hsut@pur-ee.UUCP (Bill Hsu) (10/10/85)
On the subject of good detective novels (oh nostalgia...) one of my favorites was Edmund Crispin who wrote a handful of books about Oxford don Gervase Fen. These books are so well-written and hilarious that the "puzzle", traditionally the prime concern of a good detective novel, is often of secondary importance and interest. Crispin's books simply crackle with witticisms and good humor; his characters jump right out of the page, to use a cliche. I don't have a list of Crispin's books, but The Moving Toyshop, a fast-moving (yes, Crispin's books tend to have more slapstick action and witty conversations than most detective novels) narrative about the discovery of a body in a toyshop late at night which then disappears (the shop too) is a great introduction to Crispin. Bill Hsu pur-ee!hsut
suem@ihopb.UUCP (Sue McKinnell) (10/10/85)
I agree that Edmund Crispin is an entertaining writer and have read all of his mysteries. Since we are now discussing mysteries which are mostly what I read, I may as well mention some other authors I regard highly. I am especially fond of books by Michael Innes. His books are highly erudite and just plain fun to read, as well as being very well-written. My favorite author(ess) for mysteries is Martha Grimes. She writes excellent novels which are also mysteries. Her sleuths are Richard Jury and Melvin Plant (I may be mispelling the names, the books are at home). Jury is the representative of the police, Plant is the wealthy, interested amateur. All of the titles for her books are taken from names of English Pubs which usually figure in the action. So far she has written 6: The Man with a Load of Mischief The Old Fox Deceiv'd The Dirty Duck The Anodyne Necklace Jerusalem Inn Help the Poor Struggler These titles are from memory, so they may be slightly off. Every time I read one of her books, I am amazed by the depth of the story. I am thrilled that she is new on the scene and will hopefully write many more. Sue McKinnell ihnp4!ihopb!suem -- Sue McKinnell ...!ihnp4!ihopb!suem IH 6N226 x5313
emery@gypsy.UUCP (10/11/85)
My wife and I also recommend the Grimes books. Incidentally, her titles are taken from English Inn (Pub) names, and the so-named establishment figures prominently in the story. Other mystery writers we've enjoyed lately include Ellis Peters, who does the Cadfael books (midevil monk who's a detective), and Elizabeth Peters. The latter's books are set in Victorian England and Egypt, and revolve around a woman who married a British Archeologist. Dave Emery Siemens Research ...princeton!siemens!emery