I went to my mystery book group tonight where we discussed Stieg Larsson’s The Girl Who Played With Fire. Most of us have read all three books in the series so it seemed at times like we were discussing the series as a whole which was a different approach but I liked that a lot. It seems like we could judge more of what the author was trying to accomplish with overall themes.
I don’t think I ever got around to reviewing the book here but really liked it. It had a lot of action and I think it was successful in further developing characters and I didn’t feel as if I was just reading more of the same book. Unfortunately I missed the film version when it came out but I’ll make sure to get the DVD to watch it.
Anyway, our next book is The Merry Misogynist by Colin Cotterill. While I’m not thrilled that I haven’t read any of the previous books (this is the sixth in the series), I am looking forward to reading this mystery which is set in Laos, which is a first for me.
As I was leaving the bookstore I noticed a new issue of Mystery Scene Magazine. I didn’t get it as I was in a bit of a rush but will have to get it on my next visit. I do have nitpick with the cover in that I wish they hadn’t featured actors. Nothing against the cast of Bones but they get enough coverage in other media so why not feature more authors? I know some other bookish magazines have done this and it probably helps to get attention from a different audience but there you go, that’s a pet peeve.
I’m really in the mood to start a mystery but I’ve got to finish some other books first. What about you, reading any good mysteries lately?
I think I’m the last person who hasn’t read Larsson’s books. I’ve all three books in my pile, and I think it’s those thick volumes that have set me running away (at least for the moment, haha).
I absolutely feel that authors should have their share featuring on bookish magazines covers, after all they are the ones who wrote the stories and brought them to the big screen/TV shows.
I finished reading a good psychological story (manga) of a teacher seeking revenge on two students who killed her daughter. I don’t think there’s an English edition at this point, but I do hope they will publish it in the near future!
I still haven’t read the millennium series yet, but I have all the books. Too funny!
Yes, I have: the first in Louise Penny’s series, Still Life. It bears some resemblance to the Giles Blunt mysteries we’ve chatted about before, small community (but even smaller than Algonquin Bay), relatively isolated, with an emphasis on characterization. Wasn’t expecting to enjoy it so much, but I am hooked on yet another series now it seems.
Someday I am going to read those Larsson books…Maybe I’ll save them for the holidays. They must have made for a good discussion. I prefer to start from the beginning of a mystery series, too. Sometimes it feels a little disorienting to jump in somewhere in the middle.
Melody – The first two are great. I really didn’t like the third one but I think that’s one of those books that you either like or don’t. Still would love to see more books in this series. I am curious what the overall series was going to accomplish. Too bad there won’t be any more books! boo-hoo. I read your review of that book and it sounds like a gripping read! Of course I’m still not very sure about Manga. My one attempt didn’t go over too well. I need to try again 🙂
Serena – I thought you had! Oh well, then you must grab the first book quick!
BuriedInPrint – I loved Still Life! Actually I quite like Inspector Gamache. He is one of my favorites unfortunately the last book I read the fifth one I believe, A Brutal Telling, I didn’t like at all. She has a new one out and I’m curious to see what happens with some of my favorite characters.
Danielle – I thought you had also read the first one! I think you’d enjoy the setting a lot.