Vera Kelly Is Not a Mystery

This is the second book about Vera Kelly, a twenty-something gay woman trying to make a life in 1960’s NYC. I hadn’t read the first book–and hadn’t even realized that there was a first book– so it’s safe to say that this works as a stand-alone. In 1967, homosexuality is not accepted in mainstream society, and Vera’s outing after her girlfriend moves out costs Vera her job. She decides to fall back on the skills learned as a CIA agent and open a private investigator agency.

As might be expected, both her sex and her sexuality work against here, but Vera is undaunted. When she takes a case looking for a Dominican couple’s missing nephew, she finds a lot more than she bargained for. This is good mix-up of a missing person mystery and a spy thriller, and I was rooting for Vera all the way.

Recommended for those looking for a strong female lead in a setting that’s out of the ordinary.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher (WW Norton) via NetGalley.

Now You See Them

Now You See Them by Elly Griffiths

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Now You See Them revisits the “Magic Men” in 1960s Brighton–over 10 years since we last saw DI Stephens, his detective sergeants Bob and Emma, Max Mephisto, and Ruby. While this is billed as as a Mephisto and Stephens novel, poor Edgar seems relegated to a supporting role in this case as Max takes the lead. I liked the direction this series appears to be moving in, and hope that the next book in the series continues the thread begun here (and perhaps it is time for a new series designation!). As expected, Elly Griffiths has spun an engrossing tale., and everyone should put this one on their Christmas list (as it comes out in early December).

I received a digital ARC via NetGalley.



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