The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion
2017 Reading Group Challenges
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Bill's 2017 Challenge - Ongoing Series
Open Season by Archer Mayor is the first book in the Lt Joe Gunther crime series. It was initially published in 1988. Gunther is a police lieutenant in Vermont. He quickly gets involved in a number of strange incidents, including the murder or a house intruder. They seem to relate back to a murder case that occurred 3 years previously. The people involved were, so far, jurors in the case.Gunther takes on the case and has difficulties persuading his superiors that the case is related to the trial, that possibly the suspect wasn't guilty. If this is found to be true, it will make the investigators look very bad as they were very quick with their conviction.
I found the story confusing at times, as Gunther grasps at threads to try and find out what actually happened and who the person is in the ski mask that seems to be orchestrating the whole investigation. I did find it somewhat frustrating at times but, at the same time, I enjoyed Mayor's style of writing. It is very accessible and clear. The characters are interesting and the following the course of the investigation draws you in.
Ultimately, I was very satisfied with the overall story and the resolution. For an introduction to a series, it was nicely presented and held my attention throughout and made me want to continue reading. Now that I've broke the ice with Mayor and his Lt Gunther, I'll definitely be searching the rest of the series. (4 stars)
Next up in my 'Cop' group is the 4th book in the Bruno, Chief of Police series, The Crowded Grave by Martin Walker.
I have put Walker's 1st book on my TBR list, Bill.
Skye wrote: "I have put Walker's 1st book on my TBR list, Bill."I hope you enjoy it when you manage to get it, Skye. It's a series that I love; the stories, the characters, the food, they draw me in and I almost feel that I am there with them.
I love that kind of a series; it's like 'coming home' after a long hiatus.
Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris is the fourth and final book in Harris' Harper Connelly supernatural mystery series. While I'm sad that it's ended, just as I was sad when her Lily Bard mysteries ended, at least everything was wrapped up nicely.Harper and her step brother, Tolliver, travel around the US, mainly the South, helping people discover how their kin died. When Harper was young, she was struck by lightning. One of the after-effects is that she can see how a person died or, as in most of her stories, was murdered. She and Tolliver get involved in the mysteries trying to solve the crimes.
In this final story, the two have returned to Dallas to see their younger sisters and Tolliver's brother to try and decide if they want to settle down in the area. Their childhoods were not the best and the area brings back many, many bad memories; their parents were drug addicts, their sister Cameron disappeared at a young age, etc.
One of the surprises for them during this visit, where they also conduct some business in Texarcana for a wealthy land owner, is the discovery the Tolliver's father, Harper's step father, has been released from prison and wants to regain contact with Tolliver. Another 'bad' surprise is an attempt on Harper's life; someone tries to shoot her but hits Tolliver instead.
So you have a few mysteries to solve as well as try to resolve the series. It's an interesting, well-paced story with nice twists and turns, just like the other books in this excellent series. The results, while a bit pat maybe, are very satisfying and succeed in the aim at wrapping up the stories and the outstanding issues. I like Harper and Tolliver and also some of the other characters, especially Manfred, their other supernatural friend. So now I have the Sookie books and the Midnight Crossing books to work through. (4 stars)
My next book in the Sleuth part of my ongoing series challenge is #4 of the Gaslight mystery series, starring mid-wife Sarah Brandt and her unofficial partner, Detective Frank Malloy;
by Victoria Thompson
The Crowded Grave is the 4th book in the Bruno, Chief of Police mystery series, by Martin Walker, a series that very quickly became one of my favourites. Bruno is the police chief in the small French hamlet of St. Denis and the stories for the most part focus on cases and the lives of the people who reside in the community and surrounding area.In The Crowded Grave, Bruno investigates a body discovered at an archeological dig and crimes against local foie gras producers. As well, he is seconded to the national security apparatus as they are organizing a conference in the local area between French and Spanish governments. Add to the mix a new, young state prosecutor, on whose bad side Bruno seems to fall, and the arrival of previous love, Isabelle, and you've got the makings of a fast-paced interesting story.
There is so much to like about the Bruno books as they focus on more than just crime. There is the wonderful, close community of St. Denis, the fantastic cuisine that they share with you with such enjoyment and the scenic area where the stories are set. It's difficult not to want to visit.
The mysteries in The Crowded Grave are interesting as you have possible involvement by PETA, suspicious activities by Basque separates, a decades old mystery. It definitely keeps the story moving along and Bruno has to use all of his wits to try and sort out whether the various activities are related. Throw in the fact that his current love, English resident Pamela, has family problems of her own to deal with and the confusion to Bruno of the arrival of Isabelle and it's an intriguing story. The story is wrapped up very nicely although it left me very sad at the end; something that I never expected to happen, that did and left me heart - broken. But I'll leave that for you to find out. If you've never delved into Bruno's world, I recommend it heartily. If you have, this book is a worthy follow-on to the first three. (4 stars)
Moving back the US with my next Cop book,
by Tony Hillerman
Thanks for reminding me about Tony Hillerman!
Skye wrote: "Thanks for reminding me about Tony Hillerman!"I've liked it a lot so far.
He is very popular, and since I always toyed with the notion of moving out to NM, he seems to be a good choice.
Skye wrote: "Thank you, Thomas!!!!"Thomas, You have read the Jesse Stone books?
I have read Jesse Stone books 1-12. Since you are a GR friend, you could check out my parker shelf to see which ones if that helps you. I have read 73 of Parker's books--including some by successor authors.
Thomas, I am reading three books right now, but I spent at least 12 hours yesterday watching a marathon of the movies again ( Do you know how many times I have watched these)? I couldn't even say; over and over and over again.Are there similarities????
There are some similarities and some differences. Jesse in the books is in his 50s and Tom Selleck is past 70, but dyes his hair.I have reviewed all of the books that I read in the last year or so.
I am enthralled with all the characters in the films ( especially Boomer) ; I adore William DeVane, and Suitcase, and I love the haunting music. I also liked Magnum PI. I watch Blue Bloods every so often. Thomas, I will read your reviews to see if they coincide with the plots.
I checked my reviews and haven't written any for Jesse books, but did rate all 12--4 stars each, I believe. William Sadler(Gino Fish) comes from Western NY, where I live.
I saw that, Thomas. I would like to read the first book.
I will, Thomas, and thank you so much; expect to hear from me.
Skye wrote: "Thomas: I ordered Night Passage!":)
Listening Woman is the 3rd book in the Joe Leaphorn mystery series by Tony Hillerman. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn is a member of the Navajo Tribal Police in Arizona. He tends to work on his own as he follows his caseload, travelling over the vast expanse of the area he covers. In this story, Joe is involved in a couple of cases that might be related; bank robberies by a militant native group, the Buffalo Society, trying to find and ensure the safety of a young woman, investigate a murder on the reservation and as a side issue, monitor a Boy Scout troop camping in the area. It's a meandering sort of story as Joe goes to Albuqurque and other locations to gather information on the cases. It's also quite a thoughtful story as Joe, working on his own, spends his time considering the cases. There are also nice tidbit on the various Native cultures; the Navajo, Kiowa and others that mingle and live together.
There is enough menace and action to satisfy you, an interesting mystery that slowly falls into place and a satisfying, albeit somewhat quick ending to the whole darn thing. But I continue to enjoy this series and look forward to continuing to follow Joe Leaphorn and his life and mystery solving in New Mexico. (3.5 stars)
Next in line is the 2nd Vera Stanhope mystery, Telling Tales by Ann Cleeves.
I've read the first couple of the Shetland books..
I hope they're good, Bill.
Murder on Washington Square is the 4th book in the Gaslight mystery series by Victoria Thompson. The series stars New York midwife, Sarah Brandt who finds herself involved in various mysteries over the course of her travels and who partners with, albeit not always voluntarily, with Police Detective, Frank Malloy.In this 4th book, the son of Sarah's neighbour, Mrs. Ellsworth, is arrested for the murder of a young woman. It seems she has been blackmailing him, after he got her pregnant, and her dead body is discovered in Washington Square. Prior to this event, Mr. Ellsworth has asked for Sarah's help in determining if the woman is in fact pregnant only to have their efforts rebuffed. The woman is found shortly thereafter, hence the suspicion that Mr. Ellsworth is guilty.
Sarah asks her friend Malloy to help in the investigation as she can't believe the young man is capable of murder. This starts an interesting chain of events as the investigation progresses. Malloy's relationship with Sarah becomes somewhat more friendly, Sarah's relationship with her parents is improved; the press hounds Mrs. Ellsworth and her son, and many interesting clues and facts are unearthed, including another attempted murder.
The story moves along very nicely and the characters as always are very enjoyable. The mystery, while not necessarily too complex, keeps you thinking and the whole story and setting, early 1900 NY City, adds to the interest. As well, there are clues dropped for future stories, that will make you want to continue reading. I've found that the stories and character development have improved a bit with each story. I'm looking forward to starting #5. (4 stars)
Next in line for my Ongoing (Sleuth) Challenge is a Nero Wolfe mystery, the 2nd book released, The League of Frightened Men, originally released in 1935, by Rex Stout.
Rex Stout is another of those authors that I have come to late in my reading life. My first experience was with one of his last books, a short story collection, Death Times Three, which I enjoyed quite a bit. I've been trying to find his first book, Fer de Lance (1934) but so far with no luck. But I did find this book, The League of Frightened Men, his second book, originally published in 1935.From being someone who enjoyed my first experience of the great detective, Nero Wolfe, I now find my self an unabashed fan. This book was excellent, a fascinating, entertaining, great mystery. Nero Wolfe and his partner, Archie Goodwin are a great team and both interesting in their own rights. Wolfe is an oversize detective, basically housebound, whose life, while he works to solve mysteries, is quite regimented. Each morning and each afternoon, he works upstairs in his home, tending his multitude of orchids. While he can be visited, no business is conducted. He settles the remainder of his day, in his office, tending to business.
Archie is his eyes, ears, arms and legs. Archie conducts the investigations, travels around New York and local environs, interviewing, gathering information. He can be Wolfe's strong arm man if necessary. The stories are told in Archie's voice, from his perspective. (Oddly enough, Wolfe does sometime leave his home, this I discovered in this story. But this seems to be a rarety, not the norm)
So this story; a group of men, Harvard classmates have a secret past. While in university, they hazed another classmate and as a result caused him to have severe injuries. Out of guilt, they have banded together to pay medical bills, etc. Now two have died, or maybe been murdered. They think that Paul Chapin is involved and that he plans to kill them all. Wolfe is hired and so the story begins.
I enjoyed so much how the story is presented; small details like how Wolfe decides how to bill each of the different members of the group, and so many other aspects. The story has a surprising menace throughout and the case is so very interesting (even when Archie and Wolfe seem to be grinding their heels trying to get information.) I love Archie's manner of presenting the case, his thoughts on Wolfe; a combination of affection and anger. Great story and now I will have to read the whole series. An excellent story and mystery. Can you figure out the ending? (5 stars!)
My next book in my Sleuth group is the 2nd Smith & Wetzon mystery;
Tender Death by Annette Meyers
I have marked this, you are reading up a storm. Have you ever read The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill? This is book 1 in her series.
Skye wrote: "Where is Thomas?"Pardon?
Skye wrote: "I have marked this, you are reading up a storm. Have you ever read The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill? This is book 1 in her series."
I've read at least one of that series.
Skye wrote: "Where is Thomas?"I am here, Skye.
Thomas wrote: "Skye wrote: "Where is Thomas?"I am here, Skye."
I've been searching for you: I did purchase Night Passage, but I haven't been near it yet: reading other books. I will keep you posted.
Bill wrote: "Skye wrote: "Where is Thomas?"Pardon?
Skye wrote: "I have marked this, you are reading up a storm. Have you ever read The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill? This is book 1 in her ..."
Any good, Bill?
Skye wrote: "Thomas wrote: "Skye wrote: "Where is Thomas?"I am here, Skye."
I've been searching for you: I did purchase Night Passage, but I haven't been near it yet: reading other books. I will keep you pos..."
:)
Skye wrote: "Bill wrote: "Skye wrote: "Where is Thomas?"Pardon?
Skye wrote: "I have marked this, you are reading up a storm. Have you ever read The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill? This is b..."
I read the Pure in Heart before and enjoyed it.
Thanks, Bill; I am interested in her books.
Skye wrote: "Thanks, Bill; I am interested in her books."You might like her gothic horror stories as well.. The Woman in Black especially
Yes, I have that on my TBR list and my B and N wish list; I also heard the movie is very good.
Skye wrote: "Yes, I have that on my TBR list and my B and N wish list; I also heard the movie is very good."I liked it.
Telling Tales is the second Inspector Vera Stanhope mystery by Ann Cleeves. I had read The Crow Trap a couple of years ago and enjoyed very much, then got sidetracked by her Shetland series. Everything I've read by Ann Cleeves so far, I've enjoyed very much.Telling Tales revisits a 10-year old murder after the woman convicted of the crime kills herself in prison and after a new witness comes up clearing her of the murder. Vera Stanhope is assigned to go to the Yorkshire village of Elvet to re-open the investigation. Another murder takes place while Vera is there, begging the question if this murder is related to the previous.
The new investigation brings back old bad memories to the community of Elvet, some that they would rather forget. I liked how the story is presented. Vera is an ever-present character, along with her Sgt Ashworth, who assists with the investigation. But the story is also told from other perspectives, those of the town folk proper and this adds a nice touch.
All in all, I enjoyed this immensely and I'm glad that I've finally revisited the Vera series. (4 stars)
Next in line is the first Aurelio Zen mystery, Ratking
This is the 2nd Henry Gamage mystery I've read. Elizabeth Daly started the series in 1940 and wrote 16 books. Gamadge is a mysterious criminologist, he was involved in secret activities during WWII and has since been involved with old documents and papers, helping ascertain forgeries and such. He also finds himself involved solving mysteries and is somewhat similar to Margery Allingham's Albert Campion or Dorothy L. Sayers Lord Peter Wimsey.Night Walk was Daly's 12th Gamadge mystery. Gamadge is asked by an acquaintance to assist in investigating a murder that took place in upper New York state at the small community of Frazer's Mills. His friend is in love with a local girl, the ward of the victim, and he fears that she might be a suspect. Gamadge assumes the role of patient at a local sanatorium, obtains the police support for his independent investigation and thusly the story starts.
It's a cozy style of story telling. Gamadge wanders about the local area, asking questions, quietly observing and ultimately coming up with a possible solution and final answer. It's all done in a genteel, interesting style. It's easy to fall into the locale, to like the people and enjoy Gamadge as a perceptive, low key investigator. The final solution might seem a bit pat, but it does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Another Henry Gamadge mystery, Death and Letters is next on my Sleuths list.
Mod
I have the entire Gamadge series, but have never read a single book. Must change that.
I am interested in her, as well: Bryn Mawr is relatively local, and that's where she took her English degree.
I plan to give her first book a go, and thanks, Bill.
Tender Death by Annette Meyers is the second mystery by her I've read. It is the 2nd book in the Smith & Wetzon mystery series and the book has been on my book shelf for 5+ years. I enjoyed the first book, Free Love, an Olivia Brown mystery, much more.Smith and Wetzon are head-hunters, finding opportunities for stock market salesmen with other companies. Wetzon is a past dancer, having worked on Broadway before she moved into the head-hunting gig. (Meyers is using a setting which she is very familiar with, as she worked on Broadway and then moved into the head-hunting business)
Smith is an imperious, not very likable partner, whose role is much smaller, at least in this story. I kept having the feeling that her purpose is to make up for the neat play on words business title, Smith & Wetzon. *shrug*
Wetzon is a likable character and finds herself embroiled in a mystery when an acquaintance of an elderly companion of Wetzon's dies and maybe is murdered. Wetzon begins to investigate with the help of an old friend, a TV news reporter who is looking for a big story. It seems as though wealthy elderly people are being preyed upon by their care-workers, robbing them of their monies. But who might be involved? That's the big question. Wetzon keeps finding herself in precarious situations, she faints a lot. Her boyfriend, police investigator, Silvestri, is frustrated and worried about her. Smith is... well, what is Smith? It's a bit convoluted, but entertaining. Just not the best story I've read in awhile. I want to give it 3 stars, but let's say 2.5.
Next Detective series book is the 19th Kinsey Milhone mystery, another book I've had for a long time; my annual Kinsey comfort read;
by Sue Grafton
Thanks for another author and series, and I need to get
, and I understand when you say Kinsey is your 'comfort read."
The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Kat is a private investigator from California (she reminds me somewhat of Kinsey Milhone) who is asked by a friend to help with her divorce. She believes her ex-husband has hidden $200K from her so she won't get her share in the divorce settlement. As much as Kat doesn't like working for friends, she agrees. The investigation brings her to Las Vegas and into shady real estate dealings, bribing and threatening of public officials and even murder.
It's a well-paced story and peopled with interesting characters. The one weakness is the main villain who is a bit of a comic book caricature. But all in all the story was an excellent introduction to the Kat Colorado series. I hope future books are as interesting and further develop her personality and story line.
Finishing off a series next with the final book in the Harper Connelly mystery series, Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris