I’ve finished two mysteries recently, Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie and Mortal Causes by Ian Rankin. In the case of Mortal Causes I think this is the best Inspector Rebus novel I’ve read yet although that opening scene was quite gruesome. Murder on the Orient Express was fun and makes me want to read more Agatha Christie novels.
One thing I did notice this time as I was reading was that I wasn’t particularly looking for the clues to solve the mysteries on my own. I just let each writer take me into the story and I enjoyed being a bit surprised in both cases.
For those of you who read mysteries do you try to solve the mystery or do you want to be surprised?
I’ll tell you more of my thoughts on Murder on the Orient Express later and don’t forget it’s the March selection for Our Coffee Rings.
Also, for those of you who love mysteries and foreign locales, check out Detectives Beyond Borders. Oh, I can see this won’t be good for my TBR list.
Wow-that link is awesome, as well as extremely dangerous. I can’t wait for spring break to start on Sunday so that I read guilt-free for a little while!
Thanks for the link–must go and check it out. I had planned to read so many more mysteries this year and I haven’t so far. I tend to just read and go with the story and hope for a good surprise or twist at the end. I can usually tell a new mystery writer when I can spot whodunnit a mile off–as I don’t usually try very hard! 🙂
When reading mysteries, I don’t try to solve the crimes. When watching mystery movies, I do try. I don’t know why that is, probably because I get wrapped up in the language.
I always try to figure it out and am happy when I can’t.
You are really evil!! Posting that new link!! ugh!! hehe
I think for the most part I unconsciously try to solve the murder – which doesn’t happen very often and then when I am surprised at the end I’m really happy.
I don’t read mysteries very often but when I do I try to solve them. Most of the time my guess is totally wrong 🙂
Eva – Hope you’ll have lots of fun reading ahead of you for your spring break!
Danielle – I don’t think I’ve been reading as many mysteries this year either. Although I kind of feel a bit of mystery binge coming on 🙂
Mike B. – That’s so interesting. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Now I’m going to pay attention the next time I watch a mystery film.
Nancy – I love being surprised by the ending!
Heather – Ha,ha! Have fun checking that out!
Stefanie – It’s funny, when I do make a conscious effort to try and guess, I’m always wrong. It’s when I’m just taking it all in that I tend to have better luck at figuring it out. How odd no?
I think, like Heather, I sort of sub-consciously try and solve the mystery, although I usually find I’ve completely followed the wrong track altogether!
If you enjoyed that Agatha Christie, you might want to try reading The Murder of Roger Ackroyd or 4.50 from Paddington.
Thanks for the link, too!
I just read and, like you say, let the author move me through the story. Sometimes I figure it out, but I never intentionally try.
I like trying to solve the mysteries, but I’m very bad at it! I never do get it right.
heidijane – Oh thank you for the Christie suggestions. I know someone else (Danielle or Litlove) also mentioned The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. I must get that one. I’ve seen a film version of 4.50 from Paddington and that would be a fun read I’m sure 🙂
Booklogged – It’s just more fun isn’t it 🙂
Dorothy W. – I’m not very good at solving them either. I think that’s why I don’t even try very much anymore 🙂
I always try but usually end up guessing wrong. With “Murder on the Oritn Express” the book is written differently than other mysteries. It’s more like an evidence casebook. I didn’t know this when I first read the book and that her stories usually have twist endings. But this is great because it doesn’t fall into that cliche category. That’s why I love Agatha Christie and the idea of the “least likely suspect”.
I find myself trying to figure them out, but am disappointed when I can – I like to be surprised at the end. I’m in the process of finishing up a couple of mystery books and will be commenting about that – and I know you’ve read at least one of the books. 🙂
Thanks for the mention. If I’ve increased your TBR list, I’ve done my job.
Regarding the interesting question of whether one tries to solve the mystery will reading a mystery, I rarely do. In fact, I surprised myself recently when I did find myself trying to solve the mystery. I wrote about my surprise here: http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/2007/01/diamond-dove.html
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Detectives Beyond Borders
“Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home”
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/
“For those of you who read mysteries do you try to solve the mystery or do you want to be surprised”
I always try to guess – that’s part of the fun. But paradoxically, I wouldn’t respect the writer if I can guess who the real murderer. I want to be mislead most convincingly. Hee.
But for “Murder on the Orient Express” – I like the way it panned out. There was this fulfilling sense of justice reaffirmed. Have you tried “Death On the Nile”? I ended up a grudging respect for the murderer.
Duck Thief – That’s a perfect way to describe MOTOE, a casebook. I’ve only read two Christie’s so I have lots to look forward to!
Lesley – Ooh, which one? Can’t wait to hear 🙂
Dark Orpheus – Haven’t read Death on the Nile yet but I’m already looking forward to it. I just don’t know whether to read another Miss Marple or Poirot! Ah, decisions.
I’m a big mystery fan. One Agatha Christie I can recommend is “They did it with Mirrors”. Real classic stuff.
I’ve just ordered 5 mystery-type books today. Couldn’t resist 🙂
I haven’t tried Iain Rankin. Is it like Patricia Cornwell ? Michael Connelly ?