As some of you know, I have been re-reading. One of the best things about having books that have been in your home for a long time is that you no longer quite remember the plot. And, in the case of murder mysteries, forgetting the plot is kind of important to the re-reading option. So: who am I re-reading? Bits here and there of Ellen Hart, of whose work I am fond, featuring (mainly) Sophie Greenway. Yes, I also like Jane Lawless and her friends, but this is just the way the rummaging on the shelf happened. I look forward to re-visiting Jane as well -- and know that Hart has many more in that series that I neither own nor have read!
Meanwhile: why do I like Ellen Hart? In no particular order because:
- Hart writes well, plots well, and has interesting characters.
- A friend many years ago recommended the books.
- As a part of the L community (I find LGBTQ sometimes irritating and so have resorted to L), Hart writes of both the complications and the delights, including changing somewhat over the years.
- The two series each feature a strong woman, who knows how to have friends.
- Both series feature someone from the world of food -- in the case of Sophie Greenway, a restaurant critic who also owns a hotel (which does have restaurants), and in the case of Jane Lawless, a restaurant owner
- Did I say Hart writes well?
- Did I say she is a Lambda award winning author
- Did I say I once met her at a book signing in Provincetown?
It turns out I have another reason to like the series: they hold up to a re-read years later. Yes, there are dated references scattered here and there. But everything more or less holds up as story and as writing. I have re-read a raft of them, and in each case, there is a feeling of familiarity and surprise, my idea of a terrific meal.
There could be details. But no -- read or (re)read them yourself!
For a much earlier read (and review of Dial M for Meatloaf, right here on CookingwithIdeas, click here.
