The Charlotte Blood Chronicles Death in the Aviary by Victoria Dowd

 Charlotte Blood's editor-in-chief sends her to investigate a year-old murder. Her cover? She is there to write an article about the family's ravens. 

The wealthy Ravenswick family lost its heir a year ago on New Year's Eve in 1928. As Charlotte resides and investigates at the Abbey, the secretive family and the moors seem to be plotting against her. A couple of near death incidents convince her that something sinister is uniting the family.

As the reader uncovers the Ravenswick family secrets with Charlotte, they also realize that Charlotte is stumbling upon her deceased husband's seemingly double-life. And who is her landlady, Mrs. C? Is she really only a landlady who writes mystery novels (which no one seems to have read!) and who likes to drink whiskey? Charlotte's own life is interesting, not just the mysteries she solves. I am looking forward to book #2 in September. 

The setting on the moors is also a character. This book is gothic!

Warnings: The dead heir's wife is having an affair with his brother. The brother's wife knows this and accepts it. Some sentences about them "messing around" and flirting/foreplay is mentioned. Celeste, whose father is having the affair,  has seen them being intimate and recorded her observations in her journal. Nothing too descriptive but still enough that I would not share this book with a high schooler. Celeste is a disturbed young girl. I felt so sorry for her yet she creeped me out a bit with her violent descriptions in her journal.

The Crystal Tree by Jennie D. Lindquist illustrated by Mary Chalmers

 This book is #3 in a trilogy. I had to read it before #1 & #2 because of its ILL due date.

Nancy anticipates moving into the little silver house with her parents in May. The book, however, begins in February. From February through May, Nancy, her friends, and adults in her community assist her in discovering more information about the little silver house and its previous owners. Mysteries abound. Through letter writing and inquiring of adults in the area, Nancy and her friends discover interesting stories and piece together the tidbits for a delightful story.

Some inclusions that I liked-Alex can't walk and is confined to a wheelchair. He is not defined by his handicap. Nancy & Alex are homeschooled-before this method of schooling was popular.

I loved learning about the Swedish culture through the grandmother. 

As I read this book, I pondered if children living now would appreciate this book. It does not address serious issues (except Alex has a back surgery, from which he could die.). Everything works out perfectly/predictably. Everyone is kind and good. The character development is somewhat flat. I enjoyed the story but am not sure how children born in this era will respond to it. Stories have changed. Our expectations have been trained to what is being published now. 

This book is  priced at $999.99 or $498 on Amazon! 

-Borrowed via ILL

The Five Red Herrings by Dorothy Sayers

 In the Scottish village, Kirkcudbright, artists thrive. One artist, Campbell instigates arguements. Many residents would not mind if he died. When he is found dead, five male artists are the prime suspects. Lord Peter Wimsey assists the local police in establishing a time line and probable events. As he interviews the artists, he figures out which one is not the red herring.

I read this aloud to my sixteen-year-old. He did not like it. I agree with him. I did not like it as much as Sayer's other novels.  It was too complicated for a read aloud (lots of train tables). Maybe it would be better to read independently??

Since we had stayed in Scotland for over week, I thought it would be fun to revisit Scotland via a book.

Consideration: swearing (easy to skip when reading aloud), heated agruments about a possible  affair-an affair was not occurring, drinking-some of the men become drunk

-I own this book but may not keep it. 

The Case of Old MacDonald and His Farm by Mark Teague*

 Old MacDonald summons Officer Busby to his farm. Odd and ridiculous events are popping up all over his farm-cabbages with painted faces, pizza being delivered to his goats... Can Officer Busby figure out who is behind the mischief on this April Fool's Day? 

Fun!

*Highly recommend for its lightheartedness. We need books just for fun!

-Borrowed from the library.

The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray

 A Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery #4

Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney have solved three murder cases over the past few years. Their friendship has grown into a romatic interest. Jonathan's parents, however do not approve of the relationship, and Mr. Tilney does not believe Jonathan truly cares for his daughter. It seems like the parents will be preventing future interactions.

Then Jonathan and Juliet are sent to London for the Season. Not knowing the other one is in London, they are thrilled to spy each other at a ball. When a murder occurs, their reputation causes the police and Bertram family to allow them to investigate together. The Bertram family's sister, Maria, is saturated with scandal (elopement, divorce, having a child with a man who is not her husband). With her former husband murdered, she is the number one suspect. However, Juliet finds Maria dead in her apartment. Are there two murders? 

Catherine Bingley longs for one of her daughters to reside in Pemberley, the Darcy estate. But Juliet seems to have captured Jonathan's heart. How far will Mrs. Bingley stoop to ensure a position as mistress of Pemberley  will be guaranteed for her daughter?

Ms.Gray has created likable characters in Jonathan and Juliet. I love reading about their interactions and their developing relationship. It's sweet. Ms. Gray also researches the time period well and incorporates authenticity throughout the novel.

Warning: Besides the scandals mentioned above, a painting depicting the myth of Pasiphae lusting after a bull is the catalyst for another scandal. No details are described.  Fanny Bertram writes to her brother. Her description of his life choices make the reader infer he may be homosexual.

-Borrowed from the library.

Trent's Last Case by E.C. Bentley

 When I started reading The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton to my teen sons, I noted that he dedicated the book to E.C. Bentley. Their friendship began in their childhood and continued into adulthood. A few years ago I introduced my boys to E.C. Bentley and his clerihew poetry. He also wrote novels...like this one which he dedicated to Chesterton! He felt like he owed Chesterton a dedication and novel. 

 Trent, a clever journalist, is called upon to help Scotland Yard to solve a murder case of a ruthless American financier. As Trent unravels the dynamics between Sigsbee Manderson and his beautiful young wife, the solution seems simple. Yet when he closes the case, he realizes that he was wrong. Bentley keeps the reader guessing and in suspense until the last page (like Agatha Christie!). This novel was published before Agatha Christie wrote her novels.

*Highly recommend for those who like classic detective mystery novels.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Have His Carcase by Dorothy L. Sayers*

 Harriet Vane, the woman Lord Peter Wimsey wants to marry, is lunching on a beach when she notices a body on a rock. The man is dead. Being a detective novelist, she analyzes the situation and takes photographs. By the time she finds the authorities, the tide has washed the body away. Based on her photographs and the information they can gather, the police conclude it was suicide. Case-closed. Lord Peter Wimsey arrives and does not believe the case is that simple. Convoluted days ensue as Lord Peter, Harriet, and the local police uncover facts,times, and alibis that do not line up.

I read this aloud to by sons (ages 15 and 18) at lunch on our school days. My youngest son figured it and thought it was too easy-just like Strong Poison (He liked The Nine Tailors best). My other son liked this one best because the characters interact more, and the story takes place over a few weeks  (In The Nine Tailors Lord Peter returns almost a year later to finally solve the case). Ciphers were included in this book and described step-by-step how Peter and Harriet solve them. I skipped these sections and just summarized their findings to my sons. The ciphers would be more fun to solve while reading the novel to yourself.

*Highly recommend for high school and older. See considerations.

Warnings/consideration: Since I read this novel aloud, I skipped these concerns-some swearing, some innuendos, Mr. Weldon is a lady's man and makes a grab at Harriet, murder-description of the crime scene, discussions about suicide and why the victim did it-Peter even goes into detail why he would do it-narrating why/why not. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

 Newly published author, Ernest Cunningham, has been invited to the Australian Mystery Writer's Society crime-writing festival as they travel via the Ghan, a famous train, from Darwin to Adelaide. While he travels the vast desert, his agent is pressing him to write a fictional book (a departure from his typical genre). Will this train ride with its individuals maintaining secrets provide inspiration for his next book? When the most famous writer dies, Ern steps in to uncover the abundant deceptions and solve the murder. Then another person dies. They are trapped on a train with a determined murderer. Plot sound familiar? Mr. Stevenson alludes to classical mysteries but creates his own entertaining and clever storyline.

The first-person narration was interesting. Ern talks directly to the reader throughout the novel. 

Somewhat Spoiler Alert-A nice twist at the end that I did not anticipate--I thought I had figured out the twist and was sorely disappointed in Ern-felt like he was an unreliable narrator when he promised he could be trusted! But then at the last minute he proves to be trustworthy! 

I loved the allusions to classical mysteries. Although Mr. Stevenson incorporates descriptions of the Australian landscape and also historical and general information, the novel is not didactic. The amount of description is apt. I ended the book with a deeper appreciation for Australia.

Warning: one man likes younger women and had raped one of the characters when she was young, this same man makes advances (not descriptive in the novel-a one-liner that hints at what he wants from her) toward a young woman. Unbeknownst to him, she is his daughter., one character is gay-his partner was killed by a train years ago, a series of books is discussed that is soft porn (no graphic description-just that they are that), Ern & his girlfriend share a cabin although they are not married (not intimacy takes place), some swearing-very limited

Other books in this series-Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone & Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret

-Borrowed from the library.

Code of Silence by Tim Shoemaker*

 On a Thursday night Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro are hanging out in a favorite local restaurant  after hours, Frank 'n Stein's when they witness a brutal robbery, which leaves the owner in a coma. When one of the thieves threatens Cooper and his family (it seems like some of the thieves may be dirty cops), Cooper convinces Gordy and Hiro to not reveal the three of them were witnesses. They take the "Code of Silence" as they try to figure out who the thieves are. To maintain their anonymity, they begin telling lies to the police, their teachers, their parents, and their families. Lies grow and become more complicated. 

A fast-paced book that will make the reader to want to devour it one sitting  This book showcases the danger of lying and how easy it is to fall into the habit and to justify it. God is mentioned but only in reference to praying to Him (and will He answer prayers when you are sinning and knowing you are wrong?) about the situation. This book will stimulate conversations.

My fifteen-year-old has read it twice and told me to read it. He likes the depiction of consequences of lying and how the book requires you to think about your choices. 

*Highly recommend for junior high readers and younger high school students (the main characters are in 8th grade).

It looks like Mr. Shoemaker has written two other books in this series featuring Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro, all featuring a mystery/suspense theme-Below the Surface and Back Before Dark.

A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales

 Beatrice Steele hides herself in the family's turret of Marsh House to pine after a man . . . or so she tells her family. Actually, she reads crime cases published in a newspaper, where Inspector Huxley writes about his latest cases. Week after week she writes to Sir Huxley, sharing her opinions and how to solve the cases. One big problem-in her township, Swampshire, England, it is unlady-like to solve murder cases. The Lady's Guide to Swampshire lists all acceptable behaviors for ladies. Solving murders is not one of them.

At an Annual Autumnal Ball presented by the family's neighbors and life-long friends, the Ashbrooks, Beatrice is able to prove her prowess in solving murder when two people die. A mysterious guest also joins her side in solving the case. 

I found this novel amusing and entertaining with a fast-paced plot. Austen-like phrasing, themes, and characters are incorporated throughout the story, which make it delightful. I almost was ready to recommend it to teen girls until ---see warning-(these themes/inclusions did not occur until the last third of the novel).

Warning: one character is pregnant out of wedlock, one character is in love with another female, theme of "you be true to you" then everything will be fine, feminist themes

-Borrowed from the library.

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray*

 I love this series. 

Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney are summoned to Catherine de Bourgh's estate, Rosings Park, to determine who is trying to kill her. Her demanding, overpowerful personality could cause those closest to her to resent her and to wish to eliminate her. Secrets abound with those connected to Catherine de Bourgh and Rosings Park. As Jonathan and Juliet shift through the deceptions, will they keep ahead of the would-be-murderer? 

For matters of the heart, Jonathan and Juliet discover their fathers are not in favor of their relationship beyond friendship. Their tenacity will be tested. 

Ms. Gray is a superb writer. She maintains Jane Austen's tone and style while  creating intriguing new plots. I was thankful this novel did not involve any infidelity. I would hand this novel to a teen (but with caution with books #1-2).

Number Four in this series will be published on June 17, 2025!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Miss Pym Disposes by Josephine Tey

 Miss Pym agrees to travel to a physical training college to lecture about her best-selling book about psychology. The young ladies immediately befriend her. Not wanting to return to London, she agrees to remain for a few days, finding herself with knowledge of a crime. When the crime results in murder, Miss Pym must decide what she will do with the damning evidence. Ms. Tey keeps you guessing until the very end! Her final decision will provide opportunity for good discussion.

I enjoyed analyzing the young ladies at this college with Miss Pym. However, it took over 2/3s of the book to encounter the crime! I needed to remind myself that this book was originally published in 1946 and to appreciate that era's writing approach. Modern and/or non-British readers may sometimes be puzzled by the word choice and allusions.

Considerations: some swearing, some racial comments (a reflection of that time period)

-Borrowed via Inter-Lib. Loan

A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey*

 I recently read that Josephine Tey is considered "one of the greatest mystery writers of all time". I had never heard of her, so decided to check her out. Initially the story did not capture my interest, probably because at this time of year I only have time to read right before bed and typically fall asleep within fifteen minutes. As a result, I could not keep all of the characters straight in my mind. Over vacation, however, I had large chunks of time to read and could focus on enjoying the story. I do highly recommend this book, but I still like Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers better!

Scotland Yard inspector, Alan Grant, is assigned the case to figure out how a famous actress died. As he uncovers clues and investigates into her relationships, he becomes more confused and frustrated. An interesting, fun read!

Warning if sharing with a teen: some swearing, a man is accused of being a lover to a married woman, a man who is into religion is evil and uses it for his selfish purposes

*Highly recommend for adult

-Borrowed from the library.

Blue Bloods Season 1DVD*

 The Reagan family serves NYC in various roles-Police Commissioner, detective, Assistant D.A., and a beat cop. This Catholic family bonds over Sunday night dinners. The grandfather, a former Police Comissioner, adds humor to the conversation. I love how this series celebrates family.

*Highly recommend for adults. Proceed with caution with teens. Not suitable for younger than high school. See warnings.

Warnings: murder/violence,drug use, sometimes cases take the investigators/police in questionable places (usually you can tell when & can fast forward/turn eyes), whenever the Reagan family is relaxing or meeting together, they usually drink some sort of alcohol (not getting drunk)

-Borrowed from the library.

The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne

 When I learned that A.A. Milne had written a mystery, I immediately borrowed it from the library. Mr. Milne wrote it for his father, who liked reading detective stories. I liked how he directly talked to the reader and how he incorporated humor and charm.

Antony Gillingham, an independently wealthy young man, has explored London and pursued a variety of odd jobs throughout his travels. Upon arriving to Woodham for a holiday, he learns that his friend Bill is staying at "The Red House", a mansion owned by Mark Ablett, a wealthy patron of the arts. Antony decides to pay Bill a surprise visit. A surprise, however, awaits for Antony-a corpse. With his deduction skills and with Bill's faithful assistance, Antony uncovers secrets and deception. 

Perfect for those who love classic, old-fashion detective stories.

 I sometimes thought Bill was a bit too eager and a push-over . . .Antony asked him to do the unpleasanst aspects of the detecting. On the other hand, I liked Antony and would have liked to have been friends with him. They joked that they were like Sherlock and Watson. Their joviality throughout the investigation, even when in danger, was unrealistic, but I overlooked it after awhile because it added lightness to the story. It was a fun read.

Consideration if sharing with teens: some swearing-dn, a**, infer a character may have committed suicide at the end (no details-very vague)

*Highly recommend for those who enjoy classic, old-fashion, British detective stories.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesteron*

 My eighth grader read this anthology of short stories for literature and enjoyed them. I read quite a few of them and anticipated the twists and unusual solutions. Although the twelve short stories can be read in any order, if the reader wants to understand the character development of Flambeau, he/she should read the first four in order. I would label these short stories as "literary mysteries". The sentence structure, the word choice, the allusions, and historical inclusions require the reader to be intellectually engaged. 

*Highly recommend (for junior high and older-murder and graphic descriptions of some murders).

-We own this book.

The Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley

 This exciting novella was originally published in 1919. 

Roger Mifflin and his wife Helen (once owners of the moving book wagon, Parnassus) now own a second-hand bookshop in Brooklyn, NYC. To give him time away from the shop, Mifflin agrees to hire his friend's daughter, Titania, as his assistant. Aubrey Gilbert, a young man in the advertising business, stops by to convince Mifflin to advertise. Instead, Mifflin lures him into conversation about books and philosophy. Seeing Titania, Aubrey is enamored with her. Then some sinister, suspicious events occur, convincing Aubrey that he needs to protect Titania. In a week's time a dangerous plot is revealed . . . all within a second-hand bookshop!

Bibliophiles will delight in reading this book. Mifflin fills pages with his philosophies (I don't agree with his view on God/Bible and politics) and his book recommendations (I only knew a handful of the titles . . . . .maybe because the titles are so old?? or maybe I am not well-read.). My mind wandered a bit while I read some of Mifflin's monologues. 

I did not like when Aubrey became angry and wanted to hit Titania because she was so beautiful and captivating. Maybe it did not mean what it means today??  The word d**n is included throughout the book (not often).

-Borrowed from the library.

When Christmas Comes by Andrew Klavan*

 Cameron Winter can figure out situations with his "strange habit of mind, where he uses his logic and his imagination. A former lover, an attorney in an idyllic town comprised of former military men and women, asks him to investigate her client, Travis Blake, a war hero. He supposedly killed his girlfriend while in a jealous rage. As Cameron interviews people related to the case, he pieces together a story that is unbelievable.

Very suspenseful and a surprise ending. I read about this series in the recent World magazine and plan to read the rest of the series soon.

*Highly recommend but see warning. I hope this tendancy does not continue in the rest of the book.

Warning: I did not like how Cameron would remember how it felt to be with his former lover (who was a high schooler when he was intimate with her. . .he was her English teacher) as he interacts with her. This reaction is realistic, but I did not like reading about it. Nothing graphic was included, though. He also imagines what it would be like to be close to another female character in the story. Some mention of his first intimate encounter with a girl when he was a teenager. Again, nothing graphic is included. Because of these inclusions, I would not hand this series to a teenager.

Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows-DVD

 Rated PG-13 -intense sequences of violence & action and some drug material

Sherlock & Watson work together to demolish Moriarty, an evil genuis, before he decimates the world. The entire movie is intense with surprises and humor. 

*Highly recommend for junior high (use descretion for junior high) or older.

Consideration: In addition to the intense action/violence, Mycroft, Sherlock's older brother, walks around naked at his home in front of Mary, Watson's new wife. The viewer does not see anything inappropriate-just his bare chest & back-enough to know he is naked!

-Borrowed from the library.

Sherlock Season Three DVD*

 I think these three episodes have been my favorite in the series. They were extra clever and suspenseful. Unfortunately, I read reviews that say season four is disappointing. Since my husband and I watched this series years ago, I cannot remember if I agree with this assessment. 

*Highly recommend for "fourteen" years old and older but see warnings.

Warning/considerations: Mary, Watson's wife, is pregnant before they marry. In "His Last Vow" Sherlock's girlfriend stays over night. She emerges from his bedroom in a very short nightshirt. She then goes into the bathroom where he is bathing (the camera does not go into the bathroom so nothing is shown). Also in this episode Sherlock is undercover in a drug house. Watson goes to "rescue" Mary's friend's son from it and discovers Sherlock there. It does depict how drug abuse strips one of humanity and of a thriving life.

-Borrowed from the library.