August & September book clubs
Join us for our classic edition of our book club at the end of the summer. In August, we’ll meet at 2 p.m. in person on Sunday the 18th and at 7 p.m. on zoom on Wednesday the 21st to discuss Akimitsu Takagi‘s 1950 masterpiece, The Noh Mask Murder. Description: This ingeniously constructed masterpiece, written by one of Japan’s most celebrated crime writers and translated into English for the first time, is perfect for locked-room mystery fans who can’t resist a breathtaking conclusion. In the Chizurui family mansion, a haunting presence casts a shadow over its residents. By night, an eerie figure, clad in a sinister Hannya mask is seen roaming around the house. An amateur murder mystery writer, Akimitsu Takagi, is sent to investigate — but his investigation takes a harrowing turn as tragedy strikes the Chizurui family. Within the confines of a locked study, the head of the family is found dead, with only an ominous Hannya mask lying on the floor by his side and the lingering scent of jasmine in the air as clues to his mysterious murder. As Takagi delves deeper into the perplexing case, he discovers a tangled web of secrets and grudges. Can he discover the link between the family and the curse of the Hannya mask? Who was the person who called the undertaker and asked for three coffins on the night of the murder? And do those three coffins mean the curse of the Hannya mask is about to strike again?
In September we’ll read Elizbeth Peter’s beloved first Amelia Peabody novel, Crocodile and the Sandbank (1975). We’ll meet in person on Sunday, September 15 at 2 p.m. and on zoom on Wednesday, September 18 at 7 p.m. Our in person group will be joined by Elizabeth Peters fan extraordinaire, Colleen Cambridge. We’ll also have some of Colleen’s books for sale. If anyone needs one, here’s a description of this influential novel: Amelia Peabody, that indomitable product of the Victorian age, embarks on her debut Egyptian adventure armed with unshakable self-confidence, a journal to record her thoughts, and, of course, a sturdy umbrella. On her way to Cairo, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been abandoned by her scoundrel lover. Together the two women sail up the Nile to an archeological site run by the Emerson brothers-the irascible but dashing Radcliffe and the amiable Walter. Soon their little party is increased by one-one mummy that is, and a singularly lively example of the species. Strange visitations, suspicious accidents, and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn. Now Amelia finds herself up against an unknown enemy-and perilous forces that threaten to make her first Egyptian trip also her last . . .
Upcoming book clubs: Sunday, June 23 in person at 2 p.m. and on zoom Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. – The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra by Vaseem Khan
Sunday, July 21 at 2 p.m. in person and on zoom Wednesday, July 24 at 7 p.m. – The Canal Murders by J.R. Ellis.
As always, everyone is welcome. Message us on facebook or email us at store (at) auntagathas.com for directions or a zoom link. Books are for sale through our online store at a (small) discount.