Returning to the Classics of Mystery

I listened to books two of my favorite mystery writers this week:
Clouds of Witnesses by Dorothy Sayers and Peril at End House by Agatha Christie

Sometimes we need to revisit the classics to get an understanding of the craft. Both are set in the "between the wars" time in Britain and have the atmosphere of that time. While Christie quickly gets to the mystery and the red herrings, Sayers takes her time, including a long recital of the crime at the end of the trial.

Although modern mysteries are usually short cozy series or long thrillers, the basics of mystery writing can still be found in the masters.

Five witchy hats to both of these greats.

Whale Season - N.M. Kelby

This book is not about whales. You need to know this right up front.
It's not about Jesus - not the Biblical one - not much. But Jesus is a main character.
So is an American Dream - an RV - and an Airstream...
And a cast of characters that keep you turning the pages just to see what they're going to do next.
And what they do is nothing that you can even imagine they will do.
"Whale Season" is both funny and wise and let's you into the heart of the human condition.
Five Witchy Hats to Nicole Kelby and "Whale Season".
I'm looking forward to ready more of her work

Scottoline Scores! Again

I admit it. Okay?
I'm a fan.
Lisa Scottoline could write a cereal box and I would give it five witchy hats.
I started listening to her books. Then I started reading her books. Then I started going to hear her speak.
I guess the next thing is to stalk her. But I'm smarter than that...I hope.
This is an emotional book that pulls you in and keeps you right there with the main character, Ellen, and her quest for the truth about her adopted son, knowing that the truth could ruin her life.
This is a book about love and truth and why you need to search for both, no matter what the consequences.
And, in case Lisa reads this and I haven't said it enough: "Thanks, again, sweetie for writing "Killer Smile".
Five witchy hats to our Lisa.

Terminal Freeze - Lincoln Child

For some reason I've developed a love of anything to do with the Arctic (and the Antarctic). Not that I love freezing weather, but I've lately found myself watching "Ice Road Truckers." It must be the extreme conditions that are so fascinating.

Child's book has the extreme conditions all right. But it also has the Child fast pace thriller suspense. Even though I had an idea what was coming, I found myself not wanting to put the book down. A definite page-turner. I hesitate to say, "Chilling..."

Now I "need" the audio version of "Cemetery Dance" - a Child/Preston book for my next long business trip. If you want to be entertained, Lincoln Child or Lincoln Child with Douglas Preston are two gentlemen who can do it.

Five fur-lined witchy hats to Lincoln Child - keep me scared and on the edge of my seat - I love it there.