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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I've started this now and am sympathetic to Bobby's gardening method.

Very sorry.

Gary wrote: "Judy wrote: "Looking back at my own brief review of The Silent Speaker, I see I also really enjoyed the interaction between Wolfe and Archie, although I couldn't keep track of the plot very well. L..."

Hard to imagine Perry Mason without Hamilton Burger but it's been a long time since I read any Mason.

I recommend Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures

My cover, not available on GR, from 1970 is one of the most appropriate covers I've noticed. There is a plump woman in pink reclining on a couch crying into a handkerchief with a wine glass beside her. There is a drab young woman attending her and a policeman and a young man, smiling at the young woman, in the doorway. Someone actually read the book.

Judy wrote: "I'm another one who can't visualise the complicated methods of murder. I thought I remembered from first time around that the shooting was somehow set off by fetching the box of cigarettes, but I d..."

I thought that was how the gun was set off. White flipped the switch of the mining 'thing' used to initiate blasting remotely while reaching for the cigarettes.

P.S. I just posted my (tiny) review and noticed GR gives away the ending as regards the murder method for one edition. No Wind of Blame

I really enjoyed this book as the characters and scenes are fantastic. It could send me off to Heyer re-read marathon if I had the time.

My complaint is that I have absolutely no faith that the murder set-up could have shot Wally through the heart. Somehow, we went from looking for a shooter good enough to make the shot to a gun tied to a tree set off by a man who couldn't even see the victim.

This did not ruin my enjoyment however and if Hemingway is satisfied then I am as well. I would never second guess him.

I finished and I was right. Thanks for the credit Teri-K.

I am over halfway through and still don't remember the murderer though I have suspicions. It will be hard to take any credit if I am right as it is a re-read so I should know who did it.

Welcome Jenn. I'm sure you will discover many new authors; I certainly have.

Fred wrote: "Gary wrote: "Currently back to reading The Silent Speaker by Rex Stout and listening to The Case of the Counterfeit Eye by [author:Erle Stanley Gardne..."

I completely agree about the interaction between Wolfe and Archie. Need to get back to that series.

The way the verdict was reached is one of the tragedies of the book with the religious fanatic able to sway the jury to his prejudiced opinion. His decision of her innocence is based on his dislike of the local church's flavor of religion, and the aunt's lie that she worshipped at home which she is smart enough to know it is the answer he wants. Unfortunately, most of the jurors no strong opinion and at least one wanted it to be over as soon as possible. Complaining about that juror would have drawn out deliberations.

I'm reading the new entry in one of my favorite series (yes, I do have a lot of favorites), A Killing of Innocents. Traying to savor it as the wait has seemed long. I discovered the series after it had several books and devoured them much too quickly.

Regarding the ending, I was very disappointed that the real villain will be able to wiggle out of serious punishment, but it is in keeping with the pervasiveness of corruption surrounding Brunetti.

I was happy that we got more about Patta, but also happy that he has returned to 'the boss we love to hate' by the end. I felt a bit lost with him as a sympathetic character.

I am eager to find out more about the new very competent secretary as I'm sure there will be a reason for her demotion to the police force.

Susan wrote: "I enjoyed this one, although it is the first time I have an actual book in months and I disliked the small print! Too used to the comfort of my kindle.

I did think Brunetti gave up his holiday a l..."

Ah yes, the print size. When the library offers a choice I go for the hardback. In spite of all the benefits of an e-book (I'm quite addicted to the time left in chapter feature), I still like the feel of a print book.

The heat was palpable in this book. Leon creates a very realistic setting. I have never been to Venice, but almost feel as though I have. And the opening scene with the finding of the body is excellent and pulled me into the story immediately. Love this series.

Or is Miss Climpson stronger and more morally upright?

I own this and will be reading it but not until I work my way through a bunch of library requests that all popped up at the same time.

I have the physical book out of the library and will be re-reading it soon but after a couple of other books that need to be returned.