The Savage Garden by Mark Mills

A young scholar from Cambridge is sent to Tuscany where he will spend the summer preparing a monograph on the famous Docci garden. His professor is convinced Adam will be able to find the truth hidden in the creation of this fifteenth century garden. The current Docci family is welcoming and Adam is set to spend some time enjoying the sun and getting over his broken relationship, but as he delves into the mysterious layout of the garden he begins to realize there is something out of sync with the current history at Villa Docci. World War II has left scars all across Europe and the Doccis are no exception as the sealed off third floor is testament to. A horrible murder took place there and since the day of its happening, it has left a pall lingering over the family.

Adam starts to piece together the secrets of the garden and finds that there are more than just ghosts hidden in it, there is a curse that follows this family and the deeper he digs the closer he comes to the truth of what happened that fateful day on the third floor. Will he be able to bring closure to both mysteries or has he unwittingly stepped into a deadly game of chess as an unknowing pawn? The shadows that linger at Villa Docci mask the tapestry of betrayal that has been years in the making and not everyone wants the truth brought to light.

Although an intriguing mystery and well written, I found it stagnating several times. I I felt as though the story was being told to me by someone who had had to tell it so many times before, they did so now by rote. The overall effect for me was a let down, but as always, check it our for yourself and decide if the Docci mystery is an intrigue worthy of your bookshelf.

Brooklyn on Fire (Mary Handley Mystery #2) by Lawrence H. Levy

This is the second book in a series based on Mary Handley, lady detective. Based in New York City and Brooklyn before they were consolidated, it surrounds a series of events that are both politically and personally motivated. Now, normally I would go ahead and describe some of the story as I had interpreted it, etc etc etc but quite

frankly I don't want to. The author is quite capable of good writing obviously as this series has gotten good reviews from better readers than I, but I couldn't wait to put this book down forever. There are times when too much activity in a story detracts from the reader's enjoyment of it. After awhile, I felt like I was being force feed a story line that was morphing into a caricature of itself; story line not so subtly showing it's movie script skeleton. Each new addition to our cast just seemed so two dimensional that I couldn't care about them for more than a few pages before I just wanted to ask them to politely jump off the Brooklyn Bridge itself. Although there are some actually interesting facts sprinkled throughout the book, the liberty taken with some of them leaves you feeling like you are on the losing side of a bad joke.

As always, this is my opinion. Reading as many things in this world is a very personal experience. Pick this book up and give it a good perusal if it seems like something that would be interesting to you, I on the other hand will be taking a long walk off a short pier before I pick up another Mary Handley mystery.

The Bad Book Affair (Mobile Library Mystery, #4) by Ian Sansom

Israel Armstrong once again is taking us along for a twisty, hilarious ride as he shambles his way through a somewhat depressive yet completely relatable period of mourning for his broken relationship. With feelings of failure, road to nowhere dumps and I could have been a contender vibes, Israel is hardly the detective that most of us would think of as the hero of a book, yet his feet of clay are what make these stories so endearing. Along with the many other characters that people his stories, Sansom manages to create books that bare the bones of humanity yet forgive us enough to let us see the humor in our very downfall.

In this particular case, Israel is at the very epicenter of what one might call a literary faux pas. A young girl is missing and the last time anyone saw her was when Israel handed her a book from the Unshelved, books that are technically not supposed to be on loan from the mobile library at all. But it's hardly his fault is it, after all it was just some Goth. But when it turns out the girl is actually the daughter of a local politician, Israel becomes the prime suspect ..... again. It seems that life has a place for Israel after all. 

Full of the ups and downs of life, written with wry humor, and fleshed out with mysteries that ask your little grey cells to wiggle, these books are a sure fire hit for any reader. Grab one, prepare to chuckle and ask yourself why you aren't driving a book mobile in the vast wilderness of Northern Ireland.

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows (Flavia de Luce, #4) by Alan Bradley

Flavia looks forward to Christmas, a time when she can put into affect a plan to trap Father Christmas to prove to her sisters that he is indeed real. But to help abet the financial hardships her family faces this year there will be an extra load of people for the holidays; a famous movie star will be shooting a new film at Buckshaw and it promises to be an event no one will forget. Before filming commences the vicar persuades the star to put on a charity event for the village at Buckshaw. Amidst a raging blizzard, the folk of Bishop's Lacey eagerly watch the magic happen. But when they find themselves stranded at the house, things begin to take a turn for the worse. Not only is half the village splayed about the house as they wait the storm out but a murderer lies amongst them. When Flavia finds the star dead in her room dressed in a costume straight out of one of her movies there is no doubt that this will take her special talents to solve. As the storm continues and turmoil starts to bubble below the surface of gentility can Flavia figure out what's happening or could this be her own final curtain call?

As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust (Flavia de Luce, #7) by Alan Bradley

Flavia's mother has finally returned home, unfortunately as a frozen corpse found in the Himalayas. At this pivotal point in Flavia's short life her aunt and father decide that the best thing to do is send her away to boarding school at Miss Bodycote's Female Academy in Toronto, Canada. Although this is the prestigious school Harriet also attended as a girl, to Flavia leaving Buckshaw and her family is akin to being banished to the ends of the earth.

Upon reaching her new home Flavia's luck runs true and she is greeted her first day by a body falling from her chimney and a head coming to rest at her feet. Although secretly delighted by this new happenstance, the rest of the school is disturbingly silent about the event. As Flavia comes to realize that strange happenings such as disappearances among the girls are quietly accepted she suspects that there are machinations in place that no one is talking about. Destiny at Miss Bodycote's has a strange way of revealing itself. With her mother's legacy overshadowing her what does it have in store for Flavia?

With a murderess for a teacher, possible spies on all sides of her and a secret organization that must not be spoken of Flavia finds herself digging for clues as to the body in the chimney, could it be one of the missing girls or has the murderer done away with someone for reasons entirely different. Flavia is on the case and even if she is away from all she knows and loves, you can be sure that she'll find the answers.

The Elusive Elixir (An Accidental Alchemist Mystery) by Gigi Pandian

This was provided to me as an arc from the publisher but the review is my own.

This is the third installment in the Accidental Alchemist Mystery series. However, one could plunge into the series midway if they wanted a taste and still be able to follow the story line as Pandian makes sure to remind readers of what has happened previously to our characters.

In this book we find Zoe has traveled to Paris to find out more about the connection to Notre Dame and its gargoyles and how they relate to Dorian's plight. With time running out Zoe is faced with a possible break when stories of a strange gargoyle reach her ears, could it be that this is a link to freeing Dorian at last? But swift on the heels of her attempt to find out more comes an unexpected result, she's been recognized by someone who last saw her during World War II and as unlikely as it seems they hold her responsible not only for the death of their mother but for her assistant at the time. With the possibility of her identity being discovered by the authorities Zoe flees Paris back home only to find that the past has followed her and in its wake Zoe will be faced with losing her only chance at a normal life or losing her best friend. Questions are being revealed but the answers continue to elude her and Zoe will find that she may be the only answer that there is. The only thing that she can attempt is anathema to all she believes so the only answer that can help her now is how far will she be willing to go for those she loves and how far will they go for her.

This is a well crafted series that is engaging and fresh. Zoe Faust is the kind of character you wish you could sit down with over a cup of tea and an astrology chart. Perfect for anyone who loves mysteries or wouldn't mind dabbling in the realm of the paranormal. Highly recommend.

Mrs. Jeffries Wins the Prize (Mrs. Jeffries #34) by Emily Brightwell

I received this as an ARC from the publisher but the review is my own.

Among the elite of London are those who dabble in the very expensive art of orchids. These blooms are brought from the most exotic parts of the world to glass conservatories of the wealthy, so a dead body found during a ladies luncheon in the greenhouse is unwelcome for many reasons. When the murder seems to suggest that the lady of the house is being framed purposefully, Inspector Witherspoon senses that there is more to this than meets the eye. Is a flower really worth killing for or are the lethal blooms just a disguise for a deeper plot laid long ago and far away. Step in Mrs. Jeffries and the rest of the team to help clear away the detritus of the years and expose a killer who has had plenty of time to figure out exactly how to plot the perfect murder. But in revisiting the past will they inadvertently bring forth a dark deed from among their own group? Can murder ever be excused or will Mrs. Jeffries find it closer to home than anticipated?

Another great addition to the series. Well paced with the usual formula, although this time I felt the very ending was a little clunky but still worth curling up with along with a piping cup of tea.

London's Glory by Christopher Fowler

This is a collection of short stories revolving around Bryant and May's cases that have never been disclosed up until now. With the usual touch of genius these two investigators along with the Peculiar Crimes Unit are faced with such cases as the woman with a slit throat in the middle of a pristine snowfall in the park with no evidence to show anyone was ever near her. Or how Bryant can calmly take May on a tourist bus and confidently claim they will be arresting a murderer who is now on the bus with them at the precise time and location, not to mention helping to inform the tour guide of his various mistakes.

This collection is peppered with the author's notes on how he came about with his ideas and gives a behind the scenes glimpse of how much effort and talent is weaved throughout this series. All in all this is a very fitting tribute to London and its varied history and to the lasting tradition of great English mysteries.

"Mrs. Jeffries Defends Her Own" by Emily Brightwell

When a businessman is found shot to death in his office Inspector Witherspoon is all ready in the middle of a case and Mrs. Jeffries is not expecting to have to solve yet another murder. But when the visitor that appears at her door appeals to her for help in order to prevent from being labeled a murderer she realizes that not only must she get involved in order to safe family but she will have to do so without arousing the attentions of Inspector Witherspoon nor the odious Nivens who is determined to oust Mrs. Jeffries and her cohorts as the real reason for the Inspector's success rate. With so many obstacles in her way Mrs. Jeffries may need to branch out in new directions to find out the who, what, where, how and most importantly why. And what she discovers may change her understanding of the husband she loved so dearly.

Another installment in this great series.

"Vertigo 42 (Richard Jury, #23)" by Martha Grimes

Like all of Martha Grime's novels that revolve around Inspector Jury, this was a good read. This time though I have to say I was disappointed with the actual story itself as I felt as though it was missing something, good story line just not invigorated like most of her stories. Anyway, this turns out to be a fine mystery revolving around a murdered child whom everyone hated and two murders 17 years later that seem not only removed from the first murder but each other. Appearances can be deceiving and in this story they are big time.

"The Monogram Murders" by Sophie Hannah

This was a pretty good mystery but I have to say that as an avid Christie fan I was not absolutely sold on Hannah's Poirot. He comes across at times as a caricature of himself, not quite up to Christie's version. Now, having said this, the mystery itself is pretty solid and though some parts were pretty obvious, there are enough plot turns here to make even Agatha smile. All in all, not a bad edition to the classic line up.

"The Secret Place (Dublin Murder Squad, #5)" by Tana French

I have read all of French's titles and have always been intrigued by her immersion into the human psyche and it's blurred edges. The past three were good crime stories of the human capability of extreme cruelty and manipulation. Happiness is not handed out like candy but fought for with tooth and claw and sometimes the pot at the end of the rainbow is filled with manure. This latest edition is to me quite frankly a let down. A murder committed at a fancy school for girls is the basis of the story. I won't go into details, you can judge for yourself but all I can say is that not only was a gifted writer on vacation here but I was actually relieved to finish reading this book, like thank goodness that's done, next chore. There are some areas of the book that were beautifully cut out of the air but all in all there were too many moments that seemed to lack that spark that a story needs to make a book sing. At the end of it, the only thing I would want to know more about are the cypress trees in the secret glen.

"Death of an Outsider" by M.C. Beaton

Keep em coming, love Macbeth.

"Death of a Perfect Wife" by M.C. Beaton

Another great addition to the series. Love Hamish and although this mystery wasn't hard to figure out, it was worth the read.

"Aunt Dimity and the Witch Village (An Aunt Dimity Mystery, #17)" by Nancy Atherton

Scavenger hunt meets mystery in this book. Finch has a witch in it's history but no one knows what befell her but rumors of a woman with a bloodied hatchet scarring children have been handed down through the centuries. Could they be one and the same, and what is a well known botanical artist doing moving into the center of town with a faded scarp of paper? Lori knows she needs to get to the bottom of this mystery if she hopes to keep her quiet village intact against the invading Bowenists in search of their spiritual leader.

"Speaking from Among the Bones (Flavia de Luce, #5)" by Alan Bradley

Another great book in the Flavia De Luce series. This one centers around how the organist of the local church winds up buried upon the crypt of St. Tancred and why is the saint's face crying tears of blood? And will Buckshaw be lost for ever? This can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend it. Flavia will have you laughing as she sets about her unusual ways of solving crimes that even the police are baffled by. Think Dexter meets Hercule Poirot with a dash of 12 year preteen who finds the people around her starring in her rather deadly daydreams.

"Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree (Aunt Dimity, #16)" by Nancy Atherton

These mysteries are a good read when you are getting tired of finding dead bodies in the library. The mysterious is imbued in the regular everyday activities in the little known village of Finch. Think Ms. Marple without any actual blood shed. Mix one newly restored Georgian manor, one handsome retired, single American lawyer, and you have the beginning steps to a tango of confusion. Throw in a group of old biddies known as the Handmaidens, and sprinkle lightly with a summer romance a la golden age and you build towards a climax in which who steps on whose toes is truly a mystery. It'll take Lori and Aunt Dimity to figure out what exactly is going on; at least the ghostly music is Benny Goodman.

"Tiger Shrimp Tango (Serge Storms, #17)" by Tim Dorsey

I have a new addiction, it's Serge Storm. This is the first Tim Dorsey book I've read but it won't be the last. His characters are sociopaths, drunks, Spillane obsessed detectives and goofballs. I felt right at home. Serge fills the story with scientific methods of offing the bad guys that will fill you with horror and make you want to cheer at the same time; mentos will never look the same again. Did I mention the Tupperware museum? 

Let me just say that by the end of the book you come to know why toilet lids are flying out of five star hotels, meet Johnny Vegas, the Accidental Virgin, and learn more about Florida then that they have alligators strolling down the lanes.

A must read if you love mystery, satire, or just a good belly laugh.

"The Secret Ingredient Murders (Eugenia Potter, #6)" by Nancy Pickard

This was nicely developed. Not my taste but it was a good book to choose if you like literature regarding Rhode Island and its particular style of life. A good mystery with a satisfying ending.

"Legend of the Jade Dragon (A Chintz n' China Mystery, #2)" by Yasmine Galenorn

Decent book, liked the fact that the author is really descriptive with her passages. It made it real easy to picture this story as it took place. Good blend of fiction and mystery.