What are you currently reading?

[Ken B]

Just picked up Agents of Light and Darkness by Simon R. Green. This is the second book in the Nightside series. Ninety pages in and it is fantastic!

[Joanna]

Ken wrote: "Just picked up Agents of Light and Darkness by Simon R. Green. This is the second book in the Nightside series. Ninety pages in and it is fantastic!"

I am so glad you are liking that series! I haven't finished it, but you have reminded me that maybe i should pick up where I left off.

[Ken B]

I just finished Agents of Light and Darkness by Simon R. Green.

I am always amazed at any writer that can put together 200 pages worth of thoughts into a coherent, cohesive and interesting story line. I doubt very much that I have in me what it takes to put together anything that is a fraction as good as the lowest rated books that I have ever read.

That being said, it amazes me further when an author can take those few pages and the few words on those pages and weave not only a theme worth following, but an entire previously undefined world and in such intricate detail that you can picture the writer's thoughts like a movie playing in your mind and the scenes like a painting hanging on the wall.

In his Nightside series, Simon R. Green, has created a secret, dark heart of London where horror and depravity are the norm. He has populated his world with a cast of characters that may be the only beings capable of navigating this strange world. And, he has mixed in a heavy dose of mystery and just enough wit to have you snickering every couple of pages. Fantastic books!

4 STARS

[Ken B]

I just started The Game Of Sunken Places by M.T. Anderson, a YA fantasy/horror/etc that I picked up for $1 at a used bookstore. I am cautiously optimistic about this book. The reviews are pretty even between readers who loved and those who hated the novel.

[John]

Finished Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson by Lyndsay Faye on Monday and started Dracula by Bram Stoker yesterday. A classic for Halloween reading. I really enjoyed Dust and Shadow, it captured the feel of Holmes and Watson perfectly.

[Luke]

I am currently taking a break from heavy books and reading the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney, which will take about 2 days to finish. Absolutely brilliant it is. After that I'll be reading The Twenty-Year Death by Ariel S. Winter and The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan.

[John]

Have started A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin.

[Mike]

In the middle of The Sherlockian by Graham Moore after a debut author work of A Lack of Temperance by Anna Loan-Wilsey, a pretty good mystery set in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

[John]

Just ordered an ebook currently free from Amazon that might interest this group. It is The Devil's Grin by Annelie Wendeberg. The description: In Victorian London’s cesspool of crime and disease, a series of murders remains undiscovered until a cholera fatality is found floating in the city’s drinking water supply. Dr Anton Kronberg, England’s best bacteriologist, is called upon to investigate and finds evidence of abduction and medical maltreatment.

While Scotland Yard has little interest in pursuing the case, Kronberg pushes on and crosses paths with Sherlock Holmes. The detective immediately discovers Kronberg’s secret – a woman masquerading as a man in order to practice medicine – a criminal deed that could land her in prison for years to come. But both must join forces to stop a crime so monstrous, it outshines Jack the Ripper’s deeds in brutality and cold-bloodedness.

[Amanda]

John wrote: "Just ordered an ebook currently free from Amazon that might interest this group. It is The Devil's Grin by Annelie Wendeberg. The description: In Victorian London’s cesspool of crime and disease, a..."

Hi John. Thank you so much for finding out this book is free right now, I just downloaded it. I ran across this story in the giveaways last month and tried to win a copy, but I wasn't chosen for a copy. But I still wanted to read this story, it seems like an interesting mystery.

[Mike]

Finished the last (so far) of Laurie King's Garment of Shadows which is #12 in her Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series. Well written and thoroughly researched for the background of a search for a lost friend in Morocco.

[J.]

I finished Adam Johnson's "The Orphan Master's Son" and am reading it again. Without question, the most riveting novel I have picked up in a long time.

[Lee]

I'm reading Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, as well as Doyle's Black Peter.

[Jo]

I apologize for interrupting, but does anyone know is The Sign of Four was illustrated originally?

[Ray]

Reading Some Danger Involved.

[Dan]

Just finished ON THE WRONG TRACK, the second "Holmes on the Range" mystery by Steve Hockensmith. Great book! Well-plotted, well-written, and lots of fun. I'm going to write about it tomorrow on my blog at www.danandriacco.com

[John]

Just finished A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. Very good, but long. Today I'm starting Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie.

[Ken B]

I just finished reading Sherlock Holmes and the Yule-Tide Mystery by Val Andrews.

This is the review that I added and copied into the Pastiche and Parodies thread:

I've had this one sitting on the shelf and decided to give it a run as "Tis the season".

It is the first Val Andrews Holmes pastiche that I have read and thought it a nice introduction. I found it well written, and contrary to the only other review that I see on GR, certainly not "skippable".

4 STARS...and has me looking for more Val Andrews

[[deleted user]]

As a change from Holmes related books; The Fall and Rise of Gordon Coppinger by David Nobbs.

[Rose]

Aside from my making my way through "His Last Bow" (the full anthology of stories, that is, not just the single short story) -- I recently finished Chris Grabenstein's "Mad Mouse." It's a really great mystery novel set in a fictional New Jersey seaside tourist trap town, and I really enjoyed it. Tight plot, lots of twists, and three-dimensional characters. There's very much a Holmes-and-Watson dynamic between the two main characters, with John Ceepak (the ex-military cop who lives by a strict personal code) as " the Holmes" and Danny Boyle (the former beach bum-turned-part time summer cop) as "the Watson." Lots of fun for any mystery-lovers who also enjoy the beach. Good stuff.

Now I'm just waiting for Les Roberts's "Pepper Pike" to come in at the Library so I can start my next read ...

[Matt]

I recently started reading Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe series with an eye toward systematically reading the entire run (33 novels, 39 short stories). So far I've read:

- Some Buried Caesar (1939)
- A Right to Die (1964)
- Fer-de-Lance (1934)

The 1934 novel is the very first published Nero Wolfe novel so next up is The League of Frightened Men (1935) and so on.

I recommend Rex Stout's novels to anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes and wants to read the exploits of another detective with a similarly cerebral approach to crime/mysteries.

As an added bonus, William Baring-Gould, in Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street, speculates that Nero Wolfe, originally born in Montenegro, is the offspring of Holmes and Irene Adler conceived during the Great Hiatus. Sounds far fetched, but regardless Wolfe is a fascinating though sedentary person and his assistant/chronicler Archie Goodwin rounds out the duo as a man of action.

[Ken B]

Matt wrote: "I recommend Rex Stout's novels to anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes and wants to read the exploits of another detective with a similarly cerebral approach to crime/mysteries...."

Sounds decent. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Matt]

Re: Rex Stout - for those unfamiliar, is the author of one of the most famous/infamous Sherlockian essays of all time: Watson Was a Woman and in 1949 was given the investiture “The Boscombe Valley Mystery” when admitted into the BSI.

For more information on Rex Stout and Nero Wolfe, check out The Wolfe Pack which "is a forum to discuss, explore and enjoy the 73 Nero Wolfe books and short stories. The organization promotes fellowship and extends friendship to those who enjoy these great literary works of mystery through a series of events, book discussions, and a journal devoted to study of the genius detective, Nero Wolfe, and his intrepid assistant, Archie Goodwin."

[Rose]

"but regardless Wolfe is a fascinating though sedentary person ..."

Hmmm. Are we sure that Wolfe isn't somehow the offspring of *Mycroft* Holmes and a mysterious lady? ;-)

[John]

Just finished Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie. Very much enjoyed it and need to read more Christie books, Now I'm back to my goal of rereading all the Harry Potter series this year. Just started Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. Hope that whole end of the world thing doesn't interfere.

[Marlene]

Just finished Dust and Shadow by Lyndsay Faye. Did anyone read it? What did you think?

[Rose]

I *adore* "Dust and Shadow." It is in my top-five all time favorite books, and it's the pastiche I measure all other pastiches against. I wrote a lengthy review of it (link below), but the short version: I thought Faye did a beautiful job of capturing Watson's narrative voice without obliterating her own style; I thought her characterization of Holmes, Watson, and their friendship was spot-on; I loved her original characters (Miss Monk!); and I thought the plot was wonderfully tight and neatly plotted. I just -- I can't say enough good things about this one. :) Absolutely lovely stuff.

What about you, though? Did you like it? Did it work for you as a pastiche, and as a novel in its own right?

(My review, if you're interested:)
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Ken B]

Marlene wrote: "Just finished Dust and Shadow by Lyndsay Faye. Did anyone read it? What did you think?"

It is the best of the Holmes / Ripper pastiches and a great first novel. I have The Gods of Gotham on the shelf and really need to get around to reading it.

[Rose]

If you're interested ... "Dust and Shadow" is actually being turned into a musical -- which I'm hoping will come out next year:

https://www.facebook.com/DustandShado...

http://lyndsayfaye.tumblr.com/post/33...

I'm a huge fan of musicals but could never get into the couple of Holmes musicals that have been written in the past ... this makes me more excited than I can say. Fingers crossed!

[LadyDisdain]

Wow, I had no idea that they actually did musicals with Sherlock Holmes. It seems incongruous.

[Marlene]

I did enjoy the book and the premise for the killer. I tend to be a "purist" and not read much beyond Doyle, but it was a good read. I was not as passionate as some, but I would read outside of Doyle again.

[Ken B]

I have just finished reading Peeper by Loren D. Estleman.

I previously have read Loren D. Estleman's Sherlock Holmes work and was intrigued when I found what appeared to be a noir (hardboiled?) story.

I approached it thinking I was reading something like Sam Spade style noir but it soon became apparent that it would be more like Jack Nicholson in "Chinatown" neo-noir.

The protagonist is a private investigator for whom nothing goes right. Even when things go right, they end up horribly fouled. He finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation for which he soon becomes a suspect.

The book is heavy on doses of witty banter and a really great plot line that was hard to figure until the closing pages.

Very well written.

5 STARS

[Ken B]

I have just finished reading The Dracula Tape by Fred Saberhagen.

This is a re-telling of Bram Stoker's Dracula from the point of view of the vampire himself. I thought the book well written but found myself bored at times as it was a little too much of a "re-telling" with multiple excerpts from the original text.

Book number 2 in this series is The Holmes-Dracula File

3 1/2 STARS

[Matt]

For fans of Lyndsay Faye's Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson, do yourselves a giant favor and check out Ms Faye's latest The Gods of Gotham, a meticulously researched, wonderfully detailed novel set in 1840s NYC and is a murder-mystery which uses the creation of the 'Copper Stars' or the first organized NYC police force as a background.

Also, re: the musical version of Dust & Shadow, I've talked to a few people who attended an early read-through and the feedback is extremely positive. Who knows, maybe Dust & Shadow will be as huge as the Lion King!

I agree with LadyDisdain's intuition about musicals and Sherlock, but there's actually a bit of historical precedent for Holmes + musicals. In 1965 Baker Street: The Musical appeared on Broadway and ran for 9 months. You can listen to one of the main hits: 'It's So Simple' on YouTube.

[Rose]

There was also "Sherlock Holmes: The Musical," which I believe debuted in the late 80s. Neither it nor "Baker Street" really achieved much popularity as far as I know, however.

I don't think the problem is that Sherlock Holmes + musicals = too unlikely a match. Most of the subjects of musicals are odd upon their surfaces; it's just a matter of whether or not they find the right tone and (very importantly) have great music to back them up. I heard one song from "Dust and Shadow" ("Let Yourself Fall") and thought it was outstanding -- and it made me think that this might be the musical where the writers really get _how_ to do it. And write great music, to boot!

Thrilled to hear the early feedback for "Dust and Shadow: The Musical" is so positive ... ^___^

[Libby]

I'm re-reading The Guide Shoots First, by William D. Baker, my dad. Amazon is restocking right now, but it's available on his website theguideshootsfirst.com. It's a fun read full of stories of friendship and adventure.

[Ken B]

I have just finished Forests of the Night by David Stuart Davies.

I have been impressed with David Stuart Davies since reading a couple of his horror genre Sherlock Holmes novels. His story lines are tight and his characters are well developed and interesting.

This book is the first in the Johnny Hawke detective series. It is a classic noir / hardboiled novel in the tradition of Sam Spade. Consistent with other Davies works, this one is very well written.

Set in WWII-era London, our hero has set up a private detective agency after being wounded and released from army service. He is drawn into a murder case that has several intriguing twists and turns.

Pulpish in nature, this series has been a fun read.

4 STARS

[Dan]

I just finished MURDER AT THE GALVEZ, by Kathleen Kaska and wrote a Goodreads review suggesting that it is a hard-boiled cozy.

[John]

Completed my goal of rereading the Harry Potter series this year. Just finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. Am now reading Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie. Enjoying it so far.

[Lee]

I just received the book Dangerous Work: An Arctic Adventure by Arthur Conan Doyle and am beginning to read it. I am so excited about this book!

[Kevin]

I am reading "Found Wanting" by Robert Goddard. Good book... Not bad for a random pick at the library.

[Ken B]

John wrote: "Completed my goal of rereading the Harry Potter series this year. Just finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. Am now reading Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie. E..."

I just read Hercule Poirot's Christmas myself. It was pretty good!

[John]

Just finished Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie. Starting Watching The Dark by Peter Robinson on Monday.

[John]

Just finished Watching The Dark by Peter Robinson. This was my first book by Robinson and I quite enjoyed it. Reminded me of a British version of Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series. I am starting Tales From the Deed Box of John H. Watson MD by Hugh Ashton.

[John]

Just finished Tales From the Deed Box of John H. Watson MD by Hugh Ashton. Contained three short stories featuring Holmes and Watson. One involved Holmes' sister, Evedne. Was she mentioned in the cannon? I thought the mysteries were engaging and the author did an excellent job of capturing Doyle's style. Starting today The Sixth Man by David Baldacci.

[Tiffany]

I loved Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson.It's also very impressive as a first novel. Does anyone know if the author is planning more Holmes stories?
I finishing Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes. It's pretty good.

[Ken B]

I just finished The Black Book of Secrets. It is the first of four loosely related YA novels in F.E. Higgins's Tales From the Sinister City series.

I was thoroughly impressed. The book has a very dark theme that vaguely reminded me of Stephen King's Needful Things.

The hero of the story is a young boy who had a rough beginning to life and manages to land a position with a pawnbroker who buys the darkest secrets from people for a very high price. But, to what end does he buy these secrets?

5 STARS and favorited

[John]

Just finished The Sixth Man by David Baldacci. Excellent book, five stars. Starting today The Sherlockian by Graham Moore.

[Ken B]

I have just finished The Hunt for the Seventh by Christine Morton-Shaw.

An endorsement on the cover calls this YA book "a classic ghost story". I feel that is about as accurate a description as you can get.

A recently widowed father takes a position at an old manor house as head gardener. He and his two children live on the estate and the oldest child finds himself mixed up in the middle of a family curse that has claimed the lives of six children over the last two hundred years. Will he be able to prevent the seventh?

Ghosts, witches, ancient rites, a mystery and an old manor house. The story has all the ingredients!

4 STARS

[Ken B]

I have just finished The Seer of Shadows by Avi.

Set in 1872, at the height of the Spiritualism movement, a young boy takes an apprenticeship with a photographer. When the photographer is approached by a wealthy, grieving mother to do a photo shoot, the photographer plans a minor fraud, a double exposure of a picture of the dead daughter onto a photo of the grieving mother to create a "spirit photo" in hopes of bolstering his slow business. But, when the photos are developed, something unexpected appears in the pictures.

This is a really good YA ghost story.

4 STARS