Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: 19th Century India

POV: 3rd Person

Sensuality: Subtle

Violence: Yes

Format: Digital

Source: A digital ARC courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley

My Grade: B-

Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn is the fourth book in the Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane Victorian mystery series.

Newlyweds Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane have spent the past few months on their honeymoon, travelling the world. When Julia’s sister, Portia, and her brother, Plum, arrive in Egypt and demand that Julia accompany them to India. Portia’s former lover, Jane, is now widowed and expecting a baby. If the child is a boy, he will inherit the Peacocks, the tea plantation which belongs to Jane’s late husband’s family. Portia suspects that Freddie Cavendish’s death was not natural and fears for Jane’s safety.

Julia agree to accompany them to Darjeeling, but Brisbane abandons the party in Calcutta, ostensibly to go hunting with the Viceroy. Julia is disgusted by her husband’s desertion and they quarrel. When they arrive at the Peacocks, it is clear that all is not well. The other occupants of the house are Freddie’s aunt, Miss Camellia Cavendish, and his cousin, Harry Cavendish. In addition, the Peacocks has an assortment of odd neighbours, all of whom could have had a motive to murder Freddie.

Although the story in Dark Road to Darjeeling relies rather heavily on coincidence, I enjoyed catching up with Julia and Brisbane. Brisabane is struggling to reconcile his dangerous job with being a husband, and is afraid to involve Julia in his investigations now that she is a wife. Julia, of course, is determined to assist him in the same way that she did prior to their marriage. By the end of the book, they’ve reached a reluctant truce and I’m curious to see how their marriage/partnership develops in the next book in the series.

There are a few twists and turns in this book which I didn’t like, particularly regarding the fate of one of the characters. However, I realise that this opens up new possibilities for a particular person in future stories, so I am prepared to roll with it despite my upset. An interesting development in the book sheds more light on Brisbane’s past. This, again, will be something to watch in further books in the series.

While Dark Road to Darjeeling isn’t my favourite Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane book, it sets the scene nicely for future stories and it’s abound to appeal to fans of the series.

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Gilded Age (Boston, 1868)

POV: 3rd Person (heroine’s point of view)

Sensuality: Subtle

Violence: Yes, but mostly off page

Format: Digital (currently out-of-print but available as an ebook at Smashwords)

Why I Read It: I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series, Still Life With Murder

My Grade: A-

Murder in a Mill Town is the second book in P.B. Ryan’s Gilded Age mystery series featuring the governess, Nell Sweeney, and her employer’s son, Will Hewitt, an opium-addicted former surgeon. I enjoyed it even more than the first book in the series, Still Life With Murder, probably because I was already familiar with the characters and knew I liked them. Note: As this is the second book in a series, a couple of minor spoilers for the first book are inevitable.

The story takes place a few months after the end of Still Life With Murder. To her disappointment, Nell hasn’t seen Will Hewitt since. In the meantime, her never cordial relationship with his brother, Harry, has deteriorated further. Harry’s debauched lifestyle has taken a turn for the worse and he is now addicted to absinthe.

The parents of a girl who works in the Hewitt family’s mill pay a visit to Viola. Mrs. Fallon is distraught because her daughter, Bridie, has been missing for a few days. She has already appealed to Harry and August Hewitt for assistance, but to no avail. She hopes Viola will prove more sympathetic as she is also a mother. Viola offers to help in any way she can and asks Nell to investigate the circumstances of Bridie’s disappearance.

Nell’s enquiries lead her to cross paths with the enigmatic Will Hewitt once more. When they make a grisly discovery, all clues lead to Harry Hewitt being the culprit and he is arrested. Once more, August Hewitt’s wealth and influence buys the cooperation of the police. Harry is released and the deaths are ruled a murder-suicide. With Viola’s support, Nell and Will press on with their investigation, determined to find out what really happened.

In the midst of murder and mayhem, Nell is confronted by a figure from her past. Her position in the Hewitt household is tenuous due to the strife between her and August and Harry Hewitt. She can’t afford to have her less-than-salubrious history come to light, especially as she regards her charge, little Gracie, as her own child. Meanwhile, Will is still struggling with his opium addiction and his feelings for Nell. Both issues come to a head over the course of the book.

Murder in a Mill Town is an absorbing and well-written mystery with a wonderful cast of characters. I found the suspense plot stronger in this book than in its predecessor. I also approve of the way in which Nell and Will’s relationship is developing.

Nell and Will are both characters who are obliged to adjust to life in a society for which they are not a natural fit. Nell desperately wants to be respectable, yet that’s not really who she is. She’s in the awkward position in the Hewitt household of neither being a servant nor a member of the family, which further isolates her.

Will is less concerned by what people think of him. He’s an outsider because he chooses to be one. In many ways, his opium addiction provides him with the perfect excuse not to live the life his family want for him. I hope he stops his self-destructive behaviour, but I fear he has a ways to go before finding inner peace.

The twist involving Nell’s past is very well done. I’ve been deliberately vague in my review as I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ll be interested to see how it develops in future books.

Two books in, I’m thoroughly enjoying Nell and Will’s adventures and I can’t wait to read more.

Genre: Historical Mystery

Setting: Gilded Age Boston

POV: 3rd Person

Sensuality: Subtle

Violence: Yes, but it’s not described in graphic detail

Format: Digital (currently out-of-print but available as an ebook at Smashwords)

Why I Read It: The premise of the series intrigued me.

My Grade: B+

Still Life With Murder is the first book in P.B. Ryan’s Gilded Age mystery series featuring the governess, Nell Sweeney, and the opium-addicted former battle surgeon, Dr. William Hewitt.

At the opening of the story, it is 1864 in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Nell Sweeney and her emplyoyer, Dr. Greaves, are on their way to assist at a difficult birth. A maid in the summer house of the wealthy Hewitt family is in labour and Mrs. Viola Hewitt is concerned for her welfare. When the baby is eventually delivered by caesarean, the mother refuses to have anything to do with her. Nell and Dr. Greaves are stunned when Viola Hewitt announces her intention to adopt the child. Although Viola is known as an eccentric, a Brahmin family adopting the child of a servant is unheard of.

Viola persuades Dr. Greaves to let Nell come and work for her as the baby’s governess. While Nell is sorry to leave Dr. Greaves, she’s keen to avail of the opportunity to better herself. She’s also excited at the prospect of living in Boston, where the Hewitts’ main residence is located. The Hewitt’s have four sons, two of whom are away fighting for the Union. Soon after Nell arrives, the Hewitt’s receive the news of the death of their two eldest sons, Robbie and William, who were prisoners at the notorious Andersonville Prison, one of the largest military prisons established by the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Four years later, Leo Thorpe, the Hewitt family’s lawyer and long-time friend, brings them some startling news. A man has been arrested for slitting another man’s throat during a fight. Although the man says his name is William Touchette, several people have identified him as the late William Hewitt. To Nell’s surprise, Mr. Hewitt has no desire to help his son. In fact, he seems keen for William to be convicted for murder and sentenced to hang.

In desperation, Viola asks Nell to go in her place and visit William in prison. As her husband and his wealthy friends will bribe the police, she knows William has no chance of a fair trial. Nell agrees. Over the past four years, she’s grown fond of Viola and admires her determination to live as normal a life as possible in spite of losing the use of her legs to polio.

Nell is alarmed by William Hewitt. He’s a far cry from his elegant family. A chain-smoking opium addict, Will seems indifferent to his fate. Nell knows he trained to be a surgeon before the war and she can’t understand how he can have fallen so low. Despite his dishevelled appearance, Nell is captivated by Will Hewitt. He unnerves her and she prides herself on keeping calm in all situations.

Thanks to Mrs. Hewitt’s intervention, Will is released on bail. As the police have been paid off by Mr. Hewitt, it’s up to Nell and Will to investigate the murder and prove his innocence. This is no easy feat, especially given Will’s apparent determination to hang.

I thoroughly enjoyed Still Life With Murder. It’s a character-driven mystery with an interesting plot. The chemistry between Nell and Will is sizzling, although they don’t embark upon a romance in this book. I suspect this will develop over the course of the series. Nell has a chequered past and we only learn a few details of it in this book. Suffice it to say, it will be interesting to see what happens when it finally catches up with her. Will also has an unconventional history, but to say more would spoil the story.

I’ve already read the second book in the series, Murder in a Mill Town, and I enjoyed it even more than this one (my review will be up on Saturday). I’m looking forward to spending more time with Nell and Will in the other books in the series.

I can highly recommend Still Life With Murder, especially to those readers who enjoy unusual historical mysteries with a dash of romance.

Genre: Historical Mystery

POV: 1st Person (heroine)

Sensuality: Subtle

Violence: Mild

Format: Digital

My Grade: C+

And Only to Deceive tells the story of Lady Emily Ashton, a young widow in Victorian London.

When Emily accepted the wealthy and titled Philip Ashton’s marriage proposal, her main motivation was escaping her domineering mother. Emily liked Philip well enough, but felt no deeper affection for him. Upon his death in Africa just a few short months after their wedding, Emily is left a wealthy widow. Once her obligatory period of mourning is at an end, she will finally be free to live her life with a degree of freedom she has not previously known.

Colin Hargreaves was Philip’s best friend and companion on his fatal trip to Africa. Colin’s acquaintance with Emily is fleeting at best. Nevertheless, he must fulfil a promise to made to his dying friend. Consequently, Colin calls on Emily and informs her that Philip begged him to accompany her to his Greek villa on Santorini. Emily is embarrassed by her late husband’s apparent devotion to her, especially in the light of her indifference to him. Nonetheless, the prospect of visiting Greece delights her. She decides to increase her knowledge of Greece and its history in anticipation of the trip.

Emily’s growing knowledge of antiquities – one of Philip’s passions – leads her to read her late husband’s journals. Through Philip’s words and private thoughts, Emily finds herself falling in love with the man who was her husband. Soon, she stumbles upon a mystery involving forged antiquities and she begins to suspect that the circumstances surrounding Philip’s death warrant investigation.

When news reaches her from Africa that Philip might still be alive, Emily is thrown into confusion. She enlists her new suitor, Andrew Palmer, and her French friend, Cécile, to assist her in tracing Philip, and soon finds herself embroiled in a situation fraught with danger.

The premise of And Only to Deceive was both interesting and original. However, Emily has a lot of growing up to do. Her naivety and tendency to trust the wrong people annoyed me, particularly as the identity of the villain was fairly obvious from early on in the story. I also felt that some of Emily’s actions did not ring true for a widow in the Victorian era.

Despite my frustrations with Emily and the predictable plot, the author’s prose is extremely readable and kept me turning the pages. I loved the character who evolved into the hero of the story, and I’d certainly like to read more books featuring him. I plan to give the next book in this series a go.

Warning for readers: the blurbs of the subsequent books in the series contain significant spoilers for the plot of And Only to Deceive.

One of my absolute favourite series is C.J. Sansom’s excellent Tudor mystery series featuring the hunchback lawyer, Matthew Shardlake. Sansom blends rich historical detail with brilliant characterization and compelling storylines.

I adore the complex character of Shardlake. He starts the series as a staunch supporter of the Reformation but gradually becomes disillusioned with the politics and greed behind it. In spite of his disability, Shardlake has enjoyed success as a lawyer, mainly through forming political alliances which he sometimes lives to regret. Nonetheless, the prejudice and disdain which he has to endure on a daily basis are painful to read about.

C.J. Sansom doesn’t paint a rosy picture of conditions in Tudor England, and pulls no punches in his depiction of historical figures. I still have vivid memories of his description of the smell of King Henry VIII’s gouty leg!

Unlike many of the historical mystery series which I follow, there isn’t a continuing romantic story arc, unless you count one involving secondary characters. Nevertheless, I think the books have a strong crossover appeal for readers of historical fiction, and also fans of historical romance which doesn’t skimp on period detail.

For anyone not familiar with the books, I’m going to provide a list of titles, a blurb for the first one (I’m not providing blurbs for subsequent books as they contain potential series spoilers), plus the grades I awarded them. The fourth book was published in 2008, well before I started this blog, so I haven’t reviewed any of them here. The fifth book is called Heartstone and it will be released in September 2010.

THE MATTHEW SHARDLAKE SERIES:

1. Dissolution (2003) by C.J. Sansom – My Grade: A-

Henry VIII has proclaimed himself Supreme Head of the Church and the country is waking up to savage new laws, rigged trials and the greatest network of informers ever seen. Under the order of Thomas Cromwell, a team of commissioners is sent through the country to investigate the monasteries. There can only be one outcome: the monasteries are to be dissolved.

But on the Sussex coast, at the monastery of Scarnsea, events have spiralled out of control. Cromwell’s Commissioner Robin Singleton, has been found dead, his head severed from his body. His horrific murder is accompanied by equally sinister acts of sacrilege – a black cockerel sacrificed on the alter, and the disappearance of Scarnsea’s Great Relic.

Dr Matthew Shardlake, lawyer and long-time supporter of Reform, has been sent by Cromwell into this atmosphere of treachery and death. But Shardlake’s investigation soon forces him to question everything he hears, and everything that he intrinsically believes…

2. Dark Fire (2004) – My Grade: A

3. Sovereign (2006) – My Grade: B+

4. Revelation (2008) – My Grade: A-

5. Heartstone (due out in September 2010)

Have you read these books? If so, what did you think of them?

Genre: Historical Mystery (WWI and 1930s)

POV: 3rd Person

Sensuality: Kisses

Violence: Yes, but most of it happens off page

My Grade: B

The Mapping of Love and Death is the seventh title in Jacqueline Winspear’s consistently solid historical mystery series featuring the private investigator and psychologist, Maisie Dobbs. The mysteries in each book are self-contained but the character developments make it advisable to read the series in order. I’ve tried to make this review as spoiler-free as possible, but as it is the seventh book in the series, a few minor ones are inevitable.

Maisie Dobbs comes from a humble background and started her working life at the age of thirteen as a maid in the household of Lord Julian and Lady Rowan Compton. Her wit and intelligence soon caught Lady Rowan’s attention, and she saw to it that Maisie received a good education, helping her to earn a place at Girton College, Cambridge. Unfortunately, the Great War broke out before Maisie could finish her studies, and she left Cambridge to serve as a nurse at the Front. Maisie’s experiences in France had a deep impact on her, and although the books are set in the early 1930s, many of her investigations concern cases with some connection to WWI, be it in the form of physical war injuries, shell shock, or crimes committed during the war.

At the beginning of this story, Maisie and her loyal assistant, Billy Beale, are celebrating being three years in business. Through talent and hard work, Maisie has built up an impressive case load and a respectable income. Her latest clients were referred to her by Charles Hayden, an American doctor she knew during the war.

Edward Clifton was born in England but emigrated to America in search of adventure. He succeeded in building up an impressive business and married a wealthy woman. Their youngest son, Michael, trained as a cartographer and surveyor. Using money from his trust fund, Michael purchased a tract of land in California and planned to settle there. Before he could realise his plan, however, WWI was declared, and Michael volunteered to serve in the British army. Although Michael was an American citizen, the British were in desperate need of cartographers, and he was sent to France. Michael was listed as Missing in Action in 1916, leaving the inheritance of his land in legal limbo.

In the early 1930s, Michael’s grave was discovered by chance. The bodies of his team of cartographers were found in a collapsed trench, along with some of their personal belongings. Among these items was a package of love letters written to Michael by a woman who signed herself ‘The English Nurse’. Maisie’s doctor friend, Charley Hayden, noticed a discrepancy on Michael’s autopsy report which indicated that he had been murdered prior to the collapse of the dugout. Michael’s parents want Maisie to track down his English lover in the hope that she can shed some light onto the identity of his murderer. Maisie has barely had a chance to embark on her investigation when the Clifton’s are the victims of a brutal attack, making it even more imperative that Maisie discover Michael’s murderer.

The Mapping of Love and Death is another enjoyable entry in the Maisie Dobbs series. Jacqueline Winspear writes well and her stories are meticulously researched. Although there are a few unlikely coincidences, and the solutions to the mysteries are too neat at times, the Maisie Dobbs books are the perfect comfort reads. The familiar cast of characters develops over time, and I enjoy catching up with them.

I especially appreciated the developments in Maisie’s personal life in this book. She is something of a loner and has a chequered romantic history. I’m not entirely convinced by the match Winspear chose for Maisie, but I’m curious to see how it evolves in the next book.

For fans of cozy historical mysteries, the Maisie Dobbs series is to be recommended.

One of my favourite genres is crime fiction. I prefer my mysteries and thrillers to be character-driven, although a convincing plot elevates a good read to an excellent one.

I have a particular affection for historical mysteries, but I’m quite picky about which ones I read as I like them to be rich in period detail without compromising on characterization and plot.

I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite mystery and thriller authors. I’d love to hear who your favourites are.

Thrillers

Jo Nesbø

Val McDermid

Chelsea Cain

Karin Slaughter

Mystery

Julia Spencer-Fleming

Historical Mystery

C.J. Sansom

Jacqueline Winspear

Ariana Franklin

C.S. Harris

Deanna Raybourn

Vintage Mystery

Agatha Christie

Josephine Tey

Mary Stewart

Dorothy L. Sayers

Ngaio Marsh

If you’re looking for a good blog devoted to reviews of crime fiction, I highly recommend Material Witness.

Genre: Historical Mystery/Medieval Mystery

POV: 3rd Person

Senusuality: Subtle

Violence: It’s a murder mystery, so there is violence but most of it occurs off page.

My Grade: A-

The Serpents Tale (UK title: The Death Maze) is the second book in Ariana Franklin’s excellent Medieval murder mystery series featuring Adelia Aguilar. I read it for Avidbookreader’s monthly TBR Challenge.

England, 1176: Rosamund Clifford, the beloved mistress of King Henry II, has been poisoned. The fickle finger of suspicion points towards Henry’s estranged wife, Queen Eleanor. With the spectre of Civil War looming, Henry sends his faithful servant, Rowley Picot, newly-appointed Bishop of Saint Albans, to summon Adelia Aguilar to investigate. In addition to being Henry’s unwilling “investigator of the dead”, Adelia happens to be Rowley’s ex-lover and the mother of his child.

Adelia is loath to leave her life of comparable comfort for a journey through the bitter winter to serve her unwanted employer. She is particularly resentful of the fact that she’s faced with the prospect of a long journey in the company of her ex-lover for whom she still harbours a reluctant tendre. But Henry is the king and, in consequence, Adelia has no option but to obey. With her faithful servants Mansur and Gyltha in tow, Adelia and her baby daughter accompany Rowley on the long journey to Godstow Priory, the scene of Rosamund’s death.

Their arrival at Godstow Priory is preceded by a grisly discovery. It seems there is more than one murderer on the loose, but who are they, and what is their purpose? A combination of the weather and an invasion renders Adelia and her companions virtual prisoners at the priory. Before long, Adelia finds herself an unwilling pawn in a web of political intrigue and ruthless ambition. With the body count rising, Adelia finds herself in a race against time to catch the killer(s) before the thaw sets in.

The Serpent’s Tale is even better than its predecessor, Mistress of the Art of Death. Ariana Franklin provides just the right amount of historical detail combined with excellent characterization and compelling storytelling. The mystery is very well done and kept me guessing right until the end.

Both Rowley and Adelia are complex characters with flaws and issues which are not magically resolved over the course of the story. Adelia’s new role as mother is frequently at odds with her chosen profession and she struggles to define herself in a male-dominated society. Her feelings for Rowley are equally conflicted, as are his for her. Despite his initial misgivings, Rowley has found his niche as a Man of God. He struggles to reconcile his faith with his very ungodly feelings for Adelia. But more than God, Rowley’s unswerving loyalty to his king is the true obstacle in their relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Serpent’s Tale and can recommend this series unreservedly. The third book, Grave Goods, will be released in paperback in March. I’m really looking forward to reading it.

Also Reviewed in this Series:

Mistress of the Art of Death – Book 1

Other Reviews of A Serpent’s Tale:

Avidbookreader – A

Jayne at Dear Author - B+

This review was written as part of Keishon’s TBR Challenge.

Where Serpents Sleep is the fourth book in C.S. Harris’s excellent Regency mystery series featuring the noble sleuth, Sebastian St. Cyr. I’ve enjoyed all the titles in the series so far, but this one is my favourite.

Still recovering from unwelcome family revelations and his bitter break-up with the actress Kat Boleyn, Sebastian St. Cyr has spent the last few months at the bottom of a bottle. Salvation comes in an unlikely form.

Hero Jarvis, the spinster daughter of St. Cyr’s enemy, Lord Jarvis, asks for his assistance in solving a murder case. Eight prostitutes were brutally murdered in a Quaker refuge for fallen women. The authorities are treating the case as an accidental fire, but Hero Jarvis knows better. She was present in the house when the murderers came and she is the only survivor of the attack. Her father, Lord Jarvis, the true power behind Regency England, refuses to allow her to investigate the matter in case her presence in a house of women of questionable virtue should become public knowledge. Hero has no intention of ever marrying, and cares little for her reputation, so she turns to Sebastian for help.

Sebastian’s interest is piqued. He dislikes Hero Jarvis but recognizes her sharp intelligence. Hero finds Sebastian disconcerting. She finds him attractive but is loathe to admit this, not even to herself. When Sebastian and Hero discover one of the murdered prostitutes was the daughter of a peer of the realm, the plot thickens. It soon appears that anyone and everyone connected to the case is being murdered, and attempts are made on Hero’s life. With Hero in grave danger, they must hurry to find the killers before they find them.

This is an excellent mystery. It’s fast-paced with a genuinely interesting storyline. I love both Sebastian and Hero, but Hero’s presence really made the book for me. I never warmed to Kat Boleyn and I was glad to see her only appear in a couple of scenes. The potential love triangle could still go either, way, though. I’m rooting for Hero!

C.S. Harris writes well and her attention to period detail is impressive. I suspect the St. Cyr series attracts a niche audience but not many readers beyond it. I find that a shame. For anyone who likes historical mysteries with a dash of romance, I can highly recommend this series. Grade: A-

Other Titles in the Sebastian St. Cyr series:

What Angels Fear (2005)

When Gods Die (2006)

Why Mermaids Sing (2007)

This review is the start of a new feature on my blog: reviews of Vintage Mysteries. I’m a huge fan of old mysteries by authors such as Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Ngaio Marsh, to name but a few.

My first Vintage Mystery review is of The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey. Josephine Tey (a.k.a. Elizabeth Mackintosh) is one of the Grand Dames of Mystery. Although her books are woefully underrated, she is the author of some of the most compelling mysteries I’ve ever read. Of the eight mysteries which she wrote under the pseudonym Josephine Tey, The Daughter of Time is my favourite. It is not strictly an historical mystery as the action occurs in the present day (late 1940s), but the murders under investigation happened in the 15^th Century.

Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard is recovering is hospital after a bad accident. He has to spend months in bed after injuring his back. Bored to tears – and uninspired by the numerous novels left by well-meaning friends – he finds unexpected inspiration in a serious of prints. They are prints of portraits on display at the Victoria and Albert museum. Grant has always been fascinated by faces and believes they are the key to a person’s true personality. The one portrait which particularly strikes him is of a young man wearing clothes of the late 15^th Century. Grant is surprised when he turns it over to discover that the portrait is of King Richard III, the alleged murderer of his young nephews, the Princes in the Tower.

His interest piqued – and having nothing else to do – Grant decides to find out more about King Richard and the fate of the princes. He starts by borrowing some old school books from one of his nurses. He shows the portrait to various visitors and asks them to speculate on what kind of man the subject was. Then he asks them what they know of Richard III. The more he learns, the more he is confused. It seems to Grant that the story of Richard the Wicked Uncle was passed down the generations, growing more terrible with each telling. He wants facts, not Chinese whispers.

With the help of a friend, Grant comes into contact with a young American research student named Brent Carradine. Carradine is enthusiastic and without British prejudice. Grant decides he’s perfect for the task. Thus commences an unusual partnership whereby Carradine conducts the research in the outside world and Grant analyses his findings from his hospital bed. The further they dig, a surprising image of Richard III begins to emerge.

This is a brilliantly-realized mystery novel. It’s a fascinating study in hearsay and how history twists facts. The story is highly original in its execution and is not a police procedural in the usual sense. The conclusion to which Grant comes regarding Richard III’s alleged culpability in the murders of his nephews has been used to support the relevant side in pro-contra debates. Although my professor stressed that the book is fiction, The Daughter of Time was required reading for a university course I took on The Wars of the Roses.

For fans of vintage mysteries and history buffs, Josephine Tey’s The Daughter of Time is a rare treat. Grade: A