LUCY BURDETTE: I think we’re long past due a post on what we’re reading. For me, it might be better called ‘what’s been delivered for the contest I’m judging, and also what I’m buying, but don’t have time to read!’ I rushed over to the local bookstore the minute these two books were on the shelves, but I’m not sure when I’ll have time to get to them. I did read The Paris Cooking School by Sophie Beaumont on my way to and from Nashville— light reading, delicious food, Paris, romance, what could be better?
Honestly, I’d be so embarrassed to show you my stacks, and I definitely don’t need to add, but can’t resist: what are you reading?
HALLIE EPHRON: Lucy, I”m reading a wonderful book, your very own A POISONOUS PALATE, and having a blast spending time in Key west with Haley Snow and Miss Gloria. I just finished ROMANTIC COMEDY by Curtis Sittenfeld and heartily recommend it. She’s just brilliant and it’s really all about being a writer, so what’s not to like? Even if there’s a boatload of romance in it.
LUCY: Thanks so much Hallie! I'm looking forward to the Sittenfeld book!
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Thanks for the rec, Hallie - I love Curtis Sittenfeld, and I didn’t even realize she had a new book out. (Honestly, I rely on Jungle Reds for 80% of my new-book awareness. Otherwise, I’m just wandering in a fog.)
While recovering from surgery, I’ve been slowly re-reading an old, old favorite, COMING HOME by Rosamond Pilcher. It’s absolutely enormous, and slow-paced, and filled with the most painterly and poetic descriptions of homes and landscapes. I find myself wishing someone still wrote books like hers (although with the rising price of printing paper, her hardcovers would have to go for something like $50 these days!)
I’m also very much enjoying Paula Munier’s sixth Mercy Carr mystery, THE NIGHT WOODS, coming out at the beginning of October. She’ll be our guest the first week in October, so one of you will have the chance to win a copy for yourselves!
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Oh, love this! And I am reading WE SOLVE MURDERS by Richard Osman, in preparation for interviewing him soon for Porter Square Books. Also the wonderful I NEED YOU TO READ THIS by Jessa Maxwell, a terrific novel about a woman who becomes an advice columnist. Oh, and if I have not raved on these pages about the incredible WORDHUNTER by Stella Sands, here’s the rave! Drop everything and read this–about a college student forensic linguist –sort of Lisbeth Salander meets Goth Nancy Drew–who helps police solve crimes by studying the word usage of suspects. When she gets upset, she calms herself by diagramming sentences.
You all will LOVE this!
JENN McKINLAY: Oh, Hank, WORDHUNTER sounds amazing!!! Putting it on my list.
My most recent read was ONE DARK WINDOW by Rachel Gillig. Creepy, dark, romantic, but with some very deep feminist themes. Loved it! A super fun romcom by Jen DeLuca entitled HAUNTED EVER AFTER was a perfect seasonal read! And THE SPELL SHOP by Sarah Beth Durst a wonderful low stakes cozy fantasy that was delightful escapism. In case you can’t tell, I’m fully embracing the magic of the season. Come on cooler temps, pumpkins, apples, and Halloween – we’re dying here in AZ!
DEBORAH CROMBIE: Of course I adored A POISONOUS PALATE! Also, as some of us mentioned on our REDS LIVE, Sarah Stewart Taylor's AGONY HILL, the first of a new series set in 1960s Vermont. Big thumbs up for this one!
My big sweet treat was the new Jenny Colgan, CLOSE KNIT, set in the same fictional Scottish village as last year's book, THE SUMMER SKIES. So happy to see these characters and this fabulous setting return!
(LUCY: I need that book, Debs, as I loved The Summer Skies!)
I listened to the new Ben Aaronovitch novella, THE MASQUERADES OF SPRING, which so far is only available on Audible and as a very expensive (looks like UK) hardcover. Usually I enjoy the novellas but really wish he'd spend more time on the full-length novels, but this one I loved! Think late 1920's New York with jazz and gangsters and Harlem, plus magic (with the incomparable Thomas Nightingale) and a narrator who is right out of PG Wodehouse! No one is as creative as Aaronovitch!
Also, Ann Cleeves new Vera, THE DARK WIVES, which I really enjoyed. (I like the books a lot better than the TV series.) And now I've finally got to Allison Montclair's MURDER AT THE WHITE PALACE, which is starting out to be grand!
RHYS BOWEN: This has not exactly been the week for reading. I was reading the Echo of Old Books and the Novice’s Tale but with John having a health emergency I found it impossible to concentrate and switched to old comfort read, Mary Stewart’s Madam Will You Talk, as it takes place where I hoped to be staying in France… fingers crossed I still can.
Reds, bring it on--what are you reading??
What am I reading? Mostly thrillers [all recommended] . . . Gregg Hurwitz's newest Orphan X book, "Nemesis" . . . James Caine's "Keep the Doctor Away" . . . Michael Geczi's "The Compass Killer" . . . J. D. Robb's new Eve Dallas tale "Passions in Death . . . .
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading MRS. CLAUS AND THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE NEW YEAR'S, the newest Mrs. Claus Mystery by Liz Ireland. Yes, incredibly cozy, but I just love this series. Each book is so much fun, and the world she's created in the North Pole is a wonderful escape.
ReplyDeleteI also recently enjoyed UNTIL DEPTHS DO US PART by KB Jackson, the first in her Cruising Sisters Mysteries. A bit more serious than you might think, but I was captivated the entire time.
Mark, I love K.B. Jackson's Cruising Sisters mysteries. Have you read her Chattertowne mysteries?
DeleteMark, I, too, love the Mrs. Claus series! You described it perfectly — a wonderful escapist world. — Pat S
DeleteThis was the first KB Jackson book I've read. It won't be my last. I'd previously bought the first Chattertowne Mystery, and I'm hoping to get to it soonish.
DeleteHank, I read WORDHUNTER and loved it. I just finished MURDER BUYS A ONE-WAY TICKET by Laura Levine, PASSIONS IN DEATH by J.D. Robb, and ELIZABETH SAILS by Kristin Owens.
ReplyDeleteSo many great recommendations! I'm also in the middle of A Poisonous Palate and loving it, Lucy. And I STILL have Rhys's The Rose Arbor in the wings - I haven't been reading as much lately. Also high in the stack is Alyssa Maxwell's Murder at Vinland, and I'm dying to read the newest Vera, plus Spirit Crossing and Agony Hill. Wordhunter does sound delightful and right down my alley.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I also have The Witching Hour by Catriona McPherson in the can't-wait-to-read pile!
DeleteOoh, I want to read that! Yikes, I just checked and I bought it on Kindle! Have to move to top of my list...
Deletethanks all for the kind words about A Poisonous Palate! I too have ordered the new Richard Osman and wish I'd picked up Wordhunter at Bouchercon!!
ReplyDeleteAfter having finished the two most recent C.J. Box thrillers in the Joe Pickett series (STORM WATCH and THREE-INCH TEETH) I'm working on TROUBLE IN QUEENSTOWN by Delia Pitts, PROUD SORROWS by James R. Benn and a re-read of Robert B. Parker's THE GODWULF MANUSCRIPT. The latter title is for the mystery book club I'm part of.
ReplyDeleteFrom there I've got to read the first Don Bentley written book CONSENT TO KILL in the Mitch Rapp series, Joanna Schaffhausen's ALL THE WAY GONE, Paul Rooney's WIDOW'S COVE and Jack Carr's RED SKY MOURNING. Add in some comics that I'm behind on and I've got a lot of reading to somehow get done.
I've got nothing outstanding to review for Mystery Scene so at least I luck out on not having an official deadline for anything. And since it didn't work out with The Strand magazine, it appears I'm done being an official book reviewer at least for the foreseeable future. My Goodreads reviews will continue though.
Sorry, the strand magazine didn’t work out, Jay, but you are a champion reader! Now our piles are getting higher and higher
DeleteTHE BODY IN THE BOOKSTORE, new series by Ellie Alexander
ReplyDeleteSILENT NIGHTS ARE MURDER by Libby Klein. The final Poppy McAllister book.
THE BOOTLEGGER'S DAUGHTER by Nadine Nettmann. 1927 historical
SLAY RIDE TOGETHER WITH YOU, by Vicki Delany.
I picked up HANK's recommendation YOU NEED TO READ THIS at Nashville Bouchercon.
It seems like we haven't talked about what we are reading for ages. This summer, I read constantly. Hallie, I loved ROMANTIC COMEDY. Speaking of romantic comedy, I've loved books by several authors including Pippa Grant, Louise Bay and new-to-me author Claire Kingsley.
ReplyDeleteI loved A POISONOUS PALATE by our Lucy, which was so good, and A VERY WOODSY MURDER by Ellen Byron, book one in her new series. I read a thriller, ONE LAST SECRET by Adele Parks with an unreliable narrator who kept secrets up to the end.
I am making my way through Donna Andrews' series with her quirky characters and hilarious plots.
Rhys's THE ROSE ARBOR is such a good story, with characters you wish you could see again.
MURDER AT THE WHITE PALACE by Allison Montclair is terrific.
TORN ASUNDER, Barbara Ross's final book in her Maine Lobsterbake series, which I received after she was a guest here, wraps everything up.
I just finished reading Kate Carlisle's DRESSED TO DRILL, and loved the ending. Oh, yeah.
Right now, I am reading THE SAME BRIGHT STARS by Ethan Joella. It is a big departure from my usual choices, extremely well written, but a sad story. I like the main character but will we have a happy ending?
For audiobooks, I am continuing to make my way through Debs's series. Also, Mick Heron's Slough House series and Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series. I re-listened to Dianne Freeman's Countess of Harleigh series, too and am about to read the latest book. I have also listened to Christina Lauren's THE PARADISE PROBLEM and THE HONEY-DON'T LIST. Excellent!
It was a great summer for reading.
Rhys, hope John is doing better, and that you both are able to rest. Sending love.
ReplyDeleteI just finished one I couldn't put down, Women of Good Fortune, by Sophie Wan. Three young, unhappy friends in Shanghai plot their way to a complicated crime they each think will solve all their problems. Not enough bandwidth right now to remember much else.
I am presently reading The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves. I just finished The Lost Boy of Santa Chonia by Juliette Grames- a story of a young pre - K teacher who is sent by the care organization she works for to a secluded town in Italy to start a pre-school. It takes place in 1960. She soon finds herself sucked into the mystery of a skelaton found when the local post office is washed away in a flood. Very good!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds fun!
DeleteThat one sounds excellent!
DeleteLast night I finished Slough House by Mick Herron (so good!) and started Horse by Geraldine Brooks, which I know I will love.
ReplyDeleteRecent enjoyable reads: The Treacherous Net by Helene Tursten (Swedish police procedurals with detective Irene Huss)
Cape Disappointment by Earl Emerson
One Two Three by Laurie Frankel (for book group, so good!)
Book, Line and Sinker by Jenn McKinlay
Killer Takeout by Lucy Burdette
I forgot one--for church book group, we are reading Life After Doom by Brian McLaren-- 2 chapters a week and discussing it. It's a sobering read about the climate catastrophe and how to cultivate resilience.
DeleteI greatly enjoyed Earl Emerson's Thomas Black books.
DeleteGillian, I know I will love Horse by Geraldine Brooks, too. I've loved all her books, but my interruption in reading will probably set reading Horse back, hopefully the first of next year.
DeleteI met the lovely William Kent Krueger at Bouchercon and was able to get a signature on his new book, Spirit Crossing. I have read all of his books and they are so moving. Also recently finished Agony Hill by Sarah Stewart Taylor which was a good mystery. I finished Alex Finlay's new book, If Something Happens to Me, just before the convention. I had not read any of his books before and it was very good. Recently read A Borrowing of the Bones, a Paula Munier book, first in a series, and will be reading more of those. Lucy and Hank, I enjoyed both of your panels, but was too shy to come and say hi. Maybe next time.....
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Julie, I would’ve plowed through the audience to find you if I had known you were there! Yes, yes, yes, next time say hi! Xxxxx
DeleteThat is so sweet!
DeleteJulie, the authors at Bouchercon all seem very pleased to talk with the readers. Sometimes they might have to get to the book signings, but I have found that even just walking around, they are happy to talk with you. (Sorry for interrupting your auction prep, Hank! But you were your usual very gracious self! Thank you.) — Pat S
DeleteJulie, we would have absolutely loved to say hello! We live for talking to readers, It’s the best part of the job
DeleteThanks for so many good suggestions to add to my TBR pile. Spirit Crossing is waiting on my nightstand. It's next in line after A Divided Loyalty by Charles Todd.
ReplyDeleteMy recent reads have been Between a Flock and a Hard Place by Donna Andrews, Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman, The Edge by David Baldacci, and The Five Wishes of Murray McBride by Joe Siple. .
ReplyDeleteDonna Andrews’ Meg Langslow series has long been a favorite of mine. I just love the bird puns and the zaniness of them. This is TJ Newman’s third book and she has hit it out of the ballpark every time. I found her and her first book at the 2022 Savannah Book Festival. The Edge is book 2 in Baldacci’s 6:20 Man series. Can’t go wrong with Baldacci.
The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride is a hidden gem recommended to me by a friend. In it a 100 year old man with pretty much nothing to live for meets a 10 year old boy dying from a heart condition. Jason has a list of 5 wishes for things he wants to accomplish before he dies and Mr. McBride sets out to help him get his wishes. Definitely 5/5 stars!
I’m looking forward to reading Alan Bradley’s new Flavia DeLuce book.
Hank, I just entered a goodreads giveaway for Wordhunter the other day! Today I am reading Sunset Beach by Mary Kay Andrews.
Sorry, the correct title is The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride
DeleteNot in any order: A Poisonous Palate, The Rose Arbor, Murder at the White Palace (he better hurry up with the next one, is all I've got to say!), What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust, and Spirit Crossing--which sucked me in so fast and so far, I read it in one sitting! Next up, Agony Hill.
ReplyDeleteRhys, I hope all is progressing well with John's health and your peace of mind. Madam, Will You Talk--her first published book. I tried to read it with a writer's eye once, to take it apart and see how she did that, it's a slender volume! But the language drew me right back into the story. The way she gives you character, and setting, tension building--it's a comfort read for me, too! And The Ivy Tree--I've read it a million times and I still can't put my finger on the point at which I realize the true identity of the main character--the writing flows and I get carried along!
I reread My Brother Michael last year. Would love to find the time to reread all of the Mary Stewarts. I loved them so much!
DeleteJust finished two fabulous books, Christine Gunderson's Friends with Secrets - this was a surprise. The early chapters didn't excite. Then Gunderson turned the genre and trope upside down and I couldn't put it down. Paul Doiron's Bad Little Falls is the third of the Mike Bowditch series set in Maine. I came to this series in the middle and am working my way back from book 1. It's fabulous, and if you are looking for "the real Maine" look no further. Highly recommend both.
ReplyDeleteRhys, I hope John is on the road to recovery and that you are both able to keep those reservations in France.
Rhys, hope John is on the road to recovery and you are both able to go to France.
Thank you, Kait.
DeleteLoving Philipp Schott's vet mysteries. Trying to catch up with Molly series by Bowen. Just read Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram from He'll by Nicholas Meyer (great), Black Fall by Andrew Mayne, Eruption by Crichton/Patterson, and and A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Khavari among others including several new and old nonfiction titles. Marjorie
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to read the William Kent Krueger and Ann Cleeves books you mentioned, Lucy! I also picked up WORDHUNTER recently and am looking forward to getting into that one, especially after reading Hank's post. I'm currently reading PLAY THE FOOL by Lina Chern, which is fantastically clever and hilarious.
ReplyDeleteRead POISONOUS PALATE by our own Lucy Burdette, and really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next one!!
ReplyDeleteTHE WOMEN by Kristen Hannah (Army nurses in Vietnam. Best writing and fast moving.)
JOAN IS OKAY by Weike Wang (wonderfully funny touching on a serious issues faced by Chinese immigrants) Highly recommend it.
I love ANN CLEEVES. We watched 'Shadows in the Sky' (BritBox) staring the wonderful Brenda Blethyn as Vera.
Listened to The Women on Audible. Great narrations, too.
DeleteI loved Rhys Bowen’s The Rose Arbor and Sarah Stewart Taylor’s Mud Season and Agony Hill.
ReplyDeleteI greatly enjoyed Allison Montclair’s Sparks and Bainbridge Mysteries and have to get to Murder at the White Palace.
And Debs, thank you for mentioning Jenny Colgan, I love her books.
Danielle
Me too, Danielle, and the latest two, The Summer Skies and Close Knit, are up there with my favorites.
DeleteHope John is feeling better, Rhys.
ReplyDeleteLucy, I have so many books to read. I splurged on books this month - a memoir by Dr. Fauci, a memoir by Pelosi and the new novel by Matt Haig.
Most of the novels I read are borrowed from the library.. Currently on the waiting list for your POISONOUS PALATE mystery novel.
Currently reading multiple books.
THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE by Matt Haig
THE WATCHMAKER’S DAUGHTER by C.J. Archer
TOMOROW, TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin
THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (a re-read)
Warning, Diana, that C.J. Archer series is addictive!
DeleteThank you, Diana
DeleteI spent most of August recuperating from a car accident in the hospital and then in a Skilled Nursing Facility with multiple fractures--no surgery, though. I'm happy to be continuing my recuperation at home now. I did read and review a couple of books while in the SNF (not easy with my writing hand in a cast), but now it's much easier to work with dictation to text on my desktop computer. One book that stood out was The Little Lost Library by Ellery Adams. I love both of Adams' series, and this one is a great entry in her Book, Scone, and Society series. And on Saturday, I listened to a wonderful presentation by McCracken Poston at a Sisters in Crime Zoom meeting and immediately started reading his fascinating true crime book, Zenith Man. Poston is a defense attorney who details every step of his experience with a neurodivergent man accused of keeping his wife in the basement for 30 years and then murdering her, while revealing details of his own life during that time. It didn't help that many of the Georgia town's inhabitants seemed afraid of the accused, and he himself was reluctant to help in his own defense. Really, you can't go wrong with this one, published in February 2024. Amazon rating is 4.7.
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh, Margie! Sorry you've been on the injured list. Hope the rest of your recovery goes smoothly and quickly.
DeleteThank you, Karen.
DeleteGlad you’re back home, Margie - that always helps the recovery process. Sending good thoughts!
DeleteI discovered Ellery Adams at Bouchercon and look forward to reading her books.
MARGIE: Glad you are back home to continue your recovery.
DeleteEllery's latest book is in my pile of ARCs to read this fall.
I’m so sorry, Margie. Wishing you a speedy path to healing
DeleteHope being home helps your recovery, Margie. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. — Pat S
DeleteMargie, I’m so sorry about your accident! I’m glad you have books to help distract you. Prayers for a rapid recovery.
DeleteDebRo
Gosh, Margie, so glad you are home and recovering! Best wishes!
DeleteWishing you a complete and speedy recovery, Margie. Glad you could read during your recuperation.
DeleteMargie, so very sorry about your accident – that is scary! Glad you are home and on the mend
DeleteMargie, I'm so sorry to hear that you were in a car accident and, apparently, suffered some serious injuries. I know you must feel so much better being at home now to finish your recuperation. I hope you're back to 100% soon.
DeleteLucy, my comment disappeared. Bad blogger.
ReplyDeleteI am almost embarrassed to say this but...I've kinda been burnt out on domestic suspense. Too many characters I just want to shake and can't relate to.
ReplyDeleteI've taken refuge in fun. I'm currently reading THE CARDINAL'S CURSE by LynDee Walker and Bruce Robert Coffin. Great for fans of Clive Cussler's DIRK PITT books. I just finished a very entertaining history of the US Navy, SIX FRIGATES by Ian Toll, which talks a lot about the War of 1812. And for a light palate cleanser, I read a book of reflections by Thomas Merton, CHOOSING TO LOVE THE WORLD.
Up next are LAST DEVIL TO DIE, the last in the Thursday Murder Club, and the third in Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series, the title of which is escaping me at the moment.
Lucy, I read THE INGREDIENTS OF HAPPINESS on my way to Salt Lake City in June and loved it.
Thanks so much, Liz! I do get what you’re saying about wanting to shake characters L O L
DeleteI am currently reading MOONFLOWER MURDERS, the sequel to MAGPIE MURDERS by Anthony Horowitz who wrote the early television episodes of Midsomer Murders and all of the TV episodes for Foyle's War. I "discovered" him as a result of watching Masterpiece Mystery on PBS. I have yet to convince my husband to join me on the "book circuit" (he's not an avid reader like myself) but his interest now in both Masterpiece Theatre and Masterpiece Mystery has been the backdoor entrance way of getting him interested in books. Masterpiece Mystery was also instrumental in my discovering the murder mystery author Elizabeth George when the Inspector Lynley Mysteries were released in the early 2000's. I loved the push and pull relationship that Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley had with his assistant Sergeant Barbara Havers. Two complete opposites who were developed so well by the writer that I felt I personally knew them. It truly is a great example of how all of you wonderful authors develop consistent main characters who come to life for your readers.
ReplyDeletethat's a lovely description of characters, Evelyn. And a smart way to bring your husband into the fold!
DeleteThank you on all counts, Lucy Burdette. And hopefully the "backdoor entrance" plan works. :)
DeleteJust got home last night from my extended Bouchercon trip. On the flight I listened to THE MASQUERADES OF SPRING. I enjoyed it, but was struck by some of the “common for its time” slurs. I think hearing those words that I am not used to landed differently than if I had read them?
ReplyDeleteOn the trip I also read SONS AND BROTHERS by Kim Hays. I love reading books set in other countries that include great historical and social info. Looking forward to opening the box that has book #3 in it.
Currently reading NEW ADVENTURES IN SPACE OPERA which has stories by a lot of my favorite SFF authors.
And coming up is MILLIE FLEUR’S POISON GARDEN to see if I’ll buy that for my grandmother friends.
I thought a lot about that, Lisa, but I think he handled it correctly. Those are the words they would have used and I think substituting something currently politically correct would have really landed wrong. Interesting topic.
DeleteWhen I was on vacation last month, I read Joseph Kanon’s book, DEFECTORS. I couldn’t put it down! It was one of the books available to read at the house we rented. I’ll be looking for more of his books. I’m currently listening to THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING, by our Rhys. I just started with audio books at the beginning of the summer, and I’m finding that I have a clearer image in my head of the people and places when I’m listening! That came as a complete surprise! When we were on vacation my sister was about three quarters of the way through the Poldark series. On her recommendation I jut borrowed the first in the series from the library.
ReplyDeleteRoberta/Lucy: I thought I had preordered A POISONOUS PALATE, but apparently I didn’t! So it’s on my list of books to look out for now!
DebRo
Deb, I'd like to read more of Joseph Kanon, too. I'll put Defectors on my list. One of my favorite books is The Good German by Kanon, taking place in Berlin after WWII. Do not see the movie they made of this book. I didn't see it because they changed some of the elements that made the book so interesting.
Deletethanks DebRo, sounds like you had a lovely vacation!
DeleteI’ve been busy with a bunch of health related stuff, but of course I’m still reading. Most recently The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman and The Reek of Red Herrings by Catriona McPherson, both rereads. Plus Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson. It’s the eighth — I think — of the Jackson Brodies.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I’m revisiting old friends?
Ann, I hope your “health-related stuff” resolves itself happily. Sending positive energy to try to help. — Pat S
DeleteOh, I've got to order the Jackson Brodie! Do I splurge on the hardcover to join my other Kate Atkinsons?
DeleteSending you good thoughts, Ann. Big hugs.
Ann, sending vibes for good health to you and yours!
DeleteHere's adding my good wishes for a quick resolution to your health problems, Ann! I think it was maybe on your (and/or Deborah's) recommendation of the Jackson Brodie books--just downloaded the first one. It's next after Agony Hill.
DeleteAnn, I hope all the health stuff is behind you or in management control now. It seems every other week this summer I've had a doctor's appointment, and I still have a cataract surgery and mammogram to go this year. I might have to add arthroscopic surgery on my left knee since it's gotten as bad as the right one when it was done. So, I hope your health matters are more nuisance than anything else. I just added Death at the Sign of the Rook by Atkinson to my list. I'm looking forward to a new Jackson Brodie.
DeleteAnn, adding my best wishes for better health, too. And Kathy, I hope your surgery and mammo go well.
DeleteAw, thanks everyone
Deletetake good care Ann, we are rooting for you!
DeleteI have read some books in the past week due to authors I met or saw on panels at Bouchercon. The first was Chasing Justice, the first in the National Forest K-9 series by Kathleen Donnelly (whom I met in the Starbucks line and is very friendly). Then came Perfect Shot by Steve Urszenyi, a thriller about a female sniper with the FBI, on loan to Interpol (first in a series). And while I was gone, the second Cruising Sisters book, A Matter of Life and Depths by K.B. Jackson downloaded on my Kindle, which I just finished yesterday. I just started Doomsday Book by Connie Willis, a time travel book written in the 1990s and A Case of Imagination by Jane Tesh. — Pat S
ReplyDeleteDoomsday Book has been on my to-read shelf for ages, next to Blackout, which I have read and loved.
DeletePat, I loved all of Connie Willis' historian time travel books. Most are deadly serious books, but if you haven't read To Say Nothing of the Dog in these books, I urge you to, as it is one that will make you laugh. Debs, have you read the follow-up to Blackout, which is entitled All Clear?
DeleteBlogger deleted my first comment, but I'll try to repeat it here. I probably have read and listened to 40 books this summer. I am listening to lots of series in order, including Mick Heron's Slough House, Dianne Freeman's Countess of Harleigh, Debs's Gemma and Duncan and Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London. I also listen to many romance authors, a couple new-to-me including rom-coms and historical romances. I could provide more info if anyone else reads these sexy books.
ReplyDeleteI've read a few books that I've won on either FCF or here, that have been on my TBR pile for too long: THE THREE MRS. WRIGHTS by Linda Keir, TORN ASUNDER by Barbara Ross, and ONE LAST SECRET by Adele Parks.
Rhys, I loved THE ROSE ARBOR. What a great story! What an amazing WWII tale!
I also loved A POISONOUS PALATE. Wow what an ending, Lucy!
The latest Allison Montclair, MURDER AT THE WHITE PALACE is terrific!!
I agree with Hallie that ROMANTIC COMEDY is a really good story. Ellen Byron's new series is also about a Hollywood writer. Completely different books!
I have found a few new romance authors and some who combine romance with mystery.
I've also been catching up on some series that I had let slide.
My TBR pile taunts me daily because I have so many exciting books waiting.
Now, I am reading a completely different type of book for me, THE SAME BRIGHT STARS by Ethan Joella. I hope it has a happy ending because this story could go either way! I LIKE happy endings.
My comment just disappeared again. I give up.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson. Intrepid young women trying to keep their places after the Great War.
ReplyDeleteThe Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Neat story and thought provoking.
Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald. No, Persephone wasn't kidnapped by Hades. She went down there and demanded sanctuary. Funny twist on the myth.
The Lucky Widow by Samantha Verant. Awful husband is conveniently dead when his wife returns from Paris. How lucky is that?
Prevailing Wind by Thomas Dolby. Wonderful historical fiction based on the yacht races of the early 20th century and the New York Yacht Club.
I'm not repeating some of ya'll's favorites, just a few different books!
Y'all, not ya'll. My laptop is possessed.
DeletePat, thanks for the heads-up about the Helen Simonson! Love the title.
DeleteI almost don't want to read JRW posts about good books because I will crave more and more and more, and I already have dozens of piled up copies from previous recommendations made by you wonderful authors! I must use the library more. At this rate, not only will my ceiling cave in or my bedside table crumble, but I'll be in the poor house!
ReplyDeleteI may have just signed up for a 4th local library so I could add 10 more books to my hold queue on Libby.
DeleteLisa, I have four CA library cards to help me find digital books! — Pat S
DeleteI love it! It’s so great that you just need to be a California resident to get them!
DeleteWell, it's sloooooooooow going on my return to reading, but at least it has begun. I'm currently reading Annette Dashofy's What Comes Around, the latest Zoe Chambers novel. My first fiction book I read since Kevin's passing was Catriona McPherson's Hop Scot (dedicated to Kevin and our family), and, as always, it was a great comfort to read it. I'm still reading grief books, too, with the current one being The Unspeakable Loss: How Do You Live After a Child Dies? by Nisha Zenoff. I haven't read enough of it yet to know if it's going to be one I'd recommend. Now, here is the book I'm going to finish today, when I go to the cemetery. I rereading one of Kevin's favorite books to him, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. I had forgotten a lot of it, and I had forgotten what a wordsmith Adams is. His use of the well-chosen (apposite) word is delightful to read. Some people may think it's silly to read to my son's grave, but I have to tell you that I find it quite comforting to read a book he loved and introduced to me. If it weren't for Kevin, I might never have read any science fiction. I have lots lined up to read to him, including the younger audience books, The Chronicles of Narnia. A friend of Kevin's and I were talking yesterday, and he said Kevin was always trying to get him to read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but he hadn't yet. I told him to send me his address and I would get one in the mail to him. People and their influence do live on.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I have the Reds' books to read, and they are at the top of my catch-up list. Also, Jen Danna, who writes as Sara Driscoll, and I had lunch before I left Bouchercon on Wednesday, and I have her latest K-9 FBI, That Others My Live; her stand-alone, Echoes of Memory; and her latest NYPD Negotiators, Lockdown. Oh, and Annette's latest Detective Honeywell book, Keep Your Family Close. Louise Penny, like the Reds and Jen Danna and Annette Dashofy, who I always read before publication date finds me still with The Grey Wolf to read. And, The Last Devil to Die in the Thursday Murder Club. And, not many people will believe me when I say I'm behind on Elly Griffiths, with The Last Word and The Great Deceiver. She has a book of short stories coming out in October.
always thinking of you Kathy, what a painful time this has been. Thanks for sharing your ways of coping with the unspeakable loss
DeleteOhh, it was such a busy day, and now my blood sugar is too low to care and not making sense, but I have a few good books that I have read.
ReplyDeleteJulia Chapman – I have to space her out in spite of just wanting to read on and on…
Judi Dench - Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent – this book introduces you to all that is Shakespeare, but also to what an incredible person Judi Dench is. It is her speaking – you will love it. Take the Audiobook.
Jennifer Nielson – Young adult - read anything that she writes. She does her research, and presents it well – sometimes Ott, but it is young adult.
thanks for those suggestions and feel better soon!
DeleteThanks for all of your great ideas! I finished A Poisonous Palate right after I bought my copy when I met Lucy in Plainville, MA. Loved Hayley's expansion of her investigation outside of Key West. A great read. Then, I read Ellen Byron's A Very Woodsy Murder thanks to your suggestions here! Another good read and new author! I met Sarah Stewart Taylor the same night that I met Lucy. so, Agony Hill was my next read and I loved the 1960's which were portrayed so well. A read a few more before I got my book club reading for September: A Novel of Maria Von Trapp by Michelle Moran. This historical novel was outstanding and was quite the contrast to the Broadway musical and the 1960's movie. Excellent! I just ordered three of Rhys Bowen's books. I'll start with The Rose Arbor and move on to The Paris Assignment, The Venice Sketchbook and The Tuscan Child. You are certainly keeping my TBR pile well stocked. I love W. K. Krueger, but his Spirit Crossing will need to wait a bit!
ReplyDeleteI hadn’t heard about the Maria Von Trapp book. It’s a novel? I read her autobiography a million years ago. Thanks for the information!
Deletethanks Alicia for the kind words! We are delighted to keep your pile teetering with books! And it was lovely to meet you--thanks again for the recipe which I'll try this winter.
Delete“Maria” a novel of Maria Von Trapp by Michelle Moran was published in 2024 - a Dell Trade Paperback Original. Alicia Kullas
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