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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

The inheritance didn't completely fizzle out. The murderer needed the estate to go to the elderly lady who would not be checking the books.

'Needing' an audio book, I also started Mistress of the Art of Death which has been on my TBR forever (it also fulfills a historical mystery group challenge). It is set in the time of Henry II, after his Thomas Beckett fiasco, and is fascinating. It reminds me of Shardlake in its historical details. Trigger warnings for gruesome child murders.

Re the series name, from GR:
Also known as "Art History Mysteries", this series describes the adventures of art historian Jonathan Argyll and two members of the (fictitious) Art Squad of the Italian police: Flavia di Stefano (deputy) and General Bottando (head of the squad).

I've started The Rose Arbor, a stand alone, with a current day (1968) kidnapping and three from WWII.

I agree that Isabelle didn't behave well in this book. I don't blame her for changing her mind, but she should not have encouraged Arthur in the beginning. Jack tried to warn her.

I enjoyed it every bit as much as the other in the series. Perhaps because I listened while puttering around the house, I never felt it got bogged down about the heritance. Nor did I identify the murderer ... once again may be because I was not fully involved.

I so like Sloan's outlook and Aird's dry humor.

Thank you, Susan in NC, for identifying where I last encountered a death in the fortune teller's tent.

I enjoy Sloan's thoughts and the relationships within the police. The sly humor is definitely a plus. I didn't think it was a 'lesser' entry in the series.

At the end of my eBook some of Punshon's reviews were included. He wrote a fine review, even when he almost panned the book.

Jan C wrote: "US - shopping late at night I noticed that there is a sale on Patricia Moyes Henry Tibbett books."

I picked up a couple that my library doesn't have. I really should test the author but the first in the series is one my TBR.

I liked this book. Though it still had a bit of the mysteriously enchanting woman (and man) that I hoped Punshon had dropped. I wonder how Isobel's parents took the news of her crimes and if they even believed her guilt. Or would Bobby just tell them she died? I can see them denying the police story but maybe they had seen her temper.

Loved the "Thelma and Louise" ending, although one woman was not a willing participant.

While I still picture Bobby as I did in the first books, he must be middle-aged by now, perhaps even thickening around the middle.

The introduction to my eBook has an introduction by Curtis Evans that talks about The Detective Club and portrays Christianna Brand in an unfavorable light. It is hard to separate the author and their work, and I love her books.

I agree with the above statements, especially the women on horseback. MacLeod seems to always include a visual treat. I found the villains a bit confusing and the plot a bit weak. The characters carried the story, but I am hoping for better in later books.

I also listened to the audio book and perhaps because of that I found the characters a bit confusing.

I expect to be starting this tonight as my other un-read group reads are on audio and I need something to read (vs listen).

Rosina wrote: "I have re-read it for the umpteenth time, and I agree it's a shame that we (as a buddy group) are finishing the series. They will however be re-read next time I feel in need of clever but kindly my..."

That is a great benefit of books; they as always there and can be revisited! I am another who will miss Flavia, Jonathan and the boss.

I am quite sad there is only one more book in the series. I wonder if the series will be tied up in some way with Flavia's promotion and their wedding.

I really liked this book: the sympathetic thief Mary and her aged lover willing to do whatever is necessary to get rid of his (almost) son; all the members of the religious community were interesting (poor Paul who will never get to go home); a truly evil murderer; Flavia learning the political ropes, practicing on easily intimidated Jonathan. There was an interesting historical backstory. Jonathan got to do his research. And I felt sorry for the naive man who thought his money would be doubled (after all it was guaranteed!).

I am also not familiar with the song, so didn't see any meaning. I wondered if it was intended to be an odd reference to Isabelle's switching interests.

Nike wrote: "I'm a true Agatha Christie lover but this is the second book I 've read where she doesn't stick to her traditional murder cases but to foreign affairs and agents and she doesn't do that very convin..."

I agree that Christie's spy books are nowhere as good as her mysteries. There was one I really disliked but I've forgotten the name. It is not part of a series nor was it Baghdad which I thought was a rather fun romp.

While I have read the other T&T books I can't remember if they are spy ones as well. We will be reading the others so watch the threads to see if they would appeal.

Frances, sounds like a wonderful trip and I am envious of both the trip and being able to sing well enough to be in a choir. I was asked to 'keep it down' in school classes. I do enjoy my private performances.

Finished The Wrong Hands. That and the first in the series were 5 stars reads for me.