I pray to the paperback gods each time I pass a bookstore that I will find a Martha that I haven’t read. I’ve re-read many of the stories and it feels almost like a family reunion as I read. (strange for a non-British Black chick)
Richard Jury and Melrose Plant are my favorite duo in mystery. Aunt Agatha is the most pretentiously annoying relation I’ve ever “known”. Sgt. Wiggins, Brian Macalvy, Diane DeMorney, CaroleAnne Palutsky, Marshall Trueblood, Racer, and even the charwoman (can’t remember her name for the life of me right now - the cigarette bummer) are all such well drawn characters who continue to grow along with the stars of the show.
Martha Grimes’ respect for the intelligence of children, her wonderful plots and the excellent research done as well as what I feel is respect for her reader by not writing on automatic inspired me to sing her praises.
I like them, although I find Jury himself to be a little blah. I usually enjoy the Melrose Plant sections more. I’ve always pictured him as a Brideshead-era Anthony Andrews. What do you think?
I’ve been casting the movie for a while (something I just do) and Anthony Andrews is a great pick. If he’s Plant then I would choose Jeremy Irons for Jury - a little dark - brooding, but really sweet.
Oh! I forgot the Cripses - White Ellie and the gang - “piddling Pete, piddling Pete”. There are so many elements I love.
I also like her Richard Jury books, but not as much as her Emma Graham series. Although Emma is only 12, Grimes doesn’t write her as childish and the mysteries are suspensful. There are also some quirky characters, as in the Jury series. Unfortunately, she only pops one out every 5 years or so.
I love the Richard Jury series as well. The woman who knows one fact on any topic is hysterical. And Carole Ann is smoking hot. The family wih all the kids is a riot as well.