I've loved the work of Alexander McCall Smith ever since I got my hands on The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency years ago. He certainly knows how to craft a cozy mystery, and although I wished this tale had turned a bit darker, it was a fun read with great characters.
Isabel is an old-fashioned woman in every sense: born into money, raised with a high value on education, and comfortable in Edinburgh, she is also a bit of a moral busy-body. Because of this, she feels obligated to search for information when she watches a young man fall to his death at a concert: not because she is curious, but because she made eye contact with the young man and feels that as the last person he saw in life, she owes it to him. Her inquiries lead to the seedy side of the financial world, taking her close to insider trading, nasty love affairs, and threats from well-placed people.
Miss Marple would be proud to take tea with Isabel Dallhousie.
That reminds me: I'm craving some Christie. Time, perhaps, for my bi-annual re-read of Death on the Nile? We shall see. Right now I'm just trying to get myself back into my routine after a month of travel.
So what are you reading today? What's your favorite mystery detective or author?
Agatha Christie remains my favorite, always and forever, but this one sounds good too. I'll have to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think, Karen!
DeleteThis book sounds great! I haven't read a mystery in a while, and I miss them.
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm reading something really light: Sophie Kinsella's I've Got Your Number. It's a fun read!
She's a fun author, but I haven't read that one! It's good to have a few light reads, especially in the summer!
DeleteI'm reading the Miseducation of Cameron Post and completely loving this very literary coming of age/coming out story. So well-written. And so different than a traditional YA book.
ReplyDeleteScribbling that one down on my list! How's the writing going? When do I get to read more of my darling girl's misadventures?
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