I’m thinking I may have to reconsider my definition of ‘light hearted romp’ … it’s been used to describe two recent reads that I didn’t find to be ‘light hearted’ at all! This time it was Cold Skies, by Thomas King. It’s part of his Dreadful Water Mystery series, and while it was amusing, and offered a few laugh out loud moments, I’m (personally) not sure it was ‘light hearted.’ ;-) The main character, Thumps DreadfulWater (he’s Cherokee) is an ex-cop. After a devastating case in California, he has escaped to a small town and is working as a nature photographer. There’s an upcoming water conference bringing reps from various companies to town. The local sheriff is due for vacation and has asked Thumps to fill in for him. He keeps turning him down, but it’s hard not to get involved. Thanks to Canadian Reader for leaving this one here for me to read.

Otto Penzler is the editor of collections of mystery stories, usually with a theme (the Christmas collection is here on my shelf). Recently he has started a new venture: Otto Penzler Presents American Mystery Classics. It’s exactly what it sounds like, reissues of popular books from the past. What fun! Miss Pinkerton, by Mary Roberts Rinehart was the first I’ve tried. Miss Adams, the main character, is a nurse, but is rather fondly called Miss Pinkerton by DI Patton. There’s been a death, but whether or not it is murder or suicide has yet to be determined. Since there is an elderly resident (as well as elderly servants), it is easy to place Miss Adams in the house to have her observe what is going on. It’s a lot more than you might expect!

Reading Hermit With Dog