tirsdag den 17. november 2009

G for Gilman and Grimes

This week´s ABC meme is for Cozy Crime.

American writer Dorothy Gilman & Mrs Pollifax
Have you met Emily Pollifax, New Brunswick, New Jersey? This heroine is a widow who is so tired of gardening and cookie baking that she hunts up CIA and asks for a job in the spy business. By mistake she is sent on her first mission as a courier to Mexico City. Things do not go quite as expected, and suddenly the sprightly sexagenarian is in great danger.

If you like humour and cozies, this series should be up your alley.


American writer Martha Grimes & Jury and Plant.
Like Elizabeth George, this American author uses a British setting for her series about Superintendent Richard Jury and his little helper, the nobleman Melrose Plant (who tries to run away from his title). The novels usually (always?) take place in an isolated village with an atmospheric inn.

If you like your sleuth noble and your environment remote and old-worldly, this series is quite entertaining. Perhaps you shouldn´t read too many of them in rapid succession, however.

11 kommentarer:

R/T sagde ...

Dorte, I have not read Grimes for too long, and your posting serves as a gentle reminder that Grimes ought not be neglected. Thanks!

Elizabeth Spann Craig sagde ...

I'm an especial fan of Martha Grimes...but you're right about the similarity! Maybe just read one of those books at a time.

Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder

Anonym sagde ...

Dorte - I'm so glad you chose Dorothy Gilman! I really like the Emily Pollifax mysteries so much : ). She's smart, and she's feisty in a good way. I recommend these mysteries for cozy fans.

And of course, Martha Grimes has written some great novels. Inspector Jury is a terrific chracter, and Melrose Plant is truly memorable. So is his Aunt Agatha : ). Great choice for "G."

pattinase (abbott) sagde ...

Been a long time since I read Grimes, too. Wonder why that happens.

Dorte H sagde ...

Thank you all for your comments.

I have a headache and possibly a cold (hopefully not the flu) so no more just for now.

Felicity Grace Terry sagde ...

Melrose Plant - what a name.
Hope it is just a cold and not the flu, drink plenty and keep warm.

Belle Wong sagde ...

It's been a while since I've read either Gilman or Grimes. I confess, I've read more of Martha Grimes than I have the Pollifax novels, but I remember both series fondly.

How's it going with the guts and gore? An online writing course sounds like such fun!

Bernadette sagde ...

People keep recommending Mrs Pollifax books to me. Sound like I should try one out soon.

Dorte H sagde ...

Petty Witter: I feel somewhat better today, so it is probably just a cold.

Belle: they both write good cozies, and Grimes is very suitable for Christmas, I think. The course is good, but you have to put much work in in order to get lots of feedback. It has certainly made my writing sharper and more precise.

Bernadette: for a few hours´ light and cozy entertainment she is perfect company.

Beth F sagde ...

I am a big fan of both! I love these kinds of mysteries!

Dorte H sagde ...

Beth: great! I think I feel a Grimes urge coming on.