Ngaio Marsh, "Light Thickens"

A very late Marsh, published in 1982. The usual characters (Peregrine Jay, Chief Supt Alleyn, Inspector Fox, et al, sadly no Troy) seem remarkably well-preserved. In fact, the only real indications that we are now in the eighties are, firstly, the somewhat more risqué nature of the production, and, secondly, the preoccupation with unions. Otherwise, it's Marsh business as usual, with a good old-fashioned theatre murder, a generally unpleasant villain, a token Maori character and a charismatic leading lady. Nothing special, but generally enjoyable.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/9968509

Anthony Hope, "The Prisoner of Zenda"

Re-read.

Jilly Cooper, "Class"

I have seen this recommended around the Harry Potter Britpicking communities as a way of getting one's head around the Malfoys, and the vexed question of whether Rowling meant to write them as nouveau riche. Well-observed, though rather dated now (try Kate Fox's Watching the English for something more immediately relevant) and one comes away feeling rather nastier than one did before.

countertony read the last chapter over my shoulder and immediately pounced when I put it down.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/9896829