Slash and Burn by Colin Cotterill

First Sentence: You know?

Dr. Siri, the nearly 80 year old corner of Laos, wants to retire and spend some time with his wife before he dies; a death predicted by the local transvestite fortuneteller. Yet it agrees to one last job. 

Ten years earlier, during the Vietnam War, a US fighter pilot went down in the jungle. A search party of Americans and Laotian scientists and high-level politicians set out to find the pilots remains. They don’t expect to be trapped in a remote cabin due to smoke. Even less, do they expect one of their party to die.

From the very beginning, it’s clear that this isn’t your usual mystery, unless you read a lot of books where the protagonist embodies a centuries-old shaman and a transvestite fortune teller are among the charters. But the wonderfully quirky cast of characters is only one thing that makes this book a delight to read. However, one thing devotedly to be wished, would be a cast of characters at the beginning of the book, as it did become confusing at times.

Excellent descriptions; “But the setting was idyllic. It wasn’t yet 10:00 A.M. and not all the mist had burned away from the surrounding mountains. The sun was still a fuzzy egg yolk behind a lace curtain. The air was fresh and tingled the back of Siri’s throat. The sound of running stream water provided the soundtrack. The second hands on the watches on the wrists of the Americans began to crawl more slowly around the faces. Time had altered.” 

The book is filled with humor, but there’s pathos as well. We’re presented with a country subjected to war, and a description of a village which has lost an “entire generation of able-bodied young men.” Tucked into this story is the remarkable story of what happened to the people of this area. The title is explained by a tradition of the farming people in this area. However, one also learns about the various ways in which marijuana can be used. 

Some may describe this series as being light and, granted, there is a lot of humor both in the characters and the events. However, there is a deeper layer that, when looked for, provides a real grounding to the story.

“Slash and Burn” is a really good read. There is a surprising twist and motive, but one that makes perfect sense in the end. Be assured, however, that Dr. Siri and his crew remain firmly on my “must read” list.

SLASH AND BURN (Lic Invest-Dr. Siri Paiboun-Laos-Contemp) – G+
Cotterill, Colin – 8th in series
Soho Crime, 2011

The Vault by Peter Lovesey

First Sentence: Some weird objects are handed in at Bath Police Stations.

Bones—contemporary bones, not Roman bones--are discovered in a vault below the house in which Mary Shelly wrote most of her book “Frankenstein.” An American academic and Shelly fan, reports that his wife has gone missing at the time he was in an antique shop trying to buy a letterbox said to have belonged to the author. When the owner turns up dead, D.S. Diamond has to question whether the man is guilty of one murder, two…or none.

The book begins with an excellent hook. There’s no question of putting the book down, once one starts it.

It’s hard not to love the characters, particularly with Lovesey’s humor, bad puns…”The bony hand, resting on its pizza box, was deposited on Detective Superintendent Peter diamond’s desk. “What’s this—a finger buffet?”…”…When’s medieval?” “Later than Roman,”… The dialogue, in general, is wonderful… “Where did you find it.?" "At Hay-on-Wye." This was cause for a smile. "Sooner or later everything of no special distinction seems to end up there.” It’s wonderful to have dialogue that is clever and witty enough to make one laugh.

Diamond is a great character and a bit of a contrast. Although he always describes himself as believing other see him as annoying and a curmudgeon, there’s little actual evidence of that from his actions. He helps a young reporter who wants to join the police. He has a wonderful conversation with a 6-year-old girl. He has a good relationship with his wife. And he sings songs by Queen—how can one not like a character that single Queen? As an investigator, he uses logic and questioning, rather than makes assumptions. 

The plot is interesting and contains information on some rather obscure history of Bath, Mary Shelly, and art—including a reference to David Hockney. One intriguing comment was that in all his years as a murder man, the board of crime scene photos had never been of an practical help. There are a couple threads to the plot, as well as some clever twists, and everything is brought together really well at the end. 

“The Vault,” although perhaps not my favorite of the series, is a very clever mystery; well written and enjoyable. Lovesey’s Peter Diamond series has become a definite favorite of mine. 

THE VAULT (Pol Proc-DS Peter Diamond-Bath, England-Contemp) - VG
Lovesey, Peter – 5th in series
Soho, 1999

Property of Blood by Magdalen Nabb

First Sentence: I’ll do my best to tell you everything but the things I remember are perhaps not what you need.

Kidnap is big business in Italy. An American-born model who married an Italian aristocrat worked for years to rebuild the family’s fortune and reputation after her husband squandered it all away. Now, she has been kidnapped and the crime reported to Marshal Guarnaccia by the daughter. Having established first contact, Guarnaccia is to act as liaison to the family. He soon realizes all is not as it should be and he also quietly works with his counterpart in the Tuscan hills, home of the Sardinian sheep families who are often involved in such kidnappings.

What a powerful, painful and scary opening! Yet at no point do you want to stop or turn away. As much as anything else, this is the story of a family and a strong woman. Much of the story takes us through her experience through a monologue that is as interesting as the investigation. It becomes easy to see how and why the “Stockholm Syndrome” comes to be. The story is also a condemnation of Italy’s kidnap laws and the judicial system.

The book has  a very strong sense of place and of proprietary. At one point, the Marshal doesn’t feel it is his place to question some people.

The Marshal, which is his rank within the Carabinieri—the law enforcement branch which is part of the army yet concerned with criminal investigation, serious crime and organized crime—is a fascinating character. By his rank, he is a non-commissioned officer, somewhat equivalent to a sergeant. He is something of a plodder; a thinker and an observer…”The Marshal pursued his usual policy of interrogation. That is, he kept quiet.” He doesn’t rush about, but mulls the tiny details. He isn’t a Colombo who wants people to underestimate him. He truly downplays his own intellect and significance. Although he is married with two sons, the focus is not on his family, but on him and the investigation.

“Property of Blood” is a very good book with intriguing twists. More than a mystery, it is a character study. Sadly, I’ve only three books left to read in this series.

PROPERTY OF BLOOD (Pol Proc-Marshal Salvatore Guarnaccia, Florence, Italy, Contemp) – VG+
Nabb, Magdalen – 11th in series
Soho, 1999

Mr. Campion's Farewell by Mike Ripley

First Sentence:  “I find it shocking,” said Clarissa Webster.

      

Albert Campion is now married and not as young as he once was, and even the butler Lugg is now retired.  Yet Albert goes off to the picture-postcard village of Lindsay Carfax for a visit with his niece.  

Fairfax is an odd town with nothing to draw people there.  The main fact of interest is what they call “the nine days wonderful” with odd things happening that relate to the number nine and that the town is controlled by a group called “the Carders.”

      

The story begins with a caution and intriguing talk of what happens to those who doesn’t listen.  The stage is set, and Campion is perfectly described.  However, this is a case where having a cast of characters would have been very helpful. 

      

There isn’t a slow moment in the story.  Events happen one-after-another.  Even though some are in the past, the re-telling of them adds to the mystery of the present.  Yet learning how all these things connect is the mystery.

      

It’s a hard task for a new author to pick up a well-known series written by someone else, yet Ripley does a more-than-credible job of it.  Having the gap in time of the story and the age of the character does help quite a bit.  Even so, he portrayed Campion well.  The voice, both in the narrative and dialogue, were true to character.  Even the exchange with Campion’s wife, Lady Amanda, is classic…”And I distinctly remember thinking “Zounds! I’ve been shot.” But after that it all goes rather dim.”  ““Zounds”?  Anyone who thinks that ought to be shot and “dim” is a particularly apt description for your predicament…”

     

  “Mr.Campion’s Farewell” is a delightful read and an intriguing mystery.  There’s a lot happening and it all ties up quite satisfactorily in the end.   For those who love the golden-age British classics, Ripley does an excellent job of portraying the characters, style and charm with the same flair.  The original books by Margery Allingham are still the best, but this is a rare exception to my conviction that characters should die with their authors.  Bravo, Mr. Ripley. 

MR. CAMPION’S FAREWELL (Mys-Albert Campion-England-Contemp/1969) – VG+

Ripley, Mike -

Severn House, 2014

The Black-Eyed Blonde: A Philip Marlowe Novel by Benjamin Black

First Sentence: It was one of those Tuesday afternoons in summer when you wonder if the earth has stopped revolving.

PI Phillip Marlow is hired by the lovely and, apparently, wealthy Claire Cavendish to locate her former lover. Marlow quickly learns the man was killed in a hit-and-run; news it seems Mrs. Cavandish already knew. Yet she claims to have seen him alive in San Francisco. Marlow runs into one unexpected event after another in his search to find out what is really going on.

At the very beginning, the author’s voice makes you smile. Black does try to capture the feel of the Golden Age authors but it just never quite rings true. There are cracks in the veneer. Although Black uses terms that are not politically correct for today, they also weren’t accurate for the period. There were small details that were off—straight skirts weren’t called “pencil” skirts in the 50s. Some of the descriptions in the beginning weren’t bad…”That smile: it was like something she had set a match to a long time ago and then left to smolder on by itself…” but they soon disappeared. It was also painfully clear that this was not written by an American, and certainly not someone who lived and breathed the area as Chandler had done.

Black does capture a bit of Chandler’s dry, ironic voice…””Someone like who?” He seemed to wince; it was probably my grammar.” 

The plot’s not bad and there were good surprises, good lines…”The world, when you come down to it, is a scary place…”, but the further one reads, the more it turns from gold, to gold gilt, to brass, to lead, and becomes almost uncomfortable to read. 

“The Black-Eyed Blond: A Philip Marlow Novel”?  Not really.  It might be a decent read for those who’ve not read the classics. However, to those who have, it really doesn’t hold together. Once again, I find myself believing that when an author dies, should their character. 

THE BLACK-EYED BLONDE (Mys-Phillip Marlow-Fict. Calif. City (Basically, LA)-1950s) - Poor
Black, Benjamin (aka John Banville) – 1st in series
Henry Holt and Co., 2014

Stone Cold by C.J. Box

First Sentence:  Nate Romanowski pushed the drift boat onto the Bighorn River at three-thirty in the morning on a Sunday in early October and let the silent muscle of the current pull him away from the grassy bank.

      

Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett is sent on a special assignment by the Governor.  Wolfgang Templeton has purchased a magnificent old mansion and most of the private holdings in Medicine Wheel County, located in a remote part of the state.  The Feds suspect he is running a high-end, murder-for-hire business.  On paper, he seems legitimate but the Feds are worrying the Governor so he wants Joe to look into it, but not get involved.  Joe has another concern in that his eldest daughter, Sheridan, is concerned about a young man on the same floor of her college dorm, who wears only black, keeps strictly to himself and plays first-person shooter video games.

      

There’s nothing like a dramatic opening that immediately captures your attention and, boy, does Box ever do that.  Add to that wonderful descriptions…”It was twenty-four degrees and steam rose from the surface of the black water in thick tendrils…” and you are completely absorbed from the first page.

      

Joe is such a wonderful character.  He has a good marriage that has survived the rough spots, and children to whom he is dedicated.  He believes in the law, although he isn’t above bending it at bit in the name of justice, and in doing his job even when others won’t.  He is not good at turning his back or keeping a low profile.  He has a strong moral code and an equally strong loyalty to his friends.  At the FBI building, he was willing to check his cell phone and weapons, but wouldn’t give up his hat.  He may be a poor shot with a sidearm, but he's dangerous with a rifle.  And whatever you do, don’t lend him a car, truck or any other vehicle.  He is someone you’d definitely want on your side.

      

Beyond Joe, Box is very good at bringing characters to life.    You have a sense of who they are; none of them are one dimensional.  For those of us following the series, it is nice to have Nate involved.  And boy, is he ever involved.  Box also brings the area to life by providing an interesting history of Medicine Wheel County.

      

“Stone Cold” ratchets up tension.   It is suspenseful, horrifying, and tragic; and then Box throws in a surprise, just for fun.  I can’t wait for the next book.   

STONE COLD (Lic Invest-Joe Pickett-Wyoming-Contemp) – Ex

C.J. Box – 14^th in series

Putnam, 2014       

I Will Have Vengeance by Maurizio de Giovanni

First Sentence: The dead child was standing motionless at the intersection between Santa Teresa and the museum.

Commissario Luigi Alfredo Riciardi is cursed by being able to see and hear the last few seconds of those who have died violently. He is called to Naples’ San Carlo Theater. The world’s greatest tenor, Maestro Arnaldo Vezzi, has been found murdered in his dressing room. He sees the shadow of the victim dressed in clown costume singing part of the aria from Pagliacii, “…I will have vengeance…” Although Vezzi had millions of adoring fans, he was generally hated by those who knew him. However, many depended upon him for their very livelihood. So who hated him enough to kill him?

What a fascinating, yet heart-rending, introduction to the character of Riciardi. The description truly paints a picture so vivid, you are grateful the character has his colleague, Brigadier Raffaele Maione. Maione death of his son in a tavern fight ensured Maione’s strong loyalty to Riciardi. Women are attracted to Riciardi, but the only woman in his life is Tata Rosa, who looks after him and his house. Riciardi is a man who doesn’t make assumptions, but seeks out the proof before making an arrest.

The setting is wonderful. This isn’t the Naples of tourists. It is the Naples during the early years of Mussolini. It is the Naples of those who live there; of the wealthy and the poor and the superstitious. 

This is a book about opera. Through the character of an opera-loving priest, we are provided information on the two operas being performed and the workings behind the scenes. This information is fascinating and will be enjoyed and appreciated by those who are opera fans, as well as those who are not. Even aside from the world of opera, the story points out the impact the death of a star can have on those who work for them.

There is a wonderful wistfulness to the story in the relationship between Ricciardi and a woman he has never met, but that he sees every day through a window across the way. There is a sub-theme about dreams unable to be realized.
When reading the book, do not ignore the excellent notes from the translator. They certainly answered one question I had.

“I Will Have Vengeance” is different, unusual and unique; all in very positive ways. The story is completely intriguing. This is an author from whom you’ll want to read more.

I WILL HAVE VENGEANCE (Pol Proc-Comm. Ricciardi-Naples, Italy-1931) – Ex
de Giovanni, Maurizio- 1st in series
Europa Editions, 2012

The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths

First Sentence: Every year a ceremony is held at Norwich Castle for the bodies in the paupers’ graves: the Service for the Outcast Dead.

Archeologist Ruth Galloway is on a dig at Norwich Castle when she uncovers the remains of a woman who may be Jemima Green, aka Mother Hook. She was a woman in the 1800s, thought to have taken in orphaned and abandoned children, only to murder and sell them to a resurrectionist. Her boss interests a television station in including the dig in their program, “Women who Kill,” but the show’s historian Professor Frank Barker, believes Mother Hook was innocent. DCI Harry Nelson, father to Ruth’s daughter, suspects a mother of recently killing her son. Did she also kill her two other children? And who is the “Childminder” who claims responsibility for newly abducted children?

It is from the opening of Ruth attending the Prayers for the Outcast Dead, a service to remember the buried unknown souls buried, that we learn the reasons why Ruth became an archaeologist…”To find out about how ordinary people lived their lives. We are their recorders….”

Griffiths has created a wonderful assortment of characters. However, one criticism is that there are so many, they are hard to keep straight. Also, if one is new to the series, I suspect they might find it a bit challenging keeping straight those new to this story and those carried forward from the past, especially those only referenced but not actual participants. That said, one of the things most appreciated is that Griffiths not only presents the events happening to the characters, but lets us see inside them to their fears and insecurities. She also captures perfectly the one-upmanship that can occur amongst strangers in a social setting.

Although Ruth is a wonderful character—not young, not svelte, not gorgeous, somewhat insecure about her skills as a mother, but an excellent archeologist, and we learn about more about her immediate family, it is her friend Cathbad, a druid who believes in things unseen but also suffers from heartache, who quickly becomes a favorite. “…He could burn some herbs and try to meditate. …He sighs and goes to look up Judy’s house on Google Earth.”

“The Outcast Dead” was an enjoyable read but, sadly, not Ms. Griffiths best book. There were just too many characters and families with crossed lines to one another that made it difficult to follow. I like the series very much, but this needed to be pared back, perhaps to only one, or two story lines. Still, that doesn’t put me off looking forward to Ms. Griffiths next book.

THE OUTCAST DEAD (Lic Invest-Ruth Galloway-England-Contemp) – G+
Griffiths, Elly – 6th in series
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014

Verdict of the Court by Cora Harrison

First Sentence: There was a light frost over the landscape when Mara, Brehon of the Burren, set out from that kingdom to spend the Christmas of 1519 at the King’s court.

The Christmas celebration and 20th anniversary of King Turlough Donn’s reign over the three kingdoms of Thomond, Corcomroe and Burran are interrupted by the murder of The Brehon of Turlough. Mara, the King’s wife and overseer of the law, must determine the murderer. An attack on the castle, sabotage on the Turlough’s cannon, and the enemy’s deadly trebuchet and guns may completely overshadow bringing a killer to justice.

A wonderfully descriptive opening provides a very picturesque sense of place while also informing us of Mara and her backstory. It’s wonderful to have a protagonist who is not only a woman, but one of power and respected by men. However, there is nothing strident about the character as her power is based on the actual laws of place and time.

Mara is an interesting, fully-developed character about whom you come to care. Her relationship with King Turlough is one to be envied. Some of the young people are particularly enjoyable.

Each chapter begins with information what explains Brehon law and society. One fact I found particularly fascinating was that there was a law pertaining to satire…”The law regards satire as a very severe attack on a persona because it strikes and cuts a log n-enech (literally the ‘price of his face’-but meaning the ‘honor price.) Anything that causes a person to lose face, injures that person and recompense has to be paid.” There is nothing better than to be entertained and educated at the same time.

The plot is interesting and includes a good red herring, a dramatic and suspenseful battle scene and a look at the price of battle. 

“Verdict of the Court” is well done. It’s a fascinating look at different system of law and society. 

VERDICT OF THE COURT (Hist Mys-Mara-Burren (Ireland)-1519) – VG
Harrison, Cora
Severn House, 2014