Judy’s Comments (group member since Oct 01, 2015)

Judy’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Thanks Sandy, that's interesting re Maigret.

Interesting that this was the last novel Agatha Christie wrote, although not the last to be published. I found it quite poignant that early on in this one she refers back to the first Tommy and Tuppence novel, The Secret Adversary, which was her second book. The couple just about age in real time, unlike Poirot and Miss Marple!

Sandy wrote: "I recently read Maigret Gets Angry and he has been a farmer for a couple of years...."

That's interesting, thank you - I thought we would never get an explanation when Maigret was just suddenly back in the force in Cecile is Dead. Did it seem like it's a flashback to how he returned then?

Getting back to the Madden series, it's interesting to see the character so much more relaxed and happy in this book, although I've only read about a third so that may change as he presumably gets more involved in the case.

I've started this now - well written but grim subject matter, as with the first one. I was quite surprised to find that such a long time has passed since the first book and it seems Madden has now been a farmer for more than 10 years.

This reminds me, we had buddy reads of Maigret books where he also leaves the police to become a farmer, but I'm not sure how long his absence lasts - he's suddenly back on the force again.

We have a winner - Death and the Dancing Footman by Ngaio Marsh, which will be our January read.

Full results:

Death and the Dancing Footman (Roderick Alleyn, #11) 7 votes, 50.0%

Death on the Aisle 4 votes, 28.6%

The Vase Mystery 3 votes, 21.4%

I've now started listening to the book on audio as well - it's a bit slow to get going, but beautifully read by Hugh Fraser. I enjoyed the bit at the beginning where Tuppence spends ages looking at the children's books, and I think we probably learn what some of Agatha Christie's own favourites were, including E Nesbit, Mrs Molesworth and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Ooh that sounds good, Sandy - Hugh Fraser is a fantastic reader.

The spoiler thread is linked below:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Hope you enjoy it as you get into it, Susan. I think it's one of my favourites out of our buddy read series, because I like Max Mephisto although Edgar is a bit less interesting. I haven't started this one yet, though. Who is reading this? The spoiler thread is linked below:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Who is reading this one? It's on Kindle Unlimited in the UK if that tempts anyone. I've borrowed it but haven't started yet... story of my life this month.

The spoiler thread is linked below:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I've borrowed it from the library but haven't got to it yet - I haven't started any of our latest buddy reads so I need to get going!

The spoiler thread is linked below:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Thank you for the introductions and opening up the threads, Susan!

Who is joining in on this one? The spoiler thread is linked below:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Must admit I tried this in the past and DNFed, but I'll give it another try. I've bought an omnibus of the first 3 titles - I think the problem last time was that I kept forgetting who everyone was and what was going on, so I'll make an effort to concentrate properly this time.

I hadn't realised the author died recently, Susan. Thanks for posting that.

Hope you are both enjoying it, HJ and Ellen

Sandy, yes, Mordecai Tremaine's pince-nez are very annoying, although I do like that series!

Copying over another self-promotion post from the wrong thread:

Shazz wrote:
Hi all 👋 I’m Shazz, and I’m thrilled to join this group!
I’m drawn to stories that feel cinematic, cities at night, moral gray areas, and characters who love as fiercely as they fall.
My debut City of Veins explores that mix of romance and mystery in an urban setting.
Would love to hear what everyone’s reading lately or what mystery-thriller couples you’ve loved most.

Susan wrote: "For those in London:
It’s that time of the year. We’re thrilled to announce the six-floor, shop-wide takeover, the festive extravaganza in the Charing Cross Road events programme: the Foyles Chris..."

That's a fabulous list of writers, Susan. Enjoy!!

And exciting to see Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife for 99p - so far I haven't read any novels by Martin Edwards, only his books about crime fiction, but can't resist this. When am I going to find time to read all these goodies?!

Good to hear, Susan. I also found Vaseem Khan very pleasant and chatty when he did his talk in Ipswich.

The poll is now open - please cast your votes!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/3...

Ooh yes, I enjoyed Vaseem Khan's talk so want to read more by him - thank you Susan