Never start in the middle

 If I know a book is part of a series, I usually try to start reading close to the beginning of the series. I broke that rule for these, with varying results.

 

The Mask by Taylor Stevens. I received an ARC for this book before finding out it was third or fourth in a series. The beginning made it seem like the worst Mary Sue ever. Magical talent to acquire languages, amazing fighting skills, tragic back story, plus a healthy dose of Had She But Known. Once I got past the first 50 pages, it was actually very readable. Without being spoilery, the perpetrator was hiding in plain sight. The culture clash is an important part of the book. I might go back and read the first one, which won several awards

 

Terminal by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs. It's the eighth in a series. If I'd known it was a YA, I might not have picked it up, but Kathy Reichs is a powerful draw. I can't recommend it, even to its target audience. Teenagers in Charleston with superhuman powers from a biochemical agent battle other superhumans and a shadowy government agency. I couldn't buy that even teenagers would make the same mistakes several times in a row. I didn't find the characters sympathetic.

 

Death Ex Machina by Gary Corby. This one, I will definitely look for the earlier books. It's set in ancient Greece, around the time of Pericles. Aeschylus and Euripides are minor characters. The story revolves around a death in a theatre during revels dedicated to Dionysus. The main character is Socrates' older brother. The mystery is interesting. The historical research is well done, without being an info-dump. I liked the writing style as well.

 

Masque of a Murderer by Sasanna Calkins. This is the third book in the series and I haven't read the other two. The setting is interesting - London, just after the Great Fire. The historical research is nicely done and the writing style is smooth. I'm not sure a girl would have had that much freedom, but I could suspend disbelief. I might look for the other two.

The Private Patient by P.D. James. I’ve read all of her books. This might be the last Dalgliesh book, as P.D. James passed away last November. It is classic James, with her examination of class issues, attention to detail, and convoluted plot. A woman goes to a private clinic for facial reconstruction and doesn’t survive the night. It’s not the best-written of the series, but I’ll take it. There is an elegiac air to the book. She takes care to wrap up certain details of her characters’ lives (in satisfying ways).