One of the few truly regrettable aspects of Marsh's writing is her marked habit of depicting gay characters as ineffectual, rather slimy, and altogether unlikable individuals--something not seen in the works of the more widely read Christie, who also occasionally includes implicitly gay and lesbian characters in her works. This tendency resurfaces in DEATH IN ECSTACY, and it detracts considerably from Marsh's otherwise extremely fine writing, particularly in regard to her over-all talent for dismissing stereotypes and creating fully rounded characters. But if one can overlook Marsh's homosexual hysterial, one will likely find DEATH IN ESCTACY one of her more interestingly atmospheric novels, effectively depicting a cult-like religion and the often neurotic individuals who swirl around it--including some who may have motives for murder.

Not my favorite Marsh, but still very good. Nigel Bathgate (AKA Inspector Alleyn's "Watson") is simply a bored journalist looking for something to do on a rainy day. He spies the mysterious "church" across the street from him, sneaks in to a secret ceremony, and quite by accident, ends up witnessing a murder. Who does he call but his own favorite Scotland Yard detective, Roderick Alleyn. An interesting blend of spiritualism, money, drugs and murder.

First published in 1936, this mystery is just a bit dated, as one might expect. It is a little too polite by today's standards: the detective and his confidants are never in jeopardy. There is but the one murder and no real foreshadowing of another possible homicide. The plot might well have been improved by more action or at least the threat of something dire. Despite this, the ambience and characterizations are superior to most present-day whodunits. The only flaw in the characterizations is in Ms. Marsh's attempts to write grating American slang. If the reader likes Agatha Christie and the novels that are more puzzle than danger, this is a very good choice.

I really enjoy Marsh's mysteries, and this one was no exception, in that there was a clever plot with a really devious method of committing murder. However, the characters in this book were not as compelling to me as ones from previous books (_When in Rome_, _Death in a White Tie_, etc.). Still, a very enjoyable read, and a great way to pass the time.

English countryside, aristocratic detective, quirky characters, humor -- what more does one want. This was the first Inspector Alleyn I've read and the best so far.

From the title page: "Four Years in the Rockies: or, The Adventures of Isaac P. Rose, of Sheangno Township, Lawrence County, Pennslvania; Giving his experience as a hunter and trapper in that remote region, and containing numerous interesting and thrilling incidents connected with his calling. Also including his skirmishes and battles with the Indians--his capture, adoption and escape--being one of the most thrilling narratives ever published." By James B. Marsh, original publication, 1884.

Isaac Rose, born 1815, spent from 1834-1837, in the company of Kit Carson, Jim Bridger and others trapping beaver in the northern rockies. Includes the usual incredible (and mostly true) adventures with grizzly bears, horse stealing, and Indians. Contains a narrative of an unusual journey down the Humbolt river and a touching story about Chilsipee, a young Blackfoot girl found wounded after a battle who became a pet of the trappers.

After the rendevous of 1837, Isaac returned home to Pennsylvania and became a school teacher and lived quietly.

This little book provides a nice, quick glance at the myriad of "swamp" areas around the globe. It could serve as a good introduction to a wetlands unit for a lower elementary science teacher to read to his/her class or for individual reading by upper elementary students. Caitlin's descriptions, augmented by Watling's watercolors, offer children a basic knowledge of wetlands as well as an appreciation of their variety.