English Mysteries Club discussion
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Leslie wrote: "Kay wrote: "My library doesn't have any michael Innes books. Did you get ebooks?"No I have paperbacks that were bought by my parents back in the 1960s! I also have 1950-1970s editions of almost ..."
What a collection! Out of the authors you mention, I have some Christie's acquired the same way.
Continuing with the Christies that Sophie Hannah recommended in connection with the "world's favorite Christie" poll that's ongoing, I just re-read Lord Edgeware Dies. Like the other three that I've re-read for the same reason (including the one in which I remembered whodunnit -- The Moving Finger), I enjoyed this re-read. They stop short of being great for the main reason that other Christies stop short: There's a surfeit of clues, and almost any character could in fact be the murderer; it's fun to read Poirot's revelation of exactly what was done and how, but it's not convincing as a unique solution.
I've just completed The Shadows in the Street. I really enjoy this series and love the fact that the books are very well written.
Just finished "The Kill" by Jane Casey. Good read.
Now reading Sophie Hannah's Monogram Murders, her Hercule Poirot mystery that was commissioned by the Christie estate. So far, she's doing a good job resurrecting Poirot!! I'm not yet sure about Officer Catchpool -- the Hastings substitute. Stay tuned.
I'm reading Murder Begins at Home, next in the Dagobert and Jane Brown series by Delano Ames. I was introduced to this series by this group's monthly read and so enjoy Jane's relationship with her husband. This time they are in New Mexico because Dagobert seems to think the "best" route from NY to Detroit is thru NM - he is an amusing character and Jane has the patience of a saint.
I just finished 'Appleby's End' by Michael Innes. Really wanted to love it but I found the story hard to follow and the solution to the mystery a bit muddy and disappointing.
Finished Sophie Hannah's The Monogram Murders. I guess we can properly consider it a fanfiction novel -- the first I've ever read. She definitely nailed Poirot. All in all, the book reads like a middling Christie. It ain't no Murder on the Orient Express, but it's better than many of the lesser-known Christies.
Bee wrote: "I just finished 'Appleby's End' by Michael Innes. Really wanted to love it but I found the story hard to follow and the solution to the mystery a bit muddy and disappointing."I can understand that reaction -- I find Innes' writing to be something of an acquired taste. His wit in particular is very dry and he often makes classical allusions which go over my head.
Some of the appeal of that specific book for me came from the personal interest of seeing Appleby (view spoiler), having read most of the previous ones in the series plus several later ones.
I'm sorry it didn't work for you but glad you tried!
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Thanks Jean! A new slang term to add to my mental "Brit dictionary" ;)
Jean & Leslie,Reading Susan Elia Macneal's "Mr. Churchill's Secretary," I was jolted when her WW2 London police referred to themselves (on a sign) as cops. I thought cops was strictly US, & Brit = coppers -- ??
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Carol wrote: "Jean & Leslie,Reading Susan Elia Macneal's "Mr. Churchill's Secretary," I was jolted when her WW2 London police referred to themselves (on a sign) as cops. I thought cops was strictly US, & Brit =..."
I don't know but your reaction would have been mine.
Danny wrote: "Copper is used more than Bobby these days. ..."Did not know that -- thanks Danny!
I'm working my way through the Frost series - which are decidedly dated, sexist and rude - but I like them!BTW - the last couple of visits I made to this group I couldnt see what this month's book is? Can someone update it at all? I just looked and the most recent posts are for the June nominations - its now July and I cant see which book is up. thanks!
And I am working my way through Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks series. Currently on #4 The Hanging Valley
Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "And I am working my way through Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks series. Currently on #4 The Hanging Valley"One of my favorite series. The middle ones are the best.
Sandy, are you enjoying The Hanging Valley? I like Peter Robinson but haven't read that one.
Yes I am Kay. I really enjoy Robinson's laid back approach.
Well, #12 in the Inspector Appleby series (The Paper Thunderbolt also published as Operation Pax) was again a nontraditional mystery -- more of a suspense thriller. This time Appleby's youngest sister is featured which was fun...
Penny wrote: "I'm working my way through the Frost series - which are decidedly dated, sexist and rude - but I like them!"I thought so too. I liked the series in spite of the flaws.
Diane wrote: "Penny wrote: "I'm working my way through the Frost series - which are decidedly dated, sexist and rude - but I like them!"I thought so too. I liked the series in spite of the flaws."
Could I have more info about the Frost series? Many series come up on GR search, but not a dated English mystery. Thanks.
Sandy wrote: "Diane wrote: "Penny wrote: "I'm working my way through the Frost series - which are decidedly dated, sexist and rude - but I like them!"Could I have more info about the Frost series? Many series come up on GR search, but not a dated English mystery. Thanks"
Sure, here is a link to the first of the series Frost At Christmas
Diane wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Diane wrote: "Penny wrote: "I'm working my way through the Frost series - which are decidedly dated, sexist and rude - but I like them!"I thought so too. I liked the series in spite..."
Thanks - they look interesting
I have started and am so far enjoying Sophie Hannah's The Carrier. I had given up on Hannah as simply too weird for me when I tried and failed to read The Orphan Choir, but I decided to give her another try with The Monogram Murders. I thought she did a good job resurrecting Poirot; so I'm back to her Zailer-Waterhouse series.
Penny wrote: "I'm working my way through the Frost series - which are decidedly dated, sexist and rude - but I like them!"Penny, what is the Frost series?
I've been reading some of Elizabeth Lemarchand, and enjoying them. I read Death on Doomsday and am starting now on Troubled Waters.
Karen wrote: "Penny wrote: "I'm working my way through the Frost series - which are decidedly dated, sexist and rude - but I like them!"Penny, what is the Frost series? ..."
See message 2280 for a link to the first book in the series
Currently reading
I always have 3/4 books on the go at the same time. Just finished The Blood-dimmed Tide by Anthony Quinn (brilliant) and have a PG Wodehouse on the go for laughs, plus Laurie King - but I find her books a hard slog despite the rave reviews.I'm holding out for more Giles Brandreth - Oscar Wilde Mysteries.
anna
Karen wrote: "Penny wrote: "I'm working my way through the Frost series - which are decidedly dated, sexist and rude - but I like them!"Penny, what is the Frost series?
I've been reading some of Elizabeth ..."
I love Elizabeth Lemarchand, but it's quite a challenge in my part of the world to find her books these days.
Can anyone recommend some mysteries involving clergy or religion? I need one for a reading challenge.
Diane wrote: "Can anyone recommend some mysteries involving clergy or religion? I need one for a reading challenge."Any of the Father Brown mysteries by G.K. Chesterton - I find them amusing and not too hard to take, even if you're not (as I am not) religious.
Diane wrote: "Can anyone recommend some mysteries involving clergy or religion? I need one for a reading challenge."The Reaper by Peter Lovesey is excellent and is on topic for what you're looking for. Not the newest book, so you might have to find a used copy online, or maybe your library.
Diane wrote: "Can anyone recommend some mysteries involving clergy or religion? I need one for a reading challenge."I like the Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters set in the early Middle Ages. Another one from this time period set in a monastery is Wine of Violence by Priscilla Royal.
One of the Louise Penny books is set in a monastery also (in contemporary Canada) -- I don't remember which.
Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I've read the Louise Penney one and will look up the others.
Hi all! I'm new to the group but not to English mysteries. How do you feel about Elizabeth George (Inspector Lynly) and Caroline Graham (Midsomer Murders)? It was these two authors that fueled my love for English mysteries.
Love Elizabeth George, reading her latest now
Elizabeth George's latest books are too long for me. I've never read aMidsomer Murders book but live the TV show. I'll have to try the books. I love getting these recommendations .
Had a class from Elizabeth George at a bookstore. She was marvelous and yes I do love her books.
Tracy wrote: "Hi all! I'm new to the group but not to English mysteries. How do you feel about Elizabeth George (Inspector Lynly) ..."I used to love Elizabeth George, but I think she's lost it. Her last one was 700 pages long and absolutely dreadful.
Please would someone tell me some good Ruth Rendell books? I loved Judgement in Stone but have been disappointed with the last couple books I have read.
Elizabeth wrote: "Please would someone tell me some good Ruth Rendell books? I loved Judgement in Stone but have been disappointed with the last couple books I have read."All of the Wexford books are at least good, and some are superb. Among the superb ones are Babes in the Woods, End in Tears, and (earlier in the series) Death Notes. ("Death Notes" is the American title. It was called "Put on by Cunning" in the UK. Why in the world do publishers use different titles in the UK and the US???)
Thanks so much for the great info!
English Mysteries Club
Books mentioned in this topic
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Cover Her Face (other topics)
A Mind to Murder (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Alice Clark-Platts (other topics)Chris Ould (other topics)
Adrian McKinty (other topics)
Will Thomas (other topics)
Anna Katharine Green (other topics)
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No I have paperbacks that were bought by my parents back in the 1960s! I also have 1950-1970s editions of almost all of Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham, Rex Stout, Ngaio Marsh, Cyril Hare, Ross MacDonald, John D. MacDonald, Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler -- these were all books my folks were getting rid of when they moved to a smaller place.