The Crystal Crypt

This cosy mystery set in the 1920s was a delightful read. I loved how it featured strong female characters who fought their way for equality in a white, dominated male world. Their feisty and determined personalities added to the storyline and as a female living in today's age it made me truly appreciate the horrors and constrictions that women, or persons of colour had to face in the 1920's. It's also very sad to think that ten decades later we are still living with prejudice in our society and still fighting for equality.

The Crystal Crypt was a well-written murder mystery and although book 6 in the Poppy Denby Investigates series, it can definitely be read as a standalone novel. The characters were well rounded, three-dimensional and quirky which I loved. The historical setting was a pure joy to read and I loved the rich description of Oxford. The map at the front of the book added further to the detailed description and I enjoyed ‘walking' around the city following Poppy on her investigation. I was thrilled to learn that The White Horse is still a landmark in Oxford today as to is Blackwell's Bookshop. It is these added details that make the book stand out.

There were a few red herrings in the novel with the addition of lots of twists and turns. I thought I had figured it out to then be totally thrown off guard again. As this was an easy read I wasn't quite anticipating the complexity of the plot or the depth of characters that really made this a unpredictable read. A thoroughly enjoyable read.