At the time I’m writing this, I’m halfway through Mitch Albom’s latest novel, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven. It’s the sequel to The Five People You Meet in Heaven, who are the five people who have lessons to teach you when you arrive. I’ll have finished it by the end of the evening. Overly sentimental, but I still had a few tears. But, I roared with laughter over Ron Charles’ review of it in The Washington Post. Even if you have no interest in the book, you should check out the review if you want a good laugh. https://wapo.st/2IOE7zI
So, what are you reading this week? I have to admit, I have a couple meetings today, so I won’t be checking as often as I’d like, but I’ll catch up. Let us know what you’ve been listening to or reading.
As mentioned, I finished THE NEGOTIATOR by Brendan DuBois last night. People, go back and read Lesa's review from a week or so ago. Terrific book and he seems to leave it open for a sequel. I know I would read it.
I mentioned THE CALCULATING STARS by Mary Robinette Kowal last week, I think, and I raced through this first prequel to her Award-winning novelette "The Lady Astronaut of Mars" quickly. In 1952, a meteorite lands in the Atlantic, doing tremendous damage along the Eastern seaboard and wiping Washington, D.C. off the map. It also has implications for the future survival of Earth, and scientists (including former test pilot Elma York and her physicist husband Nathaniel) push for space colonization. Terrific stuff, ad the sequel is on hold at the library. And read the story for free at tor.com.
I'm int he middle of three story collections:
Lord Dunsany, FIFTY-ONE TALES (very short pieces)
Catherine Aird, LAST WRITES (entertaining 'traditional' mysteries, some with Sloan & Crosby, her police detectives)
Abbey Mei Otis, ALIEN VIRUS LOVE DISASTER (very odd but incredibly imaginative)
I'm a quarter of the way through C. J. Tudor's THE CHALK MAN and still can't decide about it. It's certainly readable – events alternate between 1986, when the main characters are 12, and thirty years later, with a definite STAND BY ME vibe, in part – but I'm not sure how I feel about it.
I got quite a bit of reading in this week. I finished
NIGHT AND SILENCE by Seanan McGuire. It’s the 12th book in her October Daye series about the dRker and often bloody side of Fairy. It’s one of my favorite series
BURNING RIDGE by Margaret Mizushima was also good. It’s the fourth book in her K-9 series featuring Maddie and Robo.
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE SECRET GARDEN was a short paranormal romance by Larissa Emerald. It’s set in Kristen Painters Nocturne Falls universe.
An ARC of A WRENCH IN THE WORKS by Kate Carlisle which was a quick read but enjoyable.
VOYAGE OF THE DOGS by Greg Van Eekhout is a children’s book about dogs on a space mission which was just OK
CHRISTMAS CAKE MURDER by Joanne Fluke – why did I waste an afternoon on this?
Jeff, I'd read a sequel to The Negotiator as well. I gave my copy to my brother-in-law, and I can't wait to hear what he thinks when he gets around to it. (I gave him a few other ARCs by some of his favorite authors, so those are on the top of his TBR pile.)
I do have to get around to the Kowal. I'm working on a project right now, so maybe when that's done.
Sandy, I love it when someone surprises me with their comment – "Why did I waste an afternoon on this?" I'm linking to a long article about Fluke tomorrow on Poisoned Pen's blog, but I stopped reading her books more than a few years ago. I'm glad the rest of your reading week was better.
I finished the following:
Freshly Ground Murder ( book 3) by Tonya Kappers
Desert Vengeance ( book 9 ) by Betty Webb)
I have now finished the Lena Jones series.
I started reading Betty Webb's book after Lesa did a review of her book The Otter of Death.. I have that book set a side for later. Her other books The Gunn Zoo Mysteries were also great reading. Thank you, Lesa for introducing me to Betty Webb.
I have enjoyed all of her books.
Her last book of the Lena Jones series comes out in March of 2019. Looking forward to it and sad also because I really liked the characters.
I understand she will start a new series.
I am now reading:
Dangerous Undertaking by Mark de Castrique. Lesa, did a review recently about this book it caused me to put a hold on it at the library.
Cold Blooded Brew (book 4 ) by Tonya Kappes
Find time to read a book this week.
📚📚📚📚☕️
Charlotte, my wife is a huge fan of the Lena Jones series, so I know she will be reading that one too.
I’m working on I’m Yiur Venus, the second of Diane Vallere’s space mysteries. Should finish it today, and then I’ll start on Miranda James’ latest, Six Cats a Slayin’
I started THE DINNER LIST by Rebecca Searle because it was on so many "must read" lists. I gave up after chapter 3 because it wasn't to my liking.
Now I am reading THE LOST CAROUSEL by Juliette Blackwell which I am liking very much. Thanks for the recommendation Lesa.
Happy Reading Everyone!
Forgot to say I gave up on the Joanne Fluke books quite a while ago as well. They got so bad I wondered how she was still able to get published. But I still make her blue blueberry muffins 🙂
I know, Charlotte. It's going to be hard to let go of Lena. Betty's new series will be set in Paris.
Mark, That's one I'm looking forward to reading, Dean James' Six Cats a Slayin'.
You're welcome, Sharon. And, I never tried The Dinner List because a friend did exactly what you did, quit early.
I read some older books myself.
The Dummy murder Case by Milton K.Ozaki; a psychology professor tries to punch up the old gag about staging a shooting in front of a class, then asking for eye witness accounts. They find a a real body. Breezy and fun.
Flight 685 Is Overdue by Edward Moore; soap opera about a plane high-jacking. Amazing how much more pleasant flying used to be.
The Wire Devils by Frank L. Packard; A pre WWI story about a gentleman crook taking on a criminal gang using the telegraph to rob trains. I was surprised at the low body count.
Newer stuff:
Shadow Tyrants by Clive Cussler; Oregon Files story has the crew up against The Nine Unknown Men, made up of two factions that want to take over the world.
Abuse of Power by Michael Savage; He should stick to radio.
Jericho by Brad Dennison; Western about a young deputy who captures an outlaw, who just happens to be the girlfriend of the local outlaw chief. We know how this goes.
I'm reading Blood Hollow by William Kent Krueger. Just finished a wonderful historical novel called The Midwife of Hope River. The author, Patricia Harmon, is a former midwife who has led a very interesting life so her fiction is full of authentic stories.
I just finished Duel to the Death by J.A. Jance. She must have done a lot of research on cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence. Not her usual mystery.
Now I am reading Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney. Very strange.
I'm currently reading THE SPECTATOR BIRD by Wallage Stegner and also GRIEF Day by Day (I lost my precious fur baby Oreo on Tuesday and I'm heartbroken to the point of dysfunction). And, Lesa, I know you understand how devastating this loss is.
Ron Charles' review of Albom's latest made me laugh, which, considering everything, was marvelous.
Wishing you and your fur babies a nice weekend, my friend.
Hugs to you ~ Beth
1. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult I have only one more disc to listen. I feel like I have been a big experience. Have cried many times while listening.
2. First Generation: 36 Trailblazing Immigrants and Refugees Who Make America Great
by Sandra Neil Wallace. Continuing to read. Great book.
3. Winter Kept Us Warm by Anne Raeff. I have considered quitting this, I do not like any of the characters, decided to try to read faster and then have my review say why I don't like in consideration for those thinking about reading it!
Glen, I have to admit the older titles sound better than the new ones. They sound more imaginative.
Thanks, Patricia. I know a midwife in Ireland who might appreciate that book.
I just received a Feeney, Jim, and it looks odd, too.
Oh, Beth. You're right. I'm so sorry to learn about Oreo. And, I'm sorry I wasn't around to read this sooner and say how sorry I am. I'm glad I could link to something to make you laugh. But, I know. The heart breaks a little bit every time we lose a fur baby. I'm sorry.
You had quite a week, Carol. A moving book, a great one, and a so-so. Wishing you a good week of reading ahead.