Let’s face it. During deadline week, I don’t read anything I can talk about right now. You’ll see all the reviews of the books I’ve been reading, but it will be September or October. Next week, I’ll have a title or two to share. This week, it’s up to all of you, but I’ll be around.
So, tell us what you’re reading, please. Let’s talk books!
I'm reading After the Armistice Ball by Catriona McPherson, How Could She by Lauren Mechling, and Life on the Color Line by Gregory Howard Williams.
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You're welcome, Reine. Thanks for sharing your reading. Is that a new one by Catriona McPherson?
I've got HOW COULD SHE on my Kindle to read at some point. It will make a nice 'change-it-up' book for me. I finished reading all the Lena Jones series by Betty Webb and was so glad that I read the whole series. Enjoyed it very much. Right now I'm reading Riley Sager's new book, LOCK EVERY DOOR. Jury is still out on that one though it is reminding me of some classic spooky movies. I've also started listening to Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series and am now on book #2. Love the Washington State setting and I think I'll like the whole series. A good narrator.
I raced through Chuck Wendig's 800 page end-of-the-world book, WANDERERS, and Jackie is reading it now. Next was Paula Fox's 1970 DESPERATE CHARACTERS, about a "pioneer" (as they were called then) couple in late 1960's Brooklyn Heights whose marriage is having problems.
Currently reading Margaret Mizushima's third K-9 book about Mattie Cobb and her dog Robo, HUNTING HOUR, as well as Peter Orner's short story collection, LAST CAR OVER THE SAGAMORE BRIDGE.
I have four books in transit to the library, including the new Linda Castillo (at last), so as soon as that comes in it will be next on the list.
I did not like THE BEACH WISH by Shelley Noble at all. Communes, a family you didn't know you had, a mean vengeful grandmother – ugh. It read like a bad soap opera to me.
I oved THE LANDSCAPES OF ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by Catherine Reid. The photographs are stunning and I liked the parallels she drew between the books and the author's diaries.
I am 80 pages into DEATH AND HAPPY ENDINGS by Melanie Cantor and I am on the fence.
Off to see the Egyptian Artifact Exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center today.
Happy Reading!
Kay, I've been holding onto that last Betty Webb. I just hate to start it, knowing the series is over. As much as I enjoy hearing what everyone likes, I also appreciate knowing about the ones that haven't excited you as well.
I'm reading Duma Key by Stephen King. Apart from it i've started a short story called The Mirror by Thomas J Scafidi on Kindle. I usually get these short stories when they are there on discount and then read them in my free time.
– Vikas Nainwal
I want to read Mizushima's new book, too, Jeff. I liked the last one. Sounds as if Wanderers was a success if you recommended it to Jackie, and you already finished it. Great to know! And, Linda Castillo's always move to the top of my TBR piles as well.
I enjoyed BOOKING THE CROOK by Laurie Cass. It’s the latest in her bookmobile series.
I also read several indie paranormal romances:
THE VAMPIRE’S CURSED KISS by Kristen Painter is the second book in her new Shadowvale series.
THE HAUNTING OF HILLWOOD FARM by Kathryn Knight.
And PANDORUM by M.N. Black, a zombie story which I wound up liking.
I just started KILLER IN THE CARRIAGE HOUSE by Sheila Connolly.
Oh, Sharon! Enjoy the exhibit.
As I said to Kay, it's just as informative to know what people didn't like and why. Thank you.
Sometimes, Vikas, those short stories are just perfect. I pick them up quite often when I just can't get into a novel.
I apologize in advance for the length of my post this week. I couldn't post last week because my computer crashed. And yes, I know I'm long-winded. As a matter of fact, I need to post this in two pieces because it won't let me post everything at once.
The Amish Candy Shop Mysteries are one of my favorite series by the prolific Amanda Flower. In TOXIC TOFFEE, former NYC chocolatier extraordinaire Bailey King has just finished shooting her new TV show. She and and her Amish coworker return to Harvest, Ohio to find the town in the throes of Easter preparations and an order for a 6-foot sculpted toffee rabbit to be delivered stat. Soon thereafter, a local farmer and rabbit wrangler collapses and dies, and it turns out to be a poisoning. Bailey joins her police officer boyfriend, Aiden, to help solve the murder, of course. I enjoy the characters and the small-town holiday setting, not to mention the Amish culture of Bailey's grandmother and others in the town.
Thanks to Lesa for recommending Matt Goldman's fantastic Nils Shapiro series. Now I'm up to date, having finished the latest, THE SHALLOWS. I like the fact that in this one, it's a busy time for PI Nils, who finds that everyone involved wants to hire him to investigate a murder–can he juggle it all without crossing the line into unethical?> There are also surprising developments with the women in his life. Goldman weaves it all together with ease and wit.
In Allison Montclair's delightful THE RIGHT SORT OF MAN, Iris and Gwen are both recovering from WWII. Iris worked undercover and has troubling memories but can't talk about it. Gwen lost her beloved husband and is now living with her domineering in-laws, who became guardians of her 6-year-old son when Gwen had a nervous breakdown. Brazen, fun-loving Iris and quiet, conservative Gwen couldn't be more different, but when they meet they decide to collaborate on a business venture called The Right Sort Marriage Bureau. And when one of their clients is murdered and the man with whom they had matched her is the prime suspect, they investigate to convince the police that he is innocent. Montclair writes with a light touch,and it's interesting to see how the main characters evolve. There's also plenty of action and a good sense of post-war London, where rationing was still in place, providing opportunities or black marketeers. I hope this is the start of a series.
Continuing with my post . . .
Now I understand all the hoopla about EVVIE DRAKE STARTS OVER by Linda Holmes, host of NPR's Pop culture Happy Hour. Evvie lost her husband to an auto accident a year ago and can't tell anyone, even her best friend Andy, that she isn't grieving. Dean had a successful 10-year career in major league baseball until he suddenly–and spectacularly–couldn't pitch anymore. Hooked up by their mutual friend Andy, Dean rents a mini-apartment in Evvie's now-too-large house and they make a pact not to discuss their problems with one another . . . until they do. If you think you know how this story goes, you might be surprised. I loved this book about two souls that need each other but can't seem to find their way.
I usually enjoy Nancy Thayer's books for what they are–light beach reads set on Nantucket–but SURFSIDE SISTERS fell flat for me. Keely and Isabelle have been BFFs since childhood, and both want to write novels. Isabelle's family is much wealthier and her brother is Keely's dream guy. But Keely and Isabelle drift apart over one's literary success, a mutual boyfriend, money, education, and so on. In the process they reveal themselves as petty, shallow, and annoying.
UNMARRIAGEABLE by Soniah Kamal is a fun read. In present-day Pakistan, where girls are taught that marriage and family are prized above all things for women, Alys tries to give the girls in her high school English classes a broader perspective on life, with lively discussions of Jane Austen's works. So it is fitting that this book's subtitle is "Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan"–and yes, there is a "Mr. Darsee." Worthwhile reading, even if Austen followers will know how it all turns out.
I agree with Lesa that Kirsten Lepionka's Roxane Weary series is outstanding. I liked THE STORIES YOU TELL as much as the first two. Sharp PI Roxane, still recovering from her police officer father's shooting death, becomes involved in a new case through her brother. Andrew had a middle-of-the-night visit from a former hookup, who made a call and then fled in panic. She has disappeared, and Andrew winds up in jail for drug dealing. Meanwhile, a policeman is found dead and this convoluted mystery seems to be related somehow to a local Columbus, Ohio online dating services. Honestly, I couldn't have guessed the ending and I didn't want to. I like spending time with this flawed protagonist, who is also having problems with her long-time female lover and suppressed feelings about a male copy buddy.
I’m working on Let’s Fake a Deal by Sherry Harris. I love the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries, and this book is no exception.
I read Slow Burn by Michael Norman; A mucky muck in the Utah police's daughter is kidnapped, and only maverick Sam Kinkaid can save her. He's not much of a maverick, just the Utah police are inept in this novel.
Avenged by AR Chandler; A billionaire seeks to off the Russian official responsible for downing Flight KAL 007 back in the 80s.
The Panama Hat Trail by Tom Miller is mostly writings about Ecuador.
Smoke by Donald Westlake; At this point, Westlake was no longer an iconoclast, but an icon himself. It shows.
The Broken Places by Ace Atkins; Sheriff Quinn Colson has to deal with some idiot escaped cons, and a gigantic storm.
Lesa, I see on Amazon that PJ Tracy new book is available for pre order and delivered on September 10, 2019. Title Ice Cold Heart.
Seems like it has been a very long time since I read the last book.
Trust you and the fur babies are doing real. Hugs~~
Margie! I have The Right Sort of Man at home, and I need to get to it. Hopefully, I can get some personal reading done in the next couple weeks. I'm so glad you enjoyed the Nils Shapiro books. I love the character & the sly humor.
Terrific summaries. I'm sorry about your computer, but happy you were back with us this week to write about your books!
Another series I need to try sometime, Mark. (sigh)
Charlotte! I read the PJ Tracy last weekend, and it's terrific. I think you're going to enjoy this one. And, that's all I'm going to say. No spoilers.
Everyone is my household is doing well. I hope it's the same in yours!
OK. The Tracy is on order at the library so I was able to put it on reserve, and I have four books (including the Castillo) to pick up tomorrow. And Jackie has a Nora Roberts (UNDER CURRENTS) to pick up.
We're planning on staying in most of the next three days due to the excessive heat.
Jeff, I'm glad you have books to keep you busy without going outside in the heat. I recently had seven holds ready for me in one week (from two libraries). That's a lot of pressure, but I love getting new books. I'm not done with them yet, and there are three others waiting at the libraries (sigh).
Oh, I'd suggest that a lot of us stay in and read this weekend. Our excessive heat warning is through Sunday.