Historical Mystery Lovers discussion

Roll: 2
Place: #1 Community Chest
Book to Be Read: The Red Velvet Turnshoe (An Abbess of Meaux Mystery, #2)

#1
Roll: w
Place #1 Community Chest
Task: Read a book by your favorite author
Book Read: The Velvet Turnshoe Hildegard of Meaux Mystery, # 2) by Cassandra Clark It was so hard to choose as I have several favorite historical mystery authors! I love this series about a strong woman in the 14th century who does incredible things! I have read several in this series but never read them in order.

#2
Roll: 5
Place: #1 Chance
Task: Read a book recommended by another monopoly participant
Book: TBA

#2
Place: #1 Chance
Task: Read a book recommended by another monopoly participant. THANKS to everyone for the great recommendations. I made a list of recommendations as they all sounded so great! I decided on "where Angels Fear" by C.s. Harris. Great series!

#3
Roll: 2
Place: Whitehall Road/Baltic Avenue
Task: Read a book that occurs in Victorian England or in a Baltic Country.
Book: Death at Bishop's Keep (Victorian Mysteries, #1) by Robin Paige

#3 Finished!
Place: Whitehall Road/Baltic Avenue
Task:Read a book set in Victorian England or a Baltic Country.
Book: Death at Bishop's Keep by Robin Paige
Comments: Liked the book. Rated it a 3.75 would probably
Another one in series!

#4
Roll: 3
Place: Electric Company
Task: The first serious study of electricity and magnetism was
Conducted in 1600 by the English scientist, William Gilbert. Read a book set in 17 th century (1600-1699).
Book: Marbeck and the Gunpowder Plot by John Pilkington

#4 Finished!
Task: Read a book set in 17th century.
Book: Rustle in Silk by Alys Clare Set in Stuart England (change )
Enjoyed the book! Would like to read more in series!

#5
Roll: 6
Place: Fleet Street
Task: Read a book where the protagonist or narrator is a member of the clergy, a writer or a journalist or story is set in a rural locale.
Book: One for Sorrow: A Lord John, the Chamberlain Mystery, by
Mary Reed, Eric Mayer

#5 Finished!
Task: read a book where the protagonist or narrator is a member of the clergy,
Read book: One for Sorrow, a Lord John, the Chamberlain Mystery, by Mary Reed Enjoyd book!

#6
Roll 4
Place Chance 2
Task: Read a book where the author is new to you.
Book: Death Comes as Epiphany by Sharan Newman

#6 Finished
Task - Read an author new to you!
Read Death Comes as Epiphany by Sharan Newman
Great read. There are 10 in series. May go back and read series when I have more time. Gave 4 stars as it had some of my favorite things - a strong female as the protagonist, love story, murder, set in 12th century, corrupt church hierarchy (seems I am reading a lot of books with this element) that is revealed.

#7
Roll: 3
Place: B & O Railroad
Task: Read a book where protagonist goes on a trip during investigation.
Book: Death in Montmartre by Gary Inbinder. Does it have a trip in the story's?

#7 Finished
Task - Read a book where protagonist goes on a trip.
Book - Tears of Pearl by Tasha Alexander
Traveled to Constantinople with Lady Emily who met the Sultan, entered the harem , and participated in communal bathing. A change for me and my usual England- based murder. I always enjoy Lady Emily.

#8
Roll: 3
Place: Regent Street/ Pacific Avenue
Task: Read a book set during Regency Period (1795-1837) or a book set in a country located in the Pacific Ocean.
Book: Concubine's Tattoo by Laura Joh Rowland

#8 Finished
Task: Read a book set in a country located in Pacific Ocean.
Book - Concubine's Tattoo by Laura Joh Rowland
I was interested in this series when several people on this list talked about it. I tend to stick to historical mysteries set in England ! Only very rareIy do I Venture to a book in another part of Europe. Bein set in Japan appealed to me for variety. I will definitely return to the series to read more books!

#9
Roll: 4
Place: Liverpool St. Station/Short Line Railroad
Task: Read a book of 150-250 pages in length.
Book: The Novice's Tale (Sister Frevisse Series) by Margaret Frazier
Kindle version 239 pages

#9 Finished
Task: read a book of 150-250 pages in length.
Book: The Novice's Tale by Margaret Fraser (239 Kindle Pages)
It is always great to read a favorite author's book. This tale was one of my favorites. I would really like to read the entire series someday! The life of a nun or even a woman in the 1400's was bleak. The author makes life at St. Frideswide more desirable than some descriptions of women's lives in other novels. Women were no more than possessions to be used for money or social gain. The description in this book of the duty of a queen and the use of a queen in power struggles is chilling. The strength of the nuns in this novel is what I like best.

#10
Roll: 1
Place: Chance 3
Task: Read a book from any page of the Best Historical Mysteries Listopia.
Book: A Murderous Process by Arianna Franklin

Question?..
I think I know the answer to my question but will ask anyway because I do not like my own answer! I keep landing on the same squares! Is it my tough luck or do I roll the dice again to be able to land on another square?. I am now remembering why I use to get so bored playing Monopoly as I always landed on the same squares as I went around the board. Here's crossing my fingers that the answer I assume to be right is incorrect!

I'm not the person to answer your question, but I'm impressed by your progress. I'm just finishing up my first circle of the board. Good reading.

Libby wrote: "Question?..
I think I know the answer to my question but will ask anyway because I do not like my own answer! I keep landing on the same squares! Is it my tough luck or do I roll the dice again to ..."

I've been feeling the same way - I've been stuck on that top row of squares for .... five books now? Maybe six. Forever. I just want to turn that blasted corner!

Don't be too impressed -I am mired down! I think that this challenge is to last a year ? So it makes sense that I will land on the same property as I go around! It is just frustrating when you do it 2 times in a row! I am having fun though!

Glad you are enjoying yourself, Libby and I'm sorry that you keep landing on the same squares...

As stated in the rules:

9. The aim is the move around the board as many times at it takes to collect ALL of the properties. If you land on a property that you already "own", you still have to read a book that fits the criteria for the property.

Every property has 2 options so that broadens the field a bit. If you have read books for both options, then you can skip the read and roll again. The point is to enjoy the challenge and not get so annoyed and frustrated as the lose interest.

I will update the rules with this amendment.

#10 Finished
Place: Chance 3
Task: Read a book from list of Best Historical Mysteries Listopia.
Book: A Murderous Process by Arianna Franklin
Enjoyed the book! Question - Is Arianna Franklin deceased.? This cannot be the last book in the series. Is her daughter Sarah Norman. Maybe she will write another book? It seems a shame to stop the series with so many loose ends! Of course, I am being totally selfish!

#11 Roll: 2
Place: Luxury Tax
Task: Reada book from Historical Mystery Shelf with Good Reads rating higher than 3.5
Book: Lady Chapel by Candace Robb Rating of 3.97

Libby wrote: "#10 Finished
Place: Chance 3
Task: Read a book from list of Best Historical Mysteries Listopia.
Book: A Murderous Process by Arianna Franklin
Enjoyed the book! Question - Is Arianna Franklin decea..."

Arianna died and her daughter, Samantha Norman wrote, or finished, another in the series. I have not read any and hesitate to start as I don't want to be left hanging. If you do continue. please report back: does the series conclude? Is the new one good?

Thanks, Sandy! I definitely will read the next one! I love the series and do no want to be left with the end of this book as the end of the series! Loved this book as Cathars were part of the book. I was in this area of France this year and got interested in the Cathars! I would recommend the series! This one had a lot of history of this part of France!

Sandy wrote: "Arianna died and her daughter, Samantha Norman wrote, or finished, another in the series. I have not read any and hesitate to start as I don't want to be left hanging. If you do continue. please report back: does the series conclude? Is the new one good? .."

Samantha Norman did announce that she was writing another book. Unfortunately, it hasn't been published yet and there has been no news on when it will be.

#13 Finished
Task: read a book with a brown cover or one set in a Mediterranean country.
Book: The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin
Thanks to the person who recommended this series. This book was a change of my usual setting of the English countryside! During this challenge I have really stretched ny reading boundaries! Guess that is one great side benefit of a type of challenge like this!
Enjoyed the book and hope to go back after the challenge finishes and read some more of the books in the series.

#14 Roll: 6
Place: Chance #1
Task: Read a book recommended by another challenge participant.
Book: Instruments of Darkness by Imogene Robertson

#14 Finished
Task: Read a book recommended by another challenge participant.
Book: Instruments of Darkness by Imogene Robertson
The book was slow in some parts for me. I found the idea that two people (a woman and a man unmarried) got together to solve the murders very interesting. The woman's husband is a ship's captain and is gone. Most of the partnerships in solving mysteries usually turn out to b e husband and wife or end up being husband and wife. Of course, I liked the main female, strong, intelligent wife and mother.

#15 Roll: 4
Place: Pall Mall/St. Charles Place
Task: Read a book whose title has a word with double letters or a book that has paranormal elements.
Book: The Queen's Accomplice by Susan Elia Macneal (Maggie Hope Mystery)

#15 Finished
Task Read a book whose title has a word with double letters or a book that has paranormal elements.
Book: The Queen's Accomplice bySusan Elia Macneal
My first Maggie Hope Mystery. I enjoyed the story but got bogged down at times in all the description and history. I usually enjoy all the description and of course the history but at times I find it overwhelms me depending on what else is going on. I am getting ready for an extended trip and buying a new house so a lot on my plate!

#16 Roll: 3
Place: Northumberland Ave./Virginia Avenue
Task: Read a book set during the time of The Roman Empire or Elizabeth I. It can be set in any country.
Book: Medicus by Ruth Downie

#16 Finished
Place: Northumberland Ave./Virginia Ave.
Task: Read a book set during the time of the Roman Empire or Elizabeth I. It can be set in any country.
Book: Medicus by Ruth Donnie
Thoroughly enjoying this book and determined to read more in series. Want to get my husband to listening to series so we can go through series! We like to listen to books as we travel to football games in a distant town! Could cover whole series this fall! I am enjoying personality of Russo, the main character, as he saves Tilla, a slave and becomes her owner! Great plot about how he goes through difficult situations and ends up being seen as an honorable man but the Local people! As he is a hated Roman conqueror!

#17 Roll: 3
Place: Community Chest #2
Task: Read a book from any page of the Favorite Historical Mystery Listopia.
Book: The Hanover Square Affair (Captain Lacey Regency Mystery Book #1) by Ashley Gardner

#17 Finished
Place: Community Chest #2
Task: Read a book from any page of the Favorite Historical Mystery Listopia.
Book: The Hanover Square Affair (Captain Lacey Regency Mystery #1) by Ashley Gardner
About halfway through book I realized I had read book years ago. I finished it as I could not remember details of who did it. Depressing to find that most main characters of historical mystery series are downtrodden in circumstances! And love! Think I will keep lists of characters on sheets - one page of "downtrodden" and one of "well off". If you think of any male or female send to me! Are stories more interesting when main character are wealthy or downtrodden?

#18 Roll: 2
Place: Vine Street/New York Avenue
Task: Read a book where protagonist or narrator is a police detective or a book set in a large city.
Book: Harkwood by James McGee
Got idea from book group is reading this month although I could not get Ratcatcher for Kindle.

Libby wrote: Book: The Hanover Square Affair (Captain Lacey Regency Mystery #1) by Ashley Gardner
About halfway through book I realized I had read book years ago. I finished it as I could not remember details of who did it."

I've tried to read that one a couple of times but haven't been able to get into it. I'll give it another try.

#18 Finished
Place: Vine Street/New York Avenue
Task Read a book with a protagonist or narrator is a police detective or a book set in a large city..
Book: Ratcatcher (Matthew Hawkwood #1) by James McGee
I was pleased that this book qualified for both requirements of this Monopoly space as Matthew is a Bow Street Runner ANDit is in a large city LONDON, OF COURSE, it was also the Historical Mystery discussion book! 3 reasons to read it!, I enjoyed it. Gave it a 4out of 5 as the use of historical facts and events intrigued me? I also liked the character of Matthew and the Chief Magistrate. I learned a lot about history of the time that England was dealing with Bonaparte. An American, Inventor Robert Fulton and his protégée Lee were used as villains. I am researching to see if Any of it was true! Probably read some more in Hawkwood series.

#19 Roll: 4
Place: Fleet Street/ Indiana Ave.
Task: read a book where protagonist isn't is a member of the clergy, journalist or writer or a book set in rural locale.
Book: Out of the Dawn Light (an Aelf Fen Mystery) by Alys Clare
I love Alys Clare and read her other series so wanted to try the Aelf Fen book. Quite different so far.

Thanks to all participants of the challenge as I am finding so many good books and series to read! More books to add to my to read list!

Libby wrote: ".Thanks to all participants of the challenge as I am finding so many good books and series to read! More books to add to my to read list! ."

Glad you are enjoying the challenge, Libby

#19 Finished
Place: Fleet Street/Indiana Ave.
Task: Read a book where protagonist or narrator is a member of the clergy,etc. OR a book set in a rural locale.
Book: Out Of The Dawn Light ( an Aelf Fen Mystery) by Alys Clare
I love the Hawkenlye Series by Clare and have always wanted to try this series. I much prefer the Hawkenlye Series. I had to force myself to read to the end. Just didn't hold my interest as much. It has a lot of magical aspects to the story if you are into it. It does take place in the Fens of England during the time of William the Conqueror.

#20 Roll: 1
Place: Trafalgar Square/ Illinois Avenue
Task: Read a book with a statute, monument, or building is on the cover OR story is set in Northern Hemisphere.
Book: Amorous Nightingale by Edmond Marston

#20. Finished
Task: Read a book where story is set in Northern Hemisphgere.
Book: Amorous Nightingale by Edmond Marston
I enjoyed the book. Loved the detective combination of English aristocrat and Bow Street constable. Will definitely read more in series.

#21Roll:3
Place: Coventry Street/ Ventnor Avenue
Task: Read a book that contains at least 1 real historic figure.
Book: Twylight Tower (Elizabeth I Mysteries- Book 3) by Karen Harper
Book is filled with many historical figures with Elizabeth I being central in leading the search for the murderer.

#21 Find shed
Place: Coventry Place/ventnor Avnue
Book: Twylight Tower by Karen Harper
The task was to read a book with at least one 1real historic figure. Of course, Elizabeth I was in the book! Lord Dudley and Lord Cecil were also ral. Other true figure were Mary Queen of Scots Katherine Grey. I enjoyed the book and liked the ides of mixing true events into a fictional event. Will read more in series. Nev r would have known about series without this group! Love Historical Fiction Mystery Group

#22 Roll 1
Place: Waterworks
Task: Read a book that has a body of water on the cover (lake, river, sea, ocean).
Book: The Lake House by Kate Morton

#22 Finished
Place: Waterworks
Book: Lake House by Kate Morton
Enjoyed book thoroughly! Enjoyed the historical lessons on WW I. And II. Thanks to recommendation of someone from this group!! Want to read more Kate Morton. Only downside for me was length (was 99 pages.

#23 Roll:: 5
Place: Community Chest# 3
Task: Read a book from the Historical Mystery' s bookshelf.
Book:Dissolution (Matthew Shardlake #1) by C.J. Sans of

The length of the book, The Lake House, was 599 pages

#23 Finished
Place: Community Chest #3
Task: Read a book from the historical Mystery Bookshelf.
Book: Dissolution by C.J. Sansom
I got halfway through the book and realized that I had read it years ago. I enjoyed Matthew Shardlake and his characterization. Of course, I could not remember who the murderer was. Great ending! I remember learning a lot about the reformation in England. To me it was the reversal of what the Inquisition I'd in Spain. I was saddened by the destruction of the Catholic books, relics, etc Wonder what was destroyed?

#24 Roll: 1
Place: Bond Street/ Pennsylvania Avenue
Task: Read a book with a purple cover or a book from the Historical
Suspense Shelf.
Book: A Ring of Truth (Henrietta and Inspector Howard # 2) by Michelle Cox

#24 Finished
Place: Bond St. / PA. Avenue
Task: Read a book from Historical Suspense Shelf.
Book: A Ring of Truth by Michelle Cox (Henrietta and Inspector Howard #2) I give it a 2 in ratings as it did not have enough mystery for my test. Basically it was a love story in my thinking. Guess there is Series?

#25. Roll: 6
Place: Old Kent Rd. / Mediterranean Ave.
Task: Read a book with a brown cover.
Book: The Last Dickens by Matthew Pearl
Went through several lists but could not find a book wi town cover. Found this one then read some posts from other members and saw a lot of people that knew a book with a brown cover.next time I will ask this GOP first!

That is I will ask the group first NOT the GOP first.

Any politician would have an opinion however!

;)

#25 Finished
Place: Old Kent Road/ Mediterranean Ave.
Task: Read a book with a brown cover. (Kindle Edition)
The Last Dickens by Matthew Pearl
Didn't think that I would finish book but ideabegin to grab me. The last years of Charles Dickens' life were described. Dickens' last installments of the Mystery of Edwin Drood were unfinished. The publishing houses in England and US were trying to obtain the final installments. It was a cutthroat era in the publishing business. "Bookaneers" were hired to steal, rob, etc. in order to get manuscripts. What happened to the installments of Edwin Drood is still one of the biggest mysteries in literature. I ended up enjoying the book.

#26 Roll: 5
Place: Angel Islington/ Orient Ave.
Task: Read a book with a blue cover or book set in Orient. (Read book with blue cover)
Book: Heiress of Linn Hagh (The Detective Lavender Mysteries Book #1) by Karen Charlton
Never heard of this series so interested in reading book.

Libby wrote: "Bookaneers" were hired to steal, rob, etc. in order to get manuscripts. What happened to the installments of Edwin Drood is still one of the biggest mysteries in literature. I ended up enjoying the book. .."

Interesting. I actually have that book on my shelf.

Libby wrote: "#Never heard of this series so interested in reading book.

I'm looking forward to your thoughts on it.

#26 Finished
Place: Angel Islington/ Orient Ave.
Book: Read book with blue cover - Heiress of Linn Hagh (Detective Lavender Series) by Karen Charlton
Never read any books in this series. Would probably read more books if I did not have a "to read" pile that will last me until forever.
It is my usual type of historical mystery set in England during medieval to Victorian times.

#27 Roll: 5
Place: Pall Mall/ St. Charles Place
Task: 2nd time on space so read book with paranormal elements.
Book: The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James

#27 Finished
Book: The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
Thanks to group's recommendation I found this book. I really enjoyed it! Will read more by author. Book includes not only a mystery but a love story and a bit of history.

#28 Roll: 5
Place: Bow Street/ St. James Place
Task:Read a book where a character is a private investigator or in which a character is a member of a royal family in any country or historical time period.
Book: The Queen's Man by Sharon Kay Penman
The characters of a royal family in this book are Eleanor, Queen of England, and John, brother to Richard the Lionhearted, and King of England eventually.

#28 Finished
Task: Read a book in which a character is a member of a royal family in any country or historical time period.
Book: The Queen's Man by Sharon Kay Penman
Really enjoyed the book! Penman is one of my favorite authors! I feel like I have returned home to the reason that I love historical mystery. What is better than an English mystery set in 1192 with Richard he Lionhearted, his brother, John, and mother, Queen Eleanor ( one of my favorite royals). Oh, yes, AND a handsome, educated English knight that becomes dedicated to Eleanor. Great read for me!

#29 Roll: 2 2nd time on square!
Place: Marlborough Street/ Tennessee Ave.
Task: Read a book that takes place in the Southern Hemisphere.
Book: Murder on the Ballarat Train by Kerry Greenwood
I had a hard time finding a historical mystery set in the Southern Hemisphere. Although I like the Phryne Fisher series I have seen so much of it on PBS. I finally decided to go ahead and read one so I could continue on. I did learn that the Southern Hemisphere covers a different area than I thought. Thanks to members who gave me suggestions for books.

#29 Finished
Task: Read a book that takes place in the Southern Hemisphere.
Book: Murder on the Ballarat Train by Kerry Greenwood
Watch Miss Fisher on PBS all the time! Definitely had a hard time finding a historical mystery written or set in Southern Hemisphere. This mystery was easily solved. I like Miss Fisher's stories but this one seemed elementary. MIss Fisher is hilarious and a woman born way before her time! She belonged in the 21st century.

#30 Roll:4 Already done (Chance)
Roll Again: 1
Place: Fleet Street/ Indiana Ave.
Task: Read a book where protagonist or narrator is member of clergy, a writer, or a journalist.
Book: Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor (Jane Austin Mysteries #1) by Stephanie Barron