"Holy Disorders", by Edmund Crispin

Novel, 1945

Engaging, subversive and occasionally very witty detective romp, focusing on the goings on in a small cathedral city in Devon, which can't seem to retain a share of extant organists. A book whose laconic approach, whimsical-cum-sinister settings and continuing warnings against witchcraft and Nazism place it very much 'of its time' and snug within its genre, although the writing sparkles and the plot's dastardly invention foreshadows 1960s tongue-in-cheek fantasy. An immensely enjoyable read.

"The Woman in Black", by Susan Hill

Novel, 1992

Effective ghost story, packing suspense and creating an evocative, oppressive atmosphere. Much of this is probably attributable to the first person narrative, taking the reader into a world which is written in what appears to be very deliberately 'olde worlde', with a groaning bucket load of mist, marshes, haunted houses and phantoms. While the style occasionally threatens the power of the narrative, in the final analysis, it doesn't, leaving a feeling of a good read by the end of the story.

"Epitath for a Spy", by Eric Ambler

Novel, 1938

Effective, nicely paced and well-told story of a man's dilemma and problems after he's arrested under suspicion of spying against the French just before the Second World War. The careless and bungling nature of the protagonist and the fact he's played by many of the other characters in the book give a refreshing feel to the book, although there's also some ill ease at the slightly metaphysical dilemma the hero finds himself in. A smooth, entertaining book, at once familiar in its form, though refreshingly differing it at the same time.

"Don't Point That Thing at Me", by Kyril Bonfiglioli

Novel, 1972

Adventures of an art enthusiast and amateur gentleman sleuth, with more than a touch of Wodehouse, some very non-reconstructed 1970s views towards women and "foreigners" and briefly dark passages punctuating the sprightly overall tone of the book. The mixture of keen plotting and a brisk pace make for a compelling read, and while the book isn't really an absolute classic, there's more than enough entertainment and points to make an interesting read.

"The Sundial", by Shirley Jackson

Novel, 1958

A book which roars out of the traps, mixing Gothic sensibilities with dark humour, and which builds an intensity through looking at a family house whose inhabitants believe they're going to be saved from purgatory. This is an offbeat and excellent idea for the narrative, which in the main, trips along nicely, although occasionally perhaps gets a little tongue tied and clumsy in places. The comic elements are cruel although very amusing, with a whole host of odd, although often pretty likeable characters.

"Arab Jazz", by Karim Miské

Novel, 2015

While the settings and particularly the characters in the book are a little off-genre, this book is, essentially, a piece of detective fiction. Nothing wrong with that, and at the beginning of the book, the combination of a fairly familiar form and some more contemporary aspects combine to hook the reader. The power diminishes, to some extent, after a high number of popular cultural or religious references and one edgy druggy encounter too many. The whole piece still flows well and is very entertaining. 

"Rain Darling", Merle Collins

Short stories, 1990

Short story collection and a bit of a mixed bag. Of the seven pieces, the three more extended works pack a huge emotional punch, while the remainder feel more like exercises in reportage. The family tragedies in Rain and My Sister Cherish are particularly poignant and hugely moving, with the narrative mixing matter of fact, unsentimental language with some truly heart wrenching scenes and situations. This collection feels as if it's a great introduction to a little known author who can really pull emotions without playing them too obviously.