TITLE: A Fine Kettle Of Fish FANDOM: NCIS CHARACTERS: Ziva, DiNozzo, Gibbs SUMMARY: Ziva is confused by one of Ducky's idioms. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 982: Kettle of fish
Ziva hurried into the squad-room. "What is a 'fine kettle of fish'?"
"Huh?" DiNozzo looked up from the report he should, by now, have finished. "Dunno. Who said it?"
"Ducky. I heard him say 'this is a fine kettle of fish'. But there was no kettle and no fish. So what does it mean?"
"Who was he talking to?"
"Himself."
"Ahhhh. Well maybe he's -"
"Means an awkward or bad situation. Which you'll both be in if your reports aren't on my desk in ten minutes!"
When the convict broke free, Bobby didn't hesitate. He chased after Pech.
Rounding the corner he slipped on discarded fish-heads; a blow to his head rendered him helpless.
When he came to his head throbbed; he felt violently sick; his vision was blurred. He remembered Pech forcing him to imbibe a profuse amount of alcohol.
He knew he had to move; but he couldn't. His eyes closed. Then hands he knew well, helped him sit up. They continued to support him as his body purged itself.
"You know, sweetheart, I sometimes think I shouldn't let you out of my sight."
A young man investigating his father’s crimes is determined to uncover the truth in a gripping novel of suspense about family secrets, betrayal, and the weight of the past.
What do I remember about the murder on the lake?
Charlie Kilgore was too young to remember anything, really, about how events on the lake unfolded twenty-five years ago. He just knows what he’s been told: that his father stabbed a man to death, left Charlie’s mother critically wounded, and then disappeared, never to be seen again. Now Charlie believes there must be more to what happened.
Using the shards of the story he’s uncovered so far as the heart of a true crime podcast, Charlie returns to his hometown in the foothills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Old friends, family, authorities, and even collateral victims have moved on, and no one wants to dredge up what’s long forgotten. Except Charlie. He wants to know what could have transformed a quiet man into a monster. And what happened next.
But when Charlie starts asking questions of people with so much to hide, getting to the truth becomes dangerous. Because on this lake—in this family—the past isn’t dead and buried at all. In fact, it’s back with a vengeance.
This book popped up on one of my 'Kindle daily deals' emails. I know; I know; one of my personal book challenges this year was to stop buying new books from daily deals, even if they are only 99p. I have been a lot, lot better, really I have. This is only the second (or maybe third) I bought this year. As with many of these 'impulse' book purchases, I'm not sure quite what made this stand out from the others in the email - but something did and I am very glad I did buy it. I would say that it is the best book I have read so far this year - and I've read some very good books.
The book starts off on a compelling line: 'What do I remember about the murder on the lake? Nothing, really, though Julian insists I know more than I realize'. That one line really hooked me and the rest of the book didn't disappoint. I found it, for the most part, a real page turner that kept me reading beyond my usual 'going to sleep time'. There were a few parts, early on, when the pace slowed a little, but actually I realised that was a good thing.
Can we remember things that happened before we were even consciously aware? I've seen arguments and heard of 'experiments' from both sides. However, for the purposes of this book I was quite happy to believe that there was a part of Charlie that did have some memory of what happened on the day his father killed a man, left his mother critically wounded and then vanished. Initially Charlie set out to find out what really happened for the podcast, but as the story went on, the podcast ceased to matter and he wanted to find out for himself.
Upon his return to his hometown, Charlie finds that in some respects everything has changed, in others nothing has changed and he slips back, quite easily, into friendships with various people. His relationship with his elder brother (who saved Charlie and himself from being killed) is far from simple and whilst there seems to be brotherly love between them, a bond that won't break, I got the impression they weren't close and didn't really get on. Ditto Charlie's relationship with his mother (who most of the time he called by her Christian name rather than 'mom') seemed somewhat strained. Charlie is also close friends with one of the State deputy's, but again that relationship is very up and down, at times they seem to love one another, at other times they seem to dislike one another - however, there is always trust between them.
Charlie keeps digging, even when he doesn't really want to and things happen that might or might not be related to all those years ago, but they all seem to come back to one person and several secrets. Finally, the truth is revealed and Charlie realises he isn't really surprised. He had, after all, spent a lot of time and energy and emotions, putting various things together and had worked it out what really happened all those years ago. And it seems to bring him closure and he seemed content for the first time in the book.
I guessed/worked out two of the shocks, revelations, whatever you want to call them. But not the details involved.
I thought the book was very well written, very tightly written; I found the characters to be real people, even those who had a fairly small part. I also found that I could believe what had happened and why it had happened in the context of the story. The flow of it worked well and the level of description, for me, was spot on. My one 'gripe' was a lot of the characters names - I got confused quite a lot of the time. Partly because several of the characters had names that weren't clearly male or female, or in one case there was a name I would have used as male, and the character was female. Also there were times when the surname was used and times when the first name was used and I did get a tad lost - certainly to begin with I did and had to keep reminding myself who was who. It says a lot about the book that despite my 'confusion' at times, for me it didn't spoil the story at all. But I certainly did have to do a few searches to remind myself who a certain character was.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I shall have a look at some more books by Edwin Hill - which I shouldn't do, as I don't need any more authors or books.
One final thing, this book is fairly difficult to genre-ise (is the even a word?) as whilst it did involve Charlie solving a crime and mystery, it was also very much a thriller, a psychological thriller even. In fact I've just checked and it does come under both Crime/Mystery and Thriller/Psychological Thriller.
I shall use this book for 'A book set in America' square.
TITLE: It's The Thought That Counts FANDOM: NCIS CHARACTERS: Tony, DiNozzo, Jimmy Palmer & Ducky Mallard SUMMARY: Tony tries to help Jimmy. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 981: Stick
DiNozzo strode into Autopsy. "Hey, Duck-man; the boss-man wants - Palmer, what's happened?"
Palmer sat on the floor surrounded by broken crockery. "I didn't mean to, Tony. It slipped."
Tony crouched down. "What was it?"
"Dr. Mallard's favorite tea-pot. What am I going to do?"
"Stay here. I'll get some glue. We'll stick it back together."
"I'm not sure it -" But DiNozzo had gone.
"Good morning, Mr. Palmer," Ducky called. "Oh, my. What are you and Anthony doing."
"I'm sorry, Doctor. It just slipped. Tony thought we could stick it back together. But . . ."
When Emma married Benjamin, her life came as close to perfect as someone like her ever could have dreamed. No longer just working for his father, she was part of the family. Helping Benjamin move on from the tragic loss of his first wife hasn’t always been easy – tears, anniversaries, photos of her everywhere – but it brought them closer together, even if his daughter still spends all her time shut up in her room.
But then the first letter arrives at Emma’s desk at work. A pristine white envelope with flawless calligraphy inside.
To Benjamin’s new wife,
With love from,
The wife he killed…
This popped up on one of my Kindle daily deals emails and although I'd 'pledged' not to buy new books this year, it caught my attention and the sample was really good, so I paid my 99p and bought it.
It gripped me from the first page. It was an excellent, real page-turner and more than once 'kept me up past my reading-time.
The first letter surprised and worried Emma (understandably so) and she started to wonder who could have sent it and why. The logical person (to my mind to begin with) was the step-daughter (Lily), who made it clear more than once that she didn't like Emma and hated that her father had remarried. There had never been any suspicion that Emma's predecessor had died in anyway other than a tragic accident, but a mention of 'brakes' failing, makes Emma start to question things. Once she has started, she can't stop.
Another letter follows and bit by bit Emma starts to fall apart; things get worse at work and a presentation has been sabotaged, thus making her now father-in-law very unhappy and angry and the company is at risk of losing a major client. Emma begins to think she is being watched and some of her things touched. She is sure Lily is in someway involved. Could Lily be involved? Is she that nasty?
Benjamin is a successful, excellent child surgeon who is highly respected and operates on kiddies no one else will or can touch. He comes across as a lovely, loving, caring man, who only wants the best for his wife, his daughter, his parents and his patients. But is he? As Emma starts to fall apart more and more, he gives her some tablets to help relax her, by this time though, she is afraid to touch them.
Things comes to a head when she finds a switch in the kitchen that leads down to a basement (a basement that isn't on the plans of the house; a basement that shouldn't be there). She goes to investigate and what she discovers both terrifies her and makes her panic. By now her behaviour is more than a little paranoid.
She is then arrested for killing Benjamin's first wife's and stands trial for murder. It is during the trial that the truth comes out.
It kept me guessing, it moved from one possibility to another. I had no idea who the guilty party was. Was it Lily? Was Benjamin really who he came across as being? Yes, he was a brilliant doctor, but was he, had he been a brilliant or even good husband? Or was Emma flaky and actually not all that capable? Did she write the letters to herself to get attention and thus gloss over the mistakes she was making at work? I changed my mind more than once during the book. I suspected Lily, Benjamin, Emma of lying, even Benjamin's mother. I even wondered if in fact Benjamin's first wife was indeed dead, or if the accident had been fake as she had just left him and was now being a spiteful 'ex'-wife. There were so many possibilities.
One thing that really surprised me (and it wasn't specifically to do with this book) was that the cop involved, the cop who arrested Emma, was Benjamin's long-time best friend; the cop knew Emma as he and his partner had had dinner with Benjamin and Emma more than once. That wouldn't be allowed in the UK; it would be a complete no-no. I was so surprised, I Googled just to check the author hadn't got it wrong. I was stunned to discover that there is no law in the US that says a cop can't investigate a close friend - not even for murder. I'm still surprised, but once I knew it was correct, it didn't really bother me.
As I said, the book was very readable and fast paced, well written and it was real page turner. I thought I had found an author I would have read more of (not that I needed another new author). And then there was the epilogue, which I didn't think was needed. That said, it was okay until, to my mind, the last line. That was a total let-down and a 'cheap' cop-out. So much so that, I won't be reading anything else by this author. It left me more than a little annoyed and disappointed, as I thought it had no point and added nothing to the story. It's a great shame.
TITLE: A Second Chance FANDOM: NCIS CHARACTERS: Ducky Mallard SUMMARY: Set when Jennifer Shepard became Director of NCIS. Ducky remembers Jenny from when she was a Field Agent. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 980: Thoughts
When Ducky learned Jennifer Shepard was to become NCIS's Director, his first thoughts were not positive. In fact given he always tried to find good in everyone, his thoughts were negative.
He remembered her as a young, ambitious field agent, with few, if any, scruples.
He remembered how she'd tried to come between Jethro and he. How she had, for a time, succeeded.
When she'd left NCIS, he'd hoped he wouldn't see her again. Now she was back at NCIS; in charge.
He sighed. People could, did, change. He would focus on the positives and give her a second chance.
Bobby sat in the school hall listening to the Principal's speech.
As he talked about ways to 'optimize students' development'; empowerment and avoiding 'unhealthy relationships', Bobby half thought the man might make a good Priest. Except Father Brennan wouldn't put up with his righteousness.
Bored, he gazed at the ring on his finger and let his thoughts wander. Loud singing of the school song, jolted him back to the present.
Moments later, Theo's nephew flung himself into his arms. "Uncle Bobby! You came!"
"Of course I did, Lucas. Come on, Court will have adjourned. Let's go and find your uncle."
Trouble is brewing for the Hoggetts and their friend Chief Inspector Macdonald in Lunesdale, deep in the Lancashire fell country. By the jagged cliffs and chilling depths of a secluded quarry pool, strange noises disturb the night, and after an architect surveying the area is nearly hoisted into the cold waters by an unseen assailant, suspicions of a cold current of crime running through the area become a matter for the police.
First published in 1949, this classic of Lake District crime fiction pairs Lorac’s evocative depictions of her beloved Lunesdale with a twisting and intelligent puzzle for Chief Inspector Macdonald.
This is another 'Golden Age' detective book republished by the British Library Crime Classics. I have read quite a few books by E. C. R. Lorac which feature her detective Chief Inspector Macdonald. And have enjoyed most (if not all of them). I really like Macdonald, he's an excellent character who gets on well with people, doesn't suffer fools gladly, knows his job and does it well.
It's well written the characters and landscape are well drawn, but not overly drawn. I certainly felt I got to know the Hoggetts very well and also felt that I was in the Lancashire fell country, even though it isn't somewhere I have been. Lorac paints a very good picture that draws you in, but doesn't over-describe.
The crime was intriguing and had more than one layer to it. An old friend (Caroline Bourne) of the Hoggetts (Giles and Kate) wanted to buy a farm, a cottage and some land, near to the Hoggetts. It was being sold at auction and Caroline decides she will do her own bidding rather than accepting Giles's offer to do so. It was an usual thing for a woman to do in those days. In fact the auctioneer tries to ignore her bid, but she's a woman who knows her own mind and makes her bid loudly and clearly, thus the auctioneer cannot ignore the bid. She is the highest bidder and buys the farm, some land as well as a derelict cottage, near to a quarry and lake.
She decides she wishes to live in the cottage and brings in a friend (Francis Rolph) of hers, who is an architect, to inspect the cottage and draw up plans to make it liveable. He stays in the cottage overnight and venturing out to see more of the land is attacked. Caroline and the Hoggetts are concerned and report the crime to the local police, who seem to think it was more likely Rolph tripped over a tree root or something and banged his head. He played rugby at one point and was quite certain he fell because he was tackled from behind, rather an falling over a tree root.
Enter Macdonald, who is involved in another case concerning the quarry and smuggling. MacDonald is a friend of the Hoggetts (there is a previous book where the three of them appear, I haven't tracked that down yet) and is 'content' to let them get involved and help and use their local knowledge.
There are quite a few twists and surprises, a policeman (not Macdonald) gets hit over the head and the smuggling gang appear. There is also the 'mystery' of a missing farmer and a missing farm hand who owns a tractor and travels around farms ploughing fields etc. for those who haven't got a tractor.
It all comes to a very believable and satisfying finale.
It was a very good read; I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to getting back to reading more of the Macdonald books as he is such a good character.
And finally, as with so many of the BLCC books, the cover is lovely.
I shall use this book for 'Published by BLCC' square.
TITLE: Looking Ahead FANDOM: NCIS CHARACTERS: Jethro Gibbs & Ducky Mallard PARING: Gibbs/Ducky SUMMARY: Ducky makes a decision. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 979: Benefit
"You sure about this, Duck?"
"Of course I am, my dear. Why do you ask?"
"The kids might think it's morbid."
"My dear, the children encounter death every day. And this is not really about death. I shall be here to see them enjoy their legacies."
"I -"
"Jethro. You know the Mallards enjoy longevity. I could easily live another twenty years. I want the children to benefit from what I will leave them, whilst they are still able to do so. Some might find it strange, but -"
Jethro pulled Ducky into his arms and kissed him. "Don't ever change, Duck."
Raffles swung his bat nonchalantly and sent the ball across the boundary. He was better known as a bowler, but when he wished it, he was one of the best bats England had.
"Damn it, Raffles! Can't you make an allowance?" Colonel Blenkinsopp shouted. It was the third loss of the weekend for his team; the Colonel hated to lose.
Raffles shrugged and lit a cigarette. I knew what was going through his mind.
Earlier, in the privacy of his room, he had told me how he resented being invited to Lady Agatha's Sunday Equinox ball, purely for his cricket.
'Art for art's sake is a vile catchword, but I confess it appeals to me'
Gentleman by day and thief by night, A. J. Raffles lives a double life. Taking 'Art for art's sake' as his motto, Raffles supports his debonair lifestyle by performing lucrative, artistic, and ingenious burglaries of the wealthy elite of Victorian London. Dedicated to his brother-in-law Arthur Conan Doyle, Hornung's first collection of Raffles stories, The Amateur Cracksman (1899), can be seen as an inverted spin-off of the former's celebrated detective stories. But it is Raffles' outlaw status that has drawn generations of readers to these swift-paced tales of a charismatic and cool-headed thief and his less worldly partner, Bunny. Hornung had Oscar Wilde in mind as much as Sherlock Holmes when he created Raffles, and the account of their double life offers one of the turn of the century's most touching accounts of a same-sex couple.
Frequently adapted for stage and screen, Hornung's original stories have never lost their power to captivate readers. Admired by writers like George Orwell, Graham Greene, and Anthony Powell, Hornung's crisp prose evokes a late Victorian London of clubland bachelors, hansom cabs, champagne suppers, Australian heiresses, and South African diamond moguls.
E. W. Hornung was the brother-in-law of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; as well as being brother-in-laws, they were also close friends and cricket team-mates. In fact, Hornung dedicated his first Raffles book to Sir Arthur. In many ways their creations mirrored one another, as whilst Doyle's Holmes & Watson were crime-solvers, Hornung's Arthur J. Raffles (occasionally called 'A.J.' rather than 'Raffles') & Bunny (his actual name is Harry Manders) were 'gentlemen thieves'. There are definite comparisons between Holmes and Watson and Raffles and Bunny, even though they are on opposite sides of the law. One comparison is that both authors 'kill' off their main character, only to 'resurrect' him again.
Raffles and Bunny met at school where Bunny was Raffles's fag; it was Raffles who gave him the name 'Bunny' because he was 'such a rabbit' (at times Raffles calls Bunny 'my rabbit' rather than 'Bunny' - he never calls him 'Manders') when they were at school. Raffles is a first rate cricketer who captained the eleven at school and regularly plays for England, Bunny can barely catch a ball.
The first story is set some years after they parted at school - Raffles went off to Cambridge, Bunny, a few years young then Raffles, remained at the school. They run into one another at a Club they both belong to and Raffles invites Bunny to his home. There's a card game and Bunny loses heavily - he writes a cheque for each of the men and says goodnight. Later he turns back up and tells Raffles the cheques will all bounce as he has no money; he hopes Raffles will be able to help him, if only for the sake of 'the old school tie'. What Bunny doesn't know is that despite Raffles's outward appearance and the fact he does play cricket for England belong to several good clubs and lives in the Albany, Raffles is also, at the moment, more than a little hard up. Raffles asks him what he'd do to 'save face' and Bunny declares he'll do anything.
Raffles in effect calls his bluff and tells him what he wants him to do: help Raffles commit a robbery. Bunny isn't exactly happy about it, but he has to save face and really don't want to be known as someone who writes cheques that will bounce; his reparation would be ruined. At that time in England, a gentleman's reputation was everything. It's only later on, once they are safely back in Raffles's room, that Raffles makes his own confession: this wasn't the first time he has stolen. Bunny, understandably, is shocked to learn his hero, the best bowler England has, a first class gentleman, is actually a cracksman and has been for some time. Raffles invites Bunny to team up with him; Bunny initially says 'no', but Raffles knows just how to play him, what to say, how to say it, including the reminder of their school-days. Bunny is no match for Raffles and the two do indeed team up and continue to be gentlemen thieves.
One really shouldn't like Raffles, but there is something so very charismatic about him that makes it difficult not to like him. He never hurts or kills anyone, he 'only' steals from those who are wealthy, he is kind and generous to people, especially those from the lower classes. He despises a lot of what is 'expected' from his class and hates being invited to country houses, just for his cricket. He is known a top-rate bowler, but also when he puts his mind to it is one of the best bats England has. Also whilst he does berate Bunny and 'encourage' him into crime and can become exasperated by him, he is also very, very fond of Bunny, cares a lot about him, enjoys his company and oddly enough, even if he wouldn't admit it, needs Bunny - and not just as a fellow cracksman. Quite a few of their friends and acquaintances wonder quite why the 'great A. J. Raffles' insists his insignificant little friend' accompany him to house parties and balls and cricket matches, etc.
I first read the Raffles books some fifty years ago. There are three books of short stories and a novel. I have read the short-stories books several times. However, I have only read the novel Mr. Justice Raffles once. I didn't really care for it, because Hornung changed Raffles's character quite a lot and we lost the 'carefree' Raffles as he turns his attention to being 'on the right side of the law' and somehow it doesn't work as well. However, the book does end with a short exchange between Raffles and Bunny.
"I'm only afraid you'll want to turn straight back from Calais, Bunny!"
"Oh, no, I shan't."
"You'll come with me round the world, so to speak?"
"To its uttermost ends, A.J.!"
Which sums up their relationship perfectly, one that is clear throughout all of the stories. In some ways Bunny never stops being Raffles's fag, but in other ways he grows up and more than once you get the impression that despite everything, Raffles needs Bunny as much as Bunny needs Raffles.
I really enjoyed my re-re-re-read of this book of short stories and fully intend to re-read the other two books of short stories at some point or other this year. Indeed, having revisited the books, I just might give Mr. Justice Raffles another go.
I shall use this book for 'A book of short stories' square.
A Killer In The Wings (Lord Edgington Investigates... Book 11) by Benedict Brown
A murder on the stage of a packed theatre, a company of actors ripped apart by rivalries, and a secret that has simmered for decades.
England, 1927. When an actor is killed during the performance of a new mystery play, his colleagues refuse to believe it was an accident and turn to Lord Edgington for help. The renowned detective must navigate a labyrinth of deceit to solve the crime, but when every possible culprit is on the cast list, it’s hard to know who’s telling the truth and who’s playing a part.
To save the other actors from the killer’s knife, the master sleuth and his loyal grandson race to outwit their opponent, but will they unravel the tangled threads of the case before more lives are claimed?
Set against the backdrop of the opulent theatres and luxurious hotels of London's West End in the twenties, "A Killer in the Wings" is a witty and suspenseful whodunit with a cast of devious suspects and a carefully twisting plot that will leave you guessing until the curtain falls.
I guess it had to happen. When I reviewed the previous Lord Edgington book, I said: I almost keep waiting for a dud Lord Edgington book, but so far, there hasn't been one. Guess what?
Okay, well it wasn't a dud. However, by Brown's standards it was mediocre. It was set in London, mainly in a theatre and given I spent in the region of three decades doing amateur dramatics, you'd have thought the book would have really appealed to me. Sadly, it didn't. I can't really explain what was so 'wrong', so 'different' from the previous Lord E books, apart from the fact it wasn't set in an English country manor.
As I have said in previous reviews, Brown is an excellent writer and storyteller. However, this book I thought lacked his usual style. It dragged quite a bit in parts and I couldn't really get into the book or care that much about the non-regular characters. It wasn't an awful book, not at all; it just wasn't up to Brown's usual standards and not as enjoyable.
Also Brown brought in one of his own characters, Marius Quin, from another of his series; Quinn was the author of the play in this book. Whilst I thought it was somewhat clever to, in effect, merge together two of his series, for me, it didn't really work; it almost felt somewhat forced. Maybe it might have worked more, had I read any of the Quin books, but I hadn't.
As I (and others) have said many times, most, if not all, authors have at least one book that isn't as good as others. In my opinion this is BB's book - at least I hope that is the case.
Somewhat ironically, the next Lord E book is actually the first Lord E book I read, back in December 2023 -and it's a Christmas book. I have to decide whether to skip the book for now and read it later in the year at Christmas. Or stick to my usual 'read a series in order'. Given we haven't even got to spring yet, it might be a bit odd reading a Christmas book. However, I don't really want to wait until the end of the year to read the other Lord E books so . . .
TITLE: What Partners Do FANDOM: NCIS CHARACTERS: Tony DiNozzo & Timothy McGee SUMMARY: Tony and Tim show what partnership means. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 978: Coat
Wearing his new overcoat that had cost several months salary, Tony strode into the street. He rounded the corner and found McGee being attacked by four men.
He pulled his gun. "NCIS Agent! Freeze!"
The men didn't. They pushed Tony into Tim and the agents fell against scaffolding; yellow paint poured down over them. "No!" His new coat was ruined.
But Tim was alive. That mattered more than any coat.
Bridget is suffocating. Trapped by the monotony of her everyday life and the relentless bills landing on her doormat. So when an old friend invites her for a week on his superyacht, she jumps at the chance to escape. Champagne at sunset. Turquoise waters. A reunion with friends who were once inseparable, before fame, heartbreak, and failure tore them apart.
But the dream shatters fast.
The first death looks like an accident. With the second, doubt creeps in. By the third, they know. Someone on board is hunting them down.
As a storm descends, long-buried secrets rise to the surface. And when the killer strikes again, there’s no running from the past…
This book popped up on a 'deal of the day' email. When I saw the author, I was surprised and my first thought was it had to be a different Benedict Brown as the BB whose books I 'know' doesn't write thrillers. Then another email came in, from BB's mailing list - and it was 'that' BB. Naturally I toddled off to Amazon and read the sample, enjoyed it and ::coughs:: bought the book. Well I need a book that was published in 2026 for this year's BB (we'll ignore the fact I had already pre-ordered the next Lady Hardcastle book that will be published later this year *g*).
Despite having read the sample, I still wasn't quite sure what to expect in terms of writing and how well BB's ability at writing crime fiction could work for a psychological thriller. I needed have worried; his writing was every bit as good at his Lord Edgington books and he slipped into the 'style' of a thriller writer quite seamlessly. I really wouldn't have thought this was his first foray into psychological thrillers.
The style of writing, first person POV, finding it difficult to actually like any of the characters, but caring what happens and wanting to know what happens was all there. The first part of the book was from one of the girls' POVs, the second from one of the chaps, the third (much shorter) part flipped back and forth between three characters across several very short chapters.
I was caught up in the storyline and found I could happily believe in it, at least for the duration of the book. The storyline was partly set in the past when the friends had been at university together and partly set in the here and now. Old feelings are resurrected; actions from the past became entwined with the present; the people they were at university and the people they had become began to merge into one, as bit by bit the good and bad reared their heads. And if that wasn't enough, the storm hits - and becomes almost a character in itself.
I thought I had the killer down to between two people - I was wrong. I was surprised by who the actual killer was. There's a saying 'you can never go back'. This book proved that - or at least 'you shouldn't go back'.
It really was a page turner, more so than I expected and I really was stunned by how well BB switched from his rather gentle crime being solved by an upper class English Marquess and his grandson, to this kind of harsh psychological thriller. I do hope he will write some more thrillers.
I shall use it for 'A book published in 2026' square.
TITLE: Learn To Let Go FANDOM: NCIS CHARACTERS: Jethro Gibbs & Ducky Mallard PAIRING: Gibbs/Ducky (implied) SUMMARY: Gibbs remembers something his first Captain had told him. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 977: Case closed
Gibbs stared at the years' old case file. His first case: the murder of a young Petty Officer. The one he'd never been able to solve.
Franks hadn't been surprised when Gibbs turned up nothing. He'd worked the case and found nothing.
"Are you ready to go home, my dear?"
Gibbs looked up. Ducky stood by his desk. He was about to tell Ducky to go home without him when he remembered something his first Captain had said: 'You have to learn when to let go'.
He closed the file and wrote 'Case Closed' across it.
Blood On The Banisters (Lord Edgington Investigates... Book 10) by Benedict Brown
At a luxurious country wedding, the mother of the bride is found murdered and the groom caught red-handed, but who is really to blame?
When the Duchess of Hinwick is found dead on her daughter’s wedding day, renowned sleuth Lord Edgington must prove his grandson's innocence by discovering the real killer’s plot.
As he unravels the mystery of the murdered aristocrat, it becomes clear that even her own family are happy to see the back of her. With the bride’s ex-fiancé, a suspicious butler, and a plethora of plotting relatives among the suspects, how will the famous detective find the truth when just about everyone wanted the duplicitous woman dead?
A fast, funny and fabulous 1920s whodunnit filled with countless twists and surprises. “Blood on the Banisters” is an Agatha-Christie-style mystery with a cast of brilliant characters that will have you racing to the final chapter. Even if Lord Edgington can save the groom, will they get to the church on time or die trying?
I almost keep waiting for a dud Lord Edgington book, but so far, there hasn't been one. Lord Edgington's grandson and about to be bridegroom, is not Chrissy, it is his elder brother Albert; Chrissy is to be the best-man.
Although the wedding is due to take place on the Duke and Duchess of Hinwick's estate, it is Lord Edgington's cook and staff who will, for some reason) be producing and serving the food. There is some amusement at the beginning where Albert and Cassie are trying to find a way to persuade Lord Edgington's cook not to serve up her 'interesting' dishes. They want something more traditional; except once the discussion about the food gets under way Cook and Lord Edgington both point out that what Cook is going go produce is technically 'traditional', well probably not Cook's twists to the recipes, but far more so than the dishes the engaged couple seem to want. Naturally, Cook and Lord Edgington win the day, if only because neither Albert nor Cassie can come up with a counter-argument.
Cassie's family have a tradition whereby the bride, her bridesmaids and her mother spend the night before the wedding at the home of the groom and the groom and his male relatives/bestman spend the night on the Hinwick Estate. Cassie's mother, a thoroughly awful and cruel character, however, stays at home - well she had to, she was due to be murdered. Lord Edgington and Chrissie, and of course Deliah, are on hand to solve the murder and prove it was not Albert who killed his would-be mother-in-law.
As with all the previous books there is a lot of humour in the book, most of it is fairly gentle, a little is laugh our loud, or at least giggle. The characters all come across as very real and believable and they aren't all the same. It's rather moving in parts as bit by bit Lord Edgington and Chrissie learn more and more about the Duchess and how nasty and cruel and vindictive she was - and how no one, not even her husband, will miss her.
It comes down to the wire, but Lord Edgington does indeed find and reveal who the murderer is. It came as a complete surprise to me; I hadn't even considered the person as a possibility. That said, despite said murderer not crossing my radar, the motive was completely believable.
As with all of the previous books in the series there is humour and some pathos and a lot of fun in the well placed story. And I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one.
I shall use it for 'A book set in Spring or Summer' square.
When Bobby went into the squad-room, he found Weaver leering at a trashy magazine. "Look at this, Crocker." Weaver trust the magazine under Bobby's nose; he could smell the adhesive.
Bobby guessed it was meant to be alluring. It wasn't. Suddenly, he had a vague memory. He grabbed the magazine and stared at the girl. "Her uncle was here last week. He reported her missing. Remember?"
Kojak snatched the magazine. "Yeah. The guy with the weird surname 'Caterwaul', wasn't it?"
Bobby nodded. "Yeah. I never did trust him."
Kojak grabbed Bobby's hand. "Come on, let's go and see the editor."
George Gideon is no ordinary detective. But this hellish day will test him like never before.
I have all the Gideon book in hardback. However, I can no longer turn pages of a book, at least not easily (in the way you want to do so when you're reading a novel). I'd been hoping that the Gideon books would find their way onto Kindle, but being how relatively 'old' they were and not being 'classics', I wasn't sure they would be Kindled. I was delighted, a few weeks ago, when one of my daily Kindle offers included Gideon's Day. Several more have been released since.
John Creasey was a prolific writer, listed in the top ten of most books written (over 600) in a life time - he was the most prolific 20th century British crime writer. He wrote under several names (J. J. Marric being one of the better known ones; IMS he originally wrote the Gideon books under the name J. J. Marric) and at his peak he was producing some 36 full length novels a year. As well as being prolific, he was also a very good writer, a tight writer and one who told a very good story.
George Gideon (known as Gee-Gee or G.G. to coppers and crooks alike) is a Superintendent at Scotland Yard in this first book; he gets promoted to Commander in the second book. He is a good man, an honest man, a caring man, a fair man, a straight cop, who can be both kind and harsh. He doesn't suffer fools gladly and is liked and respected by coppers and crooks alike. He has a wife and six children (there was a seventh who died young) and there are some eighteen years between the youngest boy and the oldest boy. There are a few references to Gideon's home, wife and family, again enough to get a picture, but not too much. It seems that pretty much everyone in London knows him or at least of him and will recognise him easily.
This book is, as the title says, about one day; just an ordinary working day in the life of George Gideon. The book moves smoothly across the various cases, a couple of them have links with one another. Some are weeks, if not months, old cases, others are new and Gideon is at the head of all of them. The books are police procedural novels, which can at times be dull and slow, that is not the case here.
Unlike a lot of detective novels, be it amateur or professional, the book does not focus on one case from beginning to end. Gideon's Day has him involved with and working on all the above-mentioned cases as well as a couple of others. Moving from one to another to another and back again. Not all of the cases are completely solved, just as they wouldn't be in real life.
Creasey, as I said, is a tight writer. In a handful of words he can paint a picture of a character and/or a scene. Where some writers write half a dozen paragraphs to detail a character, Creasey does it in half a dozen words. There are no wasted words in the book; no blades of grass; no meandering waffle. The characters, both good and bad, are real and tangible. Creasey also manages to move from case to case and back again seamlessly without the reader getting lost.
Given when they were written and set, they aren't the kind of book that would appeal to everyone (but then, no book does). They are, to an extent, of their time; that said, whilst crimes and crime solving have become more sophisticated and detectives and your bobby on the beat have also become more sophisticated. Personally I think the book stood the test of time and was a cracking good read; every bit (if not more actually) as good as I remembered it and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
The books were turned into a film and later a series; we have DVDs of both and thoroughly enjoy them. We've watched the series several times and with the exception of cutting down the number of children Gideon and Kate have and giving Gideon a permanent 'side-kick' they are true to the books.
I shall use this book for 'A book published in the 1900s' square.
12 Ways To Kill Your Family At Christmas by Natasha Bache
All Olivia wanted was one last miserable Christmas with her husband’s awful family before moving to Australia. She didn’t expect a murder.
Now the snow has cut them off and she’s stuck in a stately country house, with her increasingly deranged relatives and the rising suspicion that someone is picking them off one by one.
As the bodies pile up and the festive façade starts to crack, Olivia must survive the season, or, at the very least, get through lunch without anyone else choking on a sprout.
Yes, I know it's only February (well January when I read this book), but let's start Christmas early *g*
J came across this book and bought it and kept telling me how good it was and kept dropping little 'comments' about how much I'd enjoy it, etc. So January or not, I decided to read it - if only because that way he wouldn't keep asking me if I'd read it yet *g* I jest (well partly *g*).
To be honest I wasn't completely sure what to expect, was it a standard crime novel? The almost 'locked room' type? It has been described as 'for fans of crime and dark humour'. And there was certainly a great deal of both. I'd also say it could also be considered a thriller, if only on the grounds that it was jolly hard to like any of the characters. But care about what happened to them, was quite different. In short it wasn't a 'typical' crime novel (if such a thing exists) and yet there was plenty of crimes.
It was, for the most part, told in the first person by Olivia. However, there was an additional 'narrator' someone who 'talked' about the events, that was also told in the first person and appeared at the beginning of several chapters.
The matriarch (Jeannie) was very wealthy, and it was to her house (the house that had been in the family of her husband, George, for a long time) to where the rest of the family had been summoned - as was tradition. In fact, with the exception of Olivia and Miles (her husband) and their son and daughter, the other families were at least fairly well off. One by one, the family were killed off in rather inventive and unusual ways - ways that (at least to begin with) could quite easily have been accidents. Elderly man falls of step-ladder whilst putting up the Christmas lights, for example.
To add another layer of how the various families differed, Olivia was a writer who started off writing dark, murder mysteries but recently had ventured into romantasy, much to the disgust and disapproval of the wider family. Miles and their children were quite happy with what Olivia was writing. However, unbeknown to Miles, Olivia was struggling with the current book and needed to find a solution, without anyone else finding out.
And to add yet more layers, firstly the house became pretty much cut off due to heavy snow. And secondly a brother of Miles and his siblings had been released from prison, where he'd served time for manslaughter.
As the body count mounted up, Jeannie was determined, no matter what, that the 'Christmas traditions' would go ahead, despite growing objections by everyone. By the time the police were able to get to the house, there were several bodies waiting for them - but even they accepted that all of the deaths could have been accidental (if you took them all individually and not as a 'job lot'.)
I had no real idea who was committing the crimes; I didn't even know if the narrator and the 'diary writing' person were one and the same. I ruled out the person I thought we were meant to think it was, but other than that, it was very difficult to rule anyone out. In the end, I did come down on one person - but I was wrong. The actual killer came as a huge surprise; that said, at one point I had fleetingly, and with no evidence or even motive, considered this person because of how unlikely it would be that they were the killer. But I dismissed the person almost as soon as I had considered them. All in all I really was stunned by who had 'dunnit'.
I really enjoyed the book; I thought it was a cracking read that kept me turning pages. As I said above, it was difficult to actually like most of the characters, but that didn't really matter. Oddly enough, despite how unbelievable the scenario was, for the duration of the book I, for the most part, found it fully believable.
I had a couple of niggles and irks. Firstly, I wasn't actually gripped by the opening pages, Olivia irritated me to the point where I would happily have slapped her, I found her so self-obsessed and harsh and was giving Miles a really hard time about spending Christmas with his family again - I hadn't at this point me the family *g* In fact, had J not have enjoyed the book so much, I actually wouldn't have carried on reading. I'm very glad I did, but maybe it is something the editor should have picked up. I also feared it was going to be a 'modern tick-list' book as Olivia's daughter had a girl-friend and there were other little similar types of things that ran bells. I am glad to say I was wrong; it wasn't a 'modern tick-list' book, thank goodness.
My biggest gripe was the use of 'gotten' rather than 'got'. That had me gritting my teeth every time it came up. Given 'gotten' I assumed the writer was American and was wondering why she hadn't bothered to get it Brit checked, given it was set in the UK. However, I discovered that the author is not only British, but also also a former editor, which I found even more bemusing and irksome. I know many readers might see it as a ludicrous thing to get irked about (that said there are quite a number of comments on Amazon about the use of 'gotten' and how it is not British) but we all have our little 'quirks'.
That aside, I really did enjoy it and am very glad J bought it and recommenced it to me. Is it a re-read? I'm not sure to be honest, because I'm not sure it would have the same impact on a re-read as it did on first read. I do re-read books a lot, including crime books and (unlike J who I sometimes think remembers everything about every book he has ever read) often don't remember 'whodunnit'. I think I would remember who did this, because of how unlikely the killer was. Only time will tell.
I shall use it for 'A book that has been recommended' square.
TITLE: No Cause FANDOM: NCIS CHARACTERS: Jethro Gibbs & Ducky Mallard SUMMARY: For once Ducky doesn't have the answers. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 976. Cause
For Ducky, no two autopsies were the same, not even when the cause of death was the same. No two were the same, because no two people were the same.
He had always found the cause of death. There had always been something, no matter how small, how insignificant, that gave it away.
However, as he examined the Captain's body he could find no cause, obvious or otherwise, as to why and how he died.
"Cause of death, Duck?" Jethro said, as he strode into Autopsy.
Ducky sighed softly. "I am sorry, my dear Jethro. I simply do not know."
Somewhat bemusingly, I realised (after I'd written this) that it could be a prequel to the six word drabble I wrote last week *g*
This week's six words were:
Breakable Imaginary Patch Persuade Sheet Tangible
WHAT HAD HE DONE?
Kojak had thought the bond between him and Crocker was unbreakable. However, three days ago, Crocker had slammed a sheet of paper, his shield and gun down onto Kojak's desk and strode out of his office.
Three days later, the shock and surprise radiating from his other detectives was still tangible.
Kojak still hadn't figured out what he had done; he just knew he had to find Crocker. Find him, patch things up between them and persuade him to return. He grabbed his hat and headed for his car, as all kinds of imaginary scenarios played out in his head.
Along The Old Pier (The Slim Hardy Mysteries Book 10) by Jack Benton
"I was only gone a half hour. When I came back, he was gone."
Puppeteer Bob Harker has wandered the grey sands of Weston-Super-Mare for as long as anyone can remember, peddling his own brand of Punch’n’Judy to tourists and locals alike. Now, according to Reggie Bowles, his best friend, Bob Harker is dead.
The only problem is that Bob’s body has disappeared.
This is the latest book in the 'Slim Hardy Mysteries' series - and it was another excellent read. It's quite remarkable that this is the tenth book and there has only been one 'dud' in the series, one book (The Angler's Tale)that I didn't really enjoy (it was a book JB said he struggled to write).
I've pretty much said everything I can in the previous reviews about Benton's writing, how tight it is, how barely a word is wasted, how he can create a real sense of the place and the characters in a handful of words. This book was no exception. I really could see, hear and smell the setting; I was on the pier and watching a house burn and could see everything.
As with previous books, Slim does use some old friends to help him with the kind of information gathering he couldn't get by himself. It's one of the many things I like about the books, they way his old friends have stayed by his side, willing to help, even when he was at his worst. He is a good man; a very good man and he doesn't let go and doesn't shrug things off. If he's 'employed' to solve the kind of mystery the police often can't get involved in or don't see as a mystery, he will see it through to the bitter end.
In this book he worked with one of the local police, a lady who started off by being cross with him and seeing him as interfering, to realising actually what a good investigator he was and how he will see things through. I got the feeling she took rather a shine to him; whether that will go anywhere in future book, I know not. One really positive personal thing was the Slim didn't have a drink in the book - in fact he has now been sober for a year.
Another really first rate book in a series I love. I do hope this isn't the last book.
I shall use it for 'A book from a favourite series' square.
TITLE: Duty Is As Duty Does FANDOM: NCIS CHARACTERS: Timothy McGee SUMMARY: McGee swore he would never do a job that involved 'duty'. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 975: Duty
When he was growing up, 'duty' was a word Timothy McGee hated with a passion. The Admiral, who Timothy doubted he could ever please, used it endlessly.
Everything the Admiral did and believed in, was down to duty. Duty to the navy. The navy came first, second, third, fourth, last and everything in-between.
The teenage Timothy made a silent vow never to do a duty-bound job.
Even when he joined NCIS as a computer forensic expert, he didn't see it as duty. He would never do anything where 'duty' was part of his remit.
As Bobby threw clothes into a case, things started to conspire against him.
His underwear drawer, which had been sticky for a few days and hard to open, now remained firmly closed. After a few seconds of fruitless fighting, he decided to leave it. It contents were all clean; they shouldn't offend anyone.
The doorbell ringing made him jump and he immediately became tense. It rang again. And for a third time.
He knew he had to answer it. As a dozen unkept promises raced through his head, he took a deep breath and opened the door.
A sister looking for answers. A brother with secrets to hide...
Three days before Christmas, I travel to Midwinter Manor in Norfolk through a worsening snowstorm to meet Daniel, the brother I never knew existed. He has reluctantly granted me an hour of his precious time.
The welcome I receive is frosty. Daniel is cold, intimidating and unfriendly, while his wife, Rose, is polite, but tense. From the moment I step through the door of this imposing manor house, I sense I’m not welcome.
When I go to leave, the snowy blizzard prevents me. Then there’s a power cut and I can’t let anyone know where I am. I realise I am trapped.
Something feels wrong in this house. The way Daniel and Rose speak in whispers behind closed doors suggests something’s amiss. As cracks start to form in their stories, I wonder what it is they are hiding.
Midwinter Manor is a house full of secrets, and some of them are dangerously deadly.
This was actually an 'accidental' purchase; I know; I know, how can that be? I had thought it was a brand new, published this year book - it turns out it wasn't. However, it was a very good 'accidental purchase'.
I hadn't come across the author before, but she is certainly one I shall keep an eye on. The story was quite a simple one in many respects and one that, from what I have read in the news, is becoming more common - at least the tracking down an hitherto unknown of family member.
Somewhat surprisingly for a psychological thriller, I actually rather liked Lola (the main character trying to track down her half-brother). I also really liked her one-time fiancé, (Quinn) who she met (on the train when she was on her way to meet her brother) for the first time since they split up following the death of their baby. I felt sympathy for Daniel, who was wheel-chair bound following an accident and could understand his reluctance to meet up with Lola, who he had no idea existed. I also had sympathy for Rose and what she had to deal with on a day-to-day basis.
The sympathy began to vanish as the story went on and the truth began little by little to come out and Lola realised, far too late, what danger she was in. There was a lot wrong in the house and Midwinter Manor really did hold an awful lot of secrets - far more than I guessed and/or worked out. And it was very accurate that some of the secrets were dangerously deadly.
With Lola trapped and Quinn worried about her because she had promised to text him to let him know she had got to Midwinter Manor safely and hadn't done so, the tension and suspicions increased. I hoped all would be well and that Quinn would find a way to save Lola, but with this kind of book, despite Lola being the central character, it isn't always the case.
I worked out (guessed) the main secret, but I hadn't quite realised how dark the secret was and quite what had been done. Even though I did guess, it didn't detract from the book.
It was, for me, a page-turner, that despite figuring some things out, did keep me on the edge of my seat (metaphorically speaking) until the end. The sense of place was superb and the writing was crisp and clean and to the point, blades of grass were not described. I certainly felt I was there in Midwinter Manor, snowed in with no power and people who appeared to at best dislike me, at worst hate me and want me dead. I could hear the wind and see the snow and smell the scent of candles, etc. I really did feel as I was there.
The story was excellent and actually very believable, scarily so and nothing seemed forced or twisted to fit. It flowed really well and I thought it was a superb read. And the cover is gorgeous. I've said many times about psychological thrillers (especially the really excellent ones) that I'm not sure I 'enjoy' them and also that I doubt I'd reread them, because they would lose their impact. However, this is one I can see myself reading again.
I shall use this for the 'Book set in Autumn/Winter' Book Bingo square.
TITLE: Maybe, Possibly FANDOM: NCIS CHARACTERS: Gibbs & Fornell SUMMARY: Set pre-series. Gibbs and Fornell meet for the first time. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 974: Time will tell
"Leroy Jethro Gibbs. NCIS."
"Tobias Fornell. FBI."
The two men shook hands and stared at one another.
Gibbs wondered which of them would blink first.
Fornell wondered which of them would let go of the other's hand first.
Gibbs saw something in Fornell he hadn't seen in many other Federal Agents. He saw a kindred spirit.
Fornell saw something in Gibbs he had never seen in an NCIS agent before. He felt he could trust him.
As they simultaneously broke the hand shake, both men thought that maybe, one day, they could possibly even become friends.
It started with a dandelion. Innocuous. Ubiquitous. Who knew it was a warning?
After claiming his big bonus, things are coming up roses for Roger Mulligan. A job he loves. A house that feels like home. Money in the bank. A solid roof over his head and job security.
But when he finds a dandelion on the pristine grounds of Shackleford House, he starts down a twisted, garden path. Old man Shackleford says the fairies have a problem, the pixies keep falling down on the job, and the house seems to grow weaker by the day.
He's soon tossed into a confusing mixture of fact and fantasy, accompanied by Shackleford's cousin and - of all things - a stray cat. Surrounded by the fantastical, it's hard to tell magic from mundane.
This was the 'long awaited' sequel to The Wizard's Butler. I say 'long awaited' as there was a five year gap between the two books. It was the release of The Wizard's Cat that led to me re-reading The Wizard's Butler. I remember when I first read The Wizard's Butler, and learnt there was a 'planned' sequel, saying that I wasn't sure I would read the sequel as the first book was so good, I could only be disappointed.
In all honesty, I was disappointed; so disappointed that I posted a very negative (but fair, I still feel) review on Amazon. A couple of weeks later I think I was rather unfair, not by what I said (I stand by that) but by the fact I only gave it one star. It wasn't that bad, I must see if you change your 'rating'. Never post in haste'. I have just had a quick look on Amazon and whilst over ninety percent of the reviews are either five or four stars, the handful of one, two and three stars have the same issues as I have with it - 'disappointing' being the main word.
The Wizard's Cat was as well written technically as The Wizard's Butler. It was still a fun read, albeit no where near as fun as The Wizard's Butler; nor did it seem to go anywhere. It's a book that might have worked as a short story or a novella, but as a novel, I'm sorry to say, it failed. The previous book left us with a situation that was never resolved and just as importantly, left us with no reason for ending as it did. It left the reader expecting and failed to deliver. It lacked the depth that TWB had.
For me, the biggest problem was that this book did away with the key relationship (Shackleton and Roger) and left the reader with padding and little point to the book. For some reason Lowell decided to send Shackleton and his long-term lady friend (who had agreed to move into Shackleton House, but not to marry Shackleton) away, leaving us with Roger and Barbara, who decided to return to Shackleton House and learn more about what she would be taking on, if she did decide to 'take over' after Shackleton died. I felt that sending Shackleton off was the biggest mistake Lowell could have made. Had he kept him around, I think most (at least) of the negative points, wouldn't have really mattered.
The interaction between Roger and Barbara simply didn't work as well as the interaction between Shackleton and Roger. Part of the reason I felt it didn't work was that Lowell kept hinting about a want-to-be relationship' between them; yet at the same time he also hinted at a want-to-be relationship between Barbara and one of the neighbours (Molly) who ran with Roger most mornings. And to add to the confusion Lowell also made hints about Roger and Molly. In TWB I got the impression there was reciprocal liking, fancying even, between Roger and Molly, so was in part expecting that to develop in this book. I was also left confused as to whether he was saying Molly and/or Barbara were lesbians or bisexual or not.
I liked the cat very much; although in truth he was only a very small part of the story and it took most of the book for us to learn what he was and why he was there. I liked his interaction with Roger, but there was far too little actual story and too much filler. I also felt the the reason for the dandelion that seemed so important and so intriguing wasn't really explained nor dealt with all that well.
I still can't really understand why Lowell ended The Wizard's Butler in the way he did and then failed to not only capitalise on it, but to all but ignore it, a few mentions aside, at all. In fact I wouldn't really call this a sequel as such because in many ways it didn't really resolve anything from the first book.
I find myself wondering if, in truth, Lowell didn't actually want to write a sequel; that in truth he wrote himself 'out' with the first book and really didn't know where to go. But maybe having promised a sequel, he felt he had to deliver. Five years between books one and two in a series is rather a long gap, especially when you leave the ending of the first book in such a place as Lowell left TWB.
I stand by saying that Lowell writes well and tells a good story. However, this was not the sequel I for one wanted or expected. Such a shame. I am sure I shall read TWB again, as it is a five star book. However, I'm afraid I shall not be reading this book again. The positive thing is that it hasn't spoilt my enjoyment of TWB at all. Had I not enjoyed TWB so much, I doubt I would have been as disappointed with this book, because I wouldn't have been expecting as much.
Interestingly even J has raved about this book; he simply said 'it was a fun read, wasn't it'? Nor did he mention it at all whilst he was reading it. Whilst a book he has just finished he told me every day how much he was enjoying it, what a superb read it was, etc. etc.
So whilst I happily recommended The Wizard's Butler, I wouldn't recommend this book and I feel that to be completely honest, this book wasn't needed and it doesn't add anything to TWB as it really doesn't resolve or tie up anything. I really shouldn't have only given it one star, because to be honest it did deserve more, because despite my issues with it, there were positive things, the writing for one, the good story telling for another. And despite the negativity, I would still rate the book more highly than several books I read last year.
That said, I shall use this for the 'Animal/Bird on the cover' square of this year's Book Bingo.
After spending over forty-eight hours in the subway, waiting for a contact who never appeared, Illya's priority was to go home and have a nap. He needed more than just a nap, but he knew Mr. Waverly would expect a full report within the hour.
He was about to leave, when a man, who stood more than a foot taller than he, spoke. "I am a carpet salesman. I have a proposal for you."
"My carpet of choice is shag-pile." Illya held out his hand.
The man took it. "You will permit me to buy you breakfast?"
For five grand a month and a million dollar chaser, Roger Mulligan didn't care how crazy the old geezer was. All he had to do was keep Joseph Perry Shackleford alive and keep him from squandering the estate for a year.
They didn't tell him about the pixies.
I had made an 'unofficial' New Year resolution not to get behind with my book reviews this year . . . Yep, that didn't even begin, let alone last *g*
I came across this book via J and he thought I'd enjoy it. We do like a lot of the same genre or book, but equally there are quite a few we don't share. I first read this book a couple of years ago(ish). I thought I'd reviewed it at the time, but despite checking on LJ at least twice, I can't find a review; nor can I find one on Amazon. Thus I can only conclude that I only shared what I thought about it with caffyolay (and J of course *g*).
I really, really enjoyed the book - and it definitely stood up to a re-read. NL is a very good writer and a very good story teller, who weaves a picture and draws you into a world of wizardry where pixies keep the house free from dust and fairies keep the garden free from weeds. And it is a good idea not to annoy the pixies, i.e. when Roger started dusting and tidying up, the pixies got annoyed. However, Shackleford (who is a wizard) advised Roger to leave a saucer of whisky out overnight and that would keep the pixies happy. Roger did and the pixies were happy.
There is also a great deal of humour in the book, laugh out loud humour, but also very subtle, gentle humour. In many ways, and I mean no disrespect at all to my American friends, his humour is more British humour than American humour.
Shackleford is a very, very wealthy man and his niece and her husband want his money and his house and need to get him in effect 'sectioned', so they take over, so they advertised for a butler. Roger had been an army medic, who served three terms in Afghanistan and then an EMT, but it had all got too much for him. Thus, when he saw the position he decided to apply for it. He takes to the job very well, even to the wearing of the butler's uniform and the formal things that go with it. As he said to more than one person, he'd spent most of his adult life wearing a uniform, a butler's uniform was no different, just better quality and no one was trying to kill him.
He likes and respects Shackleford very much and even from the beginning he doesn't think Shackleford is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's, nor does he see him as a frail old man. He soon realises just why Shackleford's niece was prepared to pay him such a large sum of money. As the weeks go by, he learns the truth; including the truth about Shackleford and quite why he has problems and why he forgets certain things. It's all down to an amulet; an amulet that has great powers of its own.
Shackleford has a close female friend who pops up from time to time and clearly approves of Roger and helps the men find a good doctor who will be willing to go to Court and tell the truth. The doctor does say from the start that she will be honest, she can't be bought, she won't lie and say Shackleford is mentally fit if he isn't. She doesn't have to lie.
Another part of Roger's job is to help Shackleford track down any relation he may have, someone who has 'talent' of the kind Shackleford has and who would take over the house and also the businesses that Shackleford owns, when he dies. Thanks for some DNA research they do find a youngish woman; who comes to stay for a few weeks. She gets on with Shackleford and he likes and trusts her, but she isn't certain she is up to the 'job' of taking on not just the house (that has a 'life' of its own, in more ways than one) but also his business, charity work and his money.
Roger learns to much during the year with Shackleford, not just the pixies like whisky and keep the house clean, but that wizards do exist. Perhaps more importantly he learns more about himself and starts to be able to dispel his ghosts and realise he does have a purpose in life and a job he loves. In fact he even considers going to Butler School after the year has ended.
He and Shackleford need one another, like one another, respect one another, trust one another and care for one another. It's not a father-son bond, nor is there any hint of any romance, it's not just a employer-employee relationship, it's one of those rare relationships that really can't be defined.
I guessed a particular part of the ending, but that didn't impact at all on my enjoyment of the book, not at all. Nor did the fact I had read the book relativity recently. I am quite sure it is a book I shall read again; I am also certain that it will be one of the best books I will read this year. That's saying something, given it was my first book of the year. It is a book I would happily recommend.
I shall use this for the 'Main male character' square of this year's Book Bingo.
TITLE: With Command Comes Responsibility FANDOM: NCIS CHARACTERS: Ducky & Jimmy SUMMARY: Ducky explains something to Jimmy. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 973: Responsible
The Autopsy doors closed behind Gibbs.
Jimmy swallowed hard and turned to Ducky. "Why did you take the blame, Doctor? I messed up, not you. It's me Special Agent Gibbs should be angry with."
Ducky smiled and patted Jimmy's arm. "I am the Medical Examiner, Jimmy; you are my assistant. Therefore, I am responsible for everything that happens in Autopsy. Just as Jethro is ultimately responsible for anything involving the field team."
"So he knows -"
"Of course he does, my boy. One day, Jimmy, you will be the responsible one. Now, I believe a cup of tea is called for."
Steel stared around the hushed room. The room that was filled with extra-large and extra-small men. Something wasn't right, but then it rarely was if he was there.
//Why are we here?//
For once, Steel didn't have an answer. Before he could decide what to say, one of the tiny men, stomped over to him and grabbed his hand. The man cried out.
Usually, Steel was skilful at avoiding being touched, but the man had taken him by surprise.
A second later, the man grabbed Steel's hand again.
TITLE: Home Soon FANDOM: NCIS PAIRING: Gibbs/Ducky SUMMARY: A new year brings a new start for Gibbs. WORD COUNT: 100 RATING: G WRITTEN FOR:ncis_drabble Challenge: 972 - A fresh start
Gibbs awoke as the grandfather clock struck seven. Ducky was still sleeping peacefully beside him.
He had been at Reston House since Christmas Eve and now he realized how right being with Ducky was. How right sharing his home was; how right waking up next to him was. How he wanted to go on doing that for the rest of their lives.
Taking care not to wake Ducky, Gibbs slipped out of the bed. After a quick shower he left a note for Ducky telling him he had gone back to his house to pack and would be home soon.
Bobby sighed as he wrote a report with one hand and ate potato chips with the other. He was completely disillusioned. Kojak was on extended sick leave and his temporary replacement, Lieutenant Scrabble, was obnoxious, cruel and hated Bobby.
No matter what he did, it wasn't enough. Scrabble's treatment was driving him to the point of quitting.
"Pick those papers up, Crocker!" Scrabble deliberately knocked several files off of Bobby's desk.
As Bobby dropped to his knees he heard a voice. "You pick them up, Scrabble. You knocked them off. Come on, sweetheart, get up." Kojak held out his hand.
Another year of reading is behind us and another year of reading is ahead of us.
I read 65 books last year.
I also completed my reading challenges.
- Book Bingo (25 books) - To read 52 books - i.e. one per week.
Of the 65 books, I read 25 of them were by authors I hadn't read before.
This year, only three of the books were books of short stories. One was by a single author, the other two were multiple author books.
There were six authors where I read more than one of their books.
With the exception of one truly awful book (I said in my review that it was the worst book I had read for some time) I enjoyed, to varying degrees, all of the books I read. I was annoyed/irked/angered by four of the books - not the entire book, I wouldn't have carried on reading the book had I been annoyed from the off. There were a few books that disappointed me to an extent, mainly because I had been expecting more from them. However, overall it was a very good year.
My favourite books of the year (in no particular order) were:
The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas - James Patterson & Tad Safran Claude's Christmas Adventure - Sophie Pembroke The Hound Of The Baskervilles - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Reader, I Buried Them - Peter Lovesey (short stories) The Wind In The Willows - Kenneth Graham Here The Road Ends - Jack Benton The Snow Song - Sally Gardner Eight Days - Jack Benton
I shall do a 2025 Book round-up post in the next day or so. In the meantime here are my Book Challenges for 2026.
1. Having enjoyed our Book Bingo last year, the lovely caffyolay and I have decided to put together another one. Once again it is low-key, straight-forward and challenging, but not too challenging. As with last year we came up with twelve prompts each and then discussed the final one. Should anyone here on LJ like to do the challenge too, please fell free to do so.
2. Once again I shall repeat my 'Read 52 books' challenge.
3. To finish the Lord Edgington Investigates series (six books). I am not including his 'Abroad books' as they are technically considered a new series.
4. This is a slightly 'odd' challenge and might be seen as a counter challenge. It is to stop buying so many new books, just because they are on special offer (or even free) and get on with reading the books I already have on my Kindle.
Charismatic Cooperative Drowned Pool Reward Secretary
HIS RUSSIAN BEAR
When Napoleon pulled Illya out of the swimming pool, he resembled a drowned rat. Illya had dived in to rescue a secretary, who appeared to be drowning.
Unfortunately, the young lady was neither grateful nor cooperative, and Illya's 'reward' for his gallant action was a knee in his groin.
Napoleon tugged off his jacket and wrapped it around Illya.
"Never again!" Illya glowered at Napoleon. "I should have known better. She was far too charismatic to be a lady." He strode off.
Napoleon hurried after him. He knew how to calm his Russian bear: vodka and food - lots of it.
Evening draws in; families reunite, fires are lit, curtains snapped shut. But what is hiding in the shadows beyond the warm living-room glow, where the light won't reach? And what surprises will creaks in the night bring on Christmas morning?
Weaving together celebrated stories of murder and mayhem from the greatest writers in the genre, Murder in Wintertime brings a chill that will linger beyond the last frost. From suspicious slips on the ice to Yuletide games gone awry and footprints that disappear under blankets of snow, these sinister goings-on will keep you up late on the long, dark nights...
Featuring celebrated authors such as Catherine Aird, Carter Dixon, Peter Lovesey and more.
I've read several other winter and/or Christmas books of short stories and I thought this book would be a nice way to end the year.
Over all, it wasn't as good as other winter/Christmas crime anthologies I have read. It started with some very good stories, in particular the first story by Peter Lovesey was excellent and later on there were another couple of good ones.
However, some of the stories were rather tedious and I can't say I enjoyed them all that much. They weren't awful, they just didn't really appeal to me. That is often the case with anthologies.
So a little disappointing to end the year on an average book. That said, if all books were stellar, I fancy it would get somewhat boring. To my mind, you need the poor or not great to appreciate the really good.
Well here we are; the last Christmas pretty of 2025. How did the month go by so quickly?
Thank you for your lovely comments. I am so glad the pretties were enjoyed. I always enjoy finding them; it gives me a lot of pleasure and knowing they are enjoyed adds to that pleasure.
I am ending this year with another very simple picture in very Christmassy colours: red, white & green. What a lovely little house. The garlands, the tree, smoke coming out of the chimney, lots of snow. It's so very, very lovely.
Four days before Christmas, twelve stranded strangers gather round a crackling fire, sheltering from the raging storm outside. . .
But their relief is short-lived: as the snow deepens, the tree-lined avenue winding through the hotel’s parkland becomes impassable. Their isolation is complete.
The next morning, a body is found in one of the luxurious four-poster beds.
As twelve strangers become eleven suspects, who among them has checked in with murder in mind?
And will any of them live to see another Christmas. . .?
This book popped up on one of the Kindle deals of the day emails. I thought it looked interesting, the first few pages of the sample were good enough for me to buy it. I enjoyed it a lot, in fact in terms of enjoyment, I'd certainly put it in my top ten of the year, maybe even top five. It isn't necessarily one of the best books I've read this year, when you take into account things other than enjoyment, but I really did enjoy it.
It was a good read. The setting was the Yorkshire moors and Everett certainly gave a sense of place and feeling of isolation and being cut off from everything and everyone, apart from the hotel and the twelve people. There was no wifi, the phone lines were down; they were in effect cut off from the outside world with no idea when anyone might be able to get to them. They had no idea what was going on outside of the hotel and no way of letting the police (or anyone else) know what was going on inside the hotel.
The plot, in effect, was nothing new - but then that's hardly unusual. The story was sound and believable. The characters were well drawn and certainly came across as real people, not just names on the page. They varied in age from an eight year old (or around that age) girl and an old lady in her eighties, who had been visiting the hotel each year at Christmas for pretty much her entire life.
Most of the characters were there by choice, but the main character Nick (a journalist) who had got caught in the snow on his way home and had to abandon his car and trudge through the deepening snow to the manor, the only place he could see a light and a lady who also got caught in the snow and had to seek shelter weren't expecting to be there. There were two staff members, the chef and the chap who in effect ran the place. Again, other staff members couldn't get to the hotel.
After the first body is found, Nick 'takes charge' in terms of being the 'detective' and his kind of 'right-hand man' is the little girl's father, he is also a doctor. Nick did a pretty fair job in terms of asking questions and trying to theorise how, why, who and when and he was a good character, I liked him and I'd trust him. He had a wife and a baby who was a few months old. However, of course, he wasn't going to find the murderer immediately, was he? No. There were several more murders and still there seemed to be no link between any of them. Ultimately, of course, the link was found and we learnt whodunnit.
I guessed early on who the actual murderer was, but I had no idea as to why and my guess wasn't based on anything the person did or said, but purely on it being one of the 'tropes' that are often used in such books. Later on I also guessed a second person was involved with the murders; again, not based on what person said or did, but more along the lines of 'it can't possibly be X therefore it has to be X' kind of thing. I think anyone who does read a fair bit of crime, especially amateur 'detective' crime, would also suspect the people I suspected. It didn't spoil the book for me, not at all, after all, I might have guessed who, but I had no idea as to why.
The reveal in terms of why was certainly a complete surprise; I was not expecting it at all; I hadn't even an inkling. I admit I also found the reason for the murders a tad difficult to believe, at least on a personal level. It seemed an OTT response to what had happened; that said, I'm not a mother - and I've read far, far, far more far-fetched reasons. I felt deeply sorry for the person who actually committed the murders (as opposed to the person who arranged them). At the same time I thought said person should have stood firm and said 'no'. Had said person done so, there wouldn't have been a book *g* As with quite a lot of books one has to swallow disbelief to an extent and simply enjoy the story. It wasn't an impossible scenario, not at all; slightly far-fetched, IMO, but not impossible. I was quite happy to believe in it for the duration of reading the book.
For me it was a four star book that could have been a five star book, had it been edited a little more firmly. Everett is a good writer, but there were parts of the book where there was a bit too much waffle and also I got rather tired of the number of times Nick thought about his little girl and how awful he'd feel if anything happened to her. It's perfectly natural he would think of her and his wife; I just felt the author over-did it a bit. There were also some rambling parts and over-drawn out scenes, that again needed better editing. There weren't page after page after page of description or waffle, just had it been cut down the book would have been ever better.
It's not what I would call a 'cosy mystery' but nor was it a 'blood and gore' one. There was some description of the murders, but not in any great depth. I thought the balance between the 'cosy' and 'blood and gore' was very well done.
There was one other really 'odd' thing; I felt sure I had read the first half before - yet I can't have done. It was only published at the end of August; I only read the first few pages of the sample, even if I'd read more, it wasn't going to be half a book. Yet I recognised scenes and incidences; I just don't know why or how that can be. It was very surreal and rather odd. I even spent a fair bit of time tracking down other books with the same title and reading samples of them just to see if somehow there had been some kind of 'copying'. It wasn't even a case of remembering a similar story-line. It was names and phrases and descriptions; it was really quite spooky and I still have no idea how I knew it - but I did. And it was only the first half. So I don't know. Ah, well . . .
I don't really have much to say about this as it says it all itself: it is so very, very pretty. There's nothing about I don't like; it is just so lovely. One extra touch is the mini-icicles hanging from the guttering. And I do like how the outdoor and indoor tree seem to be almost twins.
Agatha Christie’s seasonal mystery thriller, reissued with a striking new cover designed to appeal to the latest generation of Agatha Christie fans and book lovers.
It is Christmas Eve. The Lee family reunion is shattered by a deafening crash of furniture, followed by a high-pitched wailing scream. Upstairs, the tyrannical Simeon Lee lies dead in a pool of blood, his throat slashed.
But when Hercule Poirot, who is staying in the village with a friend for Christmas, offers to assist, he finds an atmosphere not of mourning but of mutual suspicion. It seems everyone had their own reason to hate the old man…
A perennial favourite of mine, it was just what I needed after the disappointment of the previous book I had read. As with all of AC's books, it as what the blurb says it is.
Simeon Lee was indeed disliked, even hated by his family and all of them did have their reasons for their hatred and all of their reasons were believable and real. The old man had insisted on all of his sons spending Christmas at his home. In addition there is a young lady who says she is the daughter of Lee's only daughter, who died some years earlier; also the son of Lee's first business partner turns up unexpectedly, his late father had always told him if he was ever in England to look Simeon Lee up.
On the detecting side there is Superintendent Harold Sugden, Colonel Johnson (who is the Chief Constable of the county and the person with whom Poirot is staying) and of course Poirot himself. Finally, there are Lee's staff. The main ones being his butler and his male nurse.
The crime appears to be a locked room murder, as when the family hurry upstairs after the sounds of furniture crashing and the dreadful scheme, two of the men have to break down the door, which had been locked.
The various alibis given by each of the suspects vary in terms of quite how accurate, honest and believable they are - of course Poirot works out which are accurate and honest and which are less than honest, but for jolly good reasons. However, no matter how accurate the alibis are, the big sticking point is that it wasn't possible for any of the guests or staff to have slit Lee's throat and wrecked the room - yet someone did.
I had actually remembered who the murderer was and why, but that didn't spoil the book for me, not in any way. I had also remembered not everyone was necessarily who they claimed to be, even though I didn't recall all the details.
I thoroughly enjoyed my re-re-re-re-read. You know where you are with AC's books. They aren't great literature; they contain comments and words that some people today would want to have removed; they don't contain all the 'tick-list' characters of today. They are of their era and I really enjoy them. I have no issues whatsoever with out of date terms, etc. because they are of their era and in my opinion, that is how they should be. Sanitising books to my mind is shocking and plain wrong and actually an insult to many readers who actually are able to cope with the fact that things were different in the past.
I like the simplicity and prettiness of this picture. I like the use of only three main colours: red, green and white with a tiny bit of brown. The bells, baubles and bows are lovely and the greenery really completes the picture.
Today I bring another of these 'two-way' window pictures.
It isn't as overtly Christmassy as others I have shared. However, it definitely has a Christmassy feel to it with the holly berries and the fir leaves in a jar, the candles and the green and red colours throughout, the books in particular add to the Christmas feel, and of course the snow and the ice. I also like the way the lights shine in the houses.
It was Christmas Day. Bobby sat at his desk filling out forms the government deemed to be essential. It was quiet. Even the phone hadn't rung; hence the form-filling session.
He'd offered to work after illness had struck Rizzo, Saperstein and Stavros. In some ways working was a relief; it meant he didn't have to attempt to make something up, when asked what he was doing for Christmas. The truth tended to leave people not knowing what to say.
The squad-room door opened. "Theo!"
"I couldn't leave you without Christmas lunch, could I? I've brought enough for two."
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
"You can't please all of the people all of the time."
"If you can't say something good; say nothing at all."
"Fandom is meant to be FUN."
"Never say never."
Achievement is the knowledge that you have worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that's nice, too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success. - Helen Hayes
"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." -Voltaire
"The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause." —Mark Twain
"Since no one is perfect, it follows that all great deeds have been accomplished out of imperfection. Yet they were accomplished, somehow, all the same." - Lois McMaster Bujold
"One of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness." - Josh Billings
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ncis_drabble Challenge: 982: Kettle of fish
okay
content
annoyed
tired
surprised
productive
disappointed
creative
peaceful
