Stephen Munro, a demobbed army officer, runs through his inheritance in the years following the war and then takes up the job of a footman in the country-house of Lady Susan. Though he learns the ropes quickly from the butler Martin, he is non-plussed when Lady Susan throws a party and among the guests are … Continue reading Three Mysteries by Anthony Berkeley
Tag: Reads 2024
Five Novels by J. Jefferson Farjeon
Like many others, I too discovered J. Jefferson Farjeon when his book Mystery in White became a Christmas hit. In fact, such a big hit that it ushered in a wave of reprints. I enjoyed the book when I read it and went in search of his other mysteries. None of them could match Mystery … Continue reading Five Novels by J. Jefferson Farjeon
Last Reads of 2024 and First Read of 2025
I finished 2024 and started 2025, reading Tintin. The Broken Ear (1937) begins with a fetish being stolen and then replaced in a museum. Tintin, however, believes that there is more to it than a practical joke. He starts his investigation. His search for the original fetish takes him all the way to the Republic … Continue reading Last Reads of 2024 and First Read of 2025
#Classic Club: The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth (1971)
There are certain books about which you know a lot despite never having read them. The book under review is one such. Frederick Forsyth is my father's favourite writer in English and his books used to adorn the showcase in the drawing room. Papa would also narrate the stories to us or some of the … Continue reading #Classic Club: The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth (1971)
SSW: A Very Murderous Christmas (ed) by Cecily Gayford (2018)
This book contains 10 stories set around the festive season. The anthology begins with Margery Allingham's The Man with the Sack. Albert Campion is invited to a Christmas party which includes the mandatory nouveau-riche vulgar person. Soon there is a robbery. There is nothing new in this story of the clash of the classes. The … Continue reading SSW: A Very Murderous Christmas (ed) by Cecily Gayford (2018)
Three Disappointing Vintage Mysteries
Here are short notes on three mysteries read this year which began well but ultimately turned out to be disappointing. The Creaking Chair by Laurence Meynell (1941) My first disappointment by Laurence Meynell . Barbara's marriage with Captain Gerald Gale is falling apart. Once a handsome soldier, Gerald has slowly become an alcoholic who has … Continue reading Three Disappointing Vintage Mysteries
Reprint of the Year 2024: A Grave Undertaking by Lionel White (1961)
It is time for my second nomination for the Reprint of the Year Award hosted by Kate Jackson @CrossexaminingCrime. You can read more about the award and how you can get involved, over here. My first nomination can be found here. They liked a happy undertaker the same way that the Irishman likes a bottle … Continue reading Reprint of the Year 2024: A Grave Undertaking by Lionel White (1961)
#ClassicClub: Hotel Vesuvius by Johan Fabricius (1945)
Hotel Vesuvius is a small inn run by Bartolo and his wife, Luigi along with the waitress and general dogsbody, Nenella. While other guests come and go, there are three virually permanent guests staying there: Renato Colleoni, who has recently joined the fascist party, after all 'Uniforms ensnared female hearts and inspired men with respect … Continue reading #ClassicClub: Hotel Vesuvius by Johan Fabricius (1945)
Reprint of the Year 2024: The Door by Mary Roberts Rinehart (1930)
If you are a lover of mysteries, especially of the vintage kind, you must be aware of The Reprint of the Year (ROY) award run by Kate Jackson @ CrossexaminingCrime. This year, I am pleased to be part of a group of bloggers who nominate two of their favourite mystery reprints of the year. For … Continue reading Reprint of the Year 2024: The Door by Mary Roberts Rinehart (1930)
#Classic Club: Kakori ke Diljale (The Kakori Bereaved) by Ram Dulare Trivedi (1939)
On August 9, 1925, members of the Hindustan Republican Army, a revolutionary organisation, looted a train carrying cash to the treasury in Lucknow. The revolutionaries stopped the train, overpowered the guards and decamped with the cash. It is an event written in the annals of Indian history. While the cash robbed was not much, it … Continue reading #Classic Club: Kakori ke Diljale (The Kakori Bereaved) by Ram Dulare Trivedi (1939)
a hot cup of pleasure