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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Without Archie Nero would be a fat man with no way to support his orchids.

Judy wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Like Judy, I have been missing Nero Wolfe! Another series I want to continue."

Sandy, the second story in Three at Wolfe's Door is a lot of fun because it starts with W..."

Are you reading the series in order? If so, I'm impressed. My next is Curtains for Three, #18. I like the three novellas in one book concept.

Like Judy, I have been missing Nero Wolfe! Another series I want to continue.

As happens often, several of my requested new books have arrived. In the next two weeks I should read Agnes Sharp and the Trip of a Lifetime, The Murders in Great Diddling and A Messy Murder. The last is a new entry in Simon Brett's new series. The first is the second book in a wonderfully quirky set of elderly characters. 'Great Diddling' I know nothing about.

Like Fred, I hope to read Moonflower Murders and stay ahead of the PBS show.

I will be working our buddy reads in there somewhere! The Simon Brett is in process. (I can't link to the book because I can't spell her name! Grr)

Ann Cleeves has been on my TBR "forever". The Icelandic setting is interesting ( I have been there twice; quite a dramatic country) but I would want the books to be available from my library.

Loved the spell check fill in after Henning!

The Icelandic series books range from $6 to $12 in the US.

Sandy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: Hell Bay is $3.49 used paperback on Abe books, ship from 🇬🇧. Makes me wonder if it’s available in 🇺🇸?"

From what I find none of the Hell Bay series are available on kindle in the US."

I am reading a new book, Death at the Dress Rehearsal. It is set in 1972, starring two older actors as the amateur detectives. Enjoying it. It is billed as the start of yet another series.

Loved the book; the setting of London during the Blitz was dramatic and added complexity to the investigation. All the characters were interesting and well-drawn; I felt I knew them all. Mr. Ramses might be my favorite; there was a hint he could pop up again. I would willing spend time with any of them, even the murdered man.

As discussed above, I also have a problem with elaborate murder methods that require timing and luck. In addition, I wonder how the murderer explained his 'missing' fifteen or twenty years. I remember some mention of visiting his homeland. Finally, I doubt people born in the tropics age quicker. While there is sun damage to skin, he left at age six.

I second the Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect recommendation. There is a Christmas book due next.

Glad to have you back!

Probably because I disliked the setting of this book, I enjoyed it less than the first. On the plus side, there is humor. The twist at the end was unexpected and added interest.

I own the Christmas book and may read that one in December but will skip the third book unless I hear great things about it! So, let me know Vanessa.

I agree that the author's notes at the end encouraged me to support him. I read the first of another of his series and gave it three stares. Murder at Everham Hall.

On to our other monthly read.

Jeri Westerson is the author of the King Henry VIII's fool mysteries that I like. Hope to try Crispin Guest sometime.

Fred wrote: "I finished "Murder Included" by Joanna Cannan. This had been on my Kindle for a long time. I usually like British police procedurals, but this was not my favorite. The detective looked down on the ..."

I also will be starting Moonflower Murders for the same reason.

I gave Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens four stars. My review:

An excellent way to get your history lesson; the author made most of these monarchs memorable. Lots of humor, with many asides, some of which (as a non-Brit) I didn't understand. Oddly (as the author is a professional), I didn't particularly like the audio version and stuck with print.

Also in the US, The Socialite's Guide to Murder is $2. I know nothing about this book but was attracted by yet another "guide to murder". Reading the GR description, I'm not sure why 'socialite' but the book sounds ok.

In the US, The Clutter Corpse, first in a new-ish series by Simon Brett, is $1. I've read them and liked them. Might be a bit more serious than Mrs. Parageter.

Started this now and not particularly impressed so far. Grandfather and the body have appeared so am hoping it improves.

In the US:

Judy is right, Impact of Evidence is $1 when it is by Lorac

Bleeding Hooks, $1

Horizontal Man, $5
In a Lonely Place $12
The four book collection, $20

Susan in NC wrote: "Oh, thanks Sandy, for the new-to-me nonfiction titles. I had meant years ago to read The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers, but had forgotten about it. R..."

The Autobiography is fiction but recommended as having good portrayal of Somers, not that there is really much known about him. From the Fool book, much is legend.