Another e-book month. I seem to have read mostly whodunnits. With the notable exception of the non-Fiction memoir, by Adam Fletcher – see below. As a long-time meditator, the title snagged me, but the contents were unexpected. My meditation history is definitely not in the same category as Fletcher’s dramatic experiences!
My friend E, who lives in Yorkshire, UK , recommended the Yorkshire writer J R Ellis and I read 6 of his whodunnits, all set in Yorkshire. I enjoyed his Yorkshire settings and characters, particularly DCI Jim Oldroyd, who is written with empathy and emotional depth. Mr Ellis writes straightforward novels which made a refreshing change. A couple of the denouements were a bit far fetched e.g. the Whitby Murders, but on the whole, a series that provides good, solid reads.
Still in Whodunnit Land, I read the Black & Dod trilogy of Cosy Mysteries, set in the late 1920s/early 1930s in England, The crimes and their solutions didn’t interest me particularly but the social history was fascinating – more shocking than the actual crimes! Women had such a raw deal in terms of seeking a divorce , having to deal with rigid social shibboleths, and the middle class horror of anything that might contravene respectability. I realise the 1920s are by now one hundred years ago! So unsurprising that social mores were vastly different. For all the constant drama that we experience in the early 21st century , I would not change back to life in the 1920s. Women faced such discrimination and so many restrictions in that era.
FICTION
The Nidderdale Murders – J R Ellis . A Straightforward whodunnit, set in Yorkshire with lyrical descriptions of landscape, and faithful portraits of a rural community, stunned by not one but TWO murders in a small village. I found the reveal ( how-he-dunnit) somewhat far-fetched, but nevertheless, it was a good read, and I shall continue with the series
Murder at St Anne’s- J R Ellis. Another Yorkshire murder mystery.The female Vicar of St Anne’s is brutallymurdered. The root of the crime lies in Church controversy, the contentious role of women as clergy. A thought provoking read. A cut above the usual Cosy Mystery. Recommended.
The Quartet Murders – J R Ellis. The lead violinist of a renowned Quartet is shot during a performance, opn stage. A clever solution to a baffling crime.
The Murder at Redmire Hall – J R Ellis. A rich family in the minor aristocracy is riven by money problems, sexual scandals and long standing grudges; the current head of the family is a gambler, a wastrel and a womanizer. You’ll be happy to hear he’s bumped off, whilst performing a famous illusion/magic trick. But DCI Jim Oldroyd and the team unravel the mystery. An interesting plot and a good read.
The Railway Murders – J R Ellis. A film crew arranges to use a restored railway station and train as a setting for their Edwardian film, production, but the leading actor is murdered in the first train scene, alone in a locked compartment . A baffling murder. As usual DCI Oldroyd discovers that past history is at the root of the crime. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the other books: too many characters what with the film crew and the railway buffs. I wasn’t overly invested in any of them.
The Whitby Murders – J R Ellis. A horror-themed weekend in Whitby; two murders. I found the reveal too far-fetched. The least enjoyable of my reads thus far.
The Black & Dod Trilogy – Diane Janes. Mysteries set in 1930s England. High Society, the scandal of a divorce, lost/hidden valuables, classic country house crimes. A spotlight shone on the social attitudes of the early 1930s.
The Lonely Hearts Bookclub – Lucy Gilmore. Five broken hearted people find solace, friendship and redemption via books and each others’ company. A mousy librarian, a curmudgeonly retired professor, a professional psychic, an IT wizard and a job -hopping gay guy make up the cast. An engrossing read.
23 Burlington Square – Jenni Keer. Another Historical Romance, set in the late 1920s London. A character driven human drama story. Luckily the story made unexpected twists and turns in the action, which stopped me from concentrating on the plot holes and construction, which initially irked me. But on the whole, an enjoyable light read.
NON-FICTION
That Time I lost my Mind: a Memoir about going on a Vipassana retreat but also Worms, Infertility, Buddhism, Brooming and everything else, more or less – Adam Fletcher. The title says it all. Deeply personal, deeply vulnerable, deeply weird. I’ve read his travel books, but this memoir has much more to offer. For a very unusual memoir, read this book
You Are Ready For Takeoff: A Short Trip. – Susan Orlean. Ms Orlean is one of my favourite investigative journalists. This time she explores curing her phobia of flying , by undergoing hypnosis. As ever, an interesting read. The piece is a long essay , not a book. But worth a read, even if you don’t suffer from a fear of flying.
THE BOOKSMITH 
You have managed quite a list of mysteries. My husband has started the Thursday Murder club series by Richard Osman, UK writer. They are very well received here in Australia too. All the best.
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