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Mystery/Crime/Thriller
Welcome to the Topsham Tales Genre Talk: Mystery/Crime/Thriller Page! Use this space to talk about your favorite Mystery/Crime/Thriller books and authors.
Hello mystery lovers! Welcome to the mystery section of Topsham Tales! This is a great place to share what you've been reading lately. I will also be posting the dates and assignments for the Mystery Readers Roundtable here from now on. We are meeting on November 27th and our assignment is to read one of the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear; and one of the Inspector Ian Rutledge series by Charles Todd.
Our group encouraged me to try Italian mystery authors. The one I came to appreciate most of all is Gianrico Carofiglio whose detective is named Guido Guerrieri. Guido, like the author, Mr. Carofiglio, is an attorney. These books are best read in order as the main character has many warts and honesty and drive do not come easily at first. Furthermore, throughout all of the books, Carofiglio deeply exposes the human condition, making his characters very real -- neither all good nor all bad, but rather just like the rest of us... Carofiglio's descriptions of people, places, and situations really have resonated with me. I also have enjoyed reading Wm. Landay's mysteries this year. He has been likened to Scott Turow. They don't have to be read in any order. The most recent , Defending Jacob, depicts a teen's murder and the daunting task facing a father who chooses to believe that his son could not have murdered another boy. You, the reader, will learn that many of the males in the father's family have carried out murderous rages against others. While the father, an attorney, is mild-mannered, did his son inherit some sort of "murderous gene?" Mr. Landay also wrote The Strangler (yes, the Boston one...) and Mission Flats. Both were very compelling reads. Much more... but I've said enough. This month has been very hectic and I have been reading the Tough and Tender Caregiver whenever I've had a moment. It is nonfiction, definitely NOT a mystery, but is a guide and a reminder to all the caregivers out there to remember to advocate for themselves, not just the patient, and to enjoy Life too. The writers are David and Rhonda Travland. I haven't finished the book yet, but a very compelling statistic is that 30% of all caregivers die before their beloved ill family member. Something to think about.... Beverly Fox Martin
We had a great Mystery Roundtable on Tuesday. We thoroughly discussed the Maisie Dobbs Series and the Ian Rutledge series. I think Maisie won the day, although several people liked them both. We were a very lively group and were having so much fun that our Director, Susan Preece, stopped in to see us. There were three new members, too. We may have to move to the big room. We will not have a meeting in December as our date would fall on Christmas Day. So we will meet again on January 22nd at 3pm. Our challenge is to read one from the Gregor Demarkian series by Jane Haddam; and one of the FBI series by Catherine Coulter. I hope you have a great holiday season, and can find time to read a mystery or two.
I've just begun Jane Haddam 's Murder Superior featuring -- so far -- Sister Scholastica Burke (shades of Sister Mary Elephant) and Gregor Demarkian. I need to say that this little blot is as much for me as it is for anyone else. My words may pique your interest in the book while, for me, they are my initial notes now that my Kindle (this particular book is a paperback) has me very spoiler. Anyway, Sister, her desire to return to pre Ecumenical times, and concerns about the reflective qualities of patent leather girls shoes already has me laughing aloud. I will never forget my Cathecismal days at OLQP and the Filipino nuns. Also, I grew up next door to Armenian Americans and that whole culture is rather amazing.....Beverly Fox Martin
While I love my Kindle, it instinctively "corrects" my spelling. Thereby, it's not always too bright. Hence my "typos " which, at times, have been pretty humorous and even have gotten me into some trouble. : -)) BFM
Oh, oh! I put this book down and hurried to make up for lost time. No problem! I have been at the Sisters ' buffet for their convention for over 100 pages! Too much description of characters, their supposed witticisms, even the various pates!! FINALLY!! Someone died on pg. 148!! I 'm not kidding! My Catholic guilt tells me I 'm not giving this book a chance! Mea culpa...
I've been watching a documentary about Agatha Christie and her mystery -writing technique (s) . Often accused of formula writing, this video with its band of "mystery series experts " dissects both Ms. Christie and some of her vast body of works. One funny phrase I came away with was that her mysteries were "nonformula formula writing. " Reminds me of Bill Clinton and "what the definition of is IS. " Anyway, the consensus of the so -called experts applauds, overall, Ms. Christie's genius and her efficient means of drawing her readers in. The seduction invokes addiction. Real addiction with endorphins and seratonin released in readers ' minds. Do you agree? It's time for me to pull out a Poirot and test the theory. Maybe I can skip the wine!? How about an AC challenge at an upcoming meeting? BTW, the documentary was/will be on CINEMOI, DIRECTV 's channel 259. Agatha Christie Stories.
What do you think Mystery Readers? Shall we do Agatha Christie in a challenge? Whom should we pit her against? Should we try Marple vs Poirot or should we choose another classic mystery writer?
Am I the only not - a - mystery blogger?! It's only a suggestion - but maybe we could explore two of Christie's characters, while reading the same two books. We could look for Ms. Christie's "non formula formula " technique (s) while discussing the two detectives and the plots. Just my humble suggestion...
I just finished a third Tana French mystery, titled Faithful Place, which is set in Ireland like her other novels. She does a great job capturing the influences of class, culture, and family on her characters. Highly recommended!
Hello mystery lovers! Welcome to the mystery section of Topsham Tales! This is a great place to share what you've been reading lately. I will also be posting the dates and assignments for the Mystery Readers Roundtable here from now on. We are meeting on November 27th and our assignment is to read one of the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear; and one of the Inspector Ian Rutledge series by Charles Todd.
ReplyDeleteOur group encouraged me to try Italian mystery authors. The one I came to appreciate most of all is Gianrico Carofiglio whose detective is named Guido Guerrieri. Guido, like the author, Mr. Carofiglio, is an attorney. These books are best read in order as the main character has many warts and honesty and drive do not come easily at first. Furthermore, throughout all of the books, Carofiglio deeply exposes the human condition, making his characters very real -- neither all good nor all bad, but rather just like the rest of us... Carofiglio's descriptions of people, places, and situations really have resonated with me. I also have enjoyed reading Wm. Landay's mysteries this year. He has been likened to Scott Turow. They don't have to be read in any order. The most recent , Defending Jacob, depicts a teen's murder and the daunting task facing a father who chooses to believe that his son could not have murdered another boy. You, the reader, will learn that many of the males in the father's family have carried out murderous rages against others. While the father, an attorney, is mild-mannered, did his son inherit some sort of "murderous gene?" Mr. Landay also wrote The Strangler (yes, the Boston one...) and Mission Flats. Both were very compelling reads. Much more... but I've said enough. This month has been very hectic and I have been reading the Tough and Tender Caregiver whenever I've had a moment. It is nonfiction, definitely NOT a mystery, but is a guide and a reminder to all the caregivers out there to remember to advocate for themselves, not just the patient, and to enjoy Life too. The writers are David and Rhonda Travland. I haven't finished the book yet, but a very compelling statistic is that 30% of all caregivers die before their beloved ill family member. Something to think about.... Beverly Fox Martin
ReplyDeleteWe had a great Mystery Roundtable on Tuesday. We thoroughly discussed the Maisie Dobbs Series and the Ian Rutledge series. I think Maisie won the day, although several people liked them both. We were a very lively group and were having so much fun that our Director, Susan Preece, stopped in to see us. There were three new members, too. We may have to move to the big room. We will not have a meeting in December as our date would fall on Christmas Day. So we will meet again on January 22nd at 3pm. Our challenge is to read one from the Gregor Demarkian series by Jane Haddam; and one of the FBI series by Catherine Coulter. I hope you have a great holiday season, and can find time to read a mystery or two.
ReplyDeleteI've just begun Jane Haddam 's Murder Superior featuring -- so far -- Sister Scholastica Burke (shades of Sister Mary Elephant) and Gregor Demarkian. I need to say that this little blot is as much for me as it is for anyone else. My words may pique your interest in the book while, for me, they are my initial notes now that my Kindle (this particular book is a paperback) has me very spoiler. Anyway, Sister, her desire to return to pre Ecumenical times, and concerns about the reflective qualities of patent leather girls shoes already has me laughing aloud. I will never forget my Cathecismal days at OLQP and the Filipino nuns. Also, I grew up next door to Armenian Americans and that whole culture is rather amazing.....Beverly Fox Martin
ReplyDeleteWhile I love my Kindle, it instinctively "corrects" my spelling. Thereby, it's not always too bright. Hence my "typos " which, at times, have been pretty humorous and even have gotten me into some trouble. : -)) BFM
ReplyDeleteOh, oh! I put this book down and hurried to make up for lost time. No problem! I have been at the Sisters ' buffet for their convention for over 100 pages! Too much description of characters, their supposed witticisms, even the various pates!! FINALLY!! Someone died on pg. 148!! I 'm not kidding! My Catholic guilt tells me I 'm not giving this book a chance! Mea culpa...
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've been watching a documentary about Agatha Christie and her mystery -writing technique (s) . Often accused of formula writing, this video with its band of "mystery series experts " dissects both Ms. Christie and some of her vast body of works. One funny phrase I came away with was that her mysteries were "nonformula formula writing. " Reminds me of Bill Clinton and "what the definition of is IS. " Anyway, the consensus of the so -called experts applauds, overall, Ms. Christie's genius and her efficient means of drawing her readers in. The seduction invokes addiction. Real addiction with endorphins and seratonin released in readers ' minds. Do you agree? It's time for me to pull out a Poirot and test the theory. Maybe I can skip the wine!? How about an AC challenge at an upcoming meeting? BTW, the documentary was/will be on CINEMOI, DIRECTV 's channel 259. Agatha Christie Stories.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think Mystery Readers? Shall we do Agatha Christie in a challenge? Whom should we pit her against? Should we try Marple vs Poirot or should we choose another classic mystery writer?
ReplyDeleteAm I the only not - a - mystery blogger?! It's only a suggestion - but maybe we could explore two of Christie's characters, while reading the same two books. We could look for Ms. Christie's "non formula formula " technique (s) while discussing the two detectives and the plots. Just my humble suggestion...
ReplyDeleteI just finished a third Tana French mystery, titled Faithful Place, which is set in Ireland like her other novels. She does a great job capturing the influences of class, culture, and family on her characters. Highly recommended!
ReplyDelete