Plotted: A Literary Atlas by Andrew DeGraff/Daniel G. Harmon - actual maps of 19 books drawn by DeGraff with a short essay about the book by Harmon. These seemed more like illustrations than maps. I really just skimmed the essays, especially the ones about books I hadn't read. Still a pleasant way to pass the time.
2 stars
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To Die but Once by Jacqueline Winspear - England is at war in 1940 but still, Maisie Dobbs is busy with clients. But a case somewhat personal begins when a local boy's father asks her to look for him. He's been working as an apprentice painter on secret business at the airfields. Maisie is also concerned about her good friend's son who wishes to be involved in the war effort even though he's underage. (Btw, is Priscilla's apparent alcoholism ever going to be addressed?) And there's still the question of Anna, Maisie's young ward living with her father.
3.5 stars
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Miss Treadway and the Field of Stars by Miranda Emmerson - Anna Treadway is the dresser for Iolanthe Green, star of screen and stage. When Green disappears after a performance there is a hue and cry but the search for her is soon pushed back by other matters. Anna is determined to find her and is joined by a young accountant from Jamaica. They begin a parallel investigation alongside the detective assigned to the case. This book is labeled a mystery but seemed more character driven and a social commentary on the times. It takes place in 1965, England, but some of the scenes could come straight from our news. This one left me vaguely unsatisfied.
2.5 stars
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Dead, to Begin With by Bill Crider - Sheriff Dan Rhodes is dealing with the usual crimes in Clearview, Texas. A woman taking a sledgehammer to the beauty salon because she's upset about her haircut, a chicken crossing the road and causing a four car pileup, and a road rage incident in the Walmart parking lot. Things get serious when the body of a wealthy recluse is found on the stage of the opera house he had just bought. It looks like more than an accident to the sheriff. This is the 24th book in the series. Sadly, there will be no more since the author passed away earlier this year.
3 stars
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