What mysteries are you reading at the moment? Old thread Showing 3,801-3,850 of 4,475

[Jill]

Almost half way through The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra for the new group read

[Gardener0126]

Diane wrote: "I am working my way through Faith Martin's Hillary Greene series Murder on the Oxford Canal. I just finished the 13th in the series Murder of a Lover and am loving t..."

Because you posted this, I have started Murder on the Oxford Canal, and am enjoying it. In general the word “gripping” in the title or description of a book is a huge “ no” for me. I don’t know why, probably because it is so overused. Every book in the series has “a gripping crime novel full of twists” attached to the title. I know I said that I am enjoying this book, and I am, but I am not finding it “gripping”.

[Emma]

Gardener0126 wrote: Because you posted this, I have started Murder on the Oxford Canal, and am enjoying it. In general the word “gripping” in the title or description of a book is a huge “ no” for me. I don’t know why, probably because it is so overused. Every book in the series has “a gripping crime novel full of twists” attached to the title. I know I said that I am enjoying this book, and I am, but I am not finding it “gripping”

Ha, I started the same book as a results of Diane's recommendation (and have also read the second in the series, Murder at the University), and agree with you. Both were very enjoyable (but not gripping).

The list of British slang at the back of my Kindle edition was amusing - it made me wonder if the author is not a native Brit, since some of the terms aren't quite what I'd expect. There's a bit in the second novel where Hillary is noted to have had "the opportunity to study art as a second major" which is not the way British degrees work.

[Susan]

Current mysteries on the go are:

Scrublands: The No. 1 Bestselling Thriller in Australia

Nemesis

The Devil Aspect

[ShanDizzy]

Susan wrote: "The Martha Grimes mysteries are finally being released on kindle in the UK in August. I will pre-order the first one on your recommendation, S Dizzy, as I know we often like the same books :)"

Susan, I think I will try to read this series again despite being disappointed in the coarse language from #4 The Dirty Duck. I had lunch with one of my friends over the weekend who has read the entire series and she said that the language isn't as bad in the rest of the series. I don't mind a smattering of coarse language but cannot tolerate rampant cursing/swearing/vulgarity just for the sake of it. Because I truly got to like Jury, Plant, and his opportunistic aunt and the other characters, so I will it another go. Do you remember anything about the language from reading this series? Thank you

[Jill]

S Dizzy wrote: "Susan wrote: "The Martha Grimes mysteries are finally being released on kindle in the UK in August. I will pre-order the first one on your recommendation, S Dizzy, as I know we often like the same ..."

I've only read the first 3 of this series and The Lamorna Wink which is the one I read first (as I was in Lamorna at the time) and that made me buy the series. My next will be The Dirty Duck, but I don't think I remember swearing in the later book.

[ShanDizzy]

Jill wrote: "S Dizzy wrote: "Susan wrote: "The Martha Grimes mysteries are finally being released on kindle in the UK in August. I will pre-order the first one on your recommendation, S Dizzy, as I know we ofte..."

Thanks for the information, Jill.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

S Dizzy wrote: "I don't mind a smattering of coarse language but cannot tolerate rampant cursing/swearing/vulgarity just for the sake of it. "

Yay! Another who doesn't see the point of the coarseness "just for the sake of it."

[Jill]

Just finished The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy and A Spoonful of Poison by M.C. Beaton
Am now going to read Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz. I read The House of Silk and liked that so time for the next in the Sherlock Holmes series by this author.

[Jan C]

S Dizzy wrote: "Susan wrote: "The Martha Grimes mysteries are finally being released on kindle in the UK in August. I will pre-order the first one on your recommendation, S Dizzy, as I know we often like the same ..."

I am on my 15th book and I have no recollection of bad language. Maybe I just have a selective memory.

[Susan in NC]

Couldn’t get Inspector Chopra from my library, so I’m listening to the audiobook through Scribd, and just started , more of a spy thriller really, for another group read.

[Susan in NC]

S Dizzy wrote: "Susan wrote: "The Martha Grimes mysteries are finally being released on kindle in the UK in August. I will pre-order the first one on your recommendation, S Dizzy, as I know we often like the same ..."

Hey, Shannon! I read this entire series years ago because I also enjoyed Plant and Jury and the recurring characters- I don’t remember the language being that bad among the main characters, I enjoyed their humor and friendship (and yes, Plant’s horrid aunt!) I hope you enjoy it if you read on. I have to check back in with Martha Grimes, I believe she wrote other things for awhile then went back to Jury with a new book in the last couple years.

[Annabel]

I am reading Miss Klopp's Midnight Confessions . I love this series but was horrified to discover that for this one, she has switched to third person. Why do authors do this? Constance Klopp delivers a great first person narrative. It's not that I don't like books written in third person, but when you have started to enjoy a series' narrative voice, it's very jarring to switch.

I thought the same when the Kay Scarpetta books switched to third person and I don't even like those that much. I know it gives the author the chance to use other narrative voices and show scenes where the protagonist isn't present, but I'm not sure the trade is worth it. Hoping that the next book in the series switches back.

[Judy]

That's interesting, Annabel - I also find it a bit odd when a series chops and changes from one to the other. I wonder if it sometimes has something to do with the nuts and bolts of the mystery in question - if it needs scenes where the detective isn't there, as you say.

[Susan in NC]

Annabel wrote: "I am reading Miss Klopp's Midnight Confessions . I love this series but was horrified to discover that for this one, she has switched to third p..."

I read the first couple books in this series and enjoyed them- thanks for the reminder, Annabel, to get back to it.

[Sandy]

Susan in NC wrote: "Annabel wrote: "I am reading Miss Klopp's Midnight Confessions . I love this series but was horrified to discover that for this one, she has swi..."

I read them all as they came out, never noticed the switch and can't tell you if first person returns. I feel very unobservent.

[Jemima]

I've just finished and am currently into , having read the previous Angela Marchmont mysteries and enjoyed them through Oct-Dec last year.

[Judy]

Was the Sara Rosett book good, Jemima? That's a new name to me. I'm also a fan of the Angela Marchmont books.

[Judy]

I've just started Final Curtain, next book in our Ngaio Marsh challenge. Enjoying it so far.

[Susan]

Me too, Judy. A little non-PC for Marsh. It's reminding me a bit of Christianna Brand at the moment (not that I don't love her books, but she also tended to have some stereotypical, effeminate male characters in her books).

[Pamela]

I'm reading Trouble in Nuala, set in 1930s Ceylon (now Sri Lanka, of course, and the nationalist movement does get some brief mentions in the book). It's a bit slow to get into the mystery but I'm enjoying the characters and the setting.

[Jemima]

Judy the Rosett book was good. A lighthearted, frivolous romp through high early 20s society. It felt authentic and the character development was good. A great first in the series. I was so busy enjoying the story that I didn’t really worry too much about ‘who dunit’ and so was rather surprised at the end. But it was all fun and the plot traced back well. I just got a rad distracted by some of the other characters. If you like murder mysteries with a historical twist you will probably enjoy this book.

[ShanDizzy]

Susan in NC wrote: "S Dizzy wrote: "...because I also enjoyed Plant and Jury and the recurring characters- I don’t remember the language being that bad..."

Thanks Susan, Elizabeth(Alaska) and Jan C for your points about the Richard Jury series. I am going to see my mom this weekend (4 hours each way) and have opted to listen to Jerusalem Inn on the way there. I hope to enjoy it.

[Susan in NC]

S Dizzy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "S Dizzy wrote: "...because I also enjoyed Plant and Jury and the recurring characters- I don’t remember the language being that bad..."

Thanks Susan, Elizabeth(Alaska) and Jan ..."

Me, too! Drive safely and have a lovely visit!

[Susan in NC]

Jemima wrote: "I've just finished and am currently into , having read the previous Angela Marchmont mysteries and enjoyed..."

Good to know, I’ve been recommended those on Amazon but haven’t tried them yet - so many books, so little time - lovely problem to have! Those do sound lovely, I enjoy a historical mystery.

[Carolien]

Emma wrote: "Gardener0126 wrote: Because you posted this, I have started Murder on the Oxford Canal, and am enjoying it. In general the word “gripping” in the title or description of a book is a huge “ no” for ..."

Am I therefore not the only one starting to ignore any book which adds "A gripping mystery" to its title. I kind of feel that if you have to tell me how gripping/terrifying/whatever your book is, then it is probably not very good at actually conveying that to the reader.

[Carolien]

Pamela wrote: "I'm reading Trouble in Nuala, set in 1930s Ceylon (now Sri Lanka, of course, and the nationalist movement does get some brief mentions in the book). It's a bit slow to get into the ..."

Didn't realise this series is set in Sri Lanka. I've been meaning to try it and would love some books set in that part of the world.

[Gardener0126]

Carolien wrote: "Emma wrote: "Gardener0126 wrote: Because you posted this, I have started Murder on the Oxford Canal, and am enjoying it. In general the word “gripping” in the title or description of a book is a hu..."

Yes, that’s pretty much exactly how I feel. In particular I am easily annoyed by the word “gripping”.

[Judy]

I'm guessing it is often the publisher who adds the word "gripping" rather than the author, though!

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I think you are right, Judy. However, it gives me a heads up because I'm not interested in reading "gripping" mysteries - especially when that word is accurate.

[Jan C]

Carolien wrote: "Emma wrote: "Gardener0126 wrote: Because you posted this, I have started Murder on the Oxford Canal, and am enjoying it. In general the word “gripping” in the title or description of a book is a hu..."

A real turn-off for me.

[Judy]

Jemima wrote: "Judy the Rosett book was good. A lighthearted, frivolous romp through high early 20s society. It felt authentic and the character development was good. A great first in the series. I was so busy en..."

Thanks, Jemima, sounds up my street. I'll add it to my TBR.

[Judy]

Susan wrote: "Me too, Judy. A little non-PC for Marsh. It's reminding me a bit of Christianna Brand at the moment (not that I don't love her books, but she also tended to have some stereotypical, effeminate male..."

I agree - I think Final Curtain will make for an interesting discussion. I'm currently dashing to finish it because someone else has ordered the digital library copy I'm reading!

I've recently picked up a secondhand copy of the next Christianna Brand in the Inspector Cockerill series, Suddenly at His Residence, and hope to read that one soon.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Started A Dark-Adapted Eye last night. It's told in the first person, but I was a bit off-balance from the beginning, as I didn't know for many pages whether the narrator was male or female.

[Diane]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I think you are right, Judy. However, it gives me a heads up because I'm not interested in reading "gripping" mysteries - especially when that word is accurate."

Interesting. I ignored the "gripping" label and read the books even though it annoyed me. I think that I will share this conversation with the publisher (Joffe books.)

[Jan C]

Getting ready to start The Case of the Howling Dog - #4 in Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason series.

[Judy]

I managed to finish the library e-copy of Final Curtain an hour before it would have been swept from my Kindle - and will hope to borrow it again to refresh my memory for our discussion!

[Sandy]

Judy wrote: "I managed to finish the library e-copy of Final Curtain an hour before it would have been swept from my Kindle - and will hope to borrow it again to refresh my memory for our discussion!"

I believe if you use your kindle off-line the book will remain until you next sync. I think I verified this long ago. Not sure if others in line have to wait for you to finish. I have a 'dumb' (bottom of the line) kindle so that may affect results.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Sandy wrote: "I believe if you use your kindle off-line the book will remain until you next sync. "

I've even returned a book and it was still on my kindle. And yes, I don't have the wifi turned on on my kindle except to download recently purchased items and to upload highlights.

[Judy]

That's interesting, thanks Sandy and Elizabeth- I'll bear it in mind if I get close to the wire another time!

[Judy]

I've started reading The Wheel Spins (The Lady Vanishes) by Ethel Lina White, ready for next month's group read. For anyone considering joining in on this one, here are a lot of cheap editions around under both titles.

[Annabel]

Carolien wrote: "Emma wrote: "Gardener0126 wrote: Because you posted this, I have started Murder on the Oxford Canal, and am enjoying it. In general the word “gripping” in the title or description of a book is a hu..."

I just spent most of a lunch-hour in WH Smith looking for new mysteries to read and while I didn't notice any 'gripping' blurbs, I was struck by the similarity of the dustjackets in the crime/thriller section. Almost all used the same blocky block-capital font, a short violent title (DEAD WATER, HIGH IMPACT, that sort of thing) and an arty, usually black and white, photograph of something violent. It was depressingly similar and made me not want to read any of them.

I must admit I've started to become tediously obsessive over dustjackets - won't read anything with a photographic cover, will read almost anything with a nice illustration or even better, a woodcut. Generally an illustrated crime cover means cosy (retro, contemporary or reissued) crime and that's probably a better fit for me.

Anyone else choosing their books by their covers??

[Tara]

Annabel wrote: "Carolien wrote: "Emma wrote: "Gardener0126 wrote: Because you posted this, I have started Murder on the Oxford Canal, and am enjoying it. In general the word “gripping” in the title or description ..."

While we are repeatedly told we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, its definitely hard not to do so. I know that I personally was drawn to the Brother Cadfael series from Ellis Peters when I saw the medieval covers in the library.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Annabel wrote: "Anyone else choosing their books by their covers?? "

No, but titles attract me. On GR the covers posted in threads are too small to be of any use to these older eyes. I know people in this group really like covers, but I just skip any post that is simply a mass of covers. I appreciate especially the posts where the covers are in a large size, because I *do* find covers interesting when I'm already interested in the book. We've enjoyed seeing differences in covers.

[Judy]

I do like good covers and find them interesting... but must admit I have come unstuck by choosing a few books because of lovely covers, then finding that the contents don't live up to them!

[Susan]

When posting book titles for freebies, etc, I always try to post the title and the cover. Titles can be mis-leading, but I agree that you can often see if a book will have any interest by the cover. Not always, but often. Also, book links on Goodreads don't show the author, so it is easy to miss something you might have wanted to actually read, if it is book 4, or 5, in a series and you skip over something by a favourite author.

[Carolien]

I agree that covers are becoming a problem. Everybody seems to be using the same few cover designers within a genre. And they are monotonously dark and gloomy.

I'm not a particularly visual person, so cover matters less to me, but I often get emails from either Amazon or some of the publishers like Endeavour and it is obvious that all the books in the email had the same cover designers. At that point I lose interest because I think it shows that not not enough effort is made.

A striking cover can definitely sell a book. My favourite:
. Each little figurine has its own expression (and yes it's a crime book).

[Sandy]

I will certainly pick up a book because of its cover, but often put it back down. So they certainly serve their marketing purpose as I give them a look. I'm attracted by elaborate frilly art work: , , and one with a swan on a river I can't remember now. The covers often tempt me into fantasy, but I seldom follow.

[Sandy]

P.S. Looked up my third cover, where the swan is the river.

The only one of these I have actually read is Essex Serpent. The Swan has made it to my TBR, and Silver I own on audio.

[Jill]

Halfway through The Lady Vanishes and as I am not allowed to say it is gripping me, I will say I am finding it compulsive reading. I know what is going on from the old Hitchcock film, but still enjoying the actual read