VivienneR in Christie's Footsteps

 
Ashfield, Christie's birthplace & Greenway, a later home used in Five Little Pigs, Towards Zero, and Dead Man’s Folly

I've been a fan of Agatha Christie since I was in my pre-teen years and I've always been fascinated by her travels.

Christie never fell into the trap of setting too many murders in one location, thus avoiding potshots from critics about the spot being a very dangerous place to live. Instead, she used her fondness for large country homes and typical English villages, as well as personal travel experiences to provide backdrops for her stories.

No targets, I'll be reading whatever jumps off the shelf - and probably a few shiny new books. I plan to include as many CATs as possible, and Bingo of course.

I can also be found over at the Club Read group

Mysteries inspired by some of the grand homes Christie used

  
Bertram’s Hotel from At Bertram’s Hotel, Gossington Hall from The Body in the Library, and Styles Court from The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Shatter the bones by Stuart MacBride

The Chessmen by Peter May

Golden Age & Cozy Mysteries

  
Chipping Cleghorn in A Murder is Announced, King’s Abbott in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and an artist's idea of Miss Marple's cottage at St Mary Mead

Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie

The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie

Fiction

  
Many were set in London, such as Hickory Dickory Dock, Third Girl, Elephants Can Remember

The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller

Non-fiction and biography


Iraq and Syria were the settings in Come, Tell Me How You Live

The Professor and the Madman: a tale of murder, insanity, and the making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Mozart's brain and the fighter pilot by Richard M. Restak

Thinking like a mountain by Robert Bateman

Faraway places, Canada, and translations

  
An Orient Express suite from Murder on the Orient Express, the golf links at Deauville from Murder on the Links, and Frankfurt from Passenger to Frankfurt

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

History and historical

  
Egypt in Death Comes as the End, Jerusalem & Jordon in Appointment With Death, and Mesopotamia & Baghdad in Murder in Mesopotamia

The Janissary tree by Jason Goodwin

Off the beaten track A catch-all for books that don't fit anywhere else.

  
St Honoré from A Caribbean mystery, Smuggler’s Island from Evil Under the Sun, and Soldier Island from And Then There Were None

Never hit a jellyfish with a spade: how to survive life's smaller challenges by Guy Browning

AlphaKIT

  
Andover, Bexhill-on-Sea, and Churston from The ABC Murders

January: Q & A: Queenpin by Megan Abbott
February: K & O: On writing: a memoir of the craft by Stephen King
March: U & L
April: B & M
May: H & V
June: J & D
July: C & P
August: N & I
September: F & W
October: G & T
November: S & Y
December: E & R
Year-long X & Z

CATs


Meadowbank School for Girls from Cat Among the Pigeons

I'm not planning to read in all of the CATegories each month, but will pick and choose.

CalendarCAT
January 26th, Burns Night: The Black Book by Ian Rankin
January 1st, Polar Bear Swim Day: The Healer by Antti Tuomainen
February 5th, Chinese New Year: Flower net by Lisa See
February: 10th & 14th: (Grammy Awards & Valentine's Day): I think I love you by Allison Pearson

SeriesCAT
January - In translation: Rounding the mark by Andrea Camilleri

TBR-CAT
January - Last in, first out: Divisadero by Michael Ondaatje
February - Borrowed: A room full of bones by Elly Griffiths

RandomCAT
January - Your name in print: Vivienne - Gently Where She Lay by Alan Hunter
February - We need a break: Paris for one and other stories by JoJo Moyes

BingoDOG


Dumb Witness featured Bob, a wire-haired terrier. The book was dedicated to Christie's own dog, Peter, of the same breed.



6. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
15. Winter Chill by Jon Cleary
16. Best of Women's Short Stories 2
18. The cat who came in from the cold: a fable by J. Moussaieff Masson

That's a cool set-up, Vivienne! That photo of Bob in >11 VivienneR: is adorable!

What a great, gorgeous variety of pictures! Nicely put together :)

Glad to see you've finally arrived. Great pictures for your categories.

Fantastic idea, love how you tied it all together. I love Agatha Christie as well and this is a great way to give her a standing ovation! I am looking forward to following along.

Thank you all. It's good to get my thread going at last. Now I can go around visiting everyone else and try to decide on what I'm going to be reading.

I came on the theme when in November I read And then there were none again and was just blown away - again!

This is gorgeous, and I love the pictures: It's fantastic to get a glimpse of the real location for some of my favourite mysteries. Starred, of course.

Thanks Birgit. Somehow it adds to the story knowing that the place is real.

Love Agatha Christie, so of course I love your theme!

Thanks Christina, and thank you for the lovely Bingo cards.

>20 VivienneR: Thank *you*! You and I picked the same one. :)

Oh I love this so much!!! Your AlphaKIT and CAT book titles are perfect!

Yesssss the AlphaKIT category name is the best! I love this setup :D

Excellent theme. I've visited Greenaway, it is a lovely setting.

>22 LittleTaiko: & >23 rabbitprincess: Glad you like them! It was fun to put them together.

>24 Helenliz: Lucky you to visit Greenaway! I just noticed that I have the wrong picture in the header. Fixed now.

So. Great.

I have been a major Christie fanatic since I was maybe 10. It's because of Christie that I relentlessly seek out Golden Age mysteries, but she will always be the best.

Fantastic pictures! I hope you enjoy your reading this year---I'm sure you will shoot out some BB's for me!

>26 NinieB: That describes me too! I love Golden Age but as you say, Christie is the best.

>27 Tess_W: Haha, I'll try to return the BB's you shoot in my direction!

You go girl!

>29 cyderry: Thanks, Chèli, it's going to be a good year!

I like your theme (and the pictures)!

I love Agatha Christie. I started raiding my Christie mother’s collection in my early teens and I reread many of them while I was in my 30s. Now that I am 60 I am listening to them on audio. I have finished 33 so far.

I have to admit that I was a little disappointed when I listened to Dumb Witness because i thought it paled in comparison to the the Poirot episode in which the dog that played Monsieur Bob stole the show, he even managed to outact Suchet.

Love, love, love your Christie's setup, Vivienne! One of my favorite movie adaptations of a Christie novel is At Bertram's Hotel with my favorite Miss Marple, Joan Hickson.

>31 This-n-That: Thank you!

>32 thornton37814: Lori, it was fun searching for the pictures. Glad you like them.

>33 Zozette: It was my Dad who put me onto Christie when I was young. I've read everything, some multiple times and always enjoy them. She was so clever when writing about dogs.

ETA: My husband's name is Bob so I have a particular fondness for that story. :)

>34 lkernagh: So good to get your valued opinion, Lori. I had this set up and ready to go for a while but wasn't quite sure. Joan Hickson was the best Miss Marple, no contest.

This is going to be a wonderful thread!

>36 mysterymax: Haha, I hope so! It will have lots of mysteries anyway.

>37 VivienneR: “When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"

"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"

"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.

Pooh nodded thoughtfully. "It's the same thing," he said.”

>38 mysterymax: I love that!

My husband is a very early riser so when I get up (at a normal time) the first thing I say is "What did you have?" as if I'm considering having the same. He gives me a long list of everything he had for breakfast. It's a bit of a joke, but we have the same conversation every morning. I like what Piglet says better.

>38 mysterymax: how lovely.
I'm not a breakfast person, so I tend to wonder what my day has in store for me, rather than what's for breakfast - black coffee is as much as I do first thing!

Yes, a year of Christie-ish goodness! Star! Happy reading in 2019!

>40 Helenliz: Black coffee for me too! Since I retired and moved to a new-to-me region of BC I'm inclined to think "Where will I go today?" After the coffee of course!

>41 mstrust: Thank you, Jennifer. I hope you drop in now and then for a quiet break from your buzzing thread!

Lovely photos! I'm a huge Christie fan, so I love the idea of "Christie's Footsteps" as a theme. Good luck with your challenge!

>44 jlshall: Thank you. I didn't realize there were so many Christie fans on LT.

>39 VivienneR: Wonderful thread...lots of mysteries...same thing!

Great pics and creative set-up!

Oh, this is just brilliant! I love the theme! I have actually only read one of her books, and should put the next one(s) high up on my reading list.

>47 LisaMorr: >48 Chrischi_HH: Glad you like the theme. Looking forward to 2019.

Good luck and Happy New Year!

For Christmas, we received the complete Miss Marple with Joan Hickson. She's our favorite of all the Miss Marple's and we already watched the first one. Fun!

Have a good 2019!

Have a Happy New Year, Vivienne!

Happy 2019 Reading!

>51 hailelib: - Ooooohhhh, what a fabulous Christmas present!

Thank you everyone for the good wishes. I'm really ready to start the new year with a clean slate - even though the same shelves of books will be browsed.

We enjoyed the celebrations last night with neighbours at a community party! I got to drive everyone home in my neighbour's very swish car. I drove slowly, had to, it was extremely icy.

>51 hailelib: Lucky you. Joan Hickson was the very best Miss Marple.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2019!

Happy New Year! I love the pictures you've chosen and I'm looking forward to you providing me with many additions to my wishlist.

Thank you all for the good wishes. 2019 looks like it will be a good year!

End of Year Meme:

Describe yourself: The Chalk Man
Describe how you feel: The Child in Time
Describe where you currently live: The House at Sea's End
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: The Singing Sands
Your favorite form of transportation: I Am a Taxi
Your best friend is: The Black Angel
You and your friends are: Flying Too High
What’s the weather like: The Summer Before the War
You fear: Cat out of Hell
What is the best advice you have to give: Quid Pro Quo
Thought for the day: Remember Me?
How I would like to die: Pushing up Daisies
My soul’s present condition: Shades of Blue

Good meme answers!

TBR-CAT - Last in, first out

Divisadero by Michael Ondaatje

His dreamily seductive writing will beguile and hold the reader. Occasionally, when Ondaatje comes down to earth, such as a mention of the Persian Gulf war, does he lose the spellbinding quality with a reminder that there is a real world out there. It's not that this is poetic in a flowery way, in fact there are some brutal scenes in this diverging (divisidero?) story yet they do not detract from its elegance. However, to take in the subtleties, Ondaatje's novels require the reader's attention, this one maybe more than any other. The strange thing about reading Ondaatje is that I can hear his velvet voice, in the same way I can hear my mother's voice when I read her letters.

>63 VivienneR: - As someone who is discovering Ondaatje's wonderful writing rather late, I am paying particular interest to your review. Looks like I will be adding more Ondaatje books to my future reading list. Great review!

>64 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori. I have to say I liked Anil's Ghost and The English Patient more than this one. But his beautiful writing is irresistible.

I have only read The English Patient but have Warlight on my list for this year as well. Maybe I need to add more!

And I have Warlight on my list too!

CalendarCAT January 26, Burn's Night

The Black Book by Ian Rankin

An early Rankin but he never fails to delight. There was so much I loved about this one including the emergence of both DS Siobhan Clarke and Big Ger Cafferty as major characters. I smiled every time he mentioned DI Flower by his nickname "Little Weed" obviously named for the little weed who grows between two flowerpots housing "Bill and Ben, Flowerpot Men", an old television program for toddlers. That should keep Flower from getting too uppity.

I discovered I have at least three things in common with Rebus, a disdain for Elvis, a love of The Stones, and we both come from places named Dundonald - his part of Cardenden in Fife, mine in Northern Ireland. Love that!

SeriesCAT - in translation

Rounding the mark by Andrea Camilleri

In this story Montalbano deals with a problem of human smuggling and asylum-seekers. It is an interesting look at the issue from an Italian perspective. I enjoyed this installment of the series where Montalbano comes across as more compassionate However, I still wonder what keeps he and Livia in a relationship.

<69 - "However, I still wonder what keeps he and Livia in a relationship." .... and a darn good question that is! ;-) I have to admit, I do enjoy some of their disagreements. They both raise interesting points... maybe that is the reason Camilleri has written their relationship the way he has.

>70 lkernagh: You're right! Camilleri was smart enough to realize we wouldn't want a smooth-sailing, happy-ever-after sort of relationship.

>69 VivienneR: Isn't this the one in which Montalbano is swimming and bumps into a body? That remains my favorite scene in all his books (that I've read so far).

>72 mysterymax: That's the one! I could see disaster ahead when he took off his swimming trunks to tow the body to shore.

I need to read/listen to another Montalbano book. Maybe I can do so when I finish my current audiobook.

>74 thornton37814: They are always fun, aren't they?

>73 VivienneR: Really? I'm trying to work out how the trunks help with the towing, and failing dismally.

>76 Helenliz: Yes, I had trouble with that too. Camilleri described how he managed it, but it didn't work for me. In the end I figured it was just to set the "found naked on the beach" scene for Montalbano.

AlphaKit - Q & A

Queenpin by Megan Abbott

A hard-boiled novel featuring two women gangsters: the Queenpin and her protégé. Although Sam Spade type writing is not my preference, this was an entertaining variation on the genre and one that I enjoyed. I have to admit I have no idea how gangsters of the era operated or made their money and much of the jargon was over my head but that didn't prevent me rushing through this fast-paced book to its satisfying conclusion.

Thanks to RidgewayGirl for the recommendation.

>78 VivienneR: I still have to get around to reading one of Megan Abbott's books though I do at least have one on the tbr shelves so I should get around to it sometime. Don't think I've seen a bad review of any of her books and it's good to see more positivity here.

It's been some years since I read it, but I loved Queenpin and I followed with more of Abbott's noir novels. I like them so much better than her later fiction that I've read.

>78 VivienneR: Vivienne, I'm glad you enjoyed Queenpin!

>80 mstrust: I do, too. But that doesn't mean I don't like the modern stuff, but I think her older noir is just so much more fun.

I too am a huge fan of Agatha Christie and I love the Christie-themed photos you used at the top of your thread!

>78 VivienneR: I also liked Queenpin, as well as Abbott's other fifties noir novels. I've had a look at the descriptions of some of her recent books on LT, but am wary of buying a YA novel by mistake!

>79 AHS-Wolfy:, >80 mstrust:, >81 RidgewayGirl: I really enjoyed Queenpin and I'll be looking for more by Megan Abbott, especially noir. It's funny how a gruesome murder story can be regarded as fun!

>82 mathgirl40: Somehow I thought Agatha Christie's popularity was on the downturn but from the responses I've had here, it's not so.

>83 pamelad: I have a couple of others by Abbott on the shelf and I suspect they may be YA, although that's OK by me.

Mysteries

Shatter the bones by Stuart MacBride

A noir mystery from Aberdeen, gritty and filled with ribald humour, not recommended for those with tender sensitivities. A small child and her mother, both stars of a tv reality show, have been abducted and held for ransom to which the public are only too eager to contribute. The police are ineffective and waste a lot of time arguing, pulling rank, pandering to public opinion, and going after red herrings. There is plenty of action here demanding attention because MacBride doesn't waste time with contemplation or filler. Looking forward to reading more in the series.

>85 VivienneR: I've stalled with the Logan McRae series (I've read the first two, but no further), but love following Stuart MacBride on Twitter!

>86 rabbitprincess: This was a one-off for me - probably picked up at the library booksale. I don't remember reading MacBride before. Not fair to the people of Aberdeen if anyone was to take this seriously, which I'm sure they won't.

I haven't been on Twitter since the early days before it became so predominant. Might be time to give it another look.

Glad to see you here. I was thinking of you when I read about the bus crash in Ottawa.

>87 VivienneR: Thank you for thinking of me. I'm visiting my parents this weekend, so I'm several hours away from the scene of the accident. It's a terrible scene -- bringing back memories of the bus crash in 2013 when a bus collided with a VIA Rail train. Same type of bus, same sort of damage.

I'll confess to feeling some glee at how many members are Christie fans! I can't quite put into words what made Christie special, but I know she had Something.

>88 rabbitprincess: Glad you are ok. Like all fatal crashes they are terrible tragedies.

>89 NinieB: I'm pretty happy about the number of fans too! Christie had magic, even though she admitted that some of her novels were "pot-boilers". I was never as keen on the later books when she seemed to be trying to stay more in line with the times, but I devoured every word - multiple times!

Now, I am going to finally read my first Christie this year and I must admit to being overwhelmed with the sheer number of books! I was planning to start with the Miss Marple series - do you think that would be a good choice for a newbie?

>92 JayneCM: In my opinion, Miss Marple was a nicer person than the preening Poirot so you won't be disappointed.

The Guardian posted this list compiled by a Christie "expert": https://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/sep/15/top-10-agatha-christie-novels. I agree with the first one, hands down. Strangely, there is only one Miss Marple. I'm sure she deserves more.

>93 VivienneR: I was thinking that as I loved the Miss Marple series. The list is great too. I will definitely have to get to Murder on the Orient Express soon.

That's a great list for anyone just coming to Christie or for anyone wanting to reread a few of her books.

I agree that the majority of the books on the list are top 10. A personal favorite that's omitted is Death on the Nile. For a good Marple, I would try Sleeping Murder (written during World War II, published in 1976).

I agree that the majority of the books on the list are top 10. A personal favorite that's omitted is Death on the Nile. For a good Marple, I would try Sleeping Murder (written during World War Ii, published in 1976).

There are many lists available of favourite Christie books, each of them varying in choices. Some of the best didn't feature either Miss Marple or Poirot. I loved Ariadne Oliver because I believed her to be a self-portrait of Christie and I could imagine the author having a chuckle at her creation.

One Marple mystery that I enjoyed yet rarely appears on "best of…" lists is A Caribbean mystery. It is set on a fictional island but was inspired by Christie's stay at the Coral Reef Club in Barbados, which still exists and mentions Christie in their brochure. The 1989 movie was also filmed at the hotel.

I know Tommy and Tuppence are enjoyed by many but they never featured in my favourites list. And I seem to remember The man in the brown suit wasn't on that list either. Apart from those, I'd read everything all over again.

The Christies I've re-read most often are The Mysterious Affair at Styles, The ABC Murders, and Remembered Death (aka Sparkling Cyanide). I am quite fond of Poirot but like Miss Marple as well, especially now that I too am a knitter ;)

With Christie, I think you can start anywhere!

Looks like I could read just Christie and I would be busy for the whole year!

>99 rabbitprincess: As soon as I forget whodunnit it's time for a re-read. Recently I re-read And then there were none and although the perpetrator is unforgettable, I loved it.

>100 mysterymax: True!

>101 JayneCM: Just jump in!

Now that you are all talking about Christie I feel like starting over again at the beginning.

I'm loving all of the Christie discussion here, even a so-so book by her is worth reading. I'm reading Ordeal by Innocence at the moment. Of course The Murder of Roger Ackroyd made my jaw drop, and And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express were also excellent.

I never felt the need to delve into Tommy and Tuppence, although I think there is one on my shelf. There are a few books I haven't read, but now I want to do a reread of Roger Ackroyd!

>103 lsh63: I have Ordeal by Innocence on the shelf, maybe I'll join you reading that one. I have a hold on The Murder of Roger Ackroyd at the library and hope it comes in soon. If the number of holds are anything to go by, Christie's books are just as popular as ever.

In an attempt to make room on my shelves (there's a library booksale on the horizon) I donated three large boxes of books to the library. They have all been read and no re-reads are planned.

The rest were all dusted and rearranged. Strangely, they have magically expanded and I only have about 8 inches of shelf space available.

Funny how that seems to happen. Just remember not to buy any of he books again that you donated :)

Well, at least you've had the fun of rearranging your books, and maybe you can do it again after the next book sale ;-)

>83 pamelad: & >84 VivienneR: All of Megan Abbott's novels are for adults. The main character is often a teenage girl, but they are not YA.

>106 dudes22: How did you know I might do that?

>107 mstrust: All clean and dusted, standing up straight like little soldiers! I wonder how long I can keep them like that.

>108 RidgewayGirl: Oh, that is good to know.

Interesting Christie list! I may be in the minority, but I don't think Murder on the Orient Express is her best work. It's famous for a good reason, but in terms of the actual plot of the novel, I think it falls flat. I agree with >96 NinieB: that Death on the Nile is a good one. Some others that I personally enjoy are Cards on the Table, The Seven Dials Mystery, and 4.50 from Paddington (a.k.a. What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!).

>110 christina_reads: You may have a point. I think I've seen too many movie versions of Murder on the Orient Express to be able to evaluate it properly, and it's been a very long time since the one occasion when I read it. The others on your list are all great choices.

I think that Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None are not good re-reads because their solutions are impossible to forget.

Of the Christie books I read last year I think my favourites were The A.B.C. Murders and The Sittaford Mystery

>112 Zozette: I thought that too until I re-read And then there were none recently and loved it. But you are right, knowing the solution is (usually) a drawback to properly enjoying a book.

When I first read And Then There Were None I read it under its first and most offensive title 😵 because I read it in about 1971 and that was the edition my mother had in her library.

Same for me when I read it even earlier. Mine probably belonged to my Dad who introduced me to Christie when I'd exhausted Enid Blyton.

>109 VivienneR: - I knew because I've done it myself.

>109 VivienneR: Me too! This time I'm going to keep myself in check (we'll see how that works out).

Non-fiction & Biography

The Professor and the Madman: a tale of murder, insanity, and the making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester

As a former reference librarian I am familiar with the use and format of the Oxford English Dictionary as well as some of the history of dictionaries, and yet I still found this utterly fascinating. I listened to the audiobook with a superb reading by the author and consulted my print copy when I needed to confirm some detail or return to a segment. Even the acknowledgements were interesting. Highly recommended for anyone who considers themselves wordsmiths or historians.

>118 VivienneR: I listened to the audiobook a few years ago and found it fascinating as well.

>118 VivienneR: a BB for me!

>119 Zozette: Who knew the story of a dictionary would be so interesting.

>120 Tess_W: I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

BingoDog - 6. Related to medicine or health

The Radium Girls: the dark story of America's shining women by Kate Moore

Working with radium was mentioned in The Death Instinct by Jed Rubenfeld, a mystery I read back in 2010. It wasn't the subject, but radium use was an important topic related to the story, and at the time, 1920, there was opposition to using radium for anything less than medical treatment. While I found the subject fascinating, and the book well-researched and comprehensive, I found Moore's writing repetitive, overwrought and with too many characters. I feel bad giving this book a low rating, when so many young women suffered greatly providing the story, but just it didn't work for me.

Before switching to the print version, I listened to the first part of the audio version but found Angela Brazil's reading absolutely unbearable.

>121 VivienneR: I wasn’t that surprised that a book about a dictionary could be interesting - I once read a book about the history of phone books and it was quite fascinating.

>118 VivienneR:, >123 Zozette: I could listen to Simon Winchester read anything for hours, including the phone book!

>122 VivienneR: I have that book on Audible. I should really get to it.

>123 Zozette: Now I know there's a book about everything. :) Did it mention that phone books are becoming obsolete?

>124 kac522: He has a beautiful voice and diction.

>125 The_Hibernator: I recommend it highly.

>126 VivienneR: The last chapter discusses the future (or non-future) of the phone book.

Just added my star, Vivienne. Will you be joining CR? Love your theme.

How lovely to see you dropping by, Colleen! I joined the CR group but haven't posted a thread yet. Real life has kicked in and I haven't been spending as much time on LT as I would like. I hope things calm down a bit soon and I'll get back to normal.

CalendarCAT January 1st, Polar Bear Swim Day

The Healer by Antti Tuomainen

Set in the near future, this is a novel with an alarmingly believable backdrop. As Helsinki suffers the consequences of climate change its people are moving further north to in an effort to escape the worst conditions. Social services are almost non-existent and crime is rampant leaving Tapani Lehtinen no option but to conduct his own search for his missing wife, Johanna. A darkly atmospheric mystery novel.



RandomCAT - Your name in print

Vivienne - Gently Where She Lay by Alan Hunter

Hunter's novels are of a slower nature, more thoughtful than most mysteries. His George Gently is quite unlike the television counterpart played by Martin Shaw, but just as engaging. This was an enjoyable read, if a bit slow, with a nice twist in the end.

The original title of this book included the name of the murdered woman, Vivienne.



BingoDog - Short Stories

Best of Women's Short Stories 2

An excellent anthology featuring stories by Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Kate Chopin, Winifred Holtby, L.M. Montgomery, Mary Shelley, Katherine Mansfield and Virginia Woolf. I loved them all but perhaps, rather than choose the one I liked most, it would be easier to choose the one I liked least, which would be Bliss by Mansfield. However, every one was a gem. This was an audiobook with an outstanding reading by Harriet Walter. Happily I still have one more volume left.

Nice to see a review of a George Gently mystery. It's true, Gently in book form is very different, and much slower than his tv version. I don't think I have Gently Where She Lay on my shelf yet.

The Healer is a BB for me!

>132 Tess_W: Me too!

A little late visiting threads, but I love your Christie theme with the beautiful pictures. I'm another fan of hers. I will be paying more attention to the locations of the stories now after reading your posts. I should be getting to The ABC Murders soon.

I'm glad to hear that the audio of The Professor and the Madman was well done. That one's been on my to listen to list for a while. Hopefully, I will get to it soon. I've also had The Radium Girls on the list for a while, but may have to give that one a pass if the audio was unlistenable. The Healer sounds intriguing. I will definitely be checking that one out.

I just added The Healer to my Audible Wishlist.

>131 mstrust: Gently in print is not nearly so popular as on the tv screen, but I like him. My only problem is that I have trouble "seeing" Gently, I guess Martin Shaw's portrayal is too strong.

>132 Tess_W: & >133 LisaMorr: & >135 Zozette: So glad to help increase some wishlists! There are so few books set in Finland.

>134 staci426: Thank you, I had fun putting it together. I'm reading Murder on the Links at the minute and enjoying it (again). I'm planning on reading more this year. It's been long enough since the last time I read them that I've forgotten most of the plot details and whodunnit.

I'm going to have to quit stopping by, Vivienne! I've probably gotten 6 BB's from you and it's only January!

>129 VivienneR: we're missing you on CR Vivienne! Get that thread going!

>137 Tess_W: Oh please don't stop dropping by, Tess! But I hope I can add more to your BB list.

>138 AlisonY: Good to see you stopping by, Alison. It's taking me a long time to get my act together this year. I seem to be racing to get caught up on everything and just falling further behind. Today we have a heavy fall of snow so I'll be shovelling instead of doing the things I planned.

>118 VivienneR: Have you read Simon Winchester's other book on the OED, The Meaning of Everything? I didn't like it quite as much as The Professor and the Madman, but I still found it a very worthwhile read.

>140 mathgirl40: Thank you, Paulina! I'll put that on my list. The local library has it on the shelf. I love this kind of book.

late to the game, but I'm jumping in because this thread looks like fun

>142 Nickelini: Good to see you again! Glad you are still in the group, I'll look forward to your reviews.

Non-fiction & Biography

Becoming by Michelle Obama 5★

What can I say about this outstanding book that hasn't already been said? I wish there were more people like the Obamas.

Golden Age & Cozy Mysteries

Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie 4★

A more complex plot than is usual for Christie, but the puzzle is just as entertaining. One by one I put a number of the characters in the guilty category but still got it wrong. I love how Hastings falls in love with every pretty face he meets.

Getting here a little late, but love your Christie ideas. I am a long-time Christie fan too. I think I started to read her when I was in high school--maybe Hallowe'en Party?

>146 LadyoftheLodge: Glad to another fan! It's been so long ago since I read my first Christie that I can't remember which book it was. I hope I'll get around to a few this year.

>130 VivienneR: The women's short stories sounds good. But my library only has volume 2 and only on casette. And my car no longer has a casette player. So that's not going to work. Bother, sounds good.

>148 Helenliz: Oh, that's too bad. You might come across it another time.

>144 VivienneR: I feel that I am too old for blind hero-worship but I do have to admit that I admire both Mr & Mrs Obama a lot.

Fiction

The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller

Before beginning I did a little review of the Trojan Wars just as a reminder but really it was unncecessary, Miller's storytelling skills are outstanding. As expected it's an excellent tale, but Miller enhances the action, the tenderness, the love story, to new levels.

>150 DeltaQueen50: Understandable. I didn't read it out of blind hero-worship but just because I was interested in the experiences of a First Lady, not having read anything like that before. But it helped me separate the qualities I value and will look for in a leader, from all the promises.

I am also interested in experiences of First Ladies. I found a book at Barnes and Noble last year: First Women: the Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies which I found quite interesting.

>151 VivienneR: I loved that book, it pleases me to see other people enjoy it as well.

>153 LadyoftheLodge: It must take very special qualities to take on the job (if it was a job).

>151 VivienneR: I expected it to be good, but was still pleasantly surprised at how good it was.

Faraway places, Canada, translations

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

This novel is set in post-war Germany where a teenage boy forms a relationship with an older woman. He reads to her and she comments on the books although he doesn't get to know much about her past. Only much later as a law student he finds out more about her life before he knew her. In a well-reasoned manner, the story weighs degrees of guilt.

The author says: "Since the book came out, I have been facing the charge that in the character of Hanna Schmitz, the perpetrator becomes a heroine and gets an unacceptably human face. But if the perpetrators were all monsters, the world would be simple."

I saw the movie years ago and was delighted to find the book. With its beautifully lyrical writing it more than lived up to expectations.

>156 VivienneR:
That was a book that was passed on to me, and I had no interest in reading. But then I started reading the 1001 list, and thought I'd try it or pass it on, and I was amazed by how good it was. I think I read it in one or two sittings.

>156 VivienneR: I loved The Reader too, Vivienne. Fantastic read.

>156 VivienneR: One of my favorite 1001 books!

January was a slower month for me with 14 books read. There were plenty of 4 and 4.5 star reads, and one 5 star!

Mysteries
Shatter the bones by Stuart MacBride 4★

Golden Age & Cozy Mysteries
Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie 4★

Fiction
The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller 4.5★

Non-fiction & Biography
The Professor and the Madman: a tale of murder, insanity, and the making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester 4.5★
Becoming by Michelle Obama 5★

Faraway places, Canada, translations
The Reader by Bernhard Schlink 4.5★

AlphaKit - Q & A
Queenpin by Megan Abbott 4★

CalendarCAT
January 26, Burn's Night - The Black Book by Ian Rankin 4★
January 1, Polar Bear Swim Day - The Healer by Antti Tuomainen 3.5★

SeriesCAT - in translation
Rounding the mark by Andrea Camilleri 4★

TBR-CAT - Last in, first out
Divisadero by Michael Ondaatje 4★

RandomCAT - Your name in print
Vivienne - Gently Where She Lay by Alan Hunter 3.5★

BingoDog
Related to medicine or health: The Radium Girls: the dark story of America's shining women by Kate Moore 2.5★
short stories: Best of Women's Short Stories 2 4.5★

History & historical

The Janissary tree by Jason Goodwin

Istanbul in 1836, and a young officer of the New Guard is found dead in a cooking cauldron and three others are missing. Yashim, the well-dressed eunuch has been asked to investigate. The heady atmosphere of Istanbul is apparent on every page right to the surprise ending.

^^^ I read that several years ago and I remember enjoying it though I never read any more in the series.

I've often noticed it at the library and somehow it didn't appeal. Finally, I decided to give it a try. Not sure if I'll read any more in the series either, although I liked this one well enough.

Non-fiction & Biography

Mozart's brain and the fighter pilot by Richard M. Restak

Lots of good tips and exercises to help the brain function well. It was interesting all the way although there was barely a mention of Mozart or the fighter pilot.

Mysteries

The Chessmen by Peter May

I had a couple of issues with this book, the final volume of the Lewis Trilogy, but the quality of the overall story and writing won me over. A number of flashbacks were a bit confusing, and a detailed past for Fin that was never mentioned in the first two books suggested the author didn't plan well. That Fin chose to keep information to himself throughout the investigation was unreasonable and would have got him bumped off taking the secret to the grave in many other mystery novels. However, May's characters are excellent and he describes the Hebrides so well that it's almost like being there. For that he gets credit.

The ending doesn't suggest any additional volumes but doesn't exactly close the door on the idea, leaving me with hope that I'll read about Fin and Mairsaili at some later date.

>165 VivienneR: I don't know if I'll get to that one this year, but I hope to get to the second one!

>166 thornton37814: I'm sure you will enjoy it, Lori. I loved all three. I would have given this one five stars but for the issues I mentioned. 4.5* is still very good.

>167 VivienneR: I hope so. I didn't like the first one as much as some people did though. I liked the setting, but I wasn't as enamored of the main character.

Faraway places, Canada, translations

Sidetracked by Henning Mankel translated by Stephen T. Murray

With no clues to go on, a horrifying suicide combined with a brutal serial killer proves tough for Wallander and his team. Managing his private life while investigating the crimes is challenging him even more.

CalendarCAT : Chinese New Year, February 5

Flower net by Lisa See

The US ambassador's son is found in a frozen lake in Beijing while the corpse of a Red Prince, one of China's political elite is found on a ship bringing illegal immigrants to America. Investigator Liu Hulan who has to prove her worth to male colleagues, works with US attorney David Stark to find out what happened. The title is from the method of fishing by throwing a net in the air to form a "flower net". The best part of See's novel is the depiction of Chinese customs and traditions and the cultural differences with the US.

Life has been busy and curbed my reading, posting, and visiting threads. I hope to get back to normal soon.



Golden Age & Cozy Mysteries

The secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie

International political intrigue and murder, laced with a hint of romance, set mostly in Lord Caterham's country home of Chimneys. Written in 1925 before Christie reached her prime, this is still a very enjoyable golden age mystery.

>171 VivienneR: I've always had a soft spot for that one, as well as its (sort of) sequel, The Seven Dials Mystery.

>172 christina_reads: In that case, I might read The Seven Dials Mystery next. I thought Chimneys had a suitable ending for Valentine's Day.

Non-fiction & Biography

Thinking like a mountain by Robert Bateman

The essays describing his youth were the best in the book. It is obvious that as he aged, he has become more preachy. On long-term conservation Bateman claims "politicians can't see beyond the next election" yet it's often the electorate who provide opposition to long-term plans. At first glance some of the essays appeared to relate pleasant stories about nature, which I would have enjoyed, but turned negative as the author contemplates how humans are destroying nature. He also claims our public transit system isn't working (as far as the environment is concerned), yet omits mentioning that many public transit systems are much less threatening to the environment than the internal combustion engine in cars. Living on an island as he does, I wonder just how often Bateman takes the bus or train. For such a small book he squeezed in a lot of pessimism and some ideas that could bear rethinking. Using his fame as a nature artist to lecture on the effects humans are having on the environment, turned this into a disappointing read.

>171 VivienneR: I no longer remember which Agatha Christie books I read prior to LT and which I did not. I know it's a huge percentage I read. However, it gives me a perfect excuse to re-read them at some point.

>175 thornton37814: Lori, that's what has happened to me. I'm pretty sure I've read everything at least once. Now I'm just returning to the ones I've forgotten. I'll take on The Murder of Roger Ackroyd soon. The culprit may be unforgettable but I want to be reminded of the plot.

CalendarCAT

February: The Grammy Awards (10th) & Valentine's Day (14th)

I think I love you by Allison Pearson

The first half of the book is set in Wales in the 1970s where thirteen year old Petra and her friend Sharon are besotted with, obsessed by, David Cassidy. They have an encyclopedic knowledge of him based on their reading of The Essential David Cassidy Magazine unaware that the material is made up and spouted by a young wannabe journalist, Bill Finn. Pearson's young Cassidy fans are portrayed perfectly, down to their colour-coordinated nails. There are many humorous moments where we might recognize our young selves no matter who or what created the obsession. Pearson rendered the teenage girls and the 1974 stage perfectly, right down to the Mary Quant eyeshadow (that I remember well). The girls enter a contest, sure they will win a trip to California to meet the beloved Cassidy. Before the results are known, they sneak off to a concert where a girl is killed in the crush, which brings the worship crashing to a halt.

Twenty-four years later, Petra finds a letter from the magazine that her mother kept hidden informing her that she won the contest. This one-time, Cassidy fan, now music therapist, goes in search of the magazine to claim her prize. The resulting trip forms the second half of the story that examines how we change, how we stay the same, and accepting the results. A slow section around the middle allows the reader to take in Petra, Sharon, and Bill's current lives but the pace picks up again when they fly to California. I adored Sharon, honest and forthright to a fault.

Unfortunately I can't remember who recommended this book to me. I've had it for a few years because I've never had the slightest interest in David Cassidy nor have I seen him in any of his tv shows. I’ve no idea what he looks like or sounds like. Sorry I waited, it was more than the chick-lit that I expected. I really enjoyed Pearson's funny, bittersweet story. I'm sure Cassidy fans would enjoy it even more.

>177 VivienneR:, I'm going to have to look this one up--just the title was enough to put that song spinning through my head, and grew up as a big fan of his music because my mom listened to it all the time. I was one of those weird 80s children who adored Elvis and the Beatles way more than anyone contemporary :) So, thank you for the great review, and consider this a bb for me!

>177 VivienneR: That one's been sitting on my WL for a long time, and I too can't remember how I heard about it. I'm glad you liked it, and thanks for the review. I'm a Partridge Family fan, the music more than the show. David Cassidy was huge in my older sister's years with Tiger Beat, but I have several CDs.
And just so you can put a face to the story:

>179 mstrust: Definitely a blast from the past!

Oh for sure! I don't know if there are teen heartthrobs anymore?

>177 VivienneR: Looks like you hit a nerve with many of us with I Think I Love You! Although I wasn't a big fan of the Partridge Family, I do remember thinking he was pretty cute. I am planning on reading this next month as it fits a PopSugar prompt.

>178 whitewavedarling: None of the titles (used often in the text) were familiar to me. I should listen to them as a reminder of the times although Pearson did that well. I was always more of a Led Zeppelin girl (still am).

>179 mstrust: Thanks for the photo! I guess The Partridge Family played when I was a new mother, had just moved from the UK to Canada, and we didn't have a television in those days. Combined, this created a huge gap in my pop culture experience.

>180 Tess_W: It was for me too. Reading it was like entering a time machine. I still miss Mary Quant cosmetics.

>181 mstrust: Heartthrobs are definitely a thing of the past. Maybe One Direction comes close (or that Canadian I won't even name).

>182 DeltaQueen50: Yes, and I thought it would be one of those titles that are shrugged off. I hope you like it, Judy.

Oh, I TOTALLY want to read I Think I Love You. The Partridge Family Show wasn't actually on that long, which might explain why you missed it, along with being a new mom. I know I myself missed all the pop culture from late '90s when I had babies (to which I am now known to say "90s culture? What even is that?")

I wasn't allowed to watch the Partridge Family when it was the Big Thing because I had older brothers who wouldn't allow such non-musical, bubble gum trash to influence their little sister (although the guitar playing one did grudgingly admit that David Cassidy at least knew how to play an instrument, unlike the others). I caught up with it in reruns and it really was terrible quality, but still fun. Thanks for the recommendation!

>184 Nickelini: Ah, another reason I missed out - I have no siblings to guide my music and viewing! :)

>183 VivienneR: - Here is a YouTube clip from the Partridge Family Show where they sing the song, "I Think I Love You":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIDDEIWhuRU

Definitely a flashback moment for me, too. ;-)

>186 lkernagh: Thanks Lori, that actually explained a lot of lines from the book. But I can relax now that I know it wasn't my kind of show. I'll stay with the rockers. :)

>177 VivienneR:

I think I might read that too. I do vaguely remember the show though I couldn't have seen it more than once or twice.

>188 hailelib: Pearson captured teenage girls so well that I was instantly won over. No knowledge of the show or Cassidy is needed. I hope you enjoy it.

>174 VivienneR: I love Bateman's art. Years and years ago he did one of wolves that was my favorite.

>190 mysterymax: His paintings of wolves are my favourite too. There was one I loved in an office where I worked.

RandomCAT - We need a break

Paris for one and other stories by JoJo Moyes

Nell is a timid woman in her mid-twenties who hasn't travelled or made any big decisions in her life. After overhearing her boyfriend joke about her unadventurous ways, she surprises him with two tickets to Paris for a long weekend. During the journey, he sends her texts about being delayed and eventually the weasel stood her up. Nell is faced with the prospect of staying in the hotel room the entire time, or facing the formidable front desk clerk for advice. Bravely, she went out for dinner alone, and from there she progressed step by tiny step, never to look back. The main story was accompanied by ten short stories, all irresistible and with just a hint of romance.

Favourite quote: "I realized I couldn't marry a man without a bookshelf"

>192 VivienneR: love that quote!

>193 Tess_W: :)

AlphaKit - K & O

On writing: a memoir of the craft by Stephen King

A great book about King's writing experience since he was a child. It is mainly biographical but has some excellent advice on writing too. I really enjoyed this audiobook narrated by the author.

Favourite quote: "This is a short book because most books about writing are filled with bullshit."

>195 VivienneR: Well, that quote is definitely intriguing, haha!

>195 VivienneR: You'd probably also enjoy Conversations On Writing by Ursula K. Le Guin. It was marvelous.

>195 VivienneR: you are racking up the good quotes!

>196 christina_reads: It was his opening line, how could I resist?

>197 mysterymax: Thanks, I must look for it. I haven't read any of her books.

>198 Tess_W: Haha, I've just had a pencil and paper handy.

I thought On Writing is a really interesting book. King can make even a brief glimpse of someone he once knew so engaging. It's been a few years since I read this one but I remember him discussing the girl he knew who gave him the idea for Carrie.

I'll keep Paris for One in mind for when I want a bit of sheer escapism in my reading.

>200 mstrust: I agree, he is one of those people who can grab your attention with any topic. I haven't read much of his work but I will now. I loved his style of writing. He related the details of the accident where he was hit by a vehicle, which I hadn't even heard about.

>201 RidgewayGirl: Paris for One and other stories is a very short book, perfect for a couple of hours of escapism. Some of the "other" stories are really good.

Off the beaten track - a catch all

Never hit a jellyfish with a spade: how to survive life's smaller challenges by Guy Browning

I couldn't resist a book with a title as weird as this one. It's a hilarious "how to" book although most of the advice, while right on the mark, is not meant to be taken literally. Even if "How to flatter" or "How to be romantic" is not on your need to know list, Browning's advice will entertain royally. If you appreciate British humour, or even if you don't, this will tickle. Every line was funny. Fortunately it was very short, too much would be akin to a sugar high.

Mine was an audiobook read magnificently by Simon Vance.

>203 VivienneR: Yup, that's an eye catching title!

>204 Helenliz: Isn't it! And it was fun to hear it read by Simon Vance.

TBR-CAT - Borrowed

A room full of bones by Elly Griffiths

Not my favourite Ruth Galloway tale - not enough archaeology, too many relationship threads. However, the location, colourful characters, suggestions of spells and wizardry keep this series vibrant. Griffiths gets a pat on the back for keeping the issue alive in support of repatriating Aboriginal bones held in museums.

BingoDog - Fairy tale or Fable

The cat who came in from the cold: a fable by J. Moussaieff Masson

A philosophical tale that will particularly appeal to cat lovers. Billi (the Indian name for "cat") is an Indian feral cat who has been observing a family of "two-foots" and is curious to know what it would be like to live with them. He spends months travelling and questioning other animals but none has anything good to report about the way they are treated by humans. Despite this, Billi is not put off. "I would like to associate with two-foots but I don't want to do anything for two-foots. I must be allowed to come and go as I please." In other words Billi is typical of the cats that share our lives.

>207 VivienneR: This cat person wants to read it!

>208 thornton37814: I thought you might :)

BingoDog - Weather in the title

Winter Chill by Jon Cleary

In this novel, Scobie Malone is investigating the death of the president of the American Bar Association who was in Sydney for a conference with a thousand other lawyers. When the person who found the body and one of Malone's team are also murdered, the job becomes much more challenging. It's an interesting look at an Australian police investigation with an American interest, all wrapped up with the appealing Scobie Malone.

It's no surprise that the Scobie Malone mysteries were penned by a giant of Australian books and movies. His first important work was The Sundowners (1951), made into an acclaimed movie in 1960 starring Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum.