2-3-4 Challenge discussion

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I started and completed Alexa Grace's Deadly Trilogy.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started and finished the Deadly Trilogy by Alexa Grace. It was readable, but I wouldn't recommend it. I also started the Leslie LaFoy's Turnbridge Sisters series. (4 Stars) I will be continuing it.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in two series:
Chicagoland Vampire series by Chloe Neill
Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?

Robin, it was such a disappointment to see the Alexa Grace trilogy wasn't that good, especially as the premise sounded wonderful. I've got all of the books, too.

Jonetta wrote: "Robin, it was such a disappointment to see the Alexa Grace trilogy wasn't that good, especially as the premise sounded wonderful. I've got all of the books, too."

When I read the descriptions, they sounded like something I would really love. The plot of each book is not bad and the books are very readable, but there were so many things that turned me off of these including TSTL moments, repeating storylines, and stories badly in need of editing.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?

Yes the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith but it will only be short lived as the next one in the series (no. 17) comes out in October.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?

Yes the Spymaster Chronicles by C W Gortner. First one - The Tudor Secret. I won't be in a hurry to continue if I ever get around to it!

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?

Only 2 but I read a couple of chunky standalones that have been sitting on my TBR shelf for ages!

I read no. 5 in the Monkeewrench series by P J Tracy Shoot to Thrill and no. 4 in the Dalziel and Pascoe series An April Shroud.

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?

I had 4 ★★★★★ reads:

The Story Of Danny Dunn by Bryce Courtenay. One of my favourite authors. Just knows how to write a good yarn and has your emotions all over the place.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C S Lewis. The book and movie is a favourite in my household at the moment.

The Handsome Man's Deluxe Café by Alexander McCall Smith. I have been reading this series for years now and I love the quirky characters. I'm glad it is still going.

Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir. A brilliant novel based on Lady Jane Grey's story. Lady Jane Grey is not usually at the forefront of the Tudors but she had a fascinating story.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes
The Perfect Hope (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, #3) - Nora Roberts (4 stars)[completed]

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue? Two
Where the Wind Blows (Prairie Hearts, #1) - Caroline Fyffe (3 stars) [will not continue]
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy(Hitchhiker's series, #1) - Douglas Adams (5 stars) [yes, will continue]

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many? One
Mrs. Jeffries - Emily Brightwell
2. Mrs. Jeffries Dusts for Clues ✔ 7/24/15 (3 stars)
3. The Ghost and Mrs. Jeffries ✔ 7/26/15 (3 stars)
These are OK but not outstanding. I have one more on my shelf, way down the list. I think I will read it and call it quits.
32. Mrs. Jeffries and the Merry Gentlemen

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them? One
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy(Hitchhiker's series, #1) - Douglas Adams (5 stars)
[hilarious spoof on scifi novels]

I love the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series! I read it such a long time ago.

Great job, Robin!

Tracey - Glad you enjoyed the book by Weir. That has been on my tbr list for awhile.

How do you like D&P series? I watched the tv series and really liked it. I was thinking of starting the books.

Linda - I was wondering if the Mrs. Jeffries series was any good. I always seem them everywhere but don't know much about them.

Mrs Jeffries and her staff actually solve the mystery and feed the clues to their employer who is a Scotland yard inspector. After a while you question his intelligence.

The series is up to 33 now and I can't believe the premise can still work. I have a copy of #32 and am going to read it to see how things have progressed but I don't think I will read any more in between.

I think they are fun at the beginning to see how all the servants make connections to get the facts. Give it a try, it's very light reading.

Kris - My Novelesque Life wrote: "How do you like D&P series? I watched the tv series and really liked it. I was thinking of starting the books."

I was pretty meh on this one. Pascoe is not in it very much and I'm wondering if that is the reason that I didn't like it as much as the previous 3. I'll see how I get on with the next one.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Only 1. For some reason, I read a lot of standalones in July. :)

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?

I'm on the fence about continuing the first series and will definitely NOT continue the last two.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?


4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
- this whole series is outstanding. Full of adventure and intrigue and with such great plots! Totally recommend it.

Linda C wrote: "Mrs Jeffries and her staff actually solve the mystery and feed the clues to their employer who is a Scotland yard inspector. After a while you question his intelligence.

The series is up to 33 no..."

Thanks for the info, Linda!

Tracey wrote: "Kris - My Novelesque Life wrote: "How do you like D&P series? I watched the tv series and really liked it. I was thinking of starting the books."

I was pretty meh on this one. Pascoe is not in i..."

I will look forward to your review :)

@Tracey and D.G. - I also wasn't that impressed with and probably won't continue with the series. One good thing coming out of the featured author books is knowing which series I won't be continuing, lol!

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?

Yes, The Smith-Smythe Quartet by Julia Quinn - All in all, I've enjoyed this series. The 2nd book was just OK but the other three were really good.

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?

Yes, 3.



I will definitely continue the first two and maybe the third if it fits in a challenge at some time.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?

Yes, 6



4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?

was my favorite this month. I love Phoebe and James's interactions.

Lauren wrote: "@Tracey and D.G. - I also wasn't that impressed with and probably won't continue with the series. One good thing coming out of the featured author books is know..."

Definitely. At least it's not in my TBR anymore. :)

@Lauren - Re-Dark Dynasties series. I really liked that first book but the rest of the series went downhill from there. Arsinoe's end in book #4 was super boring! Feel free to skip that series.

Lauren wrote: "@Tracey and D.G. - I also wasn't that impressed with and probably won't continue with the series. One good thing coming out of the featured author books is know..."

Very true Lauren! I have been wanting to try that series for a while but now it will be crossed off my list.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Nope

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started 1 new series this month - The Sancti Trilogy by Simon Toyne. I will definitely continue.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
The Dresden Files - read book 8
Monkeewrench - read book 5
The Sisters Grimm - read book 5 & 6

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I rated Sanctus by Simon Toyne 5 ★. It was a very interesting, intriguing book.

D.G. wrote: "@Lauren - Re-Dark Dynasties series. I really liked that first book but the rest of the series went downhill from there. Arsinoe's end in book #4 was super boring! Feel free to skip that series."

Thanks for the heads up. D.G. I was kind of looking for an excuse not to continue and you've given it to me. I really wasn't that impressed with book #1 either.

Lauren wrote: "Thanks for the heads up. D.G. I was kind of looking for an excuse not to continue and you've given it to me. I really wasn't that impressed with book #1 either. "

It seemed to me as if the author had a different idea for the series but had to end it because it wasn't doing well. Because it seemed to me she was building up to something in that first book but the rest of the books really didn't deliver.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
Caught up on Scarlet Falls by Melinda Leigh (book 2) and read book 1.5-4 in the Anna Curtis series by Allison Leota

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
Memory Man (Book 1) by David Baldacci (Amos Decker series) and yes, I will be continuing.

3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I read 3 books and one novella in the Anna Curtis series by Allison Leotta; I listened to 3 books and one novella in the In Death series by JD Robb; book 2 in the Scarlet Falls series by Melinda Leigh; book 6 in the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood

4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love
it/them?
-Memory Man (Book 1) David Baldacci 4.5★ - I liked that this novel (and series) is different than other suspense books out there.
-Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad by Eric Foner 4.5★ - I liked the author's writing style and subject matter
-Thankless in Death (Book 46 ) JD Robb 5★ - I enjoyed the plot

Tracey wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith but it will only be short lived as the next one in the series (n..."

First, having four 5-star books in a month makes for great reading. I also think I remember when you started McCall Smith's series so congrats on getting current with 16 books.

Linda C wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes The Perfect Hope (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, #3) - Nora Roberts (4 stars)[completed] 2. Did you start any new se..."

Congrats on finishing a series!!!! I continue to be intrigued by Hitchhiker's Guide:)

D.G. wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Only 1. For some reason, I read a lot of standalones in July. :) 2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will yo..."

Finished a series, moved forward in three...not a bad month! Great job.

Lauren wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Yes, The Smith-Smythe Quartet by Julia Quinn - All in all, I've enjoyed this series. The 2nd book was just OK but the other thre..."

Lauren! Six series is wonderful and congrats on finishing one. I'm also glad you're continuing LCR and hope #2 is a better read for you. Big tease on the Smith-Smythe series:)

Melissa wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Nope 2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started 1 new series this month - The Sancti T..."

You're leaving me in the dust with The Dresden Files. Glad you're still enjoying and congrats on moving forward in three series.

Kris - My Novelesque Life wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Caught up on Scarlet Falls by Melinda Leigh (book 2) and read book 1.5-4 in the Anna Curtis series by Allison Leota 2. Did you s..."

I can't believe you're almost current in the In Death series!!!! That's truly amazing. And congrats on moving forward in four series.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I completed or got up to date with four series. (I'm not certain on two if they're completed or not as the authors haven't stated if more books are to come.) Shore Secrets by Christi Barth (completed), Crawford Family by Holly Bush, The Huntress/FBI by Alexandra Sokoloff (completed?) and Sons of Sin by Anna Campbell (completed?).

2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
I started five new series and plan to continue them all:
Cedar Ridge by Jill Shalvis, Nashville Nights by Robin Covington, Barefoot Bay Undercover by Roxanne St. Claire, Amos Decker by David Baldacci and Boston Fire by Shannon Stacey.


3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
I moved forward in five series:
Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly, Hope by Jaci Burton, The Bodyguards of L. A. County by Cate Beauman, Beartooth Montana by B. J. Daniels and Grant County by Karin Slaughter


4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
No 5-star reads but three 4 1/2 star standouts.
Memory Man by David Baldacci - really good story and an unconventional main character
Three Proposals and a Scandal by Anna Campbell - a really well-done novella featuring two minor characters in the series
Barefoot with a Bodyguard by Roxanne St. Claire - I just really liked the story and the hero, great start to the series

Jonetta wrote: "First, having four 5-star books in a month makes for great reading. I also think I remember when you started McCall Smith's series so congrats on getting current with 16 books..."

Thanks Jonetta. I actually started reading No. 1 ladies when book 2 was published, about 2000.

Jonetta wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I completed or got up to date with four series. (I'm not certain on two if they're completed or not as the authors haven't stated..."

Good going Jonetta!

Jonetta wrote: "I can't believe you're almost current in the In Death series!!!! That's truly amazing. ..."

I agree!!!

Tracey wrote: "Thanks Jonetta. I actually started reading No. 1 ladies when book 2 was published, about 2000...."

Got that wrong! I'm remembering from the Mystery & Suspense group but you obviously were well into the series by then.

Tracey wrote: "Good going Jonetta!..."

Thanks Tracey!

Jonetta wrote: "Kris - My Novelesque Life wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month? Caught up on Scarlet Falls by Melinda Leigh (book 2) and read book 1.5-4 in the Anna Curtis ser..."

I know, Jonetta! I can't believe it either re: In Death. Thank you!

Jonetta wrote: "1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
I completed or got up to date with four series. (I'm not certain on two if they're completed or not as the authors haven't stated..."

I am looking forward to reading the Amos Decker series with you!

I'm looking forward to where he takes this character.

1. Did you complete and/or get up to date in any series this month?
No
2. Did you start any new series? If so, what were they? Will you continue?
No
3. Did you move forward in any series? How many?
Three series, book 4 of the Lorien Legacys: The Fall of Five by Pittacus Lore and Hidden Enemy, 3 novellas by the same author. And book 3 of the Fayrieland series: The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two by Catherynne M. Valente. I neem to buy new books in the three series :)
4. Any standout or 5 star books read? Why did you love it/them?
I like the fairylandseries a lot :)