Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

I had a good February of reading and listening. Here are my February reads:

Top Reads

Gutshot Straight: A Novel
Lou Berney
This was a fun crime novel with crisp writing, a complex plot that never bogged down, and some highly unique characters.

The Likeness
Tana French
The premise of this book nearly put me off but I had seen so many good reviews and really enjoyed her first book, In the Woods, that I decided to try it on audio and I'm very glad I did. While the plot was fairly unbelievable it did not really matter because I got so caught up with the various characters that I could not wait to listen each day. The narration by Heather O'Neill was spot on and really enhanced the experience.

Drive Like Hell: A Novel
Dallas Hudgens
I thought this was a very good debut novel. Set in small town Georgia during the late seventies the story line follows young Luke Fulmer through the six months he must endure after getting his driver's license suspended. The first person narration was very engaging since Luke is smarter and more articulate than your usual pot smoking, aimless teen and his struggles to try and keep on the straight and narrow despite his family situation kept me turning the pages.

Good Reads

The Assist: Hoops, Hope, and the Game of Their Lives
Neil Swidey
The author did a great job in picking the year or so to follow celebrated high school hoops coach Jack O'Brien. The book had lots of drama and was an interesting look at the Boston public school system and what it takes to run a successful high school program.

The Drowning Pool
Ross Macdonald
While an enjoyable PI story this was not quite as good as the first book in the series. Archer is a great character though and I plan to continue on with the series. Listened to the audio version narrated by Tom Parker.

The Dark Horse
Craig Johnson
I always enjoy this series, especially on audio, where the narration of George Guidall fits Sheriff Walt Longmire's character to a tee.

Ok Reads

The Three-Day Affair
Michael Kardos
This was an underwhelming listen for me. I could just never buy into the basic premise and I really did not think the characters actions seemed realistic at all. I did enjoy some of the flashback scenes to the friends college days though. Listened to the audio read by Ray Chase who, while I won't say was part of the problem, definitely did not elevate the material.

You had a good month Sandi! Thanks for reminding me that I wanted to try the Craig Johnson series :)

Sandi: I must agree that the audio narration was stellar for Tana French's The Likeness. It was very hard to put down, the layers of stories and relationship tangles and the emotions of dealing with the undercover assignment had me on the edge of my seat.

Sandi wrote: "I had a good February of reading and listening. Here are my February reads:Top Reads The Likeness Tana French
The premise of this book nearly put me off but I had seen so many good reviews and really enjoyed her first book, In the Woods, that I decided to try it on audio and I'm very glad I did. While the plot was fairly unbelievable it did not really matter because I got so caught up with the various characters that I could not wait to listen each day. The narration by Heather O'Neill was spot on and really enhanced the experience."

Thanks for giving me some books to add to my TBR, including the Tana French.

It's been years since I've heard anything by George Guidall, but he's still my favorite. I think he's just not involved in the series I'm frequenting these days.