Tag: 2026 vintage mysteries

Mini-Reviews: Gods, Spell, Finger

Leave a comment

C.S. Harris, When Gods Die

A beautiful young woman is found dead in the arms of the Prince Regent, and Sebastian St. Cyr is called upon to investigate—and hopefully divert suspicion away from the prince. At first Sebastian wants nothing to do with the case, but he changes his mind when he sees the corpse wearing a rare and ancient necklace that once belonged to Sebastian’s mother—who was supposedly wearing it the day she died in a boating accident. How did the dead woman obtain the necklace, and was she involved in a conspiracy against the House of Hanover? This is a solid second installment of the Sebastian St. Cyr series. Once again his investigation takes him through the darkest, most sordid parts of London as he uncovers both personal and political motives for the murder. The book feels quite similar to the first in the series, which isn’t a bad thing, as I liked the first book a lot! But I will probably need to space out my reading of this series so that I don’t get bored with the formula. Still looking forward to book three, though!

Laura Wood, Under Your Spell

Clementine Moore is having a rough time; she’s recently become both single and unemployed. Her sister, who works for a music label, gets her a job as an assistant/housekeeper to rock star Theo Eliott, who’s having trouble writing his new album and needs supervision. But Clemmie has no interest in Theo or his world due to her rocky relationship with her father, also a famous musician. Nevertheless, she takes the job out of desperation—and is chagrined to discover that she finds Theo wildly attractive. Even worse, she actually likes him. But can romance blossom between two people from such different worlds? I really enjoyed this contemporary romance, which delivers the best-case scenario of the “dating a rock star” fantasy. Theo is dreamy and almost too good to be true, but a few genuine flaws save him from being too perfect. The book also made me laugh several times, and Clemmie’s narrative voice is a lot of fun. I’ve already read the sequel, Let’s Make a Scene, and liked it a lot also, so I will definitely keep an eye out for Laura Wood’s next book!

Agatha Christie, The Moving Finger

After being injured in a plane crash, Jerry Burton moves with his sister Joanna to the quiet village of Lymstock to recover. But instead of the sleepy, tranquil interlude they expect, they soon become embroiled in a “poison pen” mystery that results in suicide and murder. This is one of my favorite Agatha Christies, combining a solid mystery with excellent characterization and a perfect village setting. There’s also a bit of romance and a fair amount of social comedy, which I always enjoy! Earlier this year I discovered that my edition of this book, based on the original American edition, is shorter than the British version, which has several additional chapters! So of course I had to read the British version this time. I think most of the “extra” material is near the beginning; more time is spent on Jerry’s backstory and on introducing Lymstock. It was fun to reread a novel I enjoy while also in a sense reading it for the first time!

Mini-Reviews: Dukes, Paddington, Auburn

Leave a comment

Loretta Chase, Dukes Prefer Blondes

Beautiful Lady Clara Fairfax has been raised to do nothing beyond marrying a nobleman, but she’d rather be useful than ornamental. When her charitable work leads her to search for a missing boy who’s likely been absorbed into a London gang, she seeks out barrister Oliver Radford for help. Radford has a reputation for prosecuting gang leaders, fighting injustice—and being one of the rudest men in London. He has no time for Clara’s interference, yet he’s reluctantly intrigued by her determination. As the two work together, they fall in love, but will their very different social stations keep them apart? Every time I read a Loretta Chase novel, I’m surprised by just how good she is; this book was an absolute delight! I especially loved Oliver as a hero. He’s blunt, emotionally detached, and proud of his lack of charm, yet Clara utterly demolishes his defenses. Sure, the plot is silly and implausible, but I was having far too good a time to care! I really need to keep exploring Chase’s backlist, and I hope we’ll see more from her in the future!

Agatha Christie, 4.50 from Paddington

This novel opens on an exciting note, when elderly Elspeth McGillicuddy witnesses a murder in a train. She immediately reports the murder to a railway official, who thinks she imagined it but nevertheless informs the police. Yet the body isn’t discovered, either in the train or along the line. Luckily, Mrs. McGillicuddy’s good friend Jane Marple is on the case. Too old and frail to investigate herself, Miss Marple enlists the help of housekeeper extraordinaire Lucy Eylesbarrow, who hunts for the corpse while working at an estate that abuts the railway line. But can Lucy find the body and unmask the murderer before more people are killed? Much as I love Agatha Christie, I think this plot is a little weak; the murderer’s motive and plan are quite farfetched, and there’s no reason why that person should be the killer rather than any of the other suspects. I also think the characters aren’t particularly well drawn—except for Lucy, who is far too good for any of the men in this book! This is still an entertaining read, but not one of Christie’s best.

Sharon Shinn, Summers at Castle Auburn

As the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, Corie occupies an uncertain place in the world. For most of the year, she lives and works with her grandmother, a village herbalist and wise woman. But every summer, she visits the royal court at Castle Auburn, where her beloved half-sister is betrothed to the crown prince. At the start of the novel, 14-year-old Corie is infatuated with the dashing Prince Bryan and entranced by the beautiful aliora, fairylike creatures who serve in the palace. But as Corie grows up, she begins to recognize the problems and injustices around her, and she grows concerned for her sister’s—and the kingdom’s—welfare. But her quest to right those wrongs may cost her her own place at court. I’ve read this book a few times and always enjoyed it, and something different strikes me on each reread. Last time I saw the story primarily as a romance, but this time I focused more on Corie’s coming of age. Though she’s initially quite naive, she matures into an admirable heroine who’s determined to forge her own path. The novel is slow-paced and short on plot, but I enjoyed spending time again in Corie’s world.

Mini-Reviews: Something, Captivity, Reluctant

1 Comment

Julie James, Something About You

Assistant US attorney Cameron Lynde just wants a peaceful night in a posh hotel while her floors are being refinished. Instead, she’s kept awake by a late-night sex marathon in the room next door—followed by a murder. And unfortunately, because the case has federal implications, the person in charge of the investigation is FBI agent Jack Pallas, with whom Cameron has a contentious professional past. Since Cameron is a key witness with a high-profile job, she’s put in protective custody, which forces her and Jack into much closer proximity than they’d prefer—that is, until their mutual attraction complicates things even further. Julie James was one of the first romance novelists I ever read, and her books were a great gateway into the genre for me. This one is a fun read with likable leads; both Cameron and Jack are smart and good at their jobs, and they have great chemistry. The book isn’t destined to be a new favorite, but it was definitely an enjoyable way to spend an evening.

Michael Gilbert, Death in Captivity

This mystery has the unique setting of an Italian prisoner-of-war camp. An unpopular prisoner is found dead in a tunnel that some of the POWs had been digging to escape. But was his death an accident or murder? And how did he get into the tunnel, whose entrance is disguised by a heavy slab that takes four men to lift? One of the British prisoners, Henry “Cuckoo” Goyles, is tasked with solving the case, but his investigation is complicated by a potential informer within the camp, as well as by the eventual necessity for a prison break. This is a fascinating variation on the “impossible crime” mystery, where the circle of suspects is limited to camp guards and prisoners. Gilbert himself was a POW who escaped from an Italian camp during World War II, and his experience undoubtedly informed many details of the novel. The murder mystery is interesting—and several aspects of the solution surprised me—but it’s secondary to the vivid, personal depiction of this specific time and place. Recommended, but more for those interested in WWII history than for mystery lovers.

Eloisa James, The Reluctant Countess

Giles Renwick, the earl of Lilford, always does the proper thing. He needs an appropriate countess to uphold his social position, so it’s too bad that he’s continually lusting after Lady Yasmin Régnier, whose gowns and reputation are equally scandalous. Yasmin is attracted to Giles also, though she’s reluctant to admit it, as they seem to argue every time they’re together. Eventually they surrender to their mutual passion, but when Giles wants to marry Yasmin, she hesitates, unsure that they are truly well matched. I have really liked some works by Eloisa James, but this book was not one of them. I didn’t really believe in either of these characters or in the conflicts that kept them apart. Giles’s younger sister, who throws some obstacles in their way, also doesn’t seem to have a very clear or consistent motivation for her actions. I’ll try a few more of James’s books in hopes of finding one I really like, but this one was not it.

Mini-Reviews: Shippers, Corpse, Brides

Leave a comment

Katherine Center, The Shippers

JoJo Burton’s love life is a train wreck—a fact that becomes abundantly clear when she leaves her rich, “perfect” fiancé at the altar. JoJo thinks her problem may be rooted in unresolved feelings for her childhood crush, Finn Turner. Fortunately, her sister’s about to get married on a cruise ship, and newly divorced Finn is one of the guests. With several days of forced proximity and her sister’s help, JoJo is determined to attract Finn and thus fulfill her romantic destiny. The only problem is JoJo’s best friend, Cooper, who thinks her plan is ridiculous. As her attempts to lure Finn meet with disaster, JoJo eventually begins to question where her romantic destiny truly lies. This is a fun, fast-paced read with some cute banter, but I have to say that the romance drove me crazy! JoJo is implausibly blind to what’s right in front of her, and I don’t buy that Cooper would have kept his feelings a secret for so long. I also found the ending a bit anticlimactic after all the buildup. The book is still a fun, breezy summer read if you like this premise, but for me it’s not one of Center’s best.

Delano Ames, Corpse Diplomatique

Jane and Dagobert Brown are traveling through France when they encounter a violent death, about which Dagobert immediately suggests Jane write another mystery novel. While staying in Nice, they meet a diplomat from “Santa Rica” who is terrified of being assassinated. His fears seem justified when a bullet whizzes by his head, narrowly missing him but killing Major Hugh Arkwright instead. Who was the true intended victim, and who among the Browns’ new acquaintances at their French hotel is the killer? This series is enjoyable mainly for Jane’s snarky running commentary on the various people and events she’s writing about. The characters are largely well drawn, and I enjoyed the touches of humor, but the mystery itself is a bit lackluster; it kind of plods along without any real forward motion until the very end. Overall I liked this book fine, and I’d read more in the series if I came across them, but I don’t feel compelled to seek them out.

Amy Barry, Seven Brides for Beau McBride

After Junebug McBride found wives for two of her four older brothers, she’s been strictly forbidden from advertising for any more mail-order brides. But the third McBride brother, Beau, thinks Junebug had the right idea and places his own ad for a bride. Naturally, Junebug has to be involved and bets Beau that she can find a better wife than he can. But when she writes to six women instead of one, and they all come out West hoping to marry Beau, she has a problem on her hands. Especially when one of her brides, Ellie Neale, turns out to be best friends with Beau’s own pick, Diana—and Ellie soon falls for Beau herself! I enjoyed this fun Western romance, with its nonsensical yet enjoyable plot and over-the-top characters. Junebug is a lot and would be insufferable in real life, but she’s a lot of fun to read about. I liked that the seven potential brides were all decent and kind women, rather than being catty rivals. Beau and Ellie’s romance was sweet and had some funny moments due to Ellie’s melodramatic nature. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

Mini-Reviews: Waltz, First, Apprentice

1 Comment

Cornell Woolrich, Waltz into Darkness

Louis Durand, age 37, is a prosperous but lonely businessman in 1880s New Orleans. Unable to bear his solitude, he begins corresponding with Julia Russell and proposes to her sight unseen. To his delight, the woman who arrives is younger and more beautiful than he expected. They marry immediately, and Louis is happy at first, but eventually he begins to notice some worrisome behaviors in his new wife. This novel is the literary equivalent of a train wreck: You know it’s going to be a disaster, but you can’t look away. I felt awful for Louis from the very first chapter, which reveals his aching loneliness and his hope that it’s finally about to end. I wanted things to work out for him, even though it was always obvious that they wouldn’t. The book is well written but painful! Ultimately, I’m just not a noir person; but if you are, I highly recommend Cornell Woolrich.

Lynn Painter, First and Forever

Duffy Distefano and her family are huge fans of the Minnesota Coyotes football team. But when the team’s mascot gropes Duffy at a game—and her retaliation is caught on camera—she becomes a target for Coyotes fans. She’s invited to tell her side of the story on a local morning TV show, only to be confronted by a Coyotes player, Connor Cunningham, who’s there to do damage control for the team. Their on-air conversation, which reads as flirtatious banter, creates good PR for the Coyotes, who suggest that Connor ask Duffy out to further improve the team’s image. But as they get to know each other better, they both develop real feelings. I really like Lynn Painter’s romances, which are fun and light with great banter, and this one is no exception. I’m not a sports person at all, so I felt like I was getting a little peek at a new-to-me subculture. I did find the plot a little bland, and the third-act breakup was both predictable and unnecessary, though at least it didn’t last too long. But overall, I liked this one and will be interested to see if there’s a sequel, as there did seem to be some chemistry between Duffy’s brother and her best friend!

L.C. Tyler, The Herring-Seller’s Apprentice

Ethelred Tressider is a mediocre mystery writer and a bit of a sad sack. His wife, Geraldine, left him for his best friend years ago, and now he has neither a romantic partner nor any close friends. The only person he seems to interact with regularly is his literary agent, the abrasive Elsie Thirkettle. But when Geraldine goes missing—along with a fortune she obtained by scamming investors—it’s up to Ethelred, with unwanted assistance from Elsie, to solve the case. This book is a light, humorous mystery that has some fun playing with the conventions of the genre. I loved Elsie’s no-nonsense voice and the way she bullies Ethelred—for his own good, of course! That said, while I’ll definitely read book two because I own it, I’m not sure I’m invested enough to commit to the whole series.

Mini-Reviews: Hugo, Clouds, Slender

Leave a comment

Molly Clavering, Dear Hugo

It’s 1951, and 40-year-old Sara Monteith has just moved to the Scottish village of Ravenskirk, the hometown of her fiancé, Ivo, who was killed in World War II. Sara writes to Ivo’s brother, Hugo, about her experiences in the village: taking tea with the local gossips, making friends (and frenemies), gardening, and exploring the beautiful landscape. She also becomes the guardian of her cousin’s child, 13-year-old Atty, and reflects on the highs and lows of parenting a teenage boy. Several romances blossom around her, some of which she helps along, but ultimately Sara’s story is one of contentment in this new season of her life. This is a pleasant, peaceful read with a bit of light humor and some very sweet moments, especially between Sara and Atty. There’s absolutely no plot to speak of, and I was disappointed that Sara didn’t get her own romance, but I liked this one overall and think it will please anyone who enjoys this type of book.

Agatha Christie, Death in the Clouds

In this 1935 mystery, a woman is murdered on an airplane in the middle of a cross-Channel flight—and Hercule Poirot unfortunately sleeps through the whole thing! The victim was killed with a blow-dart coated in an obscure poison, but how could anyone have shot the dart without being observed? Poirot collaborates with the English and French police—as well as some of the passengers on the fatal flight—to learn more about the dead woman and discover who had a motive to kill her. He also finds a vital clue in the passengers’ luggage that reveals how the murder occurred. I enjoy this Christie novel and have read it a few times. I think the solution to the mystery is really clever, especially Poirot’s reconstruction of how the crime must have occurred. There’s a fair bit of humor—I love the detective novelist, Mr. Clancy—and multiple romantic subplots. Recommended if you’re in the mood for a fun Golden Age romp!

Muriel Spark, The Girls of Slender Means

This slender book (see what I did there?) is set in a boardinghouse called the May of Teck Club, inhabited by women eking out a living in postwar London. The girls pursue various jobs and love affairs, sharing jokes and a single glamorous evening gown, until a tragedy radically alters their lives. This is a very odd novel; aside from the aforementioned tragedy at the end, hardly anything actually happens. I’m also not quite sure how the author intends us to feel about some of the characters — she seems to mock them all pretty indiscriminately. That said, the book is absolutely hilarious, and I loved the frequent satire of the publishing industry:

She had put aside Nicholas’s manuscript for the time being, as it was a sticky proposition; she had not yet, in fact, grasped the theme of the book, as was necessary before deciding on a significant passage to cast doubt upon, although she had already thought of the comment she would recommend George to make: “Don’t you think this part is a bit derivative?” Jane had thought of it in a brain-wave.

Overall, highly recommended for the writing style and setting, but not if you need a plot and/or likable characters.

Mini-Reviews: Spouse, Duke, Fallen

Leave a comment

Alice Coldbreath, A Contracted Spouse for the Prizefighter

Former prizefighter Clem Dabney has embarked upon a new career and established a popular music hall in London; now he seeks to expand into a real theater. The Parthenon, owned by Theodora Fields and her two siblings, is his target, but he’s surprised when she approaches him with a proposition: She’ll marry him and thus give him an ownership stake in the theater, if he agrees to put her male impersonation act onstage. Clem agrees and soon finds himself oddly drawn to his eccentric wife, but his secrets may threaten their happiness. I’ve enjoyed this whole series, and this book caps things off nicely. I liked Clem’s bewildered affection for Dora (as he calls her), and I enjoyed the music hall setting. I do think the book is oddly paced, and the conflict between them isn’t terribly substantial, but I still really enjoyed the central romance. I’m looking forward to my next read by this author!

Anna Harrington, If the Duke Demands

Miranda Hodgkins has been in love with her neighbor, Robert Carlisle, for years, but the attraction has always been one-sided. Determined finally to get his attention, Miranda sneaks into his bedroom and attempts to seduce him—only to encounter his older brother, Sebastian, instead. Sebastian offers to help her with Robert if she’ll help him find a suitable wife; as the Duke of Trent, he needs a woman with the right family and social connections. But as Miranda and Sebastian’s agreement brings them closer together, an inconvenient mutual attraction sparks. This Regency romance was a perfectly fine read, but it didn’t knock my socks off. I generally enjoy the “wrong brother” trope, but here it’s a relatively small part of the plot. Miranda also gives off strong “not like other girls” vibes. I did like that she’s honest with Sebastian about her feelings and desires, but I felt he was caddish and irresponsible for pursuing her without feeling able to marry her. Overall, I didn’t dislike this one but wouldn’t particularly recommend it either.

Ellis Peters, Fallen into the Pit

It’s been five years since World War II ended, but in the English town of Comerford, on the Welsh border, trouble persists. Helmut Schauffler, a former POW and proud Nazi, is deliberately antagonizing everyone, picking fights and tormenting a local Jewish woman. No one is sorry when his dead body turns up, but Sergeant George Felse knows it’s his duty to find the killer—especially when his teenage son, Dominic, gets involved in the investigation and ends up in danger. I adore the Brother Cadfael novels and was excited to finally try Peters’s other mystery series, which she set in her own era. Overall I really enjoyed this book, despite its being a bit too long; it manages to be a convincing depiction of a changing postwar England, a compelling mystery, and a surprisingly tender portrayal of George and Dominic’s relationship. The Cadfael series has my heart, but I think if you enjoy that series and like Golden Age-style mysteries, you’ll enjoy this one too. I’m excited to continue with the next book!