Lessons In Love

tags: murder, romance

⭐⭐⭐out of 5

From Goodreads

Lady Lucinda Esmond’s swine of a father was forever fleecing young bucks in London’s gaming halls—until he met Cpt. Mark Chamfrey, who, having been once cheated, would not be made a fool of again and promptly kidnapped ten-year-old Lucinda for ransom . . .

But when Chamfrey thought better of it and returned the girl, Esmond nonetheless exacted his own price: Chamfrey could redeem himself and save his skin by agreeing to marry his little victim nine years hence, just time enough for Chamfrey to inherit a title and fortune. Lucinda’s father could not have foreseen what a beauty Lucinda would become as those years passed—nor that Chamfrey, a newly made marquess, would actually come to welcome his so-called punishment . . .

Originally published under the name Marion Chesney, this twist-filled tale of Regency romance is by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin series.

I thought this M. C. Beaton novelette would be strictly romantic comedy set during the Regency era but somehow quickly turned into a series of murders. 

Spoilers

Heavenly Ever After

tags: Korean dramedy, Netflix, romantic fantasy

12 episodes, Saturday and Sunday

An elderly woman named Lee Hae-sook died at the age of 80. Since her husband's accident, she has provided for her family on her own. Hae-sook makes an odd choice when she first arrives at the Heaven Admission Counseling Office: she decides to keep her 80-year-old appearance for her afterlife. Her husband's affectionate remarks that she was gorgeous at all ages, but particularly now, had an impact on this choice. Hae-sook and her husband, Ko Nak-Joon, are reunited in Heaven.

But she is shocked to see him in his younger, thirty-year-old self, and he is equally shocked to see her looking older. As it happens, Hae-sook is the only individual in Heaven who has decided against going back to their younger self. In the meantime, Nak-joon delivers letters of well wishes from Earth while working as a postman in Heaven. While he waited for Hae-sook, he constructed a stunning home in Heaven and died before her.

I love it already after watching the first 2 episodes. My fave Son Suk-Ku stars in this comedy drama set in heaven. He is so funny and cute in a comedic role.

I think this series might be a tearjerker also but with more comedy and romance. The dogs who also went to heaven reunited with their humans. There is only one cat in heaven, Lee Hae-sook and her husband's pet who died before both of them did. I'm guessing the cat got to heaven maybe because Lee Hae-sook put a cross on her ashes/urn. 

 

George Bellairs

tags: British, George Bellairs, mystery,

⭐⭐⭐⭐

From Goodreads

The Classic Detective Inspector Littlejohn Mysteries by George Bellairs brings together seven riveting cases of the intuitive and methodical Inspector Littlejohn. This illustrated collection includes the novels Outrage on Gallows Hill, The Crime at Halfpenny Bridge, Death on the Last Train, and The Case of the Demented Spiv, Death In Room Five, among others. Each story is steeped in British charm, capturing the nuances of small-town life while delving into the darkness that lies beneath the surface.

Bellairs’s Littlejohn is known for his patience and keen observation, which allow him to navigate complex webs of secrets and motives, all while exuding a calm demeanor. The plots twist through surprising revelations and intriguing suspects, combining wit and suspense that keeps readers guessing until the end. Bellairs's classic storytelling style and Inspector Littlejohn's deductive brilliance make this collection a must-read for fans of traditional British detective fiction.

George Bellairs is the nom de plume of Harold Blundell, a crime writer and bank manager born in Heywood, near Rochdale, Lancashire, who settled in the Isle of Man on retirement. He wrote more than 50 books, most featuring the series' detective Inspector Littlejohn. He also wrote four novels under the alternative pseudonym Hilary Landon. 

 I recently finished reading all 7 books when the collection became available from Hoopla.. The past 2 years I read 

The Case of the Seven Whistlers 

The Case of the Headless Jesuit 

The Cursing Stones Murder 

The Body in the Dumb River 

Death Before Breakfast

Murder Adrift

I like George Bellairs's books. He has great sense of humor. His numerous characters have their own distinct personalities. They are not the usual cardboard cutouts that are very common in latest mystery fiction books.

Highly recommended if you are not a reader who takes offense at everything.