Reading the Detectives discussion

It's time to nominate for our August 2024 group read (posting this slightly early as I'm going out early tomorrow). Please only nominate books written and published in the Golden Age period, or a little earlier or later - if in doubt whether a title is eligible, please ask. As usual, just one nomination per group member, and only one book by any individual writer can be nominated per month.

If you aren't sure whether we have read something, the group bookshelves may help, or just ask. If it was at least 3 years ago that we read it, it is fine to renominate.

I’m going to give this one another try

The Port of London Murders. By. Josephine Bell

A suicide, a derelict barge, and floating pink chiffon nightdresses… When the San Angelo drifts into port in the Pool of London, telephones begin to ring across the capital and an intricate series of events is set in motion. Beset by dreadful storms in the Bay of Biscay, the ship, along with the "mixed cargo" it carries, is late. Unaware of the machinations of avaricious importers, wayward captains, and unscrupulous traders, docklands residents Harry Reed and June Harvey are thrust together by a riverside accident, before being swept into the current of a dark plot developing on the harborside. First published in 1938, this early novel from one of the great Golden Age mystery writers skillfully delivers a compelling tale of murder set against a gritty portrayal of life alongside the Thames. This edition also includes an Introduction by series editor CWA Diamond Dagger-Award winning author Martin Edwards.

Oh, thanks Jill - I’ve been wanting to try that one, intriguing premise.

I will nominate what sounds like a good summer read:

Murder on Paradise Island: A Golden Age Mystery

“Take my advice; from to-day keep your own counsel. Listen to everything, disclose nothing. Avoid being alone. Come to me if you’re in doubt about anything or feel you scent danger. I can assure you we both live in danger.”

Geoffrey Mayne is in need of some serious r’n’r after studying intensively for his bar exams in London. A luxurious Pacific island cruise seems just the ticket, especially when one of his fellow passengers is the attractive young Freda Shannon.

But after a terrible storm and shipwreck, Geoffrey and Freda find themselves in a small party of survivors, marooned on a remote South Sea island. The castaways resolve to make the best of what may be a long wait on the deserted isle. But is it really deserted? A gunshot is heard … and then one of their party is found, slain. Is a shadowy denizen intent on murdering the interlopers, or is the hidden truth more diabolical still?

Murder on Paradise Island was first published in 1937. This new edition includes an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

Dean Street Press, so hopefully available.

Susan wrote: "I will nominate what sounds like a good summer read:

Murder on Paradise Island: A Golden Age Mystery

“Take my ..."

In US: $3 on kindle

Hurrah! I think it's the only time I've nominated something that exists on both sides of the Pond :)

I will nominate a book from my almost local neighborhood: The Cape Cod Mystery, written in 1931.

Back by popular demand for the first time in years, The Countryman Press is pleased to reissue four Cape Cod mysteries featuring the witty and salty Asey Mayo, "A local handyman who knows something about police work and everything about everybody's business" (Marilyn Stasio, Mystery Alley). Set within the brooding landscape of Cape Code, these classic who-dunits are sure to please dedicated Phoebe Atwood Taylor fans and newcomer mystery buffs alike. First, a best-selling author turns up dead. Then Asey's best friend becomes the chief suspect and Asey knows he has to do something. There's only one a sardine can. And only one weekend to clear it all up.

It is $5 on kindle in the US

Sandy wrote: "I will nominate a book from my almost local neighborhood: The Cape Cod Mystery, written in 1931.

Back by popular demand for the first time in years, The Countryman Press is pleased..."

Who could resist a blurb starting with “the codfish Sherlock Holmes”! ;o)

LOL!

I know I have read The Cape Cod Mystery but only because I wrote a review of it - I don't remember it at all!

Thanks for all the nominations, everyone! Sandy, I've just checked and The Cape Cod Mystery is £2.36 on Kindle in the UK.

Nominations so far:

Jill: The Port of London Murders by Josephine Bell

Susan: Murder on Paradise Island by Robin Forsythe

Sandy: The Cape Cod Mystery by Phoebe Atwood Taylor

Any more nominations? This is the last call, I'll be putting the poll up tomorrow!

The poll for our August read is now open.

Please choose the book you most want to read:
https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2...

Sandy wrote: "I will nominate a book from my almost local neighborhood: The Cape Cod Mystery, written in 1931.

Back by popular demand for the first time in years, The Countryman Press is pleased..."

I have a vague memory of it but I think I just read it a couple of years ago. I liked it.

I missed the nominations again.

The vote is tied again. If anyone hasn't voted, please do so?

Sorry you missed the nominations, Jan, they are usually open for about a week at the start of the month if that's any help

Yes, a three-way tie in the vote at the moment, as Susan said! Please follow the link to vote if you haven't done yet:
https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2...

OK, thanks for the reminder to vote. ;-)

We have a winner - the tie was broken eventually! Our August group read will be The Port of London Murders by Josephine Bell.

Full results:
The Port of London Murders 6 votes, 50.0%
Murder on Paradise Island: A Golden Age Mystery 3 votes, 25.0%
The Cape Cod Mystery (Asey Mayo, #1) 3 votes, 25.0%

Thanks, Judy