What is it about the English aristocracy? They are always so entertaining to read about and work quite nicely as sleuths in mysteries. I suppose because we don't have anything quite like them here in the US, and it is always nice to immerse yourself into a life you (I) will never lead that they are so appealing. I just finished Tasha Alexander's And Only to Deceive. It is the first in what I expect will be a series of mystery novels set during the Victorian era. Emily, our heroine, is a young widow who initially marries (a wealthy viscount no less) to get out from under the thumb of her overbearing mother. When her husband dies on safari, she isn't terribly disappointed as she hardly knew him. It is after his death when she begins reading his journals that she starts to fall for him. Although I found this book in the mystery section, it is not really a typical murder mystery. It is when Emily gets involved in some missing antiquities, and the possibility that her husband was involved in theft and forgeries that we get involved in some mysterious, murky business.
I enjoyed this book, but I do have to say I have a few tiny, little reservations about it. It is a first novel, and a first book in what is likely to be a series. Quite often these first attempts are a little shaky. I think all the right elements were there and the characters are for the most part likeable (and the ones who weren't were not really meant to be), but something was missing. Perhaps the story needed some editing or a bit more tightening up--I am not sure I can put my finger on it. It is certainly not badly done, but I guess it was somewhat predictable in places. There were a few twists and turns (what you would expect), but nothing overly surprising. The author obviously did her homework and it shows--I now am interested in reading Homer again (I haven't since high school) and have added both the Iliad and the Odyssey to my wish list. I guess with a mystery, I like to be surprised or have to work a bit harder to figure things out. It was a nice, easy, sort of fluffy read--and sometimes this is just the sort of book I feel like reading, but a little challenge is nice, too, with a mystery. I will probably watch for the author's next book, A Poisoned Season which is due out next spring (but will likely get it from the library or wait for the paperback). Sometimes authors just need some time to develop their characters and plotlines, and I think this series does have potential--it reminds me a lot of Anne Perry's Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels (which also got better each time around). You can check out Tasha Alexander's website and she also contributes to a fun looking blog, The Good Girls Kill for Money Club.
Next up for my mystery read is C.S. Harris's What Angels Fear set in 1811 and featuring another Viscount. I hope it will be good as this is yet another entirely new author for me. Perhaps after this I will have to try something completely different or maybe read some hardboiled crime books for a change of pace!
I'm so enjoying listening to Maisie Dobbs, that I'm inspired to try other historical-type mysteries. I'm learning a lot about the feeling of 1930 and the effects of WWI.
Posted by: Dorothy W. | November 22, 2006 at 05:19 PM
Dorothy--I am so glad you are enjoying the Winspear book! Mysteries are a nice change from usual fiction. You might also like Dorothy Sayers. Gaudy Night had a wonderful literary feel to it! The nice thing with Maisie is there are several books out now about her!
Posted by: Danielle | November 22, 2006 at 10:11 PM
On a totally unrelated matter, you say you are reading "Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors' Wives". Have you actually started it yet? It is on my wish list... and was wondering if it was a worthwhile purchase (as I don't have a library where I live).
Posted by: Kailana | November 23, 2006 at 08:43 AM
Kailana--I just noticed that the Amazon title (I am linked to Amazon in my list) is wrong. The Cordingly book is actually called Women Sailors and Sailors' Women--but I am sure it is the same one (they must have changed the title when they published it). In any case, yes, it is good so far!! I was afraid it was going to be dry and hard to get through after reading the Hoobler book on Mary Shelley (which was so good). You never know with nonfiction! But I have read the intro and am into the first chapter and am finding the reading very engrossing. I am sure I will be sharing passages here!! I do think it is probably more interesting if you are interested in nautical subjects, but it is also good if you are interested in women's subjects (and I like both!). As I am really into the 18th C. right now (this is where it starts) it seems to be the right book at the right time for me!! I will let you know if it continues to be as good!
Posted by: Danielle | November 23, 2006 at 11:23 AM
I enjoy nautical things and women's history, so I will be interested to see what you think of it!
Posted by: Kailana | November 24, 2006 at 06:55 AM