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

Tara ’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Sandy wrote: "I finished N or M? today. It is Tommy and Tuppence in middle age and fighting espionage in WWII. I enjoyed this one more than many of the duo's other adventures."

N or M? was my favorite T&T book by far. Sometimes their overexuberance can be annoying, but it worked well here.

For anyone who enjoys books about books, I am reading A Booklover's Guide to New York by Cléo Le-Tan that I got from The Mysterious Bookshop. It includes all of the must-see book-themed places in NYC, including libraries, bookstores, restaurants and even hotels. I plan on visiting as many of these as I can.

Who starred in the TV version? Does anyone know if its available on a streaming service in the US? I'm always curious to see how characters are interpreted/translated in a different medium.

Icewineanne wrote: "Tara wrote: "I also don't go to the movies much anymore (mostly due to it being overpriced, and not as good quality as classic films IMO), but my husband and I saw 1917 last night and it was phenom..."

I personally connected with the main character's struggle to balance his home life, with the painful, horrific experience of war. It felt authentic in terms of the stoicism that was required to just get through. I also liked the balance between the individual soldier's perspective, but also the sense of the futility of the war as a whole.

Gary wrote: "Nearly finished with The Case of the Velvet Claws by Erle Stanley Gardner (Perry Mason Book 1) and also recently started [book:Dea..."

How did you like the Perry Mason book Gary? I've been watching episodes of the show from the 50s and was wondering if I would like the books.

I also don't go to the movies much anymore (mostly due to it being overpriced, and not as good quality as classic films IMO), but my husband and I saw 1917 last night and it was phenomenal. Gritty and realistic, but also very beautifully shot (in what appears to be one long take). I would be surprised if it didn't win an Oscar for cinematography at least.
This inspired to me to start A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918 by G.J. Meyer. I've had it on my shelf for years, but its a hefty read, and I never quite got to it. Very complicated history so far, but also readable and interesting.

I seem to be a bit of an outlier, but I didn't enjoy this book very much. There were small flourishes of beautiful writing, but overall it felt very longwinded and did not grab my attention most of the way through. I had read some Christmas themed short stories and didn't like those either, but I was hopeful it was just the limitation of the format that didn't work for me. Unfortunately, I think this might just not be the writer for me. I'm willing to try another book or two if others think this is a weaker outing though.

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "I'm a bit out of step with everyone - I love this particular Marsh. I think because of the theatrical setting & it is so character driven & Marsh's passionate description of the Dolphin almost has ..."

I'm with you Carol, I really liked this book. I thought the characters much less cardboardy than in previous outings (despite the stereotypical depictions such as the egoistical, temperamental actor, and the beautiful but dumb actress). In a way I was a bit sad that Harry was the culprit, as he was one of the characters that I liked the most. He had a rough, clownish, exterior, but it was easy to relate to the fragile ego underneath. Don't we all sometimes feel not good enough?

Part of me felt bad for Trevor, with his stage mom who somehow managed to be smothering and neglectful at the same time. On the other hand, he seemed quite obnoxious, and it was a bit difficult to garner much sympathy on his behalf.

Was this the first Marsh where the murder was more accidental than intentional? I don't recall that plot aspect occurring before, but we have read the books over 2 years now, so you lose track of some of the finer details along the way.

Started this one a bit late, as the holiday season got in the way, but I ended up really enjoying this one. I tend to find all of the descriptions of the layout of the theater to be confusing, but if you ignore that bit, its easy to get sucked in. Very good character development, and another enjoyable interplay with Alleyn and Fox. I thought W.H. Grove's description of Alleyn as someone who would do well in a confessional to be very apt. People just seem to be able to talk to him in an unguarded way, even perhaps in situations where they shouldn't.
No clue who the victim/murderer would be, but as that's not my main focus when reading a mystery, I just enjoy the ride.

Thank you so much for organizing this Jessica. I'm particularly looking forward to the reading list for 2020, as those are Poirots that I haven't read before. I have also treated myself to the books I don't own, leaning towards vintage paperbacks with over-the-top covers!

We can reassess at the end of next year, but I wouldn't be opposed to a buddy read in 2021 on her non-Poirot/Miss Marple mysteries. I think they would be new to most of the group, and make for interesting discussions as they are mostly stand alone.

Judy wrote: "Frances wrote: "Finally, as the will mentioned the remaining half of his estate was to be split among all his other children, I wondered if the illegitimate ones were going to claim a share..."

I ..."

If Pilar's mother had died after Simeon, then she would have gotten the share. Since her death preceded his, her portion was nullified, and he would have had to rewrite the will to leave it directly to her. I guess it makes sense in that even if the mother had a will leaving everything to Pilar, technically you can't leave money that isn't yours when you die.

Jumping into The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S Lewis beginning with The Magician's Nephew. I got a set of audiobook CDs, and each book is narrated by a different actor. This one is being read by Kenneth Branagh, who I have liked since his directorial debut in Henry V, many moons ago. There is some controversy as to whether this is really the first book in the series, as it was published after The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. But as the events in the series start here, it seems to make sense to read it first. I have to say, despite it being a children's book, its quite engrossing and enjoyable.

About 3/4 done, and I've really enjoyed this book. I had super low expectations, but I liked the detective from his first line, and enjoy being inside his head. For some strange reason I also enjoy books that talk about food, so all of the references to his meals makes my mouth water. And who wouldn't love Mr. Fogg!

Susan in NC wrote: "True - I’ve always just read Christie’s Marple and Poirot mysteries (never really tried any of her other stuff, I probably should), appreciated the clever resolution, and moved on. You all have mad..."

I've only read non-Poirot/Miss Marple Christie in the last year or two, but some of them at actually at the top of my list. I just read Ordeal by Innocence, and although I didn't find the puzzle aspect that compelling, the psychological family drama was well defined and believable. Often more dark and not as cozy as her main detective stories, but great reading nonetheless.

Just beginning a new author/series with Gretel and the Case of the Missing Frog Prints by P.J. Brackston. Not loving it so far, but I'm willing to see it through to determine if the rest of the series is worth a go.

Bruce wrote: "I’ve always thought the biggest drawback was that too - 1. I love her 2. I’m pretending to love her 3. Me and the one I really love kill the one I’m pretending to love for her money.

This actuall..."

Its interesting how much Christie uses passion/love as a motive in her novels. But its also often in conjunction with monetary gain. I suppose you could say its an overall greedy nature--in the physical, emotional, and lifestyle way. Bad eggs all around.

One has to wonder how dysfunctional Christie's real family was. She is so adept at depicting families that have all the worst personalities types, all gathered in one drawing room.

Judy wrote: "Also, it's hard to believe that one woman would look so much like another, of a different build and colouring, just by covering up her face and applying fake tan (which usually looks orange and str..."

They were probably counting on the witness being so horrified that she wouldn't pay close attention to the body, and would want to run away as soon as possible. There is reference to them specifically choosing her as they knew she would insist on taking the boat back rather than the dicey ladder. Risky, yes, but still plausible.

I find it more improbable that they could be sure Arlena would stay in the cave. Regardless of whether or not she could hear what was happening, she easily could have ventured out if she was curious, or if she felt like she had waited too long.

Definitely a city with good food and cultural offerings, such as museums or concerts. Paris would surely be ideal (although I suspect a frequent vacation spot in his youth). Are there any other cities in the UK that are similar to London in those respects?

Is this the spoiler thread? It is titled as such, but also says not to post spoilers. Just want to make sure I don't unintentionally spoil it for someone.

Really good character sketches, which Christie does a masterful job of framing as she sees fit for the reader. While some of the bones of the story call to mind other stories, the resolution is quite unique.