Book 587: The Best of Mystery, Alfred Hitchcock

The Best of Mystery, edited by Alfred Hitchcock, Galahad Books, 1986.

Anthologies are tricky to rate.  Some of the stories in this collection were so good, they will probably stay with me for years.  Other stories were almost instantly forgettable.

Overall, the writing was good, the pacing was quick -- which is good, because this doorstop has over 600 pages. 

Book 586: Tragic Muse

Tragic Muse, the Life of Rachel of Comedie Francaise, Rachel Brownstein, 1991.

Before I read this book, I knew nothing about Rachel except her name.  Now I know a little bit more.  But not quite enough to feel like I know her.  Still, it was good to read about a woman who influenced Sarah Bernhardt.