The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie – Book Review
A lesser-known train murder mystery from the Queen of Crime, The Mystery of the Blue Train may not occupy the same rarefied class as Murder on the Orient Express, and Christie herself apparently hated writing it. I thought it was hardly her best, but still a decent enough read.
Top Ten Tuesday – Books With One-Word Titles
This week’s topic from That Artsy Reader Girl is Books With One-Word Titles. To make it more of a fun challenge, I thought I’d come up with a selection of titles that refer to a first or last name. Curiously, my list is heavy on classics and older novels, with only one book that was published in the 21st century (and even that one is named after a character from Ancient Greek mythology). I wonder if it’s simply gone out of fashion for whatever reasons.
The Graduate – Film Review
This witty 1967 comedy-drama about disaffected youth feels both dated and timeless, and holds up well thanks to the great performances, clever cinematography, legendary Simon & Garfunkel tunes, and one of the most memorable movie endings I can think of.
Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola – Book Review
This claustrophobic tale of lust, murder and madness made an indelible impression on me when I first read it many years ago, and I found it just as engrossing second time around.
The Mysterious Mr Quin by Agatha Christie – Book Review
A collection of short stories blending mystery and romantic melodrama, about a strange crime-solving partnership that has more than a tinge of supernatural. Put it under another Christie book I appreciated much more on a re-read.
Top Ten Tuesday – Books Covers with Stars
I decided to do a twist on this week’s topic from That Artsy Reader Girl, Book Covers In the Colours of My Country’s Flag. The colours of the Australian flag are blue, red and white, which is not exactly the most original colour combo in the world. A more interesting feature of our flag is the Southern Cross constellation, so I thought I’d make a list of book covers with stars and constellations.
Sexy Beast – Film Review
An unconventional and stylish cult British gangster film that swings effortlessly from funny to nightmarish, with an acclaimed villainous turn from Ben Kingsley.
By Day She Made Herself Into a Cat by Arthur Rackham
Don’t pet this kitty! There’s something special about black cats, and this illustration for The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, about a witch who turns into a black cat and glowers at the world, is one of my favourites. I love the robust and expressive pen and ink technique, and the way the cat simply radiates power and anger.
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty – Book Review
Moriarty’s light touch and sparkling writing somewhat redeems this overstuffed tale that doesn’t really succeed as either mystery, romance or family drama.
The Blue Caftan – Film Review
