2Sergeirocks
Off to a good start with 2 x 5★ reads:
One Last Dram Before Midnight by Denzil Meyrick
Grief Encounters by Stuart Pawson
One Last Dram Before Midnight by Denzil Meyrick
Grief Encounters by Stuart Pawson
3Sergeirocks
An Unholy Shame and An Unholy Whiff of Death by Joyce Cato (aka Faith Martin) 4★s each.
A vicar’s wife outdoes the police in working out whodunnit.
A vicar’s wife outdoes the police in working out whodunnit.
4Sergeirocks
Dead Romantic - Simon Brett 4★s
5Sergeirocks
The Murder Game - Tom Hindle 3.75★s
6Sergeirocks
A Very Private Murder - Stuart Pawson 5★s
A sad moment for me, as this is the last of Pawson’s books.
A sad moment for me, as this is the last of Pawson’s books.
7Sergeirocks
A new find for me:
The Trust - M. H. Eccleston 4.5★s
A cosy mystery series, with an art conservator as the heroine of the piece. Light-hearted, an easy read, and I didn’t guess the killer… ☺️.
I know what I like, and I liked this book. I’m going to look out for more of the series.
The Trust - M. H. Eccleston 4.5★s
A cosy mystery series, with an art conservator as the heroine of the piece. Light-hearted, an easy read, and I didn’t guess the killer… ☺️.
I know what I like, and I liked this book. I’m going to look out for more of the series.
8Sergeirocks
Death on the Isle - M. H. Eccleston 4.5★s
Second in the series (>7 Sergeirocks:), enjoyed it just as much as the first.
Second in the series (>7 Sergeirocks:), enjoyed it just as much as the first.
9Sergeirocks
Death Comes to the Costa del Sol - M. H. Eccleston 4.5★s
Last in this series, so far. I hope he writes more.
Last in this series, so far. I hope he writes more.
10VivienneR
>4 Sergeirocks: This is my favourite Simon Brett novel (apart from the Charles Paris series). I'm going to have a look for the others you mention, particularly M.H. Eccleston.
My best reads this month were Death on the Thames by Alan Johnson and The Lie Maker by Linwood Barclay.
ETA: Sorry, Barclay is Canadian.
My best reads this month were Death on the Thames by Alan Johnson and The Lie Maker by Linwood Barclay.
ETA: Sorry, Barclay is Canadian.
11mvo62
Recent reads include:
Other People's Houses (DC Morgan) by Clare Mackintosh
The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell
A Bird in Winter by Louise Doughty
Enjoyed them all :)
Other People's Houses (DC Morgan) by Clare Mackintosh
The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell
A Bird in Winter by Louise Doughty
Enjoyed them all :)
12mvo62
>10 VivienneR: Death on the Thames looks great - have added it to my Wishlist :)
13Sergeirocks
An oldie:
Gideon’s Day - J. J. Marric 4★s
Gideon’s Day - J. J. Marric 4★s
14ted74ca
Just finished Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear. one in the Maisie Dobbs series.
15ted74ca
Just finished The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves, and enjoyed it. Not the best of her Vera series, but not bad.
17ted74ca
>16 Sergeirocks: Me too!
19Sergeirocks
Die Twice - Andrew Grant 3.5★s
David Trevellyan is Bond-type figure. He works for RN Intelligence ‘cleaning up’, doing ‘hard arrests’, (in plainspeak, he’s an assassin!).
I couldn’t quite get into this, I don’t know why… But I’ll give Grant one more try, before I totally write him off.
David Trevellyan is Bond-type figure. He works for RN Intelligence ‘cleaning up’, doing ‘hard arrests’, (in plainspeak, he’s an assassin!).
I couldn’t quite get into this, I don’t know why… But I’ll give Grant one more try, before I totally write him off.
20VivienneR
Payment Deferred by C.S. Forester
A gripping psychological crime novel featuring a family living well beyond their means. By committing murder, William Marble is able to pay his debts but becomes obsessed with watching his bare patch of garden. More confident, he becomes very wealthy through a spot of insider trading even though the garden still has to be watched. Published in 1926, this is a terrific book, with a wonderfully twisty end.
A gripping psychological crime novel featuring a family living well beyond their means. By committing murder, William Marble is able to pay his debts but becomes obsessed with watching his bare patch of garden. More confident, he becomes very wealthy through a spot of insider trading even though the garden still has to be watched. Published in 1926, this is a terrific book, with a wonderfully twisty end.
21mvo62
>20 VivienneR: I agree, great book - I remember listening to an audio version or dramatization years ago that was also very good...
22mvo62
Recent reads:
A Shilling For Candles by Josephine Tey - a re-read that I enjoyed much more the second time
Death At The White Hart by Chris Chibnall - ok, but not great
The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths - loved this, a blend of mystery and fantasy, and I am not usually a fan of the latter, but it works :)
The Dog Sitter Detective by Antony Johnston - again, ok but not sure if I will carry on with the series
Death in the Wheelbarrow by William Gore - gave up part way through as I Really didn't care how it ended
The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha - quite good, a new (to me) author that I will read again
Appointment with Yesterday by Celia Fremlin - I had read this before (10 years ago), but couldn't recall it at all until near the end...
The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer - very good, I will look for more by this author
Have just started The Bells at Old Bailey by Dorothy Bowers , but am struggling a bit...
A Shilling For Candles by Josephine Tey - a re-read that I enjoyed much more the second time
Death At The White Hart by Chris Chibnall - ok, but not great
The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths - loved this, a blend of mystery and fantasy, and I am not usually a fan of the latter, but it works :)
The Dog Sitter Detective by Antony Johnston - again, ok but not sure if I will carry on with the series
Death in the Wheelbarrow by William Gore - gave up part way through as I Really didn't care how it ended
The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha - quite good, a new (to me) author that I will read again
Appointment with Yesterday by Celia Fremlin - I had read this before (10 years ago), but couldn't recall it at all until near the end...
The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer - very good, I will look for more by this author
Have just started The Bells at Old Bailey by Dorothy Bowers , but am struggling a bit...
23VivienneR
>21 mvo62: I liked Plain Murder by Forester even better!
Belinda Bauer sounds good. I have a couple of her books on the shelf but not that one. Going on my wish list!
Belinda Bauer sounds good. I have a couple of her books on the shelf but not that one. Going on my wish list!
24ted74ca
Not very favourite Ann Cleeves book, but not bad: A Lesson in Dying
25Aprill
Reading The Sting of Justice by Cora Harrison
26Roo22222
Book overview
In the heart of Manchester, darkness descends as a calculating killer terrorises the city streets, leaving behind a gruesome trail of victims that fuels fear and frenzy. Every move is deliberate, every victim a chilling clue, as the city's pulse quickens under the shadow of danger.
Detective Donna Wood, a razor-sharp investigator with unyielding resolve, is thrust into a relentless game of cat and mouse. With her instincts as her only guide and time slipping through her fingers, Donna races to decode the killer's cryptic patterns. But this case is more than just a battle of wit and will—it cuts deep, drawing Donna's inner circle into the vortex of the investigation. Tangled relationships, blurred loyalties, and secrets collide in a harrowing dance that challenges everything she knows.
‘Sparrow Catcher’ is an electrifying journey where danger looms at every corner and the truth is as elusive as the killer. Packed with passion, betrayal, and razor-edge suspense, it will leave readers breathless, unraveling a complex tapestry of humanity, justice, and obsession. As the final reckoning approaches, redemption teeters on the edge, daring Donna—and the city—to face their darkest fears.
In the heart of Manchester, darkness descends as a calculating killer terrorises the city streets, leaving behind a gruesome trail of victims that fuels fear and frenzy. Every move is deliberate, every victim a chilling clue, as the city's pulse quickens under the shadow of danger.
Detective Donna Wood, a razor-sharp investigator with unyielding resolve, is thrust into a relentless game of cat and mouse. With her instincts as her only guide and time slipping through her fingers, Donna races to decode the killer's cryptic patterns. But this case is more than just a battle of wit and will—it cuts deep, drawing Donna's inner circle into the vortex of the investigation. Tangled relationships, blurred loyalties, and secrets collide in a harrowing dance that challenges everything she knows.
‘Sparrow Catcher’ is an electrifying journey where danger looms at every corner and the truth is as elusive as the killer. Packed with passion, betrayal, and razor-edge suspense, it will leave readers breathless, unraveling a complex tapestry of humanity, justice, and obsession. As the final reckoning approaches, redemption teeters on the edge, daring Donna—and the city—to face their darkest fears.
27Sergeirocks
The Scold’s Bridle - Minette Walters 5★s
28VivienneR
In the Galway Silence by Ken Bruen 
Jack Taylor is in a familiar situation, being taunted by the bad guys while attempting to live peaceably in Galway. His friend Maeve, a nun, introduced him to Marion although her nine-year-old son, Joffrey, does not make them a happy threesome. Then his wife and daughter show up. Bruen’s sparse, staccato writing style gives the story more life and style than any elaborate descriptions. He also manages mentions of church, politics, family matters, and the state of the world while keeping everything fabulously entertaining.
I'm catching up on the Jack Taylor series. This is #14.
Jack Taylor is in a familiar situation, being taunted by the bad guys while attempting to live peaceably in Galway. His friend Maeve, a nun, introduced him to Marion although her nine-year-old son, Joffrey, does not make them a happy threesome. Then his wife and daughter show up. Bruen’s sparse, staccato writing style gives the story more life and style than any elaborate descriptions. He also manages mentions of church, politics, family matters, and the state of the world while keeping everything fabulously entertaining.
I'm catching up on the Jack Taylor series. This is #14.
29VivienneR
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
Jewell keeps the reader guessing throughout this psychological mystery. Just as the plot and characters begin to appear predictable, Jewell adds a twist. And again, after changing course to new information, another twist. One of Jewell’s best.
Jewell keeps the reader guessing throughout this psychological mystery. Just as the plot and characters begin to appear predictable, Jewell adds a twist. And again, after changing course to new information, another twist. One of Jewell’s best.
30Sergeirocks
The Shining Skull - Kate Ellis 4.5★s
31ted74ca
Definitely not my favourite by Val McDermid-The Mermaids Singing. This is the first in her Wire in the Blood series and is very dated now, as it was published in 1995. Not for the squeamish either-there are some very graphic scenes.
32ted74ca
Really enjoyed Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
33VivienneR
East of England by Eamonn Griffin
A story about a search for retribution. When Matlock was released from prison and his dad, Joe, wasn’t there to meet him, he knew there was something wrong. He suspected the Mintons who were responsible for sending him to prison have something to do with Joe’s absence and he set off to find him. Matlock is flawed but more vulnerable than threatening, and the reader can sympathize with him.
Griffin described the English seaside towns and how they have developed without sounding like a travel guidebook. I enjoyed this noir thriller and its dubious characters and will be looking for more from Griffin.
A story about a search for retribution. When Matlock was released from prison and his dad, Joe, wasn’t there to meet him, he knew there was something wrong. He suspected the Mintons who were responsible for sending him to prison have something to do with Joe’s absence and he set off to find him. Matlock is flawed but more vulnerable than threatening, and the reader can sympathize with him.
Griffin described the English seaside towns and how they have developed without sounding like a travel guidebook. I enjoyed this noir thriller and its dubious characters and will be looking for more from Griffin.
34Sergeirocks
In This Grave Hour - Jacqueline Winspear 5★s
Maisie Dobbs - this series goes from strength to strength, as far as I’m concerned. We’re now up to the start of WWII.
Maisie Dobbs - this series goes from strength to strength, as far as I’m concerned. We’re now up to the start of WWII.
35Sergeirocks
What’s better than a golden oldie? TWO golden oldies… ☺️
Gideon’s Week - J. J. Marric 4.25★s
Gideon’s Night - J. J. Marric 4.5★s
Gideon’s Week - J. J. Marric 4.25★s
Gideon’s Night - J. J. Marric 4.5★s
37VivienneR
All the Colours of Darkness by Peter Robinson
This begins with the apparent murder-suicide of gay lovers that makes Annie Cabbot decide that Banks should be recalled from his holiday leave - and young girlfriend - to take charge. When one of the victims is revealed to be MI6 their perception of the crime changes, confirmed when they are warned off the case, an order handed down from the upper echelons of the force. They quietly keep the investigation going and get deeper into spy territory.
Banks is caught near a midsummer terrorist attack in London, not identified but presumably represents the Oxford Circus attack known as 7/7 where 52 people died in 2005. Robinson has been known to use real life events in his stories, otherwise, this scene has no obvious purpose except to shine a light on heinous crimes where no perpetrator is brought to face justice, like the one they are investigating. It gives the story more gravitas and mystery without adding complexity to the plot.
The detectives examine a potential link to Othello, currently playing at a local theatre, which seems a bit fanciful, but works here. And although Banks’ music is usually a feature that I enjoy, it was mentioned just a little too often for me to be able to listen along and understand what Banks was feeling.
An excellent story, one of my favourites from Robinson. It has well-developed characters, a good plot, an ample dose of espionage, and an ending that was shocking yet perfect.
According to reviews by other LT readers, this was not a favourite from Robinson, but I loved it.
This begins with the apparent murder-suicide of gay lovers that makes Annie Cabbot decide that Banks should be recalled from his holiday leave - and young girlfriend - to take charge. When one of the victims is revealed to be MI6 their perception of the crime changes, confirmed when they are warned off the case, an order handed down from the upper echelons of the force. They quietly keep the investigation going and get deeper into spy territory.
Banks is caught near a midsummer terrorist attack in London, not identified but presumably represents the Oxford Circus attack known as 7/7 where 52 people died in 2005. Robinson has been known to use real life events in his stories, otherwise, this scene has no obvious purpose except to shine a light on heinous crimes where no perpetrator is brought to face justice, like the one they are investigating. It gives the story more gravitas and mystery without adding complexity to the plot.
The detectives examine a potential link to Othello, currently playing at a local theatre, which seems a bit fanciful, but works here. And although Banks’ music is usually a feature that I enjoy, it was mentioned just a little too often for me to be able to listen along and understand what Banks was feeling.
An excellent story, one of my favourites from Robinson. It has well-developed characters, a good plot, an ample dose of espionage, and an ending that was shocking yet perfect.
According to reviews by other LT readers, this was not a favourite from Robinson, but I loved it.
38mvo62
Recent reads that I have enjoyed:
The Torrent (Detective Kate Miles Book 1) by Dinuka McKenzie
The Impossible Fortune (The Thursday Murder Club 5) by Richard Osman
Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards
Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter
Somebody at The Door by Raymond Postgate
Murder as a Fine Art by Carol Carnac
Bother at the Barbican by Guy Cullingford
A Book of Murder (Smart Woman's Crime Mystery 4) by Victoria Dowd
The Torrent (Detective Kate Miles Book 1) by Dinuka McKenzie
The Impossible Fortune (The Thursday Murder Club 5) by Richard Osman
Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards
Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter
Somebody at The Door by Raymond Postgate
Murder as a Fine Art by Carol Carnac
Bother at the Barbican by Guy Cullingford
A Book of Murder (Smart Woman's Crime Mystery 4) by Victoria Dowd
39mvo62
>33 VivienneR: this sounds great - added to my list :)
40VivienneR
>39 mvo62: I hope you like it when you get around to reading it. After binge-watching Spooks (aka MI5 in North America, it was a good choice.
>38 mvo62: Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife is going on my wish list. The title is hard to resist!
>38 mvo62: Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife is going on my wish list. The title is hard to resist!
41Sergeirocks
Broken Bones - Angela Marsons 4.5★s
42ted74ca
Just finished The Great Deceiver by Elly Griffiths and, as always, I quite enjoyed it.
44Sergeirocks
In Search of Murder - Roderic Jeffries 3.5★s
I found this a strange read, mostly stilted dialogue.
Set in Mallorca, this is the 37th book in the series about Inspector Alvarez, a detective who is constantly berated by his senior officer, and probably wouldn’t do much detecting if he wasn’t…
I must admit I’d never heard of Roderic Jeffries before spotting this book in my library’s online selection. Born Oct 1926, he’s still with us. As far as I can make out, he’s had nothing published since 2013.
I found this a strange read, mostly stilted dialogue.
Set in Mallorca, this is the 37th book in the series about Inspector Alvarez, a detective who is constantly berated by his senior officer, and probably wouldn’t do much detecting if he wasn’t…
I must admit I’d never heard of Roderic Jeffries before spotting this book in my library’s online selection. Born Oct 1926, he’s still with us. As far as I can make out, he’s had nothing published since 2013.
45ted74ca
I've always enjoyed everything I've read by Anthony Horowitz and that was true of my latest read Close to Death.
46ted74ca
Just finished The Black Loch by Peter May and really liked it. It's a followup to his Lewis trilogy.
47Sergeirocks
Painting the Darkness - Robert Goddard 4.5★s
1882 - Did James Davenall, heir to a baronetcy, commit suicide 11y ago, or is he still alive and only now returned to reclaim his rightful title?
Twists galore!
I find Goddard a master storyteller; I’ve not yet read a book of his that I didn’t like.
1882 - Did James Davenall, heir to a baronetcy, commit suicide 11y ago, or is he still alive and only now returned to reclaim his rightful title?
Twists galore!
I find Goddard a master storyteller; I’ve not yet read a book of his that I didn’t like.
48amdial7
Reading The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare by G.K. Chesterton and I'm already hooked.
49Sergeirocks
>48 amdial7: Following your comment, I’ve now read The Man Who Was Thursday - G. K. Chesterton 4★s
50jhicks62
>48 amdial7: I just finished that about a month ago. I had always read good things about it and enjoyed it.
51Sergeirocks
🎄 Merry Christmas, Everyone! 🎄
Join to post
