Wicked Autumn by G.M. Malliet (Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday)

 

(the UK cover is cooler than the US)

Title: Wicked Autumn

Author: G.M. Malliet

Publication: 13 September 2011

Format: Kindle ebook

Amazon Description: 

The first in a delightful series, Wicked Autumn sharply skewers the quintessential English village in a cunningly modern version of the traditional drawing room mystery. Wickedly entertaining, it’s the perfect choice for Agatha Christie fans.

Max Tudor has settled happily into his post as vicar of St. Edwold’s Church in Nether Monkslip. The quaint English village seems to be the perfect new home for Max, who has fled a harrowing past serving in MI5, the British domestic counter-intelligence agency. But his serenity is quickly shattered when the wildly unpopular president of the Women’s Institute turns up dead at the Harvest Fayre. The death looks like an accident, but Max’s MI5 training quickly kicks in, and before long he suspects foul play.

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff

 

I thought that I had read this years ago but there's no indication on the blog of having done so, so here we have it. Right now I'm about 40% in and if I did previously read any part of it, I didn't get very far and I have no idea why. I must have had too much life stuff going on or something because this absolutely is delightful. Granted, I have more than my fair share of life stuff going on now, but rather than using it as an excuse to not read, I'm using the reading as an excuse to avoid pretty much everything else.... like my usual workouts, it seems. I really should unload the exercise bike and just read while I pedal....

Anyway, I've seen this series classified as both "cozy mystery" and "traditional detective" for sub-genres. I can see both. It's not sickeningly sweet and full of recipes and cats like some "cozy" and not as serious and violent as a some "traditional." It's a dang near perfect combination of both so far.... and it doesn't hurt at all that Max has been likened to Hugh Grant in appearance. I've been drooling over that man since 1991's Impromptu. 

It's a bit of a slow read but that may just be me. There's an awful lot of background information which is a plus in the first book of a series, but I look forward to seeing if the pace picks up as the series progresses. Book 8 should be out in September according to Malliet's website. I may be caught up by then.... but there are so many other lovely distractions (including some other Malliet series) waiting so maybe not.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

"First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros" is from the first paragraph or two

of a book being read now (or in the future) and is hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews. 

"Teaser Tuesday" at The Purple Booker asks for a random line or two
from anywhere in the book currently being read.