Mysteries round-up

I’ve spent my time this summer reading a lot of mysteries. For some reason the page turning of trying to figure out who did it, usually in a different part of the world or era than I live in, takes me away from the reality of this world we live in.

I’ve enjoyed them all, and I’m planning on reading more, but I thought I’d do a quick post to share what I’ve been reading with y’all.

Maisie Dobbs

I went to a local mystery book club meeting in May and this author, Jacqueline Winspear, and in particular this series, was recommended by several of the members. In addition, it made me remember that Jess had also told me about it. So I got the first one and dug in.

Maisie is a great character, and it’s set in post World War I England, which makes it particularly unique for the lead to be a woman who is a private detective. This book took a lot of time to tell Maisie’s back story, so you’ll know where she’s coming from, so I’m looking forward to getting the next one in the series to see where Maisie goes.

The Red Pole of Macau

I’ve read a couple of books from this series already. I’m gonna admit one thing right off the bat, these aren’t the best written books. BUT I absolutely love the main character, Ava Lee. There is something about this woman moving amongst the underworld and traveling and kicking ass that keeps me coming back.

Maybe it’s just me, but for some reason I enjoy traveling the world, in a fairly fast paced read, and seeing what Ava gets up to.

IQ

I read about this new series in the New York Times book review quite a while ago, but finally read it last month. Plus my dad told me he loved it, making me want to read it even more. IQ is really entertaining. The main character lives in Long Beach, works to help people in his community with the small mysteries and problems in their lives and gets roped into helping a rapper for a pay check that will help him help another.

I think that’s what I loved the most, so much of the main character’s drive is about helping people and figuring out how to make his community better. This all comes because of mistakes he made when young, but his back story is great and the characters are so well written in this book. I’ll definitely be reading the second one that’s already out.

The Dumb Witness

Yes, I finally did it, I read a book by Agatha Christie. The Dumb Witness is one of my favorite Poirot episodes in the David Suchet series. I love that a dog plays a key role, but it’s also a great mystery. The book is even better.

Poirot receives a letter, written months before, by a woman who’s died. She’s worried someone tried to kill her. He feels compelled to take up the case. Her dog Bob plays a key part in solving the crime and in the book he’s a delightful character. Just as I do with dogs, Christie gives a voice to Bob and his thoughts in every scene he’s in.

This was a great introduction to her writing and I can’t wait to read more of the stories.