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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Susan_MG wrote: "I just finished The Poisonous Seed and enjoyed it so much I will continue with series. I listened to 1st book on Audible but the second book is only on bookstore or Kindle purchase. I see the 3rd b..."

My library system has the complete series, so I am tempted. This is how I get into so many series.

In the US: Unexpected Night is $1.

Jan C wrote: "Judy wrote: "I'm halfway through The Man Who Died Twice now but not enjoying it much at all - it's a pity, I expected to love Richard Osman's books as I really like..."

While I also never heard of the author, I love the series. Luckily there is enough variety to please each of us.

Just finished Murder Crossed Her Mind, the fourth in a new series set in New York in the late 1940's. It is an homage to Rex Stout, complete with the brownstone apartment. The lead detective does leave the office, but she has MS so is limited in her activities. Her sidekick is a tough young woman who does the heavy lifting. It is becoming a favorite series.

Susan wrote: "I think we have three historical mysteries running, so when one ends, we will have a look. I agree older mysteries are best, as they generally have more books. I haven't read the St Cyr series, so ..."

A bit of a 'warning' about the St Cyr series; it is one of those where the main character has a complicated back story with small revelations as the books continue. I know this is not to everyone's liking and often not to mine but I forgive it in this series.

Keith wrote: "I hope my comments on Kindle maintenance are of help. I really think the main problem is just a flat battery which should be OK when charged. Let me know if it still doesn't work.

Here in NZ Chris..."

Your kindle suggestion worked wonders and I am very grateful.

Keith wrote: "If your Kindle does not power on or is unresponsive during use, you need to restart it, press and hold the Power button for 7 seconds until the Power dialaog displays then select Restart. If the Po..."

Thank you Keith! Holding the power button for several seconds restarted the kindle, it works fine in my short test and I have high hopes. I registered it nine years ago so a bit younger than your backup. Thanks again.

Susan in NC wrote: "Well, I’m a historical mystery fan, so I’ll throw out the following (not sure of availability elsewhere):

1. Viscount St. Cyr series by C.S. Harris (Regency England, first book is [book:What Angel..."

I am also a fan of historical mysteries. I love the St. Cyr series and read each as soon as it comes out. Happily read a few of Mamur Zapt and the first of most of the other series mentioned.

I'm almost current with #1 Ladies, but never sure if I should categorize them as 'real' mysteries. I see I have wavered on which GR shelf I store them.

Susan wrote: "Thanks, Susan. I read the Jane Austen books when they first came out, but they are difficult to get in the UK now and most not on kindle. There is actually a new series with Jane Austen as sleuth -..."

Oh dear! I am just about to start the 'old' Jane Austen series and now find I'm a whole series behind.

Jill wrote: "Sandy wrote: "This may be the last thing I will read on my kindle! Can't get it to start today and it's too late to ask Santa for a replacement."

Oh No! Is there anything else you can read on?"

Not a problem. I have other devices with the kindle application but prefer the actual kindle. And there are always my library books that are due back quite soon.

This may be the last thing I will read on my kindle! Can't get it to start today and it's too late to ask Santa for a replacement.

Susan wrote: "£4.49 out 28th December
The Bradecote & Catchpoll series: Books 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: Servant of Death, Ordeal by Fire, Marked to Die, Hostage to Fortune, Vale of Tears

Another of our ne..."

Thank you! The Bradecote & Catchpoll set is $8 in the US and a pre-order due Dec 28. Without the deal, the first is on kindle unlimited but the next four are $8 each. They are not available in my libraries so I grabbed the set.

The Merrily deal is not available in the US; I found it on Hoopla through my libraries.

I bought the Mrs. Pargeter set earlier, thus my interest in actually reading them.

My only complaint was that Punshon, and Bobby, went on and on about the flirtatious young woman. I really got tired of hearing about her ability to shift from innocent to evil.

The rest was fine. An excellent portrayal of wartime Britian, interesting characters in the ex-prize fighter vs the Reverand, and a plot that I felt I should have figured out better than I did. Bobby's heroic adventure was different enough to not seem like a repeat from other books.

Finished now and off to the spoiler thread. The war time restrictions are well presented with comments about the food and lack thereof, clothing wear and tear and no coupons for replacements, and the ever-present concern for petrol. Olive does a wonderful job of keeping Bobby fed and presentable.

A couple of authors on my TBR are Simon Brett, particularly his Mrs. Pargeter series, and Ann Cleeves.

Susan's suggestion of The Three Dahlias sounds interesting and is available in US for $7. My library systems only have a couple of copies.

Another suggestion for a Cadfael replacement: . I haven't read it, nor Jill's suggestion, but it is on my TBR.

A couple of series that I have only read the first and hope to continue:

Gallows View , Full Dark House

Then there are series that I love, but have read all the entries so might not participate too much:

Deborah Crombie, Louise Penny

I am intrigued to read Martin Edwards. I started the first of his latest series but did not finish it. It was due back to the library and I felt I did not give it a fair chance.

I think most of these books are 'full price' kindle books in the US but redily available in the library system.

I've just started and always enjoy Punshon's humor; so far (about 30 pages) Olive has got in a few digs and Bobby and the local police investigator have tricked each other to get exactly what they each want.

Two Christmas books for $3 in the US


Hercule Poirot's Christmas



The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories

This was a reread for me but all I remembered was the location of the corpse, not the identity of the victim nor the of the killer. It was interesting how much of the solution was revealed in the first chapter, but not recognized (at least by me). The location of the body was stated, but the reason for the air gun and Betty's final visit to the children were more hidden. Good work by the author. I may reread that chapter before the library reclaims the ebook.

I still don't like GA's with drug themes but this one was very well done. I was pleased that Andrew escaped and intended to make good use of his life (which might be short!). I liked him.