Reading two new mysteries by two very different authors was a study in contrast. Two different styles, settings and two very contrasting outlook and narrative.
“The Black Cat” A Richard Jury Mystery by Martha Grimes is happening in England. The set up is between London and country side. Detective Jury is an old fashion gentleman and a large part of the book is filled with philosophical debates and amusing side stories. The cast of characters aside from humans include a very smart dog, a litter of kittens and three black cats.
The murder mystery by itself is not very intriguing. What kept my attention was the faith of Morris the pub cat and how many tricks the dog is going to pull! I know, I know… it says a lot about the book, doesn’t it?! I felt like an 80-something with Alzheimer, reading the book.
“The case of the man who died laughing” (From the Files of Vish Puri, Most Private Investigator) by Tarquin Hall is happening in Delhi, India. After you get used to different vocabulary (a lot of Indian words) the story is very absorbing. You learn about a totally different life style and culture. The plot by itself is intriguing: there is the main murder mystery; there is also a theft, a couple of family confusions and a case of fraud. Now it seems like a very busy plot, doesn’t it? I think that’s where Mr. Hall shows his mastery in storytelling. We can follow all these subplots easily and without any confusion. One book of his and he has become one of my favorite authors!
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