Open Discussion of Nogged Off by Barbara Ross

[Tina]

Third story in trio of holiday short mysteries from the Eggnog Murder collection.

As it's an open chat, please be so kind and note Spoiler Alert, drop down a few lines, post so the eyes don't pick it up and well...spoil it! Thanx!!

[Tina]

As I'm so aching to spend a few holi-days in NYC (dear PI author friend, Cleo Coyle and SatC gets credit-blame for this want) I was immediately pulled into this story.

Now, I've just begun reading but I felt it was gonna be a good one so I couldn't help but start a discussion thread right off. Hope it delivers some holiday mystery spirit for her readers. Dancer, Prancer...let's do this.

[PugMom]

I'll be starting this one soon. Had to catch up on some ARCs. I loved the other 2 stories in the collection! The victims keep getting more Grinchy and deplorable!

[Tina]

Any time is fine, Nicole. Haven't progressed very far in the story myself.

[Tina]

Aww, leaving The Big Apple. For now anyway. Let's see what happens.

[Tina]

I always wanted to visit the L L Bean store. Maybe someday.

That's crazy that a big, bright yellow truck would go missing from this location. Someone should've seen something!

[PugMom]

I'm done! I thought I'd have trouble with this one since I have only read the first book in the series and it was a while ago. I figured I might not be able to follow along with the characters but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it! I did sort of figure out the whole mystery of the victim's identity but I didn't guess every detail. Short and sweet story!

[Tina]

Not done with story yet as I got sidetracked with some new movie releases. Florence Foster Jenkins and A Kind of Murder both good flicks. Now to get back on Nogged.

[Tina]

That Imogen is a pain. Knocking Santa into the water and toppling trees. The characters sure have patience with her. I'd have tried but not sure I'd pull it off.

[PugMom]

I wouldn't have patience for her either, not to mention even bringing her home in the first place. I think Julia must be a nicer person than I am!

[Tina]

They found the yellow truck, discarded contents and a huge surprise inside. Almost done with story.

[Tina]

Getting there, PI's. Plot thickening, making sense. I mean, plot not over used though I have seen this angle before so it's still fresh and clever enough. Kinda ditched the Christmas theme though. In final pages. Anyone have any more thoughts on this one?

[Tina]

Finished. Figured out part of the reveal which became quite obvious making me no Sherlock Holmes, Poirot, Marple etc. for sure.

[PugMom]

Ok, so it seemed like these shorter stories were a hit. I liked how I could get through them in a reasonable amount of time and there weren't tons of characters to keep track of. How does everyone feel about the cozies that seem way too long (over 300 pages) and a seemingly endless number of characters? I'm not a fan (maybe it's just me?).

[Tina]

Not normally a fan of short stories, I did like these for the holidays. 300 pages just seems a bit long. Some could shave a good 25 pages and would be great. Mostly just drone on for what reason, I don't know.

[LovesMysteries]

Tina wrote: "INot normally a fan of short stories, I did like these for holidays. 300 pages just seems a bit long. Some could shave a good 25 pages and would be great. Mostly just drone on for what reason, I do..."

There are some modern mystery/thrillers written today that's up to and over 400 pages -- that's a bit much and shouldn't resort to that unless it's necessary. A lot of the droning on in books that extend to that many pages is due to lots of description and unnecessary dialogue. I believe everything written in a story should be absolutely essential to the plot -- tightly written. And all the chaff should be blown away.

[Tina]

Agreed, LM. If it doesn't move the story along, ditch it!