Sherlock!
So, I just finished reading all of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This is part of a project I started to understand what makes a good mystery. I've finished the Amelia Peabody mysteries (Elizabeth Peters), and am half way through the Nero Wolfe mysteries (Rex Stout)--I had to stop because the library system ran out of the books, I guess the older ones weren't as popular.
I loved reading Sherlock Holmes. It was surprised by how many of the stereotypes, such as, "Elementary, my dear Watson," don't show up at all, or appear rarely. I suppose a lot of the stereotypes sprung from the Orson Wells radio shows and the later dramatizations of the famous character. I loved Holmes's arrogance and Watson's mild acceptance and stoic Britishness. I was disappointed that the idea of Baker Street Regulars and Baker Street Irregulars did not originate from Doyle (I first saw them in a Sherlock Holmes mystery video game for Windows 3.1), but not surprised. The best part, however, was the characters. They were many and varied. Even though I could see the end of some of the mysteries (and if I can guess it, anyone can), the characters were interesting and engaging.
Next, I'm reading Goose Girl at the emphatic command of zelliot. Afterward, I will be continuing my self-taught mystery class with the following:
Am I missing anything? (To warn you, I'm not really into modern-day mysteries like Mary Higgins Clark. I'm not sure why, maybe I'm chicken and mysteries in different time periods are less threatening.)
I'd also like to read Anvil of the World (Kage Baker), recommended by zellion. Eventually I will turn to Terry Pratchett, because reading all of his books is definitely on my "Things to do Before I Kick the Bucket" list. :)
I loved reading Sherlock Holmes. It was surprised by how many of the stereotypes, such as, "Elementary, my dear Watson," don't show up at all, or appear rarely. I suppose a lot of the stereotypes sprung from the Orson Wells radio shows and the later dramatizations of the famous character. I loved Holmes's arrogance and Watson's mild acceptance and stoic Britishness. I was disappointed that the idea of Baker Street Regulars and Baker Street Irregulars did not originate from Doyle (I first saw them in a Sherlock Holmes mystery video game for Windows 3.1), but not surprised. The best part, however, was the characters. They were many and varied. Even though I could see the end of some of the mysteries (and if I can guess it, anyone can), the characters were interesting and engaging.
Next, I'm reading Goose Girl at the emphatic command of zelliot. Afterward, I will be continuing my self-taught mystery class with the following:
- The Brother Cadfael mysteries (Ellis Peters)
- The Dresden Files (Jim Butcher)
- Miss Marple mysteries (Agatha Christie--and maybe move to the Hercule Poirot, but Miss Marple is only 12 books, and Hercule is 33 novels and short stories)
- Some of Donna Andrew's mysteries (depending on how I like the first few)
Am I missing anything? (To warn you, I'm not really into modern-day mysteries like Mary Higgins Clark. I'm not sure why, maybe I'm chicken and mysteries in different time periods are less threatening.)
I'd also like to read Anvil of the World (Kage Baker), recommended by zellion. Eventually I will turn to Terry Pratchett, because reading all of his books is definitely on my "Things to do Before I Kick the Bucket" list. :)