Books - October 2023
Oct. 29th, 2023 01:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smallhobbitSix books again this month, and two of those were replacements for ones I didn't finish - unusually for me there were two in one month. One was a library book which grated, and another a book I'd bought (cheaply) on someone's recommendation, but when I realised I was having problems getting myself to pick it up and read it, decided it really wasn't for me. These are the ones I did finish:
Buried for Pleasure by Edmund Crispin
The next Gervase Fen story, where Fen goes to a small town to canvas as the next MP in a byelection. A dead body is found and Fen discovers he prefers hunting for clues than talking to constituents. Plenty of amusement as well, so generally great fun. [D10]
Mrs Mohr Goes Missing by Maryla Szymiczkowa
Set in Cracow in 1893 its the story of Zofia Turbotynska who helps hunt for a old lady missing from a home and when the body is found decides to find the murderer. It's an interesting setting, and a new one to me, and depends as much on the social situations as anything else. A friend recommended this to me and I did enjoy it. [A10]
Game Without Rules by Michael Gilbert
Mr Calder and Mr Behrens in a new Penguin edition. Excellent stories, several of them featuring Rasselas, Mr Calder's dog. I thoroughly enjoyed all the mystery and espionage. [F14]
In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan
I originally reserved this book at the library back in March, but had to wait as the particular branch packed up all their books for a makeover, until finally they ordered some more copies and then unpacked the one they'd got. It was worth waiting for as it's an interesting concept. There's a new trial using an Artificial Intelligent Detective Entity (AIDE Lock) to help the police force to look into cold cases of the disappearance of young people. The police team have to learn to work with AIDE Lock, and the AIDE needs refinement, but it does serve to highlight the strengths of both. On the whole it is a good story, but some of the co-incidences seem rather too far fetched and left me thinking 'really?' That being said, it's worth reading for the ideas behind it. [B10]
Fear for Miss Betony by Dorothy Bowers
This month's Shedunnit book choice, which I happened to have on my to be read shelf. I'd not read any Dorothy Bowers before and enjoyed the chance to read along with others (the discussion opens at the end of the month). It's quite a good story, definitely worth trying her out as an author, but I'm not sure I'd read any more. Miss Betony, an elderly ex-governess, goes to help a previous pupil with a small boarding school she's recently opened, but where strange things are happening. [E10]
Maigret's Revolver by Georges Simenon
Another new Penguin. Set in 1951, a young man steals Maigret's revolver from his flat and it's up to Maigret to unravel a complicated story which flows from this act. In the process, Maigret has to fly to London and visit the Savoy Hotel. A reasonably short book and a quick read, but entertaining. [C10]
[Letters refer to my reading lists - I am to read one book from each list per month to ensure a variety of reading.]
Buried for Pleasure by Edmund Crispin
The next Gervase Fen story, where Fen goes to a small town to canvas as the next MP in a byelection. A dead body is found and Fen discovers he prefers hunting for clues than talking to constituents. Plenty of amusement as well, so generally great fun. [D10]
Mrs Mohr Goes Missing by Maryla Szymiczkowa
Set in Cracow in 1893 its the story of Zofia Turbotynska who helps hunt for a old lady missing from a home and when the body is found decides to find the murderer. It's an interesting setting, and a new one to me, and depends as much on the social situations as anything else. A friend recommended this to me and I did enjoy it. [A10]
Game Without Rules by Michael Gilbert
Mr Calder and Mr Behrens in a new Penguin edition. Excellent stories, several of them featuring Rasselas, Mr Calder's dog. I thoroughly enjoyed all the mystery and espionage. [F14]
In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan
I originally reserved this book at the library back in March, but had to wait as the particular branch packed up all their books for a makeover, until finally they ordered some more copies and then unpacked the one they'd got. It was worth waiting for as it's an interesting concept. There's a new trial using an Artificial Intelligent Detective Entity (AIDE Lock) to help the police force to look into cold cases of the disappearance of young people. The police team have to learn to work with AIDE Lock, and the AIDE needs refinement, but it does serve to highlight the strengths of both. On the whole it is a good story, but some of the co-incidences seem rather too far fetched and left me thinking 'really?' That being said, it's worth reading for the ideas behind it. [B10]
Fear for Miss Betony by Dorothy Bowers
This month's Shedunnit book choice, which I happened to have on my to be read shelf. I'd not read any Dorothy Bowers before and enjoyed the chance to read along with others (the discussion opens at the end of the month). It's quite a good story, definitely worth trying her out as an author, but I'm not sure I'd read any more. Miss Betony, an elderly ex-governess, goes to help a previous pupil with a small boarding school she's recently opened, but where strange things are happening. [E10]
Maigret's Revolver by Georges Simenon
Another new Penguin. Set in 1951, a young man steals Maigret's revolver from his flat and it's up to Maigret to unravel a complicated story which flows from this act. In the process, Maigret has to fly to London and visit the Savoy Hotel. A reasonably short book and a quick read, but entertaining. [C10]
[Letters refer to my reading lists - I am to read one book from each list per month to ensure a variety of reading.]
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Date: 2023-10-29 08:04 pm (UTC)