I too recommend the Mrs. Polifax series. She is feisty and resourceful. She knows a lot about everything -- just like a lot of little old ladies. In between the mystery and the dangerous situations Mrs. Polifax gets into, there is room for humor. I have laughed out loud on occasion. I haven't read any of these for at least ten years, but I do remember them as being excellent.

Have just finished THE MERCHANT OF MENACE by Jill Churchill. Highly recommend this for any Jane Jeffrey fans out there. The beginning pages are like a letter from an old friend filling you in on what has been happening with Jane's family and friends.

For those of you who haven't read any of Jill's books, I highly recommend them. Light, entertaining reading. Jill Churchill is a very talent author and certainly gets good reviews. Her first novel was GRIME AND PUNISHMENT. Happy reading.

Hi! I just started to read mystery books, inspired by you people out there. I jus finished Sherlock Holmes Study in the Scarlet. Any ideas where I shall go from here where Mr.Holmes as concerned? I am living in a place where getting any books mentioned at this site is so difficult. I was lucky to find to only one Sherlock book. Even the Stargazey by Martha Grimes introduced here was not in existence. Infact there isn't any Martha Grime, Agatha Christie or any other that was mentioned in the "Famous Characters/Authors" section. Can any one list a couple of good books by present and easily available authors?

Thank You!

If there are any Kay Scarpetta fans out there, I highly recommend reading SCARPETTA'S WINTER TABLE. There are no dead bodies or gore. It is just a lovely visit with Kay, Lucy and Marino. There are great recipes and a close intimate look into the lives and feelings of three people you care about.

am desparate for a new book do you have any sugesstions

I have just tried Claudia Bishop's books on the recommendations of some other mystery netters. Excellent. They take place at an inn in upstate NY owned by two sisters. If you haven't tried them, I recommend them. If you like cozy type mysteries, then Jill Churchill is an excellent author. I have also started reading Jane Haddam. Am currently reading PRECIOUS BLOOD.

Has anyone tried Selma Eichler. I just read "Murder Can Stunt Your Growth" and enjoyed it. Hope to read "Murder Can Wreck Your Reunion" soon.

Just started "Murder On Martha's Vineyard" by David Osborn. Anyone ever read any of his? Think he only has 3-4 books.

I LOVE Claudia Bishop, too. Have you tried Jean Hager. Like her Bed & Breakfast series, too.

To I think it was Julie Kelley back in August. (I just found this site and I'm catching up), I agree with you on Sue Grafton. The first Grafton book I read was *' 'F is for Fugitive* and frankly I was bored by page 50. I felt she spent more time describing her protag than she did on the plot. By page 50, I couldn't have cared less about the boy who may have been falsely accused because he didn't care. I agree that too much description or emphasis on the protag (instead of the plot) can make a book boring. Although I have bought (at tag sales) other books in her series, I can't bring my self to pick up one to start reading. She's supposed to be good though, according to most reviews. Does anyone have any suggestions on which of hers might be more interesting?

Joanne, I have read all of Grafton's Kinsey Millhone series. I started with 'A is for Alibi' and have enjoyed each one with the exception of her last, 'L is for Lawless.' I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others, but when I finished the book, I didn't feel satisfied.

But, that doesn't really answer your question. If you read 'A' and still find it boring, perhaps Grafton is not for you. Thankfully the MN site has brought so many new authors to my attention, I may pick and choose and not feel guilty if I don't give an author a second or third chance. Based on others' recommendations, my next choice will be Janet Evanovich.