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

Tara ’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Sandy wrote: "Tara wrote: "Continuing my monthly reads from the American Mystery Classics series, I've gotten a few chapters into The Eight of Swords: A Dr. Gideon Fell Mystery by [author:John Di..."

I did enjoy it Sandy, although the first chapter had a bit of a slapstick quality that did not persist throughout the book.

Continuing my monthly reads from the American Mystery Classics series, I've gotten a few chapters into The Eight of Swords: A Dr. Gideon Fell Mystery by John Dickson Carr. The Fell character was based on a hero of Carr's G.K. Chesterton. It starts out in a rather zany fashion, with a bishop riding down a banister, so we'll see where it goes from here!

This was my first 4th with our new kitty, so I wanted to be home with him in case he got spooked. He reacted to some of the louder fireworks, but not so bad he hid under the bed.

Judy wrote: "Tara wrote: "Novel Houses: Twenty Famous Fictional Dwellings by Christina Hardyment. ..."

That looks like a lovely book, Tara! Does it have a lot of illustrations?"

Sadly there are not, and the descriptions for each novel are so spoiler heavy I wouldn't recommend it unless you've read all of the books you're interested in first.

Novel Houses: Twenty Famous Fictional Dwellings by Christina Hardyment. The book discusses the real-life influences of each author that lead to them creating the iconic places in their books. So far the books/buildings covered are things I haven't read, but have piqued my interest to read at some point.

Almost finished with Fredric Brown's first installment of the Ed & Am Hunter series, The Fabulous Clipjoint. Normally I don't care for Chicago mobster-type stories, but Brown is an excellent writer, and his protagonist, Ed Hunter, feels quite real. I am always happy to be pleasantly surprised by a book.

Also working my way through St. Peter's Finger by Gladys Mitchell, which is a few books into the Mrs. Bradley series. The jury is still out as to whether or not I like this author/character.

I've started my first read from Julian Symons, a Sherlockian mystery called A Three-Pipe Problem. Its about an actor, Sheridan Haynes, who is obsessed with Sherlock Holmes, and goes about trying to solve a series of seemingly unconnected murders. Right off the bat it has a very 70s feel to it, which I'm liking.

Colin wrote: "I suppose it's possible, Tara, but I have my doubts. The truth is I don't think it's my kind of book. I read John Dickson Carr's time travel/mystery hybrid Fire Burn very recently and had a great t..."

Well, we can't like them all! Hope you enjoy your next book more.

Started a new audiobook, The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century by Joel F. Harrington. Its interesting that in 16th century Germany, executioners operated like a guild, albeit one that although it was well-paid, was not all well-respected.

Colin wrote: "I'm almost a hundred pages into The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. It has taken me about four days to get this far and I have to say I'm finding it all beyond tedious at the moment, wholly unin..."

I liked this book a lot, albeit as an audiobook. Perhaps that format would work better for you?

Sandy wrote: "I have had a cold the last couple of days (not Covid thankfully) and have been semi-isolating as no one wants to be near a sneezing, coughing person these days. I took Susan in NC's advice and list..."

I love that book! It was my intro into Wodehouse and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Borrowed Secrets of the Great Ocean Liners by John G. Sayers from my library, and its a real treat. The book is largely photos of ocean liner ephemera from the Bodleian Library, with a brief history, from booking your trip, to dining, to shore excursions, as if you yourself were traveling. Tons of great art deco design to enjoy!

Carolien wrote: "I'm listening to The Long Ships which is an adventure on grand scale set in the 1000's. A Norse man is taken captive by a raiding party of Danish Vikings and then adventure starts. Lo..."

How are you liking The Long Ships Carolien? Having just seen The Northman and really enjoying it, I'm on a bit of Viking kick, so this seems like something I might enjoy.

Jan C wrote: "Tara wrote: "Inspired by a series of cooking videos by a YouTube channel I follow, Tasting History with Max Miller, I decided to finally pick up [book:The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drin..."

He also has experience in musical theater, so he has great stage presence. You can really feel his love of history.

I've made a few recipes too--the parmesan ice cream is so interesting and complex.

Sid wrote: "Tara wrote: " The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco, which is such a dense read I am finding I need both the print and audio version, and I have been going back to absorb things I am missing. Its a c..."

That is a rather twerpish thing to say. The author does seem more interested in going into the various schisms in church doctrine than in developing the mystery. The one thing I will say in its favor is that it is an enveloping world.

It seemes pretty obvious from the beginning that the body in the bathtub was not the missing financier. Did the police even bother to do an autopsy, or did they just rely on first impressions? Perhaps they would have gotten around to figuring that one eventually, but it seems like looking at things like teeth and fingernails would be one of the first things you do.

While I did not enjoy my read of Gaudy Night, I did like this story quite a bit. Peter felt like the right blend of effete gentleman and serious detective. Plus, I have great comradery with any fellow book collector.

I recently finished The Egyptian Cross Mystery by Ellery Queen, which I quite enjoyed. I was not an EQ fan initially, but he has grown on me. Perhaps because the pomposity has been toned way down.

Now working my way through Tragedy at Law by Cyril Hare which is thoroughly engrossing from page one, as well as The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco, which is such a dense read I am finding I need both the print and audio version, and I have been going back to absorb things I am missing. Its a challenging read, but I feel like it will be worth it.

Came to this one a bit late, but mostly enjoyed it. It did tend to get bogged down with all of the theories towards the end, but had good characters.

Inspired by a series of cooking videos by a YouTube channel I follow, Tasting History with Max Miller, I decided to finally pick up The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining, and Style as the anniversary for the sinking is coming up. I plan on cooking a first-class style meal, and perhaps mix a cocktail or two.