First Sentence: My dear Eliza, I am in prison and I do not know how much longer I can bear my confinement.
Spinster
Dido Kent has been sent off to Charcombe Manor with wealthy and
demanding Aunt Manners. Upon arriving, she learns that Miss Letitia
Verney is missing, though to have eloped to Gretna Green with Tom Lomax,
wastrel son of Dido’s suitor, William. There is more than one puzzle
to keep Dido busy. Why does no one seem concerned about Letitia? Why is Aunt Manners giving her jewelry to George, a
brother she dislikes? Why is crying heard from a deserted part of the
manor house? And most urgently, how can Dido prevent Tom from being
hung for the murder of a man visiting George’s new resort town near the
estate.
From the very opening, it is hard to resist Ms. Dido
Kent and the charming letter to her sister. Ms. Dean very cleverly
creates the atmosphere of there being a mystery about to unfold without
resorting to the cliched use of a portent.
Anyone familiar with
Jane Austin will find themselves equating Dean’s characters with those
of Austin. Dean captures the details of the period perfectly from the
societal structure, to the inclusion of a chamber horse, to the style of
speech. “…And would you seek to change the world’s opinion on the
matter?” “I do not presume so far… I seek only to act as my conscience
dictates. It is a matter of integrity, Mr. Lomax, not revolt.” The
relationship between Dido and William Lomax is wonderfully written and
completely appropriate to the characters and the period.
Yet
set into this period of lightness, Dean introduces murder and an element
of the Gothic and dread through a grim discovery made by Dido. There
does appear to be a small oversight in the logic needed to solve the
crime, but it can be forgiven considering the very clever plot twist and
even bigger surprise. The sub-theme of duty is very effective and adds
depth to the story.
“A Place of Confinement” is wonderful. I
do love Dido Kent and admire Ms. Dean’s skill of creating a character
who solves crimes in a way that is completely believable considering the
constraints placed upon her by the period in which she is set. Do
treat yourself and begin the series at the beginning.
A PLACE OF CONFINEMENT (Hist Mys/Ama Sleuth-Dido Kent-England-Georgian/1807) – VG+
Dean, Anna – 4th in series
Minotaur Books, 2013
First Sentence: I met Paul when a friend of my friend Tabith played at the Hotel Utah late on Thursday night.
An
ex-boyfriend of PI Claire DeWitt is found dead. The police believe it
was a robbery gone wrong, but Claire isn’t convinced, particularly when
were appear to be links to the past. While Claire investigates, she
sends her new assistant, Claude, off on a case of miniature horses that
have gone missing from a ranch in Marin County.
Sara Gran has
such a wonderful, original voice and often writes passages that make you
stop and think…”Maybe it was true: Life was a series of words we’d
been given to arrange as we pleased, only no one seemed to know how. A
word game with no right solution, a crossword puzzle where we couldn’t
quite remember the name of that song.” She is very good at expressing small truths, “Everyone
things their grief is the first grief. Everyone things their grief is
primary and everyone else’s is secondary.”
When some author’s
characters refer to past cases, you feel as though you’ve missed a book
in the series. When Claire refers to past cases, it is almost as an
aside and assures you that it is fine that you don’t know the details.
That said, it is very helpful to have read the actual first book in
this series, “…City of the Dead.”
Told in first person, this is
very much a character-driven book. It is fascinating to see how Gran
incorporates different philosophical beliefs into Claire’s thought
process. And then there is the book by the French detective Jacques
Silette which seems to have almost magical properties of his own and
becomes something of an on-going character in the series.
Claire, however, is far from being a paragon of virtue. She excels in vices;
legal and illegal and the focus on these significantly and adversely effect the reader's view of the character. Rather than want to know her better, she becomes someone you'd likely avoid.
Description and sense of place are also
among Gran’s strengths, even if she does get a bit Map-Quest-y at times.
For those who live, or know, the San Francisco Bay Area well, it is
delightful following Claire to places so familiar to us. For those who
don’t, her descriptions and details provide the feeling of being there.
Unfortunately, what is severely lacking is the mystery. It is there, but
it seems the clues were not.
“…Bohemian Highway” sadly lacks
the charm, humor and magic of Ms. Gran’s first book. I found myself
more annoyed by Claire, than entranced by her. I do hope Ms. Gran’s
next book finds its way back to the appeal of the first, but I’m not
completely certain I’ll be there to read it.
CLAIRE DEWITT AND THE BOHEMIAN HIGHWAY(PI-Claire DeWitt-New York City-1980s) – Okay
Gran, Sara
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013
First
Sentence: The long green benches of the House of Commons were
half-deserted as the evening session began, scattered with perhaps a few
dozen men.
Charles Lenox has a very full life. He has a wonderful wife,
infant daughter and a seat in Parliament. Although it is a very busy
time in Parliament, Charles Lenox agrees to meet with a former
colleague’s client. But it’s the murder of a country squire that
returns Lenox to his former profession of investigation, at least part
time. Lenox finds this to be much more than a simple murder. Instead,
it’s a case which could impact the nation.
Finch opens with a
very good introduction to the main characters, providing both background
and a clearly established sense of time and place. There is also an
unusual set up right from the start that adds just a touch of humanity
and humor to the story. Asking about the outfit worn by an 18-month old
child, Lenox says “I have never understood this strange tradition that
has us dress our small boys in martial clothing. This one seems to be
wearing a regimental jacket.” Rather than describing the details of the
season, he has Lenox equate Spring, not with nature, but with the
events and posturing of the London Season. That’s not to say his
traditional use of description is not evocative, for it assuredly is.
Finch’s
details on the period, both in appearance and in conveying the spoken,
and unspoken, rules of society are exacting. “…Toto burst into tears,
burying her face in Jane’s quickly encircling arms. In a woman of
slightly lower birth it would have been a distasteful spectacle. Rules
soften toward the top, however.” He includes wonderful bits of
historical detail, such as how Charing Cross obtained its name and the
etymology of “hogwash.”
The dialogue also contributes to the
sense of time as it reflects the speech of the period. There are
actually historical figures deftly woven into, and critical to, the
plot. Again, the details are very impressive although I do suspect some
liberty was taken with Campbell’s Soup being available in England
during that time.
What was rather fascinating was watching
Finch, and ergo Lenox, balance both the investigation, the demands of
his personal life and those of Parliament. The mystery keeps one
involved and provides wonderful twists along the way with a motive
clearly linked to actual events in history.
“An Old Betrayal” is a very good read and entry to a wonderful series which should be read in order.
AN OLD BETRAYAL (Hist Mys/Lic Invest-Charles Lenox-England-1875) – VG
Finch, Charles – 7th in series
Minotaur Books, 2013
First
Sentence: At the sound of footsteps in the alley, Maggie Keene dimmed
the gas lamp and sidled up to the room’s only window.
Deputy
Marshal Archie Lean is summoned to a murder scene. The body of a
prostitute is found, pinned to the earth with a pitchfork, her heads and
limbs laid out to represent a pentagram, and her body parts removed—all
in the traditional method of killing a witch. Also on the scene is
Cyrus Grey, Indian and former Pinkerton who studied anatomy. In spite
of their different approaches, the two men must join forces and stop a
killer.
This had all the elements that would normally have
appealed to me; historical, police procedural, Maine, witch trials,
occult. Of course, the very small print did not help that, but that’s
the fault of the publisher, not the author. Still, had I been engrossed
in the story, I would have persevered. Instead, I found it just didn’t
hold my interest.
The main characters of Lean and Grey were too clearly
fashioned after Watson and Holmes, almost to the point where they felt
plagiarized, but with the names changes. The anachronisms were
overwhelming, the speech had no reflection of the period; it seemed much
too modern. As for setting, it is an area I know well. However,
beyond a map-quest tour of the area, the sense of place was not
evocative.
“The Truth of All Things” was a slog to read
with stereotypical characters and no strong sense of time or place. I
abandoned it after the first 150 pages. I did try, but just couldn’t stay
with it.
THE TRUTH OF ALL THINGS (Hist Mys/Pol Proc-Archie Lean/Perceval Grey-Maine-1892) – DNF
Shields, Kieran – 1st in series
Broadway Paperbacks, 2012
First
Sentence: Lewis and Clark County Montana Sheriff’s Department
Investigator Cassandra Dewell winced when a pair of headlights broke
over a rise onto a long treeless bench in the foothills of the Big Belt
Mountains north of Helena.
The first thing readers need to know
is that this is definitely not a Joe Picket book. If you are expecting
Joe’s Dudley-Do-Right morality, do not read this book. That said…
The
elements of Box’ style which hold are very visual
descriptions—occasionally more so than some might care for –and
excellent dialogue being top among them.
As many of the
characters in this book previously appeared in “Back of Beyond,” I
greatly appreciated that Box summarizes the first story, providing the
back story and relationships of the characters. The characterization of
the two girls was very well done, even down to Danielle’s
anthropomorphizing her car. The contrast of the two sisters is
excellent; one being a survivor, the other a victim.
The
protagonists, Cody Hoyt and Cassie Dewell, are as different from one
another as could be. Cody, hardened by life and experience, believes in
doing what is necessary to get the bad guys. Cassie is fairly new to
the force and somewhat naïve; at least in the beginning.
This is
a much darker story than we’re accustomed to from the Joe Pickett
books. There are points where it’s ugly and very difficult to read.
There is an unexpected twist which is so shocking, it’s hard to believe
it happened. The story has an excellent reveal and climax, as well as a
very, very good, albeit creepy ending. I applaud Mr. Box for taking
this slightly risky step to the dark side. He is an author, I believe,
who deserves much more credit and notice than he receives.
“The Highway” was not a comfortable read, but it was a very, very good one.
As an audiobook reader, Holter Graham did a very credible job, although
it’s always a bit challenging having a man doing female dialogue. Even
so, his voice did not take you out of, or get in the way of, the story.
THE HIGHWAY (Suspense/Pol Proc-Cody Hoyt/Cassie Dewel-Montana-Contemp) – VG+
Box, C.J. (Read by Holter Graham) – 2nd in series
A Macmillan Audiobook from St. Martin’s Press, 2013
First Sentence: The Theater District did not shut down for winter storms.
Putting
on a play in New York is always a tough gig. However, having the play
change constantly and having a person in the audience die each of the
first two nights, makes it particularly challenging. It does draw an
audience, and the attention of Special Crimes Unit, including Detective
Mallory.
Kathy Mallory is a force and one of the most memorable
and compelling characters there is. Her partner Riker, Dr. Edward
Slope, brilliant Charles Butler and all of the recurring characters in
this series are not only her family, but become part of everyone who
follows the series. If you’re a fan, you are a real fan. If you’ve not
read the series before, don’t start here.
It has taken me a long
time to figure out how I feel about this book. The answer is that I’m
somewhat disappointed. The reason why is the plot. It is confusing, to
put it kindly. Of the secondary characters, there is only one about
whom we care, and it takes us a long time to get there. Of the others,
there is only one from whom we may feel some sympathy, but not that’s
enough. There is, however, a very good second thread which does make
the story more interesting. As opposed to most Mallory books, I did not
find this a one-sitting read. I never considered not finishing it, but
I did keep hoping it would get better.
The two things that
drove me forward were the character of Mallory, who is always
compelling, and O’Connell’s dialogue including her use of wry
humor…”Words of a wise man: “Don’t ever let me catch you punching out a
reporter.” And the late Louis Markowitz had also told her,” It’s
unsanitary, kid. You don’t know where that scum has been.”. Those two
elements are wonderful, but not enough on their own.
There seems
to be a major continuity gap between the previous book, “The Chalk
Girl”, and this book. That gap is never explained. There is also an
epilogue in this book, as was in the last, that really doesn’t
contribute anything to the story itself. The first time, it was
interesting and touching; this time it seems disjointed and somewhat out
of continuity with the previous one. I do, however, have a suspicion
that O’Connell is playing with us, in the way Mallory would, and all
will be clear….someday.
“It Happens In the Dark” is not
O’Connell’s best book. Were someone new to the series, or someone who
is not a true fan, to read it, I suspect this would be the end or only
book they would read by her. As someone who is a fan, I am willing to
forgive an author their occasional blunder—who knows what may have been
going on in Ms. O’Connell’s life during the time she was writing
this—but I shall also very much hope the next book rises back to the
level we’ve come to expect.
IT HAPPENS IN THE DARK (Pol Prod-Mallory-NYC-Cont) – Good
O’Connell, Carol
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2013
First Sentence: A cold finger brushed Rachel’s throat, jolting her out of a dream.
Veterinarian
David Westbrook, released after 2 years in prison, has rented a barn to
rebuild his practice and his life. He hears a woman's screams and
rescues her son who'd fallen in an old well. But he also discovers the
remains of a woman, Rachel Hayes, who had died in a firestorm in the
1870's. But once her remains are found, fires and deaths begin.
Allyn
starts us off with a dramatic prologue which clearly has a purpose and
makes us want to know more. It establishes themes which run through the
entire story.
The author has a wonderful voice and writes great
dialogue…”One last question,” she said,” a medial one. Are you a good
vet?” “I try to be. I was tops in my class at State. My patients bark at
me sometimes, but they never write nasty letters.” “You have a strange
sense of humor.” “Thank you.”
The characters are
fully-dimensional. Each has a past they are trying to overcome and with
objectives for their futures. They are real; they are alive and you feel
their pain. You find yourself empathizing with Westbrook. You want to
pull him back when he’s about to do something stupid and are very
relieved when he doesn’t.
Even the four-legged creatures become
very real to us. Allyn’s descriptions and understanding of the animals
is wonderful. I shall caution that there are animals harmed in this
book, but it was relevant to the plot and done with a purpose. The
protagonist is a vet and a rescuer. It helps to keep that in mind.
“The Burning of Rachel Hayes” is a gripping read with an underlying element
of the Gothic and a bit of “something wicked this way comes” feel. It is
not a typical ghost story. There is a paranormal element but one
leaving you wondering whether it’s truly paranormal or corporal. It is
filled with strong, diverse and interesting characters, both human and
animal. I found myself so caught up in the story, parts of it stayed with
me long after finishing the book. Although Mr. Allyn has written other
books, he now concentrates on short stories, including the David
Westbrook collection of “All Creatures Dark and Dangerous.”
THE BURNING OF RACHEL HAYES (Myst-Dr. David Westbrook-Michigan-Contemp) – VG+
Allyn, Doug
Five Star, 2004
First Sentence: “This is the sword of justice,” Jean-Baptiste told him, lifting it from its long, straw-lined, padlocked crate.
Due
to the illness of his father and pressure from his grandmother,
Charles-Henri Sanson is forced to assume the position and title as the
fourth generation hereditary master executioner of Paris. It is a
position of title and power. It is also a role into which one is born
and has no choice but to assume as no other professions are open to the
inheritor of that role. Yet Charles must both learn his position and
strive to maintain his humanity while so doing.
Ms. Alleyn wisely
provides a “Cast of Characters” at the beginning of this book. This is
critical, and very helpful in avoiding confusion, as she is dealing
with many members of one family. That she takes this family, whose
profession is as terrible as one could imagine, and make them both human
and sympathetic is a remarkable accomplishment.
Charles is the
antithesis of what one would imagine for his role, yet part of the power
of the book is that it breaks down stereotypes. He is, to paraphrase
another character’s observation, prosperous, has a good education, nice
manners and is very, very handsome. He also despises what he does,…”It
was rather pathetic, Charles often thought, that among the crowds who
came to stare at public chastisement, the one least eager to be present
was the man in charge of the business.” Conversely, his grandmother and
sister are very matter of fact about the profession and proud of the
family’s title and status. That conflict makes for a very thoughtful
reading.
The story deepens with the introduction of an
antagonist. Although she has so done throughout the story, it is at
this point, Ms. Alleyn forcefully speaks to our emotions. One doesn’t
just end the story, one muses over it long after the last page is
turned.
The historic detail doesn’t just create a sense of time
and place, but includes us and informs us. It is fascinating to learn
the levels of what could and could not be done, both in terms of the
punishments and types of executions for different levels of crimes and
society, but how bodies were handled after death. We also learn about
the legal process in the days before defense lawyers.
While
“The Executioner’s Heir” sounds as though it could be very grim, it is
not. Yes, there are passages difficult to read, but never unnecessarily
graphic. It is a very human story and, in the end, about a man
deciding to be the best he can be. It is a remarkable book.
THE EXECUTIONER’S HEIR (Hist Novel-Charles-Henri Sanson-France-1760s) – Ex
Alleyn, Susanne – Standalone
Spyderwort Press (1st electronic edition), 2013
First Sentence: Armand Gamache didn’t like what he was looking at, but then, few people would.
A
guest at the Inn and Spa in Three Pines is found hanged by a jogger.
Inspector Armand Gamache and his deputy Jean-Guy Beauvoir are sent to
investigate. The question is whether this is a suicide or murder.
This
novella was written for Canada’s Literacy Project at the Grade 3 level
for adult readers. The style and plot are very simple and, where
characters in the series books, would use French words or phrases,
English is used here. Even so, this is a wonderfully written story.
The
underlying question is “why?”. Why was the man there? Whether by his
own hand or that of another, why did he die? There is another question of
“why” but I refuse to give away a major plot point.
This is yet
another example of Ms. Penny’s skill and quality of storytelling even
for those of us way above Grade 3 level reading. Do not, however,
confuse that for meaning the story has been ‘dumbed-down’. Not at all.
It has all the elements that define an excellent tale with its strong
sense of place, excellent characters, wonderfully done and natural
dialogue. Although the structure and language may be fairly simple, the
plot twist is not and the motive leaves us thinking.
“The Hangman” is complete unto itself and a wonderful read, no matter your age or reading level.
THE HANGMAN (Pol Proc-CI Armand Gamache-Canada-Contemp) – Ex
Penny, Louise – Short Story
Grass Roots Press – 2010
