Dear Bazz,

Just have to comment on Morse. Colin Dexter has created in him a character that for me really lived and breathed. Morse is the sort of guy you'd expect to meet in the quadrangle at one of the colleges in Oxford - that he was cast as a detective was a stroke of genius - I would encourage everyone to read the books, although the series was so well done and John Thaw was a dream in the role.

Dear Steven,

I have a few Maigret novels on the shelf and have thoroughly enjoyed them over the years. I remember thinking at one stage that I pictured Maigret to look like Rendell's Wexford - then I found out that Ruth Rendell was inspired by Georges Simenon, which might explain the likeness between the two characters.

Dear Bango,

I so love Rumpole's character - he is a stroke of genius. Leo McKern, of course, played him so well in the television series. I think this series worked because they allowed you to get into Rumpole's thoughts, something absolutely necessary if you are to get the full gist of Rumpole - I love the books best.

Given am a Scorpio [I apologise for inheriting this starsign Severin, TBC and Yabby] on the cusp of Sagg, think I was born to read and write Detective and mystery novels LOL. I LOVE and cannot wait finding out who did what, WHY they did it, mix in some herbs and spice, [romance, union of the souls, love and humour] with the characters, and of course the fantastic ending. I start reading the back cover storyline, read about the author, flick the first few pages to see how its written and take off!

About a third of the way through the book after developing a love of a character[s], I then steel and discipline myself not to flick to the back pages to find out who the murderer was and not to find out if the main characters end up together in a relationship or what other characters unite.

There are no favourites: any mystery or detective story I adore reading. Harry Hunsicker, quite a few of Tara Moss's books [I love Tara's stories, personality, along with her long legs and beauty], many second hand and newsagency purchased crime and detective books, finding them less expensive. I then trade with one of my sisters, mother and father and friends, along with giving away books to a girlfriend's father-in-law who is a writer, yet he loves to read fictional mysteries. His usual query runs along the lines of "why havent you published all those writings/works yet"? in an admonishing tone. I respond "just waiting for an illustrator to come along for the childrens stories written and the other novels to be edited".

So many Aussies with fantastic talent amongst us, as I am a strong believer there is a "writer and author" in us all. Time and follow-through are the keys to becoming an author, and books published, are never failures, if they do not fall into the best-seller market. Each reader to their own tastes. I have successful authors in my family and it took a while for their books to take off.

we are unique

Wonderful post. Forgiveness not required.

Your mentioning of Tara Moss - I have been meaning to read some of her books - she certainly impresses with her intellect and good looks on the TV. I should really be jealous, well, I have the looks but not the books. Yes, I'm a wanna-be thriller writer too.

However, severe penance should be served if you EVER turn to the end of a book to find out who dunnit.

Just recalled another fave type of detective. Having read the books and watched the series and awaiting the next series:

Dexter

Told you I liked things dark and edgy.

I am really pleased you are a writer Severin [think we are both very much alike in our passions along with standing up to enforce our morals and values on behalf of other people and children.

Upon reflection weeks ago, I realised with sadness after our spat, that you and I still agreed upon the main issues in different ways expressing those issues. We both possess strong morals and values and more importantly deep compassion for children teenagers and less fortunate people. I have awaited for your return over the weeks to find an opportunity to inform you of the above and to say a heartfelt sorry if I was insulting weeks ago on that thread.

Keep up your great postings and you do on many occasions give me wonderful enjoyment with your sense of humour, wittiness and intelligence.

we are unique

Now I am blushing. What a wonderful treat to the beginning of the week. I recall us disagreeing - it is so far out of mind that I have forgotten what it was about exactly. No mind. We share, along with may other posters to OLO, a deep passion for true justice and equity. I am honoured to know you.

PS

Does Doctor Who count as a detective?

Peter Corris' Cliff Hardy is one of Australia's great fictional detectives: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Corris#The_Cliff_Hardy_novels

Spending part of my time in Sydney's Inner West, where the novels are set, I can almost see Cliff out of the corner of my eye, browsing at Glebe books, entering a local hotel or visiting a contact the the local boxing gym.