The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge - PART I

[JoLene]

I'll use for caper. Since the mystery really didn't involve the supernaturals, I'll save paranormal for something like the Dresden Files :-)

[Midu]

Amateur Sleuth: ✔

Aristocratic Detective: ✔

Caper: A caper is a comic crime story. Instead of suave and calculating, the caper chronicles the efforts of the lovable bungler or protagonist who either thinks big or ridiculously small. Finally we get to laugh.

Cozy Mystery: A bloodless crime and a victim who won’t be missed. The solution can be determined using emotional (Miss Marple) or logical (Poirot) reasoning.

Culinary Mystery: Chef, baker, wine connoisseur; if it’s ingestible and includes recipes, it’s a culinary mystery.

Double Act: ✔

FBI/CIA/ATF: ✔

Forensic Specialist: ✔

Futuristic: ✔

Historical Mystery: ✔

Legal: Although popular, these tales are usually penned by actual lawyers due to the demands of the information presented.

Medical: Doctors make effective protagonists since they seem to exist on a plane far above the rest of us.

Missing Person Mystery: ✔

Noir: ✔

Romantic Suspense: Add a hefty dose of romance to a suspense and produce a romantic suspense novel.

Rooting for the Bad Guy: ✔

Paranormal Mystery: ✔

Police Procedural: ✔

Private Eye: ✔

Professional Sleuth: The professional sleuth is an amateur sleuth in a professional setting, preferably a setting which is unique and intriguing.

Proprietor Mysteries: Small business owners in mysteries are plentiful.

Sci-Fi: ✔

Scotland Yard: The epitome of the investigator needed to solve a mystery, Britian’s Chief Inspectors working for Scotland Yard are in a class by themselves.

Thriller: ✔

Technothriller: ✔

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

I've really got to come back here and update my progress. Soon...soon...

[Lindy]

I haven't done it in a while:

1. FBI/CIA/ATF: Sanford, John Stolen Prey
Neggers Carla Declan's Cross
Stewart, Mariah Dead Wrong
Staub, Wendy Corsi Shadow Killers
Woods, Stuart Doing Hard Time
2. Historical Quick, Amanda With this Ring
3. Private Eye: Parker, Robert B, The Widening Gyre
Parker, Robert B. Looking for Rachel Wallace
Parker, Robert B. Taming a Sea-Horse
Parker, Robert B. A Savage Place
Parker, Robert B. Pale Kings and Princes
Parker, Robert B. Thin Ice
Atkins, Ace Lullaby
Grafton, Sue W is for Wasted

4. Double Act: Garwood, Julie Hotshot
Fairstein, Linda Death Angel
5. Culinary: Burdette, Lucy Topped Chef
6. Police: Cooney, Caroline B Whatever Happened Janie?
7. amateur: Patterson, James Mistress
Arden, William The Mystery of the Smashing Glass
Meier, Leslie Christmas Carol Murder
Jones, Eliz McDavid Traitor in Williamsburg
Woods, Stuart Doing Hard Time
police Neggers Carla Declan's Cross
8. Forensic Spec:Reichs, kathy Bones of the Los
Historical Jones, Elizabeth M. Traitor in Williamsburg

[maria helena]

I'm gonna do this challenge during next year (but I'm signing up now so I don't forget about it...)

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge
Level: Crime Scene Investigator (21-30 books)
Duration: 1/1/14 ~ 12/31/14

AMATEUR SLEUTH
1.

ARISTOCRATIC DETECTIVE
1.

CAPER
1.

COZY MYSTERY
1.

CULINARY MYSTERY
1.

DOUBLE ACT
1.

FBI/CIA/ATF
1.

FORENSIC SPECIALIST
1.

FUTURISTIC
1.

HISTORICAL MYSTERY
1.

LEGAL
1.

MEDICAL
1.

MISSING PERSON
1.

NOIR
1.

PARANORMAL MYSTERY
1.

POLICE PROCEDURAL
1.

PRIVATE EYE
1.

PROFESSIONAL SLEUTH
1.

PROPRIETOR MYSTERIES
1.

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
1.

ROOTING FOR THE BAD GUY
1.

SCI-FI
1.

SCOTLAND YARD
1.

THRILLER
1.

TECHNOTHRILLER
1.

[Lisa Kay]

Super, Maria Helena! Getting your ducks in a row is a good thing. Welcome to the challenge.

[Lisa Kay]

Of course, you do realize I'll be posting Part II then, too. **hee hee**

[maria helena]

Lisa Kay wrote: "Of course, you do realize I'll be posting Part II then, too. **hee hee**"

:)

[Catherine]

ok..so I read and ..would these fall under amateur sleuth?

[Ruth]

I am re-doing my format....

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge
Level: Crime Scene Investigator (21-30 books)
Duration: August 23, 2013 -

AMATEUR SLEUTH
1. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon...September 20,2013

ARISTOCRATIC DETECTIVE
1.

CAPER
1. Whiskey Rebellion by Liliana Hart...October 9, 2013
2. Foul Play by Janet Evanovch...Jan 1, 2013

COZY MYSTERY
1. The Alpine Advocate by Mary Dahiem..August 23, 2012.
2. The Cat Who Wasn't a Dog by Marian Babson...September 8, 2013
3. The Alpine Betrayal by Mary Daheim ...September 18, 2013
4. No Cooperation from the Cat: A Mystery by Marian Babson...October 6, 2013
5. Ink Red Dead by Joanna Campbell Slan...October 9, 2012

CULINARY MYSTERY
1.

DOUBLE ACT
1. A Body in the Backyard by Elizabeth Spann Craig...Dec. 20, 2013

FBI/CIA/ATF
1.

FORENSIC SPECIALIST
1.

FUTURISTIC
1. Delusion in Death by J.D.Robb...September 29, 2013

HISTORICAL MYSTERY
1. The Thirteenth Tale by Diana Setterfield...September 5, 2013
2. Speaking from Among the Bones by Alan Bradly...November 13, 2013
3. The Xibalba Murders by Lyn Hamilton...December 15, 2013
4. The Violets of March by Sarah Jio...December 22, 2013
5. Uneasy Spirits by M.Louisa Locke..Feb.9, 2014

LEGAL
1.

MEDICAL
1.

MISSING PERSON
1. Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgens Clark...October 30, 2013.

NOIR
1. Joyland by Stephen King....November 17, 2013

PARANORMAL MYSTERY
1. Nearly Departed in Deadwood by Ann Charles....September 1, 2013
2. Too Near The Edge by Lynn Osterkamp..September 14, 2013
3. The Tender Mercy of Roses by Anna Michaels...October 8, 2013

POLICE PROCEDURAL
1.

PRIVATE EYE
1. Trickster's Point by William Kent Krueger...January 4, 2013

PROFESSIONAL SLEUTH
1.

PROPRIETOR MYSTERIES
1.

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
1. The Honeymoon Cottage by Barbara Cool Lee...October 4, 2013.
2. The Husband's Secret by Liane Morarity...October 12, 2013.

ROOTING FOR THE BAD GUY
1.

SCI-FI
1. Etiquette & Espionageby Gail Carriger... November 23, 2013

SCOTLAND YARD
1.

THRILLER
1. Keeper of the Bride by Tess Gerritsen...August 29, 2013.
2. Lucid Intervals by Stuart Woods...November 5,2013.

TECHNOTHRILLER
1. Zoo by James Patterson....December 6, 2013

[Ruth]

Question....What category would thing be under? Thanks!

by Liane Morarity...October 12, 2013.

[Lisa Kay]

Oh, good question, Ruth. I had a category entitled, "I Never Knew You" and replaced it. I think, from the reviews, it would be Romantic Suspense. Though, it hasn't been 'tagged' that way much.

[Ruth]

Thanks!!!

[S]

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge
Gumshoe - 8 books
1st of August - 30th of November 2013

5/8

1. Aristocratic Detective : The Confessions of Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc
2. Cozy Mystery : A Man Lay Dead by Ngaio Marsh
3. Amateur Sleuth : The Benson Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
4. Historical Mystery : The Face of a Stranger by Anne Perry
5. Noir : The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
6. Rooting for the Bad Guy : The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
7. Thriller : In the Woods by Tana French
8. Professional Sleuth : The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

So this is it. Unfortunately I don't have time to read any of those missing books anymore. Couldn't finish the challenge but I did enjoy it :) I will definitely come back to this challenge when I have time for it.

[Tsuru]

Well, hope I still can participate this challenge)

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge
Level: Crime Scene Investigator (21-30 books)
Duration: 28/11/13 - ?
2 of 30 books done.

AMATEUR SLEUTH
1.Murder at the Vicarage

ARISTOCRATIC DETECTIVE
1.

CAPER
1.

COZY MYSTERY
1.✔The Mysterious Affair at Stylesby Agatha Christie 5|5 04.12.13

CULINARY MYSTERY
1.

DOUBLE ACT
1.

FBI/CIA/ATF
1.

FORENSIC SPECIALIST
1.

FUTURISTIC
1.

HISTORICAL MYSTERY
1.

LEGAL
1.

MEDICAL
1.

MISSING PERSON
1.

NOIR
1.

PARANORMAL MYSTERY
1.

POLICE PROCEDURAL
1.

PRIVATE EYE
1.

PROFESSIONAL SLEUTH
1.

PROPRIETOR MYSTERIES
1.

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
1.✔Don't Tell by Karen Rose 5|5 30.11.13
2.

ROOTING FOR THE BAD GUY
1.

SCI-FI
1.

SCOTLAND YARD
1.

THRILLER
1.

TECHNOTHRILLER
1.

[Lisa Kay]

Welcome to the challenge, Tsuru!

Looking good, S.

[Lindy]

Done a few months ago:

1. FBI/CIA/ATF: Sanford, John Stolen Prey
Neggers Carla Declan's Cross
Stewart, Mariah Dead Wrong
Staub, Wendy Corsi Shadow Killers
Woods, Stuart Doing Hard Time
2. Historical Quick, Amanda With this Ring
3. Private Eye: Parker, Robert B, The Widening Gyre
Parker, Robert B. Looking for Rachel Wallace
Parker, Robert B. Taming a Sea-Horse
Parker, Robert B. A Savage Place
Parker, Robert B. Pale Kings and Princes
Parker, Robert B. Thin Ice
Atkins, Ace Lullaby
Grafton, Sue W is for Wasted

4. Double Act: Garwood, Julie Hotshot
Fairstein, Linda Death Angel
5. Culinary: Burdette, Lucy Topped Chef
6. Police: Cooney, Caroline B Whatever Happened Janie?
7. amateur: Patterson, James Mistress
Arden, William The Mystery of the Smashing Glass
Meier, Leslie Christmas Carol Murder
Jones, Eliz McDavid Traitor in Williamsburg
Woods, Stuart Doing Hard Time
police Neggers Carla Declan's Cross
8. Forensic Spec:Reichs, kathy Bones of the Los
Historical Jones, Elizabeth M. Traitor in Williamsburg

[Lisa Kay]

Woohoo, Lindy!

(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

Made it to Crime Scene Investigator!!!

With the holidays, I'm not sure i can finish. Is it permissible to extend the finish date?

[Lisa Kay]

Sharon, this is a "You set the pace." So, yes.

[maria helena]

I was gonna start this one next year, but I couldn't wait...


The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge
Level: Crime Scene Investigator (21-30 books)
Duration: 12/1/13 ~ 12/31/14

AMATEUR SLEUTH
ARISTOCRATIC DETECTIVE
CAPER
COZY MYSTERY
CULINARY MYSTERY
DOUBLE ACT
FBI/CIA/ATF
FORENSIC SPECIALIST
FUTURISTIC
HISTORICAL MYSTERY
LEGAL
MEDICAL Harvest by Tess Gerritsen ★★★★ 12.02.14
MISSING PERSON
NOIR
PARANORMAL MYSTERY Out of the Shadows by Kay Hooper ★★★ 01.04.14
POLICE PROCEDURAL
PRIVATE EYE
PROFESSIONAL SLEUTH
PROPRIETOR MYSTERIES
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
ROOTING FOR THE BAD GUY
SCI-FI
SCOTLAND YARD
THRILLER
TECHNOTHRILLER

[Lisa Kay]

**hee hee** Welcome to the challenge, Maria Helena! There will be Part II for next year, anyway. ☺

[Rhonda]

does anyone have suggestions for "Scotland Yard?" I had the Alex Grecian books there, but I started and I hated it...

[Barb]

I've read some of these, not all:

Inspector Lynley series, by Elizabeth George
Adam Dalgliesh series, by P.D. James
Ian Rutledge series, by Charles Todd
Richard Jury series, by Martha Grimes

[Rhonda]

Barb wrote: "I've read some of these, not all:

Inspector Lynley series, by Elizabeth George
Adam Dalgliesh series, by P.D. James
Ian Rutledge series, by Charles Todd..."

Thank you, Barb. I'm going to check out Inspector Lynley first. I appreciate the suggestions.

[Lisa Kay]

Catherine wrote: "ok..so I read and..would these fall under amateur sleuth?"

Sorry, Catherine, I somehow missed your post. Saw it when I was reviewing the thread before posting what I have for Part II.

Anywayz...I would say yes, they do.

[Lisa Kay]

Okay, it has been six months... Eep! That went by fast. How are you all doing with this one?

Ready for Part II?

Still a work-in-progress, but these are for this year's Part II. I have 27 so far and I'd like to go for an even 30. Let me know if you other suggestions that were NOT used in Part I.

We could add Bumbling Detective, but it is pretty close to Round I's Caper. Or Child in Peril (though we had Missing Person in Round I). Spy was pretty much covered in Round I's Technothriller, right? Or do you think it should have its own category?

I do like Handicapped (protagonist is in wheelchair or is blind, etc.). And, Action & Adventure – AKA Testosterone-Drenched Tales. There is also Business/Corporate, which I could put in with Computer Hacking - or swap it. Let me know!

This is what I have so far:

(view spoiler)[
• Chick-lit Mysteries:

• Cold Case or Hard Case Crimes: The past is looked at again.

• Computer Hacking:

• Crafters/Hobbyist: Embroidery Mysteries; Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries; Crochet Mysteries; Decoupage Mysteries; Glassblowing Mysteries; Craft Corner Mysteries; Do It Yourself Mysteries; Stamping Sisters Mysteries; Haunted Home-Renovation Mysteries; Threadville Mysteries.

• Ecclesiastical Mystery/Religious Protagonist (Priest, Nun, Reverend): (Examples: Sister Fidelma Mysteries, by Peter Tremayne; Father Koesler Series, by William X. Kienzle).

• Fantasy/Urban Fantasy:

• Female Detective:

• Furry Sleuth or Pet Owner Mysteries: Protagonist owns a pet of some kind, be it a cat, a dog, or a bird, which plays a MAJOR role in helping them solve the mystery.

• Holiday Mysteries: Setting is during one of the major holidays (Example: Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day, St. Patirick's, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc.)

• Horror/Splatterpunk:

• “Howdunit” or “Howcatchem" or Inverted: The identity of the killer and their motive are revealed early in the story. The main focus is the means by which the detective or investigator catches them.

• “I Never Knew You at All”/Masquerade: Someone very close to the protagonist has been masquerading as someone else for years, or has a hidden past that suddenly comes into play in the mystery.

• Locked Room/Puzzle: Careful observation and extraordinary logic reveal the means of a seemingly impossible crime or escape. The Murders in the Rue Morgue, by Edgar Allan Poe started it all. (Example: Mystery Writers of America Presents The Mystery Box, edited by Brad Meltzer.)

• Magical Realism: Magical Realism specifically with a mystery, not just the mystery of where the magic is coming from. Remember, Magical Realism and Fantasy are different. Most Fantasy distinctly differs in that it creates new worlds where the presence of the supernatural is something to which special attention is drawn, whereas for magical realism writers, the presence of the supernatural is accepted in the ordinary. (From RoadSigns.org.) Example: Pies and Prejudice or those listed on listopia: Mystery & Magical Realism Shelf.

• Miscellaneous or Mixed Bag: Catch-all category, or for those which have too many overlapping categories to count.

• Pastische: This is a technique where an author imitates another author’s style (and/or characters), in a respectful way. The Italian Secretary by Caleb Carr is a pastische; here is an imitation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s style and character, Sherlock Holmes. Or one such as Joan Hess's book Mummy Dearest, which pays homage to Elizabeth Peters's book The Mummy Case.

• Setting: Exotic Local. Protagonist is often on vacation to a foreign country.

• Setting: Isolated Local. Such as a private island, cabin-in-the-woods, or other deserted setting. Protagonist(s) is left (relatively) alone with murderer and/or suspects. They are somehow unable to communicate with authorities for help, or help can't get to them soon.

• Setting: Southern U.S. With all its charm and hospitality, they explore issues of family and community and usually don't shy away from sensitive racial issues.

• Setting: Third World. Characters are drawn entirely from those (often unfamiliar) cultures. (Examples would be No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series, by Alexander McCall Smith; Inspector Ghote Series, by H.R.F. Keating; Darko Dawson Series, by Kwei Quartey.)

• Setting: Quaint English Village.

• Soft-boiled: A contrast to the realism and cynicism of the Hard-boiled or Noir, these are tempered with optimism, and light humor, but not quite as slapstick as Caper. (Example: Lawrence Block’s Bernie Rhodenbarr ("Burglar") Series.)

• Steampunk: Just add “mystery” to the steampunk definition: A subgenre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or quasi-Victorian alternate history setting. It could be described by the slogan “What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner.” It includes fiction with science fiction, fantasy or horror themes. Although usually set in Victorian England, we’ll also take Western Steampunk and Medieval Steampunk. (Examples: Steampunk Victorian Mystery Shelf.)

• Theft (art, jewelry, etc.): Major theft or heist of some kind.

• True Crime: Non-fiction.

• Classic Whodunit: Although basically a synonym for mystery, the term whodunit is generally used to describe works such as many of the “traditional” or “classic” mysteries of the 1920's and 30's, which contain significant elements of a puzzle. Modern when it was published, it is not a true Historical Mystery. We’ll take anything published over 50 years ago.

• Young Adult: Youthful protagonist. (Examples: Flavia de Luce Series, by Alan Bradley. (hide spoiler)]

[Rhonda]

I don't like handicapped, but only because I can't think of any. Maybe someone knows some titles for that one. I like Action & Adventure and Business/Corporate.

I would love to see Spy included. I have no feelings really regarding Bumbling Detective or Child in Peril. I have a hard time reading about children in difficult situations, animals too! It's weird...I have no issues with dead adults, but a kid or animal and I'm outta there.

I'm anxious to see what others think.

Maybe serial killer? Something with a dystopian setting?

[Lisa Kay]

Yes, Rhonda, I couldn't find a listing of books that would fit Handicapped, either.

Serial Killer might be good; it doesn't necessarily overlap with Rooting for the Bad Guy - at all. LOL!

[Barb]

Did you say that you already have locked room/impossible mysteries on the list?

What about books with "famous" characters? For example, Robert Randisi has a series that have the Rat Pack as recurring characters. And there's Elliot Roosevelt's series that feature Eleanor Roosevelt.

Maybe books with animals as major characters, or even "speaking" characters? I'm thinking of Koko and YumYum in The Cat Who... series, or the Joe Grey series.

And yeah, I can do without the child (or animal) in peril thing. I think we get enough of that in the real world, I don't want to spend my "play" time reading about it too.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

The only handicapped ones I can think of right now is:

Sir John Fielding series by Bruce Alexander (blind magistrate in England)
Lincoln Rhyme series by Jeffery Deaver (quadriplegic)

I think it is an interesting category though.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

I'm starting this one over this year. Bring on the second one, I can read at least 55 mysteries in a year.

[Lisa Kay]

Barb, look under spoiler in Post #299.

[Barb]

Sorry, LK, I (obviously!) missed that in your original post :)

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Not a problem, Barb. ☺

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

We were obviously having a bit of a mind-meld. LOL!

[Lisa Kay]

Barb, I'm going to include "famous people." I'm thinking of adding 'fictitious' to that, too. What do you think?

[Barb]

Sure, why not, LK?

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

I think "Locked Room" and "Howdunit" maybe too similar to be separate... still reviewing it.

[Genea]

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge
Hard-boiled P.I. - 11-20 books
7/20

AMATEUR SLEUTH:
✓✤No One Else Can Have You by Kathleen Hale 02/23/14
✓✤Lie or Die: A Shelby Nichols Adventure by Colleen Helme 03/29/14
✓✤Secrets That Kill by Colleen Helme 03/30/14
✓✤Trapped By Revenge by Colleen Helme 03/31/14
✤Deadly Deception by Andrea Johnson Beck


COZY MYSTERY:

FBI/CIA/ATF:
✤Cursed by S.J. Harper


FUTURISTIC:
✓✤Unremembered by Jessica Brody 01/23/14
✤Arclight by Josin L. McQuein


HISTORICAL MYSTERY:
✓✤The Diviners by Libba Bray 02/10/14


LEGAL:
✤Hostile Witness by Rebecca Forster


NOIR:
✤The Devil She Knew by Rena Koontz


PARANORMAL MYSTERY:
✤The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting


PRIVATE EYE:
✤The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith


PROPRIETOR MYSTERIES:
✤A Charming Crime by Tonya Kappes


ROMANTIC SUSPENSE:
✤If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones


SCI-FI:
✓✤Pivot Point by Kasie West 01/31/14
✓✤Altered by Jennifer Rush 02/19/14
✓✤Erased by Jennifer Rush 02/20/14
✤Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger


THRILLER:
✓✤Young Love Murder by April Brookshire 02/26/14
✤The Heart of Lies by Debra Burroughs

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Welcome to the challenge, Genea!

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Love what you have for Round 2, LK!

I'm with others regarding the kids in peril/animals in peril thing. I could do without that one. Like Rhonda, I'm okay with adults in peril but not kids or animals. My stomach gets all twisted if someone's pet is in danger! I always worry about Temperance Brennan's cat in the 'Bones' series. That cat has been locked out of her apartment but never has been threatened but it doesn't matter, I still wait for that shoe to drop and I don't feel good about his safety until her books end, hehe.

I think Spy is different from Technothriller because not all spies use technology. At least, I don't think so?

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

GTK, Teresa. I didn't put it in. I'm done with it, BTW. You all want me to post it?

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

GTK? Hmmm... I can't figure that one out, LOL!! I know I'm going to hit myself on the forehead and go, "d'oh" when I find out.

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Good To Know.

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Oh...hah..so obvious. *smacks forehead* D'oh!

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

☺

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge - PART II posted. Have fun!

[Ashley Marie]

Question for this one (and I'm definitely stretching here, so feel free to tell me to kick rocks :) ): In The Dresden Files, Harry most often describes his profession as "wizard" rather than PI, and gets into most of his scrapes because of his magical ability rather than his investigative skill.

So, could books from that series work for Professional Sleuth?

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Ashley Marie wrote: "So, could books from that series work for Professional Sleuth?"

Definitely, Ash.