Books, Audiobooks, Courses - August 2021
Aug. 31st, 2021 03:40 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smallhobbitAn excellent reading month, and I have passed my revised Goodreads Reading Challenge total.
The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
This was a recommendation. It's a new book and I was fortunate to be the second person to borrow this particular copy from the library. Albert Entwistle is a postman who is about to retire. His secret is that he is gay, although he has denied this for the whole of his adult life. The book shows Albert coming to terms with the idea and setting out to find the secret boyfriend he had when he was still at school, and in the process making new friends in unexpected places. I'd thoroughly recommend this book - there's a wide variety of believable characters, most of whom have their own problems they're wrestling with.
Serpents in Eden: Countryside Crimes edited by Martin Edwards
I'd bought this book last year, with a book token and had promised myself I would take it on holiday. Holidays remain in short supply, but nevertheless I read the book. Short stories from Sherlock Holmes onwards, all set in the countryside. Some are better than others, but I enjoyed the collection.
Cat Among The Pigeons by Agatha Christie
Some of the Shedunnit book club are starting a new readthrough of the monthly book choice since they, like me, joined after it had begun. This was the first book. It's a typical Christie Poirot whodunnit, easy reading and not taxing. I read it year's ago, and remembered some of the plot, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
The Body by Bill Bryson
For once this book was at my local library branch, so I didn't have to reserve it. It was recommended byaome The book deals with the physical body and as such is quite interesting and I learnt a few things. This was the second Bryson book I've read this year and I doubt I'll read more. [B8]
Deadly Communion by Frank Tallis
Having watched Vienna Blood last year, I'd wanted to read some of the original novels to see how they compared. The library has two of them, and this is the first. The main characters share many traits with the television version, although in the book they had less emotional problems, which from my point of view was a plus. The crime solution was well done, although I didn't find the book truly gripping. There were some excellent descriptions of Viennese cakes! [A8]
Death on the Riviera by John Bude
This month's Shedunnit book club read. It's a pleasant enough mystery and I wouldn't mind being on the Riviera, but I don't rate Bude that highly. I was happy enough to have read it, and look forward to the discussion.
The Adventures of Maud West by Susannah Stapleton
Maud West ran a detective agency in London in the early decades of the twentieth century. I have a feeling this book was recommended to me a couple of years ago, and also that she's been mentioned on Shedunnit. I found the style of the book hard to take, because the author was explaining her processes, and I could happily have missed those out. Maud West was an interesting character, but by the end of the book I didn't feel like I knew much more about her than when I started. [C8]
Murder by the Book: Mysteries for Bibliophiles edited by Martin Edwards
A new book, pre-ordered with Christmas money. More short stories, which I do like.
Clutch of Constables by Ngaio Marsh
Continuing my Roderick Alleyn readthrough. This one features quite a lot of Troy, his wife, and she adds considerably to any story she features in. It's a clever, convoluted plot and I spotted the villain. [D8]
The Long Arm of the Law: Classic Police Stories by Martin Edwards
Bought at the end of last year, from a win on the church 100 club! August is holiday month so I felt I should reward myself with more short stories. I prefer classic police mysteries to talented amateurs, so these were ideal, and did enjoy a number.
I've also finished this year's book bingo, by using a number of substitutions:
Audiobooks:
The White Cottage Mystery by Margery Allingham narrated by William Gaminara. An early Allingham. An okay mystery, but she improved.
Death on the Air and Other Stories by Ngaio Marsh narrated by Wanda McCaddon. A variety of short stories, all up to Marsh's usual standard, including one which was in 'Murder by the Book'
Take Six Girls: The Lives of the Mitford Sisters by Laura Thompson read by Maggie Nash. According to the author the Mitford sisters could do nothing wrong and were simply misunderstood (slight exaggeration, but quite close). Or they were incredibly privileged and didn't appreciate their good fortune (by Me). What was interesting was the look at the times and the thoughts of those who were in power.
News from Thrush Green by Miss Read read by Gwen Watford. I actually cared far more about what happened to the fictional characters in Thrush Green, who represent normal people. I'm definitely hooked by the Thrush Green series now.
The Night Thief by Joy Ellis read by Richard Armitage. Yes, it has Armitage narrating, which is always a plus. But I really enjoy the Jackman and Evans books and was delighted to download it as soon as I saw it was available.
FutureLearn courses:
Shakespeare's Language: Revealing Meanings and Exploring Myths by Lancaster University. It sounded interesting, but concentrated on how often certain words occurred and what that meant. It was all very theoretical and concentrated on the written word, rather than words spoken in a play.
Black Tudors: The Untold Story. The concept of showing that there were black Tudors was interesting, especially to give the idea that they were not singled out because of the colour of their skin. But rather a lot was claimed from very small entries, and to say we know anything about the person except for one or two facts merged into fiction.
The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
This was a recommendation. It's a new book and I was fortunate to be the second person to borrow this particular copy from the library. Albert Entwistle is a postman who is about to retire. His secret is that he is gay, although he has denied this for the whole of his adult life. The book shows Albert coming to terms with the idea and setting out to find the secret boyfriend he had when he was still at school, and in the process making new friends in unexpected places. I'd thoroughly recommend this book - there's a wide variety of believable characters, most of whom have their own problems they're wrestling with.
Serpents in Eden: Countryside Crimes edited by Martin Edwards
I'd bought this book last year, with a book token and had promised myself I would take it on holiday. Holidays remain in short supply, but nevertheless I read the book. Short stories from Sherlock Holmes onwards, all set in the countryside. Some are better than others, but I enjoyed the collection.
Cat Among The Pigeons by Agatha Christie
Some of the Shedunnit book club are starting a new readthrough of the monthly book choice since they, like me, joined after it had begun. This was the first book. It's a typical Christie Poirot whodunnit, easy reading and not taxing. I read it year's ago, and remembered some of the plot, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
The Body by Bill Bryson
For once this book was at my local library branch, so I didn't have to reserve it. It was recommended by
aome The book deals with the physical body and as such is quite interesting and I learnt a few things. This was the second Bryson book I've read this year and I doubt I'll read more. [B8]Deadly Communion by Frank Tallis
Having watched Vienna Blood last year, I'd wanted to read some of the original novels to see how they compared. The library has two of them, and this is the first. The main characters share many traits with the television version, although in the book they had less emotional problems, which from my point of view was a plus. The crime solution was well done, although I didn't find the book truly gripping. There were some excellent descriptions of Viennese cakes! [A8]
Death on the Riviera by John Bude
This month's Shedunnit book club read. It's a pleasant enough mystery and I wouldn't mind being on the Riviera, but I don't rate Bude that highly. I was happy enough to have read it, and look forward to the discussion.
The Adventures of Maud West by Susannah Stapleton
Maud West ran a detective agency in London in the early decades of the twentieth century. I have a feeling this book was recommended to me a couple of years ago, and also that she's been mentioned on Shedunnit. I found the style of the book hard to take, because the author was explaining her processes, and I could happily have missed those out. Maud West was an interesting character, but by the end of the book I didn't feel like I knew much more about her than when I started. [C8]
Murder by the Book: Mysteries for Bibliophiles edited by Martin Edwards
A new book, pre-ordered with Christmas money. More short stories, which I do like.
Clutch of Constables by Ngaio Marsh
Continuing my Roderick Alleyn readthrough. This one features quite a lot of Troy, his wife, and she adds considerably to any story she features in. It's a clever, convoluted plot and I spotted the villain. [D8]
The Long Arm of the Law: Classic Police Stories by Martin Edwards
Bought at the end of last year, from a win on the church 100 club! August is holiday month so I felt I should reward myself with more short stories. I prefer classic police mysteries to talented amateurs, so these were ideal, and did enjoy a number.
I've also finished this year's book bingo, by using a number of substitutions:
Audiobooks:
The White Cottage Mystery by Margery Allingham narrated by William Gaminara. An early Allingham. An okay mystery, but she improved.
Death on the Air and Other Stories by Ngaio Marsh narrated by Wanda McCaddon. A variety of short stories, all up to Marsh's usual standard, including one which was in 'Murder by the Book'
Take Six Girls: The Lives of the Mitford Sisters by Laura Thompson read by Maggie Nash. According to the author the Mitford sisters could do nothing wrong and were simply misunderstood (slight exaggeration, but quite close). Or they were incredibly privileged and didn't appreciate their good fortune (by Me). What was interesting was the look at the times and the thoughts of those who were in power.
News from Thrush Green by Miss Read read by Gwen Watford. I actually cared far more about what happened to the fictional characters in Thrush Green, who represent normal people. I'm definitely hooked by the Thrush Green series now.
The Night Thief by Joy Ellis read by Richard Armitage. Yes, it has Armitage narrating, which is always a plus. But I really enjoy the Jackman and Evans books and was delighted to download it as soon as I saw it was available.
FutureLearn courses:
Shakespeare's Language: Revealing Meanings and Exploring Myths by Lancaster University. It sounded interesting, but concentrated on how often certain words occurred and what that meant. It was all very theoretical and concentrated on the written word, rather than words spoken in a play.
Black Tudors: The Untold Story. The concept of showing that there were black Tudors was interesting, especially to give the idea that they were not singled out because of the colour of their skin. But rather a lot was claimed from very small entries, and to say we know anything about the person except for one or two facts merged into fiction.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-31 04:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-08-31 04:43 pm (UTC)I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't think I sound anything like Wanda McCaddon - she seems a bit refined for me ;)
no subject
Date: 2021-08-31 04:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-08-31 05:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-09-01 05:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-09-01 07:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-09-01 09:54 am (UTC)And, you know, reading this post I realized that I have a nice compliment for you. At least I hope you'll like it. You know the comfort you get when you read Agatha Christie or watch Midsomer Murders? I get some of that when I read many of your posts. I just realized it :)
no subject
Date: 2021-09-01 11:44 am (UTC)That's a lovely compliment - thank you very much :)
no subject
Date: 2021-09-01 04:34 pm (UTC)Some very intriguing stuff on your list there. And congratulations on your excellent reading month! ^__^
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Date: 2021-09-01 04:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-09-04 02:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-09-04 02:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-09-04 05:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-09-09 01:28 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-09-09 07:30 am (UTC)