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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Read this and enjoyed it and am eager to find out more about her husband. I appreciated that there was a reason she could do all sorts of odd nefarious things. Made her a more likely sleuth than many amateurs.

I have had this on kindle for a long time but never wanted to say good-bye to Fen. I will be joining but have a few new books to read first. Many library requests are arriving at the same time.

I'm with Jill; not my favorites but good enough for a reread.

I am starting a new book Neighborhood Watch that, along with another non-mystery, is due back to the library soon so needs to take preference over buddy reads.

Judy wrote: "I've started The Luck Runs Out - I listened to it a few years ago, but am reading it as an ebook this time and so far am enjoying it more in this format. Looking forward to reading on..."

And I read it the first time and listened this time. Unfortunately, I fell asleep for the last few chapters so had to finish up this morning. A problem with audio books; they continue on even though you aren't listening.

My review of Mrs Plansky (three stars) and I've completely forgotten the book.

Not a mystery but more an adventure story (think of a slightly more realistic Mrs. Pollifax). It was slow starting but picked up once Mrs. Plansky took charge of her situation. Co-incidences abound but nothing very outlandish.

I definitely agree about many of today's cozy mysteries! It is usually easy to avoid them as the covers give them away (or highlight them for their fans). And I am one who likes romance in many of my mysteries (Sebastian St Cyr and Kincaid and James for examples). I even followed Stephanie Plum for too many books. Another well done example from GA is Alleyn and Troy.

Susan in NC wrote: "See, you’re a mod, so probably read more of the group reads then most members- I only read a couple of the Buddy reads a month!"

I don't read all the buddy reads (we try to make sure at least one mod reads each) but this month I'm following them all - and enjoying them.

I am working on this month's buddy reads; finished Simon Brett and have started Bobby Owen. And there are three more to go.

Keith wrote: "I have already read some of these and enjouyed them I still have a few of the titles I haven't read yet, I thought it worth while to spread them out a bit"

I agree; there are many series that should not be read one after another.

Jill wrote: "I am now starting Servant of Death by Sarah Hawkswood for our buddy read. I will try not to compare it with Cadfael, but looks like it could be difficult."

I am always impressed by the members who are onto next month's reads while I am still struggling with this month's. Good work.

I never signed up for notifications.

Judy wrote: "Not sure if this has already been mentioned, sorry, but this year's Bodies From the Library conference (tied in with the British Library Crime Classics reprints) is taking place at the British Libr..."

I 'attended' during covid when it was virtual and free. Loved it and still working my way through that reading list. Will check out the new recommendations. Thanks.

My only observation is that we have had much more likely elderly murders.

Neer wrote: "Have just started J. Jefferson Farjeon's Aunt Sunday Sees It Through. I have started liking him once again after recently finishing his The Double Crime. Anybody else likes him?"

I have read three of his books with the group and enjoyed them. The one I remember most (read last year) is Seven Dead. It is quite an adventure.

I recently read two fairly short mysteries. The Wages of Zen is a police procedural set in Japan, written, and set in, 1979. Interesting for plot and the Japanese culture. Author is British but, per GR, spent time in Japan.

The other, Something Wicked is a more traditional classic GA British mystery, written in the 1980's and set in a small village with an amateur detective.

Both are the start of series I plan to continue though right now I had better get started on our April buddy reads.

Neer wrote: "Enjoying it so far but a little troubled by the child's mother's actions."

Only a little troubled! But maybe you aren't too far into the book. I grew to hate her.

99p
Million Dollar Weekend The Surprisingly Simple Way to Launch a 7-Figure Business in 48 Hours by Noah Kagan Million Dollar Weekend: The Surprisingly Simple Way to Launch a 7-Figure Business in 48 Hours

So why aren't more of us rich?

I have read the book and was not impressed. Hope the second is better.

Loved this book and am eager to read more in the series BUT ...

I am so confused regarding when the plans were sold. Victim #1 must have had the plans early enough to hide them and then get killed by 4:00. However, when vicar arrived for his visit at 6:00 the dogs were still locked up as strangers were expected. There is no mention of large amounts of cash found and I think Killick would have happily told the vicar if his pleas were too late.

So when did Victim #1 and the two people who killed him arrive and work out a deal? What did I miss?

Glad the thread has been opened as I've been stewing over this for a couple of days!