Bill's Independent Challenges for 2023 (Done like toast. Onward to 2024)

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Thus Was Adonis Murdered by Sarah Caudwell (Hilary Tamar #1) 3.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is Quiller Barracuda by Adam Hall (Quiller #14)

[Martha]

Bill wrote: "Martha wrote: "I've only read 4 so far this month. Week before last was a nightmare for us ... appointments every day. I was exhausted by the weekend & pretty much hibernated all week. But I did so..."

It definitely does! We took a few day trips last week as part of our vacation. Not much reading time, but so much fun!

[Bill, Moderator]

Martha wrote: "Bill wrote: "Martha wrote: "I've only read 4 so far this month. Week before last was a nightmare for us ... appointments every day. I was exhausted by the weekend & pretty much hibernated all week...."

Fun is very important. Yay you, Martha.

[Lea]

Bill wrote: "Thank you Lea. Big plans for Jul 4th?"

We took a vacation day on Monday and made a long weekend out of it. We went up to eastern Oregon, and did some hiking. Usually, we do a lot of audio book listening on those long car rides, but we got into some podcasts, so we listened to those on the drive.

Today, we are choking on the air quality - it is as worse than the areas with all the wildfires, but hopefully it will dissipate soon. People may have overdone it with all the 4th of July fireworks. :-)

[Bill, Moderator]

I took a detour to finished my Ottoline series. Here is my review of the 4th and final book, Ottoline and the Purple Fox by Chris Riddell 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton.. Ah Kinsey, we're coming to the end.. 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is the 3rd book in the Joe Ledger thriller series, The King of Plagues by Jonathan Maberry

[Linette]

I miss Kinsey :(

[Bill, Moderator]

Linette wrote: "I miss Kinsey :("

I won't finish the series any time soon.

[Ellen]

I'm catching up on your list.

Just checked Five Little Indians--a horrible tragedy of human cruelty--and yet I feel compelled to keep reading about it.

Also: I may well have missed them but have you read any of the series by Anthony Horowitz? (so far, I've read the four Hawthorne and Horowitz books (which I really enjoyed, obviously since I read all four!); The House of Silk the first of his Sherlock Holmes series (I've bought moriarity--high on my endless TBR). I watched Magpie Murders on tv which kind of interfered with my desire to read it--I thought it was good but not great (but the actress who played the lead was indeed great). I've started the second book Moonflower Murders--but so far, it's not grabbing me.

Also: Robert Thorogood's The Marlow Murder Club which I can't say is any good but which I enjoyed nonetheless (I am hooked on his tv series Death in Paradise, which is silly and filled with stereotypical characters and yet I can't stop watching it). I guess I'll have to read his second book in the Marlowe series, Death Comes to Marlow--although it's not in the library and I really don't want to pay for it.

Any thoughts?

[Ellen]

Bill wrote: "Monthly Challenges
I'm going to do a Decades Challenge for my monthly challenge.

a. January - Pre-1900

1. Fanny Hill. Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure by John Cleland ..."

Lol: I read Fanny Hill as a 12 year old--my parents didn't believe in censorship (although my Dad as a good Marxist, atheist, Jew--would not allow the bible in the house!).

I've always wanted to read Raffles. Of course, there are always so many books I want to read, it's overwhelming (I've decided to free myself from being depressed by it and accept that I won't be able to read everything I want to--at least not in one lifetime--although I'm not sure I've completely convinced myself of that!)

[Bill, Moderator]

Ellie wrote: "Bill wrote: "Monthly Challenges
I'm going to do a Decades Challenge for my monthly challenge.

a. January - Pre-1900

1. Fanny Hill. Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure by [author:John Cle..."

Thanks for your comments Ellie. Five Little Indians was indeed horrific, with some hope at the end. It's one of those books, that should be read, just to open one's. I've read one Horowitz, House of Silk and have the next, Moriarity and Magpie Murders on the shelf. The TV mini-series was kind of neat. I agree with you that Leslie Manville was great. Love her. Conleith Hill was good too.

I've not tried the Marlow Murder Club, but may check it out. Like you I have so many books that I want to read. But I'd rather have that problem than not wanting to read. :)

[Bill, Moderator]

Making slow but steady progress on my ongoing books but I keep being distracted by bright shiny objects, like A Game of You by Neil Gaiman (Sandman Vol 5)

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of A Game of You by Neil Gaiman (Sandman #5) 4.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Bill, Moderator]

My Mid-July Reading Update
Only 4 books completed this month so far. I'm plugging forward on a few tomes and keep getting distracted by graphics and shorter books.

Finished
1. Thus Was Adonis Murdered by Sarah Caudwell. This was a new series for me, featuring English barrister and professor, Hilary Tamar. The story is told largely by letter and is an interesting, humorous mystery. I'll keep going with this series. (3.5 stars)
2. Ottoline and the Purple Fox by Chris Riddell The last book in the Ottoline, children's series. Witty stories, great drawings 4.0 stars
3. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton I'm slowly winding my Kinsey Milhone series. Sad about that. Not necessarily my favorite one but still, I love dropping into Kinsey's world. 4.0 stars
4. The Sandman Vol. 5: A Game of You by Neil Gaiman (Sandman #5) Has quickly become my favorite graphic novel series. Great artwork and interesting stories. (4.5 stars)

Currently Reading
1. Let the Fire Fall by Kate Wilhelm A neat Sci-Fi novel. Spaceship lands on earth, they all die but leave behind a child. HIs life counterpointed against a gospel 'preacher' stoking fear of aliens.
2. Inverted World by Christopher Priest. A city on a rail track. Interesting but I still don't know where it's going.
3. Chasing The Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World by Samantha Power Biography of man who worked his life with the UN refugee system
4. Death at Dawn by Caro Peacock 1st historical mystery featuring Liberty Lane.
5. The King of Plagues by Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger #3) It sure didn't take long for things to start happening...
6. Return from the Stars by Stanisław Lem I have to get back to this or give it up....
7. Dust by Hugh Howey The last book in the Silo series. Enjoying.
8. Quiller Barracuda by Adam Hall Cold war spy story featuring cynical Quiller.
9. Golem100 by Alfred Bester Interesting Sci-Fi story... I think
10. A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie. I've been focusing on this because I've been reading it for awhile now. I like it....

In the Hopper
1. The Pericles Commission by Gary Corby The 1st Athenian mystery.
2. The Blood Books, Vol. 3 by Tanya Huff The final two books in this series.
3. Eye in the Sky by Philip K. Dick One of The unique Sci-Fi authors
4. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis The first book in the Oxford Time Travel series.

Enjoy the rest of the month!

[Ioana]

Lots of variety here, July sounds like a good reading month so far. Glad to see you are enjoying The King of Plagues and Dust, the only ones I'm familiar with.

[Bill, Moderator]

Ioana wrote: "Lots of variety here, July sounds like a good reading month so far. Glad to see you are enjoying The King of Plagues and Dust, the only ones I'm familiar with."

Variety is the spice, eh?

[Lillie]

Bill wrote: "My Mid-July Reading Update
Only 4 books completed this month so far. I'm plugging forward on a few tomes and keep getting distracted by graphics and shorter books.

Finished
3. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton I'm slowly winding my Kinsey Milhone series. Sad about that. Not necessarily my favorite one but still, I love dropping into Kinsey's world. 4.0 stars"

Happy July! I hear you about feeling a little sad about the Kinsey Milhone series coming to an end. I felt the same way when I got to that last book Y is for Yesterday.

Looks like you have some fun books lined up for the rest of the month, esp. Let the Fire Fall. Enjoy

[Bill, Moderator]

Lillie wrote: "Bill wrote: "My Mid-July Reading Update
Only 4 books completed this month so far. I'm plugging forward on a few tomes and keep getting distracted by graphics and shorter books.

Finished
3. U is f..."

Thanks, Lillie. I'm enjoying Let the Fire Fall. It's a nice strange little story.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Great update, Bill.

I think with Joe Ledger, the action ramps up quickly from here on out. No rest for the weary.

Kinsey's story didn't come to any solid conclusions; and it's upsetting.

Dust..... this world that Howey created is memorable and crazy, because it sounds plausible in a very psychotic way. SMH

[Bill, Moderator]

Alondra wrote: "Great update, Bill.

I think with Joe Ledger, the action ramps up quickly from here on out. No rest for the weary.

Kinsey's story didn't come to any solid conclusions; and it's upsetting.

Dust....."

What you said.

[Linette]

I loved Doomsday Book! Hope you will too, once it gets out of the hopper.

[Bill, Moderator]

Linette wrote: "I loved Doomsday Book! Hope you will too, once it gets out of the hopper."

I've been enjoying the other Time Travel series. I hope this is just as good.

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Ms. Tree, Vol. 4: Deadline by Max Allan Collins 3.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Let the Fire Fall by Kate Wilhelm 2.0 stars. Kind of disappointing.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is Eye in the Sky by Philip K. Dick

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Golem100 by Alfred Bester 3.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is The Slaves of Heaven by Edmund Cooper

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Ellie wrote: "I'm catching up on your list.

Just checked Five Little Indians--a horrible tragedy of human cruelty--and yet I feel compelled to keep reading about it.

Also: I may well have miss..."

I bought Moonflower Murders not realising it was the second book and didn't enjoy it, mainly the 'book within a book element', yet I love the Seven Sisters books that are also book within a book, but I really like the people they cast in Magpie Murders, so gave it a go and ended up binging it, but I don't want to read the book.

[Bill, Moderator]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Ellie wrote: "I'm catching up on your list.

Just checked Five Little Indians--a horrible tragedy of human cruelty--and yet I feel compelled to keep reading about it.

Also: I may ..."

It might be awhile before I get to Magpie Murders.

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Retur by [author:Stanisław Lemn from the Stars|51777674] 3.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is Doomsday Book (Oxford Time Travel #1) by Connie Willis

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag (Witch Boy #1) 4.0 stars. An entertaining YA Fantasy graphic novel

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Inverted World by Christopher Priest 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next book in line is The Curse of the Gloamglozer: First Book of Quint by Paul Stewart

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie (Age of Madness #1) 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is a nice short one, Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl #1)

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer 3.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is the 1st Athenian mystery, The Pericles Commission by Gary Corby

[Bill, Moderator]

End July Update
In my mid-month update I highlighted the 4 books I'd completed -
1. Thus Was Adonis Murdered by Sarah Caudwell 3.5 stars
2. Ottoline and the Purple Fox by Chris Riddell 4.0 stars
3. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton 4.0 stars
4. A Game of You by Neil Gaiman 4.5 stars

Overall, I've completed 12 books in July, approximately 3,300 pages.

Completed
1. Ms. Tree Vol. 4: Deadline by Max Allan Collins Always enjoyable collection of hard-boiled crime stories featuring PI Ms. Tree (3.5 stars)
2. Let the Fire Fall by Kate Wilhelm (2.0 stars) A somewhat disappointing Sci-Fi story. Aliens land, die but leave behind a baby
3. Golem100 by Alfred Bester (3.5 stars) Strange by interesting Sci-Fi story. Dystopic future in New York city with a murdering spirit
4. Return from the Stars by Stanisław Lem (4.0 stars) Kind of a Space version of Brave New World. Astronauts return from space and try to adjust to new Earth
5. Witchboy by Molly Knox Ostertag (4.0 stars) YA graphic novel about a family of witches and shape shifters. Interesting.
6. Inverted World by Christopher Priest (4.0 stars) Interesting Sci-Fi novel. About a city being hauled on a rail line.
7. A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie (4.0 stars) Games of Throneish adventure / thriller.
8. Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer YA graphic novel based on the books. Very entertaining. (3.5 stars)

Top 3 Books
1. A Game of You by Neil Gaiman (Sandman #5) 4.5 stars
2. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton (4.0 stars)
3. A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie (The Age of Madness #1) 4.0 stars

Currently Reading
1. Dust by Hugh Howey (Silo #3)
2. Death at Dawn by Caro Peacock (Liberty Lane #1)
3. The Pericles Commission by Gary Corby (Athenian Mysteries #1)
4. The King of Plagues by Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger #3)
5. Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World by Samantha Power
6. Eye in the Sky by Philip K. Dick
7. The Slaves of Heaven by Edmund Cooper
8. Quiller Barracuda by Adam Hall (Quiller #14)
9. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis (Oxford Time Travel #1)
10. The Curse of the Gloamglozer: First Book of Quint by Paul Stewart (Quint Saga #1)

In the Hopper
1. The Blood Books, Vol. 3 by Tanya Huff
2. The Mystery of Tunnel 51 by Alexander Wilson (Leonard Wallace #1)
3. Look to Windward by Iain M. Banks (Culture #6)
4. The Stepdaughter by Debbie Howells (2020)
5. The Celtic Riddle by Lyn Hamilton (Archeological Mysteries #4)

There you go. Enjoy your August reading.

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Gun Honey, Vol. 1 by Charles Ardai (3.0 stars)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lea]

I haven't read any of the books you read this month, or any of the books you're currently reading, or any of the books you have in the hopper. I'm definitely following this closely, to see what I need to reprioritize reading. 12 books in July is great; hope August is good to you as well.

[Bill, Moderator]

Lea wrote: "I haven't read any of the books you read this month, or any of the books you're currently reading, or any of the books you have in the hopper. I'm definitely following this closely, to see what I n..."

Thank you Lea. I always keep an eye on your lists too.

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Heartstopper: Volume Four by Alice Oseman 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Bill wrote: "My review of A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie (Age of Madness #1) 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is a nice short one, [b..."

Woot! Glad you enjoyed it! I barely started book 2 in The First Law series. Since the yard is slowing down; I guess I should read something. :/

[Bill, Moderator]

Alondra wrote: "Bill wrote: "My review of A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie (Age of Madness #1) 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is a nice ..."

READ! (mind over matter)

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Peepland by Christa Faust 3.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Ioana]

So many new books (to me), I am following closely. I've only read Dust and The King of Plagues. Both very good, both from the "blame Alondra" category. Can't wait to see what you think about them. Happy reading!

[Bill, Moderator]

Ioana wrote: "So many new books (to me), I am following closely. I've only read Dust and The King of Plagues. Both very good, both from the "blame Alondra" category. Can't wait to ..."

Thanks, Ioana. I'm making slow progress.

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Death at Dawn by Caro Peacock (Liberty Lane #1) 3.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is the first in the Leonard Wallace spy series, The Mystery of Tunnel 51 by Alexander Wilson

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony by Chris Riddell (Goth Girl #4) 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Bill, Moderator]

Mid August Update
Finished six books in August so far with roughly 1500 pages.

Finished
1. Gun Honey, Vol. 1 by Charles Ardai a hard case crime graphic novel. Gun Honey provides weapons for assassins and gets caught up in a government scheme. Sex, violence, interesting. 3.0 stars
2. Heartstopper: Volume Four by Alice Oseman. Further development in the relationship between Charlie and Nick. Also highlights eating disorders, mental issues. 4.0 stars
3. Eye in the Sky by Philip K. Dick Dick is always interesting. A group of people are involved in an accident at a 'nuclear' factory (or one that produces some sort of energy) and find themselves wandering through alternate realities 3.0 stars
4. Peepland by Christa Faust. A lady who works in a peep show gets evidence of a murder and must try to stay alive and get the evidence to someone who can use it. Another Hard case crime graphic. 3.0 stars
5. Death at Dawn by Caro Peacock 1st book in the Liberty Lane Victorian mystery series. Interesting introduction. 3.5 stars
6. Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony by Chris Riddell The last book in the entertaining Ada Goth series for young adults. Great artwork, light hearted adventure. Excellent for pre-teens I think 4.0 stars

Currently Reading
1. Slaves of Heaven by Edmund Cooper Dystopic Earth where tribes fight for survival and are also threatened by mysterious Night Comers. Interesting so far.
2. The Pericles Commission by Gary Corby the first book in the Athenian mysteries. Set in ancient Greece, there is a murder that requires investigation.
3. Quiller Barracuda by Adam Hall Quiller is in Florida trying to figure out why one of Britain's spies seems to have turned. Also involves political intrigue.
4. The Stepdaughter by Debbie Howells A new author for me. Involves family friction and also a missing girl and maybe a porn ring. So far anyway.
5. Dust by Hugh Howey The last book in the Silo series. Enjoying so far.
6. The King of Plagues by Jonathan Maberry Book 3 of Joe Ledger. Explosions, mysterous threats from the Seven Kings.
7. Chasing The Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World by Samantha Power Non - fiction, biography of a powerhouse in the UN.
8. The Curse of the Gloamglozer by Paul Stewart Book one of the Quint trilogy. Stewart has created a fascinating world.
9. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis The first book in the Oxford Time Travel series. Kirwen is sent into the past and a disaster seems to be in the offing.
10. The Mystery of Tunnel 51 by Alexander Wilson 1st book in the Wallace of the Secret Service series. Just about to start.

Possibles in the Hopper
1. The Blood Books, Vol. 3 by Tanya Huff Final books in the Blood book series.
2. Look to Windward by Iain M. Banks. A Culture Sci Fi story. I've enjoyed very much.
3. The Celtic Riddle by Lyn Hamilton An archeological mystery.
4. Vanish in an Instant by Margaret Millar A mystery by one of my favorite, if not my favorite, mystery writers.
5. The Skull Mantra by Eliot Pattison #1 in the Inspector Shan mystery series.

Enjoy the rest of your August reading.

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Slaves of Heaven by Edmund Cooper (3.5 stars)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is Vanish in an Instant by Margaret Millar

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Fables and Reflections by Neil Gaiman (Sandman Vol #6) 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of The Curse of the Gloamglozer by Paul Stewart (Quint trilogy #1 also the Edge Chronicles #1) 4.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is Pete Macklin #4, Something Borrowed, Something Black by Loren D. Estleman

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of The Stepdaughter by Debbie Howells 4.0 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of Vanish in an Instant from one of my favorite authors, Margaret Millar. 4.5 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Next in line is The Ten-Cent Plague: The Great Comic-Book Scare and How it Changed America by David Hajdu