The Big Sleep - Raymond Chandler 1939 * * * *

Who cannot love Chandler's way of writing and creating unforgettable characters. The film of the same name with Bogart and Bacall is one of my favourite film noirs and so reading this was important to me.
Philip Marlowe's drawling wisecracks and constant whisky drinking as he sets on the trail of a rich and detached family who hold many more dark secrets than they let on is captivating. Even if you hadn't seen the film the characters would naturally jump out on you from the page, one of the only times I have felt like I am living the life of the main protagonist as opposed to simply reading the book.
Amazing story and now a desperate need to read all the rest of Chandler's work.

Started 25th June
Finished 28th June

Peril at End House - Agatha Christie 1932 * * * *

I thought that after the amazing ending in 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' Christie's other books would just be fairly mediocre. Actually this story as another amazing page-turner and I hurried through it desperate to read the ending. And when I did, I uttered the now all-too common words ' It was so obvious but I didn't see it' which really proves what a fantastic genius of a writer Christie is. I have loads more of her books stacked up ready to read and if I read a 3rd one to the same amazement and enjoyment than I will think nothing of seriously working my way through all her books. I also love the creation of Poirot - I think he is superb, and he is usually so calm even when he knows the truth that it spurs me on faster and faster to finish and find out his discovery. As I have only read 2 Christie's I cannot comment on his actions throughout other books, but if the Poirot TV show is anything to go by, he is about as much of a genius as Christie is - maybe she based his character on herself...

Started 18th June

Finished 24th June

Secret Smile - Nicci French 2005* * * *

This is the second Nicci French novel I have gobbled up and to be honest I would say its nearly as good if not as good as the last one ( What to do when someone dies). The thing about these 2 writers is that they have an ability to draw you in so well that you find yourself tripping over to read more and more. This really is one of those books where the case of 'just one more page' takes effect. Even when I know I have to get up for work I am still desperate to read more even if it means propping my eyelids up with matchsticks!
This is the second book I have read regarding the subject of stalking and as I read more and more I find out how complex and terrifying the act of stalking really is.
Brilliant writing.

Started 6th June
Finished 9th June

Footsteps in the Dark - Georgette Heyer 1932* * * *

I have heard a great deal about Heyer's Regency novels and was delighted to see that she had done a series of classics mystery novels that combined a good story with some dry humour which sounded ideal!
The story was a good one, although honestly I felt in some places it lagged. I liked the typically English stiff upper lipped attitude where no one says how they are really feeling and throw sarcasm around at each other every other sentence. The end was surprising, but I did sort of guess the culprit, not however having any idea about the motive. Worth a read. Will try some of her others.

Started 27th May
Finished 5th June