Crime, Mysteries & Thrillers discussion
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What makes you try a new author?
Same as you, Alex, really. I'll take the recommendation of someone with similar taste, but I'll still read a sample first.
Mostly recommendations by friends, or seeing a cover go by multiple times, so I get curious about the content.
1/ Reading a book by the author loaned to me by a friend.2/ A synopsis (usually here on Goodreads) or something about the main character or setting that intrigues me.
3/ A free book for my Kindle - but again the synopsis, character, or setting has to catch my interest.
I recently read a blog post by an author who had questioned a small sample of people and they concluded the three main elements were:1. Cover
2. Blurb
3. Sample
I think Reviews came in 4th, and I also think I pretty much agree with the results, too.
The cover does nothing for me. Every book I ever bought based on the cover has been a big disappointment.So I consider covers nothing more than packaging - maybe nice to look at but not a true indicator of the quality of the item inside.
The title and the blurbOr a recommendation from a friend with similar tastes
Eve wrote: "Rec from a friend who knows my tastes, the summary of the story, the publishing house/imprint, and/or the title. I am biased towards fab covers, as most of us are, but since writers have all but zero input on them, I try to not judge as the saying goes."Not always the case, Eve. I had a big hand in specifying my cover from a choice of three.
I agree with much of what Quillracer says: recommendations and a synopsis that is intriguing — AND well-written. I've found that the description is a reflection of the writing quality of the story, and if it is poorly written, so is the story and I won't waste my time.Cover-wise. Puh-lease. Too many don't reflect what's going on in the story. Sure the spaceship on the front will make me conclude that it's probably sci-fi, a fairy-like being leads me to believe it's some kind of fantasy, naked(ish) men or women indicate a romance of some type, animals mean it's probably a paranormal. But none of it tells me if the story is good or well-written.
Interesting that not many people have put the title down. Does that mean the title doesn't matter so much?
A 'catchy' title might make me pick up the book to read the blurb but I've never bought a book just on the title. Partly because in a lot of books I've read, the title had nothing to do with the story. Or maybe the link was so obscure, I missed it.
Another thing that never, ever enters into my decision is hyping quotes culled from newspaper reviews or other authors (even well-known ones).
I have found the cover and the title have nothing to do with whether or not I buy a book. The cover might catch my eye but it is the blurb that sells it. If it's a favorite author, I usually buy no matter what. Otherwise, I check out the storyline and see if I think it's something I might like.
I read the Blurb and try to buy books / ebooks with UK based story lines
Boredom with series or authors I read a lot drives me occasionally to the library where I start at A and look for authors I have not read before (or if I did it was so many years ago I do not remember them). I read the synopsis blurb, and if it sounds interesting I'll give it a try. I try not to be influenced by the cover art.
I like to read the blurb on the back or the review if it isn't a book I've found in a bookstore.
I read the blurb on the cover, or download the sample from Amazon to my Kindle and go by that. Used to try reading the occasional Amazon review, but there are so m any trolls on there, hating away (plus have had three books RUINED, via spoilers the "reviewer" gave no warning about), that I've given up doing that.I try not to judge the book by its cover, but when that cover looks like it was made up in a 14-year-old's rec room, on PhotoShop, I won't even read the synopsis.
Martyn V. (aka Baron Sang Froid) wrote: "Mostly recommendations by friends, or seeing a cover go by multiple times, so I get curious about the content."This probably best fits what I do. I'll check on Goodreads and look at other book sites, but if I'm not sold what I see on the first few pages, its all over.
There are titles that catch my attention but I don't always pick a boom based on the title. I read the synopsis and if it sound interesting then I pick it up. If I'm kind if wishy washy on a boom I will look to reviews. It's always nice to know someone who has read the book first.
Looking at the plot summary, friend recommendations. I have one Goodreads friend who semi-regularly recommends books to me.
I read the first page. That either grabs me or doesn't. That's why, in my own books, I work really hard to make that first page something that I hope will draw the reader into the story - and also into the characterThe Kennedy Connection: A Gil Malloy Novel
I don't really read based on author's unless I already know and enjoy them. Otherwise I just pick up random books and find new authors that way, looking for the story more than the writer.
Many times I've read a new author because someone I knew recommended him. Or, her. I found Robert B. Parker (Spenser series) because a friend, in a discussion of mystery novels, recommended his books. My brother recommended Eliot Pattison (Inspector Shan series) him to me, again, in a discussion of books. More recently, I've read Jo Nesbø because he was recommended by someone on this site. In fact, by many someones. My daughter recommended Dan Brown because she knew that I'd probably like his books.Not all authors that I like were found that way, but, many of them were. Others, Michael Connelly, John Sandford, Robert Crais, Philip Margolin, Ed McBain, Sue Grafton, were found by scouring the shelves in my local library.
Both ways have been successful. For me. Scouring the shelves could be a bit frustrating, though, if it proved unsuccessful. But, I do check out book jacket blurbs when I find a book that looks intriguing. It can tell me that I might, or might not, like the book in question.
So, to me, it's not about how I found the author, just that I did find him. However you find him, or her, it's all good.
I like to read; what I call teasers on the back of the book. If that interests me that I will read it regardless of the author.
If I looking for something to read I will often read the first pages to see if I like the reading. Cover comes into others recommendations. Now I look to see how many people like the book.
Scouring library or a book store's shelves in the genre I wanted to read worked for years. Now, I tend to look at on-line reviews. Sometimes, if the author has a television show or movie based on his work, I'll find the book and read it. That is how I got hooked on George R.R. Martin.
This is what I did today: I had an idea that I thought would make a good book, and I searched Goodreads and Amazon using that keyword. I found a short series of really well-written, self-published novellas with the same idea. I really enjoyed reading them, and I think this author has a really bright future with some savvy marketing.
A compelling back cover text is the first thing that draws me into a book. Also, a well composed and attractive cover helps, as well as a preview of the first few pages. Clean, clear and well-written text is very important, and any hints of humor are welcome. Subject matter is also important, and I am an enormous fan of anything with a British Mystery tone.
DianeAlice wrote: " I've found loads of new authors since I joined Goodreads. Just need time to read them all now!"Here, Here! If I've found any problem with Goodreads, it's that I've discovered more good authors and more good books than I'll ever have time to read. With the list of books that I have on my to-read shelf right now, I'm estimating that I'll have to live 30 years before I'll get them read. And, by that time, I'll have found another gadzillion books and authors that I'll want to read.
But, it's all good.
What an interesting thread! I tend to read fiction, especially mysteries, based on friends' recommendations as well as blogger reviews. But I am much more likely to buy and read non fiction based on the Amazon book page. When I am looking for a non fiction book it is usually because I have a specific issue in mind, like how to write better blog posts, and want a book to address that issue. Now and then, Booktrib or The Millions websites have something that sparks my interest but neither are a go-to resource for discovering a new book.
Let's see:- interesting plot device
- set in a place I know personally
- read (or listened to) a good review
- it won an award
- my dad recommended it
First I look for a genre I'm interested in then the cover or the title catches my eye then the book blurb and recommendations...or someone recommends the book to me.
Goodreads helps Me. Also by luck I end up with a nice book. But some genre I avoid like chicklit.
Intriguing plot... recommended as like an author I already like ... great review ... recommended by a friend ...
If I'm in a bookshop, the first thing to grab my attention will be the title & cover. Then I read the blurb on the back of the book - that's what will make me decide whether or not to buy it, or leave it back.Online, it may be books I come across on here, either as group reads, or if people are talking about it. The recommendations shelf, and also recommendations on sites like Amazon.
But ultimately it will be the blurb that makes me want to try a new author.
I find Goodreads a bit overwhelming….I receive something like 40-100 suggested reads each day. As a new author (new to fiction), I have a killer cover, a plot that takes the reader on a wild ride, a great location (Vegas Valley), and a mystery literally to die for. The heroine is a forensic reconstruction artist --not your norm. So with a giveaway coming up on the 15th, I hope to garner readers and reviewers and spark interest. This is what new authors do to get noticed and, together with good reviews here and on Amazon, we hope to begin to carve out a niche.
M.A.R. wrote: "I find Goodreads a bit overwhelming….I receive something like 40-100 suggested reads each day. As a new author (new to fiction), I have a killer cover, a plot that takes the reader on a wild ride,..."Guessing the giveaway isn't open to the UK? I read the synopsis here & it sounds very interesting!
Vikki wrote: "M.A.R. wrote: "I find Goodreads a bit overwhelming….I receive something like 40-100 suggested reads each day. As a new author (new to fiction), I have a killer cover, a plot that takes the reader ..."Yes it will be open to the UK and Canada.
Belonging to Linkedin and other groups is another way to be introduced to new writers. Also, I've stuck to just a few mystery writers, so now when I hear someone has written like 40 books or so, I've decided I should take a peek, just as a mystery writer myself. I just read on Mark Rubinstein's blog of mystery writer Jonathan Kellerman who wrote forty-three books. I think I'll give him a whirl. He must be doing something right.
Goodreads suggestions especially from the Scandi groups.(Thank you Ken)plus my own bookclub, Book Marks madazine and Mystery Scene magazine.
Friends whose judgement I tend to agree with on mysteries.
(Thank you Maude)
M.A.R. wrote: "Vikki wrote: "M.A.R. wrote: "I find Goodreads a bit overwhelming….I receive something like 40-100 suggested reads each day. As a new author (new to fiction), I have a killer cover, a plot that tak..."Just wondering is that giveaway listed yet?
For me, a friend's recommendation is the most influential factor. If I'm just browsing the bookstore with no one particular in mind, I tend to go for cover first, then spin it round for a read of the synopsis. If I'm not interested by that point, it stays on the shelf. Good luck with the giveaway M.A.R!
In this order:Cover
Plot summary on the back - I look for interesting and unusual situations and unique characters
The first page - I must be sucked in or I won't buy it.
I'll look at the title to see if the title catches my interest then read the flap with the summary of the book. If it sounds good I'll read the first few pages and I'll check reviews or recommendations. By then I'll make a decision on whether it's worth purchasing.
I'll glance at cover then title. If anything appears interesting I'll pick it up and read the blurb. Will also check price. If it's too expensive, it has to be an author I'm familiar with or I won't buy it. Will wait and try to find it on sale or used.
Cover and titleBlurb
Goodreads. Not necessarily the recommendations they send me but I'll go to the page of a book I love and browse the "Other readers enjoyed" list off to the side. I've used that to find books for my hubby, mom, and mother-in-law based on stuff they like and I've done pretty well so far. And now I have the groups to help guide me to new reads :)
Recommendations and availability; I've read a couple of books having received a review copy from Waterstones.Subject matter is also important and crime thriller mysteries are always a delight as I like to follow a series in order. I try to read new authors as well to be in at the start if it is the first in a series e.g. MP Wright - Heartman. Also if I get to meet a author I tend to stay loyal if I have or like their books. E.G. Leigh Russell.
The problem remains I have too many books to read; the upside is that I'm never stuck for something to read.
-Cover and title definitely a big one-Blurb
-Goodreads (I love browsing through similar books and searching for more books for my tbr)
-someone recommending it.
-reviews or other authors mentioning them
I've never been one to judge a book by its cover and now that I read ebooks almost exclusively, the cover means even less to me.In no particular order:
-Recommendations from family and friends who know what I like to read
-Downloaded sample
-Genre
-Blurb
-Goodreads, Amazon, and my library's website suggestions based on my previous books
While all of the above are things I consider, I love the sample (or Look Inside for non-ebooks) feature. That will tell me if a book is well-written and worth my time.
I agree with the previous posters who said the downside to Goodreads is that I now have more books I want to read than I'll ever be able to read. :-)
Crime, Mysteries & Thrillers
Books mentioned in this topic
The Kennedy Connection (other topics)Authors mentioned in this topic
Robert B. Parker (other topics)Eliot Pattison (other topics)
Jo Nesbø (other topics)
Dan Brown (other topics)
Michael Connelly (other topics)
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Reading the posts, and looking through bookstores, it is ridiculous/phenomenal the number of books there are in the world, so my question is, what makes you try a new author?
Is it the cover, the blurb on the back, the recommendations from other authors, friends etc etc?
For me, as silly as it sounds, it's the cover and title that determines if I even pick it up, and then reading the first chapter.
Looking forward to all your thoughts!