It’s Thursday! Welcome, fellow readers! I love to hear from all of you!
I can’t tell you a thing about my current book because I haven’t yet started Craig Johnson’s Depth of Winter at the time I’m writing this on Wednesday night. I’m going to start it. But, all I can really tell you is Walt Longmire is heading to northern Mexico to rescue his daughter who was kidnapped by the head of a drug cartel. I loved Johnson’s last book, but I’m not fond of books featuring drug cartels, so we’ll see. I’ll give it a chance.
What are you reading or listening to this week? A favorite author? Are you giving a chance to something different? I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
I so agree, Lesa. The plot line is exactly why I've been less than enthusiastic about starting the Longmire book. Well, that and all the other stuff I'm reading! But I need to start it before it is due at the library, plus I've finished three of the books I was reading and am almost finished with the fourth.
I did finish:
Jo Walton, AN INFORMAL HISTORY OF THE HUGOS, 1953-2000. If you read science fiction at all, this is a great historical perspective of the highlights of the field in those years, and will give you many titles to seek out.
O. Henry, THE FOUR MILLION. His second collection, originally collected in 1906, includes what is probably his most well known story, "The Gift of the Magi." I liked it for its portrayal of life in Turn of the Century New York, the prices, etc.
Sara Blaedel, THE DAUGHTER (aka THE UNDERTAKER'S DAUGHTER). 40 year old Danish widow inherits a Racine, Wisconsin funeral home from her father, who she hasn't seen since he deserted the family when she was seven. Will she sell it or stay in Wisconsin? Interesting foreign perspective on America, but (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT) the book ends with "to be continued," a turnoff.
I am reading Jo Walton's Hugo and Nebula and British Fantasy Award winning AMONG OTHERS, which I am very much enjoying.
I caught up on three cozy series this week. I read MARIGOLDS FOR MALICE by Bailey Cantrell, STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA by Tina Kashian and DIM SUM OF ALL FEARS by Vivien Chen. Marigolds for Malice was my favorite of the three.
I also read a paranormal romance, VAMPIRES LIKE IT HOT, by Lynsay Sands which was predictable since it’s #28 in the series but I still enjoyed it.
Jeffrey
I hadn’t heard of the book about the Hugos. I put a hold on it at the library. Thanks for the info
Finished reading:
Scene of the Grind ( book 1) by Tonya Kappes
Mocha and Murder ( book 2) by Tonya Kappes
Now reading:
Desert Vengeance by Betty Webb
Freshly Ground Murder (book 3) by Tonvya Kappes
May you always have room for another book.
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I’m hoping to finish up Designed for Haunting by Sybil Johnson today so I can start Death of a Russian Doll by Barbara Early tomorrow.
Lori Rader-Day's standalone thrillers (4 so far) are always excellent, and UNDER A DARK SKY is no exception. Reclusive young widow Eden learns her husband, who died in a car accident, had made reservations at a dark sky park (where stars and constellations are more easily seen) for their 10th anniversary. She decides to go alone, even though she hasn't been able to tolerate the dark since his death. Upon arrival, she learns that he has reserved only one suite in the guest house, with the other rooms reserved by a group of 20-something "best friends," an arrangement that upsets everyone. Despite herself, Eden starts learning about the complicated bonds that define her co-habitants, then one of them is murdered. The stars of this book are the portraits of each of the characters and the sharp writing by Rader-Day.
Because of Lesa's recommendation of the current Sofie Kelly Magical Cats Mystery, I decided to read the first in the series, CURIOSITY THRILLED THE CAT. I enjoyed the writing and the atmosphere of small-town MN, where Kathleen takes charge of the renovation of the library and gets involved in a murder, sometimes with the help of her two mysterious cats. I did get a bit confused trying to keep track of the characters, but I might have been distracted.
My favorite of the week was THE CLASS: A Life-Changing Teacher, His World-Changing Kids, and the Most Inventive Classroom in America by Heather Won Tesoriero. This book covers primarily the 2016-17 school year for teacher extraordinaire Andy Bramante and his 48 students (in 3 sections) in an innovative scientific research program at affluent Greenwich(CT) High School. There is no curriculum–just the opportunity for these wildly talented students to work on research projects of their own devising and test them out at top-tier, ultra-demanding science fairs where they can–and often do–receive awards and sometimes scholarship money. The book also focuses on a few students in depth–their family background, talents in other areas, agonies over admission to prestigious universities, and personal lives–and they range from super-nerds to one former football player who is chosen junior prim prince. It's amazing how creative and deeply intelligent these kids are, and many of their projects would be impressive even for seasoned adults in the tech field. I found it extremely entertaining and inspirational.
Jeff, That drug cartel aspect. I recently read comments on DorothyL from readers. When asked what they were tired of in crime fiction, a number of them said drug cartels. I never could get interested. There are a couple authors I know personally, as well as Craig, who have used drug cartels, and I just haven't read the books.
O. Henry is a lifelong favorite. I read those collections years ago, and loved them.
I'm just behind in cozy series, Sandy. I'm familiar with all those authors, but not up-to-date with any of their books.
Charlotte, I haven't read that series by Tonya Kappes, but I enjoy her characters and her sense of humor. Hugs! Have a good week of reading.
You're doing better than I do, Mark, in keeping up with those series.
Margie, I've read Lori Rader-Day's book, and I agree. She does a wonderful job with her standalones.
I think I did comment in my last review that Sofie Kelly's book was a little confusing with characters.
But, it's that last book you reviewed that sounds fascinating. I love books about wonderful teachers.
I'm reading The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis (I wish it were a physical copy instead of an eARC so I could color the front and back covers) and I'm listening to The Bad Daughter by Joy Fielding.
Reading Ann Cleeves newest – Wild Fire – love all of hers on the Shetland Islands. Very sad that she states in the acknowledgements that this is going to be the last one. I agree re drug cartels – maybe if we all stick together we can get the message across to authors – just not interesting!
I'm a big fan of Krista Davis' Diva series, Lori. I hope you're enjoying The Coloring Crook.
I'm behind in that series, Donna, but I love Ann Cleeves' books. I'm going to give Craig's book a chance, but I've always said some of his books just aren't for me. So, we'll see with that drug cartel.
First, I'll second or third Lori Rader-Day's books, especially this latest. So very interesting with the dark sky park. I've just finished Judy Penz Sheluk's SKELETONS IN THE ATTIC, the first of her Marketville Mystery series. Number two has just been published and I want to read that one soon too. And I'm listening to the LETHAL WHITE, Robert Galbraith's 4th Cormoran Strike book. I love Cormoran and Robin. Long books, but great on audio. I'm so behind on my Walt Longmire books. Cathy at Kittling:Books had a review of this one today along with the latest Joanna Brady book by J.A. Jance. I told her that I'm considering doing a 'year of series' in 2019 and seriously trying to catch up on several series that I am so very behind on. If I could just ignore all the new books. Think I can do it? Ha!
I wasn't home much, so I read mostly e-books.
British Frontline is a typical Men's Adventure book, with a sniper going up against the Russian Mafiya and the corrupt government employees supporting them.
Aviators, Adventurers and Assassins by S. Martin Sheldon; a collection of shorts, short shorts, and flash fiction. The best parts are about the disappearances of ships and aviators.
Watch the Skies by James J. Caterino; a conspiracy thriller about the alien grays. Ithink the grays are the most boring aliens around.
Among Wolves by Jordan Vezina; a tepid spy thriller.
The Ammolite Adventures: Greenstone by C.E. Johnson; YA about people from a magical world trying to take over earth and the only girl who can stop them.
Real books:
The Savage Altar by Asa Andersson; a Swedish mystery that won awards, less for quality writing, and more for button pushing, I think.
Toucan Keep a Secret by Donna Andrews; a self righteous sleuth snoops but doesn't solve a mystery. I knew a girl like this back when I was in school. She went on a mission to China, and I gladly gave money to send her 10,000 miles away.
Oh, Kay. Fat chance that you can ignore all the new books coming out in a year. Someday I need to read Galbraith's books, when I'm not reading 10 books for review, plus a pile for a "Best of" list. Someday!
Glen, I was reading along in your book summary, enjoying them as usual, when I got to your comments about Toucan Keep a Secret and the girl you knew. Ha! Made me laugh out loud. Very good!
Kay and Lesa, I'm reading LETHAL WHITE right now and expect it to take up most of my week–647 pages! But I love this series.
Also, I just received THE 7-1/2 DEATHS OF EVELYN HARDCASTLE in the mail as a prize from Bookreporter.com. This one has a lot of buzz–hope I can get to it soon.
I am currently reading "Our House" by Louise Candlish in print form and listening to "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" by Heather Morrison audio. Will be finishing up "Pieces of Me" by Karin Slaughter on my kindle.
I just downloaded book 2 of the maze runner. It took about a year to convince myself to try it after book 1 (I was devastated when the book ended with a favorite character of mine dying). I'll let you know how it goes! I just finished the city of ember series and that was SO charming.
Margie, I have a copy of the Hardcastle book. I just don't know when I'll get to it.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a hot request title in our library right now, katstev. Let us know what you thought.
I understand why you waited, Nicole. It's hard to continue after a devastating loss.