March 2014 - Enter a Murderer

[Cindy]

I have read many of Marsh's books, and like them over all. I did not like this one so much, but I agree with the readers who say they improve as the series progresses, when Fox becomes his "second" and especially when Troy appears on the scene. The tv series is good too..available on DVD.

[Leslie]

Susan wrote: "...Marsh has certainly been an author much copied over the years, in that she tended to set her novels in particular places - a theatre, a nursing home, etc. P.D. James used that particular strategy to great effect, setting many of her crime novels in a closed community. That works well for the reader, with a select group of victims/suspects and an intesting location..."

I have been thinking about this statement on and off for several days - I suppose that in one sense you could say Marsh was the forerunner of all those cozy mysteries which feature a specific profession or job which are quite popular now.

[Hana]

John wrote: "And are modern crime books realistic? I think not."

Hi everyone. I'm a newbie, but I'll chime in anyway. John, this is so true. According to my one cop friend, modern policing is a dreary combination of 95% boredom, irritation, dumb out-of-control drunks, druggies and other useless people, computer and lab work, paperwork, etc. But then there are the 5% moments of terror. Most policemen seldom have to deal with those, but the possibility is always in the back of their minds and that is where the fear lies.

Sadly, reality almost never makes for good escapist reading--and isn't that why most of us pick up one of these delights?

[Hana]

Leslie wrote: "Susan wrote: "...Marsh has certainly been an author much copied over the years, in that she tended to set her novels in particular places - a theatre, a nursing home, etc. P.D. James used that part..."

I love that aspect of Marsh's books. The other true master of that style is
Dick Francis, who meticulously researched his settings and delighted in placing unassuming bankers, caterers, and truck company owners in life-threatening peril.

[Gary]

I agree, placing "everyday people" in perilous situations and forcing/encouraging them to become sleuths is one of the big attractions of these books. I, for one, really enjoy them.

[Hana]

It's easier to put yourself in the 'frame' if the protagonist is someone somewhat like yourself rather than a total brainiac like Sherlock Holmes.