Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

1. Spin, Robert Wilson
2. Black Cherry Blues, James Lee Burke
3. The Border, Don Winslow
4. The Wild One, Nick Petrie
5. Raven Black, Anne Cleeves

Dan in AZ wrote: "5. Raven Black, Anne Cleeves"

What did you think of Raven Black, Dan? I liked it. The setting was intriguing—who knew there was a part of Great Britain so close to Norway and Denmark? The consequent isolation and independence of the islanders lent a lot to the atmosphere. I also liked the detective and intend to read more of the series.

I enjoyed it, Jan. I was in the Shetland Islands a couple years ago, so I was particularly interested in the setting. Neither the setting nor the story disappointed. Mrs Dan also read it and already has the second book.

Dan in AZ wrote: "I was in the Shetland Islands a couple years ago, so I was particularly interested in the setting.."

Wow, Dan! How did I miss this? Was it vacation or something else? If vacation, how did you think of going there?

Dan: Like Jan O'Cat said - wow and what an interesting place to visit. That must have really added to the enjoyment of Raven Black. Getting into James Lee Burke's back list with Black Cherry Blues, nice!

Dan in AZ wrote: "I enjoyed it, Jan. I was in the Shetland Islands a couple years ago, so I was particularly interested in the setting. Neither the setting nor the story disappointed. Mrs Dan also read it and alread..."

We went on a cruise that started in Iceland, then to the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, Norway, Belgium, Denmark and ending up in England. This was a pretty small ship, so it wasn’t the cattle call of the huge ships, and we were able to get in small harbors that are usually skipped. Very interesting.

Good month! I read Black Cherry Blues....a long time ago! That cruise sounds great!

OMalleycat wrote: "Dan in AZ wrote: "5. Raven Black, Anne Cleeves"

What did you think of Raven Black, Dan? I liked it. The setting was intriguing—who knew there was a part of Great Britain so close to ..."

it was a 5 star for me and put her on my list of authors. I got several others by her for Christmas, but still haven't got to them. I keep getting sidetracked from my owned books.

Snap quiz: why were Shetland ponies bred?

Dan in AZ wrote: "Snap quiz: why were Shetland ponies bred?"

I give.

On the Shetland Islands, men mined coal from narrow shafts, but it was the women and children who carried the coal out long tunnels to the surface. When the Shetland pony was bred.to a height suitable for the shafts but also strong enough to haul the coal, women and especially children were relieved of this onerous work.

Wow! I had never heard that before. Thank god for Shetland ponies!

Dan in AZ wrote: "When the Shetland pony was bred.to a height suitable for the shafts but also strong enough to haul the coal, women and especially children were relieved of this onerous work."

Wow, ingenious! I wonder how long it took them to develop animals with the traits they wanted. What a practical solution, though I somehow doubt the women and children then got to take up lives of leisure!

Dan: How interesting about the Shetland pony origin story!