The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
3959 views
General Chat > Currently Reading? Just Finished?

Comments Showing 4,501-4,550 of 10,166 (10166 new)    post a comment »

message 4501: by Jannene (new)

Jannene | 775 comments Anyone read the "Gabriel Allon" series by Silva? I read the first and it was okay The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon, #1) by Daniel Silva . I'm reading The English Assassin (Gabriel Allon, #2) by Daniel Silva and it seems tough to get into. Do they get any better?

My in-laws gave me those books (a few in the middle) so I bought the first 3 and am finding that they are slow moving in the beginning.


message 4502: by Steven (last edited Nov 16, 2011 06:07AM) (new)

Steven Konkoly (stevenkonkoly) | 10 comments One of my favorite book sitting at home, in the physical form, is Forsyth's "Avenger." I just finished reading it again, and think I'll put it in the basement, since it pulls me in a few times a year.

It's a fantastic international thriller, that blends all of Forsyth's patented story-line traits into a surprisingly relevant, modern story. What I loved most about the story, is the protagonists investigative process for tackling the assignment he accepts...of course, he execution the task is brilliant and utterly unique.

Has anyone else read this? Even some of my die hard Forsyth reader friends haven't.

Avenger by Frederick Forsyth


message 4503: by Donna, Co-Moderator (new)

Donna | 2178 comments Mod
Steven wrote: "One of my favorite book sitting at home, in the physical form, is Forsyth's "Avenger." I just finished reading it again, and think I'll put it in the basement, since it pulls me in a few times a y..."

I read his most recent book, The Cobra, and really enjoyed it. I'll have to check out this one.


message 4504: by Steven (new)

Steven Konkoly (stevenkonkoly) | 10 comments Oddly enough, I have steered clear of The Cobra based on the reviews (mainly Amazon...I should check here, better reader input in my opinion). It's still on my possible read list...I just didn't want to spoil the Forsyth chain of great books. Have you read a lot of Forsyth? The reviews were enough to draw my finger away from the buy button, and I sort of forgot about the book.


message 4505: by Donna, Co-Moderator (new)

Donna | 2178 comments Mod
I would call The Cobra more entertainment than great literature. It would make a good airplane read.


message 4506: by Elli (new)

Elli | 228 comments A Bomb Built in Hell by Andrew Vachss on Kindle. Finished Murder in the Sentier.


message 4507: by Steven (last edited Nov 16, 2011 04:34PM) (new)

Steven Konkoly (stevenkonkoly) | 10 comments Donna wrote: "I would call The Cobra more entertainment than great literature. It would make a good airplane read."

That's what I usually look for. I studied literature in college, and had my fill.


message 4508: by Shawn (new)

Shawn Davis (shawndavis) | 46 comments I'm reading Mercury Fallsnow, and I'm tremendously entertained. It seems to be a lot like Good Omens, which is a favorite of mine. It's a fun read.


message 4509: by Jannene (new)

Jannene | 775 comments I just finished listening to G is for Gumshoe (Kinsey Millhone, #7) by Sue Grafton . I am going to start H is for Homicide (Kinsey Millhone, #8) by Sue Grafton . I'll finish my book by Daniel Silva first though.


message 4510: by Shawn (new)

Shawn Davis (shawndavis) | 46 comments Jannene wrote: "Anyone read the "Gabriel Allon" series by Silva? I read the first and it was okay The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon, #1) by Daniel Silva. I'm reading The English Assassin (Gabriel Allon, #2) by Daniel Silva and it seems tough to get int..."

I really enjoyed the Silva books, but they did take getting into. Silva really gets into detail on setting, particularly when it is in Europe.


message 4511: by Jannene (new)

Jannene | 775 comments Shawn wrote: "Jannene wrote: "Anyone read the "Gabriel Allon" series by Silva? I read the first and it was okay The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon, #1) by Daniel Silva. I'm reading The English Assassin (Gabriel Allon, #2) by Daniel Silva and it seems ..."

Do you have to read his books in order? I read the first and working on the second. They don't seem to overlap that much. They retell everything like the bombing of his wife.


message 4512: by Shawn (new)

Shawn Davis (shawndavis) | 46 comments Jannene wrote: "Shawn wrote: "Jannene wrote: "Anyone read the "Gabriel Allon" series by Silva? I read the first and it was okay The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon, #1) by Daniel Silva. I'm reading The English Assassin (Gabriel Allon, #2) by Daniel Silva..."

Not really. I didn't. He recaps in every book. I read out of order because I bought mid-series and was stuck in an airport. I thought the middle books were the best.


message 4513: by Elli (new)

Elli | 228 comments Shawn wrote: "Jannene wrote: "Shawn wrote: "Jannene wrote: "Anyone read the "Gabriel Allon" series by Silva? I read the first and it was okay The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon, #1) by Daniel Silva. I'm reading [bookcover:The English..."

I do think it is good to read the first in the series first, though. It gives the life of Allon's mother through the Holocaust and the aftermath which gives a very helpful understanding of him and how he continued in his life and career. Also the second one continues with his coming to Israel and who things began to shape for him.


message 4514: by Elli (new)

Elli | 228 comments Finished The Bomb from Hell by Andrew Vachss and found it quite good. Now am reading Detour to Murder by Jeff Sharratt.


message 4515: by Tay (new)

Tay | 261 comments Finished The Enemy (Jack Reacher, #8) by Lee Child and starting Blindsighted (Grant County, #1) by Karin Slaughter


message 4516: by Deanne (new)

Deanne | 94 comments Bill
The wasp factory is great, but disturbing. I loved The crow road by Banks as well, my copy has been round the world a few times with various friends.

Reading Blacklist by Paretsky at the moment and really enjoying the ride.


message 4517: by Bill (new)

Bill Deanne wrote: "Bill
The wasp factory is great, but disturbing. I loved The crow road by Banks as well, my copy has been round the world a few times with various friends.

Reading Blacklist by Paretsky at the m..."


Thanks, Deanne. It's in my list of must reads for 2012. I have enjoyed Banks' SciFi, Culture series. It's unique in Science fiction writing I think.


message 4518: by Jannene (new)

Jannene | 775 comments I did it! I just finished reading The English Assassin (Gabriel Allon, #2) by Daniel Silva last night. I would give it 3.5 stars but the option isn't available. I didn't really connect with the characters which is why I wouldn't go higher. I really didn't care what happened to any of them except Gabriel. Anyway, I like the ending and what the English Assassin did. This series seems to have a slow start. I'm skipping to A Death In Vienna (Gabriel Allon, #4) by Daniel Silva and hope that will be better. I'm also listening to H is for Homicide (Kinsey Millhone, #8) by Sue Grafton .


message 4519: by Shawn (new)

Shawn Davis (shawndavis) | 46 comments Jannene wrote: "I did it! I just finished reading The English Assassin (Gabriel Allon, #2) by Daniel Silva last night. I would give it 3.5 stars but the option isn't available. I didn't really connect with the characters which is w..."

**applauding** And doing so in a completely un-sarcastic manner, btw. I felt like treating myself to chocolate cake when I managed to finish The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.


message 4520: by Jannene (last edited Nov 18, 2011 07:09AM) (new)

Jannene | 775 comments Shawn wrote: "Jannene wrote: "I did it! I just finished reading The English Assassin (Gabriel Allon, #2) by Daniel Silva last night. I would give it 3.5 stars but the option isn't available. I didn't really connect with the chara..."

Did you like that book The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski ? This one took so long because it was so slow moving. I refused to start another book until I finished it though. ;)


message 4521: by Glenda (new)

Glenda (glenda-r) I am about 3/4 way done with Mission Flats by William Landay and I am enjoying it more than any book I've read this year. Most of the mysteries you read are predictable which spoils it for me if I figure out the mystery before the end. Not so this one. I am still guessing. I'll finish it today and will definitely read his other 2 books.


message 4522: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments Elli wrote: "A Bomb Built in Hell by Andrew Vachss on Kindle. "

Will have to put this on my wish list I think, something I haven't read by him. I like his books but I have to be in the right mood ... and have something lighter to go to immediately after. His writing is so grim.


message 4523: by Gatorman (new)

Gatorman | 7679 comments Glenda wrote: "I am about 3/4 way done with Mission Flats by William Landay and I am enjoying it more than any book I've read this year. Most of the mysteries you read are predicta..."

I read that and liked it a lot but had one problem with the ending. Curious to see your feelings on it. His other printed book, The Strangler, is even better. His next one comes out in January, looking forward to it.


message 4524: by Shawn (new)

Shawn Davis (shawndavis) | 46 comments Jannene wrote: "Shawn wrote: "Jannene wrote: "I did it! I just finished reading The English Assassin (Gabriel Allon, #2) by Daniel Silva last night. I would give it 3.5 stars but the option isn't available. I didn't really connect ..."

If you do not like books that are slow, I would not recommend Edgar Sawtelle. Other people I know loved it. I made myself finish it out of sheer force of will. And I love dogs.

But I did not love that book.


message 4525: by Diane S ☔ (last edited Nov 18, 2011 02:54PM) (new)

Diane S ☔ | 438 comments Reading Hotel Bosphorus by Esmahan Aykol and I was drawn to it because it is a mystery set in Istanbul, I don't think I have ever read anything set there, and the amateur detective owns a thriller, mystery bookstore.


message 4526: by Linda (new)

Linda Boyd (boydlinda95gmailcom) | 335 comments I'm listening to The Stranger You Seek by Amanda Kyle Williams , and I am feeling indifferently about it, but I think it is the narrator that is not doing it for me, the story line is really good, but I am having a hard time connecting with the characters. This author currently writing the 2nd book in the series and I think I will read the next book, hopefully I will like it better.


message 4527: by Steffi (new)

Steffi (steffi_the_bookworm) I am still reading The Historian, it is going slowly


message 4528: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments I have always had trouble with audio books. Used to listen to them when I was doing long-distance hauling with the horses but always books I'd read before. I don't seem to be able to concentrate on the story line well enough with audio books to really get involved.


message 4529: by Linda (new)

Linda Boyd (boydlinda95gmailcom) | 335 comments If you get a good narrator then they are great, I only listen to audio at work, I sit in front of a computer all day processing orders, so audio works well for that.


message 4530: by Renee (new)

Renee (rys00) | 252 comments Stefanie wrote: "I am still reading The Historian, it is going slowly"

It'll pick up. Where are you at? It picks up a lot when they leave the country. I'm having the same problem with her second book, The Swan Thieves.


message 4531: by Jannene (last edited Nov 19, 2011 02:41PM) (new)

Jannene | 775 comments Sharon wrote: "I have always had trouble with audio books. Used to listen to them when I was doing long-distance hauling with the horses but always books I'd read before. I don't seem to be able to concentrate on..."

I second Linda's comment on the narrator. I tried a few, "Step on a Crack" by James Patterson and did not like the narrator. The narrator, Mary Peiffer, she does Sue Grafton's books and I really like her. The other one that was good was the narrator of the Temperance Brennan series.


message 4532: by Shawn (new)

Shawn Davis (shawndavis) | 46 comments Renee wrote: "Stefanie wrote: "I am still reading The Historian, it is going slowly"

It'll pick up. Where are you at? It picks up a lot when they leave the country. I'm having the same problem wi..."


I had REAL trouble with The Swan Thieves.


message 4533: by Dorie (new)

Dorie (dorieann) | 464 comments Finished A Burial at Sea, which was okay but I had a big problem with the resolution to the mystery which detracted from my enjoyment. I followed this up with An East End Murder, which was supposed to be a short story from the same series, but which turned out to be a microscopic story of only 17 pages on my Nook. So if anyone is considering getting this for their e-reader beware -- IMO not even worth the $0.99 cost.

I've now started a present-day mystery story Bad Moon by Todd Ritter . It's my second read of this author and I'm enjoying this series set in a small Pennsylvania town.


message 4534: by Kimberly (new)

Kimberly (fallenmurphy) | 5 comments I just finished Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs. It was a pretty good book.


message 4535: by Barbara (new)


message 4536: by Jannene (new)

Jannene | 775 comments I just finished listening to H is for Homicide (Kinsey Millhone, #8) by Sue Grafton . It was a good book, great plot, loved the characters, but I wish the ending wasn't so predictable. I just started listening to I is for Innocent (Kinsey Millhone, #9) by Sue Grafton . The library takes it back tomorrow. I hope I can finish it before it goes "poof."


message 4537: by Jennifer (new)

Jennifer (jhaltenburger) Reading The Closers The Closers (Harry Bosch, #11) by Michael Connelly . I love Harry Bosch.


message 4538: by Renee (new)

Renee (rys00) | 252 comments Shawn wrote: "Renee wrote: "Stefanie wrote: "I am still reading The Historian, it is going slowly"

It'll pick up. Where are you at? It picks up a lot when they leave the country. I'm having the sam..."


Were you able to finish? Does it get better? Please tell me it gets better! Or give me a reason to abandon the effort without guilt!


message 4539: by Shawn (new)

Shawn Davis (shawndavis) | 46 comments Renee wrote: "Shawn wrote: "Renee wrote: "Stefanie wrote: "I am still reading The Historian, it is going slowly"

It'll pick up. Where are you at? It picks up a lot when they leave the country. I'..."


I'm starting to feel like the Book Doom Police. :) The Historian was fine - I finished it and didn't hate it. The Swan Thieves... um.

Have you tried any books in Mistress of the Art of Death series? I read the first one in the series twice. I only bring this up to change the subject from The Swan Thieves...


message 4541: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Michael | 674 comments Just finished Darwin's Blade Main character is an insurance investigator and there are a lot of very quirky ... and funny ... investigation reports inserted into the storyline.

Just started Hard as Nails . So far readable but not nearly as much fun as Darwin's Blade. Much more grim, with a faintly depressing tone to it.


message 4542: by Diane S ☔ (new)

Diane S ☔ | 438 comments Finished The Good Father: A Novel and it will not be available until March but this is a fantastic well written book. Now starting Kill Alex Cross. This is the only Patterson series I still read. Kind of grew up with the Cross family so I just keeping reading.


message 4543: by Ken (new)

Ken Consaul | 209 comments Shawn wrote: "I'm reading Mercury Fallsnow, and I'm tremendously entertained. It seems to be a lot like Good Omens, which is a favorite of mine. It's a fun read."

I received a bunch of stuff from Alibris yesterday.

Good Omens was among them. I'd ordered based on some recommendations. Must be me as I don't read fantasy or sci fi or graphics but I set this down after about 20 pages. Too much other stuff to read. I may come back to it but once the authors started working on their premise it just got all Monty Python. I felt the authors were trying to be precocious.


message 4544: by Steffi (new)

Steffi (steffi_the_bookworm) Renee wrote: "Stefanie wrote: "I am still reading The Historian, it is going slowly"

It'll pick up. Where are you at? It picks up a lot when they leave the country. I'm having the same problem wi..."


I am at the end pf part 2 where they read rossi's letters...300 pages left in my edition, hope I can finish it today


message 4545: by Shawn (new)

Shawn Davis (shawndavis) | 46 comments Diane wrote: "Finished The Good Father: A Novel and it will not be available until March but this is a fantastic well written book. Now starting Kill Alex Cross. This is the only ..."

The Good Father looks very intriguing!


message 4546: by Linda (new)

Linda Boyd (boydlinda95gmailcom) | 335 comments Kimberly wrote: "Johnny Doesn't Drink Champagne"

funny title.....


message 4547: by Renee (new)

Renee (rys00) | 252 comments Stefanie wrote: "Renee wrote: "Stefanie wrote: "I am still reading The Historian, it is going slowly"

It'll pick up. Where are you at? It picks up a lot when they leave the country. I'm having the sam..."


I'm pulling for you. I think it get better--and wierder, in a good way--from there. Fingers crossed. In solidarity, I'll dig back into the Swan Thief. Onward through the fog.....


message 4548: by Jannene (new)

Jannene | 775 comments I just finished listening to I is for Innocent (Kinsey Millhone, #9) by Sue Grafton . I am reading A Death In Vienna (Gabriel Allon, #4) by Daniel Silva and start listening to Prince Of Fire (Gabriel Allon, #5) by Daniel Silva . I hope that narrator is good.


message 4549: by J.A. (new)

J.A. Beard (jabeard) Just started The Alienist.


message 4550: by Ken (new)

Ken Consaul | 209 comments J.a. wrote: "Just started The Alienist."

Good Luck with that. I've tried that about three times and just can't get interested. Nothing particular but would usually wake up with my finger stuck between the pages.


back to top
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.