Starting/joining in with buddy reads Showing 1,301-1,344 of 1,344

[Judy]

Thank you very much, Susan, that all looks good.

[Susan]

If anyone has any objections or wants changes, we can change it, so just let us know.

[Judy]

Yes, of course, nothing is set in stone!

[Shaina]

I have a question. Have we dropped the Maigret series? Just asking as I don't see them listed after May/June.

[Sandy]

Shaina wrote: "I have a question. Have we dropped the Maigret series? Just asking as I don't see them listed after May/June."

Yes, we did drop Maigret as few people commented. I intend / hope to continue on my own and have requested Maigret and the Toy Village from the library for this month. I really enjoy the atmosphere and the concise plots but there isn't a lot to say about them. Expect I will be including them in the 'what mysteries are you reading' thread.

[Judy]

Yes, it was just 2 of us commenting for several Maigret reads so we decided to drop them - also I agree with Sandy that there isn't always much to say even though they are very enjoyable reads. I expect I will read more in the future but wanted a break from them.

[Shaina]

Thank you for the clarification, Sandy and Judy. I too will continue reading the series on my own. I agree there wasn't much to write or discuss about the books but I love Maigret's personality and the atmosphere of the books.

[Jan C]

I'm way behind in my Maigret reading. Let's face it, I'm way behind in my reading period!

I've started Raven Black. Have every intention of getting back to River of Darkness - I read it once when it came out. Got the follow up books and decided to read it again. That was a while ago.

[Susan in NC]

Susan wrote: "Due to a lack of participation, we have changed some of the buddy reads.
The Long Farewell by Michael Innes (The Inspector Appleby Mysteries Book 17) by Michael Innes (July/August) and
The Long F..."

Sorry, late to answer your group question, I don’t know how I missed it - I would like to continue Poirot and Marple - sorry if this has already been decided and I’m cluttering up the thread, but I just saw this.

[Susan]

Poirot and Marple are always firm favourites, aren't they? You never clutter up a thread, Susan - what a comment to make when we love to hear from you!

[Susan]

I loved my re-read of River of Darkness and am about to embark on yet another re-read of the first Bernie Gunther book.

Not as crazy on the Brighton mysteries, but I really enjoyed Raven Black.

[Jackie]

Susan wrote: "Poirot and Marple are always firm favourites, aren't they? You never clutter up a thread, Susan - what a comment to make when we love to hear from you!"

I agree 100%! I am really enjoying the Poirot/Marple reads

and I nominated the second book in the series that starts with Raven Black for the August read with The English Mysteries group, FYI.
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Judy]

Good to hear you are both enjoying the Poirot/Marple challenge, Susan and Jackie. :)

[Susan]

We will be reading White Nights by Ann Cleeves (Shetland #2) as a buddy read in August/September, Jackie.

[Jackie]

Susan wrote: "We will be reading White Nights by Ann Cleeves (Shetland #2) as a buddy read in August/September, Jackie."

excellent! I will definitely have to get a copy, LOL

[Susan]

Updated buddy read list:

Buddy Reads:
August/Sept
Brought to Light (Bobby Owen #32) by E R Punshon
A Dead Liberty (Sloan and Crosby #12) by Catherine Aird
The Terrorists (Martin Beck #10) by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö (last book)
The Corpse in Oozak’s Pond by Charlotte MacLeod (Professor Shandy #6)
White Nights by Ann Cleeves (Shetland #2)

Sept/Oct
Vale of Tears (Bradecote and Catchpoll #5) by Sarah Hawkswood
Special Assignments by Boris Akunin (Erast Fandorin #5)
Mrs Pargeter’s Point of Honour (Mrs Pargeter #6) by Simon Brett
Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell (Kurt Wallander #1)

Oct/Nov
Dark is the Clue (Bobby Owen #33) by E R Punshon
One Virgin Too Many by Lindsey Davis (Falco #11)
Willful Behaviour by Donna Leon (Brunetti #11)
Gently By the Shore (Inspector George Gently #2) by Alan Hunter

Nov/Dec
Postern of Fate (Tommy and Tuppence #5) by Agatha Christie (last book)
The Vanishing Box (Brighton Mysteries #4) by Elly Griffiths
The Blood-Dimmed Tide (#2 John Madden) by Rennie Airth
The Pale Criminal by Philip Kerr (Bernie Gunther #2)

Dec/Jan
The Night of Fear (#2 Hugh Collier) by Moray Dalton (Christmas buddy read)
Triple Quest (Bobby Owen #34) by E R Punshon
The Body Politic (Sloan and Crosby #13) by Catherine Aird
Vane Pursuit by Charlotte MacLeod (Professor Shandy #7)
Red Bones by Ann Cleeves (Shetland #3)

Jan/Feb
Faithful Until Death (Bradecote and Catchpoll #6) by Sarah Hawkswood
The State Counsellor by Boris Akunin (Erast Fandorin #6)
Mrs Pargeter’s Principle (Mrs Pargeter #7) by Simon Brett
The Dogs of Riga by Henning Mankell (Kurt Wallander #2)

Feb/March
Six Were Present (Bobby Owen #35) by E R Punshon (last book)
Ode to a Banker by Lindsey Davis (Falco #12)
Uniform Justice by Donna Leon (Brunetti #12)
Gently Down the Stream (Inspector George Gently #3) by Alan Hunter

[Susan]

Please let me know if you spot any mistakes.

Also, although we have a couple of series we haven't started, we always need more.

I mentioned on the general chat thread, I really enjoyed our buddy reads of P D James. I would like to suggest a buddy read of Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus series. Does anyone have other suggestions or want to say a strong yes or no to Rebus?

[Susan in NC]

Susan wrote: "Please let me know if you spot any mistakes.

Also, although we have a couple of series we haven't started, we always need more.

I mentioned on the general chat thread, I really enjoyed our buddy ..."
Thanks for posting this Susan, you keep me on track. Quick question-are we reading Lord Peter Wimsey as a buddy read? I think for September/October? I don’t know when we’ll continue with him after that, in the new year I imagine?

I wouldn’t mind trying Rebus, I’ve never read him. I know we’ve read these two authors as polled reads, but how about Lorac’s inspector Macdonald or George Bellairs’ Inspector Littlejohn? Those are pretty long traditional police series, in the Sloan & Crosby vein. I know the earliest books would be hard to get, and I’m not sure of availability in other countries, but several are available here and Bellairs is currently on Kindle Unlimited for free.

I’m afraid I don’t do current detective series much, but in the Cadfael/historical/clerical vein, there’s the Sister Frevisse mysteries (first was The Novice's Tale), by Margaret Frazer, or the Brother Athelstan mysteries, first was The Nightingale Gallery. Frevisse definitely has more humor, Athelstan is rather heavy on the medieval “life is nasty, brutish and short” vibe!

For something different and more modern, I enjoyed the Sam Wyndham series (India, 1920s, first was A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee) or The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall, first book in the Vish Puri series.

Set in the U.S. west on a reservation, there’s Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee mysteries (first is The Blessing Way), and I’ve never read (but want to), the Anna Pigeon series, set all over the country in national parks (first is Track of the Cat, Nevada Barr).

I know that’s a lot, just looked through my TBR list! Rebus is on it, also. Hope that helps, apologies for nattering on, but mystery is my favorite genre…

[Judy]

Hi Susan and Susan, yes we're doing The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club in September/October, looks like it dropped off the list here but we're still doing it :)

The full list of buddy reads for September/October is:

Vale of Tears (Bradecote and Catchpoll #5) by Sarah Hawkswood
Special Assignments by Boris Akunin (Erast Fandorin #5)
Mrs Pargeter’s Point of Honour (Mrs Pargeter #6) by Simon Brett
Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell (Kurt Wallander #1)
The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club by Dorothy L. Sayers (Peter Wimsey #5)

[Judy]

I thanked Susan in the other thread but will say thank you here too :)

[Susan]

Thanks, Judy and thanks, Susan.

Some great ideas, Susan. I will have a look at your series suggestions and see what's available. I am definitely up for Littlejohn or MacDonald.

Preferably, we want a full series in order to run them as buddies but I will definitely see what is available and report back.

[Sandy]

Susan in NC wrote: "Susan wrote: "Please let me know if you spot any mistakes.

For something different and more modern, I enjoyed the Sam Wyndham series (India, 1920s, first was A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee) or The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall, first book in the Vish Puri series.

Thank you for mentioning those series. I was already on the wait list for the new San Wyndham but didn't realize there is a new Vish Puri after a long gap.

[Sandy]

Continuing Susan in Nc's thoughts:
in the Cadfael/historical/clerical vein, there’s the Sister Frevisse mysteries (first was The Novice's Tale), by Margaret Frazer, or the Brother Athelstan mysteries, first was The Nightingale Gallery. Frevisse definitely has more humor, Athelstan is rather heavy on the medieval “life is nasty, brutish and short” vibe!

I read The Novice's tale in 2017 and my review says I plan to continue. Maybe now is the time? And Brother Athelstan is on my TBR.

[Susan]

Perhaps to follow the Sarah Hawkswood?

How do you feel about Rebus, Sandy?

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Susan wrote: "Please let me know if you spot any mistakes.

For something different and more modern, I enjoyed the Sam Wyndham series (India, 1920s, first was A Rising Man by Ab..."

Oh, I knew there was a new Sam Wyndham, but didn’t know new Vish Puri, yay! Thanks, Sandy!

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "Continuing Susan in Nc's thoughts:
in the Cadfael/historical/clerical vein, there’s the Sister Frevisse mysteries (first was The Novice's Tale), by Margaret Frazer, or the Brother Athelstan mysteri..."

I loved Frevisse’s mature nature (as an older nun, I don’t remember the full circumstances), she felt like a female Cadfael. Her rye observations and family connection to Chaucer added a different twist.

[Susan]

Sadly, not all of Lorac’s Inspector Macdonald books are available, either in kindle or paperback in the UK. Such a shame. Hopefully, they will become available later. We will keep our eyes peeled!

[Susan in NC]

Susan wrote: "Sadly, not all of Lorac’s Inspector Macdonald books are available, either in kindle or paperback in the UK. Such a shame. Hopefully, they will become available later. We will keep our eyes peeled!"

That’s what I was afraid of! A lengthy catalogue of titles, but only being released in dribs and drabs.

Someone mentioned another traditional police series by Patricia Moyes - sounds like Sloan & Crosby, perhaps? Inspector Henry Tibbett, first is Dead Men Don't Ski.

[Susan]

Inspector Henry Tibbett has the first book on pre-order and some other titles available. I'll have to see if they will all be available.

[Judy]

I'm enjoying the Henry Tibbett series but I don't think all the books are in print, in the UK anyway.

[Sandy]

Susan wrote: "Perhaps to follow the Sarah Hawkswood?

How do you feel about Rebus, Sandy?"

Rebus has never been on my TBR although I know the series is well regarded. I am willing to give it a try.

Regarding Hawkswood, I will be spotty as the books are not in my libraries and are $8 on kindle unless there is a sale. I have a few that way. (A bit off subject.)

I have continued Henry Tibbett (the first three), some from the library, some from Kindle Unlimitied. Tibbett does not have the humor of Sloan and Crosby, but he is a kind man with a helpful wife.

[Sandy]

Back to Susan in NC's recommendations, both Leaphorn & Chee and Anna Pigeon have been on my TBR 'forever'. Never tried either.

[Susan]

It can be difficult to find author's where their whole work is available. We have the Anthony Bathhurst series that you suggested on my list, Sandy.

We are lucky that a lot of GA books are being re-released, but they are often re-released gradually. I understand that from the perspective of a publisher of course, but it makes life hard.

We've never read Ruth Rendell, P D James old friend? Wexford seems to be in print and I've never read those.

[Judy]

Just remembered, Susan, I had added in Cat and Mouse: A mystery in Wales by Christianna Brand for October-November, are you still up for that one? No worries if not though.

Could we also slot in the next Wimsey, Strong Poison, somewhere? Maybe in January as I think Susan in NC suggested?

I think Wexford is quite similar to George Gently - most of us weren't that grabbed by the first Gently, so if we feel the same after the second one maybe we could swap over to Wexford or one of the other series then? I'm not sure what availability of the early Wexfords is like, though, I will have a look. :)

Must say I'm enjoying the first Wallander book so far, many thanks to whoever suggested those (Susan?)

[Susan]

Yes, we did add Cat and Mouse. I think I amended the list but not my word document.

I will add them to the list - Wimsey too.

Gently was OK, but not great. Let's see how we get on with the next one...

[Susan]

Please find the amended list and everyone check is it OK. Thanks.

September
Lonesome Road (#3 Miss Silver Mysteries) by Patria Wentworth
The Mystery of the Blue Train (1928) by Agatha Christie (Challenge Title)

October
Murder Included (#1 D.I. Price) by Joanna Cannan (1950)
A Murder Is Announced (1950) by Agatha Christie (Challenge Title)


Buddy Reads:
August/Sept
Brought to Light (Bobby Owen #32) by E R Punshon
A Dead Liberty (Sloan and Crosby #12) by Catherine Aird
The Terrorists (Martin Beck #10) by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö (last book)
The Corpse in Oozak’s Pond by Charlotte MacLeod (Professor Shandy #6)
White Nights by Ann Cleeves (Shetland #2)

Sept/Oct
Vale of Tears (Bradecote and Catchpoll #5) by Sarah Hawkswood
Special Assignments by Boris Akunin (Erast Fandorin #5)
Mrs Pargeter’s Point of Honour (Mrs Pargeter #6) by Simon Brett
Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell (Kurt Wallander #1)
The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club by Dorothy L Sayers (Lord Peter Wimsey #5)

Oct/Nov
Dark is the Clue (Bobby Owen #33) by E R Punshon
One Virgin Too Many by Lindsey Davis (Falco #11)
Willful Behaviour by Donna Leon (Brunetti #11)
Gently By the Shore (Inspector George Gently #2) by Alan Hunter
Cat and Mouse (Inspector Chucky #1) by Christianna Brand

Nov/Dec
Postern of Fate (Tommy and Tuppence #5) by Agatha Christie (last book)
The Vanishing Box (Brighton Mysteries #4) by Elly Griffiths
The Blood-Dimmed Tide (#2 John Madden) by Rennie Airth
The Pale Criminal by Philip Kerr (Bernie Gunther #2)

Dec/Jan
The Night of Fear (#2 Hugh Collier) by Moray Dalton (Christmas buddy read)
Triple Quest (Bobby Owen #34) by E R Punshon
The Body Politic (Sloan and Crosby #13) by Catherine Aird
Vane Pursuit by Charlotte MacLeod (Professor Shandy #7)
Red Bones by Ann Cleeves (Shetland #3)

Jan/Feb
Faithful Until Death (Bradecote and Catchpoll #6) by Sarah Hawkswood
The State Counsellor by Boris Akunin (Erast Fandorin #6)
Mrs Pargeter’s Principle (Mrs Pargeter #7) by Simon Brett
The Dogs of Riga by Henning Mankell (Kurt Wallander #2)
Strong Poison by Dorthy L. Sayers by Dorothy L Sayers (Lord Peter Wimsey #6)


Feb/March
Six Were Present (Bobby Owen #35) by E R Punshon (last book)
Ode to a Banker by Lindsey Davis (Falco #12)
Uniform Justice by Donna Leon (Brunetti #12)
Gently Down the Stream (Inspector George Gently #3) by Alan Hunter


Our 2025 Challenge is Christie's Detectives: Poirot vs Marple

Jan: The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920)
Feb: The Murder at the Vicarage (1930)
March: The Murder on the Links (1923)
April: The Body in the Library (1942)
May: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926)
June: The Moving Finger (1942)
July: The Big Four (1927)
August: Sleeping Murder (1976)
September: The Mystery of the Blue Train (1928)
October: A Murder Is Announced (1950)
November: Black Coffee (1930)
December: They Do It with Mirrors (1952)
aka Murder with Mirrors

[Sandy]

Susan wrote: "It can be difficult to find author's where their whole work is available. We have the Anthony Bathhurst series that you suggested on my list, Sandy.

We are lucky that a lot of GA books are being ..."

Regarding Wexford series, in the US a couple are not on kindle, four are available with Kindle Unlimited, and the prices for the others range from $4 - $12.

The GR description of the first book mentions 'psychological suspense' which does not sound much like Gently.

[Susan]

Interesting. A new member on the general discussion thread has shown enthusiasm for Rebus. As I am very keen, I may pop one into the November buddies, unless anyone objects?

I am assuming Rebus is available fairly easily.

It's so annoying when you want to read a series and some books are missing.

[sabagrey]

Susan wrote: "I am assuming Rebus is available fairly easily."

so do I. And in different languages, if need be (I came across my first Rebuses in German. As the titles tend to be very different from the English ones, I could not tell which ones). Rebus is an international celebrity, after all.

[Sandy]

In the US, Rebus is available on kindle $10 - $15. I assume they are readily available in libraries.

[Susan]

Fantastic. I have added book 1 to November. See you all there!

By the way, I also enjoyed the first Henning Mankell (lots to discuss) and have just embarked on the fifth Erast Fandorin mystery. Promising so far.

Buddy Reads:
August/Sept
Brought to Light (Bobby Owen #32) by E R Punshon
A Dead Liberty (Sloan and Crosby #12) by Catherine Aird
The Terrorists (Martin Beck #10) by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö (last book)
The Corpse in Oozak’s Pond by Charlotte MacLeod (Professor Shandy #6)
White Nights by Ann Cleeves (Shetland #2)

Sept/Oct
Vale of Tears (Bradecote and Catchpoll #5) by Sarah Hawkswood
Special Assignments by Boris Akunin (Erast Fandorin #5)
Mrs Pargeter’s Point of Honour (Mrs Pargeter #6) by Simon Brett
Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell (Kurt Wallander #1)
The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club by Dorothy L Sayers (Lord Peter Wimsey #5)

Oct/Nov
Dark is the Clue (Bobby Owen #33) by E R Punshon
One Virgin Too Many by Lindsey Davis (Falco #11)
Willful Behaviour by Donna Leon (Brunetti #11)
Gently By the Shore (Inspector George Gently #2) by Alan Hunter
Cat and Mouse (Inspector Chucky #1) by Christianna Brand

Nov/Dec
Postern of Fate (Tommy and Tuppence #5) by Agatha Christie (last book)
The Vanishing Box (Brighton Mysteries #4) by Elly Griffiths
The Blood-Dimmed Tide (#2 John Madden) by Rennie Airth
The Pale Criminal by Philip Kerr (Bernie Gunther #2)
Knots & Crosses #1 Rebus) by Ian Rankin

Dec/Jan
The Night of Fear (#2 Hugh Collier) by Moray Dalton (Christmas buddy read)
Triple Quest (Bobby Owen #34) by E R Punshon
The Body Politic (Sloan and Crosby #13) by Catherine Aird
Vane Pursuit by Charlotte MacLeod (Professor Shandy #7)
Red Bones by Ann Cleeves (Shetland #3)

Jan/Feb
Faithful Until Death (Bradecote and Catchpoll #6) by Sarah Hawkswood
The State Counsellor by Boris Akunin (Erast Fandorin #6)
Mrs Pargeter’s Principle (Mrs Pargeter #7) by Simon Brett
The Dogs of Riga by Henning Mankell (Kurt Wallander #2)
Strong Poison by Dorthy L. Sayers by Dorothy L Sayers (Lord Peter Wimsey #6)


Feb/March
Six Were Present (Bobby Owen #35) by E R Punshon (last book)
Ode to a Banker by Lindsey Davis (Falco #12)
Uniform Justice by Donna Leon (Brunetti #12)
Gently Down the Stream (Inspector George Gently #3) by Alan Hunter

[Judy]

Looks good to me, Susan! Thank you!

[Susan in NC]

Susan wrote: "It can be difficult to find author's where their whole work is available. We have the Anthony Bathhurst series that you suggested on my list, Sandy.

We are lucky that a lot of GA books are being ..."

Oh, I’ve never read Rendell or Wexford either.

[Susan]

I will definitely explore what is available, although I can only do so in the UK.

We've found some great series through Buddy Reads. Far more than we've abandoned, although we have abandoned a few. I think Martin Beck has been my personal favourite - I would never have read them without the group.