Tracey’s Comments (group member since Nov 08, 2017)

Tracey’s comments from the Reading the Detectives group.

At the scene of the car accident, someone was seen walking away. Did we ever discover who that was, and I missed it in the text? Was it Beamish? And if so, did this allegedly brilliant darts player have a role in causing the crash? Or was it just drink driving in a blackout that caused it.

I did really enjoy reading this, but not sure if I missed a few details along the way!

Sandy wrote: "I quite liked this book though most of the legal subtleties were over my head. Pettigrew reminded me of Rumple with his constant conflict with the judge. I agree with an earlier comment, in that I ..."

I wondered if Hilda Rumpole 'she who must be obeyed' was inspired by this Hilda? Or maybe Hilda is just a very popular name in legal circles?

I've got that on my to-watch list Judy. Good to know you've enjoyed it. I'm holding out on a britbox subscription until Hugh Laurie's 'why didn't they ask Evans' adaptation is released, which I believe is very soon.

I watched the first 2 episodes of slow horses last night (after a convoluted process of signing up to Apple TV). I was quite worried that it might be awful, but really enjoyed it. It seemed very close to the books in plot (from what I remember). And I liked the casting of River and Jackson Lamb. My partner (who is not a fiction reader at all) really enjoyed it too.

It looks like they have filmed two 6 episode series. I don't know if that will relate to the first two books in the series or more?

Now to make the most of my temporary apple TV subscription - I shall use it to introduce my children to the delights of fraggle rock & snoopy!

Jill wrote: "When I was small, we had a gas tap in every room and the hall for the lighting. We did not use them as we had electricity. There was one above my bed. One day I climbed up to it and turned the the ..."

Very scary to think these gas pipes were still connected! There is a National trust property nearby me (Tenement house) that still has working gas lighting. Can certainly see the appeal of electricity!

Am glad there was a diagram of the tap set up in my copy, as the explanations all got a bit convoluted at one point.

Just starting. Had too many library books that I'd ordered appear at the one time! I've read The Footsteps at the Lock by this author and really enjoyed that, so high hopes for this one.

Susan I really hope the memorial goes smoothly. And that you get that trip to Charleston too.

I'm planning on visiting family in Milton Keynes, and hopefully can get a trip to Bletchley Park in. Have been numerous times (even used to walk past it to school every day). Quite a fascinating place, and I like to read every book I can find set there.

I'm reading Magpie Murders too. It's been on my tbr list for ages, now the TV adaption is available this has prompted me to read it. I'm a big fan of Lesley Manville so looking forward to watching it, after I finish the book.

That does sound really interesting. Thank you Louise, added to the tbr list.

I agree completely! My tbr list is groaning. Let's hope 2022 brings lots of reading time.

I like the sound of the Sparks and Bainbridge books, and want to read more Elly Griffiths too.

Judy wrote: "I've really enjoyed reading everyone's lists of good reading so far and will add a few to my TBR.

Tracey, I used to love the Chalet School books as a kid but haven't revisited as an adult. They ma..."

Chalet school books passed me by as a child, I have no idea why, as they are just like the type of books I loved then. It was actually a mention on the Shedunnit podcast that got me interested. And now I seem quite heavily invested in the goings on of that school. The books can be a little difficult to track down, so I've been reading what I can out of the original order. To escape to an alpine retreat would be marvellous right now!

Thanks for starting this thread Judy. Here's my take on 2021's reading...

Which mysteries/crime books that you read with the group did you enjoy the most?
I have been enjoying the assorted Agatha Christie challenge, with Endless Night being my favourite.

Which personal crime/mystery reads did you enjoy the most?
More Christie with Sleeping Murder. Also enjoyed working my way through some JDC (a bundle of tattered paperbacks from ebay) with The Seat of the Scornful being the highlight there. The latest slow horses instalment from Mick Herron was fantastic too.

Which authors do you want to read more of?
I read my first Christianna Brand (Green for Danger), first Georgette Heyer (Death in the Stocks) and first Margaret Millar (Vanish in an Instant) this year. Looking forward to exploring more by these authors.

What were your favourite non-mystery/detective books in 2021?
Regeneration by Pat Barker, although have yet to finish the trilogy.

Have been reading a lot of YA this year. Plenty of chalet school escapism from Elinor M. Brent-Dyer. And the truly devious YA mysteries from Maureen Johnson.

Sandy wrote: "That is almost a year away!"

Oops! Sorry for the confusion. At least it's sooner rather than later!

I read today that the next book in the series, Bad Actors is released on 12/5/22.

No date on the TV series release as yet.

Thanks for the buddy read. This book has been sitting on my shelf for a couple of years, intimidating me. I felt that I'd not read 'enough' to really get the most from it. But can you ever really say you've read enough? Glad to have started it now, finding it a light read full of interesting titbits. I certainly would not have linked a character in bagpuss to G.D.H Cole!

That's very interesting Judy. And thank you for reminding me of the buddy read, I'd completely forgotten that was this month.

I though the dodgy author husband was somehow linked. There was the mention of the three books that had been won and left in the house rented by Captain Trevelyan, I hoped this was a great clue I'd spotted.

Rosina wrote: "Klowey wrote: "What is the Marple version? Is it a different story?."

A very different story, with, as I said, strange echoes of this version.

The TV series Marple, with Miss Marple as investigat..."

This sounds absolutely baffling!

Judy wrote: "Until I got towards the end, I was thinking I would like to see a TV or film adaptation - not sure if I would want to bother now though. Has anyone seen one? I see there was a 1970s version with Ha..."

The front cover of paperback copy I have features Hayley Mills looking rather scared, with Hywel Bennett looking alarmed. Britt Ekland is on the back cover, looking as if she is hanging a picture. I am quite intrigued by this version, not sure if it is easily available to watch though.

This was such a creepy read. I actually had to stop reading last thing before bed, as I knew it could affect my sleep!