John Linwood Grant

As a roundabout hint of how much I was looking forward to delving into Geraniums, I must explain that I have enough books in my house at this moment to keep me entertained well into my dotage. I have books in the living room, books on the night table, books stacked on the floor beside the bed in tripping hazard towers, books in a crap-catcher--sorry ahem, magazine rack in the bathroom, books on shelves covering all wall spaces on the porch and recorded books in my ancient vehicle that still show more has a CD player.
Geraniums made it to the top of all heaps and was toted from living room to bed and back until it was finished this morning with my coffee.
Charming, entertaining, clever.
A titillating collage of characters and stories with delicious Edwardian nods to Sherlock Holmes, Mary Elizabeth Bradddon's Lady Audley's Secret, Carnacki, Jack the Ripper and more.
Bravo!
Several stories in this collection are of Edwin Dry, The Deptford Assassin, killer for hire. For all his cold, calculating efficiency, and despite being a man frugal with words, he charms and fascinates. Grant has brought this character to life so quickly, so deftly, one can only set the book down and think with the need of an addict, I need more Dry!
I'll hunt up more JLG works. They too will get the VIP treatment moving directly to the top of the read-next pile. show less

Another superb book from John Linwood Grant that combines subtle social commentary with artful storytelling, and gives readers an unforgettable main character. This collection of short stories weaves a magical, grounded tale of Mamma Lucy and travels a delightful and entertaining path. Melding magic, hoodoo, and a no-nonsense, sassy protagonist, Ain’t No Witch delivers a silky smooth reading experience you can savour.
There wasn’t one story I didn’t enjoy and highly recommend the book.

An engaging and entertaining story collection, infused nicely with a menacing, creepy tone, edged with a bit of snark. The framing narration that leads in a out of the stories works well and overall, I highly recommend the book.