Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion
Nominations for Group Reads
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Group Read Books - 2020
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IDK if this group ever reads historical mysteries, but I thought I'd mention this recent publication that has had some positive reviews:Death in Delft. "Death in Delft is the first historical murder investigation in the Master Mercurius Mystery series - atmospheric crime thrillers set in seventeenth-century Europe."
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "A friend recommends The Last Trial by Scott Turow. He says it's fun."I haven't read any Scott Turow since his very first, Presumed Innocent, but I'd be up for this latest of his.
Barbara wrote: "IDK if this group ever reads historical mysteries, but I thought I'd mention this recent publication that has had some positive reviews:Death in Delft.."
Don’t know if it will be a group read, Barbara, but I’ve already ordered it. Thanks for mentioning!
Barbara wrote: "IDK if this group ever reads historical mysteries, but I thought I'd mention this recent publication that has had some positive reviews:Death in Delft. "Death in Delft is the firs..."
I'm into historical mysteries! This one looks intriguing.
Since we usually read a non-fiction book every year I thought I would nominate Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History by Peter Houlahan.Also, I am a big fan of historical mysteries so I would be up for Death in Delft.
Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History sounds good to me. Although I wasn't crazy about The Witch Elm, The Searcher is already on my TBR list. It sounds promising.
Hey. Ebook readers - Death in Delft is available on BookBub for $.99 today!
Jan O’Cat: we think YES!! I am in for The Searcher. Aren’t Tana French’s covers always so atmospheric and beautiful! OMalleycat wrote: "The Searcher by Tana French, due October 6, 2020. What do we think?"
Thanks for the tip Barbara!
Barbara wrote: "Hey. Ebook readers - Death in Delft is available on BookBub for $.99 today!"
I would love to read The Searcher! And yes, thanks so much, Barbara, I'll go pick that up! I found a few good books on sale this morning, which is always a great way to start the day!
Sandi: This one does sound good! I like when we include a non fiction book though the last one last year still horrifies me to realize the abject cruelty and disregard for human life and rights. (Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI)Sandi wrote: "Since we usually read a non-fiction book every year I thought I would nominate Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History by [author:Peter Ho..."
So sorry I’ve been absent from actively monitoring our group read nominations. I am happy to set them up after we decide when to fit in these three or four new books (after our July book).
The Searcher (Oct or later based on US release date and the Cormoran Strike book)
Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History
Death in Delft Kindle Unlimited has it too!
The Last Trial
Carol: I don’t think I’ve read a Scott Turow book-(yet!)Have you read his work before? Anyone else want to add as a group read book? I am game! (the idea of an 85 year old defense attorney is appealing to me)
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "A friend recommends The Last Trial by Scott Turow. He says it's fun."
Barbara wrote: "Hey. Ebook readers - Death in Delft is available on BookBub for $.99 today!"Thanks, Barbara. I snagged it!
Kari wrote: "I would love to read The Searcher!"The title reminded me right away about the 50’s John Wayne movie, The Searchers and the book description also echoes it. A retired lawman (soldier in the movie) searches for a missing child. In the movie John Wayne’s character is a renegade and French’s MC sounds like a loner. Are the parallels on purpose or just a familiar mystery trope? Can’t wait to find out! If one of my services has the movie I may watch it to prep up!
Consideration for August, September, November and December Group Read books:We have been known to double up some months, so are not limited to four. Reminder - we usually schedule each book to go for two months, so the July book is really Jul/Aug, etc.
Jul-2020
You Can't Catch Me You Can't Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie
Aug-2020 -open / see suggestion below
Sep-2020 - open (three nominations below)
Mid Sep-2020 Troubled Blood Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith Release date 9/15/2020!
Oct-2020 The Searcher The Searcher by Tana French Release date 10/06/2020!
Nov-2020 - open (three nominations below)
Dec-2020 - open (three nominations below)
How about in Aug/Sep: Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History by Peter Houlahan ? Released 6/11/2020
Non-fiction can take longer to read so a fiction book along side it is an option.....
How about as a companion fiction book in Aug/Sep: Death in Delft by Graham Brack ?
(out now)--It looks to be one of the easier to obtain (free to Kindle Unlimited and $0.99 ebook version)
Three options - previously nominated (nor Nov, Dec or Aug)
The Last Trial The Last Trial by Scott Turow Note this is book 11 in the Kindle County books & out now
The Red Lotus The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian stand-alone & out now
The Sun Down MotelThe Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James out now
Norco and Delft seem like good companion pieces. Hugely different in topic and time.
I read Scott Turow’s first Kindle County book, Presumed Innocent so long ago that I’m a bit hazy on the plot, though I remember it bring well written, with very realistic courtroom scenes, and a kind of brooding introspection. The early reviews indicate that The Last Trial could be equally good, and it’s probably a good choice for a group read. As far as the other choices, “Surprise me!” I’m sure they’re all good choices.
I'll be able to jump in on Delft in Aug/Sept and The Searcher when it comes out in Oct. Also interested in The Red Lotus and of course Sun Down Motel (since I brought the last one up, not sure my vote should count there, haha). Fairly flexible on when, as long as it's after September.
Barbara wrote: "Norco and Delft seem like good companion pieces. Hugely different in topic and time."I agree with Barbara about this pairing.
Kari wrote: “ Also interested in The Red Lotus and of course Sun Down Motel“
Another me-too for Kari’s choices. Who knew I could be so agreeable? I’d prefer Red Lotus and/or The Sun Down Motel to the Turow (though I’ll read Turow if it’s chosen).
I won’t be reading the Galbraith with the group because I’m a RIO and I’ve only read the first of the series. A few months ago when it first came up I thought I might try to catch up but, in these days when I’m barely managing to read my cereal box, it’s just not gonna happen.
The Galbraith is, naturally, a huge book and the Turow is a long one too. Since we’re going to be doubling up, I thought I’d list page counts here in case it will help anyone with decisions.
Troubled Blood. 784 pages
The Last Trial. 656 pages
The Searcher. 464 pages
Norco '80: 400 pages
The Red Lotus. 400 pages
The Sun Down Motel 336 pages
You Can't Catch Me. 327 pages
Death in Delft. 243 pages
I wonder if we could double dip in July, adding another shorter book, Red Lotus or The Sun Down Motel?
In September there will be a new Jesse Stone (Parker), but they are changing authors from the very dark Brandman to the much lighter Lupica. (Lupica has been writing the Sunny Randalls) Might make for an interesting discussion on how the transition is handled.
The Red Lotus and Deacon King Kong both look interesting!
Barry: I'm excited for the prospect of a new Jesse Stone book for sure; less dark could also be good. Definitely good for discussion!Barry wrote: "In September there will be a new Jesse Stone (Parker), but they are changing authors from the very dark Brandman to the much lighter Lupica. (Lupica has been writing the Sunny Randalls) Might make ..."
Such terrific books! I'm going to corral them and go ahead and add them to our group bookshelf. The dates are not written in stone 😃 It will be easy to move dates around and get a good mix and flow. I'll double assign two books for some months as recommended, which will give alternatives when someone doesn't like the first book.
Feedback and change suggestions welcome, and thanks for looking up the page counts Jan O'Cat!
Jul-2020 You Can't Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie 327 pages
Jul-2020 alternate The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James 336 pages
Aug-2020 Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History 400 pages
Aug-2020 alternate Death in Delft Graham Brack 243 pages
Sep-2020 Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith 784 pages
Sep-2020 alternate new Jesse Stone Robert B. Parker's Fool's Paradise by Mike Lupica 352 pages
Oct-2020 The Searcher by Tana French 464 pages
Oct-2020 alternate Deacon King Kong by James McBride 370 pages
Nov-2020 The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian 400 pages
Dec-2020 The Last Trial by Scott Turow 656 pages
I don’t know if I’ll be able to rearrange my reading schedule to add Sun Down Motel to my July reading since I already have You Can’t Catch Me and a few others queued up but I will read the threads when I get to it later this year if it works for others!
Kari: I completely understand! I just downloaded the audio of You Can't Catch Me. It may be a couple of weeks before i get to it and I may not read The Sun Down Motel until August myself. There will likely be a lot of us delaying the start of half of these. (But we like a challenge!)
Where has June gone???? I haven't missed one of our group reads yet, but this year has been a reading challenge like no other in memory. I am probably going to use the group reads as my Determination books to keep my streak going.
Kari wrote: "I don’t know if I’ll be able to rearrange my reading schedule to add Sun Down Motel to my July reading since I already have You Can’t Catch Me and a few others queued up but I will read the threads..."
Here is a link to our updated 2020 Group Read bookshelf - *If sorted on the start date you can see what we are planning to read by month in order:
Note - we can adjust the dates as we go to accommodate readers and if release dates change.
https://www.goodreads.com/group/books...
I started the discussion threads for our first July book with the aid of the magnificent Jan O'Cat who looks out for even breaks in the narrative. You Can't Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie. And, if cults and a psychological thriller plus stolen identity don't keep you awake at night, our alternative July book is a creepy supernatural thriller. (oh my!)
The Sun Down Motelby Simone St. James is set to start discussions on July 15.
Both books will be up on the top of the group page for July- August so feel free to join in any time that suits you (even after August)
I know we are a fiction group, but seeing the discussion on Hoe to be an Anti Racist, would that be something topical to use? I would understand if we want to stay away from something out of our wheelhouse, and potentially political.
Barry: I am open for it as a Group Read! How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
**though I already read it (and highly recommend)
Anyone else interested - and when would we slot it in?
Edit: 18 chapters and 320 pages
Barry wrote: "I know we are a fiction group, but seeing the discussion on Hoe to be an Anti Racist, would that be something topical to use? I would understand if we want to stay away from something out of our wh..."
I expect to read it this week, and if it is OK, I will post framework and synopsis.
Barry: that will be perfect. Thank you!! Do you have a preference for the segment break points? I can set those up tonight.
I figured those would work themselves out as I read it.
Barry: even better! As I recall there are a couple of natural break points. The top folder is all ready to go. Feel free to add additional subfolder(s) as you see fit! (Re How to Be an AntiracistThanks!!
Barry wrote: "I figured those would work themselves out as I read it."
Ann wrote: "Carol: I don’t think I’ve read a Scott Turow book-(yet!)Have you read his work before? Anyone else want to add as a group read book? I am game! (the idea of an 85 year old defense attorney is appealing to me)..."
Sorry, I've been even more lax than you with respect to monitoring this thread. I've read several of Turow's works but the one that is forever emblazoned in my brain is the first I read of his, Presumed Innocent. The resolution of the mystery blew my mind!
Barry wrote: "In September there will be a new Jesse Stone (Parker), but they are changing authors from the very dark Brandman to the much lighter Lupica. (Lupica has been writing the Sunny Randalls) Might make ..."Hmm. I'd be interested in the backstory of the reason for the change. If anyone hears let us know.
FYI, BookBub has The Last Trial for $3.99 today.
Carol. I felt the same way about Presumed Innocent!
Our summer group read book discussions are off to a rousing start! Several are free on Kindle Unlimited or low cost e-books and we hope you can read one or more and join in on the discussions. The dates scheduled can be flexible - so if any one wants a discussion to start sooner please let us know and we can figure it out!
Find the full 2020 list here and get your name on those library hold lists for the fall line-up! (or maneuver from the Bookshelf link on the page.
https://www.goodreads.com/group/books...
The line-up for the remainder of the year:
You Can't Catch Me is our second group read by Catherine McKenzie and just winding up at the end of August (but open for discussions long after)
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James has a paranormal element that offers dimension.
Death in Delft by Graham Brack is a historical novel that includes many interesting 17th century details and was one of the free Kindle Unlimited books.
Norco '80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History by Peter Houlahan Ok, when "the most spectacular" is used I wonder, but it has convinced me.
Robert B. Parker's Fool's Paradise by Mike Lupica a new Jessie Stone and a new author - let's see how this one stands up (#19)
Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith a new Cormoran Strike book? sign me up!
The Searcher by Tana French love atmospheric? love that her books stand alone well, join us!
Deacon King Kong by James McBride I am currently reading this one and love the dialogue!
The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian I have heard good things about this author, hoping to have a good discussion. An American man vanishes on a road in Vietnam...
The Last Trial by Scott Turow courtroom drama and an older (eighty-five years old) defense attorney on his last case.
I have a book to suggest, let's see if it strikes anyone else. My local PBS affiliate has started a book group with a Facebook page for discussion, and culminates in an event with the author. Their December read is The Talented Miss Farwell by Emily Gray Tedrowe and it looks intriguing.
Carol: we do have a possible opening for a January 2021 book.. The Talented Miss Farwell looks interesting.Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I have a book to suggest, let's see if it strikes anyone else. My local PBS affiliate has started a book group with a Facebook page for discussion, and culminates in an event with the author. Their..."
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I have a book to suggest, let's see if it strikes anyone else. My local PBS affiliate has started a book group with a Facebook page for discussion, and culminates in an event with the author. Their..."I'll read the Kindle sample! Sounds vaguely similar to The Art Forger and other art crime stories I've enjoyed.
I've added The Talented Miss Farwell for a Group read starting Jan-2021, which is only 34 days away! Thanks Carol!
I'm #4 in line at the library, Ann, so I should get it in time. I'll let you know about chapters when I do.
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I'm #4 in line at the library, Ann, so I should get it in time. I'll let you know about chapters when I do."I'm 16th :) but requested it at my sister's library in florida- they tend to purchase books pretty quickly.
Sounds great Carol! Thanks! I need to see if my library has it. Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I'm #4 in line at the library, Ann, so I should get it in time. I'll let you know about chapters when I do."
Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends
Books mentioned in this topic
The Talented Miss Farwell (other topics)The Art Forger (other topics)
The Talented Miss Farwell (other topics)
The Talented Miss Farwell (other topics)
The Sun Down Motel (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Peter Houlahan (other topics)Simone St. James (other topics)
Mike Lupica (other topics)
Graham Brack (other topics)
Scott Turow (other topics)
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I see several seconds for You Can't Catch Me so added it for July! ( and added the Cormoran Strike book for October too) i haven't had time to check out Kari's suggestions yet, looking forward to browsing the list!
OMalleycat wrote: "Okay, I thought I’d pull together all the group read suggestions in one post. Take a look and give an opinion! If I’ve missed any, let me know. I’m guessing (this is really Ann’s gig) that we could pick 2 or 3 to take us to the Galbraith book."