What a lovely read here from a fellow mystery author and lover of the classic whodunnit! I fell in love with Agatha Christie at a young age and she's the reason I write what I do now (I wrote my first Substack about this last week) I'm. Scottish so I love Shetland too and of course, Midsummer Murders! I look forward to reading your words!
Reda….I had every issue of Nancy Drew and read them over and over. I loved the Prey series by John Sandford. Adored Agatha Christie, Hitchcock, and last month discovered Midsommer Murders. Looking forward to diving into your Substack!
I haven’t read the Prey series, I’m so glad you mentioned it. I’ll check one out, I need something new. Did you ever read Trixie Belden? I tried to get our kids into her but they preferred Nancy Drew when they were younger. I’m excited for you that you only just discovered Midsomer Murders. Man, it’s so good, some more memorable than others. Let me know your favorites after you’ve watched some!
I read some Trixie but was much more of a Nancy girl. I’m from Wisconsin originally and my mother managed an indie bookstore that promoted regional writers and then worked for a publishing company that worked with some of Sandford’ nonfiction. Always really enjoyed reading him. And I am sooooo loving Midsommer. Only five seasons and already know I am going to feel odd when I hit the last show. I feel like I have found an extension of my family.
Half way through season 9. I’m not sure I have a favorite, most of them are really good. I do have some least favorites. I hated “Dead Letters” and “Killings at Badger’s Drift.” What were your best/least liked?
If I’d stopped watching after “Killings At Badger’s Drift,” I never would have gotten into and become a fan — and I almost did. But I had seen a later episode before I watched that one, so I knew it had to be good! Some are bad - but the ones that are good are very good. My least fave of recent ones is Grain of Truth - I think that’s it, where they’re in an old mill. Maybe skip that one.
My biggest influences early on were a series of books I can’t remember now about ghost kids solving crimes and shows like “murder she wrote” and “Matlock”. I’ve read a lot of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie novels. And my Favorite detective to date is Adrian Monk.
I started reading Agatha Christie when I was 10. My sisters used to go the city every Saturday and bring me home the next book, then they brought home 2 at a time because I was reading them so quickly. I love PD James and Ruth Rendell and loads of others but they are the foundation.
Oh, I love reading this! They are wonderful mysteries. They open a whole door of other ones, I love what you say about them being the foundation, that is certainly true!
So THAT’s your story! Thanks for sharing it with us. Now I get it. 😉
Mysteries are cool when done well. I love Angela Lansbury and managed to see a few of the “Murder, She Wrote” shows.
I’ve been away from English-speaking culture for so many years though and don’t know many cultural references. Also don’t have a lot of time to sit down and watch Netflix. Don’t even own a TV. Summer vacation starts soon, so might watch something you suggest that’s on N, if it’s available here in Japan.
I read all those too, including a couple of Trixie Belden’s. A great start for a lifetime of reading. My TV list includes many series that are just fun, but I’ll try anything once: Death in Paradise, Miss Fisher movies when they come out—not as good as the series, Will Trent, and many cop shows. I’m reading Tasha Alexander, Karin Slaughter, Louise Penny, and occasionally will read all of Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody. For fun, also try Terry Pratchett’s Samual Vimes’ books, starting with Guards! Guards!
I’m reading Anne Hillerman’s continuation of her father Tony Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorn-Jim Chee series, now raising Bernadette Manuelito to a main character, and she and Jim Chee are married.
My wife and I have completely different tastes in music but we always go to live shows regardless. Speaking of murder mysteries, did you ever listen to S-Town on NPR… I know the locations all to well in that story
No, I should check that out! Thanks for the recommendation. Live music is the best for a date, too, am I right? I think it’s cool if you don’t like the same exact things musically, then you can introduce each other to new and different bands.
What a lovely read here from a fellow mystery author and lover of the classic whodunnit! I fell in love with Agatha Christie at a young age and she's the reason I write what I do now (I wrote my first Substack about this last week) I'm. Scottish so I love Shetland too and of course, Midsummer Murders! I look forward to reading your words!
Thank you for your comment! I’m happy to have you here!
Reda….I had every issue of Nancy Drew and read them over and over. I loved the Prey series by John Sandford. Adored Agatha Christie, Hitchcock, and last month discovered Midsommer Murders. Looking forward to diving into your Substack!
I haven’t read the Prey series, I’m so glad you mentioned it. I’ll check one out, I need something new. Did you ever read Trixie Belden? I tried to get our kids into her but they preferred Nancy Drew when they were younger. I’m excited for you that you only just discovered Midsomer Murders. Man, it’s so good, some more memorable than others. Let me know your favorites after you’ve watched some!
I read some Trixie but was much more of a Nancy girl. I’m from Wisconsin originally and my mother managed an indie bookstore that promoted regional writers and then worked for a publishing company that worked with some of Sandford’ nonfiction. Always really enjoyed reading him. And I am sooooo loving Midsommer. Only five seasons and already know I am going to feel odd when I hit the last show. I feel like I have found an extension of my family.
Which season are you on now? Which episode is your favorite so far?
Half way through season 9. I’m not sure I have a favorite, most of them are really good. I do have some least favorites. I hated “Dead Letters” and “Killings at Badger’s Drift.” What were your best/least liked?
If I’d stopped watching after “Killings At Badger’s Drift,” I never would have gotten into and become a fan — and I almost did. But I had seen a later episode before I watched that one, so I knew it had to be good! Some are bad - but the ones that are good are very good. My least fave of recent ones is Grain of Truth - I think that’s it, where they’re in an old mill. Maybe skip that one.
Good tip!
My biggest influences early on were a series of books I can’t remember now about ghost kids solving crimes and shows like “murder she wrote” and “Matlock”. I’ve read a lot of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie novels. And my Favorite detective to date is Adrian Monk.
Was it The Three Investigators? Now I have to know the series!
I started reading Agatha Christie when I was 10. My sisters used to go the city every Saturday and bring me home the next book, then they brought home 2 at a time because I was reading them so quickly. I love PD James and Ruth Rendell and loads of others but they are the foundation.
Oh, I love reading this! They are wonderful mysteries. They open a whole door of other ones, I love what you say about them being the foundation, that is certainly true!
Hi Reda,
So THAT’s your story! Thanks for sharing it with us. Now I get it. 😉
Mysteries are cool when done well. I love Angela Lansbury and managed to see a few of the “Murder, She Wrote” shows.
I’ve been away from English-speaking culture for so many years though and don’t know many cultural references. Also don’t have a lot of time to sit down and watch Netflix. Don’t even own a TV. Summer vacation starts soon, so might watch something you suggest that’s on N, if it’s available here in Japan.
More power to ya!
Thanks, Louise! There are book recommendations, too, if you find the time and like a good mystery!
I read all those too, including a couple of Trixie Belden’s. A great start for a lifetime of reading. My TV list includes many series that are just fun, but I’ll try anything once: Death in Paradise, Miss Fisher movies when they come out—not as good as the series, Will Trent, and many cop shows. I’m reading Tasha Alexander, Karin Slaughter, Louise Penny, and occasionally will read all of Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody. For fun, also try Terry Pratchett’s Samual Vimes’ books, starting with Guards! Guards!
Oh, and Brokenwood.
I’ll definitely read Terry Pratchett next, thanks!
Just to let you know, this is set in a fantasy world, but it's still one of my favorite "cop" series.
I’m reading Anne Hillerman’s continuation of her father Tony Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorn-Jim Chee series, now raising Bernadette Manuelito to a main character, and she and Jim Chee are married.
I love this concept, Reda! Thank you for infusing some mystery and fun into the world. 💛
Thank you for reading, Evelyn!
My wife and I have completely different tastes in music but we always go to live shows regardless. Speaking of murder mysteries, did you ever listen to S-Town on NPR… I know the locations all to well in that story
No, I should check that out! Thanks for the recommendation. Live music is the best for a date, too, am I right? I think it’s cool if you don’t like the same exact things musically, then you can introduce each other to new and different bands.