Lately I've been in the mood to binge on mysteries. It's not just mysteries, but crime novels and thrillers, too. I nearly always have a mystery in progress on my nightstand. In recent years, however, I seem to read fewer and fewer of them. I might have one started, but I tend not to pick it up as often as other types books. I think my sudden urge was spurred by a combination of Harry Hole and Mary Russell (two characters as unlike as can be). I'm not sure really what it is about these sorts of books that fascinate me so much. Maybe the pure adrenalin rush that comes from a tightly plotted book that you need to turn the pages of so quickly to get to the resolution. Or maybe the idea of a problem solved by peeling back layer after layer until you get to the truth. Right now I think I could subsist on a steady reading diet of mysteries alone, though I'll try not to be a glutton. As you can see from the photo I've been accumulating mysteries for a while and these are some of them (once you start a good series you have to read them all, you know).
I've been wrapped up in a few mysteries lately (more than I should be, my one mystery rule at a time has flown out the window temporarily):
Murphy's Law, Rhys Bowen - I'm feeling very ambivalent about this one, I'm sorry to say. I love the premise of an Irish woman emigrating to America ca.1901 who gets involved in murder investigations. I love the descriptions of New York City, where the book is set. There's a nice feeling of place and a certain atmosphere that she presents well. However, I'm feeling that the plot is a bit too contrived to be really believable. I'm willing to let a few coincidences go to get a story going (and this is the first in a series), but too many makes me raise my eyebrows. I'm not at all adverse to unlikely heroines solving mysteries (those can be the most entertaining of all), but sometimes she seems ill-suited to the job. I'm too close to finishing now, though, to give up. I do have several other Molly Murphy mysteries, so I think I'll give her another try, but I hope they improve over time.
Point of Honour, Madeleine Robins - I need to get back to this one (when I finish with Molly). I've enjoyed what I've read so far. The mystery concerns the hiring of Sarah Tolerance (definitely an unlikely heroine) to intercede in a delicate matter. An Italian fan has been given to a lady of questionable repute and now the gentleman wants it back. Sarah will find its more than just a scandal the gentleman is trying to avoid.
Child 44, Tom Rob Smith - I received this as an advance review copy. It's due to be published here in the US April 29. You know the sort of book that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let you go, and you only surface when you turn the last page of the book? I think this is going to be that sort of book. I have a long weekend to look forward to and this is going to keep me company. I started reading a couple of days ago and had to drag myself away. Smith doesn't hold anything back. Although I found myself grimacing a little at the opening scenes I also didn't want to set the book aside either. It's set in 1950s Russia, where the party line is--there is no crime. Strangely, though, children are being murdered.
Waiting in the wings:
Nemesis, Jo Nesbo - More Harry Hole. I have the next book waiting for me and the next book after that one as well.
A Fatal Waltz, Tasha Alexander- Fingers crossed...I might actually be getting a copy of this ahead of publication. Lady Emily Ashton is becoming one of my favorite Victorian sleuths! If you like Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Grey, give Tasha Alexander a try!
I've also been contemplating reading the next Mary Russell mystery by Laurie King , or maybe give Barbara Cleverly's Joe Sandilands a try, and I've heard good things about Maureen Jennings, and oh, do you see what a dilemma this is? Maybe I should just dig around in my bins!
Do you like mysteries? Which author/sleuth keeps you turning those pages?