Reading in winter

[katriona_s]

The temperature has dropped. After the warmer days than usual in the first half of December here in Yokohama, now the real winter climate has come. In early morning the temperature is abour 4 or 5°C, during daytime it's around 10°C I think? In many other areas in Japan they have already had heavy snow or severe coldness, so it's just natural. Now I need thick coat, scarf and gloves to go out.

This year I have read some mystery stories which are set in SHetland Islands and enjoyed them very much. Then, now I started reading the ones (by the other author) which are set in Oland Island, Sweden. Their stories and writings are good, and, in those books there are a lot of description about the scenery or the local culture, they stimulate my imagination and desire to travel far. This is another merit of the novels. So I enjoy reading those mystery books.

Though, the mystery is usually about the murder case so the story of loss, and those stories I have read are all set in the north islands... thus, these books somewhat chilled my heart. The coldness of December and the sad story together made me feel lonely or helpless.

Maybe these are not the books for winter. Doesn’t anyone know the good mystery books set in the South Sea islands?? XD

Comments

[coffeetime]

Not the South Sea islands, but what about mysteries that don't have murders? Camino Island, Get Shorty, The Little Old Lady Who Broke All The Rules, etc.

Also, not fiction but a tropical setting. I thought the writing was really compelling (especially the descriptive passages!) and I have recommended this book so many times: The River of Doubt.

[katriona_s]

Thank you for your comment. I tried to find the books you have mentioned, but unfortunately they seem to have no Japanese translations :(. Pity...

[coffeetime]

It's true, most of these are not popular enough to merit a Japanese translation. But John Grisham is often translated - according to Amazon, the ISBN for Camino Island in Japanese is 4120053415.

[vera_j]

I love detective stories/novels myself but I don´t like those "norther" ones - too dark for my tastes. I have mentioned it before - I really like historical ones - Brother Cadfael, Falco, Gareth and Gwen Mysteries etc... - the Welsh ones inspired me into learning Welsh language on Duolingo:-) - I assure you that that can keep you very busy and it is FUN!:-)

[katriona_s]

Oh you are right. Those other books are generally dark. Sometimes it's a bit difficult to read them.

[vilakins]

Are you happy to read in English? I enjoyed this Fijian mystery series as you get a real feel for what it's like to live there (I have visited, and perhaps you did when you went to Samoa). There are five books in the series, plus a prequel story about how the main character, Joe Horseman, became interested in detective work. I really enjoyed them because they tell you a lot about the country and culture. The author is Australian, but lived there a long time. Of course they are all murders which I find sad, but I like the solving of the mysteries and the island setting.

I haven't read any of those northern ones, but I've heard they're depressing, like the "nordic noir" tv series set there.

[edit] I see you want Japanese translations, and I don't think these would be popular enough to have any. What a pity.

[katriona_s]

Unfortunately my English skill is not good enough to enjoy the English book. If I can read English better then I have plenty books I’d like to read. Pity.