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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I've just discovered at least the first four Feathering books are narrated by Ralph Cosham, who died ten years ago. I love his narration for other books. Nothing like anticipating the next series while only two books into this one!

Judy wrote: "What did anyone think about Bradecote's attraction to Sister Edeva? I thought this was well done and I certainly wasn't expecting it. There was a strong feeling of so many repressed emotions among ..."

I was fascinated by Bradecote's attraction yet was really surprised by his kiss which was jarring (to me). His opinion of his wife is definitely a negative tone in the book. I am hoping his opinion changes or, maybe, she will die in childbirth giving the series more romantic openings. A single father has potential.

Another enjoyable Maigret and one in which he determines the fate of the murderer, following his 'no dramas' instructions. The characters are interesting, the victim most of all.

I continue to appreciate the length of these books (novellas?); more complete that a short story and easily read in an evening.

Ellen wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I read Close to Death recently (excellent book, excellent series) and felt I was returning to same set up in this 'not-a-close' (in both meanings) community. An enjoy..."

Have you read the other is the series? I think The Word is Murder is the first.

And for any US members who haven't been following the Bradecote and Catchpoll discussion because the books are unavailable: Judy noted the first five books are available as a set - $7.50 in the US. I liked book one and have grabbed the set.

I ended up enjoying this book and didn't find it similar enough to Cadfael to annoy me. These detectives are definitely of the secular world. I found it amusing how our two lead characters interacted. Many thanks to Judy for pointing out the kindle deal on the first five books. I can continue!

It is $7.50 in the US and I grabbed it as it is my only chance at these books. When this series was proposed to the group a five book deal was available and then it disappeared. So glad it has made a reappearance. I liked the first book and will be interested to see if our two detectives remain in abbeys.

I picked up the book again starting from the beginning and taking notes on the characters (good suggestion Susan). Quite understandable this time. It will be interesting to see how Bradecote and Catchpoll get along by the end of the book as their beginning is not promising.

And the first book is $1.

For our upcoming Tommy and Tuppence reads, in the US Partners in Crime is $2.

I just pulled up the book page to write my review; what is with the picture of the mansion on a cliff?

Mrs. Pargeter's address book is one of the high lights of these first two books. One never knows what sort of shady character is willing to do anything she asks. Loved the guy who was in prison but saw more of his kids than most working fathers (and kept producing new ones).

I also was disappointed when drugs turned out to be the motive. I like the personal reasons much more.

It seems Brett will be moving Mrs. Pargeter around, unlike so many series where the character stays in one crime-filled small town.

I read Close to Death recently (excellent book, excellent series) and felt I was returning to same set up in this 'not-a-close' (in both meanings) community. An enjoyable book.

Regarding characters, I think Brett did a good job of identifying them using Mrs. Pargeter's initial impressions and then adding the names. Of course there were only 5 - 6 vs. the cast in Servant of Death.

Loved A Stroke of the Pen, but then I'm a Terry Pratchett fan.

I started this last night and got a couple of chapters read but was quite confused with the numerous characters. Then the scene changes and I had a hard time identifying the next set. It might be because I was reading while watching a baseball game, but that is much of my summer reading scenario.

I switched to Mrs, Presumed Dead. I plan to return to this book when I can concentrate on it but there is a game every night this week!

I have my copy from the library.

I have it on my kindle and will start 'soon' but this seems to be the only one in the series available to me unless I pay 'full price' on Amazon. Almost hoping I don't enjoy it.

On my first read I decided to drop the series after all the miraculous escapes, unlikely twists, and the depressing ending. This time I am a bit more forgiving as a wife he loved might hamper future books. I am somewhat open to future adventures.

This was a reread for me, but I had forgotten the plot, only the main character and the ending stayed with me.

Susan wrote: "https://www.waterstones.com/blog/mari...

An obituary to C J Sansom"

Thank you.