Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion
Nominations for Group Reads
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Group Read Books - 2021
With a riveting description, I nominate for consideration of a 2021 group read slot for John Hart's The Unwilling release date is Feb-2021 so possibly for April.I offer his news article on why he wrote it as what led me to nominate it. https://www.johnhartfiction.com/news-...
Just researched this book and I'm a maybe, will see when we get closer to the launch date. I did read his Redemption Road and gave it 5 stars, although I don't remember it and my review didn't really help.
Barbara and Carol: sounds good! I will go ahead and list it. :) I do understand the wait and see, Carol... there are a ton of tantalizing new books coming in the next several weeks.
Barbara wrote: "I’d be up for The Unwilling, Ann."
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Just researched this book and I'm a maybe, will see when we get closer to the launch date. I did read his Redemption Road and gave it 5 stars, although I don't remember it and my re..."
It’s on my TBR, Kari. I’ve read another book by Foley that was a good read, and this one sounds promising.
Kari: I am interested; with Barbara interested too, it seems a fine idea to add The Guest List. Is May too far out? Open to update the date to something sooner?I read one other Lucy Foley book, The Hunting Party and put it on my determination list because the characters were so unlikable -- lol at the least I'll get another determination book out of it! Ha ha
Kari wrote: "Anyone interested in reading the Goodreads Choice winner for mystery/thriller, The Guest List?"
I am fine with May! Unlikable characters can be fun if done right, so we’ll see! Haha!
Ann, as I recall there was one character in The Hunting Party who had some redeeming virtues, although most of them were pretty distasteful and I couldn't have cared less what happened to them. :-)
Barbara wrote: "Ann, as I recall there was one character in The Hunting Party who had some redeeming virtues, although most of them were pretty distasteful and I couldn't have cared less what happe..."Haha! On the bright side, a book where you don't care about any of the characters isn't as stressful. I'm super interested in what the two of you think of The Guest List now, as I haven't read anything by Foley before.
Kari and Barbara: true! Two bright sides then! if books have unlikable characters I sometimes find myself muttering, "just get on with it" when those characters are in danger. Lol. May 2021 it is, now adding The Guest List to our group read shelf!
Kari wrote: "Haha! On the bright side, a book where you don't care about any of the characters isn't as stressful."
Barbara wrote: "Ann, as I recall there was one character in The Hunting Party who had some redeeming virtues, although most of them were pretty distasteful and I couldn't have cared..."
Ann wrote: "The new year is near so looking ahead to our slate of Group Read books for 2021 is in order. We already have slotted a few new upcoming releases. Current selections:
Dec-2020 books will also slid..."
I am a newbie. Please explain to me how these books are selected. There are soooo many amazing mystery/thriller books....how/why was this book selected??? I read the "Miss Farwell" book and it was a "Miss" for me....and that is why I am asking.
It is interesting to note that the Miss Farwell book was based on the story of former town comptroller Rita A. Crundwell's $53.7 million embezzlement story. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rita_Cr...
Jayne, there isn’t a formal poll in this group. Ann takes responsibility for informally collecting ideas from the people who care to weigh in. If a suggestion gets support from multiple people, Ann finds a slot for it. Last year (like this year) I found that a few of the suggestions were already on my TBR and one or two I had already read. A few that were new to me and which I really enjoyed. And there were a few I didn’t care to read, so I didn’t participate in the discussion for those. The discussions in this group are first rate!
Merry Christmas and thanks for explaining. I certainly did not mean to sound like a "Debbie Downer"....especially on Christmas. I was just surprised by that choice. Again, there are sooo many amazing thrillers and mysteries to discuss.I am sure that the discussions in the group are first-rate and thanks for the heads up!
Jayne wrote: "Merry Christmas and thanks for explaining. I certainly did not mean to sound like a "Debbie Downer"....especially on Christmas. I was just surprised by that choice. Again, there are sooo many amazi..."Hi Jayne,
Thanks for weighing in. I suggested The Talented Miss Farwell because it was selected by my local PBS station for their virtual book club, and I was intrigued after reading the description. I would say about half our picks are books from authors we've read before and liked, and half are new to most of us but strikes someone 's fancy, and as Barbara said others look it up and like it enough to "second" or "third" the nomination.
As Ann would say "your mileage may vary." I've had some Group Read books I've loved, others I've read and not been wild about, and still others I've opted out of bec they didn't grab me enough to supplant the books on my teetering TBR pile.
Hope that helps! And feel free to suggest some of the amazing m/t books you come across!
Hi Jayne, you are welcome, and your question is welcome, and thanks for the link about the embezzlement source story of Miss Farwell. Picking group reads is sometimes easy, sometimes hard because there are so many good candidates, and as mentioned previously, sometimes hit or miss. I've found even the misses, and maybe especially the misses do well as group read books. The discussions have illuminated details that explain conflicting opinions, and sometimes are better than the book.
Hopefully 2021 will bring some good discussions too.
Jayne wrote: "m a newbie. Please explain to me how these books are selected. There are soooo many amazing mystery/thriller books....how/why was this book selected??? I read the "Miss Farwell" book and it was a "Miss" for me....and that is why I am asking.
It is interesting to note that the Miss Farwell book was based on the story of former town comptroller Rita A. Crundwell's $53.7 million embezzlement story.
"
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Jayne wrote: "Merry Christmas and thanks for explaining. I certainly did not mean to sound like a "Debbie Downer"....especially on Christmas. I was just surprised by that choice. Again, there are s..."Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Jayne wrote: "Merry Christmas and thanks for explaining. I certainly did not mean to sound like a "Debbie Downer"....especially on Christmas. I was just surprised by that choice. Again, there are s..."
Hi Carol, Thanks for your reply. I, too, was intrigued by the description of the book and that is why I read the book.
As previously stated, the "Miss Farwell" book was a disappointing "Miss" for me but, hopefully, other group members will like it. Baskin Robbins has 34 flavors of ice cream --- because they embrace the belief that everyone has different likes/dislikes.
Looking forward to the 2021 discussions!
Stay healthy, stay safe and happy new year!
I have another recommendation for a Group Read. It's The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.I frankly can't remember where it caught my attention but it probably was a review in an article I read somewhere. I just picked it up from the library and the librarian said she enjoyed it. The blurbs on the back of the book from Harlan Coben, Jeffrey Deaver, Kate Atkinson and others are glowing of course.
Take a look and see what you think. I worry that it is a bit cozy-ish for our tastes but words like "funny," "compelling," "diabolically clever," "twisted," and "hilarious" in the blurbs make me want to read it.
I’m reading Thursday Murder Club next month as part of a different group read. It seems as if it will be a lot of fun.
Carol: The Thursday Murder Club looks like a good suggestion. With Kari and Barbara on board too, I just added it to our group read lineup.. ;) Since it appears some copies are in hand, how does February 15 sound as a start date? If anyone wants sooner, just let me know. Thanks!
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I have another recommendation for a Group Read. It's The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.
I frankly can't remember where it caught my attention but it probably was a review i..."
If we go with Feb. 15, I'll probably join in around the first of March, I've got my Jan and Feb pretty scheduled out!
Kari: That is even better!! Moving The Thursday Murder Club to March! Kari wrote: "If we go with Feb. 15, I'll probably join in around the first of March, I've got my Jan and Feb pretty scheduled out!"
I just put this one on hold as I want to read it. I hope I get it in time for the discussion.
Bonnie thanks for the reminder, I needed to get on the hold list. Ulp #55 on 8 copies... hope I get it in time too. The Thursday Murder ClubBonnie wrote: "I just put this one on hold as I want to read it. I hope I get it in time for the discussion."
I have one out that I'm not getting to and have let several digital holds expire because I'm not yet ready to read. I hope they're still around when I'm ready!!!!
Carol: Library math never gets easier, does it? The increases in digital hold queues during covid have certainly complicated timing for group reads. Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I have one out that I'm not getting to and have let several digital holds expire because I'm not yet ready to read. I hope they're still around when I'm ready!!!!"
We have plenty of good looking books lined up for the first part of the year, so for consideration later I mention an option in the true-crime category with We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops and Corruption in an American City.We usually pick one true crime a year. Are there other suggestions in that category?
Current line up
Jan-2021 The Talented Miss Farwell by Emily Gray Tedrowe
Feb-2021 The Survivors by Jane Harper
Optional Mar-2021 The Unwilling by John Hart
Mar-2021 The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Apr-2021 (3/23 release) Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson
May-2021 The Guest List by Lucy Foley
I thought so too Sandi, it's a brand new release so may not be easily available at libraries right away. We have time to see if other suggestions to consider come up and decide closer to time to start . Sandi wrote: "We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops and Corruption in an American City looks good to me."
Sandi: I think I may add We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops and Corruption in an American City for June. Does that timing work for you? Anyone else have a suggestion for a back half of the year group read?
Here are some future group read suggestions: What others should we consider? Is anyone else interested in these three options? The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz is getting a lot of buzz. Release date is May 11 so maybe July to allow time for possible library copies?
I was intrigued to see a second installment in the Thursday Murder Club is being released in late September. Is anyone up for The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman?
We enjoyed Laura Lippman's Lady in the Lake as a prior group read, so what about the June 22 release, Dream Girl?
I got myself on the waitlist for The Plot! Thanks!
Ann wrote: "Sandi: I think I may add We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops and Corruption in an American City for June. Does that timing work for you? Anyone else have a suggestion for ..."Sounds good to me.
I will definitely listen to the next in the Thursday Murder series and always read the latest by Laura Lippman. Like Dawn I also put in for The Plot.
I'm also on the wait list for The Plot, which sounds awesome. Likewise We Own This City. Couldn't get my hands on The Man Who Died Twice but I'll keep trying!I just nabbed a copy of the latest Lisbeth Salander, The Girl Who Lived Twice, in the 2 for 1 credit sale on Audible. I don't know how new it is but I don't think I've read it. These novels get pretty complicated (and long) but I'll throw it out there as a group read. Oops just checked the reviews on Audible and most are of the "disappointing" variety. I'll still listen, but no longer confident about it as a group read.
Sandi, Carol and Dawn, thanks! I updated the group bookshelf with these books, I am looking forward to reading them and discussing. We can shift any dates that need to be different as we go! Jun-2021 We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops and Corruption in an American City by Justin Fenton
Jun-2021 release June 22 Laura Lippman's Dream Girl
Jul-2021 The Plot byJean Hanff Korelitz
And with a late September release,
Oct-2021 The Man Who Died Twice byRichard Osman. In the author interview at the end of The Thursday Murder Club Osman mentioned the second picks back up with further developments.
Carol: I listened to David Lagercrantz's Lisbeth Salander book, The Girl Who Lived Twice and thought it was pretty good, the narration was Simon Vance I think, also good. My comments mentioned needing more Lisbeth. The characters just aren't quite as compelling though without Stieg Larsson. Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I just nabbed a copy of the latest Lisbeth Salander, The Girl Who Lived Twice, in the 2 for 1 credit sale on Audible. I don't know how new it is but I don't think I've read it. These novels get pretty complicated (and long) but I'll throw it out there as a group read. Oops just checked the reviews on Audible and most are of the "disappointing" variety. I'll still listen, but no longer confident about it as a group read.
.."
Ann wrote: "Carol: I listened to David Lagercrantz's Lisbeth Salander book, The Girl Who Lived Twice and thought it was pretty good, the narration was Simon Vance I think, also ..."Yes, Ann, your comments echoed what I read on the Audible reviews. Not nearly enough Lisbeth and what's-his-name. Which made me wonder who the book revolved around if not those two. I thought the previous books not-by-Larsson were pretty good, so maybe I'll think the same of this one.
The Plot is on NetGalley if anyone wants to see if they get approved. Otherwise, I'm already on the list at the library :)
Carol, I love all the Lisbeth Salander books...but I read them, not listen. I don't know if the reviews are about the audible, but I gave it 5 stars!
Dawn: I accidentally got approved for (ulp) six NetGalley books when I already had two so I guess I won't be looking for another, but I do look forward to The Plot! I loved the audios of the Salander books. ;)Dawn wrote: "The Plot is on NetGalley if anyone wants to see if they get approved.
Otherwise, I'm already on the list at the library :)
Carol, I love all the Lisbeth Salander books...but I read them, not list..."
As a Greek I would like to see a book with a Greek setting/theme and a bit of culture, mythology, history. i nominate the incredible excellent suspense novel
If anyone else has any nominations for the back half of 2021 group read books please feel free to post suggestions for consideration. We have a couple already slated for July-Dec and could use 3-4 more if our normal pace is the guide.Current and Future Group Read list
Jun-2021 We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops and Corruption in an American City by Justin Fenton
Jun-2021 release June 22 Laura Lippman's Dream Girl
Jul-2021 The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz pushed to July 15 start (or could be the August book)
Aug-2021
Sep-2021
Oct-2021 The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman.
Nov-2021
Dec-2021
A recent award winner, what about adding When These Mountains Burn by David Joy?http://mysteryreadersinc.blogspot.com...
Ann wrote: "A recent award winner, what about adding When These Mountains Burn by David Joy?http://mysteryreadersinc.blogspot.com..."
That does sound interesting though a bit intense. Should make for a good discussion.
Not sure I'm ready to propose this for a group read, but wanted somewhere to post this. My local PBS affiliate has group reads culminating with a discussion with the author. This month's is When No One is Watching and I've signed up because the plot sounds intriguing. The discussion with the author is in two weeks so I'm going to have to binge-listen along with The Plot, our recent group read.
Adjusting the July and August books to match our current pace.If there are more suggestions for September, November and December, we are happy to vote on them. :)
Sandi: When These Mountains Burn does look intense. We could try it for September?
Jun-2021 We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops and Corruption in an American City by Justin Fenton
Jul-2021 release June 22 Laura Lippman's Dream Girl (moved to July)
Aug-2021 The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz (turned out to be the August book)
Sep-2021
Oct-2021 The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman.
Nov-2021
Dec-2021
Carol: Hope the discussion is interesting, When No One is Watching does look good! Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Not sure I'm ready to propose this for a group read, but wanted somewhere to post this. My local PBS affiliate has group reads culminating with a discussion with the author. This month's is [book:W..."
Ann wrote: "Carol: Hope the discussion is interesting, When No One is Watching does look good! ..."
Ann, I just finished The Plot (final summaries will go up tonight) so the way is clear to begin When No One is Watching. I'm glad I read your post because I had actually forgotten I planned/needed to listen to it next.
It was interesting when I went to add this title and did the search that there were a number of similarly titled books.
Another book I'm not actually proposing, LOL, is The Other Black Girl, which looks like an intriguing suspense novel.
Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends
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Current selections:
Dec-2020 books will also slide into January as well.
Jan-2021 The Talented Miss Farwell by Emily Gray Tedrowe
Feb-2021 The Survivors by Jane Harper
Mar-2021 Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson
If there are other suggestions, please use this topic to nominate for consideration. We try to steer clear of series books except for first books that do often lead to subsequent books as group reads; and we extend the time to allow for library lending delays.
Our bookshelf lists all the prior books so not to repeat for reference.
Link to our 2021 shelf https://www.goodreads.com/group/books...