Graves, Sarah. The Book of Old Houses. Another library book, but not a successful one. The 11th book in this series about Jacobia Tiptree, it is the first one that I've read.
An old book (evidence of the supernatural?), a murdered rare book expert, a friend looking for revenge, an old house in the midst of renovation...all sounds intriguing. However, a narrative unable to focus seems the result. An awful lot of time is devoted to the destruction and remodeling of an old bathroom and the amusing(?) results. Misdirection throughout, but a sense of logic and cohesion seems lacking, and motive seems questionable.
Fiction. Mystery. 2008. 294 pages.
Boo. Sounds boring. I'll steer clear.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry this one didn't turn out well. I've heard mostly good things about this particular author, although this is the first I've heard of this book.
ReplyDeleteraych - I was disappointed in this one. Oh, well!
ReplyDeleteLF - I'd never heard of her before, but the premise sounded interesting so I checked it out. Maybe this one just doesn't live up to her previous novels. That does happen sometimes...
Ah what a bummer and especially with a premise like that - old book, murdered rare book expert. I wonder if earlier books are any better? This is a cozy right?
ReplyDeleteIliana - Very possibly, the others are better. It is described as a cozy, but just felt light.
ReplyDelete