Author Topic: Mystery Corner ~ 2 (Read 910371 times)

Steph · « **Reply #6640 on:** August 10, 2014, 09:18:27 AM »

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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:
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Discussion Leader: JoanK

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I must go back to Jane Langdon.. I got tired of Homer and quit reading her

mabel1015j · « **Reply #6641 on:** August 10, 2014, 11:48:43 AM »

I just finished my second Sue Ann Jaffarian mystery, The Corpse on the Cob. It was quite good. The protagonist in the Odelia Grey series is overweight and works in a law firm; her husband works in computer graphics and is in a wheel chair, both interesting premises. It is one of those non-law-enforcement-person-happens-on-murders series. The mysteries are interesting and the writing moves along very well.

Jean

Steph · « **Reply #6642 on:** August 11, 2014, 08:50:47 AM »

I love Sue ann and have read three of her mysteries. She is hard to find. Mostly has to be on line book stores. Good writer. I also have just started... Be still my heart... Anne Hillerman... Spider Womans Daughter.. Oh me, she writes in her Dads world and is good.. it is mostly about Bernie, Who I liked very much.
I am also finishing a book recommended here by someone.. A true biography..Don't Let's go to the dogs tonight by Alexandra Fuller. Interesting, sad, manic,, and puzzling to me inspots. Good in many ways, but hard to read in others. Growing up in Africa in the current solution as a white female is not that easy.

MaryPage · « **Reply #6643 on:** August 11, 2014, 09:33:12 AM »

A fan email flew in from MARGARET MARON this morning. She has just today published a new Deborah Knott. It is called DEDICATED DAUGHTERS, and the theme is the children who have to take care of their elderly parents. I adore the Deborah Knott series, so I am quite excited. That being said, I will probably wait for the paperback to come out next year.

pedln · « **Reply #6644 on:** August 11, 2014, 11:17:09 AM »

Great, MaryPage. I love the Deborah KNott series, and am delighted to know there is a new one.

I see where Amazon is playing its silly little game with Hatchette Publishing, and Designated Daughters is not yet available. A large print version will be out Sept. 10. LIke you, I'll probably wait for the paperback or maybe the kindle version. I have enough "can't wait to read it" on my TBR list. (Started a reread of Murder at the Gardner last night.)

The Jaffarian mystery sounds good, Jean. I've never read any by her, but have put her on my list.

BTW, there is another Designate Daughter (singular) that you may be interested in. It's by the daughter of Phyllis Greene, sister of writer Bob Greene, about her role and her mother's, when she came to live with her after her father died.

maryz · « **Reply #6645 on:** August 11, 2014, 12:19:27 PM »

Steph, we've read Anne Hillerman's book. She's not her dad, but the book(s) are definitely worth reading.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #6646 on:** August 11, 2014, 12:46:55 PM »

We used to follow Phyllis Greene on one or another of these boards. Somebody will know which one. It may've been the old SeniorNet.?? I did read that book.

FlaJean · « **Reply #6647 on:** August 11, 2014, 01:05:40 PM »

Margaret Maron's first series with Sigrid Harold have been republished both in paperback and ebooks (Amazon and Barnes & Nobles). I liked this series even more than Deborah Knott series although I am really forward to the new one. There's probably list at the library.

I wasn't aware of Ann Hillerman. I'm definitely looking for her books. Sounds good.

I finished all my Lord Peter Wimsey books (he is now His Grace much to his dismay) and enjoined them immensely.

JoanK · « **Reply #6648 on:** August 11, 2014, 04:03:40 PM »

I didn't know about Anne Hillerman. Here she is.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/anne-hillerman/

PatH · « **Reply #6649 on:** August 11, 2014, 09:10:47 PM »

Quote from: ADOANNIE on August 08, 2014, 09:40:22 AM

I noticed that the Emeralds title is actually the first one? Is that correct?

The order of writing is Thrones, Dominations, Presumption of Death, The Attenbury Emeralds, and The Late Scholar, and they are best read in order. Emeralds involves a mystery with roots that start when Peter was still recovering from shell shock, so it's earliest in that sense, but most of it takes place after WW II, hence after the first two books, and it fits in better if you read it third in sequence.

FlaJean · « **Reply #6650 on:** August 11, 2014, 09:58:42 PM »

PatH, I read the three books in that order, but I still have The Late Scholar on reserve. Now I'm reading The Bad Quarto by Walsh. So far I'm enjoying it.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #6651 on:** August 12, 2014, 04:27:52 AM »

Hi all,

I was just looking back through all the posts I have missed (Edinburgh is festival city just now) and I happened upon the ones about Murder at the Gardner. Couldn't find it on Amazon until I searched under title instead of author - they seem to have her name as Langton not Langdon, but maybe they are wrong. Anyway on UK amazon the book has two reviews, one 5 star and one 1 star - intriguing! So I think I will order a copy, thanks for that Joan.

I've been at the Book Festival in Charlotte Square - so far two outstanding events and one OK one. The OK one was Stuart MacBride, who writes immensely popular thrillers set in Aberdeen (where I lived for 20 years.) He was a good speaker but he had turned the whole thing into a kind of a joke, with a silly Powerpoint presentation and endless stuff about use of swear words and boy jokes about bodily functions. It certainly wasn't the worst thing I've heard, and he put a lot of energy into it, but I'd have liked to hear about the books and the locations.

The two excellent ones were (i) Judith Kerr and her son Matthew Kneale and (ii) Katie Greene and Matilda Tristram.

Greene and Tristram have each written graphic novels about v difficult events in their lives: Tristram (a children's writer and an animator for TV programmes) was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer when she was 4 months pregnant, and had to have a colostomy and chemo during the pregnancy. She survived to tell the tale and her baby is now a very healthy toddler. Greene suffered from anorexia for many years (she is 30 now) and when she consulted an 'alternative' therapist he sexually abused her. Despite that both the books seem to have a lot of humour in them and both women were engaging and entertaining speakers.

Judith Kerr wrote When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, the Mog books and The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Her late husband was Nigel Kneale who wrote Quatermass. Matthew writes non-fiction. They were both absolutely delightful - Kerr is 90 now but my goodness is she on the ball - a lovely woman, very generous and kind, who spoke about her childhood (the family fled Germany just before Hitler got to her father, an outspoken journalist who turned out to be number 2 on the Fuhrer's hit list, and lived as refugees in Paris before coming to London), her happy marriage and their family life, as well as her numerous books. Kneale also described a very happy childhood and why he writes what he does. The stories about how the whole family had to pitch in to help Nigel with the special effects for the Quatermass programmes (which were all performed live on TV) were hilarious.

Rosemary

Frybabe · « **Reply #6652 on:** August 12, 2014, 06:17:05 AM »

Hi Rosemarykaye, thanks for the update. I was particularly interested in Tristam's fight with bowel cancer while pregnant. I lost a best friend who was pregnant when diagnosed with same in the early 70's. Charlie was given the choice of chemo and the loss of her child or complete the pregnancy at her great peril. She chose to continue the pregnancy, saving the baby boy at the cost of her life. She still pops into my mind on occasion. We were both readers and big Beatles fans. Such "sweet sorrow" to think of her again.

Steph · « **Reply #6653 on:** August 12, 2014, 08:16:29 AM »

I am enjoying the Anne Hillerman.. You know it is not Tony, but it is still quite well written and she opens Bernie up more than Tony ever did.
I will wait for the paperback on the Maron, but I do like her very much.I also downloaded a Camille Lackburg thriller yesterday, very cheap on the kindle.. and I loved the first book I read by her

MaryPage · « **Reply #6654 on:** August 12, 2014, 08:34:51 AM »

I like Camilla Lackberg, too. Have read about 4 of her books so far.

FlaJean · « **Reply #6655 on:** August 12, 2014, 11:16:03 AM »

As soon as I finish The Bad Quarto, I'm heading to the library for books by Anne Hillerman. I read all of Tony Hillerman's and enjoyed them so much. I've never heard of Camille Lackburg, I'll definitely add her to my list.

Steph · « **Reply #6656 on:** August 13, 2014, 08:38:16 AM »

This book is the first fiction that Anne has done, but she is writing more. I am racing towards the end now and pulling for Leaphorn.

MaryPage · « **Reply #6657 on:** August 13, 2014, 09:54:46 AM »

Jean, not everyone, I find, likes Camilla Lackberg. Me, I LOVE her books, but a I know a lot of people say they will never read another one. I cannot figure out why, but feel compelled to tell you this. The books are set in a real place in Sweden, and are rather intensely Scandinavian. They are translated into English. They are not nearly as dark as Jo Nesbo's books, which I also enjoy, but they are not cozys, either. I find her a really, really good writer, and the fact that her books have been translated into so many other languages puts her right up there with Stieg Larsson, Per Wahloo & Maj Sjowall, Jo Nesbo and Peter Hoeg.

FlaJean · « **Reply #6658 on:** August 13, 2014, 10:48:54 AM »

Our library does not have any books by Camilla Lackberg, but I'm in luck with Anne Hillerman, one. I've never ordered any books from Thriftbooks, perhaps will give it a try. The last time I ordered used books they smelled so strongly of cigaret smoke I couldn't read them.

maryz · « **Reply #6659 on:** August 13, 2014, 11:28:55 AM »

Anne Hillerman has only one fiction book out so far. I checked on amazon, and she has another one coming out in 2015.

marjifay · « **Reply #6660 on:** August 13, 2014, 02:57:16 PM »

I read Camilla Lackberg's The Stonecutter and The Ice Princess. Not bad. I rated them 3+/5. IMO they both needed editing, as the author was too long-winded.

Marj

JoanK · « **Reply #6661 on:** August 13, 2014, 04:41:10 PM »

ROSEMARY: the Langton misspelling was mine. Really sorry. (never trust my spelling: I can barely spell my own name. thank goodness for spellcheck!)

Here she is, spelled right:
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/l/jane-langton/

mabel1015j · « **Reply #6662 on:** August 13, 2014, 06:19:44 PM »

I'm reading another Catherine Coulter FBI Thriller series. I really like this series of Sherlock and Dillon Savage, husband and wife FBI agents.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/catherine-coulter/

Scroll down to "FBI Thrillers" list.

I've read some others of hers, but some are too "romance-leaning" for me.

Steph · « **Reply #6663 on:** August 14, 2014, 09:10:43 AM »

I finished the Anne Hillerman.She did a wonderful very tricky job of tying everything together.She is definitely on my read list.. She also makes you understand that Leaphorn and her father are tied together . A wonderful tribute .

JoanK · « **Reply #6664 on:** August 14, 2014, 03:27:01 PM »

My Coulter wrote a lot of books! I'll try the FBI series.

Having finished reading the Miss Zukas librarian mysteries by Jo Dereske, I'm starting her next series about Ruby Crane, a handwriting analyst with a brain-injured daughter. More edgy, but so far interesting. The first book, Savage Cut takes place on a lake in Michigan, but I see they move around. Hope Dereske keeps her sense of place.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/d/jo-dereske/

Steph · « **Reply #6665 on:** August 15, 2014, 08:39:41 AM »

I liked the librarian series, will look for the new series. I am reading a Dennis Lehane.. Live by Night. not a mystery, but a gangster type book. excellent, but a bit on the brutal side.

MaryPage · « **Reply #6666 on:** August 15, 2014, 11:51:14 AM »

I am relaxing today with number 13 in the Aunt Dimity series: Aunt Dimity Vampire Hunter. After reading several intense books, I like to calm down with some light, silly fun. Then it's back to the heavy stuff. I adore Aunt Dimity, but always read and almost totally forget the stories. The weightier stuff tends to stick to me, I guess because it often gives me a lot to think about.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #6667 on:** August 15, 2014, 11:51:40 AM »

I saw a Castle repeat last night where Lehane did a cameo as one of the poker players in Castle's regularly shown mystery writer's poker game.

Jean

marjifay · « **Reply #6668 on:** August 15, 2014, 05:21:33 PM »

I've only read one by Catherine Coulter in her FBI series, THE MAZE (1997). The writing was so bad IMO I could not figure out how she ever found a publisher. She must have improved since then. I might give one of her later ones in the series a try out of curiosity since Jean likes the series.

Marj

Steph · « **Reply #6669 on:** August 16, 2014, 09:15:22 AM »

I have 20 more pages, since I fell asleep last night reading the Lehane. Excellent in that you are interested in Tampa,Fl. during prohibition, he does a supurb job of putting you there. Brutal , yes.. thought provokind, yes again. I do like him.

FlaJean · « **Reply #6670 on:** August 16, 2014, 09:33:52 AM »

Didn't realize Jo Dereske had another series. Read all the Miss Zukas books and liked the way she ended that series.

Steph · « **Reply #6671 on:** August 17, 2014, 09:15:33 AM »

I liked most of the Miss Zukas series, but don't think I have seen the last one though. Loved the Lehane. I always forget how much I like him.

JoanK · « **Reply #6672 on:** August 18, 2014, 04:48:08 PM »

The last one is "Farewell, Miss Zukas." (Don't worry: she's not murdered!)

Steph · « **Reply #6673 on:** August 19, 2014, 10:37:45 AM »

Thanks,I will look for it. I like her and did not realize the series had ended. She is one of the authors that are rarely in used book stores. No idea why.

FlaJean · « **Reply #6674 on:** August 19, 2014, 12:11:52 PM »

I'm reading Anne Hillerman's book and it is as good, or even better, than several of you have mentioned. Looking forward to more from her!

JoanK · « **Reply #6675 on:** August 19, 2014, 07:18:27 PM »

I agree.

Steph · « **Reply #6676 on:** August 20, 2014, 08:53:08 AM »

Yes,
Anne Hillerman has a good touch with Bernie.. Tony was better at his male characters than female.

JoanK · « **Reply #6677 on:** August 21, 2014, 04:12:25 PM »

Clever of her to switch the emphasis like that. Her book follows characters from one of her dad's earlier stories, so it's better if you've read that.

Steph · « **Reply #6678 on:** August 22, 2014, 08:50:00 AM »

Out of sorts last night, so pickedup an oldie.. Jane Haddam.... Baptism of Blood.. I do like Gregor..and his crew in New York. Just started,but guess he is on his way to his friend in South Carolina

mabel1015j · « **Reply #6679 on:** August 22, 2014, 12:55:43 PM »

Finished another "Richard Castle" book, Naked Heat. It was a good story but he needs a better editor. I'm fascinated by this sham of there being a real Richard Castle who writes mysteries. His bio on the book is exactly like the character in the tv show "Castle". I suppose that someday we'll find out who the real person is who is writing these books.

Jean

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Author Topic: Mystery Corner ~ 2 (Read 910371 times)