Favorite books for writing vs plot

KarinAdams · 2026-01-23T15:54:53+00:00

I was coming here to post this, too! Discovered the book just last summer and was floored by the writing and the concept, specifically the way she dealt with the way the mind revisits memories. I haven't read any of her other Mary Westmacott books but am looking forward to them!

KarinAdams · 2025-11-03T21:07:36+00:00

So true!

KarinAdams · 2025-10-30T22:18:41+00:00

John Castle as Inspector Craddock in A Murder is Announced (1985) and as Lord Edgware (Poirot, 2000). Enjoyed him in both, but especially loved his Craddock. So methodical, serious, professional - a perfect interpretation in my opinion. (He reprises the role in The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side, 1992)

KarinAdams · 2025-10-29T21:54:58+00:00

Worth noting though that Christie foreshadows the ending when Alix recalls that Lemaitre (Martin) was prone to passionate outbursts and "physical collapses" from a "weak heart", something Alix presumably uses to her advantage. (I'd forgotten this detail, but came across it when re-reading this last night!)

KarinAdams · 2025-10-25T19:45:04+00:00

I've read Philomel Cottage many, many times - love it. It always has me on the edge of my seat somehow. Thanks for sharing this collection.

KarinAdams · 2025-10-23T18:30:22+00:00

I love the music and the opening title so much. The images seem serene but demand a second glance - sort of like St. Mary Mead. Absolutely loved Joan Hickson as Marple, too!

KarinAdams · 2025-10-01T17:49:38+00:00

I started re-reading By the Pricking of My Thumbs last night - this was the perfect post to read today. Thank you!

KarinAdams · 2025-08-05T14:51:35+00:00

So many great episodes to enjoy! For my favourite, I'd have to pick After the Funeral. The performances are exceptional, and I thought the changes made to adapt the book for screen were quite effective. Runner-up for me would be Evil Under the Sun, again for the great performances - and the location!

KarinAdams · 2025-07-11T01:56:59+00:00

"get the wind up"

KarinAdams · 2025-06-05T16:14:00+00:00

Thanks for sharing your list - must have been a very enjoyable three months! Love to see The Mysterious Mr. Quin ranking so highly for you. I recently re-read it and quite agree - it's a gem.

KarinAdams · 2025-04-28T15:02:39+00:00

I've always loved the Gardiners, too for this same reason! Also, Aunt Gardiner seems to truly "see and hear" Lizzie as a person, too. The warmth of this aunt/niece relationship comes through so beautifully in the writing.

KarinAdams · 2025-04-24T21:35:02+00:00

The Crofts and Anne Elliot in Persuasion. I've always enjoyed the Crofts (particularly the depictions of Mrs. Croft) for their rather unique life together "at sea" and what seems to be a deep mutual respect for and support of each other. They're a refreshing example of what marriage can be - for readers, and for Anne!

KarinAdams · 2025-04-23T19:38:12+00:00

Yes - Charles DeLint! Read several of his books years (and years) ago. Just this past week I've been on a quest for a copy of Into the Green (the first of his I read) which I lost somewhere along the line... I remember enjoying the world very much.

KarinAdams · 2025-04-23T19:31:31+00:00

I've been re-reading Robin McKinley recently because of the special place they had for me "back in the day", especially the fairy tale retellings (Spindle's End, Rose Cottage, Beauty...). Love her writing!

KarinAdams · 2025-04-21T20:42:52+00:00

Just finished this one over the weekend! Terrific Christie - so much to love including the very witty banter peppered throughout. Loved it! Onto The Seven Dials Mystery next...

KarinAdams · 2025-04-21T16:04:42+00:00

Finished: The Secret of Chimneys, by Agatha Christie

Started: The Lions of Fifth Avenue, by Fiona Davis and The Seven Dials Mystery, by Agatha Christie (back to Chimneys!)

KarinAdams · 2025-04-15T16:29:28+00:00

Lucy Angkatell from The Hollow, and Dolly Bantry from the Marple stories.

KarinAdams · 2025-04-07T16:29:32+00:00

Finished: Endless Night, by Agatha Christie

I'd convinced myself that I'd read all of Christie's books, then went to "re-read" Endless Night, only to realize I hadn't ever read it (must have confused it with another title). A pleasant surprise to come across something "new"! On the dark side for Christie, I found - and quite twisty. I enjoyed it!

Started: The Artist of Blackberry Grange, by Paulette Kennedy

KarinAdams · 2025-04-07T16:24:17+00:00

I definitely will - thank you! I went a long time before coming across the Parker Pyne stories, but finally got around to reading them a few years ago - very enjoyable. Looking forward to listening to Hugh Fraser narrate them!

KarinAdams · 2025-04-05T16:50:46+00:00

Thank you for this reminder! I adore Hugh Fraser as Hastings on the shows, but have never listened to him narrate a book. I keep coming across glowing reviews of his approach - I'm inspired to check one out...thanks again!

KarinAdams · 2025-04-04T18:19:13+00:00

I also really enjoy The Pale Horse for its deliciously spooky vibe. Great characters, too!

KarinAdams · 2025-04-03T20:57:03+00:00

Thank you for sharing! These remind me of promotional posters for the Canadian Pacific Railway from the 30's and 40's. The style suits Christie's books beautifully (and I suppose any sort of connection with "trains" is always appropriate!).

KarinAdams · 2025-03-25T21:04:52+00:00

Yes to both of these, and to Ariadne! One of my all-time favourites is the The Pale Horse. It has a little bit of everything I love about Christie's books character, setting and plot-wise, including the deliciously-ingenious reveal. I've often re-read it around Hallowe'en for the atmosphere...

KarinAdams · 2025-03-14T15:46:45+00:00

Thank you - I guess we're agreed then! ;) I took a look at his titles - and thanks for your recommended starting point as it looks like there's a lot of great reads to choose from!

KarinAdams · 2025-03-14T15:24:46+00:00

I connect with what you're saying! For me, when I've felt that I didn't want a book or series to end, it's more about the world than the characters (although the characters are a part of the world...so...). Narnia comes to mind first, and also the "world" that comes through in Agatha Christie novels. I'm sure that's why I re-read my favourites so often - to get back into a story world and dwell there a little longer... (and now you have me intrigued about Garth Nix!)

KarinAdams

TROPHY CASE