Donald Bain

Jessica Fletcher

Cabot Cove's own mystery writer and sleuth, Jessica Fletcher, travels to London to visit the grande dame of mystery novels, only to discover that the acclaimed author has been murdered.

Gin and Daggers

Dustin

It mostly feels like one of the tv show episodes. Not 100% but mostly. There's a few subtle differences, some of which I am not sure how I feel about.
What confused me was, that Jessica was portrayed as having written and published books since before Frank died, which is not what the tv show suggests happens (in its very first episode).
Apart from a few things that I didn't necessarily find very "Jessica", it was an interesting book.

At one point, there's mention of "a nasty homosexual relationship", which was very unclear to me how it was meant. There's no further mention of this or even that the character saying it, would be homophobic, so it sounds as if author wanted to make a rather sad statement … I hope I'm mistaken.

Giulia Pianta

Murder, She Wrote is extremely famous in Italy. It was a constant on TV at lunch time for years, and everyone knows the show. I saw many episodes and I have read many of the books in Italian. But now I am in such a mystery mood that I want to read them all in order and in English. So I started with the very first one.

I have to say, it wasn't the best of all the ones I have read. But regardless, it was such a treat. It was very reminiscent of Agatha Christie's books (not in quality of course) as they are all very naive and innocent. I mean, there is no gore, no sex, so drugs or heavy drinking. Which means they are perfect for a goody-goody prude as myself! I love this kind of cozy books, where even murder isn't that crude.

The fact that Jessica is old-ish appeals to my old soul, and I love hearing how she reads before bed, drinks tea and has nice meals in restaurants. Add to that that she is a mystery writer (dream job!) and solves crimes on the side (dream side job!), and you get the picture of my ideal detective.
I think that is what really appeals to me, together with the fact that she is young enough to travel and being active, that makes it so interesting for me to read.

The mystery itself was interesting and well-crafted. I figured out quite a lot before the revelation, but it surely was nice and complex enough, and I was satisfied in the end.
The setting in London is lovely, and I really like George Sutherland!! He and Jessica are so cute together! (Even though they are never going to be a real couple sigh)

A thing I loved about this book is how Jessica always had places to go. Every day she had tons of invitations and people to meet, so I never got bored.

All in all, I would say this is the first book in the series and you can tell. There are some other books in the series that are way better developed and thrilling, but it was nevertheless a lovely Saturday read.

Gin and Daggers

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