Tracey’s Comments (group member since Nov 08, 2017)

Tracey’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Agree this was good fun to read. Poirot really seemed to be enjoying himself in this one. I quite like the thought of Poirot sitting reading John Dickson Carr!

Was Colin Lamb's father in a previous book?

I think my favourite was Death and the Dancing Footman,I love a Golden age house party setting.

Finally finished this book last night. Annoyed by the ending last night, still annoyed this morning!

I really enjoyed the setting, the characters, I thought that Hissing Sid gave a rare bit of comedy to the book. But that ending, dire! Gabriel was painted as this frail old man throughout, not someone who is wrestling with strangling authors. Why wait to seek revenge? And for Daniel to give up his career to warn Gabriel, unbelievable.

I've just started this, am loving Mandy Price and her swagger. The motorbike, the felt hats, ditching jobs after a few weeks, and getting on with the typing just after discovering a body. What a character! I am hoping she continues to have a lead role in the book, rather than disappear into the sidelines.

There were similarities with Photo Finish - stranded due to a storm in NZ. I felt myself getting a little lost in those caves at points during the book. And I thought matron doing a Juliet and faking her death was unbelievable.

At some points Alleyn makes references what would happen if this was detective fiction, which I'm not sure I remember Marsh writing like this.

Does anyone know where the join in the book is?

Jill wrote: "Coming from working class I would say that the upper class mysteries were enjoyed as people liked to imagine what it would be to live like they did. Obviously it was not the murders, but the wonder..."

Completely agree, it's the escapism to see how the other half live. It probably also explains how children's books set in boarding schools are so popular too.

I've not noticed the fawn - I shall try to pay attention!

The terrorist plot was daft, as was the jumping into a burning cottage. Jonah was some light relief, I think PD James was having quite a bit of fun writing his interaction with Dalgleish.

Jan C wrote: "Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Oh, Bogart would be perfect for the role In a Lonely Place.

For the group members who have come here wanting the cosiness of Golden Age mysteries, Dorothy B. Hughes wil..."

Interesting point about John Dickson Carr. He's one of my favourite authors (and from a chance find of a book in a charity shop the author that led me to start reading GA).

Thanks for all the noir author recommendations in this thread!

I enjoy seeing all the books nominated as it often introduces me to new authors.

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Tracey wrote: "Have just finished The Expendable Man, a gripping noir mystery from 1960s Arizona."

That is one I have not yet read. I see you gave it 5-stars."

I really enjoyed it. It's difficult to say too much about the book before dipping into spoiler territory though! I've not read any other books by Dorothy B. Hughes, but have seen the film of In a Lonely Place. To me both have a similar atmosphere, lots of second guessing and uncertainty.

Have just finished The Expendable Man, a gripping noir mystery from 1960s Arizona.

Agreed, it would have been nice to catch up with Nigel and Angela (I think that was his wife's name?)

There is a review of this book in today's Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/books/boo...

After all those rehearsals I was desperate for the murder to happen on the opening night. The murderer was easy to spot, with such a focus on the fight scenes.

I enjoyed the sections of Peregrine at home and the children. Thinking back to the previous book set at the Dolphin I would have liked some more Jeremy Jones.

I've really enjoyed reading all these books in order. Will be interesting to see how the Stella Duffy book compares. I've also got a book of short stories to enjoy (Death on air).

Susan wrote: "I am now on chapter 7, in my Audible version, and the story is improving. It was the beginning that I found a slog!"

I have to agree the start is quite a slog. Am happy to have finally reached the murder.

In one of the discussions on her previous books there was a mention about swearing. I'd not noticed it before, but in this book I really found it jarring. I'm not particularly anti-swearing myself, but the incidences seemed to jump out. Is this Marsh trying (a little too hard) to modernise the speech?

Shaina wrote: "I just finished Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood. Phryne Fisher is amazing. Loved it! I think I will finish the entire series this year."

I have to agree, Phryne Fisher is great fun!

Great to see the fantastically named Peregrine Jay back! On looking back at the series, Death at the dolphin was one of my favourites. Glad to be back in that setting.

Pamela wrote: "Tracey wrote: "Have you seen the TV adaption? I really enjoyed this. Stunning scenery too!..."

I haven't seen it Tracey, that's why I chose this series of hers rather than the Vera Stanhope series..."

I agree it's quite difficult to unsee a particular actor in a role.

I'm reading the incredibly cosy crime of a Murder she wrote book Coffee, Tea, or Murder?. I've only recent realised that this book series exists, with 50+ books and it's still ongoing!

Pamela wrote: "I've been in the mood for a contemporary mystery, so have started White Nights by Ann Cleeves, the second in her Shetland series. Very enjoyable so far, and perfect f..."

Have you seen the TV adaption? I really enjoyed this. Stunning scenery too!