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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I've finished Death in Delft and liked it a lot. It is probably more modern in feel (language and characterization) than an historical mystery should be. I found it very readable, liked the main character and the historical figures, Vermeer and Van Leeuwenhoek, added interest. The setting was different, both in location and the religious tensions.

Luckily for me the series is available on Kindle Unlimited in the US. And it was a kindle deal recently.

I also really liked this Bobby Owen book. There were many suspects, lots of very different clues, and strange things to be explained. I missed his earlier boss, Mitchel (?), but Bobby might get a promotion quicker when he is compared to his new boss.

I never caught on to where the necklace was hidden!

I've started Death in Delft and expect it will be another series I want to follow. At least there aren't too many of them (yet).

Judy wrote: "Glad you are enjoying it, Sandy. Did you manage to finish your library book before it vanished? I once tried turning off wifi but sadly the book disappeared anyway after a few hours!"

I'm using a fairly old dumb kindle and keeping it off line has always worked. My problem is forgetting and connecting automatically. And I did finish my book, #7 in Anne Perry's Pitt series. Thanks for asking.

I am half done now, liking it a lot and agree about the complicated plot. I wonder if Punshon will tie all these loose threads together or leave a few hanging. And will I notice any hanging threads?

Judy wrote: "One from today's Bookbub in the UK - Henrietta Who? by Catherine Aird is currently 99p. Second in the Calleshire Chronicles series."

Also in US

I'm reading An Atlas of Extinct Countries, a quick history of 48 countries that are no more. Emphasis on the humor but true (so the blurb says). Each country gets a map, a cause of death, and a couple of pages of its history, so I can polish off a country or two between other reading.

I'm reading a Nero Wolfe take-off: The Misadventures of Nero Wolfe: Parodies and Pastiches Featuring the Great Detective of West 35th Street. So far I've only read the serious pastiches (vs. parodies) and they are quite good. I was going to save the book until I finish the real Wolfe books but life is short.

ChrisGA wrote: "Enjoyed this though i couldn't get my head around her taking off after a man she just met. Fun though improbable adventure."

Victoria was an improbable mix of hard-headed common sense and adventurous daring-do, but fun to follow.

I hope to start soon. I own the kindle version but didn't download it. Now I have a kindle library book that I haven't finished. The due date has past so I can't connect kindle to internet until I'm done. Hate it when the book just disappears.

Abigail wrote: "I can’t explain Canon Avril’s agelessness, but as for Edward being Hal’s grandson and not enough time elapsing between the 1930s and 1960s for that to be true, there’s an intriguing disclaimer at t..."

That is interesting ... and how old would that make Campion and Canon Avril?

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.