What mysteries are you reading at the moment? Old thread, 2019-2020 Showing 901-950 of 1,516

[Bruce]

Murder at the Gallop, with Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple, was also based on After the Funeral. I don’t remember the book being too different from the novel apart from having Miss Marple instead of Poirot, and most of the film set at a stable hotel place, as for each film in the series, there was a theme - trains for the first (based on 4:50 from Paddington), horses for this one, theatre for third, and boats for the last one. I remember when I read the novel that it seemed like it could have been one of the novels that Christie might have originally wanted to put Marple in, but was pressured to do a Poirot novel.

[Gary]

Bruce wrote: "Murder at the Gallop, with Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple, was also based on After the Funeral. I don’t remember the book being too different from the novel apart from having Miss Marple instea..."

The same people did do a Poirot movie, The Alphabet Murders starring Tony Randall as Poirot, Rutherford had a cameo as Marple.

[Carolien]

Susan wrote: "I have started Rules for Perfect Murders which is a lot of fun for mystery lovers."

Looks interesting. Is it necessary to have read the other mysteries referred to in the book?

[Bruce]

Gary, yes. That probably has the distinction as the worst Poirot adaptation, although Randall’s makeup was good. The first 3 Rutherford films stuck to the books a little bit closer at least. Murder Ahoy was an original screenplay, and not as good.

[Susan]

Carolien wrote: "Susan wrote: "I have started Rules for Perfect Murders which is a lot of fun for mystery lovers."

Looks interesting. Is it necessary ..."

No, I haven't read all of the mysteries in the book, Carolien. Just be aware that, should you want to read them in future, there are obvious spoilers, as they discuss the means and methods of the murders!

[Lady Clementina]

I just started enjoying it so far--lots of Pekes at the start. Read and liked the first two, haven't found the third but reading this one anyway.

[Leslie]

I enjoy Heyer's mysteries - not as much as her historical fiction romances but still enough that I reread them periodically.

[Lady Clementina]

Leslie wrote: "I enjoy Heyer's mysteries - not as much as her historical fiction romances but still enough that I reread them periodically."

I've read three so far-Penhallow as more serious in tone, more a character study than mystery, but the Hemingway ones were humorous and good fun--liked all, but the approaches were of course different

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Last night I started Faithful Unto Death for the upcoming buddy read.

[Susan in NC]

Finally able to get into Death in Captivity for this month’s read - really interesting premise, nice pace so far!

[Jill]

I'm about half way through Faithful Unto Death now.

[David]

Susan in NC wrote: "Finally able to get into Death in Captivity for this month’s read - really interesting premise, nice pace so far!"

I'm only on the second chapter but I'm finding it interesting. The descriptions of the camp and escape environment are very detailed. It makes for good reading.

[Tara]

Reading my first Dorothy B. Hughes with Dread Journey, which has recently been reprinted after being out of print for about 20 years. Normally I'm a sucker for train books, but I can't say the 40s Hollywood atmosphere and characters are my speed. But, if one doesn't explore other genres, how do you find out what you like?

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I love Dorothy B. Hughes, but I haven't read that one.

[Carolien]

I hauled out Last Act by Jane Aiken Hodge out yesterday. I have forgotten how much I enjoy her modern thrillers.

[Sandy]

I am reading The Sands of Windee, second in a series written in the 1930's and set in the Australian outback. The detective out-does Poirot in ego, but it may be justified. In this book he is breaking horses and cooking for the ranch, as well as his police investigating. Be warned: it is very, very politically incorrect.

[Leslie]

Sandy wrote: "I am reading The Sands of Windee, second in a series written in the 1930's and set in the Australian outback. The detective out-does Poirot in ego, but it may be justified. In this bo..."

I love the Napoleon Bonaparte series!

[Leslie]

I am also reading a 1930s mystery - The Blind Barber by John Dickson Carr.

[Rosina]

Sandy wrote: "I am reading The Sands of Windee, second in a series written in the 1930's and set in the Australian outback. The detective out-does Poirot in ego, but it may be justified. In this bo..."

I read quite a few Boney books back when I was a lot younger, including (I think) the Sands of Windee (if it has a description of people being disorientated in the Outback ...)

[Sandy]

Rosina wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I am reading The Sands of Windee, second in a series written in the 1930's and set in the Australian outback. The detective out-does Poirot in ego, but it may be justifi..."

The only person thought to be disorientated was the victim, whom Bony, alone, knows to have been murdered.

[Rosina]

Sandy wrote: "Rosina wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I am reading The Sands of Windee, second in a series written in the 1930's and set in the Australian outback. The detective out-does Poirot in ego, but it..."

The one I am thinking of involved a suspect (a prisoner?) being escorted by Bony and trying to escape, before Bony brings him back. Funny the things that stay with you, for more than 40 years!

[Colin]

Leslie wrote: "I am also reading a 1930s mystery - The Blind Barber by John Dickson Carr."

How are you getting on with that one? There's actually a very good, very clever mystery at the heart of it, but I have to say I found some of the humor a bit of a chore, especially the way the Scandinavian character's dialogue was transcribed.

[Marwan]

Started reading The Snack Thief by Andrea Camilleri

[Leslie]

Colin wrote: "Leslie wrote: "I am also reading a 1930s mystery - The Blind Barber by John Dickson Carr."

How are you getting on with that one? There's actually a very good, very clever mystery a..."

Yah - the Norwegian sea captain's dialogue can be a bit much! In general, I don't like reading written dialect (though reading it is much better than listening to my Kindle's text-to-speech function attempting it!!). At about 40% in, I am finding the humor more of the smile rather than guffaw variety...

[Leslie]

Marwan wrote: "Started reading The Snack Thief by Andrea Camilleri"

That's a great series Marwan! And if my memory serves, that is a pretty early entry (this is the one with the Tunisian boy right?) so you have lots of fun ahead of you.

[Judy]

I've finished Murphy's Law, the first in the Molly Murphy series by Rhys Bowen - I started off listening to it on audible, but, although the reader was very good, I wanted to finish it more quickly and ended up combining listening with reading the Kindle version. I enjoyed it, but still prefer her less well-known Constable Evans series.

[Jill]

I liked the two Evans books I read but haven't read any Molly Murphy ones yet or her Royal Spyness

[Judy]

I haven't tried Her Royal Spyness yet either, Jill. I have read one standalone book by Rhys Bowen, In Farleigh Field, which I enjoyed.

[Sandy]

On my latest trip to the library I returned with the second Evans and the fifth(ish) Royal Spyness. It was in this group that someone mentioned the Spyness series improved after #6 so I am giving it at least that long. And, Judy, you have encouraged me to continue with Evans. I liked Farleigh Field, but didn't love it.

The 'problem' with finishing a physical library book is that I can't return it without leaving with others. I also picked up the next in Anne Perry's Monk series.

[Jill]

Finished Faithful Unto Death, now reading The Lost Man by Jane Harper. I have read Harper's first two books which I really did like, so hope this continues her record.

[Annabel]

Susan wrote: "I read them in the 1980's, Gary, when the bookshop, Murder One, opened in London."

I loved Murder One! Another sad loss to Charing Cross Road.

[Annabel]

Jill wrote: "I finished The Devil in the Marshalsea which I did enjoy. The author has done a lot of research on this prison. A place I had never heard of before, but which I hope to find out mor..."

This is the prison in Dickens' Little Dorrit, a book I am stuck halfway through. I'd be intrigued to read another book set there.

[Annabel]

I am having an impulsive reread of Raymond Chandler, having not read any of his for about ten years. First The Lady In The Lake, now Playback. I don't think I've read either of these before but Chandler's plots are so confusing that I can't be certain!

The Big Sleep was always my favourite but that had an awful lot to do with Bogart & Bacall and almost nothing to do with the plot.

[Judy]

The gate to the Marshalsea prison used to be in the basement of the Dickens House Museum, but I don't think it is there any more.

[Jill]

Annabel wrote: "Jill wrote: "I finished The Devil in the Marshalsea which I did enjoy. The author has done a lot of research on this prison. A place I had never heard of before, but which I hope to..."

Little Dorrit is one I haven't read, so will have to remedy that

[Judy]

Annabel wrote: "The Big Sleep was always my favourite but that had an awful lot to do with Bogart & Bacall and almost nothing to do with the plot."

I love Bogart and Bacall too, but will admit I find that film a struggle because the plot is impossible to follow - I always vow not to worry about the plot but then start trying to follow it and give myself a headache!

[Sandy]

Judy wrote: "Annabel wrote: "The Big Sleep was always my favourite but that had an awful lot to do with Bogart & Bacall and almost nothing to do with the plot."

I love Bogart and Bacall too, but will admit I f..."

I tried reading the book after watching the movie repeatedly, but it didn't help much. I remember discussing a gun shot that none of us could explain. But I still love the movie.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Funny. I doubt I've ever seen the film, and I gave the book the highest rating I give for the genre - 4-stars. My review doesn't mention a complicated plot.

EDIT: My best definition of noir is Raymond Chandler. The cadence of the writing is superb.

[Jill]

Now about to start The Burglar in the Closet by Lawrence Block. I really liked the first in this series so will continue, and this one has started well.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Jill wrote: "Now about to start The Burglar in the Closet by Lawrence Block. I really liked the first in this series so will continue, and this one has started well."

Those were always fun, told with a bit of wit. I met the author a couple of times. The first time I didn't know he was an author, and certainly not that he had been so successful. We met at a 3-day walking clinic on two different occasions. He is funny in person. I'm not sure he is writing any more.

The first time I met him he was preparing for his first walking marathon, which he wanted to complete before attending his 50th high school reunion later in the year. I later learned his goal was to walk a marathon in each of the 50 states, but I think he did not make that goal. I heard he wasn't in the greatest of health now.

[Jill]

I had read two of his Mathew Scudder books, but my sister said she preferred his Rhodenbarr books , so I have switched to them for now. He appears have have written so many books.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I have read only a few of his Rhodenbarr. What I read about the Mathew Scudder books seemed to be hard-hitting, but maybe I've misinterpreted them. I'm hard pressed to believe he could write without a certain amount of humor.

[Carolien]

Susan wrote: "I have started Rules for Perfect Murders which is a lot of fun for mystery lovers."

Here's an article by the author on the book: https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...

[Colin]

The Murders Near Mapleton by Brian Flynn, who has rapidly turned into one of my favorite authors.

[Jan C]

Colin wrote: " The Murders Near Mapleton by Brian Flynn, who has rapidly turned into one of my favorite authors."

I've just started The Billiard Room Mystery. The jury is still out for me.

[Judy]

I've started one of our mid-month buddy reads which will be opening this weekend, the 3rd Brother Cadfael book, Monk's Hood by Ellis Peters. Enjoying it so far.

[Sandy]

I'm finally starting this month's Dalglish, Unnatural Causes. Owned books always take a back seat to library returns.

[Colin]

Jan C wrote: "Colin wrote: " The Murders Near Mapleton by Brian Flynn, who has rapidly turned into one of my favorite authors."

I've just started [book:The Billiard ..."

I've liked them all so far, but I'd say he does get progressively better with each book. Peacock's Eye (3) was excellent and this one is shaping up very nicely.

[Jill]

I have started The Bones of Avalon by Phil Rickman Set in 1560, John Dee, Elizabeth Tudor's astrologer and consultant in the hidden arts, is sent to Glastonbury in search of King Arthur's bones. Has started well so I am hopeful. I've been to Glastonbury quite a few times (not for music festival) and visited the abbey and Tor and looked around the spooky shops.

[Tania]

I'm nearly at the end of Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers. The general consensus is that it is better than the first one, which I agree with. Looking forward to more in this series.