Historical Mystery Reads of 2024 > Likes and Comments
I am reading book 3 in the Granny Reid series by G. A. McKevett titled Murder at Mabel’s Motel. I consider it historical since it is set in the mid 20th century.
Jan wrote: "A nice selection of upcoming releases: https://www.bookbub.com/blog/historic..."Thanks for sharing these. I have opened up a thread for 2024 new releases.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I finished listening to Jane and the Waterloo Map by Stephanie Barron. Only two more to go, and I will miss Jane, too. (sniff, sniff)I am enjoying going through some old favorites and listening to the audiobooks instead of reading them. Recently, I finished Seeing a Large Cat by Elizabeth Peters, the ninth in the Amelia Peabody Emerson series.
Currently, I am listening to Poseidon's Gold by Lindsey Davis, the fifth in the Falco series.
I love both of those series and it's been long enough that I don't remember the spoilers. LOL!
Jan wrote: "I finished listening to Jane and the Waterloo Map by Stephanie Barron. Only two more to go, and I will miss Jane, too. (sniff, sniff)I am enjoying going through some old favorites..."
I miss Jane already! She was fun to sleuth with. I wanted to be her best friend and solve mysteries with her.
Catching up on posting my recent reviews to groups. Murder by Candlelight is a mystery set in the Cotswolds in 1924 with the kind of bright, eccentric characters one expects in such novels. My **** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Grave for a Thief fits into the swashbuckler genre. There is a mystery here, but it's not solved so much by careful investigation, but by Flynt's willingness to leap into potentially explosive situations and fight his way back out of them. My *** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Barbara Hambly's Benjamin January historical mystery series is a favorite of mine. Given that The Nubian’s Curse is the twentieth volume in the series, it must be a favorite of a good many others. The series is set in the mid 18th Century, primarily in New Orleans. January is a free man of color with a wide range of life experiences. He was born a slave, then was purchased by his mother when she became a placee (a sort of mistress/concubine) of a wealthy white man. He's a gifted musician; he's also studied medicine. He's lived in both slave-holding and free states; he's also lived in France. This novels brings characters from January's past in France to his life in New Orleans. My **** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Silver Bone, which is being marketed as the first volume in a new mystery series is set immediately after the end of WWII in Ukraine. These years were chaotic for Ukraine, with multiple rebellions and invasions. The Silver Bone has definite strengths: its absurdism, a particular touch of magical realism, and characters and relationships that seem set to develop in engaging ways in future volumes. And I know I'll be reading future volumes in the series, but... The Silver Bone is less a mystery novel and more a very time and location specific dark comedy. I'm hoping that the plotting of the actual mysteries will become more complex in future volumes. My *** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I requested a review copy of The Wharton Plot because—Edith Wharton as a detective? I needed to see what the author did with that set-up. What the author did is write an interesting novel that hovers at the intersection of fictionalized history and mystery. This isn't a novel that blew me away, but it did keep me reading. My *** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The World's End Bureau Victorian mystery series is a favorite of mine, peopled with an unusual cast of characters who are all quite engaging and whose different skills are usefully complementary. There is an interesting mystery at the heart of this The Stranger in the Asylum that involves a wild mix of characters, but the primary action focuses on the journey to, in, and from France. I admit that I grew somewhat tired of repeated rounds of our-heroes-escape-to-x-only-to-find-their-nemeses-still-in-pursuit. Chase scenes can be exciting, but they can't really carry a novel. My *** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished Who's Sorry Now? #2 Lady Adelaide by Maggie Robinson. Set in 1920's England. Rated 3 stars. Enjoyed more then #1. Good Audio narration by Gemma Dawson.
Irina Shapiro's The Highgate Cemetery Murder i s the first volume in a new historical mystery series set in Victorian London. The central characters are interesting, the plot somewhat twisted—and this first volume has left me looking forward to more.My **** review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This sounds interesting. Thanks for the recommendation and sharing your review.
Just finished installment #5 in Crispin Guest medieval mystery/noir series set in 14th century London.Blood Lance
by Jeri WestersonI rated it 5 full stars, you can read my review here :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have read the first two of her new series starring the jester in the court of Henry VIII. They are excellent and someday I will read her Crispin Guest series.
Sandy wrote: "I have read the first two of her new series starring the jester in the court of Henry VIII. They are excellent and someday I will read her Crispin Guest series."Kings Fool mysteries are in TBR shelf, it will be interesting to exchange our opinion about Crispin Guest ( you) and The kings Fool ( me ) :-D .
I am listening to the audiobook of Trouble in Nuala by Harriet Steele, the first of a series set in 1930s Ceylon (Sri Lanka). This is an interesting setting and I hope the story is a good one.
Magic in the Weave
by Alys ClareBook 4 of the Gabriel Taverner series. Not my favorite book in the series. Set in 1604. Story was a bit chaotic and not as well put together as others.
Jan wrote: "I am listening to the audiobook of Trouble in Nuala by Harriet Steele, the first of a series set in 1930s Ceylon (Sri Lanka). This is an interesting setting and I hope the story is ..."I am based in Sri Lanka and I didn't even know a historical mystery series set over here even existed! I HAVE to find this book.
Finished Death Below Stairs #1 Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley. Rated 4 stars. Read on Kindle & listened on Libby Audio. Excellent audio narration by Anne-Marie Piazza. Definitely want to continue this series set in Victorian London.
Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Finished Death Below Stairs #1 Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley. ..."I really like this series, too. I just hope it doesn't turn into another Gaslight mystery series where the couple never actually gets together (I'm looking at you, Victoria Thompson!).
Ruhani, I hope you can find a copy of "Trouble in Nuala." It was very enjoyable and the author's descriptions were wonderful. The audiobook was well-narrated, too.
Jan wrote: "I just hope it doesn't turn into another Gaslight mystery series where the couple never actually gets together."never?? - it takes them no more than 15 books or so to decide, and a few more to actually get married. LOL
Jan wrote: " I really like this series, too. I just hope it doesn't turn into another Gaslight mystery series where the couple never actually gets together (I'm looking at you, Victoria Thompson!).There are extenuating circumstances but I think they're moving closer to a real relationship. (view spoiler) I like Daniel very much. I have a thing for 19th c. charming rogues.
I finished Murder at a London Finishing School
by Jessica Elliot. One of my favorite historical cozy series This one takes are characters out of the quaint Country village to London. Lots of characters and mystery. Also I can use for my Bonus spin in our challenge
Just finished an engaging mystery set in Vienna in late 18th century.The Figaro Murders
by Laura Lebow Here is my 5 stars review :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read A Most Intriguing Lady, which is the story of a young woman trying to find her place in the world. I read it because someone described it as a historic mystery. There was some sleuthing in the book, but it read more like a romance to me. Since romance isn't really my thing, I found it to be okay, but not great. However, I read another review where someone said there was not enough romance in it, so I guess it just depends on what you are expecting. I do not think either the mysteries or the romance were meant to be the main point of the book, but it did center very much on the relationship between the hero and heroine.
Katy wrote: "I read A Most Intriguing Lady, which is the story of a young woman trying to find her place in the world. I read it because someone described it as a historic mystery. There was som..."Excellent review. In a short but effective way you explained very well what to expect from this book :-)
Tiziana wrote: "Katy wrote: "I read A Most Intriguing Lady, which is the story of a young woman trying to find her place in the world. I read it because someone described it as a historic mystery. ..."Thank you Tiziana.
Finished The Bangalore Detectives Club #1 Kaveri and Ramu by Harini Nagendra. Delightful mystery set in 1920's India. Enjoyed the audio narration by Soneela Nankani. Rated 3 stars. Thanks to Cynthia for recommending this title when I landed on Lose A Turn in the Wheel of History Challenge!
Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity
The twistiest mystery for Myrtle yet. It was a little Gothic, a little Christiesque and a little dark for a middle grades novel. I couldn't put it down! The world building is excellent and I had a lot of fun with it. I think there will be at least one more adventure for Myrtle.
I finished yesterday Death in Delft
by Graham Brackhere is available my review :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished Death on the Nile
. I have never read this, one of her most famous books. I need to read a book set in Africa for another reading challenge so it is a perfect fit. There is forward in the book from Ms. Christie stating she believes it to be on of the best of her foreign travel books. Good mystery and Egypt makes a wonderful setting. Written in 1937
I just finished A Lark's Conceit: A Verity Lark Mystery
It was excellent and I enjoyed the romance and the mystery. I hope there's more to come.
Begin at the beginning with A Brazen Curiosity and then Verity's series. They're intertwined a bit but all of them are so witty and wonderful you won't want to miss out on any of the fun.
I finished a complicated but also engaging mystery set in 18th century Venice, fascinating and mysterious city where vices and secrets were very well hidden under the masks.Scherzo: Murder and Mystery in 18th Century Venice
by Jim WilliamsHere is my 4 stars review :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
QNPoohBear wrote: "I just finished A Lark's Conceit: A Verity Lark MysteryIt was excellent and I enjoyed the romance and the mystery. I ..."
That's also among my NG TBR list. Have also enjoyed the series, and am glad you enjoy it, too.
Tiziana wrote: "I finished a complicated but also engaging mystery set in 18th century Venice, fascinating and mysterious city where vices and secrets were very well hidden under the masks.[book:Scherzo: Murder ..."
Knowing Venice reasonably well, and immediately (ha!) recognising M. Arouet, this book definitely sounds like I should add it to my TBR list. Thanks!
Helen wrote: "That's also among my NG TBR list. Have also enjoyed the series, and am glad you enjoy it, too.."
The first one was a little slow with all the recap of Bea's latest adventure and then parts of the second one also recapped. This one was the best of the three. It referenced Flora's mystery and briefly mentions the Duke of Kesgrave's latest investment but as Twaddle has given up reporting on the Duchess's exploits, she can finally have her own adventure independent of Bea and Kesgrave.
Plus, there's more Hardwicke, the charming rogue.
sabagrey wrote: "Tiziana wrote: "I finished a complicated but also engaging mystery set in 18th century Venice, fascinating and mysterious city where vices and secrets were very well hidden under the masks.[book:..."
I hope it will be an engaging and enjoyable read to you !
I have to admit it took me a while to get into it :-)
Thanks for your comment Sabagrey, sending hugs from Italy !
I finished Murder Under a Red Moon
by Harini Nagendra. Set in 1921 Bangalore India. I liked the huge mastif in the book. Characters are okay. I like Sujata Massey's India series better.
Finished The Hippopotamus Pool #8 Amelia Peabody by Elizabeth Peters. Set in 1900 Egypt. Rated 4 stars. Read on Libby Kindle while listening on Hoopla audio. Excellent narration by Barbara Rosenblat. Love this series!
Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Finished The Hippopotamus Pool #8 Amelia Peabody by Elizabeth Peters. ...Excellent narration by Barbara Rosenblat...."Barbara Rosenblat is the ultimate Amelia, Peggy. It's not that Susan O'Malley does a bad job, but I love Rosenblat's over-the-top narration. I often fine myself muttering, "I am the most fortunate of women."
Jan Mc wrote: "Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Finished The Hippopotamus Pool #8 Amelia Peabody by Elizabeth Peters. ...Excellent narration by Barbara Rosenblat...."Barbara Rosenblat is t..."
Jan; this is the first Amelia Peabody that I've listened to on Audio while also reading. It was like a "movie" in my head! It was amazing how she developed all of the character's different voices to match their personalities. I didn't realize anyone other then Barbara Rosenblat did the Audio narration?
I finished Clark and Division
by Naomi Hirihara. Set in 1941-1944. Japanese family is sent of Manzanar to Chicago. A lot of polital and social issues of the time. Very dark novel Just okay for me.
I am currently reading this one. So far it is just okay for me also, but I am not very far into it, so maybe I will like it better as I read more.
I have recently started reading the Sir Robert Carey Series by Patricia Finney (writing as P.F. Chisholm), and am now at vol. 3 A Surfeit of Guns. In my opinion, this series is one of a kind among the hist.myst. I have been reading so far, it is in a different league altogether. An immersive and entertaining mixture of history, mystery, intrigue, and adventure, with lots of action and a sprinkle of the picaresque and of romance (is it not comforting to know that despite all their trials and tribulations in the books, Carey got his Elizabeth in the - not so far off - end, i.e. in 1593? - this is not a spoiler but wikipedia)
This 3rd book in the series has a different feel: whereas in no. 1 and 2, Carey is presented as the lone pioneer of the rule of law in the Border country, here he is more of a victim to political intrigue of a higher order. I am curious to see in which direction the series goes from here.
sabagrey wrote: "I have recently started rePatricia Finneyading the Sir Robert Carey Series by Patricia Finney (writing as P.F. Chisholm), and am now at vol. 3 A Surfeit of Guns. In my opinion, this series is one..."
I LOVE this series! Great mixture of mystery & history with wonderfully developed characters. Author just released A Taste of Witchcraft #10 in the series. For some reason it's only available in USA? Enjoy!
Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Author just released A Taste of Witchcraft #10 in the series. For some reason it's only available in USA? Enjoy!."it's available on kindle here (EU) - and, I suppose, everywhere else.
sabagrey wrote: "Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Author just released A Taste of Witchcraft #10 in the series. For some reason it's only available in USA? Enjoy!."it's available on kindle here (EU) - and, I suppose, ev..."
sabagrey; That's great news!
Please come and let us know what you are reading and whether or not you enjoy it and recommend (or not).