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Subject: Which Mystery Stories To Read?

Posted by: elmo7
Date: Aug 04 16

Hi. I am looking for recommendations of mystery novels, murder mysteries, whatever they are called...I like period novels, but I find there is a ton of drivel in such areas as England in the Tudor period, or America in the 19th century.
I need help to avoid the dreadful stuff, and I'm confident I'll get it here! I like longish stories, and am not afraid of gore. Recommendations of contemporary writers also much appreciated.

30 replies. On page 2 of 2 pages. 1 2
agony


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Yes, I read those two as a kid, but they weren't quite as thrilling, to me, as Trease's . His books usually had a couple of teenagers living through something exciting in history - in Athens with Aristophanes, or riding through Italy with Garibaldi. One I remember had us leaving England with the expulsion of the Jews, going to Moorish Spain. Aimed at kids, but well plotted with good characters. Better than the usual run of "I was therewith Napoleon" kids history you used to get.

Reply #21. Aug 30 16, 5:47 PM
Mixamatosis star


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Mommakat, Elmo said she wasn't keen on Phillipa Gregory's books. I mentioned that she covered the period but I'm not keen on her books myself either.

Reply #22. Aug 31 16, 10:47 AM
VBookWorm


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The only historical mystery novel I read recently and enjoyed is Umberto Eco's 'The Name of the Rose'

Reply #23. Jan 23 23, 12:02 PM
paulmallon star


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Misery, by David Lindsay (keep a light on while you read)

Reply #24. Nov 20 23, 4:36 PM
fado72 star


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Do you mean Mercy by David Lindsey?

Reply #25. Nov 20 23, 8:00 PM
Cymruambyth star


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My favourite historical detective is Ellis Peters' 'Brother Cadfael'/ I've readand re-readevery book in the series, and still enjoy watching and re-watching Derek Jacobi's masterful depiction on Britbox.

Reply #26. Nov 26 23, 9:24 PM
Dagny1 star


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Definitely agree! I also love the 'Brother Cadfael' stories, both the books and the tv series.

Reply #27. Nov 27 23, 6:00 AM
paulmallon star


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Good catch F. Yes, I did mean "Mercy" by David Lindsay.
S. King's "Misery" is another good one.

Reply #28. Nov 27 23, 7:26 PM
paulmallon star


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Make that LindsEy

Reply #29. Nov 27 23, 7:28 PM
Cymruambyth star


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Mommakat, I read both 'The White Queen' and 'The Red Queen' and found them very contrived and overly fanciful. I tried reading 'Wolf Hall' but I gave up because it was what we used to call 'Aye-Aye' books when I was a kid...written in the first person. Most books about the Tudor period are not nearly as exciting or as dramatic as the actual history! (Although I loved Geoffrey Trease' book 'Cue for Treason', which I read when I was about 12 or 13.)

Reply #30. Feb 11 24, 4:22 PM


30 replies. On page 2 of 2 pages. 1 2
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