What mysteries are you reading at the moment? (2024-2025) Showing 551-600 of 1,020

[Judy]

I'm reading Postmark Murder by Mignon G. Eberhart - the first book by her that I've tried. I'm finding it a compelling read so far, although there was a lot of back story to take in over the first few pages.

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "I still have to finish The Bungalow Mystery, and read a new book, The Murders in Great Diddling, but then We Solve Murders is waiting for me at the..."

Lucky! I’m on the list for We Solve Murders, who knows when I’ll get it!

[Susan in NC]

I just read a light, rather charming first in a new-to-me series, A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder, and startedThe Holy Thief, our next Cadfael. Those are always leisurely reads for me, so also started The Black Friar, next up in S.G. MacLean’s excellent historical mystery series, set in London during the Protectorate under Cromwell.

[Jan C]

Judy wrote: "I'm reading Postmark Murder by Mignon G. Eberhart - the first book by her that I've tried. I'm finding it a compelling read so far, although there was a lot of back ..."

I've only read her Sara/Sally Keate stories, some of which were made into movies.

[Judy]

Jan C wrote: "I've only read her Sara/Sally Keate stories, some of which were made into movies...."

Thanks, Jan, I may try those as I really liked Postmark Murder, so would like to read more by Mignon G. Eberhart. It is a bit slow to get going but then builds up the tension - it's set in Chicago around Christmas in the 1950s and has a strong post-war feel to it, with the plot involving displaced people from Poland.

I'm now reading Fire in the Thatch by E.C.R. Lorac, set in Devon towards the end of WW2, and enjoying that so far as well.

[Jan C]

Judy wrote: "Jan C wrote: "I've only read her Sara/Sally Keate stories, some of which were made into movies...."

Thanks, Jan, I may try those as I really liked Postmark Murder, so would like to..."

As a Chicagoan (exurb) in the '50s that sounds like I might be interested in it.

[Jan C]

Jan C wrote: "Judy wrote: "Jan C wrote: "I've only read her Sara/Sally Keate stories, some of which were made into movies...."

Thanks, Jan, I may try those as I really liked Postmark Murder, so ..."

Whoa! Who knew I have had this since 2018.

[Judy]

Hope you like Postmark Murder if you get around to it, Jan. i also have quite a few books that have been on my Kindle, unread, for years!

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "Jan C wrote: "I've only read her Sara/Sally Keate stories, some of which were made into movies...."

Thanks, Jan, I may try those as I really liked Postmark Murder, so would like to..."

Oh, that was my first Lorac, so a sentimental favorite!

[Judy]

Susan in NC wrote: "Judy wrote: I'm now reading Fire in the Thatch by E.C.R. Lorac, set in Devon towards the end of WW2, and enjoying that so far as well... "Oh, that was my first Lorac, so a sentimental favorite! ..."

Susan, I'm really liking it so far. I think my first was Fell Murder. Talking of Lorac, I've just noticed that another title by her is now available on Kindle in the UK for 99p, Black Beadle. I think it's also out in the US.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Judy wrote: I'm now reading Fire in the Thatch by E.C.R. Lorac, set in Devon towards the end of WW2, and enjoying that so far as well... "Oh, that was my first Lorac, so a senti..."

I bought the paperback of that off Amazon a couple years ago, I’m not sure who published it! But here’s the cover: I treated myself with a birthday Amazon gift card.

[Jan C]

Susan in NC wrote: "Judy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Judy wrote: I'm now reading Fire in the Thatch by E.C.R. Lorac, set in Devon towards the end of WW2, and enjoying that so far as well... "Oh, that was my first Lora..."

Picked it up for 99 cents.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

I put In a Lonely Place for a group read, but it was too pricy now. I've just read it & can strongly recommend looking out for a cheaper copy. I really need to read more noir.

The four-in-one kindle book I got this in has now showing as Women Crime Writers: Four Suspense Novels of the 1940s: Laura / The Horizontal Man / In a Lonely Place / The Blank Wall has gone up even further in price & is now showing as $36 for me.

The second book is $40!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YKPWMB6/...

[Sandy]

Finished We Solve Murders - absolutely wonderful, humor, action and interesting characters - and started The Camel of Destruction, next in a series I am working my way through. It is set in Egypt, 1910, under British Protectorate. I have also downloaded the new Flavia De Luce, What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust for later listening.

[Judy]

Carol She's So Novel ꧁꧂ wrote: "I put In a Lonely Place for a group read, but it was too pricy now. I've just read it & can strongly recommend looking out for a cheaper copy. I really need to read more noir..."

Carol, I remember liking this book too. If you're a fan of classic films, I thought the adaptation starring Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame was very good.

[Judy]

I've started reading our next Shardlake buddy read, Lamentation, and am immediately finding myself sucked in. Good to be back with Shardlake.

[Patrick]

Although I very much enjoy reading Golden Age mysteries, I am hopeless at spotting clues and honestly don’t even really care about solving the mystery, or about the rules of “fair play” (shocking, I know 😏 ). I am there for the characterization, the social milieu, the atmosphere, maybe the prose if I’m lucky. Arthur Rees’ The Shrieking Pit, published at the end of World War I, is an excellent example, set in seaside Norfolk, partly at a creepy inn. Ambience to burn, and well-written too. It also fits very well into my project of reading both non-fiction and fiction about all the English counties.

[Susan in NC]

Patrick wrote: "Although I very much enjoy reading Golden Age mysteries, I am hopeless at spotting clues and honestly don’t even really care about solving the mystery, or about the rules of “fair play” (shocking, ..."

I hear you, I’m the same - not great at picking up clues or motives, I just love descriptions of scenery, characters, peaking over the shoulder of the detective. Thanks for the Rees book, what a title, yikes! Sounds Halloween worthy.

[Patrick]

Susan in NC wrote: "Patrick wrote: "Although I very much enjoy reading Golden Age mysteries, I am hopeless at spotting clues and honestly don’t even really care about solving the mystery, or about the rules of “fair p..."

I hadn’t thought of that, but it is indeed a perfect October selection.

[Patrick]

I love the fact that there is a subset of Golden Age mystery writers known as the “Humdrums”, even if Julian Symons didn’t mean it to be complimentary when he coined the tag. Critic Curtis Evans and a number of bloggers have championed these authors, who indeed can be rather restful and soothing in their approach, and what’s wrong with that? They are also very readable and professional.

One of the Humdrums is J.S. Fletcher (1863-1935), whom I have not read before, so last night I started The Charing Cross Mystery (1923), and I will report back. It gets off to a good start with an unexpected death on a train; trains are always aces in my book.

[Patrick]

Mystery novelist Dorothy Cameron Disney (1903-1992) is easily confused with her contemporaries Dorothy Salisbury Davis (1916-2014) (I’ve read her novel The Clay Hand) and Doris Miles Disney (1907-1976) (haven’t read yet, but plan to). DCD is usually grouped with Mary Roberts Rinehart and Mignon G. Eberhart in the “Had I But Known” school. These books feature female protagonists / narrators who do not see dangers coming, although of course it all becomes clear in retrospect.

There are certainly traces of this approach in DCD’s first novel, Death in the Back Seat (1936), about a nice young couple who find themselves in way over their heads during a home caretaking gig in Connecticut. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and its small town atmosphere. The solution is VERY complicated, you won’t figure it out.

I obtained this book through one of those many “Megapack” / omnibus editions of genre fiction that are all over Amazon. I find that these often represent a very good value.

[Susan in NC]

Patrick wrote: "I love the fact that there is a subset of Golden Age mystery writers known as the “Humdrums”, even if Julian Symons didn’t mean it to be complimentary when he coined the tag. Critic Curtis Evans an..."

I’ve not read that one, but was not terribly impressed with Fletcher’s The Middle Temple Murder, read this year with the group. Some fun, entertaining bits, but stretched believability for me! I hope you enjoy his writing more than I did.

[Susan in NC]

Patrick wrote: "Mystery novelist Dorothy Cameron Disney (1903-1992) is easily confused with her contemporaries Dorothy Salisbury Davis (1916-2014) (I’ve read her novel The Clay Hand) and Doris Miles Disney (1907-1..."

I agree, you can get some good deals with those mega bundle ebooks. Thanks for these authors- I’ve heard of some of them ( this group is toxic to my TBR list!)

[Patrick]

Susan in NC wrote: "Patrick wrote: "I love the fact that there is a subset of Golden Age mystery writers known as the “Humdrums”, even if Julian Symons didn’t mean it to be complimentary when he coined the tag. Critic..."

We shall see!

[Patrick]

Susan in NC wrote: "Patrick wrote: "Mystery novelist Dorothy Cameron Disney (1903-1992) is easily confused with her contemporaries Dorothy Salisbury Davis (1916-2014) (I’ve read her novel The Clay Hand) and Doris Mile..."

My reading is about half ebooks, half hard copy. I’m always looking for bargains.

[Neer]

Patrick wrote: "Although I very much enjoy reading Golden Age mysteries, I am hopeless at spotting clues and honestly don’t even really care about solving the mystery, or about the rules of “fair play” (shocking, ..."

Wonderful to see someone talking about Arthur Rees. I read his The Hand in the Dark and loved it but somehow haven't read him after that. The Shrieking Pit seems interesting with its sinister inn, I'll download it.

[Patrick]

Neer wrote: "Patrick wrote: "Although I very much enjoy reading Golden Age mysteries, I am hopeless at spotting clues and honestly don’t even really care about solving the mystery, or about the rules of “fair p..."

I know what you mean about getting back to an author. I am always wanting to read a book by someone I haven’t read before, which means that I sometimes forget to return to those writers after I read that first book! But I am getting better about this.

By the way, I looked at your reviews. Fascinating! Many books re India that I do not know about, or only very distantly.

[Judy]

I rather like J.S. Fletcher, as I enjoy his Victorian writing style, though it's a long time since I've read any of his books. Arthur Rees and Dorothy Cameron Disney are new names to me - it's amazing just how many interesting Golden Age detective writers there were.

[Patrick]

Judy wrote: "I rather like J.S. Fletcher, as I enjoy his Victorian writing style, though it's a long time since I've read any of his books. Arthur Rees and Dorothy Cameron Disney are new names ..."

So, so many!

I am down with Victorian / Edwardian writing styles, as well.

[Susan in NC]

Patrick wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Patrick wrote: "Mystery novelist Dorothy Cameron Disney (1903-1992) is easily confused with her contemporaries Dorothy Salisbury Davis (1916-2014) (I’ve read her novel The Clay ..."

Same here - I love physical used books (I almost never buy new, I tend to like old authors), but ebooks have become available through my public library, and they’re often cheaper on Amazon - plus with aging eyes, I can adjust the fonts. Many older paperbacks have teeny-tiny print!

[Jan C]

Susan in NC wrote: "Patrick wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Patrick wrote: "Mystery novelist Dorothy Cameron Disney (1903-1992) is easily confused with her contemporaries Dorothy Salisbury Davis (1916-2014) (I’ve read her..."

Ebooks are also good if you arthritis in your hands. That was the reason I went on Kindle. Now I'm on my 4th-5th kindle.

I like J. S. Fletcher. I've read The Paradise Mystery and The Middle Temple Murder. Enjoyed them both. A bit predictable for now but possibly not when they were written, more than a century later.

[Susan in NC]

I’m just starting my annual reread of Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie. I have a used hardcover copy of a 1969 edition and listen to Hugh Fraser’s delightful audio narration. I love his Ariadne Oliver voice!

[Judy]

I've just finished Dr. Priestley Investigates by John Rhode, one of his titles which is currently on special offer. I enjoyed it even though the plot was extremely far-fetched even by Golden Age standards!

I noticed that the detectives mention the name of the killer in a previous mystery towards the end of the book - not a big problem, though, as that one is out of print anyway, and Rhode wrote so many books that I'll never manage to read all of them. I have come across this before in GA books - it seems as if some authors weren't at all worried about including spoilers for their previous books!

[Susan in NC]

I enjoyed Hallowe'en Party, and want to watch the dramatization on BritBox tonight - seasonal fun!

I’ve started Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers - I wanted to at least start my reread as I’m having company next week, and I’ve really been looking forward to this!

[Jackie]

I've ordered Clouds of Witness from my library but don't know when I'll get it. I'm looking forward to that one, too.

[Alwynne]

I finished a novel by up-and-coming, Japanese writer Uketsu Strange Pictures A bestseller in Japan, I thought it was an intriguing, entertaining variation on a standard murder mystery. For anyone not a fan of horror don't be put off by the labelling of this one, it's essentially a conventional, not-too-graphic, puzzle-style crime novel with the odd creepy scene.

Link to my review:

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

[Patrick]

Judson Philips, Whisper Town (1960) - Philips (1903-1989) was prolific under both his own name and the pseudonym Hugh Pentecost. Whisper Town is an excellent stand-alone small town crime novel about the ugly destructive power of rumor, with a newspaperman as protagonist. Really enjoyed this one.

[Jill]

Have now started The Cellars of the Majestic Georges Simenon our long running series.

[Shaina]

I just started Dramatic Murder by Elizabeth Anthony. The detective doesn't seem too bright so far but I'm only 20% in so maybe that will change.

[Judy]

I really enjoyed A Telegram from Le Touquet by John Bude, even though it is strangely constructed. It's in two parts, starting off with a country house type mystery told in the first person, and then moving to France and narrating the rest in the third person.

The main detective in this one is Inspector Blampignon, who also appears in Death on the Riviera and at least one more book - I think he would have made a good series detective, but sadly Bude died not long after publishing these titles.

[Jan C]

I started The Horizontal Man by Helen Eustis. Not sure how I like it yet. I'm not very far in.

[Jill]

Just about to start Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey. Seems to be well liked so thought I would try.

[Neer]

Reading Rope to Spare by Philip MacDonald. it's part of his Anthony Gethryn series.

[Kirsten]

Lost Girls by Angela Marsons

[Alwynne]

I finished Marisha Pessl's Darkly This is technically for a YA readership but should have a broader appeal. It centres on a crime linked to long-dead artist/board game designer Louisiana Veda, and has a gothic, Christie-like flavour. Lots of twists and turns and pleasing details - and bizarre character names. Read this in one sitting and enjoyed it immensely.

Link to my review:

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

[Susan in NC]

I’m starting The Betel Nut Tree Mystery for our November challenge read.

[Judy]

I've just started The Betel Nut Tree Mysterytoo, Susan. I'm not very far in as yet but I quite liked the first in the series.

I'm also slowly reading the short stories in Bodies in the Bookshop, a collection of stories by different authors based around the themes of bookshops and Cambridge. The quality is a bit uneven, but some of the stories are fun reads and I'm hoping to read more by some of the authors who took part.

[Susan in NC]

I started The Zig Zag Girl for our upcoming buddy read, enjoying it so far - interesting time and place.

[Sandy]

I finished Betel Tree last night and will start Clouds today but have been a bit sidetracked by Fen Country. I got this from the library and have been ignoring it with many other books to read. Now I find I can't renew it as someone else is waiting. It is a 1980 book! Seems I am not the only Fen fan. Very short little problems for Fen to solve, but there are 26 of them.

It is the only copy in the library system and not in good condition. I am glad I borrowed it before it disappears.

[Jill]

I'm about halfway through Impact of Evidence, E.C.R. Lorac and naturally enjoying it.