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

Sandy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Jackie wrote: "Rosina wrote: "We may just be seeing him at his worst. He must have been capable of being reasonable, since he charmed Fay, and to some extent Camilla."

I think Camilla was repulsed by him."

I agree Camilla was not charmed but after money. So I was surprised that her husband returned the check as I thought this was basically how they lived even though it was distasteful to him.

He was at his worst as he had planned a quiet week-end with the Hallidays, giving him lots of time with Camilla.

Perhaps she could have something on him that she would reveal if he treated her too badly. Or, perhaps, this is why I don't write mysteries.

This was a reread for me and soon after the 'unfinished clue' was introduced I remembered the why dunnit, but had the wrong who dunnit. I thought it was Mrs. Twining, that she moved to be close to her son, Arthur recognized her thus he was more tolerant of her. Except that I don't want Mrs. Twining to be a murderer, I think my ending works better. It eliminates the husband not recognizing his wife, explains Mrs. Twining being almost family, and the coincidence of the vicar being posted to the neighborhood by chance is not needed.

My favorite is Lola, especially as she and Camilla interact.

I've started, not very far in, and while this is a reread I only remember stuff as I encounter it. I enjoy Lola.

Susan wrote: "The discussion threads for our Jul/Aug buddy reads are now open:
The Sanctuary Sparrow - Ellis Peters
The Unfinished Clue - Georgette Heyer
The Scandal at 23 Mount Street - Clara Benson"

Oops, I had better start the two I will be reading soon, hopefully tonight.

Jill wrote: "I am now reading Death at Victoria Dock the fourth in the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood. I really like the Phryne as a character"

That is a fun series and the very latest will be waiting for me at the library very soon.

Rosina wrote: "I know I started this red herring, but everyone's comments have made me realise that while it would have been incredibly risky as a key intended element of the murder method, where it would take on..."

I agree completely. I got to tied up in the ways that wouldn't work and overlooked the fact it was NOT part of the plan. An excellent Christie twist.

And the latest Ruth Galloway, The Night Hawks is waiting for me!

I've started A Beautiful Place to Die, set in 1950's apartheid South Africa. The sense of time and place are vivid and I am learning a lot about the apartheid laws.

CrimeReads has an article about Christie's surfing adventures

https://crimereads.com/agatha-christi...

No, he moved the pipe belonging to one of the men to a different place and the pipe smoker sat in the new place when he returned.

Rosina wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I'm with you RC on the murder method. I think at a table for six, and even more so at a table for three, I would remember my seat and be suspicious of a moved pipe or bag."

One probl..."

Very interesting point. I don't remember and my copy is back at the library.

Susan in NC wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I have hopes of reading Bleak House this month. Aim high!"

Bless you - I have been trying to finish that for years off and on! I started listening to the audiobook in h..."

Oh dear. I'm already prone to unscheduled naps.

Lady Alexandra is my choice as well, though I remembered enough to not really be suspicious of her this time. Though I was never sure if I was thinking of this book or the short story. Does anyone remember the murderer in the short story?

I may see if I can find a copy quickly ...

I have hopes of reading Bleak House this month. Aim high!

Roman Clodia wrote: "I remembered this quite well and having loved it the first time, was a little disappointed this time: the characters are ones we've met before (the super-efficient secretary, the stuffy politician ..."

I'm with you RC on the murder method. I think at a table for six, and even more so at a table for three, I would remember my seat and be suspicious of a moved pipe or bag.

If Iris had been poisoned as planned, then suspicion would point to the waiter who served them before the toast, i.e. Victor.

I have started Anna Karenina for a summer long read challenge.

And, every time I pick up the book I note how inappropriate the cover is: young ladies in summer dresses, in punts, with no canoe in sight.