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General Chat > Currently Reading? Just Finished?

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message 8501: by Brian (new)

Brian Southworth | 6 comments Just finished reading Wildcat Play-Helen Knode. Thinking of reading Burrows- Reavis Wortham.


message 8502: by Sandi (new)

Sandi | 451 comments The Stuart Woods books about Stone Barrington were really good in the beginning. The last two or three have been torture, ergo unfinished. I think Stone is ready for retirement.


message 8503: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments Jannene wrote: "I wonder why he stopped writing this series then. The last one looks like it was written in 2009."



It looks like he's been writing 3 or 4 Stone Barrington books a year since 2010. I'd guess he doesn't have the time for another series and maybe they aren't as easy to write or don't have the following the Barrington series does. I've read a number of the Stone Barrington series here and there but I'm not nearly as fond of them as I am of the Holly Barker series.


message 8504: by LordOfTheReads (new)

LordOfTheReads | 2 comments Hi guys, new here! My actual name is Jason.

Currently reading Snow Blind by P.J. Tracy. Not too bad so far!


message 8505: by Julie (new)

Julie  (gpangel) | 148 comments I just finished The Outside Man by Richard North Patterson . Although a little dated, I liked it. I am starting An Island of Illusions (A Sarah Woods Mystery # 3) by Jennifer L. Jennings , and The Christmas Thief (Regan Reilly Mysteries, #9) by Mary Higgins Clark


message 8506: by Barbara (new)

Barbara (cinnabarb) | 9999 comments Sandi wrote: "The Stuart Woods books about Stone Barrington were really good in the beginning. The last two or three have been torture, ergo unfinished. I think Stone is ready for retirement."

I always found Stone kind of over the top - the way no woman in the world could keep her hands off him (apparently). That kind of rubbed me the wrong way :)


message 8507: by Dorie (new)

Dorie (dorieann) | 464 comments I've started Charles Finch's newest book in his historical crime series, A Death in the Small Hours. I've been looking forward to revisiting Charles and Lady Jane.


message 8508: by Jannene (last edited Nov 16, 2012 04:01PM) (new)

Jannene | 775 comments Barbara wrote: "Sandi wrote: "The Stuart Woods books about Stone Barrington were really good in the beginning. The last two or three have been torture, ergo unfinished. I think Stone is ready for retirement."

I..."


Isn't that the way it is for Jack Reacher in the Lee Child books too? The women can't seem to resist him.


message 8509: by Ken (new)

Ken Consaul | 209 comments Just got a stack of Elmore Leonard books I haven't read:
Well, maybe I have read Road Dogsbut it was only a buck for a nice condition hard cover.
When the Women Come Out to Dance which I'm really looking forward to and Unknown Man #89, a 1972 work I had never heard of before.

I'm ready for some snappy dialog.


message 8510: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments Jannene wrote: "Isn't that the way it is for Jack Reacher in the Lee Child books too? The women can't seem to resist him. "

There's a long list. First ones I read with that kind of main character were the James Bond books and Travis McGee mysteries.


message 8511: by Stacy (new)

Stacy Green (stacygreen) | 30 comments Reading Bone Cold by Erica Spindler. Really enjoying it. She's doing a good job of weaving a couple of subplots together without giving everything away.


message 8512: by Ctgt (new)

Ctgt | 130 comments Ken wrote: "Just got a stack of Elmore Leonard books I haven't read:
Well, maybe I have read Road Dogsbut it was only a buck for a nice condition hard cover.
When the Women Come Out to Dance which I'm really l..."


Nice haul Ken.


message 8513: by Jennifer (new)

Jennifer (jhaltenburger) Been traveling this week and teaching. And reading: Finished Painted Ladies Painted Ladies (Spenser, #39) by Robert B. Parker and Sixkill Sixkill (Spenser, #40) by Robert B. Parker , which I could hardly bear to read because Parker died and finishing his unread books gets me closer to none left, Death of a Kingfisher Death of a Kingfisher (Hamish Macbeth, #28) by M.C. Beaton (probably her best book in several years). Halfway through Christmas Mourning Christmas Mourning (Deborah Knott Mysteries, #16) by Margaret Maron .


message 8514: by Mike (new)

Mike | 4 comments I finished Intensity last night. It was decent, but nothing terribly special. It was my first Koontz novel; while I'm willing to give him another chance, I have to admit that the fact that a lot of his fans declare that this is his best novel isn't exactly filling me with optimism. For a thriller, it really dragged along in places.

I gave it three stars, but I don't use the Goodreads scale.

I just started reading Carrie tonight.


message 8515: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments Mikebfd wrote: "I finished Intensity last night. It was decent, but nothing terribly special. It was my first Koontz novel; "

I like his earlier novels better ... I've pretty much quit reading his books.


message 8516: by Jeffrey (new)

Jeffrey | 51 comments I am reading "A Wanted Man" by Lee Child, my favorite thriller author. Jack Reacher rules.


message 8517: by Veronica (new)

Veronica (veraj121) | 129 comments I just started A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, #4) by George R.R. Martin A Feast for Crows. I want to be up to date with the series before the new year - 2013.


message 8518: by Naomi (new)

Naomi | 11 comments Mikebfd wrote: "I finished Intensity last night. It was decent, but nothing terribly special. It was my first Koontz novel; while I'm willing to give him another chance, I have to admit that the fact that a lot of..."

I'm one of those who thought Intensity was his best book, and favorite book overall. However, lately I've been re-thinking that. I need to re-read it. I read it when I was a teenager and it was so intense (at my age I guess?) that it always stuck with me as the best book I've read. Plus, I'm in CA so the landmarks were familiar.

And I'm not into the supernatural stuff that Koontz writes, so that's also why I liked Intensity.

I just read Gerald's Gameby Stephen King and I think that's one of my favorites now. It's also not supernatural-ish.

Yesterday I finished The Sea of Tranquility and I loved it, but lately I'm getting tired of having to wait for the drama/issues to come out. Too many small hints until practically the end.


message 8519: by Curlyhair (new)

Curlyhair | 187 comments Just started Murder Clubby Mark Pearson, a Detective Jack Delaney book. All the previous books have been good, so hoping this is too.


message 8520: by Dee (new)

Dee (hatcherdee) | 746 comments I finished Death Angel by Martha Powers Death Angel by Martha Powers last night. I found it rather disappointing.

Just started Zoo by James Patterson Zoo by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge.


message 8521: by Ken (new)

Ken Consaul | 209 comments re-reading, for inspirational purposes, some Raymond Chandler. This one is The High Window (Philip Marlowe, #3) by Raymond Chandler . One of his absolute best and the highlight is when Marlowe visits a casino and writes a masterful description. I love this line when he describes the hatcheck girl:

"She had eyes like strange sins."

I'm trying, like many authors before and to come, to capture some of that masterful Chandler 'voice'. I'm better than half done with the draft and I hope a little talent rubs off on me.

BTW, The High Window was made into a movie as "The Brasher Doubloon" with George Montgomery as Marlowe. Never seen it. Wonder if its any good?


message 8522: by Bill (new)

Bill I finished Night Soldiers by Alan Furst this morning and enjoyed it very much. I don't know that it's as good as Spies of the Balkans, but it was the first book in the Night Soldiers stories. It portrayed WWII and the time before extremely well and the characters were all very well crafted. I will look forward to finding the other books in this series. I'm still reading In the Presence of Mine Enemies by Harry Turtledove, one of his alternate histories and am enjoying. About to start The Perfect Husband by Lisa Gardner. She is a new writer for me, but has received considerable praise in this group, so I'm looking forward to seeing if I like her style.


message 8523: by Marie (new)

Marie (Mallnell1) | 40 comments I just finished Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey archer, an excellent read.


message 8524: by Donna, Co-Moderator (new)

Donna | 2178 comments Mod
Finished And Only to Deceive yesterday and I enjoyed it - surprisingly. I wasn't sure I would like it but it was for my in person group so I forged ahead. The mystery is sort of light but I really enjoyed the main character, Lady Ashton, and the description of her life in Victorian England. Not sure I'll read the entire series but I might pick up another later in the series to see what the author does with the characters.


message 8525: by Rachel (new)

Rachel Mikebfd wrote: "I finished Intensity last night. It was decent, but nothing terribly special. It was my first Koontz novel; while I'm willing to give him another chance, I have to admit that the fact that a lot of..."

i'm a longtime dean fan but i haven't read intensity-my personal favorite is lightning-many including myself consider Watchers to be classic koontz and one of his best- many others like the Odd Thomas series but it wasn't for me. hope you'll consider giving him another chance.


message 8526: by Brenda (new)

Brenda Jeffrey wrote: "I am reading "A Wanted Man" by Lee Child, my favorite thriller author. Jack Reacher rules."

I'm reading A Wanted Man at the moment too Jeffrey! He sure does;)


message 8527: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments Rachel wrote: "my personal favorite is lightning-many including myself consider Watchers to be classic koontz and one of his best"

My favorite is Watchers with Strangers a close second and Lightning is probably third for me. I've never been able to get into the Odd Thomas series at all either.


message 8528: by Brenda (new)

Brenda Bill wrote: "I finished Night Soldiers by Alan Furst this morning and enjoyed it very much. I don't know that it's as good as Spies of the Balkans, but it was the first book in the Night Soldiers stories. It po..."

Great Lisa Gardner one to start with Bill!


message 8529: by Richard (new)

Richard (richard-snow) | 18 comments Who is a fan of Karen laughter? Which of hers is the best to start with? I've orderd blindsighted from the library. Is it important to read her books in a particular order?


message 8530: by Brenda (new)

Brenda Richard wrote: "Who is a fan of Karen laughter? Which of hers is the best to start with? I've orderd blindsighted from the library. Is it important to read her books in a particular order?"

I'd read them in order Richard. Karin Slaughter's books do carry on, with the same characters building throughout the series...just the way I like to read her books, anyway:) Enjoy!


message 8531: by Laurie (new)

Laurie (tolepainter) | 52 comments Went to my local library the other day and sorry to say I'm like a greedy kid in a candy store when it comes to books. I ended up taking out 8 books . So far I've read Elizabeth GeorgesPayment In Blood and Camilla Lackberg The Hidden Child and just getting ready to read The Hypnotist.I still have 3 weeks left to finish my list so I should be okay!!


message 8532: by Jannene (last edited Nov 18, 2012 06:51AM) (new)

Jannene | 775 comments I just finished Orchid Blues (Holly Barker, #2) by Stuart Woods and it was a great book. I really enjoyed it and I was in total anticipation of what was going to happen. I felt bad for Holly about Jackson. I met Stone briefly in this book and he seems like a very likable character. I wanted to strangle Harry for his politics but luckily it worked out in the end, no thanks to him!


message 8533: by Elli (new)

Elli | 228 comments The Defector by Daniel Silva. It was a great read!


message 8534: by JB (new)

JB Rowley (jbrowley) I am still working my way through the Upfield series. I have just finished Venom House. This one is set in the 1950s - quite a few dead bodies lying around.


message 8535: by June (last edited Nov 17, 2012 08:51PM) (new)

June (juneedelsonnj) | 105 comments Starting Catch Me . By Lisa Gardner.


message 8536: by Jannene (new)

Jannene | 775 comments I am starting Blood Orchid (Holly Barker #3) by Stuart Woods . I want to see how Holly is doing and I just enjoy reading about her and her father.


message 8537: by Ctgt (new)

Ctgt | 130 comments Just finished Whiskey Sour Whiskey Sour (Jack Daniels Mystery, #1) by J.A. Konrath and enjoyed it, but I do get tired of the whole serial killer thing. I remember reading Red Dragon Red Dragon (Hannibal Lecter #1) by Thomas Harris way back in the day and loving it. Guess I'm getting old and cranky.

Just starting In the Midst of Death In the Midst of Death (Matthew Scudder, #3) by Lawrence Block . I'm loving the Scudder series so far.


message 8538: by Marie (new)

Marie (Mallnell1) | 40 comments June wrote: "Starting Catch Me . By Lisa Gardner."

I read this book I really enjoyed it..


message 8539: by Marie (new)

Marie (Mallnell1) | 40 comments Jannene wrote: "I just finished Orchid Blues (Holly Barker, #2) by Stuart Woods and it was a great book. I really enjoyed it and I was in total anticipation of what was going to happen. I felt bad for Holly about Jackson. I met S..."
I've read several of the Stone Barrington Series, totally Love them..


message 8540: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments Ctgt wrote: " I do get tired of the whole serial killer thing. I remember reading Red Dragon Red Dragon (Hannibal Lecter #1) way back in the day and loving it. Guess I'm getting old and cranky."

I think you do. I get tired of certain setups once 'everyone' does them ... as much as I like Sandford's "Prey" series I was starting to burn out when he changed some things to vary the plot framework. The same thing happened with all the 'lawyer' as investigator mysteries for me, it's almost gotten to the point if I see "lawyer who ..."
about the main character I put it back on the shelf.


message 8541: by Jenn (new)

Jenn Mazza (JWoww42) | 2 comments I totally agree with the lawyer, serial killer, investigator series. They all run together in my head. I can't tell you what is what in the Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series. I have read them all but I don't remember any of them.


message 8542: by Elli (new)

Elli | 228 comments Finished The Defector by Daniel Silva, liked it....always seem to really like Silva's stuff...and am finishing HHhH. 74% done. Different than any other biography or description of major incident that I have read. Am starting to like it better, but writing and researching through the author's eyes would not be my choice reading for this modality.


message 8543: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments About halfway through Freezing by Clea Koff .


message 8544: by Ginger (new)

Ginger Moran (gingerm) | 2 comments Re-reading Dorothy L. Sayers' Clouds of Witnesses. I just can't read these too often.


message 8545: by Jan C (new)

Jan C (woeisme) | 39237 comments Ginger wrote: "Re-reading Dorothy L. Sayers' Clouds of Witnesses. I just can't read these too often."

I'm re-reading it, too.


message 8546: by Ginger (new)

Ginger Moran (gingerm) | 2 comments Jan C wrote: "Ginger wrote: "Re-reading Dorothy L. Sayers' Clouds of Witnesses. I just can't read these too often."

I'm re-reading it, too."

So cool! I'm reading it on my ipad through Free Books.


message 8547: by Dee (new)

Dee (hatcherdee) | 746 comments Re: "lawyer who," serial killer stuff. I have almost stopped reading series mysteries. At least with stand-alone mysteries you don't get the same book over and over. I am sure this is a temporary condition. C.J. Box will write a new one and I'll get sucked back in.


message 8548: by aprilla (new)

aprilla Sharon wrote: "About halfway through Freezing by Clea Koff."

Oh I hope you are enjoying it, sounds good! Hope they bring it out in audio :)


message 8549: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments aprilla wrote: "Sharon wrote: "About halfway through Freezing by Clea Koff."

Oh I hope you are enjoying it, sounds good! Hope they bring it out in audio :)"


It ended up a page turner for me. I like forensic science police procedurals but they seem to be proliferating and a lot of them are just 'gross' more than anything else.

This author has 'been there/done that' ... in the mass burial sites in Kosevo ... but although the procedures ring very true, she handles it with a light touch and brings in the families of the victims in and handles that with a very thoughtful touch as well.

It's a first book and there are some areas of awkwardness but I suspect those will all resolve with more experience. I'm really hoping this turns into a series and that she is a prolific author.


message 8550: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments Dee wrote: "Re: "lawyer who," serial killer stuff. I have almost stopped reading series mysteries. "

I still follow both of Sandford's series, he just simply does it so well ... and Craig Johnson doesn't seem to follow the serial killer/lawyer patterns at all with his Longmier series.


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