Seven continents. Seven murders. Or seven crimes anyway. I had already started a little mini project that is going to fit in perfectly with my summer "Murder and Mayhem" reading that I have embarked upon. I thought I would wait to say anything until I was sure I would actually be able to manage it, but already two books (and two continents) down, so here we go.
Asia
Africa
North America
South America
Antarctica
Europe
Australia
Surely it is not too grande a goal, and since I am reading mostly mysteries this summer anyway (though no worries, not exclusively--I'll be writing about other books, too), to read five more books set on the various continents?
Laura Lippman's first Tess Monaghan mystery, Baltimore Blues, set in Maryland will fit perfectly for North America. One continent down. And D.A. Mishani's, The Missing File, set in Israel will be my Asia selection. Maybe this is going to be a true learning experience . . . I erroneously thought Israel would count for my Europe choice. But Israel is technically part of Asia. It's Western Asia, but Asia nonetheless.
Other than geographical setting I have no other stipulations. It can be a crime novel or suspense. It can be one of a long running series or a standalone. And no matter the period or subgenre. It just sounded like a fun thing to do.
And the choices are limitless. Except maybe for Antarctica, which might be more of a challenge than I think. Somehow I think I am not going to find many police procedurals set in Antarctica. Do you know of any?
For Africa I was thinking South Africa (which sort of feels like cheating, but as long as the author is from there, it works for me). Maybe Jassy Mackenzie's Jade de Jong mysteries.
I have been picking up and setting down and picking up again Alberto Musso's novel, which would work for South America. It is also set in 1913, a period I love reading about with such an exotic setting of Rio. And I have a most lovely Europa Editions copy.
The sky's the limit for books set in Europe. Where do I feel like traveling? Ireland? Italy? Maybe somewhere off the beaten track like Iceland or Hungary. Belgium or a return to The Netherlands? Just thinking about picking a book makes my fingers itch to start digging through book piles! Hmm. Or maybe France with Fred Vargas, since I already had one of her books set aside?
And Australia? I could return to Phrynne Fisher, who I get such a kick out of. Phrynne reminds me a little of Daisy Dalrymple--just a little naughtier and more decadent. I've got a few of Gary Disher's mysteries, as well as a few by Patricia Carlon which sound very like Barbara Vine (so she must be good).
Antarctica might have to involve a ship, maybe something historical? I'll have to give that one some thought. Since I have two books under my belt I think I am ready to choose a third. Always a happy prospect to think of picking up a new book to read.
Happy weekend reading everyone--I hope you get to spend some time reading or thinking about reading or choosing a new book.