Buddy Read - Eight Perfect Murders and the Eight Books Within

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "As disturbing as Henry could be it was nothing compared to Julian. It certainly took Henry and Richard a long time to realize it was not the kind fatherly type..”an ambiguous, moral neutral person ..."

Do you think that the group told Julian(view spoiler)[ that they thought they killed someone during their ritual? Henry said they described it to him, and that they "told him what happened". When Richard asked if they told him everything, Henry said, "Well, I saw no point in worrying him, if that's what you mean." I still don't know if Julian knew or not, and I still don't know if the group actually killed the farmer. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "Do you think [spoilers removed]"

Good question. (view spoiler)[ I think that Julian leaving them put Henry in such a deep low that suicide became a possibility for him, and that it then presented itself as a possible solution during the scene that unfolded in the hotel. He found himself in a position to help the group, and it wasn't much of a sacrifice, because he didn't care about his life anymore. (hide spoiler)]

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

I don't have the book anymore, but I don't remember getting the impression that they told. But I do think YES about the farmer.

[[deleted user]]

Finished the last five chapters of Strangers on a Train this morning. I can start Eight Perfect Murders today. Yeah! 😁 I have to finish it in a week & return it to the library.. 1 person waiting so I cannot renew🙁

[[deleted user]]

Lisa wrote: "Nancy wrote: "As disturbing as Henry could be it was nothing compared to Julian. It certainly took Henry and Richard a long time to realize it was not the kind fatherly type..”an ambiguous, moral n..."

I believe Henry told Julian about the farmer because of the Dionysiac ritual, Julian’s lesson on losing control and Beauty is Terror (pg 38) and the “delight” Julian would get out of it. I’m not sure why Henry did not tell Julian about Bunny’s death.

On page 463, Henry tells Richard they accidentally killed the farmer in a drug frenzy ritual, since the author gave no indication that the farmer’s death was not natural or accidental I say yes they killed him.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Nancy wrote: "As disturbing as Henry could be it was nothing compared to Julian. It certainly took Henry and Richard a long time to realize it was not the kind fatherly type..”an ambig..."

What gives me pause is that (view spoiler)[ the farmer had his stomach torn open and was eviscerated, and that and other details that were released throughout the book seemed to startle the group, like they don't know how that could have happened. There was also the scene where Francis and Richard were driving, and what looks like a large cat appears in the road before them. They discuss the presence of such a large cat in the area, and it is revealed that mountain lions used to be found in the area. I think there's a chance that the farmer was killed by a wild animal, and that the group didn't kill anyone, yet their lives were all ruined by the thought that they did. They were such dire and bereft souls, that they all believed themselves capable of murder when none of them were actually sure what happened. And ultimately, fulfilled the prophecy, and committed one. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I always thought strangers on a train was about two people who agreed to murder each other’s victim. Guy may have wanted his wife dead but he did not agree to kill Bruno’s father.

What some people do out of fear is amazing. Bruno convinced Guy that everyone would believe him if he blamed Guy for Miriam’s death. (view spoiler)[ Little did either of them know that Mr. Bruno’s personal security Gerard already believed that Bruno had killed before (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Just finished chapter 7 of Eight Perfect Murders and the book gives enough of a synopsis for each of the eight books that you do not have to read them first. I am glad I did though.

Also there is a list of Mysteries for a cold winter night in the book.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "Just finished chapter 7 of Eight Perfect Murders and the book gives enough of a synopsis for each of the eight books that you do not have to read them first. I am glad I did though.

Also there is ..."

I'm going to be starting tomorrow. I'm so interested to see if he identifies what makes each of these books/crimes notable. (view spoiler)[ I'm particularly curious about the inclusion of The Secret History, as the murder of Bunny is not particularly notable. Just a shove off a cliff, compared to some of the ingenious and devious plots in the other books. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "I always thought strangers on a train was about two people who agreed to murder each other’s victim. Guy may have wanted his wife dead but he did not agree to kill Bruno’s father.

What some people..."

I thought the same thing about the plot, and I agree about Guy! (view spoiler)[ I think I literally yelled at my book, "Call the police already!" Guy had so much evidence, particularly once Bruno started sending him letters and instructions on how to kill his father! I think he may have such a poor state of mind and lives with such inherent doubt about himself, that he could only imagine not being believed. (hide spoiler)]

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Lisa, that's a good thought. I was actually aggravated that Guy didn't take action. I had to keep telling myself it had to be that way to make the book go forward but I just wanted to smack him into action.

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

I am half way through Eight Perfect Murders and it is SOOOO good.

[[deleted user]]

I liked how the author incorporated the plots of the eight books into his book. I wonder if the plots of any of the additional books named are part of the storyline, also.

[Lisa, Moderator]

I'm starting this weekend. I'm so excited but almost hesitant to start is as it's the final book in our fun read!

[Linda]

I'm way behind. ive still got 2 books to read before I get to eight perfect murders

[[deleted user]]

I enjoyed the book. I wasn’t sure how the books would be incorporated into the story. The author also used some of the other books mentioned in the story (view spoiler)[ The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (hide spoiler)].

I tend to avoid books that are basically rewrites of other books but this one was done well.

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Loved this book. (view spoiler)[the only reason I didn't give it 5 starts is because I thought the last few chapters were absurd and drug on a bit. I felt like the author realized he needed to tie everything up. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa, Moderator]

I'm about 50 pages in, and enjoying the book so far. I'm enjoying the recaps of the other books within the context of having read them myself, and I'm glad I did read them. John D MacDonald is my favorite author, so I'm enjoying the references to him as well. (view spoiler)[ I am having a bit of trouble believing that Agent Mulvey so quickly found a connection between the murders and the plots of these novels, particularly considering that the MO of the first murder mentioned does not exactly follow the ABC Murder MO. (hide spoiler)] It's good fun so far, though, and I'm looking forward to getting back into it this afternoon.

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Lisa wrote: "I'm about 50 pages in, and enjoying the book so far. I'm enjoying the recaps of the other books within the context of having read them myself, and I'm glad I did read them. John D MacDonald is my f..."

I loved the references too and am so glad you came up with this idea about reading the others first. One of my friends had started this one and when she found out what we were doing she put it down and started reading the other books first. :)

Read on. Agent Mulvey has a lot to say.

[Linda]

In still The Secret History and having a hard time getting through it.

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Linda wrote: "In still The Secret History and having a hard time getting through it."

Wasn't a favorite of mine.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Sheri wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I'm about 50 pages in, and enjoying the book so far. I'm enjoying the recaps of the other books within the context of having read them myself, and I'm glad I did read them. John D MacD..."

Thank you! I'm so grateful that you guys wanted to read with me :) It's been a lot of fun.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Linda wrote: "In still The Secret History and having a hard time getting through it."

I loved the author's voice, descriptions, and writing style, but it went on for SO long, sort of became a slog.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Is anyone else puzzled about the “murder swap” method, ala Strangers on a Train (view spoiler)[ and featured as well in EPM (hide spoiler)] being used as an example of a perfect murder? It’s basically just like using a hit man, and police will still look at people with motive, no matter who actually pulled the trigger. (view spoiler)[ I was thinking that this could have been a better method in the past, like during the time Strangers was set, due to the lack of forensic and communication technology, but the swappers in Strangers were both caught. Thoughts? (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Lisa wrote: "Is anyone else puzzled about the “murder swap” method, ala Strangers on a Train [spoilers removed] being used as an example of a perfect murder? It’s basically just like using a hit man, and police..."

I can see what you mean Lisa. (view spoiler)[ Hit man are paid to do a job and police would be looking at ways the prime suspect would gather the money to pay for the job. By swapping murders, there would be no financial trail. In Strangers on a Train, the police already suspected Bruno of other murders. If Bruno had not become so intrigued (infatuated) with Guy, it might have worked. The whole purpose of swapping with a stranger is that the first meeting would also be the last. Still, I enjoyed the stories. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Is anyone else puzzled about the “murder swap” method, ala Strangers on a Train [spoilers removed] being used as an example of a perfect murder? It’s basically just like using a hit ma..."

Great points, Nancy, I thank you!

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Strangers on a train (view spoiler)[ would have been perfect if one of the guys hadn't been a psychopath. Just think if you wanted to knock off someone and got a total stranger to do it and vice versa, and neither of you ever said a word..... (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa, Moderator]

Sheri wrote: "Strangers on a train [spoilers removed]"

True, Sheri, the people involved were (view spoiler)[ what caused it to fall apart. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa, Moderator]

Sooo, I finished Eight Perfect Murders yesterday. First - for anyone who has not yet read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie, the plot is spoiled in not one, but two places in this novel. Read with caution. This irritated me abundantly - I'd expected spoilers for the 8 books in the story, but, sheesh. I docked a star for that. (view spoiler)[ Otherwise, this book was just meh for me, I'm sad to say. Such an interesting premise but I struggled with the rather outlandish plot twists, and I didn't like Malcolm even one bit. It was so hard to connect with him, and the least of the problems was that he was a murderer lol. He was just sort of dull and ridiculous. Bright spots...the first half kept me guessing and interested; I was thinking that Agent Mulvey was going to turn out to not even be an FBI agent. SO, it was a decent page-turner that kept me reading. Biggest bright spot was reading all the other great books with you gals :) (hide spoiler)] I'm looking forward to hearing others' thoughts.

Full review here, as well: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[[deleted user]]

Lisa,
(view spoiler)[I agree with on three points. The book was okay ( so sad when a good idea does not come to fruition). I was sure Agent Mulvey would not be an FB I agent. I was unhappy that the plot of “The Murder of Roget Ackyrod” was given away. We could have added it to the reading list. There were other books listed in the story also. They could have informed the reader that there was plot spoilers for oh I don’t know 12 books. Oh, I’m sorry, four points, I did not particularly care for Malcom either. I did enjoy our buddy read though. (hide spoiler)]

The best thing about the book is that I got a list of books to read this winter.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "Lisa,
[spoilers removed]

The best thing about the book is that I got a list of books to read this winter."

Nancy, I'll have to check out the Mysteries for A Cold Winter's Night list. Perhaps more buddy reads ahead :)

[[deleted user]]

Lisa,

They are:

1. The Sittaford Mystery, A Christie (218p)
2. Nine Tailors, D Sayers (487p)
3. Corpse in the Snowman, N Blake (289p)
4. Tied Up inTinsel, N Marsh (292p)
5. The Shinning, S King (590p)
6. Gorky Park (608p)
7. Smiles Sense of Snow, P Hong (547p)
8. A Simple Plan, S Smith (426p)
9. Ice Harvest, S Phillips (217p)
10. Raven Black, A Cleese’s (388p)

Also based on winter, snowstorm scenarios is

Snowblind, R Jónasson (321p)
One by One, R Ware (385p)

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "Lisa,

They are:

1. The Sittaford Mystery, A Christie
2. Nine Tailors, D Sayers
3. Corpse in the Snowman, N Blake
4. Tied Up inTinsel, N Marsh
5. The Shinning, S King
6. Gorky Park
7. Smiles Sens..."

Ooo, these look fun. I've only read The Shining, but have a few of them on my TBR.

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Sorry you guys didn't like the book as much as I did. I gave it 4 stars because I didn't like Malcolm either. I guess because I've read about poor, ole Roger, it didn't even occur to me that he was giving something away. The main thing that aggravated me was (view spoiler)[ that Malcolm should have left well enough alone (if the plan is to get away with murder) or should have known better than to involve other people in his search; but I guess that was part of his psychosis and he had to do it to make the story go on.
I also liked it because I thought Agent Mulvey was up to something sinister and might just be the murder herself, and she wasn't, and didn't guess who was the murderer for a long time. And I didn't even think about Malcolm being the person who murdered Agent Mulvey's dad. I thought there were a few twists. (hide spoiler)]

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

[Linda]

I just finished The Secret History. I thought I would never finished. I can honestly say I probably waste my time reading her again.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Sheri wrote: "Sorry you guys didn't like the book as much as I did. I gave it 4 stars because I didn't like Malcolm either. I guess because I've read about poor, ole Roger, it didn't even occur to me that he was..."

Sheri, I did like the (view spoiler)[ Agent Mulvey angle as well. I was also sure that she was up to something, and possibly wasn't even an agent. That would have been cool. I kept guessing at her involvement throughout the book; I guess she was the red herring that you need in a classic mystery ;) (hide spoiler)]

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Linda wrote: "I just finished The Secret History. I thought I would never finished. I can honestly say I probably waste my time reading her again."

This is what I love about book discussions. I didn't like it but I have a friend who gave it 5 stars. Says it's one of the best things she's every read. Made me think I'd read the wrong book :) but I didn't. Did not like this one at all.

[Rosina]

hi everyone
I just couldn't get into The Secret History....
was wondering is there going to be a group read on those books mentioned in the winter reading list?

[Lisa, Moderator]

Rosina wrote: "hi everyone
I just couldn't get into The Secret History....
was wondering is there going to be a group read on those books mentioned in the winter reading list?"

Rosina, I'd definitely be game for that. Anyone else?

[[deleted user]]

Lisa wrote: "Rosina wrote: "hi everyone
I just couldn't get into The Secret History....
was wondering is there going to be a group read on those books mentioned in the winter reading list?"

Rosina, I'd definit..."
I’m interested. I updated the list with the number of pages. Some are quite long. When would we start? November? Do we want to do the list in the order listed in the book or another order? While some are at my local library some would have to be transferred between systems which would take a little longer than the usual 3-5 days.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Rosina wrote: "hi everyone
I just couldn't get into The Secret History....
was wondering is there going to be a group read on those books mentioned in the winter reading list?"

Rosina..."

Thanks for showing page numbers, Nancy. We could run Nov - Feb-ish? The order listed in the book would be fine with me. Do we want to start a new thread or just stay here? Others' thoughts?

[[deleted user]]

November to February is fine with me. I think a new thread.

[Rosina]

Nancy wrote: "November to February is fine with me. I think a new thread."

That would be great a new thread and starting in November gives us time to request some of them from the library or start searching book sales...

I saw that Nine Tailors, D Sayers is 99 cents on kindle...

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

I'm in. Yippee.

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Rosina wrote: "Nancy wrote: "November to February is fine with me. I think a new thread."

That would be great a new thread and starting in November gives us time to request some of them from the library or start..."

Thanks for the heads up. Got Nine Tailors.

November until February isn't very long to read these books. The Shining has 590 pages.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Should we go through March?

[[deleted user]]

I think March is good overall. Should we schedule each book as we come to it? Some books may take some time to get through. While some books are quite long, there have been times when I found a shorter book has been more difficult to get through. In our last read, it took me twice as long to get through Secret History as it would normally for me. With this buddy read, I think if someone (myself included) is bogged down by a book, let the others know and we can make changes to the schedule.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Here's a new thread for us to use: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I like the idea of setting finish dates as we arrive at each new book, since the lengths are so different. We can get a sense of how much time everyone needs so we can try to stay roughly on the same page (haha) for discussions. Just one idea, though, feel free to chime in with other thoughts :)