As many books, including library books, that I have at home, and I dug out a book by one of my favorite authors. I’m quite a few years behind in reading the Wesley Peterson mysteries by Kate Ellis. But, I have them all. I’m currently readingThe Shining Skull. The books feature Detective Inspector Wesley Peterson and a team of officers in Tradmouth, England. Wesley’s old college friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, always uncovers an unusual historical case that is somehow juxtaposed with Wesley’s current case. These mysteries are intriguing, and well-done. I love the historical aspect. The cast also includes Wesley’s wife, a school teacher who dated Neil in college. Family life is an important element in the books.
I’m reading The Shining Skull. What are you reading right now?
I'm reading The Nest by Terry Goodkind, The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan and The Seekers by Daniel J Boorstin.
Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!
I loved The Bookshop on the Corner! I just read it a few weeks ago. I'm currently reading Longbourn by Jo Baker, which is kind of a Pride & Prejudice retelling but P&P is just peripheral to this story, which focuses on the lives of the Bennet family's servants. It has great period details, but it's a bit depressing. Life was really hard for servants and the lower classes back them. I'm also reading The Trouble With Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis. She always writes great banter and I've definitely been in the mood for more lighthearted reads lately.
I'm reading THE DARK SIDE OF THE ROAD by Simon R. Green.
I like that series too, Lesa. I picked most of them up over the years in England, and usually read one a year in Florida, though I missed the last couple of years. I'm one book further behind than you. I like Wes and Neil, and like the way he gets along with his boss, unlike so many police series where there is an antagonistic relationship.
Currently reading: like you I'm catching up, though in my case it is Brian Freemantle's scruffy but wily spy, Charlie Muffin. I'm reading the fifth, MADRIGAL FOR CHARLIE MUFFIN, set mostly in Rome. The library has bought ebooks of these, allowing me to catch up on the ones I missed. Also reading Howard Waldrop's science fictional short story collection, THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME, another library download. And I've started a book that was highly recommended, Iain Reid's first book, I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS. But since I also picked up another six library books I better read faster!
I am currently reading two culinary cozies by new (to me) authors: DEATH AT THE DAY LILY CAFE by Wendy Sand Eckel and ECLAIR AND PRESENT DANGER by Laura Bradford. Both are good so far! And I got another 17 books from the library this week, all but one are mysteries to read. Fun, but am definitely not tackling my personal TBR mountain.
Just started W. L. Ripley's SPRINGER'S GAMBIT last night.
Added that the first in that series to my list at our library and so will start on it when I get home after the holidays. Thanks for the recommendation.
I am now reading the King of Shanghai by Ian Hamilton. This is the 7th in the Ava Lee series. The books are difficult to get in the US but I persist. I am not sure why but I LOVE this series even with all the violence! Ava is a forensic accountant who tracks down big money when it is stolen from others. She is on the side of the good guys but often ends up using bad guy techniques to recover it. She pretty much is a Superwomen with money.
Enjoy the holidays!
I'm reading a young adult book, Thresholds by Nina Kiriki Hoffman. I couldn't seem to get into any of my library books so I pulled out something light to re read.
Diane: I also love reading the Ava Lee series. I live in Ontario, so I have been lucky to meet Ian Hamilton a number of times. Ava is a unique character (a Lesbian Asian-Canadians in her 20s) and I like how Ian has her globetrotting around Asia and Europe tracking down the missing money. She does kick butt with the help of her allies, and mentor/partner.
I entered a contest for a book that I now hate, listening to Behind Her Eyes. I need to give my eyes a break but this book is not worth it.
But I am thoroughly enjoying Sparrow in the Wind by S. Rose. Learning about Wisconsin's past. I had no idea that there was a big lumber industry there, apparently, it was a lot of hard work and not much wages. Also the main character had grandparents from Norway and I am learning some phrases and enjoying the history so much. I love this book!
I just love reading about the books you're reading, loving, and, in some cases, hating! I just came from a meeting that we end by going around the room and telling people what book we've just read. In this case, because it was the end of the year, we discussed one of our favorite books.
On here, I love the interchange between readers. I loved that book! Or, I also love that series, and more about why. It's a small group of people whose names become recognizable, and it's fun to connect with others who read what we do.
Thank you, everyone, for being here!
And, Jeff? I'm so glad you reminded me I hadn't done, "What Are You Reading" in a while.
I'm reading a nonfiction history of the American Revolution, Scars of Independence by Holger Hoock.
I just finished reading Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart. The sequel is already out so I thought I'd better grab this one when I saw it on the library shelf. Very enjoyable and an easy read. I'm just starting The Secret Ingredient of Wishes by Susan Bishop Crispell. Lesa, I liked your review of Jane Cleland's books, and even though you recommended reading them in order, I decided to start with her holiday-themed book, Ornaments of Death. I loved it and will be reading the others. Thanks for the recommendation?!
I always miss it when it's gone because I love to see what other people are reading. Not that I need more, but it always gives me new books and authors to look out for.
I am reading The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware.
I will be honest I am not sure I like this book. I am in chapter 20 reading from Kindle from Over Drive from my library. It took forever for my hold to come available. Not sure if it was worth the wait at this time.
Maybe it will get more interesting soon.
Has anyone read this? If so did you it or dislike it?
I have three books on my Christmas wish list. Sure hope someone will decide on giving them a place under the 🎄for me. I love to receive books for all occasions and coffee mugs. Great gifts always.
Have a blessed Christmas season.
Lesa, Merry Christmas
Charlotte,
I read The Woman in Cabin 10. It didn't excite me. I'm not fond of those unreliable narrator books, and I didn't like the main character. But, that's me, and I know the book was popular this past year.
Thank you! And, Merry Christmas to you, too, Charlotte.
Lesa
You're welcome, Margie. And, I read a whole new take on reading books from teh beginning the other day. I think it was on Jungle Reds, and one of them said, you don't know anyone's backstory when you first meet them. Why do you have to read a book series from the beginning? You can just drop into their life at any time. Interesting. (I still like to read from the beginning if possible.)
Lesa, I feel now that I am not out there by myself on this top selling book. Glad I didn't buy this book.
I will finish it. Just wish I could read faster so I could find a first page grabber book and get lost in.
I am reading The Taken by Inger Ashe Wolfe.
I too like the Kate Ellis series. I am not as far along as you are in the series. My next book will be The Bone Garden which is book 5. Your post reminds me that I should move it up in my TBR stack.
Just finished up Laurie R. King's "Touchstone." I'd started it when it came out and couldn't get into it. But after loving her "The Bones of Paris," which is a followup, I went back to the first book and I'm glad I did! Now it's onto Catriona McPherson's "Quiet Neighbors," which she signed for me at Malice last year (yes, I'm way behind….)
Oh, Jen! I hope you stay with "Longhorn"! I loved it and it pays off if you stick with it!
Charlotte–I read Ruth Ware's first book, IN A DARK, DARK WOOD, which needed at least one more rigorous edit. The characters were too young to be as established and accomplished in their fields as they were; the villain was glaringly obvious from first appearance; and there was exhausting "busyness" involving cell phones, texting, people using each other's phones, losing cell service. Ware's ability to create an ominous atmosphere was offset but all these (in my mind) faults. I've read lots of good things about CABIN 10, but I understand there's cell phone business going on there too. Oh dear.
As for what I'm reading: I'm barreling through M.R. Carey's THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS, a post-apocalyptic zombie story that is well-written and entertaining. I also reading Carrie Fisher's THE PRINCESS DIARIST, which is about her experience filming the first Star Wars movie and includes excerpts from the diary she was keeping then.
This was a good day. Thanks everyone for talking about what you're reading!
I am reading Plaid and Plagiarism by Molly MacRae. So far it a little slow going.
I'm almost done with Shannon Baker's most excellent debut for her new mystery series, Stripped Bare.
I also like Kate Ellis's series. Right now I'm reading Murder at Beechlands, an oldie from 1948, by Maureen Sarsfield. It's a relatively short book but it seems to be taking me forever to read it. I think I'm distracted by the Midwest weather.
trying to re-read the lord of the rings