--------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 244 MYSTERY Ref: F3T00001 Date: 03/15/98 From: ROBERT WHITE Time: 08:47am \/To: JEANE MOORE (Read 0 times) Subj: More books! -=> Quoting Jeane Moore to Robert White <=- Hi Jeane, JM> These sound worth looking up, especially the latter. I did once try JM> on a Skip Langdon book, but my mood was wrong at the time. I'll try JM> Julie Smith again. And the Gough series sounds right up my alley. The Skip Langdon series took time to grow on me for some reason, but I really enjoyed 'The Kindness of Strangers'. Gough's books are definitely of the hard-boiled genre, but the way he weaves the various plots together makes for a bit of a surprise ending and he has lots of interesting characters. RW> You may have a hard time finding these in the US, RW> the zenophobic attitude of publishers seems to exclude Canada as being I'm basing that on what others have said when they tried to find some of hese authors in their local bookstores or libraries. Have you read any of the books by either Eric Wright or L.R. Wright? (I don't believe they are related.) Eric sets his books in Toronto generally, and L.R. has her's on the Sunshine Coast of B.C. Gail Bowen has a series set in Regina, Saskatchewan. Those are the only Canadian mystery writers that come to mind right now, but I'm sure I'm missing a bunch. Charlotte McLeod is probably considered anadian as she spends half her time in Nova Scotia. I've yet to find a mystery story set in Calgary, maybe I'll have to write one myself...................... (yeah, right!). JM> P.S. In fact, I just interrupted this message to log onto the online JM> catalog of the Hennepin County Library (I can also search the Yeah, I like being able to search our library in Calgary to find out what's available, and at which branch, and if the book is in or on loan. They have recently added resevations, holds and transfers to our online menu as well. I don't know if I can search the U of Calgary library, or if you have to be a student to have access. JM> under the subject entry "mystery stories, Canadian" I found 94 items, JM> many of which I've read. Cataloging being what it is, I expect there JM> Is this a reasonable number (bearing in mind the number of paperbacks Under that subject you may find some mysteries that are set in Canada, but written by non-Canadian authors. That sounds like a reasonable start, I've never really searched to see how many Canadian mysteries I could find. I've heard that Gough's publisher has tried to get him to relocate his stories to Seattle as they would sell 10 times as many that way, but Gough has refused o change the locale. I'm glad as I like being able to visualize where they are, and what they are seeing from my personal knowledge of Vancouver. JM> that never make it into libraries) or is Canada being short-changed, JM> even here in Baja Canada? I always thought of Southern Ontario as the Canadian Baja. :)) I just finished Robert B. Parker's latest Spenser book (the latest in PB at least) 'Small Vices' There were a few books in the middle of this series hat seemed to be lacking, but the last few have been top notch. If you aren't familiar with Parker's books you should try them. They are quick reads, lots of action and tight, witty dialog. What I like best are the little gems of personal observation and philosophy that pop up in the series. I can't find the exact quote right now, but Spenser is talking about his steady girlfriend Susan and says something about his love for her never varying, but his like for her does change; and I knew exactly what he meant, but I'd never thought about the difference between love and like in that way. If you haven't read any of this series yet, look for 'Wilderness' to start with. It isn't part of the Spenser series, but precedes it and sets up the series. The books all stand well alone, but as with most series it is interesting to see how the characters and relationships evolve with each ok. So who are some of your favorite authors and/or books? Do you have a favorite style or genre of mystery? Enough babbling for today I guess, Bob 8-{) --- Blue Wave/DOS v2.20 * Origin: TechTalk; Calgary, Alberta. V.34+ (403)209-2104 (1:134/40) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 244 MYSTERY Ref: F3T00002 Date: 03/22/98 From: ROBERT WHITE Time: 08:07pm \/To: SUZZE TIERNAN (Read 0 times) Subj: Valerie Wolzien -=> Quoting Suzze Tiernan to All <=- Hi Suzze, ST> I have always enjoyed Valerie Wolzien's Susan Crenshaw mysteries. ST> They are a quick, light read. Her newest is "Weddings are Murder", in Added to my BOLO list, now into it's 4th page. ST> which her daughter gets married. Last year I wrote the author e-mail ST> and told her that since ther character seems to be fairly wealthy, she ST> out to have a cewll phone, instead of always looking for a pay phone! ST> She agreed, and said it would come in handy for the details of the ST> wedding. Within the first 10 pages of the book, Susan uses my phone! I ST> was really excited!!! That's neat, great to see your suggestion put to use. How did you happen to have her email address? I would think she'd keep it private to avoid getting delundged with spam etc. Or since she's not a 'big name' author she can still get away with giving it out? By the way Suzanne Willianson was asking about you awhile back and says Hi. Bob 8-{) --- Blue Wave/DOS v2.20 * Origin: TechTalk; Calgary, Alberta. V.34+ (403)209-2104 (1:134/40) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 244 MYSTERY Ref: F3T00003 Date: 03/22/98 From: ROBERT WHITE Time: 05:25pm \/To: JEANE MOORE (Read 0 times) Subj: The Judge -=> Quoting Jeane Moore to Robert White <=- Hi Jeane, JM> list whom I buy in hardcover, so they'll get more. I buy very few HC books, mainly due to no more room in the bookcase. I have two large ones full and double decked with books that for various reasons I want to keep. And then tere are the cardboard cartons of books that are stacked in the basement. I have made a rule that IF I want to keep a book, I have to find one that is already in the bookcase that I can swap it with. Sometimes I have to find two when the new keeper is exceptionally thick. RW> is 'Compelling Evidence' 'Prime Witness' 'Undue Influence' and 'The RW> Judge'. JM> After reading your message, I realized I have THE JUDGE, although I JM> haven't read it. A friend gave me a stack of paperbacks that I'm JM> still browsing in. Do I really HAVE to leave it until I find the JM> others? whine whine. The books all stand on their own, but there are some continuing characters besides the main protagonist who you will not have all the background on. No big deal, I certainly didn't read them in order, but merely as I stumbled on them in the UBS's. I'm sure you'll enjoy 'The Judge'. Have you ever read ny of Earle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason series? If you have you'll probably find Martini's remind you of them, at least they sure did for me. I grew up read Perry Mason mysteries, and always loved them. I should probably reread a few and see how well they stand up now compared with current authors. I'd bet they hold their own. I have been pretty busy with work and trying to get a revenue house we own ready for new tenants, and we have had friends from Houston visiting for the past week. Not much time to read lately. I noted and added both of your recommendations (The Only Game & Shot in the Dark) to my BOLO list. Durn list is getting pretty long again, over 3 pages with only occasional crossouts. I did have it down to 1 page a few months back, but lots of good recommendations lately it seems. BTW, you should have a better idea of the female equivalent to 'balls' then me. I'd hazard a ouple of guess' but I'd probably get hate mail into the next millenium. :) Talk to you again soon. Bob 8-{) --- Blue Wave/DOS v2.20 * Origin: TechTalk; Calgary, Alberta. V.34+ (403)209-2104 (1:134/40) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 244 MYSTERY Ref: F3U00000 Date: 03/23/98 From: JEANE MOORE Time: 08:27am \/To: MICHAEL LABRECK (Read 0 times) Subj: Miz Christie Michael Labreck wrote to Fred Runk. FR> also would love to see the conversations and interactions between Miss FR> Marple and Poirot--considering how different these two characters are, FR> and yet both created by the same author. ML> Maybe someday, an author will come up with the idea. Then again, maybe ML> that somebody will be me! :) Tony Hillerman had two separate series characters - Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn - in several books each who then converged and worked together in several books since. I like them both ways. ... I'll try anything twice. Once if it kills me. ___ X Blue Wave/DOS v2.30 [NR] X --- Maximus 3.01 * Origin: Allegedly from WizInfo CBCS Minneapolis 612.721.8859 (1:282/2022) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 244 MYSTERY Ref: F3U00001 Date: 03/24/98 From: JEANE MOORE Time: 10:51am \/To: SUZZE TIERNAN (Read 0 times) Subj: Hopefully forthcoming Suzze Tiernan wrote to Jeane Moore. > some time since Geoffrey Norman published anything, and I'd sure like > to > read another Morgan Hunt book. Any news on anything in the pipeline? ST> If you have Internet access write me at mmysterym@aol.com, ST> and I'll look in BIP to see if anyhting is listed as ST> upcoming. OR you can call 1-800-469-5535 Mon-Wed 10-6 EST ST> and ask me personally. Maybe place a mail order too! ST> I'll TRY to remember to look but I don't guarantee anything (CRS). I will send you a message on AOL. If my book budget were larger I would send you an order, but I feel honor-bound to spend my money at Uncle Edgar's because they've been so good to me. (What does CRS mean?) ... I was in a speed reading accident. I hit a bookmark. ___ X Blue Wave/DOS v2.30 [NR] X --- Maximus 3.01 * Origin: Allegedly from WizInfo CBCS Minneapolis 612.721.8859 (1:282/2022) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 244 MYSTERY Ref: F3V00000 Date: 03/25/98 From: JEANE MOORE Time: 08:27am \/To: ROBERT WHITE (Read 0 times) Subj: The Judge RW> I have made a rule that IF I RW> want to keep a book, I have to find one that is already in the bookcase RW> that I can swap it with. Sometimes I have to find two when the new RW> keeper is exceptionally thick. I just get another bookcase. RW> Have you ever read any of Earle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason RW> series? Oh, yes, indeed, all of them, I think. RW> I should probably reread a few and see how well RW> they stand up now compared with current authors. I'd bet they hold RW> their own. Maybe, but ESG's style was pretty high-falutin', not unlike Ellery Queen's, and quite different from the more vernacular styles preferred today. Perry Mason didn't converse, he pronounced. ... Ethical question: Drowning lawyer - drive on or watch? ___ X Blue Wave/DOS v2.30 [NR] X --- Maximus 3.01 * Origin: Allegedly from WizInfo CBCS Minneapolis 612.721.8859 (1:282/2022) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 244 MYSTERY Ref: F3V00001 Date: 03/25/98 From: JEANE MOORE Time: 09:40am \/To: ROBERT WHITE (Read 0 times) Subj: More books! Robert White wrote to Jeane Moore. RW> Gough's books are RW> definitely of the hard-boiled genre, but the way he weaves the various RW> plots together makes for a bit of a surprise ending and he has lots of RW> interesting characters. I got one from the library, and read it, one of the recent ones, and now I can't remember the title! Anyway, I had the same reaction to it that I have had to several other books written by Canadians (and others, of course, but I did particularly notice this with Canadian authors): the main characters felt so emotionally distant and almost flat. They engage very little of my interest. RW> Have you read RW> any of the books by either Eric Wright or L.R. Wright? (I don't believe RW> they are related.) Eric sets his books in Toronto generally, and L.R. RW> has her's on the Sunshine Coast of B.C. Yes, two by Eric Wright and one by L.R. Wright. Both good writers in many ways, but... RW> Gail Bowen has a series set in Regina, Saskatchewan. This name is unfamiliar. I'll look her up. RW> I've yet to find a mystery story set in Calgary, maybe I'll have to RW> write one myself...................... (yeah, right!). I'll be looking for it. JM> P.S. In fact, I just interrupted this message to log onto the online JM> catalog of the Hennepin County Library (I can also search the RW> I just finished Robert B. Parker's latest Spenser book (the latest in RW> PB at least) 'Small Vices' There were a few books in the middle of RW> this series that seemed to be lacking, but the last few have been top RW> notch. Your opinion seems to be shared by many fans, including me. He has another recent one called FINAL PASSAGE which I liked very much, not a Spenser but the first in a new series, according to the jacket. RW> ... look for 'Wilderness' to start with. It isn't part of the RW> Spenser series, but precedes it and sets up the series. I haven't read that. I didn't know it was related in any way to the series. Now I'll pick it up. RW> So who are some of your favorite authors and/or books? Certainly Robert B. Parker is one of my favorites. I'd guess EARLY AUTUMN is my favorite of his. "Favorites" is a tough question. I suppose Dorothy Sayers is my all-time top-of-the-list. Then there's Rex Stout, Tony Hillerman, Robert van Gulik, Janwillem Van de Wettering, Robert Crais, Lindsey Davis, James Lee Burke, Ellis Peters, Mary Stewart, Dick Francis (TO THE HILT was one of my recent favorites), Dennis Lehane (SACRED was a very very fine book, as were its predecessors), Margaret Duffy, S.J. Rozan - I could go on! They are all on my A list. RW> favorite style or genre of mystery? Good writing. Strong likeable characters. Good writing. I'll put up with a lot of story faults if I like the characters. And did I mention good writing? ... I can't. My chocolate-appreciation class meets that night. ___ X Blue Wave/DOS v2.30 [NR] X --- Maximus 3.01 * Origin: Allegedly from WizInfo CBCS Minneapolis 612.721.8859 (1:282/2022) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 244 MYSTERY Ref: F3V00002 Date: 03/24/98 From: STEVEN HORN Time: 11:56pm \/To: FRED RUNK (Read 0 times) Subj: Death is now my Neighbor On 22 Mar 98 at 09:59, Fred Runk (1:300/105) wrote to Steven Horn: FR> True, but Colin has a different name. So Morse should be lefthanded?:-) Take care, Steven Horn (shorn@yknet.yk.ca) Moderator, CAN_SYSLAW Co-Moderator, ALASKA_CHAT --- Msged/386 4.20 beta 3kl3 * Origin: Yukon Mail, Whitehorse, Canada (1:3409/1) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 244 MYSTERY Ref: F3V00003 Date: 03/24/98 From: STEVEN HORN Time: 11:57pm \/To: JEANE MOORE (Read 0 times) Subj: Death is now my Neighbou On 22 Mar 98 at 12:20, Jeane Moore (1:282/2022) wrote to Steven Horn: JM> It always interests me to get the opinion of someone with firsthand JM> knowledge as to the authenticity of a book's setting. A Scotswoman I JM> know told me that Gerald Hammond's novels, which I've enjoyed very JM> much, JM> especially the Cunningham series, ring very true. Have you read JM> Jan Willem Van De Wetering's books? (I hope I got the capitalization JM> right in his name. I don't have one of his books available to JM> check.) JM> And did you read the subsequent two or three Freeling novels JM> featuring JM> Arlette? I've read several of the Van de Wetering novels and was less impressed by their authenticity than I was by the Van der Valk series. But that may have as much to do with style as it does with content as Grijpstra's and De Geer's Amsterdam bears an uncanny resemblance to the real thing. As for the Arlette novels, she simply did not fit in the surroundings the same way as Van der Valk did so the books become less credible. If you've read P.D. James's Devices and Desires, you will appreciate how someone really sees a world and fits within it well. Dalgleish's sojourn in Sussex is superb. Take care, Steven Horn (shorn@yknet.yk.ca) Moderator, CAN_SYSLAW Co-Moderator, ALASKA_CHAT --- Msged/386 4.20 beta 3kl3 * Origin: Yukon Mail, Whitehorse, Canada (1:3409/1) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 244 MYSTERY Ref: F3V00004 Date: 03/25/98 From: SUZZE TIERNAN Time: 07:28am \/To: JEANE MOORE (Read 0 times) Subj: Hopefully forthcoming *** Quoting Jeane Moore to Suzze Tiernan dated 03-24-98 *** > > I will send you a message on AOL. If my book budget were larger I > would > send you an order, but I feel honor-bound to spend my money at Uncle > Edgar's because they've been so good to me. (What does CRS mean?) > >