Thursday, February 3, 2022

January Reads!

I was pleased and surprised to have read five books this month. Take a look at a fascinating book about Broadway bombs, intriguing mysteries and a fanciful scenario -- what if "Queen Elizabeth" escaped the palace? It's a real mix  of mystery, fiction and non-fiction and all by authors new to me. First up is "Mrs. Queen Takes the Train."

Mrs. Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn


This delightful romp finds the Queen (yes, THE Queen) a bit bored and down, given all the issues going on with her family. The Royal Train may be decommissioned and she finds herself missing the Brittania, which is now a museum in Leith, Scotland. She decides to visit the Royal Mews and disappears from Buckingham Palace on her walk, causing great worry amongst her staff.

While at the Mews, it begins to rain and Rebecca, who works with the Queen's horses there, gives the queen her hoodie when a rainstorm pops up. But somehow, the queen is not recognized or permitted back through the private grounds of the palace, she ends up walking back on the London streets -- until she decides to take a detour that first takes her to the famed Paxton and Whitehead cheese shop, then King's Cross train station and, aboard a passenger train, up to Scotland. 

As she makes new friends on the train, who do not recognize her, she is being tracked by Rebecca, the cheese shop merchant, a butler, an equerry, her dresser, and a lady in waiting, most of whom have no idea where she is going. 

This lively book is great fun -- and it really does make one wonder what would happen if the queen did don a disguise and hit the rails.

The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji


In this homage to Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," author Ayatsuji sets up an intriguing mystery featuring a group of college students who are part of a mystery reading society who decide to visit a now-deserted island with a home where a grizzly murder once took place. One by one, the students are killed, some in similar ways to the original murder and others far differently.

Meanwhile, on land, two of their friends -- and a mysterious stranger -- are interested in the original murder. The two cases -- and the Christie story -- come together with a devilish twist that would do Dame Agatha proud.

Death of a Busybody by George Bellairs


This British Library Crime Classic focuses on the death of the town busybody, and there is no shortage of suspects. Is the murderer her brother, who might be cut out of her will? Her faithful servant and heir, Sarah, who now will be allowed to marry? A neighbor with whom she was seen having a spat? Or one of many other characters in this quaint village?

Detective Littlejohn is called in from Scotland Yard to assist the local constabulary and the case is cleverly presented with enough red herrings to fill a fish market! The descriptive passages are so lively that I'm pretty sure I'd recognize the busybody if I ran into her in the streets! A police sketch artist would kill for so much detail! (My only criticism: writing in so much dialect can take a while to adjust to!)

Second Act Trouble: Behind the Scenes of Broadway's Biggest Musical Bombs by Steven Suskin


Mary Tyler Moore as Holly Golightly in a musical of "Breakfast at Tiffany's." A musical based on "The Thin Man." A blockbuster star in a show that stays out on the road so long that even a reasonable Broadway run cost the producers millions? A temperamental actor as Henry VIII in a musical about the king and his wives? (Ironically, a different musical called "Six Wives" is now playing on Broadway with terrific reviews. Well, playing as much as Covid precautions allow.)

What could go wrong?

Plenty! In this fascinating behind the scenes book, editor Steven Suskind compiles essays by leading journalists and critics about twenty-five musicals that had great promise, either because of their esteemed writers and composers or because they had A-list stars. And every single one was either a critical or financial flop, some closing after one night, others limping along but losing millions.

If you've ever been curious about what happens when a script is bad, a star is temperamental or the director just isn't getting the right stuff from his actors, this book will fill you in. I discovered that many a musical (and no doubt non-musicals) might have plenty of hands in the pie -- well known names that are often uncredited and who might add new scenes or help rip out content that isn't working. And I learned a lot about the financial side of Broadway -- enough to know I'm not investing my retirement in the next big musical, no matter who writes it!

Murder in Chianti by Camilla Trinchieri


This is the first in a series of books featuring former NY detective Nico Doyle. After the death of his wife, Nico moves to Tuscany where his in-laws. In his new town he helps his wife's cousin in the family restaurant, has his own garden, invents recipes, adopts a dog and is living a quiet life.

But when he discovers a gruesome murder while walking, he is slowly drawn into the investigation. The dead man appears to not be a local, but as the case progresses, they discover he is no stranger to the area, having bedded some of the town's women two decades before and having left the town after being accused of theft. There are plenty with a motive for murder and the chase is on.

It's a good, solid mystery. The settings are lush, the characters well drawn. But the real treat? The fabulous descriptions of food prepared by Nico and the restaurant staff, I swear, it made me want to roast peppers and try the sauce he was creating, or at the very least, enjoy a fabulous Italian dinner with wonderful wine. It's somewhat reminiscent of Donna Leon's "Brunetti" mysteries (especially regarding the food) but with enough differences to make it a fun read on its own. 

Sharing with:   Share Your Style  /  Pink Saturday 

54 comments:

Sue in Suffolk said...

Love a good book list! I've straight away requested the final one in your list from the library. (Already read the 3rd)
So thank you for the ideas

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

That behind the scenes of Broadway book looks interesting!

Lynne said...

You certainly kept “January in reads.”
I read a few as well, although you get the star.
I finally read Lincoln Highway and it received a ⭐️ . . .
I enjoy Amor Towles . . .

bobbie said...

I must see about getting my hands on thoswe first two!!
TFS ~

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

You had a great January, didn't you?!

Death of a Busybody sounds like great fun, and Mrs. Queen Takes the Train reminds me of The Uncommon Reader, where the queen wanders into a library and suddenly becomes a reader.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'll add some of these to my reading list...especially that first one! It sounds like great fun! Happy reading! We like so many of the same books!

My name is Erika. said...

This is a fun read Jeanie. I must say I started to listen to The Queen Takes the Train a couple of months ago but I couldn't get into it. I don't think it was the book but more me, as I tried several books that month before I found one that would work. But I still have it in my Audible library so I should try it again. The Decagon House Murders sounds great. I think I might have to look for a copy of that. As does Murder in Chianti. I've been eyeing some of those British Classic Mysteries too. You are right about the covers. Thanks for this fun list. I'm posting my book list tomorrow. Did you get any snow? hugs-Erika

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Our reading tastes are as different as night and day but I'm always happy to read book reviews by ordinary people...not that your ordinary, you're just not a professional reviewer is what I meant. Books are the icing on our cakes.

Mae Travels said...

The mysteries look like a lot of fun. I think that Japanese readers especially like locked room mysteries and mysteries about isolated groups of people. Both plots were popular in the so-called golden age of mystery writing. I haven't read the one you reviewed, and will put it on my list, thank you!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Pam said...

I used to have tons of books but at one point I decided to get rid of them, I only read them once. Then I had to clean out moms. There are still some of Holly's (my nieces) in the basement. I have been collecting a few books here and there when I feel like reading. With that being said, I am planning on making an outdoor library to put at the end of my yard on the side street. But some of Holly's younger books and some that I have to let others come and get them. They can then leave what they want. I am going to post it on the neighborhood page for folks to know. We also have a giving box like the library but its for food in our hood. Thanks for sharing.

Jean | Delightful Repast said...

Jeanie, I'll be looking for something light-hearted and entertaining when I get through my current weighty tome, and that first one will fill the bill nicely. Thanks for the recommendations.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

What a great month of reading! The Queen Elizabeth one looks especially delightful!!

NGS said...

Do you think Second Act Trouble would be interesting for people who don't really follow Broadway? I mean, it seems like reading about fiascos would be entertaining no matter what, but do you need background knowledge to enjoy it?

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, looks like you had some interesting January reads. I completed three books and almost finished with my first in February. I always enjoy your reviews, happy reading!

anno said...

Wow -- these are ALL new to me, and each one looks terrific. And just when I needed something to read while I wait for the next Ruth Galloway to come out.... very timely. Thanks, Jeanie!

Bill said...

Nice list of books. I sent this post to my wife who loves these kinds of books.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

They all sound great. I want to read the last one!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

As usual all of your books are interesting, but the first about the Queen seems such a novel and fresh plot. I have to go find it!

Jenn Jilks said...

I love me a good mystery! I'll save these titles!

Valerie-Jael said...

You've read some good books. I love the British crime classics books, they are all good. Hugs, Valerie

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,
I do enjoy your book post. I see a few I think I would like to read, I will see if I can find them. Take care, enjoy your day!

Sandra Cox said...

The first book, especially, sounds fun.

William Kendall said...

Good suggestions!

Julierose said...

I really liked Mrs. Queen--it was a fun read; I will check out the others--I love mysteries..
I am reading the Kate Martinelli Mysteries by Laurie R. King--The first one is "A Grave Talent"--excellent storyline and good mystery...
Thanks for the book suggestions, hugs, Julierose

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Readers are my kind of people! I have a few books here to review for Princeton University Press, so that's what I'll be reading for the next little while.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jeanie, those all sound like good books. Right now I am reading my usual "fluff" stories about Ireland. Anything Irish is fascinating to me..Happy Thursday..xxoJudy

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Every one of your January books sound like I would enjoy them all. I always love a great mystery and that Second Act book sounds interesting, too. I wisdh I had more time to read, because I would read every book you reviewed this time!

Carola Bartz said...

Have you ever read "The Queen and I" by Sue Townsend? That's what came to my mind when I read about your Queen book. I think you would also like the "Bruno, Chief of Police" series by Martin Walker which takes place in France. The description of the food is delicious (and not recommended to read when one is hungry).

A Small Village in France said...

ohh thank you! it's cold and dreary here and these look like just the thing to snuggle up with! Always appreciate a good list!!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Your header is adorable!.... I love a good book, and go through stages where I'll read two or three and then I just don't get into another one for a while. Thanks for sharing the list! ...

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Your book reading posts are always interesting and especially the synopsis you provide, Jeanie. My problem is that my library rarely has some of the ones you mention in its collection, which can be so frustrating. Still, I will once again check and see if any of those you included here are available. I recently read Vandebilt (Anderson Cooper & Katherine Howe) and Hostage (Claire Mackintosh).

La Table De Nana said...

Noting Murder In Chianti:)

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Nice reviews
On to February. :)

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
WOW!! 5 books in a month!! I wish I can find the time but i think the answer to that is that I need to make the time....They all sound so interesting!! I love crime books...We had all rain yesterday but now we are getting belted with freezing rain and ice and everything is coated....I am working on taking down Christmas in my craft room....Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie

NanaDiana said...

Wow! Good for you for doing so much reading. I can't seem to find the time to read right now. I have a shelf of books to read but my time seems to get filled with other things. I added a couple of your books to my "to read" list. Thanks for the reviews. xo Diana

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

WOW, Jeanie - you are amazing. All the books look interesting and this is a perfect time for reading. Snow is falling here as I write this.

Enjoy your days - soon it will be time to be outside.

gigi-hawaii said...

The "Queen" book sounds like fun. Reminds me of "The Prince and the Pauper."

Joanne Huffman said...

I need more books and less tv.

Ricki Treleaven said...

I just looked them up, and there are many British Library Crime Classics, but there are several authors who write them. How many have your read?

Polly said...

I should make an effort to read more but I spend most of my time on my dolls house. I like the sound of Mrs Queen :-)

Prims By The Water said...

Have fun reading. No time for me. Janice

Carol @ The Red Painted Cottage said...

Jeanie, All these books grabbed my attention! I’ve added them to my Amazon wishlist, but for now I’ve got so many books I’ve bought for my Kindle, I’ve no idea when I’ll get to them all, even though I read one book right after another.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Mrs. Queen Takes The Train sounds like a really fun read - I'll add that to my list. I love Broadway shows, so I'd be interested in reading about what goes on behind-the-scenes in the theater world.

Anca said...

You read a few murder mysteries last month. I'm not too sure about the first one, on the Queen, but I am intrigued by The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji.
Happy reading in February! xx

Victoria Zigler said...

That's an excellent reading month. And looks like some great reads there.

Rustic Pumpkin said...

Well done on 5!
I can just imagine HRH doing a sly runner if she set her mind to it. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me to learn she has at some point in the past. She loves to be "ordinary", well, that's as ordinary as you can be for the most famous woman in the world!

Iris Flavia said...

I even an imagine the Queen doing all this for real!
From what I saw she has a great sense of humor!
I´m so stuck with books atm, it´s sad...

Linda Stoll said...

Mrs. Queen sounds like a fascinating romp!

My dad's from Great Britain and I was raised with all things royal!

The French Hutch said...

Oh I do enjoy your reviews Jeanie. You've had good company with your reads for January. Just reading your review has me smiling at the thought of the Queen wandering off. Sounds perfectly delightful. I've always enjoyed Agatha Christie, love a good mystery. Behind the scenes for Second Act, well not sure, I can't imagine anyone in the role of Holly Golightly other than Audrey Hepburn. You are off to a good start with your list for 2022. Taking notes.......

Lowcarb team member said...

Thank you for sharing these January reads, a good list ... especially the first one.

Here's to more good reading during February.

All the best Jan

Buttercup said...

What a great list. I finished four books and am off and running for at least the same in February. I'm especially interested in the Italian setting for the last book. I'm so eager for a trip to Italy and it's not happening soon, so I'm happy to read about Italy. Take care!

Danielle L Zecher said...

I love it when you do these posts. :-) I haven't read any of these, but they all sound good.

crackercrumblife said...

These all sound so good!

Sami said...

A great list Jeanie.
I just went to a Charity shop today and bought 3 books which will be added to my pile of books still to be read... I need more days in my month!!

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