Currently Reading 2024

[Christine]

I finished my 68th book

[Leona]

Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge by Paul Michael Peters

[sonya]

Indelible by Karin Slaughter

[Christine]

I finished my 69th book

[PamG]

Here is my 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review of Bad River by Marc Cameron:

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

Crime Thriller
6th book in the Arliss Cutter series
Great worldbuilding and characterization
Tense, gripping, and has plenty of action

[Nicholas LaMarca]

Just started The Hunt for Red October I know I am late to the game...

[Melindam]

There's never too late for a good book. :)

[Sandysbookaday (taking a midwinter break)]

The Dragon's Treasure by Mark Greenwood ⭐⭐⭐⭐ an interesting blend of fact and fiction for junior readers. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Rosalyn]

Whimsical and lively while not losing any of the heart that grounds this novel, which celebrates the outsiders, the eccentrics that make up the fringes of society. As usual, Harris's skillfulness in describing food in the most decadent, exquisite, borderline sinful way, is out in full force, and lends itself to a central theme of the book, which is temperance vs. temptation.

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





I can't believe I considered this book boring in high school. Reading it as an adult is a whole different experience. I relate so much to Jane, as a single, introverted reader myself, who finds solace and strength in solitude, but can also be too proud and scared to seek the help or companionship that is offered.

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





Updating my review after having watched season 3 of the Netflix show. There are certain plots and character traits from both the book and the show that I liked more than the other, but ultimately, it's hard to compare the two to determine a victor because so much was changed between the source and the screen adaptation. I will say the fallout between Polin b/c of Whistledown's reveal was done better in the book, because...

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

[Woman Reading]

The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914

Surprisingly not dry, interesting, but a looong account of the construction of the Panama Canal. For those who hesitate at the 700- pages hardcover, there an abridged audiobook that's less than 9 hours.

My Review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Christine]

I finished my 71st book

[Phrynne]

My review of A Laborer in the Vineyard of Love by Alexander McCall Smith

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

[PamG]

Here is my 4.13 rounded to 4 stars review of The Trapped Girl by Robert Dugoni:

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

Crime Novel / Police Procedural
Engaging with a twisty plot and compelling characters

[PattyMacDotComma]

Now I'm really looking forward to Irish author Donal Ryan's August follow-up to The Spinning Heart, because the characters in this award-winning novel are unforgettable. Terrific read.
My review of The Spinning Heart

[PamG]

Here is my 3.71 rounded to 4 stars review of The Lost Coast by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman:

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

The story has a deeply involved plot, fantastic worldbuilding, and a remarkable set of characters.

[Christine]

I finished my 72nd book

[PamG]

Here is my 2.63 rounded to 3 stars review of Red Dead's History: A Video Game, an Obsession, and America's Violent Past by Tore C. Olsson:

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

Nonfiction - American History
Creative, Well-researched, Well-organized
Too slow for my tastes.
I was expecting history to come alive and learn something new, but that didn't happen.
It may appeal more to those who pay the video game or isn't as familiar with US history during this time period.

[PamG]

Here is my 3.98 rounded to 4 stars review of To the Limit by Cindy Gerard:

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

Romantic Suspense
Chase Story
Second Chance Romance
Good characterization
Some steamy scenes

[PamG]

Here is my 4.31 rounded to 4 stars review of Murder at Dawn by Patrick Kelly:

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

Mystery / Retired Detective
Entertaining
Great Worldbuilding and characterization
Solid Mystery

[PattyMacDotComma]

I'm new to popular crime author Don Winslow, and I've been enjoying his entertaining short stories.

Inept surfing accountant Downward Facing Doug relies on his Dawn Patrol surfer friends for protection from beach bullies, but he gets his revenge. Satisying. 😊

My review of Downward Facing Doug

[PattyMacDotComma]

Free Billy is another charming short story from crime writer Don Winslow about a young guy who decides he can live for free. Good fun.
My review of Free Billy

[PamG]

Here is my 3.55 rounded to 4 stars review of Burn by Peter Heller:

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

Dystopian
Overall, this is an entertaining, tense, and thought-provoking novel with excellent world-building and engaging characters. However, I was expecting more action and information surrounding the dystopian events and less introspection. Additionally, the ending felt incomplete and abrupt.

[Christine]

[Christine]

I finished my 73rd book

[PamG]

Here is my 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review of Agony Hill by Sarah Stewart Taylor:

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

Historical Mystery / Historical Detective
This is more of a historical police procedural that is heavy on characterization and world-building, but has a well-developed and intricate plot as well as some occasional action. While somewhat slower paced than many police procedurals set in modern times, the pace felt appropriate to the setting and time of the novel.

Overall, this is an excellent historical crime novel that introduces readers to a wonderful new character in Warren as well as a fascinating town on the cusp of change. The great and vivid storytelling and fantastic characterization have made this novel a winner for me. If you enjoy old-fashioned detective work prior to cell phones, the internet, and DNA testing, then this is a series to consider.

[Christine]

I finished my 74th book

[Rosalyn]

I liked this book a lot more than Sager's previous release, The Only One Left. It's tonally completely different, more of a slow burn mystery than a Gothic dramatic thriller. It's also more realistic in it's ending/reveal. There were about 3 twists or surprise reveals that were satisfying although I did have a hunch about one of them from the very beginning.

full review:





Objectively, this book is extremely well written, the way Hardy describes the beauty, spiritual healing capabilities and ruthlessness of the pastoral/nature is one of a kind. Also impressive is his ability to so exactly convey the various hues of an emotion, and conflicting ones within the same person. That alone deserves a star. However, the characterization of the lone female protagonist, of which the men and plot revolve around, leaves much to be desired.

full review:

[Phrynne]

My review of Textbook Romance by Kristen Bailey

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

[PamG]

Here is my 4.47 rounded to 4 stars review of Betrayal Road by Christine Feehan:

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

Romantic Suspense with a hint of Paranormal
Great Characterization
Several Sizzling scenes
An action packed ending

[Nicholas LaMarca]

Alright I started listening to The Hero of Little Round Top: The Life and Legacy of Joshua Chamberlain and reading Project Hail Mary...yes I have varied tastes...

[Christine]

I finished my 75th book

[PattyMacDotComma]

I do enjoy Andy Weir and James Moriarty, Consulting Criminal is no exception. This is a collection of three tales written about, and in the style of, the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. A delightful change of pace for the talented Weir!
My review of James Moriarty, Consulting Criminal

[PattyMacDotComma]

Who says cats and dogs are enemies? In Fred Blunt's picture book, All You Need To Know About Dogs: By A. Cat, the cat is merely disdainful of rambunctious dogs, until...
My review of All You Need To Know About Dogs with several illustrations

[Christine]

I finished my 76th book

[Christine]

Sandy how are 3 of your books going?

[Christine]

[Phrynne]

My review of Lady Helen and the Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman

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

[Phrynne]

My review of Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire

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

[Megan]

Finished my 45th book of the year, and starting my 46th NOSY NEIGHBORS by Freya Sampson.

[Phrynne]

My review of Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

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

[Christine]

I finished my 77th book

[PattyMacDotComma]

It takes only a page or two and I'm completely back in Harry's world. Michael Connelly's Lost Light is as engrossing as the the others in the Bosch series. Love 'em!
My review of Lost Light

[PamG]

Here is my 4.66 rounded to 5 stars review of Buried Too Deep by Karen Rose:

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

Romantic Suspense
Great Characterization
Largely set in New Orleans
Great Prologue to hook you
A service dog named SodaPop
Emotional Epilogue

[PamG]

Here is my 3.46 rounded to 3 stars review of Don't Believe It by Charlie Donlea:

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

Outlier Review
Mystery
Great premise
Somewhat slow
Disliked the ending

[Sandysbookaday (taking a midwinter break)]

Australian crime fiction - Return to Moondilla by Tony Parsons ⭐⭐⭐.8
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Denise]

Just finished The Beekeeper of Aleppo...beautiful and heartbreaking, I read it in 2 days as I couldn't put it down

[PattyMacDotComma]

The Booker shortlisted doorstopper, The Bee Sting, cuts right to the heart of an Irish family that is slowly unravelling. Quite a read.
My review of The Bee Sting

[PattyMacDotComma]

I was pretty sure I'd enjoy The Egg and Other Stories by entertaining author Andy Weir and I was right! It's a good book to dip in and out of.
My review of The Egg and Other Stories

[Phrynne]

My review of The Thirteenth Husband by Greer Macallister

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

[Nicholas LaMarca]

I started Project Hail Mary and so far I am really liking it...