English Mysteries Club discussion

It's time to nominate books for our next more contemporary English mystery group read in June. What would you like to read with us?

Please choose a book from c. 1960 onwards.

Bionic Jean wrote: "... English mystery group read in June. What would you like to read with us? Please choose a book from c. 1960 onwards."

Hi Jean, I hope to join. Lately, actually for the last 2 years, I have not been actively participating in the group reads. But now that we have the final diagnosis that my mother-in-law DOES NOT have lung cancer (want to shout that to the rooftops!), then I hope to resume interacting with the group. Though, I cannot think of any contemporary English mysteries since I almost exclusively read golden age. But I will ponder on it.

Hey, good to see you back Shandizzy - and what great news! 😁

We're not that strict about the timing anyway, and you might find something with the same sort of feel, but written a bit later.

Who would like to suggest a book for us?

Shan Dizzy, I am so happy for your family! I know how emotionally draining that experience is on everyone. Hugs to all!

I nominate a new book for the June read that I loved and gave a 4 star review - “Holmes, Marple & Poe” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts. (Sorry, but I am awful at linking books and reviews.) This is my first book nomination ever. I know it was just published in January 2024, but copies are available used, or try your local library to keep the cost down. It is a very fun read. I read it in one day!

Aw, I'm really sorry Joan but James Patterson is an American author, not an English one, so we can't have it as a group read. Why don't you talk about Holmes, Marple & Poe in our thread for American mystery authors LINK HERE? It does sound fun! And would you like to nominate a different book for this poll?

I just realized my goof - I got so used to thinking about the English characters we know and love! Sorry all !

Well I'm glad you mentioned it Joan, as I hadn't heard of it 😁

I'd like to nominate The Virgin in the Ice by Ellis Peters. It's not the first book in the Brother Cadfael series, but it is a really good one!

Oh yes I agree Rosemarie! That's one of my favourites in the series too. Thanks! 😊

ONGOING NOMINATIONS

The Virgin in the Ice by Ellis Peters
Death In Disguise by Caroline Graham
The Wyndham Case by Jill Paton Walsh
The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

Hello...just finished reading the April read (Case of the Canterfell Codicil) and will start the May read soon. May I nominate Death in Disguise by Caroline Graham

Sure, good idea thanks Isa. Added.

We could do with a couple more please everyone 😊

I would like to nominate The Wyndham Case byJill Paton Walsh.

I’d love to nominate an Anthony Horowitz mystery book - (just not an Alex Ryder), but I don’t know which books the group has read in the past! He had a book just come out on April 11th called “Close to Home” that sounds great, but that would be a little dear for many people to buy - including me. Does anyone have a suggestion for one of Anthony’s books?

Added, thanks Ellen.

Joan, to find out which books we have read by a particular author, go to the top right of this page, and under the group name you will find "bookshelf" in small letters (second one down under "group home"). Click on this and then post the author's name in the search box.

When you have done that, you will see that the only one we have read as a group is Magpie Murders 😊

What would you like to nominate?

I want to nominate “ The Word is Murder” by Anthony Horowitz which is the first book in a series. I know many of us like to read book series in order. It is a story about a woman who carefully plans her own funeral and then is murdered a few hours later. I loved it! I really enjoy this author’s writing.

Jean, Thank you for explaining the book shelf tip!

yes, Joan, that was very helpful. (I don't think goodreads is very user friendly generally, but don't mean to complain)

It does look good Joan! Thanks.

Jackie - I know exactly what you mean! I love Goodreads but it does have its little ways ... 🙄

Bionic Jean wrote: "Sure, good idea thanks Isa. Added.

We could do with a couple more please everyone 😊"

Thanks, Jean :)

The poll is now posted LINK HERE.

Good luck everyone!