March books

These are the books I have most enjoyed reading during March:

T.E. Kinsey - The Deadly Mystery of the Missing Diamonds

This unusual mystery is set in 1920s London, and revolves around the jazz band called the Dizzy Heights. They're a motley crew, all of whom served in World War I, even the two female members. Skins (real name Ivor), the drummer, is an East End boy married to a young American heiress. Somehow he and double bass player Barty end up making undercover enquiries for the police while employed to play at a gentlemen's club. An army deserter and thief is rumoured to be a member, but no-one knows his identity. There's a legend that diamonds are hidden at the club, stolen a century earlier. As mayhem turns to murder, the Dizzy Heights are determined to find the culprit and bring them to justice. Plenty of humorous moments and a good tale with interesting characters, although the setting of the club becomes a little claustrophobic at times.

Nicola Cornick - The Winter Garden

Kate is finding it hard to adjust to having a chronic illness that has put paid to her career as a classical violin soloist. She's gone to rest at her aunt's property, Gunpowder Cottage. But it's not as secluded as she imagined, and she comes up against garden archaeologist Finn. His dog is spooked by the strange atmosphere, and soon Kate is experiencing bizarre dreams and visions that seem to take her back to Catherine Catesby, the creator of the garden and wife of one of the Gunpowder plotters in 1605. But the threats don't just come from the past - someone appears to want her to leave, as she experiences unpleasant threats. With historical interludes leading up to the plot, the connection between the two women across the centuries heads to a dramatic conclusion, while in present day Kate and Finn begin a wary relationship. Another fascinating blend of history and romantic suspense from this excellent author.

John Preston - The Dig

This short novel was intriguing, delving into the characters involved in the discovery and excavation of the ship burial at Sutton Hoo in 1939. Told from the point of view of several different characters, we begin with Basil Brown, the local archaeologist who is paid by Mrs. Edith Pretty, the owner of the land, to dig into the mounds outside her house. The historic detail is deftly drawn, including the fascinating archaeological practice of the time. Of course, we know what was found there, but eavesdropping on the lives of those involved brings it all to life. There's the starchy heirarchy of the local museum and Cambridge University, and even national institutions jostling to direct the dig. Then we see the next stage of the dig through the eyes of Peggy Piggott, summoned from her honeymoon with her professor husband to join the team. We also have the lively presence of Mrs. Pretty's young son, Robert, keen to get involved in the excitement of the discoveries. It makes a good foundation for the recent film (which I haven't yet seen), but I felt the book was too short and I would have liked to read more.