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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

While waiting for my library request for our December read to show any movement, I have a few other requests that have arrived. I recently read The Clutter Corpse and have the next in the series. I think I have Sid to thank for this recommendation. It is the first series I have tried by the author though all are on my TBR.

I also have Murder After Christmas and Die Around Sundown. I had forgotten this request and why I asked for it. Hope I like it. The next in Elly Griffiths and Louise Penny latest series are both on their way as are two of our mid-December reads.

Ignoring all those, I read A Thin Sharp Blade: An Edwardian Mystery last night so I could read the next in the series which is set at Christmas time. These are available with Kindle Unlimited but I may not continue the series as there are many better books.

I recently listened to Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? A Memoir and found it fit GR's description very well: both humorous and touching.

A quick google search indicates that facial expressions at least have been found to be hereditary.

Rosina wrote: "I have doubts about the hereditability of gestures. Surely they are picked up by contact (doing things the way your mum or dad do it) rather than genetically programmed?"

I wonder whether they are hereditary. I find myself using some of my father's gestures, but I did grow up with him.

I also picked up on one secret son, but not the other, and agree that there is one secret identity too many. I think the 'screaming pig' was an unnecessary and dangerous (to the murderer) touch. The crashing furniture would have been enough to bring the family running. I think he was lucky that the peg was pulled out successfully and that only a piece of the balloon was found. It's too bad he did it as I liked him.

This is at least my second read of the book, maybe more, and I didn't remember the murderer and doubt I would if I were to read it yet again. While the revelation comes out of the blue and continues to surprise me, it is clued fairly.

Roman Clodia wrote: "I started listening on this morning's commute - I remember the book well so am enjoying spotting Christie's sly clues!"

You do much better than I! It is a reread for me as well, but I don't remember enough to pick up any clues.

Re US availability, Crossed Skis has confused me. Like Michaela, I remember it as available, but one time Amazon says it is not available, another that it is for $10. I did not test that option so don't know if the sale would have gone through. It is available on Audible and paperback.

Verdict of Twelve on kindle is available for $10 from Amazon.

A reread for me as well. My library request has come in and I plan to start today. (I also planned to start yesterday.)

I have requested the book from the library but it shows no sign of movement. Hope to join in soon.

Tania wrote: "I've started Murder After Christmas by Rupert Latimer, which looks as though it is going to be rather fun."

Good. I have a library copy waiting on my kindle.

Finished The Twist of a Knife, latest in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series. This series is lots of fun, trying to separate the real Anthony from Tony who exists only in the books. And there is an excellent mystery.

Happy (US) Thanksgiving!

Ellen wrote: "I am having a hard time with this one. It doesn't hold my interest. I have finished 2 other books since I started it."

That is never a good sign!

In the US: The White Ship: Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I’s Dream is $2 ... for those who want a background to the Cadfael books.

I have three new library books I will be starting. Peril in Paris, latest in the fluffy Her Royal Spyness series, The Twist of a Knife, and Singapore Sapphire, a book I picked up on a whim.

The TV version of Magpie Murders finishes up this week-end and Horowitz did a great job of melding the two time periods. I believe he is working on bringing Moonflower Murders to TV and writing a third in the series. I have to move Moonflower up on my TBR list.

Judy wrote: "Oh yes, I thought the clarinet player who is taken to the wrong village was hilarious!"

Yes, the clarinetist was a wonderful addition, starting with his telephone conversation with that idiot Peter Grew.

Sid wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I'm not very far in, 40 pages of 210, and it is not holding my interest. Does it pick up once they identify the victim?"

My sense is that if you don't like it after 40 pages then it'..."

Thank you Sid. I've read another forty pages and will probably abandon it. Coincidently, the body was identified in the very next chapter. The style reminds me of Maigret, but those I love. The comparison of the two detectives is interesting as well: similar is some ways (both are dogged and have sympathy for the victim) and different in others (physical stamina and home life).

On to new books as my library requests come in.

I'm not very far in, 40 pages of 210, and it is not holding my interest. Does it pick up once they identify the victim?

I really liked this book as I have the other Pettigrew's. He is a very human character. The Scottish chief is quite likable: replaces Pettigrew's liquor, has a sense of humor and takes care to not show up the young inspector on his first case.

I would never have guessed the motive having never heard of such a law and was glad both the death of Dixon's relative and the argument between Carless and the Polish clarinetist figured in the solution. Those both needed to be worked into the plot. All the oddities ended up being explained. I wondered if Vestry would get an 'obstruction of justice' charge.

I'm sure Pettigrew will be thrilled with his additional position, undoubtably simply added to his first job.