THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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WHAT ARE YOU READING AND WHY!!
Just finished reading "The Light Who Shines" by Lilo Abernathy. After finishing my first novel "Blood Death and Salt", I needed something that would be entertaining and different from my usual reading material. I found "The Light Who Shines" to be thrilling and filled with enough suspense to keep me glued to the book. I would say to anyone who has not read Lilo's work, don't judge a book by its cover. June 27th Ms. Abernathy will release her next book "The Light Who Binds", I am look forward to the release.
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New author for me. Will have to check out her books
She was new for me too. "The Light Who Binds" is her new work, watch for it :)
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Will do!
Just started
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Though St. Denis has a mixed population of native French people and foreigners, people get along and there is little serious crime. Thus Bruno has plenty of time to socialize, teach tennis to youngsters, make his own wine and paté, garden, and so on. Then one day an Algerian grandfather is found brutally murdered, a swastika carved into his chest and his medal of honor and a treasured photo missing. Members of the right-wing National Front become likely suspects.
Given the history between France and Algeria - as well as some anti-immigration sentiment - the investigation is politically sensitive. Thus big-wig detectives and officals are sent to take over the inquiry. Bruno has local knowledge however - and with the help of some acquaintances - uncovers important clues. Along the way Bruno has a romance, plays tennis doubles, has a tasty meal prepared by two British ladies, drinks a good deal of wine and champage, has a unique picnic, and so on. The author skillfully weaves the wonderful ambiance of St. Denis into the story, and the reader is simultaneously charmed by the town and intrigued by the murder investigation. All in all a very enjoyable cozy mystery. 4 stars
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The job isn't easy for women however. The 1970s Atlanta PD is dominated by racist, homophobic, white men who disrespect and grope their female colleagues - who are usually relegated to traffic duty or undercover work where they pose as hookers.
Before long Jimmy is wounded by the cop killer and his partner is killed. The Atlanta PD goes into high gear to catch the murderer and Maggie - who thinks Jimmy's hiding something - wants to help. Uncle Terry is violently against this but Maggie uses personal sources to get information and she and Kate launch their own inquiry.
The book has a wide array of interesting characters and the plot is fast-paced and leads to a dramatic, believable, and satisfying climax. I enjoyed this mystery thriller and highly recommend it.
(A note: I'm glad to think the bigoted male cops in this story would be thrown off the job pretty quick in this day and age.)
This sounds like a great book, my kind of book also. I have a few of Karen Slaughter's books, but not that one. I will have to check it out :)I released my 1st novel in mid-June, it is a stand alone in hopefully a series of Johnnie King Adventures, it is dedicated to law enforcement. Oh yeah, Johnnie King is actually Johnetta King, If you are interested it is called BLOOD DEATH AND SALT. I think I might put a sample up on my blog, what do you think of that idea? I truly would like some input on the thought.
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I released my 1st novel in mid-June, it is a stand al..."
I think it's probably a good idea to put a sample on your blog; readers can get a glimpse of your writing style, get a sense of the plot, etc.
Thank you, I just posted a sampling of my first novel - BLOOD DEATH AND SALT ** A Johnnie King Novel. Can be viewed at janokane.blogspot.com. Again Thank you for your input, it is appreciated.
I'm currently reading FINDERS KEEPERS by Stephen King. It's the sequel to MR. MERCEDES, which I recently finished (a great psychological thriller, by the way). FINDERS KEEPERS is not a scary read; rather, it's an engrossing story of a reclusive bestselling author and what happens when 3 men rob him of unpublished manuscripts. As an author myself, I'm finding it a fascinating read, as the idea that our writing is our own can also be subject to 'finders keepers'.
I am currently reading "Piranha" by Clive Cussler/Boyd Morrison. I have read every Cussler book that has been released over the decades. The Oregon Files happens to be my favorite of all of his series. His characters are well described as is the ship, so much so that you can see the individuals and feel the ship beneath your feet.
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The DA's office turns up new evidence in the form of Lawrence's former jailmate Russell Bell, who says Lawrence confessed to the crime when they were in prison together. Ironically, Russell is now free because Lawrence helped him write an appeal.
Russell Bell is murdered before he can testify, potentially placing Lawrence on the hook for two murders: that of his wife and Russell. In any case the DA begins by re-trying Lawrence for killing his wife. Meanwhile Leo is working behind the scenes to discover who really killed Russell Bell.
The story starts out strong and has compelling courtroom scenes. By the end, though, the explanation of what happened with Russell is so tangled and confused as to be almost incomprehensible. Thus this is a 3 star book for me.
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I liked Mr. Mercedes; glad to hear Finders Keepers is good also.
Hi Barbara, I haven't finished FINDERS KEEPERS yet, but it's just as intense as MR. MERCEDES, and the same characters appear as in the first book. King is a fantastic writer. Have you read his 11/22/63 book? One of my all-time favorites. ~ KathleenBarbara wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "I'm currently reading FINDERS KEEPERS by Stephen King. It's the sequel to MR. MERCEDES, which I recently finished (a great psychological thriller, by the way). FINDERS KEEPERS is n..."
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@Kathleen
I have read 11/22/63; great book.
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For example, William, who lives on the top floor, is a fiftyish wine shop owner who's frustrated with his son Eddie - a twenty-something who has no job, plays loud music, and sponges off his dad. In an attempt to get Eddie to move out William takes in a dog, Freddie de la Hay, an affectionate fellow who gets involved in various sorts of mayhem. Meanwhile, William's platonic lady friend Marcia has designs on the reluctant wine merchant and Eddie has some 'fun' that endangers poor Freddie's life.
A group of young women share the middle floor apartment. One of them, Jenny, is an assistant to a self-absorbed, oily politician named Oedipus who makes up ludricous excuses to avoid social interactions. For instance, invited to a function six months away Oedipus responds that he'll be busy - attending a funeral.
Another roommate, art student Caroline, is toying with the idea of a romantic relationship with her friend James, who's not sure if he's gay or not.
Then there's Terence, a sweet but hapless fellow who drives his antique car at about 8 mph. When Terrence accidently fries the car's engine he decides to get a high-powered Porche - with predictable (and unpredictable) consequences. And so on.
The story is filled with entertaining characters and humorous stories. Recommended for light reading. 4 stars.
Peter McPhee's
for a class, and Vicki Hopkins'
for brain candy.
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Harry and his new partner Katrine Bratt, along with a small task force, are assigned to the case. When they uncover a connection among the women a number of possible suspects come to light - one after another - each seeming to have a possible motive. Meanwhile, Harry struggles with his alcoholism while the love of his life, Rakel, prepares to move in with another man.
The characters in the story are well-developed, interesting, and often quirky and there are plenty of twists and turns. The book races along to a dramatic climax - where the murderer plans to stage a grande finale. A compelling, well-written thriller, highly recommended.
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As the story opens tribal cops Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito, recently married, are taking a vacation in Monument Valley when fate steps in. Jim ends up helping a relative in Monument Valley while working security for a movie company. And Bernie returns to their home in Shiprock for a situation involving her mom and sister.
While in Shiprock Bernie resumes her police duties. She had previously arrested a young man for attempted bribery during a traffic stop and she wants to find out what he was hiding. Bernie is dismayed to learn that there were no drugs in his car and that the FBI wants the tribal police to back off. Bernie can't let it go however.
Meanwhile Jim finds a 'grave' in Monument Valley, which he suspects is a publicity stunt arranged by the movie company to advertise their zombie film. The movie company honchos deny knowing about the grave but Jim continues his inquiry. Before long an employee of the movie company is murdered and Jim investigates.
As Bernie and Jim pursue their separate inquiries each meets up with various suspicious characters that need looking into. They both turn to their mentor - 'The Legendary Lieutenant' Joe Leaphorn - for help. This is difficult because Joe is recovering from a bullet to the head - but he's able to use a computer to assist his mentees.
I liked the setting of the book and enjoyed the tidbits of Navaho culture. The dual plots, however, were confused and less than compelling. There was an interesting array of characters, though, from Bernie's loving mom and alcoholic young sister to sleazy movie makers to Navaho elders.
For me this was just a so-so book (2 stars) but I might try another Anne Hillerman book in the future.
I just finished reading "The Almost Moon" by Alice Sebold. Thoughtful and provoking.
Last night, I began reading The Tin Drum by Günter Grass for a local book club I joined recently. We are scheduled to meet and discuss this novel shortly before the end of this month. So far, I'm not sure what to make of this novel, though the historical period in which it is set fascinates me.
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In an effort to catch the perpetrator the crimes are investigated by two amateur detectives - Thomas De Quincey and his daughter Emily - and two Scotland Yard detectives - Becker and Ryan.
David Morrell skillfully depicts the ambiance of London at the time and includes a good chunk of authentic London history (according to his own essay at the end of the book). The rich, aristocratic people of the time apparently believed that 'their class' never committed crimes and consistently blamed the poor, especially the unwelcome Irish.
For the most part the story is gritty and violent, with the murderer pursuing his agenda and British nobleman (literally) fighting between themselves over a woman.
The book alternates points of view between the murderer and the third person narrator, and contains excerpts from Emily's journal. For the first two-thirds the book is suspenseful and compelling. The story then reaches a climax after which it takes too many chapters to wrap up. Moreover several of the story points that emerge in the final chapters are not believable, culminating in an unsatisfying ending. All in all this book works better for its history than its mystery. 3 stars.
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As the story opens Detective Mary Lancester, Decker's old partner, tells him a homeless man named Sebastian Leopold has confessed to murdering Decker's family. Decker manipulates his way into the jail to talk to Leopold just when a mass shooting occurs at local Mansfield High School.
Decker is asked to consult with authorities on the high school murders. He uses his extraordinary memory to search for the shooter and to look into Leopold's bogus-sounding confession. Decker uncovers one clue after another in the mass shooting case, which turns out to be connected to the murder of Decker's family.
This is a well-written mystery that kept my attention. My biggest problem with the plot is that both Decker - and especially the FBI - seem too slow on the uptake in unraveling some of the clues. Without giving away any spoilers I'll just say that, in real life, the FBI would probably have exposed/understood some clues well before Decker had his 'aha moments'. Moreover, given the motive, I would have expected the perpetrator to do some things differently.
Still, the book kept my interest from beginning to end and I would read more books about detective Decker's exploits. 3.5 stars.
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In this book, an investigative reporter who's been demoted to the obituary page tries to get back on top by writing a story about (what he thinks is) the suspicious death of former rock star Jimmy Stoma.
Though there are some fun characters in the book the mystery at the heart of the story isn't compelling and the book slogs along in places. 2.5 stars.
My complete review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Unfortunately the story plods along with a thin plot and characters that aren't that funny. 2.5 stars.
My complete review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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In this addition to the Chief of Police Jesse Stone series, Jesse and Wilson (Crow) Cromartie - a big-time criminal - cooperate to help a teen girl.
The plot is fairly predictable, a lot of the characters are not likable, and there's a spot too much hanky-panky. Easy reading though, good for a plane or beach. 2.5 stars.
My complete review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Another deft mystery from Jo Nesbo. 4 stars.
My complete review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I am re-reading "Buried Giant," to track the complex images, symbolism, foreshadowing, rich allusions, in an effort to figure out just what Ishiguro is doing. I read a review by Ursula LeGuin (I know that's misspelled) which seemed to miss the mark entirely, labelling it merely as a failed fantasy novel. I don't buy it. But I'm a retired English teacher so I want to know why I don't buy it. It's fascinating on both reads.
Some days I love technology; some days, not so much. I was certain I posted a comment here earlier but I don't see it. In any case, I, too am usually reading two books at the same time. At the moment, I am re-reading Buried Giant which is a multi-layered mix of very familiar mythology and symbolism, a classic fantasy overlay but not quite fantasy if read with a careful eye, and something altogether different and more. I am reading it again to try to unravel this tapestry and see what the very fine writer, Ishiguro, is up to. I saw a review by Ursula LeGuin that panned it as simply poor fantasy which I think missed the point. I am also reading a book by a friend about manic depression.
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I read Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and - though it got good reviews - didn't like it at all. I'm not sure what genre I'd call it, though it probably verges on literary science fiction.
It's interesting that Ishiguro tried his hand at fantasy with this new book.
What I found out about Ishiguro is that he apparently writes in a different genre with every book. He's either nuts or a genius writer--I suspect a bit of both. Certainly Remains of the Day was an unusual book. I'm still not sure about Giant but it has gotten my attention sufficiently to have me doing this reread. And we'll see. Again, it's either utterly brilliant--or not quite a success. I will definitely report back. I have a get-together next week with the other member of this particular book-club-of-two, whose unexpected mind often opens some doors. We'll be discussing the final section. Meanwhile, in my other life of having taught and read and researched the Judaeo-Christian Scriptures as Literature for 30 years, I continue on that deep reading path well into retirement. I guess I'm still a reading and teaching junkie even though I've discovered, at age 70, that I'm also a writer. And for anyone interested in that complex text, by the way, I have just finished the best thing I've ever read on the Book of Revelation--Elaine Pagels' Revelations. Finally, can someone tell me how to underline, highlight, or italicize titles here?
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Finally, can someone tell me how to underline, highlight, or italicize titles here?
Click on add book/author right above the comment box, then type in the book title. A list will come up and when you click "add" on one of the choices it will appear in your comment box as a link (highlighted and underlined). If you want italics or bold print, etc. click on (some html is ok) - also above comment box. Choices will appear.
Thanks, Barbara. Can someone also tell me why I am always dumped into the site at the oldest comments and then when I hit "newest" I still have to scroll to the bottom to find them? So, now I'll try out the new skill with Oh dear my terrible tech karma is showing. I clicked on add book/author typed in book and author. Nothing happened. I should perhaps have followed instructions and typed in only the title. Here I go back.The Unvanquished Well that doesn't look right? How about if I give it up for tonight? Is surrender allowed?
Ah, it did work. Well, well. Now I can retire in peace.
Yesterday, I began reading "Attack on Orleans: The World War I Submarine Raid on Cape Cod" by Jake Klim. I was fascinated by its subject matter --- the only attack by the enemy on American soil during the First World War --- which induced me to buy the book. 
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For me this book was 2 stars but I think big fans of romantic suspense might like it.
My complete review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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The author does a good job interweaving the various story lines until they all come together at the end. 4 stars.
My complete review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm reading Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy, just having finished Minding Frankie. This author was recommended by a friend. Before that I read Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series, and Alexander McCall Smith's Isabel Dalhousie series. I also read non-fiction, often about neuroscience, philosophy and art.
Mary, about two years ago I finally discovered I had read every single novel by Maeve Binchy. I'm sad not to have them; they are just lovely light reads for those days I just can't work another minute.
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Mary, I've read a lot of Alexander McCall Smith books, including the Isabel Dalhousie series and the the # 1 Ladies Detective Agency series and some others. I think of them as "quiet books" ... not a lot of action but interesting characters.
Barbara, what a lovely way to put it--"quiet books." I am aware that reading them slows down my pulse! For me the quiet "character" books are Jane Austen-anything; Scott Fitzgerald's "Gatsby;" Trollope's Barchester novels; and, believe it or not, George Eliot's "Middlemarch." I guess this has absolutely revealed my particular reading bias. These are novels I find I can literally pack my bags and move into. And, Mary, thanks for starting this interesting conversation; it's got me thinking about my reading habits.
Mary and Dean, I LOVE the novels of Maeve Binchy. And yes, Dean, I agree with you re: Barbara's quote 'quiet books'... truly a lovely phrase.Meanwhile, I seem to be sidetracked with winding my way down a journey through everyone of Stephen KingStephen King's novels (even the ones I've previously read). While I don't care for his futuristic novels, I'm a huge fan of his writing style. I love his attention to detail, his choice of wording, and the simple narrative that immediately draws you into any of his books. To my way of thinking, King is a living literary icon. Currently reading INSOMNIA Insomnia (a new read for me) and enjoying it. Just finished a re-read of THE DEAD ZONE The Dead ZoneThe Dead Zone. Excellent novel!
I just started reading I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. The Prologue is wonderfully written and I hope a few of my Goodreads friends will join me in the discussions.
I somehow stopped enjoying King after those early novels that I adored-'Salem's LotCarrie and whatever that hotel one was--how can I have forgotten the title. I just don't like the later ones much at all. Oh, well.
Dean, have you ever read King's 11/22/63? That, in my opinion, is an absolute masterpiece. It is not at all a horror novel.... but rather, a 'time travel' piece of sorts (but not at all confusing, trust me. It's about a man in modern day time who finds a 'time warp' and goes back into history to see if he can prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Absolutely fascinating book. 1,000 pages. Stephen King's very best novel. (P.S. The 'hotel' book was probably The Shining).
http://harpers.org/archive/2015/04/th...http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/boo...
Hi, Kathleen, no I haven't read that one. I'll give it a try. Meanwhile, as I wander the pathways of Ishiguro's latest-for the second time, and anticipate my meeting with a close friend tomorrow to discuss the last part, I found a couple of interesting reviews just today. It is still a novel that has me mesmerized. I am aware there are plenty of folks not liking it--and I'm not sure "like" is the word I would use. I am simply and fully engaged on a number of levels. There's one more review I want to post but I'll stop here while I track it down. The Harper's piece is apparently the definitive one.
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THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
Books mentioned in this topic
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Monica Rodden (other topics)Lisa Unger (other topics)
Natalie D. Richards (other topics)
Maureen Johnson (other topics)
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This is the 4th of 6 books in the Palliser novels. I am almost finished with this one. Then on the number 5