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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

In US, Polo Ground is available on Kindle and cheap, but I don't find Death of an Editor available on kindle.

I have finished the introduction of the jurors and found it an interesting start. Rather glad I have a paper copy so I can go back and check the names with their stories.

I think the 'tragedy' in the title is very appropriate. The murder and thus the devastation of the pleasant community served no purpose. Of course, the community was not as pleasant for some as it was for others. If it had been more welcoming all might have been averted. None of the characters was truly evil, and the only exceptionally good people were the sisters who suffered the most. Though we only have the narrator's opinion of the women, and he is obviously biased. I wished Mary knew the marriage she escaped and that the scientist / murderer did have redeeming qualities.

I liked the narrator quite a lot, even as he dithered over decisions. I gathered he was only in a position of relative power by seniority, not competence.

Grimes' Jury is yet another series on my TBR. So many books to look forward to.

I read Waste of a Life, the most recent in Simon Brett's latest series. Each book has gotten better and I'm looking forward to the next. Really have to try some of his other series.

I've also started An Oxford Tragedy. Very promising beginning with a likeable narrator, visiting amateur detective, interesting cast and a loaded gun left out on a table in a locked room. What could go wrong?

Ellen wrote: "The Grand Banks Cafe (Maigret, #9) by Georges Simenon.

There something about Maigret that I find so special...so unique. He's a detective a top notch Inspector and well respected as such. Maigret'..."

I also have never been disappointed. There is always a lot of meat in a short read.

I'm looking forward to the US release of Murder Most Royal

MaryE wrote: "I'm re reading an Edmund Crispin, " The Moving Toyshop" . Its been many years since I read it , so no fear of already knowing the culprit..lol.
I have a few others coming via amazon ( I have so man..."

We are reading our way through the Fen books, so you will find our comments on Toyshop under buddy reads. The threads remain open so feel free to your thoughts.

I read Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man, set in New York in 1950. I found it a quick, fun read though a bit heavy handed in making sure the reader knows it is the 50's - lots of long dead brand names mentioned. Interesting characters and story, but I thought the plot had holes and got quite convoluted in the wrap-up.

I've started The Writing of the Gods: The Race to Decode the Rosetta Stone. I'm not very far in but I've already encountered two Barbara Mertz quotes. Mertz was an Egyptologist who, as Elizabeth Peters, wrote the Amelia Peabody series.

Never heard of Jersey potatoes over here, or at least not in my experience. Had to google them.

Susan wrote: "Pantries always make me think of Enid Blyton - they pop up in a lot of her short stories and younger books. I was thinking of reading some children's classics - I've never read Wind in the Willows,..."

I read, on audio, Wind in the Willows as an adult and liked it. Tried Narnia as an an adult and didn't get far. The Borrowers was a lot of fun.

Carolien wrote: "I thought I'll post this here, quite a few of us read the Bryant and May series and author Christopher Fowler's battle with cancer seems to be nearing the end. Here's his final blog p..."

Very sad. I am slowly working my way through The Book of Forgotten Authors, appreciating his humor, and am sure he will not be one of the forgotten authors.

I think Falco is only now learning how to treat a woman in a serious relationship.

I agree about Mrs Maigret's patience. Her planned visit with family is canceled, she has to babysit a stranger, then, when she finally decides to swim, Maigret declares the vacation is over.

The atmosphere of the Maigret books is a strength and this one did not disappoint.

I started last night. It is a reread, but I can't remember things in advance; they are familiar only as they happen. Such as Mr. Merrythought, a great character. And the professor who talks in capitals.

Susan wrote: "£1.79
Murder on the Caronia (book 4)

Murder on the Salsette (book 6)"

For those reading that series, these are upcoming books.

This is included in the kindle book I bought so will be reading it eventually. I like Maigret; reads easily in a single evening.

Not participating in this series; just too many books.