Ali9321

The comments here have put this back on my radar of a book to read! Read the Graham Masterton ripoff of this as a teenager and enjoyed the gruesomeness of that at the time. Never have got around to reading the real thing - sounds like an intersting read, even if hard work....

Bag of Bones was good There are SO many good Stephen King books though it's hard to make a list- I think mine changes all the time The Stand (full version) stays at the top though! Full Moon, Dark Stars was great so I question the thought that only the old Stephen King's are good. I used to struggle with the start of his books - but persevered because I knew once I'd paid my dues at the start I'd be swept away by the story. From Pet Semetary onwards that was no longer a problem - I don't know whether I changed or his style changed? Under the Dome I really enjoyed as another recent one I really like the way the "Constant Reader" is rewarded in many of his books The Dark Half - that's another one that I loved. I still get shivers when I see "the sparrows are flying" OK, the other day it was crows at work but they still gave me the willies thanks to that book!!!!!! And Gerald's Game - who could forget Gerald's Game YOU SEE WHAT YOU'VE STARTED - AHhhhhhhhhhhh the choices!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh the shame - 11 answers correct! Three of the ones I got wrong I swithered between two answers and picked the wrong one of the two, the one I didn't pick being correct DOH! Publish date I had no clue about And as for the mah-jong chapter, I loved it - but that's possibly because it brought back happy memories of playing it with my family when I was a kid.

What I love about Agatha Christie is that with a few exceptions (Death in the Clouds, Murder on the Orient Express and now possibly this one because it was sucha shock I can't imagine I'll forget!) if I pick up a book I've read before I don't remember who did it so I can read and enjoy it fully again! Wierd because I usually remember stuff like that and it's not that she writes badly - I've really enjoyed each book of hers that I've read....

That's exactly how I felt about it! It takes a lot to scare me too but this book did tick a lot of boxes and I too bought it on a whim! Probably less scared than just appreciating the build up of tension all the way through, but I did find it really hard to put down I read Dracula the other year, having picked up a copy in Whitby when the family were visiting. It surprised me what a great read it was

Oops It wasn't a spoiler honest Do try it still!!!!!!!

Lol My only problem is the "to read" pile is even larger as two of the other suggestions are now on it!!!!!!!!!! I didn't feel hoodwinked by the author at all - I just wanted to applaud! I'm usually pretty good at spotting the plot twists and with books and films I've usually sussed things that friends are surprised by during the reveal near the end. It was refreshing to be totally taken in by the author - like I said earlier, even when I thought the dr's bag would make great hiding place I STILL didn't make the connection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interesting to hear what other people think I hadn't read a good ghost story in ages and I really enjoyed getting caught up in the feeling of dread and tension. Ashamed to say I cried over then ending but then I'm a doggy person, maybe that was the problem!! LOL After posting here I was whittering about it at work and discovered my friend had also heard about it from the radio and hadn't yet read it. She's now borrowed it and zoomed through it, really enjoying it too. Interesting it had mixed reviews.... I'd love suggestions of other books that invoke that similar tension and dread that I got from this one (or do it better!!!!!!!!)

1- Who was your favourite character? I'm in agreement with the majority - I really liked Caroline, such nosiness and no shame! Not a person I think I'd warm to in real life, I'd find her too frustrating - but watching someone else have to deal with her was amusing! 2- Was there a particular part you enjoyed more than the rest Definitely the twist at the end - never saw it coming And given just before the end I was thinking that a doctor's bag would perfectly hide the dictaphone I'm ashamed it still came as such a surprise! 3- Was this the first book you've read in this genre/by this author/has it encouraged you to read more? I really enjoy crime/thrillers but haven't read an Agatha Christie since I was a teenager, oh so many years ago. When this book first won the vote I sighed but actually I'm really glad it did win. I haven't read this one and it's reintroduced me to an author I've dismissed for years in favour of more recent authors 4- Were there any parts/ideas you struggled with? Struggled not really, but did feel a little uncomfortable with Dr Sheppard's end 5- What were your thoughts about Poirot? That's a hard one as he's such an established character from both the other book's I've read and the tv adaptations. I did find it impossible to disassociate with David Suchet but I guess that's not a totally bad thing as in character (clearly, sadly not in some adaptations in story) he IS Poirot. I loved the first view of him over the fence!!! 6- Did you work out whodunnit, who was on your suspect list? I think I suspected most people except the culprit at some point. My money was on Flora for some time and I was disappointed when things started to unravel on that line! 7- In hindsight, were there clues early on as to the guilt of Dr Sheppard? I don't think there was really much to incriminate him early on. I think using him as narrator probably help deflect him from suspicion on my part at least 8- Do you feel justice was done? Hmmm Not really, I think he got off lightly! 9- Overall was reading the book an enjoyable experience? Totally!! I really enjoyed the book - bizarrely, reading such a small book was a pleasure. Most books I read these days are tomes and while I enjoy them there are points when my mind wanders. There wasn't a single bit in this book that was unnecessary - really enjoyed it 10- Would you recommend the book and if so to whom? Definitely - in fact I've already bored people at work about reading it. As I said earlier I was disappointed when this was the book picked but it totally didn't disappoint and I'm really pleased I was "made" to read a book that I would have otherwise passed by Exactly why I joined this forum

My favourite word has to be the great Scottish numpty!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love it! Apparently in the survey the other year for Britain's favourite word it was Scotland's favourite - and well deserved! Closely followed, I think, by dreich (so describes those gloomy grey days) and outwith (almost outside but just that little bit different and really should be in general use [well it is up here but!!!!!!!!])

Awww What beautiful beasties here! Was pointed in this direction to introduce Tyree - my mutt picking sloes (don't ask I didn't make him!!!!!!!) And he's kept in check by Miss Salem Cat!!!!! Not even going to mention the ponies!!!!!!!

Oh I'm so glad I found this forum - it's making make time to read each day which is brilliant! Life is a bit hectic at the mo and yet I'm still finding the time to read a chapter or so at least each day and I'm loving it The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is finished and I'll save the comments for November. Started Cold Mountain, I loved the film and when I saw the book in the charity shop I had to buy it. It's already got me gripped....

Looks like a great way to expand my horizons! Count me in

Ta and Oops, sorry yes - I didn't say did I ... This is amazon's synopsis.... Ty Hauck has left law enforcement for a job with a big-time private security firm. But he quickly learns that life in the private sector can be every bit as dangerous as wearing a badge - if not more so. When a successful trader at one of Wall Street's largest firms is murdered his suburban home along with his wife and daughter, it seems at first to be a case of burglary gone wrong. Then another financial executive is found dead in a very suspicious 'suicide'. As Hauck digs deeper he uncovers a horrifying financial conspiracy that stretches from New York to Central Europe to London. And the masterminds behind it will kill anyone who gets in their way!

Well that's me finished Reckless - it was a good yarn and for the most part kept me gripped but I did start to waver 2/3 of the way through. Few moments even before that when I had a "why am I reading book about finanical market" moments but overall I really enjoyed it. Might try another of the authors at some point but not really at the top of my list....

My two favourites are already here The Highwayman and Jabberwocky

Good to hear I've got another one in the pile but currently trying Reckless, leant to me by my sister who introduced me to the Lee Child books (only read one but enjoyed it) and said if I liked them I'd like this one. Won't be long before I'll be back to Rebus though - definitely made an impression Need to go searching those charity shops some more!!!

Ooooh I really enjoyed that. I've meant to try these books for years, having in and around Edinburgh since 1988, never got around to it until now but found a couple in the local charity shop so gave Dead Souls a go. REALLY enjoyed this - thought the tying up of all the threads a little rushed at the end but it kept me gripped and kept me guessing (I quite often find book twists quite predictable but not this). Knowing the locations gives a nice comforting touch to the books too - even been to the Oxford Bar even though not in my normal stomping ground, we had a Rebus fan visit at work so we had to do the tour!!! Have a few more books in the pile but any other Rebus recommendations?

I'd agree re both Michael J Fox's and Alan Alda's - really enjoyed them The other one I found interesting and can't get out of my head is Ranulph Fiennes' book on Scott - although I don't recommend reading it while camping like I did, makes you feel very cold, especially when reading the account of the last few days!!!!!!!

LOTR is tempting - especially if the scenery looks anything like it does in the films (I LOVE New Zealand!) but think I'll go with Harry Potter as I remember when I read them I couldnt help but wish it was real!!! Anyone for Quidditch?!!!!!!!!

I picked The Stand (full version), Misery and Green Mile (I was one of those people who bought the serialisation and was on tenterhooks waiting for the next part for the whole month!).... Hard though cos I really loved them all (except the Tommyknockers - really didn't click with the alien theme) But then agree with some of the comments re absentees. IT and Pet Semetary I loved too, really enjoyed Full Dark No Stars, def recommend that one. Finished Under the Dome which was another great epic Enjoy almost all of them - tough to choose just three out of all those books!! And I still get crept out by Gerald's Game! LOL I want to read all of them again now! Especially the Dark Tower series - it is a brilliant first line, yup, I struggled a little with the pace of the first book but as each book came out they picked up - and I enjoyed them all. I enjoy the little references to his other books, some of which so subtle that only a "constant reader" would pick up. Nice touch OK, I'll shut up now!!!!!!!

I like the idea of reading lists (and the book challenges - maybe in the depths of winter I'll have enough time to take on a challenge!) So I'll start with the2011 books read pile (for this year at least!) and then the 2011 books to be read pile (I keep picking up more for this one and it's growing ever larger!) 2011 Books Read The Man Who Smiled - Henning Mankell Before the Frost - Henning Mankell Italian Shoes - Henning Mankell Return of the Dancing Master - Henning Mankell When the Snow Fell - Henning Mankell (spot a theme - you can see why I needed to join this forum, although can you get too much of a good thing?!) Dark Matter - Michelle Paver (this caught my ear when it was Radio 2s drivetime bookclub book and it didnt disappoint!) Map Addict - Mike Parker (a little strange in places but interesting reading!) Full Dark No Stars - Stephen King (edge of the seat stuff!) Under the Dome - Stephen King (well that took me most of the summer but definitely worth it!) Dog Days on Ice - Peter Noble (I find antarctic exploration fascinating and having a half husky dog it was interesting to read about someone who ran the dog teams in the 1960s) The Hike - Don Shaw (hilarious gem of a book - old codgers hiking through the year, BRILLIANT! Lent it to my friends and they've started calling me Freddy!) The Hills Are Stuffed with Swedish Girls - Richard Happer (the title caught my eye and it had good reviews so I gave it a chance - tears in my eyes by the end, really good but unexpected book) Meet Me At the Cupcake Cafe - Jenny Colgan (I was having a frivolous moment - really enjoyed the read and the recipes but the end was disappointing) The Brave - Nicolas Evans (not quite what I was expecting when I picked it up but definitely enjoyable, if predictable) Dead Souls - Ian Rankin (My first Rebus book despite living in or around Edinburgh since 1988!!Really enjoyed it, although I found the tying up of all the loose ends at the end a little speedy. Definitely want to try some more of the Rebus books) Reckless - Andrew Gross (recommendation from my late brother in law again, who leant me a Lee Child book which I loved - been told if I liked that I'll like this) Murder of Roger Ackroyd (save that for the discussion for November!) and I thought I'd hardly read this year - more than I expected to list which makes me feel better Started Cold Mountain (Charles Frazier) - meant to leave this for when the rest of my life was quieter but it called to me to start it last night and it's already got me gripped! To read list Cairngorm John: A Life in Mountain Rescue - John Allen & Robert Davidson Faceless Killers - Henning Mankell The Eye of the Leopard - Henning Mankell (not a Wallander and not even Sweden, will be interesting) The Hearts of Horses - Molly Gloss (my late brother in law loved this book apparently so I thought I'd give it a go) Resurrection Man - Ian Rankin (my second ever Rebus book - enjoying the first at the mo!)

Hi I'm new here so please be nice!!! Just wondering if anyone else has stumbled across this and what they thought? I heard it discussed on Radio 2 and it piqued my interest so decided to give it a go. Absolutely loved it - the suspense was totally there and I was bowled along by the tension build up.... Not even looked to see what else she's written or what any of those are like Maybe one day when the "to read" pile has reduced, LOL!

Hi - I'm new here too Just wanted to say re Stephen King comments, don't judge him by the films - I'm a complete fan and most of the films just don't do them justice. If you want the tame, but very good, books as intro to him I'd definitely try The Green Mile. More typical ones that come under the horror are Misery - that was great! One recently I read was Full Dark No Stars which has four stories in it, that kept me on edge of my seat! And no list of good ones to read would be complete without The Stand (full version not the original publication) But that's a REAL doorstop!!!!!!! Happy reading

Hi - just joined and like the format of your intro so have added my version below. THE BASICS: Full Name – Alison (Ali - will answer to oi you when necesary!) Age – early 40s Location – Roslin, Scotland (UK) Marital Status/Children – single Date You Joined The Book Club Forum – 2nd October 2011 Favourite bands/singers - radio 2 girl but will listen to most things Favourite movies - wierd mix Love the old films, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, To Have and Have Not - then up to Johnny Depp films and most things in between, The Kings Speech was an absolute gem! Favourite books - will try most things but love the Wallander books, Moondust, The Hike was a FAB book I stumbled across Favourite authors - Henning Mankell, Stephen King, Matthew Reilly (not to be read in public!) little more about me Joined as this forum looked a great way of chatting book and also getting more reading ideas. I go through stages of not having enough time to read (which really frustrates me) but this summer I've been successful in making a bit more time. With the nights fair drawing in it's time to try and be positive about it as it'll mean more reading time!!!!