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What are you reading? Do you recommend it?
message 901:
by
Robbin
(new)
Dec 16, 2009 06:11AM
Iam currently reading Heartsick by Chelsea Cain and I do recommend it to everyone. It is such a good book that I do not want to put it down. Gretchen is really a sick woman.
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Pamela wrote: "I'm cracking open The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo today after work. "How is it so far? I want to read that book but I wasn't sure.
Just started Crais' LA Requiem, can't put it down. Damn good book thus far.http://mulishone.wordpress.com
Brittany wrote: "Currently reading Icebound by Dean Koontz. I'm about halfway through and I'm finding it a little... boring. Which is unlike any Koontz book I've read before. I'm hoping it picks up.A..."
Sorry, but Icebound doesn't pick up. Not his best.
I've just finished Death By Chicklit by Lynn Harris and thoroughly recommend it. It's fun, mysterious, zany, and a witty satire of the chicklit genre.Also read Raymond Chandler's Farewell, My Lovely which is no fun at all, but for suspense and the crisp simplicity of his prose, I'd recommend it.
Loved LA REQUIEM... it won the Edgar, I believe, when it came out. Loved the two voices, one in first person, one in third. In fact, I tried the same thing in my most recent novel. And DRAGON TATTOO was wonderful too.. could not put it down.
Here's a question: many people I know who don't normally read mysteries are reading the Steig Larson triology. What is it about his work that's attracting them?
read both Larson books and not sure what the attraction is - I think the female character is very unrealistic especially in the second book
events in second book seem deus-ex-machina generated
won't read 3rd
I just finished Friend of the Devil by Peter Robinson. This is the third or fourth book I have read by him. The intriguing thing about this book is it weaves into the story a character from a previous book. The two murders in the book were investigated by Annie and DI Banks. Their relationship is also intriguing. Unfortunately, I have not read these books in order, so I need to fill in some blanks.
Jim wrote: "read both Larson books and not sure what the attraction is - I think the female character is very unrealistic especially in the second book
events in second book seem deus-ex-machina generated..."
Jim
I am torn on the books. I think like any mainstream over hyped item there will always be unmet expectations. I did enjoy the first one, however I don't think I am going to pursue the other two. For the life of me I can't figure out the hype.
One thing is certain, I want to hire Larson's PR firm.
Jim wrote: "read both Larson books and not sure what the attraction is - I think the female character is very unrealistic especially in the second book
events in second book seem deus-ex-machina generated..."
I liked both books. If you are in the mood for a nice plot driven novel, Larsson's books fit the bill. They are fast paced page turners and very engaging reads.
Reading U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton. Number 21 in the alphabet series, and I must say, a ***** read!!
I just finished Heartsick by Chelsea Cain and I thought it was wonderful. I do not understand how a man could love someone who basically ended his life like Gretchen Lowell did. I will definitely read more of her books.
THE MONSTER IN THE BOX by Ruth Rendell - very good so farcharacters and story seem real so far
like the writing style too
Robbin wrote: "I just finished Heartsick by Chelsea Cain and I thought it was wonderful. I do not understand how a man could love someone who basically ended his life like Gretchen Lowell did. I will definitely r..."Loved this book. Also read the next book in this series Evil at Heart but it didn't grab me the way Heartsick did. I didn't get the obsession with Gretchen either but it didn't detract from the book, it was a page turner for me.
I gave up on The Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard at the half way point and just started The Arms Maker of Berlin by Dan Fesperman.
I just finished The Face of Death by Cody McFadyen. Some people are calling this a horror book, and although I don't enjoy horror that much (I stopped reading Stephen King a while ago)I enjoyed this book and gave it 5 stars. It is dark, intense and heart wrenching at times, but sick as the killer is in this one, it doesn't totally follow the serial killer formula and has some good twists and turns. The characters are exceptional, the plot good. One of things that bothers me about Stephen King novels are some of his endings. I like a more upbeat ending and this novel certainly provides one.
I just finished A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton. I read it years ago when it first came out. I had forgotten how funny she can be; it was unfortunate for me that I remembered the perpetrator about one-third of the way through.Am now read Death of an Old Goat by Robert Barnard. I'm only on chapter 3, but it's very comical, with the author's caustic wit this time skewering University professors in England and Australia.
Gail wrote: "I just finished A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton. I read it years ago when it first came out. I had forgotten how funny she can be; it was unfortunate for me that I remembered the perpetrator about on..."Robert Barnard is one of my favorites especially Political Suicide
Gail wrote: "I just finished A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton. I read it years ago when it first came out. I had forgotten how funny she can be; it was unfortunate for me that I remembered the perpetrator about on..."I just picked this up yesterday to reread. Hopefully, I won't remember who done it before I am through.
Mike wrote: "If anybody hasn't read the Lt. Jonathan Stride series by Brian Freeman yet then I highly suggest it. The first book is IMMORAL and the series is currently five books long (however the fifth, THE B..."I have read about 100 pages and really like the book so far - strong characters and good whodunnit so far
-strongly second Mike's recommendation
I just finished "Hold Tight" by Harlan Coben. I'm a big fan of the Myron Bolitar series but this was one of his better non-Bolitar books. I also read Michael Connelly's "The Brass Verdict". I'll read anything by Connelly. I'm looking forward to "The Scarecrow."
Glad you like Immoral so far Jim!! I don't think you'll be disappointed at all! If I was a betting man, I'd say you have found some REALLY good reading to keep you busy for awhile!! Thanks and Enjoy!
Mike wrote: "Glad you like Immoral so far Jim!! I don't think you'll be disappointed at all! If I was a betting man, I'd say you have found some REALLY good reading to keep you busy for awhile!!..."IMMORAL just kept getting better and ending was great
Jim - Really glad you enjoyed it! Brian Freeman books are 'gems' to read. Stripped is next for you when you want to move onto the next. I hope others read Immoral and enjoy it as well!
Started reading The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detectiveby Kate Summerscale
Ok everybody...now that Jim gave Brian Freeman's Immoral a thumbs up...who's next to read it?! It's book one of a GREAT series!!!
Debbie wrote: "Started reading The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detectiveby Kate Summerscale"I liked this book a lot for its depiction of Victorian England - made me think I was living then/there- and the characters/story
hope You enjoy it
Mike wrote: "Jim - Really glad you enjoyed it! Brian Freeman books are 'gems' to read. Stripped is next for you when you want to move onto the next. I hope others read Immoral and..."I picked up Stripped the other day and will start it soon -what's the 3rd book in the series?
I just finished new author Lisa Bork's For Better, For Murder A Broken Vows Mystery and really enjoyed it. The next mystery on my reading list is Sue Ann Jaffarian's Ghost a la Mode A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery. They're part of my reading pile of books eligible for Best Novel or Best First Novel Agatha Awards, which I'll be voting on (ANY attendee of the Malice Domestic conference can vote!). However, I'm also getting a feel for what the editors of my new publisher, Midnight Ink, like since these are both Midnight Ink books.
Jim wrote: I picked up Stripped the other day and will start it soon -what's the 3rd book in the series? Jim - Everything is relative...if I had to pick my least favorite of the exciting Stride series then I would say it is Stripped but it is still an excellent book! I won't give my main reason why before you finish the book. If you read Stripped and don't like it as much as Immoral then don't be discouraged from reading the rest of the series. Overall, it is top-notch series!
I've just finished reading two tough women detective books back to back, "Hardball" by Sara Paretsky and "U is for Undertow" by Sue Grafton. The main characters in these books are both intense and prickly people with a lot in common. Each even has an elderly man as one of her best friends. They are not always likeable people, not necessarily someone you would want to share a brunch with, but they have a strong sense of honor and of right and wrong. If you are in trouble, you would definitely want them in your corner.I have long enjoyed both of these series and have read every entry in each. I certainly would recommend these books and indeed the series to those who enjoy reading about independent and stubborn women who have a take-charge attitude toward life.
I stopped reading Sue Grafton mid way thru the alphabet because she seemed to be too formulaic, but just finished "U is for Underground" and it's by far her best yet. Now I'm working backwards with T and S.
I recently got started on Donna Andrews's Meg Langslow series. They have crazy characters, funny writing, and are great mysteries. I'm also looking to read, in chronological order, all of the Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery Series, written by Kate Kingsbury. I've only read the special Christmas releases of the series, but I really loved them.
I recommend both authors, Donna Andrews and Kate Kingsbury.
Just read Shrouds of Holly, my first Kate Kingsbury book. When I have time after the holidays I will try to see which of the Pennyfoot Series I can get through the county library. If they are similar in style and characterization, I am in for alot of cozy reading!
Currently reading GOODNIGHT, IRENE by Jan Burke
...and really enjoying it. It's my first by Burke and I would recommend it! Looking forward to the next in the series.
...and really enjoying it. It's my first by Burke and I would recommend it! Looking forward to the next in the series.
finished THE LAST GOOD KISS by James Crumleyloved the book/dialogue/language/story/characters
looking forward to reading more of Crumley's books
Small world, Jim... I too JUST finished THE LAST GOOD KISS... my first brush with Crumley, although way too late. Loved it.. the writing, the characters, the noir.. it reminded me a bit of THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE... they could bookend each other. Best of the New Year to everyone... and a BSP note.. DOUBLEBACK is available on Kindle and soon Sony too.
Just started "When Will There be Good News?" by Kate Atkinson. Has anyone read her books? Seems good so far.
I just finished Fire & Ice by J. A. Jance. Both JP Beaumont and Joanna Brady are featured. It was a little distracting the way she switched back and forth between characters ... didn't always know immediately which character was "on." But, that said, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it. Of the last 3 I've read -- the other two were Blind Man's Bluff, Faye Kellerman and U is for Undertow, Sue Grafton -- this was the best.
NancyI've read both Behind the scenes at the museum and Case histories by Kate Atkinson and enjoyed them both.
Just finished Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie, fantastic.
Deanne wrote: "NancyI've read both Behind the scenes at the museum and Case histories by Kate Atkinson and enjoyed them both.
Just finished Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie, fantastic."
Kate Atkinson ties together disparate characters better than any current mystery writer - I liked both CASE HISTORIES and another of her books -WHEN WILL THERE BE GOOD NEWS a lot
I'm about halfway through The Samaritan's Secret by Matt Beynon Rees. This is the 3rd in a series with an aging Palestinian schoolteacher as protagionist. I haven't read the first two, but they are now on my to-read list. Good stuff.If you're looking for something different this could be it.
Duffy wrote: "Just read Shrouds of Holly, my first Kate Kingsbury book. When I have time after the holidays I will try to see which of the Pennyfoot Series I can get through the county library. If they are simil..."Hi Duffy, the non holiday books of the Pennyfoot series are in the same vein. I read Chivalry Is Dead from the series and found it to be equally good.
I wish you luck with finding them at your county library, for I have not been so fortunate. My libraries only have the holiday books, and even bookmooch.com and paperbackswap.com don't have any available copies. :(
I just finished Absolute Power by David Baldacci. It if pretty good. I give it 3 stars. I am starting Total Control by David Baldacci.
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