Dust to Dust by Tami Hoag

“Dust to Dust” is the second book of the Kovac and Liska series.  This series is a collection of fast-paced murder mysteries.  This book, as with all of Ms. Hoag’s work, is full of twists and turns.

Both Kovak and Liska are seasoned cops in the homicide department.  They have their own rules, but as they are consistent in bring the bad guy to justice, their superiors often look the other way instead of questioning their methods.

This time, they are working on a closed case against orders from Internal Affairs (IA).  The warnings and threats fell on deaf ears as they tear into this murder that was ruled a suicide.  Opening the case causes all kinds of havoc, including the suicide of the victim’s father.  Or was it another murder?

Each of the books in this series are able to stand alone, but I wouldn’t want to miss one of Kovak and Liska’s stories.  I give this story 5 stars, as it kept me going up to the very end.

The Case of the Discontented Soldier by Agatha Christie

Parker Pyne is at it again.  Ms. Christie’s “social worker of yesteryear” is answering the needs of a soldier who was bored with his life.  Major Wilbraham has just returned from East Africa and he is dissatisfied with his life in the slow lane.  He needs excitement.  As usual, Mr. Pyne provides what his customer needs.

The Major saves a damsel in distress, and fell head-over-heels for this gorgeous creature.  As the day goes on, they find themselves embroiled in a life or death situation.  Of course, the Major is a gentleman and not afraid of danger, so he is called upon again, to save the day. Unbeknownst to him, he was living out a plot that was written by another well-known character in Ms. Christie’s imagination: Miss Oliver, the apple eating writer. 

This was a fast read and very fun story.  I give it 4 stars.

The Case of the Middle-aged Wife

Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple are old friends of mine.  This short story by Ms. Christie, features Parker Pyne as her new main character.  I found this story delightful and light, but definitely veering away from the normal Christie mystery.  I didn’t find the mystery or the murder in this book. 

Parker Pyne has a strange business; to make others who are unhappy, happy.  The unfulfilled wife, Mrs. Packington, answers an ad that Parker put in the newspaper; “Are you happy?  If not, contact Mr. Parker Pyne, 17 Richmond Street."  Our Mrs. Packington nervously goes to see Mr. Pyne and is immediately swept away on a fantasy affair set up just for her.

This story was an extra fast read and written in Agatha Christie’s style, though not in the same genre.  I give this story 4 stars and would suggest it to anyone over thirteen years old, as it is very “clean” and entertaining.