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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I'm working my wat through several library requests that came in at the same time. First up is The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. It is labelled a mystery but no death in the first 75 pages, though there an ominous warning. Liking it so far.

This was a reread for me. I didn't remember who did it but remembered the toothpaste, and the ramifications, once Aunt Harriet took it. As others have said, great characters in books but not for living with. Absolutely love the dialogue and would hate being the butt of Randall's putdowns.

I feel Heyer's sarcastic, aloof, controlling male leads come off better in her Regency romances than they do in her current day mysteries. In those I swoon; here I'm annoyed.

Sid wrote: "Icewineanne wrote: "Sandy wrote: "One of the Flaxborough series also has a bath theme: Hopjoy Was Here. I like the humor in that series."

Glad you mentioned this series Sandy..."

..."

The group read the first in the Flaxborough series in Dec 2018, so those discussions are still available.

One of the Flaxborough series also has a bath theme: Hopjoy Was Here. I like the humor in that series.

Susan in NC wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I've recently read two excellent non-fiction books. Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy is a pleasant way to absorb a bit of American history l..."

Hope you enjoy them.

I've recently read two excellent non-fiction books. Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy is a pleasant way to absorb a bit of American history laced with memoir, travel adventures and dog stories. Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds makes paleobiology interesting and relevant. There was a lot of time before "us" and the earth was a very different place.

Susan in NC wrote: "Jill wrote: "I like this opened, giving us a bit more about the politics of the time of which, I have been very interested. I was a bit worried about Cadfael getting found out about St Winifred's r..."

I didn't have time, or opportunity, to listen to this one and now I'm sorry I missed the aunt's voice.

I really enjoyed this entry, partly because of all the references to past books. I'm happy the saint approved Cadfael's deception and good to see him so proud and content with his son.

I was confused with the relationship between the two young men even when it was evident who they were. I suppose I don't understand the importance of penance and oaths in the 12th century. Is Matthew / Luc or Clairan the pilgrim of hate?

Sorry you've been unwell and hope all is back to normal soon. Even if it not one your best, your review is much more complete than my one to three lines I write.

I've started and, like others, am glad for the political update as I get lost with who's up, who's down, and which side we are supporting.

References to prior books makes this a series that is best read in order. Each may stand alone but you miss a lot without the characters' history.

I'm happy to spend spring in Cadfael's garden. I can feel that warm stone wall on my back.

I have really enjoyed Simenon's writing. He portrays a complete setting with very few words.

Susan wrote: "By the way, what did people feel about the new direction of the series? Was anyone as sad as I felt about Flavia being sent away to school?

Has anyone read on? Can you reassure us, who haven't, th..."

The next book, with Flavia in Canada, was my least favorite. But don't worry, she returns to Buckshaw by the following book.

I really liked Mothering Sunday.

This was also a re-listen for me; however, I like it as much as the others.

The Flavia short story is $1 in the US (Amazon, kindle) and is only 27 pages.

Jan C wrote: "Sandy wrote: "After enjoying the first half with French's quiet plodding and continental travels, I got bored with those aspects by the second half.

I agree with the earlier comments that a lot o..."

Either way it was only a half-great case and I hope French moves on to greater greatness.

Judy wrote: "Wow, no danger of you running out of mystery reading there, Sandy! Hope you enjoy them all after putting the Pignion Scorbion (a new one on me!) aside."

Nor of other reading. I returned from the library with six books, none from our upcoming reads.

I read half of Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives before putting it aside. Like our monthly read, it is a modern GA that didn't work for me.

I have finished the Maigret and am listening to Flavia (a re-listen). Heyer will also be a reread and I always enjoy her wit. Then Cadfael and the next Knox is waiting for me at the library, with 2 - 4 other requests in transit.

Susan wrote: "Good point, Indeneri. She obviously has some kind of independent income we don't know about."

Maybe from her mysterious past.

Judy wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Diane wrote: "I do not have a kindle but am thinking of buying one. Too many books I want from the library, golden age mysteries, are only available now as ebooks and I don’t enjoy re..."

I had no idea I was so lucky! I will try to be more grateful the next time a borrow a kindle book.