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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I am in and glad to be 'forced' to continue. I recently read the second book, a couple of years after the first, and was glad to revisit Shardlake's beginning. Didn't remember who done it. Hope some members will join us moderators, as I intend to read more.

I appreciated this collection more after I took a break from it. Most of my favorites have been mentioned already but I will add Bessie's Dilemma, in which an elderly woman knows something immoral, but not illegal, about the vicar. What a hard problem to live with.

Susan wrote: "£2.99
Ayla: A Feast of Nepali Dishes from Terai, Hills and the Himalayas

99p
[bookcover:Reve..."

Speaking from the US, I'm heartly sick of any mention of Harry.

Note that this thread is for 2022 and a new thread has been opened for 2023.

Judy wrote: "Thank you Lady C, I got a bit confused about the motivation. Sandy, I agree with your comment about hoping this wouldn't happen in real life, but that it is a clever twist for a mystery. I do find ..."

Definitely grim, heartless, vicious and one more reason why Christie's are not 'cozy'.

I continue to make progress though I have been slowed down by other more compelling reads. Still, these are short treats that I fit in when I only have a few minutes. I'm in the 'other' section.

I am re-reading Dissolution, this time on audio. The narrator, Steven Crossley, is excellent though there are too many male monk voices and I need the paper copy when I miss which is speaking. Great book.

I would like to think that in 'real life' murderers would not kill an uninvolved schoolgirl to establish an alibi. In the world of GA mysteries with closed room murders done by fantastic methods, I find it more acceptable.

I finished A World of Curiosities, #18 in the Three Pine series. It is excellent. A podcast, The Book Cougars, suggested that this was more of a stand-alone than other in the series if someone wants to test the books. I agree, though you will miss the development of the characters' relationships. It is a much better book than the first of the series, Still Life.

So far this has been a great reading year.

I started the new year with a treat, A Dangerous Business, set in Monterrey California in the 1850's. The mystery is not the main interest and I'm sure the portrayal of prostitution is much too rosy, but I loved the characters and the interaction between Eliza and her customers. A warm and wonderful read.

I have started A World of Curiosities. More warm and wonderful characters but now the mystery is the point. With short sentences.

Noble wrote: "Currently reading Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens

Planning to read a Ruth Rendell standalone, and start an Ngaio Marsh or a Louise Penny mystery this month. Have never read these two authors so ..."

Note that the Louise Penny series should really, really be read in order! I will be starting the latest today as the library will reclaim it soon. If you like audiobooks, there are two narrators (the first died) and both are excellent. Enjoy.

They are all available in the US, ranging from one dollar to over twelve.

I was very happy to reread a Miss Marple and this is one of my favorites. The opening scene is splendid. Inspector Slack adds a bit of humor.

I have finished the murder section and the last story is longer and thus allows for more character development. The very short ones are fun and twisty but need to be spaced out or they seem much the same. Pettigrew remains my favorite.

I recommend Rizzio

Joanne wrote: "Favorite mysteries read in 2022:
With a Bare Bodkin by Cyril Hare
A Six-Letter Word for Death by Patricia Moyes
[book:Inspector French'..."

I also started, and plan to continue, Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series by S.J. Bennett. Hopefully the author doesn't feel it is disrespectful.

Frances wrote: "More of a thriller, but I'm half way through the Louise Penny/Hillary Clinton State of Terror and it seems a great combination of Clinton's insider's understanding of the White Hous..."

I picked it up on a whim and was very glad I did. Like you say, an excellent mix of the two women's specialties.

Susan in NC wrote: "Sandy wrote: "1. Which mysteries/crime books that you read with the group did you enjoy the most?

The Francis Pettigrew books, Maigret, Michael Gilbert, Sarah Caudwell, Catherine Aird, Donna Leon ..."

I could use a history of France. I put aside an historical novel because I didn't know enough of the background. Thanks for the recommendation.

Addition:
4. What were your least favorite books this year?

Two (of several) unfinished books were Roseana, from this group, and one that is making many of the 'best' lists: Killers of a Certain Age.

1. Which mysteries/crime books that you read with the group did you enjoy the most?

The Francis Pettigrew books, Maigret, Michael Gilbert, Sarah Caudwell, Catherine Aird, Donna Leon and Slough House.

2. Which personal crime/mystery reads did you enjoy the most?

Continuations of series ended up being my favorites, but a couple of standout stand alones were The Maid, Harlem Shuffle and State of Terror. I also discovered The Clutter Corpse which will lead me to the author's many other series.

3. What were your favorite non-mystery/detective books in 2022?

Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds, Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy, Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law, Act of Oblivion and a wonderful audio book, Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? A Memoir.

4. What were your least favorite books this year?

There were several I didn't finish ...

5. Do you have any reading resolutions?

I have had a couple for a few years: read at least 12 non-fiction books and 24 that I own. It used to be 12 owned books, but I often buy more than that and I was making no progress. I really need to up it once again.