Review of Best of The Strand Magazine Edited by Andrew Gulli and Lamia Gulli.

Best of "The Strand Magazine": 25 Years of Twists, Turns, and Tales from the Modern Masters of Mystery and Fiction

This star-studded anniversary collection features over twenty-five unforgettable stories from internationally bestselling authors and literary legends. From the Nordic noir of Jo Nesbø and the lyricism of Tennessee Williams to the timeless imagination of Ray Bradbury and the courtroom wit of John Mortimer, these vivid tales reflect the range and tone that have defined The Strand Magazine for a quarter century.

Alongside lost works by icons like Shirley Jackson are stories by contemporary bestsellers including Ruth Ware, Joyce Carol Oates, Jeffery Deaver, James Lee Burke, Michael Connelly, and R. L. Stine. With a foreword by Alexander McCall Smith, this collection offers a rare blend of depth, wit, and atmospheric storytelling.

My Thoughts:

I've always been a fan of short stories, particularly those brimming with mystery, unexpected twists, and memorable characters. The Strand Magazine is known for publishing engaging stories by acclaimed writers, as well as insightful reviews, articles, and other literary gems. Although the magazine has a rich history, I only recently discovered it when the publisher reached out to me for a review. I thoroughly enjoyed the diverse collection of stories in this book—especially those by authors who were new to me. If you love mysteries and suspense, this collection is a must-read. I give it a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.

 

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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my opinion.

 

 

Review of The Murder At World's End by Ross Montgomery

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Montgomery to Books R Us. His latest novel is a remarkable achievement and will be released on January 6th. While Mr. Montgomery is celebrated for his wonderful children’s books, this exciting release marks his debut as an adult novelist. Thank you for joining us today.

 About the Book:

 

 Secrets, murder, and mayhem collide as this unlikely sleuthing duo—an under-butler and a foul-mouthed octogenarian—hunt a killer in a manor sealed against the end of the world.

Cornwall, 1910. On a remote tidal island, the Viscount of Tithe Hall is absorbed in feverish preparations for the apocalypse that he believes will accompany the passing of Halley's Comet. The Hall must be sealed from top to bottom—every window, chimney, and keyhole closed off before night falls. But what the pompous, dishonest Viscount has failed to take into account is the danger that lies within... By morning, he will be dead in his sealed study, murdered by his own ancestral crossbow.

All eyes turn to Steven Pike, Tithe Hall's newest under-butler. Fresh out of Borstal for a crime he didn't commit, he is the wrong man in the wrong place at the wrong time. His unlikely ally? Miss Decima Stockingham, the foul-mouthed, sharp as a tack, eighty-year-old family matriarch. Fearless and unconventional, she relishes chaos and puzzles alike, and a murder is just the thrill she's been waiting for.

Together, this mismatched duo must navigate secret passages, buried grudges, and rising terror to unmask the killer before it's too late...

 My Thoughts:

“The Murder at World’s End” is a captivating mystery novel brimming with chaos, secrets, and a vibrant cast of characters. Set in 1910, during the passage of Halley’s Comet, many feared the world was coming to an end. The Viscount of a remote island hall has his servants seal up the estate in hopes of avoiding death by the comet. Yet, the Viscount turns up dead the very next day, leaving it to the resourceful servant Stephen Pike and Miss Decima, a sharp-tongued, eighty-year-old headmistress, to unravel the mystery. The dynamic between Stephen and Miss Decima is a highlight—they bicker over trivial matters but work seamlessly to solve the crime. Stephen, a newcomer to the hall, quickly befriends Miss Decima and proves invaluable in the investigation. The novel is fast-paced, witty, and thoroughly entertaining. I wholeheartedly give it 5 out of 5 stars and eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series. Congratulations, Mr. Montgomery.

 

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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my opinion.