Loved hearing your and Donna’s thoughts on this. I enjoyed spending time with Miss Marple again while reading it. My favourite stories were the ones set in classic, cosy Miss Marple settings and where other familiar characters turned up. My least favourite one, was the same story as you and Donna, for exactly the same reason. Although a fun read, for me it really highlighted how incomparable Agatha Christie’s superbly ingenious books are!
I loved this book of short stories, so happy to have Miss Marple back again.. and so many really captured her so well. I agree about the final one not quite 'getting it right'... I loved the one set at Christmas time, I wish we had more Christmases with Miss Marple! (I feel like reading A Christmas Tragedy from The Thirteen Problems) Thank you so much for suggestion this book! I enjoyed it immensely. I read one of the 'new' Poirots and thought she captured the character pretty well, I had a difficult time finishing because of the overly long 'reveal'. But it was well written and I look forward to the Christmas one w/Poirot. And will look into finding some new Sherlock Holmes, one of my favorites next to Miss Marple ...who is my absolute favorite sleuth! I love the Comfort Book Club so much. I live rural and difficult to find a bookclub especially with the kinds of 'cozy' books I love. So difficult to find my 'tribe of book lovers' but here I feel I have. Thank you Miranda and Donna. I hope you enjoyed your cheese and caraway scones and tea 🙂 🍵
I can't thank you enough for this read, like the Mr. Chips novel, if not for you I'd never found these two. The difference takes on Miss Marple is a bit like watching the 3 actresses who have placed her. You have your favorite one that you visualize as best Miss Marple.
I adore Agatha Christie, and was so pleased at how well the contemporary authors portrayed Miss Marple. She is also my favorite sleuth. I think my favorite story was written by Ruth Ware, and her tip of the hat given to Dorothy L. Sayers, who is another favorite of mine. Donna, love your new hairstyle, and thanks to you both for a delightful visit.
I have never read any of Agatha Christie books, so this was a first very enjoyable read not finished yet. Thanks so much massive soft hugs to you and your gorgeous mother who l adore. We managed to visit the David Hockey exhibition in Yorkshire, thanks to your recommendation. Gratitude & appreciation for all your hard work. 🩷🧡💛☕️🧁🇬🇧
Thank you so much for your kind support and words!: they are much appreciated! I'm so glad you enjoy my videos and got to see the fabulous Hockney exhibition too! ❤️📚 💐
Hello Miranda and Donna. I, too, enjoyed this collection. Being October and reading Victorian literature, it was a nice break to pick up short stories especially involving Miss Marple. My favorite was Miss Marple’s Christmas. I love house party stories where the carefully planned festivities go awry. And what a large bunch of mistletoe it had to be to hide pearls! Thank you for this fun read and a good discussion.🎄
Oh that was delightful! Miranda, I have only just discovered you, as I’m new to the world of Booktube. How wonderful to hear your thoughts and those of your lovely mum. You’re so in tune with each other. I have listened to some of these stories on Audible and Val McDermid’s one was my favourite. I know some die hard Christie fans are sniffy about new stories but I think it is a testament to her enduring appeal as a writer. After all, Shakespeare’s plays are also reinterpreted and adapted for the present day. I’m SO much looking forward to catching up with your lovely channel x
I've bought from Blackwell's three times now and had books shipped to the USA and I'll add that the books arrive fairly quickly. I'm impressed with their service, and as a bonus I get the often much prettier UK book covers.
I can get UK books in the US without the need of amazon and Blackwell's vast selection of books makes me happy. The best part of Blackwell's, for me, is that I can get British Library Crime/women writers and Persephone books without paying shipping fees.
I have just started this on audible and I have been so looking forward to it. Sadly due to pain in my neck and arms,I am unable to enjoy traditional books as I used to, but I wanted to let you know how much comfort you and your mum bring me with your videos. Whenever I am feeling really down and can't get out to enjoy nature and beautiful outdoor spaces myself, I put on your videos and take in the joy you both get from your books, days out and tasteful purchases. I just wanted to let you know how much of a positive influence you have on people ❤
Thank you so much for your very kind words. I’m so pleased the videos help a little whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed. Take care - wishing you kindest regards 🧡🍁🫖
When I read this book earlier this year I loved it! I'm a huge Miss Marple fan since I was young! I too used to dream of living in St. Marys Meade. Then one day I thought to myself "knowing my luck I'd end up being the random victim found in the weirdest place."
Hello Miranda and Donna! It was so lovely to join in the Comfort Book Club and read along with you. I so enjoyed Marple. I had borrowed a copy from my local library but I've decided, after spotting a paperback in my bookstore, to buy a copy for my home library. I look forward to November's read.
I loved this collection of stories and wasn't sure if I would as I am a huge Miss Marple fan and I was worried they wouldn't live up to my expectations! Thank you for sharing the voice messages and for your great discussion and other recommendations. Also what lovely flowers you have on your table there - such a joy to look at. x
I really enjoyed this book! It was such fun to see so many different authors' takes on Miss Marple. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite story, but the ending of one made me smile - where Miss Marple reflects on how nice it was to solve a mystery without anyone having to die for a change. Of course I do love the murdery stories as well! Also thank you to both of you for suggesting more writers - I haven't read much beyond Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Josephine Tey.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the books and our discussion! Yes, I think that was the ending of Miss Marple Takes Manhattan - how New York really does make everyone's dreams come true! I liked that line a lot as well 😊
I have never read any of Agatha Christie's books. None, not Miss Marple, Poirot, or her own. I did order the book you are discussing, also the murder of Roger Ackroid. I DO watch Miss Maple on PBS and really enjoy her. Looking forward to reading the bks. I ordered...and MORE in the future! I thoroughly enjoy your channels Miranda, truly. The same goes for your Mom. She is charming g, lovely and an interesting person. I am a tea "addict" ( only black teas w/milk🙂). I make my own scones. Having a mug of tea now w/ you! Thanks so much! 🤗
Joan Hickson is Miss Marple for me and I wish there were more stories. Thankyou for your podcast you are opening up a new world of books and places to visit😄
I was very exited when I discovered this collection of new Miss Marple stories and really enjoyed listening to it this Spring. Absolutely loved returning to the vicarage. I find it fascinating when Jane Marple remembers her childhood, it's such a different time although it's only a few decades away from when the stories are set. Have never thought to put caraway seeds in scones although I love them in bread. I must try making Donna's scones. As a tea and coffee drinker I may rebel and try them with coffee 😊🧡
I enjoyed your video so much. It was also my first time to read a book of short stories. Miss Marple is my favorite Agatha Christie character. I even have my favorite actress who played Miss Marple as well. This was my first time participating in the Comfort Book Club read and I loved it! I’m looking forward to reading “Little Women.” I don’t know why I never read it, but I am looking forward to it. Thank you for your lovely and inspiring videos Miranda, and I just adore your mother Donna. You are so fortunate to have such a beautiful relationship.
This was such an enjoyable Comfort Book Club chat for a rainy Sunday evening (the weather is absolutely dreadful here). Returning to MARPLE for a second time was also delightful and I read each story over two nights as my bedtime read which made the book last a nice long time. Choosing a favourite is quite tricky as I did like them all but narrowing it down to three; The Jade Empress, The Murdering Sort and The Mystery of the Acid Soil. I do agree about Dolly and Miss Marple's behaviour in The Disappearance too, at the end especially, Miss Marple's didn't ring true. I'd definitely buy another contemporary collection. Thanks to you and Donna.
Thank you for a cozy and convivial visit, Donna and Miranda! I so appreciate everyone's wonderful comments -- it was great fun to read these stories with all of you.
Thank you for another delightful tea and book chat! I enjoyed Marple so much. My favorite story was the hilarious (to me) Murder at the Villa Rosa, in which Miss Marple, with no murder to solve, solves an author’s dilemma instead. Looking forward to the next book.
I started this collection reluctantly because, being a huge Miss Marple fan, I thought new stories can't possibly compete with the original. However, I was pleasantly surprised. While some stories were more successful than others imo, I really enjoyed reading them all, and found several to be very nostalgic and engrossing. My favorites are 'The Unraveling' , 'Miss Marple's Christmas' and ' The Mystery of the Acid Soil'. Indeed, Marple is an apt celebration of the iconic Miss Marple.
Thanks so very much for your generous support and words, Faith! It's always so much appreciated! I too wondered how these stories would compare to the original, but like you ended up very happy to have read them and feeling they were an appropriate celebration of Miss Marple too. ❤️📚 💐
Phew! Thank you so much everyone and Miranda and Donna for a great conversation about this month's book. I got muddled and had listened to next month's choice by mistake then didn't know whether to watch in case there were spoilers which, happily, there were not. If anything it has made me more keen to catch up as you all made the stories sound so enjoyable. Happy reading to all, Teresa 📚🕵🏻♀🍂🧡
That's so easy to do when I know you've been very busy, Teresa! I'm so glad you're ahead for next month (and hope you enjoyed the book as much as we did!) and the discussion inspired you to want to read the book for yourself! Have a great week! ❤️📚
What a lovely episode of the Comfort Book Club! Thank you so much! 😍Miss Marple has always been my absolute favourite Christie character and I loved following your celebratory discussion! I haven't read this collection yet but just finished the Harper Collins "Autumn Chills" collection and immediately wanted to reread all the Miss Marple mysteries and indulge in their polished yet unpretentious language! 🧡
I haven’t picked up the book yet, but really enjoyed this review and chat and Miss Marple a favorite of mine - Thanks for recipe also, scones look wonderful!! 🎉
I read each story before bedtime over the last 2 weeks and the Ruth Ware Christmas Story from the collection was my favourite too. So seasonal and atmospheric. I really enjoyed this discussion ... I don't always manage to read the Comfort Club selections before the end of month video so it was so nice to join in today and have knowledge of all the story references you and Donna made. Thank you for another enjoyable video. xx
As so often, I bought your recommendation but didn't finish it in time to watch the club episode till today. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this collection as I often think it is hard to plot a crime story in short form but most of these were very tight and it helps that the central character is so well known that the usual levels of building character can be short-cut. I totally agree how much most of the stories captured the essence of Miss Marple despite the different eras and locations. I thought your readers comment about how racial and cultural differences were addressed in quite a modern way despite the age of the character. Thanks for the wonderful recommendation and video.
It took me a little while to get into this as I haven’t really read short stories. But as soon as I adjusted my mindset to the stories are just chapters in a book about Miss Marple it all came together. I think that the quality of writing helped me make this shift. I was running to catch up today so only finished the last story about half an hour before you posted. This story was good up to the point where we knew the culprit and then it caused me some disquiet for all the reasons you and Donna said. Miss Marple is a detective no more no less and she would not want to be moral arbiter, in my humble opinion. Great choice as ever, so appreciative of all you do. Best wishes to you both. Xx
I really enjoyed reading the different authors takes on Miss Marple. I feel that they captured her well. Thank you for picking this book for this months read :)
I’m not much of a baker but now I’m curious about seed cake! I have no idea what it is. Loved this book and enjoy relaxing with friends like you and Donna at the end of the day
I also listened to these on audio book from my local library on my commutes to and from work. As always, you two ladies are absolutely lovely and those scones look delicious.
Thank you so much, as always, Carol for your generous support which I appreciate so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed these short stories too! We had lots of fun discussing this collection! I hope you're having a good start to the week! ❤️📚💐
I’m two months late for my feedback😂😂 but finished the book this morning and had to come here to tell you that I really enjoyed it. My two favourite stories are , ‘Miss Marple’s Christmas’ and ‘The Second Murder at the Vicarage’. I also listened to the book on audio, but on that medium ‘Miss Marple Takes Manhattan’ was my least favourite due to the accents they put on - it didn’t work in my view. Even though it wasn’t on my top two, really enjoyed ‘The Jade Empress’. Happy new year, Miranda & Donna🎉
The perfect rainy day activity is spending time with Miranda and Donna. I read this selection reluctantly, for I normally don't like inspirational retellings, but I loved this selction. Buy the way, Donna, you look absolutely beautiful with your new haircut. The scones seem delicious - I will be sure to try to the recipe
Thank u!! Love Agatha Christie and Miss Marple is my favorite character of the all. I think I read all of Christie’s books 📚 so this book is just lovely more Miss Marple can never be wrong.
Good morning, I enjoyed the book but I still like Miss Marple in her village with her knitting not gadding about all over the place. One story she didn’t even take her knitting! I loved Kate Mosse because I love that author and the gardening. I have an ear infection with terrible hearing so I have you on TV with the subtitles but I can hear with my left EarPod so have turned it to mute got the timing sorted so I can watch you on the big screen it listen to the iPad 😂. I think Ken Follett had Halloween in Pillars of the earth as part of the 12 century church festivities.
Thoroughly enjoyed the Marple Mysteries short stories, and read them all very quickly. Lovely book which I will pick up again and again. Thank you for this super choice .
Donna, I love your new haircut, you look beautiful. Thank you for a great discussion, I thought I would leave a list of all the narrators so you can see what a great group they are: Alex Kingston, Adjoa Andoh, Miriam Margolyes, Celia Imrie, Chipo Chung, Adrian Scarborough, Anna Chancellor, Alison Steadman, Jodhi May, Cathy Tyson, Ramon Tikaram. For Dr Who fans Alex Kingston played River Song in Dr Who. I agree about the last story, though I loved the narration the characters were out of whack and I simply don't believe that Dolly or Miss Marple would act as they did in the story. I also agree about the first story, I loved it and it is the first ever Val McDermid story I have ever read. I would like to make a suggestion unless of course you have already read it, I thought Thirteen Problems might be a fun read for the group? Thank you again.
Thanks so much Sherri for the details of the readers of the audiobooks - many great actresses as you say! Yes, we know those stories very well and perhaps one day it might be one for the CBC! So happy you enjoy the Miss Marple stories too! ❤️📚
You're very welcome@@MirandaMills I hope you enjoy it if you give it a listen. Yes, I love Miss Marple very much. I have a Folio copy of all her short stories and a very old well loved paperback of all the Miss Marple short stories. Thanks for the great ep.❤📚
Oh 😊the scones sound delicious!! I love caraway. Caraway seeds taste great in a lot of soups too. Obviously for cabbage but I find them especially tasty with carrots and celeriac
Thank you Miranda and Donna for this video and talking about miss marple short story never read them before listen to some short stories on audio making now want to read some . Thank you as always!❤grace
Wonderful discussion as always, I do look forward to them every month 😊. I really did enjoy rereading this months choice, The Second Murder at The Vicarage was definitely my favourite one. Such a clever idea for a story. Thank you for sharing the scone recipe, I shall definitely have a go at it. Have a good week ☺️
I, too, must give a shout out to Blackwells, and their quick turnaround to sending my book orders to Western Oregon. Loved this video🍁 Miss Marlow is my favorite and how people underestimate her probably because she was an older woman. Enjoyed this lovely chat.
I enjoyed your book club talk today Miranda and Donna. I like to hear your opinions. It was fun reading the 'take' various authors have on Christie's work. Thanks.
Hello Miranda and Donna.My favourite story was The Disappearance by Leigh Bardugo. The ending really surprised me I think that is why it was my favourite.I have never read miss marple before .
Thank you, Donna and Miranda!🌷I’m not a huge fan of short stories, but, after listening to you, I’ve downloaded this collection on my kindle. Very much looking forward to reading it too! By the way, I’ve read a couple of the new Poirot novels by Sophie Hannah and thoroughly enjoyed them. If you decide to read Poirot’s Silent Night, which has just come out, I hope you’ll share your thoughts with us.
Hi Miranda, A couple of Canadian books referencing Agatha Christie have been recently published. I thought you might like them. Recipes for Murder, 66 Dishes That Celebrate The Mysteries of Agatha Christie by Karen Pierce. The second is a children's book series by Marthe Jocelyn inspired by Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot. The author did lots of research on Christie's childhood and the main character, Aggie Morton, is patterned after her. Hector Perot is her side kick. The third book in the series was short-listed for the Edgar award, and the fourth book won that award this year (Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen The Seaside Corpse).
Hi Miranda and Donna. Thank you for suggesting this lovely selection of Miss Marple stories from modern writers which I really enjoyed reading. My favourite was 'The Second Murder at the Vicarage' by Val McDermid. I was very impressed at how Val captured the atmosphere of the original story. The tale was extremely good! I too find Blackwell's very good and here in the highlands of Scotland my books are always delivered promptly. Thank you! Have a lovely week!
Dear Miranda and Donna, thank you for this lovely talk. It cheered me up a lot. I will definitely try the Caraway-Cheese-Scones recipe. It sounds so yummie! Have a lovely week you two❤
Hi Miranda & Donna - I was really pleasantly surprised with this collection and I had such a cosy time reading it- my favourites were The Second Murder at the Vicarage and Evil in Small places but also like everyone - Miss Marple’s Christmas & The Jade Empress were brilliant as well. I enjoyed them all even the Alyssa Cole & Leigh Bardugo, which while they didn’t capture Marple as well for me, were still thoroughly entertaining as stories. A good mix of authors I’ve tried before, and some I now feel excited to try… I really hope they do more! I’ve read all the Miss Marple’s and I’m always looking for similar stories/ characters and am keen to try a Miss Silver - would you recommend starting at the beginning or can they be read out of order?if so, is there a stand out one that I should definitely head to first? Thank you for all the hard work as always, the comfort book club is always a treat.
Thank you Miranda and Donna, Val McDermid very nearly took the crown for me, but then along came Kate Mosse, I though she absolutely nailed the characters and the solution was as clever as any Agatha Christie original! I enjoyed the book overall but was a little disappointed that I was able to guess the murderer far more often than ever I do in the originals.
I second the Blackwell comments. Having them ship beautiful British editions to me, makes me almost feel a little like Helen Hanff! 😊 By the way, also love Donna's new haircut.
A lovely short story collection. I finished reading this book before heading for holiday in the Caribbean. Imagine my surprise to discover a toxic tree, complete with warning signs nailed onto the tree on the beaches of Tobago. The manchineel tree indeed is ‘the deadliest tree on earth’ with a fruit that looks like a small apple. I think Donna’s new haircut looks lovely. I enjoyed the discussion and I look forward to your next set of book recommendations.
Great show! Always fun to start Sunday with you ladies. Just ordered next month's selection through Blackwell's. They really are exceptional! Thank you for all you do. Happy Halloween, Miranda! 🍂🎃🍁
I thought it was interesting that I could almost immediately recognize which tv Miss Marple would have been in each story. One of the stories talks about Miss Marple with a little bun in her hair so I pictured Joan Hicks on that one.
In the Murder of Roger Acroyd (the 4th Poirot story) the drs sister was the prototype for Miss Marple, which adds a different dimension to the reading of that story
I don’t think people will ever understand that Miss Marple was THE Cottagecore legend.
So nice to visit with you and Donna. This will be a lovely evening
Loved hearing your and Donna’s thoughts on this. I enjoyed spending time with Miss Marple again while reading it. My favourite stories were the ones set in classic, cosy Miss Marple settings and where other familiar characters turned up. My least favourite one, was the same story as you and Donna, for exactly the same reason. Although a fun read, for me it really highlighted how incomparable Agatha Christie’s superbly ingenious books are!
I loved this book of short stories, so happy to have Miss Marple back again.. and so many really captured her so well. I agree about the final one not quite 'getting it right'... I loved the one set at Christmas time, I wish we had more Christmases with Miss Marple! (I feel like reading A Christmas Tragedy from The Thirteen Problems)
Thank you so much for suggestion this book! I enjoyed it immensely.
I read one of the 'new' Poirots and thought she captured the character pretty well, I had a difficult time finishing because of the overly long 'reveal'. But it was well written and I look forward to the Christmas one w/Poirot.
And will look into finding some new Sherlock Holmes, one of my favorites next to Miss Marple ...who is my absolute favorite sleuth!
I love the Comfort Book Club so much. I live rural and difficult to find a bookclub especially with the kinds of 'cozy' books I love. So difficult to find my 'tribe of book lovers' but here I feel I have. Thank you Miranda and Donna. I hope you enjoyed your cheese and caraway scones and tea 🙂 🍵
Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm so happy you're enjoying the Comfort Book Club. We did indeed enjoy the scones! ❤️📚
I can't thank you enough for this read, like the Mr. Chips novel, if not for you I'd never found these two. The difference takes on Miss Marple is a bit like watching the 3 actresses who have placed her. You have your favorite one that you visualize as best Miss Marple.
So happy you enjoyed the book and the discussion! Thank you for your lovely comment ❤️📚
I adore Agatha Christie, and was so pleased at how well the contemporary authors portrayed Miss Marple. She is also my favorite sleuth. I think my favorite story was written by Ruth Ware, and her tip of the hat given to Dorothy L. Sayers, who is another favorite of mine. Donna, love your new hairstyle, and thanks to you both for a delightful visit.
Donna goes off-piste with a cup of coffee!☕🤣
I have never read any of Agatha Christie books, so this was a first very enjoyable read not finished yet. Thanks so much massive soft hugs to you and your gorgeous mother who l adore. We managed to visit the David Hockey exhibition in Yorkshire, thanks to your recommendation. Gratitude & appreciation for all your hard work. 🩷🧡💛☕️🧁🇬🇧
Thank you so much for your kind support and words!: they are much appreciated! I'm so glad you enjoy my videos and got to see the fabulous Hockney exhibition too! ❤️📚 💐
Oh my goodness just yet again a beautiful fun video ...thank you ladies for making my rainy Sunday perfect...love love love your channel.
Thanks so much 🧡🍁📚
Hello Miranda and Donna. I, too, enjoyed this collection. Being October and reading Victorian literature, it was a nice break to pick up short stories especially involving Miss Marple. My favorite was Miss Marple’s Christmas. I love house party stories where the carefully planned festivities go awry. And what a large bunch of mistletoe it had to be to hide pearls! Thank you for this fun read and a good discussion.🎄
' Miss Marple's Christmas' is my favorite too for the same reasons. 🎄🕵️
Thank you so much, Glenda! 🧡🍁📚
Absolutely delightful to see a mother daughter reading team!🐾👏🏼🐾📚
So enjoyable. Miranda and Donna you bring the sunshine. Thank you. 🤗
So happy you enjoyed it!❤️📚
Oh that was delightful! Miranda, I have only just discovered you, as I’m new to the world of Booktube. How wonderful to hear your thoughts and those of your lovely mum. You’re so in tune with each other. I have listened to some of these stories on Audible and Val McDermid’s one was my favourite. I know some die hard Christie fans are sniffy about new stories but I think it is a testament to her enduring appeal as a writer. After all, Shakespeare’s plays are also reinterpreted and adapted for the present day. I’m SO much looking forward to catching up with your lovely channel x
I agree with Miriam about Blackwell’s. Their shipping fee to the USA is so reasonable and their book selection is wonderful!
I've bought from Blackwell's three times now and had books shipped to the USA and I'll add that the books arrive fairly quickly. I'm impressed with their service, and as a bonus I get the often much prettier UK book covers.
Wonderful news!
Good to hear! 🧡🍁📚
I can get UK books in the US without the need of amazon and Blackwell's vast selection of books makes me happy. The best part of Blackwell's, for me, is that I can get British Library Crime/women writers and Persephone books without paying shipping fees.
I have just started this on audible and I have been so looking forward to it. Sadly due to pain in my neck and arms,I am unable to enjoy traditional books as I used to, but I wanted to let you know how much comfort you and your mum bring me with your videos. Whenever I am feeling really down and can't get out to enjoy nature and beautiful outdoor spaces myself, I put on your videos and take in the joy you both get from your books, days out and tasteful purchases. I just wanted to let you know how much of a positive influence you have on people ❤
Thank you so much for your very kind words. I’m so pleased the videos help a little whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed. Take care - wishing you kindest regards 🧡🍁🫖
When I read this book earlier this year I loved it! I'm a huge Miss Marple fan since I was young! I too used to dream of living in St. Marys Meade. Then one day I thought to myself "knowing my luck I'd end up being the random victim found in the weirdest place."
Best comment!!
😂 So funny! 🧡🍁📚
You ladies are the best. Always so much fun. Thank you!!!
So happy you enjoyed the discussion! ❤️📚
Hello Miranda and Donna! It was so lovely to join in the Comfort Book Club and read along with you. I so enjoyed Marple. I had borrowed a copy from my local library but I've decided, after spotting a paperback in my bookstore, to buy a copy for my home library. I look forward to November's read.
I loved this collection of stories and wasn't sure if I would as I am a huge Miss Marple fan and I was worried they wouldn't live up to my expectations! Thank you for sharing the voice messages and for your great discussion and other recommendations. Also what lovely flowers you have on your table there - such a joy to look at. x
Thank you, Sue! I found this collection exceeded my expectations the first time I read it too. So glad you enjoyed it as well! xxx
I really enjoyed this book! It was such fun to see so many different authors' takes on Miss Marple. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite story, but the ending of one made me smile - where Miss Marple reflects on how nice it was to solve a mystery without anyone having to die for a change. Of course I do love the murdery stories as well! Also thank you to both of you for suggesting more writers - I haven't read much beyond Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Josephine Tey.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the books and our discussion! Yes, I think that was the ending of Miss Marple Takes Manhattan - how New York really does make everyone's dreams come true! I liked that line a lot as well 😊
I have never read any of Agatha Christie's books. None, not Miss Marple, Poirot, or her own. I did order the book you are discussing, also the murder of Roger Ackroid. I DO watch Miss Maple on PBS and really enjoy her. Looking forward to reading the bks. I ordered...and MORE in the future! I thoroughly enjoy your channels Miranda, truly. The same goes for your Mom. She is charming g, lovely and an interesting person. I am a tea "addict" ( only black teas w/milk🙂). I make my own scones. Having a mug of tea now w/ you! Thanks so much! 🤗
Joan Hickson is Miss Marple for me and I wish there were more stories. Thankyou for your podcast you are opening up a new world of books and places to visit😄
I was very exited when I discovered this collection of new Miss Marple stories and really enjoyed listening to it this Spring. Absolutely loved returning to the vicarage. I find it fascinating when Jane Marple remembers her childhood, it's such a different time although it's only a few decades away from when the stories are set.
Have never thought to put caraway seeds in scones although I love them in bread. I must try making Donna's scones. As a tea and coffee drinker I may rebel and try them with coffee 😊🧡
I enjoyed your video so much. It was also my first time to read a book of short stories. Miss Marple is my favorite Agatha Christie character. I even have my favorite actress who played Miss Marple as well. This was my first time participating in the Comfort Book Club read and I loved it! I’m looking forward to reading “Little Women.” I don’t know why I never read it, but I am looking forward to it. Thank you for your lovely and inspiring videos Miranda, and I just adore your mother Donna. You are so fortunate to have such a beautiful relationship.
♥️Hello Miranda and Donna! Must let you know I made the scones and they are delicious!! Thank you for the recipe! Till next time!♥️🇨🇦
I love the mother and daughter relationship you two have! Such a lovely mum you have. Your gorgeous too. x
This was such an enjoyable Comfort Book Club chat for a rainy Sunday evening (the weather is absolutely dreadful here). Returning to MARPLE for a second time was also delightful and I read each story over two nights as my bedtime read which made the book last a nice long time. Choosing a favourite is quite tricky as I did like them all but narrowing it down to three; The Jade Empress, The Murdering Sort and The Mystery of the Acid Soil. I do agree about Dolly and Miss Marple's behaviour in The Disappearance too, at the end especially, Miss Marple's didn't ring true. I'd definitely buy another contemporary collection. Thanks to you and Donna.
Thank you for a cozy and convivial visit, Donna and Miranda! I so appreciate everyone's wonderful comments -- it was great fun to read these stories with all of you.
Thank you so much for your support, Christina! It's much appreciated, and I'm glad you enjoyed the discussion ❤️
I love the synchronized "so cosy" around 3:44.
adore miss marple. your mum has a fabulous new haircut as well🤎🍂
Just discovered your new video, and here I am again catched by the comfy, chatty mood with you and your mom. 🥰🥰
Thank you for another delightful tea and book chat! I enjoyed Marple so much. My favorite story was the hilarious (to me) Murder at the Villa Rosa, in which Miss Marple, with no murder to solve, solves an author’s dilemma instead. Looking forward to the next book.
That was a fun one too! So glad you enjoyed the discussion! ❤️📚
I started this collection reluctantly because, being a huge Miss Marple fan, I thought new stories can't possibly compete with the original. However, I was pleasantly surprised. While some stories were more successful than others imo, I really enjoyed reading them all, and found several to be very nostalgic and engrossing. My favorites are 'The Unraveling' , 'Miss Marple's Christmas' and ' The Mystery of the Acid Soil'. Indeed, Marple is an apt celebration of the iconic Miss Marple.
Thanks so very much for your generous support and words, Faith! It's always so much appreciated! I too wondered how these stories would compare to the original, but like you ended up very happy to have read them and feeling they were an appropriate celebration of Miss Marple too. ❤️📚 💐
Phew! Thank you so much everyone and Miranda and Donna for a great conversation about this month's book. I got muddled and had listened to next month's choice by mistake then didn't know whether to watch in case there were spoilers which, happily, there were not. If anything it has made me more keen to catch up as you all made the stories sound so enjoyable. Happy reading to all, Teresa 📚🕵🏻♀🍂🧡
That's so easy to do when I know you've been very busy, Teresa! I'm so glad you're ahead for next month (and hope you enjoyed the book as much as we did!) and the discussion inspired you to want to read the book for yourself! Have a great week! ❤️📚
What a lovely episode of the Comfort Book Club! Thank you so much! 😍Miss Marple has always been my absolute favourite Christie character and I loved following your celebratory discussion! I haven't read this collection yet but just finished the Harper Collins "Autumn Chills" collection and immediately wanted to reread all the Miss Marple mysteries and indulge in their polished yet unpretentious language! 🧡
I haven’t picked up the book yet, but really enjoyed this review and chat and Miss Marple a favorite of mine - Thanks for recipe also, scones look wonderful!! 🎉
I read each story before bedtime over the last 2 weeks and the Ruth Ware Christmas Story from the collection was my favourite too. So seasonal and atmospheric. I really enjoyed this discussion ... I don't always manage to read the Comfort Club selections before the end of month video so it was so nice to join in today and have knowledge of all the story references you and Donna made. Thank you for another enjoyable video. xx
So glad you managed to read along with us this month! xxx
As so often, I bought your recommendation but didn't finish it in time to watch the club episode till today. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this collection as I often think it is hard to plot a crime story in short form but most of these were very tight and it helps that the central character is so well known that the usual levels of building character can be short-cut. I totally agree how much most of the stories captured the essence of Miss Marple despite the different eras and locations. I thought your readers comment about how racial and cultural differences were addressed in quite a modern way despite the age of the character. Thanks for the wonderful recommendation and video.
It took me a little while to get into this as I haven’t really read short stories. But as soon as I adjusted my mindset to the stories are just chapters in a book about Miss Marple it all came together. I think that the quality of writing helped me make this shift. I was running to catch up today so only finished the last story about half an hour before you posted. This story was good up to the point where we knew the culprit and then it caused me some disquiet for all the reasons you and Donna said. Miss Marple is a detective no more no less and she would not want to be moral arbiter, in my humble opinion. Great choice as ever, so appreciative of all you do. Best wishes to you both. Xx
I really enjoyed reading the different authors takes on Miss Marple. I feel that they captured her well. Thank you for picking this book for this months read :)
Your mom’s haircut is lovely!
Coffee or tea, depends on the time of day for me!
I’m not much of a baker but now I’m curious about seed cake! I have no idea what it is. Loved this book and enjoy relaxing with friends like you and Donna at the end of the day
I also listened to these on audio book from my local library on my commutes to and from work. As always, you two ladies are absolutely lovely and those scones look delicious.
Thanks so much, Shelli! 🧡🍁📚
It was great to share my message about this pick, I can't wait to get into my next Miss Marple mystery! - Gina
Thank you so much for the lovely message, Gina! I'm so happy you enjoyed the book and are inspired to continue with Miss Marple! ❤️📚
I love miss Marple. I named my new puppy Miss Marple. My vet tech had to look her up then started watching the tv series and she is also enjoying it.
Lovely! ❤️
Thanks! I enjoyed reading the short stories in this month’s selection. I always enjoy listening to the discussion between you and your mom.
Thank you so much, as always, Carol for your generous support which I appreciate so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed these short stories too! We had lots of fun discussing this collection! I hope you're having a good start to the week! ❤️📚💐
Seed cake is also mentioned in The Mystery Affair At Styles ( poirot )
I’m two months late for my feedback😂😂 but finished the book this morning and had to come here to tell you that I really enjoyed it. My two favourite stories are ,
‘Miss Marple’s Christmas’ and ‘The Second Murder at the Vicarage’. I also listened to the book on audio, but on that medium ‘Miss Marple Takes Manhattan’ was my least favourite due to the accents they put on - it didn’t work in my view.
Even though it wasn’t on my top two, really enjoyed ‘The Jade Empress’.
Happy new year, Miranda & Donna🎉
I am thrilled with this Comfort Book Club and making the Cheese and Caraway Scones too.
Thanks so much!
Love Miss Marple and I enjoyed these stories. We share the same favorites, the Christmas story and the 2nd Murder at the Vicarage ❤️
The perfect rainy day activity is spending time with Miranda and Donna. I read this selection reluctantly, for I normally don't like inspirational retellings, but I loved this selction. Buy the way, Donna, you look absolutely beautiful with your new haircut. The scones seem delicious - I will be sure to try to the recipe
Wonderful! Hope you enjoy the scones if you try the recipe! ❤️📚
Thank u!! Love Agatha Christie and Miss Marple is my favorite character of the all. I think I read all of Christie’s books 📚 so this book is just lovely more Miss Marple can never be wrong.
So agree! Thank you, Ingert!🧡🍁
I enjoyed this month's bookclub selection. I've watched all the Miss Marple shows but have never read any of the stories.
Good morning, I enjoyed the book but I still like Miss Marple in her village with her knitting not gadding about all over the place. One story she didn’t even take her knitting! I loved Kate Mosse because I love that author and the gardening. I have an ear infection with terrible hearing so I have you on TV with the subtitles but I can hear with my left EarPod so have turned it to mute got the timing sorted so I can watch you on the big screen it listen to the iPad 😂.
I think Ken Follett had Halloween in Pillars of the earth as part of the 12 century church festivities.
Thoroughly enjoyed the Marple Mysteries short stories, and read them all very quickly. Lovely book which I will pick up again and again. Thank you for this super choice .
Glad you enjoyed it!🧡🍁📚
Donna, I love your new haircut, you look beautiful. Thank you for a great discussion, I thought I would leave a list of all the narrators so you can see what a great group they are: Alex Kingston, Adjoa Andoh, Miriam Margolyes, Celia Imrie, Chipo Chung, Adrian Scarborough, Anna Chancellor, Alison Steadman, Jodhi May, Cathy Tyson, Ramon Tikaram. For Dr Who fans Alex Kingston played River Song in Dr Who. I agree about the last story, though I loved the narration the characters were out of whack and I simply don't believe that Dolly or Miss Marple would act as they did in the story. I also agree about the first story, I loved it and it is the first ever Val McDermid story I have ever read. I would like to make a suggestion unless of course you have already read it, I thought Thirteen Problems might be a fun read for the group? Thank you again.
Thanks so much Sherri for the details of the readers of the audiobooks - many great actresses as you say! Yes, we know those stories very well and perhaps one day it might be one for the CBC! So happy you enjoy the Miss Marple stories too! ❤️📚
You're very welcome@@MirandaMills I hope you enjoy it if you give it a listen. Yes, I love Miss Marple very much. I have a Folio copy of all her short stories and a very old well loved paperback of all the Miss Marple short stories. Thanks for the great ep.❤📚
Oh 😊the scones sound delicious!! I love caraway. Caraway seeds taste great in a lot of soups too. Obviously for cabbage but I find them especially tasty with carrots and celeriac
Sounds great!🧡
Thank you Miranda and Donna for this video and talking about miss marple short story never read them before listen to some short stories on audio making now want to read some . Thank you as always!❤grace
Glad you enjoyed it!🧡🍁
Wonderful discussion as always, I do look forward to them every month 😊. I really did enjoy rereading this months choice, The Second Murder at The Vicarage was definitely my favourite one. Such a clever idea for a story. Thank you for sharing the scone recipe, I shall definitely have a go at it. Have a good week ☺️
I, too, must give a shout out to Blackwells, and their quick turnaround to sending my book orders to Western Oregon. Loved this video🍁 Miss Marlow is my favorite and how people underestimate her probably because she was an older woman. Enjoyed this lovely chat.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Shelley! And also delighted to hear of the quick service from Blackwells! ❤️📚
Enjoyed most of the stories in this book but some I found were just not up to Christie’s.
I enjoyed your book club talk today Miranda and Donna. I like to hear your opinions. It was fun reading the 'take' various authors have on Christie's work. Thanks.
Hello Miranda and Donna.My favourite story was The Disappearance by Leigh Bardugo. The ending really surprised me I think that is why it was my favourite.I have never read miss marple before .
Thank you, Donna and Miranda!🌷I’m not a huge fan of short stories, but, after listening to you, I’ve downloaded this collection on my kindle. Very much looking forward to reading it too! By the way, I’ve read a couple of the new Poirot novels by Sophie Hannah and thoroughly enjoyed them. If you decide to read Poirot’s Silent Night, which has just come out, I hope you’ll share your thoughts with us.
Hi Miranda, A couple of Canadian books referencing Agatha Christie have been recently published. I thought you might like them. Recipes for Murder, 66 Dishes That Celebrate The Mysteries of Agatha Christie by Karen Pierce. The second is a children's book series by Marthe Jocelyn inspired by Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot. The author did lots of research on Christie's childhood and the main character, Aggie Morton, is patterned after her. Hector Perot is her side kick. The third book in the series was short-listed for the Edgar award, and the fourth book won that award this year (Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen The Seaside Corpse).
Hi Miranda and Donna. Thank you for suggesting this lovely selection of Miss Marple stories from modern writers which I really enjoyed reading. My favourite was 'The Second Murder at the Vicarage' by Val McDermid. I was very impressed at how Val captured the atmosphere of the original story. The tale was extremely good! I too find Blackwell's very good and here in the highlands of Scotland my books are always delivered promptly. Thank you! Have a lovely week!
You too! 🧡🍁📚
Going to make the scones with my daughters this week! Thank you for sharing!
You are so welcome! Enjoy! 🧡
Dear Miranda and Donna, thank you for this lovely talk. It cheered me up a lot. I will definitely try the Caraway-Cheese-Scones recipe. It sounds so yummie! Have a lovely week you two❤
Thank you so much, Inga! I hope you enjoy the scones when you get a chance to make them! 🧡🍁📚
Hi Miranda & Donna - I was really pleasantly surprised with this collection and I had such a cosy time reading it- my favourites were The Second Murder at the Vicarage and Evil in Small places but also like everyone - Miss Marple’s Christmas & The Jade Empress were brilliant as well. I enjoyed them all even the Alyssa Cole & Leigh Bardugo, which while they didn’t capture Marple as well for me, were still thoroughly entertaining as stories. A good mix of authors I’ve tried before, and some I now feel excited to try… I really hope they do more! I’ve read all the Miss Marple’s and I’m always looking for similar stories/ characters and am keen to try a Miss Silver - would you recommend starting at the beginning or can they be read out of order?if so, is there a stand out one that I should definitely head to first? Thank you for all the hard work as always, the comfort book club is always a treat.
I have read them out of order, but I would probably recommend reading them in order if possible. So happy you’re enjoying the videos! 🧡🍁
Thank you Miranda and Donna, Val McDermid very nearly took the crown for me, but then along came Kate Mosse, I though she absolutely nailed the characters and the solution was as clever as any Agatha Christie original! I enjoyed the book overall but was a little disappointed that I was able to guess the murderer far more often than ever I do in the originals.
Yes, me too! Christie was so brilliant at the mystery itself too, I think! 🧡🍁📚
I second the Blackwell comments. Having them ship beautiful British editions to me, makes me almost feel a little like Helen Hanff! 😊 By the way, also love Donna's new haircut.
That's great to hear! Thank you. It's lovely to get book post 😊❤️📚
Loved this book! Listened to the audio version. Thanks for the suggestion Miranda 🍁
You're so welcome!
A lovely short story collection. I finished reading this book before heading for holiday in the Caribbean. Imagine my surprise to discover a toxic tree, complete with warning signs nailed onto the tree on the beaches of Tobago. The manchineel tree indeed is ‘the deadliest tree on earth’ with a fruit that looks like a small apple. I think Donna’s new haircut looks lovely. I enjoyed the discussion and I look forward to your next set of book recommendations.
😱
Eek! At least after the short story, you were slightly prepared. So happy you enjoyed it! 🧡🍁📚
Great show! Always fun to start Sunday with you ladies. Just ordered next month's selection through Blackwell's. They really are exceptional! Thank you for all you do. Happy Halloween, Miranda! 🍂🎃🍁
Thank you! So happy to hear that 🧡🍁📚
I thought it was interesting that I could almost immediately recognize which tv Miss Marple would have been in each story. One of the stories talks about Miss Marple with a little bun in her hair so I pictured Joan Hicks on that one.
I enjoyed the book very much. I especially liked revisiting some of the characters from Miss Marple stories like the Bantry's.
I agree! 🧡📚
Hello.Btw , I adored this book. So glad to have it in my collection
Yay! ❤️📚
In the Murder of Roger Acroyd (the 4th Poirot story) the drs sister was the prototype for Miss Marple, which adds a different dimension to the reading of that story
Thanks!
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Thank you so much, Myriam, for your brilliant message and your very kind support! Both are so much appreciated! ❤️📚💐
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Thank you so much for your lovely support! It's so kind of you, and I really appreciate it! ❤️
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Thanks so much for your kind support! I really appreciate it! ❤️📚