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
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 