A Book A Week

I've always had a soft spot for classic murder mysteries. It's a genre that shaped my love for reading and often provides a go-to escape when I need a reliable book. So, when Ragnar Johnasson's publisher offered me an audio copy of his newest novel, Death at the Sanatorium, I was immediately intrigued. Icelandic crime fiction can be a mixed bag for me, but the idea of this novel being inspired by the classic mysteries I've come to love was too tempting to pass up. Fortunately, this one turned out to be a clever take on the genre.

In 1983, an elderly nurse was murdered at a hospital in Iceland, the site of a former sanatorium steeped in dark history. Detective Hulda Hermannsdóttir and her superior, Sverrir, were called in to investigate and begin questioning the staff on duty that night. A nurse's false testimony resulted in the arrest of a caretaker, but the case quickly took a turn. Just days later, a physician was found dead, having apparently fallen from a balcony. Sverrir deemed it a suicide, released the caretaker from custody, and assumed the physician was responsible for the nurse's murder, closing the case for good.

Nearly thirty years later, young police detective Helgi Reykdal is juggling his studies in criminology with a search for a job that aligns with his passion for classic mysteries. A devoted fan of Agatha Christie and P.D. James, Helgi has focused his dissertation on the old sanatorium murders in 1983, which he believes remain unsolved. By a stroke of fate, he secures a detective position with the Reykjavik police. It's the very role Hulda Hermannsdóttir held during the original investigation. Helgi revisits the cold case, convinced something was overlooked. As he begins meeting with the original suspects, he uncovers a long-buried web of silence and suspicion. Only his sharp intellect and determination will help him unravel the truth behind the decades-old mystery.

In Death at the Sanatorium, Ragnar Jonasson merges modern storytelling with a timeless murder mystery formula, creating a narrative that feels both familiar and fresh. The story alternates between two timelines—one set in the past, echoing classic detective novels, and the other in the present, where a young detective revisits a case long considered closed. This structure keeps readers on edge and adds layers of intrigue as the past's secrets slowly unravel in the present.

Though the characters could have been more deeply explored, the novel delivers an atmospheric, suspenseful mystery with a shocking and emotional twist. Jonasson's nod to golden-age detective fiction, combined with his contemporary take on justice and hidden truths, makes Death at the Sanatorium a gripping read for fans of the genre.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 67)

Actor and director Kenneth Branagh has reinvigorated the murder mystery genre with his acclaimed portrayal of Agatha Christie's renowned character, Hercule Poirot. His 2017 adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express offered a fresh perspective on Christie's most infamous tale, and the 2022 sequel, based on Death on the Nile, continued the success. It's no surprise that a third film in the Poirot series has been expedited. After recently reading the book Hallowe'en Party, the inspiration for the newest film, I was eager to see how Branagh would approach this story, which is notably less cinematic in nature.

Essentially, A Haunting in Venice can be viewed more as a movie "inspired by" Christie's writing than a faithful adaptation. The film retains little more than character names and a supernatural element from the novel it claims to be based on. Surprisingly, these liberties don't cause much concern, especially considering that Hallowe'en Party is a rather ordinary entry in Christie's repertoire. As one of her final works featuring her beloved protagonist, it fell short compared to some of her more celebrated pieces. Instead, Branagh and his team opt to place the film in the mysterious setting of Venice, a city that inherently lends itself to the grandeur and marvel suitable for the cinematic experience.

At the film's outset, Hercule Poirot, portrayed by the director Kenneth Branagh, relishes a tranquil retirement, channeling his sharp mind into pursuing the perfect breakfast eggs rather than solving murder mysteries. Despite persistent requests from those seeking his investigative prowess, he remains uninterested. The serenity of a quiet life suits him well. This changes, however, when he agrees to meet with Ariadne Oliver, an old friend and crime novelist played by the always-charming Tina Fey. Although no stranger to unraveling deceptions, she is confounded by Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh), a World War I army nurse turned medium. Motivated by curiosity or perhaps sheer pride, Poirot consents to attend a Halloween party and séance at the palazzo of the renowned opera singer Rowena Drake. What initially begins as an attempt to expose a charlatan swiftly transforms into a night of darkness and death. Once again, Poirot must deploy his intellect and deduction to unveil the identity of a ruthless killer before becoming their next victim.

A Haunting in Venice marks a significant departure from both its predecessors and the source material. While it differs significantly, the change proves beneficial. The music takes on a more subdued tone, and the cinematography adopts an angled and choppy approach, a departure from the sweeping visuals seen in other films. Introducing a potentially supernatural element adds a layer of dread and suspense, contributing to a unique atmosphere that works exceptionally well.  The film sustains a tension akin to razor wire throughout, making every moment count. The ensemble cast delivers performances filled with vigor, eliciting both support and suspicion from the audience. Despite its variance from the book, the film adeptly balances horror and mystery, offering a murder story that pays homage to Agatha Christie's tradition while adapting it for contemporary audiences.

With Halloween just around the corner, I decided to intensify the holiday spirit by diving headfirst into a Halloween-themed novel. Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie, intriguingly adapted into a film just last month, emerged as the ideal choice. My affinity for mysteries, which dates back to my earliest reading days, has firmly established Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot as a perennial favorite on my literary roster. There's an undeniable allure to a well-constructed locked-room mystery, and Christie's mastery of this genre is second to none.

Thirteen-year-old Joyce is swept up in the Halloween spirit as she lends a hand with the final preparations for a Halloween party. Amidst the unfolding tricks and treats, she boldly declares that she has been an eyewitness to a murder. Her claim is met with dismissive laughter from the others at the gathering, who chalk it up to the fanciful tales of a young and naive girl. Frustrated and hurt, Joyce abruptly departs from the party. As the hours pass, a macabre revelation shocks everyone.  Joyce's lifeless body is discovered in the basement, submerged in an apple-bobbing tub. In the aftermath of this gruesome find, the celebrated detective, Hercule Poirot, is summoned to lead the investigation. Against the backdrop of a night steeped in trickery and the supernatural, it falls upon Poirot to unmask the true evil presence responsible for this horrifying act.

Agatha Christie's novels excel when they deliver unexpected revelations at the story's conclusion. Others are appreciated for the meticulous unfolding of the mystery's components. Hallowe'en Party falls into the latter category—a novel resembling a complex jigsaw puzzle. It's enjoyable to witness the gradual assembly of all the pieces, yet once they are complete, the intrigue wanes. Placing the story on Halloween injects an additional layer of mystery and whimsy that greatly enhances the narrative. I personally discerned the plot's trajectory early in the book, but the journey to the grand revelation remained an entertaining experience. If you're seeking a last-minute addition to your Halloween reading list, Hallowe'en Party is a delightful choice. It offers a quick and enjoyable adventure for this spooky holiday.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 71)

My profound love for reading has always been closely linked to my affection for mystery novels. As a kid, I was captivated by characters like Nate the Great and Encyclopedia Brown. This love for mysteries has remained a constant throughout my life. Even now, I relish the excitement of solving a case before the book reveals its secrets, and I'm particularly delighted when the revelation catches me off guard. When I had the opportunity to read author Dann McDorman's debut novel, West Heart Kill, I eagerly embraced it. The book promised a modern take on the classic murder mystery, a premise that was too intriguing to ignore.

The novel begins with a setup reminiscent of an Agatha Christie mystery. Private Detective Adam McAnnis reunites with an old college friend for a weekend at the exclusive West Heart Club in upstate New York. This isolated lodge is a retreat for the wealthy elite, a place where they can escape their busy lives. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that these seemingly friendly strangers have their own secrets and disregard for the rules of the normal world. McAnnis begins to hear whispers of financial troubles and the potential sale of the club.

The plot takes a dramatic twist when the lifeless body of one of the club members is discovered on the shore of the lake. Is this a tragic suicide stemming from desperation, or are there more sinister forces at play? As tension mounts, a fierce storm descends upon the area, plunging the property into darkness and cutting off all access. Before McAnnis can even embark on a proper investigation, yet another body is unearthed, all but confirming the presence of a cunning murderer among them. As suspicions intensify and paranoia spreads among the club members, McAnnis faces the daunting task of restoring order to the chaos and unveiling the true identity of this malevolent killer.

At first glance, West Heart Kill appears to follow the conventions of a typical whodunit. McDorman skillfully sets the stage for a classic locked-room mystery, complete with a cast of deceitful characters, an isolated setting, and a young detective who harbors suspicions about everyone in his midst. It doesn't take long, however, for the narrative's contemporary twist to become apparent. The story unfolds through the lens of a fourth-wall-breaking narrator who acknowledges that we, the readers, are seasoned experts in the mystery genre, well-versed in its classic tropes. This narrative approach breathes fresh life into the traditional framework, offering a unique perspective that keeps readers questioning the unfolding events and the reliability of the characters. As the story introduces new revelations and red herrings, the narrator is there to provide insight and encourage readers to scrutinize it all.

A mystery's ultimate success, though, hinges on its resolution, and this is where West Heart Kill will divide readers. While the story weaves an intricate web of mystery and reaches a shocking twist in its third act, it is the explanation of this twist that will be divisive. McDorman's narrator provides historical context to justify this turn of events, but it leaves this seasoned mystery reader feeling unsatisfied. West Heart Kill undoubtedly showcases a promising debut from an author with a fresh perspective on the genre. Still, the absence of a truly satisfying conclusion detracts from an otherwise engaging narrative.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2023, 69)

It may only be April, but I've fully shifted into summer reading mode. It probably helps that most of my go-to authors have been releasing thrillers that sound too good to pass up. After being disappointed with author Peter Swanson's last novel, I was eager to see if his latest effort would be a return to form. I decided that Nine Lives would be the perfect book to read as I set sail for a celebratory birthday cruise this week. His publisher was kind enough to send an advanced copy of the novel my way last month, but I knew I wanted to save reading it for the perfect occasion. I should have known better! A couple of days ago I allowed myself to read just the first chapter, and that was it. I couldn't stop reading! 

Nine people, each with vastly different lives, have just received a mysterious envelope. The contents of this envelope are identical. Inside, they find a single sheet of typewritten paper containing their name and the names of eight strangers. There is no context for the list. The recipients recognize their own names but not the names of the others. At first, they mostly ignore the list. Why worry about something so inconsequential? But then the first person from the list is murdered. Shortly thereafter, another name is killed. For the seven remaining strangers, one thing is clear. Any one of them could be the next to die. 

Peter Swanson has devoted his career to writing stand-alone thrillers. His ability to deliver a read that has compelling characters, an original plot and an unputdownable pace has made him one of my favorites. Nine Lives takes its inspiration from Agatha Christie's classic tale And Then There Were None. Swanson adds to the challenge of Christie's locked room mystery by placing his victims at different locations across the world. So intriguing was the setup of this mystery that I couldn't help but read the entire thing in a single sitting. My only complaint was the short length and large cast of the novel made the characters little more than surface-level stereotypes. There wasn't a single person whom I could latch on to. Character depth aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this modern take on a literary classic. The only problem now is that I have to pick a different book to read on my vacation!

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 14)

Earlier this year, I read Agatha Christie's famed Murder on the Orient Express. It was easy to see why Christie's novel has been a mainstay among mystery fans since it was published. Essentially a locked room mystery, the novel follows investigator Hercule Poirot's inquiry into the death of a man on the train. When I heard that Kenneth Branagh would both direct a film adaptation and portray the famed detective, I was eager to see this modern telling of the classic tale.

The film opens with Poirot (Branagh) finishing an investigation at a church in Jerusalem. These early scenes introduce both the character's deductive prowess and obsessive compulsive tendencies. Branagh gives the character an air of both humor and wisdom with a charismatic charm that is instantly captivating. Poirot plans to take some time off after his case, but is urgently called to London to take on another. As fate would have it, this sudden change of plans lands him on the Orient Express.

On the train, Poirot encounters the assortment of characters who will shortly become suspects in the murder of one of the other passengers. The film assembles a who's who of Hollywood actors to fill out the cast. Johnny Depp, arguably the most widely known member of Branagh's troop, plays the victim Samuel Ratchett. Ratchett's unsavory business dealings leave a plethora of people who could have potentially killed him. Poirot swiftly begins a methodical investigation of the only people who had access to Ratchett, the other passengers.

Like the book it is based upon, Murder on the Orient Express is a slow building mystery that offers a nice change of pace for a trip to the movies. My only complaint is that the film is so filled to the brim with talented actors that they don't all get the equal opportunity to showcase their skills. Screen time aside, Branagh manages to honor the history of the story while making it relevant to modern audiences. Even knowing how the narrative would end, I still found myself on edge of my seat. Branagh makes ample use of the sweeping landscapes outside of the train and finds several inventive ways to vary the evenness of the interior. The filmmakers have already announced plans to adapt Death on the Nile. I can't wait to see more of Christie's classic novels brought to life.

Anyone who has read my reviews will know that I love a good mystery. I've always been addicted to the genre. I remember reading Encyclopedia Brown as a kid and have continued to devour mysteries ever since. All things considered, I can't believe it has taken me this long to read an Agatha Christie novel. As an introduction to the author, I decided to start with her most famous book, Murder on the Orient Express.

This is a classic, locked-room mystery. A train passenger has been killed, the train is snowed in, and one of the surviving passengers has to be the culprit. Fortunately, inspector Hercule Poirot is riding the train. He jumps into action and begins a methodical investigation of the mysterious murder. Poirot creates a list of questions to be answered. He believes that if the answers are revealed, he will be able to discover the identity of the killer.

In a brisk couple hundred of pages, Agatha Christie presents a meticulously plotted mystery that will keep even veteran readers of the genre guessing. I was reminded of the novels by P.D. James as I read this one. Like James's works, this story relies on characters to drive the momentum of the plot. With the static setting of the stalled train, Christie uses her charismatic hero and his incremental revelations to bring depth to her novel. Over eighty years after being published, Murder on the Orient Express is still a thrilling read with a surprise ending that makes it one of the best that's ever been written.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2017, 29)