Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

This was a slow month -- only two books read, and a third started that wasn't finished until early July.

The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday by Alexander McCall Smith. This is the 5th in the series about Isabelle Delhousie, philosopher, problem-solver, editor of the Journal of Applied Ethics or some such, mother of Charlie, lover of Jamie, etc., etc.

Isabelle is approached by a friend to look into her husband's involvement in a pharmaceutical scandal. While she's doing this, we settle back and enjoy her philosophical ruminations and Smith's delightful descriptions of baby Charlie, Isabelle and Jamie's relationship, the adventures of her niece Cat and Cat's delicatessen worker Eddie, etc. This series is just the ticket when you want something light and uplifting. It doesn't hurt when the book is read by Davina Porter, who transplants you into Edinburgh effortlessly. Smith brings his customary humor and penchant for philosophizing to this tale in an enjoyable way.

The Long Fall by Walter Mosely. Trademark Mosely, this time with a protagonist living in current times in NYC. Leonid McGill, so named by his Communist-leaning father, is a former boxer and general "fixer", that is, he solves problems for people. He is hired to locate 4 boys from 20 years ago, and he does. What he discovers about why the boys -- now men -- were being sought, and what happens to them, is the heart of this story.

Leonid is another compelling Mosely character surrounded by an interesting supporting cast including a formerly estranged wife who is trying to make amends, a lover he can no longer see, three children, and various and sundry "helpers" and people just this side of the criminal world.

Another enjoyable series I hope to hear more from.

Carol:
It sounds like you savored the two books!

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "This was a slow month -- only two books read, and a third started that wasn't finished until early July.

The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday by Alexander McCall Smith. This is the 5..."

Ann wrote: "Carol:
It sounds like you savored the two books!


I think so Ann. Plus I spent the latter half of June reading which I loved, but I didn't finish it until July.