Reading the Detectives discussion

Neer wrote: "Have just started J. Jefferson Farjeon's Aunt Sunday Sees It Through. I have started liking him once again after recently finishing his The Double Crime. Anybody else likes him?"

I have read a couple. I find he takes a little getting used to, though. I'll start of his books and find I just hate it. A couple of chapters later and find myself sucked in and by the end, I just love it.

I've read a couple and found them both a hard job to stick to them, I didn;t enjoy them and as I read for pleasure, why should I bother? I won't try any more.

I am now starting Servant of Death by Sarah Hawkswood for our buddy read. I will try not to compare it with Cadfael, but looks like it could be difficult.

I've started A Nice Class of Corpse, the first in the Mrs Pargeter series by Simon Brett, one of our forthcoming buddy reads. I do enjoy his writing style and get the feeling this will be a fun series once I really get into it.

I have already read some of these and enjouyed them I still have a few of the titles I haven't read yet, I thought it worth while to spread them out a bit

Jill wrote: "I am now starting Servant of Death by Sarah Hawkswood for our buddy read. I will try not to compare it with Cadfael, but looks like it could be difficult."

I am always impressed by the members who are onto next month's reads while I am still struggling with this month's. Good work.

Keith wrote: "I have already read some of these and enjouyed them I still have a few of the titles I haven't read yet, I thought it worth while to spread them out a bit"

I agree; there are many series that should not be read one after another.

I am rereading The Luck Runs Out by Charlotte MacLeod for our upcoming group read. This is a favorite series I’ve read a few times, so it’s delightful to listen while knitting!

I am working on this month's buddy reads; finished Simon Brett and have started Bobby Owen. And there are three more to go.

See, you’re a mod, so probably read more of the group reads then most members- I only read a couple of the Buddy reads a month!

Susan in NC wrote: "See, you’re a mod, so probably read more of the group reads then most members- I only read a couple of the Buddy reads a month!"

I don't read all the buddy reads (we try to make sure at least one mod reads each) but this month I'm following them all - and enjoying them.

I've just finished 'Black as he's Painted' , Ngaio Marsh, I have some of hers and read them all, I'll have to get more from Kindle but US dollars convert up by about 60% in this neck of the woods so I have to sort of 'save up' to buy her books which can come relatively expensive to me.

Jill wrote: "I am now starting Servant of Death by Sarah Hawkswood for our buddy read. I will try not to compare it with Cadfael, but looks like it could be difficult."
I've read a couple of others of hers and found them excellently done. One more waiting on my TBR>

Susan in NC wrote: "I am rereading The Luck Runs Out by Charlotte MacLeod for our upcoming group read. This is a favorite series I’ve read a few times, so it’s delightful to listen while..."

I have this one on my TBR--must try and pick it up in time for the group read!

Lady Clementina wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I am rereading The Luck Runs Out by Charlotte MacLeod for our upcoming group read. This is a favorite series I’ve read a few times, so it’s deligh..."

I enjoy two of the mystery series this author wrote, these Professor Peter Shandy books and her Sarah Kelling books ( set in Boston, the first is The Family Vault). Whimsical, literate, funny - not at all dark or psychological or bloody, more comfort mysteries! I hesitate to call them cozy, because the modern cozy series I’ve tried to read seem sappy, lightweight and simplistic, more caught up in hobbies or trends the amateur detective is into, whether cats, dogs, books, coffee, tea, remodeling, etc….just not my thing, the killer always seems really obvious, the “mystery” pretty transparent! And they always seem to gunk up the story with a clumsy romance. I like romance novels, just not in my mysteries. Dorothy Sayers could do it well with Lord Peter and Harriet Vane, apparently writers nowadays can’t pull it off!

I definitely agree about many of today's cozy mysteries! It is usually easy to avoid them as the covers give them away (or highlight them for their fans). And I am one who likes romance in many of my mysteries (Sebastian St Cyr and Kincaid and James for examples). I even followed Stephanie Plum for too many books. Another well done example from GA is Alleyn and Troy.

I hate the modern connotations of "cosy mystery," because, at least here in the US, it implies "only read by women." As Susan in NC notes above, usually the "cute" outweighs the mystery.

Sandy wrote: "I definitely agree about many of today's cozy mysteries! It is usually easy to avoid them as the covers give them away (or highlight them for their fans). And I am one who likes romance in many of ..."

Oh, yes Alleyn and Troy are a great example! And you’re right, some modern authors do a fine job - St. Cyr and Hero, for example!

Sarah wrote: "I hate the modern connotations of "cosy mystery," because, at least here in the US, it implies "only read by women." As Susan in NC notes above, usually the "cute" outweighs the mystery."

Excellent point - cute outweighs the mystery!

Susan in NC wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I am rereading The Luck Runs Out by Charlotte MacLeod for our upcoming group read. This is a favorite series I’ve read a f..."

I agree about cosies, Susan. Many (even most) fit into the same broad structure. I wouldn't mind the 'cute' elements if the mystery itself is well done, but if that's disappointing, there's little point in reading them.

I've dug out my copy of The Luck Runs Out. Should be able to start soon 🙂

Lady Clementina wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I am rereading The Luck Runs Out by Charlotte MacLeod for our upcoming group read. This is a favorite ..."

Exactly! If it’s a good mystery, I don’t mind cats, recipes, knitting patterns, etc (actually, all hobbies of mine - except cats, I love them, but am allergic 🤧)

I just finished the entire Wishcraft series which starts with It Takes a Witch.

This series is absolutely feather-light to the extent that I am slightly embarrassed about liking it, for the most part. With all the adorable buildings in the incredibly charming village, it couldn't be more cozy.

The premise is interesting, there are a lot of characters to enjoy, and if you don't care that major plot points are 100% obvious (and the murders aren't usually too mysterious) it's mildly fun.

The sort of books I like to read when stressed out or when it's 95 degrees.

Ngaio Marsh did very well with her Supt Roderick Alleyn and the painter Agatha Troy though, I'm slowly gathering her Alleyn mysteries one at a time as I can afford them on Kindle.

I concur with your comments about modern 'cozy' mysteries, they really are mostly far too lightweight to hold my interest although I enjoy the 'Kitty Underhay' series

Jackie must be in the USA, we went metric over 50 years ago, 95F converts to 35C which is pretty warm

I've started The Luck Runs Out - I listened to it a few years ago, but am reading it as an ebook this time and so far am enjoying it more in this format. Looking forward to reading on in this series.

Judy wrote: "I've started The Luck Runs Out - I listened to it a few years ago, but am reading it as an ebook this time and so far am enjoying it more in this format. Looking forward to reading on..."

And I read it the first time and listened this time. Unfortunately, I fell asleep for the last few chapters so had to finish up this morning. A problem with audio books; they continue on even though you aren't listening.

I am starting a new book Neighborhood Watch that, along with another non-mystery, is due back to the library soon so needs to take preference over buddy reads.

Sandy wrote: "A problem with audio books; they continue on even though you aren't listening. ..."

Ah yes, that happens to me too! Then it's a question of going back and trying to work out which was the last bit I heard when I was awake ;)

Susan in NC wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "I am rereading The Luck Runs Out by Charlotte MacLeod for our upcoming group r..."
Oh, that's too bad--luckily I'm ok with all animals (at least those I've 'met' so far).

Judy wrote: "I've started The Luck Runs Out - I listened to it a few years ago, but am reading it as an ebook this time and so far am enjoying it more in this format. Looking forward to reading on..."

This series always cheers me up, I’m looking forward to rereading it as well!

Jackie wrote: "I just finished the entire Wishcraft series which starts with It Takes a Witch.

This series is absolutely feather-light to the extent that I am slightly embarrassed about liking i..."

Absolutely! Scientific fact, our brains slow down in that kind of heat, so what I often think of as a “beach read” - lighter than air, pure fun, not too mentally or emotionally taxing - is the order of the day…or of course, if I’m stressed. That’s why I took my dear Miss Marple on audio and a paperback with me to hospital for brain surgery! Not that she’s exactly cozy, but I knew the plot and didn’t know how or if I’d be able to hold a book, wear my eyeglasses, concentrate, etc. (so many unknowns), so a sure thing, old favorite is best.

I picked up "The Frangipani Tree Mystery" from the library yesterday, and can't wait to get started. This may sound superficial, but I love the cover, a paperback printed by Constable UK, with its red background and bird in the tree.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Lady Clementina wrote: "Neer wrote: "Have just started J. Jefferson Farjeon's Aunt Sunday Sees It Through. I have started liking him once again after recently finishing his The Double Crime. Anybody else likes him?"

I've..."

I didn't like The Z Murders or Thirteen Guests. Mystery in White was the first book of his that I read and quite liked it. It was a bestseller I believe when the British Library republished it.

Jan C wrote: "Neer wrote: "Have just started J. Jefferson Farjeon's Aunt Sunday Sees It Through. I have started liking him once again after recently finishing his The Double Crime. Anybody else likes him?"

I ha..."
Usually, I find him just meh but The Double Crime was delightful because of the below-the-stairs comments so I have started searching for his books once again.

Keith wrote: "I've read a couple and found them both a hard job to stick to them, I didn;t enjoy them and as I read for pleasure, why should I bother? I won't try any more."

Good point:)

Sarah wrote: "I picked up "The Frangipani Tree Mystery" from the library yesterday, and can't wait to get started. This may sound superficial, but I love the cover, a paperback printed by Constable UK, with its ..."

I agree about the cover. Lovely.

Sarah wrote: "I picked up "The Frangipani Tree Mystery" from the library yesterday, and can't wait to get started. This may sound superficial, but I love the cover, a paperback printed by Constable UK, with its ..."

I read the same edition, I think it’s lovely and eye-catching!

I've just finished 'A False Conclusion' by eronica Heley. Supposedly an 'unputdownable' book. I had a job to finish it, in fact the last 50% I just skimmed. It is a far too over the top story of intimidation and threats, with unbellievable public physical intimidation and harassment at a restaurant. All ends well of course but I couldn't properly keep at it. I am now starting on Mrs Pargeter No 1, again, (I have a set of 8) in between working on the detailed workbook for my 'new' compact camera, a real beast of a pocketable camera which will do probably 90% of what my dSLR will do and is as manually controllable as it although the 'new' one (it's a 12yr old camera) has some technical limitations.

I am now starting Liberty Bar Georges Simenon for our Maigret buddy reads

Susan in NC wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I picked up "The Frangipani Tree Mystery" from the library yesterday, and can't wait to get started. This may sound superficial, but I love the cover, a paperback printed by Constable..."

I've put that one aside. Not crazy about it. It's on my kindle so I may go back to it.

I am about to start Midwinter of the Spirit by Phil Rickman book 2 in the Merrily Watkins series, hoping I like it as much as the first.

Jan C wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I picked up "The Frangipani Tree Mystery" from the library yesterday, and can't wait to get started. This may sound superficial, but I love the cover, a paperback ..."

I wasn’t either, gave it 3-1/2 stars, but liked the heroine and setting enough to finish it, and be willing to try the next book with the group.

I’ve started The Middle Temple Murder by J.S. Fletcher for our May read, and At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie for fun, and am listening to England's Finest by Christopher Fowler. I loved the series and am sad there will be no more books since the author’s death last year; this is a short story collection supposedly culled from Arthur Bryant’s case files! Great fun, the narrator brilliantly captures Bryant’s bizarre and erudite dialogue - very entertaining while I knit!

currently in a re-read of Fair Game by Patricia Briggs. The books in this series are not considered mysteries but maybe they should be? I think they are classified as Urban Fantasy, but also have found her books sometimes classed as YA which I don't agree with.

Anyway, this particular novel is about the hunt for a serial killer and it just happens to have Werewolves and Fae.

It's fantastic, whatever you call it.

I have a bunch of new book requests that have become available. I read Neighborhood Watch, which is a lot of fun. Who doesn't fantasize about murdering nasty rich people? I am now listeneing to How to Solve Your Own Murder which is off to a good start.

Upcoming is a mystery-adjacent book: Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers.

Finally there is a non-mystery: A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks. I am still, infrequently and slowly, working my way through The World: A Family History of Humanity.

And there are others whose pub dates are very close.

Sarah wrote: "I picked up "The Frangipani Tree Mystery" from the library yesterday, and can't wait to get started. This may sound superficial, but I love the cover, a paperback printed by Constable UK, with its ..."

I've read another standalone by this authorMiss Moorthy Investigates which I thought was delightful

Susan in NC wrote: "Jan C wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I picked up "The Frangipani Tree Mystery" from the library yesterday, and can't wait to get started. This may sound superficial, but I love the cover..."

I enjoyed Bertram when I last read it--all that food, so reminiscent of Enid Blyton's books.

Lady Clementina wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Jan C wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I picked up "The Frangipani Tree Mystery" from the library yesterday, and can't wait to get started. This may sound superficial, ..."

Yes, a lush English tea sounds amazing! I’m enjoying fitting it in between other books, although I should learn not to read Christie beside other mysteries, they always come off a poor second!

Finished “Middle Temple Murder”, just started a reread of The Winter Queen for our upcoming Buddy Read. I don’t remember a thing besides the memorable opening scene, it’s been decades - but first chapter is promising!

Susan in NC wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Jan C wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I picked up "The Frangipani Tree Mystery" from the library yesterday, and can't wait to get started. This..."

Ha ha, so true!

I know I've read Middle Temple Murder but I can't remember much about it.

Lady Clemintina wrote: "I know I've read Middle Temple Murder but I can't remember much about it."

Whew! This makes me feel so much better! I thought either 1. I had a very impaired memory or 2. the book wasn't that great, after all, otherwise I would remember more of it, therefore my reading isn't very deep.

Tangent to food: I'm halfway through Simenon's "Liberty Bar," and it's amazing how much everybody drinks, not to mention the variety of alcohol. "Un verre pour le commmissaire."

I've read Daggers at the Country Fair by Catherine Coles, the second book in the Martha Miller series, set in the 1940s. It was a quick, light read but I didn't think it was as good as the first in the series. I expect I'll still read the third book though.

Judy wrote: "I've read Daggers at the Country Fair by Catherine Coles, the second book in the Martha Miller series, set in the 1940s. It was a quick, light read but I didn't thi..."

So much easier decision when it is the first book you don't particularly like.