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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I have started How to Seal Your Own Fate, second in a new series. Like the first it bounces between the 1960's and current day. Mixed feelings so far but probably one I will finish.

Bobby Owen got bumped by a new book, sorry Bobby.

Jackie wrote: "I've started The Big Four which is a re-read, but I have no memory of what happens."

Not my favorite and that is the best I can say.

What a thrilling description of a storm. It reminded me of James in her poet detective series.

Regarding Brunetti's choices at the end, I don't think he overly influenced the pilot. The pilot made a well considered decision and he was correct as he landed them safely, given the conditions. He was killed because he was mistaken for Brunetti, not something anyone could have foreseen. Very sad. Being close to retirement is often deadly in fiction.

Finished and it is one of my favorites, nose to noe with A Noble Radiance. Off to the spoiler thread.

Frances wrote: "I also really enjoyed the characters and interactions between the various personalities, and loved the village which had been "discovered" by elites-hadn't realized that this had been going on for ..."

If I remember correctly Lee had a braid wrapped around her head which would be hard for Leslie to hide. Must be a wig.

I've only read the first and only some are available through my library system. I'm with Susan regarding level of enthusiasm.

I appreciated the author's note at the front of the book, where he doesn't want to be blamed for not doing something he never intended to do.

Or perhaps not changing in the case of the construction cranes looming over the burnt theatre.

I'm only a few chapters in and happy to be back, virtually, in corrupt Venice.

I read The Longbourn Letters: The Correspondence between Mr Collins & Mr Bennet, a recommendation from a member of this group years ago. The author does a good job with the P&P characters. A calm, quiet (and short) read.

I was inspired to pick up that book after dropping Unmarriageable. I decided it would be better to reread P&P, though I have much of it memorized, line by line.

Susan wrote: "I never clocked to that one. Really, I should have realised. I dread poor Falco having to tell his favourite sister when he gets home.

I'm really enjoying re-reading this series. I know there is ..."

Falco's daughter in the next series is an adopted daughter who will appear later. A very good series as well but second to Falco (in my opinion).

The brother-in-law's death is one of the moments in the series that I remember vividly.

Jackie wrote: "I'm reading A Novena For Murder but don't know if it is for an upcoming buddy read or someone just recommended it."

I added it to me TBR list in 2021, so maybe an old recommendation? Let me know if I should stop ignoring it.

The coliseum is the amphitheater that the emperor is building in Falco's day - still ten years away by his estimation. Called the Flavian Amphitheater on the map in the front of the book.

It was a reread for me but all I remember was the peppermint creams. A very kind, caring and dogged detective.

Stayed up late to finish Marble Hall Murders. Wonderful book but you MUST read Magpie Murders first as that book is completely spoiled by this one (the author warns you).

Judy wrote: "I've just read Murder à la Mode by Patricia Moyes, the fourth book in the Henry Tibbett series, which is set in and around the offices of 'Style' magazine - a fascinati..."

Thank you for the reminder of that series. I have requested #3. I have so many, too many, series in process.

I am currently reading Marble Hall Murders. Not very far in: about halfway into the first occurrence of the Pund novel.

I had an audio version read by Joan Dickson, started it and remembered it is the young man who narrates the book. Returned that audio and got one read by a man (done quite well).

A very good Christie but not as a Miss Marple. She had a very minor role, and I wasn't sure how she solved the mystery as we had little insight into her thoughts. Maybe the first Marples were successful enough that Christie was asked to insert her in this book.

I have great hopes for the sister and the doctor but found the Megan romance distasteful. She acts like a child, is treated like a child, but once dressed as a woman, she becomes acceptable.

I have finished and heading for the spoiler thread. Loved the book.

I have finished and am disturbed / confused by the ending. Is Leslie going to remain missing, assumed drowned? That seems unfair to the family at Trimmings and Walter will remain under suspicion. Can Lee make a living without her photography? Her painting seems questionable.

I suppose Lee buckled Leslie's shoe after taking it off to heighten suspicion. Trying to picture shoes for a 5'10" woman and would they fit in that space. Evidently they did.

I greatly enjoyed the book regardless of my complaints. The plot was excellent and the characters interesting. Loved the practical actress. The motive was both unexpected and realistic as was the actress's pulling the dead cousin off her pedestal, freeing Leslie from her obsession.

I agree that Grant and Alleyn are much alike. I kept thinking Grant was going to find an artist to love.