The Angel of Darkness by Caleb Carr
Historical mystery with Dr. Kreizler, a character established in one of Carr’s previous novels. Full of evil psychology – very good read.
Under Pressure by Kathy Brandt
Set in the British Virgin Islands, this is a good entry in this whodunit series. Her writing has improved as the series has evolved, though I can’t tell if I like them so much because the settings are so familiar or because the plots are truly good.
The Dark Opals of Harrow Island by Beverly C. Warren
This is a classic gothic romance, complete wth the woman in the long dress running away from the dark castle with one lighted window. I loved these as a teenager, so I picked up a few (they’re very hard to find) on Amazon. Not good literature, but decent escapism.
What Time Devours by A.J. Hartley
This is the first of Hartley’s books that I read, but I loved it. Centered around a lost Shakespearean play, it had a lot of surprise twists to it, and Hartley’s writing kept me trying to stay awake when my eyelids were heavy. I thought the subplot of his marriage was unecessary, but I’m sure the author had some purpose in it.
The Hooded Hawke by Karen Harper
I’ve read most of Harper’s Elizabeth I’s mysteries and this was a very good one, and a quick read. Harper provides a lot of interesting period details; any historical novelist could learn from her descriptive prowess and research skills.
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Amazing how much action is packed into this 24-hour period. Written before the Da Vinci Code, I think this was better.
The Suspicions of Mr. Wilcher by Kate Summerscale
Detailed and factual history of a mysterious and unsolved murder in turn-of-the-century England.
Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers
One of my favorite bookstore ladies recommended this to me. Since I love P.G. Wodehouse, she thought I’d enjoy the Lord Peter Wimsey character. But somehow, alas, he didn’t grab me. Probably my first and last Dorothy L. Sayers book.
Permit for Murder by Valerie Wolzien
I picked this up in a used bookstore. It’s the second in the Josie Pigeon series (I haven’t read the first), and it was an easy read, a mystery that I didn’t solve right away.
Showboat by Edna Ferber
The basis for the Oscar Hammerstein musical, the boat was somewhat different than the plot of the musical and subsequent films. Ferber’s writing was lyrical and magical, and I think I’d like to read more of her. I didn’t want the book to end, and it’s one I’m going to keep. Besides, it’s a 25-cent paperback, so that tells you how old it is.
Darkness at Fairwinds by Charlotte Douglas
Another formula gothic novel – with a slight difference since it’s set in Florida instead of on some windswept English moor or coast. Great escapism.
Resurrected Holmes, edited by Marvin Kaye
A strange conglomeration of Sherlockian tales, written by numerous diverse authors, who were writing in the style of other (now deceased) authors. Clear as mud? For example, Richard Lupoff wrote one of the stories in the style of Jack Kerouac, while Craig Shaw Gardner wrote one in the style of Edgar Rice Burroughs. I enjoyed it, some stories more than others.
The Fugitive Queen by Fiona Buckley
One of the Ursula Blanchard mystery series, and a very good one. If you like Elizabethan mysteries, Fiona Buckley (along with Karen Harper) are authors you should check out.
The Patient’s Eyes by David Pirie
The Mischeif of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
The Betrayl of the Blood Lilly by Lauren Willig
Jane and the Canterbury Tale by Stephanie Barron
Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach
Undead and Uneasy by Mary Janice Davidson
The Girl In Blue by P.G. Wodehouse
Leading An Elegant Death by Paula Carter
Red Wine Goes With Murder by Paula Carter
Diary of A Mad Bride by Laura Wolf
4 comments
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September 19, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Jess Witkins
Have you seen the film version for Angels and Demons? I thought the book ending was way better. I was surprised by how different they made the ending in the film. My book club is reading The Lost Symbol for our October pick. Can’t wait to get started!
September 19, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Seasweetie
I did see it, and I totally agree with you. In fact, I was kind of confused that it was as different as it was. But I guess maybe for mass (no pun intended) they had to soften it a bit. I haven’t picked up the Lost Symbol yet – if you think to check back here, let me know if it’s a good beach read! (I’m planning for November.)
November 12, 2011 at 10:24 pm
Lizzie Beth
I didn’t read Angels & Demons, but I saw the movie. If you don’t mind, please give me a short synopsis of the book ending. I’m most curious now that I’ve read the comments above. 🙂
November 13, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Seasweetie
It’s been a while since I read it, Lizzie Beth, but the ending of the book was quite difficult from the ending of the movie. I’ll see if I can refresh my memory. Happy to share.