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Ann's Dec-2015 books read / listened
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Good month Ann. I am waiting for Rouge Lawyer. I also liked Playing with fire and the Crossing.
While I am a huge fan of Lawrence Block after listening to Hit Man I never could work up the interest to go further with the series.
I really liked THE PROMISE. Haven't picked up a Connelly in some time. Need to get back to him!
Sandi: I don't have much curiosity about the character of Keller.So I should try a different Block book? Any suggestions?
Sandi wrote: "While I am a huge fan of Lawrence Block after listening to Hit Man I never could work up the interest to go further with the series."
Ann wrote: "Sandi: I don't have much curiosity about the character of Keller.So I should try a different Block book? Any suggestions?"
My all time favorite book of his is When the Sacred Ginmill Closes. It is part of his hardboiled PI series featuring Matt Scudder but the story is a flashback to the 1970s before the first book in the series (though I know reading out of order does not bother you).
Other great books in the series are: Out on the Cutting Edge, A Stab in the Dark, and Eight Million Ways to Die. One of my least favorites though is A Dance At The Slaughterhouse but it won the Edgar Award for best novel so I am in the minority.
Another excellent though very dark book is the standalone Grifter's Game. I listened to the audio and Alan Sklar's narration was terrific.
On the lighter side, many enjoy his Bernie the Burglar series on audio. They are read by Richard Ferrone though are a bit hit and miss for me. Burglars Can't Be Choosers is the first book.
Great list, Ann. The Robert Crais sounds good. Haven't read any of his before.
You had an awesome month with many of my favorite authors. I agree totally with your assessment of The Crossing. When you compare Bosch to Reacher, your point is well made. Bosch has evolved continuously and Connelly has given us some true insight into his head. The ending of Make Me did make me wonder what might be next for Reacher.
So many good ones Ann! I see quite a few on my wish list.
Thanks Sandi! I will have to see what the library audio offerings hold for me to try more Lawrence Block books! You know me well on reading out of order - when I need to, it's ok! He has some great titles. Looks like several are library available. I think I will list the Scudder series on FictFact.com to start getting to them. Thanks! I realize now I did read one book in the Burglar series a long time ago.
Sandi wrote: "My all time favorite book of his is When the Sacred Ginmill Closes. It is part of his hardboiled PI series featuring Matt Scudder but the story is a flashback to the 1970s before the first book in the series (though I know reading out of order does not bother you). "
Exactly Dawn! Reading the new Bosch book right after Reacher this point was very apparent. :) Maybe it is the Tom Cruise movie role factor coloring my impression of Reacher too. LOL. Dawn wrote: "When you compare Bosch to Reacher, your point is well made. Bosch has evolved continuously and Connelly has given us some true insight into his head. The ending of Make Me did make me wonder what might be next for Reacher. ."
Ann wrote: "Maybe it is the Tom Cruise movie role factor coloring my impression of Reacher too. LOL. "..."I wonder if Cruise will undertake any more Reacher films.
Answering my own question. IMBD shows him filming Never Go Back, to be released this year.
Might be an opportunity for the northeast chapter to get together again.
Of c ourse she does, Barry!! I would love to be close enogh for a movie with you, Carol and Sherry!! Even Tom Cruise. :-0Barry wrote: "I'm assuming Carol misses me."
Barry wrote: "I'm assuming Carol misses me."You know what they say about assume....
But yes, Barry, you see right through me, that was a not-so-subtle ploy to get together with you and Sherry.
Barry wrote: "Might be an opportunity for the northeast chapter to get together again."Absolutely!! Anyone within driving distance of Providence RI (a central location for the MA/CT contingent) is welcome to join us!
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Barry wrote: "Might be an opportunity for the northeast chapter to get together again."Absolutely!! Anyone within driving distance of Providence RI (a central location for the MA/CT contingent) i..."
totally!
Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends
Books mentioned in this topic
When the Sacred Ginmill Closes (other topics)Eight Million Ways to Die (other topics)
Out on the Cutting Edge (other topics)
Burglars Can't Be Choosers (other topics)
A Stab in the Dark (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Lawrence Block (other topics)Lawrence Block (other topics)
I look forward to figuring out which ones were my top books for our group lists of the best of 2015.
Rogue Lawyer
Corrupted
The Promise
Make Me
Chimera
The Crossing
Playing with Fire
Hit Man
Grisham, John Rogue Lawyer finished on 12/3/2015 on Audio and ranked 9 of 10
In direction this seems more like multiple indictments of the criminal justice system told in linked story form with a strong voice as the main character, the Rogue Lawyer of the title. Rogue in a couple of ways, bucking the system where ever possible and not being afraid to go after a risky move in or around court and to shout loudly and long where injustice is present (way too often it seems). The stories were compelling, and also depressing.
Scottoline, Lisa Corrupted finished on 12/6/2015 on Audio and ranked highly at 9.5 of 10
Great story, intense, compelling, and emotional; Bennie's story, a long time coming. The focus is on the client and the case, almost exclusively from the standpoint of Bennie, a loner and somewhat mythical figure, the founder of the Rosato and Associates law firm; but it has been hard to know much about Bennie in recent books. That changes in this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bravo Lisa for telling this story so well.
Crais, Robert The Promise finished on 09-Dec-015 Audio and ranked 9.25 of 10
What a great cast: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, Scott James, Maggie, and Jon Stone; a fast paced and explosive countdown to terror. Wisecracks, serious detective work, compassion, loyalty and an attempt to assuage the grief of loss. Sometimes even that attempt fails to comfort and drastic measures ensue. hardly enough Joe Pike, but there were some great interactions between our favorite characters.
Child, Lee Make Me finished on 12/14/2015 on audio rank 9 of 10
Fast paced action-wise, but a bit slower than some installments story-wise. Reacher gets close to embracing technology, and is still a loner; as a community seems to be caught up in a web of deceit, but what kind exactly and why is the town named Mother's Rest? The Reacher character isn't growing between books so these books are less compelling than they once were.
Grant, Mira Chimera finished on 19-Dec-2015 on audio and ranked 9 of 10
The evolution of the parasites in this trilogy is mind boggling to consider and my initial reactions evolved as well. It was important to follow Sal on her journey and this last book in the trilogy is fast paced and satisfying. The fate of the people in 2028 as described is not certain, but also is not unfamiliar. We do have a tendency as humans to make these kinds of mistakes - and keep trying to get it right.
Connelly, Michael The Crossing finished on 12/18/2015 Audio and ranked 9.75 of 10
Listening to Titus Welliver narrate this book was such a pleasure. I loved getting back into Harry's head and following along as he investigates a homicide again. It doesn't matter to me which side of the table he is behind, defense or prosecution, he has the victim as a client and is dogged in his pursuit of the truth. If a book could be perfect, this is a strong candidate. Humor, nods to contemporary events and simply excellent detective work abound. More please! ( and more Mickey Haller too next time!)
Gerritsen, Tess Playing with Fire finished on 12/22/2015 on audio ranked 9 of 10
Unexpectedly intriguing and sad as the history segments take a much larger focus than the contemporary voice of Julia seeking the history of a hauntingly beautiful and unique waltz, the score penciled on an old manuscript.
Block, Lawrence Hit Man finished on 12/26/2015 audio and ranked 8.75 of 10
A nice introduction to the character of Keller and the glimpses into his psyche and methods were interesting details that didn't change the fact he is a hired killer, but added nuance to the process and the man. I won't rush to read another but that may have been partly due to the narration by Robert Forster which didn't grab me. I noticed that the author narrates at least one of the other books in this series (#3)