In September I read less books than usual, only six books, all mysteries. One reason for the low number (although there is nothing at all wrong with reading 6 books in a month) is that I started the month with a really long book (The Wine of Angels) and ended it with another really long book (Garden of Beasts by Jeffrey Deaver, which I finished Oct. 2).
Two of the books I read this month were vintage mysteries published in the year 1958. Rich at Past Offenses gathered links to reviews of books published in that year here. I also read two books from the Inspector Barnaby series by Caroline Graham; that series was adapted for television as Midsomer Murder episodes.
The books I read this month...
The Count of Nine by Erle Stanley Gardner
(writing as A. A. Fair)
Death of a Hollow Man by Caroline Graham
Coffin Scarcely Used by Colin Watson
Lie in the Dark by Dan Fesperman
Death in Disguise by Caroline Graham
The Crime Fiction Pick of the Month meme is hosted at Mysteries in Paradise. You can go HERE to see other posts and choices for favorite crime fiction reads.
I initially thought it would be hard to pick a favorite. I enjoyed all the books I read but none of them blew me away. The two vintage mysteries I read were fine books but not the best examples of the authors (based on what I have read). I was torn between The Wine of Angels by Phil Rickman and Death of a Hollow Man by Caroline Graham. The book by Caroline Graham was a reread, but I was so impressed on a second reading of that book that I read another book by that author very soon after. I heartily recommend Caroline Graham's books if you haven't read them.
The Wine of Angels is my Pick of the Month. I like novels that combine a mystery and the supernatural, if they don't overdo the supernatural. This one provided an interesting mystery with a great story about a woman priest who is a single mother of a teenage girl. It is a Very Long Book, nearly 600 pages.
12 comments:
Can't wait to see what you thought of Fesperman, which is probably the only one we will have in common. (Apart from Deaver!)
6 isn't too bad - I managed 8, but 2 were shorties.
Tracy, five-six books a month is my capacity though the aim is always higher. I have got my eye on A.A. Fair's novels including "The Count of Nine."
Good collection - and you have inspired me to read more of Rickman and Graham...
I am lucky to read four lately. And my best one this month is BROKEN HARBOR by Tana French.
Tracy - I couldn't agree more about the Caroline Graham series. Thanks for mentioning it. And I've heard very good thing about The Wine of Angels. I must put that on my list!
TracyK: I am most interested in your thoughts on Garden of the Beasts. I read it some years ago. I will wait until your review before posting a comment on my thoughts on the book.
Col, I liked the Fesperman but it wasn't a fun read at all. I enjoyed the book by Jeffery Deaver also. Hope I can get to reviews of them soon.
Prashant, I want to read more AA Fair books and also some of the Perry Mason books. They are short and fast reads.
Lots of clothing in books by both of those authors. At least the ones I read. I was very happy with my reading this month but I feel like I am slowing down in all areas.
I am glad to hear that you liked BROKEN HARBOR, Patti. I still have to read THE LIKENESS and FAITHFUL PLACE. I liked her first book a lot.
Margot, the only book by Caroline Graham that I have not read is a non-series one, Murder At Madingley Grange. I may try that one next year.
Bill, I hope I get to reviewing it soon. I look forward to hearing what you thought of it.
Post a Comment