This is the first in a series by Dorothy Gilman. A friend from my daughter's book club recommended her as one of her favorite mystery authors. I reviewed another of her books, The Nun in the Closet, last year. I've also read Incident at Badyama and The Unexpected Mrs. Polifax, from her acclaimed Mrs. Polifax series. I've thoroughly enjoyed each of these books! Ms. Gilman is a great story-teller and masterful in the mystery genre.
The Clairvoyant Countess is the story of Madame Karitska who has the gift of clairvoyance, but who doesn't believe in using it for personal gain - until she runs out of any other options for supporting herself. This book is interesting because it's not one long case, but several she becomes involved in through her clients and her new friendship with a police detective she meets when she tries to keep a client (unsuccessfully) from being murdered. There are are recurring characters - the detective, a boy and another gentlemen, both of whom are clairvoyant themselves. The countess is helping the latter learn to appreciate and use their gifts. It's light, interesting, enjoyable reading. And there is even some quotable philosophy from the wise Mrs. Karitska! This passage spoke to me in particular:
You are suffering from a severe case of creative discontent, my dear Mr. Faber-Jones. How else do you think people can look for something new unless they become thoroughly oppressed and sated by the old? This is very promising!
So the malaise I've been feeling? It's good! All part of the looking for something new!
June 20,2012
June 20,2012
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