Crime Detective Mystery Thriller Group discussion

Feel free to recommend books here to other people in the group.

“Of all the crimes to receive major focus in literary thrillers, the one depicted in this book has to be one of the rarest. Even more rare are stories that feature dogs as major characters without resorting to an overabundance of predictable slapstick humor. This novel, THE PITS, certainly features its fair range of emotions, but for the most part it is thrilling, suspenseful, and very serious.
I have never read a book that so brilliantly captured an animal's legitimate role in certain dangerous situations. A well-trained canine in the field, for a variety of different jobs, is priceless, and Smith (clearly another dog lover) is able to capture that undeniable fact in brilliant prose.
Although Corporal Shadow, USMC, is a somewhat personified character, he still reads as an authentic trained pooch. Captain Kramer, USMC, also has an air of legitimacy about him, sharing a number of personality traits with real men his age who have seen military action. These characterizations give the novel a distinct air of credibility, portraying author Greg Smith as a man who is either highly knowledgeable or who certainly does his research — or both.
Smith intended for the relationship between Kramer and Shadow to be one of intense love and trust. I cannot stress how much that relationship highlighted how horrible the abuse these dogs forced to fight experienced. This novel had the ability to shock me with the amount of detail provided about the abuses these animals were forced to endure. The amount of effort placed in raising awareness in this novel has to be acknowledged. 
THE PITS handles a sensitive topic in a very inspiring way, with an interesting story line full of twist and discoveries. I recommend this novel and give it 4 out of 4 stars. If you have ever loved a dog, or any animal for that matter, then you will understand and appreciate Captain Kramer’s dedication to fight for the animals he loves.
If you love a good action/adventure book where the hero has a righteous cause, you'll love The Pits by Greg Smith and you'll be excited to know that the ending hints at a second book. He is also keen to use most of the sales from his books to helping animal shelters.”

Check it out at http://gregsmith-writer.weebly.com/

At some point this year, I hope to read The Stolen by Jason Pinter. It is the third book in the series. The Mark is the first book. It is a great series about a reporter solving crimes. The first two books are worth more than five stars so if you haven't started on this series, I would highly recommend it and start reading The Mark.

A good thriller Alan Cupp

I recommend

Helius Legacy -- a fast-paced action/thriller https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

They Did It With Love -- classic murder mystery with a total surprise ending
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Dark Memories -- very creepy mystery with paranormal elements
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

The Baby Game -- one of my top favorites with very few reviews; a hilarious yet suspenseful mystery
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Kirkus has a list of 9 Novels That Will Keep You In Suspense:

Leaving Berlin by Joseph Kanon
World Gone By by Dennis Lehane
Too Bad to Die: A Novel by Francine Mathews
The Whites by Richard Price writing as Harry Brandt
My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Canary by Duane Swierczynski
Cat Out of Hell by Lynne Truss
The Edge of Dreams by Rhys Bowen

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03...

Is anybody looking for a good children's book? This one looks wonderful!

Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson

http://www.brainpickings.org/2015/03/...

This recommendation came to me from Sue. Looks really good.

I have this one on my tablet, but have not checked it out yet. I will have to give it a read.

My library's staff has posted the following as recommendations for their Thriller showcase:

The Assassin by Clive Cussler
The Stranger by Harlan Coben
Cold Cold Heart by Tami Hoag
The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly
The Glittering World by Robert Levy
The Fifth Gospel by Ian Caldwell
Mike Hammer: Kill Me, Darling by Mickey Spillane
Asylum City: A Novel by Liad Shoham
Glow by Ned Beauman
Cold Betrayal by J.A. Jance
Motive by Jonathan Kellerman
Endangered by C.J. Box
Finding Jake by Bryan Reardon
Someone Is Watching by Joy Fielding

Any thoughts?

Thanks Kristen, I have read some of these, but will add some to my TBR list.

I'll have to get to the new Harlan Coben book at some point. Thanks Kristen.

The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly will blow your socks off. It was the first book by Reilly I had read (got it via Net Galley for review.

My review is here:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

A new article from "The Lineup" from Open Road Media:

5 FLORIDA CRIME NOVELS TO KEEP YOU OFF THE BEACH

There’s more to this state than fun in the sun.

http://www.the-line-up.com/media/5-fl...

If I may be a little backwards can anyone recommend a Harlan Coben book for me?

I have not read any of his works. I like to move from author to author because there are so many good ones and right now it's Coben.

Kristen recommended "The Stranger"(above). I see it has good reviews but some people simply didn't like it so I thought I would ask for other recommendations.
Thanks

Can't go wrong with a Harlan Coben book Softbananas but I would say I really enjoyed Six Years. My review is there.

I've only read one of his.

This was one of the last books my father read. He said it was the best book he ever read. It was a great one by Harlan Coben.

Ron wrote: "

This was one of the last books my father read. He said it was the best book he ever read. It was a great one by Harlan Coben."

Thanks for the suggestions Ron, I'll check them out

Just found this list of the "101 Best Crime Novels of the Past Decade"

http://www.booklistreader.com/2015/05...

I love reading those Harlan Coben books

Softbananas wrote: "If I may be a little backwards can anyone recommend a Harlan Coben book for me?

I have not read any of his works. I like to move from author to author because there are so many good ones and righ..."

I recently wrote this review of Harlan Cobens' "Caught", I loved it, this is the audiobook review, but I think it will convince you to buy or borrow the book
http://audiothing.blogspot.com.au/201...

Hi Bec
Thanks for the reply. I read your review and I will put it on my "to read" list.
BTW what is an "audiothing"

@ Ron
Sounds like another good choice. I read your review, very well stated. Another Coben on my "to read" list.
I do find that readers tend to love or hate his books.
Thanks