For many years now I have watched other bloggers join in the RIP challenge each fall. R(eaders) I(mbibing) P(eril) is on its eighth go around and I am finally getting around to joining in. It kind of comes at a good time for me because I just finished the challenge to end all challenges and the relief in finishing that one has me giddy thinking of all the reading possibilities open to me. Sure I look forward to reading whatever I feel like, but since this one only requires me to read four books by the end of October, I figure I won’t be locked into anything too demanding. (I still need to finish the last 600 pages of A Suitable Boy before I begin…)
My recent conversations as Simon’s new co-host on The Readers podcast has me in the mood to try out more mysteries–something I normally avoid.
And, of course, I love a list. I decided to go for Peril the First which requires reading four books between now and October 31st. Here are the ones I am planning on reading. (Three of them are in my TBR which makes me quite happy.)
Hide and Seek by Wilkie Collins
Shouldn’t every RIP list contain at least one Collins? Despite being his third novel, this one is apparently his first attempt at a mystery. By Collins’ standard a quick read at 356 pages.
My Cousin Rachel by Rebecca du Maurier
Wikipedia assures me this is a mystery-romance. And other bloggers assure me it is du Maurier’s best book.
The Procedure by Harry Mulisch
I am not sure I have read anything by Mulisch that wasn’t dark in one way or another. This one involves a sixteenth century golem, a stillborn baby, and it’s Dutch. Sounds dark to me.
The Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton
The first of the Agatha Raisin mysteries. At first I thought it was a self help book about heart healthy foods. Not liking this one could mean the end of my tenure on The Readers.
hogglestock 
I am seeing Collins on a lot of lists – and also Shirley Jackson. I like having the two months to complete this challenge, since I don't do well with scheduled reads. I'll look forward to your posts!
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Congrats on finishing your massive challenge! This one is very laid-back and fun. :) Happy to see Du Maurier–except that I have to disagree and say Rebecca is unquestionably and indisputably her best book. My Cousin Rachel is probably my second favorite, though!
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I'm hoping to read a Wilkie Collins for this challenge too. It's always a lot of fun. It doesn't finish until the end of October, by the way, so you have heaps of time. Enjoy!
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Hooray for Wilkie! I haven't read that one yet but I will one day! I do like the ones I have read of his!
welcome to RIP! Ihope you enjoy all your books..and more!
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I'm kind of half-joining this event. I've joined an RIP eadalong of The Historian over at The Estella Society. Have fun reading what you've chosen!
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Yes, Wilkie definitely belongs on every RIP list! Can't believe I forgot to add My Cousin Rachel… already planned as my next DuMaurier novel, but maybe not before Nov 1. Good luck finishing A Suitable Boy – so glad you decided to join the fun this year!
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Dear Thomas,
I do recall the conversation you had with Simon on the topic of crime/mystery fiction. I'm not a great reader of crime ficition like you. There are only two novels which I love: “The Man Who Watched the Trains Go By”, written by Georges Simenon and a short story titled “The Copper Beeches” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
I would choose these two books if I've been asked which are my favourite crime novels. I love both books because of the supremacy of their style and beauty of writing.
Good luck with your new challenge. I do take my hat off to you for taking on a new challenge after you just completed one!
Best wishes, ASD
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I used to love the RIP challenge and while I may not officially participate, I hope to read at least one qualifying book over the next few weeks. I love all of your selections.
And… I am anxious to hear the podcast with Simon – how fun!
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RIP is the only challenge I participate in.
I loved My Cousin Rachel. It's not a fast paced read but Rachel is just too delicious a character to pass up.
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Lisa: I love Collins, but I have found Jackson hit or miss. I loved We Have Always Lived at the Castle, but didn't care at all for the premise of The Haunting of Hill House.
Marvelous Tales: I hope for my sake that I like My Cousin Rachel more than I liked Rebecca.
ASD: I read one by Simenon, Dirty Snow. Quite liked it. I guess it was crime not so much mystery.
Cath: Thanks for correcting my dates. I have updated the post to reflect that.
DesLily: Thanks, I am looking forward to it.
Heather: I will be interested to see what you all think.
JoAnn: You know it really is fun. Especially for me who needs to be a little more creative in book selection.
Molly: I hope you like the podcast. Once the weather cools I am sure you will be in the mood or a little RIP reading.
Ti: I can see why do RIP and not others. Dark reading can often be light reading if you get my drift.
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I wish I could make such reasonable RIP reading plans. My lists are bulge-y and messy and I only ever manage to read a handful out of the myriad of possibilities. Enjoy your spooky reading.
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That's why I signed up. 4 books in 2 months? Heck, I can do that. Although maybe not if I were trying to read 600 pages of Suitable Boy as well. I hope you like Quiche of Death better than I did. What I want to know and can't seem to find anywhere is – do they get better? After all, it was the first Agatha Raisin. They might improve. But nowhere do I see any sort of review suggesting Quiche of Death is relatively weak and they get much better.
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Buried: Mine will probably change 10 times before I finish RIP.
Phinnea: Hmm. HOw to answer the Raisin question. I think you have to accept it as poorly written escapist fodder to get any kind of enjoyment out of it. I liked that it was quick to read. Full stop.
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