Historical Mystery Lovers discussion
2019 Around the Globe Challenge
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Libby’s Around the World Challenge
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Libby
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Dec 22, 2018 01:33PM
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Think I will do Level 4 “Explorer” 25 to 35 books in 6 to 8 regions. I want to thank everyone that shared their findings on what books fit the categories in the Clue Challenge. Not only was it helpful as I did not have to endlessly search for books but I found some great books to read, tat is what makes this group so great!
Mod
I agree; we are a fantastic group :)
Book#1 CompletedRegion: Europe
Country: Portu
The Pirate King by Laurie R. King
I enjoy this series of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. This one is set in Portugal and Morocco. Mary has been sent by Mycroft to infiltrate a movie company. She acts as the producer’s assistant. Mary has evolved , I think, in the series from novice investigator to a well-trained sleuth in this book. Some of her actions in this book are similar to a super hero’s! I enjoyed the book.
That is a series I really like and have been ignoring. The Pirate King is the next entry and it good to know I can visit Portugal at the same time.
Book #2 CompletedRegion: Asia
Country: India
Book: A Madras Miasma (Supt. Let Fanu #1) by B. Stoddart
It is 1920’s Madras. English control of India is beginning to slip. Let Fanu is head of the city’s crime unit. A brutal murder of an English woman is being investigated by Le Fanu’s unit. I would never have picked up this book on my own- recommendation by member and expanding my global reading through the 2019 challenge lead me to this book. I will definitely read more in this series (only 1 other In this series I think)
Book#3 Incomplete
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Country: Kenya
Book: Mark of the Lion (Jade del Cameron #1) by Suzanne Arruda
Book #4 CompletedRegion: Sub-Saharan Africa
Country’s: Kenya
Book: Mark of the Lion by Suzanne Arruda
(A Jade del Cameron book)
Enjoyed the book and learned many things about British East Africa in the 1920’s. Book was a bit too long my taste especially in descriptions of the characters’ interactions. Many of the characters had nothing to do with solving the murder. I will definitely read more books in the series. Descriptions of killing animals and humans are not for for the weak of heart.
Book #5 Incomplete
Region: Central America and Caribbean
Country: Trinidad
Book: Mycroft Holmes by Kareem Abdul Jabar
I'm posting this for Libby. She accidentally put it under my name.#4 Region: Central America and Caribbean
Country: Trinidad
Book: Mycroft Holmes by Kareem Abdul Jabar
Finished 2/1/19
Learned a lot about history and culture of Trinidad. I have read different books about Sherlock, Mary and Mycroft Holmes. This book is first time the viewpoint has been Mycroft’s especially when he was 25 years of age. The last 2 books I have read have been written by men and have been very graphic in the violence and killing of people. I am beginning to miss my English parlor mysteries!
#5 Region: Australia and Oceania
Country: Solomon Islands
Book: Devil-Devil by GW Kent
This is first of Kella and Sister Conchita Series. I had to get out Atlas to find Solomon Islands. (I knew it was in South Pacific).
Mod
Sorry about that QNpoohBear. Thanks for posting it for me,
Book #5 CompletedRegion: Australia and Oceania
Country: Solomon Islands
Book: Devil-Devil by Graeme Kent
(#1 in Kella and Sister Conchita Series)
Finished 2/13/19
Very enjoyable book and a book that I would never have read without the challenge of this group. I learned more about the Solomon Islands than I ever knew I would. This challlenge has taken me to places that I thought Iwas not interested in. My English parlor mysteries that I always choose now seem too elementary.
Book #6 Incomplete
Region: Africa (Middle East)
Country: Turkey
Book: The Women of the Orient Express by Ashford
Book #6 CompletedRegion: Africa (Middle East)
Country: Turkey
Book: The Woman of the Orient Express by Ashford
Enjoyed the book. It was interesting to use the train trip to explain the life of Agatha Christie ( the epilogue explains the true sections and in Lady Fan Mystery Series)
"Book #6 CompletedRegion: Africa (Middle East)
Country: Turkey
Book: The Woman of the Orient Express by Ashford
Enjoyed the book. It was interesting to use the train trip to
Explain Agatha Christie’s life (epilogue explains the true sections from fictious sections). It was rough going through the desert back in the 1920’s!
Book#7 Incomplete
Region: Europe
Country: England
Book: The Opium Purge by Elizabeth Bailey
#3 In Lady Fan Series)
Book #7 CompleteRegion: Europe
Country: England
Book: The Opium Purge (Lady Fan #3) by Elizabeth Bailey
Got recommendation for book from seeing someone in this group posting that they had read it. I broke one of my reading “rules” that I always start a series with the first book; thus I spent some time liguring out past events and characters. I had a hard time getting into the book but finally did. Lady Fan is a strong,”before her time” type of woman. The story was built around a young woman with a mental disorder. Set in 1790 the handling of the young woman is heartbreaking but typical of the time.
Book#8 Incomplete
Region: North America
Country: USA
Book: Seneca Falls Inheritance (Seneca Falls Series#1) by Miriam Grace Monfredo
Book #8 CompleteRegion: North America
Country: USA
Book: Seneca Falls Inheritance by Miriam Grace Monfredo
I enjoyed learning the history of the women’s movement in the USA. As for the mystery section of the book I figured out who the murderer was halfway through the book. I don’t know if I willl continue on with the series.
Book #9 Incomplete
Region: North America
Country: USA
Book: The Palace of the Stars (Victorian Mystery #1) by Karina McRoberts
Book #9 CorrectionRegion: Australia and Oceania
Country: Australia (not USA)
Book: The Palace of the Stars by Karina Mc Roberts
(Victorian Mystery)
I am reviewing a book and thought it took place in USA but now realize that it happens in Perth, Australia.
Libby, you are making great progress!
Book #9 CompleteRegion: Australia and Oceania
Country: Australia
Book: The Palace of the Stars by Karina McRoberts
(Victorian Mystery)
I was asked to review this book and readily agreed as the description mentioned 3of of my favorite items in a novel - history, mystery and time travel. This book also introduced me to a part of the world that I know very little about -Western Australia during the gold rush there. A troubled young man from present day finds a portal and travels back to a time that is filled with perils. I have read novels set in Australia, of course, but they are set in the Eastern part of the country. Another reason that I am enjoying this year’s challenge - learning the history of a part of the world I know little about.
Book #10 Incomplete
Regional: Asia
Country: India
Book: The Widows Of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey
Thanks to those in group who read it and wrote recommendations for the book.
Book #10 CompleteRegion: Asia
Country: India
Book: The Widows Of Malabar Hill by Sumatra Massey
Enjoyed this book and learning about the culture of India. Liked the back and forth between past relationship of main character and her husband. Unbelievable practices towards women.
Book #11 Complete
Region: Asia
Country: Japan
Book: The Salaryman’s Wife by Sumatra Massey
Tried the same author as the previous book since I liked it so much.
Had difficulty with finishing this book even though it had the perfect heroine for me - a strong woman who was breaking through barriers. I just could not get “ interested” in the characters. I did finish the book but I kept putting it down for other books. I understand that it is the first book in a series. Will not try the next one!
Book #12 Incomplete
Region: South America
Country: Peru
Book: City of Silver by Annemarie Alfieri
Need a South American Novel! Hard to find!
Book #12 CompleteRegion: South America
Country: Peru
Book: Cityof Silver by Annamaria Alfieri
Enjoyed this book! Thanks to whoever found it! I liked the history of this area of the world. Again, the treatment of women was atrocious. The wealth and greed made criminals of everyone. I liked the way that the author laid out the clues for the solution of who committed the murders.
Book #13 Incomplete
Region: Europe
Country: England
Book: The King’s Evil (A Christopher Redmayne Mystery #1)
By Edward Marston
Back to my English mysteries!
Book #13 CompleteRegion: Europe
Country: England
Book: The King’s Evil (Christopher Redmayne Mystery #1)
By Edward Marston
I had difficulty “getting into” this book. The idea was great - of a new architect building a home in London for a wealthy noble after the great London fire. When the noble is found murdered in the unfinished house’s basement the architect (Christopher Redmayne) pledges himself to finding the murderer. He teams up with a constable, Mr. Bale. He also uses his brother to help navigate the societal circles. I don’t know if it was the story or what was going on in my life but I kept putting the book down but did not give up. I did finish it and am glad that I stuck in to the end.
Book #15 Incomplete
Region: Europe
Country: England
Book: A Parcel of Rogues ( A Gavin Rownt Medieval Mystery)
By Joyce Lionarons
A Lady’s Page is murdered. Gavin Rownt is coerced into finding the murderer by the Sheriff. Rownt is also helping his neighborhood rid itself of child-thieves that are stealing item and hurting the merchants in the neighborhood.
Book #15 CompleteRegion: Europe
Country: England
Book: A Parcelof Rogues by Joyce Lionarons
Great medieval mystery with plenty of historical and cultural highlights. I enjoyed the main character, Gavin Rownt. There are 2 other side stories occurring while the main story is going on. Definitely would read another book in series but this one is first one I guess.
Book #16 Incomplete
Region: Asia
Country: Laos
Book: The Coroner’s Lunch by Colin Cotterill ( a Dr. Siri Paiboun Mystery #1)
Book #16 CompleteRegion: Asia
Country: Laos
Book: The Coroner’s Lunch by Colin Cotterill
Thoroughly enjoyed the main character, Dr. PAIBOUN. I WOULD NEVER HAVE SELECTED THIS BOOK ON MY OWN WITHOUT SEEING THAT SOMEONE IN THE GROUP READ IT. (THANKS TO THEM) plus the world challenge of this year. The humor of Dr. Paiboun made me laugh out loud several times while reading the book. I also learned a great deal about Laos and especially the Hmong people. Am going to put book #2of the series on my three list.
Book#17 IncompleteRegion: Africa
DCountry: Egypt
Book: Apprenticed to Anubis by Kathrin Bruckmann (in Maat’s Service Vol 1)
I loved The Coroner's Lunch. Thanks for the reminder that there are more in the series. :)
Book #17 CompleteRegion: Africa
Country: Egypt
Book: Apprenticed to Anubis by Kathrin Bruckmann
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The two main characters, young physicians in ancient Egypt, investigate suspicious deaths of young noble women. The descriptions of life at the time are very colorful. Parties in ancient Egypt certainly got interesting. This book is definitely opposite from my parlor English mysteries.
Book #18 CompleteRegion: Europe
Country: Greece
Book: The Pericles Commission by Gary Corby
Going to read more in this series. Learned a lot about ancient Athenian law and history. Main character, Nicolas, is great. He is staring out and wants to get into politics. He soon learns that his idea of democracy and government is naive. Anyone who has ever started out in life can identify with this young man from Ancient Greece. The IOC we see at the beginning of the story differs greatly from the Nico who solves the murder.
Book #19 IncompleteRegion: Asia
Country: Singapore
Book: The Frangipani Tree Mystery
By Ovidia Yu
Book #20 CompleteRegion: Europe
Country: Italy
Book: The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
I had always wanted to read this book. A friend has always said that it was her favorite book and that I should read it. I found it very complicated and needed a cheat sheet for characters so I could remember who everyone was and their background info. It is interesting how our lives affect our enjoyment of books. This book has everything that I enjoy but I found it difficult to read and I blame it on trying to get ready to be away for 2 months from my home. At a different time with less stress I am sure that I would feel different.
Book #21 IncompleteRegion: Sub-Saharan
Country: Kenya
Book: Strange Gods by Annamarie Alfieri
Book#19 CompleteRegion: Asia
Country: Singapore
Book: The Frangipani Tree Mystery by Ovidia Yu
Found this book interesting as it shows the native side of the British Empire. It highlighted how British and Chinese traditions and rules meshed during th era of British control. A girl who was handicapped and should have been sold by her Chinese family as she was considered bad luck worked hard and was able to have dreams. She certainly made an impression on one British police officer. I liked the character of Su Lin as she struggled in a British male environment and she was a handicapped Chinese young woman. No one took her seriously until she proved to be bright and daring. Great story.
Libby wrote: "Book#19 CompleteRegion: Asia
Country: Singapore
Book: The Frangipani Tree Mystery by Ovidia Yu
Found this book interesting as it shows the native side of the British Empire. It highlighted how Bri..."
That sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the suggestion.
Book #20 CompleteRegion: Sub-Saharan
Country: Kenya
Book: Strange Gods by Annemarie Alfieri
Enjoyed this book and visiting British-ruled Kenya for the second time in this challenge. The budding romance btweeen the two leadinvestigators must run through this series? The culprit in the murder was a bit of a surprise as the entire investigation pointed in different directions. Always good to have a surprise!
Book #21 IncompleteRegion: Central America
Country: Mexico
Book: Dead Girls by Jorge Ibaaguengoitia
Book #21 CompleteRegion: Central America
Country: Mexico
Book: Dead Girls by Jorge Ibaguengotia
Saw this book on someone else’s reading list. I have had so much trouble finding historical books from central and South America. This book is based on real happenings back in the 50’s and 60’s. I found it very different from most novels I read. It is relatively short and reminds me so In Cold Blood by Truman Capite.
Book #22 IncompleteRegion : Europe
Country: England
Book: The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson
My sister and several friends have highly recommended this book which is based on some true events.
Book#22 CompleteRegion: Europe
Country: England and Australia
Loved this book about migrant children in WWII. Taking kids away from their parents and putting in harsh conditions. Why does this treatment remind me of things happening today? Very heart wrenching.
Book # 23 CompleteRegion: Asia
Country: Russia
Book: Miss Blaine’s Prefect and the Golden Samovar
By Olga Wojcas
Definitely an interesting time-travel mystery. Shona Fergusnova McMonagle, similar personality as Amelia Peabody, time travels to imperial Russia to help a young aristocrat. Her adventures are interesting. I figured out the villain 1/4 way through the book and was antsy about Shona’s slowness in solving the mystery. Different approach to solving a mystery.
Book#24 IncompleteRegion: Europe
Country: England
Book: The Murder of Patience Brooke ( Charles Dickens Investigations. #1) by J. C. Briggs)
Book #24 CompleteRegion: Europe
Country: England
Book: The Murder of Patience Brooke byJ. C. Briggs
Loved the book. Felt the tie-ins with Dickens’ books and characters were great! Made me want to read books by Dickens that I have not read. Also enjoyed how the author used true facts about Dickens throughout the book! Recommend book to all lovers of using true detective work to solve a murder in a time of little scientific help.
Book #25 IncompleteRegion: Europe
Country: Ireland
Book: Shameful Murder, A Mystery Set in 1920’s Ireland
By Cora Harrison
Libby wrote: "Book #24 CompleteRegion: Europe
Country: England
Book: The Murder of Patience Brooke by J. C. Briggs
Loved the book. Felt the tie-ins with Dickens’ books and characters were great! Made me want to ..."
I loved this book too. Have read the 2nd one as well, and #5 is being released this fall (currently $.99 on Amazon)
Libby wrote: "Book #24 CompleteRegion: Europe
Country: England
Book: The Murder of Patience Brooke byJ. C. Briggs
Loved the book. Felt the tie-ins with Dickens’ books and characters were great! Made me want to ..."
I've had this book on my Kindle for a while but haven't gotten around to reading it. I guess I will now after seeing such a glowing recommendation. :)
Hope you enjoy it! I have got the second book in the series on my to be read pile. I have had a ho hum summer of reading so was pleased to find this series to “ramp up”my reading. I have a question for everyone! Has anyone found good South American mysteries or Central American? I even contacted a friend that is from Peru to give me ideas about historical mysteries from her country. She could provide some ideas for historical fiction but not mysteries. Anyone else have any ideas???
Book #25Region: Europe
Country: Ireland
Book: Shameful Murder, a book set in 1920’s Ireland, by
Cora Harrison
I enjoyed this book. It tackled serious issues of poverty, child abuse and social inequality while providing a challenging murder mystery to solve. II had not read anything by Cora Harrison but noticed that she has 2 other mystery series set in 16th century and Victorian times. This series with the Reverend Mother Aquinas is thorough. It provides a look into a time (1923) when women had few options. The Reverend Mother used her intellectual ability to help one of her students (a police Sergeant) to solve a murder.
I have a question for anyone who has read this book? It is a spoiler question so will no ask it in open forum.
Completed Challenge!!I had decided on Level #4 Explorer for the Global Challenge and have read 25 books from 8 different regions. I had trouble with some regions (Central America, South America and Oceania) but found enough thanks to all of you! I am going to continue reading to see if I could have made it to Level #5. It was a great challenge and introduced me to a “World of new books and authors!”
Book #26 IncompleteRegion: Europe
Country: England
Book: A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
Libby wrote: "Completed Challenge!!I had decided on Level #4 Explorer for the Global Challenge and have read 25 books from 8 different regions. I had trouble with some regions (Central America, South America an..."
Congratulations!!
Libby wrote: "Completed Challenge!!I had decided on Level #4 Explorer for the Global Challenge and have read 25 books from 8 different regions. I had trouble with some regions (Central America, South America an..."
Congratulations!
