Musings - The Significance of the Library of Alexandria

Library of Alexandria: A Lost Gem

    The Library of Alexandria was a massive library in ancient Egypt.  Although it wasn't the first, it was perhaps one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world, and certainly the most famous.  

    The first library was about five thousand years ago in Assyria (from Mesopotamia to the Nile area) called the Library of Ashurbanipal.

    The Library of Alexandria (about 2300 years ago) was famous for its quite large collection that included hundreds of thousands of scrolls on science, literature, mathematics, astronomy, poetry, and much more in languages from Greek to Hieroglyphics.  Ancient Rome had a high regard for arts and literature. The library no doubt had gathered Greek plays, art, and great philosophies from Plato and others since they were key to education.  It included collections from other cultures to broaden perspectives and preserve those items.  

    Unlike the Library of Ashurbanipal that was solely for the ruler's pleasure, Alexandria's was intended as a center for learning that attracted scholars from all over the region and meant to be a shining a beacon of knowledge, culture, and intellectual pursuit.  

    Even in ancient Egypt, learning and education were highly regarded as a crucial role in a society's success.  

    As part of it's mission as a learning center, it was strategically built in Alexandria.  The city was founded by Alexander the Great and developed under the Ptolemies and wisely located along trade routes that made the exchange of ideas and culture easily accessible. Because of being on several key trade routes, Alexandria was a convergence point of Egyptian, Jewish, Greek, and later Roman cultures-diversity, oh my.  This made it easier for scholars to travel to the library besides the ease of bringing items through the trade routes for the library's collections.

    The Library of Alexandria was conceived by Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great, during his reign around 283 BCE.  Ptolemy had the grand vision of a comprehensive collection of all available knowledge and put money and effort into the endeavor to acquire texts.  He also employed skilled scholars as part of the endeavor (experts and intellectuals, dang).  His ambitious vision continued under his successors, including Ptolemy II, who expanded the library’s holdings and influence.

    Historians believe besides the Library housing texts covering  math, science, and philosophy, it included the works of great thinkers like Euclid, Archimedes, and perhaps cultural items like the plays of Sophocles.  It held a melting pot of ideas and was home to many important works that contributed to the advancement of various fields. 

    As library science goes, its model reportedly combined knowledge, culture, and community that gave a role model for future libraries around the world.  The way the library organized its collection was revolutionary for its time as well. This system of organization laid the groundwork for modern libraries.  It is suggested that the importance of libraries in education and self-learning that demonstrated the importance of organizing knowledge for easier understanding and application may have its origins back with this ancient center of knowledge.

What Did It Look Like?

    We have only a few descriptions of the library and none are very detailed on the architecture.  A few ancient historians refer to it as a sprawling and impressive building, which leads us to believe it was designed in a grand architectural style, likely with soaring columns, open courtyards that were part of the time, and intricate carvings such as many important buildings featured. 

    Inside, the library probably housed reading rooms, lecture halls, and vast shelves lined with hundreds of thousands of papyrus scrolls.

    We do know that the library was part of the Mouseion, a larger complex dedicated to the Muses, the Greek goddesses of art and science. The library probably had sculptures and carvings featuring the Muses.

Destruction of the Library

There is no definitive cause, but the demise of the library has been attributed to a few factors.  Civil wars caused damage, a few fires--some accidental but some intentional as part of the civil unrest (talk about short sighted and stupid), a towering factor was Julius Caesar's sieges (from 48 to 47 BCE) causing a fire that did extensive damage. Then there is the emergence of Christianity that probably sparking tensions against all that knowledge from varying belief systems and cultures likely viewed as a threat to the one and only true belief system.

    The exact date and cause are up in the air--this could have been a blow to the morale of the people.  Here are some possible dates and causes:

• 272 CE: Emperor Aurelian may have destroyed the library during his war with Zenobia. 
• 297 CE: Diocletian may have destroyed the library. 
• 391 CE: Christian zealots may have destroyed the library. 
• 415 CE: Christian zealots may have destroyed the library.

    To add a little mystery to the library's destruction there is a theory of a plot by certain individuals (or perhaps a group of people) who wanted to control knowledge and thus keep a strangle-hold on power.  Giving credence to the idea that knowledge is indeed power. The theory goes that this cabal felt it could limit access to information and hamstring the growth of new and "dangerous" ideas by destroying the library.  Gee, things haven't changed much, have they?

But it was just a library, who cares? What difference does all that information, knowledge, and culture really make?

    If the library had continued rather than be destroyed, the potential impacts include our understanding of geometry (crucial for fields like architecture, design, and engineering) could have progressed much faster,   breakthroughs in medical knowledge and medical practices could have spurred significant innovations sooner and saved countless lives, and philosophies that could have influenced Roman thought (Rome had many faults), such as early forms of ethical or political philosophy that could have improved our politics around the globe for the better.  The cultural sharing could have decreased wars and fostered pacts and agreements instead.  That's just scratching the surface.

    The world might have witnessed a flourishing of creativity that rivaled or maybe even surpassed the Renaissance era in art and thought hundreds of years earlier. 

     Instead, many historians firmly believe the loss of all the knowledge that was critical to the empire's advancement was a significant contributing factor to the fall of Rome.  Rome had benefitted from the library and it was part of its power.  Yes, knowledge is that important to the survival of a society.  

    After the loss of the library, Rome experienced a decline in education and civic engagement.  There was a shift away from the principles that held Rome together and made it Rome.  According to historian Edward Gibbon, the "decline of the Roman Empire" was partly due to this reduction in civic duty and public learning.

    The Romans were renowned for their engineering prowess and administrative systems. But once the Library, the cultural and educational center of Alexandria, fell--Rome's days were numbered.  

    Roman society turned inward and cut off from others, innovation in many fields slowed to a halt without the stimulation of new ideas.  Those new ideas also challenged the traditions and ideologies, but their removal resulted in cultural stagnation. The fall of Rome led to the Dark Ages where education was limited and reserved for a select few behind doors and traditional beliefs and superstition ruled the masses.  An important lesson to be learned for our current day.

Lessons for the Modern World

    Today, the story of the Library of Alexandria serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of preserving knowledge. Libraries are not merely collections of books; they are vital to understanding history, culture, science, and many other key aspects of human existence. 

    The loss of the Library of Alexandria emphasizes the need for established systems that safeguard knowledge. Today, libraries serve as both sanctuaries and stores of wisdom. They ensure that we do not lose the hard-won knowledge of generations past. With community programs, reading clubs, and other initiatives in public libraries, we can imagine creating a spirit similar to that of the Library of Alexandria: where ideas flow freely and disciplines intertwine.

    Libraries are still the heart of our communities, just like the Library of Alexandria was in its time. They offer us a treasure trove of resources, from books to technology, helping us grow and discover new worlds through reading.  They preserve literature and historical documents, digitize texts, and provide access to information, making it easier for people to learn and share knowledge.

    We can support our libraries by borrowing books, attending events, volunteering, donating, and advocating for public funding to ensure that they continue to provide valuable resources for everyone.

    The Library of Alexandria remains a symbol of the importance of knowledge and learning in our lives.  It’s crucial to recognize that knowledge has power.  A well-informed society can innovate, create, and uphold unity, without it they will be the dust of history.

      A society that neglects knowledge is likely to repeat mistakes of the past.

Thank you for reading my book blog and please recommend to friends and family who may enjoy it.

Review - Murder at King's Crossing

I have been a fan of this series since the beginning, check out the prior reviews of books in the series.

1)  Murder on Swan Lake (review here) 

2)  Murder at Halfmoon Gate (review here) 

3)  Murder at Kensington Palace (review here)   

4)  Murder at Queen's Landing (review here) 

5)  Murder at Royal Botanic Gardens (review here) 

6)  Murder at the Serpentine Bridge (review here) 

7) Murder at the Merton Library (review here)

Author interview (click here) 

This series hasn't slowed down.  Let's find out what the newest book in this historical mystery series has in store for us.

Author: Andrea Penrose

Copyright: September 2024 (Berkley) 369 pgs

Series: 8th in Wrexford & Sloane Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Historical, Historical Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Charlotte Saybrook, a satirical cartoonist under the name A.J. Quill

Setting: Regency Era, London England

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: "Celebration is in the air at Wrexford and Charlotte’s country estate as they host the nuptials of their friends, Christopher Sheffield and Lady Cordelia Mansfield. But on the afternoon of the wedding, the festivities are interrupted when the local authorities arrive with news that a murdered man has been discovered at the bridge over King’s Crossing, his only identification an invitation to the wedding. Lady Cordelia is horrified when the victim is identified as Jasper Milton, her childhood friend and a brilliant engineer who is rumored to have discovered a revolutionary technological innovation in bridge design. That he had the invitation meant for her cousin Oliver, who never showed up for the wedding, stirs a number of unsettling questions.

Both men were involved in the Revolutions-Per-Minute Society, a scientific group dedicated to making radical improvements in the speed and cost of transportation throughout Britain. Is someone plotting to steal Milton’s designs? And why has her cousin disappeared?

Wrexford and Charlotte were looking forward to spending a peaceful interlude in the country, but when Lady Cordelia resolves to solve the mystery, they offer their help, along with that of the Weasels and their unconventional inner circle of friends. The investigation turns tangled and soon all of them are caught up in a treacherous web of greed, ambition, and dangerous secrets. And when the trail takes a shocking turn, Wrexford and Charlotte must decide what risks they are willing to take with their family to bring the villains to justice . . ."

Lady Charlotte and the Earl of Wrexford, Wrex for short, are a married couple now. I appreciate how they are a team and he doesn't try to change her nor cut her out of investigating. As always, Charlotte's adopted sons, Raven and Hawk are a refreshing addition.  This book has an interesting turn for the brilliant child nicknamed Peregrin-another favorite of mine. 

Wrex's best friend, Christopher "Kit" Sheffield and Lady Cordelia, a whip smart mathematician, are lovely as a couple but see stress on their just completed marriage with the investigation.  Aunt Alison and Henning the anatomist make appearances as the inner circle.  

McClellan the cook and housemaid and Tyler, Wrex's lab assistant/valet are present again.  Tyler gets involved a good bit with the investigating this time around.  All the characters have a role in the tight-knit "family" and pull together in this investigation.  I appreciate this rag-tag found-family that makes the stories special. 

I always appreciate the setting of Regency England in these novels for how the excitement of the blossoming scientific fields and innovation are juxtaposed against the greed and hubris of the investors and wealthy.  This book is a good example of that.

The plot has many twists just uncovering what the motive of the murder really was let alone who is the killer.  This and the wily suspects kept the pages flying by for me.  A character from a prior book makes another appearance and I still wonder if he is a friend or foe, which adds to the twists.

The killer show down lives up to my high expectations for this series with plenty of excitement and thrills. Exceptionally well done.  The wrap up leaves a personal mystery yet to be solved for our duo.

My Thoughts:  Ms. Penrose only gets better with each book.  The mystery is tangled and layered, the characters are brought to life with care and depth, the setting and time period are detailed and transport the reader, the pacing is spot on to present a gem.  

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Thank you for reading my book blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Mystery Movie Review - The Day of the Jackal

This British spy thriller television mini-series is based on the Frederick Forsyth novel of the same name which centers on a ruthless British assassin and the intelligence officer intent on capturing him. It was reimagined from the novel into a contemporary political setting for television. 

Forsyth's novel was made into a movie prior in 1973, which is considered among the greatest British films of the 20th century.  Plus a 1997 adaptation with Bruce Willis and Richard Gear that I may review later if there is interest. To attempt a remake, let alone as television series, is a huge undertaking to do it right.

Introduction:

Imagine an assassin that is so accomplished that even heightened security measures and body guards etc. can't save anybody he is sent to kill.  He is patient.  He has contingencies.  He can improvise on the fly.  He is perhaps the best snipper in the world.  He knows how to breach most any protective measures.  He leaves no trace.  His disguises are next level.  He is unstoppable.  After he completes a job, his anonymous client doesn't give him the final payment for the successful job.  Now he is after the client who stiffed him while taking another job to eliminate the most high profile target on the planet.   Season 1 (10 episodes) was in 2024 and a second season has been okayed.

TAGLINE:  The Hunter, Hunted.

What it's about:

In Munich a mysterious Englishman, known as The Jackal, assassinates a German political figure with a seemingly-impossible piece of marksmanship.  The Jackal is an elusive and slippery assassin who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee.  At MI6 headquarters in London, analyst Bianca Pullman takes special notice and believes she might know a way to identify the killer.  What follows is a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.  

Cast:

• Eddie Redmayne (Oscar winner) as The Jackal 
• Lashana Lynch as Bianca Pullman
• Charles Dance as Timothy Winthorp
• Úrsula Corberó as Nuria
• Chukwudi Iwuji as Osita Halcrow
• Khalid Abdalla as Ulle Dag Charles
• Eleanor Matsuura as Zina Jansone
• Lia Williams as Isabel Kirby
• Directed by Brian Kirk (“Game of Thrones”)

Rotten Tomatoes: 84%

• "... an exciting thrill ride." Roger Ebert

• "Watching The Day of the Jackal feels like watching a film; it’s taut, fast-paced, and flashy, featuring incredible dual performances by Redmayne and Lynch."  A Good Movie to Watch

• "All in all, this isn't a bad series and there are far worse things that are currently being offered on streaming services."  ABC Entertainment

• "Without giving too much away, this is a show that should be experienced by all. It is so addicting, to the point where one sees the first episode, they would want to keep going and never want it to end. A show of this caliber is what wins Emmy awards. Prepare to be blown away."  Digital Journal: Markos Papadatos

• "While The Day of the Jackal remains true to its roots as a spy thriller, it ventures into psychological territories, exploring the deep-seated dilemmas the hunter and hunted face. This exploration offers viewers a sequence of thrilling escapades and a profound look at the emotional and ethical complexities involved."  Overly Honest Reviews: Chris Jones

Noteworthy awards or rankings:

UPCOMING: 2 Golden Globe Award nominations: Best Television Series – Drama and Best Actor for Redmayne.

Trivia:

• Author Frederick Forsyth was working as a freelance journalist covering the Biafran War. When it ended he returned to Britain, unemployed and unsure what to do next. He said: 'I came back Christmas '69, thoroughly skint. I don't have a likelihood of a job, don't have a flat, don't have a car and don't have any savings. Then I had this crazy, crazy idea to write a novel. 'Everybody said you must be joking or mad because the chances of even getting it published are hundreds to one, even thousands.' Within weeks of publication, the film rights were snapped up. Some of Hollywood's biggest stars battled to play the Jackal in the 1973 film but the role went to the then unknown Edward Fox.

• Frederick Forsyth has revealed he sold the film rights to his 1971 bestseller decades ago for just £20,000 (around $25,000) - and will get next to nothing from the new $126,000,000 TV adaptation. 'The new adaptation has paid him a modest fee for the title. "It wasn't out of obligation," he said, " it was a gesture.

• Ulle Dag Charles is almost an anagram of Charles De Gaulle - the target in the original novel - and is known by the initials UDC in the same way De Gaulle is often referred to as CDG.

• The Jackal is seen driving a white Alfa Romeo Spider. In The Day of the Jackal (1973), The Jackal also drives a white Alfa Romeo, albeit an earlier model.

• In all of the scenes depicting inside MI6, the UK coat of arms is back to front and in some scenes the computer screens are mirrored back to front.

• Numerous Easter eggs throughout the series refer to the preceding 1971 Frederick Forsyth novel and the Fred Zinnemann film The Day of the Jackal (1973); otherwise the series follows the the novel and the earlier film only very loosely. Notably, in the novel and the 1973 film, very little is divulged about the Jackal's background or personal life, and the primary team hunting him is French rather than British.

• The name the Jackal uses when staying in Estonia is Peter Gibbons. This is the name of the main character played by Ron Livingstone in Office Space.

• The inside decor of MI6 is dark green, as is Bianca's apartment. She also wears the same shade of green throughout the series referencing her allegiance to the service.

My Thoughts:

I love spy/intrigue novels and movies, so this was right up my alley.  It is in the action style of Bourne movies in many respects and maybe hints of Bond movies.

The ten episodes of the first season (yes, there will be a second season) are filmed like a movie with attention to detail and great camera angles.

Even though this was in a "mini-series" format, each episode had its thrills–from elaborately calculated kills to deadly chases and the cat-and-mouse between the Jackal and Bianca was nail biting at times.

Eddie Redmayne is scary good as a ruthless, cold blooded killer who takes lives without blinking.  Lashana Lynch as Bianca, the MI6 operative, was intense and I felt gave a great performance.  The personal lives of both these characters provided sub-plots that at times were just as compelling.  I also appreciated the back-story to the Jackal and how he came to be a stone-cold killer.  The Jackal had vulnerable personal moments while Bianca had some moral dilemma moments of how far should she cross certain lines to catch him.

If you are looking for exacting, true-to-life realism this probably isn't for you.  By that I mean, some of the Jackals fantastic kills against the odds aren't probable, and Bianca seemed to have a few too many capabilities herself.  But I wasn't too picky and was just along for the ride, so I enjoyed it to the point I watched two episodes back to back and had to keep from binging all the episodes at once.

The climatic resolution to season one took me completely by surprise and wasn't my favorite.  It manages to nicely setup for the next season in the last few minutes.

Action, suspense, high stakes, relentless chase, some political thriller elements, and compelling characters make this a winner in my book.  I am excited for the second season.

Movie Trailer:

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Review - Murder in Drury Lane

 Teaser: "Bringing a vibrant edge and welcome diversity to the Regency genre, this exciting historical mystery from award-winning author Vanessa Riley features an engaging heroine with an independent streak, a notorious past, and a decided talent for sleuthing . . "

"With impeccable attention to period details, a vividly evoked setting, a cast of richly nuanced characters, and a captivating plot that fully embraces the challenges and oft-overlooked diversity of the Regency era, Riley's second stunning addition to her Lady Worthing series." --Booklist on Murder in Drury Lane

My review of the prior book in the series :

1) Murder in Westminster (click here) 

Author: Vanessa Riley

Copyright: October 2023 (Kensington) 340 pgs

Series: 2nd in Lady Worthing Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical cozy mystery, historical amateur sleuth

Main Characters: Lady Abigail Worthing, unhappy in a marriage of convenience

Setting: 1806, London, England

Obtained Through: Library

Blurb: "Pressed into a union of convenience, Lady Abigail Worthing’s marriage to an absent lord does at least provide some comforts, including a box at the Drury Lane Theatre, owned by the playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Abigail has always found respite there, away from the ton’s judgmental stares, the risks of her own secret work to help the cause of abolition—and her fears that someone from her past wants her permanently silenced. But on one particular evening everything collides, and the performance takes an unwelcome turn . . .

 Onstage, a woman emits a scream of genuine terror. A man has been found dead in the prop room, stabbed through the heart. The magistrate, keen to avoid bringing more attention to the case and making Lady Worthing more of a target, asks Abigail not to investigate. But of course, she cannot resist . . .

 Abigail soon discovers a tangled drama that rivals anything brought to the stage, involving gambling debts, an actress with a parade of suitors, and the very future of the Drury Lane Theatre. For Abigail the case is complicated further, for one suspect is a leading advocate for the cause dearest to her heart—the abolition of slavery within the British Empire. Uncovering the truth always comes at a price. But this time, it may be far higher than she wishes to pay." 

Lady Abigail "Abbie" Worthing is independent and intelligent trying to carve out her own path in an environment which often restricts female individuality. She is also a Baroness via marriage.  Her close relationships make this story. Commander Stapleton Henderson is her next door neighbor and a physician. "It's complicated" describes Abigail and Stapleton's relationship.  He is recently a widower and she hasn't seen her husband since they got married a few years ago, but they are clearly good for each other and given different circumstances would have been great romantic partners.

Florentina Sewell, her cousin makes a great sidekick and somebody she can turn to.  Mr. Neil Vaughn is her godfather who is connected to the power players of England and is protective of Abbie. He also played a role in her mother leaving her father to complicate things.  These characters are heartfelt and I love them.

The reader is immersed in Regency London with the theater filled with secrets, shadows, tunnels, taverns, and societal expectations and cultural nuances that are all richly layered throughout.  Gently woven into this tapestry is gender and class issues of the time. 

The blurb hints at Abbie's secret support of equal rights (abolition) and how that, and her being black, could have her in danger which is one plot thread plus the murder at the theater which becomes personal. The theater is her escape, her nurturing place, and somebody has violated that.  Then to complicate matters, her neighbor Stapleton Henderson knows and has personal interest in the man who was murdered. It's a great setup that develops with suspense and emotion, mystery and danger.  This all makes the pacing flow along beautifully.

The killer reveal and confrontation is satisfying and tense but also explanatory. The wrap up delivered a bit more of the scales of justice leveling out for a good closure.  I am already looking at the next book in the series since I hadn't kept up.  

My Thoughts:   I have to admit I love this series. Author Vanessa Riley masterfully spins a truly entertaining tale mixing a finely plotted mystery with vibrant characters I have become investing in.  As the second book, I believe it may have been ever better that the stellar first book. Kudos.  I am a super-fan now.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Musing - 2024 Book of the Year

 My second annual Book of the Year where I share the best out of the books I read in the year.  I looked over the books I reviewed for 2024 by month and filtered it down to one standout book for 2024.  Many of the books I read were fun and entertaining, but this book stayed with me well after I finished it.  This has turned out to be a favorite series.

Book of the Year: 

Locked in Pursuit by Ashley Weaver 

Book Blurb:  "Safecracker Ellie McDonnell hasn’t seen Major Ramsey—her handsome but aloof handler in the British government—since their tumultuous mission together three months before, but when she hears about a suspicious robbery in London she feels compelled to contact him. Together they discover that a rash of burglaries in the city all lead back to a hotbed of spies in the neutral city Lisbon, Portugal, and an unknown object brought to London by a mysterious courier.

  As the thieves become more desperate and their crimes escalate, it becomes imperative that Ellie and Ramsey must beat them at their own game. Fighting shadowy assailants, enemy agents, and the mutual attraction they’ve agreed not to acknowledge, Ellie and Ramsey work together to learn if it truly takes a thief to catch a thief."

  My Thoughts:  Ellie continues looking into her mother's death in jail for the murder of her father, but she is soon busy with helping Major Ramsey which only gets her into bigger trouble.  Major Ramsey the disciplined military man with high society background has stayed away from Electra, but will he remain so stoic as they work together again? Felix Lacey is still in the picture but what is he involved in with travel he won't talk about?  Uncle Mick gets enlisted to aid again and the housekeeper Nacy is the nurturing presence Electra needs in this uncertain, ever changing time.

  This outing is just as thrilling as the others and doesn't disappoint.  There is plenty going on beyond just spys around the mission, Electra "Ellie" manages to get herself indebted to a gangster plus another man for favors that could backfire on her.  The pacing is brisk and even though I'm normally a slow reader, I flew through this book.  Several heart-pounding and heart-wrenching scenes that make this a compelling read.  This is a great addition to the Electra McDonnell series, kudos.

   The two runners up from my reviews are:

Death at a Scottish Christmas by Lucy Connelly (click here)

Murder in Westminster by Vanessa Riley (click here)

Review - The Man Who Died Twice

 I had read The Thursday Murder Club (book 1), but apparently I didn't post a review of it.  Shame on me.  I apologize profusely.  Since I dropped the ball, let's review a little about the first book's success.

The Thursday Murder Club won the Sounds of Crime Award in 2021 for the audiobook and won the Platinum Bestseller Award for selling over 1 million copies in the UK in 2020.

The debut novel also was nominated for the Edgar Award in 2021,  the Anthony Award for first novel in 2021,  the Macavity Award in 2021, the Barry Award for First Novel in 2021, the British Book Award shortlisted for Audiobook in 2021, and the CrimeFest Award shortlisted in 2021.

Plus the novel is being adapted into a film by Stephen Spielberg's company.  Filming reportedly finished September of 2024 so it should be released this year.  It is supposed to be in theaters prior to streaming on Netflix.  The cast is full of stars with Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan,  Celia Imrie, and David Tennant.  I am anxious to see it and review the movie here.

But, today is a review of the second book in the series.  If you have read it, please leave a comment on how you felt it stacked up to the wildly popular first book.

Author: Richard Osman

Copyright: September 2021 (Penguin Books) 365 pgs

Series: 2nd in Thursday Murder Club Mysteries

Sensuality: Minimal descriptions of violence

Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth, British Mystery

Main Character: Elizabeth Best, 76 year old ex-spy for British Secret Service

Setting: Modern day, Cooper's Chase Retirement Village, near the fictitious village of Fairhaven in Kent, Britain

Obtained Through: Library Find

Book Blurb: "Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim—the Thursday Murder Club—are still riding high off their recent real-life murder case and are looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet at Cooper's Chase, their posh retirement.

But they are out of luck when an unexpected visitor—an old pal of Elizabeth's (or perhaps more than just a pal?)—arrives, desperate for her help. He has been accused of stealing diamonds worth millions from the wrong men and he's seriously on the lam." 

The stars of this show are the slightly eccentric, yet relatable senior citizens: Whip smart Elizabeth is a former cunning spy of some renown;  calm and clever Joyce was a nurse who documents their exploits in her journal;  the endearing rogue Ron was a prior union activist; and soft spoken Ibrahim was a psychiatrist.  Plus DCI Chris and PC Donna are highlighted with their personal challenges. In this book, each character gets a chance to shine in their own right.  But for me, Ibrahim's journey this time really plucked my heart strings.  This ensemble cast is golden and their individuality and care for one another makes the book shine.

Set in the quaint retirement village of Cooper's Chase in the English countryside.  This setting is English cozy community personified, while giving an intriguing tension just under the surface.  The setting seems idyllic, but even in this second outing it becomes clear it isn't perfect nor is it altogether safe.

The plot involves a cold case with present day threats when a man from Elizabeth's past appears seeking her aid and thus the Thursday Murder Club has their next investigation. The pacing kept me engaged as much for the characters and their stories as the twisty plot. The subplots revolve around the group's friendship, aging difficulties and challenges, and humor all wrapped around a tantalizing murder mystery maze.

The climactic killer reveal was pretty much a surprise since I didn't figure it out until two or three pages before all was laid bare.  I liked how Elizabeth worked the confrontation, manipulating a scene that flushed out the missing puzzle piece to tie all threads off and resolve everything.  I like how these seniors bring about a sequence of events to get justice, even if they are a little unorthodox in their methods.  This kept me glued to the book, flipping pages with the common "just one more chapter" refrain.

In the wrap up all loose ends are dealt with and some character challenges are brought to resolution with tender care.  I particularly like the last few pages as it brought a lump to my throat for its compassion.

My Thoughts:  Initially I had a hard time getting into the story, but it didn't take long for that to change.  These four mature characters have a magic between them like the best of some shows that create devoted fans to their characters.  It's "Friends" combined with "RED" and that is a potent recipe.   

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Have you read it?  What were your thoughts?  Please share in the comments.  Are you looking forward to the movie?

Review - A Traitor in Whitehall

 "Romance, feminism, and historical detail combine in an exciting new series." –Kirkus Reviews

“A cast of opinionated side characters and a wealth of fascinating historical details add to the fun in this engaging, atmospheric series kickoff.” –BookPage

"Kelly spins an Agatha Christie-esque mystery . . . thoroughly delightful and well-researched."―Susan Elia MacNeal    

As you can see, this book got some high praise.  Let's see what all the hub bub is about, shall we?  So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s dive into this book.

Author: Julia Kelly

Copyright: Oct 2023 (Minotaur) 304 pgs

Series: 1st in Evelyne Redfern Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical cozy mystery, historical espionage cozy

Main Character: Evelyne "Ellie" Redfern, new secretary in Winston Chuchill's secret underground "War-Room" bunker 

Setting: 1940, London, England

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb:  "1940, England: Evelyne Redfern, known as “The Parisian Orphan” as a child, is working on the line at a munitions factory in wartime London. When Mr. Fletcher, one of her father’s old friends, spots Evelyne on a night out, Evelyne finds herself plunged into the world of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s cabinet war rooms.

However, shortly after she settles into her new role as a secretary, one of the girls at work is murdered, and Evelyne must use all of her amateur sleuthing expertise to find the killer. But doing so puts her right in the path of David Poole, a cagey minister’s aide who seems determined to thwart her investigations. That is, until Evelyne finds out David’s real mission is to root out a mole selling government secrets to Britain’s enemies, and the pair begrudgingly team up.

With her quick wit, sharp eyes, and determination, will Evelyne be able to find out who’s been selling England’s secrets and catch a killer, all while battling her growing attraction to David?"

Ellie is immediately relatable—intelligent, independent (living out on her own), and a touch sassy, which I liked.  These qualities serve her well as she navigates the male-dominated world of Whitehall (general name for British Government).  She embodies the spirit of women during the war, stepping up and out of their traditional roles to serve their country.

Ellie ends up sleuthing with David Poole, who is secretive and maybe even... a touch brooding, but definitely has an air of mystery that made me guess whether he was an ally or enemy. Their interactions are filled with a mix of tension and camaraderie.  This was effective and left me flipping pages to see if it was a potential romance or a betrayal.  

The supporting characters provide touches of comic relief and some insightful commentary. From the sharp-witted secretary who offers devastatingly on-point advice, Ellie's room-mate who is the opposite of her, to the elderly war veterans sharing bits of wisdom over cups of tea, added depth to the story.

Set against the backdrop of World War II with seamlessly interwoven fine details of routines and life in the underground barracks, from the bunks for sleeping, sunlamp treatments, and rigorous precautions to keep everything secret.  It is this weaving of true events into the story that is so immersive.  Kelly’s ability to bring 1940s London to life and the, unimaginable for us, palpable tension of wartime as London is being bombed nightly by the Nazis. 

The plot revolves around a clandestine web of spies and traitors lurking in the corridors of the war-rooms. The story follows Ellie as she is thrown into the covert world of espionage in the underground maze of the war room bunker.  Ellie, a mystery novel aficionado, is drawn into this dangerous game since she discovered the murdered girl.  Besides, she was sent to "observe" as well as type and take dictation, so it's part of her job, right? She quickly finds nothing is as it seems, and she doesn't dare trust anybody.  

The pacing moves along steadily with all the secret meetings, coded messages, and whispers of betrayal like a top cat-and-mouse deadly game, or is it spy-vs-spy?  The witty banter one moment and then life-threatening decisions and situations in the next keep the story rocketing along.

The writing deftly handles various emotional and atmospheric tones, which I just love.  Kelly balances humor with suspense, which kept me engaged throughout.

The cherry-on-top is the romantic under currents threaded throughout. The gentle slow burn romance complements the story perfectly.  War doesn't stop attraction and interest!

The killer confrontation is a tense scene with an unexpected resolution, but probable.  I love a more daring-do climatic killer reveal/confrontation, but this was satisfying - so I'm happy.

The wrap-up was perfect and sets up Ellie for continuing in clandestine work.  I'm hoping she will work with the handsome David Poole again in the next novel, which I'm getting right away since I was late getting to this debut novel.

Conclusion:  If you're in the mood for a delightful blend of history, mystery, and the allure of espionage, then this is the perfect book for you.  This is a delicious romp through history with its deftly plotted storyline of intrigue, a cast of characters I loved, and a narrative that handles tension and levity flawlessly. 

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Here is a video tour of the very same Cabinet War Rooms that are used in the book.  I was very fortunate to take this tour last year when I went to London.  Well worth the tour fee.  But this will make the book more real.