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May is finished, and it's time to talk about a real mystery classic. I know that some of us felt that this selection was hard to get into, but things did pick up later in the story. It certainly gave us a picture of a sheep station in mid20th century New Zealand. Here are a couple of questions to get the discussion going--
What was the variety of sheep grown at Mount Moon? Although this wool is currently in favor, what was the opinion of it in 1939?
Who is knitting all the way through the book and what is she knitting?
Which WWII power seemed most feared by the folks in New Zealand? Any thoughts as to why?
Please post your comments here
"Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand-and melting like a snowflake" -Marie Beyon Ray in memory of Jane!
8 comments:
I loved the book Died in the Wool. The detective was kind of laid back and calm, just sort of went about his way and yet got people to open up. It had to be difficult to solve a murder from so long ago. Without any evidence to gather. Anyway, I am knitting and have been since the start of the book a shawl. From handspun polypay fleece that I spun myself. It's creamy white but when I finish I want to dye it some shade of blue. No picture till after it's dyed.
Okay,
I should know the answers to all the starter questions but for some reason I'm drawing blanks. LOL However, since I've been thinking about what I would do for a project I can answer #2 readily enough. Terence Lynn is knitting and if memory serves me correctly its a red "scarf". Now I may not have the object right but the color sticks out b/c its my fav. ;D
Anyway, as I ponder more I'll add later. I too enjoyed the book and agree that the detective is very laid back and I enjoyed his thoughts especially the ones regarding his wife. Looking forward to discussing more.
I had read this book a long time ago--which really threw me because I remembered "whohadduknit." And I found myself skimming it. Still, I do really like this deterctive and his wife--you can get the televised version of these stories from Netflix.
As for the most terrifying power during WW II it was the Japanese, I think all Kiwis were nervous about the Japanese southward expansion. It would be nice to know if there are any Whoduknit members from NZ (or Australia) who could add something here.
I have to admit this is not a book I would have chosen to read. I like a faster paced plot - action filled page turners that keep me up reading way too late into the night! I did enjoy the characters in this book though, and found the historical references, and descriptions of New Zealand farm life interesting.
Another question for you:
Marsh has often been compared to Agatha Christie - does anyone have a comment on that comparison?
Quite honestly, I started it. Didn't like it. Didn't finish it. On the other hand, I did finish Maisie Dobbs which I did enjoy. It is different than many of the other books we have read.
I read this book about a year ago soI can't answer the questions--my memory's not that good!I do have a few comments, though.
The concept is unique--to solve a crime without any physical evidence, just by letting those involved talk about it. However, it made for a rather long, drawn-out book. I didn't like it all that much. But after watching the Britsh TV series--Inspector Allyn Mysteries--which I really enjoyed--I tried some of Marsh'l other books and enjoyed them. So don't let this one put you off from reading her books, The comparison to Agatha Christie is valid. Her charachters have a lot of depth.
Jane,
I would have to say that I wouldn't consider Marsh and Agatha Christie the same. Or maybe they are but the difference is that she started off her stories at a faster trot than Marsh did.
I have been enjoying reading the adventures of all the kool-aid dyeing that has been going on. The only dyeing that I did this month was at my sister's house, when we used shaving cream and ink dye to dye fabric squares for a quilt she is planning on making. It is great fun and very messy, but the shaving cream makes it a very easy to clean up.
I'm still part-way into the book. It's funny, I kept trying to follow what was going on, plus searching (and reviewing) to see what Terrence Lynn was knitting.
I'm either going to make a scarf OR something with a "secret pocket" in it, out of my kewl kool-aid dyed homespun.
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