What mysteries are you reading at the moment? Old thread Showing 1,951-2,000 of 4,457

[Judy]

If you don't pick courgettes in time they grow into marrows! I think nowadays people usually try to pick them before they get that far as they are sweeter - unless they are growing prize marrows for a show, as Jill said!

[Judy]

According to this website, though, I'm out of date - courgettes used just to be marrows picked early, but there are now different varieties - some seeds which are planted to be marrows and others which are better for courgettes. Showing my age here!

http://www.barfoots.com/products-serv...

[Jill]

Don't forget people also eat the flowers , usually stuffed

[Lady Clementina]

Sandy wrote: "I finished The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and loved the portrayal of Poirot and all the plot twists. I was fully engaged even though I knew the murderer and still missed an important clue..."

Poirot's marrow growing- I read in AC's autobio -was inspired by Nicholas Nickelby where Mrs Nickelby's suitor throws marrows at her to woo her.

[Jill H.]

I am just about to finish the book cited below. I like the Roy Grace series, by James but this one is a little different and will put you on edge from the first chapter. It concerns a deadly stalker who will go to any lengths to "avenge" himself on a woman who finally threw him out of her life because of his violence. It is truly chilling and rather atypical of your usual British mystery/police procedural. Even though I haven't finished it, I am highly recommending it. It will have you looking over you shoulder, behind doors and under your bed.....this stalker is a truly frightening character who is very intelligent and has the money to spend to catch his prey.

by Peter James.

[Annabel]

I am reading Leaving Berlin

I like WW2/Cold War thrillers and this one is pretty good so far - exciting, but not too violent or depressing, which with this time period is always a risk. (I'm only halfway through, mind.)

[Brina]

I'm reading Windy City Blues by Sara Paretsky. I needed to relax after my last book.

[Leslie]

Jan C wrote: "Sandy wrote: "They are zucchini!"

From the pictures I had seen I wondered if they were like watermelon. They always seemed to be about the same size.

So, thanks for the update."

I always thought that they were some sort of pumpkin. After all, Poirot is trying to get them to grow more spherical & symmetrical. Zucchini's would never be spherical even if they were huge!

[Jill H.]

by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

Just started this British mystery in the Bill Slider series. These are easy, quick reads with a great cast of detective characters who have a sense of humour. These books are light reading but quite enjoyable.

[Judy]

I've just started the third in the Oxford medieval mysteries series by Ann Swinfen, The Huntsman's Tale. I love her writing style but the previous book wasn't very mysterious, so am hoping this one will be a bit stronger in that aspect.

[Susan]

Currently reading There's Trouble Brewing]
our next buddy read and the third in the Nigel Strangeways series (or 'Mr Strangeness' as one character calls him!).

[Leslie]

Judy wrote: "I've just started the third in the Oxford medieval mysteries series by Ann Swinfen, The Huntsman's Tale. I love her writing style but the previous book wasn't very m..."

I agree with your comment about the second book - more adventure than mystery. I look forward to hearing what you think of the 3rd one.

[Leslie]

I just finished a Michael Innes mystery that was not an Inspector Appleby - From London Far. After the first chapter, I started to enjoy it a lot (the first one was so erudite in tone & I had no idea what was going on that it was a bit of a struggle).

[Susan]

I find Michael Innes a bit of a struggle generally, Leslie. I like his books, but they are hard work at times!

[Leslie]

Susan wrote: "I find Michael Innes a bit of a struggle generally, Leslie. I like his books, but they are hard work at times!"

The later Appleby books are less of a strain, in case you have not gotten to them yet.

[Leslie]

I finished a Patricia Wentworth book, the first in the Benbow Smith series, Fool Errant. Much better than The Annam Jewel! Of the type of thriller/suspense that Mary Stewart and Helen MacInnes wrote (innocent person entangled with villians), only the innocent was male instead of the more typical female.

[Susan]

I have only read two Appleby books, but have most definitely stalled at the moment! Enjoyed reading the third Nicholas Blake, who has long been one of my favourite GA authors.

[Judy]

Leslie wrote: "Judy wrote: "I've just started the third in the Oxford medieval mysteries series by Ann Swinfen, The Huntsman's Tale... I agree with your comment about the second book - more adventure than mystery. I look forward to hearing what you think of the 3rd one. "

I'll let you know, Leslie! I'm 40% of the way through now and enjoying the characters and period detail, but looks as if we are still building up to the mystery...

[Marcus]

You give me hope, Leslie! I should proceed to the others Patricia Wentworth's titles.

[Annabel]

Leslie wrote: "I finished a Patricia Wentworth book, the first in the Benbow Smith series, Fool Errant. Much better than The Annam Jewel! Of the type of thriller/suspense that Mary..."

Patricia Wentworth often uses the 'young man entangled in plot' opener - The Case of William Smith is a cracker from this perspective. I think she writes from the man's perspective pretty well for someone associated with 'girly adventure romances' - just as Ian Fleming is surprisingly good at writing from a woman's perspective.

Her books got a LOT better as she got older. They still often have slightly fantastical plots depending on coincidences, but the writing becomes a lot more self-disciplined and consistent as she becomes more experienced and the characterisation is better.

[Carolien]

Been reading The Abbey Court Murder for a while. 3.5 stars. An interesting plot and a good example of the classic English mystery genre. The main female characters were however too much given to swooning and melodrama for my taste. I will probably read the next in the series as the book was well-written and overall a slow, but enjoyable read.

[Leslie]

Annabel wrote: "Leslie wrote: "I finished a Patricia Wentworth book, the first in the Benbow Smith series, Fool Errant. Much better than The Annam Jewel! Of the type of thriller/sus..."

I should say that this one does have "slightly fantastical" coincidences that one can ignore in the heat of the moment reading but don't stand up well to over-much thinking afterwards!

[Christmas Carol ꧁꧂]

I'm reading X by Sue Grafton. So far it is better than W for Wasted. For me, this has always been a very uneven series.

[Annie]

Finished this today A Murder for the Books by Victoria Gilbert an easy quick read.

[Susan]

I have A Murder for the Books from NetGalley, Anniegirl. Did you enjoy it?

[Annabel]

Yes, the plots never stand up to over-thinking afterwards. I read them as an indulgent trip into the past, enjoying the old houses, clothes, atmosphere etc, and ignore the plot-holes. But the later detective stories are certainly better than the early thrillers for holding together long enough for you to get to the end!

[ShanDizzy]

Annabel wrote: "Yes, the plots never stand up to over-thinking afterwards. I read them as an indulgent trip into the past, enjoying the old houses, clothes, atmosphere etc, and ignore the plot-holes. But the later..."

I agree, Annabel. I mostly read for the pleasure of it and almost never analyze the story, especially if it's a fiction or mystery story.

[Judy]

I've now finished The Huntsman's Tale by Ann Swinfen - I really enjoyed it though there is a lot of build-up before the mystery unfolds. My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Gary]

Currently reading Malice in Maggody by Joan Hess. This is the first of the long running Arly Hanks series set in fictional Maggody, Arkansas.

[Leslie]

I have finished Amanda Cross' Poetic Justice - an American academic mystery. Very good!

Now I am rereading via audiobook this month's Miss Marple - At Bertram's Hotel.

[Marwan]

Finished Blueprint for Murder by Roger Bax

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

[Susan]

Leslie, I wish Amanda Cross was available on kindle in the UK. I do tend to have one 'book' on the go, but they are always review copies and I am resistant to adding to my overwhelmed shelves...

[Annie]

Susan wrote: "I have A Murder for the Books from NetGalley, Anniegirl. Did you enjoy it?"

Yes, I did enjoy reading this - a quick and easy read in between other books that I'm reading. A bit predictable at times, but still enjoyable.

[Susan]

Thanks, Anniegirl. I will save it for when I want a quick and easy read.

[Leslie]

Susan wrote: "Leslie, I wish Amanda Cross was available on kindle in the UK. I do tend to have one 'book' on the go, but they are always review copies and I am resistant to adding to my overwhelmed shelves..."

Hopefully they will come soon -- the one I read was a Kindle book I borrowed from the library. Can you do that in the UK, borrow digital content (ebooks & audiobooks) from the library?

[AngryGreyCat]

Judy wrote: "Are you reading a good Golden Age or more modern mystery at the moment, or have you just finished one? Please share your recommendations and reviews!"

Currently reading It seems really good so far!

[Susan]

We can borrow ebooks from the library, Leslie, but I usually have so many bookclub and review books to read that I never get time to venture there...

[Jay-me (Janet)]

My local library also offers ebooks, but I have looked a couple of times and haven't been impressed with the choice of books available.

[Judy]

Just starting our next buddy read, There's Trouble Brewing.

So far it has been living up to its name for me - the library copy I'd ordered got lost on the way to me and then when I bought it on Kindle instead there was a problem with the download! But now I have it and am looking forward to reading and discussing it. :)

[Susan]

Ha ha! Trouble brewing indeed. Let's hope it is smooth sailing from this point on, Judy!

[Judy]

Thanks, Susan, I'm sure it will be!

[Teri-K]

Judy wrote: "Just starting our next buddy read, There's Trouble Brewing.

So far it has been living up to its name for me - the library copy I'd ordered got lost on the way to me and then when I..."

Imagine if we have to start watching out for the titles of the books we read coming true in our lives... I foresee a big drop in sales of thrillers and mysteries. :)

[Judy]

Teri-K wrote: "Imagine if we have to start watching out for the titles of the books we read coming true in our lives... I foresee a big drop in sales of thrillers and mysteries. :) .."

Yes indeed, and maybe a boom in get-rich quick books and holiday romances!

[Susan]

Talking of buddy reads - here is an updated list (plenty of time to find those books!):

September/Oct: There's Trouble Brewing
Oct/Nov: The Life and Times of Miss Jane Marple
Nov/Dec: Not a Creature was Stirring: Jane Haddam
Jan/Feb: Green for Danger: Christianna Brand
Feb/March: The Documents in the Case: Dorothy L. Sayers (this was a book Judy nominated for the main read, but has shown itself hard to find. So, if anyone is keen to join in, this gives you plenty of time to find a copy).

I will open the discussion for There's Trouble Brewing later in the week.

[Cecile]

Miss M wrote: "Reading the new Elizabeth George, A Banquet of Consequences, which I am very, very relieved to say is back to being a good old-fashioned procedural. Was pretty resigned to giving up..."

I'm so glad to know this. Haven't read the last 2 or 3.

[Teri-K]

Just finished Secrets in Death. It was a decent mystery but a lousy Eve Dallas book. No tension, no complications, no attitude. I felt the same way about the last one and wonder if she's losing her interest in this series.

[Brina]

I'm trying out a contemporary Rizzoli and Isles book by Tess Gerritsen. I needed it for a challenge for another group-- read 10 mysteries of different genres. It probably won't be nearly as good as GA books but at least I can check off that square for the challenge.

[Miss M]

Cecile wrote: "Miss M wrote: "Reading the new Elizabeth George, A Banquet of Consequences, which I am very, very relieved to say is back to being a good old-fashioned procedural. Was pretty resign..."

Uh-oh. Really sorry, I have to admit, I ended up giving it two stars despite the positive start.
Unfortunately I don't remember many of the details now, but I know I was dissatisfied with the ending. Now I'm back on the fence about continuing, but I think I'll just leave it up to fate/library availability (I know I won't be buying any!)

[Judy]

Susan wrote: "Talking of buddy reads - here is an updated list (plenty of time to find those books!):

September/Oct: There's Trouble Brewing
Oct/Nov: The Life and Times of Miss Jane Marple
Nov/Dec: Not a Crea..."

Thanks for posting the updated list, Susan - I'm really enjoying There's Trouble Brewing, and looking forward to our discussion. Will also get hold of the Miss Marple bio soon.

[Judy]

Carol ♔Type, Oh Queen!♕ wrote: "I'm reading X by Sue Grafton. So far it is better than W for Wasted. For me, this has always been a very uneven series."

I see the last one I read was U Is for Undertow, so I have some catching up to do! I've also found it a very uneven series but have enjoyed a lot of the books.