1mysterymax
Here it is the 5th of January and I just realized I didn't have a place to record this year's reading. Last year was a bust, in terms of keeping up the thread. I'm challenging myself to do better this year. At the same time, I'm going to try and structure my thread to make it less time consuming.
I've assembled some pics that I enjoy to start each month and I'm going to list the books and comment in the same place. We'll see if that makes it easier.
I've assembled some pics that I enjoy to start each month and I'm going to list the books and comment in the same place. We'll see if that makes it easier.
2mysterymax
January I've got to get started!
1. Death at Sea by Andrea Camilleri
This was a reread as I am going to read the entire series in order. It's a prequel to the Inspector Montalbano series set in Sicily. There are eight short stories which begin to show you the characters you meet in the books.
This will also fit one of the January AlpaKits: A
2. The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri This is the first 'book' in the Montalbano series. Two employees if the Splendor Refuse Collection Company discover the body of one of the local bigwigs. It appears he passed away from natural causes in flagrante. Death by natural cause is not the norm in Sicily. And circumstances don't fit the scene, so Montalbano investigates. The mans widow tells him, the story regarding his death is the shape of water...it will take whatever shape the container is. Montalbano's humor, and sense of justice, and empathy is well shown.
3. The Terra-Cotta Dog by Andrea Camilleri
The second in the series has Montalbano becoming obsessed with finding out what happened to two bodies discovered in a cave. Livia, his girl-friend, is already angry with him due to his paying so much attention to his case, a theme that present in their relationship over a long period of time. The people had been killed during the war, fifty years earlier, and it seems unlikely that he'll discover the facts. He does, of course.
4. The Snack Thief by Andrea Camilleri I'd mark this one slightly higher than the one above. Montalbano is faced with three problems: a man killed in an elevator, a man shot on a fishing boat, and a young boy that is stealing lunches. Of course, they are all connected. The story reveals a lot about Montalbano's character.
5. The Voice of the Violin Another one of Montalbano's cases. One thing I love about this series is that they are all translated by the same person, so the fine nuance and subtlies of the characters is consistent throughout the series. In this one Montalbano is being driven to a meeting when he's involved in a car accident. They leave a not on the car, but hours later the note is still there. Montalbano gets a bad feeling and enters the house and finds a dead body.
6. Excursion to Tindari An elderly couple disappears on a bus tour, a man is shot unlocking his door, and the son of a big crime boss is killed. It all comes together is a case that makes Montalbano and his crew sick at heart.
7. The Smell of the Night A fast talking financial con man has disappeared with the savings of many people in Montalbano's town. A witness during the investigation tells Montalbano that he knows the time without wearing a watch. During the day he uses the sun, and during the night he goes by the smell. The night changes smells, depending on the hour.
8. Rounding the Mark One of the funniest scenes in the series : Montalbano swimming encounters a floating body. To get it to shore he removes his swimming trunks and uses them as a tow rope. When he gets to shore, nude, he's met by an elderly couple who thinks he's killed the man, and a press photographer. The headlines the next day, accompanying the photo reads "Inspector Montalbano (in the photo) saving a dead man."
9. The Patience of the Spider
A kidnapping that wasn't really a kidnapping. Montalbano gets called back from medical leave (he was shot in the last book) to work on the case. His girlfriend, Livia, is there for most of the book. I don't like her, so this wasn't my favorite.
10. The Paper Moon A woman tells Montalbano that her brother has been missing for two days. He's found dead and his sister insists that his lover killed him. There's also been a lot of drug cases lately. Camilleri shines the light on the problems of Sicily and Italy is these books. It usually concerns something that looks like a side issue until it's all tied together. From t he Mafia, to prostitution, to drugs, to refugees arriving by the boat load, to incest, it's all part of Sicily's life. In this one Ingrid sends Montalbano Swedish smoked salmon and he realizes how much he misses her.
January wrapup: Ten books read, all off my bookshelves, all fiction. All by Camilleri. My favourite: Rounding the Mark
1. Death at Sea by Andrea Camilleri
This was a reread as I am going to read the entire series in order. It's a prequel to the Inspector Montalbano series set in Sicily. There are eight short stories which begin to show you the characters you meet in the books. This will also fit one of the January AlpaKits: A
2. The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri
This is the first 'book' in the Montalbano series. Two employees if the Splendor Refuse Collection Company discover the body of one of the local bigwigs. It appears he passed away from natural causes in flagrante. Death by natural cause is not the norm in Sicily. And circumstances don't fit the scene, so Montalbano investigates. The mans widow tells him, the story regarding his death is the shape of water...it will take whatever shape the container is. Montalbano's humor, and sense of justice, and empathy is well shown. 3. The Terra-Cotta Dog by Andrea Camilleri
The second in the series has Montalbano becoming obsessed with finding out what happened to two bodies discovered in a cave. Livia, his girl-friend, is already angry with him due to his paying so much attention to his case, a theme that present in their relationship over a long period of time. The people had been killed during the war, fifty years earlier, and it seems unlikely that he'll discover the facts. He does, of course.4. The Snack Thief by Andrea Camilleri
I'd mark this one slightly higher than the one above. Montalbano is faced with three problems: a man killed in an elevator, a man shot on a fishing boat, and a young boy that is stealing lunches. Of course, they are all connected. The story reveals a lot about Montalbano's character.5. The Voice of the Violin
Another one of Montalbano's cases. One thing I love about this series is that they are all translated by the same person, so the fine nuance and subtlies of the characters is consistent throughout the series. In this one Montalbano is being driven to a meeting when he's involved in a car accident. They leave a not on the car, but hours later the note is still there. Montalbano gets a bad feeling and enters the house and finds a dead body.6. Excursion to Tindari
An elderly couple disappears on a bus tour, a man is shot unlocking his door, and the son of a big crime boss is killed. It all comes together is a case that makes Montalbano and his crew sick at heart.7. The Smell of the Night
A fast talking financial con man has disappeared with the savings of many people in Montalbano's town. A witness during the investigation tells Montalbano that he knows the time without wearing a watch. During the day he uses the sun, and during the night he goes by the smell. The night changes smells, depending on the hour.8. Rounding the Mark
One of the funniest scenes in the series : Montalbano swimming encounters a floating body. To get it to shore he removes his swimming trunks and uses them as a tow rope. When he gets to shore, nude, he's met by an elderly couple who thinks he's killed the man, and a press photographer. The headlines the next day, accompanying the photo reads "Inspector Montalbano (in the photo) saving a dead man."9. The Patience of the Spider
A kidnapping that wasn't really a kidnapping. Montalbano gets called back from medical leave (he was shot in the last book) to work on the case. His girlfriend, Livia, is there for most of the book. I don't like her, so this wasn't my favorite.10. The Paper Moon
A woman tells Montalbano that her brother has been missing for two days. He's found dead and his sister insists that his lover killed him. There's also been a lot of drug cases lately. Camilleri shines the light on the problems of Sicily and Italy is these books. It usually concerns something that looks like a side issue until it's all tied together. From t he Mafia, to prostitution, to drugs, to refugees arriving by the boat load, to incest, it's all part of Sicily's life. In this one Ingrid sends Montalbano Swedish smoked salmon and he realizes how much he misses her.January wrapup: Ten books read, all off my bookshelves, all fiction. All by Camilleri. My favourite: Rounding the Mark
3mysterymax
Febuary Love this series! The television series did the books proud.
11. August Heat by Andrea Camilleri Continuing the Montalbano series... In this one Livia and friends come for a holiday during the hottest month of the year. They rent a house which turns out to have a hidden apartment under the house. Due to red tape, builders build an illegal addition and then apply for amnesty from the building regulations. The house shifts slightly and the young son of Livia's friends manages to fall into the hidden apartment while playing outside. Montalbano finds him, but he also finds a hidden corpse.
12. The Wings of the Sphinx by Andrea Camilleri This time the dead woman has a tattoo of a moth with four wings on her shoulder. Identifying her is difficult, but Montalbano learns that four Russian women were brought into Sicily together. He's also handling a woman who contends that her husband was kidnapped and refuses to believe a photo Salvo obtains showing him living it up in Cuba. On top of that his relationship with Livia is again in trouble.
13. A Track of Sand by Andrea Camilleri Salvo wakes to find a dead horse on the beach in front of his house. He calls Fazio to come and the two of them have coffee in the kitchen. By the time they're done and go to investigate - the horse is gone.
14. The Potter's Field by Andrea Camilleri Took me forever to finish because I'm sick. Normally staying home in bed means more reading time, but this time my head hurt too much to read, and when I tried I couldn't remember any of it.
15. The Age of Doubt by Andrea Camilleri My favorite so far. A yacht brings in a man found in a dingy at the harbour entrance. Montalbano's investigation gets help from a young female officer in the Harbour Patrol. Salvo actually tries to not become involved with her but they have a mutual attraction that turns to love. Of course the affair is doomed and in the final act of arresting the bad guys she is shot and killed.
16. Dance of the Seagull by Andrea Camillerii Montalbano sees a seagull do an odd dance before dropping dead on the sand outside his house. The image, burned on his mind, actually helps him find a vital clue at the end. In this one, Fazio is missing and a search is made and he's found. He's been shot and has lost his memory of the events leading to his situation. The case leads into some rather gruesome aspects.
17. Treasure Hunt by Andrea Camilleri Almost as funny as Salvo using his swimming shorts to bring in a dead body, here he gets involved with not one, but two inflated sex dolls. The bad guy here is really bad and Salvo is almost killed, but saved by the swift action of his friend Ingrid.
18. Angelica's Smile by Andrea Camilleri Montalbano doesn't usually get involved with burglaries, but these are unusual. People are robbed at their seaside cottages. The thieves make off with not only jewels, art, etc, but they also take the house keys of the peoples home in town and their car. Then they rob the town house as well. Salvo finally realizes that it's all a smoke screen to get at the final place.
19. Game of Mirrors by Andrea Camilleri Bombs go off outside two empty warehouses. It's tied to the drug trade. There's a brutal murder and Salvo is suspected.
20. A Beam of Light by Andrea Camillari Salvo's relationship with Livia is almost over. He's fallen for an art dealer in town. In the meantime he's dealing with an assault on a merchant's wife, and arms traffickers. This latter bit tragically involves the young man Salvo met in The Potter's Field and the event brings him and Livia back together.
21. A Voice in the Night by Andrea Camillari The Mafia is involved in a robbery and murder and their hold goes high up in the political chain.
22. A Nest of Vipers by Andrea Camillari The death of a wealthy man reveals a life style of greed and cruelty, loan sharking, blackmail, pornography and incest. No one seems to morn his death as a result.
23. The Pyramid of Mud by Andrea Camillari This was my least favorite, as it mostly was about the corruption of the Mafia in the construction industry.
24. The Overnight Kidnapper by Andrea Camillari A seemingly senseless series of kidnappings take place where a woman is kidnapped and then released without any harm or robbery takes Salvo to a particularly brutal murder.
25. The End of the Line by Andrea Camillari A beautiful seamstress/tailor is killed. This book also deals with the flood of refugees arriving nightly on Sicily's shores.
February wrapup 15 books read, all fiction, all by Camilleri. My favourite: The Age of Doubt
11. August Heat by Andrea Camilleri
Continuing the Montalbano series... In this one Livia and friends come for a holiday during the hottest month of the year. They rent a house which turns out to have a hidden apartment under the house. Due to red tape, builders build an illegal addition and then apply for amnesty from the building regulations. The house shifts slightly and the young son of Livia's friends manages to fall into the hidden apartment while playing outside. Montalbano finds him, but he also finds a hidden corpse.12. The Wings of the Sphinx by Andrea Camilleri
This time the dead woman has a tattoo of a moth with four wings on her shoulder. Identifying her is difficult, but Montalbano learns that four Russian women were brought into Sicily together. He's also handling a woman who contends that her husband was kidnapped and refuses to believe a photo Salvo obtains showing him living it up in Cuba. On top of that his relationship with Livia is again in trouble. 13. A Track of Sand by Andrea Camilleri
Salvo wakes to find a dead horse on the beach in front of his house. He calls Fazio to come and the two of them have coffee in the kitchen. By the time they're done and go to investigate - the horse is gone.14. The Potter's Field by Andrea Camilleri
Took me forever to finish because I'm sick. Normally staying home in bed means more reading time, but this time my head hurt too much to read, and when I tried I couldn't remember any of it. 15. The Age of Doubt by Andrea Camilleri
My favorite so far. A yacht brings in a man found in a dingy at the harbour entrance. Montalbano's investigation gets help from a young female officer in the Harbour Patrol. Salvo actually tries to not become involved with her but they have a mutual attraction that turns to love. Of course the affair is doomed and in the final act of arresting the bad guys she is shot and killed.16. Dance of the Seagull by Andrea Camillerii
Montalbano sees a seagull do an odd dance before dropping dead on the sand outside his house. The image, burned on his mind, actually helps him find a vital clue at the end. In this one, Fazio is missing and a search is made and he's found. He's been shot and has lost his memory of the events leading to his situation. The case leads into some rather gruesome aspects. 17. Treasure Hunt by Andrea Camilleri
Almost as funny as Salvo using his swimming shorts to bring in a dead body, here he gets involved with not one, but two inflated sex dolls. The bad guy here is really bad and Salvo is almost killed, but saved by the swift action of his friend Ingrid.18. Angelica's Smile by Andrea Camilleri
Montalbano doesn't usually get involved with burglaries, but these are unusual. People are robbed at their seaside cottages. The thieves make off with not only jewels, art, etc, but they also take the house keys of the peoples home in town and their car. Then they rob the town house as well. Salvo finally realizes that it's all a smoke screen to get at the final place.19. Game of Mirrors by Andrea Camilleri
Bombs go off outside two empty warehouses. It's tied to the drug trade. There's a brutal murder and Salvo is suspected. 20. A Beam of Light by Andrea Camillari
Salvo's relationship with Livia is almost over. He's fallen for an art dealer in town. In the meantime he's dealing with an assault on a merchant's wife, and arms traffickers. This latter bit tragically involves the young man Salvo met in The Potter's Field and the event brings him and Livia back together.21. A Voice in the Night by Andrea Camillari
The Mafia is involved in a robbery and murder and their hold goes high up in the political chain.22. A Nest of Vipers by Andrea Camillari
The death of a wealthy man reveals a life style of greed and cruelty, loan sharking, blackmail, pornography and incest. No one seems to morn his death as a result.23. The Pyramid of Mud by Andrea Camillari
This was my least favorite, as it mostly was about the corruption of the Mafia in the construction industry.24. The Overnight Kidnapper by Andrea Camillari
A seemingly senseless series of kidnappings take place where a woman is kidnapped and then released without any harm or robbery takes Salvo to a particularly brutal murder.25. The End of the Line by Andrea Camillari
A beautiful seamstress/tailor is killed. This book also deals with the flood of refugees arriving nightly on Sicily's shores. February wrapup 15 books read, all fiction, all by Camilleri. My favourite: The Age of Doubt
4mysterymax
March Now's about the time my neighbourhood bear should be waking up.
With all the read-to-a-dog events going on, I thought this was perfect.
26. Among the Shadows by Bruce Coffin If you want a police procedural that rings true, Coffin is the writer to go to. A detective in the Portland, Maine police and then worked with the FBI on terrorism he knows his stuff. This one is about killings of retired police officers. Packs a punch.
27. Beneath the Depths by Bruce Coffin The second by Coffin, just as good. The body of a high powered attorney is found in the Bay. At first it could be suicide after losing a really big case, but there's much more to it.
28. Beyond the Truth by Bruce Coffinn A high school student is shot and killed by a policeman during a chase after an armed holdup. His buddy got away, and the gun is gone. John Byron tries to solve the case before the town erupts in protest.
Coffin books fills the letter C for the AlphaKit
29. Too Close to Home by Andrew Grant
An ER book. Unsatisfying.
Grant fills the G!
30. Elements of Fiction by Walter Mosley Mosley talks about writing in a deeper way than just the craft.
31 The Tragedy of X by Ellery Queen The first of four books that the team Ellery Queen wrote under the name of Barnaby Ross featuring the elderly, deaf Shakespearean actor Drury Lane turned detective. The person I suspected was the killer wasn't.
32. The Tradegy of Y by Ellery Queen I named the killer on page 96. It took Queen 155 pages to figure out the details... hmm.
33. The Tragedy of Z by Ellery Queen The third Drury Lane book, but told from the viewpoint of Patience Thumm, daughter of the Inspector. While Patience is a thoroughly modern woman (book originally published in 1934) she endures a lot of the conventional attitudes about women.
These three Lane books, solve the alphabet X, Y, and Z books. They also fall into the Golden Age period for the MysteryCat.
March wrapup Only eight books read this month. All off my shelves. Three authors. One non-fiction. My favourite fiction: Beyond the Truth. Loved Walter Mosley's book on writing. Five books added to my collection.
With all the read-to-a-dog events going on, I thought this was perfect.
26. Among the Shadows by Bruce Coffin
If you want a police procedural that rings true, Coffin is the writer to go to. A detective in the Portland, Maine police and then worked with the FBI on terrorism he knows his stuff. This one is about killings of retired police officers. Packs a punch. 27. Beneath the Depths by Bruce Coffin
The second by Coffin, just as good. The body of a high powered attorney is found in the Bay. At first it could be suicide after losing a really big case, but there's much more to it.28. Beyond the Truth by Bruce Coffinn
A high school student is shot and killed by a policeman during a chase after an armed holdup. His buddy got away, and the gun is gone. John Byron tries to solve the case before the town erupts in protest.Coffin books fills the letter C for the AlphaKit
29. Too Close to Home by Andrew Grant
An ER book. Unsatisfying.Grant fills the G!
30. Elements of Fiction by Walter Mosley
Mosley talks about writing in a deeper way than just the craft.31 The Tragedy of X by Ellery Queen
The first of four books that the team Ellery Queen wrote under the name of Barnaby Ross featuring the elderly, deaf Shakespearean actor Drury Lane turned detective. The person I suspected was the killer wasn't. 32. The Tradegy of Y by Ellery Queen
I named the killer on page 96. It took Queen 155 pages to figure out the details... hmm.33. The Tragedy of Z by Ellery Queen
The third Drury Lane book, but told from the viewpoint of Patience Thumm, daughter of the Inspector. While Patience is a thoroughly modern woman (book originally published in 1934) she endures a lot of the conventional attitudes about women. These three Lane books, solve the alphabet X, Y, and Z books. They also fall into the Golden Age period for the MysteryCat.
March wrapup Only eight books read this month. All off my shelves. Three authors. One non-fiction. My favourite fiction: Beyond the Truth. Loved Walter Mosley's book on writing. Five books added to my collection.
5mysterymax
April April is a good month for jokes.
34. Dead Land by Sara Paretsky First book written since her husband died. A little flat, but I loved having V. I. Warshawsky back. Complex plot involving Chicago corruption, and Pinochet's regime in Chili.
35. The Sins of the Fathers by Lawrence Block
36. Time to Murder and Create by Lawrence Block
37. A Stab in the Dark by Lawrence Block
38. Last of the Summer Wine by Andrew Vine A great history full of wonderful details about one of my favorite tv shows.
39. When the Sacred Ginmill Closes by Lawrence Block
40. A Ticket to the Boneyard by Lawrence Block Really liked this one.
41. Every Body Dies by Lawrence Block This ends my Block binge as it's the last one I have on my shelf. The title pretty well describes the book. You need a calculator to keep track of the bodies.
Month's wrap up: Eight more books, all off my shelves. One non-fiction. The fiction I enjoyed the most was A Ticket to the Boneyard. Next month I'll be reading all the Georges Simenon books I have, the new Bruce Coffin which will be released in May, and starting on Arthur Upfield. One new book added to collection.
Several for the AlphaCat letter S and two for the letter T
34. Dead Land by Sara Paretsky
First book written since her husband died. A little flat, but I loved having V. I. Warshawsky back. Complex plot involving Chicago corruption, and Pinochet's regime in Chili.35. The Sins of the Fathers by Lawrence Block
36. Time to Murder and Create by Lawrence Block
37. A Stab in the Dark by Lawrence Block
38. Last of the Summer Wine by Andrew Vine
A great history full of wonderful details about one of my favorite tv shows.39. When the Sacred Ginmill Closes by Lawrence Block
40. A Ticket to the Boneyard by Lawrence Block
Really liked this one.41. Every Body Dies by Lawrence Block
This ends my Block binge as it's the last one I have on my shelf. The title pretty well describes the book. You need a calculator to keep track of the bodies.Month's wrap up: Eight more books, all off my shelves. One non-fiction. The fiction I enjoyed the most was A Ticket to the Boneyard. Next month I'll be reading all the Georges Simenon books I have, the new Bruce Coffin which will be released in May, and starting on Arthur Upfield. One new book added to collection.
Several for the AlphaCat letter S and two for the letter T
6mysterymax
May Two wonderful writers - Bruce Coffin & Walter Mosley!
42. Maigret's Revolver by Georges Simenon It's difficult to rate his books because unlike Camilleri whose books are all translated by the same person, each Simenon book has a different translator. It's almost worth learning to read French!
43. Earl Derr Biggers Tells Ten Stories by Earl Derr Biggers This book has the same title as one I read last year. However, the stories are different ones. I love Biggers' writing and the way he paints each character so clearly you feel you know them. I was intrigued to find a returning character - Miss Minerva Bluebottle in Stonefield, Massachusetts. I have to wonder if she is patterned after someone he knew.
44. The Grandmother by Georges Simenon. This is not a Maigret book. A stand alone look at two women brought together by circumstance.
45. Maigret's Failure by Georges Simenon.
46. Maigret Has Doubts by Georges Simenon
47. Inspector Maigret and the Burglar's Wife by Georges Simenon
48. Maigret and the Saturday Caller by Georges Simenon
49. Maigret and the Nahour Case by Georges Simenon
50. Maigret and the Apparition by Georges Simenon
51. Maigret and the Bum by Georges Simenon
Another month gone by. 10 books read, all from my own shelves. All Simenon except for the book of short stories by Biggers. The Simenon I enjoyed most was Maigret and the Bum. The one I enjoyed least was Maigret Has Doubts. The variety of translators is very frustrating. The Maigret books have appeared on television and film so they count towards MysteryKit Three new books.
42. Maigret's Revolver by Georges Simenon
It's difficult to rate his books because unlike Camilleri whose books are all translated by the same person, each Simenon book has a different translator. It's almost worth learning to read French!43. Earl Derr Biggers Tells Ten Stories by Earl Derr Biggers
This book has the same title as one I read last year. However, the stories are different ones. I love Biggers' writing and the way he paints each character so clearly you feel you know them. I was intrigued to find a returning character - Miss Minerva Bluebottle in Stonefield, Massachusetts. I have to wonder if she is patterned after someone he knew.44. The Grandmother by Georges Simenon.
This is not a Maigret book. A stand alone look at two women brought together by circumstance.45. Maigret's Failure by Georges Simenon.
46. Maigret Has Doubts by Georges Simenon
47. Inspector Maigret and the Burglar's Wife by Georges Simenon
48. Maigret and the Saturday Caller by Georges Simenon
49. Maigret and the Nahour Case by Georges Simenon
50. Maigret and the Apparition by Georges Simenon
51. Maigret and the Bum by Georges Simenon
Another month gone by. 10 books read, all from my own shelves. All Simenon except for the book of short stories by Biggers. The Simenon I enjoyed most was Maigret and the Bum. The one I enjoyed least was Maigret Has Doubts. The variety of translators is very frustrating. The Maigret books have appeared on television and film so they count towards MysteryKit Three new books.
7mysterymax
June Books belong in the garden!
52. Maigret and the Informer Georges Simenon
It's not unusual for you Maigret to know early on who the guilty party is. Getting a confession is the difficult part. In this one the guilty parties do get their punishment, but his stories can often end in failure to get a prosecution, even when he knows who is responsible.
53. Maigret and the Madwoman Georges Simenon
Maigret feels responsible for an old women's death. She'd tried to enlist Maigret's help because when she would come home from her walk she would find things slightly out of place. Everyone at the police station, including Maigret, thinks she's imagining things. When she finally confronts him on the street, he promises to come and take a look. He puts off going, and she is killed.
54. The Glass Cage by Georges Simenon Not a Maigret book. This is a psychological study of a man who how feels no relationship to other humans, who can't define love or happiness, and is driven to murder when his strictly ordered life is upset.
55. The Safety Net by Andrea Camilleri Wonderful.
56. Within Plain Sight by Bruce Robert Coffin The fourth police proceduralfrom Bruce Coffin. As good as the first three. Without a doubt he writes authentic police drama with flawless dialogue, characters and plot.
57. The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler Two missing women, one dead body. But which one is dead? Love Marlowe.
58. Playback by Raymond Chandler Every Chandler I read, I think is the best one yet. This was no exception.
59. I Dreamed I Married Perry Mason by Susan Kandel A cozy full of interesting things about Erle Stanley Gardner but slow. My oldest daughter sent me Kendel's next book Not A Girl Detective featuring the same protagonist, Cece Caruso. Caruso writes biographies of mystery writers and her own interest is in vintage clothes.
End of the month: 8 books. All off my own shelves. All fiction. Tried to read out on the deck several times but often got chased off my hornets which seem to be more numerous this year. Hard to choose a favorite, but the two Simenon's that weren't Maigret's were my least favorite. Favorite Maigret was the Mad Woman. Favorite Chandler was Playback. MysteryKIT was Within Plain Sight by Bruce Coffin. If you like police procedurals and haven't read Coffin yet, you are missing out on a great writer. Nine new books added to collection.
52. Maigret and the Informer Georges Simenon
It's not unusual for you Maigret to know early on who the guilty party is. Getting a confession is the difficult part. In this one the guilty parties do get their punishment, but his stories can often end in failure to get a prosecution, even when he knows who is responsible.53. Maigret and the Madwoman Georges Simenon
Maigret feels responsible for an old women's death. She'd tried to enlist Maigret's help because when she would come home from her walk she would find things slightly out of place. Everyone at the police station, including Maigret, thinks she's imagining things. When she finally confronts him on the street, he promises to come and take a look. He puts off going, and she is killed. 54. The Glass Cage by Georges Simenon
Not a Maigret book. This is a psychological study of a man who how feels no relationship to other humans, who can't define love or happiness, and is driven to murder when his strictly ordered life is upset.55. The Safety Net by Andrea Camilleri
Wonderful.56. Within Plain Sight by Bruce Robert Coffin
The fourth police proceduralfrom Bruce Coffin. As good as the first three. Without a doubt he writes authentic police drama with flawless dialogue, characters and plot.57. The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler
Two missing women, one dead body. But which one is dead? Love Marlowe. 58. Playback by Raymond Chandler
Every Chandler I read, I think is the best one yet. This was no exception.59. I Dreamed I Married Perry Mason by Susan Kandel
A cozy full of interesting things about Erle Stanley Gardner but slow. My oldest daughter sent me Kendel's next book Not A Girl Detective featuring the same protagonist, Cece Caruso. Caruso writes biographies of mystery writers and her own interest is in vintage clothes.End of the month: 8 books. All off my own shelves. All fiction. Tried to read out on the deck several times but often got chased off my hornets which seem to be more numerous this year. Hard to choose a favorite, but the two Simenon's that weren't Maigret's were my least favorite. Favorite Maigret was the Mad Woman. Favorite Chandler was Playback. MysteryKIT was Within Plain Sight by Bruce Coffin. If you like police procedurals and haven't read Coffin yet, you are missing out on a great writer. Nine new books added to collection.
8mysterymax
July What happens in Vermont stays in Vermont. But not much happens here. You need to make your own fun.
60. Not a Girl Detective by Susan Kandel This cozy series is a fun waste of time. Lots of time is spent talking about Cece's vintage clothing collection and other asides. I'll probably read the next in the series, if my daughter sends it to me!
61. 62. 63. Bertie: The Complete Prince of Wales Mysteries by Peter Lovesey contains three books: Bertie & the Tin Man, Bertie & the Seven Bodies, and Bertie & the Crime of Passion. These are historical mysteries featuring the future King Edward VII. Peter Lovesey allows you to wallow in Victorian England and enjoy mysteries in the tradition of Agatha Christie. Bertie & the Seven Bodies especially so.
These three all fill the MysteryKit for the month for Bertie and the Tin Man, and Bertie and the Crime of Passion. for Bertie and the Seven Bodies.
64. Just a Shot Away by James Grady Grady is author of Six Days of the Condor. I don't remember when I got this book, but it has been unread ever since. As the Italian says in the British 'Allo 'Allo series, "Oh what-a mistake-a to make-a" Excellent, gripping police story that I stayed up til three a.m. reading! It was finally read because I searched for a book with a J in the title to fit with the months AlphaKit.
65. The Real Cool Killers by Chester Himes This fills AlphaKit for the month with the letter R Himes' books are as hard-boiled, raw, and honest as it is possible to be. His two police detectives Coffin Ed and Grave Digger Jones bring 1950s Harlem to life. If you don't like books that aren't PC by today's standards, don't read it.
66. The Big Gold Dream by Chester Himes Alberta Wright wins some money and gets religion. Everyone is after the money and Coffin Ed and Grave Digger are knee deep in bodies.
67. The Winter Queen by Boris Akunin I'd read this before, but had forgotten most of it. Am about to read more in the series so refreshed my memory with a reread.
68. The Turkish Gambit by Boris Akunin More about the girl Varya than about Fandorin. Too much detail about the Russia/Turkish war. Disappointing.
69. Murder on the Leviathan by Boris Akunin Best so far. Four suspects of a brutal crime are aboard the luxury ship. Fandorin is also on board.
70. The Death of Achilles by Boris Akunin Like I said above, the best one yet. Fandorin is back in Moscow and his friend Achilles is killed. Fandorin is trapped in a mire of Russian conspiracy.
71. The State Counsellor by Boris Akunin Excellent. Fandorin is once again trapped between an outstanding criminal and the corruption of the very forces he is part of.
Month: 12 books, all from my shelves. All fiction. Cozies, historical, international, police, amateur detective, hard-boiled. Favorite: Hard to choose -loved the Bertie books, but the Grady story was excellent, The Real Cool Killers by Himes, and The State Counsellor by Akunin also. Least favorite was Not a Girl Detective, but then it was a cozy. Managed to fill both AlphaKit and MysteryKit. 4 new books added to collection.
60. Not a Girl Detective by Susan Kandel
This cozy series is a fun waste of time. Lots of time is spent talking about Cece's vintage clothing collection and other asides. I'll probably read the next in the series, if my daughter sends it to me!61. 62. 63. Bertie: The Complete Prince of Wales Mysteries by Peter Lovesey contains three books: Bertie & the Tin Man, Bertie & the Seven Bodies, and Bertie & the Crime of Passion. These are historical mysteries featuring the future King Edward VII. Peter Lovesey allows you to wallow in Victorian England and enjoy mysteries in the tradition of Agatha Christie. Bertie & the Seven Bodies especially so.
These three all fill the MysteryKit for the month
for Bertie and the Tin Man, and Bertie and the Crime of Passion. for Bertie and the Seven Bodies.64. Just a Shot Away by James Grady
Grady is author of Six Days of the Condor. I don't remember when I got this book, but it has been unread ever since. As the Italian says in the British 'Allo 'Allo series, "Oh what-a mistake-a to make-a" Excellent, gripping police story that I stayed up til three a.m. reading! It was finally read because I searched for a book with a J in the title to fit with the months AlphaKit.65. The Real Cool Killers by Chester Himes
This fills AlphaKit for the month with the letter R Himes' books are as hard-boiled, raw, and honest as it is possible to be. His two police detectives Coffin Ed and Grave Digger Jones bring 1950s Harlem to life. If you don't like books that aren't PC by today's standards, don't read it. 66. The Big Gold Dream by Chester Himes
Alberta Wright wins some money and gets religion. Everyone is after the money and Coffin Ed and Grave Digger are knee deep in bodies.67. The Winter Queen by Boris Akunin
I'd read this before, but had forgotten most of it. Am about to read more in the series so refreshed my memory with a reread.68. The Turkish Gambit by Boris Akunin
More about the girl Varya than about Fandorin. Too much detail about the Russia/Turkish war. Disappointing.69. Murder on the Leviathan by Boris Akunin
Best so far. Four suspects of a brutal crime are aboard the luxury ship. Fandorin is also on board. 70. The Death of Achilles by Boris Akunin
Like I said above, the best one yet. Fandorin is back in Moscow and his friend Achilles is killed. Fandorin is trapped in a mire of Russian conspiracy.71. The State Counsellor by Boris Akunin
Excellent. Fandorin is once again trapped between an outstanding criminal and the corruption of the very forces he is part of.Month: 12 books, all from my shelves. All fiction. Cozies, historical, international, police, amateur detective, hard-boiled. Favorite: Hard to choose -loved the Bertie books, but the Grady story was excellent, The Real Cool Killers by Himes, and The State Counsellor by Akunin also. Least favorite was Not a Girl Detective, but then it was a cozy. Managed to fill both AlphaKit and MysteryKit. 4 new books added to collection.
9mysterymax
August Opening lines are always tricky.
72. Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie A collection of 14 short stories. I watched a couple of PP episodes on tv and quite enjoyed them. Disappointed in these only because they were too short!
73. By the Pricking of my Thumbs by Agatha Christie A reread from 2013. Enjoyed it a bit more this time around. A Tommy and Tuppence mystery.
74. I Segreti Della Tavola di Montalbano by Andrea Camilleri In Italian, but wonderful recipes especially the rice balls!
75. Simenon's Paris by Georges Simenon
76. N or M? by Agatha Christie
77. Madame Maigret's Recipes by Robert J. Courtine Each recipe is begun with quotes from Maigret's books about the dish. And there's a lovely forward with background about Madame Maigret. The back of the book contains a wine glossary. There's a Coq au Vin Rouge recipe I want to try.
78. Holy Orders by Benjamin Black Last book in this series I'll read. The book started well, but became bogged down with the deeply flawed mental state of the main character. Black wrote The Black-Eyed Blonde which I really enjoyed. This was the second book featuring the character Quirk and it's not for me. This fills this months MysteryKit, set in Dublin, Ireland. Also fills the AlphaKit for the letter H and the letter O.
79. Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie
Shame on the publishers for allowing Christie's last work to be so bad. Clearly they felt anything with her name on it would sell, and of course they were right. Or they just didn't have the heart to refuse it. Repetitive, little plot, really bad.
80. Montalbano's First Case and Other Stories 21 stories, a couple novella length. Also fills the MysteryKit set in Sicily. Original language Italian. One story, The Artist's Touch contains directions for making Adelina's rice balls.
81. The Will of the Tribe by Arthur W. Uppfield Anthony Boucher called Bony his 'favorite fictional detective of the past twenty years'. High raise. Bony has been one of my favorites since the first time I read one. This one seemed a bit strange in that it was the first time I was aware of his feeling cheated by his half-caste life. I'm going to have to go back and reread them now. In this one a man is found in a crater, with no tracks in or out. Bony is sent to find out how the man could have gotten so far without anyone making note of him. Also fills MysteryKit set in Australia.
82. The Widows of Broome by Arthur W. Upfield Bony is up against a cunning serial killer of widows. Excellent. MysteryKit.
83. Murder in Mykonos by Jeffery Siger Another MysteryKit this one set on the Greek island of Mykonos. A re-read from several years ago. Good police procedural. Another serial killer.
84. Magpie Murders by Amthony Horowitz Excellent.
85, The Chequer Board by Nevil Shute Excellent story of a man overcoming racial beliefs he had always assumed were normal. WWII.
August: 14 books read, all from off my shelves. 3 non-fiction (2 were cookbooks), 2 collections of short stories. Most enjoyed: Simenon's Paris or I Segreti Della Tavola di Montalbano Least enjoyed: Postern of Fate. 3 new books added. To date this year I have removed 7 books from the collection, passing them on to other readers. Also replaced two paperbacks with hardcovers and passed on the paperbacks.
72. Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie
A collection of 14 short stories. I watched a couple of PP episodes on tv and quite enjoyed them. Disappointed in these only because they were too short!73. By the Pricking of my Thumbs by Agatha Christie
A reread from 2013. Enjoyed it a bit more this time around. A Tommy and Tuppence mystery. 74. I Segreti Della Tavola di Montalbano by Andrea Camilleri
In Italian, but wonderful recipes especially the rice balls!75. Simenon's Paris by Georges Simenon
76. N or M? by Agatha Christie
77. Madame Maigret's Recipes by Robert J. Courtine
Each recipe is begun with quotes from Maigret's books about the dish. And there's a lovely forward with background about Madame Maigret. The back of the book contains a wine glossary. There's a Coq au Vin Rouge recipe I want to try.78. Holy Orders by Benjamin Black
Last book in this series I'll read. The book started well, but became bogged down with the deeply flawed mental state of the main character. Black wrote The Black-Eyed Blonde which I really enjoyed. This was the second book featuring the character Quirk and it's not for me. This fills this months MysteryKit, set in Dublin, Ireland. Also fills the AlphaKit for the letter H and the letter O.79. Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie
Shame on the publishers for allowing Christie's last work to be so bad. Clearly they felt anything with her name on it would sell, and of course they were right. Or they just didn't have the heart to refuse it. Repetitive, little plot, really bad.80. Montalbano's First Case and Other Stories
21 stories, a couple novella length. Also fills the MysteryKit set in Sicily. Original language Italian. One story, The Artist's Touch contains directions for making Adelina's rice balls. 81. The Will of the Tribe by Arthur W. Uppfield
Anthony Boucher called Bony his 'favorite fictional detective of the past twenty years'. High raise. Bony has been one of my favorites since the first time I read one. This one seemed a bit strange in that it was the first time I was aware of his feeling cheated by his half-caste life. I'm going to have to go back and reread them now. In this one a man is found in a crater, with no tracks in or out. Bony is sent to find out how the man could have gotten so far without anyone making note of him. Also fills MysteryKit set in Australia.82. The Widows of Broome by Arthur W. Upfield
Bony is up against a cunning serial killer of widows. Excellent. MysteryKit.83. Murder in Mykonos by Jeffery Siger
Another MysteryKit this one set on the Greek island of Mykonos. A re-read from several years ago. Good police procedural. Another serial killer.84. Magpie Murders by Amthony Horowitz
Excellent. 85, The Chequer Board by Nevil Shute
Excellent story of a man overcoming racial beliefs he had always assumed were normal. WWII. August: 14 books read, all from off my shelves. 3 non-fiction (2 were cookbooks), 2 collections of short stories. Most enjoyed: Simenon's Paris or I Segreti Della Tavola di Montalbano Least enjoyed: Postern of Fate. 3 new books added. To date this year I have removed 7 books from the collection, passing them on to other readers. Also replaced two paperbacks with hardcovers and passed on the paperbacks.
10mysterymax
September It's time to start planning winter reading.
86. In the Wet by Nevil Shute In the Wet refers to the wet season in Australia. It is at this time that a Church of England vicar sits at the deathbed of dying man. The churchman is also suffering from malaria. During the night he 'hears' a story, only later realizing that it was a foretelling of events to come.
87. Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz Better Sherlock Holmes pastiche than most. The next to the last chapter, in which Horowitz explains his twist, in my opinion detracted from the book. If he had simply woven the meat of it into the final chapter I would have liked it better. It seemed to me that Horowitz underestimates his reader. Having shown the twist, he should let the reader figure out how it got there. In my opinion.
88. The Murder Room by Michael Capuzzo The book focuses mostly on the three founders of the Vidocq Society, how the group formed and some of their most famous cases. This elite society is comprised of 82 of the world's most outstanding forensic scientists, interrogation experts, profilers. They are the best of the best and while they are not a law enforcement body, they are as Sherlock Holmes described himself...consulting detectives. It was an excellent read.
89. Between Silk and Cyanide by Leo Marks Great book. WWII code breaking. I'd like to say it was a book you had to read in one sitting, but at 600 pages... But every page holds you captive.
90. Peace Talks by Jim Butcher No problem catching up since it has been so long since the previous book. Ending makes it clear another book is to follow and will be the biggest battle Harry has ever faced. Can't wait.
91. Universe of Two by Stephen Kiernan WWII story of young man working on the atomic bomb in Los Alamos.
92. Next to Last Stand by Craig Johnson
93. A Little Yellow Dog by Walter Mosley
94. Bad Boy Brawley Brown by Walter Mosley
September:
Books read: 9
Non-fiction: 2 (big books, too)
All off my own shelves
MysteryCat: the Easy Rawlins books by Mosley
AlphaKat: M & E - 3 "M" books
Best fiction read: Universe of Two
Best non-fiction read: Both were equally good reads, would have to give 'best' to Between Silk and Cyannide because The Murder Room lacked an Index}
86. In the Wet by Nevil Shute
In the Wet refers to the wet season in Australia. It is at this time that a Church of England vicar sits at the deathbed of dying man. The churchman is also suffering from malaria. During the night he 'hears' a story, only later realizing that it was a foretelling of events to come.87. Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz
Better Sherlock Holmes pastiche than most. The next to the last chapter, in which Horowitz explains his twist, in my opinion detracted from the book. If he had simply woven the meat of it into the final chapter I would have liked it better. It seemed to me that Horowitz underestimates his reader. Having shown the twist, he should let the reader figure out how it got there. In my opinion.88. The Murder Room by Michael Capuzzo
The book focuses mostly on the three founders of the Vidocq Society, how the group formed and some of their most famous cases. This elite society is comprised of 82 of the world's most outstanding forensic scientists, interrogation experts, profilers. They are the best of the best and while they are not a law enforcement body, they are as Sherlock Holmes described himself...consulting detectives. It was an excellent read.89. Between Silk and Cyanide by Leo Marks
Great book. WWII code breaking. I'd like to say it was a book you had to read in one sitting, but at 600 pages... But every page holds you captive.90. Peace Talks by Jim Butcher
No problem catching up since it has been so long since the previous book. Ending makes it clear another book is to follow and will be the biggest battle Harry has ever faced. Can't wait.91. Universe of Two by Stephen Kiernan
WWII story of young man working on the atomic bomb in Los Alamos. 92. Next to Last Stand by Craig Johnson
93. A Little Yellow Dog by Walter Mosley
94. Bad Boy Brawley Brown by Walter Mosley
September:
Books read: 9
Non-fiction: 2 (big books, too)
All off my own shelves
MysteryCat: the Easy Rawlins books by Mosley
AlphaKat: M & E - 3 "M" books
Best fiction read: Universe of Two
Best non-fiction read: Both were equally good reads, would have to give 'best' to Between Silk and Cyannide because The Murder Room lacked an Index}
11mysterymax
October Perfect reading for Halloween.
95. The Spy and the Traitor by Ben MacIntryre Starting off MY MONTH with an excellent read. MacIntryre also wrote A Spy Among Friends which was also a great read.
96. A Case of Spirits by Peter Lovesey Spiritualism was very popular in Victorian England. Cribb, Thackery, and their boss must investigate the death of a 'medium' during a seance.
97. Diamond Solitaire by Peter Lovesey Diamond deals with finding the identity of an autistic Japanese girl abandoned in Harrods.
98. Ellis Island: A People's History by Maigorzata Szejnert
99. The Sicilian Method by Andrea Camilleri Director of an acting group killed, a new Forensic Chief enchants Montalbano.
100. A Train in Winter by Caroline Moorehead The story of the women of the French Resistance.
101. The Coronation by Boris Akunin Again a story in the Fandorin series that only see Fandorin and his activities through someone else's eyes. While I love the stories, I don't the format.
102. The Cutie by Donald Westlake Westlake has such a wonderful way with one-line zingers.
Not counting The Bitterroots by C. J. Box because I didn't finish it. Couldn't hold my interest. Love his books with Joe Pickett but this one has a female protagonist and I couldn't warm to her at all.
103. Time to Murder and Create by Donald Westlake A petty hustler leaves Matt a package in case he dies. It contains background on three people, one of whom is a murderer. More of Westlake's one-liners. The whole time I was reading it I was thinking, "I've read this before." Well, I had - in April.
104. Blind Man With a Pistol by Chester Himes More about the Harlem riots than solving the murder case.
105. The Getaway by Jim Thompson Not my cup of tea. Wonder if the Steve McQueen movie is any better.
106. The Pursued by C. S. Forester Written between Hornblower novels. Compelling read.
October:
12 books read all off my own shelves
3 non-fiction
best non-fiction: The Spy and the Traitor
fiction I enjoyed the most: The Cutie
MysteryKit: Finding a new author - The Pursued. I knew he had written the Hornblower series, but didn't know he had written a mystery/psychological thriller.
AlphaKit: only managed D: Diamond Solitaire
Looking forward to binging on hard-boiled next month. Don't know how many I have left on my shelves that I haven't read. Maybe the Continental Op....
95. The Spy and the Traitor by Ben MacIntryre
Starting off MY MONTH with an excellent read. MacIntryre also wrote A Spy Among Friends which was also a great read. 96. A Case of Spirits by Peter Lovesey
Spiritualism was very popular in Victorian England. Cribb, Thackery, and their boss must investigate the death of a 'medium' during a seance. 97. Diamond Solitaire by Peter Lovesey
Diamond deals with finding the identity of an autistic Japanese girl abandoned in Harrods.98. Ellis Island: A People's History by Maigorzata Szejnert
99. The Sicilian Method by Andrea Camilleri
Director of an acting group killed, a new Forensic Chief enchants Montalbano. 100. A Train in Winter by Caroline Moorehead
The story of the women of the French Resistance.101. The Coronation by Boris Akunin
Again a story in the Fandorin series that only see Fandorin and his activities through someone else's eyes. While I love the stories, I don't the format.102. The Cutie by Donald Westlake
Westlake has such a wonderful way with one-line zingers.Not counting The Bitterroots by C. J. Box because I didn't finish it. Couldn't hold my interest. Love his books with Joe Pickett but this one has a female protagonist and I couldn't warm to her at all.
103. Time to Murder and Create by Donald Westlake
A petty hustler leaves Matt a package in case he dies. It contains background on three people, one of whom is a murderer. More of Westlake's one-liners. The whole time I was reading it I was thinking, "I've read this before." Well, I had - in April. 104. Blind Man With a Pistol by Chester Himes
More about the Harlem riots than solving the murder case.105. The Getaway by Jim Thompson
Not my cup of tea. Wonder if the Steve McQueen movie is any better.106. The Pursued by C. S. Forester
Written between Hornblower novels. Compelling read.October:
12 books read all off my own shelves
3 non-fiction
best non-fiction: The Spy and the Traitor
fiction I enjoyed the most: The Cutie
MysteryKit: Finding a new author - The Pursued. I knew he had written the Hornblower series, but didn't know he had written a mystery/psychological thriller.
AlphaKit: only managed D: Diamond Solitaire
Looking forward to binging on hard-boiled next month. Don't know how many I have left on my shelves that I haven't read. Maybe the Continental Op....
12mysterymax
November Election time and time to think, read, and talk about things that matter.
107. Inspector French's Greatest Case by Freeman Wills Crofts Timing is everything. Looking for a book to fit the AlphaKit letter I for the month, my books said I had a book called Inspector French's Greatest Case. Not only was it a good read, but I found that Crofts wrote a whole bunch of the French mysteries. Would have been perfect for last month's mysterykit.
108. A Question of Murder by Eric Wright A half star off for using the term homicide when it should have been murder. Otherwise, a unique case for Toronto police inspector Salter when a van explodes killing a man. Fills AlphaKit for the letter Q.
109. Trouble is My Business by Raymond Chandler Five short stories.
110. Fortune and Glory by Janet Evanovich
111. The Big Kill by Mickey Spillane Mike Hammer mellowed over the years. This is one of the earlier ones and he is one tough dude. He gets taken by a femme fatale.
112. Point Blank by Richard Stark Originally named The Hunter, and Richard Stark is Donald Westlake. This was a real hard-boiled/noir story of Parker getting his revenge after his old partner steals his money
113. The Continental Op by Dashiell Hammett How wonderful to be able to write a successful detective series without ever describing the protagonist! After a combination of five novellas and short stories I know that some people would call him pudgy and others might describe him as fat, but nothing else. Loved it.
114. The Girl Hunters by Mickey Spillane Hammer is back after a seven year binge when he thinks he's responsible for Velda's death.
115. The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett Couldn't get into it, read 3/4 and put it down. I may try again sometime. I was very tired when I was reading, so it might have been me, not the book.
November:
I got my book back for some editing, so spent more time on that than on reading. Also binged on A French Village for a break.
Books read: 9
All of my shelves
All fit either Alpha or Mysterykit
Favorite: The Girl Hunters
Least favorite: The Glass Key
One month left in this year none of us is likely to forget. I'm not sure how many cozy mysteries I have on the shelf, so Dec. reading is unplanned at this stage. I know I'll have an ER book to review, but after that...? Maybe I'll do a binge reread of Stephanie Plum. Don't have to do cooking and decorations for the holiday this year, since I will be alone, so many I'll get more reading in.
107. Inspector French's Greatest Case by Freeman Wills Crofts
Timing is everything. Looking for a book to fit the AlphaKit letter I for the month, my books said I had a book called Inspector French's Greatest Case. Not only was it a good read, but I found that Crofts wrote a whole bunch of the French mysteries. Would have been perfect for last month's mysterykit.108. A Question of Murder by Eric Wright
A half star off for using the term homicide when it should have been murder. Otherwise, a unique case for Toronto police inspector Salter when a van explodes killing a man. Fills AlphaKit for the letter Q.109. Trouble is My Business by Raymond Chandler
Five short stories.110. Fortune and Glory by Janet Evanovich
111. The Big Kill by Mickey Spillane
Mike Hammer mellowed over the years. This is one of the earlier ones and he is one tough dude. He gets taken by a femme fatale. 112. Point Blank by Richard Stark
Originally named The Hunter, and Richard Stark is Donald Westlake. This was a real hard-boiled/noir story of Parker getting his revenge after his old partner steals his money113. The Continental Op by Dashiell Hammett
How wonderful to be able to write a successful detective series without ever describing the protagonist! After a combination of five novellas and short stories I know that some people would call him pudgy and others might describe him as fat, but nothing else. Loved it.114. The Girl Hunters by Mickey Spillane
Hammer is back after a seven year binge when he thinks he's responsible for Velda's death. 115. The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett
Couldn't get into it, read 3/4 and put it down. I may try again sometime. I was very tired when I was reading, so it might have been me, not the book. November:
I got my book back for some editing, so spent more time on that than on reading. Also binged on A French Village for a break.
Books read: 9
All of my shelves
All fit either Alpha or Mysterykit
Favorite: The Girl Hunters
Least favorite: The Glass Key
One month left in this year none of us is likely to forget. I'm not sure how many cozy mysteries I have on the shelf, so Dec. reading is unplanned at this stage. I know I'll have an ER book to review, but after that...? Maybe I'll do a binge reread of Stephanie Plum. Don't have to do cooking and decorations for the holiday this year, since I will be alone, so many I'll get more reading in.
13mysterymax
December Give books for whatever holidays you celebrate!
116. Not Quite Dead Enough by Rex Stout Archie is in the Army and Wolfe and Fritz are 'in training' so they can join the fight. Archie is sent to enlist Wolfe's help with a problem the Army has, but to do that Archie must get Nero back into detective mode. Fits AlphaKit for the letter N
117. The Winter Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine This is the second Van Dine for me, and I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one. Fits the AlphaKit for the letter W.
I checked #117 three times, it shouldn't all be bold, but I will just let it go instead of trying to figure it out.
118. Shakespeare's Counsellor by Charlaine Harris
119. Tunnel in the Sky by Robert A. Heinlein A break from mysteries for some science fiction. A 10 day survival test for students strands them on a unknown planet.
120. Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen Good one.
121. Dry Stone Walls by Robert Randisi Story was fine but the book contained 16 (that I noticed) GLARING errors - letters inserted into words, letters left out of words, words simply spelt wrong, wrong words used, incomprehensible sentence (1 only), capital letter missing on a name, etc etc etc. Very distracting. Published by Riverdale Avenue Books. I'm amazed that such a well regarded author would go with a publisher that did such a poor job. Spoiled the mystery. It gets 3 stars only because it was a Randisi book. The book wouldn't come up with a touchstone, so rather than have the wrong book pop up I omitted a touchstone.
122. The Jane Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
123. Nobody's Secret by Michaela MacColl Fits MysteryCAT for December - cozy.
124. A Blunt Instrument by Georgette Heyer The first page in the book says, "We challenge you to discover the murder weapon before Superintendent Hannasyde..." Just less than half-way through I was sure I knew both who, and the weapon. It took a great deal of self control not to look ahead to see if I was right. I was.
125. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich On rereading this I still give it a four. This was the one that started it all. Stephanie was (is) such a refreshing change. As I reread through them this coming year, I'm going to keep a record of what happens to the cars.
126. Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich
127. Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
128. Four to Score by Janet Evanovich
129. The Shepherd by Fredrick Forsyth This is my Christmas Eve tradition.
130. High Five by Janet Evanovich It's fun reading these earlier ones again. I'd forgotten so many little details.
131. Hot Six by Janet Evanovich Best of the first six.
132. Seven Up by Janet Evanovich Getting better and better.
133. Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich
134. To the Nines by Janet Evanovich The girls all go to Vegas.
135. Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich Sally Sweet saves the day.
136. Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich Don't know how it happened, but I hadn't read this one. It was sitting in the bookcase, autographed even, but I hadn't.
137. Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich
138. Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich
116. Not Quite Dead Enough by Rex Stout
Archie is in the Army and Wolfe and Fritz are 'in training' so they can join the fight. Archie is sent to enlist Wolfe's help with a problem the Army has, but to do that Archie must get Nero back into detective mode. Fits AlphaKit for the letter N117. The Winter Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine
This is the second Van Dine for me, and I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one. Fits the AlphaKit for the letter W.I checked #117 three times, it shouldn't all be bold, but I will just let it go instead of trying to figure it out.
118. Shakespeare's Counsellor by Charlaine Harris
119. Tunnel in the Sky by Robert A. Heinlein
A break from mysteries for some science fiction. A 10 day survival test for students strands them on a unknown planet. 120. Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen
Good one.121. Dry Stone Walls by Robert Randisi
Story was fine but the book contained 16 (that I noticed) GLARING errors - letters inserted into words, letters left out of words, words simply spelt wrong, wrong words used, incomprehensible sentence (1 only), capital letter missing on a name, etc etc etc. Very distracting. Published by Riverdale Avenue Books. I'm amazed that such a well regarded author would go with a publisher that did such a poor job. Spoiled the mystery. It gets 3 stars only because it was a Randisi book. The book wouldn't come up with a touchstone, so rather than have the wrong book pop up I omitted a touchstone.122. The Jane Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
123. Nobody's Secret by Michaela MacColl
Fits MysteryCAT for December - cozy.124. A Blunt Instrument by Georgette Heyer
The first page in the book says, "We challenge you to discover the murder weapon before Superintendent Hannasyde..." Just less than half-way through I was sure I knew both who, and the weapon. It took a great deal of self control not to look ahead to see if I was right. I was.125. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
On rereading this I still give it a four. This was the one that started it all. Stephanie was (is) such a refreshing change. As I reread through them this coming year, I'm going to keep a record of what happens to the cars. 126. Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich
127. Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
128. Four to Score by Janet Evanovich
129. The Shepherd by Fredrick Forsyth
This is my Christmas Eve tradition. 130. High Five by Janet Evanovich
It's fun reading these earlier ones again. I'd forgotten so many little details.131. Hot Six by Janet Evanovich
Best of the first six.132. Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
Getting better and better.133. Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich
134. To the Nines by Janet Evanovich
The girls all go to Vegas.135. Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich
Sally Sweet saves the day.136. Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich
Don't know how it happened, but I hadn't read this one. It was sitting in the bookcase, autographed even, but I hadn't. 137. Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich
138. Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich
15mysterymax
>14 Tess_W: Thanks Tess. I just realized I should put each month in when the month begins, that way all the comments about the months reads would be in the month. Oh well, I'll try that next year!
18thornton37814
Some fun categories! Enjoy your 2020 reading!
20rabbitprincess
Yay, welcome back! Looking forward to seeing what you read this year.
21DeltaQueen50
Great to see you back posting. You've chosen some great categories for your 2020 reading.
22JayneCM
Love all you categories and pictures! >5 mysterymax: could also be the difference between an English and an Australian fairy tale!
Look forward to seeing what you are reading through the year.
Look forward to seeing what you are reading through the year.
23MissWatson
Welcome back! Love all your images, but Snoopy is best. Happy reading!
24mysterymax
>16 dudes22: >17 hailelib: >18 thornton37814: >19 lkernagh: >20 rabbitprincess: >21 DeltaQueen50: >22 JayneCM: abd >23 MissWatson: Thanks for the greeting and the welcome backs. Finished The Shape of Water...see comments at the top.
25mysterymax
Finished The Terra-Cotta Dog (see top for comments). I'm also watching the Italian tv series which follows the books very closely. It took me a bit of getting used to as the actor doesn't look like I had imagined Montalbano. (Camilleri doesn't physically describe him in the books, you just know him by his thoughts, words and actions. )
26mysterymax
A note of suspense. >20 rabbitprincess: Exciting news that I can reveal next week.
28mysterymax
I'm of an age that can boast about life before computers, cell phones, and all that. I have even been known laugh at people who get so attached to modern technology. You should never, ever, laugh at anyone. Karma's such a b****. I've just spent five days without phone, and thus computer service. Cell phones don't work on the mountain. Not being able to communicate is horrible. Of course, I could get out of my sloppy clothes and drive into town and use the library's computers, but that required more energy than I was willing to spend. Hopefully things are back to normal, except that my Roku seems to have blown a gasket during the shutdown. I was watching the Italian Montalbano series. I'm still working on that problem. Did get some reading down though!
29DeltaQueen50
>28 mysterymax: Technology is wonderful until something goes wrong and then it becomes ultra annoying and frustrating. I hope your problems are all fixed now.
30dudes22
>28 mysterymax: - I can sympathize. Whatever did we do when we weren't so attached to our gadgets? Were you totally without electricity or just cable/phone issues?
31rabbitprincess
>28 mysterymax: I could live without one day of internet, maybe, but five days?! Yikes. Hope the Roku gets fixed so you can get back to Montalbano!
32Tess_W
My doting sons (a good problem to have) get somewhat annoyed with me when I leave my phone in my purse for 2-3 days at a time. I can go for long periods with no phone and I don't for the most part watch TV at all. However, don't take my comp/internet away--LT and books live here!
33lkernagh
>28 mysterymax: - Sorry to learn about all of your technology woes! It is rather scary how reliant we have become on our devices so a lack of service is always a shock to the system. Glad to see you found a connection and YAY for reading time!
34mysterymax
It was a telephone/router/wifi issue. Being without phone and computer at the same time was the worst. I was mega-careful not to do anything unwise, like falling down, cutting or burning myself. A friend comes on Friday mornings and takes my garbage down the driveway to the bin (steep hill and snow means if I made it it would take me half and hour) so I knew that I only had to make it through Wednesday night and Thursday. He called the phone company and reported my woes. The internet I missed mostly for email.
I least I didn't get one of my biggest gripes....you call tech support because your computer is down and they tell you to their website...
I least I didn't get one of my biggest gripes....you call tech support because your computer is down and they tell you to their website...
35dudes22
I feel for you, mm. I was having trouble with my tablet wifi connection. All our other gadgets seemed to be fine. But the tech people couldn't sign into my machine because - no wifi. I finally ended up taking it to a local guy and found out my network adapter was dying. So I ended up having to get a new tablet. Right before Christmas when the tech stores are mobbed.
36mysterymax
>35 dudes22: Remember how all this technology was going to make our lives so much easier?
37dudes22
>36 mysterymax: - Oh, yeah. I just finished a book and was thinking in the middle, "why doesn't he just call someone to help?" Oh, yeah - no cell phones then... I wonder when they'll show up in the series?
38mysterymax
A month is over already. Is there a scientific paper somewhere that explains why time passes faster the older you get. When I was a kid, a month was really long. The school year lasted forever, as did summer. Now it seems like the month is over before I've finished my coffee.
Ten books in January. I can't really pick one that was far better than the others. I think The Voice of the Violin might qualify. I'm making an effort to not get sidetracked with other books so that I actually finish the series straight through. I managed to get through all the Montalbano tv series (Italian) and have started on the Young Maltalbano series. The regular series had several 'bonus' items at the end, including an interview with Camilleri. I should have guessed, but Simonen was important to Camilleri.
He gives me hope because he was 70 when he began writing and wrote well into his 80s.
Ten books in January. I can't really pick one that was far better than the others. I think The Voice of the Violin might qualify. I'm making an effort to not get sidetracked with other books so that I actually finish the series straight through. I managed to get through all the Montalbano tv series (Italian) and have started on the Young Maltalbano series. The regular series had several 'bonus' items at the end, including an interview with Camilleri. I should have guessed, but Simonen was important to Camilleri.
He gives me hope because he was 70 when he began writing and wrote well into his 80s.
39thornton37814
>38 mysterymax: I had some good ones that made it difficult to choose. I ended up choosing my Deborah Crombie as my favorite fiction of the month. There were a couple others that probably should have earned that spot, but when I gave them all 4 stars, I went for the one that is a favorite series. I was actually surprised at how many 4 star ratings I handed out when I remember giving so many 2s and 3s during the month, but when you read 36 books, you give out a few more.
40mysterymax
>39 thornton37814: My problem is that I love the entire series!
41VivienneR
I can sympathize with you and the technology problems. Soon after we moved here my computer died. I'd no cell phone at the time and a blizzard meant travelling to the nearest town with a technician was out. I hadn't realized until then how much I depended on it for banking, news, as well as communications.
Camilleri was an interesting character. The influence of Simenon is apparent, but only after you mentioned it. I enjoy his books and wish I could watch the series on tv.
>38 mysterymax: Remember when waiting for a special occasion took years? And yet it's only been, what, about two years since Y2K?
Camilleri was an interesting character. The influence of Simenon is apparent, but only after you mentioned it. I enjoy his books and wish I could watch the series on tv.
>38 mysterymax: Remember when waiting for a special occasion took years? And yet it's only been, what, about two years since Y2K?
42thornton37814
>39 thornton37814: I understand. I love entire series too, but I usually only read one per month.
43mysterymax
>42 thornton37814: LOL One book from a series, or one series?
44mysterymax
>41 VivienneR: That sounds about right!
45thornton37814
>43 mysterymax: One book from a series. I normally read no more than 4 of one series per year, but I'm making some exceptions with the Brunetti and Sayers series for the group read schedules.
46mysterymax
Headache is lessening so I've gotten more reading done.
47mysterymax
Still sick. Doctor changed the meds, so hopefully it will end soon.
48mysterymax
Have finished the Montalbano series, much to my regret. I have a couple of ER books I need to read before starting another series. Still coughing and have started on my third antibiotic. All I want to do is sleep.
49rabbitprincess
Hope you're feeling better soon!
50thornton37814
>48 mysterymax: I still have some. I will get to some this year. I'm spreading them out though because I don't have a lot more.
52mysterymax
>49 rabbitprincess: Thanks. Hoping so too. With all the hoopla about the coronavirus I'm not sure about making the April trip. I'll keep you posted. There's an event I should attend in Toronto, don't know if they'll postpone or not, and the dentist is probably not anxious to be so close to people.
53mysterymax
>51 LisaMorr: Thanks.The frustrating thing is I think I'm really getting better and then it seems like I'm going backwards. For sure, I'm better than I was. The cough just won't go away. Dr. tested and it is a bacterial infection, so I don't have that to worry about.
54mysterymax
>50 thornton37814: I was being to think in Italian, wanted to say all those phrases...!
55mysterymax
February is gone, hardley knew it was here. Read 15 books. All Camilleri; The Age of Doubt was my favorite. This month I read one of my ER books, The Bear. I can see why so many people think its beautiful, profound, etc. etc. But I didn't connect emotionally with the book. I'm going to catch up on my Bruce Coffin police procedure books before doing my next ER. For a picture of Bruce scroll down on my monthly records. He's standing with Walter Mosley.
56mysterymax
Read all three of Bruce Coffin's Maine policeman John Byron. Can hardly wait for his next one, which I believe should be out soon. Have had two days so far without coughing. So am keeping my fingers crossed that I can stay healthy and not get this 'big, scary, virus'.
Had an ER book that left me feeling underwhelmed. I'm starting to get upset by the folks that blurb high praise for books that don't deliver. Does anyone really pay attention to them?
Trying to decide what to read next!
Had an ER book that left me feeling underwhelmed. I'm starting to get upset by the folks that blurb high praise for books that don't deliver. Does anyone really pay attention to them?
Trying to decide what to read next!
57mysterymax
Three books in March by Bruce Coffin - so that fills one of the letters for the AlphaKit! And my ER book was by Andrew Grant, so that fills the other letter. Filled that by accident!
58mysterymax
Mosley discusses discovering the truth in your writing, being open to creating something that lets the reader reach a new understanding. Tons of writers have their own book on writing. So far, the only ones that really talk about more than conflict, punctuation, etc. are Mosley and Le Guin.
59christina_reads
>56 mysterymax: I only pay attention to blurbs if they're from people I know. Like, if an author I love has blurbed a book, that might sway me toward reading it. But otherwise, the blurbs don't generally mean anything to me.
60mysterymax
I self-isolated right away since between having fought a chest infection for over a month and my age, I figured I'd be a walking target for the virus. And since hubby is confined to working from him, he's still in Ottawa. Have done a little reading, a little writing, started some house projects (paint one day, recoup two days), and am working on a jigsaw puzzle. My first book of the month was the ARC copy of Sara Paretsky's book Dead Land. I love V.I. Warshawski. In this one she's begun showing her age. The plot was so complex it took me a while to get into it, and I felt that you could see the loss that Paretsky has suffered with the passing of her husband.
61rabbitprincess
>60 mysterymax: Sending hugs to you both. I didn't realize hubby was still in Ottawa! That must be hard.
62mysterymax
>61 rabbitprincess: Yup! And last night my oven went for a poop. Isn't heating. Looks like I'll be using the slow cooker for a while. Today we were all supposed to be having tea and cakes together.
63VivienneR
After all you have been through, self-isolation is essential. Wishing you all the best for a complete recovery. Stay safe.
64rabbitprincess
>62 mysterymax: We'll need to have a virtual tea and cakes session!
65mysterymax
Oh, November's MysteryKit is Hard-boiled. How wonderful. Already have 25 books picked out, plus two for AlphaKit
66mysterymax
Oh we are going to have a dilly of a storm if my pain threshold is any indicator. I remember when I was a kid I thought the stories about "old timers" forecasting a storm was made up. Live and Learn.
67dudes22
We're getting it but mostly rain. Might change to snow later but we still won't get much. Too close to the coast. I have a friend in NH and she said she's got several inches and more coming.
68mysterymax
I'm sure I can get one more book in tomorrow. I'm binge reading Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum to put some laughter in at the end of a long horrible year. So my total will be 137 or 138.
69VivienneR
Stephanie Plum will end the horrible year on an upbeat note. Here's hoping for a better year in 2021.
70mysterymax
>69 VivienneR: Yes, I've laughed a lot. My sense of humor is very visual and I see these crazy scenes and I laugh till I cry. Got to finish #13 today!
71mysterymax
That's it! Closing out 2020 at 138 books.
2020 In Review:
Books Read: 138
Books Added to Collection: 42
Books Removed from Collection: 22
Reviews Written: 36
ER Books Received: 5
Non-Fiction Reads: 11 (all very good)
New Authors: 11 non-fiction, 3 fiction: (1) given away after reading, (1) will read again if my daughter gives me one in the series, (1) will try to read more of (Freeman Wills Crofts)
5 Star: 1 Simenon’s Paris
YA Read: 2
Best non-mystery fiction: Universe of Two by Stephen Kiernan
Big Disappointments: 2 Simenon non-Maigret books, Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie, The Getaway by Jim Thompson, Dry Stone Walls by Robert Randisi (because of too many edit errors) and The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett.
2020 In Review:
Books Read: 138
Books Added to Collection: 42
Books Removed from Collection: 22
Reviews Written: 36
ER Books Received: 5
Non-Fiction Reads: 11 (all very good)
New Authors: 11 non-fiction, 3 fiction: (1) given away after reading, (1) will read again if my daughter gives me one in the series, (1) will try to read more of (Freeman Wills Crofts)
5 Star: 1 Simenon’s Paris
YA Read: 2
Best non-mystery fiction: Universe of Two by Stephen Kiernan
Big Disappointments: 2 Simenon non-Maigret books, Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie, The Getaway by Jim Thompson, Dry Stone Walls by Robert Randisi (because of too many edit errors) and The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett.
