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

Ellen’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

I reread quite a number of Dick Francis titles. Two of my favorites are Rat Race and In the Frame.

I read Murder in the Mill-Raceyesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. I agree that her descriptions of setting and scene are great.

Judy wrote: "Ellen wrote: "Just started The Studio Crimeby Ianthe Jerrold. I am enjoying the read so far."

Hope you like it, Ellen. I remember enjoying all the 3 Ianthe Jerrol..."

Both of these authors wrote more than 3 but I would have loved it if Molly Thynne and Cyril Harehad more titles. We are so lucky that technology makes so many of these authors available to us now.

Just started The Studio Crimeby Ianthe Jerrold. I am enjoying the read so far.

Reading the new Charles Todd A Casualty of War.

Gary wrote: "Recently read Snoopy the Master Chef by Charles M. Schulz. This collection deals mostly with Snoopy and his food dish. Re..."

Just read yesterday that Charles Schulz's home in California burned in one of the many wildfires they are having there. His widow still lived there but got out in time.

Reading Suspects Nine the 12th in the Bobby Owens series by E.R. Punshon. I really like this series so I sort of went on a binge and burned myself out and had to quit for awhile. Now that I have had a breather I am enjoying this one a lot.

Just finished the first in a series of only 3 books by Molly ThynneThe Crime at the 'Noah's Ark'. I liked it and plan to read the others. It is wonderful that some of the neglected Golden Age authors are back in print.

Susan wrote: "Books of letters can be very interesting. I am currently reading the incredibly poignant, Letters From A Lost Generation: First World War Letters of Vera Brittain and Four Friends"

A LONG time ago I watched the Masterpiece Theater production of Testament of Youth and later read the book. Vera Brittain's autobiography makes you think about ever complaining about how hard life has treated you. If it was fiction you would say the author has just gone way beyond what was credible in the sorrow department.

Robin wrote: "I read a range of reactions to this book in the reviews. Some were really negative about the protagonists as well as the writing, while others were so complimentary. It sounds as though it would be..."
I agree it would make a good book for discussion and I think I am going to recommend that the monthly book group I belong to give it a try.

Michelle wrote: "Ellen wrote: "I am currently readingThe End of Your Life Book ClubbyWill Schwalbe. I know it's not going to have a happy ending but it is very much a life affirming ..."

Since I enjoyed this one I will certainly have to look for his next title.

Judy wrote: "Ellen wrote: "I have been reading the Bobby Owen mysteries by E. R. Punshon. I am getting ready to start number 11 Comes a Stranger"

How are you finding them, Ellen? I've only read..."

I find Bobby Owens very likable which is always a great plus for me. He is intelligent, hard working and just an all around nice guy.

Marcus wrote: "Looking forward for your impressions about the Bobby Owen series Ellen. I want to try it."
I have enjoyed them all. So far my favorites were #4 Mystery Villa and #5 Death of A Beauty Queen.

I have been reading the Bobby Owen mysteries by E. R. Punshon. I am getting ready to start number 11 Comes a Stranger

I am currently readingThe End of Your Life Book ClubbyWill Schwalbe. I know it's not going to have a happy ending but it is very much a life affirming book so I am enjoying it a lot.

Jay-me (Janet) wrote: "Judy wrote: "I'm in the Lake District at the moment and have started The Lake District Murder by John Bude, a British Library Crime Classics reprint. Good so far......"

I am up to number 7 in the Bobby Owen series. I really like them and it makes me happy that I still have many more to go.

I've read 19 on the UK list and 18 on the American list. No Dick Francis on the American list. He is one of my favorites and I reread several of his titles but the 2 on the UK list are not among them. It might be interesting to make my own list.

Reading A Chelsea Concerto by Frances Faviell. World War II in London. The author was a Red Cross volunteer during the London Blitz.

Two series that I like that I don't think have been mentioned are the Gil Cunningham series by Pat McIntosh set in 15th century Scotland and the Dido Kent series by Anna Dean set in Regency England.

Judy wrote: "Ellen, I love their letters - I've got an old hardback edition of them from the 1940s and love to dip in. They were both such wonderful letter writers, and I'm amazed by the way they exchanged seve..."

It is amazing how they can put into words what they are feeling as opposed to what they are doing. I guess one of the reasons they are great poets and most of the rest of us aren't.