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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I want to continue, or even wrap up, some of the many series I have started. Combining this with a review of the many books I have on my library' 'for later' shelf I requested a couple that had few copies on the shelves.

First up is Baptism in Blood, I series I've enjoyed and put aside when I discovered a future development of which I do not approve.

I will be moving onto our upcoming reads but I have both of those on audio and I needed a print book.

Re the two V's, I briefly wondered if the family name was spelled with two V's replacing the W originally, but that spelling was lost in either Bobby Owen's time or in modern publishing.

I only read the first in the series.

I am about to start the last Maise Dobbs, The Comfort of Ghosts. While this is not one of my very favorite series, I have followed it faithfully and wish Maise well.

I am glad Bobby returned to London and enjoyed the book though I think the ending is weak.

Such a fun adventure series. I'm always anxious to find out what is next with the Didius' family. (Or the Didi.) I feel I'm in ancient Rome, and glad I don't have to live there.

Absolutely wonderful! Shardlake at his best and Barak shines as well. The setting of England preparing for war and Portsmouth at the time of the Mary Rose is fascinating. I tensed every time Shardlake boarded the Mary Rose.

I've started this and enjoying it more than the prior two: he is back in London and there is no mysterious beauty nor haunting music.

Susan wrote: "For those who enjoy book festivals or prizes, please find the shortlist of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year:

The full Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2024 shortlis..."

In the US, Strange Sally Diamond is on sale for $5.

I liked The Last Dance and have put in a library request for the next book.

Continuing the digression - I quite liked The Last Dance and am on the wait list for the next book. Will be checking the rest of the list. Loved Mick Herron of course.

I've heard that Romance is the top selling genre so many must read it. I've tasted it,

Did anyone catch the hint in the title before reading the book?

My favorite so far!

I will be starting 'soon'. I listen to both this series and Shardlake so need to finish that one first. It will be a reread and I am always happy to spend time with Falco.

I am over halfway done and can't help wondering what final plans Sansom had for Shardlake. Would he ever have found love? I will miss these books.

Finished The Excitements. My review:

This was a fun read as the lives of the two elderly aunts are revealed in bits and pieces. The book bounces among various timelines: current day with their loving nephew trying to keep them upright (in both meanings), then pre-WWII, WWII and post-WWII. The characters are engaging, and the plot is exciting and unexpected.

Now I had better start our mid-month reads. I will be behind.

My favorites are the two I was already reading: Crown Colony and Anty, followed by A Fete Worse Than Death. Stealing the Crown has potential. The other two will have to have real winners in the next book before I continue.

I will nominate a book from my almost local neighborhood: The Cape Cod Mystery, written in 1931.

Back by popular demand for the first time in years, The Countryman Press is pleased to reissue four Cape Cod mysteries featuring the witty and salty Asey Mayo, "A local handyman who knows something about police work and everything about everybody's business" (Marilyn Stasio, Mystery Alley). Set within the brooding landscape of Cape Code, these classic who-dunits are sure to please dedicated Phoebe Atwood Taylor fans and newcomer mystery buffs alike. First, a best-selling author turns up dead. Then Asey's best friend becomes the chief suspect and Asey knows he has to do something. There's only one a sardine can. And only one weekend to clear it all up.

It is $5 on kindle in the US

Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect was a four star read for me. The concept is quirky but I recommend starting with the first in the two-book series.

Just read an historical mystery that I found only so-so, Death in the Details

My rather catty review:
Not particularly interesting in either plot or characters with quite a reach for a twisty ending where many of the good people turn out to be bad. It is an easy read (especially if you skim over the death of the brother which has nothing to do with the plot) and good enough to finish. However, the real-life person who inspired the author sounds fascinating.

I may just be in a bad mood. I also didn't care for The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club that everyone else on GR loved.