Ellen’s Comments (group member since Feb 05, 2016)

Ellen’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

Judy wrote: "Unfortunately the Rex Stout book In the Best Families gave me a nightmare so I will avoid reading it at bedtime. I'll just say there is an incident involving an animal - I could have done with a wa..."

I have been involved in dog rescue for almost 20 years. I have seen enough cruelty and neglect in real life not to want to read about it. Even in a murder mystery. I have knocked a star off my rating especially when the death of the animal added nothing to the plot.

I will be reading this.

Certainly a variety of reactions to this one. I thought the characterization was great and I was not disappointed with the solution.

There is no mention of what happens to them but I feel sorry for the two boys. Megan did not appear to be terribly fond of her half brothers so I don't suppose they would take them in. Maybe they just spend the rest of their young lives at boarding school.

Enjoyed it but indeed Miss Marple is a secondary character.

Susan in NC wrote: "Yes, it felt like a first-time outing; entertaining, but some bits were sensational (fitting with the period, as we’ve seen in other mysteries from the time), and some bits rather obvious. Entertai..."

I too saw no reason for the death of the cat. It came completely out of the blue.

Judy wrote: "Has anyone read The Life of Crime: Detecting the History of Mysteries and their Creators by Martin Edwards?

I'm currently reading this and really enjoying it, but it..."

Yes it is a fabulous source for those of us who love classic mystery.

Starting this reread today or tomorrow on my kindle.

Started this today. Reading it on my Kindle.

I will be joining in on this read.

Just got this on Kindle so hope to start it soon.

I will be rereading this one.

Starting my reread of this today. I don't remember anything about it.

I guess I got in just under the wire on this one. Started it day before yesterday. Enjoying it so far. Just read a few a time.

I plan to start it next week.

Started yesterday The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss

I started this a couple of days ago. I expect I will finish it but it is not one of those I just can't put down.

Judy wrote: "Jill wrote: "This definitely had me puzzled and changing my mind as to who is really guilty...."

Me too - I did suspect the culprit because he seemed to be a character who didn't quite add up and ..."

I also believe McDonald is advocating that justice should be pursued no matter how reprehensible the victim might be. In general I know I am usually happier when the victim appears to deserve what they got.

Susan in NC wrote: "Susan wrote: "I agree, great setting. Very atmospheric and I always love a boarding house in a novel!"

And the theatrical crowd in the boarding house was entertaining! The setting was so authentic..."

One of my favorite books is set during the Blitz. It's a memoir A Chelsea Concerto by Frances Faviell. I have reread it several times.

This was a reread for me. Really enjoyed it.