Sandy’s Comments (group member since Dec 14, 2015)

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I have finally started this one. Good so far; more of a standard mystery than the last book.

Franky wrote: "Right now I'm reading My Name Is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell [bookcover:Jonathan Strang..."

Jonathan Strange is on my TBR, I even own it, but am intimidated by its size. Hope to fit it in some day.

I have read the Osbourne version (don't remember it), but this time the library gave me the play. I have a requested the audio version and hope to get that soon as reading a play doesn't appeal to me. It is short!

The is a series by Martin Walker, set in France, in which the detective lovingly cooks at least one meal. I have only read a couple but assume it is his quirk (and a pleasant one).

I am reading The Fig Tree Murder, a series I love for the atmosphere of Egypt under the British in the early 1900's. The politics is confusing and a big deal: Egyptians vs foreigners, Copts vs Muslims, country vs city.

I agree that there is no reason to suspect Lotty of Letty's death. And Phillipa would be happy to find an eligible husband. As you say, her options were limited.

Another excellent book in the series. I was curious why Claudia's mother would be her heir as she, Claudia, left a will, or at least a statement of intent. I was hoping all the artwork would go to charity (after graft took a cut of course).

A minor quibble: Brunetti found the identity of the grandmother by looking for non-Italian names in Claudia's address book. But who would ever identify their grandmother by her last name? She would be a version of 'nana'.

I briefly wondered how the library where Claudia volunteered knew she was dead as no one knew she worked there. I decided it would be through the newspapers. But then it turns out they didn't need the papers to know!

Finished this now. It was interesting to learn more about the two fathers and their war time experiences. Glad to have Elettra back in form. And his family life is going well. Another excellent entry in the series.

I liked this better on my second read - I don't remember the first well, but I only gave it three stars which I have now upped to four. I did keep referring to the tiny family tree of the Laetri. I agree that the use of family names, formal names and personal names does get confusing, though, in my opinion, not as bad as the British upper class where Sebastian St Cyr became Lord Devon (from another historical series).

This book had many fun family interactions. Nux got to shine it this book; first for being an item of interest to all the male dogs in the neighborhood, then uncovering her bloodhound abilities. Falco smuggles his infant daughter into the bath / gym. And the grumpy brother prancing around with wheat sheaves in his hair. I always have to remind myself that corn to Falco is wheat as American corn comes from the new world.

Having decided to bail, I came over to the spoiler thread and am aghast that our nice married detective is starting an affair, but I suppose he lied about wife and kids. I may read the last couple of chapters for the drama. Brand does atmosphere very well.

I even rather dislike Jane Eyre. Luckily there are plenty of other books.

Especially when it is only the mods reading!

I agree to ditch Gently.

I may end up bailing on this one. I am far enough in to have met the mysterious woman but not finding that I care much. Chucky is almost as mysterious. Too Gothic.

In the US: Vintage Crime: from the Crime Writers' Association for $1.

I've started and remember very little of the plot, except for the geese.

I have just dipped in (character has arrived in Wales) and the initial scene and characters are very different from most mysteries. Interesting writing style.

Susan wrote: "I like them both, but Poirot was the first Christie character I discovered, so has to be my favourite."

Vice-versa for me: read Marple first and like her better.

Welcome Ninie. Hope you join in our reads, Christie and others.

Yes, Clithering is quite a Marple fan. We know which side he would be on in Marple vs Poirot.