Reviews
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D is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton
12th January 2023. I first read this novel in the 1990s. While I’ve long since forgotten the story I’m enjoying Sue Grafton’s series more this time around. The stories and characters stand the test of time with ease and the writing is superlative, drawing you in from the opening lines. This time it’s a shady character called Alvin, who wants Kinsey to deliver a cheque. Being a canny private eye, she’s suspicious, but she’s got to eat and pay the rent. When her retainer cheque bounces, she starts to uncover the truth about Alvin. He’s not who he says he is. He’s only recently come out of prison. And now…
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Murder in the Valleys by Pippa McCaithie
7th January 2023. Having loved the second book in the series, (check out my review of Murder at the Old Abbey here), I had to read the first, which introduces Fabia Havard, a former superintendent, and DCI Matt Lambert. When a young woman is brutally murdered and dumped in the river, Fabia’s the first to discover the body. Lambert and his team are soon on the way. It’s clear from the start that these two have unresolved issues. While Fabia may no longer be in the police, none of her instincts and experience has deserted her. She also knows many of the locals and potential suspects for the murder. As…
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No Cure for Death by Colin Garrow
3rd January 2023. What a terrific story to start the New Year. In his fifth outing, taxi driver and sleuth Terry Bell faces his most challenging investigation to date. His best friend from school, who disappeared 27 years ago, is back and leaving cryptic notes that suggest he has a hit list of ten people to murder. Is Terry on the list? He feels partly responsible for his friend’s disappearance. Even with the help of his partner Carol, and DI Brown, he can’t prevent the murders. His only hope is to get one step ahead, but when the clues stop, is Terry next? From the start to the finish, the…
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Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
2nd January 2023. Agatha Christie’s most famous book reveals her mastery of plot, character and setting. At the time it was written, I imagine the plot was ground breaking – a locked room murder with a difference. Hercule Poirot is on hand to investigate as the Orient Express is stopped by snowfall and left isolated on the tracks. As no one could have escaped, the murderer must still be on the train. With only observation, interviews of the witnesses and deduction, Poirot has to solve a seemingly insoluble puzzle. And he does it with style, pulling apart an elaborate plot that must have taken some creating. The directness to the…