Some fun mysteries

It seems like time to mention a few good mysteries since I have not done so in a while.  My guess is that you are likely familiar with Jeffery Archer’s writing since he has sold roughly 330 million books worldwide.  I read (and reread) Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less which was published in 1974 and would still recommend it for its twists in turns. His early works continue to be my favorites, and recently some individual short stories are becoming available for purchase to be read electronically.  One is “CHEAP AT HALF THE PRICE” and involves Consuela Rosenheim who is shopping in London for an ideal birthday present for herself and thinking about finding a new husband, too. It’s light, short and typically Archer with a fun twist at the end. Another is “NEVER STOP ON THE MOTORWAY” which is more of a thriller and involves the danger which Diana, a single Mum, faces as she attempts to flee a menacing van on the highway.  Once again, classic Archer in that the ending is almost impossible to predict.

What about works by award winning author Carolyn Hart?  I am in the midst of WALKING ON MY GRAVE, the 27th (!) book in her Death on Demand series which revolves around the book store of that name. Its proprietor, Annie, is once again trying to help friends in danger.  This time, a local resident named Ves Roundtree is frightened by her vulnerability as heir to a fortune that will pass to others once she dies.  Of course, each of the others has various reasons for needing the money NOW and Annie sets out with husband Max, his mother and her friends, plus local police to protect Ves.  Regular Hart readers are likely to predict the murderer relatively early, but still enjoy this entertaining, quick read.  It’s a cozy mystery for sure, complete with references to other titles in the mystery genre. 

 

It seems that bookshops and mysteries go together since Paige Shelton is offering a second Scottish Bookshop mystery called OF BOOKS AND BAGPIPES. This, too, is a cozy mystery and features Delany Nichols who has been sent by her boss to a castle for a meeting arranged to retrieve a collectible book. Once there, Delaney discovers a body which, of course, is the person she was supposed to meet. The mystery deepens as she actually locates the valuable manuscript and learns it had ties not only to her boss, but to a man who supposedly died years ago.

Have a favorite mystery or author in the genre?  We look forward to hearing your recommendations.