A story set in a dystopian
version of Great Britain after the so-called ‘Something that Happened’, where a
person’s status is based on the colours they can perceive. The rules and
regulations in this world are absurd and at first glance so is the story. Don’t
let first impressions fool you though. The more I read, the more sense the
nonsense made and the story captivated me from start to finish. I fully agree
with the Telegraph’s quote on the cover:
“Forget all the rules of time, space and
reality; just sit back and enjoy the adventure.”
2.
THE RED HOUSE
MYSTERY by A.A. Milne (4*)
It
ain’t Winnie the Pooh but this is the most British of stories. In fact, if it
had been written one or two decades later, I would have called it a spoof
version of a Golden Age of Mystery story. This is by no means a criticism. In
fact, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the picture it painted of Edwardian
Britain. I figured out part of the solution to this locked-room-mystery early
on but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the rest of the story. It was a joy
to follow Anthony and Bill as they followed the clues and Gillingham’s
intuition until they found the answers.
Full review:
https://helenasheat.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-red-house-mystery-by-aa-milne.html
3.
MIDSUMMER
MYSTERIES by Agatha
Christie (4)
A
wonderful collection of stories featuring Poirot (4), Miss Marple (2) Parker
Pine (2), Stand Alone (2), and one each of Harley Quin and Tommy and Tuppence.
Some of
these stories I was familiar with but not so familiar that the solutions didn’t
take me by surprise. I guess that’s one of many reasons why Christie is the queen
of crime.
4.
THE
EXAMINER by Janice
Hallett (5)
WOW, the author managed to exceed my very high expectations with this well-plotted and intriguing story. It made for compulsive reading from the start with the tension initially building gradually until, by the time I reached the last quarter, the story suddenly exploded and rushed forward with shocking revelation after shocking revelation. And just when I thought I had all the answers, Hallett had another trick up her sleeve; one that will have me thinking and wondering about this book for some time to come. The writing in this book is excellent. All the main characters have their own, distinctive voices and I was impressed with how the art the candidates create comes to life on the page and becomes visible to the reader. This story hooked me from the start and never released its grip.
Full review: https://helenasheat.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-examiner-by-janice-hallett.html
5.
TO DIE BUT ONCE (Maisie Dobbs #14) by Jacqueline Winspear (4.5).
Set during the spring of 1940 and WWII
hasn’t quite reached Britain yet, when Maisie Dobbs is asked to look into the
whereabouts of a young apprentice painter. What starts out as an apparently
innocent investigation soon turns dark and it isn’t much longer before the
realities of the War hit Maisie and those she loves with the evacuation of
soldiers from Dunkirk. Very well written if a bit too drawn out at times, this
story held my attention from start to finish. I’ve missed quite a few
instalments in this series but I may just pick it up again from here.
6.
THE CRACKED MIRROR by Chris Brookmyre (5+)
I’m not sure if this book is ‘the most imaginative and entertaining crime novel of the year, but it is most certainly in the running for that honour. For me, it is a title to add to my very short list of extra-special books because this book deserves to be called unique, original, and unlike anything I’ve read before.
Full review: https://helenasheat.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-cracked-mirror-by-chris-brookmyre.html
7.
Lord Peter Views the Body by Dorothy
L. Sayers (4)
A collection of 12 short stories featuring
Lord Peter Wimsey as he solves a wide variety of mysteries. A highly enjoyable
read.
8.
MURDER AT MALLOWAN HALL (a Phyllida
Bright Mystery #1) by Colleen Cambridge (4)
A well-plotted and easy to read mystery
featuring Phyllida Bright, Agatha Christie’s housekeeper, as the amateur sleuth
when an unexpected guest to a house party thrown by the Mallowan’s ends up dead
in the library. Phyllida takes her inspiration from Hercule Poirot and isn’t
unlike him in some respects. Although Agatha and Max, her husband, only play a background
role in this story, there are references to titles by Agatha Christie
throughout the book.
9.
THE EXCITEMENTS by C.J.
Wray (5)
A (brilliant and witty) drama about two
elderly female World War II veterans with secret pasts, who embark on one last
adventure to right some historic wrongs. If you enjoy some excitements in your
reading, I highly recommend this book.