Edmund Crispin’s The Moving Toyshop is one of David’s favorites, so this conversation touches on why that is, what makes Crispin’s mysteries different, what makes a good mystery novel in general—plus there’s plenty of conversation on some of the funniest lines in the books. Happy listening!
I feel kind of left out. I'm slogging through this book. What's wrong with me? I don't like to listen to the podcast til I'm up to date on my reading but I'm desperately trying to enjoy this book.
I’ve been pronouncing (in my head) Cadogan with the stress on the second syllable. And that is because in the audiobook of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Jim Dale pronounces it that way 😁
Have listeners ever been treated to our hosts’ continuing laughter over a book or book conversation on such a scale before?
Initially moving through the story I was reminded of something Eli Weisel, I think it was, once said about a young writer’s narrative style. Which to me does not seem odd, even given Edmund Crispin’s maturity. Did anyone else have the feeling that he’s feeling his way until the muse gives the story legs? When he tips into the meta just a bit, it feels as though the muse is amused by his approach.
“I can’t think why you had to come, Wilkes,” Fen grumbled bitterly. “You’re only getting in the way.”
After listening to the Close Reads discussion, I realized that I do not love mysteries and will never find them the best books to read. I think it is because I do not appreciate or enjoy duplicity in people – in fact can find it distasteful and unsettling. Therefore, a puzzle where I must figure out who is being dishonest is not something that I enjoy. It isn’t a flaw in me, necessarily, it is just a way to know myself.
I struggle with murder mysteries when as a reader I spend many, many pages learning about why so many people wanted to kill the same person. That is a lot of time with many unpleasant characters. I realized this after reading "Magpie Murders". Excellent writing in the book though & I liked the TV series "Foyle's War" the author also wrote (co-wrote?). I am loving "Moving Toyshop" though do far. It is definitely a mystery for bookish people.
Yes, very much so. As I hear often on Book Podcasts, "Reader, Know Thyself"
I'm really learning and reflecting that we interact with books in different ways, according to our personalities, and no fiction book will work for everyone
I am surprised about Heidi and Gaudy Night. 😂 I love The Nine Tailors best of Sayers’ mysteries. I haven’t started The Moving Toyshop yet (tonight!) but this conversation makes me so excited for it.
I feel kind of left out. I'm slogging through this book. What's wrong with me? I don't like to listen to the podcast til I'm up to date on my reading but I'm desperately trying to enjoy this book.
I’ve been pronouncing (in my head) Cadogan with the stress on the second syllable. And that is because in the audiobook of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Jim Dale pronounces it that way 😁
I am willing to bet J.K. Rowling gave her Cadogan this name with this Cadogan in mind. She's intentional with her names.
Oh, I never even thought of that! But I bet you’re right!
Me too
Have listeners ever been treated to our hosts’ continuing laughter over a book or book conversation on such a scale before?
Initially moving through the story I was reminded of something Eli Weisel, I think it was, once said about a young writer’s narrative style. Which to me does not seem odd, even given Edmund Crispin’s maturity. Did anyone else have the feeling that he’s feeling his way until the muse gives the story legs? When he tips into the meta just a bit, it feels as though the muse is amused by his approach.
“I can’t think why you had to come, Wilkes,” Fen grumbled bitterly. “You’re only getting in the way.”
Who was the sponsor for this episode? I was looking for it in the show notes, but can’t seem to find it!
Here’s their website:
https://www.ekstasismagazine.com
Thank you Tara!
Me all the time: “I missed all the jokes! I need to be better educated.”
After listening to the Close Reads discussion, I realized that I do not love mysteries and will never find them the best books to read. I think it is because I do not appreciate or enjoy duplicity in people – in fact can find it distasteful and unsettling. Therefore, a puzzle where I must figure out who is being dishonest is not something that I enjoy. It isn’t a flaw in me, necessarily, it is just a way to know myself.
I struggle with murder mysteries when as a reader I spend many, many pages learning about why so many people wanted to kill the same person. That is a lot of time with many unpleasant characters. I realized this after reading "Magpie Murders". Excellent writing in the book though & I liked the TV series "Foyle's War" the author also wrote (co-wrote?). I am loving "Moving Toyshop" though do far. It is definitely a mystery for bookish people.
I definitely hear you on that
I love when books lead to self knowledge and how that happens even when you decide what books you don’t like.
Yes, very much so. As I hear often on Book Podcasts, "Reader, Know Thyself"
I'm really learning and reflecting that we interact with books in different ways, according to our personalities, and no fiction book will work for everyone
Yes, so true!! It’s freeing to say: “I can see why others like this but it‘s not a book for me.”
Exactly
I read this book last year after visiting Oxford for the first time and it was delightful, much like this discussion!
I am surprised about Heidi and Gaudy Night. 😂 I love The Nine Tailors best of Sayers’ mysteries. I haven’t started The Moving Toyshop yet (tonight!) but this conversation makes me so excited for it.
I have the green Penguin edition too, I was so thrilled it was cheap for that one on ThriftBooks!