I didn't do the R.I.P. challenge this year. Not from not wanting to, or not trying. I simply couldn't figure out the logistics based on Instagram posts. I tried searching for a hosting blog, but that seems to be old school. I guess I am feeling my age, but I couldn't figure out how to sign up. post, etc. So, I punted and just read a bunch of mysteries sans challenge.
The Last Devil to Die, by Richard Osman - 4th in the fantastic Thursday Murder Club series, I gave this 5 stars on GoodReads as there is some seriously beautiful, heartbreaking, breathtaking writing that isn't part of the overall whodunit but puts this book outside the realm of a simple mystery novel. And the mystery part of the book is really good--we dive into the world of antiques, antiquities, fraud, and heroin smuggling, and there are some wonderful characters in this world, some of whom end up dead and some don't. And the fab four are as wonderful as ever. I am so looking forward to the Netflix movie that just finished production.
The Zig-Zag Girl, by Elly Griffiths - I have been hearing good things about Griffiths's Ruth Galloway series but decided (mainly because my library had a copy) to start with book 1 of her Stephens and Mephisto series. Set in Brighton in the 1950s, not long after WWII has ended, the book features a police detective and a famous (on the UK vaudeville circuit) magician who have to figure out who is murdering people using magician's acts horribly gone wrong. Good writing, good setting, good characters--I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Vanishing Edge, by Claire Kells - I've gotten burnt out on the Nevada Barr series, so when Lark from Lark Writes blogged about a mystery series based in National Parks, I knew I had to check it out. This is the first book in the series--set in Sequoia NP in CA. The main character, Felicity Harland, is a former FBI agent now working as a detective with the NPS and her sidekick in this novel (and hopefully into the future) is the brawny, sweet park ranger known as Hux. They are a wonderful pair, with some chemistry, but lots of smarts and wilderness skills. I enjoyed the mystery, setting, and characters and already have the next book in the series on my nightstand.
The Woman in Cabin 10, by Ruth Ware - I picked up this book on vacation in WA state and devoured it while traveling. I had heard lots of buzz about it earlier in the year, and it was a "can't put it down" thriller. Lo, the main character, works for a travel magazine in the UK and is lucky enough to get chosen for a major perk--a berth on a luxury cruise in the North Atlantic. She stumbles into a mystery and finds herself in grave danger in her attempt to figure out who she saw in the supposedly empty cabin next to hers, and what happened to her.
Murder in Chianti, by Camilla Trinchieri - book 1 of yet another mystery series, and this one was also recommended by Lark. Again, I have found a new series to love, as I really enjoy reading books set in Italy, and in this case, we have a former NYPD cop who has relocated to Tuscany and gets roped into helping solve a murder. Again, great setting, interesting set of villagers and side characters, and lots of discussion of great food and drink.
Fatal Pursuit, by Martin Walker - finally, not a new series! This is book 9 in the fabulous Bruno series set in the Dordogne valley in France. One of my absolute favorites in the entire series so far -- we have another WWII mystery, this time involving a gorgeous racing car (only 1 of 4 made) that went missing with a French resistance driver on his way from Alsace to the Dordogne. We also have a rally car event with Bruno as a reluctant participant, as well as the usual horses, dogs, friends, baguettes, fabulous food and drink, and cultural history.
I'm halfway through Magpie Murders, by Anthony Horowitz, which I am loving and will wax poetic about in a later blog post.
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Still reading up on the Civil War--1/3 of the way through another Bruce Catton, this time The Coming Fury, which covers a lot of the same ground as The Demon of Unrest, but terrific nonetheless. I also watch Manhunt on Apple TV about the search for John Wilkes Booth and the other conspirators involved in the Lincoln assassination. Tobias Menzies was excellent as Edwin Stanton, Lincoln's Secretary of War, sometime political rival, and friend and champion. Definitely worth watching.
Also, just started watching The New Look on Apple TV about Christian Dior and Coco Chanel during WWII in Paris and afterwards. Absolutely riveting. Honestly, I am glad I no longer use Chanel No. 5. Coco should have been prosecuted as a Nazi spy.
Still harvesting tomatoes--what a bumper crop. My freezer is full of tomato sauce and stewed tomatoes, and we've been eating a lot of tomato soup, salsa, bruschetta, and tomato sandwiches. And I have given away so many bags to friends, neighbors, and the food share.
I just started piano lessons--I haven't played in >30 years and I was mostly self-taught, so this is great fun and challenging.
Gearing up for quilting season. I have a king-size quilt that I am almost done quilting, and then there is a Civil War era quilt that I would love to make this winter.
And that's a wrap. Hope everyone is doing well, staying healthy and reading lots!
Hi Jane, so many great mysteries. Thanks for letting us know. I definitely want to try Martin Walker because I have heard that if you like Louise Penny and Donna Leon (and I do!) the Bruno series is the next place to go. I also want to try Vanishing Edge.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you are taking piano lessons and good luck on the Civil War quilt! I would love to see pictures when it's done.
I really enjoy Louise Penny and Donna Leon, and I can see similarities between these authors and the Bruno series. I think overall, the tone is lighter (Penny's novels and Leon's as well can get very dark). But the themes of friends, family, and community are there in abundance.
DeleteI also thought the non-mystery part of the The Last Devil to Die was very moving and memorable. My mother just bought me his new book (new series). I almost lost it at the gym last night but luckily got it back this morning.
ReplyDeleteI just read and liked Vanishing Edge as well. I never got into Nevada Barr, even when I worked for the publisher; too outdoorsy for me perhaps.
Somewhere here I have Murder in Chianti but I am not sure where. Good to know it is worth finding!
I tried to grow some grape tomatoes this summer but every time one gets ripe it gets stolen by some creature (rabbit? chipmunk?).
Constance
I am super looking forward to We Solve Murders--will be eager to hear how you like it.
DeleteThose critters are thieves. I was harvesting plums from our tree last week as they ripened, and then one morning the tree had been stripped of plums. At least I got some!
You can always join my spooky fall events. Still blog based. :) You don't have to read horror. I let participants decide what's scary to them.
ReplyDeleteGood on you for the piano lessons. I had wanted to pick it back up myself, but we couldn't bring the piano when we moved to Michigan. I was very sad. May have to just take up the guitar again, or take out Reece's violin and learn to play via YouTube videos. lol
I still need to watch Manhunt. I had forgotten about it so thanks for the reminder.
Excellent suggestion. I will do that! Yes, Manhunt was excellent.
DeleteI haven't signed up for RIP since they switched from a blog host to Instagram. (Mostly because I'm not on Instagram. I guess that shows my age as well.) But I love reading these kinds of books. I'm glad you enjoyed Vanishing Edge. And I really liked The Zig-Zag Girl, too. It's a fun series. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to more of the Stephens/Mephisto series--very original premise!
DeleteNice recap. I hope you're enjoying your piano playing -- sounds fun to be taking it back up after a long time. You seem busy with the garden & all these books too. Gosh like you -- we are having a lot of tomato soup & sauce too -- and butternut squash soup from the garden. It's everywhere. And I agree that actor Tobias Menzies is good as Stanton. I only saw a few episodes but need to watch the rest. Happy fall !
ReplyDeleteRelearning the piano has been a goal for a while, and now I have time to pursue it. Very gratifying.
DeleteGuess what? You're doing RIP! It's no longer hosted on a blog, and there's no sign-up :) Just read darker books, and if you post about them on Instagram (where it now resides), tag @PerilReaders. I enjoyed The Woman in Cabin 10 & was excited to hear it is being adapted (TV I think) with an all-star cast! I really want to read the Richard Osman books but haven't yet. And I love Nevada Barr, so I should give Claire Kells a try! Sounds like some great reading for you lately - enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSue
Book By Book
Thanks for explaining how RIP works these days!!!! I appreciate it.
DeleteI didn't know Woman in Cabin 10 was being adapted--such a great premise. I will watch for sure.
The National Parks series sounds great, I'll look that up. I also thought Manhunt was excellent. It was such a talented cast.
ReplyDeleteTobias Menzies is certainly a versatile actor. I've seen him in some really different types of roles.
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