Agatha Christie Challenge discussion

Mysteries tend to be very serial. What other series are you reading/have you read? Any you would suggest?

I have read several of the P.D. James novels and I'm actually reading them in order, also. I love Adam Dalgliesh and Cordelia Gray!

I have read all of the Nero Wolfe books by Rex Stout. And I read those in chronological order when I first read them and they are all wonderful reads. Probably my all time favorites series too.

I'm also currently reading Dalziel and Pascoe in order (Killing Kindness is next), and Sue Grafton's Alphabet (Q is for Quarry next), and the Philip Marlowe novels* (Farewell, My Lovely). There are a bunch of others, but I've cut back to these three for now. When I finish any of those, I'll pick up another ongoing series that I've put aside.

*It turns out that most of Chandler's short stories were written before he started writing the novels, and I have a book of complete short stories sitting on my shelf, but I think I'll go ahead and read all the novels first and go back to read the stories once I'm done.

I've been reading the True Blood Sookie Stackhouse series. It is a very fun and satisfying series. I'm on book 4, I believe. I'm just waiting for it from the library.

I should read some Chandler. I love Alfred Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train," the screenplay which is credited to Chandler. I'm sure I would love the stories!

Ruth wrote: "I should read some Chandler. I love Alfred Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train," the screenplay which is credited to Chandler. I'm sure I would love the stories!"

He's an absolutely brilliant writer. His use of the language is right up there with the best.

Ibis3 wrote: "I'm also currently reading Dalziel and Pascoe in order (Killing Kindness is next), and Sue Grafton's Alphabet (Q is for Quarry next), and the Philip Marlowe novels* (Farewell, My Lovely). There are..."

I just finished the "T" Is for Trespass" and found it engaging. But couldn't find the "U" Is for Undertow" anywhere.


Tried reading Perry Mason's , didnt find it irresistible. Anybody knows any good british Mystery stories or novels (authors)?

Lrmenon wrote: "Anybody knows any good british Mystery stories or novels (authors)?"

One of my top favorites is Dick Francis.

Luann wrote: "Lrmenon wrote: "Anybody knows any good british Mystery stories or novels (authors)?"

One of my top favorites is Dick Francis."

My mom really loves Dick Francis. I've only read one or two of his horse-racing inspired mysteries. I love PD James and Dorothy Sayers.

I'm now reading Deadheads. Listening to it actually. Really, really good.

I am on the last release (so far) of the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. They're really fun books, with more than a touch of romance and S-E-X. It can be very confusing reading these books and watching the TV show (True Blood on HBO) at the same time. There are many similarities, but then, completely different.

Just starting on Q is for Quarry. Sounds like it will be interesting.

Since I last posted here, I did in fact read Q is for Quarry as well as R is for Ricochet. As well, I read Robertson Davies' Leaven of Malice which is a kind of mystery (also a comedy of manners), but not a murder mystery--someone puts a false engagement announcement in the newspaper of a university town in 1950s Ontario and consequences ensue. By the end, you can't wait to discover who and why. I'm now listening (and almost finished) Daphne Du Maurier's Jamaica Inn, which is mostly gothic suspense, but there's a mystery villain included.

Now I'm listening to Exit Lines, a Dalziel & Pascoe mystery.

Since my last post, I also listened to Child's Play(another Dalziel & Pascoe), and am now listening to Whose Body?, the first Lord Peter Wimsey. I think I'd much prefer reading it myself as I don't care for the narrator very much.

Whose Body? - I've never read that, though I love LPW! I don't know why I haven't read more Sayers. She's so wonderful!

Ruth wrote: "Whose Body? - I've never read that, though I love LPW! I don't know why I haven't read more Sayers. She's so wonderful!"

Back in my late teens early twenties I read a few of them out of order, couldn't get into Gaudy Night and never read the rest. It had been my intention to start on them once I'd finished all of Agatha Christie's, but I was looking for an audiobook last week and this one was available. I might wait until I finish one of my other series before I pick up number 2. Especially since, as I say, I'd prefer to read them in print.

Ibis3 wrote: "Ruth wrote: "Whose Body? - I've never read that, though I love LPW! I don't know why I haven't read more Sayers. She's so wonderful!"

Back in my late teens early twenties I read a few of them out ..."

I've read some LPW with success, "Have His Carcass," for example, but I always felt they were more cerebral and densely written with about the same amount of emotional payoff. Laziness would be the main reason for me, probably. ;)

I haven't tried any of the audiobooks for LPW. I'll keep your opinion of the performer in mind. I really have enjoyed most of the audiobooks for Christie.