“Attitude to Rain” may dampen your spirits
I am a fan of the “No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” books, so I expected to enjoy, “The Right Attitude to Rain” by Alexandar McCall Smith. That fact that it was labelled as a mystery bookwas good, I was in the mood for a good mystery.
Everyone knows that the best mysteries come from Great Britain (ala Agatha Christie). And “Rain” is set in Scotland, a place that I’ve always wanted to visit (thanks to the book “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon). So I was sure I had found a hit.
Well, it was easy to read.
It was not, however, a mystery. I have no idea what poor librarian shelved it in the Mystery section but one can only assume that they were confused or delusional (or more likely, going by his other books, which usually at least have the illusion of some kind of mystery).
It wasn’t a bad book. I found the characters to be charming and Scottish. The scenery was well described. There was a romantic element that was lightly steamy and fun.
If it’s traditional mystery that you’re looking for, check out a Lincoln Rhyme novel by Jeffrey Deaver, “All that Remains” by Patricia Cornwell, “Loves Music, Loves to Dance” by Mary Higgins Clark.
“The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova or “The Watchers” by Dean Koontz will appeal to those who want serious chills and thrills.
If you’re looking for a fun mystery (that’s not as silly as Janet Evanovich), go with “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” by McCall Smith instead.
For the best of silly mysteries, start with “One for the Money” by Evanovich or “Skinny Dip” by Carl Hiassen, both guarenteed to have you laughing.
And for kids, you can’t beat the Encyclopedia Brown series or “Bunnicula”. For teens, I would suggest Christopher Pike’s “Final Friends” series.
If you like Scotland, read “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon.
Posted in Mystery