Reading the Detectives discussion

What do people in this group think of the mysteries written by Clara Benson? I was thinking of trying one.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Many in the group have been reading her books, including one later this month. The threads are in the 'buddy reads' section. I stopped after three or four - too many other books to read.

Sandy wrote: "Many in the group have been reading her books, including one later this month. The threads are in the 'buddy reads' section. I stopped after three or four - too many other books to read."

In your opinion, how does she compare to Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh? Or any other "famous" mystery writers?

Clara Benson is a modern author. I think her books are far more about the characters than the mystery, but they are pleasant enough. Many of the characters crop up in various books, so it would probably be best to start at the beginning of the series.

I've really enjoyed the Angela Marchmont series by Clara Benson so far - I think she has a lovely humorous writing style and some great characters.

We have read a few as buddy reads, and the next one coming up is book 8, The Trouble at Wakeley Court.

I agree with Susan that the Angela Marchmont series is good to read in order because of the character development, but the very first book in the series is quite different from the others and more of a standalone, so would be fine to skip.

That one,The Murder at Sissingham Hall is narrated in the first person by one of the characters and Angela doesn't come in very much (although having said that, I enjoyed that book too!)

The Freddy Pilkington-Soames series follows on from the Angela Marchmont one, as he is Angela's sidekick, so I'm waiting to read those after finishing the Angela books - but I don't know if it matters all that much?

I like Freddy, Judy. He's a lot of fun and I look forward to reading those too. I am currently reading The Trouble of Wakeley Court, which reminds me of Cat Among the Pigeons

Judy wrote: "I've really enjoyed the Angela Marchmont series by Clara Benson so far - I think she has a lovely humorous writing style and some great characters.

We have read a few as buddy re..."

Is the May 16 date the date you expect people to be done with Wakeley Court? I'd be willing to give it a try but it's book 8. What do you think?

It is set in a girls school, Klowey, and Angela - so far, is on the periphery of events. You probably could enter this one without having read previous mysteries, whereas others have romantic storylines/characters, which follow on from earlier books. However, I have only recently started, so I hope I am giving you the correct advice!

Thanks! I do have a pile of books I'm currently reading so maybe I'll wait. Appreciate your comments on her books.

I 've read the first five Marchmont books and the first Freddie one and enjoyed both. Freddie seems almost Wodehousian in some ways, and I found the book good fun.

If you decide to join in on the Clara Benson books later on, Klowey, the threads will still be open and I'm sure people will reply.

I love all the Clara Benson books, the Freddie series are a joy - her eye for period speech and detail is superb and of all the "recreation" golden era style novels I think she comes closest to the real thing. I agree that Freddie has a Wodehousian touch, it brought back memories of reading PG Wodehouse many years ago.

Welcome, Geraldine. I really like the Clara Benson books too - some of us have been buddy reading the Angela series here and will read The Shadow at Greystone Chase in mid October.

I'm looking forward to finally reading the Freddy books next year.