I am reading a Melita Pargeter Mystery, by Simon Brett. As I make my way through this first mystery in Brett’s six-book series, I find myself wondering: Why did it take me so long to finally read this book?!?
My bookshelf is absolutely crammed with series by authors who I really enjoy reading (Agatha Christie, Ruth Rendell, Ellis Peters, R. D. Wingfield, Carvic/Charles/Crane, Patricia Moyes, Colin Dexter… just to mention a very few!!!) and also by authors who I REALLY want to try. As you can see, they aren’t all Cozy!
When I pick my next book to read, it is sometimes difficult to leave my favorite authors on the shelves so that I can try a new author. I’m sort of a “tried and true” type of person… no leaving the main path in lieu of a new (and possibly very exciting) road. But, every once in a while, I simply force myself to leave my safety zone and try a new author. (“Force” is probably way too strong a word!)
I have to admit that I have tried a lot of new authors who I do not like… authors who just haven’t had me wanting to continue reading after page 50. (I know I have talked about my “page 50 rule” before… If the author doesn’t hook me by then, I am simply not willing to “stay” with him/her>>> No page 51 for me!)
But, I have also tried many new (to me) authors with whom I instantly feel a connection. These are the authors who I then add to my personal “favorite authors” list.
Let if suffice in saying: Simon Brett is now on my favorite authors list! I am truly enjoying this mystery (A Nice Class of Corpse) … and cannot imagine why it has taken me so long to finally get it off of my bookshelf… Sometimes this old dog is reminded that if she tries something new… she just might join Mikey – and like it!
Dianne says
Like you, I’ve left the Simon Brett series on my shelf. I guess it’s time to start reading through the series. I do like to have all the books lined up and read straight through.
Today I finished the Deborah Sharp series. I saw her post in blog about “if you like Anne George…”. I don’t know how I have missed her books, but I am absolutely delighted with them. She is certainly comparable to Anne George as well as Evanovich’s Plum series.
Thanks for your website. I’ve found a new favorite.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Dianne,
I hope you like the Melita Pargeter series as much as I do. I am curious about Simon Brett’s Fethering Mystery Series… which will be the second of his three series that I will try.
I am always happy when I find a new series to follow, and am really looking forward to more of Melita’s mystery-solving adventures.
CC says
Danna;
From reading your wonderful blog, I just know you will love the Fethering series. I have read them all with great pleasure.
His short story (ns), Ways to Kill a Cat, from Malice Domestic 6, is not to be missed.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, CC, for the endorsement of Brett’s Fethering series. If it is as good as the Pargeter series, it is sure to be a winner for me!
(And, thank you for the kind words about the blog!)
Linda L says
Simon Brett is one of a kind. So much of his writing is cozy with an edge, and absolutely delightful. Carole and Judith of Fethering is not to be missed. I practically have a standing order for their new arrivals at my local library.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda L, then you’ll be happy to hear you are in for some more Simon Brett reading!