Tuesday, August 28, 2012

100 Books in 2012: Book 72 "The Dark Enquiry"

I am proof that the ads on Goodreads = book purchases.  I think that's how I stumbled upon this fun mystery by Deanna Raybourn.

Lady Julia Grey should be content to settle into married life with her dashing half-gypsy husband, Brisbane, but she can't settle down.  Everything is a puzzle to be solved, and when her husband lies to her about a visit from her brother, he sets in motion a chain of events that endanger many lives, not to mention their marriage.

Julia is a detective who would annoy Hercule Poirot, but Miss Marple might just take her under her wing.  Through deception and some bumbling, Julia uncovers a sinister plot to topple the government: and she thought her brother was just cheating on his wife!  Brisbane allows her to help in the investigation, but that's a decision I'm sure he regrets by the end.

This cozy period mystery is populated with a lovable cast of characters and offers a sinister twist at the end that will please any fan of Agatha Christie.  Julia is stubborn and independent, but she doesn't read as anachronistic: Raybourn has created a strong female character within the bounds of Victorian society, and the result is a delightful read.

What are your favorite mysteries (cozy or otherwise)?

No comments:

Post a Comment