The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion
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Currently Reading? Just Finished? 2015
Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan (the Soho edition) is the book I've just started. I am currently working on day four with very little sleep, so I'm getting lots of reading done. Amazing how that happens. Anyway, so far, so good.
Ellen wrote: "Just ordered Jonathan Kellerman's forthcoming stand alone THE MURDERER'S DAUGHTER. As a psychologist and writer I want to see how other "shrinks with ink" incorporate their training into their fic..."
Psychology -- well, it depends on how it's done. I used to read Kellerman but he got so formulaic I figured that I didn't even need to read his future novels and I could probably tell you what was going to happen. That kind of psychology I can do without. I trend more to works say, like Highsmith, with an abnormal psychology residing in an otherwise on-the-outside-seemingly normal person. That, or any kind of novel where what's in a person's mind has bearing on what they do, given a set of circumstances.
Psychology -- well, it depends on how it's done. I used to read Kellerman but he got so formulaic I figured that I didn't even need to read his future novels and I could probably tell you what was going to happen. That kind of psychology I can do without. I trend more to works say, like Highsmith, with an abnormal psychology residing in an otherwise on-the-outside-seemingly normal person. That, or any kind of novel where what's in a person's mind has bearing on what they do, given a set of circumstances.


This is quite a tense novel, especially when I as a reader see the characters destroying themselves.

Nancy, I agree with you about Jonathan Kellerman. I used to enjoy his books but after awhile the plots became too predictable.
Barbara wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Ellen wrote: "Just ordered Jonathan Kellerman's forthcoming stand alone THE MURDERER'S DAUGHTER. As a psychologist and writer I want to see how other "shrinks with ink" incorporate t..."
I will say that the first few were really good, and my husband still enjoys his work. But there comes a time, as I am fond of saying, for an author to move along.
I will say that the first few were really good, and my husband still enjoys his work. But there comes a time, as I am fond of saying, for an author to move along.



My complete review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
❆ Crystal ❆ wrote: "I just finished Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption
a non fiction crime story. I gave ..."
Wow. I may have to check out this book.

Wow. I may have to check out this book.
Barbara wrote: "I finished Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. It's the 1970s and Lydia Lee - the promishing 16-year-old daughter of a Chinese father and American mother - is..."
I have that book, but I haven't even opened it. A few people in my real-life book group want to read it but I'm still not sure...
I have that book, but I haven't even opened it. A few people in my real-life book group want to read it but I'm still not sure...

I loved this book. It's one of my favorite reads this year.
Ellen wrote: "I like Highsmith too, the books, not the TV series Case a Histories."
She's a wonderful writer if you like dark, psychological fiction.
She's a wonderful writer if you like dark, psychological fiction.
Tom wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I finished Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. It's the 1970s and Lydia Lee - the promishing 16-year-old daughter of a Chinese father and Amer..."
I'm just so iffy about it for my group. I can hear them now: "This isn't a Nancy book," so I'm just not sure. Quite a few of them said that when we read The Rosie Project - so I'm just not sure about it.
I'm just so iffy about it for my group. I can hear them now: "This isn't a Nancy book," so I'm just not sure. Quite a few of them said that when we read The Rosie Project - so I'm just not sure about it.

I can tell you this Nancy - the book would give your group a lot to talk about but it's certainly not a 'feel good' book. So you're wise to be cautious.

It's mostly a drama about family relationships. If I were to pick a book for you it probably wouldn't be this one but it is still a really good book.
Tom wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Tom wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I finished Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. It's the 1970s and Lydia Lee - the promishing 16-year-old daughter of..."
I'll consider adding it to this year's list -- the "give your group a lot to talk about" is a good thing." Thanks, you two.
I'll consider adding it to this year's list -- the "give your group a lot to talk about" is a good thing." Thanks, you two.

There's nothing wrong with having people think you have varied tastes.
I've just finished Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith. I'm wondering how far I can make it through her novels without wanting to jump off of a bridge.
Next up (in publication order): A Game for the Living.
Next up (in publication order): A Game for the Living.
❆ Crystal ❆ wrote: "lol... deep water and jumping off a bridge"
LOL! I didn't even think of that when I posted. No pun intended at all!
LOL! I didn't even think of that when I posted. No pun intended at all!

LOL! I didn't even think of that when I posted. No pun intended at all!"
how funny! Well... totally cute still.

I've finished Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan. It's not out until the 15th of this month, but it might be one you may want to look into.
Bill wrote: "Just finished The Blessing Way, the first Joe Leaphorn mystery, this morning and enjoyed very much. I liked learing a bit about the Navajo culture and the story itself; nicely woven ..."
I'm a big fan of the Joe Leaphorn series by Tony Hillerman. I think I have read every one and I am thrilled to say his daughter has picked up where he left off and is a very good writer too.
I'm a big fan of the Joe Leaphorn series by Tony Hillerman. I think I have read every one and I am thrilled to say his daughter has picked up where he left off and is a very good writer too.
Recently finished the second in a fun series I discovered. City of Beads by Tony Dunbar. Set in New Orleans with the main character of Tubby Dubonnet who is a "mostly" ethical lawyer who knows both the good and the not-so-good of New Orleans. Complex enough plots to keep you guessing, some action and a bit of grit for realism, and wonderful descriptions of the city.

I regret to say it but his daughter is nowhere near as good a writer as her dad. Her stories focus more on interpersonal relationships (love lives) and less on the cases and tribal dynamics that made Tony's books so outstanding.

Also a fan of Tony Hillerman and not just the Joe Leaphorn books.
Good to hear about his daughter. I've seen her books and wondered just how good she might be. With this recommendation, I believe I'll be more proactive with regards to her books. Well, to 1 of then, anyway. Then, I'll decide on more or not.
I see that someone else does not share your opinion of her books, though. Now I really have to look into 1 to make my own decision.





Zoe wrote: "I am not sure if this counts in here but it does have a criminal and mystery link. I am currently reading The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton and wow so far absolutely mesmerised and a little bit like..."
I loved that book. It definitely has a mystery component.
I loved that book. It definitely has a mystery component.
Patricia wrote: "Arlene, I didn't set the restriction, the library does this only on popular books and DVDs. They must have 25 or 30 copies that are all reserved for the next several months. Why is this book so ..."
Hype.
Hype.

Patricia wrote: "Nancy, so far I agree. It seems that "Gone Girl" was promoted by the same crowd. There are so many great books out there that don't get half the attention they deserve. I guess it is up to us to..."
On the other hand, this book gets great reviews, so it's likely all about one's personal tastes. I just didn't really care for it, but I know a LOT of people who did.
On the other hand, this book gets great reviews, so it's likely all about one's personal tastes. I just didn't really care for it, but I know a LOT of people who did.


Currently reading

Just finished


Patricia wrote: "Nancy, Justin and Sandy just proved your point. It appears that both books are just a matter of taste."
Everyone's so different, and it makes the world a great place.
Everyone's so different, and it makes the world a great place.

Clearly. I enjoyed GotT although many people whose opinions I value did not. Conversely, I hated GG but lots of people thought it was very good.



Everyone's opinions are (fortunately) different Justin:)


In this 8th book in the series Jane Whitefield (a Seneca Indian with prodigious skills) has to find and help her childhood friend, Jimmy Sanders. Jimmy has been unjustly accused of murder and is being pursued by both the cops and the mafia. 3 stars for me.
My complete review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I love mystery thrillers with a little of romance with a central character throughout the series with a family of lover. I just finished jd Robb's in death series and omg!!!! Seriously does a man exist like roarke? I couldn't put them down!!! I love Tess geritsen and Faye kellerman Peter decker series. I've read Harlan coben and Lisa Gardner and James pattersons Alex cross, murder club and Michael Bennett series. Any other similar series?
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I do not watch a lot of tv either although I do have my guilty pleasures every once in a while. :) Most nights I go home do my around the house work and then settle in with a glass of wine and a book.