If it feels a little early for What Are You Reading?, it probably is. I read three books over the weekend, reviewed two of them on the blog, but it’s harder to finish the next one on a work day. I’m reading Miranda James’ forthcoming Cat in the Stacks mystery, Twelve Angry Librarians. With that title, of course I’m enjoying it. But I have something for you to watch for when you read the book. James has a good time with the names of the librarians in this book. It didn’t hit me until I saw Bob Coben and Harlan Crais in conversation. So, watch for librarians with the last names of Muller, Pickard, Dunlap, Matera. Then there’s Mitch Handler who writes as Berger Mitchell. I’m enjoying the tributes to other mystery writers. I’m only on page 100 or so. The librarians’ conference isn’t over yet in the book, so there may be more. It’s fun to stumble across ones I recognize.
What are you reading today, or this week? I’d love to know!
I am currently reading MURDER IN THRALL by Anne Cleeland. Acton and Doyle are an intriguing pair of protagonists, and I am enjoying the book so far. After that, STRIPPED BARE by Shannon Baker. I loved her Nora Abbott mysteries, and her Kate Fox book is a first of a new series for me. Then NO HARD FEELINGS by Mark Coggins. It will be nice to read about troubled Bay Area PI August Riordan after a few years' absence.
I love the 'hat tips' to other mystery writers. Funny and fun to spot! Reminds me of what Carolyn Hart does in her Annie and Max Darling books. I'm reading an advance copy of Hallie Ephron's new book, YOU'LL NEVER KNOW, DEAR. It has a creepy doll (creepy to me anyway) on the cover. And features dolls. What is it about dolls? LOL
Funny. I like that librarian humor.
Still reading the three massive short story collections: (chronologically, Saki, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and William Humphrey. The Fitzgerald stories are in order of writing, and I was surprised that the earliest ones were published in his mid-teens!
I read Clifford Simak's WAY STATION, which had been recommended, but was disappointed. Too much narration, not much character interaction. That was a library download, as is the (also science fiction) book I'm reading now, DEFENDERS by Will McIntosh. In 2029, mind-reading aliens invade Earth and the only chance for survival is creating a race of 17-foot tall perfect soldiers. But who will defend us from them? So far, I'm in the first – war – stage. I like it. Relatively short chapters alternating between a few characters, no endless narration as in the Simak book.
I just finished One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline and am about to start The Unexpected by Kelly Sokol.
About halfway through Douglas Preston's BLASPHEMY. Not the usual kind of book I read, but it was recommended by a friend. It's okay.
Hi,
I have been working my way through the Bill Gastner/Estelle Reyes-Guzman New Mexico police series written by Steven Havill. I am at vol. 17 Double Prey.
Love this series and love the characters! I'll be unhappy when it comes to an end in with vol. 21.
I believe you introduced me to this series a year or two ago. Thanks again!
Good morning, everyone! It was fun reading your comments about books, James' author names, even the books that have disappointed you. I enjoy seeing all that, and starting my day with you. Thank you!
Diane, Isn't that a terrific series? Another underappreciated one from Poisoned Pen Press. Sometimes, they don't get the credit they deserve for original settings, interesting characters, and well-written books.
I've been reading the Gastner/Reyes-Guzman series since the first book came out. I like regional mystery series.
Finished the last two books I shared last time.
Now I am reading Bain on Fire by Susannah Catalan, soon to be a major motion picture. One of my grandsons gave it to me for Christmas. He is only eighteen and picked it out for me because on the back it had medical mystery. He saw me reading it yesterday and asked me who had been killed. It is a true story about her descent into madness and to recapture her identity. Not the kind of mystery he thought he was giving me. I will read it because I want to encourage him to buy me books for any gift he feels like giving me. Just hope the book will hold my interest till the end. Also started Indispenable Party by Melissa F Miller. I have enjoyed her series so far. 📚📚
I'm about halfway through A Nameless Witch by A. Lee Martinez. I haven't read it for a few years and am enjoying it. Next up is Black Wolves of Boston by Wen Spencer.
Last night I finished KALEIDOSCOPE by Dorothy Gilman. Perfect title for the book. Very, very nice. Next up is THE LAST MIDWIFE by Sandra Dallas or ANCILLARY JUSTICE by Ann Leckie.
Charlotte! That's so wonderful that your grandson picked out a book for you. As you said, I hope he continues to do that. It's so thoughtful.
I'm still reading your selections. Thank you!
I just finished Tana French’s THE TRESPASSER. I must admit to being disappointed with this one; I’ve been a huge fan of her previous books, but this one took me a long time to get into and the narrator (a biracial woman–the only woman on the Dublin Murder Squad) was so prickly and unlikeable that it was hard to feel sympathy for her, despite the significant obstacles she encounters at work (by virtue of her race and gender). Then the solution to the mystery was one of my least favorite police procedural denouements. I’ll say no more, but I find it the mystery writer’s equivalent of “and then I woke up.”
Val McDermid’s OUT OF BOUNDS is moving along much more briskly and I’m enjoying it–although only about half way through.
I hate being disappointed by a favorite author, Deb. I understand. Even my absolute favorite has a couple I wasn't as excited about when I read them. And, that dud of an ending is so bad.
I'm reading 'The Tortoise and the Hare' by Elizabeth Jenkins. It was written in the 1950s and is the story of an upper-middle class woman, Imogen, married to a wealthy and good-looking barrister, Evelyn. They live with their son Gavin and their staff in a small village in the Home Counties. One of their neighbours is a rich, business-like woman called Blanche. Unlike Imogen, Blanche is neither beautiful nor well dressed, but she is set to threaten Imogen's marriage. There are some colourful minor characters too, and an interesting little boy, Tim, friend of Gavin and son of eccentric, neglectful and self-centered parents.
I'm only half way through, but what has most fascinated me so far are the roles assigned to women at that time. It's easy to forget how far we have moved away from the ideas and social rules of post-war England.
Rosemary
I just finished Carolyn Brown's THE BAREFOOT SUMMER and am starting Tracee de Hahn's THE SWISS VENDETTA.
Isn't it. Rosemary? And, it really wasn't that long ago.
I started The Swiss Vendetta, Carolyn, and got sidetracked with the reviews for Library Journal. It's on the top of a pile!
I'm reading Rapt: Attention and the Focused Life by Winifred Gallagher. Not exactly light reading, but hopefully I'll be moving on to a Lisa Scottoline novel for the weekend. 😀
Can't do too much heavy reading all at one time, Patricia. Enjoy both books, though!
I finished Ava's Place by Emily Beck Cogburn yesterday. It was very sweet and enjoyable but not memorable. Now I am reading The Secrets of Wishtide by Kate Saunders.
I am reading "Once a Crooked Man" by David McCallum. I'm a fan of NCIS and the author is on that show, so I thought it would be fun to read and it is good so far. He also was Ilya Kuryakin on The Man from Uncle, and now I'm dating myself ;D