Author Topic: Mystery Corner ~ 2 (Read 910378 times)

JoanK · « **Reply #7200 on:** February 14, 2015, 01:42:32 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
Fantastic Fiction
Stop You're Killing Me

Discussion Leader: JoanK

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JoanK · « **Reply #7201 on:** February 14, 2015, 01:45:32 PM »

I read "The Cinderella murder" by Mary Higgins Clarke and Alafair Burke.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/alafair-burke/cinderella-murder.htm

I like both authors, and liked the premise of the book (A TV series that reexamines old murders by getting all the people involved together to be interviewed). But the book changed point of view in every chapter, and it's amazing how much that kept me from getting involved in the book. The interviewing was weak, too, and the plot as scattered as the point of view.

Steph · « **Reply #7202 on:** February 15, 2015, 10:26:11 AM »

I like Alafair Burke, but not Mary Higgins Clark. They do not write books even remotely similar, wonder why they got together??

Frybabe · « **Reply #7203 on:** February 15, 2015, 06:05:17 PM »

I have finished Terra Incognita and have ordered the next in the series, Persona Non Grata.

The beginning chapter or two of Terra Incognita almost put me off. Ruso's "slave", Tilla, is not well behaved and doesn't necessarily explain her behavior/actions. It leaves me to wonder why Ruso likes her. But then, he seems such a dummy when it comes to women. Together, these two make an interesting pair. The story is full of interesting characters, including an "insane", and possible murder suspect, doctor, an aide to the prefect who is their version of a spy/black ops/intelligence officer, and several interesting portrayals of some of the womenfolk.

JoanK · « **Reply #7204 on:** February 15, 2015, 07:11:45 PM »

They have that weird relationship in all the books. Apparently, the names of all the books have changed?

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/d/r-s-downie/

Frybabe · « **Reply #7205 on:** February 16, 2015, 06:57:25 AM »

JoanK, I think they are the UK version vs. the US version. It looks like they went with one title for the last two; maybe they sell better under the Latin titles. I certainly would have looked less closely at books with the original UK title.

nlhome · « **Reply #7206 on:** February 16, 2015, 08:42:14 AM »

I was reading on line this morning, and came across this article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It should be "free" if you haven't read 10 articles there this month. It's about a couple who are getting an award from Mystery Writers of American. They support new mystery authors. They publish Crimespree Magazine, which covers all things crime, including TV shows. I thought some of you might be interested in the article or the magazine.

http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/books/partners-in-crime-milwaukee-couple-honored-by-mystery-writers-of-america-b99441801z1-292037951.html

Steph · « **Reply #7207 on:** February 16, 2015, 08:44:34 AM »

I seem to fall further and further behind in interesting books. Terra sounds like fun.. but I am still trying to finish a Bailey White and the Stefan Pipper.. Greyhound, this one if for my f2f book club.

FlaJean · « **Reply #7208 on:** February 16, 2015, 12:00:45 PM »

I was really disappointed in the latest Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher mystery. It was a haphazard story and she has made Phryne entirely too kinky IMO. I love the series on Netflix and that Phryne is much more to my liking. I always enjoyed Greenwood's earlier books.

JoanK · « **Reply #7209 on:** February 16, 2015, 04:48:42 PM »

NLHOME: an interesting article, and shows you don't have to be a writer to get involved in the mystery scene. Do any of you subscribe to Crimespree Magazine?

STEPH: too many books is a GOOD thing (I think).

JEAN: I've always found Greenwood uneven. Many of them are over-the top IMO.

Steph · « **Reply #7210 on:** February 17, 2015, 09:27:45 AM »

I just started Medicus and I think I am going to like him very much..
The slave girl is still unconscious, so do not know how I feel about her.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #7211 on:** February 17, 2015, 02:51:14 PM »

One of my snow day enjoyments is The Poisoned Serpent by Joan Wolf. What would fiction writers of English history do without the Plantagenets, especially the Stephen versus Matilda/Maud rivalry? This book uses this rivalry almost as a character, but not overwhelmingly so. It does have an influence on the characters decisions, a young couple who is trying to keep Stephen from deciding they should marry people of his choosing.

I'm loving the way Wolf gives us many enticing (for me - this kind of stuff drives my DH crazy when he's reading mysteries) day-to-day details about their clothing, the pieces of armor, the houses, the games, etc. i would recommend it and others of hers.

Jean

JoanK · « **Reply #7212 on:** February 17, 2015, 03:34:48 PM »

JEAN: that sounds interesting. I haven't read a mystery about Stephen since the Ellis Peters "Brother Cadfial."

maryz · « **Reply #7213 on:** February 17, 2015, 04:11:14 PM »

I'm reading The Braque Connection (#3 in the series). I'm not one of those who figures out things before the end of the book, but I saw two of the main "mysteries" by the middle of the book. I really like the interaction between these characters and have enjoyed the stories. But I hate having this type of non-mystery. I've already bought #4, so we'll see how that one goes before I get any more.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #7214 on:** February 17, 2015, 09:50:39 PM »

Maryz - so glad to see you here. When i heard about Tenn's ice storm, i hoped you and your family were safe and warm. Did you see the NBC story about Tyler Summit coaching the women's team at La Tech (i think)? It was very nice.

I'm glad several of you have continued on with the art mysteries. I haven't yet read beyond Gauguin, but it sounds like i should, glad to have your reviews.

Jean

JoanK · « **Reply #7215 on:** February 17, 2015, 10:31:42 PM »

I mean to read ore, but got sidetracked. I'm reading one now (won't mention name} where the author is so busy describing the flavor of every bite of food the character eats, the plot gets lost. Wonder why I've been so hungry all day? better stop reading before I gain 5 pounds.

maryz · « **Reply #7216 on:** February 17, 2015, 11:05:14 PM »

Hi Jean - in the small area right around Chattanooga, there was no snow and very little ice. On the higher elevations surrounding us, there were a lot of problems, but just nothing down near the river. Funny stuff - but we're happy to take it.

We knew about Tyler, of course - and it was a good story. One of Pat's long-time assistant coaches is now his assistant. We wish him well, naturally.

Steph · « **Reply #7217 on:** February 19, 2015, 08:07:26 AM »

I am still reading Dante connection, but the plot is sound complicated at this point. But Jenny is beginning to understand that she is changing around Collin.. Medicus is fun ... The slave girl is awake, but wants to die.. and he is bewildered by her to put it mildly.Some of his background is in to describe why he has no money at this point.

FlaJean · « **Reply #7218 on:** February 19, 2015, 12:49:22 PM »

Reading a good English mystery Rest Assured by J. m. Gregson. It is the first book I've read by Gregson, and I'll certainly look for more. It seems he has two different series---Lambert and Hook mysteries (which I'm reading), and the Detective Inspector Peach Mysteries.

JoanK · « **Reply #7219 on:** February 19, 2015, 04:03:05 PM »

Gregson is new to me!

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/j-m-gregson/

If I like him, I'm set for life: he's written 46 mysteries and "books on subjects as diverse as golf and Shakespeare". And he's still writing at 80.

Steph · « **Reply #7220 on:** February 20, 2015, 09:43:59 AM »

46.. hmm. yes, that would set me up. I am reading Medicus and enjoying it very very much. I can see that Medicus has a few surprises where Tilla is concerned.

pedln · « **Reply #7221 on:** February 21, 2015, 12:22:18 PM »

80 years old and he's still going strong, sometimes writing more than two a year.

JoanK · « **Reply #7222 on:** February 21, 2015, 05:11:21 PM »

Amazon doesn't seem to have him. I'll have to look in my library.

Frybabe · « **Reply #7223 on:** February 22, 2015, 05:48:09 AM »

JoanK, Amazon does have Gregson. Lots of interesting titles. Maybe your fingers tricked you.

I was going to check my library, but the server seems to be down.

Frybabe · « **Reply #7224 on:** February 22, 2015, 06:51:20 AM »

Enjoying very much the third of the Medicus series called Persona non Grata. In this one Tilla meets the family. Ruso's family holdings are in the province of Gallia Narbonensis, which includes Toulouse and Marseille.

Steph · « **Reply #7225 on:** February 22, 2015, 09:43:51 AM »

Finished Medicus and have requested the second one from my paperbackswap club.. I am enjoying the series.. But need to read my f2f club for March.. Orphan Train and keep my with Jenny in the Dante connection. Just no time. Went to a nice little concert last night here in Clermont. A trio ( men were great, girl singer, not so much). They booked as rock and roll but were more early rock and blue grass. Still a nice night and the two men were of my generation which made it fun.

JoanK · « **Reply #7226 on:** February 22, 2015, 03:46:56 PM »

Sounds great. I'm sitting at my Sunday morning concert at the "classical Corner on Seniors and Friends while I type.

http://www.seniorsandfriends.org/index.php?topic=3026.0

JoanK · « **Reply #7227 on:** February 22, 2015, 03:57:58 PM »

FRY: YOU'RE RIGHT. ordered "Making a Killing". Don't know what I did wrong.

Steph · « **Reply #7228 on:** February 23, 2015, 08:45:34 AM »

Finished Dante and did not like the ending. For one thing, a continuing villain is not as interesting as a variety is..

maryz · « **Reply #7229 on:** February 23, 2015, 10:58:46 AM »

Like you, Steph - I don't like "continuing villains". That's why I don't read books about serial killers.

Steph · « **Reply #7230 on:** February 24, 2015, 08:54:17 AM »

I need a good strong book. just finished Orphan Train ( only because it is my f2f did I finish it) How soppy and silly in places. I expected to see Little
Eva traveling across the ice at any moment. Oh well.. Done and I will hunt out somethingfunny or strong today.

Frybabe · « **Reply #7231 on:** February 24, 2015, 12:20:17 PM »

Thanks for the heads up on Orphan Train, Steph. I was thinking of reading it. Maybe not now.

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #7232 on:** February 24, 2015, 01:21:53 PM »

I enjoyed "Orphan Train". Did not find soppy or silly.

Steph · « **Reply #7233 on:** February 25, 2015, 09:03:14 AM »

Sorry, I just found it extreme in what it was trying to say.. Talk about going from bad to worse.. Seeing someone she had not seen after the train and immediately taking him back to her room.. All in all.. just not my kind of book. I am sure my fellow book club members will love it.

Frybabe · « **Reply #7234 on:** February 27, 2015, 09:12:16 AM »

I just finished Persona non Grata. What an interesting story. I think it is the best so far. Liked the ending. In the Author's Notes, Ruth Downie stated that the amphitheater in Nimes inspired scenes in the book, and gave a recommended reading list which included a book I've been wanting to get but disappeared for a while: Roman Medicine by Audrey Cruse. I looked again and found that it is around, but very scarce in the US. It is much more available in the UK. I finally broke down, spent the bucks and ordered a used copy. The last thing Downie recommended (highly) was get a hold of a guide book to Nimes and actually go there.

Frybabe · « **Reply #7235 on:** February 27, 2015, 09:44:50 AM »

Featured in Persona non Grata:

The Port of Augusta:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%AEmes#mediaviewer/File:N%C3%AEmes_La_porte_Auguste.png

The Amphitheater at Nimes:
http://mondesetmerveilles.centerblog.net/161-les-arenes-de-nimes
The text is in French, but the pix are great. They apparently use the amphitheater for bull fights. Amazing.
(Bullfights in France?)

JoanK · « **Reply #7236 on:** February 27, 2015, 04:15:34 PM »

great pictures. Definitely makes me want to go there.

My-Daughter-The-Doctor would love the Roman medicine book. I remember somewhere on Seniorlearn seeing a picture of Roman forceps, and they were identical to modern ones.

Steph · « **Reply #7237 on:** February 28, 2015, 08:44:46 AM »

The second book in the series came yesterday, so if life will just tame down a bit, I can enjoy them again. But I confess that I picked up a J.A.Jance book with characters that I did not know except for Ralph, the attorney of Beaumont. It is placed in Arizona and New Mexico and I am enjoying it.

maryz · « **Reply #7238 on:** February 28, 2015, 08:46:20 AM »

Steph - what's the name of the JAJance book? I really like her books, but never can remember the titles I've read.

Steph · « **Reply #7239 on:** March 01, 2015, 09:11:31 AM »

Queen of the Night and seems to be a continuing story of the Walker family. I had never read any and chose it because it has a lot of Indian lore and looked interesting. It is, but a slower read than most of hers.

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Author Topic: Mystery Corner ~ 2 (Read 910378 times)