Crime Detective Mystery Thriller Group discussion

26 views
Discussions > When you read a murder mystery, do you have any expectations of what the plot should be?

Comments Showing 1-22 of 22 (22 new)    post a comment »
dateUp arrow    newest »

message 1: by [deleted user] (new)

I guess my answer to this would be that the homicide detective or private detective have murder suspects and clues and are able to solve the mystery based on this. Seems simplistic but there are cases where authors veer away from this. Thoughts.


message 2: by Cathy (new)

Cathy DuPont (cathydupont) | 19 comments Ron: Those are the authors I don't read...those that 'veer away.'

A few years ago I read where someone wrote "I didn't like the way 'The Help' ended." My reply...write your own book. I may have said that, maybe not but sure thought it. I seldom leave negative remarks, that's why I'm not sure if I left that remark. I thought it though.

I feel that way about books...readers have an oppty to leave starred reviews and comments. But for readers to want to 're-write' a book, doesn't make sense. They should write their own book, the way they want. And I haven't been convinced otherwise, yet anyhow.


message 3: by Skye (new)

Skye | 307 comments I agree; I think it's important to be honest in reviews and comments, but there comes a point....


message 4: by Cathy (new)

Cathy DuPont (cathydupont) | 19 comments Skye wrote: "I agree; I think it's important to be honest in reviews and comments, but there comes a point...."

Skye...a point where you want to say "you idiot!"?

I did say to someone (on a thread) a couple of years ago that she lost some credibility because she couldn't not take the time to spell and punctuate her comments. OMG, you would have thought I had said her children were ugly.

She landed on me with both feet. I said it nice, too, about her lack of command of the English language. English, I knew, was her first language. I give a lot of slack to those who know English as a second language. And of course we make minor mistakes. But hers...OMG, like a second grader writing a paper. It was hardly readable.


message 5: by Skye (new)

Skye | 307 comments Cathy; I have most people on goodeads to be fairly civil, but I have had a few incidents. Sometimes I think people can be contrary.


message 6: by Cathy (new)

Cathy DuPont (cathydupont) | 19 comments Skye wrote: "Cathy; I have most people on goodeads to be fairly civil, but I have had a few incidents. Sometimes I think people can be contrary."

What a nice word to use, contrary. I would say that some people can be outright mean! Mean and hateful. That's not necessary here, in my opinion. Turn on TV; there's enough of that on TV.

Civility goes a long way for me. And I can agree to disagree respecting everyone's opinion when it's sincere and honest and stated without all those amps.

Even your name says "I am a nice person." It does to me, anyhow.


message 7: by [deleted user] (new)

I'm with both of you on this. Like Skye said, most people are civil but there on some incidents. I've seen the same thing happen on Twitter but there are times it can be much worse there.


message 8: by Skye (new)

Skye | 307 comments Cathy and Ron, you should live in NJ; it's like this in my real world. Cathy, I truly believe in being nice to everyone; I had two incidents yesterday that are mind blowing, simply astonishing---a real study in aggressive and uncalled for behavior.


message 9: by Cathy (new)

Cathy DuPont (cathydupont) | 19 comments Skye wrote: "Cathy and Ron, you should live in NJ; it's like this in my real world. Cathy, I truly believe in being nice to everyone; I had two incidents yesterday that are mind blowing, simply astonishing---a..."

I'm sorry about that. It's fresh so I hope this conversation helps lessen the sting of it. That's what I call it, a sting and I've felt it.

And I'm with you, being nice to everyone. When someone says something to me that's not nice, I ignore them. That happens so infrequently these days. On purpose, too, because I chose a few years ago to move away from people like that. But sometimes...they just raise their heads. Unfortunately.

Trust me, it's not only NJ...same here in FL.


message 10: by [deleted user] (new)

I'm sorry about that also Skye and Cathy. I've heard that a lot of it has to do with social media. Some changes aren't for the better.


message 11: by Cathy (new)

Cathy DuPont (cathydupont) | 19 comments Ron wrote: "I'm sorry about that also Skye and Cathy. I've heard that a lot of it has to do with social media. Some changes aren't for the better."

Yeah, Ron. And some people don't filter what they say nor do they want to. I agree, it's the entire social media thing. It's used for good purposes but also for the not so good.


message 12: by Skye (new)

Skye | 307 comments Cathy wrote: "Skye wrote: "Cathy and Ron, you should live in NJ; it's like this in my real world. Cathy, I truly believe in being nice to everyone; I had two incidents yesterday that are mind blowing, simply as..."
I am so sorry to hear that Cathy.


message 13: by Skye (new)

Skye | 307 comments Cathy wrote: "Ron wrote: "I'm sorry about that also Skye and Cathy. I've heard that a lot of it has to do with social media. Some changes aren't for the better."

Yeah, Ron. And some people don't filter what..."

And that's why I'm not on FB, Twitter or any others.


message 14: by Cathy (last edited Dec 27, 2014 11:33AM) (new)

Cathy DuPont (cathydupont) | 19 comments Skye wrote: "Cathy wrote: "Skye wrote: "Cathy and Ron, you should live in NJ; it's like this in my real world. Cathy, I truly believe in being nice to everyone; I had two incidents yesterday that are mind blow..."

No worries...I tend to ignore stuff. I have FB that I go on about once a month. Same with Twitter. GR is my steady site. And I stay away from controversial topics on here, too. It might be an age thing. I'm mellowing.

Almost forgot...I'm friends on FB with a number of my favorite authors, that's why I keep my account.


message 15: by Skye (new)

Skye | 307 comments Nearly everyone I know is on FB.
Cathy, isn't it amazing how the old adages from long ago are truly beneficial: "silence is golden.' I teach argument and research, and there are specific rules to follow in order to keep peace and remain conciliatory; however, I have also discovered that certain controversies can never be solved and should not even be discussed. So I am with you; when people become argumentative, I assume a ditz attitude and kind of fade away.


message 16: by Cathy (new)

Cathy DuPont (cathydupont) | 19 comments Hi Skye: Yes, on old adages. One of my bosses had a good one but I can't recall exactly 'monkey faces seen in public places.' So true there.

My background is communications/PR and I'm the one pushing the other guys out front, after I do the legwork with me happily staying in the background.

Just to make things clear, and the world to know, about eight years ago my daughter asked me to go on FB because she was no longer emailing using only Facebook to communicate. I did not want to nor had desire to go on FB except to talk to my daughter. Six months later she says "Mom, I'm done with Facebook..." Then I started befriending authors and chatting with them, so I just kept it. On once a month or so.

Assuming a ditz attitude is great idea. Me, I just sign off, no goodbyes, you guys are creepy, stupid, etc., I'm just no longer seen.

BTW, Skye, I know you didn't say what you teach to impress me, but you have! That is so cool. Argument and research...I would love to be in your class. I would love it. Very cool indeed. No, I'm not gushing. :D


message 17: by Skye (new)

Skye | 307 comments Cathy: you are so precious. Yes, I have a distinct 'DITZ" gaze and appear to BE a Ditzy broad, like, DUH?~! Ahhhhh,you a background I know very well. I can also do what you do; walk away, sign off, ignore.
I suspect we are going to be friends.


message 18: by MaryJo (new)

MaryJo Dawson | 126 comments It is always informative to hear how others deal with those who seem to have no sense of manners or proper etiquette. I totally agree that it is pointless to get into an argument with these people. because they aren't interested in reason or explanations.

Getting back to the title of this discussion group, my expectation is that by spending my time reading the story - and planning to enjoy that time - in return I want to see an interesting plot, at least fairly well developed characters, and this done without excessive vulgarity, explicit sexual descriptions, and graphic descriptions of violence. That is what personal imagination is for. I've also stopped reading fiction where the main character is impossible for me to like, and he or she has to be very flawed for that to happen.


message 19: by Betty (new)

Betty (bettylouise54) | 123 comments There have been times when I didn't like how the book but I realized I need to review what was written not the I wanted it Togo.


message 20: by Lynn Renee (last edited Dec 29, 2014 01:06PM) (new)

Lynn Renee | 219 comments Gail wrote: "Also on initial question, predictability bores me! I like to be surprised. Hopefully the plot is unique. I don't read many series that feature the same detective over and over. I know this goes aga..."

The last book I read was a Jack Reacher novel, unfortunately after just the first few chapters I knew who the killer was. It was disappointing that I had figured out the book so soon. Books with twists and turns that keep me guessing until the end are much more fun.


message 21: by [deleted user] (new)

Which Reacher book was it Lynn?


message 22: by Lynn Renee (new)

Lynn Renee | 219 comments Ron wrote: "Which Reacher book was it Lynn?"

Running Blind


back to top