So, a quick Puzzly as I’ve my end of year post to prepare for. Christmas generated quite a haul of book presents (especially if you count my Coffee and Crime Advent Calendar)

Enough of that though, let’s take a quick look at what I read this month.

• The Night Of Fear by Moray Dalton – interesting reprint – not as strong as The Strange Case Of Harriet Hall but good nonetheless.
• Golden Ashes by Freeman Wills Crofts – a lesser outing for Inspector French
• Puzzle For Puppets by Patrick Quentin – disappointing change in direction into thriller territory for the series
• The Chinese Gold Murders by Robert Van Gulik – I didn’t see the charm of this one. Sorry
• Death And The Chevalier by Robin Blake – interesting medieval tale but not a focussed murder mystery.
• Inspector French and the Starvel Tragedy by Freeman Wills Crofts – a top notch outing for Inspector French.
• The House Of Shadows by Paul Doherty – a cracking historical mystery
• The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo – a complex – possibly over-complex – locked room mystery
• Dead Lion by John and Emery Bonett – an interesting set-up from authors I’ve not encountered before.
• My Little Eye by Stephanie Marland – enjoyable modern thriller. A good start for the series.
• Assume Nothing, Believe Nobody, Challenge Everything by M W Craven – an outstanding selection of short stories.

Best read of the month? Definitely The Starvel Tragedy. Not wishing to confuse people with the phrase “Humdrum, my arse” again, I shall be a little clearer for those not familiar with English vernacular. “Humdrum? My dear fellow, you could not be further from the truth.”