The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion
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Currently Reading? Just Finished?
Another one down. 25 to go. Finished Last Car To Elysian Fields
. James Lee Burke never disappoints.
I finished late last night
. It started off good but then parts of the story was too repeatitive. It bored me immensely.
Wow! What is going on with authors these days? Two bad reviews in a row and I read a negative review yesterday about the latest Dean Koontz novel. Not to mention a backlash on Patterson lately as well. For almost thirty bucks for a HC you would think we could get a decent novel out these people.
You would think. Too many authors have gotten stale and/or lazy, IMO. Koontz and Patterson are two of the biggest offenders but not the only ones. They know their fans will buy whatever they put out and don't seem to care if they actually like it.
I've heard that A LOT about Patterson but not the others. I've only read Patteron's Women's Murder Club and loved all of them. However, the few stand alones I've read I didn't care for. I have yet to read the latest Murder Club book but I hope it's not "lazy work"!
Gatorman wrote: "You would think. Too many authors have gotten stale and/or lazy, IMO. Koontz and Patterson are two of the biggest offenders but not the only ones. They know their fans will buy whatever they put..."As long as it's not " co- authored" it will probably be alright. The Cross novels are usually pretty good too, but I have heard complaints lately about those too. The other stand alone novels are hit and miss.
I've had some 'not quite as good as usual' in a couple of my favorite series the last few years, but not too bad, fortunately. I did drop Koontz a number of years ago, he just started into areas that didn't appeal to me and I've only read Patterson on occasion. The last two Judge Knott books were not as good as the previous ones for me, so that series has gone from "auto buy" to "read before buying" on my list which is where the Thomas Perry "Jane Whitefield" series went after his main character married. I think Stuart Woods has fallen into the Patterson/Koontz situation as well, though I've never been a particular fan of his Barrington series and haven't followed that, just picked up one here and there.
Julie wrote: "Gatorman wrote: "You would think. Too many authors have gotten stale and/or lazy, IMO. Koontz and Patterson are two of the biggest offenders but not the only ones. They know their fans will buy ..."I just heard from a few others with reviews from long published authors. Beverly Barton, and Philip Margolin. Don't know if they actually write in series form, but I am familiar with both authors and the reviews are poor. As I said earlier, books are too expensive. If I'm expected to pay 28 dollars for a HC, it should rock my world.
I'm getting 99% of my 'buy for me' books in eBook format now because of shelf space issues and I don't mind paying the same price for the Kindle version as I would pay for the print book for the authors I have on my "buy the minute it comes out" list. But I don't have many authors on that list and for the most part the 'expensive' ones ... eBook or otherwise ... are authors I've been reading for a number of years that have a track record for me. If they start falling short of my "going to keep it forever to re-read" category then it goes back on the "read before buying" list and I often wait until I can buy it used/cheap after that.
I also have the kindle, and I am in the process of trying to downsize by book collection. I hope to eventually get all my new books in e book format. I NEVER, (because I am the queen of frugal) buy a book in ANY format hot off the presses. I read constantly, and fairly fast. I would go broke paying full price. I do have a problem though with the price structure these days. I also have a problem with the quality of experienced, often published authors. Koontz was a one time favorite. The last book I read of his was terrible. I just think if you put something out there and intend for people to plunk down that kind of money, for a book I would probably finish in two days, it should be well worth the price. That's a very expensive form of entertainment. And with the publishers acting the way they have been I have found myself reading more and more independent authors and reading older books too. Some of these independents are just as good or better than big time names. They just need the fancy editor to help them a little.( some are really bad too, but when it's free or 99 cents it's no big deal) I'm very patient. I can wait until the PB or till the price comes down a little on Amazon, or someone lends me the book etc. I'm pretty darn subborn that way. The way people are talking, these guys might want to shape up a little.
Julie wrote: "I NEVER, (because I am the queen of frugal) buy a book in ANY format hot off the presses. I read constantly, and fairly fast. I would go broke paying full price. I do have a problem though with the price structure these days. "I read a lot as well and very fast ... can go through a book a day, sometimes more in bad weather. But there are books that I want to keep to re-read, like visiting old friends, and a few of these are series that I do want to read as soon as it comes out to see 'what happens next'. I have some books that I still re-read on occasion that go back to my childhood ... my earliest 'buy to own forever' book is the first book I remember receiving as a gift when I was 5 or 6 years old. And yes ... I still do occasionally re-read that and enjoy the illustrations as well.
I have a few collectables too. I have a Agatha Cristie collection, and a collection of mystery novels in HC first editions like Dorothy Sayers. I also have few classics that I inherited and those grace my bookshelves. I RARElEY ever read a book twice, but I have been known to. I can think of 4 right off, but normally I just don't have time. I used to avoid series because I can't read the same genre, or author twice in a row. Now, though I have started a couple of series, and I'm so far behind that I won't have to worry about getting the next installment the minute it's released. I space them out though, so I don't have a sense of urgency that way. (Except with the Janet Evanovich series or Jonathan Kellerman)I also read out of order too.( gasp!)LOL. I have a really odd way of reading. I like to read in order though if possible. I just pull out whatever I'm in the mood for though most of the time.
Julie wrote: "I also read out of order too.( gasp!)LOL."For SHAME! (laughing)
Julie wrote: "Now, though I have started a couple of series, and I'm so far behind that I won't have to worry about getting the next installment the minute it's released...."I am this way too. I read so much as a kid and when I became an adult and had time to read, I had no clue what to read. I got recommendations from a coworker & it took off from there. I LOVE a good series. There's something about getting to know the characters personally & following them through several adventures that excites me. So, I'm playing catch up on a lot of series! I'm never to the point where I can read the newest release so the cost isn't usually an issue for me. By the time I'm ready to read it, it's been discounted. I ALWAYS check the library first before paying for a book though, even if I have to wait a little bit for it.
I don't normally do this but I wanted to let you knowmy second novel, Mr. Glamour, is officially released in paperback today. It's a mystery novel
If you can post about it I would be grateful, it's offered at a low price today with next day shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Glamour-Rich...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Glamour-Ri...
All the best,
Richard.
Sharon wrote: I think Stuart Woods has fallen into the Patterson/Koontz situation as well, though I've never been a particular fan of his Barrington series and haven't followed that, just picked up one here and there." I finished
by Stuart Woods last weekend and couldn't put the book down. I loved it.
I had trouble getting into the last couple of Baldacci's, he's another one that has soured for me.
I've just finished Rachel Abbott - only the Innocent - it was a very good book, 1 minor flaw for me, but I really enjoyed the read.
Diane me too on Baldacci. The last one was a camel club but the main char spent the whole book avoiding the whole group. I read Camel clubs because its fun to read about them woring together. The book just didn't work for me.
Yeah. Jane Whitfield getting married put the "nipper" on that series for me. You can't do the stuff she did and have a spouse - or parents or children or any of that. Why? 'Cause the bad guys will get 'em. However, I just reread Nightlife by Perry and still loved it - no matter what everyone has said about the improbability of female serial killers and the plot being confusing. I thought he got right up there in her head and showed us how her twisted up brain didn't work. As far as female serial killers go: check out the movie Monster and see if you're not impressed.
Interesting discussion. I can forgive a lapse in quality from authors who have "proven themselves" to me as authentic writers. There is nothing worse than picking up a book and realizing that the author is incapable of actually being able to write. It is as though an author of that sort believes his readers to be somewhat stupid and willing to spend money indiscriminately. I love crime fiction/thrillers, although a peculiar genre. And I have long recognized that there are writers of these types of books who actually are great writers, people who love the craft of writing, of spinning a tale. These are the folks I am always happy to discover and to whom I remain loyal unless or until they prove they are no longer interested in writing, yet still interested in capitalizing on their former success. in the art.
I'm reading Defending Jacob by William Landay because of the comments about it on this site. So far it's engrossing - a page turner.
I just recently finished The Book of Spies by Gayle Lynds and have just started The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson. It's been a year or more since I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and I've put it off too long. Have barely started it, but I think I'm going to like it.
Recently finished reading The Dramatist by Ken Bruen. It's an Irish hard-boiled mystery, the fourth in the Jack Taylor series. I've heard it described as "Noir," but to me, Noir isn't continually dumping misfortune on your character's head simply for the sake of keeping his life a smoldering ruin. Anyway, my full review can be found here, if you're interested.
I just finished reading The Theory of Games, by Ezra Sidran.Follow Jake and his best buddy, Bill, on a trip down the rabbit hole, in search of a real-life Boogieman. Right from the start, Jake and Bill are in big trouble. Then things become worse for them. Buckle up for a thrill ride into the depths.
Ezra Sidran weaves a spellbinding tale of intrigue and suspense. Once you’ve seen the world through his eyes, it will never look the same again.
Anyway, that's what I think. Next up: The Fear Index, by Robert Harris.
Finished Fall from Grace: A Noveland it was a psychologically suspenseful book about a very dysfunctional family headed by a narcissist. Nos starting Shadow and The Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death: The Grantchester Mysteries.
Finished 11th Hour - James Patterson and now going to read The Man From U.N.D.E.A.D. - The Curious Case Of The Kidnapped Chemist - Darren Humphries.
Started
last night. Listed as a "Christian" mystery which is not my usual kind of thing ... not anti-religious, just find that the message too often gets in the way of the story, so usually avoid them. But the rest of the description sounded so much like my kind of thing and it was a free download, so decided to try it.
Just finished Murder at The Washington Tribune, but I m starting a historical romance for my next read, doubt it would interest this group. I'll check by with my next mystery.
An SO to Lawrence Block fans--Matt Scudder is out on Kindle!
Just finished Them or Us. Excellent finish to the Hater trilogy. Gave it 5 stars. Just starting Dead Sea.
Jeanie wrote: "I finished Shadow Man by Cody McFadyen last night. Obviously, I enjoyed this book because I gave it four stars despite the fact I figured out the identity of the villian long before I should. How..."This weekend I picked up
The Face of Death, the 2nd book in this series, looking forward to it.
Mike wrote: "[bookcover:Capitol Murder: A Novel of Suspense]This has to be on of the worst books I've read in years (see my review). I can't believe the authors editor would let this mess come out into print."
Wow! that saddens me, I simple love Phillip Margolin, I have not read this trilogy yet but have been looking forward to it.
I finished Defending Jacob by William Landay. Good book; combines mystery thriller and courtroom action - highly recommended.
Linda wrote: "Mike wrote: "[bookcover:Capitol Murder: A Novel of Suspense]This has to be on of the worst books I've read in years (see my review). I can't believe the authors editor would let this mess come..."
Got it on my "wish list". Thanks for the recommend. I love courtroom dramas/mysteries.
I also hate to hear a bad review about Capitol Murder. Seems to be a trend from some of our most dependable authors. I wonder what's up with these guys lateley.
Barbara wrote: "I'm reading Defending Jacob by William Landay because of the comments about it on this site. So far it's engrossing - a page turner."I loved this book Barbara, have you finished it yet???
Currently enjoying working my way through The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It's a long story, but most enjoyable to read. I'm just starting The Secret of Father Brown a series of short stories based on the mysteries of Father Brown, by G.K. Chesterton.
I just finished Abandoned by Cody McFadyen. It was the most disturbing addition to the Smoky Barrett series thusfar. The villian is one of the most complex nutbars I've ever encountered. Not as horrid as Hannibal Lecter, but definitely one that will stay with me for quite awhile! (shudder)
I am half way through "Matterhorn" by Carl Marlantes. It's not a mystery but is argueably the definitive novel of the Viet Nam war.It follows a platoon of Marines operating near the DMZ in 1969. I find it somewhat difficult to read having shared the experience in the same locale in 1969 as a 21 year old Marine. This is an exceptional novel of a long nightmare on personal and national levels. It's also 5 star excellent.
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Me too! That was one cold sweat inducing chapter! (shudder). And, FYI, I finished the book a few hours ago. Once again, I knew who the bad guy was pretty much as soon as he was introduced into the story, but otherwise an excellent book! I'll be snatching up the next one in the series as soon as I possibly can.