Ellen’s Comments (group member since Feb 05, 2016)

Ellen’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I plan to start it next week.

Started yesterday The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss

I started this a couple of days ago. I expect I will finish it but it is not one of those I just can't put down.

Judy wrote: "Jill wrote: "This definitely had me puzzled and changing my mind as to who is really guilty...."

Me too - I did suspect the culprit because he seemed to be a character who didn't quite add up and ..."

I also believe McDonald is advocating that justice should be pursued no matter how reprehensible the victim might be. In general I know I am usually happier when the victim appears to deserve what they got.

Susan in NC wrote: "Susan wrote: "I agree, great setting. Very atmospheric and I always love a boarding house in a novel!"

And the theatrical crowd in the boarding house was entertaining! The setting was so authentic..."

One of my favorite books is set during the Blitz. It's a memoir A Chelsea Concerto by Frances Faviell. I have reread it several times.

This was a reread for me. Really enjoyed it.

Definitely not your typical golden age. The usual upper class characters completely absent. I was sympathetic to the addicted Dr. Ellis until we knew he murdered Mrs. Holland and helped murder Sgt. Chandler. We got to know Sgt. Chandler and I was upset at his murder. This all seemed very real to me. Kept me interested from start to finish.

Just finished Martin Edward's introduction to this book and I am really looking forward to the read.

I believe I gave it a fair chance getting almost 50% of the way through. I just couldn't care about the characters or what happened to them so DNF.

I just started this today. I got a paperback copy from my public library.

I went to Murder by the Book last week here in Houston to hear Jacqueline Winspear talk about her final book in the Maise Dobbs series The Comfort of Ghosts. I'm sad this is the last one but admire the author for knowing when it is time to draw a series to a close.

Started yesterday but didn't get very far. It is not one that has grabbed me right from the start.

This was a really high 4 stars for me right up to the very end and then it just fell off a cliff. There was no real conclusion. I still gave it the 4 stars but just barely.

This is when I need half a star. I liked this one better than Murder at the Grand Hotel and Murder at the Spring Ball but not as much as A Fete Worse Than Death. I will certainly continue with the series.

I've had this on kindle for awhileThe Middle Temple Murder I'm glad to be encouraged to read it. I plan to start next week.

Judy wrote: "I've just had a look and the complete Crispin short stories are now available in a new edition, ‘We Know You’re Busy Writing…’: The Collected Short Stories of Edmund Crispin, publi..
Looking forward to reading this, Got my copy in the mail yesterday.

Susan in NC wrote: "We’re trying to replace any appliances needed to get us another 5 years in our house, and we’re discussing with a repairman how appliances, indeed most consumer goods (like computers) seem to have ..."

This is many years ago now but when my Mom passed her major appliances(refrigerator, stove, washer/drier) were all over 40 years old and still going strong. Too much to go wrong on the newer models.

It was a quick read but there really wasn't much to it. I guess that is why I continue to be a fan of the real golden age writers. I think they have a larger vocabulary.

Judy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Only three reviews so far, about 3-1/2 stars I think, not her best, etc., so can’t help wondering if they’re abridged, too…will keep you posted!..."

Thanks Susan! Looks like th..."

Got Impact of Evidence day before yesterday. Looking forward to starting it.

When Bultitude drove out of the manor and met Appleby I thought he was guilty and wondered why he was allowed to get away. I so very seldom get the villain right.