Journalist and author detectives

[Judy]

I've just bought a Kindle book which Amazon recommended to me - it's The Murder at Fleet, a mystery by Eric Brett Young which was first published in 1927, and I was intrigued to see that the hero is a reporter on a small weekly newspaper in north Essex. (I used to work on a local paper in the area myself.) I'd previously only heard of his brother, Francis Brett Young.

Another book by Eric Brett Young has also been republished, so if I like this one I'll go on to the other. The publisher is Black Heath Classic Crime - they seem to have quite a few authors on their books.

Anyway, this has reminded me that I enjoy reading mysteries with authors or journalists as detectives - can anyone recommend some more? Thanks.

[Abigail]

Well, there’s the series starting with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

[Miss M]

I like Andrew Taylor's Lydmouth series, set in a prosperous/developing market town after the war. Focus switches back and forth between a new female reporter in town, and the resident Inspector.
An Air That Kills

[Jan C]

Trent's Last Case by E.C. Bentley features a protagonist who is a newspaperman. This was first published in 1913.

[Judy]

Thanks for the suggestions. Jan, I definitely want to read Trent's Last Case after being intrigued by the descriptions of it in The Golden Age of Murder.

The Lydmouth series also sounds good - I have previously read an historical mystery by Andrew Taylor, The American Boy, which I remember being good.

I'm a bit nervous about the Dragon Tattoo series because I've heard it's very violent - should really give it a try though and find out for myself.

[Susan]

Murder By the Book is the first in a series about a writer. It's set in the 1950's.

[Judy]

That sounds great, Susan. Another one for the ever-lengthening list.

The title reminds me, I see there are also loads of Murder, She Wrote books inspired by the TV series, which I must admit I've never watched, though my daughter is a fan. The first one is Gin & Daggers which is set in London, and the author is said to be the fictional Jessica Fletcher, though it's really Donald Bain.

[Christopher]

YOU'VE NEVER WATCHED...!

(ahem)

I have fond memories of gathering with the family to watch the latest episode of "Murder, She Wrote", watching for the clues and trying to guess whodunnit. The theme tune still brings a smile to my lips.

[Jan C]

I picked up the Kindle copy of Dragon Tattoo - on my brother's SO's recommendation. I haven't really gotten into it though. It's okay. Or, at least the beginning is. But he is no Henning Mankell.

I read one of the "Jessica Fletcher" books. Not sure if I was just desperate for a book or what. It wasn't bad but I haven't bought any more. I watched the show. Still watch it sometimes. It is on nightly 12-3 when Hart to Hart reruns come on.

[Susan]

I've never seen "Murder, She Wrote," either. I've seen trailers...

[Judy]

I don't think it was ever shown on prime time in the UK, only on daytime TV, though I could be wrong. I've seen trailers too!

[Susan]

I am not a big TV watcher, but I have heard of it. Recently, my husband was stunned when he discovered I've never seen Columbo.

[Leslie]

Susan wrote: "I am not a big TV watcher, but I have heard of it. Recently, my husband was stunned when he discovered I've never seen Columbo."

That is a stunner! :)