The Art Fiasco - Poppy Denby Investigates by Fiona Veitch Smith

While in Newcastle visiting her family, investigative reporter Poppy Denby agrees to work as the press liaison for famous local artist Agnes Robson. She is soon fending off questions about Agnes’ past involvement with her art teacher, Michael Brownly, who died under suspicious circumstances 27 years previously. But when Agnes is murdered, Poppy must delve into that past, and a possibility link between the two.

This is my second book in the series that I’ve read (The Jazz Files being my first), and Vetch Smith has created another great read for me. She does well in presenting the era (between the wars) and the setting (Newcastle and its surrounding mining towns) while weaving in some very serious themes which become fundamental elements of the mystery. The experienced mystery reader will have little trouble sorting out the mystery, but it has enough complexity to keep you guessing for much of the book.

And the character of Poppy has evolved so much since the initial book! While she may still be young, she has learned better how to navigate her way around in the world. She is definitely more confident in her work, and willing to comfortably add her voice and her opinions. I must read the three books in the series that I missed.

All in all a fun, entertaining read.

Source: Review copy - Lion Hudson Ltd via NetGalley

Other Opinions - Falmouth Book Baristas

Dance of Death by Helen McCloy

The morning after her coming out party the body of beautiful socialite Kitty Jocelyn is found in a snowbank. An autopsy reveals death was due to the effects of a diet drug which Kitty advertised, but never took. Suspicion falls on family, as well as her small circle of family, swains, and employees, but none has a discernable motive. Who would murder a beautiful eighteen-year-old girl without an enemy in the world? By focusing on the unconscious actions of the suspects, Dr. Basil Willing uncovers the “psychic fingerprints” that will ultimately lead to the culprit.

Originally published in 1938, this was Helen McCloy’s first book, and the first of fourteen books featuring Dr. Basil Willing, a psychiatrist who acts as an adviser to the New York district attorney's office. There is quite a bit here that I liked. The character is well versed in Freudian psychoanalysis and it is this knowledge, as it applies to individuals and clues, which he uses in solving a case. It’s an interesting take on the role of the amateur detective. And while I’m aware of writers having their detectives base their investigations on the phycological makeup of the suspect/culprit, I’ve not seen it to this degree. 

The plot is clever and provides a lot more than murder for the reader to contend with. The murder is quite unique; McCoy’s use of a doppelganger leads to initial confusion over the victim’s identity; well-known party guests (and gate crashers) can’t be found, and almost everyone, including some servants, has something to hide. In addition, it’s hard to figure out who a murderer is when there is no obvious motive. Nearly everyone concerned had a reason for needing the victim alive. How’s that for a red herring?

An intriguing mystery, and a very entertaining read.

Source: Review copy - Agora Books via NetGalley

Murder in the East End by Jennifer Ashley

Kat Halloway had no idea that her friend Daniel McAdam had a brother, or that he was a vicar. But one rainy night, at Daniel’s request, she meet with Errol Fielding who makes a request of her. Fielding, who holds a governor’s seat on the board of the Foundling Hospital, has found that some of the children, and a nurse, have gone missing from the Home. He wants Kat to look into it, and while she’s unsure of Fielding and his intentions, she can’t say no. Kat’s questions uncover some very unsavory facts, but with the lives of innocent children at stake she’s not going to stop until she gets to the truth.

I have read all of the books in the Kat Halloway series and enjoyed each and every one. And this latest in the series is a fabulous addition. The main plot is a complex one, exploring a theme (child exploitation) that is darker than in any of the previous books, but Ashely handles it in a mature and sensitive manner. 

It’s not all darkness though, as Kat continues in her role as cook for the Bywaters, which means that all of my favorite characters are back (upstairs and downstairs) and Ashely introduces some delightful new ones too. As always, Kat is engaging, intelligent, and strong of character, and Daniel—is an enigma. But, Ashely does let us in on a few new tidbits to keep us satisfied until the next book comes out. 

This is definitely a favorite for me in the historical mystery genre. I’ll be waiting patiently for the next book, but in the meantime, I recommend that you read this one now.

Source: Review copy - Berkeley Publishing via NetGalley

Other opinions: Sarah @ Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, Stormi @ Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My!, Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer, Deborah @ The Reading Chick