What mysteries are you reading at the moment? Old thread, 2019-2020 Showing 401-450 of 1,516

[Sandy]

Because I trusted my memory and didn't check the group's master list, I'm reading Hopjoy Was Here for October's read. Having requested the only copy in my two library systems I feel I should not keep it out for six weeks. Given above mentioned memory, I had better take extensive notes!

Interesting start to the book.

[Gary]

Currently finishing The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Also reading Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany

[Susan in NC]

Bruce wrote: "Susan, ironically, one of Joan Hickson’s first appearances in a Christie adaptation was in the 40’s stage play of Appointment with Death. Her first appearance was in the movie Love From a Stranger...."

Wow, thanks!

[Judy]

I felt like something cosy so have gone on to another in the Hannah Swenson series by Joanne Fluke, Peach Cobbler Murder. No sign of a murder so far, but I'm enjoying the humour.

[Susan in NC]

Just started A Necessary Evil , book 2 in the Sam Wyndham series set in 1920s India. Then I’ll read Death In Disguise - I have the DVD of the first series of Midsomer Murders with the dramatization of the book, so I may watch it, instead of rereading.

[Jill]

Now reading Big Sky by Kate Atkinson. This is an author I enjoy reading.

[Judy]

Susan in NC wrote: "Then I’ll read Death In Disguise Death In Disguise (Chief Inspector Barnaby, #3) by Caroline Graham - I have the DVD of the first series of Midsomer Murders with the dramatization of the book, so I may watch it, instead of rereading.r..."

I tried to watch the first episode of Midsomer Murders, The Killings at Badger's Drift, but after a few minutes realised it had been wrongly labelled by either ITV or Virgin Media and was actually episode two, Written in Blood! By that time my husband and I were hooked and had to watch it all ... so now that book has been "spoiled" for me when I get to it.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I have finished Death In Disguise. Looking forward to the discussion!

[Judy]

I've started Death in Disguise - enjoying the writing style and looking forward to the discussion too.

[Anelle]

I just read all of Anthony Price's books (about 17 or so of them), more or less in order as they were written. I like the fact that they are somewhat low key (not much violence). but describe a scholarly and unique world of international intrigue. I am not sure that the 20th century world Price described is realistic, but it is fascinating. Can anyone recommend any other similar writers? (I have read most of John LeCarre, but may have to go back and read his works again, if I cant find anything else.)

[Susan]

I read Anthony Price some years ago, Anelle. Not quite the same, but I am a huge fan of the Jackson Lamb series by Mick Herron if you want a modern take on a spy story (first in the series is Slow Horses)

I am currently reading The Skull Beneath the Skin

I always forget how much I like P D James - I find her comforting in the same way I do Christie, which is praise indeed from me!

[Judy]

I haven't tried Anthony Price, but you make him sound good, Anelle. I have just finished Peach Cobbler Murder, one of the cosy Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke.

I really enjoy the settings and food descriptions in these books, and like her writing style, but I'm getting increasingly fed up with Hannah as a character - hoping things improve in the next book. If not, I may not carry on with the series much longer.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Anelle wrote: "I just read all of Anthony Price's books (about 17 or so of them), more or less in order as they were written. I like the fact that they are somewhat low key (not much violence). but describe a sch..."

Thank you. Although I haven't read many spy thrillers, I'm always open to them and hope to get some worked into my reading. I see his GR blurb likens him to Robert Goddard. I've picked up a couple by Goddard recently when they were Kindle deals.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Then I’ll read Death In Disguise Death In Disguise (Chief Inspector Barnaby, #3) by Caroline Graham - I have the DVD of the first series of Midsomer Murders with the dramatizati..."

Oh, no! Well, I read all the books Graham wrote years ago, before I even knew there was a tv version that took Barnaby off into the future, but I’ve forgotten a lot of those plots! I saw a show about Midsomer Murders, and how it’s been such an enduring hit over the years, and the actor who played Tom Barnaby said he thought the key was the great characters, dry humor and quirky murders Graham established. Also, the fact that she stayed involved in the show, guiding the development of the stories. So, yes, the book may be “spoiled”, but at least you know Graham approved the film you saw - so many authors feel there work is destroyed.

[Susan in NC]

I want to read Death In Disguise soon, but first, I’m diving right into my library’s ebook copy of Smoke and Ashes , book three of the Sam Wyndham historical mystery series set in 1920s Calcutta - I am really hooked! I’m glad Amazon has informed me book 4 is coming out in November.

[Jill]

I have just started The Silver Pigs by. Lindsey Davis. Enjoying so far.

[Sandy]

Jill wrote: "I have just started The Silver Pigs by. Lindsey Davis. Enjoying so far."

I have become quite a Falco fan.

[Tara]

In the true crime genre, I am quite enjoying I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara (who tragically passed away before she finished the book). I can see why this was a best-seller, its an engrossing read, and not too graphic in its content (although obviously not as cozy as GA mysteries).

[David]

I'm currently reading a modern cozy mystery Rotten to the Marrow by Matilda Swift. I always enjoy murders in an idyllic setting.

[Carolien]

I've just finished Strange Gods: A Mystery which was my first book by this author. Set in colonial Kenya in the early 1900's, this is a well plotted mystery with an interesting cast of characters. There is a strong focus on outsider status which makes it a very interesting read. I'm not a particular enthusiast of this period in history, but the book makes it worth putting up with the Out of Africa bits.

I really enjoyed it and am glad I have the second in the series on my e-reader.

[Sandy]

Carolien wrote: "I've just finished Strange Gods: A Mystery which was my first book by this author. Set in colonial Kenya in the early 1900's, this is a well plotted mystery with an interesting cast..."

That sounds like an excellent read … another series to try!

[Susan]

Yes, sounds interesting. Thanks for posting about it, Carolien.

I have started Hand in Glove (can't help thinking of The Smiths whenever I see the title!). I am pleased that I am really enjoying it. So many of the Ngaio Marsh books have been so-so for me, so I am pleased that I like this one much more.

[Annabel]

kust finished Christianna Brand's Green For Danger, my first read by this author.

I had mixed feelings. Her writing style didn't quite work for me but an entertaining setting.

[Sandy]

Annabel wrote: "kust finished Christianna Brand's Green For Danger, my first read by this author.

I had mixed feelings. Her writing style didn't quite work for me but an entertaining setting."

The group read that in Jan, 2018 and our discussion threads are under 'buddy reads'. I remember enjoying it and its one of the few that I still remember many of the details. Brand was asked to keep writing during the war to help morale. Hopefully you will find more accurate details in our various threads.

[Susan]

I love Christianna Brand, but her books are extremely politically incorrect and she hasn't aged well. Green for Danger is probably her best mystery.

[Annabel]

oh dear that doesn't bode well for me getting on better with her!

[Sandy]

I have the third in her series on my kindle and should at least continue with that one, Suddenly at His Residence

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Sandy wrote: "I have the third in her series on my kindle and should at least continue with that one, Suddenly at His Residence"

I have that one too.

[Susan in NC]

Finished Smoke and Ashes, and it was amazing! Also, finally got to Murder on Black Swan Lane, book 1 in a series recommended by several GR friends, and enjoyed it very much - second book on request from library. Just started yesterday, also from my library: The Long Arm of the Law: Classic Police Stories , and Death of a Busybody by George Bellairs, on Scribd. I’m loving these British Library Crime Classics reissues, and apparently, so is my library system! The short story collections are a great little bite of authors you may not have read, and I love the covers, like antique travel posters. Very attractive! Every month, when we vote on upcoming reads, you all supply me with new titles and authors, and on to the TBR list they go. Thanks for that - this group has been a gold mine of new books I’d never read, I feel like a kid in a candy store...

[Susan]

I do really like her mysteries, but they are infuriating sometimes; a world where male dress designers are all effeminate and women faint at the drop of a hat. In fact, Death in High Heels although it has some irritating characters, is a great portrait of London and of those, wonderful dress shops with models (and an era when offices provided workers with a hot lunch!).

[Susan in NC]

Carolien wrote: "I've just finished Strange Gods: A Mystery which was my first book by this author. Set in colonial Kenya in the early 1900's, this is a well plotted mystery with an interesting cast..."

Thanks for reminding me of this series, I read the first and really liked it, I need to track down the next.

[ShanDizzy]

Anelle wrote: "I just read all of Anthony Price's books (about 17 or so of them), more or less in order as they were written..."

Hi Anelle thank you for mentioning Anthony Price Books. I had not heard of him before. I will add him to my list. I of course like some of the James Bond stories (not all by Ian Fleming) and some of those authored by John Gardner. I also like John LeCarre and Michael Gilbert's Calder & Behrens stories.

[Bicky]

Anelle wrote: "I just read all of Anthony Price's books (about 17 or so of them), more or less in order as they were written. I like the fact that they are somewhat low key (not much violence). but describe a sch..."

Anelie has reminded me of Anthony Price. I remember the novels as particularly well written.

[Judy]

Sandy wrote: "I have the third in her series on my kindle and should at least continue with that one, Suddenly at His Residence"

I enjoyed Suddenly at His Residence - it wasn't on Kindle in the UK when I read it, so I bought a second-hand copy, but it has now been issued on Kindle here under a different title, The Crooked Wreath. The Kindle editions are pretty expensive though.

[Judy]

I've just started The Benson Murder Case for next month's group read - early days, but I'm enjoying it so far.

[Susan]

Me too, Judy. A nice surprise, and I have enjoyed both books we chose when the vote was close - this and the Harriet Rutland.

[Sandy]

Judy wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I have the third in her series on my kindle and should at least continue with that one, Suddenly at His Residence"

I enjoyed Suddenly at His Residence - it wasn't on K..."

The different title clears up some confusion as I didn't remember owning the Residence title but do remember Wreath. So that title was used in the US as well.

[Judy]

Sandy wrote: "The different title clears up some confusion as I didn't remember owning the Residence title but do remember Wreath. So that title was used in the US as well.i..."

I seem to vaguely remember The Crooked Wreath was the US title, but used for the Kindle reissue in the UK - I'm guessing possibly because "Suddenly at His Residence" sounds old-fashioned.

[Susan]

Christianna Brand, according to Fantastic Fiction:

Series
Inspector Charlesworth
Death in High Heels (1941)
The Rose in Darkness (1979)
thumbthumb

Inspector Cockrill
1. Heads You Lose (1941)
2. Green for Danger (1944)
3. Suddenly at His Residence (1946)
aka The Crooked Wreath
4. Death of Jezebel (1948)
5. London Particular (1952)
aka Fog of Doubt
6. Tour De Force (1955)
The Three Cornered Halo (1957)
The Spotted Cat and Other Mysteries from Inspector Cockrill's Casebook (2002)

[Judy]

Susan wrote: "Me too, Judy. A nice surprise, and I have enjoyed both books we chose when the vote was close - this and the Harriet Rutland."

I didn't really like the Harriet Rutland, but am enjoying the SS Van Dine so far and look forward to discussing it - just wish I had a Latin dictionary on my Kindle Fire, for all the quotations Vance goes in for!

[Susan]

That's true, Judy. The French translator is very helpful for Christie...

My son is studying Latin, but not sure he would know them all.

I am thinking that, if we like this, we might like Ellory Queen, which, was, apparently, inspired by the Van Dine books?

[Jan C]

One of the languages my phone translates is Latin. And I have used it for that.

[Jill]

I have started The Lake District Murder to be able to read the John Bude for the future group read

[Bruce]

I’ve only read The Greene Murder Case by Van Dine so far. I enjoyed it though. I found an old hardcover copy at a bookstore once. They’re very hard to come by, as they don’t have as much name recognition as other classics. He’s almost like an American Poirot, although without any quirks.

[Judy]

Susan wrote: "I am thinking that, if we like this, we might like Ellory Queen, which, was, apparently, inspired by the Van Dine books?..."

I've only read one Queen book so far, but I don't think it was one of the best ones - yes, must try more.

[Judy]

Bruce wrote: "I’ve only read The Greene Murder Case by Van Dine so far. I enjoyed it though. I found an old hardcover copy at a bookstore once. They’re very hard to come by, as they don’t have as much name recog..."

You can get complete sets of the Philo Vance books on Kindle in the UK, but members have said they aren't available in the US - a shame, and really odd, as Van Dine was a US writer! The same thing happens the other way round with some UK writers... one or two Christianna Brands are not available here but are in the US.

[Susan]

Judy wrote: "Bruce wrote: "I’ve only read The Greene Murder Case by Van Dine so far. I enjoyed it though. I found an old hardcover copy at a bookstore once. They’re very hard to come by, as they don’t have as m..."

That is annoying, isn't it? The Philo Vance books seem to be available in various different editions. I actually downloaded The Benson Murder Case: Philo Vance #1 this edition, as it had a contents page.

[Starfish]

Judy wrote: "Susan wrote: "I am thinking that, if we like this, we might like Ellory Queen, which, was, apparently, inspired by the Van Dine books?..."

I've only read one Queen book so far, but I don't think i..."
Ellery Queen is an exception to the rule. The videos are vastly superior to the books. I saw the adaptations first and wanted to read the books, but gave up after the first one. However, I adored the videos to the extent that I purchased both seasons.
Here is the nitty gritty: Father (police inspector) and Son (author of mystery books and helps on actual cases) are "baching" it in a NYC brownstone, trying to keep the household together w/o the feminine touch, mostly making horrible coffee in a percolator.
The charm lies in the familiarity of the cast. Both, victims and murderers are played by well known movie and tv stars of the time. My fave is John Hillerman, the one and only "Higgins" of Magnum PI fame, who appears in every story as a kind of crime reporter, who also has his own radio show where he unmasks the criminals of active police cases, on the air! (I know, you just have to go with that.) He also competes with Ellery as to who solves the crime first and always gets it wrong.
The time is 60's or 70's (I think) and so are the sets.
It's my go to feel-good remedy

[Bicky]

The first of the Elley Queen books The Roman Hat Mystery is often included in various lists. However I found it to be boring perhaps because I could not even grasp the intricacies of a 'top hat'. Anyway, I strongly feel that it is ill-suited for contemporary readers.

The other books are much better.

[Susan]

There's a natty top hat on the cover of my Philo Vance book, and even a Wimsey-ish monocle :)