What mysteries are you reading at the moment? (2024-2025) Showing 801-850 of 1,020

[Jackie]

I just started my re-read of The Moving Finger.

[Susan in NC]

Finished my reread of Moving Finger and enjoyed it very much, so wanted to compare the tv versions. I’ve seen the Joan Hickson version, so watched the Geraldine McEwen version last night - interesting twists, pretty well done, but I didn’t like (view spoiler)[the way they minimized Joanna’s deepening romance with the doctor- and the scene at the dinner party, where she’s seated next to him and rubbing her foot up his ankle! A bit much, along with her makeup and costuming throughout, too strumpet-y and over the top! I think she was supposed to look like a smooth, soignee London sophisticate, but the screaming lipstick and red hair made her look like a chorus girl playing the provinces…I thought the casting for Megan was an improvement, though! Jerry came across as a sleepwalking drip. (hide spoiler)] made it a spoiler for anyone who hasn’t read the book yet.

And I’ve started the next Bradcote and Catchpoll mystery for our upcoming buddy read, Hostage to Fortune

[Sandy]

I am about to start 10 Marchfield Square, a new book that the library wants back soon. Then another new book in the Malabar House series that is waiting for me. These will delay new buddy reads.

And I am still anticipating the new St Cyr and Susan Ryeland.

[Jackie]

That was interesting, Susan, I'd like to watch both I think. I might subscribe to something (Britbox?) next winter so I can.

Meanwhile, I see there is a 1963 version on youtube with a cast I don't recognize and I will likely watch that tonight.

ETA: the YouTube video was incorrectly labeled: it turned out to be the Joan Hickson version! I really enjoyed it!

[Susan in NC]

Jackie wrote: "That was interesting, Susan, I'd like to watch both I think. I might subscribe to something (Britbox?) next winter so I can.

Meanwhile, I see there is a 1963 version on youtube with a cast I don't..."

I do love her! Although Geraldine McEwen is growing on me. I will definitely watch more of her Marple series on BritBox.

Finished Hostage to Fortune, probably my favorite of the series so far, engrossing as Bradecote and Catchpoll chase a gang of thugs lead by a psychopath holding Bradecote’s fiancée and a bunch of monks hostage.

[Susan in NC]

Had to return our next Brunetti buddy read to library, I’ll probably get it again later when it’s available, I was about 5 chapters in. So, instead decided to start Two for the Lions, Falco’s snarkiness about corruption suits my mood these days!

[Sandy]

Susan in NC wrote: "Had to return our next Brunetti buddy read to library, I’ll probably get it again later when it’s available, I was about 5 chapters in. So, instead decided to start Two for the Lions, ..."

Corruption does seem to be on-going.

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Had to return our next Brunetti buddy read to library, I’ll probably get it again later when it’s available, I was about 5 chapters in. So, instead decided to start [book:Two fo..."

Yes, yes it does…🤦🏻‍♀️

[Jackie]

I'm in the middle of buying a house, which I find very stressful, so to relax I am re-reading the Jane Jeffry cosy series (even though I just re-read it not too long ago). I'm currently reading A Knife to Remember

[Susan in NC]

Good luck! Good on you for taking care of yourself at this stressful time. ;o)

[Jan C]

I found it stressful, too. The biggest discouragement from moving.

I just finished a mystery based on the Detection Club - The Case of the Christie Conspiracy. It was kind of cozy, I suppose. But I liked the characters and I thought that it showed that she had done her research. It also has a lot of chess in it.

[Judy]

I've just reread The Moving Finger and really enjoyed it even though I remembered the plot. Looking forward to our discussion.

[Jan C]

I've gone back to The Ellerby Case by John Rhode. A Professor Priestley story about saccharin poisoning.

[Judy]

I've finally finished the enormously long The Life of Crime: Detecting the History of Mysteries and their Creators by Martin Edwards. Very interesting, and the range of books and authors covered is astonishing, although, even in a 700-page book, not everyone can be included.

I sometimes felt there was too much for my personal taste about authors' personal lives and tragedies rather than their books. A lot of it also seems to be angled towards darker and grittier crime books, which aren't my favourites, but then again he has already written extensively about the Golden Age. Glad to have read it, anyway.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Judy wrote: "I've finally finished the enormously long The Life of Crime: Detecting the History of Mysteries and their Creators by Martin Edwards. Very interesting, and the range ..."

Oooh, tempting. Are there a lot of open spoilers though? I've found Edwards bad for that in his book introductions.

[Sandy]

I have picked up a book I own, Murder, Maestro, Please, part of a series and the last one that I have access to. Love the humor. Old, small paperback with tiny print and the print goes right to the binding so very hard reading, but fun.

[Susan]

I am currently loving Let the Bad Times Roll by Alice Slater Think I posted that in the wrong thread, which as I'm a mod, there's no real excuse for!

THEN

Alone in New Orleans, Selina is struggling to fit in until a charismatic stranger invites her for a drink. It feels like fate, but who is Daniel, and what does he want from her? Just as the humidity and the hangovers start to take their toll, Daniel vanishes

NOW

Daniel is missing. No one has seen or heard from him in weeks. Beside herself with worry, his sister Caroline hosts an intimate gathering in her London home so those closest to Daniel can come together and compare notes. But what should have been five courses of a Cajun-style feast has now become an interrogation. Those left behind must piece together their shared understanding of the man they thought they knew.

And all isn't quite as it seems: Caroline has invited a stranger to the table, an accomplished psychic who claims to have met Daniel four thousand miles away in New Orleans. As evening turns to night, the dark truth of what really happened begins to emerge...

[Susan]

Recently, I also really enjoyed The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha

On a private island off the west coast of Scotland, the Agarwals gather for a much-awaited family reunion.

Raj, the patriarch and business tycoon, who has six weeks to decide how to split his petrochemicals empire between his three children.

Shalini, the fragile mother, who longs to see her family healed.

Myra, the eldest daughter and golden child, who, unbeknownst to the family, is on the brink of bankruptcy.

Aseem, the son and supposed heir, who must choose between his wife and his family.

Aisha, the fun-loving youngest daughter, who is tired of being treated like a child.

And Zoe, the outsider whose #Instaperfect life is built on a foundation of lies.

Everyone has a secret – but only one would kill to protect it...

[Jan C]

Judy wrote: "I've finally finished the enormously long The Life of Crime: Detecting the History of Mysteries and their Creators by Martin Edwards. Very interesting, and the range ..."

I've just started it.

[Judy]

Carol, I did notice a few spoilers in The Life of Crime but I probably won't remember them due to the huge number of books he discusses. He sometimes says that Book A has a similar plot twist to Book B, so if you have read one of them it may spoil the other!

[Susan]

I started A Trial in Three Acts which I am really enjoying so far. A new author for me, Guy Morpuss. Has anyone else read him, or this?

[Susan in NC]

I have not, enjoy and report back!

[Jan C]

Finished The Chess Board Murders by Jack Murray. It was the second in the Lord Kit Aston series. The first one took place in a country house where Kit and friends were invited to discuss the owner's late son. Here, much of it takes place over a chess board. Involving some degree of espionage and murder.

I have played chess, but, like bridge, it just gives me a headache. But somehow I found myself reading two books at the same time that relied heavily on chess. I did find myself enjoying both of them.

[Judy]

I've just read Murder à la Mode by Patricia Moyes, the fourth book in the Henry Tibbett series, which is set in and around the offices of 'Style' magazine - a fascinating setting, as the author worked for Vogue, so really knows her stuff about the world of high fashion journalism. The atmosphere reminded me of Death in High Heels by Christianna Brand. I enjoyed it.

[Sandy]

Judy wrote: "I've just read Murder à la Mode by Patricia Moyes, the fourth book in the Henry Tibbett series, which is set in and around the offices of 'Style' magazine - a fascinati..."

Thank you for the reminder of that series. I have requested #3. I have so many, too many, series in process.

I am currently reading Marble Hall Murders. Not very far in: about halfway into the first occurrence of the Pund novel.

[Susan]

I just finished Let the Bad Times Roll Alice Slater's brilliant second novel. She has become a favourite of mine - deliciously dark and highly recommended!

[Susan in NC]

Finished and enjoyed our next Falco (the audiobooks make them entertaining! Love Simon Prebble’s voice).

I’m about halfway through Gently Does It for our upcoming buddy read. I’ve never read this author, but I’m enjoying Gently as a character, from various comments of GR friends, I gather the books are different from the tv version? Not familiar with either, but I think I’ll read on with the books.

[Susan]

Good to hear, Susan. I have started the Falco and the Brunetti. I haven't seen Gently on TV or read the books, but will definitely read that one next.

[Sandy]

Stayed up late to finish Marble Hall Murders. Wonderful book but you MUST read Magpie Murders first as that book is completely spoiled by this one (the author warns you).

[Judy]

Sandy wrote: "Judy wrote: "I've just read Murder à la Mode by Patricia Moyes ...Thank you for the reminder of that series. I have requested #3. I have so many, too many, series in process."

I find it hard to keep up with many series at once - there are quite a few that I've started and not gone back to, though I keep meaning to! I didn't think book 3 in this series was as good as the first 2, but book 4 was back on form. I enjoy the varied settings - so far all the books have been quite different, with a ski resort, sailing trip, conference in Switzerland and a fashion magazine!

Quite a lot of this series is on Kindle Unlimited in the UK at the moment, from book 5 onwards, although books 1 and 2 also used to be on KU and aren't on Kindle at all now. I'm hoping others won't start to disappear, as has happened with some other authors.

[Judy]

P.S. Sandy, I also enjoyed Marble Hall Murders a lot, and definitely agree with your warning to read Magpie Murders first!

[Susan in NC]

Thanks for the warning, I haven’t yet read the Magpie series, but you’d have to live under a rock to be a mystery fan and not know about it!

[Jackie]

I have just started Gently Does It, but slow going because I am so busy.
But so far I like the character.

[Susan in NC]

Jackie wrote: "I have just started Gently Does It, but slow going because I am so busy.
But so far I like the character."

I found him very restful and likeable-and myself craving peppermint creams!

[Alwynne]

I finished the first in a projected series by Robert Holtom A Queer Case set in London in the 1920s and featuring a gay amateur sleuth. Likely to appeal to fans of writers like Nicola Upson and Jacqueline Winspear. Lots of social commentary/historical detail but the writing can be a little clunky in places.

Link to my review:

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

[Judy]

Did you want to buddy read another Christianna Brand, Susan, and anyone else who's interested? Maybe Cat and Mouse which has just been reprinted in the UK? Sorry just posted this in the non-mystery thread;

[Susan in NC]

I just started River of Darkness for our upcoming buddy read - very intriguing, in first chapters.

[Jackie]

I'm reading A Novena For Murder but don't know if it is for an upcoming buddy read or someone just recommended it.

[Sandy]

Jackie wrote: "I'm reading A Novena For Murder but don't know if it is for an upcoming buddy read or someone just recommended it."

I added it to me TBR list in 2021, so maybe an old recommendation? Let me know if I should stop ignoring it.

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "Jackie wrote: "I'm reading A Novena For Murder but don't know if it is for an upcoming buddy read or someone just recommended it."

I added it to me TBR list in 2021, so maybe an old..."

lol! How many books on our tbr piles are old suggestions from a GR buddy or review, but we don’t remember…; o )

Ok, just checked, and it’s on my TBR also! We must’ve heard about it here Jackie…sounds like it could be fun, as a Catholic kid growing up on Chicago’s South Side, I knew some wonderful feisty old nuns…looking forward to your thoughts, Jackie.

[Neer]

I have just started Dolores Gordon-Smith's As If by Magic, the third in her Jack Haldean series. I remember discussing the first two. Is there a thread for this one too?

[Susan]

Judy wrote: "Did you want to buddy read another Christianna Brand, Susan, and anyone else who's interested? Maybe Cat and Mouse which has just been reprinted in the UK? Sorry just posted this in the non-mystery..."

I would love to buddy read it, Judy. Not until after Harrogate though, if you can wait until after July?

[Judy]

Great, Susan - I'd be fine to wait until after Harrogate. You must be getting excited about that! Any time that works for you is find by me. :)

[Judy]

Neer wrote: "I have just started Dolores Gordon-Smith's As If by Magic, the third in her Jack Haldean series. I remember discussing the first two. Is there a thread for this one too?"

Hi Neer, sorry but there isn't a thread for that one, as we just read the first 2 books in the Jack Haldean series as part of our challenge in 2024 where we tried out a number of modern series. Hope you enjoy it though - I really liked most of this series, though I don't think I've read the last couple of titles.

[Jackie]

Jackie wrote: "I'm reading A Novena For Murder but don't know if it is for an upcoming buddy read or someone just recommended it."

I would give it a mild recommendation, more for the characters and retro setting than any "detecting". I really have a fondness for life before internet/cell phones.

[Jackie]

I've started The Big Four which is a re-read, but I have no memory of what happens.

[Susan in NC]

Jackie wrote: "Jackie wrote: "I'm reading A Novena For Murder but don't know if it is for an upcoming buddy read or someone just recommended it."

I would give it a mild recommendation, more for th..."

Oh my gosh, me too! Remember people having attention spans, and looking at each other rather than their phone? I still can’t get over being in a restaurant, and seeing couples or even groups together at a table, but looking at their phones! I can’t believe it. My father, bless him, would have had a cow, and there’d be no phones allowed at the dinner table, that’s for sure!

[Susan in NC]

Oh, and I’m starting a reread of The UnfinishedClue by Georgette Heyer, a favorite very humorous GA country house murder mystery, for another group.

I really enjoyed River of Darkness, engrossing and interesting-finished in a couple days. Looking forward to reading on! The Heyer mystery is the perfect witty, funny palate cleanser. ;o)

[Sandy]

Jackie wrote: "I've started The Big Four which is a re-read, but I have no memory of what happens."

Not my favorite and that is the best I can say.

[Sandy]

I have started How to Seal Your Own Fate, second in a new series. Like the first it bounces between the 1960's and current day. Mixed feelings so far but probably one I will finish.

Bobby Owen got bumped by a new book, sorry Bobby.