The Seventh Sinner

Rating:
Summary: As good as Amelia?
Review: I have been putting off reading the other two mystery series written by Elizabeth Peters as I enjoy the Amelia Peabody series so much that I thought I would be disappointed. And, surprisingly, I was not disappointed at all in this, the first of the Jacqueline Kirby mysteries, first published in 1972. Kirby is not an instanly likeable character but she grew on me as the book continued. The mystery is classic Peters in that it involves some rather arcane references which always end up tying into the mystery somehow. I was able to figure out how the main clue to the criminal works into the plot but was not able to figure out who that criminal was as Peters keeps a vital piece of information from the reader until the denouement. This is a quite enjoyable mystery, quicker to read than the Amelia Peabody mysteries, and I look forward to buying and reading the second in the series.

Rating:
Summary: The first in the Jacqueline Kirby series
Review: The story centers on a group of graduate students studying art and history in Rome. Two of the group met middle aged librarian Jacqueline Kirby and introduce her to their group, the Seven Sinners. A hanger on of the group is found murdered, found by a member of the group and possibly also murdered by a member of the group. One of the group, Jean, begins to have a series of accidents that soon become more violent and appear less and less accidental. Jacqueline Kirby decides to investigate this matter and, of course, manages to uncover both murderer and motive.

This book was written in 1972 and does show it's age a bit, hence the 4 rather than 5 stars. Even though this is the first Jacqueline Kirby details about her are left vague. We learn there are grown children but nothing about a Mr. Kirby.

The book is enjoyable and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing
Review: This, the first of the Jacqueline Kirby books, does a wonderful job introducing Ms. Kirby. Just as grown children leave home to start a new phase in their life, so does their middle-aged parents. Jacqueline does a fine job disregarding the past to open up a new and exciting phase in her life which includes helping a group of young graduate students solve a murder. Her intelligence and past experience leaves her prepared for every eventuality! A delightful romp!