What mysteries are you reading at the moment? Old thread Showing 51-100 of 4,475

[Susan]

Yes, "Green for Danger," was made into a film. She also wrote the children's books about Nanny McPhee and Nurse Matilda, which she is better known for.

[Ruth]

Judy wrote: "The Murder at Sissingham Hall by Clara Benson -
However I gather there is quite a mystery over the author, who it is claimed wrote a whole stack of novels in the 1920s without publishing them - but now her family is said to be publishing them after her death in the 1960s. The whole thing seems rather odd, but I'm quite enjoying the book so far, anyway.
"

Does it read like a novel genuinely written in the 1920s or do you think it's a stunt by someone writing them now?!

[Judy]

I just don't know , Ruth - so far I feel it could be either, but the sheer number of books that she supposedly left, with 10 published so far and more to come, seems rather unlikely! I'm also puzzled, if she is genuine, as to why there is so little biographical info around. Anyway, I think if this one really was written in the 20s then it has probably been very heavily edited.

I just found a whole discussion of this question on the Clara Benson website, with most people seeming to be suspicious. Does anyone know more about this?

[Judy]

Increasingly I'm finding myself distracted by the whole question about Clara Benson.

If she is genuine, why is there hardly any information about her beyond her birth and death dates, and why did she write so many books without publishing them? The one I'm reading seems very professional and well-written.

On the other hand, if it's really a modern crime writer masquerading as a Golden Age author, why are they willing to be anonymous, and how have they managed to write 10 novels since 2013?! Or are there several writers involved?

Now back to the story! :)

[Judy]

Just returning to say I did really enjoy The Murder at Sissingham Hall and found it hard to put down in the later stages.

It has that Golden Age atmosphere perfectly, whenever it was written, and is well-written and witty, with good characters. So I will look forward to reading more in the series!

[Susan]

I've never even heard about all this controversy, Judy, although I did think that the book seemed as though it was quite professional. I assumed it had been edited before publication.

[Sandy]

I recently finished Rest You Merry, am half way thru Silent Nights, and about to start Not a Creature was Stirring ... following a holiday theme.

The Peter Shandy book was fun; loved the depection of his neighborhood. Martin Edwards' selections are excellent and I enjoy his short bio of each author before their story.

And I have The Murder at Sissingham Hall on my kindle and am now eager to read it. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Susan]

Not a Creature was Stirring is one of my faves, Sandy. Are there any other Jane Haddam fans in the group?

[Judy]

Susan wrote: "I've never even heard about all this controversy, Judy, although I did think that the book seemed as though it was quite professional. I assumed it had been edited before publication."

Thanks, Susan - I only came across the controversy when I started googling the author to find out more about her, because I was enjoying the book so much! I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.

Aside from all the speculation, I see these books are self-published via Amazon CreateSpace - makes me wonder if there are any other good crime writers, whether new or old, who are self-publishing?

[Susan]

I just read a Poirot short story, The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding: Hercule Poirot, which was good fun.

I suppose it does seem odd to self publish a book which is supposed to have been around for so long. I was listening to the podcast Books and Authors and they were saying that, after the success of some re-published (almost forgotten) Golden Age Mysteries, everyone is searching their back catalogue to see if they can come up with anything.

[Miss M]

I think the British Library's success definitely has kicked off a revival. I noticed this article a while back, and I see some of the titles are now available in the US.

http://www.thebookseller.com/news/hc-...


The Mayfair Mystery: 2835 Mayfair is one...

[Judy]

Very interesting, Miss M - thanks for the link to the article. It's great that so many books are being reprinted, and the cover of the HarperCollins book is very striking.

[Sandy]

I just read the Campion story in Silent Nights and really liked his character. I hope to add that series to my "active" list soon!

[Ruth]

Sandy wrote: "I just read the Campion story in Silent Nights and really liked his character. I hope to add that series to my "active" list soon!"

There were several authors in that selection that I'd like to try more of - a good way to try someone different.

[Leslie]

I see that I have not updated in a week or so. I finished my Appleby, Death By Water (aka "Appleby at Allingham") which I enjoyed.

I then listened to the audiobook of an Italian mystery (in English, of course!) - #7 in the Inspector Montalbano series, Rounding the Mark which was excellent.

I had to push myself to finish the cozy Clobbered by Camembert as I found the main character unrealistic... more than I could accept easily.

And then I whizzed through Louise Penny's The Long Way Home - not as good as some of her previous books but still quite good.

Don't worry - I am not normally going to be going through mysteries at such a pace!

[Susan]

Sounds like you have had a lot of reading time, Leslie - which has to be a good thing! I am currently reading a contemporary mystery from NetGalley - Black Widow. I usually enjoy his books and this is good so far.

I remember all the publicity about "Nordic Noir" but wondered what anyone else thinks of James Ellroy's tongue in cheek labelling of, "Tartan Noir." I think Scotland is producing fantastic crime writers at the moment.

[Sandy]

Finished Not a Creature was Stirring last night and loved it. The lead character and his community are interesting and the family of victims and suspects is wonderfully dysfunctional. I'm not sure if I'm thrilled or distressed to see there are 28 more entries in the series! My TBR list just keeps growing.

[Susan]

It is a great series, Sandy. One I re-read quite often as I love the characters.

[Sandy]

Susan wrote: "It is a great series, Sandy. One I re-read quite often as I love the characters."

Ok, I'm thrilled to discover a 29 book series.

[Susan]

I envy you, reading them for the first time :)

[Leslie]

Susan wrote: "I remember all the publicity about "Nordic Noir" but wondered what anyone else thinks of James Ellroy's tongue in cheek labelling of, "Tartan Noir." I think Scotland is producing fantastic crime writers at the moment..."

I have heard the term Tartan Noir but I don't think that I have read any. In the past year or so I have found that I have not enjoyed books that are too dark so I have been staying away from noir.

[Susan]

That's interesting, Leslie. I know some lovers of Golden Age fiction are not so keen on the more gritty, contemporary crime novels. I enjoy both - how about everybody else?

[Jan C]

Leslie wrote: "Susan wrote: "I remember all the publicity about "Nordic Noir" but wondered what anyone else thinks of James Ellroy's tongue in cheek labelling of, "Tartan Noir." I think Scotland is producing fant..."

The main one I have been reading is Stuart MacBride. But have also read Stuart Neville and probably a few others.

[Judy]

Interesting, Leslie and Susan. I usually tend to prefer Golden Age stories or similar modern ones to very dark and gritty contemporary tales, though it does depend on the author and I suppose also on my mood.

[Leslie]

I have certainly enjoyed some noir in the past -- I guess that lately I've just not been in the mood.

[Everyman]

Susan wrote: "That's interesting, Leslie. I know some lovers of Golden Age fiction are not so keen on the more gritty, contemporary crime novels. I enjoy both - how about everybody else?"

I read both, if in gritty, contemporary crime novels you include Lee Child (Reacher), Dick Francis (various), and Robert B. Parker (Spenser). But I don't really read these as mysteries; that is, I'm not really looking to solve the mystery (because generally they aren't honest about fairly providing all the clues needed); rather, I read them as adventure stories.

[Susan]

Jan C - I also like Stuart McBride, but have just started a new series Whisky From Small Glasses, which I heard was good.

Everyman, I have never read Lee Child or, indeed, Dick Francis. I get your point though, about reading in a different way, as Golden Age mysteries tend to be more 'puzzles' that you can (if you are better at it than me!) work out.

[Arpita (BagfullofBooks)]

I've just finished Mystery in White. Great seasonal mystery. Very atmospheric but maybe a tad too cozy. The mystery angle is not the best but the storytelling superb. Also enjoyed Buchans exceptional 39 Steps!

[Jan C]

Susan wrote: "Jan C - I also like Stuart McBride, but have just started a new series Whisky From Small Glasses, which I heard was good.

Everyman, I have never read Lee Child or, indeed, Dick Fra..."

That sounds good.

I tried the first Reacher but I didn't like it very much. I've most of Dick Francis but the writing seemed to lag after his wife died. I believe his son writes them now.

[Everyman]

Susan wrote: "Everyman, I have never read Lee Child or, indeed, Dick Francis. .."

Both are major league page turners. But definitely not Cozies. For both of them, you can pretty much count on the hero getting beaten up at least once. Francis always -- I don't think there's a single Francis where his protagonist doesn't get beaten up by somebody. Child almost always, though he does more beating up himself. But in Francis the violence is almost an after thought, he has somewhat better character development, whereas in Child it's often a major element of the story and the action is more central than the characters.

At least, that's how I read them. Will be interested to see whether others have a different perspective on them.

[Carolien]

My final mystery for the year is The Leavenworth Case, published in 1878 it is a really early example of the genre. A bit clunky in places and the heroines are very Victorian, but still very readable and the mystery itself has held up well.

[Judy]

That sounds very interesting, Carolien - I've been meaning to read something by Anna Katharine Green , so will look out for this one!

[Sue]

Just finished Mystery in White as well- a perfect cozy read for a winter day!

[Leslie]

I have just started my first Daisy Dalrymple, fittingly with the first book of the series Death At Wentwater Court. This is a contemporary book set in the Golden Age period -- I've heard that this is one of the better series in this category.

[Judy]

Sue, Mystery in White sounds intriguing - I'm wondering whether to save it for next Christmas now, though! How Christmassy is it?

Leslie, I've read and enjoyed a few of the Daisy Dalrymple books by Carola Dunn- they are very light, with the dialogue a bit reminiscent of P.G. Wodehouse at times. I think the last one I read was number 6, so I should get back to the series as there are now 22!

[Susan]

I read "Mystery in White" and it is quite Christmassy Judy, as it is set on Christmas Eve.

Daisy Dalrymple is another series I started and then didn't keep up with, although I enjoyed it. If anyone does like the Daisy Dalrymple series, they might enjoy The Affair of the Blood-Stained Egg Cosy, which is the first in a trilogy of mysteries which are a homage to Golden Age detective fiction.

[Sue]

I didn't think of it as all that Christmasy- more wintery. There is mention of it being Christmas eve, but much more about the awful snow storm.

[Judy]

Thanks Sue and Susan - I might get to it this winter, but if not will save it for next!

[Jan C]

Leslie wrote: "I have just started my first Daisy Dalrymple, fittingly with the first book of the series Death At Wentwater Court. This is a contemporary book set in the Golden Age period -- I've h..."

I like this series. I think I'm on the 6th book, Dead in the Water. I like how it shows that each of the people in the books, for one reason or another, are still carrying baggage from the late war.

I am trying the Egg Cozy book but it is taking me a bit to get into it.

[Jay-me (Janet)]

I'm not reading a mystery at the moment, I'm trying to settle into a book - I think the current book is the third one that I have tried to get into over the last couple of days, two abandoned - one permanently and one I might return to when I feel in the right mood.

I have downloaded The Cornish Coast Murder and The Murder at Sissingham Hall and Black Plumes to my kindle and I have my Lord Peter Wimsey books lined up for when I finish my re read of Making Money

I have read most of the Daisy Dalrymple books I think there is just one that I have not read yet.
Other series that I have read some of include Dandy Gilver by Catriona McPherson, Inspector Faro by Alanna Knight Phryne Fisher by Kerry Greenwood, and I have read all of both the Amelia Peabody series and Vicky Bliss series by Elizabeth Peters. There are probably more but these are the ones that have come to mind.

I have also read quite a few contemporary mysteries, some of them more cosy than others books by Milly Reynolds Andrea Frazer. Lynda Wilcox. David W. Robinsonand Cecilia Peartree. Some of these authors are on a Facebook page called British Whodunits, and Lynda has been doing some detective work herself regarding the author Clara Benson.

[Judy]

Jay-me/Janet, thanks for mentioning Clara Benson - I've just read the first of her books and it was driving me mad trying to work out if she was really a Golden Age writer or not!

I have just had a quick look at the British Whodunits page, and I see Lynda says there is a footnote in the last book where the author admits she is alive and well and still writing - explaining that she wanted to write in the style of her idols, such as Christie and Sayers.

I note the Clara Benson website has also now removed the short bio of the author claiming she was born in 1890 etc. So I suppose we can look forward to finding out more about her, and maybe her new series will be published conventionally! I thought the first book in the series was excellent and am looking forward to reading the others.

[Susan]

That's interesting, Judy. I also enjoyed the first one, although I never really gave it much though as to whether she was a current writer or not. In reality, you can sense she is writing now - why produce so many unpublished novels?

[Lesley]

Susan wrote: "That's interesting, Judy. I also enjoyed the first one, although I never really gave it much though as to whether she was a current writer or not.
In reality, you can sense she is writing now - why produce so many unpublished novels? ..."

And it was that that caused someone to question their authenticity and begin the debate. Fancy trying to put one across we "professional" mystery readers!! :):)

Judy said "I note the Clara Benson website has also now removed the short bio of the author claiming she was born in 1890 etc...
I thought I must have been dreaming when I looked at the website again last week and couldn't see the bio that I thought had been there!

[Susan]

Yes, the mystery just looked too polished for an unpublished novel, didn't it? I wonder how readers will react to this uncovering of the truth?!

[Leslie]

Susan wrote: "Yes, the mystery just looked too polished for an unpublished novel, didn't it? I wonder how readers will react to this uncovering of the truth?!"

Well, it has made me less likely to read her books. I dislike the sneakiness of the publicity stunt.

[Judy]

Susan, Ella's Gran and Leslie, It all seems very odd, but if it's a publicity stunt I think it had the opposite effect, as her books have surely had a lot less publicity than those published conventionally with author interviews, etc!

I still wonder what the truth of the whole thing is - whether this is a well-known or at least previously published author trying out another name, as the quality of the writing might suggest, in the book I read anyway.

[Susan]

Good point, Judy. I am sure the truth will emerge. It doesn't bother me either way, but I expect there will be some backlash against the books/author.

[Amy]

After seeing the Miss silver novels recommended so much I want to read one. They seem like they would be just my type a book. The problem is that my normally outstanding Library only has one of the books. Miss Silver Comes to Stay. I think it is number 16 in the series. Will it be a problem if that is the first book I read of the series?

[Jan C]

Not sure. I'm only on #2 The Case Is Closed.

[Susan]

I think it is more to do with personal tastes than anything else. Personally, I hate reading series books out of order, but it doesn't worry other readers. I don't see any harm in trying the one series book in the library just to see if you like the style and characters - you can always go back and get the first if you do enjoy it.