Book Review - Murder by Ghostlight by J. C. Briggs

 

Murder by Ghostlight 

By: J. C. Briggs 

Publisher: Sapere Books

5 Stars

 

As a lover of mystery books about books and authors, this series immediately caught my attention, especially since it features Charles Dickens as the protagonist. In Murder by Ghostlight, the third installment in J.C. Briggs' series, Dickens teams up with his friend Superintendent Sam Jones to solve yet another intricate mystery. While the stories are fictional, Briggs does an excellent job of infusing Dickens’ character with traits and values true to the real-life Dickens. Known for his strong ideals about society and justice, these values are subtly woven into the fictional Dickens without feeling preachy—though perhaps Dickens himself wouldn’t have minded a bit of preaching!

 

In this particular novel, Dickens finds himself in Manchester, participating in a play. After an evening out with the theater company, he returns to the stage house alone, only to discover a murder. When the police arrive, Dickens becomes the prime suspect. This twist adds an intriguing layer to the story, as Dickens now experiences the fear and uncertainty of being on the other side of a murder investigation. It’s a humbling experience for a man already known for his deep empathy, giving him an even greater understanding of the plights of those he seeks to help.

 

The mystery itself is masterfully written, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. The ending is far from predictable, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. I highly recommend this entire series, but Murder by Ghostlight stands out with its strong characters, thoughtful character development, compelling plot, and well-crafted mystery. A must-read for any mystery enthusiast!

 

Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for an ARC of this book.

#NetGalley #MurderByGhostlight

Book Review - What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust

 

What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust (11th Book in the Flavia de Luce Series)

Author:  Alan Bradley 

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine / Bantam 

Publication Date: September 03, 2024 

Rating: 5 Stars

 

Flavia is back! After "The Golden Tresses of the Dead," I thought we had seen the last of her. It's always hard to say goodbye to a beloved character, so this unexpected return is a delightful surprise. Flavia remains the central character, but her cousin Undine is increasingly becoming a significant part of the story. Undine, like Flavia, is a delightful character. Flavia sees them as complete opposites, while Undine aspires to be just like her cousin. In truth, both have a knack for getting into trouble, though their personalities differ.

 

This time, the beloved Mrs. Mullett is in trouble, accused of killing a former hangman. Flavia, along with her familiar friends and her young cousin Undine, sets out to prove Mrs. Mullett's innocence. Themes of innocence and duty, and what they entail, play a significant role in this book.

 

Though still a young lady, Flavia shows more maturity in this installment. This doesn't mean she is prim and proper, but she has gained wisdom beyond her years. For me, the most significant change is Flavia's realization of her mortality. Meanwhile, Undine's innocence and lack of understanding of life's finitude remind me of the younger Flavia. This newfound awareness influences Flavia's reactions, adding depth and realism to her character development.

 

The mystery itself is as compelling as ever. In some mystery novels, the solutions can feel either too convoluted or too predictable. Not so with this series. Clues are laid out methodically, building upon each other in a satisfying way.

 

I also appreciated how the author revisited old story threads, continuing them seamlessly. It's refreshing not to be left with loose ends.

 

I highly recommend this book! It's a mystery without gore or explicit violence, features excellent character development, and boasts a well-thought-out, well-written plot. Five stars from this reader.

 

Additionally, this book doesn't feel like the end of the series. I anticipate more fun and adventure ahead.

 

Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam Books for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #WhatTimeTheSextonsSpadeDothRust