The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion
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Currently Reading? Just Finished?
I just finished Midnight Rambler by James Swain. All I can say is wow! I read another book out of order and it was great so I started this one which is the first in the series and love it. Jack Carpenter reminds me a lot of Harry Bosch the way he's does what it takes to bring justice to baddies. Not quite Jack Reacher level but it does make you root for Jack Carpenter. I'm picking up the second book in the series today.
Just finished reading American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle. Not the best-written book in the world, but wow - what a look at a world 99.999% of us never see. Regardless of your views on war and conflict, the Navy SEALs are a breed by themselves...dedicated, focused and extremely lethal.
Has anyone read Tana French's latest, BROKEN HARBOR? Loved 2 out of her 3 earlier books. May download the first 3 chapters on my Kindle and check it out. Love that feature on Kindle.
Ellen wrote: "Has anyone read Tana French's latest, BROKEN HARBOR? Loved 2 out of her 3 earlier books. May download the first 3 chapters on my Kindle and check it out. Love that feature on Kindle."It doesn't come out in the States until July 24th.
fivesunflowers wrote: "Currently Reading:
. "Second person in two days recommended Lehane. I have that one in my Alibris cart. Any others to recommend so I can get free shipping? Would prefer to read in order if they are good.
Ken wrote: "fivesunflowers wrote: "Currently Reading:
. "Second person in two days recommended Lehane. I have that one in my Alibris cart. Any others to recommend so I c..."
Try Mystic River and Shutter Island. They are stand alones.
Ken wrote: "fivesunflowers wrote: "Currently Reading:
. "Second person in two days recommended Lehane. I have that one in my Alibris cart. Any others to recommend so I c..."
Ken, That book is our monthly read in this group, that is actually why I'm reading it - never read a Lehane book before and enjoying it so far!
This morning I finished Abide with Me - Ian Ayris. Now I am going to see what the hype is about and read Fifty Shades of Grey - E.L. James
I'm currently about half way through The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad and also enjoying The Captive Witch by Dale Van Every.
Vicky wrote: "I just started reading The Black Ice. I am waiting for holds for A Duty To The Dead and Hot Blooded. I read one of the books in the New Orleans series by Lisa Jackson years ago. I for some reaso..."How are you liking Black Ice?
started "Sugar House"The Sugar House by Laura Lippman. I'ts really good. I got it for 50 cents at a Indpendent bookstore sale. I want to read all of Lippman now. Very good picture of Baltimore
Marilyn wrote: "started "Sugar House"The Sugar House by Laura Lippman. I'ts really good. I got it for 50 cents at a Indpendent bookstore sale. I want to read all of Lippman now. Very good picture of Baltimore"I've really enjoyed her Baltimore writings. I lived there for a brief period.
My best friend lives near Baltimore and also the bookseller told me Laura Lippman is very popular now. I am savoring this book.
I just finished Snowdrops by AD Miller. Not the thriller I'd expected but it was good. I wanted to smack the main character upside the head on numerous occasions but the whole book was an allegory and very clever. The details about Russia and Moscow were great though I didn't know how much to believe. Probably more true than I wanted it to be.
I just finished Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, the last of the Hunger Game Trilogy. This book left me feeling sad and almost hopeless for the character. I was going to read Battle Royale right after Mockingjay. But I need to read something more upbeat. Cant do the doomsday feel right now. Currently, I am reading A Drink Before the War by Dennis Lehane.
I'm currently listening to the audiobook version of The Fallen by Jassy Mackenzie, and am really enjoying it. Although the book takes place in mostly the Richards Bay area of eastern S. Africa and on a beach resort nearby, the references to life in Johannesburg are interesting. I also find the mystery surrounding Jade's mother fascinating. Jade is a fascinating character herself, and the fact that she seems not so cut-and-dried morally gives her added flavor as a P.I.
I was born in NYC but have lived in Hawaii most of my life. I didn't even know there was a thick Baltimore accent. I want to hear it on the internet so I can be even more involved in this good mystery. I didn't know there was a series. Thank you Vicky. Aloha, ps my fave authors include the Kellermans. I love a psychological mystery.
got Garnethill from the library and read the first page and had to put Sugar House aside for awhile. I am bewitched by this author already. How do others here manage 2 more more books at a time. ahhh.Garnethill
Just finished Nothing to Lose by Lee Child. Not his best.Just started The Wreck of the Margherita by Bill Todd. Been looking forward to this for ages.
I just finished the novel "Dark Magic" by James Swain and it was fantastic. It was a fast paced thriller that really kept me flipping the pages! The story is about a magician/psychic that sees crimes before they are about to happen. The main plot is about the main character having a vision of a terrorist attack on New York City. It's awesome, and you won't be disappointed!
I started reading a book by F. G. Cottam-- The House Of Lost Souls and it scared me so much, I had to put it down (really!). I'll go back to it, but not on a rainy dark night when I started it--more on a bright summer's day. I thought it was fantastic--but I also thought I'd like to sleep, too :) I just started Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch, and I am loving it. It's quite different from anything I've ever read--a probationary constable who can communicate with ghosts--so it's got a mix of police procedural, suspense, and ghosts. It's very witty and I think the voice of the protagonist, Peter Grant, is one that makes me laugh and root for him. I'm pleased that there is more of this series for me to read after I've finished this one. Really well done.
Just finished
. I enjoyed this New Zealand-set thriller, including some wonderful descriptions of the country. This is Matt Hammond's debut novel. Look forward to the next one.
. I enjoyed this New Zealand-set thriller, including some wonderful descriptions of the country. This is Matt Hammond's debut novel. Look forward to the next one.
If you like mysteries set in the period of the lost generation, post WWI, when the world had to rebuild its sense of self (not unlike the mood today), Elizabeth Speller's books will interest you. She's especially good at rich character development as well as unconventional plots. Her second book with Laurence Bartram as a somewhat uncertain sleuth is called The Strange Fate of Kitty Easton. Here's my review.
Jenna wrote: "I just finished the novel "Dark Magic" by James Swain and it was fantastic. It was a fast paced thriller that really kept me flipping the pages! The story is about a magician/psychic that sees crim..."Awesome to hear. I'm actually on the James Swain kick right now. I'm reading Night Stalker after having finish the brilliant Midnight Rambler.
Marilyn wrote: "Weenie wrote: "Just finished
- thought it was brilliant."Sounds scary"
I just started reading this book and so far it has already caught my attention, thanks for giving me the courage to keep reading! I heard it's a really freaky novel and some of it is heart-renching, thanks so much for the recommendation :D
Tay wrote: "Jenna wrote: "I just finished the novel "Dark Magic" by James Swain and it was fantastic. It was a fast paced thriller that really kept me flipping the pages! The story is about a magician/psychic ..."To the man that replied to my post earlier about Dark Magic by James Swain, I'm about to start reading some of Swain's other novels. I can't decide on which one that I want to read next! Any recommendations? I would really appreciate it :D I love the way that Swain rights, it always keeps me captivated! Your recommendation is greatly appreciated! <3
Thanks to your review Jenna I have put Dark Magic on hold at my library. Have never read Swain before but now I am curious.
I recently finished The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction by Alan Jacobs. It's for those of us enamoured of books and reading. Some wonderful advice: 'Read at Whim' and ' Read what gives you delight - at least most of the time - and do so without shame'! This book gives permission to leave off reading 'great literature', at least most of the time, and instead choose what works for you at the time.Highly recommended!
Jan wrote: "I recently finished The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction by Alan Jacobs. It's for those of us enamoured of books and reading. Some wonderful advice: 'Read at Whim' and ' Read what give..."That book sounds delightful, Jan. I'll look for it.
Finished The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a mystery classic if there ever was one. You can find my review here.So what are everyone else's favorite Holmes stories? Mine, from this collection, have to be "The Adventure of the Red-Headed League" and "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle."
2 comments one Jonathan, I liked the "Adventure of the Red-headed League and I don't know if it is in the collection, but in High school I read "The story of the speckled band" really scary and "The hound of the Baskervilles" I need to reread Sir Arthur C. Doyle.And to Jan I really like books that promote and encourage reading. Sometimes I feel guilty about my obsession that many of my friends don't understand Aloha
Just finished The Burning Wire by Jeffery Deaver and really enjoyed it even though I did guess the twist at the end before it happened. Have just started Port Mortuary by Patricia Cornwell I just hope it is better than her previous effort The Scarpetta Factor which was awful!
Marilyn wrote: "2 comments one Jonathan, I liked the "Adventure of the Red-headed League and I don't know if it is in the collection, but in High school I read "The story of the speckled band" really scary and "Th...""The Adventure of the Speckled Band" was indeed in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. And you're right, a very good story. Hound of the Baskervilles I enjoyed as well. Generally speaking, I think I like Doyle's novels better than his short stories.
Jenna wrote: "To the man that replied to my post earlier about Dark Magic by James Swain, I'm about to start reading some of Swain's other novels. I can't decide on which one that I want to read next! Any recommendations? I would really appreciate it :D I love the way that Swain rights, it always keeps me captivated! Your recommendation is greatly appreciated! <3"I'm on the Jack Carpenter series at the moment. I read Night Monster and it was great then I realized it was actually the third in the series then I went back and read Midnight Rambler which is amazing. I'm now reading the second in the series title Night Stalker which is another good read so my recommendation is to start with Midnight Rambler and go in order. As soon as I finish his Jack Carpenter series I'm going to start his Tony Valentine series.
Also I just put a hold on Dark Magic and should be ready sometime this weekend. I can't wait.
Kari wrote: "Alex wrote: "Just finished The Burning Wire by Jeffery Deaver and really enjoyed it even though I did guess the twist at the end before it happened. Have just started Port Mortuary by Patricia Corn..."I suspected as much, thanks Kari.
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Thanks, Valerie! I hope you enjoy it and read the second book in the series, To Hell in a Handbasket, too! The third one, Basketful of Troubles, will be out in 2013.
Then there's my RM Outdoor Adventures series ... ;-)