this is my first time here but have been reading for weeks and finally couldn't stand not to join in. I have been reading mysteries since my nancy drew days of elementary schools and have since advanced to read anything serial written by women. I do read many other mysteries as well but my preference is female writers. Besides of course loving Agatha (a real mystery fan has to love her) I enjoy Carolyn Hart, Joan Hess, Elizabeth George, and Martha Grimes. I used to like Sue Grafton and Patricia Cornwell but as already stated by many of you, I am beginning to find their novels less entertaining and more of a painful commitment. Hope that changes. What actually made me finally want to write was to ask if anybody else enjoys the MC Beaton Hamish McBeth series as much as me (yes I know its light fluff but sometimes we need that) and to share a wonderful resource with you all. Detecting Women by Willeta Heisling. This book lists women authors who write serial mysteries. It gives background info, then lists the books IN ORDER!!!!! so that one can read the books in the way they were meant to be read. It also tells nominations and awards books have won. It was a godsend for me for helping with old favorites and helping me find new ones. Hope it can help someone else.

Well I guess I've rambled enough, first-time user nerves. Glad to be joining this group and am excited to share with fellow enthusiasts

Andrea K - Welcome. I like Hamish McBeth, agree with light but needed. Have You read Susan Wittig Albert? You said you like women authors, she is great with characters that you feel like you get to know. Her books are all named after herbs and I actually purchased my first three from a seed catalogue!

Patricia Cornwell better not give up on Kay Scarpetta--the HORNET'S NEST was just a mish-mosh of too many sub-plots. It was hard to keep straight. I mean, what was the point????

Dear All,

First of all I'd like to recommend that you read a book called "The fourth stage of Gainsborough Brown". It's about in artist who goes through three distinct painting styles (stages) and his fourth stage is his death. It's pretty cool and I can't for the life of me remember who wrote it but I think it's pretty obscure.

Secondly I'd like to recommend wandering through random old book shops (the type that have more spiral staircases then floors) 'cause there's always something good in them.

Thirdly, can I impore people to take the trouble to read the stuff posted on the sites "Written by community members" section. We're trying to get better and criticism helps, plus a gives a sense of achievement to know that SOMEONE is read our stuff. (Thanks for the good review Fran).

AWD

(33) Marion Allen. The Queen's Man is set in the 1700's when Queen Elenor was ruling England and London's population was a mere 25,000. The John Fielding mysteries (Person or Persons Unknown being the 5th in the series) is set in 19th century London. This series is a fictionalized account of the real Sir John Fielding who was the co founder of London's first police force the Bow Street Runners. What makes the stories unique is that he was blind. Bruce Alexander is a pseudonym. The writing style reminds be of Anne Perry's so wonder if she is Mr. Alexander. If you like mysteries of Ancient Rome, I'd highly reccomend the series written by Lindsey Davis. Has a modern day feel to the stories. Also recommend a series by Steven Saylor. The Thomas Adcock series are present day set in the dark world of Hell's Kitchen New York. Lots of gritty stuff and Irish Catholice lores throughout the series. (39)Andrea Kirschermann. Yes M C Beaton's Hammish McBeth series is great light fluffy entertainment. So light and fluffy that the televison series over in England has him smoking pot every once in a while and I believe there is a lot of sex and violence. But still the television series have received favorable reviews. Hope A&E or PBS will pick it up. P.S. Since you plugged Detecting Women I'll recommend Detecting Men also by Willeta Heisling. 10lb.Penalty by Dick Francis. What can I say. Grab a Thesarus and read every word under terrific. Other books I can recommand this week are Mean Street by Carolyn Wheat (won best novel Edgar Award). Bad Chili by Joe Landsdale (this guy is a cross between Carl Hiassen and Joan Hess if you like funny stuff with a lot of gore thrown in). I'm in the middle of reading The Angel of Darkness by Caleb Carr. He got a lot of good reviews for this one. I never did finish the first one called The Alienist. This one is better since I'm nearly finished. Maybe I will try and reread the other one. Peace.

Andrea (72), I wanted to ask if you have read any of M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin Series. This Series is also fluff, but enjoyable anyway. It usually takes me about 2 hours to read it. I just wish Agatha would get over her next door neighbor James and get on with the mysteries.

I also have read Laurie B. King, "Regiment of Women". She is very wordy. It has lesbian undertones. I do not care for that. So I stopped reading it.

I also enjoy Carol Higgins Clark. I am waiting for her newest one, TWANGED. I ordered it but have not received it yet. Her heroine-detective is Regan Reilly. A enjoyable read. I recommend her books.

My all-time favorite is Lillian Jackson Braun. I've read and listen to all her Koko and Yum-Yum with Jim Qwilleran books. I just wish she had a web page. If anyone know about it, let me know.

HHB--rbeavers@msinets.com