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

Tracey’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

There were some really light hearted parts in this book. Hastings chatting away to Bob the terrier really made me chuckle. And Mrs Peabody seemed like a hoot, she was a great character. I thoroughly enjoyed her mocking Hastings education.

There really is! I was so worried about Catherine buying wine too. Mick Herron really knows how to keep you guessing.

He certainly has Jill! If you are ever in Padstow, there is a little museum in the centre which has an Oss on display. It was a chance discovery in this museum during a holiday to Cornwall a few years ago that made me interested in the Oss.

I've just started this, and was very happy to read a mention of the Padstow Oss. There is a fantastic video which shows this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISO1Q... It really is quite something, and the tradition still goes on.

If anyone is really keen on learning more about mumming, hobby horses and suchlike, I can recommend a BFI dvd 'Here's a health to the Barley Mow'. Personally I think it's one of the funniest things I've ever seen, but I appreciate that this an acquired taste!

Poor Solomon! I was quite fond of his character. I enjoyed the introduction to Lech Wicinski (I believe he turns up in Joe Country? ). Was good to read the backstory for the entrants to Slough house before they appear.

There are so many loose ends, so hopefully there will be further books. Can John really stay in that flat forever? What will Hannah find out in the brexit department? Will she get discovered as a triple agent?

I have this on order from the library, it is 'in transit' so hopefully I can get started soon!

At the Mick Herron in conversation with Ian Rankin event that I went to yesterday, he spoke about how originally this was to be a stand alone book. It was only after he finished it, that he felt that JK Coe could fit in to Slough house. He also mentioned that Reconstruction contains Bad Sam Chapman, so more links to the Slough house series!

Apparently when selling the TV rights this caused all kinds of problems for the lawyers as the rights are sold for each character, and these characters are mentioned outside the Slough House series.

Thank you Judy, I thought that cat name sounded familiar! I'm trying to get my daughter into Beatrix Potter, she enjoys the latest Peter Rabbit cartoon series - but imho it's nothing like the books!

Thank you. The Drop was the perfect size to sit and read in one sitting. Very enjoyable. I didn't realise that Nobody Walks was set in the same universe as the Slough House series - have it on order from the library now!

I am rushing ahead with this series, and have started The Drop today. As have got a ticket to see Mick Herron in conversation with Ian Rankin on Thursday night, so will treat myself to a copy of Joe Country then. The event is in Edinburgh should anyone be nearby.

I think it worked well the detective coming from a farming background so he was able to pass judgment on Ames. There were hints of an interesting character, with his failed previous case, and trying to appease his seniors.

I suspected the family from the start, as they were just too sickly sweet. Though I thought it might have been more likely to be the mother, especially as she was quite negative about her dead husband. At one point I wondered if she'd killed him too.

Bicky - thank you for the explanation of the grand slam. I haven't a clue about bridge, but reading this book does make me want to learn more.

I was pretty sure that Anne Meredith was the murderer, and even gave myself a pat on the back at one point - but there was yet another twist! Very enjoyable, I am quite fond of Ms Oliver, she's quite an entertaining character.

I'd prefer option 2. Gives me time to see if my library will get a copy of Joe Country.

I am happy to confirm that the concrete cows in Milton Keynes still very much exist!

(I am originally from Bletchley, with family & friends still in MK, so am there relatively frequently)

Happy to know Joe Country has a June publishing date.

I agree that the addition of Dalgliesh at the end seemed clumsy. I would have been quite happy for the book to have finished before the inquest. I'm not sure tying up all the loose ends was really necessary.

Will be interesting to find out the consequences of JK Coe's actions. Hopefully he will be able to return to Slough house.

Mick Herron really doesn't mind killing off characters does he? Fast paced, very enjoyable book.

Pamela - I agree that the plot was a little far fetched, but it was nice to have the OB in a starring role. Very glad that Catherine returned too, she is a good contrast to Jackson Lamb.

Will add that book to my (ever increasing) to read list!

Tara I agree with your term of 'maladjusted misfits' - it describes them perfectly.

I found Caroline Able telling Alleyn her theories in psychology quite amusing. I'm guessing at the time of writing these were quite modern views.

I wasn't aware that thallium salts were used to treat ringworm, it seems a rather scary chemical to be using for a relatively benign condition. The wonders of modern antifungal creams! Poor Carrabas being put down over it.

Jane was certainly the star of this book, especially when she became Poirot's secretary.

I've only just discovered that the 'flapjacks' mentioned in the women's belongings on the plane refer to make up compact mirrors, rather than oatie snacks. I did think it was a little odd that all the women carried an oat bar!

Susan - I'm glad we get to continue to story. I felt I was just getting into it when it stopped. Will try to be patient and read all the books in order though!