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Death at the Sign of the Rook
Death at the Sign of the Rook
Kate Atkinson | 2024 | Contemporary, Crime, Mystery, Thriller
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I read my first Jackson Brodie in July 2021, and I’ve since worked my way through them all, not wanting any of them to end too quickly. I love this little corner of the literary world.

Death at the Sign of the Rook gives a nod to the Golden Age of Agatha Christie I think, with the murder set in a grand country house that’s fighting for survival, by turning part of it into a country hotel.

There are some very Christie-esque characters: an army major, a vicar, a dowager and of course, the sleuth with his sidekick (in the form of Jackson Brodie and DC Reggie Chase).

There’s art theft, people in disguise, secrets, lies and a truly awful Murder Mystery weekend! And Brodie can’t even get away because of the snowstorm!

This is everything I’d hoped for: funny, clever, fast-paced and immersive. I loved how it all came together at the end.

I can’t wait for the next instalment now!
  
Murder at Beechwood
Murder at Beechwood
Alyssa Maxwell | 2015 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Did a Baby Leads to Murder?
In late June 1896, Emma Cross is surprised to find a newborn baby boy left on her doorstep. Her efforts to figure out where he came from lead her to Beechwood and the guests that Mrs. Astor is entertaining. But when a lawn party ends in tragedy, Emma quickly realizes that murder was involved. Does it relate to the baby? Or is another motive involved?

I’ve quickly become addicted to these historical mysteries. One reason is the expert way that real and fictional characters interact seamlessly on the page. All of them are well drawn, and I’ve gotten caught up in their ongoing stories. The plot of this one was good with several ingenious elements. The ending was a bit rushed, but it worked for me. Despite the summer vacation vibes, this book does get serious, but it is worth it. I’m hoping I can book the next in the series soon.