What are you currently reading?

[Karl]

Totaly 'on topic': I'm currently reading Mattias Bostrøm's "Från Holmes til Sherlock'. Mattias Bostrøm BSI, top notch swedish Sherlockian, has written a Cultural History of Sherlock Holmes, no less. This handsome book will perceived as a benchmark for other attempts in that genre, as soon as it is translated into The English language!

[John]

I'm currently in the middle of King and Maxwell by David Baldacci.

[Karl]

'The Annals of Sherlock Holmes' by Paul Gilbert.

[Jennifer]

I am currently reading The Handbook of the Sherlock Holmes Festival from the Sherlock Holmes Society

A wonderful pictorial book featuring the inauguration of the Sherlock Holmes statue in London.

[Paula]

I'm reading "His Last Bow: Some Later Reminiscenes..." of Sherlock Holmes. Several more stories from Dr. Watson. Trying to get caught up!

[John]

Just finished Trunk Music by Michael Connelly and started today reading Sherlock Holmes: A Duel with the Devil by Roger Jaynes

[Jennifer]

I am currently reading The Moving finger by Agatha Christie

[Patrick]

I am always re-reading the Canon. Am currently on Boscombe Valley. Also, reading The Great Detective by Zach Dundas, City of Mirrors by Justin Cronin, and Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye.

[Silvio111]

I am always re-reading Rumpole of the Bailey. And lately I am enjoying re-reading Ben Aaronovitch's RIVERS OF LONDON series (contemporary policeman with magician powers very rooted in the real.)

And just for fun I am reading Barney Frank's autobiography.

[Sarah]

Ooo that Rivers of London sounds very interesting...

[Silvio111]

Oh, yes, it's definitely a find.

The main character, Peter Grant, has a great voice. He comes from a mixed-race working class background (jazz musician white father and Sierra Leonean mother), but he has a detachment about class and race issues that allows him to make wickedly succinct asides that break down the context of how people treat him.

He also has some choice observations to make about his peers in the police department, the public he has to deal with, and especially, the politics of the hierarchy his bosses navigate.

I totally love these books.

I think if this character had been born into the Victorian era, his childhood might have been spent as one of Holmes' Irregulars.

As it is, he has his own "Holmes" in the person of his "Master" (Peter Grant's repeated footnote regarding this term is priceless) - to whom he is magically apprenticed - Thomas Nightingale, who looks to be in about his mid- 40s, but he is actually also a product of the Victorian era.

[John]

I just finished Sherlock Holmes and the Chilford Ripper by Roger Jaynes. Very good story and it felt like I was reading the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself. Today I am starting something lighter, by Mike Faricy.

[John]

Silvio111 wrote: "I am always re-reading Rumpole of the Bailey. And lately I am enjoying re-reading Ben Aaronovitch's RIVERS OF LONDON series (contemporary policeman with magician powers very rooted in the real.)

A..."

I enjoyed the televised versions of Rumpole of the Bailey, but haven't tried the books. May have to try to find one. Loved Rumpole's wife, "She who must be obeyed."

[Silvio111]

Indeed! "She who must be obeyed" is priceless.

And Leo McKern was born to portray Rumpole and I miss him.

I have the 3 Rumpolel Omnibus editions (Vols 1 through 3) on the bedside table. I have reread them probably as many times as I have read the entire Sherlock Holmes canon.

I used to think it must be very weak and unadventurous of me to keep rereading my favorite books (Miss Marple, Poirot, Harry Potter, Sherlock and Rumpole), but then I got to thinking that we play our favorite records (CDs, MP3s, whatever!) over and over, so why not books?

But this is why I was happy to add the Rivers of London series to my "favorites" shelf.

[Philip]

I too enjoyed The Rumpole books, but "She who must be obeyed" did not originate there. That was the name that "Ayesha," the heroine of "She" was called by the local natives. This was one in a series of books by H Ryder Haggard. In case any Sherlockian fans are interested, There is a series of three books set in that world that involve Sherlock Holmes: "The Great Detective at the Crucible of Life Or, the Adventure of the Rose of Fire;" "The Great Detective (Sherlock Holmes) on the Roof of the World;" and "Alan Quatermain at the Dawn of Time Or, the Adventure of the Star of Wonder." These were all written by Thomas Kent Miller and are fascinating examples of "crossovers." My reviews are on Amazon.com, except for the final tale, which I am reading.

[Silvio111]

Philip -

Well, those Sherlock books sound like fun.

I knew "She" was a reference to H. Ryder Haggard, but I have never read any of his stories.

It is kind of funny, now that I think of it, that Rumpole, who is always quoting the Romantic British poets (Wordsworth, Keats, - and occasionally Browning) also slips in an homage to an adventure writer who, I believe, is not of their ilk.

[Sarah]

Oooodefinitely committing "Rivers of London" to the depths of my TBR. Sounds loverly.

[[deleted user]]

I am reading 'The House at Baker Street' by Michelle Birkby. Was published February 2016. It is a different take on the typical Holmes story and its a beautiful looking book.

Currently reading this in my book group if anyone else wants to join in. https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Ken B]

I just started Encounters of Sherlock Holmes.

[Grace Meredith]

I just finished a book on cryptography, and another one about a hacker who brought down a police force. I'm SUCH a computer nerd.

[Laura]

I am reading 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie - it is my first Agatha Christie novel and I am absolutely loving it (only on chapter three)!!
If anyone has read more Agatha Christie novels, what others would you recommend next?

[Allison]

I'm partway through The Oriental Casebook of Sherlock Holmes , A Monstrous Regiment of Women, and A Study in Scarlet Women

[RavensScar]

Currently trying to finish a book called Mrs.Holmes by Brad Ricca

[Paula]

Alexandra wrote: "Laura wrote: "I am reading 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie - it is my first Agatha Christie novel and I am absolutely loving it (only on chapter three)!!
If anyone has read more Agath..."

"And Then There Were None" was originally published as "Ten Little Indians," just as a note of trivia. It's one of the few she wrote not featuring a "character detective." I too enjoyed it after reading several Poirot mysteries, which I prefer over the Miss Marple. Have yet to read any Tommy and Tuppence.

The first Christie novel I read was while in hospital: "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd." I can see why it is one of her most popular. I also enjoyed the short story, "The Chocolate Box," with Poirot going back to his earlier years in Belgium. I also recommend "After the Funeral." When you get into the mysteries of one detective, they all seem to have a formula, but that's true of most genres. I like the 'foreignness' of the writing because of the period Christie wrote in and her style. They are a sweet snack for me after reading literary fiction. Have fun!

[J.]

Just finished Wilkie Collins' "The Law and the Lady" - not one of his better works, but of some Sherlockian interest because there were a couple plot points with distinct similarity to "The Problem of Thor Bridge."

[Nickleby]

Edmund Crispin’s “The Case of the Gilded Fly”. The first of his Gervase Fen stories. Randomly picked up “The Moving Toyshop”, from a random bookstore, a while back. Read it. Loved it. Locked-room mystery, Oxford, quite humorous.

[Ken B]

I am about 3/4 the way through Sherlock Holmes: The Thinking Engine by James Lovegrove. This is the third Holes pastiche that I've read by Lovegrove. I've liked them all.

[J.]

Reading "The Glass of Time" by Michael Cox. Really enjoying it. Even though it's a 30-years-later sequel to "The Meaning of Night", it can stand on its own. Very sad that Cox died relatively young at a time when his career as a novelist should have been taking off.

[Ken B]

Just started Sherlock Holmes: Zombies Over London. This one is going to be a guilty pleasure. Zombies, Holmes and steampunk. Off to a great start.

[Ken B]

Ken wrote: "Just started Sherlock Holmes: Zombies Over London. This one is going to be a guilty pleasure. Zombies, Holmes and steampunk. Off to a great start."

Enjoyed this one! Definitely a guilty pleasure.

[Ken B]

Just started Sherlock Holmes and the Theatre of Death

[em~thatdemmedelusivemurderess~]

I'm reading Scaramouche just now. And also Children of Blood and Bone... and also rereading The Thief... and on and off reading Les Misérables... What can I say? I like to multitask.

[Ken B]

I am nearing the end of Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows. This one has been on my TBR pile for a long time. Every time I saw it, I thought from the title "Casebooks" that it was going to be short stories and I have not been in a short story mood for a long, long time. Well, its not short stories....and its a Cthulhu/Holmes mashup...and it damn good!

[J.]

I read Michael Cox's "The Meaning of Night" - a Victorian era revenge tale. I read the sequel, "The Glass of Time" first - really enjoyed both of them, and wish Cox had lived long enough to continue on as a historical novelist.
Just finished Minette Walters' "The Cellar." Also a revenge tale, and quite horrific. The son of an upscale African family living in the UK disappears, and his disappearance changes the status of the teenage servant/slave who had been living in their cellar. Not for the squeamish.

[Liawèn]

A manga series called GodChild. Set in Victorian England, the story follows Count Cain on his countless (hihihi, countless) murder mysteries.

[Nickleby]

Joe Ide’s “IQ”

[Rohit]

I am reading 3 books at a time. Some say this is not a good idea to read multiple books at a time, but I have no problems with it.

1)The Diary of a Young Girl

by Anne Frank

I have already read this book in 2016, but I am again reading it as I find it quite inspirational. When we look at the problems she faced when in hiding, our daily life problems seem nothing.

2) Why I am a Hindu

by Shashi Tharoor

It's interesting to see a left-liberal politician talking about being proud of his religion (Hinduism). In today's India when being a Hindu is equated to being communal, intolerant, right-wing extremist and politically incorrect, it is interesting to read Tharoor's view on his religion.

3)The Four Million

by O. Henry

O'Henry's short stories never get old. The Four Million contains O. Henry's best and most characteristic work:

[Paula]

Rohit wrote: "I am reading 3 books at a time. Some say this is not a good idea to read multiple books at a time, but I have bo problems with it.

1)The Diary of a Young Girl

[bookcover:The Diary of a Young Gir..."

I just found an old volume of the complete stories by O. Henry at a local "free" store. You bet I snatched that right up. I'd been wanting to read more by him and it came to me at an opportune time. Keep us informed about the ones you like particularly.

[Paula]

Will be starting Less (the Pulitzer winner for fiction) today when I get through the last 20 or so pages of Catch-22. I'm also reading The Hobbit on audio disk as I go along in my van.

[Sarah]

I have never read O Henry but he is on my list. I am currently reading Les Misérables unabridged... aka: the longest book in the world.

[Rohit]

"I just found an old volume of the complete stories by O. Henry at a local "free" store. You bet I snatched that right up. I'd been wanting to read more by him and it came to me at an opportune time. Keep us informed about the ones you like particularly. "

Oh, thats good that you bought it. How many stories does it have? The book which I am reading 'The 4 million' has 25 of his short stories. I have just read around 8 till now.

Less seems interesting. I have never ever heard any audio book till now, how is your experience?

[Rohit]

Sarah wrote: "I have never read O Henry but he is on my list. I am currently reading Les Misérables unabridged... aka: the longest book in the world."

Good luck reading such a big book. I read somewhere that it has 1000+ pages. WOW ....i wont ever dare to read such a big book even in my dreams :P

[Paula]

Sarah wrote: "I have never read O Henry but he is on my list. I am currently reading Les Misérables unabridged... aka: the longest book in the world."

My sister checked that out of our local library as a teen and I believe she told me she took three 4-week renewals plus the initial four weeks to get through it. Yep, it's long.

[Paula]

Rohit wrote: ""I just found an old volume of the complete stories by O. Henry at a local "free" store. You bet I snatched that right up. I'd been wanting to read more by him and it came to me at an opportune tim..."

Rohit, actually I got the O. Henry volume for free. It's about two inches thick! There are over 100 stories in it. I will have to read them two or three at a time and not rush.
So far, I'm enjoying "Less," but I'm not real far into it. The character is funny. The premise sounds promising as well.
I'm enjoying "The Hobbit" as an audio book because the narrator is so good. He can do so many voices and does them well. He even sings and has a lovely voice. I find that no matter the story, when it's audio, the narrator can make or break it. However, the manner in which a book is written can determine how much I enjoy it. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Sanunders was a good story, but difficult to follow. It is a series of news stories, voices of ghosts, Lincoln's dead son, friends of the family etc. In all, if I remember correctly, there was over 115 different voices in the cast. I'm going to read the physical book now because I enjoyed the story even though it took concentration to "get it" all.

[Rohit]

Paula wrote: "Rohit wrote: ""I just found an old volume of the complete stories by O. Henry at a local "free" store. You bet I snatched that right up. I'd been wanting to read more by him and it came to me at an..."

Hey, can you add the name of O'henry's book here? 100 stories is a lot. Thats why I read ebooks in ipad but reading a hardcover physical book is a true experience.

Hmm, I guess I should also try an audio book. I wanted to read Hobbit even though i have seen the movie. I guess i will try hearing it :P

[Paula]

Rohit wrote: "Paula wrote: "Rohit wrote: ""I just found an old volume of the complete stories by O. Henry at a local "free" store. You bet I snatched that right up. I'd been wanting to read more by him and it ca..."

Here's the information on my O.Henry book: Collected Stories of O. Henry: Revised and Expanded. This is a printing in 1993. Mine is copyrighted 1986 with a first printing by a different publisher in 1979. It is edited by Paul J. Horowitz and is illustrated.

The Tolkien books are far better read for the beauty of the language. Peter Jackson did a respectable job with The Hobbit and LOTR, but he made too many changes which altered how the story actually happened. I call that "veering away," and I'm not fond of the practice. But that's just me. I will post a review of the audio book as soon as I finish it. If you are a 'friend' or following my reviews, it should pop up on your feed.

[J.]

Read a couple of Ruth Ware books - The Woman in Cabin 10 and The Death of Mrs. Westaway. In both cases, I thought the setup was good, but somewhere in the middle of the book, it got bogged down and no real twists that weren't pretty obvious. Both books seem to be following the trend of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, women-centric suspense aimed toward a film option.
Always looking for a good, genuinely suspenseful novel, historical or contemporary.

[Mary]

I'm currently reading The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter, which actually DOES feature Sherlock Holmes and Watson in smaller roles.

[Barbara]

Was loaned two of the most recent MX Publishing's anthologies of Sherlock Holmes stories recently. I like these a lot because they are a mix - short stories, poems, essays, one even had the transcript of a radio play. As with any anthology, some stories are better than others, and I wish these weren't so expensive, but they do put out a good looking book.

[Barbara]

I just put down a book called "Shatter" by Michael Robotham. He came highly recommended as one of the top suspense writers but this just took a real sadistic turn that turned me off so I didn't finish it. Plus, it has one of my least favorite things, long sections written in the present tense. And except for one teenage girl, the female characters were all unsympathetic or unlikeable.