Most bloggers know that if you blog and always recommend books to other readers, you constantly get recommendations themselves. The disadvantage: your TBR pile grows and grows. The advantage: your TBR pile grows and grows. This is one of the recommendations I received from another reader who often finds the most interesting books (Christopher @ Plucked from the Stacks). And this one is no exception.
If, like me, you like to watch the British crime series "Midsomer Murders", the title jumps right into your eyes. And there is only one conclusion to be drawn. The authors must have watched the series, as well. And they drew their conclusions.
Once you start reading this, you know they did. They tell you what to avoid: the vicar, high places, low places, dark places, any places, empty houses, bridges and tunnels, any kind of events, village, sports or otherwise, any kind of family gatherings etc. etc.
No matter what the recommendations are, at the end it is always clear, you are going to get killed if you visit these places. So, the biggest advice is: Stay away!
They forgot one good advice I can give to anyone who wants to visit Midsomer County. Do not befriend the Chief Inspector's wife, no matter how nice and lovely she is. The victims always belong to her closest circle.
Why do I love Midsomer so much? I used to live in Buckinghamshire and I have actually been to quite a few of the places that appear in the series, larger towns or small hamlets. And I can tell you, they are really as pretty as shown in the series and the people are awfully nice. We lived there for six years and didn't encounter any murder.
Still, this book reminded me of the series as well as the area. So lovely. And funny. Oh, and the illustrations are both cute as well as hilarious. I guess even if you haven't seen the series, you would enjoy this book.
From the back cover:
"Thinking of a foray to a quaint English village? You'll think twice after reading this tongue-in-cheek illustrated guide to the countless murderous possibilities lurking behind these villages' bucolic façades - from bestselling author Maureen Johnson and illustrator Jay Cooper.
A weekend roaming narrow old lanes, touring the faded glories of a country manor, and quaffing pints in the pub. How charming. That is, unless you have the misfortune of finding yourself in an English Murder Village, where danger lurks around each picturesque cobblestone corner and every sip of tea may be your last. If you insist on your travels, do yourself a favor and bring a copy of this little book. It may just keep you alive.
Brought to life with dozens of Gorey-esque drawings by illustrator Jay Cooper and peppered with allusions to classic crime series and unmistakably British murder lore, Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village gives you the tools you need to avoid the same fate, should you find yourself in a suspiciously cozy English village (or simply dream of going). Good luck, and whatever you do, avoid the vicar."
Oddly I've never seen any of this series (although I do know of it and I think my Mum watches it) but the book sounds brilliant. I'll be adding it to my Amazon Wish List... [grin]
ReplyDeleteWell, Kitten, if your mum loves it, you have an idea for a Christmas present!!! It is fantastic for anyone but if you have seen the series, you'll relive every second of it.
DeleteThanks for adding another book to my TBR list! ;D This one does sound like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Lark. Though I'm not sure that's such a good thing to be thanked for. LOL. It is a lot of fun, whether you know the series or not.
DeleteSo glad you ended up enjoying this one! It's such a lot of fun if you're into murder mysteries at all—though good point about avoiding the Chief Inspector's Wife as well. It really is best to just stay away from the entire village.
ReplyDeleteCounty, you mean county, right? Mind you, I lived in Buckinghamshire and it is one of the most beautiful part of England, and that's something because it's beautiful everywhere.
DeleteBut from your remark I notice that you've watched it, as well? Because, if Joyce or Sarah Barnaby are nearby, there's bound to be a murder. LOL
I love Maureen Johnson's mysteries, so I definitely need to read this book. It sounds super fun!
ReplyDeleteI've actually never watched Midsomer Murders. I only really watch t.v. when I'm folding laundry or cross-stitching. Right now, I'm rewatching Stranger Things. When I'm done, maybe I'll try out Midsomer Murders. Sounds like a good watch.
Ooooh, yes, you have to give it a try. Unless you really, really hate crime stories. I've never even heard of Stranger Things but I just looked it up and it could be that you like Midsomer, as well. If nothing else, you can see in what part of England I used to live.
DeleteAnd I had never heard of Maureen Johnson's mysteries, so must look her up, too. So, thanks a lot, Susan.
Haha, that is just what we used to say. There can't be many people still alive in the Midsomer area. Sounds like an enjoyable book.
ReplyDeleteHeehee, you are so right, Lisbeth. Next time you come visiting, we'll have to talk about that in more detail. LOL
DeleteFun review. I love that you recognize some of the locations in the series.
ReplyDeleteIt always makes a series or a film more interesting, don't you think. And it is one of the most beautiful areas in England, even though there are many of them.
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