Reading the Detectives discussion

Welcome to our August/Sept 21 Buddy Read, the second stand-alone Nicholas Blake novel we are reading: A Penknife in My Heart

First published in 1958, A Penknife in My Heart tells the story of how two men - total strangers - establish the perfect alibis by arranging to switch victims. Ned Stowe will kill Stuart Hammer's wealthy uncle for which service Hammer is to eliminate Stowe's neurotic wife, Helena. The men plot and the plan - with its horrifyingly simple premise - is solidified...

'More convincing, more detailedly thought-through than Highsmith's [Strangers on a Train].' - according to The New York Times. Join in and make up your own mind. We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Please do not post spoilers in this thread. Thank you.

Shall we open this thread for the weekend? I really enjoyed this one - is anyone else reading it?

Thank you, Susan - looking forward to this one. This was the first Nicholas Blake book I read, 5 years ago now, and I really liked it at the time, so am pleased to reread it.

I won't be reading this book, mostly as it is not available in my library, but also I absolutely hated Strangers on a Train and reading the synopsis revived bad memories.

I will be reading this but not starting for a week or so while I tackle some other group reads

I didn't like Strangers On A Train either, Sandy. I must admit that I was horribly disappointed by it, but I did like the Blake. I thought his characters were more interesting. I know that's a contentious thing to say!

I've started my reread of this and am immediately enjoying the Norfolk setting. I think it is very different from Strangers on a Train apart from the plot similarity.

The plot is similar, I agree, but the characters and feel are different.

It's a fast read - I liked the pared-down feel of this book after reading one or two more long-winded detective novels lately.

Yes. I must admit I am floundering with the Channel book. It is, dare I say, deadly dull....

Going to work now, so have a great day, Judy :)

Oh dear, I remember enjoying the Channel one though it was a few years ago now that I read it - plan to revisit too. Have a great day too, Susan. :)

Thanks, Judy. It is one of those where they painstakingly follow clues around. I get the reality, but am not really a fan, I have to say.