Got any book/reading thoughts to share?

[Donnajo]

I always wondered that. I only read the first one but I think I have the second one on the nook. at the time my excuse was I read watching the show and it was better but I haven't watched the show hardly at all since it started back up. maybe I should give the second book a chance.
I think in the beginning we had ideas who the writer could be. I like of like the idea it being a secret. LOL

[Ann]

I'm curious too, Melodie!
Melodie wrote: "And then there's the Richard Castle books! Does anyone know for sure who actually writes them? I've seen lots of speculation."

[Blueberry]

Karen B. wrote: "Oh and don't forget the ones that are jointly written by a group using a formula. I first learned about this when as a teen I learned that my beloved Nancy Drew books were written by a group of wr..."

And then his daughter is a minister! Go figure. LOL

[Brakedrum]

Gail wrote: "How does everyone feel about popular authors that begin to publish with a second author? Is it cheating? Is it a way to stay popular? Is it a way to stay fresh? Do you revere the ones who continue ..."

That's what turned me off of Clive Cussler. All his books are now co-written, but after I read an interview of him in my newspaper and found out he doesn't write any of the new books, he just reviews and edits them.

[Ann]

Lorraine: That is a turnoff. Editors don't usually get mentioned except in acknowledgments.
Brakedrum wrote: "found out he doesn't write any of the new books, he just reviews and edits them.
"

[Thomas]

Blogging a short 4 or 5 part mystery here and wordpress. Would love to hear what some passionate readers think; I'm always looking for feedback to improve my craft.

[❆ Crystal ❆]

I'm staring the Harry Bosch series... has anyone else here read any of the series?

[Melodie]

❆ Crystal ❆ wrote: "I'm staring the Harry Bosch series... has anyone else here read any of the series?"

Very popular series here. I've read several of them and liked every one I read.

[❆ Crystal ❆]

Oh, that's great to hear. Thanks Melodie.

[BarryP]

I have read them all, and you are in for a treat.

[❆ Crystal ❆]

Barry wrote: "I have read them all, and you are in for a treat."

Oh, that is great Barry. Are you ready for the release of book 20? I just won book 20 in a giveaway! I better start reading the series now!

[BarryP]

I think the first one I read was The Concrete Blond, a tattered paperback somebody left behind at work. It was love at first read.

[Dan in AZ]

Connolly mixes in good doses of police procedure and police politics to round out his stories.

[❆ Crystal ❆]

Thanks guys! I'm anxious to start the series.

[Dawn]

Crystal, Connolly's Bosch series is one of my fav's. I had the pleasure of attending a Connelly book reading several years ago, and loved hearing him talk about Harry. Envious that you already have The Crossing in your hands...but you have some really good reading ahead of you!

[❆ Crystal ❆]

Wow that's awesome Dawn. I bet that was quite an experience. I have to read quickly as I don't want to feel bad having the book too long before giving a review.

[Ann]

It probably won't be a chore to catch up with the two Connelly series!
❆ Crystal ❆ wrote: "Wow that's awesome Dawn. I bet that was quite an experience. I have to read quickly as I don't want to feel bad having the book too long before giving a review."

[Carol/Bonadie]

I'll echo others' comments that you have some spectacular reading ahead of you, Crystal!

Also, the books have been made into a TV series starring Titus Welliver. Available through Amazon Prime.

[❆ Crystal ❆]

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I'll echo others' comments that you have some spectacular reading ahead of you, Crystal!

Also, the books have been made into a TV series starring Titus Welliver. Available through Amazon Prime."

Oh, that's cool. I didn't know that.
I just finished up book 1 and enjoyed it very much. I gave it 4 stars. I loved that we met Harry Bosh at that time in his career... very interesting. I look forward to reading more and seeing technology advances making it into the books. Definitely a throw back with faxes, pagers and pay phones.

[Ann]

I was browsing the schedule for authors attending the Southern Festival of Books a staple in October in Nashville for 27 years now. I hadn't had time to look before now which is unusual for me as I usually eagerly devour the list searching for the best panels to attend and to my extreme excitement Greg Iles is attending with an hour long session on The Bone Tree next Saturday! What fun! I will bookend the session with a few panels, why oh why are some I want to attend at the same time or in different buildings making logistics a challenge?

[Carol/Bonadie]

Yiy!! I am tempted to fly down to see Greg Iles discuss The Bone Tree!

Take good notes, Ann!

[Yrsa]

I found a Norwegian publishing company that gives out books in "episodes" like TV-shows. They want their books to be short so one can read a bit everyday. Sadly there are not that many book series out in English yet, but they will come. They focus on selling ebooks, but you can also order paperbacks. Having a busy life I love this concept. Also, I love how you get excited for the next episode, just like a Tv show.

Has anybody heard of anything similar?
They are called Dr. Spruce books.

[Ann]

Yrsa: the concept sounds interesting. I haven't heard about it before.

[❆ Crystal ❆]

Stephen King did that with The Green Mile. Although, I'm not one to wait so it would be hard for me.

[Ann]

Crystal, oh yes, i forgot about that.
When the Green Mile was released in weekly serial form I worked very near a bookstore and eagerly bought each weekly version. I am not much on waiting either if given a choice.
❆ Crystal ❆ wrote: "Stephen King did that with The Green Mile. Although, I'm not one to wait so it would be hard for me."

[BarryP]

Max Barry (Australian) started to do that with a web released book, then stopped and finished/sold the book conventionally.

[Russ]

I'm not sure which thread to use to pose this question, but this seemed to be the closest if an M/T groupee can help me. I'd really like to read a recent thriller set in Afghanistan, but I only have time to read one. I'm deciding between The Valley by John Renehan, The Forgotten Soldier by Brad Taylor, and Clear by Fire by Joshua Hood. I like fast-paced novels & I'd like to learn more about some of the dynamics on the ground in Afghanistan. Any guidance, please?

[Carol/Bonadie]

I hope someone here can help you, Russ. Maybe Dan, Barry or Shomeret can offer guidance.

[Elizabeth]

OMG I just finished this book and loved it , its a must read:
Blood Forest by Jonathan Taylor 5 out of 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Dan in AZ]

Sounds interesting.

[Nick]

Hi guys, just to tell you about an online event happening from February 12-22. A group of authors (myself included) are going to be promoting our books, giving away review copies, selling off books at reduced prices etc etc. It is called Mystery Thriller Week and is scheduled to be an Annual Event. I didn't organise it but I have put an invite on my author page Nick Rippington if anyone is interested. The whole thing is being divided up into categories and there is a website www.mysterythrillerweek.com if you fancy popping in and finding out more... I'm sure it will have something for everyone https://www.facebook.com/groups/13333...

[Brakedrum]

The non-fiction book I read last month, Dark Invasion by Howard Blum is to be made into a movie starring Bradley Cooper.
This was a terrific read.

[Ann]

Thanks for the tip Lorraine! Dark Invasion 1915: Germany's Secret War & the Hunt for the First Terrorist Cell in America looks good!

Brakedrum wrote: "The non-fiction book I read last month, Dark Invasion by Howard Blum is to be made into a movie starring Bradley Cooper.
This was a terrific read."

[Ann]

Nick
Thanks this looks good and I have already requested one of the books offered for review. Keep us posted on the activity for Mystery Thriller week!

Nick wrote: "Hi guys, just to tell you about an online event happening from February 12-22. A group of authors (myself included) are going to be promoting our books, giving away review copies, selling off books..."

[BurgendyA]

It's been a while since I've read a mystery/thriller. I need to think of one from my reading list or any suggestions. I am all ears.

[Dan in AZ]

Take a look at the Best M/T's of 2016 topic. You should have many good choices from that list.

[Ann]

BurgendyA:
And any of the Group Read books are also very good suggestions. The Dry is very good!

BurgendyA wrote: "It's been a while since I've read a mystery/thriller. I need to think of one from my reading list or any suggestions. I am all ears."

[Antoine]

I just finished by Andrew Case. Noir fiction in a modern setting with a fresh look at NYPD corruption from a former insider.

[Brakedrum]

I'm looking for humorous books, like what Erma Bombeck used to write, doesn't have to be a mystery. Need something light at this time, besides murder and mayhem.

[Dawn]

Gosh, she wrote some good books, didn't she? Have you ever read Lisa Lutz's The Spellmans. Or Maggie Barbieri's Alison Bergeron series?

[Melodie]

Brakedrum wrote: "I'm looking for humorous books, like what Erma Bombeck used to write, doesn't have to be a mystery. Need something light at this time, besides murder and mayhem."

Have you tried Dave Barry or Lewis Grizzard? I believe Grizzard's books are still in print. They had great titles: Don't Bend Over In the Garden, Granny, You Know Them Taters Got Eyes, being a favorite!

[Carol/Bonadie]

Brakedrum wrote: "I'm looking for humorous books, like what Erma Bombeck used to write, doesn't have to be a mystery. Need something light at this time, besides murder and mayhem."

Lorraine, when I read this, Nora Ephron came to mind. What a funny woman she was. Such a loss. I Feel Bad about My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman is the title that comes to mind but she was pretty prolific.

Also David Sedaris, and his books are also great on audio. His last book had some peculiar turns, but Me Talk Pretty One Day was a hoot.

Probably you know them but for those who don't they write essays, so they're just the ticket if you're in the mood for bursts of humor.

[Brakedrum]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've read Grizzard, I will check out the others.

[BarryP]

I'll second both Barry and Lutz, hilarious in their own way. A bit more subtle is Bill Fitzhugh, and furthest off the wall, Tim Dorsey (read him in order)

[Brakedrum]

Barry wrote: "I'll second both Barry and Lutz, hilarious in their own way. A bit more subtle is Bill Fitzhugh, and furthest off the wall, Tim Dorsey (read him in order)"

Years ago I read Bill Fitzhugh, yes he is good.

[Charles]

Hi Elise,

Are you talking to me or the group?

Either way, yes I would! I am the author of the ebook military thriller The Spartan and the sequel Game Of Killers is about to come out as an ebook and POD on July 13. Please let me know if you'd like a free ebook! Charles

[M.A.R.]

From another perspective on library holds. I'm a "local author" in Vegas…that means donating books to libraries. Mine fly off the shelves but don't come back! I sign at libraries and other venues and meet great readers. Hate to think of someone waiting for a book that's not returned.

[Alfred]

I just finished The Night of the White Buffalo a Wind River Mystery by Margaret Coel. I enjoyed it very much especially the main character of Fr. John and Vicky Holden.
I have now started rereading(for personal reasons) A Canticle for Leibowitz a look at a United States(no more) after the bomb is dropped from the perspective of all things a Catholic monastery.

[Martin]

There's a great review up for a book I quite liked called Roanoke Ridge: A Creature X Mystery. I disagreed with some of what the reviewer said, but I couldn't agree more with the verdict that Roanoke Ridge is fast-paced and entertaining. If you're not into cryptozoology/bigfoot, this book might be a little too "inside baseball" for you, but if you want a murder mystery that defies convention without trampling on it entirely, it's a solid read.

Here's the review: https://literarytreats.com/2018/02/26...

[BarryP]

Harlan Coben

Bid to become a character in my next book -- and help support wounded veterans. All proceeds go to Homes For Our Troops to build specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans.

bid is over $1000 as I write this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Have-Your-Na...