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An Expert in Murder
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
33 posts | 32 read | 32 to read
March 1934. Revered mystery writer Josephine Tey is traveling from Scotland to London for the final week of her play Richard of Bordeaux, the surprise hit of the season, with pacifist themes that resonate in a world still haunted by war. But joy turns to horror when her arrival coincides with the murder of a young woman she had befriended on the train rideand Tey is plunged into a mystery as puzzling as any in her own works. Detective Inspector Archie Penrose is convinced that the killing is connected to the play, and that Tey herself is in danger of becoming a victim of her own success. In the aftermath of a second murder, the writer and the policeman must join together to stop a ruthless killer who will apparently stop at nothing.
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robinb
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
Pickpick

My first Upson book, and I enjoyed it.

The mystery was sufficiently complex, the characters interesting and engaging and the book well written. My only caveat was that I felt a little lost in the beginning as the story seemed to start off from a prior narrative. However, I did catch up, became invested and will definitely give the next in series a gander. 4/5 stars

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Texreader
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Pickpick

A young woman, a fan of the stage, is murdered on the train to London. The detective sets out to determine if it was connected with Josephine Tey‘s play soon coming to an end. With a vast cast of characters, both in the play and not, this is an extraordinarily complex murder mystery—sometimes spoilt by having too many people to keep track of, especially in the audiobook. First in a series, I‘d read more, but maybe in IRL format. ⬇️

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Texreader
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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A few more books since my last post, so two more bingos! Review of the tagged book to come.

#scarathlonatoz #scarathlonatozbingo
#scarathlon #batbrigade @Catsandbooks

Catsandbooks Woohoo!! 🎉 🧡🖤 14mo
38 likes1 comment
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Texreader
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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In my hotel, listening to the tagged book, it‘s time to address Halloween cards for #litsyLove

#scarathlon #batbrigade @Catsandbooks @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 1y
Catsandbooks Omg adora-boo-le👻 1y
Gissy Pretty😍👌 1y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 😍 14mo
40 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Mitch
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Pickpick

A smart start to a new series - full of crime classic moves, locked doors, hidden identities, poisonings and collaboration between the amateur and the police chief! Upson steps back to the 1930‘s with some modern sensibility and diversity. Josephine Tey heads the team of amateur detectives and whilst I don‘t know her own work well - I‘m looking forward to spending time with her in Upson‘s fictional series!

Dragon I would recommend the tagged book , it‘s about a modern detective reviewing the case against Richard the Third 3y
Mitch @Dragon A classic i should definitely read soon! 👏🏼👏🏼 3y
Mitch @Dragon stacked ! 3y
Dragon It‘s well worth the time. 💚🐉 3y
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LiteraryinPA
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Pickpick

What a cool concept! Contemporary author Nicola Upson has written an 8-book series (this was the first, published in 2008) with real life mystery author Josephine Tey as a main character. I liked Upson‘s writing style and her vivid portrayal of 1930s London. The mystery was engaging and I did not guess the ending. I liked the interplay between Tey and the Scotland Yard detective. I plan to read the next book in the series!

erzascarletbookgasm I read this a few years ago snd really liked it. I need to continue the series, #somanybooks 5y
85 likes5 stack adds1 comment
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JazzFeathers
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#littenintro @tessavi

1. Verona (Italy)
2. Nicola Upson. Such a fantastic creator of characters and mysteries. And l stumbled upon her completely by chance.
3. You can't be seriously asking that.
4. I normally read in an armchair in my leaving room, but l really want to buy a new chair. That one is so uncomfortable.
5. Tagged book

tessavi 3 I did so I won't feel that bad about mine 😝 6y
32 likes4 comments
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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Mehso-so

Interesting, yet predictable. I needed predictable to get out of my reading slump. I don't know if I will read more. I liked the post WW1 setting, the London theater scene. Original Tey is really, historical cozy mystery Tey is more a thin caricature of a mystery writer forcefully turned 🕵️‍♀️ because Tey is not the lead character here, Archie Penrose is. Even, Penrose's second in command is a stronger character than Tey.
#historical
#mystery

writerlibrarian Josephine could have been any writer because that character reacts at best and when the plot can't avoid it, she acts but in a way that puts her in jeopardy, of course.

I liked how the same sex relationships were presented in a every day life with the caveat of the times. I think what bugged me was the hook aka Josephine Tey as a 🕵️‍♀️ which it isn't.

Still, this broke my reading slump. Hence 3 ⭐️ but more 2 1/2
(edited) 6y
34 likes1 comment
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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Almost done. I had friends over this afternoon so I'm finishing Upson's cozy this evening while hoping 🐧 stay out of the sin 📦 .

I did have my nail done as a winter night snow storm. 😀

Saturday is 🏒 night in 🇨🇦.

writerlibrarian Puck drop in Ottawa. 🐧 going on PP. Now Dad is in the 📦. ☹️ 🐧 are back on PP. Tanger 🚨 and makes the net ding. The Sens tie it. 1 all. Sens added one. 2-1. 🐧 are playing badly. 3-1 Sens. 5-1 Sens with 20m to go. Pens are sunk. It's now 5-3. Sullivan probably had some words with his players. (edited) 6y
39 likes1 comment
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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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I'm hoping to finish the cozy mystery tonight while the ⭐️ battle Boston. Later, I might listen to the 🍁 🔨 the 🦆. Wasn't it a beautiful, sick 🚨Marner scored with a gorgeous pass from Freddie Andersen?

Probable nail for tomorrow. ❄️ nails.

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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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I think my reading slump is over. I'm into this cozy mystery. It was a slow pace start but now I really want to know how it ends. Pens' hockey without 87. Late hockey game with the 🍁visiting the 🦈.
This will bring a smile 😃 Patrick Marleau and his kids, car 🎤 YMCA
https://youtu.be/WG4F1x_Dc30

Melissa_J That video is so funny. I love that Marleau has taken Marner and Matthews under his wing 😊 No game for me tonight, I can‘t stay up that late on a work night. 6y
writerlibrarian @Melissa_J my 🐧 are so so bad. All three As in the 📦 ended in 3 🚨😫 i need Freddie level protection. https://youtu.be/f-3_1PJ8KEU perfect For Litsy 6y
32 likes2 comments
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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Reading by the fire this evening. First one of the season. Brrrrr season has started here.

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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Leafs in Bean Town. 🐧 at home in a must win mode. My swap 📦 is almost done. It will be in the mail in the coming week.
Some reading and some knitting tonight. #readingandwatchinghockey

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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Leafs in Bean Town. 🐧 at home in a must win mode. My swap 📦 is almost done. It will be in the mail in the coming week.
Some reading and some knitting tonight. #readingandwatchinghockey

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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Wednesday's 🏒 Caps vs 🐧 I'm working on a snowy silk, mohair thing for the Holiday swap. So not much reading but some knitting.

writerlibrarian 🐧 jumped and scored on PP. 87 🚨Great 8 from his office 🚨 on PP 1 all (edited) 6y
34 likes1 comment
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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Monday night hockey is from NHL live to watch the 🐧 hopeful bounce back against the 👿. Today was full and a bit tough body ache wise. Reading will hopefully have a calming effect. #readingandwatchinghockey

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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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It's 🏒 night in 🇨🇦 Pens vs Leafs my main game. Reading in between 🚨

writerlibrarian 🍁🚨 6y
CarolynM My daughter is at the game. She is very excited. 6y
writerlibrarian @CarolynM So far it's an interesting game p, Marner is a pest.🙂 6y
CarolynM She wound up pretty disappointed. Praying for a win in the next game, she has to come home after that. 6y
gradcat Love Josephine Tey! 6y
38 likes5 comments
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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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The season of arts and crafts fairs has starred around here. I got this really beautiful ceramic knitting bowl, a new cup because I broke my NY cup, the lovely ceramic star ornement. Since I was put anyway, I stopped by EB Games and they had a Patrice Bergeron to go with my Brad Marchand but no Boeser or Price ☹️

I'm nesting in my reading chair as I enjoy the eternal reading season.
#saturdayreading

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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Long long day. I"m in my reading nest, the game is about to start, I have apple sauce cooking in the crockpot. Time to read, relax, let go of this really exhausting day. #readingandwatchinghockey

? are also playing but I have to choose.

writerlibrarian 🐧 on the board. 1-0. Tied at one. Isles pull ahead with less than 10m to go. 🐧 on PP and the 🇷🇺 🐻 71 🚨 tied at 2. We are into OT. That was a very exciting SO but no 🚨 🐧 lise in shoot out. (edited) 6y
28 likes1 comment
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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Passed the 15% mark..woohooo... tonight's game is Pens vs NY Isles. So reading in my comfy chair, cuddling with cat and watching the Crosby Pens show. #readingandwatchinghockey

writerlibrarian 🐧 are going on PP. No goal. Isles score a bit later. 1-0 NY. Isles 🚨 again but 🐧 get on the board. 2-1. 2 all 87 🚨2 goals from the Isle on less than 10 shots. 4-2. 5-3 Russian Bear is finally awake. 71 🚨 (edited) 6y
36 likes1 comment
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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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No Matts but the 🍁 are still a pretty good team. All the snow is gone. The historical cozy has kept my interest. Minor miracle. #readingandwatchinghockey.

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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Sunday night ? is relaxed. That keg is maple syrup. Canadian Maple Syrup. These are available for each of the Canadian teams. Isn't that a bit wild? #readingandwatchinghockey

https://www.costco.ca/29-Février-Amber-Maple-Syrup-NHL®-Collection%2c-1-L....

CouronneDhiver It‘d take me 5 years to finish it all! I‘ve had two cans of Quebec syrup in my cupboard for ages now. Lol 6y
writerlibrarian McDavid 🚨 in OT. 6y
32 likes2 comments
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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Well... this is the weather outside... so i made myself a reading nest. #snow 😩🌨🌨🌨❄️❄️❄️

Sace 😳 Oh my! 6y
Thndrstd Yikes! I‘m not ready for that. A reading nest is an awesome idea 6y
CouronneDhiver Tea time! Stay warm 6y
Melissa_J Nice! We got snow here too (I‘m in Ottawa), but I suspect it won‘t stay around for long as it‘s warming up. 6y
Tamra Good idea! 6y
41 likes5 comments
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writerlibrarian
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Well the past week kinda sucked. But things worked out in the end. Sigh, being and adult is hard. So.. double feature tonight. 🍁 rematch with the ✈️. Then it's the Pens in Vancouver. Crosby is on a roll. I am trying a new cozy historical, with real people. My nail are ready for Halloween. The knitting piece is almost ✅ a long shawl to use over winter coat. That's been my early fall project.

writerlibrarian Jets are in control and 34 is out with a shoulder injury. 2-0 ✈️ 🍁 opened the third with a Marner created 🚨 for Kadri. 2-1 16 is trying to beat the ✈️ all by himself. With 3m to go, Marner makes the play and the D 🚨. 26s later Kappy 🚨 3-2 🍁 won the game in 3m (edited) 6y
writerlibrarian Pens are on the board past mid-way 2nd period 🐧 1-0 87 on the backhand 🚨 2-0 🐧 ack to back 🚨🚨 from 71 in about 1m 4-0 🐧 87 put another in 5-0 🐧 (edited) 6y
33 likes2 comments
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Andrew65
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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#BookPair #ReadingWomenMonth
How‘s this for a crime book pair. The Daughter Of Time, which is possibly the most famous book written by the Golden Age Crime Writer Josephine Tey, and An Expert in Murder, which is the first book in a crime series set in the 1930s and stars the same Crime Writer Josephine Tey as a central character. Both of these are excellent reads.

rubyslippersreads ❤️❤️❤️ Daughter of Time. 👑 7y
Andrew65 @rubyslippersreads Yes I loved this one too. 👍 7y
CarolynM Daughter of Time is one of my all time favourites. I marvel at Josephine Tey's ability to make a story like that so utterly riveting. 7y
See All 22 Comments
Andrew65 @CarolynM Have you ever read any of the Nicola Upson books that have Josephine Tey as a character. I agree totally about Daughter of Time.😊 7y
CarolynM They are on my radar but I haven't quite got there yet. I will one day. One of my book group friends likes them a lot. 7y
Andrew65 @CarolynM So does my wife, although I‘ve only read the first one. 7y
EadieB @Andrew65 I‘m looking forward to reading these! 7y
Andrew65 @EadieB I need to get back to the series but want to get up to date with one or two other series first, especially Maisie Dobbs. 7y
EadieB @Andrew65 I have lots of series to catch up but I keep getting sidetracked. 7y
Andrew65 @EadieB I know, and I still start many more series than I finish! 7y
EadieB @Andrew65 We should do a contest of listing all the books TBR in a year and you get penalized if you get sidetracked. 7y
Andrew65 @EadieB I think I‘d be forever penalised. Started listening to Frankenstein today and that wasn‘t in any plan!!! 7y
EadieB @Andrew65 I have to stop going to the library. I‘ve got plenty books in my library that need to be read. 7y
Andrew65 @EadieB I know, I keep reading all theirs and not mine. That‘s the problem reading series, I go to the library to get the next one in a series and pick several others up in other series! I think progressing Series is what stops me reading the books I own! (edited) 7y
EadieB @Andrew65 I keep reading newly published books and I should just read what I have. Starting July I‘m going to pledge a discipline to see if I can start reading my books and not get sidetracked. 7y
Andrew65 @EadieB Will watch with interest, we possibly need an emoticon to post when we are reading one of the books we own. All the buddy and group reads prevent me getting to my own but do want (and need) to read more of the ones I own. How about this emoticon if it is one of our books from our pre-owned piles. 📚 7y
EadieB @Andrew65 That is a good idea and then we can keep encouraging each other to read our own books. I like that emoticn📚 7y
Andrew65 @EadieB It seemed to fit, Could a,so use a hashtag on here. #ReadingMyPiles ? Unless got any other better ones. 7y
EadieB That‘s good or how about #readingmybooks. 7y
Andrew65 @EadieB That says exactly what it is! 7y
EadieB @Andrew65 The other one reminds me of hemorrhoids. lol 7y
Andrew65 @EadieB 😂😂😂 7y
61 likes2 stack adds22 comments
review
ralexist
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Pickpick

A new series for me, this may the most Agatha Christie-esque mystery series I've read in a while. Layers within layers, it was a really slow build but I enjoyed where it ended up. Set in the theatre world of 1930s London, the MC is author and playwright Josephine Tey (who is an actual person btw). Well-plotted, and full of distinct characters, the bad guy wasn't a total surprise but the relationship weaving was fun to reveal throughout the story.

rubyslippersreads Josephine Tey wrote one of my favorite books, 7y
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batsy
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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@erzascarletbookgasm Thank you so much for the surprise package! It's been a crappy few days where work is concerned and getting books and chocolate is the best kind of treat, made my week ? (The Cadbury bars are solidifying in the fridge for a bit so that I can slip one into my bag later ?) I love that cover for Indignation! And these two mysteries I've coveted but haven't "allowed" myself to get yet. You're so thoughtful, thank you!! ?❤️

saresmoore Yay! What a nice surprise, @erzascarletbookgasm ! 7y
erzascarletbookgasm Sorry to hear about your crappy week at work, but hey, TGIF! 💃🏻 Have a great weekend ahead and enjoy the treats, dear. Glad you liked everything! 🤗 @saresmoore 😊💕 7y
Kalalalatja Hope your surprise package will help a bit, and that you have a great weekend! 7y
See All 10 Comments
batsy @erzascarletbookgasm I love it all 💜 7y
batsy @saresmoore Truly! 💕 7y
batsy Thank you @Kalalalatja and yes it definitely made it that much better :) ❤️ 7y
LeahBergen Aww, how lovely! (and Cadbury chocs will help ANY crappy week 😉). 7y
Cathythoughts This is so lovely ! New books & chocolate 🍫 weekend sorted 👍🏻 7y
batsy @LeahBergen @Cathythoughts Definitely! 💟🍫📚🌈 7y
Suet624 Boo to work. Yay to supportive and caring friends. 7y
88 likes1 stack add10 comments
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MallenNC
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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In this new year I‘ve started listening to audiobooks during cardio at the gym. This is my newest listen! #audiobooks #audiowalk

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BookishMarginalia
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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#CurrentlyListening to this first in a series featuring writer #JosephineTey as murder-solving sleuth.

Andrew65 This was an enjoyable listen. 7y
HardcoverHearts Those are fun! 7y
drokka I love this concept! 7y
kspenmoll Really enjoy this series! 7y
112 likes4 stack adds4 comments
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Amie
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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I listened to this whole audiobook today while decorating Christmas cookies. Here's a sample of what I made.

claffy_reads Ahhhh the Santa is so cute!!! 😍😍 7y
DarcysMom So cute! 7y
DebinHawaii Adorable cookies! 👍😀 7y
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Pamwurtzler Those are cute! 7y
GypsyKat Too cute! 7y
MinDea So cute!!! 7y
Read4life They look delicious! 7y
mrp27 Very cute! 7y
Kaye Wow, you are really on the ball ! Those cookies look so good 👍 (edited) 7y
SilversReviews They look yummy!! Great decorating. 7y
75 likes1 stack add11 comments
review
lesleymoss
Pickpick

As a Josephine Tey fan, I was delighted to find that she features as a leading character in this series. The historical setting in London between the two world wars is vividly depicted. I found some of the characterisation a bit patchy - there's a fairly large cast - and not all completely believable. But it's an enjoyable read with intriguing plot twists. Definitely worthwhile for classic crime enthusiasts.

Cinfhen #litsyWelcomeWagon @RaimeyGallant Hi!!! Hope you're enjoying 7y
RaimeyGallant Welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon And here's a compilation of Litsy tips that a bunch of us put together:
http://litsy.com/p/aDJja2lMZFFY
7y
3 likes2 comments
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Lizpixie
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Pickpick

5am Thursday morning here in Sydney, I've been up all night reading and feel like that Tom&Jerry cartoon picture with matchsticks holding up his eyelids.But I've finished this book finally. Been in a bit of a slump, it's taken me a week to read this. I think it's coz I feel so awful that reading is just too much work. But this book was wonderful. I was expecting a fluffy cozy crime, but got a well thought out murder mystery instead. Definitely 5⭐️

Jess_Read_This You always find the best mysteries! 8y
BibliophileMomma You read so many good mysteries. I swear my TBR has grown almost double just from following you. 😂😍😬 8y
Verity I've read a couple of this series, but not this one. I like them but they can be a bit patchy. Glad this one is good. 8y
76 likes6 stack adds3 comments
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Lizpixie
An Expert in Murder | Nicola Upson
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Up next is this Golden Age crime novel, in the same vein as Phryne Fisher & Daisy Dalrymple. 1934, Scottish crime writer, Josephine Tey, is going to London to see her play when one of her fellow train passengers is murdered. DI Archie Penrose thinks the killing is connected to Tey and that Tey herself is on the killers hitlist. Cleverly blending reality, Tey is a real life writer from the 30s, with fiction it sounds very interesting.

Cinfhen Are you home? Feeling better? 8y
Lizpixie @Cinfhen I'm home, not really feeling better though. I have inflammation of my small intestine & possibly gallstones. Yay. I'd rather be in my own bed than in a hospital bed, getting no rest at all, I can do the same here as I could in a ward, rest & painkillers.🤒 8y
Cinfhen Sorry you're not feeling better but glad you're home 😘 8y
See All 9 Comments
LauraBrook Yes, glad you're at home but sorry you are still feeling so awful. ❤️ 8y
SharonGoforth Sending hugs and healing thoughts your way💗💗 8y
Lizpixie @Cinfhen @LauraBrook @SharonGoforth thanks guys, you make me feel like I'm not alone in this. Littens are the best people, I love you all😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 8y
minkyb Take care. 8y
LeahBergen Big hugs! 💗 8y
Dragon I love her book about Richard III 8y
71 likes7 stack adds9 comments