It’s that time again! It’s Thursday and time to talk about what we’re reading.
Because I’m usually reading a mystery or two for Library Journal, I usually have a stack of books
beside me, a mix of fiction and nonfiction that I want to sample. I don’t always get through them immediately because of other commitments. And, some are slow-going.
Since I just read an entire nonfiction book on Tuesday, I’m starting some new ones. Easter Dawn: The 1916 Rising is by Turtle Bunbury. This is the story of Ireland’s attempt to overthrow the British. I have the feeling this will be one of the slower reads, although I love Bunbury’s way with words.
On the total opposite end of the spectrum is a novel by an Australian author, Charlotte Nash. It’s called The Paris Wedding, and, if it has enough Paris in it, my copy will eventually find its way to my friend Kaye, keeper of all things Paris.
And, of course, I’m halfway through two mysteries that I can’t talk about right now, but the reviews will be here in a couple months.
What are you reading this week? It’s our day to talk books!
Just finished three collections of short stories:
RObert SHeckley, Store of the Worlds
Edward D. Hoch, The Night My Friend
James Holding, The Zanzibar Shirt Mystery and Other Stories
The Sheckley is science fiction. The Hoch is minor, a collection of his early, non-series stories, generally not as good or interesting as his series work, though worth a quick read. The Holding was fun, a collection of all his "Leroy King" stories about a mystery writing duo (KIng Danforth and Martin Leroy) who solve armchair mysteries (so to speak) while on a round-the-world cruise with their wives.
I'm nearly done with David Sedaris's Theft By Finding: Diaries (1977-2002), just as his new book, Calypso, is in from the library.
I started Side Jobs, a collection of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files stories about Chicago wizard Harry Dresden.
And, of course, there are several other things tempting me from the shelf.
I finished THE SHADOW OF DEATH by Jane Willan. It is a cozy mystery that takes place in Gwenafwy Abbey in Northern Wales. The Abbey is famous for its organic gardens and award winning cheese Heavenly Gouda (how great a name is that?) Sister Agatha is an aspiring mystery writer who listens to podcasts on how to go about writing a mystery which she applies to her own predicament when the Abbey's sexton is found dead and the local constable rules it an accident. Her sidekick in sleuthing is Father Selwyn. I loved how she tried to channel her favorite mystery sleuths throughout. I found this very entertaining and am looking forward to book two in October.
Now I am reading CAROUSEL BEACH by Orly Konig. Halfway through and am enjoying this as well. Maya is in the process of restoring a carousel while working through her grief. She discovers a secret message carved in the bottom of the stand up horse about her grandmother…..So far it is very good.
Happy Reading Everyone!
I recently read Jane Willan's book too, Sharon. Thought it was very good and I'm also looking forward to the next. Right now, I'm reading a couple of book that are at the domestic end of the mystery scale. Emily Giffin's new book will be out soon and I'm reading it – All We Ever Wanted. A mother in Nashville with a son who sent an inappropriate picture of a girl to his buddies and the consequences. I've not ever read anything by Giffin and I get the feeling that this is a little more serious than what she usually writes. It's good so far. I'm listening to The Secrets You Keep by Kate White, another author that I've meant to read but haven't as yet. This one came out in 2017 and it's about a non-fiction author who is recovering from a bad car accident and spending the summer with her husband in Saratoga, NY. After a catered dinner party they host, the chef is murdered the next day and the author finds that her husband may or may not have secrets. Plus she's having weird dreams about the time of the car accident. It's good enough, if not terribly innovative. Looking forward to some new entries by favorite authors this summer.
Books I am looking forward to (with official release date):
7/10 Linda Castillo, A Gathering of Secrets (Kate Burkholder)
7/17 Megan Abbott, Give Me Your Hand (non series)
8/14 Marcia Muller, The Breakers (Sharon McCone)
8/14 Colin Cotterill, Don't Eat Me (Dr. Siri Paiboun)
9/4 Craig Johnson, Depth of Winter (Walt Longmire)
9/11 P. J. Tracy, The Guilty Dead (Monkeewrench)
9/23 Archer Mayor, Bury the Lead (Joe Gunther)
10/30 Michael Connelly, Dark Sacred Night (Harry Bosch & Renee Ballard)
11/5 Lee Child, Past Tense (Reacher)
11/11 Allen Eskens, The Shadows We Hide (Joe Talbert)
I'm a fan of the early Harry Dresden, Jeff. I quit after he "died" and went to the fairy world. I really didn't care anymore. I preferred the alternate Chicago over the other world. I did read Side Jobs, though.
A good week of reading, Sharon! I hope we all have such a good week.
Kay, With your recommendation, and Sharon's, I'm going to have to look for The Shadow of Death. Thank you!
Linda Castillo, Craig Johnson, P.J. Tracy – all on my list, too, Jeff.
I read two books by Janet Evanovich – CURIOUS MINDS and DANGEROUS MINDS. They were both over the top and unrealistic quick reads but I liked the characters and I wanted something short and funny. I tend to like lighter books for reading out on the deck during the summer.
I also finished an arc of DEATH OVER EASY by Maddie Day which is the next book out in her Robbie Jordan cozy mystery series. It was an enjoyable read.
I’m currently reading another cozy, THE SKELETON PAINTS A PICTURE by Leigh Perry.
Jeff, I used to read the Harry Dresden books but like Lessa quit after he died. I do have Side Jobs on hold at the library so I’ll give it a try whenever it comes in.
I finished The Puffin of Death (book 4) by Betty Webb
I am reading Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes by KarenRose Smith
Prey on Patmos by Jeffrey Siger
Reading is fun one book at a time.
📕📕📕📕📕📕📕📕☕️
I quit reading the Dresden novels too, but figured (correctly, so far) that the stories were written earlier and would interest me more.
I really do need to get back to that Maddie Day series, Sandy, especially since it's set in Indiana.
Charlotte, Two of my favorites – Betty Webb & Jeffrey Siger.
I didn't have as much time as usual to read this week (working on a speech for Toastmasters and catching up on some TV I'd DVR'd) but I did make it through two books.
I hadn't read anything by Daryl Wood Gerber in a while, so I picked up A Deadly Eclair, first in her new French Bistro series. Entrepreneur Bryan Baker has sponsored Mimi Rousseau in opening her own restaurant and inn in Napa Valley, and he forgives her debt in his will, making Mimi a prime suspect in his murder. Also involved are a talk show host whose wedding will be the first at the inn, her fiance and both families. Mimi's circle of friends and family are well drawn and interesting, and this is a promising series.
Lesa has already reviewed Murder to the Metal, Annie Hogsett's second in her Somebody's Bound to Wind Up Dead series. I enjoy Hogsett's breezy style.
I recently started Kristen Lepionka's The Last Place You Look, and I think it's going to be a good one. More on that next week.
Thanks to Sharon and Kay for the Shadow of Death recommendation. I'll have to look for that one. Sharon, Carousel Beach is also on my list. Jeff, I missed that PJ Tracy title so I've added it to my list as well. I love to hear everyone's reviews and recommendations!
Me, too, Margie. It's as if we're all meeting over coffee to talk about books. I just love it. Of course, I'm not a coffee drinker, but I'd still meet!
A new Paris book!!!! Oh, Goody, goody, goody – Thank You!!!!! And I am so happy you're enjoying your new Turtle book, Lesa. <3
Lesa, you can always have hot chocolate. It probably will not be as big as the one you recently had in New York 😃
Lesa, I wasn't a coffee drinker either until I discovered Starbucks. Now I have a gold card! Plain coffee–never. My favorites are frappuccinos–smoked butterscotch, ultimate caramel, pumpkin spice and eggnog during the holidays, mmmmm. Can't wait for s'mores, which should be coming soon.
I read Political Suicide by Michael Palmer, a dismal conspiracy thriller.
Spin by Tom Lowe, a dismal political thriller, this one based in Sacramento instead of Washington;
Bridal Chase by Robert Down, White Trash fiction about a bride pursuing her groom's abductors;
Hill House by Blair Howard, where PI Harry Starke tries to find out the identity of a skeleton found in a crumbling mansion, only to run into human trafficking;
Seeker's Price, a couple of nearly immortal gurus, one of whom is Marco Polo, still alive today, try to heal their master and bring the Millennium Child to life;
The Infinite Blacktop bt Sara Gran; a meta novel about a former teen sleuth turned VI Warshawski type PI, (Possibly on her way to becoming a Miss Marple type nosy person), solving the one case she could never solve.
Hugs, Kaye! Thank you & you're welcome!
You're right, Charlotte – hot chocolate for me. Sorry, Margie. I'm sticking with my hot chocolate, my drug of choice. (And, I'm not at all a pumpkin person.) But, nice try!
Glen, Glen. I'm sorry you didn't win this week. You need something that isn't "dismal".
Thanks Jeffrey for reminding me about James Holding..the library has only one book of his short stories but I plan to get it. I'm also looking forward to the next P.J. Tracy and am wondering if these books will change greatly now that half of that team is no longer with us.
Print books- The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable
A Murder for the Books by Victoria Gilber
90 Seconds in Heaven by Don Piper (for book club)
Audio cd – The President is Missing by James Patterson & Bill Clinton
I always have several going @ one time.
I am late! I am late! I just realized that I had not opened my google mail! Last night, I finished The Murder That Never Was by Andrea Kane. Loved it. There is sinister character that I think was inspired by national news! Will start Castaway Cottage by Joanne Demaio.
And finishing From You to Me by K.A. Holt with lovely large print. I checked out the two stacks of books (29 total) that I need to read and review and there is one left with the print size that I love! Will do the author requested reviews and then will take on the shortest and most appealing books first.
Next Monday because I have a stubborn case of iron deficiency anemia, I will begin once aw week infusions. I am hoping that I don;t have an allergic reaction so that my fatigue will improve and get some reading time in. I would say kill two birds with one stone but I Love birds!
Glen, I'm glad Jeff told me about James Holding. I'm now reading The Library Fuzz Megapack, thanks to him.
Katstev, I'm right with you. I always have several going at the same time, too.
Carol, You may be late, but I still caught up with you. I'm sorry about your treatments, but I like your attitude. More reading time! Good luck. I hope you don't have an allergic reaction either.