Author Topic: Mystery Corner ~ 2 (Read 1073235 times)

Steph · « **Reply #360 on:** January 11, 2010, 06:38:13 AM »

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Pull up a comfortable chair and join us here to talk about mysteries and their authors.
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Discussion Leaders: BillH and JoanK

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I just finished one of the latest of Dana Stabenow. I do like Kate.. although I wish she would soften a bit with Jim.. He sounds smitten to put it mildly. I think she is too.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #361 on:** January 11, 2010, 12:51:09 PM »

I lost this one earlier and it was a masterpiece. This is a pale imitation.

Betty Webb takes us to Scottsdale in her series about Lena Jones, PI, former detective with the Scottsdale PD. Her Scottsdale is vividly drawn with its colorful art scene, wealrthy Hollywoodites, Pima Indians. One element which one doesn't associate with Scottsdale is polygamy. Webb is a former reporter and has a keen eye for her former beat. She is on a crusade, exposing the abuses of the polygamists society. While I personally find this lifestyle to be morally repugnant, I had not idea of its cost to the rest of us. Seems that the many "wives" are not legally married; therefore they are single mothers with dependent children who are entitled to welfare. Imagine the cost: mated at 16, producing one child per year, member of a household with two, three, four, fime other women producing children. The head of the household collects thousands every mobnth, from the public coffers. worse, due to invbreeding, some of the children are born with physical defects and eligible for social security. I could go on but Webb does it better as she tells the story of a dead woman who is identified as a "sister-wife". I couldn't put this one down, it is a good read. If you are going to read Webb, please read the stories, all titled with the word "Desert", in order.

Steph · « **Reply #362 on:** January 12, 2010, 06:35:36 AM »

Jackie, The books sounds wonderful.. I had read one just recently that was a true story about a young girl forced into marriage with someone she did not even like.. She eventually left with her children, but this had been her life and she had troubles with how to go and keep her children.

Babi · « **Reply #363 on:** January 12, 2010, 08:40:20 AM »

That's another new author for me, JACKIE. And I thought all the
polygamist families were keping a low profile in Utah. Sounds like a
very interesting book.

Steph · « **Reply #364 on:** January 13, 2010, 06:26:00 AM »

Found the first two in the Betty Webb series in paperback swap and sent off for them.
I am reading Candy Apple Red just now. I had read the second in the series which was Electric Blue.. Not a bad author.. A bit on the I must make the girl interesting school of thought. All, no shoes, no food,just her fascinating self and a very broadly drawn interest in one of the male characters. Hmm.. But its not bad..

Babi · « **Reply #365 on:** January 13, 2010, 09:03:21 AM »

Now there's ambiguous praise if ever I read it, STEPH.

Golden State Poppy · « **Reply #366 on:** January 13, 2010, 11:34:07 AM »

I just finished a book by John Lescroart, "Dead Irish". It is set in San Francisco and to me the setting is about as important as the characters. I enjoy reading about places I know and those I don't. I have learned about many places because of a good writer. Although I live in the Bay Area, I never get into San Francisco any more so I like reading about it.

This book is one of the series about Dismas Hardy who is a former SF Police Dept officer who has left due to personal crises in his life to become a bartender. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about the city by the bay; in fact I just gave the book to a native San Franciscan who likes to read mysteries set in SF.

http://www.johnlescroart.com/

Babi · « **Reply #367 on:** January 14, 2010, 08:12:26 AM »

I've just finished the first book in a new series by an author named
Barbara Hamilton. It's "Ninth Daughter", set in Boston in the time period
of the famous 'tea party'. The heroine is our beloved Abigail Adams and
the historical background is excellent. I recommend it. Barbara Hamilton is new to me, and I'm glad to have found her.

Steph · « **Reply #368 on:** January 14, 2010, 08:13:05 AM »

Babi,, I know. I simply am not quite sure how I feel about this author. The actual plot is good, but the dithering of the lead character bothers me. Too much of " I dont care about groceries with a recitation of the nothing refrig.. Not from poor, just from dont care.. Stupid.. Also the reliance on clothing that is beyond inappropriate.. Hmm.

Babi · « **Reply #369 on:** January 15, 2010, 08:21:34 AM »

There's so many good books out there to read, STEPH. Hardly worth
while to spend time on the 'sorta good' variety. Now if we only knew
when we picked up a new book which category it belonged to, we'd
save so much time.

Steph · « **Reply #370 on:** January 17, 2010, 06:36:37 AM »

I devoured a Charlaine Harris that somehow I had missed. Grave Surprise.. The two leads in this small series are so interesting.. I would guess that she has suddenly realized that she and the man she calls her stepbrother are not really blood relatives. Not sure he has, but he seems posessive of her. I like Charlaine a lot. Not too crazy about the Auroro Teagarden series, but love the others.

joangrimes · « **Reply #371 on:** January 17, 2010, 07:55:17 PM »

I just finished " Monster in a Box" by Ruth Rendell. I have read all of her books . This was an Inspector Wexford mystery and that series has always been a favorite of mine. However Rendell says this will be the last of that series because Wexford is old now. So I guess that I will have to just read her other series. I do not like her writing as Barbarba Vine as much as I like the Wexford series where she writes as Ruth Rendell. Maybe she will come out with another series writing as Rendell but just using another Policeman as the main character.

Joan Grimes

Steph · « **Reply #372 on:** January 18, 2010, 07:30:22 AM »

I am the opposite. I like Barbara Vines books much more than Ruth Rendell.. But generally read both of them..I am behind on the latest however.

Golden State Poppy · « **Reply #373 on:** January 18, 2010, 11:42:46 AM »

I have just discovered an author that is new to me...Daniel Silva. "The English Assassin" if the first in a series with Gabrien Allon. He is an art restorer and sometime Israli spy. I alternated between liking the author and finding it difficult to follow the plot. He has an affair with Anna Rolfe, an acclaimed violinist when he discovers her father, a Swiss banker, dead. The author is very critical of the Swiss and their banking secrecy.

http://danielsilvabooks.com/content/index.asp

FlaJean · « **Reply #374 on:** January 18, 2010, 11:52:48 AM »

That sounds interesting. I'll add him to my growing list.

Frybabe · « **Reply #375 on:** January 18, 2010, 02:38:30 PM »

Daniel Silva is on my to buy list, but I am waiting to catch up with the other serials that I am reading. In fact, I just finished Henning Mankell's The Dogs of Riga. I may jump right in and read the next which is The White Lioness or go for something else. I am waiting to see which book squeals the loudest to be read next.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #376 on:** January 18, 2010, 03:47:47 PM »

Daniel Silva is one of those whose books I always read.

Steph · « **Reply #377 on:** January 19, 2010, 06:26:28 AM »

Just finished a Beverly Conner.. I do like her. She holds you to the last page always.

Babi · « **Reply #378 on:** January 19, 2010, 08:40:14 AM »

Quote

I am waiting to see which book squeals the loudest to be read next.

That's pretty much how I pick my next book, FRYBABE. That, or the
the book closest to due date at the library.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #379 on:** January 19, 2010, 02:49:24 PM »

I'm in the middle of another Eve Dallas book by "J.D. Robb." I'm surprised that no one has filmed a tv series or a movie based on these characters, they seem perfect for that. I've read about 10 of them and especially enjoy the banter between Peabody and Dallas, and of course, Roarke would be a perfect "sexiest man alive" character in either media. Eve and Roarke are also complex, therefore, interesting. As we have said on here before, i often skim the sex scenes, they become repetitive and boring and there can be more gore than i appreciate, but over all i keep enjoying them......................jean

marcie · « **Reply #380 on:** January 19, 2010, 10:54:41 PM »

Frybabe, the second PBS series based on Mankell's Wallander books is supposed to be shown in the US this year. It will be based on Faceless Killers, The Man Who Smiled and The Fifth Woman.

Steph · « **Reply #381 on:** January 20, 2010, 06:41:02 AM »

I also like the J.D. Robb and skip the sexy stuff... But love the plots and the chit chat.
Finished another Marcia Talley. I do like her. This is the one where someone stole her one year old grandson and was not as much fun as most of hers are.

nlhome · « **Reply #382 on:** January 21, 2010, 07:43:27 PM »

Robert Parker died - he wrote the Spenser books. The article in the New York Times today was interesting. He was one author who appealed to both my husband and me.

Steph · « **Reply #383 on:** January 22, 2010, 06:31:12 AM »

I loved Robert Parker and read all three of his series.. He also wrote a few other, but did not like them as much. He patterned or said he did most of the women after his wife.
I am so sorry he died. I will miss his books.

pedln · « **Reply #384 on:** January 24, 2010, 12:30:52 PM »

Marcie, that's great news about another PBS Wallendar series. My library has all three of them, so I'll try to read at least one before the show.

Someone here recommended Louise Penny's Brutal Telling, and after being on hold for a month I finally got it, and am hooked. I can't put it down, this book about Chief Inspector Gamache, his Surete team, and the villagers of Three Pines, Quebec. At first I was afraid it was going to be strictly a procedural, but that is not the case, so far. And too, I thought I might be coming late to the party because this is the latest in a series and everyone knows everyone else, but that just makes me want to read more of the earlier books, too. These are characters you care about.

joangrimes · « **Reply #385 on:** January 24, 2010, 01:10:01 PM »

Looks good to me Pedlin and two of them are on Kindle. So I will give those two a try.

Thanks,

Joan Grimes

mrssherlock · « **Reply #386 on:** January 24, 2010, 01:36:47 PM »

Caveat emptor: A\ new author had me laughing and reading all night. Annelise Ryan writes about Mattie Winston, a former nurse now a coroner's assistant, who is dealing with her husband's infidelity while she tries to put her life back together. Heard that one before? Well, Ryan has a way of spicing her narrative, literally, that tickled my funy bone. If you aren't comfortable with slang euphemisms for the sex act and anatomical parts you probably should give this one a pass. There isnt anything here I haven't heard, sometimes said, in my 75 years but it takes an open mind. Mattie is a sympathetic heroine and the others in her ensemble are colorful and diverting. The hospital OR milieu is familiar to Ryan who is herself an RN. Here is th first of her Stiff series, Working Stiff http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/annelise-ryan/working-stiff.htm

mabel1015j · « **Reply #387 on:** January 24, 2010, 01:42:33 PM »

A friend of ours has steered my husband to James Burke. I think i remember some of you talking about his books a while ago.........jean

nlhome · « **Reply #388 on:** January 24, 2010, 01:45:39 PM »

Jacki, Thanks for the Working Stiff recommendation - set in Wisconsin, I see. I'll have to find that.

JoanK · « **Reply #389 on:** January 24, 2010, 05:40:32 PM »

My local library has "Working Stiff". See if I can get it.

JoanK · « **Reply #390 on:** January 24, 2010, 05:42:27 PM »

PEDLIN: don't you just want to pack your bags and move to Three Pines. Apparently, it's based on a real town. the only thing that stops me is the weather.

Steph · « **Reply #391 on:** January 25, 2010, 06:35:17 AM »

I am a huge fan of James Lee Burke, but oh me, they are violent..So if you dont like hearing a spade called a spade and a lot of corruptioin,, you will like him. His daughter Alafair also writes books. Hers are much easier to read..

Babi · « **Reply #392 on:** January 25, 2010, 10:18:05 AM »

That's not cheating, JACKIE! That's being 'up-to-date' and 'in tune with
the times'. I'm constantly checking my library catalog on-line when I
hear about a good prospect here. I usually don't bother reserving a book
on-line, tho', since I go by, or to, the library at least 3x a week.

That does sound neat, SALLY. I have to look up by library ID whenever I
do want to reserve on-line. It would be so nice if they recognized me
whenever I came in. My library does keep a listing of every book I've
checked out. If I'm not sure whether I've already read a particular book
I can at least check to see if it's on that list. That, by the way, is
an optional feature; they only do that if you request it.

I find myself less and less inclined to books about violence and
corruption. The 'dark' books no longer thrill me; they just depress me.
I fear Mr. Burke won't find himself on my tbr list.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #393 on:** January 25, 2010, 12:17:35 PM »

You might make an exception to that statement, Babi. REad his "White Doves at Morning". It is not one of his crime-type books, time-frame Civil War. I found it to be wonderful, and it made me want to read more about that time. Sometimes his writing is very poetic, not so much when he's in the N. O. frame of mind.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #394 on:** January 25, 2010, 12:47:59 PM »

Someone recommended Lionel Davidson's The Menorah Men and I want to thank you whoever you are. The sense of Israel's geography and geology is a strong feature in this story of a multi-tongued philologist who is enlisted in the search for The True Menorah, based on a scrap of an ancient scroll, trying to prevent the Jordanians from grabbing it first. Living among the Israelis though he is not Jewish, Caspar Laing experiences much of the day-to-day lives of a variety of citizens. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/d/lionel-davidson/long-way-to-shiloh.htm

joangrimes · « **Reply #395 on:** January 25, 2010, 12:58:22 PM »

Sounds great Jackie.

Joan Grimes

salan · « **Reply #396 on:** January 25, 2010, 05:12:56 PM »

Babi, I'll have to ask my library if they have that feature. It's very frustrating to check out a book only to discover that it's one you've already read--especially if it takes several chapters before you remember. I do miss the days when you had to sign your name on the card. It was a neat way to discover others who had your same tastes in reading!
Sally

JoanK · « **Reply #397 on:** January 25, 2010, 10:05:42 PM »

My library doesn't have Menorah Men, but they do have Kolymsky Heights

Steph · « **Reply #398 on:** January 26, 2010, 06:28:21 AM »

Somehow I remember reading Lionel Daviidson, but it was a while ago. Have to look it up again.

Babi · « **Reply #399 on:** January 26, 2010, 08:59:19 AM »

I'll look into that, TOMEREADER. I always enjoy good writing; it's just
certain genres that no longer appeal to me.

I brought home a Louise Penny book recommended here, I think.
"Still Life". So far, my favorite characters are Inspector Gamache and
the deceased! And yes, JOAN, I would love to visit Three Pines, or
rather, the town it's based on.

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Author Topic: Mystery Corner ~ 2 (Read 1073235 times)