Book Recommendations
Recommended books can be ordered on Bookshop.
The Oxford Detective Society by Faith Martin
This is one of those rare situations where I appreciated the audio version over the actual book. Generally, I prefer the kinetic connection of a physical book, turning the pages and inhaling that fresh, new-book scent. However, I would not have finished this book if not for the expert narration of Kristin Atherton. The prologue embodied everything people despise. It was a long, laborious history dump. A historical 1960s flashback providing a backdrop for the mystery. Do not skip the prologue, though, because the ending is crucial to the story. Lyssa Moore is a ghostwriter who receives a strange commission. Elizabeth, a posh interior designer, hires Lyssa to write a biography on Amelia Monty Montrose. Monty died suddenly at her home during her twenty-third birthday celebration. As the manager of a successful rock band, she had attained fame, fortune, and the ire of the British press. Rumors haunted her premature demise and divided opinions. Now Elizabeth seeks answers. But Lyssa suspects her client has ulterior motives beyond clearing Monty’s reputation. Once engrossed in the narration, I found the cozy mystery engaging. Martin continued her character descriptions information dumps. A simple cheat to introduce her protagonist and supporting cast. I noticed several negative comments about self-publishing, which made me wince. Personal biases? Interesting. Head-hopping throughout the novel required the reader or listener to pay close attention. A few times I lost track of the character’s voice. Overall, a solid novel and a nice introduction to a new series.
This is one of those rare situations where I appreciated the audio version over the actual book. Generally, I prefer the kinetic connection of a physical book, turning the pages and inhaling that fresh, new-book scent. However, I would not have finished this book if not for the expert narration of Kristin Atherton. The prologue embodied everything people despise. It was a long, laborious history dump. A historical 1960s flashback providing a backdrop for the mystery. Do not skip the prologue, though, because the ending is crucial to the story. Lyssa Moore is a ghostwriter who receives a strange commission. Elizabeth, a posh interior designer, hires Lyssa to write a biography on Amelia Monty Montrose. Monty died suddenly at her home during her twenty-third birthday celebration. As the manager of a successful rock band, she had attained fame, fortune, and the ire of the British press. Rumors haunted her premature demise and divided opinions. Now Elizabeth seeks answers. But Lyssa suspects her client has ulterior motives beyond clearing Monty’s reputation. Once engrossed in the narration, I found the cozy mystery engaging. Martin continued her character descriptions information dumps. A simple cheat to introduce her protagonist and supporting cast. I noticed several negative comments about self-publishing, which made me wince. Personal biases? Interesting. Head-hopping throughout the novel required the reader or listener to pay close attention. A few times I lost track of the character’s voice. Overall, a solid novel and a nice introduction to a new series.
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