Comments on: Sunday Salon – Crime Fiction

By: Fyrefly

Fyrefly — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:14:59 +0000

I just got a copy of A Secret Alchemy in the mail, but my cover has a girl in a bright red coat on the cover, so it would have broken up your nice theme. Let’s hope it’s as good as it looks!

By: Danielle

Danielle — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:42:34 +0000

I envy you all the mysteries you’ve been reading lately. Now that I am nearly caught up on my ‘obligation reading’ I hope to get back to reading more mysteries. I’m very much interested in The Franchise Affair as Sarah Waters said it was an inspiration for her new book (and really need to read The Daughter of Time, too, as have heard so many good things about it). I might also have to get Company of Liars when it comes out in paper here.

By: Chris Warren

Chris Warren — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:16:53 +0000

Reading your page here has just given me a great idea. I write fantasy and one of the problems is maintaining a sufficient level of credibility as the story progresses. By that I mean although certain actions and activities can be supernatural, for good fantasy the story line must maintain a pace and direction that readers can ‘get into’, identify with and will hold attention. Historical mystery, based around real life happenings, could provide just that foundation – I’ll be reading some of your recommendations to see if my theory works. Thanks for the pointer, even if it may have been by accident!

P.S. if you want to have a look at my first book – http://randolphschallenge.com – while not accurate historical fact, it does have a medieval setting and you might find it amusing.

Chris Warren

By: Biblibio

Biblibio — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:34:23 +0000

I’ve found that Alison Weir’s books are very accessible, if a bit too calmly non-fiction (I often feel like there’s so much more to be said, but it would go against the accessibility of the book for larger audiences, those who aren’t big fans of non-fiction…). I’m not particularly into crime fiction but a historical mystery novel sounds intriguing and someone recently recommended “The Daughter of Time” to me. Sounds pretty interesting.

By: gautami tripathy

gautami tripathy — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:10:17 +0000

I have Company of Liars. Plan to read it this weekend! TSS: The 19th Wife: why I set it aside

By: Margot

Margot — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:10:45 +0000

The Miss Marple book looks very attractive to me. I am such a fan of hers. I look forward to reading what you think of it.

By: stacybuckeye

stacybuckeye — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:50:51 +0000

I’ve got Company of Liars on my list too!

By: Susan

Susan — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:46:00 +0000

I have The Serpent’s Tale to read (very soon, I hope!); I thoroughly enjoyed the first one. I’ve just added the Company of Liars to my wish-list, and you reminded about Emma Freud’s book which I’ve been waiting to come out here. I read the Daughter of Time years ago, and i think it’s time for a reread! Lovely post, Margaret.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:28:26 +0000

I enjoyed Emma Darwin’s first novel The Mathematics of Love, and have been meaning to read her second. She has tough competition with Tey though!

I really enjoyed The Franchise Affair, so hope you do to.

By: Gentle Reader

Gentle Reader — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:40:54 +0000

These all look great! I’ve been meaning to find one of Emma Darwin’s books because I read her blog, too. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on all three!