I’ve consumed a few mysteries this week and thought I’d share my thoughts on the stories.

Here’s what I just finished this week, with my associated star rating and review just below:

The Falcon Always Wings Twice is book #27 in the Meg Langslow series that Donna Andrews started long ago. I’ve read many if not most of the earlier books. This installment comes after I (evidently) missed a few! The book was entertaining, as all of them are, but a little slow in pacing, hence the 3-stars. I found I didn’t run to get back to it. Rather, I took my time reading it, especially when some of the explanations were a little long-winded. It was good that I was already fond of some of the characters who appeared briefly in this book.

Of note: Meg’s grandfather in the book was “old” in book one. Her sons are now teenagers (and they weren’t born yet in book one) so you know the aging of certain characters doesn’t necessarily keep up in the series. No matter, this IS fiction, after all. People are immortal in fiction. It did make me pause a bit, though, realizing that Grandfather had been around for ages and ages.

Three stars.

Deathtrap: A Thriller in Two Acts is a book that was recommended in Eight Perfect Murders as one of the murders the protagonist read and used in the commission of his crimes. I had to request it from the library, as it is an older play. Once I got into this play, I found that some of the twists were intriguing! It is definitely worth a read–for anyone who likes a good mystery/thriller. Short, but entertaining! You’ll see why it left an impression, if you have the chance to read it.

Four stars.

A long time ago I read a great romance by the prolific author, Jude Deveraux. I haven’t read much of her since, but I saw this book in my local bookstore, and it called out to be read. It is book #1 in the Medlar Mystery series. I wasn’t disappointed. I read a lot of mysteries, and this was an interesting blend of mystery series with a twist of some of the traditional elements of romance. The result was a fresh new series, which I will continue reading.

Here’s my review on Goodreads:

• While the mystery itself wasn’t the most suspenseful or surprising, the characters were interesting. This book was an easy read, with lots of entertaining details. Of course, some characters were a little improbable, but I’m looking forward to how the series progresses. Definitely a fresh series.

Of note: some reviewers in Goodreads found the discussion of food choices throughout the book a little tedious. I found it amusing. I keep waiting for the red-headed green-eyed (very typical heroine for a romance) main character wise up to the keto choices her friends are making. Have some bacon-wrapped cheese! Your body will thank you later.

I read this over the course of a day. Generally, when I read straight through like that, it’s a sign the book was engaging enough to keep my interest. This one was.

Five stars.