Cozy Mysteries discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Archived
>
When you're not reading a cozy....
Jennifer wrote: "Pamela wrote: "I see some posts from awhile back regarding the Mitford Series. For more updated info, is anyone familiar with this series? What did you think???"This series is my all-time fav..."
Hi there, dont' mean t but-in, but in June I visited my parents in Lenoir, NC. My mother mentioned casually that "it's too bad you weren't here for Mitford Days " up at Blowing Rock. (30 min away) When we drove through the town I was delighted and even saw the church across from a park filled to brimming with rhododendrons and daylilies. I knew they had contests and events for visitors to meet all of the characters on the list and so forth. Might be worth looking into for next year!
I'm thrilled to say I just finished Bill Bryson's
. Since I've taken a break from my cozies, I've been tackling some non-fiction that's been loitering on my shelves, and there were a few Bill Bryson's. This was the biggest and the one that always interested me the most but I was a little daunted not only by the size but the amount of information it covered. I was totally in the mood for this this week and I flew through it. Excellent read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes both science and history.
Just started reading In the Blood by Robert Sullivan. This is a First Read that I won a short while ago, but life intervened and didn't have a chance to get to it until now. Now I'm not sure why I entered for it, except that it is a mystery and a mystery in a science fiction setting. I'm not sure how it's going to go just yet. It's...interesting....
Heidi (in the study with the candlestick) wrote: "Erin wrote: "Heidi, I've been reading a few reviews of divergent and it seems that I interpreted things differently than those who gave low ratings. I really enjoyed the story but I can see where ..."Yeah, I think as the story went, I filled in the holes myself without realizing it. Then once it's pointed out, I see it. But for me the story was complete because I somehow made it so. Which makes no sense, but there you have it.
I read a variety of genres when I'm not reading cozies. Lately, I've been reading a lot of James Patterson and Yasmine Galenorn. She writes a series in the Paranormal Urban Fantasy genre about three half-human, half-fae sisters who fight evil and are based in the Seattle area. One is a witch, one a werecat, and one a vampire. This series starts with
She also writes another series in the same genre beginning with
She's also written a paranormal cozy mystery series starting with
that I loved, and a straight cozy series
that was pretty good, but I like her other stuff better.
Naomi wrote: "I read a variety of genres when I'm not reading cozies. Lately, I've been reading a lot of James Patterson and Yasmine Galenorn. She writes a series in the Paranormal Urban Fantasy genre about th..."I really liked her Chintz & China series. I really wanted to like the Sisters of the Moon books, but didn't after trying 2 of them and didn't care for the 1st Indigo Court book either. I like UF, so don't know why those didn't grab me.
Finished
by Andrey Kurkov. Really, really liked it. Comparatively easy read for a Soviet/Russian satire.Now I'm still reading
and
but am also half-way through a very beautiful work,
.And yesterday finished 2 first read wins,
, which was good but a little disappointing and
which was very good.
Erin wrote: "Heidi (in the study with the candlestick) wrote: "Erin wrote: "Heidi, I've been reading a few reviews of divergent and it seems that I interpreted things differently than those who gave low ratings..."I understand 100%. I am going through the same thing right now with Blood Red Road, which I just "went with" and some of my GR pals are questioning everything. It is all in the eye of the reader (and in my case sometimes my mood!)
Just finished reading The Help and had a difficult time putting it down. Though a work of fiction it accurately depicts race relations in the deep South between black home workers and their white "ladies". (Accurate according to a lady-friend who lived through the times.) I cried, I cheered, I was gratified with the ending...I highly recommend this novel!
I'm reading
which is...bizarre. I read it on the recommendation of a friend who absolutely loved it. I'm finding it a bit schizophrenic. One moment it's a satire, then it's kinda serious, and it's got some political satire overtones, spy novel, etc. It's interesting and the characters draw me in one moment, and then a few chapters later, I just don't care about them. Then something draws me in again.It's the first multiple personality book I've ever read.
I'll finish
tonight and definitely have some really mixed feelings about it. Will have to give it some real thought before I put up any kind of review.
Erin wrote: "I'm reading which is...bizarre. I read it on the recommendation of a friend who absolutely loved it. I'm finding it a bit schizophrenic. One moment it's a satir..."I have heard unless you understand the authors sense of humor you will not like this one.
Pamela wrote: "I see some posts from awhile back regarding the Mitford Series. For more updated info, is anyone familiar with this series? What did you think???"Pamela, I've read quite a few in this series and love them! Somehow they just make me feel better when I read them ;) Hope you give one a try!
OK, I tried listening to
, but I'm giving up. It just isn't holding my interest. I think I prefer less complicated books ;)
I pretty much read anything I can get my hands on. I'll go through cycles where all I want to read are cozy mysteries, and then I'll switch to romantic suspense, or fantasy, or historical. I just love books period, so I load my Kindle up with whatever strikes my fancy. As far as mysteries go, I love Agatha Christie, Cleo Coyle/Alice Kimberly, Mary Higgins Clark, John Sanford, and Lisa Gardiner
Susie in KS wrote: "OK, I tried listening to , but I'm giving up. It just isn't holding my interest. I think I prefer less complicated books ;)"You are missing absolutely nothing, IMHO, Susie! This book took me forever to read. I'd say the last 1/4, maybe a little more than that wasn't bad, otherwise it took forever to get anywhere. I finished the 2nd one last week as I was told it was much better than the first one. It was better, but only marginally. Definitely decided I would leave the last one alone, especially since it's the size of a doorstop!
Susie in KS wrote: "OK, I tried listening to , but I'm giving up. It just isn't holding my interest. I think I prefer less complicated books ;)"It is a slow mover. I could see why you wouldn't like it. I ended up liking it by the end, but it is not for everyone.
Mod
My "not-cozy" right now is
by Henry Roth, the 1934 classic of a family of Jewish immigrants from the Ukraine, a pathologically paranoid, abusive man & his wife and frightened little boy.
I started
this morning. It's been awhile since I've read a Dean Koontz book, and it's already creepy :)
Revenger by Rory ClementsBe sure to check the back of the book and read the Notes and Lexicon. They will add to your understanding and enjoyment without spoiling the story.
Melodie wrote: "Susie in KS wrote: "OK, I tried listening to , but I'm giving up. It just isn't holding my interest. I think I prefer less complicated books ;)"..."
Thank you Melodie and Heidi! Now I don't feel quite so guilty for not finishing it ;)
I'm taking a break from cozies and reading Ice Cold
by Tess Gerritsen. It's early days, but I'm enjoying it. Especially in the heat of summer :)I especially like the way Gerritsen makes setting a character in her novels. Very effective and it really ramps up the tension.
I finished
last night. I was pretty ambivalent about the whole thing until the last 2 chapters. They changed things so much I ended up giving it 4 stars.
I just got notified that my hold request at the library is ready--
(I know I'm a little late to the party with this one, but I'm excited to finally read it!!
I'm finding
absolutely fascinating! John Douglas, the author, is one of the original profilers for the FBI and he reviews a lot of "unsolved" mysteries that have always interested me.
Reading
, who is one of my favorite writers and
.
I'm reading a book that's billed as a "historical gothic novel". I think historical romance probably would really be correct. Saraband for Two Sisters
A saraband is a type of dance or dance music -- just had to look it up!
Karen M wrote: "I'm reading a book that's billed as a "historical gothic novel". I think historical romance probably would really be correct. Saraband for Two Sisters [bookcover:Saraband for Two S..."What a blast from the past. I read that way back when I was in high school. I think I didn't like it because I didn't like the way it ended. lol
Mod
Donna wrote: "Karen M wrote: "I'm reading a book that's billed as a "historical gothic novel". I think historical romance probably would really be correct. Saraband for Two Sisters [bookcover:Sa..."It's very melodramatic but considering it's 1600 something some things don't change. Sex, witches, stolen husbands/fiances LOL
I'm trying to get through
right now. My issues have nothing to do with the writing or the story, I'm just not finding uninterrupted time to sit down and read when my head isn't full of other things.
I just finished GHOST STORY over the weekend and had mixed feelings about until the last 2 chapters. They turned everything around for me!
I just finished
in paperback and liked it quite a bit. I wasn't sure when I read the first one if I liked it enough to continue but gave the second one a go - I'm glad I did. Hopefully there will be a third one.Also just finished
on Audio. James Marsters is brilliant! He turned what would have been a ho-hum story line for me (the fae don't interest me much) into something that had me sitting in the driveway with the car running a time or two. :)
I have to listen to
narrated by James Marsters. I've been a fan of his since he played Spike on Buffy/Angel. My daughter will be even more excited than me.
Jennifer E. wrote: "I just finished in paperback and liked it quite a bit. I wasn't sure when I read the first one if I liked it enough to continue but gave the second one a go - I'm..."Interesting that you liked BAITED BLOOD. I really didn't care for the first in this series at all. What was the big difference between this new one and the other one??
James Marsters is INCREDIBLE as the reader for the Harry Dresden books! I'm not big on the fae either and SUMMER KNIGHT was one of my least favorite Dresden books until I listened to it. Was really disappointed that he's not the reader for GHOST STORY, the newest Dresden book. John Glover reads it. I'm sure he's okay, but he's no Marsters!
Melodie - I think what I didn't like about the first book was that the main character came across as a typical, hard, victim and the vampires who were supposed to be protecting her weren't likeable at all. In this book none of that seems to be the case - she's much more assured and the vamps are more 'human' if you know what I mean? :) This time I found myself liking everyone I was supposed to like as opposed to the first book where I just didn't care. Odd ending though....
Jennifer E. wrote: "Melodie - I think what I didn't like about the first book was that the main character came across as a typical, hard, victim and the vampires who were supposed to be protecting her weren't likeable..."Hmmmm...maybe I'll give it a shot.
Yesterday I finished
and think it was one of the best books I have read this year. If you like WWII books and undying first loves stories I think you would like this one. The writing is just exquisite!
An hour or so ago, I finished Ann Perry's "Acceptable Loss." It was excellent, as all of the books in this series have been. Her books hold a strange fascination for me: The subject matter is often somewhat "dark," but the characters are so well-drawn that they seem like old friends, and the plot draws me inexorably onward, until I find myself rushing to the conclusion. Then, when I reach the end, I take a deep breath, and find myself relieved, but also dismayed because there isn't more story to read!
Mod
. Only at the beginning but i's already compelling for me.
Currently reading a non-fiction about a situation close to home
about the DC area snipers from 2002. I was curious as to how/when they realized it was a sniper and not just a homicide (or two or three) so decided to get this book and see if I could refresh my memory (although it was really terrifying at the time!).
I finished Freedomover the weekend and now I'm reading The Distant Echo. I love the depth she brings to her characters and the interweaving of past and present.
Reading Pickwick Papers. Just finished a few great cozies. Murder Boogies with Elvis by Anne George, Books Can be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay, and Chocolate Cat Caper by Joanna Carl
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Cozy Mysteries
Books mentioned in this topic
A Multitude of Monsters (other topics)Alibi in High Heels (other topics)
The Second Life of Nick Mason (other topics)
Torch Ginger (other topics)
The Good Girl (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Gemma Halliday (other topics)Craig Shaw Gardner (other topics)
Kristi Charish (other topics)
Sharon J. Bolton (other topics)
Gemma Halliday (other topics)
More...
That is the weird thing about this book. I listed like 10-15 things I had questions or problems with and everyone who has loved the book agreed with all my points but still loved it anyway. That is so strange. Books are great that way. All in the eye of the beholder.