Reading the Detectives discussion

Are you reading a good Golden Age or more modern mystery at the moment, or have you just finished one? Please share your recommendations and reviews!

This is a new thread for 2022. The previous thread has been archived, but you can still refer to it for past discussions:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I've started The Clock Strikes Twelve by Patricia Wentworth. This is the seventh Miss Silver book and I'm trying to read them in order but I haven't read number 6 yet! The reason I skipped was that this book starts on New Year's Eve and I like reading appropriate holiday plots!!!
(Also rereading The Nine Tailors - Dorothy L Sayers)

I would like to read more Miss Silver . We read Grey Mask here but never went any further.
Haha Maybe that should be my new year's resolution!

Jill wrote: "I would like to read more Miss Silver . We read Grey Mask here but never went any further.
Haha Maybe that should be my new year's resolution!"

I know Miss Silver is compared a lot to Miss Marple, especially with her knitting hobby, but she appeared before Miss M. I love these books and also hope to read more of them this year.

Jill wrote: "I would like to read more Miss Silver . We read Grey Mask here but never went any further.
Haha Maybe that should be my new year's resolution!"

I thought that Grey Mask was one of her less good mysteries. The Girl in the Cellar is better, as is The Watersplash. The Key is more taut, but also quite sad. I'm less keen on her standalone books which don't feature Miss Silver - I often the plot in some of them quite unconvincing or implausible.

I've recently read Freeman Wills Crofts The Cask. I normally enjoy his books, but this is one of his very earliest ones and it does show. It's very heavy on the procedural element, both in terms of quantity and in terms of lacking the lightness of touch which Michael Gilbert managed so well. Death of a Train is also, like most of Crofts' books, procedural, but much more intrinsically interesting.

I’m enjoying the latest Bryant & May, London Bridge Is Falling Down . Other reviews make it sound like this may finally be the end of the PCU, we’ll see - they’ve been on life support many times! But if The two senior detectives were around in 1944, it is increasingly inconceivable that they can carry on much longer…

I've started reading our last Albert Campion buddy read, Cargo of Eagles, which Margery Allingham left unfinished and her husband Youngman Carter finished - they used to write together anyway, though. I believe, so it will be interesting to see if we can spot the join!

I read The Mystery of the Sorrowful Maiden. This is such a quiet pleasant series with likeable characters and good stories.

Ooh, you have just reminded me about the third Laetitia Rodd book, Sandy. Must get hold of that one soon!

Judy wrote: "Ooh, you have just reminded me about the third Laetitia Rodd book, Sandy. Must get hold of that one soon!"

Doing what I can to keep all our bookshelves overflowing.

I've read a couple of mysteries in the last few days, Footsteps in the Dark by Georgette Heyer. Her first mystery and while I found the mystery element of the story a bit unsatisfactory, Overall I enjoyed it.

I also read These Names Make Clues by E.C.R. Lorac. I have enjoyed what I've read by her so far and look forward to more.

I read Murder Under Her Skin, the second in a new series. It is set after WW II, with a pair of interesting women detectives: one smart and experienced who has MS, and her young hothead sidekick with skill in knife throwing. It is a bit like a Nero Wolfe / Archie Goodwin arrangement except this detective is a lot more mobile than Wolfe.

I’m just starting Inspector French’s Greatest Case for our February read.

I'm a third of the way into Murder After Christmas by Rupert Latimer.
Up to now I've been finding it a bit crap to be honest. Too many ill-defined characters determined to be bright and witty to the point where they need a good slapping, an arch and knowing tone to the writing etc. None of that stuff ever sits well with me.
Anyway, the crime has just taken place so things might improve.

Colin wrote: "I'm a third of the way into Murder After Christmas by Rupert Latimer.
Up to now I've been finding it a bit crap to be honest. Too many ill-defined chara..."

I read it just after Christmas and enjoyed it (at least, more than the two books just before, both of which I abandoned early on!) But it was in the bright and witty school, which seems to have suited me at the time.

I've just joined and am glad to read about some of the great classics folks are reading. I've been getting into some John Dickson Carr (sometimes Carter Dickson). I recommend Hag's Nook as it is very cleverly worked out (features Gideon Fell) and a bit creepy in that way that's enjoyable in mystery fiction, as well as The White Priory Murders which is solved by Sir Henry Merrivale. I'm hoping to read The Burning Court next.

Eleanor wrote: "I've just joined and am glad to read about some of the great classics folks are reading. I've been getting into some John Dickson Carr (sometimes Carter Dickson). I recommend Hag's Nook as it is ve..."

The group read Hag's Nook a couple of years ago and the thread is still open if you want to read our comments and / or add your own. I liked Hag's Nook better then Three Coffins, aka The Hollow Man, that we read this month.

Eleanor wrote: " I'm hoping to read The Burning Court next."

I envy you coming to that one for the first time. You have a bona fide treat in store for you there.

Rosina wrote: " ...it was in the bright and witty school."

Yes, that seems like a fair description. I tend not to get on well with that style, rubs me up the wrong way most of the time. I'll persevere though, it may grow on me and I don't want to bail out on a book right at the beginning of the year.

Welcome, Eleanor. I haven't read many by John Dickson Carr as yet, but really enjoyed The Case of the Constant Suicides.

So much for perseverance then. I scanned the last few pages of Murder After Christmas and ditched it - dire stuff, dripping in irony and arch self-satisfied sarcasm. As a rule, I don't like abandoning books, especially not those I've paid good money for, but life really is too short.

Colin, you’re so right! Hope your next book is much more absorbing.

I've just started Wallace of the Secret Service, by Alexander Wilson, which is a reprint of a 1930s book. The series are thrillers, rather than murder mysteries, so possibly it doesn't belong in this thread. Unsure how I feel about it so far, possibly because these are short stories, so it's harder to get a sense of character/character development. Lovely front covers, though! (Travel posters.)

I suspect that "Wallace" is picking up on Edgar Wallace and Edgar Wallace - Major Haynes of the Secret Service:

Colin wrote: "So much for perseverance then. I scanned the last few pages of Murder After Christmas and ditched it - dire stuff, dripping in irony and arch self-satisfied sarcasm. As a rule, I don't like abandon..."

That’s what a wise GR friend told me a few years ago, life’s too short, there are too many books to try and get to, so if it begins to feel like a slog, or school work, chuck it and move on!

I have started A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia Clara Benson One of our buddy reads

Susan in NC wrote: "there are too many books to try and get to, so if it begins to feel like a slog, or school work, chuck it and move on"

Agreed. I usually feel a bit guilty about abandoning a book midway but I also feel better trying out something else that may be more enjoyable for me. After all, we are supposed to be reading this stuff for pleasure.

I can't stop reading a book I have started, I suppose I live in hope that it will improve. Having said that I don't reread books (Christie has been an exception because I read those at such an early age). I also think that while rereading I may be missing out on a gem because life is so short to get to every book I want to read.

Jill wrote: "I can't stop reading a book I have started, I suppose I live in hope that it will improve. Having said that I don't reread books (Christie has been an exception because I read those at such an earl..."

I love rereading, even when I can remember some of what has taken place. I suppose that it's the fun of revisiting old friends as much as anything else.

Colin wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "there are too many books to try and get to, so if it begins to feel like a slog, or school work, chuck it and move on"

Agreed. I usually feel a bit guilty about abandoning a bo..."

As I said, I'd already abandoned two books in quick succession, and found Murder after Christmas more palatable. But I don't feel guilty about abandoning books, even if they are recommended by other people. Tastes, and moods, vary, after all.

Colin wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "there are too many books to try and get to, so if it begins to feel like a slog, or school work, chuck it and move on"

Agreed. I usually feel a bit guilty about abandoning a bo..."

Absolutely.

books wrote: "Jill wrote: "I can't stop reading a book I have started, I suppose I live in hope that it will improve. Having said that I don't reread books (Christie has been an exception because I read those at..."

Same here, in the last several years, I’ve been through some personal and family health setbacks, rereading has been comfort food for my brain!

Rosina wrote: "Colin wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "there are too many books to try and get to, so if it begins to feel like a slog, or school work, chuck it and move on"

Agreed. I usually feel a bit guilty about a..."

Exactly, so much depends on what I am in the mood to read - I’m very fortunate, currently have two first-time reads on the go, an Inspector French for this group, Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade for another, and both are very enjoyable and entertaining, but totally different! Both just suit me right now. I’ve been reading one in the afternoons, the other in the evening. It helps that I am reading along with two excellent narrators on the audiobooks through Scribd and Audible, that always helps!

Indeed. Never underestimate the role played by mood in our enjoyment of a book. I've noticed this with rereads from time to time; a book which I felt indifferent towards can suddenly seem much more engaging when read under different circumstances.

Colin wrote: "Indeed. Never underestimate the role played by mood in our enjoyment of a book. I've noticed this with rereads from time to time; a book which I felt indifferent towards can suddenly seem much more..."

I have found that so true! Sometimes, an entry in a beloved series can seem hopelessly muddled or clunky, and I find myself wondering, is it me, or is this a stinker? Were the previous books better/worse, or was I less discriminating, or was I just not paying attention, what is going on? And other times, a book I may have previously dismissed or overlooked, is very enjoyable. So much depends on my mood.

I constantly struggle with the push and pull of reading new books from my teeming shelves, or revisit old friends that I know and love. I'm determined this year to do both!
On the new front, I'll be doing a buddy read with a friend of The Return of the Pharaoh: From the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D. by Nicholas Meyer. Great Holmes pastiche---I have enjoyed all of the other books in his series. Plus, I love everything about ancient Egypt, so it's a win-win.

Tara wrote: "I constantly struggle with the push and pull of reading new books from my teeming shelves, or revisit old friends that I know and love. I'm determined this year to do both!
On the new front, I'll b..."

Oh, that sounds fun! I agree with your attitude- a mix of old and new sounds most appealing to me. So much about life seems uncertain right now - reading a book that’s a sure fire laugh, or fright, or puzzle, or whatever is your personal favorite genre, seems like a nobrainer!

I will start The Late Monsieur Gallet soon. The only detective mystery out of the six I books I will then have going,

Finished A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia the first in the Freddy Pilkington-Soames series, and have moved on to Death in High Heels by Christianna Brand which looks like her last one we will be reading

Maybe it is just me being dense, but I am muddling characters up. I think I will have to go back and read the first 3 chapters again.

Jill wrote: "Maybe it is just me being dense, but I am muddling characters up. I think I will have to go back and read the first 3 chapters again."

That’s so annoying! That’s why I try to avoid reading two of a similar type of book at the same time, inevitability, if it’s two mysteries, for example, unless they are very different, like one Golden Age, the other set in a medieval monastery, I will muddle my characters! I’m still reading Inspector French, so I’ll probably finish him, but if I must have another book, to knit by, for instance, (audiobook then), and it’ll have to be something like Wodehouse or historical fiction! Hard to listen only to a mystery, especially something with an intricate plot or complicated crime to be explained, I miss clues.

I am about half-way through Laura by Vera Caspary. I adore the movie so; it's impossible not to imagine those actors when reading it. I'm surprised at how differently Waldo is described physically, although Clifton Webb is so wonderful, it's easy to overlook.

I thought the film of Laura was brilliant - will be interested to hear what you think of the book, Tara.

I've finished the last Allingham book, Cargo of Eagles, and have started another of our forthcoming buddy reads, A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia - interested to see how well Freddy copes without Angela to keep him in order.

Judy wrote: "I've finished the last Allingham book, Cargo of Eagles, and have started another of our forthcoming buddy reads, A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia - interested to see h..."

I enjoyed Freddie on his own - I always felt Angela kept him somewhat honest, but I think his mother has the opposite effect! So it’s fun and entertaining- I think Susan pointed out in another thread, this series feels less formal than the Angela series. I agree with that.

I’m about to start Magic in the Weave , the latest in a favorite historical mystery series.

Susan in NC wrote: "Judy wrote: "I've finished the last Allingham book, Cargo of Eagles, and have started another of our forthcoming buddy reads, A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia - intere..."

I'm on my library's wait list for Magic in the Weave. Have you tried the author's other series? I read the first in the Victorian one and didn't continue, but I know she has another two series.

I read Laura by Vera Caspary recently, based on really liking the movie. Very well written. I will sample other works by the same author.

Judy wrote: "I thought the film of Laura was brilliant - will be interested to hear what you think of the book, Tara."

Normally I'm of the school of the book being better, but I think in this case each version makes the most of the medium it's in. The film is noir at its finest, while the book takes advantage of multiple narrative voices during the course of the investigation.

Sandy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Judy wrote: "I've finished the last Allingham book, Cargo of Eagles, and have started another of our forthcoming buddy reads, A Case of Blackmail in Belgravi..."</i>

Oh, yes, The World’s End Burea series, I’ve enjoyed that one, too. I’m way behind on both the Hawkenlye and Aelf Fen series - I picked up several Hawkenlye used paperbacks, and my library and Scribd have most of the Aelf Fen series, so I’m set whenever I finally get back to those!

My library hasn’t got [book:Magic in the Weave in their system yet, but I was thrilled to find it available on Scribd, so I’m going to dive in! I’m still waitiing for the most recent Laetitia Rodd mystery from my library, system says it’s “on order”, but who knows how long that will be.

Sorry, don’t know why that comment looks like that, tried editing but no luck.