Questionnaire, Part Deux

3. Why do you read historical mysteries? (e.g., to educate yourself about other times, to read mysteries that are solved by old-fashioned methods rather than technology, etc.)

I've been reading some of the responses to this question in the DorothyL digests and it's been very entertaining. As for me, why do I read historical mysteries? Well, it may have a tad to do with education, because I like history and like learning about different time periods. But I always keep in mind that fiction may well take liberties with facts. I read historical mysteries mostly because I just like history. My focus in my master's program was the early church, so it just seems natural to read fiction that reflects that. I am fascinated with how people lived long ago. I read historical mysteries not to learn facts about the past, but to get a better idea of the day-to-day lives of all sorts of people at all levels of society.

4. What kinds of errors bug you the most in historical mysteries? What immediately grabs you/turns you off?

I'm pretty laid back, so it would take huge gaffes to turn me off. Like Dan Brown types of major gaffes. Little quibbling details wouldn't particular bother me if the story were good and I liked most of the main characters. But big, important details ... that's another matter altogether.

5. What do you consider to be the cutoff date for a time period to be regarded as historical? (For me it's 1960 since the first president I voted for was JFK and anything after that date is part of my adult life experience, not history; for others that might not be true.)

I've never really thought about it since I focus mostly on late antiquity through the renaissance. But I have read a couple of mysteries set in the 1930s and enjoyed them immensely. I suppose that I'd be willing to call something a historical mystery if it were set in a time period 25-30 or so years from the present. That is, if it were written today and focused on the 30's, 40's, 50's and maybe even the 60's.

6. Do you also read vintage mysteries, i.e., mysteries published in the past that were set contemporaneously? How do they differ from historical mysteries, written in the present day? Which do you enjoy more?

This is another question I've not considered. I'll have to think about it a bit. I've enjoyed Agatha Christie, of course, and a few others. I've never considered them historical mysteries, but I really haven't ever given any thought as to how they differ from historical mysteries. I think it's a matter of intentionality on the part of the writer.

Historical Mysteries Questionnaire

There was a questionnaire about historical mystery preferences in a recent DorothyL digest. I thought they made good questions for a blog. Here are the first two. I'll post the others tomorrow.

1. What historical period(s) do you most enjoy reading about: ancient world, Dark Ages, medieval, Renaissance/Elizabethan/Tudor, 18th century, Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, World War I era, 1920s, Depression era, World War II era, Cold War, other? If you enjoy reading historicals about cultures other than English/American/European, which are your favorites?

I enjoy reading novels set in ancient times, the Dark Ages, and the medieval and Renaissance periods. The earlier, the better, actually. I mostly lean towards European culture, but as I think about it, those are the ones I've come across via the library and used book stores. I'm only too happy to learn about novels set in ancient times. I also enjoy reading general fiction set in prehistoric, ancient and medieval times as well.

2. Which books/series/authors from the time periods you enjoy most are your favorites? From any time period? Why?
I have so many favorites from each time period about which I read. It seems sometimes that my favorite is whatever I happen to be reading at any given moment.

Most recently I have discovered two series set in ancient Rome that I am thoroughly enjoying:

• Lindsey Davis' series featuring 'informer' Marcus Didius Falco and set during the time of the Emperor Vespasian (ca 60BC).
• Steven Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series featuring the 'finder' Gordianus and set in the 1st century BC.

I've also enjoyed the John the Eunuch series by Mary Reed and Eric Mayer, set in 6th century Constantinople during the reign of the Emperor Justinian. And I read every single book I can get my hands on by Peter Tremayne (Sister Fidelma of Cashel, 7th century Ireland), Margaret Frazer (Sister Frevisse, 15th century English nun), Peter Ellis' Brother Cadfael series, of course, and Sharon Kay Penman's mysteries featuring Justin de Quincy and set in 12th century England during the time of Elinor of Aquitane. These are just a few of my favorites and I am discovering new ones all the time.

Read-a-thon

Tomorrow, June 7, is the first Mystery Read-a-thon. We're supposed to read for 12 hours. Hmm. Not sure I can sit for 12 hours and just read. Well, that's not true. I have done that, most recently with the last Harry Potter book.

Time to do a little pre-reading planning for the day, especially regarding food. Munchies are okay, but hubby's a diabetic, so scratch that idea. We gotta eat right, which means time and planning. So .... I'm thinking we can do fruit, salad and sandwiches. Or maybe hubby won't mind cooking. Or there's always the crock pot. Ah,yes! There are pork chops in the freezer. Add a can of diced tomatoes, a dash of seasoning, turn the pot on and adjourn to my favorite reading spot. Sounds like a great plan to me.

Here are some questions from the Read-a-thon site:

What books do you want to read during this read-a-thon?
I'm thinking I'll start with The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. I received that from PaperBack Swap recently and am eager to read it. I had heard such great things about the books from the DorothyL mystery discussion group. Then I discovered the HBO series and really got hooked. So naturally I had to order the first book in the series even though my TBR pile is already dangerously high.

If I finish The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency before the 12 hours are up, I'm planning to start on another book I've been eager to read: The Clovis Incident by Pari Noskin Taichert. It just sounds like a fun book.

If by some miracle I finish that, then I hope it's okay to use Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I gotta refresh my memory before the movie comes out next month! Like I said, I'm a slow reader, especially if I'm enjoying a good book.

How many books do you hope to finish?
At least one, maybe two. I'm a slow reader by choice. I really love good writing, so I savor it.

What (if any) breaks do you intend to take?
As needed for the basic necessities of life.

Do you generally read lots of mysteries and thrillers or are the one of the many genres you like?
I read lots of mysteries, but I enjoy any good book with great characters, plots and settings. I like humorous cozies and historical mysteries the most, but I also frequently read police procedurals and thrillers, an occasional political thriller. And I love science fiction, especially Star Trek. I've recently read some mainstream fiction, for want of a better term. I've even been known to read a romance every now and again. I used to be snobby about romances, but discovered some good ones that I really enjoyed and was forced to change my mind. I just love good stories and good writing.


Who are some of your favorite authors?
In no particular order: Susan Wittig Albert, M.C. Beaton, Emilie Richards, Jeff Cohen, Tony Hillerman, Margaret Coel, J. K. Rowling, Tamar Myers, Jimmie Ruth Evans (aka Dean James), Betty Rowlands, Sue Grafton, Margaret Frazer, Peter Tremayne, Mary Reed and Eric Mayer, Sharon Kay Penman. I could go on and on and on.

If you could make us all read one mystery or thriller for this read-a-thon, which one would it be and why?
Oh, good grief! Just one? I have a hard enough time choosing something for myself to read at any given time. Coin tossing is frequently involved. So I guess I'd pick a writer who may not be so well known but who IMHO deserves to be. But I'll have to think about that recommendation for a bit. There are so many good writers who definitely need more exposure. See the favorites list above.

Do you prefer series or stand alones?
I really love series, but stand alones are okay, too.