What mysteries are you reading at the moment? Old thread, 2019-2020 Showing 951-1,000 of 1,516

[Leslie]

I have finished S.S. Van Dine's 2nd Philo Vance book, The Canary Murder Case (1927). I loved the William Powell movies growing up but for some reason it wasn't until recently that I thought of trying the books they were based on. I thought that this second book was better than the first one (The Benson Murder Case).

Here is the link to my spoiler free review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I am reading Cutter and Bone, which has a mystery tag on the GR book page. I'm about 1/4 in. I don't think it is a traditional mystery, although there was a body in the first 15 pages. It also isn't in the GA style. That said, I'm enjoying it.

[Colin]

I just had a less than enjoyable time with E R Punshon's Diabolic Candelabra .
With that in mind, I've now moved on to Rex Stout and Black Orchids , stories with Wolfe & Archie are always satisfactory, to say the very least.

[Leslie]

Colin wrote: "I just had a less than enjoyable time with E R Punshon's Diabolic Candelabra .
With that in mind, I've now moved on to Rex Stout and Black Orchids [bookcove..."

Oh dear, I have "Diabolic Candelabra" awaiting me. But I do agree with you that Archie & Wolfe are always satisfying - and I remember Wolfe leaving the house in that one - for flowers, needless to say, not business.

[Colin]

Yes, Black Orchids is very enjoyable. I read it (them perhaps seeing as it's actually a pair of novellas) more than ten years ago but it's invariably a delight to revisit the brownstone.

You may get on better with Diabolic Candelabra than I did. I hadn't read any reviews beforehand but I've since learned that the book is thought to have a bit in common with Gladys Mitchell's writing, and that's no recommendation at all as far as I'm concerned!

[Jill]

Colin wrote: "Yes, Black Orchids is very enjoyable. I read it (them perhaps seeing as it's actually a pair of novellas) more than ten years ago but it's invariably a delight to revisit the brownstone.

You may ..."

This group read Black Orchids Here are the threads:-
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Judy]

Thank you, Jill, I had forgotten that it was a buddy read here. I remember enjoying it - but then I always enjoy Wolfe and Archie.

[Bruce]

Leslie, I saw the Powell film of Canary Murder Case a few weeks ago and loved it. I heard it wasn’t good, so I was pleasantly surprised. The big drawback, however, were the black stereotypes.

[Bruce]

I finished reading Death in Ecstasy. I was actually able to guess the killer.

[Leslie]

Bruce wrote: "Leslie, I saw the Powell film of Canary Murder Case a few weeks ago and loved it. I heard it wasn’t good, so I was pleasantly surprised. The big drawback, however, were the black stereotypes."

It's been years since I have seen the movies but the book doesn't have any of that (perhaps because there are no black characters).

[Leslie]

Bruce wrote: "I finished reading Death in Ecstasy. I was actually able to guess the killer."

It's so satisfying when one is able to do that, isn't it?

[Bruce]

I was very satisfied, although I partly wanted to be wrong. I went by my rule of “the author is building this character up for us to think they aren’t the killer, therefore they are.” I might have been more satisfied if I could actually guess how they did it.

[Judy]

Bruce, perhaps you can say more in the Death in Ecstasy spoiler thread? I remember this one reasonably well (unusually for me!) and would be interested to discuss there.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Marwan]

Started reading No Tears for Hilda: Max Easterbrook Investigates by Andrew Garve

[Carolien]

I've finished the next instalment of the Temptations in Florence series, Elegant Death. This one is mostly set in Milan and I love this series. Cozy, but with a strong police procedural feel and a bit of romance.

[Gary]

After finishing 'Til Death by Ed McBain 87th Precinct #9, I read After the Funeral After the Funeral by Agatha Christie Poirot #31.
I then moved on to Mystery Night Murder by Leslie Langtry Merry Wrath #10 , which I finished last week.

Currently reading Meerkats and Murder by Leslie Langtry Merry Wrath #11 and Braking for Bodies by Duffy Brown Book 2 in the Cycle Path Mysteries.

Yesterday I started listening to The Face of a Stranger by Anne Perry William Monk book #1

[Leslie]

I have finished the 2nd Henry Gamage mystery by American author Elizabeth Daly - Deadly Nightshade. This Golden Age series is one that I had never heard of until my mom introduced me to it a few years ago.

[Sandy]

I'm reading Once Upon a River, historical and, so far, more mysterious than a mystery. Very atmospheric.

[Leslie]

I have been enjoying Martin Walker's Bruno, Chief of Police series so far & The Crowded Grave was not an exception. My review of this 3.5* mystery:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

About to start Shroud for a Nightingale. I do so like James' writing and am enjoying this series.

[Susan]

Good to hear. I am enjoying the challenge series very much too.

[Valerie]

I'm listening to The Mysterious Mr. Quin , which I've read many times (over the years). It's an enjoyable listen, and particularly enjoyable at the moment, in these stressful times!

[Sandy]

I read The Railway Detective, my second by this author. For whatever reason Edward Marston does not appeal to me. Plot, characters and history are all fine but the book does not come alive for me. At least I gave him a second chance.

[Valerie]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "About to start Shroud for a Nightingale. I do so like James' writing and am enjoying this series."

I'm glad you are enjoying her books! She's one of my absolute faves.

[Rosina]

I have never really got into any of P D James' books that I have tried. I'm about to give Shroud for a Nightingale a try, but am at present reading The Complete Quin And Satterthwaite: Love Detectives, which I've had in my queue for some time. It seems ideal for the present situation. Thank you Valerie for reminding me of it.

[Carolien]

Leslie wrote: "I have been enjoying Martin Walker's Bruno, Chief of Police series so far & The Crowded Grave was not an exception. My review of this 3.5* mystery:

https://www.goodreads.com/review..."

One of my favourite series. I always end up hungry and wanting champagne when I read this series.

[Jill]

I am just starting Flying Too High by Kerry Greenwood I liked the first in the series so hoping I like this one.

[Leslie]

Carolien wrote: "Leslie wrote: "I have been enjoying Martin Walker's Bruno, Chief of Police series so far & The Crowded Grave was not an exception. My review of this 3.5* mystery:

https://www.goodr..."

lol - yes, I crave French food & wine after reading these too!

[Leslie]

Jill wrote: "I am just starting Flying Too High by Kerry Greenwood I liked the first in the series so hoping I like this one."

I liked the first of her Corinna Chapman series too. Have you tried that yet?

[Jill]

Leslie wrote: "Jill wrote: "I am just starting Flying Too High by Kerry Greenwood I liked the first in the series so hoping I like this one."

I liked the first of her Corinna Chapman..."

No, but I will look out for it. Thanks

[Sandy]

I'm starting one of our April reads, The Draycott Murder Mystery: A Golden Age Mystery

[Susan in NC]

Carolien wrote: "I've finished the next instalment of the Temptations in Florence series, Elegant Death. This one is mostly set in Milan and I love this series. Cozy, but with a strong police proced..."

Thanks for this author, I’ve never heard of this series but would like to check it out!

[Susan in NC]

Leslie wrote: "I have finished the 2nd Henry Gamage mystery by American author Elizabeth Daly - Deadly Nightshade. This Golden Age series is one that I had never heard of until my mom introduced m..."

I’ll be interested to see what you think, I picked up a few books of this series a few years ago at a charity book sale, promptly forgot about them, but rediscovered them clearing out my shelves recently (I’m like a magpie at those sales, “shiny, shiny, new author!” It’s for good causes, so I buy the books, throw them on the bowing bookshelves...😬)

[Susan in NC]

Jill wrote: "I am just starting Flying Too High by Kerry Greenwood I liked the first in the series so hoping I like this one."

Ooh, thanks Jill, I enjoyed her Phryne and Corinna Chapman series, didn’t know she had a new one! Although Corinna, like Martin Walker’s Bruno, always makes me hungry.

Nuts, thought that title sounded familiar, that IS in the Phryne series - sorry for the mistake, thought it was new!

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "I'm starting one of our April reads, The Draycott Murder Mystery: A Golden Age Mystery"

Me, too - started last night. I was going to start our next Poirot, but I find if I read two mysteries at the same time, I mix up suspects and murders. I’m reading too much news, not relaxing in the best of times, I need to give it a rest, get into a new book!

[Susan in NC]

Jill wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Jill wrote: "I am just starting Flying Too High by Kerry Greenwood I liked the first in the series so hoping I like this one."

I liked the first of her ..."

Definitely different in time and tone (Corinna compared to Phryne) but still Melbourne with a strong female protagonist. And she’s a baker, so mouthwatering food mentioned!

[Leslie]

Sandy wrote: "I'm starting one of our April reads, The Draycott Murder Mystery: A Golden Age Mystery"

I like Molly Thynne's mysteries - hope you enjoy it!

[Tania]

I have just finished The Dower House Mystery which was nice and light, but I did rather lose interest towards the end. 3*

[Jill]

Really enjoyed Phryne Fisher and now starting The Draycott Murder Mystery.

[Colin]

I finished The Peacock Feather Murders by Carter Dickson, an outstanding impossible crime story.

Now I've moved on to The Two Tickets Puzzle by JJ Connington.

[Susan in NC]

Leslie wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I'm starting one of our April reads, The Draycott Murder Mystery: A Golden Age Mystery"

I like Molly Thynne's mysteries - hope you enjoy it!"

Hey Leslie, I’ve only started chapter two, but am already liking Thynne’s PC Gunnet - does he appear in her other books? I know from the interesting introduction she didn’t write a lot of mysteries.

[Leslie]

Colin wrote: "I finished The Peacock Feather Murders by Carter Dickson, an outstanding impossible crime story.

Now I've moved on to The Two Tickets Puzzle ..."

lol -- I thought about reading that Carter Dickson book a few weeks ago but decided on some other mystery. I'll have to add it to my TBR.

[Leslie]

Susan in NC wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I'm starting one of our April reads, The Draycott Murder Mystery: A Golden Age Mystery"

I like Molly Thynne's mysteries - hope you enjoy it!"

Hey Lesl..."

I don't think so - my memory is that very few of her characters appear in more than one book. But it has been a while so it's possible I am mistaken.

[Susan in NC]

Leslie wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I'm starting one of our April reads, The Draycott Murder Mystery: A Golden Age Mystery"

I like Molly Thynne's mysteries - hope you ..."

Thanks!

[Judy]

I have also started The Draycott Murder Mystery - enjoying it so far.

[Sandy]

Yesterday I read Naughty in Nice, #5 in the series. I mentioned dropping the series and someone in the group suggested giving it another couple of books. Thank you! I'll be continuing to #6.

[Leslie]

Sandy wrote: "Yesterday I read Naughty in Nice, #5 in the series. I mentioned dropping the series and someone in the group suggested giving it another couple of books. Thank you! I'll be continui..."

:)

[Leslie]

I just finished a Christianna Brand book - Death of Jezebel. Very good twist on the 'locked room' mystery and extremely devious solution!

[Sandy]

I've started Shroud for a Nightingale for our April read. Only a chapter in (fairly long chapters) and enjoying it.

Interesting that authors have such different takes on chapter length; sometimes only a few pages, others need breaks within a chapter. I think the tiny chapter technique tempts me to read more. Just one more before bed is too easy.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Sandy wrote: "Interesting that authors have such different takes on chapter length; sometimes only a few pages, others need breaks within a chapter. "

I agree. But this was first published back when our attention spans were longer.