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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I read a couple of books that were about to disappear off my kindle one of which was a mystery, The Cold Blue Blood, the first in a new series. I found it enjoyable (read it in a day which is always a good sign) but probably not a series I will follow. Lots of character and setting introduction, as is customary, in the first book.

I still have a couple of other books that will expire soon before I can start this month's reads. I oversubscribed during my covid isolation! The next books are Harlem Shuffle and one of Arthur Upfield Bony series (historical mystery set in the Australian outback).

I also thought Timothy was younger than 15; must be the way he acts.

I read this today and continue to enjoy Simenon's settings, plots and style. I learned, probably in Martin Edwards' The Life of Crime: Unravelling the mysteries of fiction’s favourite genre, that Simenon felt mysteries should be read in one sitting and his novellas fit that mode quite well.

I read this today and really liked it. I agree with the earlier comments; Maigret should be grateful he is a fictional detective and won't be called to the carpet.

I've started All the Queen's Men (aka A three Dog Problem across the Atlantic - a title I like better). I've already come across the term "moreish" that was defined in one of our threads.

I've also recently read a couple of my historical mystery series in the vain hope of making progress: Bluegate Fields and Pandora's Boy.

Susan in NC wrote: "Susan wrote: "I haven't quite finished this yet, but I do agree. It was unbelievable that nobody but Dogger wrote. It reminded me of when Winston Churchill was young and only his nanny cared for hi..."

It is hard to guess how Flavia's life with Harriet would be different. Her father would have been happier so probably a more loving parent. I don't know if Harriet would still be absent most of the time but assume Flavia would have felt loved when she was around.

I agree that I prefer Flavia at home.

This may be one of my favorite Heyer mysteries, though it is hard to keep them straight (probably not a good sign). I love all conversations with Rosemary particularly those between her and Betty. I thought the romance got resolved early and did not detract.

If I remember correctly, we will meet the family again later in the series.

I won't be reading this one but may join for later Innes's.

I will not be reading this one. I have read the first in three of the author's many series and his style does not appeal to me. I have too many other books on my TBR.

I will be reading this (I've had the library book for at least three weeks) but haven't started yet. So far I've enjoyed all the Maigrets.

I have not read any of Ann Cleeves, but Amazon in US is offering a free short story from her Vera Hope series, The Woman on the Island,

I continue to work my way through a re-listen to our next Flavia book and have also started a re-read of They Found Him Dead. A conversation between two very self-centered woman reminded me how well Heyer portrays amusing characters.

Luckily my retention, of lack thereof, allows me to reread without spoilers.

And I found Crime in Kensington available through one of my library's ebook services.

I'm reminded I was going to look for more by the author and wonder if I did.

Sid wrote: "Jan C wrote: "Hope you feel better soon. A friend got it while visiting Florence - the remainder of her stay was spent in her room. Not how I'd like to visit Florence."

A Room With The Flu?

Sorry..."

Excellent pun! And I'm feeling quite well, thank you.

P.P.S. Thank you for all the well wishes and this may be the time to try Miss Seaton which has been on my TBR for a while.

P.S. Much earlier this year I read the Penny / Hillary collaboration, State of Terror: A Novel on a whim and liked it even though the genre is not one of my favorites.

Sid wrote: "Jackie wrote: "I loved The Madness of Crowds!"

I really didn't! 😊 Just goes to show how a book can take each of us differently.

My review is quite grumpy so you may not want to look at it, but it..."

I enjoyed your review. And agree. With many. Points. Even if I don't agree with all. For example, I loved the All the Devils Are Here. But what was a Nobel Prize contender doing in Three Pines? And how does the bistro / inn stay in business in an unmapped town? Sometimes belief must be suspended, and I love most of the series.

I read The Madness of Crowds, the latest in the Three Pines series. I started this months ago and put it aside as I found the subject matter too difficult at that time. I still found it intense and had some problems with the plot and the presentation, but I'm glad I read it. Some of the reviewers call the series 'cozy' and I disagree. While there are plenty of scenes with food and drink in the bistro, the books cover serious subjects and are often intense. I am now ready for the next book I expect at the end of the summer.

As a 'palate cleanser' I started my re-read (re-listen) of our next Flavia DeLuce and a humorous historical mystery with a ghost, Nobody's Sweetheart Now. I have also started The Life of Crime: Unravelling the mysteries of fiction’s favourite genre. I have covid so need to isolate for ten days and expect to do a lot of reading. Only cold-like symptoms so far so all is well.