There is nothing more satisfying than reading a book while sipping a hot cup of tea.
For years, I have thought of taking part in the Reading Wales event but due to one reason or another, could not do so. This year, however, I have been able to read a mystery by one of my favourite authors who happens to be Welsh, Ethel Lina White. Put Out the Light was White's … Continue reading #ReadingWales’26: Put Out the Light by Ethel Lina White (1931)
The subtitle of Sober Truth, compiled by Margaret Barton and Osbert Sitwell reads: A Collection of 19th Century Episodes, Fantastic, Grotesque and Mysterious. Indeed, right at the beginning of the preface, Sitwell confesses that the aim of the compilers (was) more propagandist than literary. True to the professed aim, the first chapter had the description … Continue reading #ClassicsClub #FFB: Sober Truth (ed.) Margaret Barton and Osbert Sitwell (1930)
Police-Constable John Bragg is an ambitious young man who wants to be in the metropolitan CID. For this he keeps on noticing things, taking tours in the night, slinking in dark doorways, even rain does not deter him from his duty. The book chronicles 13 cases of our hero, starting in May 1935 when he … Continue reading Short Stories: Here Comes the Copper by Henry Wade (1938)
It is that time of the year again when we nominate and vote for the reprint of the year, thanks to Kate Jackson @ CrossexaminingCrime. If this is new(s) to you, see this post. This year, it gives me great pleasure to nominate one of my all-time-favourite murder mysteries: The Clock in the Hatbox by … Continue reading Reprint of the Year 2025: The Clock in the Hatbox by Anthony Gilbert
String-King Adrian Babbacombe is a self-made man. Born to be lord of the manor, he ran away from his country-estate and started working in a London factory while in his teens. This shocked his parents and three sisters who could not imagine somebody besmirching the family name by getting into trade. However, Babbacombe continued with … Continue reading Friday’s Forgotten Book: Mr. Babbacombe Dies by Miles Burton (1939)
John Horton is a mild-mannered small-time businessman stuck in a bad marriage. His wife, Ethel, spends more time with artistic 'modern' young men who John finds utterly vapid. There are only a few sparks in his dull routine-life: his secretary, Mary Brown and an annual weekly tour of the countryside on a cycle. When the … Continue reading Friday’s Forgotten Book: Exit John Horton by J. Jefferson Farjeon (1939)
Here are short notes on three mysteries by authors who were new to me: So I Killed Her by Leonard O. Mosley (1936) Durant Fletcher, a hugely successful British author of detective stories, settled in the USA, falls in love with avant-garde artist, Elizabeth. She too responds in kind though she tells him to try … Continue reading Three Vintage Mysteries
The Thaxton, Heatherling and Seventrees Archaeological Society (Thasas) is having its meeting at Heatherling Hall, the manor of the chairman, Stamford Eastwood. Among the twenty-five people who have come to hear a presentation by distinguished archaeologist, Dr. Cunningham, are the Vicar, the Reverend Henry Bloxford; Gentleman-farmer, Mr Rowson; Village bore, Mr Peter Musprat; and Messers … Continue reading Friday’s Forgotten Book: Death Greets a Guest by Charles Ashton (1936)
...the futility and the fragility of all our hopes and desires... 2025 has begun with life becoming exceedingly busy. Cleaning, shifting home, travelling (which was fun), and new responsibilities. Reading and blogging have taken a backseat but as things become more stream-lined, here are brief notes on some of the books read: Homecoming by Bernhard … Continue reading Short Notes on Four Novels
Stephen Munro, a demobbed army officer, runs through his inheritance in the years following the war and then takes up the job of a footman in the country-house of Lady Susan. Though he learns the ropes quickly from the butler Martin, he is non-plussed when Lady Susan throws a party and among the guests are … Continue reading Three Mysteries by Anthony Berkeley
a hot cup of pleasure 