Brilliant British Historical Mysteries: From Cradle to Grave and Sister Boniface Mysteries

19 Nov

From Cradle to Grave
Rhys Bowen
Rhys Bowen’s Her Royal Spyness Mystery Series, set in the 1930s, is always charming. From Cradle to Grave has heroine Georgie, a cousin to the royal family experiencing new motherhood as well as a mystery involving the suspicious deaths of several first sons. What seems like tragic accidents might be something much more sinister. I liked that Georgie wants to care for her son beyond simply seeing him at tea time and flouts some of the traditions of the time period, but yet still feels enough pressures of her age that it doesn’t feel unrealistic for the 30’s and take the reader out of the story. I also thought she did a good job with foreshadowing the upcoming war and the complexities of British attitudes to Germany and Hitler during that time period. The mystery element of the novel takes a bit to get started, but it is an intriguing one. I’d recommend reading the series in order, but you can jump in at this novel and not feel lost.

Sister Boniface Mysteries
If you are a fan of the Father Brown TV series then you will be delighted that the first two seasons of spinoff series Sister Boniface Mysteries, set at the start of the 1960s, is now also available from Hoopla to Hoboken Library card holders. The series stars a nun who uses her interest in forensics science to help the local Great Slaughter Constabulary solve crimes. This a funny cozy series that will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie’s mysteries set in small British towns. Episodes involve everything from a pirate radio station to a possible ritualistic killing.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Cozy Fantasies: Brigands & Breadknives and The House Witch

12 Nov

Brigands and Breadknives
by Travis Baldree
Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes was instrumental in beginning the cozy fantasy wave. I personally find it refreshing to enjoy the lighter side of fantasy with a bit more humor and a bit less darkness than the previous wave of grimdark novels in the early 2000’s brought. The third in the series, Brigands & Breadknives is equally delightful, but definitely still has some very suspenseful moments and some blood is shed. This story instead of focusing on orc Viv, follows her friend Fern, a sweet, but foul mouthed rattkin, who upon having a midlife crisis is ready to find what the next chapter of her life holds. I loved seeing again Potroast her now senior, but still adorable doglike gryphet, but also enjoyed new characters like Zil a goblin, who breeds chaos and is sure to be a fan favorite. This novel like the previous entries will appeal to those who enjoy stories about found family and self-reinvention. Where Baldree excels compared to some other cozy fantasy authors is creating an intriguing and well paced plot to place his charming characters and also giving us something unique in each installment.

The House Witch
by Delemhach
I enjoyed The House Witch (1) by Delemhach as an audiobook. Matthew Wolf does a great job of narrating the story. Finlay Ashowan is the King of Daxaria’s new cook, but he is hiding secrets. The biggest of these is he is a house witch, meaning he is able to do magic associated with the household he lives in and works for. The novel contains likeable characters, a sweet romance, and an endearing kitten, Finlay’s familiar, Kraken (who looks quite a lot like one of my own cats). This novel will appeal to those who don’t mind some modern anachronisms in with their medievalesque setting. There are two more volumes of this romantasy series also available from Hoopla. If you enjoy this novel, I would also recommend checking out T.Kingfisher’s A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking .

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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