March Books: Mystery

 I am never far from a mystery novel, especially classic mysteries. March had a few.

Black as He’s Painted by Ngaio Marsh

This is the 28th book in the author’s Roderick Alleyn series, published in the mid 1970s. It involves the attempted assassination of the leader of a new African republic, who happens to be an old school friend of Alleyn’s. When the guy comes to Britain, there is concern for his well-being and Alleyn is asked to intervene, but is brushed off. During a reception at the embassy, an attempt is made on his life. Alleyn is on the spot, as is a retired foreign officer. In spite of the tricky diplomatic situation, Alleyn takes charge of the investigation.

I only have a few more books to read before I reach the end. I’ll be sad when I get there—I have enjoyed reading them in order and seeing how the stories change as the culture changed.

Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie

This is one of Christie’s early published works that recently entered the public domain, so is available free of charge on Project Gutenberg (along with 4 of her other works). It’s a collection of short stories, narrated by Captain Hastings. Loved it, of course.

Adam and Eve and Pinch Me by Ruth Rendell

I had this stuck on a shelf, having picked it up in a charity shops a few years ago. I decided it was time to read it and put it in the pile of books we’re done with and not keeping. This one is a standalone, not one of Rendell’s Inspector Wexford books. It was quite good.

Minty (short for Araminta) comes home from work one day to find what she thinks is the ghost of her fiance, Jock, in her house. The story moves from there, back and forth in time and between different perspectives, as we learn more about Minty, Jock, and various other people who move in and out of their orbit. 

Not in the Flesh by Ruth Rendell

I am dealing with my usual spring/summer difficulties—this half of the year is always a slog and I have to be prepared for days when I am barely functional, very tired, and/or feeling blah. During one such day, I did what was necessary and then filled the time with this mindless book. It’s one of Rendell’s Wexford books—a later one. I had planned to start another book, but that would’ve required more attention than I was able to give, so this fit the bill. 

A guy goes out truffle hunting with his late brother’s dog. The dog finds some truffles and then the bones of a human hand. The police are called and they find the rest of the skeleton. Forensic analysis determines that the man died eleven years previously. Wexford and his team set out to discover who he was and who killed him.

It's almost time for another mystery. Maybe I'll read the next Roderick Alleyn next, even though it will bring me one book closer to the end of the series. Happy reading!

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