tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post8411290447051117523..comments2024-03-29T02:43:11.575-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: Michael Nethercott Talks #Whodunit #Giveaway #mysteryJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-41462207846494308422014-10-14T21:27:37.583-04:002014-10-14T21:27:37.583-04:00Though I must say that knowing fairly little about...Though I must say that knowing fairly little about Hercule Poirot's extracurricular life somehow added to his mystique. We were aware he had those "little gray cells" and that he knew how to use 'em -- but not a whole lot beyond that. Still, those little cells went a long way... Michael Nethercotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05969906707626674601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-62743651401393230022014-10-14T20:41:05.570-04:002014-10-14T20:41:05.570-04:00Oh I want it too, Mary, definitely. And so often t...Oh I want it too, Mary, definitely. And so often the characters' backstory plays into the why, and that makes the book much richer...Lucy Burdette aka Roberta Isleibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660402177299546055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-69037452559390299402014-10-14T14:13:37.529-04:002014-10-14T14:13:37.529-04:00I'm editing a manuscript right now, and one of...I'm editing a manuscript right now, and one of the comments I received was "These characters seem to only exist for the plot." <b>Michael</b> I think that ties back to what you said: this is a trademark of older novels (Poirot, Marple, Wolfe). We didn't know their backstories. It seems like modern readers want this information.<br /><br />Or, at least, I do.Liz Millironhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04919409969263609919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-43789115352371055272014-10-14T14:09:19.076-04:002014-10-14T14:09:19.076-04:00As Lisa noted above, the new paradigm for mysterie...As Lisa noted above, the new paradigm for mysteries seems to be that there's generally a subplot involving the detective's personal life (as there is in THE HAUNTING BALLAD.) <br /><br />But in an earlier era, this wasn't the case. As readers, we received relatively little back-story on Poirot or Miss Marple or Nero Wolfe. Basically, a mystery novel dealt with only the particulars and participants of the murder itself. And that was okay in my mind. Not better or worse than modern whodunits; just different.<br />Michael Nethercotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05969906707626674601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-69456107736613506922014-10-14T13:21:38.953-04:002014-10-14T13:21:38.953-04:00If there's not a believeable why to the reason...If there's not a believeable why to the reason behind the who, the mystery fails for me. <br /><br />The psychology of what goes on in the mind of others if infinitely fascinating.<br /><br />I do love a good setting as well, but character is much more of a draw for me. Kristopherhttp://www.bolobooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-48052510654706049832014-10-14T13:02:01.556-04:002014-10-14T13:02:01.556-04:00I love the cover, Michael. It's eye-catching.
...I love the cover, Michael. It's eye-catching.<br /><br />I just read an Agatha Christie a few weeks ago as a matter of fact--the first in, uh, hmm, MANY decades. It was interesting to read--it seemed quaint somehow. Not because of the era in which she wrote, but because it was only a whodunnit.<br /><br />I hadn't realized how my tastes had changed. I guess I prefer more full-bodied whodunnits that are also howdunnits or whydunnits, and in which the protagonists have personal subplots going on as well. That seems to be the modern way -- though, do you think we're seeing a return to the classic whodunnits of old?<br /><br />But, I'll my name to the list of readers who was profoundly influenced by Christie as a teenager -- 10 Little Indians, Murder on the Orient Express. I thought she was amazing for thinking up such surprising mystery solutions.Lisa Alberhttp://www.lisaalber.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-37603819863361365752014-10-14T12:50:42.303-04:002014-10-14T12:50:42.303-04:00I agree with Lucy, Michael, that you have one cool...I agree with Lucy, Michael, that you have one cool author picture. Like others here, I am delighted with your Agatha Christie connection. Dear Dame Agatha was my first adult mystery series to which I became addicted. The addiction has since spread, and there is zero chance for rehabilitation or cure. And, now, of course, you are adding fuel to my addiction fire with your books, which sound so my cuppa.<br /><br />Choosing what element is most important to me in mystery reading is not something that I can do. Like you, Michael, I am reading, reading, reading to get to the identity of the murderous monster hidden within one of the seemingly innocuous characters. Also, I am a sucker for atmosphere, where the mystery is set and its surrounding mood. "It was a dark and stormy night" thrills me down to my toes. But, I always need to know why the victim had to die, what drove the murderer to do the dastardly deed. So, it might just be the why that becomes most important to me. I want to know what the compelled the murderer to the desperation of murder, what he was thinking before, during, and after. <br /><br />The title The Haunted Ballad just oozes great mood, and the cover is darkly inviting. I love the time setting of the 50s. In those cute little FB quizzes, I usually pick the 50s as a time I'd like to visit. Greenwich Village has to have been fascinating in the 50s. And, I have another book to add to my Halloween reading list that I am posting on my blog and my FB page. So, thanks for the timely visit, Michael, and I look forward to reading your books. <br /><br />Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-41521519399643766362014-10-14T12:26:18.663-04:002014-10-14T12:26:18.663-04:00I've loved mysteries since my Nancy Drew days....I've loved mysteries since my Nancy Drew days. I don't really try to figure out whodunit. I like to let the story wash over me and just see what happens. When I watch Midsommer Murders with my husband I do speculate on whodunit and who's getting it next. That is more self defense though since he's giving a running commentary. Red shirt!Pat Dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-86647151384656784682014-10-14T11:48:08.652-04:002014-10-14T11:48:08.652-04:00Definitely the "Who" is what most draws ...Definitely the "Who" is what most draws me in. I'm always in the hunt for the culprit. I'm most happy when the author fools me, but am pleased with myself if I nail the right suspect. The atmosphere also plays a big part for me, the mistier and moodier the better. Michael Nethercotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05969906707626674601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-70979808899879446652014-10-14T11:40:51.451-04:002014-10-14T11:40:51.451-04:00I enjoy reading the book and getting involved wit...I enjoy reading the book and getting involved within the pages. The characters and their complex lives are always fascinating.travelerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06191803578622949052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-35582419627257917672014-10-14T11:28:49.482-04:002014-10-14T11:28:49.482-04:00I don't try to figure it out when I'm read...I don't try to figure it out when I'm reading, I just go along for a great story. On TV, well, let's just say you don't even have to try. It's the biggest name guest star. :) <br /><br />I once stage managed Ten Little Indians. One of my jobs was to remove each Indian statue when someone was to be offed. They're just supposed to disappear, ya know? I remember to this day with chagrin one performance where apparently EVERYONE saw one going and the murmurs in the audience were audible even backstage. Grrrr. And, yes, the actor who was the killer was on stage at the time so whodunnit? There was no other time I could do it so we changed the staging to pull eye direction elsewhere. Ugh. PK the Bookeemonsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03478996122841311684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-14031857404826235492014-10-14T11:09:56.807-04:002014-10-14T11:09:56.807-04:00I'll about the who, which does include some wh...I'll about the who, which does include some why, obviously. Why did who done it done it. But I love the puzzle and trying to figure out the clues before the detective. I usually guess wrong, but that's okay.Mark Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11567392254011373198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-48685621697085789202014-10-14T10:41:42.778-04:002014-10-14T10:41:42.778-04:00What a wonderful author photo!!! And I am thrille...What a wonderful author photo!!! And I am thrilled to learn about your work, which sounds like my cup of tea. I can't wait to start reading and The Haunting Ballad is definitely going on my list. <br /><br />So nice to find you here, Michael - welcome!Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Museshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07486129009717476920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-51618047929584487572014-10-14T10:36:32.312-04:002014-10-14T10:36:32.312-04:00PS Waving hello to Michael, and opting out of the ...PS Waving hello to Michael, and opting out of the book giveaway, since I won his first, excellent book. Karen in Ohionoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-38275375610734415742014-10-14T10:35:15.110-04:002014-10-14T10:35:15.110-04:00I didn't even know there were other types of m...I didn't even know there were other types of mystery besides the whodunit for a long time. <br /><br />When I was in second grade, and my classmates were being taught to read, I must have been a pain since I already could read well. My brilliant teacher sent me to the school library for reading class, where I could read to my heart's content: Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys. Agatha Christie came later. Karen in Ohionoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-2085127877823473262014-10-14T10:33:12.217-04:002014-10-14T10:33:12.217-04:00I enjoy it when I sometimes have the "Aha!&qu...I enjoy it when I sometimes have the "Aha!" moment and the clues have helped me figure it out. But I don't try to solve as I am reading. I enjoy the twists and turns, because they often make me slow down and get into the story more. And I do like to understand the why.Grandma Cootiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10709540756822695170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-63926007676801903622014-10-14T10:30:21.084-04:002014-10-14T10:30:21.084-04:00Hank: Pregnant or dead? Gosh, are those the only o...Hank: Pregnant or dead? Gosh, are those the only options?<br /><br />Jim: Yes, playing fair with the reader is a must. When s/he goes fishing for clues, they should be visible below the surface. Of course, if the occasional red hearing gets yanked up...well, that's just fine.<br /> Michael Nethercotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05969906707626674601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-43246137589819072652014-10-14T10:19:32.247-04:002014-10-14T10:19:32.247-04:00SO great to see you--I am SUCH a fan!
ANd I alway...SO great to see you--I am SUCH a fan!<br /><br />ANd I always think the why of the who is so important. I ask myself every moment of writing--what;s the motivation, and is it believable?<br /><br />And I always try to figure it out. On, TV, too. Pregnant! I'll yell. or: DEAD! And Jonathan will say--can't you just watch? Nope.<br /><br />xooHank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-76571655577180865732014-10-14T10:07:44.428-04:002014-10-14T10:07:44.428-04:00When I outgrew the Hardy Boys I started reading my...When I outgrew the Hardy Boys I started reading my father's books: Christie and Rex Stout and finally the Gideon series by JJ Marric (John Creasey) and then got into the thriller genre all on my own with John LeCare and then I really branched out.<br /><br />So I can be seduced by the mystery or the character or the location or wonderful writing. What I cannot stand, however, is any mystery that does not play fair when that is the premise. I don't really care if I solve the mystery -- perhaps I even like those I can't solve better, but if the resolution comes from hidden information, I am not a happy reader.<br /><br />~ JimJim Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15090252530437277145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-41281873919105384172014-10-14T09:58:02.428-04:002014-10-14T09:58:02.428-04:00I'm with Reine as far as reading goes! I was ...I'm with Reine as far as reading goes! I was a Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, etc. reader when I was very young!Gramhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027824918114690029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-10375636352457410902014-10-14T09:35:04.380-04:002014-10-14T09:35:04.380-04:00Hi, Michael - Congratulations on The Haunting Ball...Hi, Michael - Congratulations on The Haunting Ballad! Christy, Hillerman, Hammett, Paretsky - they cast a warm shadow on us all!Hallie Ephronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04759439029582054503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-2998415336421826312014-10-14T09:16:11.739-04:002014-10-14T09:16:11.739-04:00I don't know that I actively try to figure out...I don't know that I actively try to figure out "why" either. I mean, I'm interested - but I'm not terribly disappointed if I can't figure it out. Like Reine, I like sitting back and going along for the ride. But like Ramona, I do like knowing the why. Interesting question.Liz Millironhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04919409969263609919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-69913766680671710992014-10-14T09:03:34.416-04:002014-10-14T09:03:34.416-04:00Your books sound like my kind of story--can't ...Your books sound like my kind of story--can't wait to find them! I like layers of meaning and mystery in the books I read--as another early fan of Agatha Christie. I gather up clues and red herrings and sit back and absorb the story as I go, thinking about the people, the places, the events. Sometimes I have a clear idea of whodunit and why before the book ends--but sometimes, not.<br /><br />And I too have roots in Ireland--where the tale begins in 1761 with a young woman who takes ship for Virginia. Now there's a story to riddle out--why? What caused her to leap into the unknown? How did she manage it? Where did she go when she arrived? What did she leave behind?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-13695279802725635022014-10-14T08:46:44.578-04:002014-10-14T08:46:44.578-04:00Great to hear people's own connections with th...Great to hear people's own connections with the whodunit in general and with Agatha Christie in particular. Seeing a film version of Ten Little Indians as a child launched me into reading her novels -- and I've never looked back.<br /><br />That photo, by the way, is from this summer when my son and I journeyed to Ireland. We were the first father/son team from my family in over 50 years to make a trip back to the old country. I'm standing there in front of some ruins in the town of Cahirciveen where my maternal grandmother was born.Michael Nethercotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05969906707626674601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-89915497003171140072014-10-14T08:42:28.494-04:002014-10-14T08:42:28.494-04:00Welcome, Michael! "Mystery immersion" --...Welcome, Michael! "Mystery immersion" -- love it Reine. Yes, that's what I love. Susan Elia MacNealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00349842866995778987noreply@blogger.com