“The Mistletoe Murder” ©2016 by P.D. James
This is an enjoyable set of four short Christmas mystery stories.
“The Mistletoe Murder” is supposedly a murder that had happened in the author’s past during WWII when she had spent a Christmas holiday with some relatives that she did not know very well. She thinks they invited her to use her presence to help cover up a murder of a second cousin.
“A Very Commonplace Murder” was a little eerie as the murderer revisits the scene of their crime years later and reminisces.
“The Boxdale Inheritance” we get a bit of P.D. James’ Chief Superintendent Dalgliesh who investigates where an inheritance is actually coming from for an old friend. When he finds out, he keeps the true answer covered up.
“The Twelve Clues of Christmas” Chief Inspector Dalgliesh is driving to a relative’s home to celebrate Christmas and is stopped by someone in the road needing help. The someone has contrived with his family to murder the patriarch of the family. Dalgliesh explains to the arriving police the “twelve clues” to prove it was murder.
“The Ladies of Missalonghi” ©1987 by Colleen McCullough
This is a light romance story set in Australia at the turn of the twentieth century. Three women, two older sisters and a daughter live in respectable poverty in a small town run by the male members of their large and extended family. The daughter, Missy, meets a new friend and she starts to become more confident and determined.
When a handsome stranger arrives in town, Missy decides she is going to marry him and eventually she does. Part of the unexpected little twist is that Missy’s new friend is actually her new husband’s first wife. Good fun.
“Harriet the Spy” ©1964 by Louise Fitzhugh
Harriet is a 6th grader who wants to be a spy. She practices by watching people, being sneaky, and taking notes on everything all day long.
Then, two things happen; her dear nanny gets married and moves away and her classmates read her journal and shun her.
Harriet has some hard times and her parents do everything they can think of to help. Finally, her nanny writes her an encouraging letter and Harriet apologizes to her classmates. Life starts to go back to normal.
I liked that the heroine wasn’t perfect and that her parents were not evil.
“Cold Comfort Farm” ©1932 by Stella Gibbons
Flora is a young adult who has been orphaned and is now nearly penniless. She decides that she must live with relatives. Flora writes to several and chooses the Starkadders and their place, the “Cold Comfort Farm”. As soon as she arrives, she immediately goes to work to improve the family who are all eccentric and could frankly use the help. Good fun!
“Black as He’s Painted” ©1973 by Ngaio Marsh
The President from Ng’ombwane, a former British colony in Africa, is visiting England to solidify relations with the British government and make a good-will tour. The President, who’s nick name is ‘Boomer’ also happens to be an old school chum of Inspector Alleyn’s. The secret service enlists Alleyn’s help in getting Boomer’s cooperation with security measures.
During a flamboyant reception at the Ng’ombwane embassy a gunshot rings out. In the ensuing confusion the ambassador is found to be killed by a large spear.
Inspector Alleyn weaves his way around the intrigue and the varied persons who would wish the President or the ambassador dead.
Good Read!
“Cheaper by the Dozen” ©1949 by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
This is a fast-paced memoir of a very large family in the early part of the twentieth century. The father, Frank Gilbreth, Sr. was an efficiency engineer along with his wife, Lillian. They were quite famous for their scientific studies, lectures and programs to help streamline everything from daily baths, factory work, typewriting and military stuff.
While the book touches on this, it is the zany antics of the large (12 children) family that is the focus of the book. It really is a tribute to Frank and Lillian Gilbreth by their children.
Really good read.
“Belles on Their Toes” ©1950 by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
A continuation of the Gilbreth family memoir starting in the 1920’s after Father, Frank Gilbreth, Sr., had died suddenly of a heart attack. This is a tribute to their mother, Lillian.
Mother, Lillian Gilbreth, takes over the Efficiency business and slowly proves herself to the male dominated work force to be more than capable. Thus, the family is able to provide for itself and stay together.
The book tells of the children growing up, going to college, and getting married until all eleven (Mary died of diphtheria with nothing but a footnote!) are grown and Mother is happily living on her own.
A little more sober of a story, but still very good.