How will the case be solved? Murder at Mallowan Hall

by Colleen Cambridge

#MurderatMallowanHall #NetGalley

Those who enjoy mysteries will most likely recognize the name Mallowan in this book’s title. For those who don’t know, Mallowan was the name of Agatha Christie’s second husband. Two facts…He was younger than Agatha and was an archaeologist.

This book is delightful and clever. The Mallowans are characters in the novel but do not dominate the story. It is a take on the English country house murder and is told with warmth and a nod to those who know their mysteries. For example, readers will observe Agatha getting the brainstorm that later results in The Body in the Library.

The book’s conceit is that Agatha’s housekeeper, Phyllida, is an old friend. Because of this, they chat often and do not maintain a strict employer/employee relationship. Phyllida is the amateur detective for the case. She is an astute observer even as she ends up in some trying situations.

The Mallowans host a house party. The murder victim does not appear to be whom he said he was. Photos that he possessed are found and these include all of the guests at the party. What was the victim after? Who murdered him? Why? Read the story to find out.

Both this book and Murder at Greenway were recently published. Each has some connection to Agatha Christie. I preferred this novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

For art lovers and historians: The Museum

From its Origins to the 21st Century

by Owen Hopkins

#TheMuseum #NetGalley Pub Date 23 Nov 2021

This book is one to linger over as so much is included within its pages. In addition, the illustrations provide some wonderful escapism as readers can travel to some of the world’s best known buildings, collections and galleries; those are the museums of the title.

It is clear that the author of this volume has researched and thought deeply. Within the first few pages of the text, there is mention of Covid and the state of race relations in the U.S. This is all incorporated into a deep dive of the focus and role of the museum, a cherished and, at times, challenging institution. Attention is paid to the history of the museum in its many manifestations. Chapter headings include Origins, The Enlightenment Museum, The Public Museum, The Modern Museum, The Global Museum and, The Museum NOw. The end of the book includes suggestions for additional reading.

This book can be enjoyed by those who have taken art history classes or those looking to learn more about museums even as museum novices. It is worth a look!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.