See the individual novels for book reviews.

Dec. 2012: "Tied Up in Tinsel", 4*
Sept. 2019: "Scales of Justice", 3.5*
July 2020: "Photo Finish", 3*
July 2020: "A Grave Mistake", 4* ( )

Read from September 15 to 17, 2011. I started to read it on August 13. But it didn't grab my attention. This review is based upon only the first ("Scales of Justice") of the five novels.

Competent. The author writes well, with good character development. Except for a slow start, the pacing was good.

Pros:
The author provides a list of characters, grouped by family! This saves me so much writing. I can't keep track of the players without a score card! I need to have some type of reference list.
There are a few recurring characters.
The colloquialisms: reach-me-down specs, clout (archery), etc.

Cons:
The minor recurring characters have no depth.
The assistant named Fox is continually referred to by some stupid play on his name: Foxkit, Brer Fox, etal.
The main detective shares his thoughts with his associates, but not with me (the reader). Occasionally this wouldn't be too bad, but it is done continually, to the point of becoming an annoyance.

Hopefully, I shall, in time, read more of Chief Detective-Inspector Roderick Alleyn of New Scotland Yard. ( )

Ngaio Marsh is an excellent British mystery writer and her character, Inspector Alleyn is well known to her many fans. Her books generally take place during and after World War II. These books have also been the subject of the popular Inspecter Alleyn Mystery series which has been aired on the BBC, PBS , and the Arts & Entertainment channel. They are also available for rent at many Video stores. The film productions are very high quality, offering a good intellectual challenge, but the books are likewise excellent. ( )