‘Zero Cool’ (1969), 4th Lange novel, has zero originality
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Crichton is already recycling old ideas as his vacationing stand-in gets roped into a crazy adventure.
Books
‘Zero Cool’ (1969), 4th Lange novel, has zero originality
‘Last Séance’ (2019) gathers Christie’s spooky stuff
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This collection gathers Agatha’s supernatural yarns in one place, including the rare “Wife of the Kenite.”
‘Hallowe’en Party’ (1969) can’t capture spirit of season
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Although it doesn’t have the spooky vibe I hoped for, there are things to like about this Poirot novel.
‘Murder with Mirrors’ (1952) novel-length sleight of hand
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This is a gripping page-by-page read with an engaging theme. But does Christie play fair with the reader?
‘Travels’ (1988) gives surprising insight into Crichton
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): These essays touch on his inspirations for novels. But Crichton’s interest in the paranormal is the big surprise.
‘Mrs. McGinty’s Dead’ (1952), and everyone’s a suspect
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This might be Christie’s most convoluted, unsolvable mystery. But it’s a solid character piece for Poirot.
A twist: ‘Death Comes as the End’ (1944) set in ancient Egypt
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): Christie ventures outside of contemporary England to tell an ancient Egyptian story – albeit one with familiar parallels.
‘Bloodless’ an amusing dive into Savannah, weird science
Book review: Preston & Child’s 20th Pendergast novel is a wild page-turner, but it crams in too many ideas to be as memorable as their earlier gems.
‘State of Fear’ (2004) has impeccable research, crazy plot
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Crichton illustrates that climate worries are overstated, and that the environmental movement has bad consequences.
‘N or M?’ (1941) encapsulates life during World War II
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): The T&T novels keep surprising me as being better than their reputation. I think “N or M?” is the best of the first three.