What mysteries are you reading at the moment? (2023)

[Susan in NC]

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Started listening to Rest You Merry while knitting yesterday, always fun.

[Jill]

As the chosen nomination for the next buddy read was the second in the series, I am now starting Drink to Yesterday the first. The series being by Manning Coles. Two authors being Manning (Adelaide Francis Oke Manning & Cyrl Henry Coles) Coles

[Craftyhj]

I've just finished the first full length Angela Marchmont - The Murder at Sissingham Hall by Clara Benson. An easy cosy read but not great.

[Jan C]

Jill wrote: "As the chosen nomination for the next buddy read was the second in the series, I am now starting Drink to Yesterday the first. The series being by Manning Coles. Two ..."

I started it this week.

[Jill]

As I read Rest You Merry last year and I don't do rereads I decided to read the next in the series instead, being The Luck Runs Out Not that far in but enjoying it. I do like Shandy and his now wife Helen, hoping that this book is a good as the first.

[Susan in NC]

I just finished my reread a few days ago, now I’m reading Tied Up in Tinsel by Ngaio Marsh for one group, and rereading Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie for another. Queens of crime time! ;o)

[Jackie]

I'm about to start Hercule Poirot's Christmas which I don't think I have ever read.

[Susan in NC]

I think I first read it within the last few years, I thought it was very good, I had somehow missed it! I have the audiobook through Everand - Hugh Fraser narrates, he’s my favorite.

[Sandy]

I am listening to one of our December reads, Rest You Merry, which is a re-read from eight years ago. I have recently read three historical mysteries to complete a challenge in another group but not all were 'keepers'. As my main read, I am about to start The Mystery Guest, follow-up to The Maid, and just published. I also have Sherlockian Limericks by Isaac Asimov that I hope to incorporate with a few Holmes re-reads. I discovered this book's existence in the back of an old library book where the publisher listed their other books.

Then, waiting patiently, is another new book. The Proof of the Pudding for Christmas.

[Kirsten]

Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam by M.C. Beaton

[Judy]

That's a lot of books, Sandy - hope you enjoy! I really enjoyed listening to Rest You Merry and am now looking forward to our discussion, which starts tomorrow.

I've started Corpse at the Carnival by George Bellairs, which I've been meaning to read since visiting the Isle of Man earlier this year, as it is one of several of his novels set on the island. The opening is on the seafront in Douglas, which is where we stayed on our holiday.

[Susan in NC]

Our MacLeod read got me in the mood, so I’m reading a Christmas mystery from her other series, The Convivial Codfish by Charlotte MacLeod.

[Jill]

I have started Silent Nights: Christmas Mysteries, short stories so as always some are better than others.

[Jan C]

Jill wrote: "I have started Silent Nights: Christmas Mysteries, short stories so as always some are better than others."

I've just ordered it. I thought I had it but I think I was wrong.

[Lady Clementina]

I've been reading my first Molly Thynne The Draycott Murder Mystery, slow paced but very enjoyable so far.

[Sandy]

Being a stickler for reading at least the first book in a series before any others, I am reading The Plague Court Murders because I requested the second book which is Christmas related. After complaining about locked room mysteries with our Lorac read, this and the second in the series, are both in that genre. The detective in the series (who doesn't appear until the second half) is an amusing addition. This one has no footsteps in the mud; the second features no footsteps in the snow.

[Carissa]

Lady Clementina wrote: "I've been reading my first Molly Thynne The Draycott Murder Mystery, slow paced but very enjoyable so far."

I read her book, "The Crime at the Noah's Ark," a couple years ago. Very enjoyable and takes place at Christmas, if anyone is looking for a Christmas mystery!

[Greg]

I'm reading a Christie short story collection, The Hound of Death, from 1933.

[Sandy]

Greg wrote: "I'm reading a Christie short story collection, The Hound of Death, from 1933."

A collection of Christie that I wasn't aware of and very few of the stories sound familiar. Good find.

[Judy]

I noticed that my local library system had an ebook of The Second Shot by Anthony Berkeley, which isn't available on Kindle in the UK, so I've borrowed it and it has an interesting start. I'm also listening to our forthcoming buddy read The Long Divorce on audiobook.

[Jill]

Starting The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman. Could not ignore the new shiny cover calling me any longer!

[Judy]

I really enjoyed The Second Shot by Berkeley and stayed up late to read to the end - I had some problems with the plot but it was very entertaining.

[Susan in NC]

Jill wrote: "Starting The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman. Could not ignore the new shiny cover calling me any longer!"

I loved this, bought a copy for my twin sister for Christmas! Heed the call, Jill!

[Lady Clementina]

Carissa wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "I've been reading my first Molly Thynne The Draycott Murder Mystery, slow paced but very enjoyable so far."

I read her book, "The Crime at the Noah's Ark," ..."

Good to hear. Will bear it in mind when I'm looking for a Christmas read.

[Lady Clementina]

Susan in NC wrote: "Jill wrote: "Starting The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman. Could not ignore the new shiny cover calling me any longer!"

I loved this, bought a copy for my twin ..."

Another one to look forward to. I read and loved book 2 but haven't managed to catch up with the rest yet.

[Judy]

I'm about halfway through listening to Death of an Author, a standalone title by E.C.R. Lorac - really enjoying it but I'm absolutely mystified as to what the solution can possibly be!

[Sandy]

I have an unwieldly number of library books right now; some are Christmas reads as I went a bit wild with my requests and others are long-standing requests for new books. Those are due back much too soon, without renewals, so many of our mid-month reads will be late.

My current read is Murder Before Evensong, the start of a new series with a vicar (Canon actually) as the detective in a cozy British village. The author is Reverend Richard Coles, who I never heard of, but his bio implies he is well known across the pond. While the time period is not mentioned it seems set in the 1980 - 1990's. Interesting characters.

[Susan_MG]

The Christmas themed mysteries are taking me over right now. I just started Hercule Poirot’s Christmas and the first three chapters have me in their grip. Among the others I hope to read during pre and post Christmas days is one of the late Anne Perry’s holiday mysteries, A Christmas Hope.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "I'm about halfway through listening to Death of an Author, a standalone title by E.C.R. Lorac - really enjoying it but I'm absolutely mystified as to what the solut..."

I treated myself to the paperback with the beautiful BLCC cover, maybe a good Christmas read…I know, not at all Christmas-y!

I’ve been reading holiday rereads sprinkled in with mysteries or nonfiction. My current mystery, about 1/4 into it, is from a favorite medieval series: Murder Most Treasonable by Paul Doherty. I’ve been reading the Brother Athelstan mysteries for years, like most long series, can be a bit hit or miss, and repetitive. Can’t tell yet!

[Sarah]

Frustration abounds! I thought I had an old PB copy of Nicholas Blake's "The Case of the Abominable Snowman," but I have only "Murder With Malice," "A Question of Proof," and ""The Morning After Death." I go online and search Link+, to find a copy in California. Surely somewhere in this Golden State a library must have a copy? The Mystery Guild (whoever they were) put together an anthology series called "The Nicholas Blake Treasury" somewhat haphazardly, and no one has volume one. Volume 2, however, has the first Nigel Strangeways case, "A Question of Proof," along with "There's Trouble Brewing" and "The Beast Must Die," skipping "Thou Shell of Death" in the order of publication. I assume Volume 1 must include Blake's four standalone novels, but volumes 3 and 4 don't have the snowman, finishing with "The Worm of Death." Several other Strangeways mysteries have gone missing, too, e.g. "The Dreadful Hollow," and "The Whisper in the Gloom," or publication rights went haywire.
Despite buying a new laptop after my old one died, I still have to limit screen time, thanks to what I call my FUB (F•••ed Up Brain), and checked out Sayers'/Paton Walsh's "Thrones, Dominations," on Keith's recommendation.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
I also saw a new edition of "Thus Was Adonis Murdered," by Sarah Cauldwell, which I remember was the first of highly praised series. Has anyone read it?
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Sandy]

Sarah wrote: "Frustration abounds! I thought I had an old PB copy of Nicholas Blake's "The Case of the Abominable Snowman," but I have only "Murder With Malice," "A Question of Proof," and ""The Morning After De..."

The group read Thus Was Adonis Murdered and the rest of the (much too) short series a couple of years ago. I loved them.

[Sarah]

Thank you for this info, Sandy, I look forward to reading the series and will look back at the group comments for more insights and opinions.

[Keith]

Sarah, I can also recommend JPW's other three Wimsey/Vane books, 'Presumption of Death', 'The Attenbury Emeralds' and 'The Late Scholar' although that has several editing errors. Her own character, Imogen Quy, a nurse at Cambridge University has four books which are also good value - 'The Bad Quarto', 'The Wyndham Case', 'Debts of Dishonour' and ' A Piece of Justice' although, strictly speaking they are not really G.A.

I feel rather sorry for all you guys in the northern hemisphere, here it's a pleasantly warm early summer's day

[Susan in NC]

Keith wrote: "Sarah, I can also recommend JPW's other three Wimsey/Vane books, 'Presumption of Death', 'The Attenbury Emeralds' and 'The Late Scholar' although that has several editing errors. Her own character,..."

Sunny and mild (50s Fahrenheit), but a nor’easter due to blow through tomorrow, dump plenty of rain on us (but we need it). Enjoy your beautiful weather!

[Sandy]

Finished Murder Before Evensong and am looking forward to my library purchasing the next in the series. My short review:

A good cozy mystery with an excellent cast and setting. I found the interactions among the residents every bit as interesting as the murder.

I will add that I was a tiny bit disappointed in the resolution and one character I was hoping to see more of won't be back.

[Susan in NC]

Finished Murder Most Treasonable, definitely a weaker entry in this long series. Slow to get going, clunky dialogue, skimmed the last bit. Oh well, it is book 22 or something, can’t all be great!

[Jackie]

I am re-reading Mrs. Pollifax and the Golden Triangle or rather listening to the audio book from my library. I'm happy to report it is unabridged!

my only complain is minor: the narrator pronounces her name Mrs "Poll-E-fax" and that's kind of a discordant note whenever it happens, but otherwise I think the narration is fine.

I love the entire Mrs. Pollifax series and consider each book a comfort read.

I am also reading An English Murder which is a very fast read! I just started it in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep and am already halfway through. (view spoiler)[ I am surprised a major character is not ashamed to be a facist this soon after WWII, I would have assumed the war would have driven them underground! (hide spoiler)]

ETA: on second thought, it may be that the Mrs. Pollifax novels aren't considered mysteries?

[Sandy]

I also dip into Mrs. Pollifax here and there, always on audio. I file them under mystery (I don't have an espionage shelf) though it is hard to take either the mystery or the resolution seriously. Not a series to inspire discussion or analysis, but a lot of fun.

[Jill]

Finished The Rise: A Short Story by Ian Rankin and although this is one of my favourite authors, I found it a bit of a disappointment. Have now started The Poisonous Seed by Linda Stratmann A Victorian murder mystery

[Judy]

I enjoyed The Poisonous Seed - thank you for the reminder, Jill, I've read a few of that series but had forgotten about it. Must get back to it soon!

[Susan in NC]

I’ve started our January read, Stealing the Crown, not sure if I’ll finish it, not really grabbing me. There is some humor, though, and a good wartime setting, which is interesting. Just not feeling pulled back to it right now, might be first-book syndrome, it does take time to get a series going.

[Sandy]

As part of my Christmas books, I read Hercule Poirot's Silent Night. This was my first read of Hannah's take on Poirot and I have mixed feelings. In an attempt to judge the book on its own merits, I alternated between trying to ignore that the main character was Poirot and that the author was not Christie. Neither method worked well. As a mystery, the book was fine until the resolution which seemed to drop out of nowhere.

[Jackie]

I'm reading Murder on Bedford Street which is part of a long running series I have to be in the mood for. I suppose the beginning of the series was as formulaic but it's been so long I'm not sure.

[Judy]

Jackie wrote: "I'm reading Murder on Bedford Street which is part of a long running series I have to be in the mood for. ..."

I don't think I've tried this series, though "gaslight mystery" sounds intriguing, but I know what you mean about needing to be in the mood for some series, Jackie.

I started the second book in the Richard Osman series, The Man Who Died Twice, but it hasn't really grabbed me so far (I've read about a third), and I'm getting irritated with one or two of the characters. I enjoyed the first book in the end after a false start, but I think I definitely have to be in the mood for this series - maybe when I'm feeling mellow over Christmas!

[Jackie]

Judy, I think I loved it when the series first started and now it's more like checking in with old friends. I recommend the series, though, as interesting, easy but well written.

[Jan C]

I finally finished The Viaduct Murder by Ronald Knox. I thought it kind of dragged in spots. And had a little more religiosity than this preacher's kid was looking for.

[Keith]

I've just read Sayers 'The Documents in the Case' which I haven't had before, never had a copy but got it from Kindle.I'm not too sure about it really, different from her Peter Wimsey books. I have couple of 'new' Miss Silver' from Kindle too, I'm getting through her stories fairly slowly.

Merry Christmas everyone, the American idea of 'Happy Holidays' really irritates me!

[Jill]

Finished The Poisonous Seed which I really enjoyed and now staying in Victorian time ,I am now reading Mad Hatter's Holiday: The Fourth Sergeant Cribb Mystery which is set in Brighton.

[Jill]

Finished Mad Hatter's Holiday which was slightly disappointing, and am now starting the January winner of the group poll, A Toast To Tomorrow by Manning Coles.

[Judy]

I'm halfway through The Man Who Died Twice now but not enjoying it much at all - it's a pity, I expected to love Richard Osman's books as I really like him as a TV personality, but I'm finding this series rather boring and coming to the conclusion it isn't for me.

I have also just read Poison at the Village Show by Catherine Coles, a mystery set in a village just after WW2 - I really enjoyed this one because I liked the characters, even if the mystery wasn't anything particularly different.

And a collection of classic crime short stories which I found a bit of a disappointment, Murder in the Falling Snow - some of the stories were good but I'd read several before, and I didn't find the book particularly wintry, despite loads of snow on the cover!.