The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (1859)

The Woman in White is an exciting and complex story with a memorable cast of heroes, villains, and sundry other interesting characters. Wilkie Collins lived between 1824 and 1889 and his life overlapped those of other well-known Victorian authors whose books I’ve enjoyed reading: Charles Dickens (1812 - 1870)Elizabeth Gaskell (1810 - 1865)Charlotte Bronte (1816 … Continue reading The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (1859)

The Courts of the Morning by John Buchan (1929)

The Courts of the Morning is John Buchan’s 15th novel. Although Richard Hannay narrates the prologue, he then dips out of the story and lets the characters involved continue the narration. The characters include Sandy Arbuthnot, a master of disguise, Lawrence of Arabia type, and skilled linguist, who is the central character in a previous … Continue reading The Courts of the Morning by John Buchan (1929)

Frederica by Georgette Heyer (1965)

Georgette Heyer (1902–1974) is best known for her Regency novels, the time period which lasted from 1811 to 1820. Frederica is set in 1818 and is the first book I’ve read by this author, although I’ve been aware of her for ages. Apparently, if you enjoy Mary Stewart’s writing, you might possibly like Georgette Heyer's, … Continue reading Frederica by Georgette Heyer (1965)

Nemesis by Agatha Christie (1971)

Miss Jane Marple was astonished to receive a letter from the solicitors of a Mr Rafiel after his recent death. He and Miss Marple had had a brief but very memorable acquaintance some years back and she thought that perhaps he may have left her some small memento, such as a book from his library. … Continue reading Nemesis by Agatha Christie (1971)

Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens

Barnaby Rudge was published in 1841 and was Charles Dickens’ first historical novel. It is his least read book, which surprised me as the story is very interesting. It is based on a real historical event and includes a murder mystery, a talking raven, two romantic dramas, as well as being a social commentary on … Continue reading Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens

Love by Elizabeth von Arnim (1925)

This is only the second novel I’ve read by Elizabeth von Arnim, but along with Edith Wharton, she has shot up on my reading radar. Both authors have gotten under my skin with their beautiful literary writing and their sensitive treatment of women’s issues and sometimes difficult themes.In the context of the times in which … Continue reading Love by Elizabeth von Arnim (1925)