THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

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message 8501: by Ken (new)

Ken Consaul | 307 comments Also reading Killing Floor (Jack Reacher, #1) by Lee Child , the first Jack Reacher. I read one other in the series and pretty much liked it. This is Child's first effort and, while its entertaining there are some gaping holes in the story.
SPOILER AHEAD
For instance, there's a part in the story where Reacher asks his new cop girlfriend to get him a gun. She obliges and how, handing him a .44 Desert Eagle. Within an hour he has ambushed and killed two guys, shooting them in the back. He comes back to the cop shop and returns the weapon, telling her what he did. Her reaction is 'meh' when an actual person's natural reaction would be 'you did what? WTF?'

Is everybody in the Reacher books at least 6'3 and 270 lbs (the guys, I mean). Either that or they are fat short guys (always bad) with pig eyes and armpit stains. I likes me some escapist fiction but the characters seem a little cookie cutter.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.


Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
Ken wrote: "Also reading Killing Floor (Jack Reacher, #1) by Lee Child, the first Jack Reacher. I read one other in the series and pretty much liked it. This is Child's first effort and, while its entertaining there are s..."

I am in complete agreement. I have read a few Reacher books but really have no interest in the newer ones. They seem to be written with the intention of being made into movies. This is why the characters all appear to be straight out of central casting.


message 8503: by Ken (new)

Ken Consaul | 307 comments Rick wrote: "I am in complete agreement."

Damn right


message 8504: by Barbara (last edited Oct 15, 2013 07:25AM) (new)

Barbara (cinnabarb) | 6533 comments Mod
I'm reading Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion; this is the book about a zombie that falls in love with a human girl that the recent movie was based on. What's different about Isaac Marion's zombies is that they have some thinking processes: run "school" to teach kid zombies how to kill, have zombie "church" of a kind, collect things, and even talk a little. Not your "Walking Dead" zombies!


message 8505: by Barbara (new)

Barbara (cinnabarb) | 6533 comments Mod
I finished The Whole Enchilada by Diane Mott Davidson, a Goldy Schulz (the caterer) mystery. In this book Goldy is catering a Mexican food birthday party for a teen after which the teen's mother - a close friend of Goldy's - suddenly collapses and dies. Goldy feels compelled to investigate and as usual thrusts herself into the investigation. I don't want to give away essential plot points but the story involves too many disparate elements: bad parents, misuse of trust funds, art shenanigans, adultery (and more) to ever mesh together in a satisfactory way. Goldy also bullies witnesses and leaps to conclusions from the tiniest hint of "evidence". I liked this series for a long tine but for me Goldy is losing her mojo. I may give up on this series.


message 8506: by Barbara (new)

Barbara (cinnabarb) | 6533 comments Mod
I finished The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (the pen name for J.K. Rowling). It's a mystery that revolves around the death of gorgeous model Lula Landry, who falls from her balcony in an apparent suicide. Her brother, John Bristow, insists Lula was murdered and hires down-on-his-luck detective Cormoran Strike(who lost a leg in the Afghanistan war) to investigate. Plenty of interesting characters and a good intricate plot lead to a satisfactory conclusion. Good first mystery for Robert Galbraith.


message 8507: by Darren (new)

Darren Hayes | 28 comments Finishing up Hunger (book 2 of gone series). By Michael grant


message 8508: by Larry (new)

Larry Winebrenner (wmyrral) | 45 comments Thanks for the report on J. K. Rawling's mustery, Barbara. I've noted mixed reviews here on Goodreads.

I love you.

Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker


message 8509: by Darren (new)

Darren Hayes | 28 comments Now reading witch and wizard by James Patterson finishing it up


message 8510: by Fiona (Titch) (new)

Fiona (Titch) Hunt (titch) Yesterday I finished S.E.C.R.E.T. - L. Marie Adeline. I gave it 4/5.


Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
Man and Wife (Pocket Classics) by Wilkie Collins

I am on page 535 of Man and Wife and I am just amazed at how affecting and stirring this novel still is..over 140 years since it was published. Wilkie Collins really should be remembered right up there with Dickens!!


message 8512: by Miekey (new)

Miekey Rodriguez | 11 comments Rick wrote: "Ken wrote: "Also reading Killing Floor (Jack Reacher, #1) by Lee Child, the first Jack Reacher. I read one other in the series and pretty much liked it. This is Child's first effort and, while its entertaining..."

I've read them all. The writing is better than the story.


message 8513: by Darren (new)

Darren Hayes | 28 comments Reading James pattersons witch and wizard the gift and Robert kirkmans the walking dead rise of the governor


message 8514: by Barbara (new)

Barbara (cinnabarb) | 6533 comments Mod
I'm reading The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart. Very good so far.


message 8515: by Barbara (new)

Barbara (cinnabarb) | 6533 comments Mod
Larry wrote: "Thanks for the report on J. K. Rawling's mustery, Barbara. I've noted mixed reviews here on Goodreads.

I love you.

Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker"


Are you planning to read the book Larry?


Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
The Long Goodbye (Philip Marlowe, #6) by Raymond Chandler
I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!


message 8517: by Larry (last edited Oct 18, 2013 10:43AM) (new)

Larry Winebrenner (wmyrral) | 45 comments Barbara wrote: "Larry wrote: "Thanks for the report on J. K. Rawling's mystery, Barbara. I've noted mixed reviews here on Goodreads.

I love you.

Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker"

Are you planning to read t..."


I've enjoyed Harry Potter, Barbara, but I hesitated on the fairly drastic switch in genres. Of course, your review encourages me to consider it, so I've added it to my dozens [hundreds? thousands?] TBR list, but not at the bottom. :)

Why? Did you have something personally to add just for my benefit?


I love you.

Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker


message 8518: by Peggy (new)

Peggy Rothschild | 54 comments I've read a rash of disappointing mysteries -- I've been trying to branch out and try new authors. Sadly, I can't recommend any of the following: 'She's Not There' by Marla Madison, 'Just Add Water' by Jinx Schwartz or 'Body Toll' by Bruce Thomason. I just downloaded 'The Cuckoo's Calling' and will dive into that next since it's gotten good reviews here.


message 8519: by Larry (new)

Larry Winebrenner (wmyrral) | 45 comments Peggy, my dear---

You like cozy mysteries? I have a couple you can have for free [though they are on sale for $3.99]---

The Case of the Locked Drawer
The Case of the Locked Apartment.

I will send both [about 250 pages each] if you send me an email address to send them to. Request them from wmyrral at gmail.com.

Barbara has reviewed both on this forum.

I love you.

Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker


message 8520: by Natasha (new)

Natasha Holme (natashaholme) Quite Ugly One Morning by Christopher Brookmyre, because it was enthusiastically recommended to me. It's wonderfully witty. Loving it.


message 8521: by Barbara (new)

Barbara (cinnabarb) | 6533 comments Mod
Larry wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Larry wrote: "Thanks for the report on J. K. Rawling's mystery, Barbara. I've noted mixed reviews here on Goodreads.

I love you.

Larry Winebrenner
Timaeus the Tracker"

Are you pl..."


Larry, I'd just say Rowling's new book is worth reading if you like mysteries. She made a smooth transition from fantasy to other genres in my opinion.


message 8522: by Raven (new)

Raven Reviewer (ravenreviewer) | 7 comments I am reading "Stones (Data)" at the request of LRP Book Reviews.


message 8523: by Barbara (new)

Barbara (cinnabarb) | 6533 comments Mod
I finished Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. The story takes place in a future world where zombies roam and humans live in protected enclaves. "R", a zombie, kills a young man (Perry) and eats his brain. This causes R to absorb Perry's memories and emotions and to care for Perry's girlfriend Julie. A lot of the story takes place inside R's head where R has a continuing dialog with Perry and talks about his thoughts and feelings as he falls in love with Julie. Inevitably R becomes more and more human. The story also contains the usual conflicts between humans and zombies, fights and killing, etc. Though I cared about the characters I thought the book was slow-moving and boring and I had a hard time getting through it. In this case I thought the movie adaptation was better than the book.


Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
Barbara wrote: "I finished Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. The story takes place in a future world where zombies roam and humans live in protected enclaves. "R", a zombie, kills a young man (Perry) and eats his brain..."

Wow Barbara. Quite an exiting plot!!


message 8525: by April (new)

April (aprilvoytkokempler) I'm reading the Glass Inferno because I love disaster stories.


Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
I am absolutely loving The Medusa Amulet by Robert Masello

An exciting and educational thriller. Robert Masello has a really terrific format of having a historical tale within the main story. This time, about every three chapters deals with Cellini and his travails in medieval Italy. This is directly related to the present day chapters. In The Romanov Cross by Robert Masello another fantastic novel by Mr Masello, the plot and subplot deal with Anastasia and the Russian Revolution. Highly recommend both


message 8528: by Chris (new)

Chris Dietzel (chrisdietzel) Rick wrote: "two of my favorite books ever!!

Watership Down (Watership Down, #1) by Richard Adams Tales from Watership Down (Watership Down, #2) by Richard Adams..."



I actually enjoyed "Tales From.." even more than Watership Down. The idea of combining short stories from the original characters, along with stories of their legends, worked perfectly. I'd like to see more authors take that approach with follow-ups.


message 8529: by Fiona (Titch) (new)

Fiona (Titch) Hunt (titch) I am going to read Caress, Submit and Surrender - Marina Anderson (from The Dining Club series).


Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
Chris wrote: "Rick wrote: "two of my favorite books ever!!

Watership Down (Watership Down, #1) by Richard Adams Tales from Watership Down (Watership Down, #2) by Richard Adams..."


I actually enjoyed "Tales From.." even more than Watership Down. T..."


I agree Chris..the second book was a great continuation of the first, not so much because it continued the story, but because it expanding one's knowledge and appreciation of the characters


message 8531: by Seeley (new)

Seeley James (seeleyjames) I just finished Shadow of Eden by Louis Kirby , and liked it so much that I picked up The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike, #1) by Robert Galbraith to see if JK Rowling (Galbraith) was that much better or worse than a debut indie author.

I'll be posting a review soon, but I already know why Rowling/Galbraith was not successful before the 'secret' was released.

Peace, Seeley


message 8532: by Melissa (new)

Melissa Krueger | 10 comments Rick wrote: "The Long Goodbye (Philip Marlowe, #6) by Raymond Chandler
I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!"


That's a great idea! I'm going to re-read Chandler and his peer group. I just put down a Rizzoli and Isles book because I was tired of the formula.


message 8533: by Fiona (Titch) (new)

Fiona (Titch) Hunt (titch) I have read Submit - Marina Anderson.


message 8534: by Fiona (Titch) (new)

Fiona (Titch) Hunt (titch) I have read Caress - Marina Anderson.


Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
Melissa wrote: "Rick wrote: "The Long Goodbye (Philip Marlowe, #6) by Raymond Chandler
I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!"

That's a great idea! I'm going to re-read Chandler and his peer group. I just put down a Rizzoli..."


Melissa ..Chandler is one of those writers who are like a brisk evening walk. Always enjoyable and never gets old!


message 8536: by Annette (new)

Annette Hart | 19 comments Started readingPaper Towns as my daughter recommended John Green to me.


message 8537: by Natasha (new)

Natasha Holme (natashaholme) The Mother Tongue: English And How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson, because I enjoy his writing, love languages (I learnt six at school), and find the title intriguing.


message 8538: by Fiona (Titch) (new)

Fiona (Titch) Hunt (titch) Last night I finished Surrender - Marina Anderson. Now I am going to read A country Halloween - Robert Larrison.


message 8539: by Barbara (new)

Barbara (cinnabarb) | 6533 comments Mod
I finished The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart. In this Dismas Hardy (defense attorney) book, Dismas's brother-in-law Moses Mcguire is accused of murdering Rick Jessup, an abusive, blackmailing young man that his daughter had dated. Of course Dismas is Moses lawyer as the case goes to trial. The book slides into trial mode, with plenty of courtroom scenes. I found this mystery book entertaining but felt it wasn't one of Lescroart's best efforts.


message 8540: by KOMET (last edited Oct 22, 2013 10:14AM) (new)

KOMET | 871 comments I'm now reading "To Scale the Skies: The Story of Group Captain J.C. 'Johnny' Wells DFC & BAR" by Peter Cornwell. It's a terrific book about a remarkable man who came from a humble background in England and became an outstanding pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War.

To Scale the Skies The Story of Group Captain J.C. 'Johnny' Wells DFC & BAR by Peter Cornwell


Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
KOMET wrote: "I'm now reading "To Scale the Skies: The Story of Group Captain J.C. 'Johnny' Wells DFC & BAR" by Peter Cornwell. It's a terrific book about a remarkable man who came from a humble background in E..."

Another new one on me but I love the title and subtitle. Seems like a facinating read


Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
Barbara wrote: "I finished The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart. In this Dismas Hardy (defense attorney) book, Dismas's brother-in-law Moses Mcguire is accused of murdering Rick Jessup, an abusive, blackmailing youn..."

I always enjoy his books. All of them are quite absorbing and substantial. T particularly like the Abe Glitsky character.


message 8543: by Seeley (new)

Seeley James (seeleyjames) Rick wrote: "The Long Goodbye (Philip Marlowe, #6) by Raymond Chandler
I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!"


That's a great idea, Rick. I read the Great Gatsby a couple weeks ago and found it timeless -- just like they say. I'll bet the same is true for Chandler and Hammett. Thanks for the idea!

Peace, Seeley


Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
Seeley wrote: "Rick wrote: "The Long Goodbye (Philip Marlowe, #6) by Raymond Chandler
I am reading this old classic!! Still a great read!"

That's a great idea, Rick. I read the Great Gatsby a couple weeks ago and found it timeless -- j..."


My pleasure Seeley. Believe it or not I have yet to read The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald . And I love Fitzgerald. Especially his short stories


message 8545: by Franky (new)

Franky | 115 comments Rick, have you seen the new version of Gatsby on film (from last year), from director Baz Lurhmann (Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge? Sort of a modernization of the book. You should read the book and then watch the film.


message 8546: by Franky (new)

Franky | 115 comments Currently reading The Bad Seed for a book club group and also for Halloween. Also reading The Secret Keeper for a reading challenge, and because I've heard good things about Kate Morton.


message 8547: by Fiona (Titch) (new)


message 8548: by Barbara (last edited Oct 23, 2013 04:12PM) (new)

Barbara (cinnabarb) | 6533 comments Mod
Rick wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I finished The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart. In this Dismas Hardy (defense attorney) book, Dismas's brother-in-law Moses Mcguire is accused of murdering Rick Jessup, an abusive, b..."

Abe Glitzky gets caught up in people's selfish political shenanigans in this book Rick. You might want to read it... you'll get some surprises.


message 8549: by Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB (last edited Oct 23, 2013 08:14AM) (new)

Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB  | 7280 comments Mod
Barbara wrote: "Rick wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I finished The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart. In this Dismas Hardy (defense attorney) book, Dismas's brother-in-law Moses Mcguire is accused of murdering Rick Jessup, ..."

I certainly will Barbara! Many thanks for the Gliztky alert!! Such a great character


message 8550: by Shannon (new)

Shannon (xoxoshannon1979) | 100 comments Just Got done reading
Stranded (Maggie O’Dell, #11) by Alex Kava & Life Sentences by Alice Blanchard Both books was so good couldnt put both down! I love Alex Kava Maggie O'Dell series and I never read anything from Alice Blanchard but now I know I will lol!

Now I am reading these next
7th Heaven (Women's Murder Club, #7) by James Patterson True Blue by David Baldacci Patriot Games (Jack Ryan, #1) by Tom Clancy Never Tell by Alafair Burke


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