What mysteries are you reading at the moment? Old thread Showing 3,851-3,900 of 4,475

[Judy]

Jill wrote: "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..."

Haha, I think you are allowed to say that but not to put it in the book's title. :)

I've only read about 20% so far but am finding it starting to pull me in, and looking forward to our discussion.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Susan wrote: "Also, book links on Goodreads don't show the author"

I have always appreciated your posts that include both the title and cover. It is easy enough to also add the author by switching to the author tab on the add book/author tool.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "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!"

Haven’t we all! I’m in the Book for All Seasons Group, and last equinox period (that’s how the challenges come to us), the moderators asked for challenge suggestions from the group, and one person came up with choosing a book ONLY based on cover art or title - no recommendations or blurbs or review reading.

It was very interesting to hear back and read reviews, some of us were pleasantly surprised, and some very disappointed in what our choices turned out to be.

[Susan in NC]

Susan wrote: "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..."

Good point - and your point about cover art was often true in this challenge- certain types of cover art come into style and get recycled in certain genres, whether it’s chicklit, historical fiction, thrillers, romance, etc. So, if you look at lots of covers in a favorite genre, you usually see trends and can pick something you’d like. But I think publishers cheat sometimes- one poor reader was sucked in by a beautiful nature scene and rather innocuous title, but within the first ten pages there was an incestuous sexual assault and other violence- she was appalled and Did Not Finish (DNF), choosing another book instead. Couldn’t blame her!

When my mom was alive she worked at Barnes & Noble and noticed this trick with books, but it usually back-fired - readers felt angry and cheated and returned the book!

[Susan]

Elizabeth, you are correct in saying that it is easy enough to add authors. I am aware that many members access Goodreads via phones or tablets, so I try to keep it as simple as possible though. Personally, I can only cope with Goodreads on a laptop, but that probably shows my age :)

[Judy]

I'm now halfway through The Lady Vanishes/The Wheel Spins, and also finding it compulsive reading, as Jill said. Looking forward to discussing it next month.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Susan wrote: "Personally, I can only cope with Goodreads on a laptop, but that probably shows my age"

I only have a desktop. I don't even *have* a mobile anything. (And I think you may be younger than my children, you young woman you.)

[Susan]

I stand corrected, Elizabeth. Your children are lucky to have you :)

[Lady Clementina]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Susan wrote: "Personally, I can only cope with Goodreads on a laptop, but that probably shows my age"

I only have a desktop. I don't even *have* a mobile anything. (And I think you may be younger ..."

I don't use the internet other than on my laptop either- only use a basic phone by choice. I do use a tablet but for reading only and not all the time.

[Jill]

Now reading for next month. (Trying giant cover to see if I could understand how. Will probably forget how in next five minutes)

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Looking forward to that one later, Jill. (And thanks for the larger - fun! - cover. The edition I have has a slightly different title: Crossword Mystery.

[Susan in NC]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Susan wrote: "Personally, I can only cope with Goodreads on a laptop, but that probably shows my age"

I only have a desktop. I don't even *have* a mobile anything. (And I think you may be younger ..."

I have an iPhone, only because my husband needs one for his business, so when he gets a new one, I get the old one - I use it to play music or listen to audiobooks - I can’t imagine trying to read a book on that little screen! That’s what Kindle and my library app on my iPad are for.

[Susan in NC]

Jill wrote: "Now reading for next month. (Trying giant cover to see if I could understand how. Will probably forget how in next five minutes)"

Ooh, that is a fun cover! Mine is different and more boring, but can’t complain, kindle for .99!

[Jan C]

I have used my phone for reading books - usually when no other alternative. Also use tablet and laptop.

[Judy]

I'm about halfway through The Witness for the Prosecution: And Other Stories by Agatha Christie - I think some of these are very clever, particularly the title story and Accident, but it's a bit of an uneven collection and I was surprised to see that two stories with similar twists came close together - it looks as if these were gathered from other collections though, which probably explains that.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I've started Double for Death, the first in Stout's Tecumseh Fox series. I didn't even realize he'd written a series other than Nero Wolfe. I'm not very far, but my first impression is that it is the same solid writing style with decent dialog.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "I'm about halfway through The Witness for the Prosecution: And Other Stories by Agatha Christie - I think some of these are very clever, particularly the title story..."

That sounds interesting- I know I read Witness years ago and saw the black and white movie, but don’t remember it. I need an anthology for another book challenge, but it’s supposed to be different authors. I was thinking Murder at the Manor: Country House Mysteries.

[Susan in NC]

I’m reading Murder at the Manor .

[Susan]

Started The Lady Vanishes

I have never seen the film, but will be interested to hear how people think this compares.

[Susan in NC]

Susan wrote: "Started The Lady Vanishes

I have never seen the film, but will be interested to hear how people think this compares."

I want to start that next, I’ve never seen the film either; sounds like kind of a thriller, and I didn’t want to start another right after reading The Salzburg Connection.

[Judy]

Susan in NC wrote: "I’m reading Murder at the Manor."

I remember enjoying this collection - the picture on the cover is of Christchurch Mansion, which is a stately home that has been turned into a free museum in the centre of my town, Ipswich.

[Gary]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I've started Double for Death, the first in Stout's Tecumseh Fox series. I didn't even realize he'd written a series other than Nero Wolfe. I'm not very far, but my first impression ..."

He also wrote a novel featuring Dol Bonner and another featuring Inspector Cramer which are related to the Wolfe series. If I remember correctly one of the Fox stories got reworked by Stout as a Wolfe story.

[Sandy]

I recently listened to Too Many Women and enjoyed spending the day with Wolfe and Archie. I don't visit them often enough.

[Gary]

I am partway into The Naval Treaty and then The Final Problem and I will have finished The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I’m reading Murder at the Manor."

I remember enjoying this collection - the picture on the cover is of Christch..."

I’ve read the first three stories so far, bit of a mixed bag - the Sherlock story very good, the next wordy and rather boring, but then a fun Raffles story. I’m curious about the rest, and expect I’ll enjoy comparing the different writing styles.

I love the covers of these British Library Crime Classics books! I hope it’s a good museum, you’re lucky to live near such a lovely place.

[Judy]

Susan in NC wrote: "I’ve read the first three stories so far, bit of a mixed bag - the Sherlock story very good, the next wordy and rather boring, but then a fun Raffles story...."

I always enjoy comparing the writing styles in those books too, Susan, and agree about the lovely covers. I find short story collections ideal for bedtime reading, since if I read a bit of a longer story then I sometimes forget what happened by the morning and have to read it again!

[Annabel]

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..."

Finished it now. Very disappointing, in all honesty. Aside from the switch in narrative voice, it seems that the author has decided to base the plots on the real-life Constance Kopp's real cases. Well, we all know real life isn't as elegantly plotted as fiction so for me, the thing just sprawled. I feel bad criticising it as I loved the first two - will hope for a return to form (by which I mean what I personally prefer) in her next.

Have moved on to rereading Patricia Wentworth's Eternity Ring for a dose of sheer self-indulgence.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I’ve read the first three stories so far, bit of a mixed bag - the Sherlock story very good, the next wordy and rather boring, but then a fun Raffles story...."

I always enjoy ..."

You’re right - perfect! I enjoy reading a story or two a day, in between audiobooks while I knit (I’ve got a sweater going that at this rate, I’ll not wear until next winter...)

[Susan in NC]

Annabel 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..."

Oh, nuts, that disappointing- I really enjoyed the first couple books and hoped they’d continue in that vein...oh well, not like there aren’t other mysteries to read out there! You all have given me several new authors to explore- thank you!

Not sure if this is the right thread, but has anyone read Catherine Aird? I read her first two books through Scribd and enjoyed them - kind of traditional Golden Age police procedural in rural England, but post-WWII.

[Sandy]

I've read the first three of Catherine Aird's Inspector Sloan series. My short review of the third:

Good mystery with a unique set up (the body is discovered in a suit of armor) but the real attraction is the author's quiet, dry humor.

One more series I try to keep going. I like quiet, dry humor.

[Carolien]

Sandy wrote: "I've read the first three of Catherine Aird's Inspector Sloan series. My short review of the third:

Good mystery with a unique set up (the body is discovered in a suit of armor) but the real attr..."

I have the first two books, maybe I should get around to reading them. I like quiet, dry humour too.

On the subject of "gripping" mysteries, Amazon send me a recommendation today for an "atmospheric, thrilling thriller". Not going to read that one.

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "I've read the first three of Catherine Aird's Inspector Sloan series. My short review of the third:

Good mystery with a unique set up (the body is discovered in a suit of armor) but the real attr..."

Me, too - that’s what pulled me in and got me hooked. Thanks for the good news that the third is good, that’s next up for me. Such an intriguing set up, I’m glad it worked!

[Susan in NC]

Carolien wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I've read the first three of Catherine Aird's Inspector Sloan series. My short review of the third:

Good mystery with a unique set up (the body is discovered in a suit of armor) but..."

Seriously, “ thrilling thriller”? Atmospheric is good, I don’t mind that word - maybe they heard us and are trying to get away from “gripping”! Better break out the thesaurus...

[Jill]

Susan in NC wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I've read the first three of Catherine Aird's Inspector Sloan series. My short review of the third:

Good mystery with a unique set up (the body is discovered in a suit of armor) but..."

Next up for me also

[Lady Clementina]

Sandy wrote: "I've read the first three of Catherine Aird's Inspector Sloan series. My short review of the third:

Good mystery with a unique set up (the body is discovered in a suit of armor) but the real attr..."

This was Stately Manor, right? That's the only one I've read and I enjoyed the humour.

[Sandy]

Lady Clementina wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I've read the first three of Catherine Aird's Inspector Sloan series. My short review of the third:

Good mystery with a unique set up (the body is discovered in a suit of armor) but..."

Yes, The Stately Home Murder. Its the one I've read most recently.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I started the upcoming Poirot read, Death in the Clouds.

[Jan C]

I just finished Murder on the Blackboard. On to The Puzzle of the Pepper Tree.

[Sandy]

I've started, again, Lethal White. I started it on audio awhile back, was intimidated by the size, and now I have both book and audio. Hoping it will go twice as fast! I'm enjoying it but I am one who is interested in both the detectives' relationship and the mystery. There is a lot of relationship angst so far.

I may be a bit late for our monthly reads.

[Gary]

Jan C wrote: "I just finished Murder on the Blackboard. On to The Puzzle of the Pepper Tree."

You are slightly ahead of me on The Miss Withers series. The first 2 were a lot of fun.

[Tara]

I'm about halfway through The Canary Trainer: From the Memoirs of John H. Watson, M.D. , which is book 3 in the Sherlock Holmes series by Nicholas Meyer. I'm not much into fanfic, but these books are entertaining and fast reads.

[Jill]

I am reading The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly book 19 in the Harry Bosch universe , book 2 in the Jack McEvoy series

It has a lot of warnings about putting all your details on the internet. It was first published in 2009 and yet people still do it and get upset when they are hacked.

[Gary]

Just about done with The Man With a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes.

On my Kindle I just started Murder at the Spa by Stefanie Matteson

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I started Black Roses today.

[Susan]

I am a bit behind, but intending to start once I have finished The Lady Vanishes. I have started, and am really enjoying, Minute for Murder

[Susan in NC]

Just started Final Curtain .

[Bruce]

I’m reading the Pelican Brief and The Lady Vanishes.

I agree Tara. I loved the first two Sherlock books by Nicholas Meyer. I still haven’t read the Canary Trainer yet. I actually do like fan fiction if it’s well done though, and not the parody or satire kind. I like to see my favorite characters from different books meet, or as in Meyer’s books, fictional characters meet real life people.

I’m not sure if you’ve seen it, but Meyer also wrote and directed the film Time After Time, about H.G. Wells and Jack the Ripper. Most people don’t notice, but there’s a couple Holmes references in it. Inspector Gregson makes an appearance near the beginning, and Wells’ Landlady is Mrs Turner. Of course, there’s also the excellent film version of the Seven Per Cent Solution. Meyer wrote the screenplay for that too, and was nominated for an Oscar for it.

[Judy]

I've just finished The Witness for the Prosecution: And Other Stories by Agatha Christie - a bit of an uneven collection but some of the stories were brilliant.

I've decided to carry on having a collection of short stories on the go, so I've now started The Allingham Casebook, a collection of short stories by Margery Allingham which was put together posthumously. Not sure how many of these feature Campion, but he is in the first story together with Charlie Luke, who features in some of the novels.

[Bruce]

I do remember thinking it was ok, but Three Blind Mice and Other Stories was a better collection. Speaking of which, The Mousetrap is coming to my city in the US next month. I don’t know if I’ll be able to see it as I just started a new job. I actually saw it in the last city I lived in though, so I got to see it once at least.

[Gary]

I have done 2 Christie plays when I was involved in community theater. In Witness for the Prosecution, I played Chief Inspector Hearne of Scotland Yard. A few years later I played another Scotland Yard detective in The Uninvited Guest. Christie rocks.