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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Abigail wrote: "I’m just happy to have Canon Avril back! If anyone should be immortal, it is he."

I agree!

I have finished the book and, except for the plot, liked it. I glazed over whenever the "iggy's" and their powers were discussed. I told my 'significant other' a bit about the plot and he commented that ESP was quite a popular subject in the 60's. Allingham was keeping up with the times.

I missed Lugg but he did get a mention. Does anyone remember when, or if, Thom of the wire tapping company appeared in an earlier book?

Just using the publication dates: the first book was published in 1929 and this one in 1965. If he was 20ish then he at least 56 now, and that age seems in character for this book. His son is at Harvard so that fits with his somewhat late marriage to his younger wife. Campion must be at least ten years older than her even younger brother, and that makes the brother a grandfather to a nine year old at 45. I think Allingham goofed.

Jill wrote: "Now reading In Cold Blood by Truman Capote Finding it a bit repetitive."

My first job during school was in a book store and I remember piles and piles of that book. Couldn't keep it in stock. I never read it.

While I'm still enjoying the book I find I have to "ignore" the plot premise and concentrate on the story and characters.

My library has the two books in one volume so my only problem will be recalling the second book (I'll take notes).

Rosina wrote: "I am still trying to decide when this is set. Edward is the grandson of Amanda's brother (an undergraduate when we last met him in The Fashion in Shrouds, published in 1938, and presum..."

Rosina, you are very good at remembering these characters! I am also confused about the time. One comment made me think it was set between the wars but I've decided that is wrong. (The comment is a hope there will not be another war and that applies to the 60's as well as the late 30's.)

I am only two chapters in and love being back in Campion's world (looking forward to his arrival) but quite put off by the references to the experiments on the island. Reminds me a bit of Christie's thrillers.

I won't be reading this book, mostly as it is not available in my library, but also I absolutely hated Strangers on a Train and reading the synopsis revived bad memories.

ChrisGA wrote: "Just finished listening to this. I enjoyed everyone's comments and don't have anything new to add. I remembered vaguely from previous reading years ago about the waiter being significant but couldn..."

Interesting as the waiter is what I remembered as well, further complicated by whether it was from the short story or the novel.

I will be starting two books shortly: Golden Age Detective Stories and A Peculiar Combination. Both are new library books with shorter lending times.

Not sure why I took out the Ashley Weaver as I only read the first of her older series. But the print is big so I should decide quickly.

Yes, I liked her reaction as well and she was very true to form through out the book.

Rosina wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I just started Death in Delft by Graham Brack."

Can I thank you for introducing me to Master Mercurius, and ..."

Oh dear, another series I should move up in my TBR list.

I'm reading two quite different books: Reaper Man, from the imaginative Disc World series and Eels: An Exploration, from New Zealand to the Sargasso, of the World's Most Mysterious Fish, travel log combined with natural history.

Jackie wrote: "Carol wrote: "The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax just started this book but enjoying it"

Carol, I love this book and the entire series."

I have also escaped real life with Mrs. Pollifax.

Susan in NC wrote: "Jackie wrote: "I am currently reading Laetitia Rodd and the Case of the Wandering Scholar which is really holding my attention. I am finding it more compelling than the first in the..."

A third one is expected.

Checking Google, special constables don't seem to be limited to war times, but is a part-time volunteer and are still used. Hopefully a Brit can clear it up.

My assumption was exactly like Susan in NC's.

I plan to continue with Bobby Owens and read at least the first two - three Maigret's. Hopefully my good intentions are realized.

Jackie wrote: "Twenty-One Days, the first Daniel Pitt novel. It's OK, but nowhere near as good as William Monk series."

I only have one more Monk to read. I've started reading Daniel's parent's series; they're fine but still not as good as Monk.

I agree with you, Shaina. I quite liked the book for all the reason you did. And I think MacDonald is a fine detective, kind, considerate and effective.