Klowey’s Comments (group member since Jan 29, 2021)

Klowey’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Susan in NC wrote: "Did anyone else think Ignatius was romantically interested in Joan? He kept telling his friend the Rector how smart she was, what a wonderful woman she was - sorry, can’t remember specifics, it’s b..."

Yes, I thought so. In fact, I was wondering if they were going to get together. I wonder what the author was thinking.

I had also read The Murder of a Quack and was hoping this would be a bit more interesting in terms of solving the mystery. I get the impression leaving the unveiling of criminal until the very end and having more excitement around it is not her M.O.

I think she did a good job with descriptions, but despite that none of the characters were really compelling and I couldn't latch onto any that I felt an affinity with.

I'll probably stop at these two by this author, but giving ***.

Susan wrote: "Christmas seemed to come and go rather quickly, I thought! Liked this, but not as much as the previous book that I read by this author."

Which book by the author was it that you preferred?

I am finishing it up now.

Rosina wrote: "Judy wrote: "I was disappointed that Emily didn't end up with Charles, I'll admit. She doesn't seem all that interested in Jim through the book - she never tries to go to see him or worries about h..."

What is the Marple version? Is it a different story?

Rosina wrote: "I think it's because the ebook is listed under a slightly different title from the audio book and paperback. Both are accessible through the author's name, but clicking on one doesn't add the other."

I seem to have found it by using all of the tips.

https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Carnac/e...

Michaela wrote: "I´ll try again with Crossed Skis by Carol Carnac, fitting for February (at least in the Northern hemisphere) and for me being Aust..."

This sounds good but I couldn't find a kindle version in the U.S. Have I missed it?

Judy wrote: "Klowey, we are doing the second story as a buddy read in December if you fancy joining in then. :)"

Ah thank you. I will keep that in mind. Sounds very tempting.

I enjoyed this charming little mystery and would be up for reading the other story in the book, The Dead Shall Be Raised.

However, I give it 3* because I prefer mysteries with more suspects and that don't reveal the murderer so early.

I started a few days ago and am very much enjoying it. Nicely written.

Nick wrote: "I agree with you all concerning how poor this book is, and how dubious the reviews. One further point over the poor writing is the frequency with which the author needs to tell rather than show."

That is very perceptive. I need to keep that in mind when reading mysteries.

Judy wrote: "Mary wrote: "The part where Lily gets jealous that Peter is being solicitous to his mother? Ugh."

Mary, I agree. I also think it's a bit too obvious who Peter's parents are long before it is revea..."

Agree the jealousy was school-childish. And, Peter's parentage was so obvious early on that I figured there must be some super mystery coming. But alas, no real mystery every occurred.

So I am new to new authors and Goodreads, etc. having recently retired and started reading a lot more. Is this author just pulling the wool over our eyes, or is she not aware of how bad her book is?

Susan wrote: "It seemed very odd, to put it mildly, that Frank's death wasn't investigated. I assumed THAT was the murder? The doctor didn't seem to add much to the storyline either. He just hid out in the study..."

Also completely agree with your comments. This is actually cathartic to hear everyone having the same questions and frustrations that I did.

Thanks! I do have a pile of books I'm currently reading so maybe I'll wait. Appreciate your comments on her books.

Judy wrote: "I've really enjoyed the Angela Marchmont series by Clara Benson so far - I think she has a lovely humorous writing style and some great characters.

We have read a few as buddy re..."

Is the May 16 date the date you expect people to be done with Wakeley Court? I'd be willing to give it a try but it's book 8. What do you think?

Sandy wrote: "Many in the group have been reading her books, including one later this month. The threads are in the 'buddy reads' section. I stopped after three or four - too many other books to read."

In your opinion, how does she compare to Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh? Or any other "famous" mystery writers?

What do people in this group think of the mysteries written by Clara Benson? I was thinking of trying one.

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

I agree. It as almost pointless. Can anyone think of why this subplot of Frank's death was in the book?

It seemed to be the stimulus giving the hosting couple a reason to change the rules - from an original "murder mystery game" in which staff would also take part - to nothing but Clues. Clues to WHAT? What was the point that the couple was trying to get at? Was it all just to reveal Cecelia? I wouldn't think because Frank died before Cecelia started dropping clues about herself.

And Frank's death changed the original plans, in which they were going to involve the staff for the murder mystery. I was never clear how that would work.

So I was confused both about what the original idea was supposed to be, and about what the change of plans and clues were about?

Roman Clodia wrote: "Might they be friends and family or shill reviews? Lots of 5-star reviews posted on the same day or from profiles that are hidden or have minimal friends and books to their name might be suspicious..."

Wow, most of the Profiles on the reviewers are completely private. I have not seen that before. Does this sound like a group of the author's friends got together to boost the rating?

Margaret wrote: "I had written out commentary which ended up sounding almost exactly like Klowey's above, so I'll just say ditto and add two comments: 1. Lily and Peter's relationship was superficial and high schoo..."

Excellent points I forgot to mention. Yes, their relationship had no depth. And I have to say that I had no idea what was going on with the clues. That made me wonder what kind of murder mystery party they would have put on had Frank not died.