Classic is Trendy in Mysteries

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If you have enjoyed the Kenneth Branagh films based on Agatha Christie's classic mysteries, I have great news for you. Even if you have read everything Christie wrote, more mystery in the same vein awaits. I am referring to the works of Ngaio Marsh. Of course die-hard mystery fans are probably aware of Marsh and her sleuthing team of Scotland Yard detectives, Alleyn and Fox. But if the events on the Orient Express were your gateway murder you may not know who to turn to after Poirot's Last Case.  My short list is to start with Marsh, then move on to Patricia Wentworth, whose stories  feature a Miss Marple-like Miss Silver, who always seems to be at the right place at the right crime, and has cordial relations with Scotland Yard. I am not suggesting that these three are the only great mystery writers, nor even that the classic cozy-style is better than any other crime writing. I am recommending that if you like Christie and haven't read Marsh or Wentworth you have some more great books ahead of you. As a courtesy to those of you who already know all this, I am keeping this post short, but I will have more soon on a completely different subject. Until then, oh, right, I haven't got a sign-off phrase yet. See you next post.

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