tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013114232214923198.post6792758930184159300..comments2024-03-27T18:53:47.254-04:00Comments on Staircase Wit: A Pattern of Lies (Book Review)CLMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595294217111602231noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013114232214923198.post-5465611008134939862016-04-29T15:06:00.596-04:002016-04-29T15:06:00.596-04:00This era is one of my very favorite to read about ...This era is one of my very favorite to read about - society was in such a state of flux after the war, and that makes for interesting reading for me.<br /><br />Thanks for being a part of the tour!Heather J @ TLC Book Tourshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09666308310774835580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013114232214923198.post-32808613612338006422016-04-25T16:35:49.588-04:002016-04-25T16:35:49.588-04:00I read and reviewed this one also. Like you, I...I read and reviewed this one also. Like you, I'm missing having read a few in the series. :)<br />@dino0726 from <br /><a href="http://www.fictionzeal.com/" rel="nofollow">FictionZeal</a> - Impartial, Straightforward Fiction Book ReviewsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14933210603732214226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013114232214923198.post-28495445355923136182016-04-25T07:58:18.469-04:002016-04-25T07:58:18.469-04:00Yes, the mobility and autonomy seem a little unlik...Yes, the mobility and autonomy seem a little unlikely although somewhat plausibly explained. However, it is hard having a detective who can't move about so I am inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. <br /><br />I seem to recall some backlash when people first found out they were collaborators instead of a single author so perhaps that is why they won't discuss the writing process. Long ago (and briefly) when I was an editor I remember working on a book written by Linda Barlow and William Tapply, and even internally there was a lot of negativity - mostly when we were working on the cover and on the copy. My boss said the acquiring editor should have insisted they use a pseudonym.CLMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03595294217111602231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013114232214923198.post-4366651150915108602016-04-25T07:24:38.980-04:002016-04-25T07:24:38.980-04:00A friend has read these books with me (a member o...A friend has read these books with me (a member of the Heyer list). We've talked about what the changes after the war might mean for their relationship. We just don't see any signs that their relationship is developing. And then Bess kept meeting these other eligible young men.<br /><br />I wondered too about her mobility, as you mentioned above. Simon has been helpful there and escorting her sometimes.<br /><br />One of the staff people at Murder By the Book mentioned that the Todds refuse to discuss their writing process with anyone.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17782561487396697870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013114232214923198.post-33700306306931798822016-04-25T01:43:19.551-04:002016-04-25T01:43:19.551-04:00Great review - thank you! I've also wondered a...Great review - thank you! I've also wondered about Bess Crawford's considerable mobility, not to say autonomy, as an active duty nursing sister in wartime. As for Simon Brandon -- isn't he at least 15-20 years older than she is? I seem to remember that he was an NCO under her father's command in India. I will need to find & reread the prequel about that time in the Crawfords' lives.<br /><br />I've started reading through the Ian Rutledge series which, like the Bess Crawford books, don't have to be read in order. They are darker, generally, and Ian suffers a great deal from what is now called PTSD. He also has had at least two unsuccessful love affairs with WW I being the main reason why neither one worked out. Nonetheless, it's always interesting to follow along as he works out the crime(s) at hand and interacts with all the locals at each scene.Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12951201925174865046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013114232214923198.post-40089821081103185192016-04-24T20:41:52.606-04:002016-04-24T20:41:52.606-04:00I read the Ian Rutledge series first and liked it....I read the Ian Rutledge series first and liked it. There is another similar series about a detective haunted by WWI by an author who is not as prolific, Rennie Airth, which I recommend.<br /><br />I'll have to read the Bess Crawford books I have missed and contemplate Simon. Some young women would hold his lowborn origins against him but (a) after WWI that matters less, and (b) I didn't think Bess was like that although she does indicate that Sergeant Lassiter is looking too high when he flirts with her. Of course, he has not been promoted to officer! <br /><br />I did think they were very nice when I met them. I am not sure if they wanted readers to know they were a team but I don't think it has hurt them. For some reason, it works better when a pen name is used.CLMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03595294217111602231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3013114232214923198.post-52876754864959911422016-04-24T20:23:01.973-04:002016-04-24T20:23:01.973-04:00Her relationship with Simon just baffles me, and t...Her relationship with Simon just baffles me, and there doesn't seem to be much development in it. A friend and I have theorized that Simon is actually in love with her mother. Given the difference in class, I'm not sure what kind of relationship is possible, but they certainly spend a lot of time together.<br /><br />Have you read the other series the authors have written? I haven't tried those yet. I very much enjoyed meeting them at a signing here at Murder By the Book.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17782561487396697870noreply@blogger.com