Tara ’s Comments (group member since Jul 12, 2017)

Tara ’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Surprised with a library book that I must have requested pre-covid that just became available. Less a book proper, but more of a compilation of food-related musings on various topics: Choice Cuts: A Savory Selection of Food Writing from Around the World & Throughout History by Mark Kurlansky. At 500 pages it would normally be the kind of book I would muse over for a while, picking it up randomly for pearls of wisdom, but instead it is feeling like a bit of burden as I need to return it in 3 weeks. Hoping that won't effect my enjoyment too much.

Reading Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, Paul Theroux's 30 year redux of his The Great Railway Bazaar journey. Clearly lots of differences in technology, politics and life experience which effectively create an entirely different trip. Very much enjoying the narrative about a third of the way through.

I agree that it was too convenient that the abandoned boyfriend was the baddie who deserved what was coming to him. It would have been riskier, but more interesting, if the priest had been the guilty one. She does feature less than holy priests, specifically (view spoiler)[A Morbid Taste for Bones, where want of fame and political intrigue lead to morally bankrupt behavior. (hide spoiler)] But we do get a change of scenery away from Shrewsbury, and an exciting kidnapping and rescue.
Has anyone read any of Peters' historical fiction books? I got A Bloody Field by Shrewsbury in a cozy mystery book bundle, and I am keen to read it, as she is so skillful in evoking the past.

Judy wrote: "Tara, I watched the TV episode after finishing the book too and am now enjoying also revisiting other episodes from the series, and getting back into that world. I do think Derek Jacobi was perfect..."

I cannot help but picture him when I read the books. Its a shame they didn't film all of the novels. Apparently they built a real village in Hungary for the set.

As always, the moment I start a Cadfael mystery, I am instantly transported. Such a lovely, comforting feeling, I love being in this world, and therefore am willing to overlook the sameness across the books. Also love the Jacobi TV series, which I own on DVD, so I'll be watching the episode once I finish the book.
Concurrently I am also reading Peter's Fallen Into the Pit, the first in her Inspector Felse series. It is set in post-WWII England, and has a totally different tone and feel. Its good on its own, but I must say I prefer Cadfael, and I think it was much more her milieu.

Carolien wrote: "in 2019 I counted my series in progress and ended up somewhere in the seventies. I made a list of 44 of them and the rule is that I have to finish 4 of them before I start a new one. Sometimes that..."

This one sounds right up my alley! But I really should finish off the Elizabeth Peters Peabody series before I start any others.

Judy wrote: "I'll be interested to hear what you think of The Widening Stain, Tara - I remember it was nominated in a poll but was hard to get hold of outside the US, if I'm remembering correctly. It sounds ver..."

Yes Judy, I had nominated it when it was first reissued, but sadly its still not widely available. I'll be sure to share my thoughts once done.

I'm just starting The Widening Stain by W. Bolingbroke Johnson for my American Mystery Classics bookclub. It takes place at a university library, and apparently contains many humorous limericks.

Lady Clementina wrote: "Started Ordeal by Innocence. I have read it before but forgotten much of it including whodunit so as good as new, so far"

I enjoyed this book so much I gave it 5 stars, but yet I cannot remember anything about it! Very strange. Looking forward to reading again, and seeing what I liked so much the first time. I believe Christie said this was her favorite book.

Feeling in the mood for a book about books, I grabbed Adventures in American Bookshops, Antique Stores and Auction Rooms by Guido Bruno. Its a quick read, with some interesting tidbits and anecdotes.

So happy I'll finally read one of the freebies off my kindle!

Jessica wrote: "This will be a reread for me, and I promised the book on my shelves that I would pick it up this month BUT now that I discovered there is an audiobook read by Hugh Fraser, I do not think I can resi..."

I second Sandy that Hugh is most definitely worth it. I often skip my physical books in favor of him.

Sandy wrote: "Tara wrote: "Judy wrote: "We now have no less than 4 new buddy reads open! Please do pop by and join in.

Here are links to the general threads for each book:

[book:A Red Herring Without Mustard|8..."

Thanks Sandy!

Judy wrote: "We now have no less than 4 new buddy reads open! Please do pop by and join in.

Here are links to the general threads for each book:

A Red Herring Without Mustard (the third Flavia ..."

Do the Punshons need to be read in order? I own a bunch on kindle, but am hesitant to join in since we're well into the collection at this point.

Jan C wrote: "I'm reading Toyshop. Yesterday I started Lay On, Mac Duff! by Charlotte Armstrong."

Looks interesting Jan. Who knew Parcheesi could be so dangerous?

Judy wrote: "Tara wrote: "I haven't read anything by Armstrong yet, but I've been quite pleased with all of the books I've read that have been reprinted by Otto Penzler in his American Mystery Classics series, ..."

So far, so good Judy! It takes place in 1940s LA, but its not hard boiled (a genre of which I'm not a huge fan of in book form). Apparently the author was a former fashion journalist before writing novels, so she has lots of lovely descriptions of clothes, which is a rare treat.

Judy wrote: "The Chocolate Cobweb sounds very intriguing from the description, Tara, thanks for mentioning it! Not on Kindle in the UK, sadly, but many others by this author are. I think she's a new name to me."

I haven't read anything by Armstrong yet, but I've been quite pleased with all of the books I've read that have been reprinted by Otto Penzler in his American Mystery Classics series, so I'm hoping this one is no different. Plus, their covers are fantastic!

Roman Clodia wrote: "Tara wrote: "Tom Adams is perhaps the most well known illustrator of Christie books"

I love those Tom Adams covers and have been collecting them when I find them in my local second-hand bookshop -..."

They are certainly quite evocative. The book is rather dated (published in 1981), but if anything one would hope that means his recollection of the paintings are more accurate. It is also interesting to see the many differences between the English and American versions.

While I did assume that Bobby & Frankie would end up together, that did not translate into me figuring out that meant our villains were Roger & Moira. Dr. Nicholson did himself no favors in terms of looking suspicious.
This book has early shades of T & T, but I must say I actually prefer this duo, and would have enjoyed more books starring them rather than the ones she chose to turn into series long characters. Certainly having a titled lady as one of the detectives provided more opportunities to get away with things the hoi polloi could not, not to mention access to multiple homes, cars, changes of clothes, etc.

I generally prefer Christie's mysteries to her thrillers, but this one was just too delicious not to enjoy. Perhaps a bit obvious if you've read her other thrillers, but still clever storytelling and captivating reading.