Author Topic: Mystery Corner ~ 2 (Read 910605 times)

Steph · « **Reply #4120 on:** August 27, 2012, 09:02:19 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:
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Our Favorite Old Mystery Writers
Fantastic Fiction
Stop You're Killing Me

Discussion Leader: JoanK

McCrumb writes of Norah Bonesteel and Spencer (the sheriff) and the legends of the mountains with such love and understanding. Possibly that is part of the southern writers appeal. They seem to love their area and have such passion for it.

JoanK · « **Reply #4121 on:** August 27, 2012, 02:05:39 PM »

I know I've read even more Carolina authors, but can't think of them offhand.

Just realized two of the library books I got I've already read. Sigh.

MaryPage · « **Reply #4122 on:** August 27, 2012, 07:26:14 PM »

Not mysteries, but GREAT Carolina books:

http://www.joanmedlicott.com/

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #4123 on:** August 28, 2012, 04:47:10 AM »

Oh yes Mary, I like those - even though I do feel a tad jealous of people into whose hands large country properties seem to fall like snowflakes from the sky

Rosemary

Steph · « **Reply #4124 on:** August 28, 2012, 08:13:03 AM »

I agree Rosemary,, Manna fromheaven.. But it gives the books a framework.Just finished a Kathy Reichs.. This one was totally in North Carolina and focused on NASCAR racing which is a foreign place for me.

Babi · « **Reply #4125 on:** August 28, 2012, 08:59:53 AM »

Just started John Grisham's "The Litigators", which I believe was recommended here. I think
I'm really going to enjoy this book. Right up front, the two protagonists are the material of
caricature. I think it's going to be a fun read.

marjifay · « **Reply #4126 on:** August 28, 2012, 09:08:37 AM »

I recommended Grisham's The Litigators. Loved it!

Grisham has a new one coming out in October, THE RACKETEER. It sounds good, but I'll wait for the reviews.

Marge

pedln · « **Reply #4127 on:** August 28, 2012, 10:43:04 AM »

I recommeneded it too, Marj,

, but probably heard it from you first. Babi, I think y ou will enjoy this one. I didn't want to put it down.

Last night I started watching the DVD of his Rainmaker, but kept falling asleep. Maybe tonight will be different.

JeanneP · « **Reply #4128 on:** August 28, 2012, 03:16:00 PM »

Way behind on my reading at the moment. had to cancel 3 books that the library holding for me. Trying to plan a trip so that can get lot done in just 2 weeks.
Keeping a list on some that are being recommended above.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #4129 on:** August 28, 2012, 05:30:37 PM »

Me too Jeanne. I just came home from the library w/ out any books, i think that's a first, but i took back six and still have eight books on my pile! I was very proud of my restraint.

Jean

JeanneP · « **Reply #4130 on:** August 28, 2012, 06:35:27 PM »

I have ordered so many on line for the Library that I just went in and sorted them out and suspended some into Sept and Oct. Now I do have some that have a long waiting list. Mostly new books just out. Never use to be so many people into the library on line but now people have really caught on. Specially on the DVD. Library get them as soon as they come out and within a couple days lots people have their name down. Names go pretty fast.

Babi · « **Reply #4131 on:** August 29, 2012, 08:40:26 AM »

PEDLN, there are times when the best thing a book can do for me is put me to sleep.

JEANNE, do you mean people go into the library and read the books on-line there? But it
might take days to finish a book! I must not be understanding how this works.

Steph · « **Reply #4132 on:** August 29, 2012, 08:52:50 AM »

Babi, our library has lendable book in eform.. You download something into your computer or ipad, etc and the then ask for the book and it will download into your machine. I think for a set amount of time, but not sure on how long it is.

Babi · « **Reply #4133 on:** August 29, 2012, 09:08:43 AM »

Ah, thank you, STEPH. So far, I find I still prefer to read my books the old-fashined way, but
who knows what the future may hold.

jane · « **Reply #4134 on:** August 29, 2012, 09:23:23 AM »

Quote from: Steph on August 29, 2012, 08:52:50 AM

Babi, our library has lendable book in eform.. You download something into your computer or ipad, etc and the then ask for the book and it will download into your machine. I think for a set amount of time, but not sure on how long it is.

For our library's consortium that handles the ebooks, I downloaded Adobe Digital Editions software (free)to a computer for use with my Nookcolor. Then I go to that ebook site and login with my library card no. I can then either download a max of 2 ebooks (or I can get on the WL, too). I download to the Adobe Digital Editions software on my laptop. From there I connect a USB cord between my Nookcolor and my laptop and I move the book onto my ereader. I assume the Kindle version works somewhat the same.

In this consortium, the loan period is two weeks. I can return a book sooner than that. After two weeks, it does a "mission impossible" and is no longer available on my laptop. (Don't ask me how that works. I've never waited that long. I usually download what I want and then just keep it on my Nookcolor and return the digital edition to the ebook "library." IF I were to hook my Nookcolor back up to my laptop (after I'd returned the digital version to the library), the one on my Nookcolor would also disappear.

jane

pedln · « **Reply #4135 on:** August 29, 2012, 10:20:00 AM »

Jane, if you have moved the book to your Nook, will it stay there forever, or will it disappear when the elibrary book is due and disappears from your computer. I don't understand how the Library could get into your Nook.

I've never hooked up my Kindle to my computer, and have not yet had a chance to try any elibrary books.

maryz · « **Reply #4136 on:** August 29, 2012, 11:50:06 AM »

Pedln, I don't hook my kindle to the computer, either. Books from the library appear just like the ones I buy. We get emails from the library telling us the loan is about to expire. After that time is up, the next time you hookup to the amazon Ethernet, the book will disappear from your device. BUT, as long as that feature is turned off, the book will stay in the kindle. It's like you have the book in your purse, and it doesn't go back home until you open your purse. I only have the kindle hooked up when I'm actually downloading something. Otherwise, that's turned off.

JeanneP · « **Reply #4137 on:** August 29, 2012, 12:05:21 PM »

Babi.

No I meant to say that many like me just go on our home computers. Into the library site and find what we need and order it from home. Great system.
My problem is that I have the site up as I am reading what people have read and recommended here. So I just flip over to the Library. Check if they have it and put a hold on it if I think I want to read it.
That is why I had so many on the list and so I went through them and either cancelled some or put then on suspension to a later date.

Now I have to stop as I have some ordered going clear up to October.

JeanneP · « **Reply #4138 on:** August 29, 2012, 12:10:23 PM »

I had read most all of the Book written by Beverly Lewis. The Writer on the Amish. Must have missed the one on the Last series called "The Telling" That is what I am reading at the moment. Fast read. Always enjoy her books. Not seen if she is still writing in the Series.

JoanK · « **Reply #4139 on:** August 29, 2012, 02:43:38 PM »

My library is way behind the cvurve. Can't even order books, much less download them. But I tell myself it does me good to go to the library every two weeks. I see things I would never think to look for online.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #4140 on:** August 29, 2012, 04:52:56 PM »

I agree Joan - we can access the catalogue on-line and I do order things occasionally, but I also really enjoy going into the library building and browsing - I come across all sorts of things there that I would never have thought of. I also enjoy chatting to the staff when they're not busy - our little branch libraries are best for that.

Rosemary

jane · « **Reply #4141 on:** August 29, 2012, 05:20:02 PM »

Pedln...it's like Mary explained with the Kindle. She's using the ethernet/cloud or whatever thing. I'm using Adobe Editions on a laptop. As long as I don't connect the Nookcolor to the computer, the book is on my Nookcolor. I lose it, when I connect to the Adobe Editions to drag the newest book I've downloaded to my Nookcolor. As Mary says, when she connects again, she loses it on her Kindle. Same deal...if you don't connect to whatever the "download thing" is, then you have the book, since, as you say, the library system can't get into your ereader...at least theoretically.

pedln · « **Reply #4142 on:** August 29, 2012, 10:36:23 PM »

So in theory you could keep and READ an overdue book?

maryz · « **Reply #4143 on:** August 30, 2012, 01:46:11 AM »

Yep, pedln

nlhome · « **Reply #4144 on:** August 30, 2012, 07:43:37 AM »

Our library has the e-book as well as the audio that can be downloaded from home. And physical books can be requested on line, but people have to go in to pick them up, they can specify the closest branch for the pick-up. However, a lot of people still go in person to browse, to find out what's happening in the community, and to read magazines and newspapers. The reading room still gets enough business that we have to replace the chairs in it. I suspect some people may read books - after all, it's a comfortable, warm place to be, downtown. And of course, people go to use the computers, either because they don't have a computer at home or more likely can't afford a fast internet connection. Some people can't get a fast connection yet, either.

Steph · « **Reply #4145 on:** August 30, 2012, 08:10:58 AM »

I sync my IPAD and my computer once a month at home. Have not been doing it up here with my laptop. But I do like to know that everything on the IPAD is safely tucked away in my pc as well..

Babi · « **Reply #4146 on:** August 30, 2012, 08:54:21 AM »

Oh, dear, JANE. Sounds alarmingly complicated. Of course, with your technical skills it's
probably no more trouble than scrambling some eggs would be for me. I'm getting too lazy to
work at aqcuiring new ones, and checking out books is so-0-0-0 easy!

Ah, that seems simpler, JEANNE. I can see, tho', how easy it would be to get carried away
have too many on the list. I have found it convenient in ordering from Netflix, that if I
discover I don't like the first of a series, I can easily go back and cancel the rest of the
series with a couple of clicks.

jane · « **Reply #4147 on:** August 30, 2012, 10:55:32 AM »

Babi...as with anything, the first time is "complicated" as any first time thing seems to be to me.

The library here gives you a sheet with step by step instructions. Apparently it works well for the number of "digital" checkouts by our own little library here numbers close to 100 a month now. So, it's something people have obviously mastered.

Pedln...yes, as Mary said. The 'digital' edition is back at the source, so it can be loaned out again, but you've got your copy as long as you don't reconnect to your "source."

We're to break temp high records today; temp is expected to be in very high 90s. Lots of schools will be letting out 2 hours early...after lunch, I suspect.

jane

Steph · « **Reply #4148 on:** August 31, 2012, 08:35:12 AM »

Started reading a very current J.P.Jance. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Beaumont. Interesting thus far.. But hard , since the plot is hinging on a snuff film.

jeriron · « **Reply #4149 on:** August 31, 2012, 09:55:19 AM »

Interesting web site on Wiki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detective_fiction

pedln · « **Reply #4150 on:** August 31, 2012, 10:39:39 AM »

Thanks, Jeriron.

Steph, Beaumont -- he's the Seattle guy? What is a "snuff film?"

mabel1015j · « **Reply #4151 on:** August 31, 2012, 01:50:19 PM »

Great article Jeriron. I have thought at times that i'd like to read more mysteries that do not involve murders but rather "puzzles". Maybe i just haven't come across those authors. Pat Conroy's Prince of Tides had that kind of story altho it's not considered a "mystery."

Can you suggest some?

Jean

Tomereader1 · « **Reply #4152 on:** August 31, 2012, 07:42:57 PM »

A snuff film is similar to pornography, only it is violence multiplied and the victim actually gets murdered (or snuffed). Awful stuff, and i can't imagine why anyone would want to see something like that.

jeriron · « **Reply #4153 on:** August 31, 2012, 10:30:13 PM »

Mabel
Sorry can't help you out on that. I have no idea what a "puzzle" mystery would be.

Frybabe · « **Reply #4154 on:** September 01, 2012, 08:08:34 AM »

Jean, how about the #1 Lady's Detective Agency books by Alenander McCall Smith? Not all of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries include murder. Here a list from the LA Public Library: http://www.lapl.org/LAPLreads/bookList.php?id=51
Notice that there is a Christmas mystery among the list. Also, Edgar Allen Poe and Dorothy Sayres made the lists. Here is another list compiled by the Morton Grove Library: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flbklists/mystnomurder11.html I read Shadow of the Wind and enjoyed it very much.

Others I've seen listed here and there: The Dante Club, by Matthew Pearl, Name of the Rose, by Umberto Eco, Ex-libris, by Ross King, The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova, A Conspiracy of Paper, by David Liss, My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk.

If you like lots of literary puns and surreal atmosphere there is the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fford.

Oh, I just thought of Carol Goodman's books and one called The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards. The latter is good but not as good as Carol Goodman's books, and I noted lots of people said it wasn't as good as her first, The Memory-keeper's Daughter. Still, it is interesting as the heroine sifts through forgotten family history and finds ties to the early women's sufferage movement.

I hope this helps Jean. There have to be some treasure hunt type books out there that don't involve murder although I can't think of any right now.

ginny · « **Reply #4155 on:** September 01, 2012, 08:45:43 AM »

The all time king of puzzle mysteries is the aptly titled The Christmas Crimes at Puzzel Manor by Simon Brett.

I can't recall if there is a murder or not or even more but if there are, you don't notice them, they are Agatha Christie like, so intent is the reader upon solving the puzzle which ends each chapter, the solution of which gives an important clue to the mystery. Puzzel in the title is done deliberately. All the puzzles are different types of puzzle, and very ingenious, and it becomes a game of wit between the author and the reader.

It's tremendous fun and especially fun to do with a friend, as a contest to see who can "get" each one.

But at the end the last puzzle is a real challenge and the author doesn't solve it, at all, depending on the reader to finally make the connection. This frustrates some people, it did me for a long time till I finally figured it out after a couple of years of not thinking about it, believe it or not.

It's a hoot if you like different types of puzzles and Christmas mysteries. Not a new book but a keeper.

Steph · « **Reply #4156 on:** September 01, 2012, 08:46:11 AM »

Hmm, most mysteries do include death in one form or another.. Not sure I would like one that didnt.

jeriron · « **Reply #4157 on:** September 01, 2012, 09:24:46 AM »

Me either Steph. I guess that's why I couldn't name one.

I bought the set of Inspector Montalbano DVDs. They are in Italian with English Subtitles. I am really enjoying them. they are from the novels by Andrea Camilleri. They take place in a fictional town of Vigata but are filmed in Ragusa and Punta Sicca on the Sicilian coast . My Maternal Grandparents came from Corleone, Yes the same one from the Godfather films. The mannerism and the fast speaking etc. is what really makes me enjoy the films I'm picking up words in Italian that I remember hearing growing up.. Although it's a mystery show it really is funny in parts. I've never read the books.

Babi · « **Reply #4158 on:** September 01, 2012, 09:24:53 AM »

I do enjoy puzzles, GINNY. I'd like to try out the Simon Brett book. But...even
if you come up with a solution, how can you be sure it's correct?

There's always Doyle's Sherlock Holmes mysteries, STEPH. Those did not always include
a death, but figuring out who-dun-it -and- how is fun even if you're talking about something
stolen.
I've started reading "Keeper of Lost Causes". I like it! My thanks to whomever recommended
it.

ginny · « **Reply #4159 on:** September 01, 2012, 12:03:39 PM »

Because THEN it all fits into place, Babi. Like a true puzzle. Man is a genius but that game he plays with the readers does not suit some. I love it and as soon as I forget the answers (which doesn't take long) I reread it. hahahaa

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Author Topic: Mystery Corner ~ 2 (Read 910605 times)