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

Tracey’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Carolien wrote: "I finished Coffin Road yesterday. A standalone set in the Outer Hebrides. I loved the Blackhouse trilogy which I read earlier in this year and this was a very interesting read. A lo..."

I really enjoyed the Blackhouse trilogy. Will add Coffin road too my tbr list. I have his Lockdown to read next, which may be too close for comfort! Hope you get to visit Lewis soon.

The solution to this made me kick myself. I guessed Hattie was an imposter (too much emphasis on the cousin being fake), and knew Mrs Folliat and the hitchhiker were key to solving it. But just couldn't quite pull the threads all together!

I had to laugh at the section of Poirot's rage at having to carry the prize doll. I will seek out the TV adaption, and hope this made it to the cut.

And it was heartwarming to hear Poirot reflect on Hastings, who he hasn't seen for "many, many years".

Started today and very happy to see not only Miss Lemon, but also the wonderful Ariadne Oliver.

Jessica - that Agatha Christie festival sounds fantastic! Thanks for the information on the TV adaption, will seek it out after I've finished reading.

Judy wrote: "Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "How Darren's life progresses is a mixed bag. It looks as if he'll have a stable home and family, finally, only to get a leukemia diagnosis. My memory fails me in that I d..."

A school friend was diagnosed with leukaemia at about the same time as this book, and they are very much alive and kicking today. Incidentally, like Darren, they were treated at Great Ormond Street hospital. So hopefully Darren would get a happy ending, especially with a move to a more stable family environment.

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "And a favorite line of mine: For the first hour Berowne, with his private secretary, had dealt with official papers, while Dalgliesh, after a final perusal of the agenda, had settled down to re-rea..."

In contrast, it mentions near the start that Father Barnes last library book was a Barbara Pym.

I only realised half way through the month that I didn't have a copy of this book, and then when I did obtain it, I was a little apprehensive by the length of it. Finished today, and echo the views above, I thought this was a better read that the last few books in the series. Was enjoyable to be in London, and I liked the architecture descriptions (compared to the fens backdrop).

I felt the murderer was likely to be one of two suspects. The other being the vile character of
Lampart. There seemed to be a bit of a lull on reading in the middle section, too long waiting for test results for my liking. The end turned into quite a fast paced thriller. Agree that the meeting of Darren and the murderer was incredibly tense.

Sandy wrote: "Tracey wrote: "Icewineanne wrote: "Judy wrote: "Threads aside, you have reminded me that Falco is one of the many series I've been meaning to try for ages, Icewineanne!"

It’s been on my list for y..."

Thank you! That's good to know.

Icewineanne wrote: "Judy wrote: "Threads aside, you have reminded me that Falco is one of the many series I've been meaning to try for ages, Icewineanne!"

It’s been on my list for years too Judy. What prompted me to ..."

This series is in my tbr list too. My son's middle name is Falco, nothing to do with these books. It was only after he was born was I made aware of this series. I'm hoping the character is nice!

Tara wrote: "I honestly could not keep track of all of the characters--she easily could have eliminated half of them and it would have been a better story. But I do love Miss Lemon! According to the All About A..."

Thank you for the podcast recommendation. You've reminded me that I wanted to check this one out.

I agree that it was good to have Troy. She must be quite the artist for clients to fly her (and husband) to the other side of the world for a sitting!

It didn't quite feel like we were in 1980, as I noted a Noel Coward reference. Though flight was used to get to New Zealand, whereas in the previous books I think Alleyn sailed.

I enjoyed Dr Carmichael taking the role of Fox. Though did find the plot verging on ridiculous at times.

Judy wrote: "I really liked The Fortnight in September, Tracey - I've been meaning to read more by R.C. Sherriff. There are some lovely titles published by Persephone."

There really are. Oh, for more reading time and shelf space!

I've just finished my first Shirley Jackson book Life Among the Savages. It was very witty. After having her horror books on my tbr list for ages, it's her domestic tales I finally got round to reading.

Have now started The Fortnight in September. In the absence of big holidays at the moment it's lovely to read about the build up and excitement of going on holiday!

Lots of twists, so much so, that the murderer was actually the first I accused.

I only realised on completing the book that Mrs Hubbard is yet another nursery rhyme reference.

My favourite book of the year so far is The Hours Before Dawn by Celia Fremlin. As someone currently on maternity leave, I found I could relate far too easily to the main character! I also really enjoyed The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton. I'm usually not a fan of time traveling fiction, but this really surprised me.

Tara - I agree that Dalgleish is really rather serious. After finishing this book, I moved to the latest Ngaio Marsh buddy read, the lightness and humour in that was like a breath of fresh air!

I enjoyed this one too. Good humour and likeable characters, particularly Verity Preston and Mrs Jobs.

Bruce was always my suspect from the start. Though I didn't quite imagine that the grave would have two bodies in it! After reading all these Marsh books I should have guessed that the title bears a big clue.

I've not read the sweetness at the bottom of the pie. Though the missing rare stamp plot does sound familiar, though I can't remember where I've read (or seen) it.

Late to the party, just starting this today.

I enjoyed this more than the previous couple. It might be because I had a big interest in forensic science as a teen.

I thought the passage of Brenda finding the first body was very emotive, I had goosebumps reading it!

My money was also on Blakelock.

Good to know. Thank you!