The Dagger Before Me, by Heather Haven was the first book I have read by this author. The subtitle for the 3 book box set of the first three in the seThe Dagger Before Me, by Heather Haven was the first book I have read by this author. The subtitle for the 3 book box set of the first three in the series is “Blazing a Trail as one of Manhattan's first female gumshoes.” Percy, short for Persephone, Cole, lives on the lower East side of New York City in the early 1940s. Miss Haven has the period hard-nose PI down to a T (despite the fact that Percy is plump, 5’11” and is a single mom). Despite these factors, Percy is so much like the early Perry Mason—so audacious and always skating close what’s legal and what isn’t. (If you'd like to read an early Erle Stanley Gardner try The Case of the Shoplifter’s Shoe.) Altogether this first book in the series really charmed me, entertained me. And kept me guessing! I’m now reading book 2 Iced Diamonds. I’m so glad that she offered this 3 book box set on sale-one the ways I discover new authors!...more
This was an excellent book, based on a real heroine of her time--the first female veterinary surgeon in the UK. Born an aristocrat (her mother was oneThis was an excellent book, based on a real heroine of her time--the first female veterinary surgeon in the UK. Born an aristocrat (her mother was one of the ladies who served Victoria at court) it was unlikely that she would ever do anything but debut and marry. But she had a spirit that knew what she wanted to do in spite of her family and society's disapproval. I think that younger women need to read books such as these to realize how far women have come in the last century and what it cost the women at the forefront. Note: If an illicit liason is not something you like in your reading (though it was not explicitly portrayed, you may want to pass on this. But I am glad I read this book and am glad she was able to achieve her goals!...more
I'been an Agatha Christie fan for many decades. This is an early Poirot – Captain Hastings mystery. The latter's complete misunderstanding of all clueI'been an Agatha Christie fan for many decades. This is an early Poirot – Captain Hastings mystery. The latter's complete misunderstanding of all clues made me feel more alert and intelligent! Anyway, it was one of those mysteries where are the facts of all involved are slowly peeled back until the real truth shines through. I loved the contrast between the French detective who was literally crawling around, finding clues, and Poirot, who was more interested in the "psychology" of those involved. And you can guess which detective ended up with egg on his face. '-) And I finally found out at the end how Hastings ended up in South America with the wife. Very interesting!...more
I hadn't realized that I had read two other books in the "to die for" series. The cover is dominated by a large, shaggy dog, not like the Disney classI hadn't realized that I had read two other books in the "to die for" series. The cover is dominated by a large, shaggy dog, not like the Disney classic, just a big furry canine. Anyway, that's Fred who does not have a point of view and it's just a big, lovable pet. The cast of characters are definitely not the kind of people I usually hang around with, and I had sympathy for the hero, amateur detective, since he WAS able to think logically. I understood why he moved away from his family! Anyway, very twisty Turny plot with plenty of red herrings, and a fun dog!...more
This book accurately and poignantly portrays why people need fiction. As a book lover, and an author, I already knew this. But I hope that some peopleThis book accurately and poignantly portrays why people need fiction. As a book lover, and an author, I already knew this. But I hope that some people who don't realize how important fiction can be in making a person's life bearable, and even pleasant and hard times. This is a World War II novel and it is during the London blitz. I hated Hitler all over again as I read this book. The heroine Grace Bennett comes to London, just before all hell breaks loose. She is a shy girl, who can't stand up for herself, but fortunately, she has an energetic friend who knows no fear, of course, named Viv.
Grace ends up as the unwanted employee in a dusty old book shop on a side street, Primrose Hill Books. Her landlady strong arms, the owner into hiring her so she can get a six month evaluation and recommendation so she can get a better job. However, Grace is not about to sit around and do nothing for six months. She cleans up the shop. She organizes it. She begins to use marketing. And she also meets a handsome young book lover by the name of George. He encourages her to start reading the books that she has never had time to read before. He suggests the Count of Monte Cristo and so her adventure into reading begins.
Then the bombs begin dropping, and she finds herself in the underground hiding from Hitler's bombs. She begins reading the book that she had started to read and a woman near her asks:. What are you reading? Grace looks around and there are many people watching her and they ask her to read it out loud. Something to distract them from the horror going on around them the bursting bombs and the fire engines as they race to the fires.
What a story and what an impact she has on the people around her. I highly, highly recommend this book it was wonderful I didn't want it to end. Note: For a wartime story, it has some "hanky" moments but also a satisfying ending!...more
A delightful collection of three short stories featuring the basset hound, Leon and his to bipeds: Dora and Etta. Each setting was charming and distinA delightful collection of three short stories featuring the basset hound, Leon and his to bipeds: Dora and Etta. Each setting was charming and distinctive, and each story intriguing and a bit finger nail biting. A great collection. A light holiday read!...more
I recently reviewed book one of the series, "Secret Sleuth," and here is my review a book two.
The heroine with her secret past, Sheila, has begun a nI recently reviewed book one of the series, "Secret Sleuth," and here is my review a book two.
The heroine with her secret past, Sheila, has begun a new life in a Kentucky town. A quiet small town uneventful life is what she wants, right? And she gets it, right?
Of course, wrong! Sheila is one of those Jessica Fletcher kind of heroines who find bodies wherever they go!
I found the local dog park on Torrid Ave. to be an interesting place for a murder. And of course the victim-- just like the one in Death on Diversion--was a person who would have won the most likely to be murdered, or at least assaulted, award. Some people aren't happy, unless they are at odds with someone or everyone. Don't be that person! You may not end up murdered but I wouldn't chance it! A thoroughly believable and enjoyable mystery with lots of furry friends!...more
I almost didn't read farther than a chapter or two when I met the heroine's former fiancé. I didn't like him from book one when the heroine Kathleen rI almost didn't read farther than a chapter or two when I met the heroine's former fiancé. I didn't like him from book one when the heroine Kathleen revealed she left her family in Boston, when after a fight her fiancé had gone away for the weekend with friends and there married a waitress from a diner. I mean who does something like that? Well, a total jerk that's who. So it bothered me that she didn't slam the door in his face. But she did not let herself be enticed. Remember: fool me once shame on you; fool me twice shame on me.
This was a really layered mystery--wheels within wheels. And do you think she gives the fiancé the boot? Read it and find out what she does. Of course, Kathleen still has her magical cats, but they aren't the stars of the play. They are intriguing functional characters as Kathleen investigates another murder! Successfully!...more
I am really enjoying this series by Adriana Lucio. Etta and Dora continue to intrigue me. And I'm especially intrigued by the way they have changed asI am really enjoying this series by Adriana Lucio. Etta and Dora continue to intrigue me. And I'm especially intrigued by the way they have changed as their friendship has grown. They are both doing things that they didn't intend to do a few months ago. But hiking a mountain over a rugged trail in Scotland seems to be quite the challenge. And a will with conditions adds even more intrigue and suspense as the heirs vie to win the prize of a Socttish castle and island. I love it. I never can figure out who did it in one of th ese mysteries. I also felt as though I had hiked through Scotland, including Loch Lomond. So if you'd like to take a trip with two charming Italian septagenarians, and their clever basset hound, this Mystery is for you!...more
I rarely give five star reviews, but this book insisted I do! I have been enjoying the Homeswappers, cozy, mystery series by Adraiana Licio, but this I rarely give five star reviews, but this book insisted I do! I have been enjoying the Homeswappers, cozy, mystery series by Adraiana Licio, but this is the best so far. Dora and Etta, two, retired Italian teachers swap homes with people in other countries in Europe, so in spite of their small pensions, are able to tour Europe. I love these two characters, Dora, so sweet and Etta so tart (grin). And their basset hound Leon who has his own point of view but never masquerades as a human. He is all basset hound, stubborn and opinionated. This book provides an amazing setting, distinct and intriguing characters and a real murder mystery puzzle that kept me guessing to the end! I highly recommend this mystery.Thanks, Adriana Licio!...more
My husband and I have been watching the original black-and-white Perry. Mason TV shows which aired in 1957 to 1966. One thing we've learned from theseMy husband and I have been watching the original black-and-white Perry. Mason TV shows which aired in 1957 to 1966. One thing we've learned from these mysteries is "don't be the person everyone wishes to see die." As I began reading this book, it didn't take me long to pinpoint the person who obviously had never seen or read a Perry Mason mystery. I can tell you – Leah was it. What an unpleasant, completely self-centered, control freak, the one thing I trouble with was – why did her long time circle of cruise friends put up with her? Well, if Leah hadn't been murdered, I think this would have been their last cruise together.
Now you ask, why did I keep reading? Well, of course, I had to see who would murder the very deserving victim. However, the set up for the heroine of the series, Sheila Mackey, was very unique. You see it was a new identity for her. I wanted to see how she was going to navigate her new life. Also, I was intrigued by all the other characters. Great read herrings too. So why don't you see if you are as intrigued as I was! Plus, I did not guess who the culprit was till the very end reveal. Excellent! Right...more
This was the first book I had read by this author, Alyssa Maxwell. She is an excellent author. Great descriptions, wonderful unique characters, a dastThis was the first book I had read by this author, Alyssa Maxwell. She is an excellent author. Great descriptions, wonderful unique characters, a dastardly murder or should I say a most malicious murder. I lovePphoebe and her maid Eva. The only thing is--I am used to a story that moves more quickly. That was my only complaint. It was an intriguing mystery with two wonderful amateur sleuths, Phoebe and Eva, and a wonderful setting. I do enjoy the post World War I era since that was the true beginning of the 20th century. So I'm happy I read it but I wish it moved as quickly as I like books too but that's just my hangup!. ...more
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