What mysteries are you reading at the moment? Old thread Showing 4,201-4,250 of 4,475

[Susan]

Jill wrote: "Just starting Night at the Vulcan. Starting well so hope Marsh has got back to her stride with this."

I think this is one of the best so far, Jill. I haven't much cared for the previous few, but this one definitely picks up.

[Judy]

I'm now halfway through Death on the Air and Other Stories by Ngaio Marsh, which I gather is the same as The Collected Short Fiction of Ngaio Marsh, but Death on the Air (later editions anyway) has a couple of extra stories.

The stories are in a strange order, for some reason - I think the longer ones have been put first. The third story, Chapter and Verse: The Little Copplestone Mystery is a great tale, feeling very Golden Age, involving an old family Bible and mysterious goings-on in a village. I was quite surprised to see that this particular story was published in the 1970s - this makes me look forward to reading Marsh's later novels.

[Carolien]

I've just finished Easy Motion Tourist which is a debut crime novel set in Lagos, Nigeria. If you enjoy very British police procedurals where the detectives wear suits and everything is done according to the law, this is not the book for you. However, if you enjoy a trip to Lagos and want to experience the risks and dreams that this city offers, this is a real pleasure. Introducing an English journalist into the plot allows Leye to introduce readers to the intricacies of Lagos life through the thoughts and experiences of an outsider. Complex plot and a vast cast of characters, I enjoyed this very much and look forward to the next in the series.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Carolien wrote: "I've just finished Easy Motion Tourist which is a debut crime novel set in Lagos, Nigeria. If you enjoy very British police procedurals where the detectives wear suits and everythin..."

Thanks for this.

[Susan]

It is on kindle in the UK and there also seems to be a second in the series, Carolien - Easy Motion Tourist and When Trouble Sleeps Great covers.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I started Self's Punishment by Bernhard Schlink. As far as I can tell, it won't develop into a murder mystery, which is certainly different from the norm. It drew me in immediately and I think it will be a good read.

[Tara]

Judy wrote: "I'm now halfway through Death on the Air and Other Stories by Ngaio Marsh, which I gather is the same as The Collected Short Fiction of Ngaio Marsh, but D..."

That sounds intriguing Judy, I will have to check out that story next. I read I Can Find My Way Out last night, and I thought Marsh did a decent job building up the characters in only a few paragraphs. Her familiarity with the theater also came in handy here.

[Susan in NC]

Just finished Tombland, going to start the April Marsh read, Night at the Vulcan (This is the version of Opening Night my library had).

[Sandy]

This isn't a mystery, but there is murder (several of them): An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good. Very quick read and its fun to have an old person with the upper hand.

[Jill]

Started Angel with Two Faces Dramatic start, but what is drawing me in, is the fact the location is not far from where we stay for 2 months a year. Estate is where we locally walk our dog

[Judy]

I’ve realised that the “Collected” edition of Marsh’s short stories might have fewer stories than the one with the title Death on the Air, but apparently it has some material missing from the later edition. such as the editor’s solutions to the TV Crown Court episode Marsh wrote.

[Judy]

I've started Opening Night by Ngaio.Marsh now - a great beginning.

[Judy]

Jill wrote: "Started Angel with Two Faces Dramatic start, but what is drawing me in, is the fact the location is not far from where we stay for 2 months a year. Estate is where we locally walk ou..."

I'm looking forward to reading that one - it is waiting patiently on my Kindle. :)

[Judy]

I'm reading The Incident at Fives Castle, another of the Angela Marchmont mysteries by Clara Benson.

[Sandy]

I've started Night at the Vulcan and am so happy Marsh returned to a theatre setting. Enjoying it tremendously but there is no crime (yet).

[Lady Clementina]

Judy wrote: "I'm reading The Incident at Fives Castle, another of the Angela Marchmont mysteries by Clara Benson."

Gld to hear its good. I picked up books 4-6 when they were on sale a while ago. Are we planning any buddy reads of these?

[Jemima]

Ooh I’d like that too. I have a couple on audiobook waiting.

[Susan]

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 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

With the Angela Marchmont books, we have read the following so far:

The Murder at Sissingham Hall
The Mystery at Underwood House
The Treasure at Poldarrow Point

If there is enough interest in reading on, I could add a title. We have decided to only have 2 buddy reads per month now and we are highlighting the Campion series, which is popular and Nigel Strangeways, which some of us are also keen to complete. We will also add the outstanding Ngaio Marsh titles next year (I know it's a long way to go yet!) when we start P D James as our 2020 challenge author.

However, we do have room for other titles, if they are popular and people wish to continue reading, so let me know if Clara Benson is popular and I will add a title to the next available slot.

[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.