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The Paperback Sleuth #2
Ashram Assassin
Humorous cosy-crime caper in which a feisty, amoral book dealer uses her unique skills to catch a murderer, desperate to hide the secrets kept by the yoga-obsessed staff and students of a West London ashram.
When a set of rare, impossible-to-find yoga books are stolen from a West London ashram, its leaders turn to Cordelia, the paperback sleuth, to recover them – a set-up that’s a little awkward as they’ve previously barred her from yoga classes for selling marijuana to their students. But what begins as a hunt for missing paperbacks soon becomes a murder investigation as those involved with the ashram can’t seem to stop dropping down dead – murdered with a whisky bottle to the head or a poisoned curry. Can Cordelia work out who the killer is and bring them to justice before they bring an end to her sleuthing for good.
When a set of rare, impossible-to-find yoga books are stolen from a West London ashram, its leaders turn to Cordelia, the paperback sleuth, to recover them – a set-up that’s a little awkward as they’ve previously barred her from yoga classes for selling marijuana to their students. But what begins as a hunt for missing paperbacks soon becomes a murder investigation as those involved with the ashram can’t seem to stop dropping down dead – murdered with a whisky bottle to the head or a poisoned curry. Can Cordelia work out who the killer is and bring them to justice before they bring an end to her sleuthing for good.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2024
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155 people want to read
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July 18, 2024
Cordelia Stanmer the: larcenous, narcissistic, Millennial, paperback mysteries, bibliopole is hired to recover some paperbacks on yoga stolen from her local ashram in a It takes a (paperback) thief, to catch a (paperback) thief story.
My dead pixels copy was a modest 340 pages. It had a 2024 UK copyright.
Andrew Cartmel is a British novelist, screenwriter, and graphic novel author. He is the author of more than ten novels, including his The Vinyl Detective series. This is the second book of his Paperback Sleuth series set in his Vinyl Detective Universe. The last book of his I read was Death in Fine Condition (The Paperback Sleuth, #1) (my review).
This was a popcorn read. It’s a direct Serial Fiction continuation of the previous book in the series and was telegraphed in that book. It was also firmly anchored in the author’s Vinyl Detective world building and characters. I continue to believe that Cartmel missed an opportunity to do something different, by opting for the: steady, serial fiction, paycheck of graphic novels in book form heavily leveraging a previous series' backstory and location.
Cartmel nurtures the seeds of a story planted in Death in Fine Condition. The female protagonist and anti-hero Cordelia provides the sole POV. The character is somewhat toned-down from that previous book. For example, the Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll, that pushed the series into the New Adult (NA) category, now just has her getting occasionally stoned. Otherwise, it follows the previous Paperback Slueth's game plan: Cordelia lives a privileged, hipster lifestyle; there’s a rare paperback or paperbacks to find; Cordelia is unscrupulous about getting them; Cordelia experiences fortunate strokes of serendipity; folks die all around her, while Cordelia survives murder attempts unscathed; Cordelia is also unperturbed by the fallout of events she instigates; Cordelia solves the mystery, and receives financial reward.
I disliked the Cordelia character less in this book than in the first. She’s still a skiver, hipster, sociopathic narcissist getting along flipping paperback mystery novels with no thoughts of the future. In this book, I found her merely annoying, rather than loathsome.
As in the previous book, “The Lord protects: babies, drunks, fools and Cordelia.” Even when her Spider-Sense is tingling, she puts her neck in the noose! The knot invariably unties before she experiences any serious harm.
In terms of the sex, drugs and rock'n roll, the story was likewise toned-down. Thankfully, Cordelia’s self-pleasuring was omitted from this book. Although, other characters are left to driving the story through non-procreative sexual practices. I suspect Cordelia may now be embracing the popular Millennial Celibacy? In which case she’s cooler than I imagined. However, she’s still a connoisseur of the finest sensimilia and only drinks red wine, poisoned lager, and connoisseur-grade hot cocoa. (No macchiatos for her!) Musical references were provided by a wealthy, Boomer, stoner character. They were mostly references to The Stones and The Who. Interestingly he was a fan of Wet Leg the contemporary British indie rockers. That character gave me hope for when I’m eventually 70-years old. Although, I may have to start practicing yoga real soon now.
Note that in this story there was also a lot of: pulp fiction paperback mystery novels, yoga, and foodie (in particular Indian curries) Infotainment.
There was violence, “blunt force trauma” and poisoning being favored. Although, there was an attempt at vehicular homicide. Body count was modest.
Cartmel did relatively well with the Whodunit. The Perp was obfuscated until near the end, in a succession of Red Herring curries. He also had a few, but not many, clever turns of a phrase in the prose. As in all his books, he continues to wordplay with his readers. He sent me to the dictionary several times over descriptions of disagreeable women: “virago” and “caryatids” being the most memorable. Also in keeping with his M.O., and what really felt like a breach of The Fifth Wall, he indulged in his typical Summation Gathering with Cordelia assuming the role of the Great Detective. She far-fetchedly equated herself to Hercule Poirot in its practice.
The Paperback Sleuth series is a disappointment to me. Its too predictable, and I don't like the protagonist. Frankly, I liked the series better, when I hated the main character. That gave me something to chew on. With this book, Cartmel, backed-off and wrote a more vanilla version of that first story. He really should have doubled-down, and written a story I would have loved to hate. This one was just meh. However, if you like The Vinyl Detective, you’ll like this. It’s more of the same.
My dead pixels copy was a modest 340 pages. It had a 2024 UK copyright.
Andrew Cartmel is a British novelist, screenwriter, and graphic novel author. He is the author of more than ten novels, including his The Vinyl Detective series. This is the second book of his Paperback Sleuth series set in his Vinyl Detective Universe. The last book of his I read was Death in Fine Condition (The Paperback Sleuth, #1) (my review).
This was a popcorn read. It’s a direct Serial Fiction continuation of the previous book in the series and was telegraphed in that book. It was also firmly anchored in the author’s Vinyl Detective world building and characters. I continue to believe that Cartmel missed an opportunity to do something different, by opting for the: steady, serial fiction, paycheck of graphic novels in book form heavily leveraging a previous series' backstory and location.
Cartmel nurtures the seeds of a story planted in Death in Fine Condition. The female protagonist and anti-hero Cordelia provides the sole POV. The character is somewhat toned-down from that previous book. For example, the Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll, that pushed the series into the New Adult (NA) category, now just has her getting occasionally stoned. Otherwise, it follows the previous Paperback Slueth's game plan: Cordelia lives a privileged, hipster lifestyle; there’s a rare paperback or paperbacks to find; Cordelia is unscrupulous about getting them; Cordelia experiences fortunate strokes of serendipity; folks die all around her, while Cordelia survives murder attempts unscathed; Cordelia is also unperturbed by the fallout of events she instigates; Cordelia solves the mystery, and receives financial reward.
I disliked the Cordelia character less in this book than in the first. She’s still a skiver, hipster, sociopathic narcissist getting along flipping paperback mystery novels with no thoughts of the future. In this book, I found her merely annoying, rather than loathsome.
As in the previous book, “The Lord protects: babies, drunks, fools and Cordelia.” Even when her Spider-Sense is tingling, she puts her neck in the noose! The knot invariably unties before she experiences any serious harm.
In terms of the sex, drugs and rock'n roll, the story was likewise toned-down. Thankfully, Cordelia’s self-pleasuring was omitted from this book. Although, other characters are left to driving the story through non-procreative sexual practices. I suspect Cordelia may now be embracing the popular Millennial Celibacy? In which case she’s cooler than I imagined. However, she’s still a connoisseur of the finest sensimilia and only drinks red wine, poisoned lager, and connoisseur-grade hot cocoa. (No macchiatos for her!) Musical references were provided by a wealthy, Boomer, stoner character. They were mostly references to The Stones and The Who. Interestingly he was a fan of Wet Leg the contemporary British indie rockers. That character gave me hope for when I’m eventually 70-years old. Although, I may have to start practicing yoga real soon now.
Note that in this story there was also a lot of: pulp fiction paperback mystery novels, yoga, and foodie (in particular Indian curries) Infotainment.
There was violence, “blunt force trauma” and poisoning being favored. Although, there was an attempt at vehicular homicide. Body count was modest.
Cartmel did relatively well with the Whodunit. The Perp was obfuscated until near the end, in a succession of Red Herring curries. He also had a few, but not many, clever turns of a phrase in the prose. As in all his books, he continues to wordplay with his readers. He sent me to the dictionary several times over descriptions of disagreeable women: “virago” and “caryatids” being the most memorable. Also in keeping with his M.O., and what really felt like a breach of The Fifth Wall, he indulged in his typical Summation Gathering with Cordelia assuming the role of the Great Detective. She far-fetchedly equated herself to Hercule Poirot in its practice.
The Paperback Sleuth series is a disappointment to me. Its too predictable, and I don't like the protagonist. Frankly, I liked the series better, when I hated the main character. That gave me something to chew on. With this book, Cartmel, backed-off and wrote a more vanilla version of that first story. He really should have doubled-down, and written a story I would have loved to hate. This one was just meh. However, if you like The Vinyl Detective, you’ll like this. It’s more of the same.
July 6, 2024
When I see that Cartmel is publishing another of his books, it instantly goes on to my must-read list. I get such joy reading his novels, as they are full of interesting characters, well-described settings, and an enjoyable mystery to boot. This one definitely ticks all those boxes.
Cordelia is a very unconventional protagonist. Paired with the unpredictable turns of the story, this novel makes for such a delightful and fun read. Cartmel continues with his world-building which benefits both this series and his Vinyl Detective series as well.
Cordelia is a very unconventional protagonist. Paired with the unpredictable turns of the story, this novel makes for such a delightful and fun read. Cartmel continues with his world-building which benefits both this series and his Vinyl Detective series as well.
June 9, 2024
The Paperback Sleuth is back!
Yes, Cordelia Stanmer, brother of the execrable Stinky, the Vinyl Detective's nemesis, is in print again. Not to mention, in deadly danger.
Of course Cordelia's much nicer than her brother (though I wouldn't let her into my library and turn my back) and three hundred pages spent in her company was just what I needed among the current gloom (and manky weather). In this story, she's managed to weasel her way back into the yoga ashram from which she was earlier banned for dealing weed - but only if she can track down a cache of rare books that were stolen from the Silverlight Yoga Centre. (No, Cordelia didn't nick them herself). There's a substantial amount of money on offer too, so she sets about the task eagerly - but soon the bodies begin to pile up, and close to home.
Like the Vinyl Detective stories, Cartmel gives us a great sense of place in this story as Cordelia ranges through Putney and Barnes dodging various perils and meeting up with a number of curious characters (there is a little crossover with the other series, notably in an episode that involves Agatha and Nevada). Apart from the detecting, there's plenty of book-hunting in charity shops, sales and also a focus on food with poor Cordelia constantly baulked in her quest for the fine product from the kitchen of Carrie Quinn, the Curry Queen.
Carmel also has a good eye for character, and from the yummy mummies who seem to represent the modern clientele of the ashram to a medley of more raffish characters who have hung on from its past. he's good at exposing the contradictions and pretensions of modern life (sorry, yes that sentence is my entry for Pseud's Corner, but at the same time, it's true) especially in this perplexing semidetached part of London where buying a shed in the 70s makes you a millionaire in the 20s. I don't think there';s meant to be any moral in all that, but at the same time, the complexity of life and the murkiness of motivation behind the most seemingly noble actions is laid bare.
In Ashram Assassin, at any rate, this complexity also masks the truth about the theft. Red herrings abound and the Sleuth needs all her wits about her, because the disappearance of the books is entwined with an unlikely history that is rooted in the ashram's past, and which threatens its future - as well as hers.
With sharp characterisation, witty dialogue and abundant surprises, Ashram Assassin is compulsively readable, perhaps (slightly) even more so than Death in Fine Condition, but, above all, simply fun.
Strongly recommended.
Yes, Cordelia Stanmer, brother of the execrable Stinky, the Vinyl Detective's nemesis, is in print again. Not to mention, in deadly danger.
Of course Cordelia's much nicer than her brother (though I wouldn't let her into my library and turn my back) and three hundred pages spent in her company was just what I needed among the current gloom (and manky weather). In this story, she's managed to weasel her way back into the yoga ashram from which she was earlier banned for dealing weed - but only if she can track down a cache of rare books that were stolen from the Silverlight Yoga Centre. (No, Cordelia didn't nick them herself). There's a substantial amount of money on offer too, so she sets about the task eagerly - but soon the bodies begin to pile up, and close to home.
Like the Vinyl Detective stories, Cartmel gives us a great sense of place in this story as Cordelia ranges through Putney and Barnes dodging various perils and meeting up with a number of curious characters (there is a little crossover with the other series, notably in an episode that involves Agatha and Nevada). Apart from the detecting, there's plenty of book-hunting in charity shops, sales and also a focus on food with poor Cordelia constantly baulked in her quest for the fine product from the kitchen of Carrie Quinn, the Curry Queen.
Carmel also has a good eye for character, and from the yummy mummies who seem to represent the modern clientele of the ashram to a medley of more raffish characters who have hung on from its past. he's good at exposing the contradictions and pretensions of modern life (sorry, yes that sentence is my entry for Pseud's Corner, but at the same time, it's true) especially in this perplexing semidetached part of London where buying a shed in the 70s makes you a millionaire in the 20s. I don't think there';s meant to be any moral in all that, but at the same time, the complexity of life and the murkiness of motivation behind the most seemingly noble actions is laid bare.
In Ashram Assassin, at any rate, this complexity also masks the truth about the theft. Red herrings abound and the Sleuth needs all her wits about her, because the disappearance of the books is entwined with an unlikely history that is rooted in the ashram's past, and which threatens its future - as well as hers.
With sharp characterisation, witty dialogue and abundant surprises, Ashram Assassin is compulsively readable, perhaps (slightly) even more so than Death in Fine Condition, but, above all, simply fun.
Strongly recommended.
July 1, 2024
A wonderful companion to the Vinyl Detective series! In this second installment of the Paperback Sleuth, Cordelia is hired to recover valuable yoga texts stole from the ashram that she was banned from (for dealing weed!). Cordelia is a refreshing “hero”: selfish, vindictive, and a tad amoral (as well as bright, enterprising, charming, and beautiful!). The cast of characters is incredibly entertaining and Andrew Cartmel’s humor is unmatched!
February 7, 2024
Lots of fun. Great plotting and characters.
July 31, 2024
The Ashram Assassin was my first book by Andrew Cartmel but it won’t be my last. I adored this cozy, slightly chaotic (in a good way) crime caper. There were moments I was laughing out loud and moments I was wondering what was going to happen next. The pop culture references were also fantastic, even if our protagonist being named after a character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer made me feel old!
Cartmel has created a brilliant protagonist in Cordelia, she’s funny, self-aware, smart and takes no nonsense. She is also rather relatable. That said all the characters in this book were perfect, even the killer! I loved that this one didn’t take itself seriously all the time and how self-aware it was, I have only taken the step into more cozy crime (if murder can be called cozy) and I have to say that The Paperback sleuth was a gem of a find.
If you enjoy a novel that isn’t too pretentious and wants to have fun while solving crimes, you’re going to love this. If you enjoy a more cozy vibe you’ll love this. If you like the occasional pop culture reference and a little bit of snark and sass you will love this. An instant high five for me.
Thank you so much to Titan Books and Netgalley for my copy to review. My review is left voluntarily and is honest.
Cartmel has created a brilliant protagonist in Cordelia, she’s funny, self-aware, smart and takes no nonsense. She is also rather relatable. That said all the characters in this book were perfect, even the killer! I loved that this one didn’t take itself seriously all the time and how self-aware it was, I have only taken the step into more cozy crime (if murder can be called cozy) and I have to say that The Paperback sleuth was a gem of a find.
If you enjoy a novel that isn’t too pretentious and wants to have fun while solving crimes, you’re going to love this. If you enjoy a more cozy vibe you’ll love this. If you like the occasional pop culture reference and a little bit of snark and sass you will love this. An instant high five for me.
Thank you so much to Titan Books and Netgalley for my copy to review. My review is left voluntarily and is honest.
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June 29, 2024I LOVED the idea of this book so much: a book collector/dealer who solves mysteries.
Main character Cordelia (named after the Buffy/Angel character, so I tried hard to like her) just wasn't the kind of person I wanted to spend an entire book with. I had to keep checking that she was actually a woman, because she came off as one of the most misogynistic characters I've come across recently. I considered the possibility that she was just a misanthrope. Yes, she does seem to have contempt for nearly everyone, but most of her vitriol is directed at other women, calling them bimbos and floozies and shrews. Mousy. Pinch-faced.
Sad but will have to take a pass on this series.
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Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Main character Cordelia (named after the Buffy/Angel character, so I tried hard to like her) just wasn't the kind of person I wanted to spend an entire book with. I had to keep checking that she was actually a woman, because she came off as one of the most misogynistic characters I've come across recently. I considered the possibility that she was just a misanthrope. Yes, she does seem to have contempt for nearly everyone, but most of her vitriol is directed at other women, calling them bimbos and floozies and shrews. Mousy. Pinch-faced.
Sad but will have to take a pass on this series.
Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
September 18, 2024
As well as wanting to write about old crime novels (or old records, in his other series), Cartmel is someone who clearly appreciates a good mystery. He wants to construct them, and a solid whodunnit at the centre is what really makes these books so much fun.
Our Paperback Sleuth is here investigating skulduggery in a yoga centre, which offers a lot more scope for drama and betrayal than you might imagine. There's less crossover with The Vinyl Detective series here, which is probably for the best. These books should try and stand on their own.
One minor flaw, the sixty-something author does have his twenty-something narrator refer to cultural ephemera from before she was born. Giving nicknames, for example, you wouldn't imagine would come obviously to her. The book then has to bend over backwards to justify this, in a way which is most distracting.
Our Paperback Sleuth is here investigating skulduggery in a yoga centre, which offers a lot more scope for drama and betrayal than you might imagine. There's less crossover with The Vinyl Detective series here, which is probably for the best. These books should try and stand on their own.
One minor flaw, the sixty-something author does have his twenty-something narrator refer to cultural ephemera from before she was born. Giving nicknames, for example, you wouldn't imagine would come obviously to her. The book then has to bend over backwards to justify this, in a way which is most distracting.
January 25, 2025
So much better than the first book! All of the things that kind of ruined the first book were fixed in this one. I’m definitely going to keep going with this series.
August 23, 2024
Rating 3.5
Found this a much more enjoyable read than the first entry in this series. I only picked it up to basically get it off my tbr tbh.
The plot moves along at a fair pace and surprisingly I finished this the book in only a couple of days.
The main characters grew on me more than the first book.
The initial book theft mystery is a fairly thin one I thought and even when it escalates in a murder mystery it isn’t anything you haven’t read before.
But based on the time it took me to finish I must have enjoyed it quite a lot. The info dumping from the first novel was also toned down quite a lot so that helped some.
Based on this I will probably give a third entry in the series a read which I am surprised about considering I thought the first book quite poor.
Overall an okay read that improves on the first of the series.
Found this a much more enjoyable read than the first entry in this series. I only picked it up to basically get it off my tbr tbh.
The plot moves along at a fair pace and surprisingly I finished this the book in only a couple of days.
The main characters grew on me more than the first book.
The initial book theft mystery is a fairly thin one I thought and even when it escalates in a murder mystery it isn’t anything you haven’t read before.
But based on the time it took me to finish I must have enjoyed it quite a lot. The info dumping from the first novel was also toned down quite a lot so that helped some.
Based on this I will probably give a third entry in the series a read which I am surprised about considering I thought the first book quite poor.
Overall an okay read that improves on the first of the series.
August 22, 2024
I can see Cartmel wanted to do something a bit different.
Mostly copied and pasted the Vinyl detective basics. Even used Stinky Stanmer's sister as the lead.
Like her brother, not a good character and can't lead a series.
Not likeable and all the supporting cast one demensional.
Paper backs just not as interesting and music and vinyls.
Chuck it and focus on the Vinyl detective.
Maybe that will get the series back as noise floor not up to par in the series.
Mostly copied and pasted the Vinyl detective basics. Even used Stinky Stanmer's sister as the lead.
Like her brother, not a good character and can't lead a series.
Not likeable and all the supporting cast one demensional.
Paper backs just not as interesting and music and vinyls.
Chuck it and focus on the Vinyl detective.
Maybe that will get the series back as noise floor not up to par in the series.
June 7, 2024
Lovely series this is book 2 in Paper back Sleuth series.If you like this try Andrew Cartmels other series The Vinyl Detective.😊
August 29, 2024
So, I'll admit - when I first picked the book up, I didn't fully realize that this book was a sequel, and nor did I realize that it was also going to bring in characters from the author's previous series of books ('The Vinyl Detective'), none of which I've read previously. I will, say, though that aside from not fully getting the many references to characters from previous stories, it didn't feel like not reading any of the previous stories really impacted my ability to follow the events of this story. I mean, you don't fully know the backstories our 'heroine' Cordelia keeps referencing, but then, she references them so many times that eventually most of what you need to know comes out anyways. In that way, this can almost function as a standalone novel - the only thing that doesn't really get introduced is this idea of a 'paperback sleuth,' beyond that idea that she is one. (Score one for standalone-ability.)
What this 'paperback sleuth' thing means, it appears, is that on top of being a (paper)book buyer, she's also apparently a go-to when someone's paperback books have been stolen (guess you're out of luck if they're hardcover books?). She's also very much full of herself, overly judgmental, and seems to think she's god's gift to London. Which, hey - if it works for her, then good for her. As a reader, though, it did get to be a bit much as she just constantly ridiculed and shit-talk everyone (both in her thoughts and to others), only showing a sense of sympathy to certain folks after they ended up dead (and even then, not entirely).
The story itself puts Cordelia in the midst of a mystery when a set of books disappear from an ashram - an ashram's she's already got a history with (as in, they kicked her out for unashram-like behaviors). But hey, the books mean money (directly and indirectly), so they need the books back - even if it means hiring on a person they've already expelled and prohibited from attending sessions. But, as the title would let you know (Ashram 'ASSASSIN,' not Ashram Book Thief), things are about to get a lot more dicey. Multiple folks end up dead, both before and after she's found the books, and she's just one good dead/friendly yell away from being one of the dead.
The list of suspects is overall pretty small, especially as she hyper-focuses on a couple of folks that she really doesn't seem to like, and we spend a lot of time in her thoughts hearing her speak ill of the living (I think the only reason she doesn't speak ill of the dead is because she doesn't really know them much). But as this progresses, she stumbles upon a secret, and then a few more secrets, and eventually things do start falling into place. Which is good, because she also decides that this is a good time to stop taking her serial killer landlord (seriously, but it's okay because he only kills bad people) as she interviews suspects and instead decides on one-on-ones. Which, well, you can predict how that'll go.
I really wanted to like this - after all, it is a whodunnit. And it isn't all that bad, really, especially the reveal of the 'who' and maybe even the 'why' - but I did have a hard time really connecting with our very Sherlock'ian character (Sherlock'ian not in the Cumberbatch'ian 'coolly distant' but, but in the sense that she likes drugs - though it doesn't really make her more aware or deductive - and that she treats people like shit). Which, I mean, I guess makes sense (the not connecting with, I mean) - Sherlock himself isn't exactly someone you connect with, because it is made clear from the start that he's smarter than you and better than you. You sorta get the same feeling here, as Cordelia makes no qualms of her obviously being smarter than everyone and better than everyone (her past indiscretions don't change anything), and definitely smarter and better than you (or literally anyone in the ashram). Which, I mean - it might be good for self-worth, and very important even in some cases - but with the number of mistakes she makes, you'd think she might wisen up a bit to the reality that she may not be 'all that' and may not actually be that much smarter than everyone else. Especially not as a murder investigator. Also, she seems to hate everyone (I get it), but constantly hearing her voice that opinion eventually sorta just grates, largely because of the way she references everyone else. And, I don't know, it seems kinda problematic when you start getting annoyed with your main character - especially in a story that (thankfully) only has 1 PoV character.
The story, meanwhile, does bring some laughs and some interesting twists into everyone. The story moves pretty fast overall, and doesn't every really feel like it's lagging or slowed to a stop (beyond when you spend too much time in her thoughts as she hates on Joni, and Silver Shrew, and Howdy Doody, and various other people - pretty much everyone except Mr. T.), which allows it to be a pretty quick read. So there is that. There's also a Poirot-like 'detective reveals all' ending, but instead of sitting in a grand room revealing all to the suspects, she just reveals it all t0 her friendly landlord on a long walk.
What this 'paperback sleuth' thing means, it appears, is that on top of being a (paper)book buyer, she's also apparently a go-to when someone's paperback books have been stolen (guess you're out of luck if they're hardcover books?). She's also very much full of herself, overly judgmental, and seems to think she's god's gift to London. Which, hey - if it works for her, then good for her. As a reader, though, it did get to be a bit much as she just constantly ridiculed and shit-talk everyone (both in her thoughts and to others), only showing a sense of sympathy to certain folks after they ended up dead (and even then, not entirely).
The story itself puts Cordelia in the midst of a mystery when a set of books disappear from an ashram - an ashram's she's already got a history with (as in, they kicked her out for unashram-like behaviors). But hey, the books mean money (directly and indirectly), so they need the books back - even if it means hiring on a person they've already expelled and prohibited from attending sessions. But, as the title would let you know (Ashram 'ASSASSIN,' not Ashram Book Thief), things are about to get a lot more dicey. Multiple folks end up dead, both before and after she's found the books, and she's just one good dead/friendly yell away from being one of the dead.
The list of suspects is overall pretty small, especially as she hyper-focuses on a couple of folks that she really doesn't seem to like, and we spend a lot of time in her thoughts hearing her speak ill of the living (I think the only reason she doesn't speak ill of the dead is because she doesn't really know them much). But as this progresses, she stumbles upon a secret, and then a few more secrets, and eventually things do start falling into place. Which is good, because she also decides that this is a good time to stop taking her serial killer landlord (seriously, but it's okay because he only kills bad people) as she interviews suspects and instead decides on one-on-ones. Which, well, you can predict how that'll go.
I really wanted to like this - after all, it is a whodunnit. And it isn't all that bad, really, especially the reveal of the 'who' and maybe even the 'why' - but I did have a hard time really connecting with our very Sherlock'ian character (Sherlock'ian not in the Cumberbatch'ian 'coolly distant' but, but in the sense that she likes drugs - though it doesn't really make her more aware or deductive - and that she treats people like shit). Which, I mean, I guess makes sense (the not connecting with, I mean) - Sherlock himself isn't exactly someone you connect with, because it is made clear from the start that he's smarter than you and better than you. You sorta get the same feeling here, as Cordelia makes no qualms of her obviously being smarter than everyone and better than everyone (her past indiscretions don't change anything), and definitely smarter and better than you (or literally anyone in the ashram). Which, I mean - it might be good for self-worth, and very important even in some cases - but with the number of mistakes she makes, you'd think she might wisen up a bit to the reality that she may not be 'all that' and may not actually be that much smarter than everyone else. Especially not as a murder investigator. Also, she seems to hate everyone (I get it), but constantly hearing her voice that opinion eventually sorta just grates, largely because of the way she references everyone else. And, I don't know, it seems kinda problematic when you start getting annoyed with your main character - especially in a story that (thankfully) only has 1 PoV character.
The story, meanwhile, does bring some laughs and some interesting twists into everyone. The story moves pretty fast overall, and doesn't every really feel like it's lagging or slowed to a stop (beyond when you spend too much time in her thoughts as she hates on Joni, and Silver Shrew, and Howdy Doody, and various other people - pretty much everyone except Mr. T.), which allows it to be a pretty quick read. So there is that. There's also a Poirot-like 'detective reveals all' ending, but instead of sitting in a grand room revealing all to the suspects, she just reveals it all t0 her friendly landlord on a long walk.
October 17, 2024
I'm late at the party and feel pretty stupid as this was a treat that kept me happy and reading during the initial days of COVID, when my brain was at foggiest.
Cartmel has gift for delivering stories that are entertaining but also a sort of disenchanted look to current social situation and some remarks are sharp and to the point.
The main characters are on the grey side of the moral spectrum: I loved sarcastic, amoral, and complex Cornelia and Edwin, a man who is not exactly what you can think. Rainbottle is the perfect dog you wish you could pet.
As I'm attending Yoga sessions I felt that some of the characters of the ashram were a witty and merciless portrait of people you can find in real life. Some were nice but you could expect some hidden truth.
The mystery is solid and twisty: there's a number of murders, book being stolen, roots that go back in time, and an elusive killer that I wasn't able to guess.
An entertaining and fast pace read I thoroughly enjoyed
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Cartmel has gift for delivering stories that are entertaining but also a sort of disenchanted look to current social situation and some remarks are sharp and to the point.
The main characters are on the grey side of the moral spectrum: I loved sarcastic, amoral, and complex Cornelia and Edwin, a man who is not exactly what you can think. Rainbottle is the perfect dog you wish you could pet.
As I'm attending Yoga sessions I felt that some of the characters of the ashram were a witty and merciless portrait of people you can find in real life. Some were nice but you could expect some hidden truth.
The mystery is solid and twisty: there's a number of murders, book being stolen, roots that go back in time, and an elusive killer that I wasn't able to guess.
An entertaining and fast pace read I thoroughly enjoyed
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 5, 2024
I enjoyed this book a lot more than number 1. Cordelia is somewhat mellower and a bit more likeable character and Edwin has become her partner in crime come bodyguard to a certain extent. A cross over with the Vinyl Detective series characters is edging a little closer (and Andrew has, in interview on YT channels, suggested Princess "Satan" from the last Vinyl Detective series book might be fun. Lets hope so.
Andrew is great at characterisation, situation and story telling and throws in some gentle humour ay both Cordelia and other characters, many of whom are both a little absurd, but all too realistically human. In this story, main major negative comment is that the big reveal of the "baddie" is a little underwhelming given the body count attached. That, though is pretty common with a lot of light hearted detective series. I don't see that as a major issue so long as you're aware going into the Story.
Andrew is great at characterisation, situation and story telling and throws in some gentle humour ay both Cordelia and other characters, many of whom are both a little absurd, but all too realistically human. In this story, main major negative comment is that the big reveal of the "baddie" is a little underwhelming given the body count attached. That, though is pretty common with a lot of light hearted detective series. I don't see that as a major issue so long as you're aware going into the Story.
July 8, 2024
Much improved sequel to Death in Fine Condition. Cordelia is a slightly less grating character in the follow up Ashram Assassin. She is still pretty judgmental of people and a bit if a thief but not nasty. I felt she was quite dislikable in the first book. If the writer had not been Andrew Cartmel I might not have read the second book. I enjoy the case of the missing yoga books and subsequent murder mystery. I enjoyed the many literary references. It is a very solid read.
October 12, 2024
Enjoyed this as much as I did the other one. Although I figured out one or two minor twists, I was kept guessing about the murderer’s identity.
Cordelia is in danger of softening up - haha - no, she still has a slightly dislikeable edge to her, but it’s interesting how she reacts to other people and how she starts building relationships with them.
This is an interesting story and murder mystery. Would definitely recommend.
Cordelia is in danger of softening up - haha - no, she still has a slightly dislikeable edge to her, but it’s interesting how she reacts to other people and how she starts building relationships with them.
This is an interesting story and murder mystery. Would definitely recommend.
January 9, 2025
Wonderful, I really really loved this second book in Andrew Cartmel's new series (loosely linked the the Vinyl Detective series). I love the original plot, the comically dark murders and thefts, and they always have a satisfying ending.
The characterisation in these novels is superb, they are fully rounded and real, and I could read them forever. I hope they become as treasured as Cordelia's collection!
The characterisation in these novels is superb, they are fully rounded and real, and I could read them forever. I hope they become as treasured as Cordelia's collection!
July 31, 2024
This is the second book the brilliant and Humorous crime mystery The Paperback Sleuth. It follows the Paperback Sleuth (aka Cordelia) who is able to locate any books by any meas necessary. She is asked by a London yoga studio she was previously banned from to aquire a set of rare books for them thar was stolen. She agrees bit then people start dying. It was great.
August 11, 2024
A West London yoga ashram’s collection of rare books gets stolen, the Paperback Sleuth, Cordelia is asked to take on the case. Which considering she was kicked out of the ashram recently, makes her initially reluctant. But the attraction of food and money, means she’s soon won over. But can she find the books and more importantly can she avoid getting bumped off?
The second book in this series and this was much better than book one. I’m still not 100% won over by the character, but there was no enough drama and fun in this book to keep me interested. An enjoyable read.
The second book in this series and this was much better than book one. I’m still not 100% won over by the character, but there was no enough drama and fun in this book to keep me interested. An enjoyable read.
December 18, 2024
This book was much better than the first one in the series, which was held back by tying it in with the Vinyl Detective books by introducing characters from those and also by setting the character of the Paerback Sleuth herself. Now that those things were settled, we got a good mystery about the theft of books from an ashram and murders and attempted murders that follow.
August 17, 2025
Andrew Cartmel has a superb style and I did enjoy the book. Read the first in this series too and the main character Cordelia is hard to warm to (I think this is how she is supposed to be portrayed) but I'm not her biggest fan.
Will read the third one, as they are linking to characters in The Vinyl Detective and the storylines are good.
Will read the third one, as they are linking to characters in The Vinyl Detective and the storylines are good.
August 29, 2025
3.75
"'I find it interesting, by the way, that you refer to it as your library,'
'What else would I call it?'
'Your book collection.'
'Well, a collection is something you put away and never look at... A library is something that's constantly in use'... a library is alive while a collection is dead."
"'I find it interesting, by the way, that you refer to it as your library,'
'What else would I call it?'
'Your book collection.'
'Well, a collection is something you put away and never look at... A library is something that's constantly in use'... a library is alive while a collection is dead."
July 26, 2024
56-2024. Another fun and silly romp with the Author’s universe of vinyl- and paperback-detectives. This featured the paperback sleuth, and was very enjoyable. I eagerly await the next volume in either series. :-)
July 27, 2024
Another good book by Andrew Cartmel.. I loved the Vinyl detective.. The first paper back sleuth was OK.. But this one takes it up a notch and the characters find their own voice rather than trying to always tie them back to the pervious series. 4.5/5
September 3, 2024
It has all the hallmarks of Cartmel's other books (complicated-ish and multiple twisty plot lines, loads of minutiae which I love) but unfortunately, I just don't like the main character. Not a good reason to give it one less star, but there we are. Still enjoy reading them though!
October 2, 2024
After not loving the first book in the Paperback Sleuth series, I will admit I was a bit worried I wouldn't like the second book. But after reading the latest Vinyl Detective the month prior and being on a bit of a Cartmel kick I gave it a go. I'm glad I did, the characters here had a really great revamp and I really enjoyed them and the mystery the Ashram gave us. Excited to see where this series may go and hope it builds up a cast of characters as beloved as those in the Vinyl Detective series.
April 15, 2025
A great follow up to the debut novel in this spin off series. I really like the contrast in the main characters between the two. Always nice to have some favorite characters pop in for a cameo as well!
July 21, 2025
I'm warming up to this series
In the second installment in the paperback sleuth series, our protagonist is far less of a clever idiot than she was in the first book, which allows the overall cleverness of the plot and cast of characters to shine through.
In the second installment in the paperback sleuth series, our protagonist is far less of a clever idiot than she was in the first book, which allows the overall cleverness of the plot and cast of characters to shine through.
August 19, 2024
This is a five star!
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