigates, but I find them equally charming. The joie de vivre of the young couple is enchanting, and their adventures are a lot more lively than building card houses or putting together jigsaw puzzles. In other words, they're different enough to be refreshing, and the story is interesting enough to be worthy of Christie's pen. ...more
Between the elf who fulfills Christmas wishes without considering the consequences, the interview with Santa's lawyer, and the irreverent idea of the Between the elf who fulfills Christmas wishes without considering the consequences, the interview with Santa's lawyer, and the irreverent idea of the Christmas Bunny, this collection has plenty of salt to keep the stories and poems funny. Scalzi also has a few genuinely touching Christmas tales here, though, and it's obvious that the satire comes from a place of love. My personal favorite was the exploration of Christmas in July, but the list of worst Christmas specials ever made for a close second.
I highly recommend this book as a stocking stuffer for the science fiction readers in your life. ...more
Alex Wilder is back, but the Runaways are older, wiser, and no longer in a mood to be manipulated by him. The trio of demons for whom the Pride was deAlex Wilder is back, but the Runaways are older, wiser, and no longer in a mood to be manipulated by him. The trio of demons for whom the Pride was destroying the world is back as well. Dealing with them is a little more difficult.
With a Doombot for Christmas, a new body for the headless Victor, and a story from the point of view of Old Lace, this comic is a delight. The overarching story is the fate of the world as ever, the Runaways make some very bad decisions, (view spoiler)[especially Nico's demon deal which I cannot believe, (hide spoiler)] and they remain, at heart, a family. This comic has everything you want in a YA superhero story, and I highly recommend it. ...more
Tommy and Tuppence dabble in detective work, taking their cues from popular fiction as they emulate favorite detectives through a series of short storTommy and Tuppence dabble in detective work, taking their cues from popular fiction as they emulate favorite detectives through a series of short stories. Charming as ever, they dance glibly through murder scenes, hostage situations, and death traps with quick wit, luck, and lots of help.
These short stories are a delight. Brief mysteries do not have as much depth as novels, but that's perfectly suited to the quick humor of Tommy and Tuppence. I enjoyed these greatly and highly recommend them. ...more
A road trip story about losing and finding the way along a dusty Texas road, this graphic novel takes a turn or two into the weird once or twice, but A road trip story about losing and finding the way along a dusty Texas road, this graphic novel takes a turn or two into the weird once or twice, but it's more magical realism than fantasy. The dreamlike nature of the journey leaves the question of fact and metaphor up to the reader, but the path is an important one.
This is a coming of age story, a coming out story, and the story of two lesbians on a long road, but it isn't a romance, which I appreciate. Bea isn't in a place for romance, what she needs is an adult who understands, who knows how to drive and is willing to teach her, and she finds that beautifully in Lou.
Beautiful is an understatement. The colors of this book are sunset gorgeous and tremendously appealing. The art is lovely and compliments the story perfectly. I highly recommend this book to both the target audience and adults who enjoy comics. ...more
Christie writes historical fiction the way she writes any other genre: with a deep understanding of human nature and a few good murders. Make no mistaChristie writes historical fiction the way she writes any other genre: with a deep understanding of human nature and a few good murders. Make no mistake, this is a country house murder mystery with an escalating death toll, for all that it is set in ancient Egypt. The atmosphere of the story is as warm as the African sun and the history is well researched. For all that, though, the talk of ghosts and curses is no more or less than what Christie includes in her other mysteries, and the solution is just as prosaic.
In fact, it is slightly too prosaic. With the point of view character being such an innocent in this one, the identity of the murderer was not terribly difficult to peg, but reading remained a pleasure. ...more
This mode of memoir as conversation between mother and son is far more enjoyable than the usual presentation of facts. While the life of Gloria VanderThis mode of memoir as conversation between mother and son is far more enjoyable than the usual presentation of facts. While the life of Gloria Vanderbilt is so much larger than any ordinary experience, the act of learning something surprising about the life or opinions of a parent is an experience any child can relate to.
With interesting facts from a famous life lived among the influential, emotional moments from a child forced into the most dramatic custody hearing of the 20th century, and the tragic resonance of a mother who lost a son speaking to that son's brother, this book is as deep as a celebrity memoir gets. I highly recommend it for readers to whom those appeal. ...more
Mike and Yaichi continue to become brothers, mourning the loss of Ryoji each in their own way. Kana continues to be adorable, and everyone goes to an Mike and Yaichi continue to become brothers, mourning the loss of Ryoji each in their own way. Kana continues to be adorable, and everyone goes to an Onsen. Through Kana, Yaichi finally manages to refer to Mike as his brother's husband, when confronting a teacher at Kana's school who is concerned that Kana might be bullied about having a gay relative. Happily, this is not as story of bullies but of frienship, new family, and acceptance.
While the novel ends on a wistful note, anticipating an uncertain future, Mike and Yaichi are the family that Ryoji always wanted them to be. This is a beautifully drawn, well written story. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys comics. ...more
Laid out like a plain, factual police report, this memoir is a terrific story of an undercover operation. A black cop infiltrates the KKK. It hardly sLaid out like a plain, factual police report, this memoir is a terrific story of an undercover operation. A black cop infiltrates the KKK. It hardly seems possible in the era before the internet, but the story is as true as it is fascinating. Stallworth is straightforward about his duties as a police officer and his perspective on the hate group. They're a bunch of clowns he outsmarted, who would have done real acts of terrorism without the intel his team gathered. Afterward, he was asked to destroy all records of his work to avoid a potential embarrassment for the department. I am so glad Stallworth chose to preserve his own history, and agree with him that the tale is only embarrassing for the terrorist group he infiltrated.
For balance in his memoir, Stallworth prevents a few other stories. His first undercover assignment was attending a talk held by Stokely Carmichael, which seems to be him just reassuring his superiors that the activist wasn't inciting immediate revolution. Another example he presents involves him firmly siding with law and order when it comes to the community protesting a fifteen year old murder suspect being tried as an adult. While I understand and appreciate that Stallworth is a police officer and his perspective makes sense for someone in his profession, I personally prefer a little more mercy in the justice system. But those other assignments make it clear that Stallworth is a police officer in every particular. Which serves to emphasize that his work undercover with the KKK was not done for the story but to prevent real acts of terrorism in his community.
A tale of heroism, mockery, and intrigue, this memoir is well written, amusing, and enjoyable. I highly recommend it to all readers. ...more
Exploring the liminal period between childhood and adulthood, the spaces between the rural and the urban, the distance between a prayer rug and hard cExploring the liminal period between childhood and adulthood, the spaces between the rural and the urban, the distance between a prayer rug and hard concrete, this novel is poetry set in the seventies. Beautifully written, it makes hard realities as soft and dreamlike as a child's memories.
I highly recommend this book to all readers. That said, while it is a story about growing up, this novel is definitely targeted toward adult audiences. ...more
For the most part, this is an interesting thought experiment. What happens when a mind like Sherlock Holmes's is in the body of a Victorian woman? ImpFor the most part, this is an interesting thought experiment. What happens when a mind like Sherlock Holmes's is in the body of a Victorian woman? Imprisoned by her family and the strictures of society, Charlotte knows she must act in extremes to achieve any measure of independence. I appreciate her initiative and the struggle she goes through to find employment and be taken seriously.
The supporting cast of characters is interesting, too. If Charlotte has only sisters, there cannot be a Mycroft Holmes. The idea of a woman gaining such a position with the British government is inconceivable in Victorian times. Moreover, Watson must be a woman and therefore cannot exactly be an army surgeon. I enjoyed almost all of the new characters, especially the Scotland Yard inspector who is so necessary to the existence of a consulting detective.
One character forced himself into the story in a rather disagreeable way. Why a Lady Sherlock must have a requited but impossible love affair with a married man when Sherlock Holmes cares nothing for romance at all is an easily answered question. Yet that answer flatters neither the story nor the reading public. Her fluttering woman's heart robs her of agency in a way that all the social strictures couldn't. It's dull, trite, and frankly spoils an otherwise decent novel. If anything, Lady Sherlock should care even less for romance than Original Flavor Holmes does, given how hard she's been forced to struggle against being married off for her whole entire adulthood.
Much as I enjoyed certain parts of this book, I will not be continuing with the series. Nor can I recommend it after the big reveal that (view spoiler)[in the end, a woman cannot achieve independence without the help of a man. (hide spoiler)]...more
As husband and wife work to unmask a spy in a small sea-side village during World War II, mystery, adventure, and intrigue abound. What I like best abAs husband and wife work to unmask a spy in a small sea-side village during World War II, mystery, adventure, and intrigue abound. What I like best about Tommy and Tuppence, however, is not the mystery, but their vibe. They do things together, Official Secrets Act or no, and they tend to be of one mind about things despite gathering different clues and being inclined toward different suspects.
The most charming part of the book was the way their children pitied them for having to stay out of the war effort while the couple is actively preventing an invasion of the home country. The most engaging part of the book was when Tuppence said one word which revealed the entire mystery pages and pages before an explanation, allowing the reader to feel clever. The most amusing part of the story was imagining Tuppence in her spy makeup.
All in all, it's a great novel. I highly recommend it, and like most Christie it does not need to be read in any particular order, though it might spoil a minor character introduction from an earlier T&T novel. ...more
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