Author Topic: Mystery Corner ~ 2 (Read 910159 times)

mrssherlock · « **Reply #160 on:** October 21, 2009, 06:02:19 PM »

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Pull up a comfortable chair and join us here to talk about mysteries and their authors.
We love hearing what YOU enjoy and recommend!

Links:
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Our Favorite Old Mystery Writers
Fantastic Fiction
Stop You're Killing Me

Discussion Leaders: BillH and JoanK

Joan: Found your author; she is Rose Connors. Here is her site on FF: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/rose-connors/

mrssherlock · « **Reply #161 on:** October 21, 2009, 06:21:07 PM »

Among FFs new authors I found this gem of a mystery: ://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/a/emily-arsenault/broken-teaglass.htm

I checked my library last week but no luck. Today, Eureka, there it was and now it's on my reserve list.

peace42 · « **Reply #162 on:** October 22, 2009, 12:28:32 AM »

picked up two books from the library yesterday...started one last nite and...gosh, I had just read it not too long ago!!

shows you how much I remember what I read...and I keep a list in the computer of all the books I read...just stopping in to tell a little tale on myself..now off to read the other library book...and no, I haven't read this one

nite everyone...sleep well and dream of all the books yet to be read

marcie · « **Reply #163 on:** October 22, 2009, 01:23:47 AM »

peace, LOL. I've done that before also. I've even finished a book I'd already read and wasn't sure that I had read it until after I finished!

salan · « **Reply #164 on:** October 22, 2009, 06:14:57 AM »

Peace and Marcie-been there, done (and doing) that. What is really aggravating is to only remember a couple of chapters ahead so you have to keep on reading until close to the end when the whole thing comes back to you. What a spoiler!! I miss the days when you signed your name on the library card. You could look and see if you had checked the book out before.

Sally

Steph · « **Reply #165 on:** October 22, 2009, 08:42:55 AM »

I loved Conants dog series, but read just one of the ones with her daughter. I think it was Steamed. I just remember I really thought it was a nothing.. So I check.. Dog ones fine.. anything else.. NO>

mrssherlock · « **Reply #166 on:** October 22, 2009, 11:55:31 AM »

I like her dog stories, too and ditto thumbs down for the daughter's stories. They're written for a different audience than we old codgerettes. Author's children do seem to lack that special something. Anne Mccaffrey's son comes to mind; his Pern stories are seo violent!

Golden State Poppy · « **Reply #167 on:** October 22, 2009, 12:04:39 PM »

It is comforting to find that others cannot remember what they have read. I keep a list by my computer on a spreadsheet. It is not complete, however, because when someone mentioned C.J.Box, I remembered the name and that I had read some of his books, but he was not on my list.

I am just finising David Baldacci's "The Simple Truth". It is sooooo good and I had forgotten what a good author he is. It is about the Supreme Court and how it works. A clerk takes a prison letter without properly logging it in. This is against the law and he is killed for it by some characters who had tried to cover up a case against Rufus Harms who has spent 25 years in prison for it. They had later become prominent and didn't want it to come out. This book is well researched on a number of topics.
http://www.davidbaldacci.com/

peace42 · « **Reply #168 on:** October 23, 2009, 12:50:59 AM »

it's nice to know that others have "book amnesia"

...will definitely have to read the new Baldacci...I too miss the days when I could check the library book to see if I had read it...oh well, progress, I guess

nite all and sleep well

Steph · « **Reply #169 on:** October 23, 2009, 07:55:08 AM »

I do agree on McCaffreys son. I dislike the new Pern stories. All battles, etc and that was never her point. Such a shame. Maybe if she had a daughter writing??
Just finished the latest John Sandford.. Not Lucas, although he was there in a minor sort of way, but Virgil,, who I like more and more.. He has a different sort of take on things. This one was about Vietnamese and revenge.. Interesting idea.

Babi · « **Reply #170 on:** October 23, 2009, 08:15:54 AM »

Good point, STEPH. For the most part, women seem to do better with
character insights, relationships...the 'heart-warming' bits. I thought McCaffrey's son improved and the partnership books became more like her originals, but they are more centered on action. The keynote that made her books so special...the relationship with the dragons...isn't coming through in his books, IMO.

marjifay · « **Reply #171 on:** October 23, 2009, 08:54:43 PM »

Is anyone reading or planning to read THE LOST SYMBOL by Dan Brown?
I'm reading it and it's pretty interesting -- a fast read that keeps you wondering what on earth will happen next. Wish I'd read it before I visited Washington, D. C. He talks about the painting inside the dome of the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Building, "The Apotheosis of Washington" where Washington is depicted becoming a god. You can see the painting at Wikipedia under the painting's title.

Poppy, I love David Baldacci's books, especially those about the Camel Club. I'll read THE SIMPLE TRUTH on your good recommendation. Sounds interesting.

Marj

JoanK · « **Reply #172 on:** October 23, 2009, 09:27:24 PM »

Sounds interesting, indeed. I love books that tell how things work in some area where I'll probably never get to see for myself. I often say that everything I know, I know from reading detective stories.

The C.J. Box I bought just came. that "Stop, You're killing Me" site is dangerous. If you click on a book, it takes you to Amazon, and it's too easy to just order it.

JoanK · « **Reply #173 on:** October 23, 2009, 09:30:54 PM »

I just finished "Friends, Lovers and Chocolate", the second in Alexander McCall Smith's Sunday Philosophy Club series. I like it, but I think very few people would. The main character can't do anything without having a long philosophical discussion about it. Her friends all get impatient, and so do I.

Babi · « **Reply #174 on:** October 24, 2009, 08:53:24 AM »

Hmm,..I think I'll skip that one, JOAN. It's becoming downright frustrating! All those books I'd like to read, I'd have to do nothing else.
And it's not like I have forever, as I thought I did when I was young and thought nothing of tackling a huge book.
It's becoming more important, not to waste time on a book that I'm
really not enjoying.

Steph · « **Reply #175 on:** October 24, 2009, 09:38:55 AM »

I want to thank whoever recommended Beverly Connor. I have one of her books about the Forensic specialist. Excellent. Just found another on a used book site that I ordered as well.

marjifay · « **Reply #176 on:** October 24, 2009, 11:31:56 AM »

I just heard on another forum that PBS will be televising Val McDermid's A PLACE OF EXECUTION, in two parts, beginning November 1. Normally I don't like to watch mysteries, but I might look for this one, as the book got very good reviews. Has anyone read it?

Marj

mrssherlock · « **Reply #177 on:** October 24, 2009, 12:57:11 PM »

If you are a fan of the Gabriel Allon books by Daniel Silva, as I am, then you will be pleased that he has a new book, The Defector . Gabriel Allon is a world-class art restorer, on personal contract with the Vatican. He is also arguably the Number One assassin for Israeli intelligence, know as "The Office".When Black September occurred at the Berlin Olympics he was in charge of the team that searched for and executed those responsible for the kidnap and murder of the eleven Israeli athletes. Maybe executioner is a more accurate job description. He personally has paid a high price for his actions in the name of Israel. Compelling is a mild term for this character.

FlaJean · « **Reply #178 on:** October 24, 2009, 02:18:44 PM »

I've heard several people that have read McCall's Philosophy Club series about Isabel Dalhousie say they didn't care for them, but I really enjoy them. One of my grandson's sent me a gift card for the local bookseller and I bought "The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday" 2008. However, I do get frustrated with her niece "Cat".

Dana · « **Reply #179 on:** October 24, 2009, 03:35:38 PM »

Yes, I do like Alexander McCall Smith--in small doses. I know what you mean about the endless philosophising in the Dalhousie series! I prefer his Botswana stories with Mma Ramotswe et al, and I recently read 44 Scotland Street which I really enjoyed--but then I was born and brought up in Scotland . Anyway, its not a detective story.

JoanK · « **Reply #180 on:** October 24, 2009, 03:37:03 PM »

Isn't there always some small mystery? there is in the Dalhousie story.

Dana · « **Reply #181 on:** October 24, 2009, 03:50:44 PM »

44 Scotland Street is not a mystery story but more an account of people living in a flat in Edinburgh and their personalities are really the fun thing about the book. It was written as a serial for a Scottish newspaper and sometimes I wondered if he was making it up as he went along, it was stiil fun though. I see he has written more in that series.

JoanK · « **Reply #182 on:** October 24, 2009, 09:54:31 PM »

I didn't read "44 Scotland Street" but read a later one in the series, and thought it did have an (almost incidental) mystery in it.

Dana · « **Reply #183 on:** October 24, 2009, 10:55:45 PM »

Did you like it? I think I read another one in the series where the little boy's mother takes him to a psychoanalyst and he gets lost , and she makes him wear strawberry colored pants to school..... sounds quite nuts!
Have you read the ones about the Ladies Detective Agency? I quite enjoyed them. I always think its interesting to read about another country, although they get a bit repetitive--but so do a lot of series!

Steph · « **Reply #184 on:** October 25, 2009, 09:30:46 AM »

I liked 44 Scotland street, but dislike the African ones.. Just cannot bear Precious.. Oh well, different strokes.

pedln · « **Reply #185 on:** October 25, 2009, 07:17:22 PM »

Thank goodness for that little history thing in IE that reminds you of places you've been and can't remember. I knew I'd read some article by Alexander McCall Smith -- just yesterday, and couldn't remember where or what it was about. He plays bridge and this was a Wall Street Journal article about his thoughts and feelings about playing bridge.

His imaginary ideal bridge foursome would include W.H. Auden, Woody Allen, Barack Obama and himself. And his least ideal bridge four? Saddam Hussein (an unforgiving partner), Marilyn Monroe (bad memory for cards), and Gandhi (not competitive enough) and himself.

marcie · « **Reply #186 on:** October 25, 2009, 07:20:43 PM »

pedln, the reasons for identifying those three as the worst bridge partners made me laugh!

JoanK · « **Reply #187 on:** October 25, 2009, 07:33:09 PM »

That's hilarious!

Finished the Box book ("Open Season") and liked it a lot. Much about the wild country of the West. I'll definately read more.

Dana · « **Reply #188 on:** October 25, 2009, 08:09:05 PM »

That's funny. why WH Auden I wonder. I guess perhaps he likes his poetry.

marcie · « **Reply #189 on:** October 25, 2009, 10:36:17 PM »

Do any of you remember The Prisoner series from 1967? I just came across information that AMC is going to show a remake miniseries (including the big white ball!) in mid November. See http://www.amctv.com/originals/the-prisoner/where-to-watch/

The original episodes are available online at http://www.amctv.com/videos/. I also see them ON DEMAND on cable TV.

peace42 · « **Reply #190 on:** October 26, 2009, 12:24:10 AM »

*Wrongful Death - Robert Dugoni - another lawyer turned writer but this guy is pretty good - better than Grisham - Iraq war widow wants to sue government over her husband’s death..not an easy feat considering all the laws in her way..but attorney David Sloane takes the case..of course he has a P.I. Friend who just happens to be ex-CIA..does everyone have a friend who used to work for the CIA or the FBI or some other such organization?!! I got confused at times but really did like it..some implausible stuff, of course, but still would read another of his..I think he has at least 2 more out.
I did see something about The Prisoner on AMC...will check it out..always liked the old one when it was on...I agree about the SYKM site...I want to read every book on their lists..like a sign said: So many books, so little time...how true... I have been getting all my books lately from the new book section at the front of the library...try to find stuff by authors who are new to me...I've given up taking a llist in to the library...would be too long to wade thru!
nite all...happy reading

Steph · « **Reply #191 on:** October 26, 2009, 07:59:01 AM »

We have the dvd's of the Prisoner.. actually at this point, one of our sons have borrowed it, but we loved the show.. Not sure anyone could measure up to Patrick.

Babi · « **Reply #192 on:** October 26, 2009, 08:52:15 AM »

PEDLN, I love Smith's group of the worst bridge foursome. Perfect choices!

I'm trying to remember "The Prisoner". It sounds vaguely familiar
but I just can't recall the story line at all.

Frybabe · « **Reply #193 on:** October 26, 2009, 02:45:37 PM »

I can't complain about the two lead characters in the new Prisoner series. I wonder whether or not there will be much similarity between the old and new though. They say it isn't a remake, but a reinvention.

marcie · « **Reply #194 on:** October 26, 2009, 03:11:07 PM »

I agree, Frybabe, about the two leads in AMC's "The Prisoner."

Steph, lucky you to have the DVDs of the original series!

There is an article about the new Prisoner miniseries at http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2009/09/amc-reinterprets-sci-fi-series-the-prisoner.html

It says: "But, as fans of the original series will see, the biggest differences between the original and modern series will lie within the story itself. "McGoohan's was about the assertation of the individual. Mine was more about, 'What if the arrogance of the individual becomes our undoing?'" producer Bill Gallagher told Entertainment Weekly, as he aimed to introduce modern ideas of security and surveillance.

McKellen hoped that McGoohan would approve of the AMC version, even though the creator refused to take part in any sort of remake. "I hope he takes this new version of The Prisoner as a compliment rather than a challenge to his great achievement," he told AMC."

Hmm, I guess I'll have to judge it on its own merits and not how the story compares with the original.

Frybabe · « **Reply #195 on:** October 26, 2009, 05:32:25 PM »

I was just up on Wikipedia to check when Patrick McGoohan passed away - January 13, 2009. I got to reading the bio and according to Wikipedia, one of my all time favorite movies, Ice Station Zebra, was a Howard Hughs favorite (they say "the favorite").

JoanK · « **Reply #196 on:** October 26, 2009, 05:43:14 PM »

I read the bok, but never saw the movie. Foe ignorant me, was McGoohan a director?

Frybabe · « **Reply #197 on:** October 26, 2009, 05:47:36 PM »

Not for Ice Station Zebra, but he has done some producing and directing (including the original Prisoner series). I believe it was he who came up with the idea for The Prisoner, or at least that is the impression Wikipedia left me.

Steph · « **Reply #198 on:** October 27, 2009, 08:34:13 AM »

Yes, from all I have read McGooan was the guiding light of the Prisoner. He had been in another series.. Hmm. Secret Agent?? Excellent and sort of tied into the Prisoner in a way. Good actor.

Frybabe · « **Reply #199 on:** October 27, 2009, 10:05:50 AM »

Secret Agent is correct, Steph. It is known as Danger Man in the UK. Remember Johnny River's hit Secret Agent Man? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iaR3WO71j4

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Author Topic: Mystery Corner ~ 2 (Read 910159 times)