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

Tracey’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Ha ha! Completely understandable. It veered so far away from the book, it would have been better to give it a different title, and remove the link with Christie. Then it could be enjoyed for what it was. As it is, I found myself having a running commentary on what was different!

I watched the Pale Horse. It was a relatively entertaining watch. But deviated so very widely from the book. Did anyone else catch it?

That's interesting. I've not seen GoT (I know, I know...), my reference for Jerome Flynn is one half of the 90's pop duo, Robson & Jerome. That is not how I imagined Nagle to be!

Jessica wrote: "I did like the clinic atmosphere and even the staff meeting where I saw many of the characters we also have at our department (I work in a hospital), but the detailed focus into their personalities..."

Agreed. I work in a mental health hospital so found the book fascinating from a historical perspective. We certainly don't have any LSD or paraldehyde being used today!

There was good redirection, I was certain it was the cousin, but then the case against Nagle built up and I changed my mind.

Looking forward to reading more in this series.

Bruce wrote: "It looks a bit different, and I don’t think Ariadne Oliver is in it. I’m not too enthused."

That's a shame. Ariadne Oliver is my favourite Christie character.

I only managed to watch the first ten minutes or so last night, due to children conspiring against me! Too early to say if liked the adaptation. Will hopefully get a chance to watch episode 1 in full soon.

Carolien wrote: "I've just completed I'll Keep You Safe. Not as good as The Lewis Man, but an enjoyable read. I love the setting on the Outer Hebrides."

I really enjoyed the scenery setting of the Lewis trilogy. Will add this to my tbr list.

For those in the UK, a reminder that Sarah Phelps adaptation of Agatha Christie's the pale horse starts tonight on bbc1. I know Sarah Phelps divides opinion. I am looking forward to it!

An enjoyable trip along the Norfolk Broads. Carey Bard seemed to good to be true, which raised my suspicions. Though plenty of red herrings, which made me suspect he wasn't working alone.

And we got to discover that Fox is actually Teddy (Edward Walter).

I recently read Brainstorm: Detective Stories From the World of Neurology which was a fascinating read. If anyone is interested in epilepsy I would certainly recommend it.

Last day of the month, and just starting this. Glad to see Troy in a prominent role.

I had a quick look at the blurb of this book when it was mentioned. A banker who becomes an artist. I did wonder if it was in reference to Phillip and /or Amyes.

Christie does seem to enjoy nursery rhymes. As we recently read One, Two, Buckle My Shoe in this challenge.

I too thought it was Caroline covering for Angela. I enjoyed the unusual layout of the book.

Poirot at one point asks Angela if she had read The Moon and Sixpence. Has anyone read this?

My first read by Maugham, I found it on the whole enjoyable.

What a long journey to get from Switzerland to St Petersburg (via America and Japan). Could anyone explain why he could not have travelled via Norway and Sweden, who I believe were both neutral at the time? Apologies if my history is incorrect.

The one section that I found jarring was the back story of the romance with Anastasia. I felt it didn't seem to fit for the character.

I got to read this is one setting. Poor John, being played by Lady Di. Surprisingly he still remains in Solly's flat (for now). Very funny at times. And very topical. I wonder if Mick Herron had written any of this prior to Epstein being found hanged in his prison cell?

I really enjoyed the book too. Good point about Sally being expected to do so much work and look after Jimmy. He must have been a very placid child. Jimmy's sleep struck me as I'm currently sleep deprived from my own two, and I was quite jealous!

I keep meaning to try out Slightly foxed - thank you for the reminder!

I was certain that Felix was the murderer and father of the child, as they both had a connection to book publishing.

I think Stephens wages, although high, were felt not enough to 'run' the big house, plus staff and death duties. Hence the discussion that he needed to marry a woman with money.

I was pretty amazed that Jimmy slept through the two night time visitors to Sally and only woke when the door was being banged. I did wonder if he too was being drugged!

I think the Shedunnit podcast is excellent. Some great golden age themed episodes. I only seem to listen to podcasts when I'm either cooking or doing the washing up (and fed up with the radio).

https://shedunnitshow.com/

I am looking forward to starting this. It confused me when I saw it listed as novella number 2, but I see that the previous two have been reissued together, so maybe that is why there is new numbering?

Almost at the end of the month, and I've finally started this book. Agree that the description of Peregrine visiting the Dolphin is very descriptive. The falling through the stage had my heart racing, the murky water sounded disgusting.

Regarding the fabulous name, Peregrine, it was on my shortlist when I was pregnant with my son. I thought Peregrine /Perry would have been a great choice, however my partner was not keen at all!