Four of the authors were new to me, a fifth - Agatha Christie may as well have been since it's been probably 35 years since I last picked up one of hers. Miss Marple short stories they were, though I have been advised to try one of her longer outings next time around.
In truth it wasn't really that great a month, quality-wise. Willeford, Disher and Pryor were averagely okay, but I have read better from all of them previously. Shannon was a bit too supernatural-ish for my liking and the Livers book I meandered through.
The month was rescued by three books. The 39 Steps was exciting and a quick read, which was enjoyed before seeing a great adaptation of it on the stage.
Greed by Dan O'Shea rocked me again after his superb Penance last month. O'Shea is someone whose shopping list I reckon I could read and be thrilled by.
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| February's book of the month. |
On my challenge front I haven't racked up too many entries. Disher did for Australia/New Zealand. Buchan for Scottish, Espionage and Vintage. Christie for Vintage - somewhere or other. Plus a slot on the US State Challenge was filled by Livers.
Harry Shannon - Behold The Child (3)
Garry Disher - Two-Way Cut (3)
John Buchan - The Thirty-Nine Steps (4)
John Ball - In The Heat Of The Night (5)
Charles Willeford - The Ordainment Of Brother Springer (3)
Dan O'Shea - Greed (5)
Paulette Livers - Cementville (3)
Agatha Christie - Miss Marple's Final Cases (3)
Mark Pryor - The Crypt Thief (3)
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| A close second! |
Col, you can't go wrong with John Ball. Your pick of the month is spot-on. A couple of Virgil Tibbs novels are sitting in my office cabinet right over my head.
ReplyDeletePrashant thanks - we ought to form a mutual appreciation society! I'm keen to read on to see if they are more straight forward in the mystery sense or if greater themes are in play also.
DeleteI don't know why I didn't read the three (and not two) Virgil Tibbs novels soon after I read "In the Heat of the Night." You've encouraged me in that direction, Col. It's nice that all three novels are much less than 200 pages each.
ReplyDeleteSize matters! Less is more in my book. Later in the year for some more Tibbs then.
DeleteCol - You had a solid variety of books this month! And I'm very happy to see you've (re)discovered Christie, of course. I agree with you that The 39 Steps is a great story, and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteMargot - more Christie to come at some point, and more Buchan as well!
DeleteYou're welcome and I agree with your pick of the month ;-) Happy reading for March to you.
ReplyDeleteKeishon cheers you to. I think Peace and LeCarre should rock.
DeleteIt's been ages since I read In The Heat of the Night but I did love it - and the film too. I'd like to re-visit both
ReplyDeleteBernadette, I have never seen the film - something I should address. I'd also like to read more from Ball with Tibbs featuring.
DeleteI definitely must read In the Heat of the Night, and sample Mark Pryor. And even maybe revisit some Buchan. Nice varied collection there. And now on to March...
ReplyDeleteMoira - maybe 3 from 9 then 33%, not bad - we'll work on getting our crossover percentage higher. Looks like I'll be reading more Agatha than previously intended!
DeleteQuantity rather than quality? Some months are like that!
ReplyDeleteSarah, your probably right. Still three were very enjoyable and I did eventually read one from the grand Dame of crime. Hoping for better in March though! Cheers,
DeleteThe fact that you picked In the Heat of the Night as your fave this month bodes well for my enjoyment of it... will be reading the book sometime soon ... maybe this month. Interesting mix this month.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see how you get on with it.........not too long a book either as Prashant mentions. Hat tips all round to Keishon for the nudge towards this.
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