I enjoy the North mysteries. I especially like that the police captain, Weigand, is not just a dummy assistant to two amateurs. He sometimes is inspired by the Norths, and sometimes they get the same conclusion independently, but he is often ahead of them. Also the cats are fun. However, it is difficult not to sip a martini while reading, and I can't sip THAT many martinis and still read. There is pleasant wit and banter, respectful relationships and generally nice people who are not unhappy, except some of the possible perpetrators. Sometimes I can tell whodunnit, and sometimes not, and I never pay attention to whether or not the author is fair with clues. ( )