Currently Reading 2025

[Perks Moderator, Know-it-all]

Looking forward to reading about you plans for 2025, your current reads and your opinions/reviews on books read. 😊

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

This is a day early, but I'll be reading the same books tomorrow. I am currently reading The Lost House and The House of Eve.

[Phrynne]

My review of In Too Deep by Lee Child

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

[Denise]

I’m starting with:
How to Read a Book
Ducks, Newburyport
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Still Alice
The Whisper Sister
And a year long reading of War and Peace

[PamG]

I have finished my 2024 year in review on Goodreads. Here is the link:

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

[Phrynne]

My review of The Assassins of Thasalon by Lois McMaster Bujold

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

[Christine]

Finished first book of the new year.

The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free by Pete Hegseth | audiobook narrated by author | Review

Not what I was expecting so a more thoughtful comments soon. Fair warning there is quite a bit of foul language peppered throughout if that’s a concern.

[PamG]

Here is my 4.7 rounded to 5 stars review of A Killer's Code by Isabella Maldonado:
Read in Dec. but needed to wait until 2025 to post.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

FBI Thriller
Book 3 in the Daniela Vega series
Featuring an FBI codebreaker following a killer's cryptic clues across the country.
Twists, tension, suspense & violence.
Solid plot. Good characterization. Excellent world-building.

[PamG]

Here is my 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review of Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh:
Read in Dec., but needed to wait until 2025 to post.

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

Police Procedural
The next book in the Bree Taggert series
Deception, exotic animals, police investigation, and a little romance
The plot has twists and turns. The world-building is well-done and the characterization is excellent.

[PamG]

Here is my 3.8 rounded to 4 stars review of The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha:
Read in Dec., but needed to wait until 2025 to post.

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

"Locked Room" (Private Island off the coast of Scotland)
Mysteries, and Family Drama
Significant Inheritance at stake
It was a fascinating and twisty look at family dynamics and secrets between members of a wealthy but dysfunctional family.

[PamG]

Here is my 4.0 review of Edge of the Moon by Rebecca York:

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

Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Combines Police Procedural, Fantasy, and Romance
Set in and around Rockville, Maryland
A demon, a black arts purveyor, a werewolf, and much more......

[Caitlin]

i’m currently reading twisted lies and then savage fae on my kindle

[Anna]

Hello! I’m new here to Goodreads. I’m currently finishing up A court of Silver Flames. Took a break and read All the Dangerous Things. Now back to acosf

[Christine]

Finally, a TBR book off of my shelf! Whoo hoo, I enjoy a challenge.


The Giver by Lois Lowry | Review

[PamG]

Here is my 4.18 rounded to 4 stars review of Chain Reaction by James Byrne:

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

Thriller / Terrorist Attack
Book 3 in the Dez Limerick series
Twisty, fast-paced, and engrossing
Interesting concept of a "gatekeeper"
Protagonist that tends to avoid guns

[PamG]

Here is my 4.23 rounded to 4 stars review of Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krentz:

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

Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romantic Suspense,
Private Investigation with a paranormal twist and romance
This story captivated me in the first chapter and gained momentum as the twists and turns unfolded. It’s also well-plotted with characters that had flaws, but who worked to overcome them. There are some surprising moments in the plot that added to enjoyment and the world-building is well-done. Full of action, investigation, paranormal experiences, and more, this book was hard to put down.

[Christine]

Completed Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire by Ashley Spencer | 336 pgs. | Review

The first third of the book was the most interesting as Corporate Disney tries to understand the new tv landscape known as cable television and how to make the brand fit in. The rest…meh.

[PamG]

Here is my 2.88 rounded to 3 stars review of A Rage to Conquer: Twelve Battles That Changed the Course of Western History

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

History
12 Battles that changed the course of Western history
Well-researched, Verbose, History didn't come to life, A lot of the author's views

[Woman Reading]

I finally started Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries last summer, which was long overdue. This is a gem of a series! In #2, Murderbot investigates its past.

Artificial Condition

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

[Phrynne]

My review of Knot of Shadows by Lois McMaster Bujold

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

[Christine]

Completed Antarctica: An Intimate Portrait of the World's Most Mysterious Continent by Gabrielle Walker | 391 pgs |

BOTM selection captures the vast beauty, starkness, quietness, and dangers inherent across its landscapes. Author Walker playfully describes the research involved with the “annoyingly cute” Adélie and Emperor penguins, visits the various Nation sponsored stations, and life of the small group of researchers and the occasional tourists who find themselves on this meteorite riddled continent.

[PamG]

Here is my 3.38 rounded to 3 stars review of Murder in the Dressing Room by Holly Stars:

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

Debut Novel
Cozy Mystery
Well-plotted, Suspenseful, Heart-wrenching at times
The pacing was off at times and there was some repetition.
The author managed to give great insight into Misty’s and Joe’s thoughts, behaviors, and actions towards others as well as the challenges and difficulties they faced from others.

[Phrynne]

My review of Just a Regular Boy by Catherine Ryan Hyde

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

[Phrynne]

My review of The Winds from Further West by Alexander McCall Smith

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

[Christine]

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

The outstanding The Caretakers by Ron Rash

[Zanna]

I just finished the introductory short story to the urban fantasy series A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews. This isn't a genre I've explored much, but I just might now. I'm officially on the Kate Daniels bandwagon.


I'm currently reading book #1 of this series Magic Bites. I'm only on the second chapter. I love the mc so far. I hear the series only gets better.

[PamG]

Here is my 4.06 rounded to 4 star review of Dead Money by Jakob Kerr:

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

Twisty and twisted crime thriller
Technology start-up world and a look at venture capitalists
Fascinating and engrossing
Murder mystery and investigation
Full of secrets
The ending was a wake-up call that makes you wonder what’s next. Will this become a series? It has the potential.

[Chiara]

Hot mess - Sophie white (5🌟)

[Melindam]

Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World, 5 stars

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

[Melindam]

The Hollow Crown by Dan Jones, 5 stars

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

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

I finally finished my first book of the year, The House of Eve. It was really good and not responsible for my lack of reading. I feel like I'll be thinking about this one for a while.

I'm ready for a change of pace and am starting an early copy of A Killing Cold. I've read two other books by Kate Alice Marshall and really enjoyed them, so I'm looking forward to this one. I've only read the prologue and the first chapter so far and they pull you in quickly.

[Melindam]

Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation by John Carlin

A fantastic book. here is my 5 star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[PamG]

Here is my 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review of Head Cases by John McMahon:

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

FBI investigation
Serial Killer
Compelling plot, excellent characterization, unique characters
Good pacing, solid procedural details with some twists

[Rosalyn]

Extra, extra, read all about it! From the frigid Arctic tundra to the fiery hot papers fresh off the printing press, Hartman's book chronicles the fascinating rise of modern newspapers through the Herald and the Times rivalry. More than that, it's a snapshot of this dynamic time, of changing attitudes and habits, technological advances, and burgeoning political and social ideas, of the symbiotic relationship between a writer and its reader; they both influence each other, and need each other to exist.

What I appreciated most about Hartman's narration is that he focused on not only how reporting changed the way it did throughout the 19th century, but why. Hartman laid out the different philosophies of the various news barons of their day and how it shaped their papers, and how shifting cultural values and tastes guided the transition from no holds barred, yellow journalism to the academic and rigorous writing that made journalism a new, respected profession. A free society and free press go hand in hand, and you can see clearly the

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





Depressing and frustrating subject, but told with care and compassion. Small comfort that in a way, justice was carried out, in that the publication of this book and renewed interest in this tragedy to the new generation helps at least, as an acknowledgement of what happened and the negligence of the U.S. justice system, if not by the actual perpetrators (Hale to his dying day never apologized or admitted to any wrongdoing), then by the public, and keeping the victims in remembrance.

I dock a star because...

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





Revolutions, regime changes, and risqué paramours, oh my! Nancy Goldstone is the queen of bringing to life the stoic, regal, static paintings of reines, showing just how dynamic, vibrant, curious, intelligent and strong women of history were, who have for too long been described as just wives to a crowned head.

It was smart for Goldstone to double bill this book, as Eugenie and Elisabeth had more in common than just being alive at the same time. I learned that they both...

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





The "amateur sleuth podcast/book" trope has become more prevalent in books lately, what with rise of the true crime phenomenon, but what makes this book stand out is the added layer of emotional and personal stakes the main character Jane has in the investigation, and by extension, the author, Ashley Winstead. The death of Jane's father and the resulting emotional spiral that follows plays a big factor in her decision making throughout the story. Similarly, the death of Winstead's father was partly the impetus for her writing this book and choosing this topic (which I'll get into later in this review, I have THOUGHTS).

the GOOD: What starts as...

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





What a rollicking good time! The hitwoman in a Panera Bread premise gave me a good chuckle and reeled me in immediately. This is a successful blend of action, mystery, humor, that keeps it from being a sedate, cozy mystery. Most of the characters had very strong individual voices and big personalities, enhanced by the superb audiobook narrator, Angela Dawe. She used different accents very well. The only ding of the book was...

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

[PamG]

Here is my 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review of Secrets Never Die by Melinda Leigh:

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

Crime Thriller/ Private Investigation/A little Romance
Great characterization
Compelling story
Family Drama

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

I finished The Lost House . I love the idea of the story, but the writing didn't work for me.

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

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

I finished A Killing Cold a couple days ago. It was a fast-paced read and kept me guessing.

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

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

I am starting Head Cases now.

[PamG]

Here is my 3.93 rounded to 4 stars review of The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey:

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

Mystery, Police Procedural
Isolated Setting
Great World-building
Plenty of Atmosphere
Several surprises along the way

[PamG]

Here is my 4.56 rounded to 5 stars review of Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong:

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

Mystery, Suspense, and Atmosphere
Great, complex characterization
Multiple mysteries
Excellent world-building
Entertaining
Off-the-grid sanctuary town

[PamG]

Here is my 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review of Robert B. Parker's Buried Secrets by Christopher Farnsworth:

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

Crime Thriller / Police Procedural
22nd book in the Jess Stone series
First book in the series written by this author
Riveting mystery
Strong, flawed, and capable protagonist,
Good pacing
Solid plot

[PamG]

Here is my 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review of The Vengeful Dead by Darcy Coates:

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

Horror/Supernatural Suspense
5th and final book in the Gravekeeper series
Tense, Dark, Fast-paced, Full of Danger, Solid Plot
Strong, Flawed, Capable Female Protagonist

[PamG]

Here is my 3.8 rounded to 4 stars review of A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke:

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

Horror / Historical Fiction / Mystery
Full of Suspense, Horror, and Drama
2 timelines - 1901 and 2023
Atmospheric
Several triggers
Violence, assault, retribution, trauma
Folklore
A few surprises along the way

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

Here are the reviews for the two books I finished recently.

- my Penitence review
- my Head Cases review

I'm currently reading The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell and hoping to finish today.

[PamG]

Here is my 4.67 rounded to 5 stars review of Save Your Breath by Melinda Leigh.

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

Sixth and final book in the Morgan Dane series
Crime thriller, private investigation, romantic suspense
Missing adult, great characterization, family drama, found family, love
Entertaining and compelling, great characterization, solid series

[PamG]

Here is my 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review of A Tiny Piece of Blue: A Novel by Charlotte Whitney:

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

Historical Fiction with a mystery as a sub-plot
Heart-wrenching and heartwarming
Hope, Redemption, Struggle for survival, much more
Great characterization and world-building
1934 - Calhoun County, MI

[Tammy]

Currently reading book 2 of Grace Designs mystery series that takes place in 1920's New Zealand Backstitched and Stabbed by Tilly Wallace

[Christine]

I finished my 15th book

[PamG]

Here is my 4.14 rounded to 4 stars review of A Slash of Emerald by Patrice McDonough:

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

Historical Mystery
2nd book in the Dr. Julia Lewis series
Victorian London, 1867
Dark and gritty
Great characterization and atmosphere
I learned about the Victorian art world.

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

I'm still reading The Phoenix Crown, but I'm almost done and I'm starting Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice today.