Tuesday 27 October 2009

A Good Read.


Usually I am not a fan of whodunits, but this one was recommended to me by a friend who usually likes the same books as me. Reading is such an individual thing; I often find that people recommend a book and I find it impossible to read it. There was a time when I would persevere to the bitter end and make myself read it. Now, if I don't like what I am reading then I admit defeat and put it down.

The story takes place in the fishing community on Long Island in 1947. The pace is excellent - you just need to keep reading it. Although it is set in US the writer lives in Oxford. The book won the Crime Writers' Association Award for the Best Novel by a debut author in 2004. I really couldn't put it down.

Now it is dark by five o'clock in the evening. Tonight it is foggy and damp - just the kind of evening to settle down with a glass of blackberry whisky and a good book. I really wish I hadn't finished it!

15 comments:

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

I think that is the best recommendation of all - when we feel sad to have finished the book!
Thanks - I'll keep it in mind.

Heather said...

There is a real sense of loss when you reach the end of a good book, isn't there. I haven't come across that author and will look out for the book. I'm just starting 'The Queen's Fool' by Philippa Gregory but maybe I should go back in time and find another medieval whodunit to suit the theme of my current project.

Gwil W said...

Blackberry whisky? Hey Weaver, I wouldn't mind a dram of that - please pour in here ---> >°)

Crafty Green Poet said...

Sounds good, thanks for the recommendation, though i don't usually read whodummits either

Tommaso Gervasutti said...

Dear Weaver of Grass, now you court start the very English and very historical novel "Wolf Hall" which has won the Booker this year.
I am finding it now unputdownable.
And if you like chrime stories, my wife is a fan of Barbara Vine ( Ruth Rendell) and P.D.James.
I like P.D.James more and in particular "Death in Holy Orders".

Thank you for the comment on my post.

Elizabeth said...

I had never heard of this book and we lived on LI for 20 years.
I must track it down.
Sounds interesting.

Mary said...

I'll have to look for that one... I used to read a lot of mysteries... It's a cold and rainy afternoon here -- also perfect for a good book. :)

Gigi Ann said...

I'll have to put this on my reading list. I like a good mystery. But, like you I don't like recommending books I enjoy, because we all have different tastes, when it comes to reading. I guess that is why we have so many books to choose from.

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

I know that feeling! I have just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns and would love not to have!

Titus said...

Thank you Weaver, I enjoy Whodunnits very much as long as they are either a) set in the fairly distant past or b) set in another country. This would appear to be ideal!

Cloudia said...

You paint a wonderful picture of the perfect reading situation.

Best Wishes & Aloha, Friend!


Comfort Spiral

BT said...

Thanks for that Weaver, I shall search it out. I'm not a great 'Who Dunnit' fan either but would like to give it a try. xxx

Arija said...

The best books are those that you wish were not finished yet. What, oh what is a brackberry whiskey? It sounds delicious.

Mistlethrush said...

Blackberry Whisky? An alternative to homemade blackberry wine?

Margaret Gosden said...

I am looking for new book to read and The Whaleboat House sounds like a good one and not just because I have lived on Long Island and have family there. Thank you for mentioning it.