Susan_MG’s Comments (group member since Nov 13, 2023)

Susan_MG’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I decided to start my 2nd Seishi Yokomizo, Death On Gokumon Island, published in 1971. This book is beginning about 1945.

This is an exciting challenge. Hopefully I will be able to acquire all the titles.

Have Fete Worse Than Death ready to read.

I just opened a book by Linda Stratmann, The Secret Poisoner, A Century of Murder. It’s a book of stories, a chapter each, about past poisoning cases. The introduction set up the book well by telling the story of a servant who poisoned her household, probably. This is historical nonfiction true crime from 1809 and later with extensive research and annotation.

I have this title in my audio library so joined in. I don’t think I have previously read this book 6. I’m not far in but the narrator started out in a tedious first 5 chapters. The energy has improved now.

Susan in NC yes, I’m from a suburb of Philadelphia and the news was very disturbing. I really can’t remember if this trend continues in the next books.
It is probable that in cities with too few investigators setting aside some reports happens often.

I vaguely remember reading Falco series. I don’t remember this volume specifically. I do plan to read (or reread) it.

I am reading the Sebastian St. Cyr series at the moment but I plan to carry on with C. s. Harris after I finish, or if I get burned out and need a change.

I am currently rereading Quietly In Their Sleep. It’s been quite a few years since I binged the Brunetti series. Now that I’m into it I remember that there was quite a bit of negativity about religious teachings. All things Venetian are enjoyable, except when the contaminated canals are mentioned.

I enjoyed The Last Judgement. I may go back to start at the beginning of this series but I’m definitely adding book 5 to my February reading.

Susan in NC - I am so lame when using GR! I missed your comment. I agree about missing details. When I am listening I have had authors important use of language go right over my head. I will always use audiobooks but if it’s an author whose writing is particularly notable I read the print.
I am looking forward to continuing with this 2024 challenge.

Yes, it’s listed as among ten favorite Sherlock Holmes quotes. There’s also a song inspired by the quote. Good one Susan in NC.

Today, Charles Todd posted that January 6, 1854 is the birthday of Sherlock Holmes. I feel like I should read one of his stories to celebrate.

I’m reading Why This World A Biography Of Clarice Lispector in small doses, a chapter or two at a time.

I am also listening to Fly Girls, Keith O’Brien, nonfiction about the early women of aviation. The narrator seemed a little too dramatic in early chapters but now has smoothed out to a normal level for this time in history. There is quite a lot written about the men supporting the women too.

And in the technology era the use of GPS for various crime solving and text messaging for evidence to crimes or alibis…

I already feel I’ve known this group for longer than a few weeks. Reading comments, thoughts about proposed book nominations and reading to catch up a bit has
made time fly by. I will admit I need to get more organized with my reading for 2024.

I just finished The Poisonous Seed and enjoyed it so much I will continue with series. I listened to 1st book on Audible but the second book is only on bookstore or Kindle purchase. I see the 3rd book is kindle unlimited USA. The distribution of the remainder seems a mix but I barely checked.

Most of the St Cyr series are at my local library. I’m very amenable to going along with the group preferences.

Thank you for all these book suggestions and the follow up comments. I think all but the Jane Austen are new to me. I’ve been a voracious reader since a very early age so it’s possible early authors will seem familiar. My retention of stories isn’t what it was when younger.
I am having very good luck finding less expensive copies of some titles from Abe’s Books. I’M in USA but I notice UK used book sellers listed often on Abe’s too.

Thank you for taking time to do this today. Happy Christmas!