What mysteries are you reading at the moment? Old thread Showing 4,201-4,250 of 4,457

[Jemima]

I think having only two buddy reads a month is a good idea as many of us belong to other book clubs as well. I see quite a few in my other forums. Maybe we can add the new ones down the track.

[Lady Clementina]

Susan wrote: "These are the upcoming Buddy Reads:

April/May:
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P D James
Angel with Two Faces by Nicola Upson
Spook Street by Mick Herron

May/June:
Death of a Hollow Man by Ca..."
I'm interested in continuing with the Angela Marchmont books, so do pop her in where there's a slot available.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I'm very much hoping you'll want to continue the Midsomer Murder series by Caroline Graham.

[Susan in NC]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I'm very much hoping you'll want to continue the Midsomer Murder series by Caroline Graham."

I loved that series and read them all years ago - I was so excited to learn there was a long-running tv series out of the premise, and it came to public tv here in NC! Last weekend, after an interminable pledge week, they finally brought back Midsomer Murders, this time with the new chief, who is the old chief’s cousin. He seems quite quirky and fun, I think I’ll enjoy these newer episodes (well, newer to me - British people probably saw them almost 20 years ago!)

[Tara]

Susan in NC wrote: "Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I'm very much hoping you'll want to continue the Midsomer Murder series by Caroline Graham."

I loved that series and read them all years ago - I was so excited to learn ..."
I'm on season (series) 8 on Netflix and I quite like it. Very tongue-in-cheek and highly implausible, but entertaining. I have never read any of the books though.

I also enjoyed the first Marchmont book, and would participate in a buddy read for additional books in the series.

[Tara]

I just received my copy of The Black Ascot by Charles Todd, from my book-of-the-month club. Interestingly the author is a mother/son team, and this is book 21 in the Inspector Rutledge series. Has anyone read this author or series before? Does it suffer from not being read in sequence? (something I would normally consider doing, but I don't want to wait 2 years to read this book until after I have read the previous 20...)

[Susan in NC]

Tara wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "I'm very much hoping you'll want to continue the Midsomer Murder series by Caroline Graham."

I loved that series and read them all years ago - I was ..."

It is fun and funny! I just ordered a used copy of Death of a Hollow Man, I’m looking forward to a reread.

I wasn’t in the group for the Marchmont books but have the first, I think, on Kindle. Sounds like a good one!

[Sandy]

Tara wrote: "I just received my copy of The Black Ascot by Charles Todd, from my book-of-the-month club. Interestingly the author is a mother/son..."

I read the first of their Beth Crawford series. Thought it was fine but I had at least one other WWI nurse series going at the time so didn't continue and haven't thought much about picking it up since. Not a very positive recommendation I suppose. I've heard the Rutledge series is meatier but haven't read any.

[Jill]

Tara wrote: "I just received my copy of The Black Ascot by Charles Todd, from my book-of-the-month club. Interestingly the author is a mother/son..."

So far I have only read the first book A Test of Wills, but that was back in 2012. I remember I did like it. I do in fact have 16 of the books. As I have them I will read in order, but as always it is a matter of fitting them in amongst all the other series I am reading.

[Sandy]

Regarding writing teams, I've often wondered how they work. It seems to me that only one should do the actual writing to keep the voice consistent. The only other team I can think of is Michael Stanley who do (I'm hoping its still active) a series set in Botswana.

Neil Gaiman and Terry Prachett combined for Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch but that had two distinct voices.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Yesterday I started Jane Harper's The Dry. It is certainly *not* in the category of golden age. It did win many awards, including Australia's Ned Kelly Award. That might not be the award it has won that gets your attention, but is another country chalked up for the award challenge.

[Jan C]

Tara wrote: "I just received my copy of The Black Ascot by Charles Todd, from my book-of-the-month club. Interestingly the author is a mother/son..."

I've read a number of both of their series but I have fallen behind. I've read in order.

[Susan]

I have never read Charles Todd - are they good?

I would certainly like to continue the Caroline Graham series. Actually, I've never seen Midsomer Murders, but I like the books and haven't read the whole series. I think the only way I really get through a series, is when I read them with the group, otherwise I tend to stop halfway through :)

I will talk to my fellow mods and update the buddy reads. Thanks, as always, for the input.

[Susan]

Updated Buddy List:

Buddy reads are: (mid-month starts)

March/April:
The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey
Stop Press by Michael Innes
Flowers for the Judge by Margery Allingham

April/May:
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P D James
Angel with Two Faces by Nicola Upson
Spook Street by Mick Herron

May/June:
Death of a Hollow Man by Caroline Graham
Head of a Traveler by Nicholas Blake
London Rules by Mick Herron

June/July
Bump in the Night by Colin Watson
The Case of the Late Pig? by Margery Allingham

July/August
The Riddle at Gypsy's Mile by Clara Benson

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Susan wrote: "Actually, I've never seen Midsomer Murders, but I like the books and haven't read the whole series. "

Thank you. It was years ago - maybe 20 - that we watched some of the series. I don't watch that kind of TV anymore, using such available time to read instead.

[Susan in NC]

I don’t watch much tv either, but Midsomer Murders is only on PBS for an hour on Saturday nights, so it’s a regular date for me! I remember years ago when I read Caroline Graham’s original series, I was disappointed there were only seven books. When I heard they were bringing this popular British police show based on her books to public tv I was curious, Googled it and found out they just ran with her original premise and characters, and it seemed to work, it became a hit and ran for years!

When I finally got to watch it, I did find it quirky and rather fantastical at times, but addictive! I think they’ve done a good job - I even saw a behind the scenes show where they interviewed the original actors, producers and Graham, and she was satisfied with it and approved, so I enjoy it! The original Tom Barnaby said he thought it was popular because it was humorous but the police, no matter how ridiculous or bizarre the murder method or characters, plays it very seriously, like a classic British police procedural.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Susan in NC wrote: "I don’t watch much tv either"

I don't want to give the impression I don't watch TV. I have golf on right now. I just don't watch TV with a story, where you have to get involved with the characters. Stories are for reading.

[Susan in NC]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I don’t watch much tv either"

I don't want to give the impression I don't watch TV. I have golf on right now. I just don't watch TV with a story, where you have to get involved..."

I see.

[Susan]

Actually, I am quite similar. I do watch TV. However, when I do, it tends to be documentaries, or cookery programmes, rather than dramas. I usually like the news programmes, especially BBC4's Beyond 100 Days, but I am avoiding the news at the moment, as it isn't good for my health to see the disasters unfolding in parliament...

[Susan in NC]

Susan wrote: "Actually, I am quite similar. I do watch TV. However, when I do, it tends to be documentaries, or cookery programmes, rather than dramas. I usually like the news programmes, especially BBC4's Beyon..."

I’m with you - cookery programs, documentaries, news for the weather, and that’s about all. I don’t blame you, our news raises my blood pressure as well. We worry about our British friends, and what might happen with no Brexit agreement - I’ve never been able to visit, but been an Anglophile forever, most of the books I read are set there, I want so badly to see England, Scotland and Wales someday - I certainly wish you all the best and hope this can somehow be resolved. I am so sorry you all are having to go through this!

Also, I am starting a reread of Duplicate Death for our April read.

[Annabel]

I am also rereading Duplicate Death. feeling a bit stressed. I impulsively turned to Georgette Heyer for some escapism. Death in the Stocks first - ludicrous but fun. Now DD which has a well-designed setting and quite well-thought-out motives for a GH detective story. She can often be a bit slapdash. And I like the romance arc. The girl is less arch and frivolous than in some of them.

[Jill]

I have started Duplicate Death too but can't say I'm impressed so far. I did read Behold, Here's Poison a couple of reads ago and liked that, so maybe just my mood today

[Judy]

The Duplicate Death threads are open, so come on over... here is a link to the non-spoiler thread.

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

[Susan in NC]

I’ve read Duplicate Death a few times, and it’s not my favorite Heyer, either.

[Tara]

Jill wrote: "Tara wrote: "I just received my copy of The Black Ascot by Charles Todd, from my book-of-the-month club. Interestingly the author is..."

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I think I will start with the one book I have, and consider reading from the beginning of the series if I really love it. I have so many other series/bookclub reads going on at the moment, it will probably have to wait until I finish another ongoing project before picking it up for an extended commitment.

[Jan C]

Susan wrote: "I have never read Charles Todd - are they good?

I would certainly like to continue the Caroline Graham series. Actually, I've never seen Midsomer Murders, but I like the books and haven't read the..."

Ian Rutledge is a survivor of WWI with a form of PTSD - he had to shoot his friend and the friend - to Ian - is not letting him off the hook. The other series - Bess Armstrong (?) - is a volunteer nurse in WWI, her father was a colonel who occasionally sends his aide to keep an eye on her. So Simon shows up in almost every book.

[Susan]

Susan in NC wrote: "Susan wrote: "Actually, I am quite similar. I do watch TV. However, when I do, it tends to be documentaries, or cookery programmes, rather than dramas. I usually like the news programmes, especiall..."

Thank you, Susan. I think we would all just like this dealt with now, so we can move on... Politicians, generally, are not in favour at the moment!

[Susan in NC]

Susan wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Susan wrote: "Actually, I am quite similar. I do watch TV. However, when I do, it tends to be documentaries, or cookery programmes, rather than dramas. I usually like the news p..."

Unresponsive politicians too afraid to deal with issues so we can all move on - boy, we in the U.S. can relate to that! Take care.

[Susan in NC]

Tara wrote: "Jill wrote: "Tara wrote: "I just received my copy of The Black Ascot by Charles Todd, from my book-of-the-month club. Interestingly ..."

I hear you! I’ve been recommended both series over the years and they sound good - the PTSD one sounds pretty dark, though; I’ll be interested to see what you think. Reading time is precious and you don’t want to over commit to the point it becomes a chore, and you’re no longer enjoying it!

[Judy]

I've started our forthcoming buddy read Angel with Two Faces by Nicola Upson - not very far in as yet, but it has a good start.

[Bicky]

Judy wrote: "I've started our forthcoming buddy read Angel with Two Faces by Nicola Upson - not very far in as yet, but it has a good start."

I too will be starting it soon.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "I've started our forthcoming buddy read Angel with Two Faces by Nicola Upson - not very far in as yet, but it has a good start."

Me, too, I agree, good start (didn’t read book 1, but I think I’ll enjoy this one anyway- unless you feel Book 1 is essential. )

Yesterday I spent an enjoyable day knitting and listening to The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax for another challenge- more of a cozy spy thriller, perhaps, but I wasn’t sure.

[Sandy]

Mrs Pollifax is pure escapism and quite enjoyble. I've only listened to a couple but they are fun.

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "Mrs Pollifax is pure escapism and quite enjoyble. I've only listened to a couple but they are fun."

I thought I had read it years ago and dinged it with one star on GR, but this time it was escapist fun- just what I wanted on a rainy day! And I didn’t remember a thing about the plot, so I don’t know if it was a case of right book, right time, or I thought it silly last time, or what! Frustrating to see your list of books read, and sometimes a title doesn’t ring a bell at all - that’s why I try and write a short review, at least, for every book I read - like leaving bread crumbs for future me!

[Sandy]

You have to approach Mrs Pollifax with absolutely no expectations of reality, otherwise they will disappoint.

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "You have to approach Mrs Pollifax with absolutely no expectations of reality, otherwise they will disappoint."

That is a very fair statement- may have been my mistake years ago.

[Judy]

Susan in NC wrote: "Judy wrote: "I've started our forthcoming buddy read Angel with Two Faces by Nicola Upson - not very far in as yet, but it has a good start."

Me, too, I agree, good start (didn’t read book 1, but I think I’ll enjoy this one anyway- unless you feel Book 1 is essential. ) ..."

I haven't read far enough into Book 2 to say for certain whether there is any problem with reading these out of order - I think it will probably be fine and that you can always go back to Book 1 if you enjoy it, but maybe someone who has read them both can say for sure?

[Jan C]

I have read them both. There are people in book 2 that were met in book 1, I believe. I think they continue through the series. So I was glad that I had read Book 1 first. Although when I read Book 1 there was only one book.


I think I'm on the 4th book.

[Susan in NC]

Jan C wrote: "I have read them both. There are people in book 2 that were met in book 1, I believe. I think they continue through the series. So I was glad that I had read Book 1 first. Although when I read Book..."

Thank you.

[Susan]

I plan to start Angel with Two Faces soon. I am currently enjoying An Unsuitable Job for a Woman

Is anyone else planning to read this? I am really enjoying it and note there are only two books in the series.

[Susan]

Just a reminder that our next Buddy Reads will open at the end of next week:

April/May:
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P D James
Angel with Two Faces by Nicola Upson
Spook Street by Mick Herron

[Judy]

I'm looking forward to reading An Unsuitable Job for a Woman very soon.

[Bicky]

I have not read any Mike Herron book. Do you think I can jump in with Spook Street or should I first catch up by starting with Slow Horses?

[Susan]

To be honest, Bicky, I do think the Mick Herron series is best read in order. However, I am a bit obsessive about these things and I don't want to put you off. Maybe somebody else would disagree with me and think it is fine to jump in?

[Pamela]

I would actually agree with you Susan, and I definitely tend to be more relaxed about reading in order. For example, I have quite often found a mystery series by reading a book that turns out to be fourth or fifth in a series, and I'll just read the others as and when I find them.

But for the Slow Horses series, the importance of the changing dynamics of the group of characters, and the way events link to operations in previous books means I've really found a benefit in reading them in order. So I'd agree start with Slow Horses. But it's a matter of personal preference in the end, I guess.

[Sandy]

Bicky, I am also a 'read in order' sort and in this case I think it is quite important as characters enter and leave, and the corporate power structure shifts. If nothing else reading out of order will spoil plot twists if you return to earlier books.

[Sandy]

I've started Spook Street and Unsuitable Job is out from the library, waiting patiently.

[Susan in NC]

Pamela wrote: "I would actually agree with you Susan, and I definitely tend to be more relaxed about reading in order. For example, I have quite often found a mystery series by reading a book that turns out to be..."

I’d agree, as a new member to the group who was also new to the Mick Herron series, reading in order is important since the characters change, and relationships between recurring characters build on previous plot actions. I read the first two in order, had the third, but it was due back at the library and I had to skim the end - I want to get it and reread the last quarter or so more closely before embarking on the next book.

I am rereading An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (audiobook and book), and alternating with Angel with Two Faces (ebook). I like to have a couple books going so I can enjoy reading anywhere! I am enjoying both books, I read all of the PD James books decades ago and loved them, so even though I don’t remember a great deal of the plot, I remember Cordelia as a likable, sympathetic, though rather lonely figure - I love Dalgliesh, but wish there could’ve been a few more Cordelia books.

Question for British people - I read a review of this book that said they felt it read more like a book from the 1940s - and this reviewer said James was in her 50s when this book was published in the 1970s, and it read like she did not know any young people living in England in the 1960s and 1970s. I took that to mean she was out of touch, but so far I haven’t seen that - I don’t know if the reviewer was referring to the almost Victorian upbringing James cooked up for Cordelia (poet father, bouncing around Europe, then orphaned and convent school), or what. I’d be interested in your thoughts, whether this is a fair critique, so far I find her writing is lovely as always, if a little bleak (two suicides within first chapter).

[Judy]

Susan in NC wrote: "I am rereading An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (audiobook and book), and alternating with Angel with Two Faces (ebook). I like to have a couple books going so I can enjoy reading anywhere! ..."

Me too, Susan, and I'm also going to try the audiobook of the PD James, as it is available on Scribd! I can't say much as yet as I haven't started, but am looking forward to a good discussion.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I am rereading An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (audiobook and book), and alternating with Angel with Two Faces (ebook). I like to have a couple books going so I can enjoy reading ..."

Oh, great, I’m getting the audiobook through my library, ebook on scribd; I had the audiobook all saved and ready to go on scribd, went to open and listen yesterday, and they said it was unavailable until April 25! Argh! Strangely, ebook is still available, and I was able to get the audiobook from the library - new narrator for me, I like her so far, just starting chapter 2. I’ll be interested to see if you have the same narrator, Penelope Dellaporta, and if so, what you think. At first I thought she seemed rather young and breathy - then I realized Cordelia is young, so it feels right, like it’s her voice.