Tuesday, February 21, 2017

A Cast of Vultures by Judith Flanders


First Line: There was every possibility that I was dead, and my brain hadn't got the memo.

Samantha Clair hasn't even had time to recuperate from her post-book-party hangover when she finds herself right in the middle of a case of missing neighbors and suspected arson.

She's already hot on the trail of the missing neighbor when she learns that the fire did claim a victim. Now she's being followed by a determined pair of thugs. Good thing she has a Scotland Yard boyfriend, a loyal assistant, and a comprehensive knowledge of London's farmer's markets.

There's no simpler way to put this: I love Judith Flanders' Samantha Clair mysteries! Sam and I agree on meetings, shopping, and socializing. Now if I were only one-tenth as witty as she....

The mystery is a good one in A Cast of Vultures, even though the reader quickly learns the identity of the killer. The trick is in deducing why. In addition, Sam's impromptu investigation has some very scary moments in her home and at Kew Gardens-- and they showed me the importance of having a flashlight app on my smartphone.

Flanders also serves up another brilliant glimpse into the world of publishing. This time Sam's publishing house is restructuring in order to save money. The problem is, the experts that have been brought in have no clue what Sam and her co-workers actually do. Sound familiar?

The author (who is also one of the foremost social historians of the Victorian Era) has served up what is, to me, the perfect blend of mystery, the world of books, characters with whom you want to be best friends, wit, and humor. I don't want her to ever stop writing them. They are a delight, and if you haven't read any of them, I urge you to do so as quickly as possible. 



   

A Cast of Vultures by Judith Flanders
eISBN: 9781250087843
Minotaur Books © 2017
eBook, 320 pages

Amateur Sleuth, #3 Samantha Clair mystery
Rating: A+
Source: Net Galley  


 

6 comments:

  1. This one sounds as though it's got some wit in there with a good mystery, Cathy. And I always appreciate that. Thanks - this is tempting.

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    1. I'm sending "read me, read me" vibes your way, Margot... I love this series!

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  2. I have the first two in this series. Why have I not read them yet? Sigh.

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    1. For the same reason that I haven't read so many of mine!

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  3. This does sound good. I'll try to find it at the library.

    In what period of time is this set?

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