Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

As is customary, either Carol or I will start a new thread each new year for the Just Finished / Now Reading commentary that we enjoy sharing with our Book Friends. We'll retire the old 2016 thread soon and lock it for new comments.
I will start by listing my current audio book:
NR our January Group Read book Darktown.
It should provide a lot of opportunities for the discussions.

Just finished listening to Dog on It by Spencer Quinn which was a fun way to start the new year.

I am currently reading Empty Ever After by Reed Farrel Coleman and hope to start Darktown on audio tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a Happy, safe and Bookful New Year. Again, as a reminder join us on the 2017 Determination Plus Challenge thread let's all work on getting some of those to be read books off the shelf. We have some people agreeing already to giving the challenge a try we promise not to send the book police out for you if you don't finish it. We can motivate each other. Maybe you can find someone else to do a buddy read on some book with you so you can both get though that read. Just remember the one important rule Have Fun.

Thanks, Ann, for starting us off with a bang!

I am listening to the last in the Midnight series by Charlaine Harris, Night Shift. I am sorry to see this series end (I think that's it, right?). There are several references to events that occurred in Dallas that make me think they tie to the Sookie Stackhouse series. I am thinking about going back to that series; I think I stopped because I found the reader of the audiobooks so annoying. Maybe they'll work better in print.

Have just started Darktown, our group read. I see there are already posts in the group read thread; great! I'm finding it very interesting. Definitely reminiscent of Cop Town, which covers similar ground except with women breaking onto the Atlanta PD, but still introducing a new take take through the eyes of the first African Americans on the Atlanta PD (and quite a few years earlier, I think). And it introduces us to a talented new-to-me writer, Thomas Mullen.

I'm halfway through Skeletons in the Attic and loving it. It's a well built mystery with a solid cast of characters. I almost didn't pick it up because tarot cards were involved with the story, but I'm glad I did. The lead character is just as cynical about them as I am.

J/F: Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

I tried to finish up Forgive me but I was falling asleep this afternoon so gave up for the day with trying to push that one. Hopefully will finish tomorrow.
I think I'll move onto re-starting Tricky 22 by Janet Evanovich unless I can locate where I left off I couldn't when I tried on new year's eve to find it and I hadn't bookmarked the nook Glow light.

Jennifer wrote: "I'm halfway through Skeletons in the Attic and loving it. It's a well built mystery with a solid cast of characters. I almost didn't pick it up because tarot cards were involved wit..."

This sounds interesting! Sent a sample to my Kindle.

Carol: I am happy to help keep us organized with the new year thread! Yes, I saw Charlaine Harris has said she was only contracted for three Midnight Texas books. I wish some of the characters might spin off into another series but suppose we'll have to be content with the upcoming NBC tv show on it (not sure of the release date)
I put the Sookie Sackhouse book I got stuck in the middle of a good while back on my determination list. ;)
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I am listening to the last in the Midnight series by Charlaine Harris, Night Shift. I am sorry to see this series end (I think that's it.."

Thanks folks for creating a new thread. I'll have to make admission; my next read was going to be Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey
I've changed my mind and I'm going to read The Gunslinger

Happy New Year! My current recreational read is still (and will be for a long while!) . LOVING it. I bought this book when it was published in 2005 having read the first three books in 2001 while I was in college. But it sat in the to read stacks for years because I did not have time to refresh my memory of the characters. Luckily the TV series took care of that and 11 years later I am devouring the book.

I have some recent/upcoming work-related reads that I will share over the next week or so in the appropriate folders. :-)

First book of the new year was Better Off Thread by Amanda Lee.

Went to the library today and picked up a copy of Home by Harlan Coben :)

Les wrote: "my next read was going to be Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey
I've changed my mind and I'm going to read The Gunslinger.."

I'm thinking of picking up The Gunslinger also, Les, in anticipation of the movie due out this year with Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey.

JF: Night Shift by Charlaine Harris.

NL: Heartsick by Chelsea Cain. Yikes! Creepy!

JF: The Chocolate Cure by Roxanne Snopek (another Tule book finished and reviewed)

NR: Forgive me by Daniel Palmer (this book is taking me forever to read. This book will be finished today or else. I'm not allowing myself to come back online until it's finished. 43 pages to read. Forgive Me

JF: Forgive me by Daniel Palmer (yes finally finished this heart-pounding book. I would recommend it it take me awhile but that was only because I have so many books going at once and this one seemed to always put to the side. I look forward to checking out more of this new to me author's books)

NR: I read 50 pages so far of the other arc When they Fade by Jeyn Roberts part of me is thinking it's not for already. One girl dead the other one alive and it's going back and forth with each chapter. Oh and the one alive is being bullied by almost her whole school.
Read more of One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid and liking this book so far.
I'm thinking I might see about reading a good chunk of Tricky 22 and getting started reading another Tule book.

Les and Carol: I read it years ago and love the Dark Tower books, enjoy The Gunslinger
Les wrote: "I've changed my mind and I'm going to read The Gunslinger.."

Happy New Year Wiley!
A big fat book to start the year is great, especially one that you love.
Wiley wrote: "Happy New Year! My current recreational read is still (and will be for a long while!) A Feast for Crows. LOVING it. I bought this book when it was published in 2005"

JF Darktown - excellent!
NR The Wrong Side of Goodbye ahh

j/f: A Man Called Ove- frederik bachman (read for my F2F book group)
n/r: Darktown

JF: Tricky 22 by Janet Evanovich (now caught up again. Yes I read 23 before this one but did it when I had the chance)

NR: besides the tule book I have to figure out how the due dates for the library stand. I already started One True loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid have to see if I have to start one of the other 3 if they aren't renewable and are due before that one.

Snow is coming up the state nothing here yet. Hopefully we don't get it. Anyone having any bad weather stay warm and safe.

Finished reading by Helen Macdonald

My Review

I am reading by Lisa Gardner

Sherry: I've heard really good things about A Man Called Ove - probably a great book for a f2f book group.
NR The Wrong Side of Goodbye
Sherry wrote: "j/f: A Man Called Ove- frederik bachman (read for my F2F book group)
n/r: Darktown"

Ann wrote: "Sherry: I've heard really good things about A Man Called Ove - probably a great book for a f2f book group.
NR The Wrong Side of Goodbye
Sherry wrote: "j/f: [book:A M..."

it was really a good book ann- although the first part was a bit slow for me. i rented the movie yesterday after i finished it and thought the movie was also very good.

They did it a few months back for my f2f book group never got around to reading it but I still want to.

I saw the movie too, it was very good.

Maybe once we all get caught up with other books we should do a buddy read with the book. But I want to get the current pile down some.

Finished reading by Lisa Gardner

My Review

I am starting by Clive Cussler

That works for me DJ (buddy read)
A Man Called Ove is on my need to get to it list. I could add it to my determination list for 2017.
Donnajo wrote: "Maybe once we all get caught up with other books we should do a buddy read with the book. But I want to get the current pile down some."

Jim: Find Hersounds like an interesting premise for a case. I don't usually read Lisa Gardner (not sure why) does it stand alone well?
Since the majority of my audio listening is on my commute or while walking, this past couple of days of snow and ice have limited my reading. I am eager to get back to Harry Bosch.
Jim wrote: "Finished reading Find Her ..."

Stuck with a book all day and read and finished One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid. (I really enjoyed this book first time author for me and looking forward to reading more of her books.

I finished Deep Waters by Barbara Nadel and the audio version of Darktown which I thought was very good.

Now reading Smoke and Whispers by Mick Herron and listening to Stolen Prey by John Sandford.

Listening to The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian and reading Darktown by Thomas Mullen. Both very good.

JF:- The Gunslinger Hmmm, still not sure what to think about it.

NR:- Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey Definitely going to read it this time!

Les wrote: "JF:- The Gunslinger Hmmm, still not sure what to think about it."


I read the Gunslinger and thought it was only OK and would not have continued on with the series except Ann gave such high marks to the audio versions. I then listened to The Drawing of the Three, thought it was great, and went on to enjoy the rest of the series.

Sandi wrote: "Les wrote: "JF:- The Gunslinger Hmmm, still not sure what to think about it."


I read the Gunslinger and thought it was only OK and would not have continued on with the series except ..."

Perhaps I'll continue with the rest of the Dark Tower series then, must admit they won't be a priority read though

Les: I read The Gunslinger ages ago and understand it isn't for everyone. As Sandi mentioned, if you decide to continue you may find the Dark Tower books together are enjoyable, I loved listening to them. I feel that the introduction to Roland and his world is an important background component. But there are plenty of other books to read. I am a big Stephen King fan. :)
Sandi: I'm glad you liked them!
Les wrote: "JF:- The Gunslinger Hmmm, still not sure what to think about it."
Sandi wrote: "I read the Gunslinger and thought it was only OK and would not have continued on with the ..."

JF The Wrong Side of Goodbye Great book. I see why several here placed it on their 2016 top lists!
I am ready for the next Harry Bosch book.
NR audio... not sure yet.

Ann wrote: "Les: I read The Gunslinger ages ago and understand it isn't for everyone. As Sandi mentioned, if you decide to continue you may find the Dark Tower books together are enjoyable, I loved listening t..."

Ann:- I do intend to read more of the Dark Tower series, it's just that they won't be a priority read as I have quite a few on my "to read" shelf that I must crack on with :-)

j/f:Darktown- thomas mullen
n/r: Always: A Novel- sara jio

J/F: Graveyard Shift

N/R: The Wrong Side of Goodbye

click for review, 3 stars

Finished reading by Clive Cussler

My Review

I am going to start by Harlan Coben

JF audio The Princess Diarist read by the author, this last glimpse into Carrie Fisher's life is focused on the impact of Star Wars on her (and our) lives both then, forty years ago, and now. After her recent death, numerous statements regarding her ambiguity about making convention appearances and the longevity of her Princess Leia character loom poignantly.
NR The Darkest Secret

JF:- truly fascinating read.

NR:- Kind of a Logan McRae 8.5 in prepartion for book 9

The Stranger You Know

https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...


working on catching up series, this is a series I will keep reading

Finished reading by Harlan Coben

My Review

I am starting by John Sandford

JF: Hour of the Red God, Richard Crompton

NR: Brighton, Michael Harvey

JF:- Great wee Logan McRae story.

NR:- Time for a fully featured Logan McRae story

JF The Darkest Secret it is dark. Good and dark.
NR Shelter in Place Kindle
NR audio....regrouping. my first choice is a bit too much like my last starting out.

JF: Brighton, Michael Harvey
NR: The Visitant, Kathleen Gear

NR: About halfway though "Nothing Gold can Stay" by Dana Stabenow. Second in the Liam Campbell series--he's an Alaskan State Trooper. Yes, takes place in present-day Alaska.