Thanks to everyone for the warm birthday wishes. Since no one signed up to receive a non-fiction book, I drew two names out of the fiction hat. Congratulations Kathy J. and Laura C.
Kathy, I have your address. Laura, if you will send me an email (bellebookandcandle[at]hotmail[dot]com) and let me know your address, I will get both books off in the mail.
With so much celebrating, I didn't get a chance to read much over the past week, but I did finish The Mystery of the Yellow Room by Gaston Leroux. He is also the author of Phantom of the Opera.
The mystery was published in 1908 and is one of the first locked-room crime novels. A young woman is found battered almost to death in her bedroom with the door still locked from the inside. How could that be? It is up to journalist and amateur sleuth Joseph Rouletabille to untangle the clues which of course he does in the inimitable French style.
I was surprised that, although the main action of the story takes place in and around Paris, some of the background action that leads to the dénouement takes place here in Louisville.
And, now, for the biggest news: Alexander McCall Smith is coming to speak here at the library next week as part of his tour promoting his newest book Emma. Ohmygosh! I am so excited and can hardly wait to see him. You can be sure I will be giving you all a full report.
Well, shucks! Now I'll have something fun to look forward to in the mail. Thanks for giving US gifts for YOUR birthday.
ReplyDeleteI have read Phantom, but more than 20 years ago. I didn't know he had written mysteries. This one does sound intriguing.
I look forward to hearing about Alexander McCall Smith's visit. I want to read more of his work.
Congratulations, Kathy. I have read all of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books. I am so pleased that AMS is coming to Louisville and that I will get a chance to hear him and meet him. Very lucky!
DeleteOh my goodness! You are so lucky to hear Alexander McCAll Smith! I've never heard of the Gaston Lereux, but I do like a locked room mystery!
ReplyDeleteKat, I met and heard AMS on Thursday. Oh, my. He is terrific. So funny and as charming as can be. I will be posting my impressions and photos this week. Stay tuned!
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