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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

This is a re-read of one of my favorite series. Maybe not the best book in the series but I the setting is dramatic.

I read The Twilight Queen, second in a new series with Henry VIII's jester. I think it is an excellent series and seems quite true to the era. Now I want to try the author's medieval series with Crispin Guest.

However, it means I will not start our next Shardlake immediately as I need to clear my mind of one version of Henry before adding another. Not a problem as I have several library books that are coming due.

A warning about the jester series: there is more sex than I am accustomed to, though not in any detail.

Judy wrote: "Marcus wrote: "Confessions, by Saint Augustine."

What's that like to read, Marcus? I've always wondered about it - I don't know much about Saint Augustine beyond the famous early prayer "Oh Lord,..."

Never heard that prayer and I like it!

Icewineanne wrote: "Unfortunately our library was hacked. We can’t put holds on any physical books until it’s fixed. And Invisible Host isn’t available as an ebook either. Oh well, enjoy the book!"

I suppose not a real tragedy given how many other things can go wrong, but I would be very upset. Hopefully it will be fixed by March.

Adrian wrote: "Similar to Jessica, I haven't participated in any of the challenges here since 2017/2018, but I'm hoping that some of these inspire me, so I'm in.😊"

Hopefully you find some good reading in the challenge. Those are mostly untested. Also the buddy reads have been doing a few excellent series.

I'm reading Wandering through Life: A Memoir, a memoir by the author of one of our buddy read series. Even before Italy she lived in several other countries: Iran, Saudi Arabia, China.

Judy wrote: "Leslie wrote: "I read through most of this series a few years ago (thanks to my mom, for the strong recommendation!). Tommy Hambledon is a fun main character and lots of the books have wonderful se..."

I'm planning to read the first five, until he is back in Germany. My library has them so not much of a commitment.

I am finishing up my re-read of Last Act in Palmyra, this time on audio though I fell asleep last evening and will have to back up. I have the book as well so that is easy.

Not sure what will be next as I have many books from the library including our other buddy reads, the next in a couple of historical series I've ignored, and two new books that will need to be returned. Then, on a whim, I took out a book that got lots of best-of-year buzz the title of which escapes me but an octopus has a major role.

Sandy wrote: "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

Ano..."

Amazon canceled my pre-order of the Bradecote & Catchpoll series saying it will not be available. I will have to see if I can get then cheaply somehow (if I like the first book).

Susan wrote: "99p
A Rising Man (book 1)


A Rising Man is an excellent series.

Several of our reads lately have illustrated the tragedy of the two world wars. Probably a good thing to have reinforced as time moves on and many of the people who lived it are gone.

Michaela wrote: "In spite of the negative thoughts of many readers here and on GR on the whole I liked this. Guy, Rodie and other characters are funny, and the complicated historical details are well explained. Nea..."

I too am looking forward to continuing the series as, like you say, the characters are enjoyable and the palace intrigue is interesting.

Germany was in such bad shape that I can understand following anyone who could help.

Susan wrote: "99p
Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures


Entangled is very interesting and informative; so many subjects I about which I know so little.

This was a very sympathetic view of the plight of the Germans between the wars. While I knew of the deprivation, this brought it to life. The rise of Hitler is (almost) understandable.

It is very interesting that it was published before the war even started yet concentration camps, as well as other Nazi atrocities, were known, at least be these authors who may have had inside information. I would have placed it as a post-war book.

I'm glad the book ended on a more cheerful note that the first. I enjoyed the two books very much but not sure I want / need to continue the series.

Jessica-sim wrote: "I’m starting now! As we’re reading the first and second one this year the completionist in me fears that the third one needs to follow too 😅"

Agree! At least as long as there is only three.

I also liked the setting. The main character is fine and he has a couple of sidekicks that could be interesting. I think palace intrigue has good potential.

This book may have suffered in comparison as I read it immediately after Drink to Yesterday with its darker view of wartime spying.

I'm another who simply must start at the beginning. I liked the first book a lot and am enjoying the second as well.

And, Susan in NC, I understand completely. I feel quite proud of myself when I return more books to the library than I leave with.

Welcome Carole. I am certainly grateful for the BLCC collections. One of our December reads was a Christmas collection so look at the December threads for our conversation.

Frances wrote: "I'm about 1/3 of the way in and quite enjoying this one. However it's always so strange to read something set before the internet/cell phones when so much time is taken tracking each other down/goi..."

I think cell phones have had a really big impact especially in the thriller genre. The lead character's phone is 'always' out of battery, or range, at a crucial point.