Are you completely hooked on the British Library Crime Classics? (You may not be surprised that my very favorites are the Christmas titles and the short story collections 😂)
I've always wanted to try more mysteries in their amazing collection, so I decided to dip into the Inspector Cockrill series by Christianna Brand!
After reading primarily Agatha Christie books for 40+ years, it's been hard for me to love the work of other authors in this genre. But, I'm trying to branch out and these crime classic titles are definitely a fabulous resource for new-to-me mystery authors.
BOOK REVIEWS
(in the order in which I read them)
Heads You Lose 3.75🌟
An entertaining and quirky crime novel! This was my first introduction to Christianna Brand's writing and I definitely liked it. Although this particular mystery seemed a bit repetitive and monotonous at times, it was fun to follow the story overall. The author seems to have a talent for creating interesting and lively characters (both positive and negative). I especially enjoyed the antics of the twins, Francesca and Venetia.
The final reveal was a surprise to me, but I did have a tiny hunch it might go that way in the last chapter or two. It wasn't the best ending ever, but it had a satisfactory conclusion.
Green for Danger 4🌟
Interesting and suspenseful! This murder mystery centered at a war hospital truly kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the slow introduction of each of the medical personnel—both male and female, professional and VADs. Though, when reading both Heads You Lose and Green for Danger, I had to re-listen to (or re-read) the first chapter twice. (Perhaps it was because I wasn't 100% familiar with Christianna Brand's writing style yet?)
Following the twists and turns of the multiple murders (both in and out of the hospital)—as well as suspicious behavior from all of the medical staff—made the ending even more dramatic. I was sure it was a certain person until the very end and I was shocked at the final reveal of the murderer by Inspector Cockrill.
- An "everyday" murder occurs with many people present
- Very chummy support between all of the people who are considered possible murder suspects
- An unexpected murderer is "chosen" to investigate
- Events/conversations become confusing and repetitive with each main character in the book becoming a suspect for various reasons.
- At the very end (usually in the last chapter or two of the book), the "real" murderer is revealed.
This is my second favorite Christianna Brand mystery—the setting is wonderfully atmospheric!
Although Green for Danger was good, I was a bit disappointed after all the hype and I think my expectations (after reading many reviews) were too high. But, now that I've read this London-based mystery, I started leaning more towards "yay", rather than "nay" when it comes to this series as a whole.
What I Loved:
- Mysterious London fog setting
- Interesting and charming characters (especially Rosie)
- Lots of domestic details and everyday routines (mostly involving Matilda, Rosie's sister-in-law)
- Discovering the often questionable pasts of the main characters (Rosie, Matilda, Tedward, Thomas, Raoul, and Melissa)
- Excellent and witty conversations
Two things that bother me about Christianna Brand's mysteries:
- Although Inspector Cockrill is supposed to be an unforgettable character like Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes, he is the opposite to me. No matter how many times he is described in each mystery, I can never remember him or why he is important. I keep wondering why that is...
- It seems to me like every single book in this series is the same..or, at least it feels like that to me. The way the suspicion spotlight switches repeatedly from from one character to the next...and then explaining why each of them could be the murderer...completely exhausts my mind. When the murderer is finally revealed, it's usually someone who has already been suspected and then dismissed for some reason. Why does the pattern always have to be the same? Is it because the books each have the same Inspector? Instead of this template having a cozy feeling within the series, it sometimes feels monotonous and a bit irritating when reading another title.
Suddenly at His Residence 4.25🌟
I must admit—this is my FAVORITE British Library Crime Classics title (so far)! Suddenly at His Residence bumped my opinion of Ms. Brand's mysteries from "good" to "great"!
Either the author's writing style and plot templates finally started making sense to me (after reading 4 previous books) or this mystery novel was particularly my style...either way, it was an awesome read!
What I Loved:
💚 Setting of a manor house (with inheritance and wills involved)
💚 Charming (and also not-very-charming) characters
💚 Perfect pacing
💚 The descriptions of clothing, every day activities and servants
💚 Stunning ending!
The clever title is also the absolute best choice for this book—nothing could be more fitting. From the very first page to the last, I was on the edge of my seat waiting for someone to die and waiting for the murderer to be revealed. Inspector Cockrill does his "usual thing" (also see my thoughts in the template above)—attempting to soothe his friends while also trying to dig down to the truth at the same time.
I almost never guess who the murderer is in mysteries like these, but this one did glimmer in my mind for a moment or two. When the person was revealed at the end, I was still a bit surprised. But, in a good way.
Next on my Crime Classics wish list are the other two books in the Inspector Cockrill series, as well as starting off with one of the newer books I received—'Cat and Mouse' of the Inspector Chunky duology.
CHRISTIANNA BRAND TBR:
- Death of Jezebel
- Three-Cornered Halo
- Cat and Mouse
Many, many thanks to the British Library team for sending these books (and a couple of British Library Women Writers!) to me to read and review! I appreciate the chance to share my honest thoughts and discover a new-to-me mystery author to enjoy! 😍📚
