The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion
2017 Reading Group Challenges
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Bill's 2017 Challenge - Ongoing Series
I like Josephine Tey. Bratt Farrar, I think.
The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing is the second book in the case files of Indian Private Detective, Vish Puri, by Tarquin Hall. I enjoyed the first book, but found this second more enjoyable. Firstly, you have to realize that it's not going to be a deep, profound mystery, instead, it's a visit to an exotic, different culture in New Delhi and it is peopled with interesting characters and a boisterous, happy family.In this book, Puri assists Police Investigator Singh in investigating the strange murder of a man in broad daylight, seemingly by the Hindu goddess, Kali. The victim, an Indian scientist and a rationalist, has spent his life trying to expose Indian mystics and gurus as frauds. On the whole, Puri agrees. With his excellent team of assistants, Puri investigates a variety of suspects, including a powerful mystic. He sends his capable right hand woman, Facecream (a nickname), into the church of the mystic to try and find information.
Meanwhile, Puri's wife, Rumpi and his mother, are conducting their own investigation, into a brazen robbery of a party that they both had attended. Are they even better detectives than Puri?
It's an interesting, entertaining story. I enjoyed the cast of characters. I enjoyed reading about Puri's healthy appetite and the food that he eats, all sounded yummy. If you take everything with a slight grain of salt, you will enjoy this story immensely. Think of it as a #1 Ladies' Detective Agency - Lite. It's more about the people with a neat caper thrown in to keep you entertained. (3.5 stars)
Moving back to the US of A for my next detective mystery, the 6th in the Travis McGee series, Bright Orange for the Shroud by John D. MacDonald
John D. MacDonald's books sound great. Of course, I am familiar with Cape Fear.
McGee is your typical hard-boiled detective with a big heart.
He sounds very interesting, Bill~!Tomorrow is a Jesse Stone Marathon on Hallmark~!
Gently Does It by Alan Hunter is the 1st book in the Inspector George Gently mystery series. I had previously read another, but now that I've got the first few books in the series, wanted to start from the beginning.I'll preface this by saying that one of my favourite TV mystery series has been the George Gently mysteries, starring Martin Shaw as the Inspector. I'm not sure where the TV series begins in relation to the book series, but of the two I've read so far, the feel is quite different between the two. The TV series shows Gently working in Newcastle, whereas in the books I've read thus far, he is still working for CID in London.
With that long preamble, Gently Does It finds the Inspector on vacation in Norchester when he gets involved in investigating the murder of a lumber baron. Gently volunteers to assist the local police and his assistance is grudgingly accepted. Then begins an interesting investigation of the case, with Gently basically trying to gather evidence and clues to discover the guilty party. That is a key difference between Gently and the local police; who basically set their minds on a suspect and don't particularly care to ensure they have the necessary evidence to prove their case.
Gently is an intuitive police investigator, but also likes to conduct a proper investigation. He doesn't agree with the locals about their first suspect; firstly based on intuition, but also then based on what he discovers. It's an interesting process and Gently is an interesting person and we get to discover more about how he works in this first book. Overall I enjoyed the story very much and liked the conclusion, which was satisfying. Looking forward to continuing the adventure. (4 stars)
Bill, for some reason this is on my TBR. The Inspector's name is certainly charming. What network has this series? PBS?
Skye wrote: "Bill, for some reason this is on my TBR. The Inspector's name is certainly charming. What network has this series? PBS?"We get it on our Knowledge network in Canada. I don't think it's currently on PBS... Not sure where you would find it.
My PBS station has shown it on Sat nights.
I will check, Bill, I get about 5 PBS stations.
Bright Orange for the Shroud is the 6th book in the Travis McGee mystery series by John D. MacDonald. It surprised me to realize that it's been 4 years since I last delved into McGee's world.McGee is a beach bum who lives on his houseboat in Florida and to make ends meet takes cases to help people in need. In this story he is planning to take the summer off, having earned enough money from previous cases, that he can take the boat and just relax and vegetate for the summer. His plans are upset by the sudden appearance of an acquaintance, Arthur Wilkinson. Arthur is at wit's end and doesn't know who can help him, but McGee. He married a few months back and it turns out that it was part of a scam to bilk him of his inheritance. Arthur is beaten both physically, mentally and spiritually by this encounter. With the assistance of Chooke, a dancer who had previously dated Arthur, McGee agrees to try and help. While Chooke works to build up Arthur's spirit again, they set off to try and get Arthur's money back.
That's the basic story, but it has an edgy darkness to it. Arthur is a decent guy, who has had his spirit broken by his 'wife', a malicious, wicked gold digger and his body broken by a swamp dweller, Boone Waxwell, who partners with the 'wife', Wilma. Other people were involved in the scam but Boone becomes the focus and he is someone you don't ever want to meet.
McGee plan to recover the money is not without danger and the story begins to get under your skin, in a creepy, dangerous way. I'm trying to remember the other McGee stories I've read so far, but I think that so far, this one might have been the darkest, or at the very least, right up there.
The story is a page turner, the characters, McGee, Chooke and Arthur are all well crafted and they are people who you don't want anything bad to happen to. Excellent story and I look forward to the 7th installment. (4 stars)
Moving over to Cops next with Death of a Cad by M.C. Beaton
Thanks, Bill, nice review: Beaton has two different series.
Skye wrote: "Thanks, Bill, nice review: Beaton has two different series."I've read more of the Agatha Raisin series.
Skye wrote: "worth it?"Call it light entertainment
To Love and Be Wise is the 4th book in the Inspector Grant mystery series by Josephine Tey. If you enjoy Agatha Christie or Ngaio Marsh or Dorothy Sayers, you'll also enjoy this classic writer of mysteries.Inspector Grant is a Scotland Yard inspector who has been assigned to investigate a disappearance of an American. It turns out that Grant had previously met this American when he was attending a party with his actress acquaintance, Marta Hallard. The American, photographer Leslie Searle, meets Grant and through him another acquaintance of Grant. Searle is asked to spend a weekend with the at the families estate. After a time there, Searle disappears, is presumed possibly to have drowned or been murdered and Grant is assigned to investigate.
The rest of the story is taken up with Grant's investigation. It's quite a gentle story but it is thoughtful and well-written and keeps you engrossed. Grant is a likeable, appealing character to carry the story. His investigation is tidy and intuitive and the people with whom he interacts are also quirky and interesting. I especially liked his Sgt, Williams, as he is a nice foil for Grant and he admires Grant very much. I also liked Grant's 'girlfriend', actress Marta Hallard; lovely, intelligent, sensible and someone who Grant is able to bounce his thoughts off.
All in all, I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. It was well-crafted, thoughtful and ended satisfyingly. (4 stars)
Next in line a book by one of my favourite authors, Nevil Shute, that being
Really nice review, and I am familiar with Josephine Tey, but I have not personally read anything by Nevil Shute.
Skye wrote: "Really nice review, and I am familiar with Josephine Tey, but I have not personally read anything by Nevil Shute."Try The Far Country or Pied Piper... :)
Thanks, Bill: both look great and he is widely applauded.
Death of a Cad by M.C. Beaton is the second book in her Hamish Macbeth mystery series. I've read more of Beaton's Agatha Raisin books, but actually I think I might prefer the Macbeth series (don't get me wrong, both are entertaining reads.)In Death of a Cad, the Halburton-Smythes invite a group of 'friends' to their estate in Scotland to celebrate the engagement of their daughter, Priscilla, to playwright Henry Withering. At the party, boorish cad, Captain Bartlett insults most of the people there and the next morning is found dead of an apparent hunting accident.
This brings in Hamish Macbeth, the local constable, and a man who is in love with Priscilla (but not deemed acceptable to Priscilla's snobbish parents) to try and solve what he thinks is a murder. Detectives are brought in from the bigger next town and they disagree with Macbeth and indicate that it was just an accident. Even though he's been shoved aside, Macbeth continues to investigate.
All in all it's an entertaining story, lots of interesting characters, a nicely woven mystery and a satisfying ending. I enjoyed this very much and the more I got into it, the more I wanted to see how it was resolved, ultimately very satisfactorily. I look forward to the next book in line. (4 stars)
Moving over to the 'Sleuth' genre for my next, a new writer for me, Ross Macdonald. He is the husband of one of my favourite mystery writers, Margaret Millar and is especially known for his PI Lew Archer mystery series. I found this book at my local; it contains his complete short stories featuring Archer, so I thought I'd give it a try and see if I enjoy his writing as much as his wife's.
The Archer Files: The Complete Short Stories of Lew Archer, Private Investigator by Ross Macdonald is my first exposure to MacDonald's writing. I have enjoyed quite a few books by his wife, fellow mystery writer, Margaret Millar and have wanted to explore the world of Lew Archer, as created by MacDonald.The book is a series of short stories featuring PI Archer and also a number of unfinished stories showing some of the other cases that Archer might have been involved in.
I enjoyed MacDonald's writing, in the style of Dashiell Hammett and John D. MacDonald and enjoyed PI Archer. Archer takes on cases where he feels a responsibility to the person hiring him or the person being investigated. In a number of cases, he just falls into by accident and wants to correct a wrong or just help a person in need. He never overcharges; $50 a day plus expenses and he doesn't like helping the Mob or being bought. He's an ex-boxer and officer from WWII and knows how to handle himself in a bad situation. He works in California with a small office on Sunset Boulevard. The book starts off with a nice biography of Lew Archer, his past and what makes him tick.
People get killed in his cases, sometimes by him, sometimes by someone else. There are nice little twists in each one, some not complex. You can figure out who is responsible, but the explanations are always interesting. MacDonald's description of the people and the surroundings are always on point and he has a nice, tidy way of getting out the facts and the stories. I enjoyed very much and now look forward to trying one of Lew Archer's cases in novel format. (4 stars)
Starting the 2nd book in the Inspector Morse series next, Last Seen Wearing by Colin Dexter
Wonderful review, Bill, I usually don't read short stories, although, Sunset Blvd in Ca. is a perfect setting, isn't it?
Skye wrote: "Wonderful review, Bill, I usually don't read short stories, although, Sunset Blvd in Ca. is a perfect setting, isn't it?"It's an interesting setting, Skye.. :)
The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle was originally published in 1905. Doyle had tired of his famous sleuth before this and killed him off in 1893 in The Adventure of the Final Problem. Due to outcry, he released The Hound of the Baskervilles and a number of short stories featuring Holmes. This book contains 13 excellent short stories with the first, The Empty House bringing Holmes back to Watson and includes his explanation of how he survived the battle of Reichenbach Falls, all very interesting.I enjoyed the collection, every story was well-crafted, tightly woven and entertaining to read. I always like Holmes' crime solutions and these stories had this excellent quality. I don't think I had a favourite, each was a tidy, entertaining story and had an interesting cast of characters. You can see why Sherlock Holmes is such a world-wide favourite sleuth. Great stuff. (4 stars)
Another Holmes book next, originally published in 1902,
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle is one of those classic mysteries that should be on everybody's 'must-read' list. It's been made into many TV and movies, all of which have kept the story alive and fresh.I don't know that I've read it previously; it's one of those books that I think I probably have, but maybe it's just that I've seen one or two of the adaptations. However, with all of that preamble, I'm pleased to say that I have now read and enjoyed immensely.
The story is familiar to so many people that I won't go into it in detail. Suffice it to say a family legend draws Holmes and Watson to the Dartmoor moors to try and help the heir to a family estate, one that might have been cursed by a supernatural hound. They work diligently to keep the heir alive as they try to solve the murder of the previous heir.
The nice thing about this particular Holmes' mystery is that the focus is Watson for a nice change. Holmes sends Watson ahead with Henry Baskerville, both to keep him safe and to investigate the neighbours and to try and find out more about the death / murder of Sir Charles Baskerville, Henry's uncle. Holmes stays behind to work on other cases.
It's a different way of telling a Holmes mystery, relying on Watson's correspondence to Holmes and also Watson's diary entries. But don't let that mean that there isn't lots of action because for a Holmes' mystery, there is a fair bit and the story moves along nicely and tensely. It's an interesting mystery with nice twists and turns and the ending is exciting and satisfying. One of the best Holmes' mysteries I've read so far. (5 stars)
Moving out of mystery for my next selection with The Commodore, a Horatio Hornblower adventure, by C.S. Forester
Thanks, Bill; this was one of my Mother's favorites.
Skye wrote: "Thanks, Bill; this was one of my Mother's favorites."I can see why.
Last Seen Wearing by Colin Dexter is the second Inspector Morse mystery. I've watched all of the episodes of the TV series based on the books and I've also enjoyed both the follow-on Lewis and the prequel, Endeavour. Having said all this, it was nice to find the the book was still fresh and as much as some of the story seemed familiar, I still had no idea where it was headed.Morse is assigned a cold case by his chief, Superintendent Strange, because the previous inspector had been killed in a car accident. Morse doesn't want the case as it involves a missing girl; she'd been gone for two years. He wants murders, something he can sink his teeth into. However, forced to take the case, he asks for Sgt Lewis to be assigned to help him.
The case revolves around a few people, Valerie Taylor's parents, the new Head of her high school, her old French teacher and the assistant Head. The question to be answered is whether Valerie is dead or has run away? With many plodding first steps, the case begins to interest Morse. He's sure she is dead, but a letter purportedly from the girl, throws a spanner into his theory.
It was interesting to follow the investigation, the stops and starts, the threads that Morse and Lewis follow, have to backtrack, and then the new paths they lead to. I had my ideas about the case and parts came to fruition but the ultimate solution was still a nice twist and also very satisfying. Morse is an interesting inspector, smart, relying on intuition, often following the wrong path, but finding inspiration at the end. Lewis is a rock, more steady and reliable and helps keep Morse grounded. I've enjoyed both of the first two books so far and will continue to follow Dexter's stories of his great investigator (5 stars)
Moving over to the Sleuth side of the scale next with the first Jack Taylor mystery; The Guards by Ken Bruen
Great review, and you gave it a 5 stars: of course, it's on my TBR list. Now to check out Ken Bruen.
Skye wrote: "Great review, and you gave it a 5 stars: of course, it's on my TBR list. Now to check out Ken Bruen."The Jack Taylor mysteries were also a brief mystery series on BBC, starring Iain Glen, AKA Jorah Mormont of Game of Thrones, as Jack Taylor. I enjoyed the series, hoping the books are as good.
I am interested, Bill, and thanks so much. I am enjoying your challenge and I wonder how you manage to read so fast.
Skye wrote: "I am interested, Bill, and thanks so much. I am enjoying your challenge and I wonder how you manage to read so fast."Easy books. Some take longer.. Plus it doesn't hurt to be retired; I can veg and read.. :)
I am retired, too, Bill, but I am still working many hours online ----I 'm beginning to cut my hours, but I am working nearly each time I post ( like now).
Skye wrote: "I am retired, too, Bill, but I am still working many hours online ----I 'm beginning to cut my hours, but I am working nearly each time I post ( like now)."I spend a fair bit of time online as well and it definitely impacts my reading time..
The Guards by Ken Bruen is my first exposure to Bruen's writing, which was convenient as it is his first Jack Taylor mystery. I'd watched the TV series. Iain Glen plays Jack Taylor and now, having read the first book, he did an excellent job.Taylor is an ex-Garda (the story is set in Ireland), who was drummed out for bad behaviour and now he works as an independent investigator. Well, he actually spends most of his time soaking up booze but he still tries to help people when he can. In this case, his client is Ann Henderson, who wants Taylor to prove his daughter, Sarah, did not commit suicide. Taylor doesn't want to take the case, but ultimately, decides to help Ann.
How much help does he provide Ann? Well, that's debatable as Taylor spends quite a bit of this book in a state of constant drunkenness. But he does investigate and manages, after a stint in the drunk tank, to find out that other girls have also 'committed suicide' in similar circumstances. Now I won't get into the details too much, rather I'll mention the style of the story.
I liked very much how it was written; a very much stream of consciousness, but still easy to read. At times, very poetic or maybe more like song lyrics. It flowed very nicely, from scene to scene. The story is peopled with interesting characters, some threatening, some lovely. It was an easy read and a book that was difficult to put down. How much help was Taylor to Ann? You'll have to check it out. I liked this a lot and will move on to the next book now that I've tried Bruen's work. (4 stars)
Back to the cops next with the first Bell Elkins mystery, A Killing in the Hills by Julia Keller
I love reading all the reviews and comments, and definitely added a few new authors into my list. I haven't seen Karin Slaughter mentioned here, or Dennis Lehane, and I love them both. I also enjoy psychological thrillers like "before I go to sleep". can't wait to read your next review!
jennsquared wrote: "I love reading all the reviews and comments, and definitely added a few new authors into my list. I haven't seen Karin Slaughter mentioned here, or Dennis Lehane, and I love them both. I also enjoy..."Thanks for that, Jenn. I've read most of the Grant County series and have started the Will Trent series (I think I prefer Grant County). I haven't tried Lehane yet, but will probably eventually. :)
A Killing in the Hills is the first Bell Elkins mystery by Julia Keller. The story is set in rural West Virginia and Elkins is the local District Attorney. Something happened to Bell during her childhood in the town of Acker's Gap, which becomes apparent as you progress through the story. She married at a later date and moved to Washington DC with her husband, a new lawyer. Bell also got her law degree but wanted to return to Acker's Gap to help the people of that community; ending up with her going alone with her daughter, Carla.The story starts with a triple murder in the town, 3 old men sitting having coffee at the local restaurant. Carla is one of the people who sees the shooting. Bell is also working on a case in which a mentally handicapped boy is charged with the murder of his friend. As well, Carla, a typical teenager?, is rebelling, anger issues, suspended driver's license. Bell's best friend, Ruthie, is suffering with cancer, and, oh yes, Bell's sister is coming up for a parole hearing for the murder of their father, many years ago. So, yes a lot is going on.
But Keller is able to tie this all together to make an interesting, tense story. It flows very nicely and there are characters, especially Bell (Belfa) and the sheriff, Nick Fogelsong, with long ties to Bell, who are developed nicely. The past and the present are tied together, the murderer is well-described and interesting/ somewhat scary, and the mysteries are nicely tied up. There are enough loose ends at the end of the book; especially re. Bell's daughter and Bell's sister, to make you want to find out more about this series. I enjoyed very much and look forward to trying the next, Bitter River. (4 stars)
Back to the sleuths next with the 3rd Mary Russell / Sherlock Holmes mystery,
Thanks, Bill; that book has been on my TBR. Great review, too.
Skye wrote: "Thanks, Bill; that book has been on my TBR. Great review, too."Thank you.
A Letter of Mary is the 3rd book in the Mary Russell / Sherlock Holmes mystery series by Laurie R. King. I have to say that I continue to have mixed feelings about the series. The concept in itself, Russell who started off being mentored by Holmes is now his wife and works cases with him. Holmes, himself, is basically retired from detective work and they live on a piec of land in Sussex where Holmes raises bees and Russell works on a degree at Oxford while also spending time with her husband.An acquaintance of Russell, a lady archaeologist, Dorothy Ruskin, visits them, gives them a letter she had found in a dig in the Middle East, a letter purported to have been written by Mary Magdalene to her sister. The next day, Ruskin is found dead, hit by a car in London. Holmes and Russell get involved, suspect that Ruskin has been murdered for some reason. The same day, Holmes' home is broken into and searched. Further suspicion now that it was murder and not an accident.
The rest of the story involves their investigation, with help by the son of Lestrade and also Sherlock's brother Mycroft. Both Holmes and Mary follow different suspects; one a misogynist Colonel, the other the sister of Dorothy.
So that's the barest outline. The story is interesting, but, personally, I do find it difficult to warm to Russell. At one point she calls Holmes a prig and I thought, no, you're the prig. She is a strong-willed, intelligent character, but so much time is spent with her kind of anti-snobbishness that she seems to be a snob. I'm not saying this correctly. I like Holmes, I like Mycroft, I like Lestrade and Russell is OK in her own way. I liked the story, but I didn't love it. At the end, I thought, OK, there you go. So what. Does that mean I won't read any of the others I still have on my bookshelf. No, it doesn't, but I'll read a few other books before I do. Try the series and let me know what you think. (3 stars)
Back to the cops next with the 8th Inspectore Brunetti mystery, Fatal Remedies by Donna Leon
Thanks, Bill for your candid review: I have both writers on my TBR list.
Donna Leon's Inspector Brunetti and Martin Walker's Bruno books are two of my favourite mystery series. They are more than a mystery; they are about communities - the people, the families, the food, etc. I've read 10 of the Brunetti books, with Fatal Remedies being the most recent.This story involves Brunetti's wife, Paola, being arrested for breaking the window of a travel agency involved in arranging tours for men to go to places like Thailand to have sex with underage prostitutes. There is definite tension between Brunetti and Paola throughout the story but there is also the underlying love each feels for the other.
The owner of the tourist agency is murdered and suspicion falls on Paola, or at the least, suspicion that her previous actions might have encourage some radical to act. Brunetti must walk a tight rope trying to solve the murder and to keep Paola out of the investigation. With the help of his ever present Sgt Vianello and the lovely, intelligent secretary, Signora Elletra, Brunetti works steadily to solve the murder, which could now involve the sale of out-of-date drugs.
I enjoyed this story as I have enjoyed all of the Brunetti mysteries but at the same time I think Donna Leon kind of coasted a bit with the story. I missed the family interactions but the children didn't play much of a role in this story. We never got to experience the family dinners, wonder at the great meals Paola usually makes. And I didn't enjoy the tension between Brunetti and Paola, even though their love trumps even that. I liked that Signora Elletra played a bigger role this time. She is one of my favourite characters.
All in all, still an enjoyable, comfortable read, with even a bit of action. A great series (3.5 stars)
Moving over to the Sleuths for my next book, with the 2nd Maisie Dobbs mystery, Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
Thanks, Bill: I understand what you mean by Donna Leon "coasting with the story.' Grafton's last five or six books were void of her amazing cast of odd characters, many I adore, but I thought I would add that Ms. Leon was born in my state, but north; however, my state is a bit teeny.
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It turns out that the body is that of the wife of a retired English colonel who sails his yacht along the canals, living a decadent life style. Maigret begins his investigation, traveling by bicycle along the locks, interrogating witnesses amongst those that live and work and travel through the lock system. Exploring the life along the locks made for a very interesting scenario. The people and the lifestyles were fascinating. The mystery, as I've found the other Maigret stories, was also interesting, with Maigret working more by instinct and touch to come up with his solution to the crime. The solution was also satisfying, coming as a nice surprise. I continue to enj0y the Maigret books as they are different from most of the series I enjoy. (4 stars)
Continuing my Cop genre with the 2nd Inspector Grant book,