January 2020 is over and done with, so it’s time to celebrate books. There’s so much negativity at the moment that I’ve decided to embrace the positive – books are wonderful and people should read them! But should they read the same books that I read this month?

Eleven books reviewed this January, but I actually read two more. One is a Brian Flynn that I’m saving as I’m reviewing (and re-reviewing) books 11 to 20 in order and I had to jump ahead for that one. The other is an upcoming E & M A Radford, out in March from Dean Street Press, which I thought I’d save until nearer publication date. Those two are top notch classic mysteries, but what about the eleven that I reviewed. And, in the spirit of being positive, I’m only going to say nice things about them. Probably. Possibly. Well, maybe about most of them…

The books were:

• A Deed Without A Name by Dorothy Bowers – one of her titles recently reprinted by Moonstone Press. Another writer hopefully rescued from obscurity.
• The Padded Door by Brian Flynn – a stunning surprise halfway through is the highlight of another entertaining outing for Anthony Bathurst.
• Behind Closed Doors by Kerry Wilkinson – a strong modern mystery/thriller (probably more of the later).
• The Edge Of Terror by Brian Flynn – a sort-of serial killer mystery, although it rapidly becomes clear that the killer has a non-random agenda. Loads of fun.
• Crossing The Line by Kerry Wilkinson – the first book in Act Two of the Jessica Daniel series and it feels like it, more set-up than most. Good, but not his best as a standalone.
• Nine Elms by Robert Bryndza – a page-turner of a thriller, gets a bit silly towards the end.
• Whisky From Small Glasses by Denzil Meyrick – disqualified from the Puzzly for an unnecessary, in my book, method of violent death.
• Born In A Burial Gown by M W Craven – now this is how “grim” thrillers should be done. Outstanding work from Craven – again.
• Inspector Ghote Plays A Joker by H R F Keating – starts off uncomfortably by referring to shooting flamingos as a “practical joke” and then just becomes a bit dull. Not for me, others will disagree.
• She Moved Through The Fair by Susanna M Newstead – interesting setting and lead character, but the only prize I can give it is Most Obvious Locked Room Ever.
• Death In White Pyjamas by John Bude – a great first two-thirds, tailing off a bit once the sleuth arrives, but an entertaining read nonetheless.

So, book of the month? Well, it’ll be one classic, one modern. For the modern title, it’s Born In A Burial Gown – looking forward to Body Breaker which is high on my TBR – and for the classic, yes, it’s that man again, Brian Flynn, with The Edge Of Terror just pipping The Padded Door. Just.

Oh, and if you want to find out even more about dear old Brian… can I direct you to this year’s Bodies From The Library conference? It seems that someone is giving a talk on him…