tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82739118838565802002024-03-18T20:17:53.419+10:30MYSTERIES in PARADISEWhy <b>MYSTERIES?</b> Because that is the genre I read. <br>Why <b>PARADISE?</b> Because that is where I live.<br>
Among other things, this blog, the result of a 2008 New Year's resolution, <br>will act as a record of books that I've read, and random thoughts.Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-81266706730532225152014-06-23T12:10:00.000+09:302014-06-23T12:10:21.020+09:30Review: GREY MASK, Patricia Wentworth - audio book<ul>
<li>first published 1928<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pOiioeOzL._SL300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pOiioeOzL._SL300_.jpg" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>#1 in the Miss Silver series</li>
<li class="adbl-narrator-row">
<span class="adbl-label">Narrated by:</span>
<span class="adbl-prod-author">
<a class="adbl-link" href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_pd_Myster_c2_1_narr?searchNarrator=Diana+Bishop">
Diana Bishop</a>
</span>
</li>
<li>
<span class="adbl-label">Length:</span>
<span class="adbl-run-time">7 hrs and 34 mins</span> <span id="detail_more_info_btn"></span><span class="adbl-prod-author"><span class="adbl-label"></span>
</span><br />
</li>
<li>
<span class="adbl-label">Format:</span>
<span class="adbl-format-type">Unabridged
</span>
</li>
<li>audio book from <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Grey-Mask-Audiobook/B00I8SXDAK">Audible.com </a></li>
</ul>
<b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Grey-Mask-Audiobook/B00I8SXDAK">Publisher</a>)<br />
<br />
The first of the classic mysteries featuring
governess-turned-detective Miss Silver, who investigates a deadly
conspiratorial ring.<br />
<br />
Charles Moray has come home to England to
collect his inheritance. After four years wandering the jungles of India
and South America, the hardy young man returns to the manor of his
birth, where generations of Morays have lived and died. Strangely, he
finds the house unlocked, and sees a light on in one of its abandoned
rooms. Eavesdropping, he learns of a conspiracy to commit a fearsome
crime.<br />
<br />
Never one for the heroic, Charles’ first instinct is to
let the police settle it. But then he hears her voice. Margaret, his
long-lost love, is part of the gang. To unravel their diabolical plot,
he contacts Miss Silver, a onetime governess who applies her reason to
solve crimes and face the dangers of London’s underworld.<br />
<br />
<b>My Take</b><br />
<br />
I've read this as part of the <a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/p/vintage-mystery-bingo-2014.html">2014 Vintage Mystery Challenge.</a> I'm sure I have read a Miss Silver novel before, maybe even several (see these posts about <a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/search?q=Miss+Silver">forgotten books</a>), but have not reviewed any on this blog, so a long time ago. Although the first in the Miss Silver series, this was far from Patricia Wentworth's first novel. There would eventually be over 30 titles in this series, which she kept publishing until 1961. However the second title in the series does not appear for another nine years.<br />
<br />
It is probably inevitable that readers compare Miss Silver with Agatha Christie's Jane Marple, who made her first appearance in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Marple">1927</a>. In contrast to Miss Marple, Miss Silver had had a previous career as a governess, and seems to be more experienced in the ways of the world, whereas Miss Marple is mainly experienced in village life. While Miss Silver appears to be attempting to be make a living as a private detective and sleuth, Miss Marple gets her cases from the things that happen around her.<br />
<br />
Miss Silver does not appear to be as old as Miss Marple, but at the same time is rather more non-descript. Both are spinsters, and both seem rather small and harmless. Both do a lot of knitting. The author stresses how colourless and drab Miss Silver is. In fact the plot seems to bear that out for there are long passages between her appearances, and the reader could be forgiven for forgetting that she is "on the job" at all. But she has the knack of turning up when you least expect her, and she certainly is a shrewd observer. And in the long run it is Miss Silver who initiates the decisive action that brings everything to a satisfactory resolution and saves the day.<br />
<br />
So how well has GREY MASK weathered? The plot is passable but I think perhaps the language of the novel is a bit dated. It seems set in a world of inheritances and a social structure that even by 1929 was rapidly disappearing.<br />
<br />
<b>My rating</b>: 4.1 Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-30341450045426293372014-01-18T05:57:00.000+10:302014-01-18T05:57:10.539+10:30Review: THE LATE MONSIEUR GALLET, Georges Simenon<ul><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-z-jNgJvL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-71,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-z-jNgJvL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-71,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a>
<li>Format Kindle: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GCVSOLS">Amazon</a></li>
<li><b>File Size:</b> 340 KB</li>
<li><b>Print Length:</b> 176 pages</li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Penguin (December 5, 2013)<br />Originally published 1931 <br />Published as MAIGRET STONEWALLED 1963</li>
<li id="sold-by-merchant">
<b>Sold by:</b> Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
</li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English</li>
<li><b>ASIN:</b> B00GCVSOLS</li>
</ul>
<b>Synopsis </b>(<a href="http://bloodymurder.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/maigret-stonewalled-1931-by-georges-simenon/">Bloody Murder</a>)<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
During a very hot Summer, the body is found of a commercial traveler in
his hotel room in Sancerre. Shot in the face and then stabbed in the
heart, the gunman seems to have got clean away after inflicting the
fatal stabbing with the victim’s own knife as the poor man tried to fend
off his attacker.<br />
<br />
The victim was a regular visitor known as Clement but
it quickly emerges that he was actually Émile Gallet. An outwardly
conventional petit bourgeois living on the outskirts of Paris, he had in
fact constructed an elaborate double life, which he had been leading
for the best part of 18 years. He arranged for pre-written postcards to
be sent to his haughty wife (of noble birth) from the various stops on
his old route, faked letters from his old employer and even kept a false
ledger of sales to make his wife believe that he really was still doing
his old job. But perhaps all was well with his scheme as he had also
started secretly receiving mail from a ‘Mr Jacob’, apparently demanding
money. <br />
<br />
<b>My take</b><br />
<br />
This is part of the Penguin Classics, a project to reprint the novels of Simenon in order of publication. THE LATE MONSIEUR GALLET is #2 in the series and I was surprised to find that Maigret is already 45 years old. He has spent half his life in various branches of the police and is now in the Paris Flying Squad.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Monsieur Gallet it seems has been leading a double life for the best part of twenty years, living under two names, with a wife and son under the name of Gallet. However he no longer has the job that Madame Gallet thinks he has, so how does he earn his money? In addition it seems that his death is somehow related to the hotel room he has been allocated.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If Monsieur Gallet has been murdered, then who committed the deed? There are plenty of suspects but none quite fits the bill. Gallet it seems may have been a crook.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The plot is convoluted as one expects of Simenon, and Maigret spends quite an amount of time away from home on this case. He would prefer what he considers a "real murder", where motives and details are clearer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found the plot a little tangled and disappointing. I don't think Simenon needed to make it quite as complex as he did, although he made it so to accommodate a range of characters like Gallet's reprehensible son and his girlfriend.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My rating: 4.3<br />
<br />
See also plot summary at <a href="http://www.trussel.com/maig/plots/galplot.htm">Trussel</a><br />
<br />
I've also reviewed<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1425259548">4.4, MAIGRET & the MAN on the BOULEVARD</a><br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-maigret-and-headless-corpse.html">4.5, MAIGRET & THE HEADLESS CORPSE</a><br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/review-pietr-latvian-georges-simenon.html">4.3, PIETR THE LATVIAN</a> <br />
<br />
The recent decision by Penguin to republish fresh translations of all of
Simenon's Maigret novels, in the original order of publication,
provides a real opportunity for readers to catch up on titles that have
been out of print for some time. <a href="http://www.crimefictionlover.com/2013/10/forget-morrissey-heres-simenon/">Apparently</a> the 75 novels will be published at the rate of one a month. There is even an accompanying <a href="http://www.crimefictionlover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/H102-Penguin-Maigret-BACK-split2.pdf">24 page brochure</a> available giving biographical details about Simenon and the characters he created.</div>
Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-91573718574975962462013-11-25T14:34:00.000+10:302013-11-25T14:51:50.136+10:30Review: THE BIG SLEEP, Raymond Chandler<ul>
<li>Format: Kindle (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RI9AH2">Amazon</a>)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RI9AH2/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41A8M9Vyq9L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-71,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
</li>
<li><b>File Size:</b> 311 KB</li>
<li><b>Print Length:</b> 177 pages</li>
<li><b>Page Numbers Source ISBN:</b> 1604445181</li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Penguin; New Ed edition (July 7, 2005)</li>
<li id="sold-by-merchant">
<b>Sold by:</b> Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
</li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English</li>
<li><b>ASIN:</b> B002RI9AH2</li>
<li>originally published 1939 </li>
</ul>
<b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RI9AH2/">Amazon</a>) <br />
<br />
<b>The Big Sleep is Raymond Chandler's most famous and popular novel of all</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b></b>Los
Angeles PI Philip Marlowe is working for the Sternwood family. Old man
Sternwood, crippled and wheelchair-bound, is being given the squeeze by a
blackmailer and he wants Marlowe to make the problem go away. But with
Sternwood's two wild, devil-may-care daughters prowling LA's seedy
backstreets, Marlowe's got his work cut out - and that's before he
stumbles over the first corpse . . .<br />
<br />
<b>My Take</b><br />
<br />
It is probably highly improper for a crime fiction addict to admit in public that she has never read any Raymond Chandler, or at least I don't think I have. Of course, I have heard of Philip Marlowe, the P.I. that Chandler created, the model for many P.Is for future generations of writers.<br />
<br />
And so why hadn't I read THE BIG SLEEP before now? Probably because American
noir has not really been my genre of choice, because I mainly read
British, Australian, and translated crime fiction.<br />
<br />
I can see how the gun-packing Marlowe is very different to sleuths created in Europe at approximately the same time. Poirot, Marple, and Maigret are altogether more cerebral with blood and guns rarely sighted. Many modern American sleuths are really just more modern versions of Marlowe, solving more modern murders.<br />
<br />
To be quite honest though, I didn't find THE BIG SLEEP as captivating as I had expected. It felt a bit dated, although Chandler is a good model for characterisation and descriptive prose. It probably still should be regarded as essential reading for crime fiction students, especially those who are interested in the history of the genre. But then again I have managed pretty well without, haven't I?<br />
<br />
<b>My rating</b>: 4.2<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-JB8EKEUbn8" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<b>Philip Marlowe</b> (Fantastic Fiction)<br />
1. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/raymond-chandler/big-sleep.htm">The Big Sleep</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1939.htm">1939</a>)</span><br />
2. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/raymond-chandler/farewell-my-lovely.htm">Farewell, My Lovely</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1940.htm">1940</a>)</span><br />
3. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/raymond-chandler/high-window.htm">The High Window</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1942.htm">1942</a>)</span><br />
4. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/raymond-chandler/lady-in-lake.htm">The Lady in the Lake</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1943.htm">1943</a>)</span><br />
5. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/raymond-chandler/little-sister.htm">The Little Sister</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1949.htm">1949</a>)</span><br />
6. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/raymond-chandler/long-goodbye.htm">The Long Goodbye</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1953.htm">1953</a>)</span><br />
7. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/raymond-chandler/playback.htm">Playback</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1958.htm">1958</a>)</span><br />
8. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/raymond-chandler/poodle-springs.htm">Poodle Springs</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1989.htm">1989</a>)</span> (with <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/p/robert-b-parker/">Robert B Parker</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/raymond-chandler/simple-art-of-murder.htm">The Simple Art of Murder</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1950.htm">1950</a>)</span>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-86676034725486259112013-11-18T17:33:00.000+10:302013-11-18T17:45:01.772+10:30Review: PIETR THE LATVIAN, Georges Simenon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d89sTZPs9X-0vLuGEJaK8VT2ymiz0OSpG1zYFnEvISGuLZbKnKafVZGR68K28Gs_RpbaFrlOKrLLFyTCGJXvVIqMOPdjJDJem6enNfohCx1tfBKYFtryTYQ4EYg0dqTQ4tDBinTJhxY/s1600/pietr_the_latvian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d89sTZPs9X-0vLuGEJaK8VT2ymiz0OSpG1zYFnEvISGuLZbKnKafVZGR68K28Gs_RpbaFrlOKrLLFyTCGJXvVIqMOPdjJDJem6enNfohCx1tfBKYFtryTYQ4EYg0dqTQ4tDBinTJhxY/s640/pietr_the_latvian.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Format:</b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZEC0TG/"> Kindle (Amazon)</a><b> -</b> read an extract at this site<b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>File Size:</b> 537 KB</li>
<li><b>Print Length:</b> 176 pages</li>
<li><b>Publisher:</b> Penguin (November 7, 2013) - originally published in 1931</li>
<li>translation into English by David Bellos.</li>
<li id="sold-by-merchant">
<b>Sold by:</b> Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
</li>
<li><b>Language:</b> English</li>
<li><b>ASIN:</b> B00EZEC0TG</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>My Take</b><br />
<br />
The recent decision by Penguin to republish fresh translations of all of Simenon's Maigret novels, in the original order of publication, provides a real opportunity for readers to catch up on titles that have been out of print for some time. <a href="http://www.crimefictionlover.com/2013/10/forget-morrissey-heres-simenon/">Apparently</a> the 75 novels will be published at the rate of one a month. There is even an accompanying <a href="http://www.crimefictionlover.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/H102-Penguin-Maigret-BACK-split2.pdf">24 page brochure</a> available giving biographical details about Simenon and the characters he created.<br />
<br />
I've been a Simenon reader for decades and could not pass up the opportunity to read, on my Kindle, the very first of the Maigret titles.<br />
<br />
Maigret comes over as a mountain of a man, with enormous energy, and the ability to push himself to the limits of human endurance. <br />
<ul>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Inevitably Maigret was a
hostile presence in the Majestic. He constituted a kind of foreign body
that the hotel's atmosphere could not assimilate. </i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br />Not
that he looked like a cartoon policeman. He didn't have a moustache and
he didn't wear heavy boots. His clothes were well cut and made of
fairly light worsted. He shaved every day and looked after his hands. </i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br />But
his frame was proletarian. He was a big, bony man. His firm muscles
filled out his jacket and quickly pulled all his trousers out of shape.</i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He had a way of imposing himself just by standing there. His assertive presence had often irked many of his own colleagues.</i></ul>
In many ways PIETR THE LATVIAN gave a good idea of the style that readers could expect in future novels, as well a structure that makes the reader work hard to follow the plot lines.It introduces both Maigret and the long suffering Madame Maigret who at one stage cooks meals for three days without knowing whether her husband will be home to eat them, indeed not knowing what he is up to.<br />
<br />
In his exploration of international crime rings that manipulate world-wide economies Simenon shared similar concerns to his contemporary Agatha Christie who was also convinced of the control of world economies and politics by evil forces.<br />
<br />
<b>My rating:</b> 4.3<br />
<br />
<b>Another review to check:</b><br />
<a href="http://mrspeabodyinvestigates.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/the-very-first-inspector-maigret-novel-pietr-the-latvian/">Mrs Peabody Investigates</a>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-81703909684146675712013-11-15T11:11:00.002+10:302013-11-15T11:12:57.380+10:30Forgotten Book: THE CAVALIER CASE, Antonia Fraser<a href="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n13/n66298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n13/n66298.jpg" width="195" /></a>My pick this week for Pattinase's <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Friday%20%27s%20Forgotten%20Books">Friday's Forgotten Books</a> comes from books that I read in 1991.<br />
<br />
#7 in Antonia Fraser's Jemima Shore mysteries, published in 1990, THE CAVALIER CASE combines love of history with her ability to write engaging mysteries. I was a history teacher at the time, loved English history, and just becoming addicted to crime fiction, so this fitted the bill for me.<br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/antonia-fraser/cavalier-case.htm">Fantastic Fiction</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>Publisher's Weekly</b><br />
<br />
In her seventh Jemima Shore
novel, Fraser deftly brings together her two previously separate fortes,
history and mystery. In an unusual premise, long-dead viscount and
Cavalier poet Decimus Meredith repeatedly exits his portrait on the wall
to haunt his 20th-century heirs.<br />
<br />
The contemporary viscount, suave and
manipulative ladies' man and tennis star ''Handsome Dan'' Meredith, has
unconventional visions about keeping up expensive Lackland Court. Dan
would model its grounds into very different kinds of courts, where he
and his fashionable friends would serve tennis balls and be served
''designer drinks'' between matches.<br />
<br />
Shore, a TV commentator, agrees to
create a program about ghosts in country houses at the same time that
she falls in love with a portrait she has been lent, which,
coincidentally, features Decimus Meredith. Meanwhile, preparations for a
costumed Cavalier Celebration at Lackland Court are upset by a death, a
startling discovery and an attack by the resident ghost. Jemima's
clearheaded sleuthing sorts out the many suspects, some of whom fit
historical roles in the family history.Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-23486282256173193282013-11-08T19:43:00.001+10:302013-11-08T19:43:58.263+10:30Forgotten Book: THE CHILL by Ross MacdonaldThis week's <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a> is featuring the work of Ross MacDonald.<br />
<br />
In 1995 the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_Writers_of_America" title="Mystery Writers of America">Mystery Writers of America</a> published a list entitled <i><b>The Top 100 Mystery Novels of All Time. </b></i><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_Macdonald" title="Ross
Macdonald">Ross Macdonald</a>: <i><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chill" title="The Chill">The Chill</a></i> (1963) was listed at #91. (See the <a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2010/03/reading-syllabus-for-crime-fiction-2.html">complete list here</a>)<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://bks1.books.google.com.au/books?id=P5NN3BfiuDYC&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&edge=curl&imgtk=AFLRE70mBrmMkGrILt2ccPOtrFz_JwK-r4-evyYobpfp7sLmVueoBv9kB3Sg39ve37bf6mBKc9ja9IalliaKhs5K4VQxNQ7y60SjeA03IwHLbfuBXSMr-JsMRzF0umTCZS57Fvr_zTod" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bks1.books.google.com.au/books?id=P5NN3BfiuDYC&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&edge=curl&imgtk=AFLRE70mBrmMkGrILt2ccPOtrFz_JwK-r4-evyYobpfp7sLmVueoBv9kB3Sg39ve37bf6mBKc9ja9IalliaKhs5K4VQxNQ7y60SjeA03IwHLbfuBXSMr-JsMRzF0umTCZS57Fvr_zTod" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Chill-Ross-Macdonald/dp/0679768076" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RiSTe7g-L._SY344_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="207" /></a>THE CHILL was published in 1963 (50 years ago)<br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="http://books.google.com.au/books/about/The_Chill.html?id=P5NN3BfiuDYC&redir_esc=y">Google Books</a>)<br />
<br />
Private detective Lew Archer has better things to do than take on an
investigation for Alex Kincaid, a young man claiming that his new bride,
Dolly, has gone missing.<br />
<br />
Snapped by a hotel photographer on the day of
their wedding, the beautiful girl vanished only hours after and Alex has
heard nothing since.<br />
<br />
But when Archer begins digging, he finds evidence
that links Dolly to brutal murders that span two decades, and a terrible
secret.<br />
<br />
Click on the cover to the right to read the first few pages. <br />
<br />
<br />Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-8181789073423773012013-11-01T16:13:00.000+10:302013-11-01T16:13:54.345+10:30Forgotten Book: DEATH OF A HOLLOW MAN, Caroline GrahamMy pick this week for Pattinase's <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Friday%20%27s%20Forgotten%20Books">Friday's Forgotten Books</a> comes from books that I read in 1991.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n12/n61063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n12/n61063.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
It is DEATH OF A HOLLOW MAN by Caroline Graham, #2 in her Chief Inspector Barnaby series, published in 1989.<br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/caroline-graham/death-of-hollow-man.htm">Fantastic Fiction</a>)<br />
<br />
A visit to a Causton Amateur Dramatic Society production is not
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby's idea of good entertainment, but
loyalty to his wife prevails. And when the leading man takes his role
too much to heart in a gruesome final act, Tom finds his professional
skills are called upon.<br />
<br />
The first in this series THE KILLINGS AT BADGER'S DRIFT was featured in my <a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/forgotten-book-killings-at-badgers.html">Forgotten Books post</a> in August 2011, and was also listed at #80 by the British Crime Writer's Association in their <i><b>The Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time</b></i> is a list published in 1990. <br />
<br />
You might like to take this advice also - <i><b><a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2008/06/never-visit-midsomer-during-festival.html">never visit Midsomer during a Festival!</a></b></i>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-23666318218318524512013-10-25T16:16:00.000+10:302013-10-25T16:16:25.241+10:30Forgotten Book: NO MAN'S LAND, Reginald HillMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase<img class="snap_preview_icon" id="snap_com_shot_link_icon" src="http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/t.gif" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url("http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/theme/silver/palette.gif"); background-position: -1128px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "trebuchet ms",arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 12px; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 2000px; max-width: 2000px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; padding: 1px 0px 0px; position: static; text-decoration: none; top: auto; vertical-align: top; visibility: visible; width: 14px;" /><img class="snap_preview_icon" id="snap_com_shot_link_icon" src="http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/t.gif" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url("http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/theme/silver/palette.gif"); background-position: -1128px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "trebuchet ms",arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 12px; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 2000px; max-width: 2000px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; padding: 1px 0px 0px; position: static; text-decoration: none; top: auto; vertical-align: top; visibility: visible; width: 14px;" /></a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n11/n56858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n11/n56858.jpg" width="209" /></a>I read NO MAN'S LAND, published in 1985, at about this time in October 1993.<br />
It is one of Reginald Hill's historical stand-alone novels, not a Dalziel and Pascoe for which he is better known.<br />
For me it would have had the twin marks of history and thriller. <br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Mans-Land-Reginald-Hill/dp/0586070850">Amazon</a>)<br />
<br />
Set in the aftermath of the Battle of Somme, 1916, this offbeat,
intriguing tale is based upon the legend of armed and dangerous Allied
deserters who supposedly roamed the ruined countryside, "no man's land,"
that existed between the British and German lines.<br />
<br />
Known to the British
as Viney's Volunteers, the deserters are commanded by Arthur Aloysius
Viney, an Australian army sergeant gone mad. Viney's chief British
nemesis is Captain Jack Denial, commander of the military police and
peacetime Scotland Yard detective.<br />
<br />
Viney, it seems, is responsible for
the death of Denial's lover, an Army nurse. By the author of several
well-received mystery novels, this present work is carefully researched
and thoughtfully written. Its strengths include vivid background detail,
an intricate but believable plot, and solid development of innumerable
major and minor characters. <br />
<br />
<br />Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-44145785064606291712013-10-18T20:05:00.000+10:302013-10-18T20:05:01.880+10:30Forgotten Book: GIRL IN WAITING, Georges SimenonMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase<img class="snap_preview_icon" id="snap_com_shot_link_icon" src="http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/t.gif" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url("http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/theme/silver/palette.gif"); background-position: -1128px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "trebuchet ms",arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 12px; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 2000px; max-width: 2000px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; padding: 1px 0px 0px; position: static; text-decoration: none; top: auto; vertical-align: top; visibility: visible; width: 14px;" /><img class="snap_preview_icon" id="snap_com_shot_link_icon" src="http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/t.gif" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url("http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/theme/silver/palette.gif"); background-position: -1128px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "trebuchet ms",arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 12px; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 2000px; max-width: 2000px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; padding: 1px 0px 0px; position: static; text-decoration: none; top: auto; vertical-align: top; visibility: visible; width: 14px;" /></a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518qHTmncBL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518qHTmncBL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="202" /></a>This week Friday's Forgotten Books is being hosted by <a href="http://georgekelley.org/">George Kelley. </a><br />
<br />
My choice is Georges Simenon's GIRL IN WAITING aka CHIT OF A GIRL, originally published in 1938?. An English version (cover to the right) was published in Pan paperback in 1957. I read this book in October 1993.<br />
<br />
A problem I have struck before with the early Simenon novels is that it is so hard to find a synopsis. The books are often out of print and have been for some time. It seems from what I have found that the publication may have contained two stories.<br />
<br />
How is your French? <a href="http://www.toutsimenon.com/oeuvre/tout-simenon/fiche-livre/17-La-Marie-du-port_3980">Check a listing here</a>. <br />
<br />
The following synopsis<b> (</b><a href="http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/27576339">gleaned from Trove</a><b>) </b>actually comes from a review in Australia's Sydney Morning Herald in 1949.<br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis </b><br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BGuVdcHEL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BGuVdcHEL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="202" /></a><br />
CHIT OF A GIRL, by Georges Simenon. Trans, by Geoffrey Sainsbury.<br />
<br />
The title story is Richardson's "Pamela, or Virtue Re- warded," in a modern French setting. Its companion piece, "Justice," is a crime story with a satiric flavour. Both are-very satisfying examples of Simenon's peculiar talent.<br />
<br />
The Chit is Marie Le Flem, waitress in the cafe at the fishing village of Port-eñ-Bessin. Chateard, once a fisherman, now cafe and cinema owner at Cherbourg, first saw her when he drove her elder sister, Odile, his mistress, to her father's funeral. He was strongly attracted by her<br />
<br />
Odile "was plump, pink and tender, with a delicate skin, decile and easy-going." - Marie was "hardly formed ... lean haunches .and hardly any bust She did not bother about other people .. . . looked at them sideways, and what she thought of them she kept to herself."<br />
<br />
Chatelard's ardour and exasperation increase as Marie's apparent aversion grows. His brusque technique, successful with other women, fails here and the snaring of Don Juan is achieved amid the smiles and admiration' of the Port.<br />
<br />
"Justice" Petit Louis, swindler and souteneur helped Gene and the Marseilles gang in a post-office job, but offended them by blabbing to Constance Ropiquet, on whom he was living in Nice. Returning after two- days' precautionary absence from her flat he found her murdered.<br />
<br />
Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-87298008411279913972013-10-11T08:53:00.000+10:302013-10-11T08:53:13.065+10:30Forgotten Book: CHILDREN OF THE WIND, Kate WilhelmMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase<img class="snap_preview_icon" id="snap_com_shot_link_icon" src="http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/t.gif" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url("http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/theme/silver/palette.gif"); background-position: -1128px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "trebuchet ms",arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 12px; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 2000px; max-width: 2000px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; padding: 1px 0px 0px; position: static; text-decoration: none; top: auto; vertical-align: top; visibility: visible; width: 14px;" /></a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then<br />
<br />
Kate Wilhelm is an author that I read in 1993, but I doubt that I have read any more although she continues to write, and some of her more recent offerings appear to fit the crime fiction genre.<br />
<br />
In October 1993 I read CHILDREN OF THE WIND, which is not really crime fiction. <br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b> from Amazon, where it is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Children-of-the-Wind-ebook/dp/B00DS9CP0S/">now available for Kindle</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://kirlian.pair.com/~haref100/katewilhelm/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Children-of-the-Windsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://kirlian.pair.com/~haref100/katewilhelm/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Children-of-the-Windsmall.jpg" /></a></div>
This collection assembles in one volume five works by Kate Wilhelm,
masterful fantasist and one of science fiction's premier storytellers:<br />
In 'Children of the Wind', identical twins J-1 and J-2 play subtle
games with their parents' lives. Are the boys just precocious, or are
they far more strange - and powerful? 'The Gorgon Field' finds Charlie
and Constance caught in a mystery of mystical proportions in the Arizona
desert. 'A Brother to Dragons, a Companion of Owls' depicts a future in
which survival may not be merely enough - it may be too much, whilst
'The Blue Ladies' studies a disabled woman's abilities to share his
vision. 'The Girl Who Fell Into the Sky', winner of the Nebula Award for
best novelette, weaves a dreamy tale of love, death and an old piano
amid the Kansas plains.<br /> These five tales present luminous, absorbing visions of the world as it could be and as it is.<br />
<br />
However, more recent titles like THE PRICE OF SILENCE and SKELETONS do appear to be crime fiction.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://katewilhelm.com/">See Kate Wilhelm's site</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=a9_sc_1?rh=i%3Adigital-text%2Ck%3Abarbara+holloway&keywords=barbara+holloway">Amazon links</a> to her Barbara Holloway novels. <br />
<br />
<b>About Kate Wilhelm</b><br />
Kate Wilhelm’s first novel was a mystery, published in 1963. She has
recently returned to writing mysteries with her Barbara Holloway novels.
Over the span of her career, her writing has crossed over the genres of
Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, fantasy and magical realism;
psychological suspense, mimetic, comic, and family sagas, a multimedia
stage production, and radio plays. Her works have been adapted for
television and movies in the United States, England, and Germany.
Wilhelm’s novels and stories have been translated to more than a dozen
languages. She has contributed to <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/144194258929949">Quark</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/106069959424786">Orbit</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/115718361775221">Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/112268358785532">Locus</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/112385468774316">Amazing Stories</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/107120099324887">Asimov’s Science Fiction</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/111818938835694">Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/105650789469506">Fantastic</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/136123166419830">Omni</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/108551659166542">Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/">Redbook</a></em>, and <em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/w/112896882054811">Cosmopolitan</a>.</em>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-12055389061364565812013-10-04T08:50:00.000+09:302013-10-04T08:57:21.315+09:30Review: MASTER OF THE MOOR, Ruth Rendell - audio book<ul><a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Master-of-the-Moor-Audiobook/B006MY8744" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51j1Cx3ta6L._SL175_.jpg" /></a>
<li>this edition available from <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Master-of-the-Moor-Audiobook/B006MY8744">Audible</a>, narrated by <span class="adbl-prod-author"><a class="adbl-link" href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=det_narr_1?searchNarrator=Michael+Bryant">Michael Bryant</a></span></li>
<li><span class="adbl-prod-author">Unabridged</span></li>
<li><span class="adbl-prod-author">Length: 7 hours 6 mins</span></li>
<li><span class="adbl-prod-author">originally published 1982 </span></li>
</ul>
<span class="adbl-prod-author"><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Master-of-the-Moor-Audiobook/B006MY8744">Audible</a>)</span><br />
<span class="adbl-prod-author"><br /></span>
The bleak expanse of Vangmoor was a dark, forbidding place. One victim
had been found there, blonde, her face disfigured, her head shorn close
to the scalp - killed without motive or mercy.<br />
<br />
Then a second woman went
missing on the moor, and a sense of utter dread gripped the fifty local
men who searched for her. Someone watched them in that treacherous
place. Was he a killer? Or was he merely angry that a killer had usurped
him? For he, and only he, was the Master of the Moor.<br />
<br />
From <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_the_Moor">Wikipedia</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/07/Masterofthemoor.jpg/200px-Masterofthemoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/07/Masterofthemoor.jpg/200px-Masterofthemoor.jpg" /></a></div>
Columnist Stephen Walby, known as the Voice of Vangmoor, often goes on
long walks through the countryside that lies outside his window.
However, events take on a sinister turn when he stumbles across the body
of a young woman, whose face has been badly disfigured and her hair
shaven.<br />
<br />
After another corpse surfaces he finds himself under suspicion
from the local police, and when he then goes on to discover that his
wife has been having an affair, tragedy ensues.. <br />
<br />
<b>My Take</b><br />
<br />
This is a Ruth Rendell stand-alone published in 1982, before she began publishing this style of book under the pseudonym of Barbara Vine.<br />
<br />
Like his grandfather before him, Stephen Walby has an obsession with Vangmoor. It came as a surprise to me that Stephen is a relatively young man, only in his early twenties. I thought Rendell made him seem much older than he is. He also seems to have the knack of turning up in the wrong place at the wrong time, eventually giving the police no alternative to taking him in for questioning, regarding him as a "person of interest" in the Vangmoor murder cases.<br />
<br />
The story takes a savage twist about half way through, when Stephen reacts violently upon finding out that his wife has been having an affair. Is Stephen Walby a dormant psychotic? His comfortable world is constantly under challenge. The strings that anchor Stephen to reality are snapped when a childhood friend reappears.<br />
<br />
And just when the reader thinks they have it all worked out, the book takes another twist, one that you could not have predicted, as the Master of the Moor claims his final victim.<br />
<br />
Another of the characteristics of these early Rendell stand-alones, by comparison with the Wexford series, is that they are relatively short books. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Master-Of-The-Moor-ebook/dp/B0042RUPJI/">According to Amazon</a>, it is only 218 pages long. For example <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Vault-Wexford-Case-ebook/dp/B00563M1AI/">THE VAULT</a>, one of the later Wexfords, is more than 60 pages longer, as are many of her later books.<br />
<br />
<b>My rating:</b> 4.6 <br />
<br />
I have reviewed the following Barbara Vine novels<br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2008/12/review-birthday-present-barbara-vine.html">THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT</a><br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/review-dark-adapted-eye-barbara-vine.html">4.8, A DARK ADAPTED EYE</a><br />
<br />
And these by Ruth Rendell<br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-from-doon-with-death-ruth.html">FROM DOON WITH DEATH</a><br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2009/03/review-portobello-ruth-rendell.html">PORTOBELLO</a><br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-monster-in-box-ruth-rendell.html">4.7, THE MONSTER IN THE BOX</a><br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2011/04/review-new-lease-of-death-ruth-rendell.html">4.5, A NEW LEASE OF DEATH</a><br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-vault-ruth-rendell.html">4.6, THE VAULT</a><br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/review-best-man-to-die-ruth-rendell.html">4.6, THE BEST MAN TO DIE</a><br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/review-sight-for-sore-eyes-ruth-rendell.html">4.5, A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES</a> <br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/review-saint-zita-society-ruth-rendell.html">4.5, THE SAINT ZITA SOCIETY</a> Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-30861286956787402492013-10-03T15:39:00.000+09:302013-10-03T22:24:27.565+09:30Review: Miss Marple short stories: The Solving Six, Agatha ChristieI have already reviewed the six short stories that I am going to talk about here in my review of the short story collection called <a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2009/07/review-thirteen-problems-agatha.html">THE THIRTEEN PROBLEMS</a>.<br />
<br />
But when I read those I hadn't really understood that the first 6 stories in the collection were the first appearance of Miss Marple, and that when they were published in the USA some of them were re-titled to reflect their connection to "The Solving Six".<br />
<br />
These six stories were all published 1927-1928 whereas Jane Marple's first appearance in a novel was in MURDER IN THE VICARAGE in 1930. The stories have recently been individually republished as e-books by Harper Collins, and it is these that I have read most recently.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2e/Miss_Marple_First_Image.jpg/220px-Miss_Marple_First_Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2e/Miss_Marple_First_Image.jpg/220px-Miss_Marple_First_Image.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illustration by Gilbert Wilkinson of Miss Marple <br />
(December 1927 issue of <i>The Royal Magazine</i>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A group of friends are meeting at the house of Miss Marple in St Mary Mead. As well as the old lady herself, there is her nephew - the writer Raymond West - the artist Joyce Lemprière, Sir Henry Clithering (a former Scotland Yard commissioner), a clergyman called Dr. Pender, and Mr Petherick, a solicitor.<br />
<br />
The conversation turns to unsolved mysteries; Raymond, Joyce, Pender, and Petherick all claim that their professions are ideal for solving crimes. Joyce suggests that they form a club; every Tuesday night, a member of the group must tell of a real mystery, and the others will attempt to solve it. Sir Henry agrees to participate, and Miss Marple brightly volunteers herself to round out the group.<br />
<br />
At first only Sir Henry Clithering seems to have any intimation that Jane Marple might be the best sleuth amongst them.<br />
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<br />
The connecting thread of the 6 stories is laid out in <i><b>The Tuesday Night Club</b></i>, first published in the UK in December 1927, and in the USA as <i><b>The Solving Six</b></i> in 2 June 1928.<br />
<br />
After the Tuesday Night Club is set up, the first story comes from <b>Sir Henry Clithering</b>.<br />
<br />
Sir Henry, until recently Commissioner of Scotland Yard,
tells a tale about tinned lobster that caused a fatal case of food
poisoning.<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-dpXZop3L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-dpXZop3L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
The second story <i><b>The Idol House of Astarte</b></i> was first published in the UK in January 1928 and in the USA as <i><b>The Solving Six and the Evil Hour</b></i> in 9 June 1928.<br />
<br />
The story, told by the clergyman <b>Dr Pender</b> is a strange and tragic experience from his youth.<br />
<br />
Years ago, a murder was committed on the night of a costume party thrown
by Sir Richard Haydon, a man who was a rival of his cousin Eliot for
the affections of the lovely Diana Ashley. Sir Richard’s estate
contained the grove of Astarte, which held a mysterious stone summer
house. The summer house was rumoured to have been the site of numerous
sacred rites in years long past, and in a surprise act, Diana enacted
the role of Astarte, startling Sir Richard who stumbled and fell. When
the others reached him body, he was found dead of a knife wound to the
heart. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
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<i><b>Ingots of Gold</b></i>, first published in the UK in February 1928, and in the USA in 16 June 1928 as <i><b>The Solving Six and the Golden Grave</b></i>, comes from Raymond West.<br />
<br />
<b>Raymond West</b> approaches the Tuesday Night Club after his visit to John
Newman, a friend who is searching for the Spanish ship Otranto which was
shipwrecked off the coast of Cornwall. When John Newman disappears for
days, upon his return he claims that he had been abducted by the thieves
who had stripped the Otranto of its gold, and that the local pub
landlord had worked with them.<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
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<i><b>The Blood-Stained Pavement</b></i> was first published in the UK in March 1928 and in the USA as <i><b>Drip! Drip!</b></i> 23 June 1928.<br />
<br />
I found it interesting that <i><b>The Solving Six</b></i> has disappeared from the US title.<br />
<br />
The story is told by <b>Joyce Lempriere</b>. It is something that happened five years before and has haunted her ever since. She was vacationing at a small inn on the Cornish coast. She was
painting a picture of the front of the inn, including details of wet
bathing suits drying on the balcony of Denis and Margery Dacre, when she
realised she had included blood stains on the pavement. A few days
later Margery is found having drowned and the Club are called to solve
the mystery.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
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<br />
<i><b>Motive v. Opportunity</b></i> was first published in the UK in April 1928 and first appeared in the USA as <i><b>Where's the Catch?</b></i> on 30 June 1928. Again <i><b>The Solving Six</b></i> link is missing.<br />
<br />
Attorney <b>Mr Petherick</b> relates an incident involving the late Simon
Clode, a wealthy client. Obsessed by his granddaughter’s death, despite
the presence of his young niece and nephew, Clode turns to spiritualist
Eurydice Spragg to contact his granddaughter in the afterlife. Clode
then decided to write a new will, leaving Eurydice as the benefactor
excluding his family. To everyone’s surprise, when the envelope
containing the will is opened, the paper is blank.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
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<br />
The final story is Miss Marple's.<br />
<i><b>The Thumb Mark of St. Peter</b></i> was first published in the UK in May 1928 and then in the USA as <b><i>The Thumb-Mark of St. Peter</i></b> on 7 July 1928.<br />
<br />
Fifteen years ago, Miss Marple’s niece, Mabel Denman was accused of
murdering her husband. Mabel’s marriage had been an unhappy one, as
Geoffrey had been abusive and violent. Can Miss Marple clear her niece’s
name and reveal the true perpetrator?<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
So here are 6 very early Miss Marple stories. You can pick them up individually from Amazon or Harper Collins for your e-reader or look for a copy of THE THIRTEEN PROBLEMS.<br />
<br />
Well worth the hunt.<br />
<br />
You might like to check The Thirteen Problems on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thirteen_Problems">Wikipedia</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>My rating:</b> 4.5.Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-71545656734815899292013-09-27T17:37:00.002+09:302013-09-27T17:37:59.271+09:30Forgotten Book: B is for Burglar, Sue GraftonMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
In my reading 20 years ago I began reading a number of series that I have kept up with ever since.<br />
That was certainly the case with last week's book, <a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/forgotten-book-bones-and-silence.html">Reginald Hill's BONES AND SILENCE</a>. <br />
<br />
And it was certainly the case with this week's choice. Sue Grafton had quite recently begun her "alphabet" series, and, rather obviously, B is for BURGLAR was #2 in the series, published in 1985. By 1993 she was up to J.<br />
<br />
News this week comes that Grafton has now published <a href="http://www.amazon.com/W-Is-for/dp/0230769152">W IS FOR WASTED</a>.<br />
So at 73 years of age Grafton as 3 letters to go, if she is to finish the series.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Burglar-Millhone-Alphabet-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B005G14W16/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61oEIQv8MbL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Synopsis of B IS FOR BURGLAR (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Burglar-Millhone-Alphabet-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B005G14W16/">Amazon</a>)</b><br />
<br />
<div id="outer_postBodyPS" style="height: auto; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;">
<div id="postBodyPS">
Business was slow, and there was nothing
about Beverly Danziger to cause Kinsey concern. She was looking for her
sister. She paid up front. And if it seemed a lot of money for a routine
job, Kinsey wasn't going to argue.<br />
<br />
She kicked herself later
for the things she didn't see. But by then she was in danger, and money
was the last thing on her mind...</div>
</div>
Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-42363900608136469132013-09-20T14:17:00.000+09:302013-09-20T14:17:10.395+09:30Forgotten Book: BONES AND SILENCE, Reginald Hill<a href="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n11/n56871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n11/n56871.jpg" width="198" /></a>My plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
BONES AND SILENCE, which I read just on 20 years ago, is #11 in Hill's Dalziel and Pascoe series.<br />
<br />
The series began with A CLUBBABLE WOMAN published in 1970.<br />
BONES AND SILENCE was published in 1990.<br />
<br />
Just recently a local TV station has been doing re-runs of the Dalziel & Pascoe series and this one was shown.<br />
<br />
It is a bit reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcok's Rear Window although of course Andy Dalziel is anything but immobilised.<br />
Just recently I read <a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/review-trust-your-eyes-linwood-barclay.html">TRUST YOUR EYES by Linwood Barclay</a> which visits the "observed murder" aspect from a different angle.<br />
And of course there is also Agatha Christie's <a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/review-450-from-paddington-agatha.html">4.50 FROM PADDINGTON</a> (aka WHAT MRS MCGILLICUDDY SAW, MURDER SHE SAID)<br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b> (Fantastic Fiction)<br />
<br />
When Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel witnesses a bizarre murder
across the street from his own back garden, he is quite sure who the
culprit is. After all, he's got to believe what he sees with his own
eyes. But what exactly does he see? And is he mistaken? Peter Pascoe
thinks so.<br />
<br />
Dalziel senses the doubters around him, which only
strengthens his resolve. To make matters worse, he's being pestered by
an anonymous letter-writer, threatening suicide. Worse still, Pascoe
seems intent on reminding him of the fact. Meanwhile, the effervescent
Eileen Chung is directing the Mystery Plays. And who does she have in
mind for God? Daziel, of course. He shouldn't have too much difficulty
acting the part...<br />
<br />
Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-60925532242684379282013-09-13T15:57:00.000+09:302013-09-13T15:57:44.070+09:30Forgotten Book: DEADLY SCORE, Paul MyersMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QsB0CXQlL._SY346_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QsB0CXQlL._SY346_.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
I read DEADLY SCORE just on 20 years ago.<br />
It was published in 1988, #5 in Myers' Mark Holland series.<br />
There were 6 novels in the series, published over 5 years, and since then Myers appears to have disappeared off the fiction writing landscape. [I believe he is a Canadian musician and writer who was part of a band called the
Gravelberrys, although this could be another Paul Myers.] <br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/paul-myers/deadly-variations.htm">Deadly Variations</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1985.htm">1985</a>)</span><br />2. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/paul-myers/deadly-cadenza.htm">Deadly Cadenza</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1986.htm">1986</a>)</span><br />3. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/paul-myers/deadly-aria.htm">Deadly Aria</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1987.htm">1987</a>)</span><br />4. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/paul-myers/deadly-sonata.htm">Deadly Sonata</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1987.htm">1987</a>)</span><br />5. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/paul-myers/deadly-score.htm">Deadly Score</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1988.htm">1988</a>)</span><br />6. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/paul-myers/deadly-crescendo.htm">Deadly Crescendo</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1989.htm">1989</a>)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="year"><b>Synopsis</b> (Reed Publishing)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="year"> </span><span class="year">Since 1976, former spy Mark Holland has been managing classical
musicians on tour. Ten years later in Tokyo, another agent, shot and
dying, entrusts him with a message and Mark suspects that the games
being played by his former bosses and international competitors are
dirtier than before. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="year">Conferring with former colleagues in America and
England, Holland intuits a sordid conspiracy in the making. He has no
facts, however, as he leaves for Berlin to confer with a client, the
renowned conductor Konstantin Steigel. Hoping to secretly buy recently
discovered Gustave Mahler scores, Steigel asks Holland to handle the
deal in East Berlin. Tense events reach a horrifying climax, with
Holland seized and tortured, released only after an "arrangement"
between British and Soviet agencies. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="year">He is traveling again, out to
settle the "deadly score," as the author, a classical record producer,
ends the story on a note of quivering suspense. </span> <br />
<br />
<br />
Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-75585941953972622182013-09-06T08:50:00.000+09:302013-09-06T08:50:38.887+09:30Forgotten Book: THE GREEN MILL MURDER, Kerry GreenwoodMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
Kerry Greenwood, recently given <a href="http://www.sistersincrime.org.au/content/age-kerry-greenwoods-davitt-inaugural-lifetime-achievement-award">Australian Sisters in Crime Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award</a>, is now well known, even outside Australia, for her Phryne Fisher series. THE GREEN MILL MURDER is #5 in the series. The title was published in 1993.<br />
<br />
The original books are available <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_kk_3?rh=i%3Adigital-text%2Ck%3Akerry+greenwood+phryne+fisher&keywords=kerry+greenwood+phryne+fisher&ie=UTF8&qid=1378422920">on Amazon</a> in paperback and for Kindle. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.allenandunwin.com/BookCovers/resized_9781741145557_224_297_FitSquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.allenandunwin.com/BookCovers/resized_9781741145557_224_297_FitSquare.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=337&book=9781741145557">publisher</a>)<br />
<br />
Dancing divinely through the murder and mayhem of her fifth adventure, the elegant Phryne Fisher remains unflappable.<br /><br />Gorgeous
in her sparkling lobelia-coloured georgette dress, delighted by her
dancing skill, pleased with her partner and warmed by the admiring
regard of the banjo player, Miss Phryne Fisher had thought of tonight as
a promising evening at the hottest dancehall in town, the Green Mill.<br /><br />
But that was before death broke in. In jazz-mad 1920s Melbourne,
Phryne finds there are hidden perils in dancing the night away like
murder, blackmail and young men who vanish.<br /><br /> Phryne
Fisher's fifth adventure leads to smoke-filled clubs, a dashingly
handsome band leader, some fancy flying indeed across the Australian
Alps and a most unexpected tryst with a gentle stranger.<br /><br />
Independent, wealthy, spirited and possessed of an uninhibited style
that makes every one move out of her way and stand gawking a full five
minutes after she walks by Phryne Fisher is a woman who gets what she
wants and has the good sense to enjoy every minute of it!' Davina
Bartlett, Geelong Times <br />
<br />
A reminder too to Australian readers that the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/miss-fishers-murder-mysteries/">second Phryne Fisher series</a> (6 episodes newly written) begins on the ABC tonight, Friday 6 September<br />
<br />
<strong>Phryne Fisher</strong><br />1. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/cocaine-blues.htm">Cocaine Blues</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1989.htm">1989</a>)</span><br /> aka <i>Death by Misadventure</i><br />2. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/flying-too-high.htm">Flying Too High</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1990.htm">1990</a>)</span><br />3. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/murder-on-ballarat-train.htm">Murder on the Ballarat Train</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1991.htm">1991</a>)</span><br />4. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/death-at-victoria-dock.htm">Death at Victoria Dock</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1992.htm">1992</a>)</span><br />5. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/green-mill-murder.htm">The Green Mill Murder</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1993.htm">1993</a>)</span><br />6. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/blood-and-circuses.htm">Blood and Circuses</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1994.htm">1994</a>)</span><br />7. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/ruddy-gore.htm">Ruddy Gore</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1995.htm">1995</a>)</span><br />8. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/urn-burial.htm">Urn Burial</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1996.htm">1996</a>)</span><br />9. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/raisins-and-almonds.htm">Raisins and Almonds</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1997.htm">1997</a>)</span><br />10. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/death-before-wicket.htm">Death Before Wicket</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1999.htm">1999</a>)</span><br />11. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/away-with-fairies.htm">Away with the Fairies</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2001.htm">2001</a>)</span><br />12. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/murder-in-montparnasse.htm">Murder in Montparnasse</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2002.htm">2002</a>)</span><br />13. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/castlemaine-murders.htm">The Castlemaine Murders</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2003.htm">2003</a>)</span><br />14. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/queen-of-flowers.htm">Queen of the Flowers</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2004.htm">2004</a>)</span><br />15. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/death-by-water.htm">Death By Water</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2005.htm">2005</a>)</span><br />16. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/murder-in-dark.htm">Murder in the Dark</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2006.htm">2006</a>)</span><br />17. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/murder-on-midsummer-night.htm">Murder on a Midsummer Night</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2008.htm">2008</a>)</span><br />18. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/dead-man-s-chest.htm">Dead Man's Chest</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2010.htm">2010</a>)</span><br />19. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/unnatural-habits.htm">Unnatural Habits</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2012.htm">2012</a>)</span><br />20. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/kerry-greenwood/murder-and-mendelssohn.htm">Murder & Mendelssohn</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2013.htm">2013</a>)</span> <br />
Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-32968364216978701072013-08-30T14:58:00.002+09:302013-08-30T15:06:16.076+09:30Forgotten Book: A MIND TO MURDER, P.D. JamesMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n4/n24005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n4/n24005.jpg" width="202" /></a>My choice today was published just 50 years ago in 1963, #2 in the Inspector Dalgliesh series. I read it just 20 years ago yesterday.<br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/mind-to-murder.htm">Fantastic Fiction</a>).<br />
<br />
When the administrative head of the Steen Psychiatric Clinic is found
dead with a chisel in her heart, Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh of
Scotland Yard is called in to investigate. Dalgliesh must analyze the
deep-seated anxieties and thwarted desires of patients and staff alike
to determine which of their unresolved conflicts resulted in murder.<br />
<br />
With "discernment, depth, and craftsmanship," wrote the <i>Chicago Daily News,</i> <i>A Mind to Murder</i> "is a superbly satisfying mystery."<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <br />
<br />
I find it remarkable that this series is now over 50 years old. They seem so modern in style when you pick one up and read it these days. <br />
<br />
<b>Inspector Adam Dalgliesh</b><br />
1. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/cover-her-face.htm">Cover Her Face</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1962.htm">1962</a>)</span><br />
2. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/mind-to-murder.htm">A Mind to Murder</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1963.htm">1963</a>)</span><br />
3. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/unnatural-causes.htm">Unnatural Causes</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1967.htm">1967</a>)</span><br />
4. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/shroud-for-nightingale.htm">Shroud for a Nightingale</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1971.htm">1971</a>)</span><br />
5. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/black-tower.htm">The Black Tower</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1975.htm">1975</a>)</span><br />
6. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/death-of-expert-witness.htm">Death of an Expert Witness</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1977.htm">1977</a>)</span><br />
7. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/taste-for-death.htm">A Taste for Death</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1986.htm">1986</a>)</span><br />
8. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/devices-and-desires.htm">Devices and Desires</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1989.htm">1989</a>)</span><br />
9. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/original-sin.htm">Original Sin</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1994.htm">1994</a>)</span><br />
10. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/certain-justice.htm">A Certain Justice</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1997.htm">1997</a>)</span><br />
11. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/death-in-holy-orders.htm">Death in Holy Orders</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2001.htm">2001</a>)</span><br />
12. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/murder-room.htm">The Murder Room</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2003.htm">2003</a>)</span><br />
13. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/lighthouse.htm">The Lighthouse</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2005.htm">2005</a>)</span><br />
14. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/p-d-james/private-patient.htm">The Private Patient</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2008.htm">2008</a>)</span>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-57337441157093817042013-08-23T14:04:00.000+09:302013-08-23T14:04:19.126+09:30Forgotten Book: MURDER BY THE BOOK, Jennifer Rowe<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Book-Jennifer-Rowe/dp/0553293737" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ILFUEC26L._SY346_.jpg" width="194" /></a>My plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
I read MURDER BY THE BOOK in August 1993.<br />
It was published in 1991, #2 in the Verity Birdwood series. <br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Book-Jennifer-Rowe/dp/0553293737">Amazon</a>) <br />
<br />
Publishing company, Berry & Michaels, is celebrating its recent
takeover by a UK-based conglomerate, and the arrival of its new English
managing director. But, strangely, some of the staff don't seem to be in
a party mood.<br />
<br />
<b>From <a href="http://www.fictiondb.com/author/jennifer-rowe~murder-by-the-book~71321~b.htm">FictionDB</a> </b><br />
<span class="synopsis">IT WAS THE PUBLISHING EVENT OF THE SEASON...UNTIL SOMEONE ADDED MURDER TO THE MENU.<br />
<br />
When Quentin Hale, the ruthless new takeover boss of one of Australia's
oldest publishing houses, launched a glittering round of parties,
interviews, and book signings to promote his top four authors, he
unwittingly whipped up a recipe for disaster.<br />
<br />
His jolly author of popular gardening books was actually a notorious
lush. His successful authoress of muckraking biographies was a malicious
troublemaker. And his queen of children's books had once shared a
disastrous love affair with his number-one novelist, a man teetering on
the brink of yet another nervous breakdown.<br />
<br />
The disgruntled staff could have warned Hale that the promotion was a
deadly mistake, if he'd asked. But even they couldn't have known just
how deadly...until one famed author downed a fatal drink and a second
soon went missing. Now it looks as if someone in this literary crew has
been plotting murder all along. Can editor Kate Delaney and her friend
Birdie catch the killer before he writes off his next victim?</span> <br />
<br />
<strong>Verity Birdwood</strong><br /><a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/grim-pickings.htm">Grim Pickings</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1988.htm">1988</a>)</span><br /><a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/murder-by-book.htm">Murder by the Book</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1989.htm">1989</a>)</span><br /><a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/death-in-store.htm">Death in Store</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1991.htm">1991</a>)</span><br /><a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/makeover-murders.htm">The Makeover Murders</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1992.htm">1992</a>)</span><br /><a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/stranglehold.htm">Stranglehold</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1993.htm">1993</a>)</span><br /><a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/lamb-to-slaughter.htm">Lamb to the Slaughter</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1995.htm">1995</a>)</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="freeText13335255247083509703">About the author</span></b><br />
<span id="freeText13335255247083509703">Jennifer June Rowe is
an Australian author. Her crime fiction for adults is published under
her own name, while her children's fiction is published under the
pseudonyms Emily Rodda and Mary-Anne Dickinson. She is well known for
the children's fantasy series Deltora Quest, Rowan of Rin, Fairy Realm
and Teen Power Inc., and recently the Rondo trilogy. </span>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-27727624198331167302013-08-09T12:12:00.000+09:302013-08-09T12:12:01.762+09:30Forgotten Book: DANGER POINT, Patricia WentworthMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n11/n57884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n11/n57884.jpg" width="193" /></a>This is #4 in Patricia Wentworth's Miss Silver series. Published in 1941, it was also titled IN THE BALANCE.<br />
The series began in 1928 with the publication of GREY MASK. The final title, #32, published in 1961, was THE GIRL IN THE CELLAR.<br />
<br />
Patricia Wentworth, a British author, lived 1878-1961.<br />
<br />
<i>Miss Silver is sometimes compared to Jane Marple, the elderly detective created by Agatha Christie.
Miss Silver is a retired governess who becomes a private detective. She
works closely with Scotland Yard, especially Inspector Frank Abbott.
She is fond of quoting the poet Tennyson. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Miss Silver is well known in the better circles of society, and she
finds entree to the troubled households of the upper classes with little
difficulty. In most of Miss Silver's cases there is a young couple
whose romance seems ill fated because of the murder to be solved, but in
Miss Silver's competent hands the case is solved, the young couple are
exonerated, and all is right in this very traditional world.</i> See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Wentworth">Wikipedia</a>.<br />
<br />
Most of the Miss Silver titles <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_n_feature_browse-b_mrr_2?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3APatricia+Wentworth%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A618073011&bbn=283155&sort=relevancerank&ie=UTF8&qid=1376015448&rnid=618072011">appear to be available on Amazon for Kindle</a>, although generally for $11.80 each which in my terms is a bit pricey. You'll probably find some in your local library.<br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis</b><br />
<br />
Miss Silver is returning from holiday when a distraught young woman
enters her carriage. <span id="goog_616551170"></span><span id="goog_616551171"></span><span id="goog_398832639"></span><span id="goog_398832640"></span><br />
<br />
Beautiful society heiress Lisle Jerningham confides
that she believes her husband Dale is trying to kill her. An overheard
conversation and a near-tragic accident have convinced her that her life
is in danger.<br />
<br />
Lisle returns to Tanfield Court, unsettled by her
suspicions and then by another accident. But it's when a young woman
from the local village is found dead at the bottom of a cliff, that she
really begins to fear for her life. It's a good thing that Miss Silver
is on hand..<br />
<br />Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-76533822760920073692013-08-02T12:05:00.001+09:302013-08-02T12:05:51.513+09:30Forgotten Book: SAN ANDREAS by Alistair MacLeanMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
I was still up for the occasional thriller and this week's choice was MacLean's second last published novel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCI0KEf9kq4gVZGbyx5vimoYFS84W3-79cVyCT0IsT9FeXeBhVnbT69w2Q9xPH0YcdyJu_7FZgY4_bD7KGxObjauiycWjtx5DQDSYJ9rKxtfV9_6SUtTRs_u5TPWAPZYcdep2oTMs2Iq4/s1600/San+Andreas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCI0KEf9kq4gVZGbyx5vimoYFS84W3-79cVyCT0IsT9FeXeBhVnbT69w2Q9xPH0YcdyJu_7FZgY4_bD7KGxObjauiycWjtx5DQDSYJ9rKxtfV9_6SUtTRs_u5TPWAPZYcdep2oTMs2Iq4/s640/San+Andreas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Suddenly, just before dawn, the lights went out aboard the San Andreas.
For the British hospital ship sailing the deadly, U-boat patrolled
Norwegian waters, a nightmare of violence and betrayal has begun. A
terrifying game of sabotage in which an unknown traitor among the crew
holds all the cards. The red crosses on the vessel's sides spell
anything but safety. For a dangerous secret has turned the ship into a
priceless quarry. With the Captain out of action Bosun Archie McKinnon
takes over. Alone in treacherous, frozen seas, her compass smashed, the
San Andreas is being drawn relentlessly into the enemy's hands.<br />
<br />
Available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/San-Andreas-Alistair-MacLean/dp/0449209709">Amazon, even in a Kindle edition</a>. Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-57700290151319662002013-07-26T11:51:00.000+09:302013-07-26T11:51:44.185+09:30Forgotten Book: A DARK ADAPTED EYE, Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell)<a href="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n4/n24038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n4/n24038.jpg" /></a>My plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
I can see from my records that I had begun to explore the works of Barbara Vine. I am not sure whether at that stage I knew that this was Ruth Rendell writing under another name. I suspect I didn't.<br />
I have found a reference that says that <a href="http://www.gusworld.com.au/books/vine/why.htm">at first both names were shown on covers</a>, but I don't think that was the case in Australian editions. That link also explains how as a child Rendell was often called by both names, and the differences she sees between them.<br />
<br />
A DARK ADAPTED EYE was published in 1986 and was the first of Rendell's novels under the Vine pseudonym. (there are now 15 of them). I read it just over 20 years ago.<br />
<a href="http://images.spill.com/amg/video/cov120/drv500/v536/v53606nvgur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.spill.com/amg/video/cov120/drv500/v536/v53606nvgur.jpg" width="174" /></a><br />
<b>Synopsis</b><br />
When Faith Severn's aunt was hanged for murder, the reason behind her
dark deed died with her. For 30 years, the family hid the truth--until a
journalist prompts Faith to peer back to the day when her aunt took
knife in hand and entered a child's nursery.<br />
<br />
The novel won an Edgar Award and then was made into a BBC film for TV in 1994.<br />
<br />
<b>The title:</b> A dark-adapted eye is one that has adjusted to darkness so that it is
able to discern objects. In the context of the novel, the title refers
to Faith's ability, after many years, to examine and analyze her
family's history and its tragedy. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.booksplease.org/2010/07/10/a-dark-adapted-eye-by-barbara-vine-book-review/">Review at BooksPlease</a><br />
<br />
I'm very tempted to re-read the book. It sounds wonderful and I remember almost nothing of it.<br />
<br />Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-78524615935552626562013-07-19T19:22:00.000+09:302013-07-19T19:22:53.836+09:30Forgotten Book: DEATH OF A DUTCHMAN, Magdalen NabbMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Death-Dutchman-Soho-Crime-Magdalen/dp/1569474826" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41n5bZ9UJNL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This week 20 years ago I had just finished reading DEATH OF A DUTCHMAN by Magdalen Nabb, published in 1982. There were 14 in the series beginning in 1981, with the last published after the author's death.<br />
<br />
Marshal Salvatore Guarnaccia of the Carabinieri, is a Sicilian, stationed in Florence. <br />
<br />
DEATH OF A DUTCHMAN was #2 in Nabb's Marshal Guarnaccia series.<br />
Summoned by an aged woman to investigate mysterious noises in the vacant
flat next to hers, Marshal Guarnaccia discovers a dying Dutch jeweller.
The old lady had known him when he was a boy growing up in Florence.
Could he have returned to the family home just to commit suicide? Or
could the man be the victim of a cunning murderer?<br />
<br />
Magdalen Nabb's (1947-2007) novels are all set in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan
countryside. They are inspired by the place, its history, current events
and by the people. There is an element of crime in all the stories. Florence
does not have the high murder rate of, say, an American city like Baltimore
but it does have a history of spectacular, sometimes baroque murders.
Most of the novels are based on studies of real crimes. In some cases,
the research involved is extensive and the collaboration of the Florence
carabinieri is essential. <a href="http://www.magdalennabb.com/home.html">See her website </a><br />
<br />
<div class="sectionhead">
<b>Series (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/">Fantastic Fiction</a>)</b></div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="marshal-guarnaccia"></a><strong>Marshal Guarnaccia</strong><br />1. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/death-of-englishman.htm">Death of an Englishman</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1981.htm">1981</a>)</span><br />2. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/death-of-dutchman.htm">Death of a Dutchman</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1982.htm">1982</a>)</span><br />3. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/death-in-springtime.htm">Death in Springtime</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1983.htm">1983</a>)</span><br />4. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/death-in-autumn.htm">Death in Autumn</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1985.htm">1985</a>)</span><br />5. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/marshal-and-murderer.htm">The Marshal and the Murderer</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1987.htm">1987</a>)</span><br />6. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/marshal-and-madwoman.htm">The Marshal and the Madwoman</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1988.htm">1988</a>)</span><br />7. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/marshals-own-case.htm">The Marshal's Own Case</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1990.htm">1990</a>)</span><br />8. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/marshal-makes-his-report.htm">The Marshal Makes His Report</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1991.htm">1991</a>)</span><br />9. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/marshal-at-villa-torrini.htm">The Marshal at the Villa Torrini</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1993.htm">1993</a>)</span><br />10. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/monster-of-florence.htm">The Monster of Florence</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1996.htm">1996</a>)</span><br />11. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/property-of-blood.htm">Property of Blood</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2001.htm">2001</a>)</span><br />12. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/some-bitter-taste.htm">Some Bitter Taste</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2002.htm">2002</a>)</span><br />13. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/innocent.htm">The Innocent</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2005.htm">2005</a>)</span><br />14. <a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/magdalen-nabb/vita-nuova.htm">Vita Nuova</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2008.htm">2008</a>)</span> <br /><span class="year"></span>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-14050384278561821892013-06-29T11:55:00.000+09:302013-06-29T11:55:49.362+09:30Review: THE EASY SIN, Jon Cleary - audio book<ul>
<li>book published in 2002<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B002V08F5O" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xg6CLtCuL._SL175_.jpg" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>19/20 in the Scobie Malone series</li>
<li>this edition published by <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B002V08F5O">Audible</a> in 2009</li>
<li>narrator: Christian Rodska</li>
<li>Length 8 hours 53 mins</li>
</ul>
<b>Synopsis</b> (<i>publisher</i>)<br />
<br />
The time has come for Officer Scobie Malone to leave the Homicide and
Serial Offenders Unit of the Sydney police. His last investigation could
be the most bizarre case ever to land upon a policeman's desk.<br />
<br />
<i>Fantastic Fiction</i><br />
<br />
From Australia's 'national literary institution' (Sydney Morning
Herald), the latest mystery featuring homicide detective and family man
Scobie Malone<br />
<br />
The time has come for Scobie Malone to leave the Homicide
and Serial Offenders Unit of the Sydney police, and his last
investigation could be the most bizarre case ever to cross his desk.
Called in when a housemaid is found dead in a dotcom millionaire's
penthouse, Scobie suspects he's dealing with a kidnap that's gone wrong.
In fact, it couldn't have gone more wrong. The kidnappers thought they
had grabbed the millionaire's girlfriend -- how were they supposed to
know he liked slipping into her designer dresses when she wasn't around?<br />
<br />
The plot thickens further when it is revealed that the dotcom bubble
has burst, leaving the erstwhile millionaire in debt to the Yakuza and
Scobie on the trail of some old adversaries. Throw in the ex-wife, a
mistress or two, and the mother of all outlaws, and you have a case that
would confound the greatest detective and entertain the most discerning
of readers. <br />
<br />
<b>My Take</b><br />
<br />
Christian Rodka's brilliant narration added great pleasure to listening to this novel. There is quite a cast of characters and his voice portrayal made picking one from the other relatively easy.<br />
<br />
I've been on a bit of a Jon Cleary kick in the last few months and have listened to<br />
<a href="http://acrccarnival.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/acrc-carnival-2012-11-november.html">4.6, WINTER CHILL</a>- set some time before THE EASY SIN and<br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/review-degrees-of-connection-jon-cleary.html">4.7, DEGREES OF CONNECTION</a> which was Jon Cleary's last Scobie Malone novel, following on from THE EASY SIN.<br />
<br />
There are passages in this novel which crack a smile, despite the seriousness of the story line: an abduction and a couple of murders thrown in for good measure; a gang that by any standards is incompetent, but at the same time amoral. I thought some of the characters were overblown and parts of the plot definitely unrealistic. On the other hand the collapse of the dotcom bubble pointed to how ordinary Australians lost money in a world financial phenomenon.<br />
<br />
And then for Scobie Malone fans, historically this was his last case at the head of Homicide and at the time they must have wondered what Jon Cleary was up to. With hindsight we know he was preparing to bow out of crime fiction. <br />
<br />
<b>My rating:</b> 4.3<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-28808040841965787532013-06-21T16:48:00.001+09:302013-06-21T16:48:25.844+09:30Forgotten Book: ANGEL TOUCH, Mike RipleyMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase</a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
My choice this week is ANGEL TOUCH by Mike Ripley. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://covers.booktopia.com.au/big/9781845831073/angel-touch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://covers.booktopia.com.au/big/9781845831073/angel-touch.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
This book was #2 in Ripley's Fitzroy Maclean series<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Just Another Angel</i> (1988)</li>
<li><i>Angel Touch</i> (1989)</li>
<li><i>Angel Hunt</i> (1990)</li>
<li><i>Angels in Arms</i> (1991)</li>
<li><i>Angel City</i> (1994)</li>
<li><i>Angel Confidential</i> (1995)</li>
<li><i>Family Of Angels (1996)</i></li>
<li><i>That Angel Look</i> (1997)</li>
<li><i>Bootlegged Angel</i> (1999)</li>
<li><i>Lights, Camera, Angel</i> (2001)</li>
<li><i>Angel Underground</i> (2002)</li>
<li><i>Angel on the Inside</i> (2003)</li>
<li><i>Angel In The House</i> (2005)</li>
<li><i>Angel's Share</i> (2006)</li>
<li><i>Angels Unaware</i> (2008)</li>
</ul>
<b>Synopsis</b><br />
<br />
The London Stock Exchange can be a peculiar and dangerous place when
financial reputations are at stake and no end of shocking scams and
insider dealings are lurking under the surface. Enigmatic band leader
Fitzroy Maclean Angel is drawn into this intrigue and puts his knowledge
to work. <br />
<br />
The Angel series are comedy thrillers set mainly in Essex and London's East End. Ripley won the CWA's <b><i>Last Laugh Award</i></b> for best humorous crime novel for ANGEL TOUCH in 1989 and ANGELS IN ARMS in 1991.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://archive.shotsmag.co.uk/features/2008/ripley/angeltrivia.html">See more</a>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-22397457723452062262013-06-14T17:38:00.000+09:302013-06-14T17:38:59.935+09:30Forgotten Books: THE MAKEOVER MURDERS, Jennifer RoweMy plan this year for my contributions to <a href="http://pattinase.blogspot.com.au/">Friday's Forgotten Books hosted by Pattinase<img class="snap_preview_icon" id="snap_com_shot_link_icon" src="http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/t.gif" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url("http://www.previewshots.com/images/v1.3/theme/silver/palette.gif"); background-position: -1128px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "trebuchet ms",arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 12px; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; max-height: 2000px; max-width: 2000px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; padding: 1px 0px 0px; position: static; text-decoration: none; top: auto; vertical-align: top; visibility: visible; width: 14px;" /></a>
is to feature books I read 20 years ago - in 1993- from the records I
have in my "little green book", which I started in 1975.<br />
In 1993 I read
111 books and was pretty well addicted to crime fiction by then.<br />
<br />
THE MAKEOVER MURDERS, by Australian author Jennifer Rowe, was #4 in a series featuring <span id="freeText4706853660827583223">amateur sleuth Verity Birdwood, a TV researcher. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bks7.books.google.com.au/books?id=-Lu7AAAACAAJ&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&imgtk=AFLRE70i03j1j_UweMWUvgZSFkiU-i6rW4l8BKHR0KqHvky0mY3eOhUNZ6o9P6ag8SLtt4rrMviaiVjSU4C8nIHUBE2ngQ2g7Y8cDbzMHBsdvB5Keji7qcsBlKhPYIXpNX-3Mt6OitA8" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://bks7.books.google.com.au/books?id=-Lu7AAAACAAJ&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&imgtk=AFLRE70i03j1j_UweMWUvgZSFkiU-i6rW4l8BKHR0KqHvky0mY3eOhUNZ6o9P6ag8SLtt4rrMviaiVjSU4C8nIHUBE2ngQ2g7Y8cDbzMHBsdvB5Keji7qcsBlKhPYIXpNX-3Mt6OitA8" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="freeText4706853660827583223">Verity is stranded at an exclusive isolated spa on her latest
entertaining case. An assignment to take the two-week makeover course at
Deepdene and check it out as a possible documentary subject fails to
thrill the practical Birdie, who arrives at the start of the rainy
season. The staff, including glamorous owner Margot Bell and co-owner
hairdresser Alistair Swanson, coddles Birdie and four other women as the
unceasing rain threatens to flood the surrounding creek and turn the
spa into an island. Soon spa secretary William Dean announces that
Laurel Moon, who murdered his fiancee and five other women, has been
released from the psychiatric institution to which she was committed.
When Margot is killed in the same manner as Moon's victims, Birdie
suspects the killer may be among the guests. She calls her friend, Det.
Sgt. Toby, who arrives with Det. Constable Milson before the spa is shut
off, but both men are quickly drugged out of commission, leaving
Birdie, aided by another guest, to solve a series of murders with a nice
bit of thinking. Happily the mildly eccentric, thoroughly modern Birdie
isn't made over a bit. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/grim-pickings.htm">Grim Pickings</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1988.htm">1988</a>)</span><br />
<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/murder-by-book.htm">Murder by the Book</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1989.htm">1989</a>)</span><br />
<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/death-in-store.htm">Death in Store</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1991.htm">1991</a>)</span><br />
<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/makeover-murders.htm">The Makeover Murders</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1992.htm">1992</a>)</span><br />
<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/stranglehold.htm">Stranglehold</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1993.htm">1993</a>)</span><br />
<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/jennifer-rowe/lamb-to-slaughter.htm">Lamb to the Slaughter</a><span class="year"> (<a href="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1996.htm">1996</a>)</span><span id="freeText4706853660827583223"> </span><br />
<br />
<b>About the author</b><br />
Australian author Jennifer Rowe is better known by the pseudonym Emily
Rodda, and she has had considerable success with children's novels, in
particular The Deltora Quest series, and more recently the Rondo
series.. As Emily Rodda she has a string of children's fiction awards
spanning nearly 25 years.
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Rowe">See more at Wikipedia.</a>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com1