Guest book
All comments, contributions or corrections welcomed!
Previous guest book entries (most recent first)
While transferring this Guest Book to a new provider on 9th Jan 2006 (to prevent the inclusion of SPAM messages), I'm afraid I lost a message warning me that the House of Stratus Appleby reprints are full of typographical errors. If the sender likes to send it me again, I'd be very pleased to reinsert it. Also see the reply from House of Stratus below. (Philip Grosset)
"I have recently discovered this series, mostly to deal with my Agatha Raisin withdrawal. This site has helped me regarding the order of things." (Deece)
"I was trying to find out if Sister Carol Anne O'Marie was still writing novels because I enjoy her books. Thank you." (Lillian R Hall)
I'm afraid I don't know. Her last book was published in 2006 and no forthcoming book has yet been announced. (Philip Grosset)
"Your Website is wonderful; thanks for your efforts. Here are a few more authors and titles:
Cassara, Ernest (2 titles)
Father Hosea Ballou, 19th c Boston, MA, USA, Universalist minister (historical person)
Murder on Beacon Hill: A Father Ballou and His Dog Spot Mystery, Cambridge, MA: The Anne Miniver Press, c 1995, 1996.
Murder on the Boston Common, [Cambridge, MA]: Cambridge Cornerstone Press, 1998.
A church organist who solves the mystery:
Langton, Jane
Divine Inspiration, New York: Penguin Books, 1993, (Alan Starr, organ builder). Well-written story.
And let's not forget the solitary witches, a recently growing subgenre:
Alt, Madelyn (2 titles) Maggie O'Neill, solitary witch, Stony Mill, Indiana, USA
The Trouble with Magic, New York: Berkeley Prime Crime, Jan. 2006
A Charmed Life, New York: Berkeley Prime Crime, Dec. 2006
Damsgaard, Shirley (4 titles)
Ophelia Jensen, librarian/witch and Abby, witch- herbalist
The Trouble with Witches
Charmed to Death
Witch Way to Murder
Witch Hunt, New York: Avon Books, 2007
Regards, Rev. Kristine Tomlinson
Very many thanks for all these suggestions. I'm amazed you could come up with so many! I've now added pages about Maggie O'Neill, Ophelia and Abby, Alan Starr and Hosea Ballou, of whom I found the latter by far the most interesting. (Philip Grosset)
"Thank you for creating such a good website. I love the genre or subgenre. You may also be interested in the authors David Bland and Cassandra Clark."
Many thanks for the suggestions. I've now added Cassandra Clark and David Bland. (Philip Grosset)
"fine site, you do good work god bless you too" (rev dasari sudhakararao)
"What a great site! You might also be interested in my book, "The Mysteries of Reverend Dean." It's a collection of six locked-room mysteries set in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains; all investigated by a lonely old man - and retired reverend." (Hal White, Washington, USA)
Many thanks for the info. I don't usually include short stories on this site, but if and when I'm able to, would be pleased to include yours. (Philip Grosset)
"My mother was a friend of Alison Neville, and as a teenager I remember very much enjoying some of her novels and was searching for them as my Mum no longer has her copies. I have fond memories of Alison from my early teen years when we lived in Liverpool - my Mum met Alison through dog walking - they had 2 dalmatians. I always found Alison an Inspirng woman - perhaps because unlike so many adults she talked to me seriously. When we moved away she gave me a copy of Le Grand Meaulnes, a book I have always loved. If any of her family read this, please know your Mum is still thought of." (Fariha Thomas)
"Thank you so much for this wonderful site! It will keep me busy reading for a long time!" (Cheryl)
"I just read my first Father Koesler Mystery, The Man Who Loved God (1997), and loved it. You were pretty harsh on it, but I think it was a great read and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the 23 books in the series. I just purchased 8 of them to get me started." (SonDan)
I very much like the Koesler books too. It's just that I didn't think this was one of the best. (Philip Grosset)
" I loved Michelle Blakes Lily Connor Mysteries were there only 3?" (Sherry)
Yes, she has not published anything since The Book of Light (2003). However, she explained in an interview with Julia Spencer-Fleming that she has been busy researching the brain and how we remember, and hoped to finish her next book in 2008. (Philip Grosset)
"Thank you a gazillion times, you listed several authors whom I was trying to remember for several years; the Librarian got tired of trying to help me." (Marjorie)
It was such a relief to find your comments on the author I was looking for, as I was feeling alone in finding certain aspects of her work less than convincing. Basically, if I want to read a fantasy in a parallel universe, that's what I do. If I want to read a historical fiction with a convincing sense of reality, then Cadfael or Fidelma are a lot better. Especially Tremaynes's handling of the pagan issue. Since the Weald was an industrial area of great value to major landowners, I don't see it as a trackless Celtic survival of what the Romans sought to eradicate. And as for John Dee being around in the time of Richard I. And effective talismans. I'll read Scott for that.
Since I found a number of my favourites (Rabbi Small, Theodora Braithwaite) on your site, I'm going to look out for and try to read some of the others recommended.
Thank you for restoring my sanity. And giving me enough info to avoid what riles me. It always seems to me that the pagan and the supernatural are seen as more powerful than the Christianity - I don't see as much of the nun's spirituality as of the less historically or scientifically validated paganism." (Penelope Stanford)
Was Alys Clare the author you had in mind? (Philip Grosset)
"Yes, I was looking for her. I think my search term had developed into "Alys Clare criticism", or "Alys Clare pagan" which should explain how I got to you. There are aspects of her books that I like - the very down to earth nuns and their generosity. But I keep running up against the supernatural. It isn't just her. There are non-detective writers whose medieval works call on ancient gods and are answered.
By the way I was interested to see the entries about Greenwood and Theodora Braithwaite. I first came across her in a local bookshop which stocked her because she was a friend of one of the staff. I think I may drop in there again and make enquiries.
Also by the way, have you come across the radio Franciscan detective Paolo Baldi operating in Ireland? I have been sorry not to find him in print." (Penelope Stanford)
Paolo Baldi (a priest on sabbatical from the Franciscan order, who enjoys using his skills to solve murders in modern-day Dublin) is the leading character in a detective series that was first broadcast in 2000. It had been developed by BBC Northern Ireland from characters created by Barry Devlin, who trained at a Franciscan seminary before becoming a rock musician. Different writers wrote different episodes. The stories have not appeared in book form. (Philip Grosset)
Firstly, congratulations on a truly useful site, i`ve made some notes and will go to my library tomorrow (today is Sunday) and look for several of the authors - so muchly thanks. Secondly how about expanding the site to cover historical detectives who are not in holy orders. That would be absolutely brilliant.Thank you for your hard work and keep it up. " (Thomas Farquhar)
Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm afraid it would be too much for me to add non-clerical detectives. I'd no idea there were so many clerical detectives when I started - 95 of them, if you count the ones I decided not to include (I've listed these in my Introduction). I hope I've found them all now! (Philip Grosset)
"Wow! I love this site & have favorited it! Boucher wrote 2 Sr. Ursula short-stories that are worth your time and one novella about her that's never been reprinted! Also, I feel that Melville Davisson Post's "Uncle Abner" stories deserve a mention. Abner comes off as an Old Testament Prophet figure, though he is not officialy clergy. Hey, great job on this site!!!" (Mike Baker)
Many thanks for the Uncle Abner suggestion. I have now added him to the site. The Sister Ursula novella is called "Vacancy with Corpse" (1946) but I have not been able to find a copy of it. I have also added mention of the short stories to the Ursula page. (Philip Grosset)
"The girl's family never thought Ursula was trying to talk her into being a nun. It was only her boyfriend (and hence the narrator and reader) who thought that. There was a Sister Ursula short story or novelette called "The Stipper".
You only fixed "Adso of Elk (to Melk) in one spot." (Ralph Merridew)
Thanks for the suggested corrections that I have now made to the site. The short story is called The Stripper. (Philip Grosset)
"I enjoyed your commentary, and have agreed with your opinions on most of the (Dame Frevisse) books. I especially related to your remark, "let's hope than the next book ... will be more concerned with Dame Frevisse than with all this political strife".
I'm now reading her next book, "The Apostate's Tale". It looks like your wish has been granted. I'm a cheat, and read the author's note before I began the book. She wrote, "The lack of politics in this story may have been noted" and explained that in 1452, there had been insufficient real conflict to carry gossip to Frevisse's end of England. It certainly is making the story much more entertaining for me.
You also mentioned that wandering player, "[who] admits to Frevisse, his name is not really Joliffe and he is obviously much more than the strolling actor he once pretended to be." If you have been sticking to clerical detectives, you might have missed Frazer's "Play" series. They center on that person who is not really Joliffe. While they don't tell us where he came from (yet) they do explain how he came to be in the employ of so august a personage as the Cardinal.
The four novels in that series that I have read are:
A Play of Isaac -- The heir apparent was an "Eden Child" (had Down's Syndrome). He could have been put away, so why was he killed?
A Play of Dux Moraud -- A creepy tale of doomed bridegrooms.
A Play of Knaves -- Nasty neighbors kick it up a notch.
A Play of Lords -- Politics as usual.
I like them much better than the Frevisse Novels. (And I like Frevisse quite well.) I hope you can find the time to read them, as I think you will like them, too. Kathy (Kathryn Merry)
"Just finished "The Assassin's Riddle" ending w/ Brother Athelstan's leaving St. Erconwald's. Can't find in any other books of the series the thread that ties his leaving w/ his return to Southwark & details John of Gaunt's interference. I've enjoyed your writing & hope you'll be able to help solve THIS riddle! Thanks for your help." (Marti Hrones)
There is mention in the next book, "The Devil's Domain", that Athelstan had left St Erconwald's and "had got as far as Cripplegate before Prior Anselm had intervened and sent a message ordering the Dominican back to his parish". But even Sir John could not discover why, as, when he had asked him, "Athelstan had just shaken his head and smiled". (Philip Grosset)
"It was very good of you to take time to reply. I was wishing for at least a couple chapters from Mr. Harding detailing Athelstan's departure & return: a normal progression from the book's ending chapter. Didn't think I'd be that affected by the characters! Many thanks for your note and good reading in the New Year, Marti."
"The Dorothy Gilman books are always the ones I can curl up with after a long tiring day. I don't usually read books over again but hers I do. I don't usually buy books but hers I will. Thank you." (Marilyn Thiessen).
I have enjoyed reading 'Gold and Gaiters' which I would describe as 'an entertainment'. I would agree that it takes a little time for CAA to get going but I enjoyed the story. Why did he choose to use quotes from Wordsworth at the head of every chapter? Any suggestions?" (Thomas Christie)
Alington explains in "Archbishops Ashore" that "Lady Strathmungo's extensive and peculiar acquaintance with the works of Wordsworth has been invaluable to me while selecting the mottoes for the several chapters". In "Gold and Gaiters" he adds, "I have to thank the compiler of the Index to First Lines appended to Wordsworth’s works; they provide, as will be seen, an inexhaustible supply of quotations appropriate to every occasion." (Philip Grosset)
"Fen, along with Nero Woolfe and Archie Goodwin, is one of the most interesting detectives in fiction and it is a tragedy that Crispin dried up so early in his writing life and didn't dry up in his personal life. I remember one TV dramatisation of Moving Toyshop which brought the character to life admirably although I can't remember who played Fen. I wonder who owns the copyright?" (Peter Birchwood)
"Firstly, congratulations on an excellent site. However, as you might expect, we take exception to the various comments about Stratus 'Innes' books being 'full' of typographical errors. These appear to have originated in one email; now lost, according to your Guest Book page. I'm sure there are one or two 'typos' we have not yet been made aware of, but all books were proof read by independent professional proof readers prior to publication and any discovered since would have been corrected in the next printing.
I wonder if your anonymous correspondent struggled with the age old problem of two nations divided by a common language/spelling? (David Lane, House of Stratus)
I can sympathise with the spelling problem. On this site, I try to use English spelling for English authors and American spelling for American ones - but it gets complicated when an English author's books are published in American editions complete with American spelling! (Philip Grosset)
"Who would ha' thought there were so MANY clerical detectives in fiction?" (Sally Odgers)
I''ve found over ninety so far, but would still welcome more suggestions! (Philip Grosset)
"I love the Sr. Joan series. Do you know if Ms Black will continue the series. I would be very disappointed if she did not." (Rosanne Hughes)
Has anyone any information about this? (Philip Grosset)
Looking for CM Smith. I will enjoy returning often. Thanks." (Suzy Hill)
"Great site." (Kathie Nicolet, Chicago)
"Does anyone have any information about DM Greenwood. I love her books and would like to know if she has any plans to write any more." (JEP)
"I have just begun a degree course in Creative Writing and have to turn in a piece on a book by someone I have not previously read. I just happen to have read The 13th Apostle, and your item headed Father Nil will help enormously in givng me a picture of the author and allowing me to organise my own thoughts on the book. Thanks!" (Claire)
"Thank you for this useful website. I have enjoyed Veronica Black's Sister Joan series since the 90s, when I found some of the series' books in the county library. You are correct about the paucity of information about the author and the difficulty in finding books from this series. Your list will be most helpful in my attempts to locate copies of the books - not only those I have not read, but finding and rereading the ones I read and thoroughly enjoyed years ago. And the list will be handy in discovering new clerical sleuths." (Nancy)
"Fantastic work. I am an Adult Services librarian in a public library. I can use your web site to create a new book display. Many thanks!" (Brett Castleberry)
"I think your site is wonderful. Everything I have been looking for. Thanks." (Betty Day)
"What a wonderful web site! I have a great interest in clerical detectives, and you haven't missed too many of them. There are a couple of factual errors in my bio. My husband isn't a Brit - or at least he wasn't when I married him. We both now have UK nationality. And after 20 years in Bedford, we now live in Ludlow, near the Welsh border. I was interested to see the photo and have no idea where you got it." (Kate Charles)
Many thanks for the corrections. I have now amended the text! (Philip Grosset)
"i stumbled upon your website while searching for more info on sister pelagia and author boris akunin. i just want to let you know that i find your site very useful since i am a big fan of mysteries and in particular those solved by clerical detectives. my personal favorites are sister joan, father koesler, and recently sister pelagia. i just finished reading pelagia and the black monk and plan to get a copy of the first of the trilogy, pelagia and the white bulldog.
i will definitely visit your site again to check out the other clerical detectives. thank you!" (eliz s. reyes)
"Just a grateful line to say many thanks for your nice review of my absurd novel, "A Load Of Old Bones". Have just returned from an excellent holiday feeling slightly tired and flat - and your comments on The Revd Oughterard et al have certainly given me a boost! Good luck for your website. Regards, Suzette."(Suzette A Hill)
"What a fantastic site! I read a mystery involving an Episcopal priest who owned a large dog...it was very funny...ever heard of this series? also, how do you pronounce Ellis Peter's Brother Cadfael properly? I love her books...too bad she died...I miss her mysteries." (Freddy Weller)
The priest with the large dog could well be The Rev Francis Oughterard, whose dog Bouncer tells part of the story. Cadfael is usually pronounced Cad-file (as in the TV series), but there are some Welsh speakers who insist it should be Cad-vile! (Philip Grosset)
"It would be an honor to find an address for Sister Carol Anne O'Marie, so that her fans could send her cards & letters. The hours and hours of reading enjoyment that she has given the world with her "Sister Mary Helen" Mystery Series is an absolute Blessing!" (Sallie Bourgeois)
To contact Sister Carol Anne O'Marie, you could contact her through her publisher at: St. Martin’s Press, ATTN: PUBLICITY DEPT.,175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Or, as you subsequently found, it would be even better to write to her: c/o Sisters of St. Joseph, Carondelet Center, 11999 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049 as they will forward letters to her. (Philip Grosset)
How about Freda Bream's clerical detective?" (Valerie A Roth)
Many thanks for the suggestion. I have now included The Rev Jabal Jarrett. (Philip Grosset)
Can you please advise me as to the correct pronunciation of the cloth 'LUYE' which appears in 'The Sempsters Tale' as I have never heard of it. ...LOOY ( / ) ... LOO-YAY ( / ) (Graeme Peacock)
Sorry, I don't really know, but there is a river in SE France called Luye, an area still known for cloth production, so I'd go for the French pronunciation. (Philip Grosset)
"I came across your site while researching Chesterton's Father Brown and found it fascinating! You have not included Father Paolo Baldi. Is this because, to the best of my knowledge, he has only appeared on the radio? I have listened to and enjoyed three or four series of half-hour playlets on BBC Radio 4, written I think by a variety of authors." (Paul Randall)
Yes, Father Paolo Baldi only seems to appear in radio plays. If he ever makes it to book form, I'll be pleased to include him! (Philip Grosset)
"How wonderful to find this site. I so enjoy finding more folks to read about. I have been reading clerical mysteries long before I became a clergyperson, but I enjoy them even more now that I have ten year's of parish ministry under my proverbial belt! Thank you for this site, for I would have had to create this site if you had not, and I think you've done it better! I salute you with gratitude!" (Lynn S. Smith-Roberts (Rev.))
"The Sister Fidelma mysteries are wonderful brain candy, and the authentic 7th century ambience gives a feeling of having a history lesson while being entertained. I do feel that the author has used up his lifetime allotment (perhaps even still overdrawing on his account!) of the word "grimace" which seems to be now a default word for telling us what characters' faces are doing. It is now a kind of running laugh between me and friends who introduced me to Fidelma and Eadulf. Could we have a book, no a chapter, even a page--without a gr..., gri...--I'm sorry, I can't say it. Thanks so much for making this part of history take on life and identity and making me care about it." (Alden Josey)
"Enjoyed the reviews. I have just discovered Dean Feldmeyer and was looking for more of his books. THANKS. Your reviews of his books are right on." (Mitch)
"Enjoy your site--I'm a Merrily Watkins fan and have been from the beginning of the series. One question: is Michelle Blake ever going to write another Lily Connor book?" (Kathryn MacAlister)
According to an interview on the Julia-Spencer Fleming site, a fourth book is under way. (Philip Grosset)
"As a boy I read a Dutch translation of "Waiting for Oliver" by Simon Troy and I always have kept a soft spot for the author. I'm glad I found out at this site that "Troy" was a pseudonym and I thank you for the short biography. There isn't by any chance a full length bio or some memoires?" (Paul Jacobs)
Sorry, I don't know of anything more on Thurman Warriner. (Philip Grosset)
"Hi. Sorry about the format on my blog Getting Medieval. I know that those with Firefox have a bad time with it. I just liked the format when I started it about two years ago now and it kind of stuck. Please give it a try anyway. And even though I don't have a clerical detective, I hope you and your readers will find my Crispin Guest mysteries just as fun to read as these others. Be on the lookout for Veil of Lies in the Fall of 2008." (Jeri Westerson)
I particularly like your interviews with Sharan Newman and Margaret Frazer - despite the odd format! (Philip Grosset)
"Kindly tell me the correct pronounciation for Josse d'Acquin. French/English/Spanish? Thank you." (Maureen Holmes-Higgin)
He was a French knight. Hope this helps! (Philip Grosset)
"Fascinating site - I came across it googling for D.M. Greenwood - for whom this is now undoubtedly the best source of information on the net. It is very sad that she appears to have stopped writing.
I am also not sure if you are aware that Wyatt James sadly died early last year (2006) - you can see his tribute page at http://www.dismantle.org/grobius.htm There are now problems getting into his site (mysterylist) and the link you are showing does not work. There are other ways back into the site but you can also find all his comments on Innes' books at the GA of Detection wiki...http://gadetection.pbwiki.com/Innes,%20Michael." (Nick Hay)
I've now removed the link to Mystery List from my Appleby page, but am glad that the comments on the Innes books are still available. (Philip Grosset}
"On your synopsis of Leonard Holton's book The Pact with Satan you suggest that Father Bredder uses old fashioned theology. Catholic theology and it's teachings are the same yesterday, today and forever and aren't subject to change (no matter what liberal so-called theologian has taught you) Change in teachings is what is called Protestism. As for his character saying tobacco was a gift from GOD, Catholics don't see tobacco, gambling, or liguor as evil only when the money used for them becomes excessive and hurts the family. Otherwise all is great with your website. May JESUS and his only Church guide you with his Teaching!!!!!!" (Ed)
"My wife and I have been reading mysteries for almost 30 years. While I recognize some of my favourite writers here, your site will be a useful reference for finding new ones. Thank you for setting it up. After 20 years of reading mysteries, we had read many great mystery writers and some not so. One night, I flung a particularly badly written tome across the room and said, "I can write better than this." My wife said, "Why don't you?" So far, three of my John Smyth mysteries have been published (Who's Grace?, Desolation Highway, and Mountaintop Drive). I would be interested in your opinion of them. John Smyth is editor of a denominational magazine in Canada. He is also named after the 17th-century English separatist who founded the first English Baptist church and who was the subject of my doctoral dissertation. (James R. Coggins, Abbotsford, B.C. Canada)
Thanks for suggesting your books. I enjoyed reading them and have now added a page about John Smyth. (Philip Grosset)
I don't know why but I have always liked Clerical Detectives and never found a site before yours. I loved all of Sister Joan series and didn't realize Black had written Vow of Evil (sorry to hear its not of the same quality of the others). Also read all of Rabbi Small. Hope to find great enjoyment in your other selections. Thank you," (Franklin Frandsen)
"You might like to add the following authors to your list of near clerical mysteries. Kate Charles wrote five mysteries with the central character of David Middleton-Brown, whose interest in church architecture & his dealings with the Anglican church are the basis for a marvellous series. A similar central character was church official Richard Hastings, created by Michael David Anthony. These mysteries are all within the Canterbury Cathedral community. Unfortunately Michael David Anthony wrote only three of this series before his death in 2003." (Trevene Shillam)
I don't really think that solicitor David Middleton-Brown could be counted as a clerical detective, but now that Kate Charles has introduced The Revd Callie Anson, I've added a page about her.
I had not heard of Michael David Anthony, but have now included Richard Harrison (not Hastings!). Many thanks for both suggestions. (Philip Grosset)
"I am trying to get a hold of James L. Johnson to let him know that I'm a friend of Farouk Hamouda's, who was your (Johnson's) heart surgeon. I went to Wheaton College and have gotten to know Farouk playing the piano at Von Maur in Lombard, where I still work. I also teach his young daughters piano lessons. I just wanted to inform you that today is his 70th birthday. He has had a stroke and heart attack himself but can still talk. It's just kind of hard to understand him. I thought you might want to call him to wish him a happy 70th birthday today (2/17/07). I'm going to read your book "Coming Back" that Farouk lent me. My husband and I are trying to be a witness to Farouk and have taken him to church a few times with us and we take him out to eat occasionally too!" (Robyn Vitson)
I'm afraid that James L Johnson died in 1987, aged 60. He had had major bypass surgery in 1978. (Philip Grosset)
"this is a very interesting site. i love reading Alys Clare's novels because i'm really fond of medieval times and the monastic life, and this great author bridges these two loves in one for me." (Robbie)
"This site is a treasure! I read what I think was the first Clare Munnings book and, because Jill Ker Conway is one of my heroines, have been looking for additional books by the Munnings duo. Dare I say I was "led" to this site? Now I've discovered lots of new clerical detective volumes to investigate and am hoping my library has at least some of them. Small correction: Margaret Coel's priest is Father O'Malley and the Indians he and Vicki aid are the Arapahos." (M.C. Bucholtz)
Many thanks for the corrections. I have now added Clare Munnings to the site. (Philip Grosset)
"Just wanted to say I thought the site was really good. Theodora Braithwaite and Sister Fidelma are two of my favourite detectives. As a Christian I find church history absolutely fascinating, and the DM Greenwood's books are a fascinating commentary on the state of the church today. I also love Inspector Appleby and Gervaise Fen. Appleby's End and The Moving Toyshop both had me in hysterics they are so funny. It was good to find a site with so much background information on them all and has given me some ideas for other authors to read." (Gillian Clarke)
"Hi Philip.Thanks for including me (and Hayden) on your Clerical Detective site! I apologize if I didn't answer your e-mails, but I don't think I received them. Anyway, this is a great site and I appreciate being part of it. Cheers. (Mark Schweizer)
"I love this site. Some of my favorite authors, and others to try." (Marilyn)
"I was DM Greenwood's editor and can perhaps answer any questions you might have about her, although we have not been in touch for some time." (Anne Williams)
"I gave one of your Sister Fidelma books to my 85 year old Father and he was sooooooo thrilled with the character and stories. He says he can picture Maureen O'Hara in the role! I have never seen him so excited about anything he has read in years. Thanks from me too." (Janet Cain)
"Mark - I met you at the KY book fair. I just finished the Alto Wore Tweed and LOVED IT! I'm an avid mystery reader and an episcopalian. In fact, my rector is a woman which made reading your book all the more fun. I've ordered your others and am curious when the next one is planned. Keep writing!" (Ruthe Holmberg)
I have forwarded your message to Mark Schweizer. (Philip Grosset)
"Is there still a Ellis Peters or Brother Cadfael Society that I may get in touch with? Many thanks" (Ann Bell)
Sue Feder, founder of The Ellis Peters Appreciation died in 2005, and I don't think that the Society survived her. (Philip Grosset).
"I am an Anglo-Saxonist, attempting to make a connection between a Lacnunga recipe for a "grene sealve" and the "green salve" that Cadfael uses to heal wounds. Can you tell me if Ellis Peters/Edith Pargeter was acquainted with any other Old English texts besides AElfric's list of plant names? Thanks for your help." (Marie Nelson)
Sorry, I can't help you. All I know is that Cadfael was said to have a copy of Aelfric's list. (Philip Grosset)
"Your section on William X. Kienzle's books referred to me as Jan. My name is Javan (10th Chapter Genesis). The reason I included the events about my own life and the dogs in Judged by Love, the biography of Bill, was because the events had a bearing on and interwove with Bill's life. For, as Bill often said, we were yin and yang. As I told a reporter after his death, I miss him as I would miss the ground beneath my feet. I will never be whole again without him." (Javan Kienzle)
Many thanks for writing. Sorry for the misprint that I have now corrected. I think Bill Kienzle was one of the very best writers of clerical detective stories. (Philip Grosset)
"Thanks for your note. I'm always interested in which of Bill's books readers find preferable in the series. Aside of "Rosary," which started the whole thing, "Mind Over Murder" was my own favorite. Despite the disclaimers, almost all the main characters were indeed based on real people, and the nasty monsignor in MOM was a particularly venial cleric whom diocesan readers recognized immediately. (He's dead now.) I think your thumbnail reviews of Bill's books are pretty much right on and reasonably fair. I myself didn't care for the "lighter" ones like "Assault With Intent" but then I like the old-fashioned English mystery novels myself. Again, thank you; it's obvious that you have done a tremendous amount of reading and research. I am in awe." (Javan Kienzle}
"I'm trying to track down information about Michael Gibert's radio plays. Can you help?" (Gareth Tilley)
I'm afraid I can't, but can anyone else help? (Philip Grosset)
What a pity that D M Greenwood seems to have come to a halt. Her ecclesiastical mysteries are among the very best of English detective stories. Has she definitely retired from her writing career?" (Brian Butler)
D M Greenwood is one of the most elusive of all the writers featured on this site. All I know is that her last book was published in 1999. I too would welcome more information about her. (Philip Grosset).
"A recovering Catholic enjoying your books" (Pat Beatty)
Awsome site, very interesting and informative. I love all books, especially mysteries, history and bios. Thanks!" (Missoldlady)
"Hi thanks for your interesting article about Charlie Mortdecai, the Mortdecai ABC et al." (Chris)
"Hi, I typed in my mothers' pen-name (Edward Candy) and your site came up. I am the youngest of her five children and I was extremely pleased to find you like her detective books as much as I do. I too find her other books hard going but Fabian has always held a soft spot for me. My mother died of Motor Neurone Disease 13 years ago this October, but I'm sure she would have been pleased to be remembered.
I have been talking to my Dad today and he said that mum had published quite a lot of poetry before she married him and always under the name of Alison Boodson (see question about this below), and yes my Mum knew Tambi very well.
She wrote under the name of Edward Candy for two reasons apparently; firstly there was a shop near Fitzjohn Avenue called Edwards' Candy and also because the G.M.C. council frowned on any kind of self advertisement in those days so she had to safe guard her anonymity.
I would've liked to get some of Mums' books on the radio and I nearly did it when she was ill. I thought it would give her a lift but as with all things the devil was in the detail and I reckoned without Gollanz. Anyway I am very proud of her and always will be, it is a pity she was so under valued as a writer.
There is an archive of her work at Boston University in the U.S.A which was put together by a friend of hers called Howard J. Gottlieb, if that is of any academical help. My Dad was very touched that Mum is actually on the internet,so, thanks for making his day. Best Wishes." (Sarah Hiom [Neville])
"Very interesting and helpful." (Marty Nelson)
"Fascinating website, though it's poetry that interests me, primarily. Thanks very much for the information - I'm writing about Tambimuttu for an outfit called the Modernist Magazines Project. 'Alison Boodson' contributed poems to Poetry (London) No. X, the glorious book-thick issue, edited by Tambimuttu in 1944; and to The New British Poets edited by Kenneth Rexroth (1949). Tambimuttu describes her and another poet as 'under twenties', so her date of birth would check out. I would guess that she's the same person as Barbara Alison Boodson Neville - assuming Neville was her married name." (Jim Keery)
Thanks for the info about Alison Boodson. Her daughter (see above) confirms that she was indeed Barbara Alison Boodson Neville as you suggest. (Philip Grosset)
"I have a book by Mr. Charles Merrill Smith and it is called "Reverend Randolph And The Fall From Grace, Inc". I have been trying, all day, to get some information on it and I can't find anything anywhere. Perhaps you can help me. It is an uncorrected proof copyright 1979 for limited distribution. I have searched everywhere and none seem to exist. Can you help me with my curiosity about this book? Thank you." (Sarah)
"Reverend Randollph And The Fall From Grace, Inc." was, I think, first published in 1979 by G P Putnam's Sons in New York. Subsequent paperback copies were published by Avon Books in 1982. I give basic info about the author on my Randollph page. Hope this helps. (Philip Grosset)
"I have always been interested in places associated with writers. Lately I have been combining this with my liking for Real Ale - and researching literary pubs. You can preview my 'work in progress' at: http://www.homestead-bb.co.uk/litpubs/index.html. I'd be grateful to know about any leads I have missed.
I was sad to learn through your website of the death of Michael Gilbert. I interviewed him at his home in Kent back in 1988 for a literary magazine - he was a real gent." (Terry Townsend)
"How nice to read such an accurate and well written piece on one of my favorites authors. And a very good selection of quotes. A film being made are you saying??? And what about traductions , Spanish and Japanese I read about, but I'm wondering about French." (Etienne)
Assuming you are referring to Kyril Bonfiglioli, his book The Great Moustache Mystery is being filmed with Sacha Baron-Cohen (see photo on the right) cast as Mortdecai. (Philip Grosset)
"first its adso of melk not elk. second it is nice that some people unlike others care for helping others by sharing their knowledge with them for free. thanks for the help, but i was hoping to find something related to eco and historiographic metafiction for my finals. anyway it is a good contribution." (Marcel Najm)
Thanks for telling me about the misprint on my William of Baskerville page. I've corrected this now. (Philip Grosset)
"Your site rocks! I though I was the only one who remembered the "Rabbi" Mysteries and Reverend Randolph series. I loved them all. I am in the process of seeking these fun books out to re-read. Thank you for having such complete list. I will be checking out the other series that I have missed.
I was so disappointed that Mr. Terrance Lore Smith had died. Yes, I could tell roughly where his father had left off and his son continued the stories. I am not a clerical scholar, so that nuance in the writing missed me. I really loved the series. I have been waiting for more Rabbi Winter books. Thanks again for the head's up on your site. it is bookmarked!" (Jan Wells)
"I am not a mystery fan, but I want to read ONE of the Rabbi Small books to get a feeling for the style and content. The first book in a series is not always the best. Please recommend one that is a good representative of Kemelman's body of work. Thank you." (Marian Bock NYC)
I quite agree that the first book in a series isn't always the best, but even so, in this case, I'd go for the first Rabbi Small novel, 'The Rabbi Slept Late' (1964), as this won the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Award, and got the series off to a good start. (Philip Grosset)
"Thank you so much! I think I will start with 'The Rabbi Slept Late' (1964) and then jump to "Conversations with," since I'm more interested in the Jewish philosophy than in who-did-it." (Marian Bock)
"A very good appraisal of Michael Innes although it would seem you Yanks don't always appreciate the humour of we Brits (though technically both Innes and myself are Celts!). I have known about Innes for years because I am a librarian but only started reading him recently. I think his books are great and am a huge fan. I love all the recondite allusions etc. also, "lament for a maker" is one of my faves and I find the opening moonlight snow sequence in "Appleby's End" one of the most moving passages of english prose I have ever read. Keep up the good work. ps have you ever read Charles Willeford?, I think you'd like him." (Margaret Mcdermott)
"I've just discovered your wonderful site, via the MysteryFile site, and am looking forward to reading it all when I have the time. I would like to suggest another clerical detective who doesn't seem to be included yet - Sister Joan of the series by Veronica Black. There are at least ten of them and she's my second most favourite - right after Theodora Braithwaite.' (Betty Harris)
Many thanks for the suggestion. I''ve just added Sister Agnes (Alison Joseph), Rabbi Winter (Joseph Telushkin), Archdeacon Toft (Thurman Warriner) and Dan Thompson (Dean Feldmeyer). I wasn't at first so impressed by Sister Joan, but have now been won over and added a page about her too. (Philip Grosset)
"Thank you for such an interesting view of early Irish life. Where are the manuscripts from that time that were so carefully created by the monks at the time of Sister Fidelma?" (Sylvia)
The earliest surviving (badly damaged) Irish manuscript (Cathach of Colmcille) dates from the late 6th/early 7th century, just before the time of Fidelma, and is at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin. The psalms in it are said to be copied by Columba himself. The famous Book of Kells, seen on the right, is later - around 800 AD - and can be seen in the Trinity College Library, Dublin. (Philip Grosset)
"I attended Michael Gilbert's funeral in Luddesdown today - a sad occasion but his son-in-law paid a wonderful tribute. 17th February 2006." (Sarah Hobbs)
"I was delighted to come across your splendid article about my father. I'm glad you have so much enjoyed his stories. Just in the last couple of years he's been republished in Germany, Israel, Switzerland, France, Japan, Italy, US, as well as an excellent audio-cassette of Tragedy at Law in Britain & just last week I signed a contract for a Chinese translation ("in complex characters"; I don't think I'll be reading it...)
Just one or two small points:-the dust cover of Tragedy at Law which you show isn't the original - published during the war it had a very minimalist cover (as did With a Bare Bodkin after the war) - I remember being very disappointed as a small boy!
The attractive cover you show was from a Faber reprint,- I'm not sure of the date & sadly haven't got it. I think it may be by Edward Ardizzone, the very distinguished artist and illustrator who did the dust jackets for An English Murder & That Yew Tree's Shade (the view of Yew Hill was the view of Box Hill from my bedroom window!)
The jacket of the Faber pb Tragedy at Law was by Nick Hardcastle, a well known illustrator still working. I bought one of the originals the other day.
Inspector Mallet's home life: in the last novel we learn that his wife came from Exmoor & had died before Pettigrew & his wife go there on holiday! His name I think was John, though I'm not sure how I know this.
The portrait of circuit life in Tragedy at Law: my father had been a judge's marshal, once as a very young man & again at the beginning of the war, doubling the job with some briefs. So it was very much written from inside. (I did the job in 1954, as an even younger man; the salary was still 2 guineas a day!)
There were never any sketch plans in With a Bare Bodkin, only mentions in the text. They wouldn't really be necessary.
An English Murder owes its rather enclosed and traditional character to having been blown up from a BBC play "Murder at Warbeck Hall". Subsequently my father wasted too much good writing time turning it into a stage play whch was put on once, in Margate, and never again.
The short stories collected by Michael Gilbert were of two sorts: rather leisurely pre-war ones, and "short-short stories" written for the London Evening Standard. There were many more of these than were republished in the collection, & they've been republished again and again all round the world, sometimes for education in good English in Africa!
Anything else you'd like to know about him, just ask. Best wishes." (Charles Gordon Clark)
Many thanks for suchg a warm and helpful letter. I've made the corrections you suggest. (Philip Grosset)
"I enjoyed reading your account of Michael Gilbert. I'm trying to find out about his father, Bernard Gilbert, who wrote amongst other things Lincolnshire dialect poems. I'd like to contact his grandchildren about BG's career. Any chance of a lead?" (Mike Scott)
"Greatly enjoyed the presentation of the authors and their links. cleverly done and made me want to explore each review. Thank you!" (J. Eisner)
"We at the International Sister Fidelma Society thought your readers might be interested in the first ever Sister Fidelma Weekend, to be held in Cashel, Ireland, September 8-10, 2006. As you may know, Sister Fidelma is an Irish religieuse of the 7th Century AD who is also a trained advocate of the ancient Irish law system of the time - the Laws of the Fenechus, popularly called the Brehon law system. She is the heroine-sleuth of a series of popular novels and short stories by author Peter Tremayne. When the first stories began to appear, the UK Book and Magazine Collector prophesied: "Sister Fidelma promises to be one of the most intriguing new characters in 1990s detective fiction." They have been proved right and Sister Fidelma has now survived into a new decade with a still growing following. "Sister Fidelma is fast becoming a world ambassador for ancient Irish culture," says the Irish Post. The USA Publishers Weekly has called her: "A brilliant and beguiling heroine; immensely appealing..." And the Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine has said she is "One of the most interesting sleuths to come on the scene in recent years." The weekend event brings together the author, several guest speakers, as well as a chance to visit Fidelma’s “hometown” of Cashel. If you would like to receive a press release with more details, feel free to email me. Or visit our website at www.sisterfidelma.com." (David Wooten)
"How on earth did you manage to miss out Brother Cadfael?" (John Storey)
I was no great admirer of Brother Cadfael, but I'm including him now! (Philip Grosset)
"I have been a fan of Michael Gilbert since reading his short stories in "Argosy" and "John Bull" (that gives away my age) and I still enjoy re-reading them. I have collected all but "Over and Out" and "Stay of Execution" which, as you say, are now pretty rare, but I will keep on looking." (John Storey)
"Many thanks, I have recently enjoyed 'murder at the Chase' (Tony Bright)
"It would be so nice to have another Mother Grey or two or three or......? I own the five that Ms. Gallison has written and have read them ragged. Wit and irony are so delightful in a suspense story." (Mary Lou Tyndall)
"Very nice web site. Who are you intending to add in the future? There's Father Brown, of course, but you prefer novels to short stories." (Wyatt James )
All right, I give in. I've now added a page about Father Brown. (Philip Grosset)
"Congratulations on the new layout. Keep it up to date as a celebrity :)" (Mark Watson )
"really good one, but i would stick more with updating and fresh data. this will help a lot to play." (James Beckett)
"What fun to find your page and the write-up on my uncle (Charles Merrill Smith ). He was a kind, witty, and charismatic man." (Shari Smith Bradley)
"How could you leave out Father Brown! (Jeremy Fisher)
Father Brown seems very dated to me now - much as I used to like him. But I've included him now. (Philip Grosset)
"Welcome to this guest book. Please feel free to comment on the site or add any additional information or corrections." (Philip Grosset)
For information: my other websites are: Take Better Photos and my personal guide to St Ives, Cambs.
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