Donna’s Comments (group member since Feb 12, 2012)

Donna’s comments from the Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012 group.

Hi Hayes, I'll be interested in what you think. Maybe I was just not in the mood for it. Lots of people I know really enjoy Donna Andrews books. I feel like a traitor - she lives here in Reston!

Finished Murder With Peacocks and it was OK but it was way over the top with eccentric characters and light on plot. There were a few good lines that made me chuckle but I doubt I'll read more in the series.

Finished The Keeper of Lost Causes and it was a real page turner. I'm looking forward to more adventures with Carl and Assad.

On my recent trip I started 2 books - number 11 and 12 - Mortal Causes and Murder With Peacocks.

When I finish these I will have reached my goal!

Finished The Good Thief's Guide to Paris. Not quite as good as the first in the series, the beginning was a bit scattered but finished up nicely.

Returned to and finished The Boy in the Suitcase. I'll call this book 9.5 since it has been sitting around half read for awhile. Interesting book with an ending I can really say I never saw coming.

On to The Keeper of Lost Causes, book 10, for my in person book group.

Finished up The Good Thief's Guide to Paris It was good but maybe not quite as good as the first in the series. The beginning was a little confusing but wrapped up nicely.

Returned to and finished The Boy in the Suitcase. I'm going to count this as book 9.5 since it has been sitting around half read for awhile. Very good finish - did not see it coming.

On to book number 9 The Good Thief's Guide to Paris. I read Good Thief's Guide to Amsterdam a few years ago and enjoyed it so I thought I'd see what he does with Paris.

In honor of our continuing hot, dry summer I've started Snow Blind by P. J. Tracy. (Book 8) Winter in Minnesota - just what you need to read about in July.

Started Book 7 The Partly Cloudy Patriot. Found this on the bookcase in my daughter's room. Sarah Vowell is frequently a guest on NPR. I try to read some non-fiction from time to time. I'm enjoying her take on American History - and it is almost July 4th.

Book 6 started tonight. A Carrion Death by Michael Stanley. Part of my arm chair travels as this one is set in Botswana.

Finished Among the Mad and really did enjoy it. Dawn, I agree that there is a touch of preachiness in this one but still an interesting look at a tough subject that is unfortunately still timely today.

Book 5 started this afternoon, Among the Mad. Love the Maisie Dobbs series and so far this one is as good as all the other.

Finished In the Last Analysis.I did enjoy it even if it was dated and slightly improbable but then most mysteries with amateur sleuths have a bit of the improbable in them.

Not sure what will be next for the challenge, I have a few books for my in person groups and I've been listening to books I download from the library but I'm sure I'lll find something good.

On to book 4 on my list - this is so inspiring - In the Last Analysis by Amanda Cross. I've heard her name mentioned and I've had this on my bookshelf for ages. So far so good. It was written as a contempory mystery, first in a series, but since that was in the 60s it is almost historical now. We'll see how it holds up.

PS - I'm working on my review of Pearl of China.

Yes, I am incredibly lucky to have a Barnes and Noble nearby that sponsors book groups. I sit in on 3 different groups, 2 mystery related and 1 historical fiction related.

Our local library system sponsors groups too but only during the day - what about those of us who work!!!! - still, it is a terrific library system so I won't complain.

Finished Pearl of China - book number 3.

Read this with my in person book group and the discussion was very good.

Hi Hayes. Working on another one while sitting here in the Montreal airport, Devil-Devil, really feel like I should be reading something by Louise Penny though, especially on the train yesterday.

Book number 2 - Death of an Englishman by Magdalene Nabb.

Really enjoyed this one and now my husband is reading it too.

Hmmmmmm. I wasn't up that early. Come to think of it I think I posted that the night before. Goodreads has been a bit off for the last few days. I've been getting the "Quote of the Day" email for the wrong day, or twice. Maybe they couldn't adjust to the time change here in the US.

It's true I'm a morning person but......

First one done. It's hasn't been on Mt TBR for too long but still..

The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel. Very good.

Now reading Pearl of China

I have to be honest with myself so I will start small and see how it goes but 12 books off the pile would be terrific.

I plan to just update this post as I go instead of making a list so I can go with whatever strikes my fancy.