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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Ariana wrote: "I realized I snuck into this group sometime this year without introducing myself. My name is Ariana, and I adore Agatha Christie. Golden Age mysteries are my most favorite, and I found this group w..."

Yes, we all like Christie, and Sayers, and Marsh, Allingham ... have I forgotten any?

Welcome.

I have commented in the Blue Train spoiler thread about Christie's romantic pairing and the potential of that marriage.

In the Lonesome Road spoiler thread there is a discussion on the potential of a happy marriage between two characters. That reminded me that I had doubts about the Katherine and Derek pairing. Maybe being in a loving marriage will change Derek but I tend to be a cynic. He made promises to his first wife that were not kept.

More a crime caper than a mystery and quite amusing.

Susan in NC wrote: "I recently read this one and enjoyed it, but I’m afraid the details are already fuzzy…"

Ah yes, it is impossible to have the books read in a timely fashion and have the details straight. I've tried notes but not very successfully.

This will be at least my third read and, while I don't remember who did it, I do remember a significant clue and the ending. I have both the book and a full cast dramatization. Not sure which I will use.

Separated for the weekend from my library books, old and new, I needed something short and light on my kindle. Mrs Pargeter fits the bill. This one is different and I recommend it. Even she is a bit tired of hearing raves about her husband. His compatriots are front and center.

Judy wrote: "I don't think these have already been mentioned but apologies if I'm wrong! A couple of books in our buddy read series are currently 99p in the UK. They are A Question of Belief by [..."

In US, Bernie Gunther is $5, cheaper than other in the series. No deal for Brunetti that we haven' t read.

Susan in NC wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Poor timing for our buddy reads but my request for Clown Town has arrived and that will be next!"

"When it rains, it pours" ... when I picked up Clown ..."

Hope we both enjoy it!

Sandy wrote: "Poor timing for our buddy reads but my request for Clown Town has arrived and that will be next!"

"When it rains, it pours" ... when I picked up Clown Town I found two other books waiting for me: The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck and History Lessons. All are new so need to be read soon. My September / October buddy reads will be more October than September!

I assumed they end up together though he should have second thoughts for a couple of reasons. I would expect him to be bored silly very soon.

I just finished the second in an historical mystery series, The Serpent's Tale. Excellent series, with a bit of romance. Set in the time of Henry II, after the Stephen and Matilda war that we learned about in Cadfael.

Poor timing for our buddy reads but my request for Clown Town has arrived and that will be next!

Anubha wrote: "Hi, I want to join the buddy read for "The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club by Dorothy L Sayers (Lord Peter Wimsey #5)" but the thread is locked for some reason.

Sorry, if this is the wrong thr..."

The buddy read threads open mid-month, so save your thoughts until the 15th. It will be an active thread as Sayers is a favorite.

In the US, Rebus is available on kindle $10 - $15. I assume they are readily available in libraries.

Susan wrote: "It can be difficult to find author's where their whole work is available. We have the Anthony Bathhurst series that you suggested on my list, Sandy.

We are lucky that a lot of GA books are being ..."

Regarding Wexford series, in the US a couple are not on kindle, four are available with Kindle Unlimited, and the prices for the others range from $4 - $12.

The GR description of the first book mentions 'psychological suspense' which does not sound much like Gently.

I left 10 Marchfield Square unfinished, but I can get fussy and impatient. I've recently dropped one book and am considering dropping another.

Back to Susan in NC's recommendations, both Leaphorn & Chee and Anna Pigeon have been on my TBR 'forever'. Never tried either.

Susan wrote: "Perhaps to follow the Sarah Hawkswood?

How do you feel about Rebus, Sandy?"

Rebus has never been on my TBR although I know the series is well regarded. I am willing to give it a try.

Regarding Hawkswood, I will be spotty as the books are not in my libraries and are $8 on kindle unless there is a sale. I have a few that way. (A bit off subject.)

I have continued Henry Tibbett (the first three), some from the library, some from Kindle Unlimitied. Tibbett does not have the humor of Sloan and Crosby, but he is a kind man with a helpful wife.

Continuing Susan in Nc's thoughts:
in the Cadfael/historical/clerical vein, there’s the Sister Frevisse mysteries (first was The Novice's Tale), by Margaret Frazer, or the Brother Athelstan mysteries, first was The Nightingale Gallery. Frevisse definitely has more humor, Athelstan is rather heavy on the medieval “life is nasty, brutish and short” vibe!

I read The Novice's tale in 2017 and my review says I plan to continue. Maybe now is the time? And Brother Athelstan is on my TBR.