Crime, Mysteries & Thrillers discussion

Hello fellow Crime, Mystery & Thriller readers,


Welcome to our discussion about Lying and Dying (Josef Slonský Investigations #1) by Graham Brack which is set in Czechoslovakia, your discussion leader is PattyMacDotComma.
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about spoilers

Please note: If you have not finished reading the book spoilers are permitted in this discussion from the start. If you would like to use the spoiler formatting it can be found on the top right of the comment box in the "(some html is ok)" menu.
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Summary

What do you do when the poison comes from within…?

The body of a young woman is found strangled by the side of the road.

There are no obvious clues to what happened, apart from the discovery of a large amount of cash concealed on her person.

The brilliant, but lazy, Lieutenant Josef Slonský is put in charge of the case.

With a wry sense of humour, a strong stubborn streak and a penchant for pastries, Slonský is not overly popular with the rest of the police force. But he is paired with the freshly-graduated, overly-eager Navrátil, whom he immediately takes under his wing.

When fingers start to point inwards to someone familiar with police operations, Slonský and Navrátil are put in a difficult position.

If what they suspect is true, how deep does the corruption run? Are they willing to risk their careers in their pursuit of the truth?

This was the first of Graham Brack's books that I read, and I became a firm fan. If you get a taste for his style, you'll be glad to know there are more in this series.

I know very little about Eastern Europe, and I probably wouldn't have picked this up at random, because I wouldn't have known how informative and entertaining it was going to be. It is intelligent and witty. Of course, it's a good murder mystery, too.

Have a look at my review (no spoilers!) and see what you think.
Link to my review of Lying and Dying

This one sounds good, but unfortunately my library doesn't have it.

I'm looking forward to this, though I'm not sure when I will be able to sit down and read it. It doesn't appear to be available in audio or at any of my libraries, but I did manage a Kindle copy for just $.99. Now the only trick is to make some time for it!

ConnieD wrote: "This one sounds good, but unfortunately my library doesn't have it."

I'm sorry about that Connie. The Kindle version is very cheap on Amazon, if that's any help.

Barbara K wrote: "I'm looking forward to this, though I'm not sure when I will be able to sit down and read it. It doesn't appear to be available in audio or at any of my libraries, but I did manage a Kindle copy fo..."

I reckon 99c is supercheap, Barbara, and it's a quick, entertaining read, so I'm sure you'll fit it in. It's fun!

I'd love to know if anyone has started this and what they think about it.

I'm more than half way through it. It's not bad but I don't know whether I would read more from this author.

I've started but I'm not far in. I'm enjoying the tone. Slonsky is quite a character, isn't he?

He is that. All of those beers and sausages.

Linda wrote: "He is that. All of those beers and sausages."

Not to mention coffee and cakes!

Too true

A few minutes to read. Love this: “your generation labours under the disadvantage of not having grown up under Communism. For people of my age, rampant cynicism comes naturally. We always disregard the obvious and assume that things are not what they seem.”

Barbara K wrote: "A few minutes to read. Love this: “your generation labours under the disadvantage of not having grown up under Communism. For people of my age, rampant cynicism comes naturally. We always disregard..."

I remember liking that. Growing up when I did in the US (a long time ago!), I was raised to accept things at face value. Those in authority deserved to be there and knew what was best for you.

I did say a long time ago. :)

I finished today and I must say not bad at all. I think I will be reading more.

Linda wrote: "I finished today and I must say not bad at all. I think I will be reading more."

I hope you do and enjoy seeing the characters fleshed out some more. I like "seeing" eastern Europe, which is still unknown to me.

Thoroughly enjoying this. It's great to have a bit of humour too

Hazel wrote: "Thoroughly enjoying this. It's great to have a bit of humour too"

Sorry you didn't like the rest of it, Hazel. I found it a lot of fun. :)