Ruth’s Comments (group member since Oct 06, 2015)

Ruth’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I've just checked Amazon and you can see the aircraft cabin layout on 'Look Inside'.☺

Frances wrote: "I've just started and I'm enjoying it very much so far. I'm reading this edition so you can see it has a different title-Death in the Air.
So I know it's a cozy mystery when I open the book to find a diagram-in this case a seating plan of the rear car of the aeroplane. This is almost as enjoyable as a list of characters, and I do refer back to it regularly through the opening chapters as we learn about the players and then hear them being interrogated.
..."

That's what I miss as I'm listening to an audio version. Like you, I love a list of characters to refer to, or a plan of the house (or in this case an aeroplane). It helps fix things in your mind, doesn't it, and allows you to pause to check who's who and where they were.

I'm listening to this on audio, read by Hugh Fraser - lovely.

I haven't read this for years as I wrongly assumed it all took place on the aeroplane and that didn't appeal to me. I can't really remember any of the plot but a couple of things are ringing a bell.

I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

Thank-you so much Susan. They all look great - I can't quite decide where to start but may go for the Miss Silver!

Happy New Year everyone!

I usually read a book set at Christmas around this time of year but fancied a change and wondered if there are any mysteries that are set around the New Year. Any suggestions?

Carolien wrote: "Frances wrote: "I just finished the 4th Jackson Brodie Started Early, Took My Dog, and am devastated to learn there isn’t a 5th one (yet! I hope)."

Brilliant series. Would love some..."

Just seen that the fifth one in the Jackson Brodie series is coming out next year - called Big Sky. I'm so excited as I really thought there wouldn't be any more!

Judy wrote: "I'm interested to see that a seven-part TV series based on these books was made in the 1970s, Murder Most English: A Flaxborough Chronicle, starring Anton Rodgers as Inspector Purbright and Christo..."

I can remember enjoying this series at the time but can't remember anything about it apart from that it starred Anton Rodgers who is an actor I reaaly like.

Judy wrote: "I've started listening now and must say I found the beginning a bit confusing - but now we have a flashback to the start, and I think all will become clearer!"

Are some books harder to listen to than to read do you think? I'm thinking of Golden Age type detective stories where the reader is presented with a lot of information to process at the beginning of the book. I love listening to audiobooks particularly with a good narrator but often find myself having to listen to the first chapters again or, as I've done with a book I'm listening to at the moment, get the book from the library to re-read sections of the book to remind myself about events or characters.

I didn't know that Dell Shannon was a pseudonym of a female crime writer. I think I always assumed it was a house name used by several (male) authors.

I think I have my rose-coloured spectacles on when I read books which I view as cosy crime! I see the lovely village and the wonderful characters and how they interact but miss the undercurrants that you've all picked up.

It's been a very enlightening discussion for me.

Sandy wrote: "Oedipuss wrote: "Thanks to everyone here for having me. This is my first time reading along with the group. I'm roughly half done with the novel and greatly enjoying it.

The set-up in particular w..."

This is one of my favourite things about Caroline Graham's books - she is just so good at quickly drawing you in with sympathetic characters who you really start to care about.

I listened to this on audiobook a couple of years ago while I was staying in London and really enjoyed it. I have been meaning to carry on with the series but haven't got round to it yet.

Judy wrote: "I had a gift from the Book Fairies this morning! On my way to the bus I spotted a lovely new copy of Murder on the Orient Express with a scene from the new film on the cover and a not..."

Not Book Fairies but I once found a piece of artwork hanging on a railing on my way to work. It was part of 'Free Art Friday' where artists leave pieces of art in public places for people to find and take home. It was a lovely find!

Thanks for the invite Susan and Judy - I think the two of you plus Nigeyb will make a great combination as moderaters! 🙋‍♀️

Sandy wrote: "Judy wrote: "I find myself organizing my reading life around library due dates, with a bit of tension supplied by guessing which I can renew..
."

The worst ones are the digital loans where the book is suddenly snatched away from you!

Jan C wrote: "I just listened to The Circular Staircase (again). Whoever read it was a decent reader.

I just tried listening to The Witches: Salem, 1692 and had to put it down. The..."

I do so agree that a poor narrator can just ruin a book. After a couple of bad experiences I now try to always listen to a sample first, but you can still be caught unawares if the narrator changes mid-series!

Judy wrote: "I'm getting more into audio books now, so thought I'd bump this thread again! Just wondering if anyone else loves listening to books read by favourite actors?

I'm currently listening to [book:A Po..."

I also love Richard E Grant as a narrator.

Judy wrote: "Thanks for mentioning the radio version of The Poisoned Chocolates Case, Ruth - I will hope to listen while doing some housework."

I've got a bit hooked on Radio 4 Extra lately as I've been listening first thing in the morning as an alternative to the rather depressing news stories on Radio 4. They do quite a few crime dramas.

Judy wrote: "The highlight for me was the early short story version of The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley, with a different solution from the one in the novel! I also liked the creepy non-Holmes Conan Doyle story. "

The Poisoned Chocolates Case is on Radio 4 Extra this weekend.

Susan wrote: "Hilary, I totally sympathise. I don't have flu, but I am feeling miserable, with a heavy cold, and it is hard to read at the moment.... Some great suggestions."

Best wishes to all who are feeling under the weather at the moment. Isn't it annoying that just when you could really do with snuggling down with a good book you just can't manage it!