Talking About Detective Fiction - TheNEWEerieCoterie Book Pick (bn.com)

As you begin this book you are greeted by P.D. James signature voice; knowledgeable, literate, forthright and professional. Her language is one of the reasons she is one of the best novelists alive - hopefully for a bit longer, too! In this book she revisits, criticizes, admires and distrusts a genre that she has inhabited for many decades, but is changing with the times. However, her dedication to the Detective tale is clear: For a genre to be so full of murder, sin, suspense and (more often than not) realistic, we find peace and harmony in a set of book where by the ending we know it will all be alright. Is it really?? James' most powerful trait is how her clean and tidy ending have a surface gloss and that underneath uncertainty still disturbs the waters. In an age where forensic science, crime scene investigators, District Attorneys and judge seem to be in the forefront of detection is there still room for old-fashioned detective stories like the one's James writes?? This book highlights the roots of the genre; the Golden Age or "cozy village" mysteries filled with eccentric characters and a nosy sleuth, while also giving a nod to the "noir" tales of Hammett and Dashiel. Above all else, James shows that it is about the mystery and the resolution, but deeper still it is about characters and their motives in their lives. We may feel comforted that the murderer is caught, yet will tremble at the thought of our own actions in a similar situation. Like the best of literature James fits the bill and proves she knows the genre she has lived in like no other.

Here is the link to bn.com to comment to this particular Message, or leave a comment here on our home site.



Talking About Detective Fiction

Literary Fiction Is Criminal

A very intersting article on Crime Fiction as Literary Fiction.  This sort of speaks to what I have been talking about laterly.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/feb/14/crime-fiction-merritt-sj-parris/

DNA Read the World Review of "The Private Patient"

Here is a review of our January "Goremet" Selection from DNA Read the World online.  This review mirrors many reader's views on this possible last Dalgliesh novel.  I, on the other hand though this book was a wonderful way to end the series.  Life is not so neat and tidy, so why should James do it in her fiction.  Her books have been about people and their realistic "fictional" lives and they never go according to plan.

http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/review_death-of-an-investigative-journalist_1353502#share/

P.D. James In The News

Here is an article about P.D. James and her work with a local hospital.

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_home/displayarticle.asp?id=485598/

P.D. James Gets A Facelift

Here is an interesting article on TheBookSeller.  It talks of P.D. James British publisher Faber & Faber and how they are repackaging and promoting James this year.

http://www.thebookseller.com/news/113710-faber-repackages-james.html/

The NEW Eerie Coterie 2010 Campaign - Reader Poll

I am hoping anyone out there who has read the two "Goremet" book selections (The Private Patient and Original Sin) could respond to this question? Would you recommend this title or author to a friend or book group?? Would you consider reading other books by this author?? Let The Eerie Coterie know either way.

Our goal with this endeavor was to see how much people respond to recommendations and if bookclubs enjoy reading literary novels that may also be considerer "genre" books. More often than not book groups choose Fiction books that are not classified as mysteries, horror or romace, but that are full of these elements. How many out there have read a Jodi Picoult book?? She is just Fiction, but has many elements of suspense or mystery to her plot lines. It is an interesting topic and I hope to hear from you. Your feedback is most valuable!!

Donald Kendall
The Eerie Coterie

The Private Patient or Original Sin

So far we have read two Adam Dalgliesh mysteries.  Which one did you like better??  Why??  This may be easy for some and difficult for others.  Please let us know what attracted you to either tale and did the get resolved to your satisfaction as a reader? 

Original Sin - Plot Points and Questions

There are a few plot points and interesting questions I have for the readers.  For one, who did you see as the murderer?  Was it who James reveals in the end, or did you have someone else in mind?  and why?? Number Two- I personally found the storyline about Frances' childhood and her fear of the underwater tunnel, along with the relationship she has with James deWitt, to be some of the strongest plots in the novel.  Besides building a murderer who is out for the simplest revenge, the murderer also manages to play devil's advocate to others with the poisoned pen letters to the members of the Peverell Press.  For Frances, the murderer is able to make Frances face her fear and let go of the person she has been hiding in.  The murderer turns out to be an angel in a way for her and this strange twist of plot is one of the best I have ever read.  This just proves James' abiltiy to evoke powerful and passionate characters.

What are your thoughts on this part of Original Sin??

Shroud For a Nightingale - March "Goremet" Selection

March 2010 "Goremet" Selection

Well we are now into March and that means a new book to read.  In addition to the monthly "Goremet" topics, there will be plenty of new Posts focusing on our featured author as well as other mystery related items of interest.  Some will be weird, other historical - but all will be eerie!!  If you were able to figure out this month's selection from the clue - great job!!  Shroud For A Nightingale is P.D. James' 4th published work, from 1971. It is an Adam Dalgliesh mystery and centers around Nightingale House - a nursing school.  James had worked in the medical arena for many years and has utilized her knowledge of hospitals in several of her mysteries.  Have a great month and enjoy the new book!!

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• Reverencing Mystery (adw.org)
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• Talking About Detective Fiction (eerie-coterie.blogspot.com)