I've been able to dig into my reading list, including finally getting to read the first in several series that have caught my eye in the past.

After the Armistice Ball by Catriona McPherson (Dandy Gilver #1, many in the series in USED) This title takes place in Interwar Scotland and features a lovely character in Dandy Gilver, who plays up an image of a clueless upper-class woman to interrogate witnesses and suspects. McPherson creates a really twisty but fun plot, which begins with Dandy investigating possible insurance fraud and devolving into a murder investigation. For fans of the series, we do have #13 in the series, A Step So Grave (TP, 20.49).

I've hopped on the bandwagon with Riviera Express by T.P. Fielden. I'm only halfway through, but it's been a really nice, fun read.

Midwinter Sacrifice by Mons Kallentoft (Malin Fors #1, many in the series in USED) This series takes place in Sweden, specifically set in the author's hometown which provides a strong sense of place. As it centres around a presumed ritualistic murder (if you couldn't tell from the title), there are some pretty grotesque descriptions. One aspect I appreciated was the narration from the victim while the investigation was taking place. A pretty fast-paced read.

Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry (standalone, TP, 19.95) The plot revolves around two aging mobsters, waiting for a missing daughter in a port in Spain. There are many tangents in the narration about their shared past, flowing in a sort of stream of consciousness. While I was reading it, I kept imagining it as if James Joyce had written ‘In Bruges’.

Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson (Jackson Brodie #4, TP, 21). This was actually loaned to me by a friend, though Kate Atkinson has been on my to-read list based on good reviews I heard for Transcription. I'm under the impression you do not need to read this series in order, as I got enough exposition throughout, and a wide cast of characters/narrators made this book really, really interesting. Jackson Brodie is a PI, investigating an adopted woman's origins. There's a lot going on - a decades-old cold case, an abducted child, a rescued dog, a faltering actress, and some other shady characters. I sometimes dislike books with too much going on, but this one was fantastic, and I loved the conclusion when all the loose strings were tied up.