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 2024. The previous thread has been archived but you can still refer to it here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I am engrossed in our next Shardlake mystery Revelation, so glad to be rereading this series- I read them when they first came out, felt they were excellent, but I don’t remember plots and details.

I will probably read our next Brunetti after this, but I also have two library books I want to try, Death in Brittany by Jean-Luc Bannalec, and couldn’t resist this cover, a British Library Crime Classics collection set in theater world, Final Acts.

I am reading a book by Stan Jones called "Shaman Pass." It is part of a series of books about Alaska State Trooper Nathan Active. I'm about halfway through the book which is about a tribal leader who is stabbed to death with an antique harpoon.

I am also reading or listening to an audiobook of "The Last of the Mohicans" by James Fenimore Cooper. I'm following along with the book when the audiobook is on.

I have started Quietly in Their Sleep Donna Leon for the next buddy read

I have reread Jill Paton Walsh's 'Imogen Quy' 4 book series and am making fairly heavy weather of Patricia Wentworth's 'Miss Silver' series. Right now I'm about 30% into 'Through the Wall' and Miss Silver has just made an entrance into the story

I just started the buddy read for later this Spring, Simon Brett's "A Nice Class of Corpse," because I've never read any of his books before. Just a few pages, and I love it! I can't think of another series which combines mystery and humor so well, like a blend of P.G. Wodehouse and Agatha Christie.

I am finishing up my re-read of Last Act in Palmyra, this time on audio though I fell asleep last evening and will have to back up. I have the book as well so that is easy.

Not sure what will be next as I have many books from the library including our other buddy reads, the next in a couple of historical series I've ignored, and two new books that will need to be returned. Then, on a whim, I took out a book that got lots of best-of-year buzz the title of which escapes me but an octopus has a major role.

Fred: you wrote about reading Stan Jones' novel "Shaman Pass." I highly recommend the first in the Nathan Active series, "White Sky, Black Ice." It was nominated for a Barry Award for first novel in 2000, but Stan Jones seems to have dropped off the radar, and really deserves more recognition. I read his third book, "Frozen Sun," but apparently he wrote four more, which I'd never heard of until I looked them up now, thanks to you. Tip of the hat. I'll try to find them.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...

I am just about to start rereading the first Easy Rawlins book Devil in a Blue Dress.

I started Some Die Eloquent, the next by Catherine Aird.

Today, Charles Todd posted that January 6, 1854 is the birthday of Sherlock Holmes. I feel like I should read one of his stories to celebrate.

Susan_MG wrote: "Today, Charles Todd posted that January 6, 1854 is the birthday of Sherlock Holmes. I feel like I should read one of his stories to celebrate."

The game is afoot! (Sorry, first quote that popped into my head, that’s Holmes, isn’t it?)

Yes, it’s listed as among ten favorite Sherlock Holmes quotes. There’s also a song inspired by the quote. Good one Susan in NC.

Finished the Donna Leon book and am now starting The Misty Harbour the next of our Maigret series

In the final part of Umberto Eco, The Name of the Rose.

I finished Some Die Eloquent last night and started Dr. Priestley's Quest: A Dr. Priestley Detective Story by John Rhode.

Susan_MG wrote: "Yes, it’s listed as among ten favorite Sherlock Holmes quotes. There’s also a song inspired by the quote. Good one Susan in NC."

;o)

Finished Revelation, our next Shardlake, and have started Quietly in Their Sleep, our next in the Brunetti series - good to back in Venice!

I read The Twilight Queen, second in a new series with Henry VIII's jester. I think it is an excellent series and seems quite true to the era. Now I want to try the author's medieval series with Crispin Guest.

However, it means I will not start our next Shardlake immediately as I need to clear my mind of one version of Henry before adding another. Not a problem as I have several library books that are coming due.

A warning about the jester series: there is more sex than I am accustomed to, though not in any detail.

Thanks, I hadn’t heard of this series - Henry’s jester, hmmm…interesting stuff!

I had an appointment and shoved Final Acts , a library book, into my bag to start while I waited. Sometimes these reissues have a lot of spoilers in Martin Edwards’ introduction, but I found this interesting, as he points out the affinity between GA mystery authors and the theater. Some I was aware of, some not, but looking forward to dipping into these stories

Yesterday I picked up "The Mysterious Mr. Badman: A Yorkshire Bibliomystery," by W.F. Harvey. Martin Edwards' preface says Harvey is best known for his "strange" stories, but his mysteries were written at the height of the Golden Age. The latest in the British Library Crime Classics acquired by the Berkeley (CA) Public Library. Already there's a waiting list!

Susan in NC wrote: "Sometimes these reissues have a lot of spoilers in Martin Edwards’ introduction, ..."

I always try to read introductions at the end for this reason - sometimes I read the beginning of the introduction first though to get a bit of background, but stop if it looks as if they are going to get into plot details! It's also annoying when introductions to reissues have spoilers for other books by an author, although I'm not very likely to remember anyway unless I'm reading the book in question very soon.

Susan in NC wrote: "Thanks, I hadn’t heard of this series - Henry’s jester, hmmm…interesting stuff!

I had an appointment and shoved Final Acts, a library book, into my b..."

Ha! I'm not the only one who noticed the spoilers in the BLCC introductions! I now read the book and read the introduction afterward!

The eight - amazing read!!

Carissa wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Thanks, I hadn’t heard of this series - Henry’s jester, hmmm…interesting stuff!

I had an appointment and shoved Final Acts, a lib..."

Well, I returned that to the library, I enjoyed a couple of the stories, but really wasn’t feeling interested in reading on. I generally find those collections a mixed bag.

Currently reading another mystery from the library, Death in Brittany by Jean-Luc Bannalec. Pretty good, love the descriptions of the area, but not sure about the mystery, feels like the first in the series- checked reviews, seems like the detective improves on acquaintance, so I think I’d try future books if I can get them.

Also startedMurderer's Mistake by E.C.R. Lorac, one of my favorite GA authors, for our February read. Also have the audiobook under the original title, . Really enjoying this one, she rarely disappoints! Interesting, finding my ebook seems to be missing text I’m hearing in the audiobook, even though the ebook doesn’t say anything about being abridged.

I've been reading Freezing by Clea Koff

Susan in NC wrote: Also started Murderer's Mistake (Robert Macdonald #28) by E.C.R. Lorac, one of my favorite GA authors, for our February read. Also have the audiobook under the original title, The Theft of the Iron Dogs A Lancashire Mystery by E.C.R. Lorac . Really enjoying this one, she rarely disappoints! Interesting, finding my ebook seems to be missing text I’m hearing in the audiobook, even though the ebook doesn’t say anything about being abridged.

That's really interesting, Susan, thanks for the info! Is the 'Murderer's Mistake' edition missing much text? I have that one and have read it before in that version, but may switch to Iron Dogs version if there is much difference!

On the subject of alternative titles... I dropped everything to finish Roger Sheringham and the Vane Mystery by Anthony Berkeley when I realised it was due back at the library shortly and they wouldn't let me renew because there was a waiting list.

I didn't manage to finish it in time, all my own fault for being disorganised, and the ebook was grabbed back from my tablet (sadly flight mode doesn't seem to stop this any more!) I was slightly panicking as I hadn't managed to find it available anywhere else and was desperate to know the ending - but then luckily discovered that the same book is on Project Gutenberg under a different title, The Mystery at Lovers' Cave.

Anyway, I thought it was a great read even though Roger is just as infuriating as ever, and there are some brilliant twists. I would recommend it to anyone who likes Berkeley - I'm fast becoming a big fan as he is such an entertaining writer.

Judy wrote: "On the subject of alternative titles... I dropped everything to finish Roger Sheringham and the Vane Mystery by Anthony Berkeley when I realised it was due back at t..."

Thanks Judy.

I am about to start Helen Passes By our next E.R. Punshon read.

Judy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: Also started Murderer's Mistake (Robert Macdonald #28) by E.C.R. Lorac, one of my favorite GA authors, for our February read. Also have the audiobook under the original title, Th..."

No, it seemed mostly descriptive bits, or internal monologues of characters. Kind of odd, because I had to pay attention to not miss anything that fleshed out the characters or situations. I had purchased the “Murderer’s Mistake” ebook a few years ago, so just stuck with that, but was glad to have the audiobook through Everand - it fleshed things out a bit more. It did make some of the conversations a bit more tedious, though! So I guess it depends on your preference. I’d say the ebook I had wasn’t even abridged, more tightened up, like an editor might do…

I am starting our February challenge title, A Fete Worse Than Death

Have Fete Worse Than Death ready to read.

Judy wrote: "On the subject of alternative titles... I dropped everything to finish Roger Sheringham and the Vane Mystery by Anthony Berkeley when I realised it was due back at t..."

This is $1 in the US. I grabbed it.

I am still working my way through new books due at the library:
The Secret of the Lady’s Maid (not as good as other in the series), Death of a Lesser God (excellent series for Indian history), and The Moose Paradox (not new, nor a mystery, but there is a new one in the series that I have out so my boyfriend can read it).

Then I really hope to get to Revelation.

I decided to start my 2nd Seishi Yokomizo, Death On Gokumon Island, published in 1971. This book is beginning about 1945.

Susan_MG wrote: "I decided to start my 2nd Seishi Yokomizo, Death On Gokumon Island, published in 1971. This book is beginning about 1945."

Another series I would like to continue ....

Sandy wrote: "Judy wrote: "On the subject of alternative titles... I dropped everything to finish Roger Sheringham and the Vane Mystery by Anthony Berkeley when I realised it was ..."

Hope you enjoy it, Sandy.

Susan in NC wrote: "No, it seemed mostly descriptive bits, or internal monologues of characters. Kind of odd, because I had to pay attention to not miss anything that fleshed out the characters or situations...."

Thanks Susan. I have access to Murderer's Mistake, the version I read previously, though Kobo Plus, but am thinking I'll treat myself to the "iron dogs" version to get those extra bits :)

I enjoyed them, added local color, and I love the way Lorac describes her characters and locations.

Sandy wrote: "I am still working my way through new books due at the library:
The Secret of the Lady’s Maid (not as good as other in the series), Death of a Lesser God (excellent..."

I really like to look of the Malabar House mysteries, I think I need to try and get to it soon.

I've just finished the second in the Nathan Sutherland series, Vengeance in Venice. A nice option for fans of Donna Leon. Nathan is the honorary consul for the UK in Venice and mysteries seem to follow him. Lots of good food and a beautiful setting.

I'm starting The Shetland Night Killings: The Shetland Sailing Mysteries. I'm enjoying this series very much with its strong nautical themes. Cass is a lovely independent person, but knows when to call for assistance.

I'll pick up Black Hearts tomorrow from the library. I love the Skelf women and the premise of a funeral business combined with a private investigating agency just allows for such a variety of cases. Highly recommend this series set in Edinburgh.

And while we're in Edinburgh, I've picked up the next in the Tony MacLean series, The Gathering Dark. I'm absolutely inhaling these, I'll probably just start re-reading them when I get to the end of the series.

I am about to start A Case of Perplexity in Piccadilly our next Clara Benson read. So far I believe this is the last in this series.

I have just finished The Last Act in Palmyra, book 6 of the Marcus Falco series. I may choose another to compare as book 6 wasn’t a favorite. I know I read some of this series years ago and my vague remembrance is that I liked them.
I am currently reading Seishi Yokomizo’s Kosuke Kindaichi series set just after WWII.
I have read the HONJIN Murders and now reading Death on Gokumon Island.

Carolien wrote: "I've just finished the second in the Nathan Sutherland series, Vengeance in Venice. A nice option for fans of Donna Leon. Nathan is the honorary consul for the UK in Venice and myst..."

Thanks for these titles!

I’m starting The Black Wings by Moray Dalton for a book pool in another group - had to get my GA mystery in there!

I checked out for the umpteenth time "Tout Maigret" from the library, which is an Omnibus in 11 volumes of all the Maigret novels in French. I'll start "Le Port des Brumes" ("The Misty Harbour") soon, but first started something completely different: "Gaslight," by Femi Kayode. This is Kayode's second book, following "Lightseekers," set in Nigeria, described on the bookleaf as "a classic mystery with a fresh, global tilt." I enjoyed the début novel, and the second has also received good reviews.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Judy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: Also startedMurderer's Mistake Murderer's Mistake (Robert Macdonald #28) by E.C.R. Lorac by E.C.R. Lorac, one of my favorite GA authors, for our February read. Also have the audiobook under the original title, The Theft of the Iron Dogs A Lancashire Mystery by E.C.R. Lorac . Really enjoying this one, she rarely disappoints! Interesting, finding my ebook seems to be missing text I’m hearing in the audiobook, even though the ebook doesn’t say anything about being abridged...."

Susan, thank you again so much for mentioning this! I've started listening to the audiobook under the original title, and I see what you mean - judging by the opening section where I compared the two, Murderer's Mistake ebook is definitely abridged/edited, with many descriptions of scenery and characters' inner thoughts cut out, sadly meaning that some of Lorac's humour is also lost. Looks as if it has been expertly done, keeping the plot intact.

I would think the changes must have been done at the time of original publication (maybe because of 1940s paper shortages? Did Lorac even make the edits herself for her US publisher?!) as I'm sure the modern publisher of Murderer's Mistake would have scanned in the old book without making changes, except for correcting typos etc. Anyway, I will stick with the 'Iron Dogs' version for my re-read/relisten!

Judy wrote: "Judy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: Also startedMurderer's Mistake Murderer's Mistake (Robert Macdonald #28) by E.C.R. Lorac by E.C.R. Lorac, one of my favorite GA authors, for our February read. Also ..."

Without 'spending' a valuable credit on Audible, I am limited to the ebook. Oh well.

I am about to start a new series, as my request is available.

Sandy wrote: "Without 'spending' a valuable credit on Audible, I am limited to the ebook. Oh well...."

Sandy, the British Library edition of The Theft of the Iron Dogs: A Lancashire Mystery version is also on Kindle in the UK for £2.99. It's quite a recent release though so I don't know if it is out in the US yet.

I'm actually listening to the audiobook on Spotify - a bit weird as they have miscategorised it as an album, with more than 100 tiny tracks, which had me doing a double take, but that's not a problem as they play straight after one another! ;)