Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

I can't believe I've only read three books, but I guess it's true.



The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith

I continue to enjoy this book built around the residents of 44 Scotland Street and their friends. I am still charmed by little Bertie, who is now 8 but still the most precious litle boy ever, who struggles valiantlly with the burden of an overinvolved and overpolitical (in all the wrong ways) mother, Irene. But theirs is only one of about 5 stories we follow throughout the series. The tone is light, although sometimes serious things happen, and it is read most expertly and entertainingly by Robert Ian MacKenzie. It is remarkable to consider how Alexander McCall Smith creates this unique set of characters but retains his signature sense of humor and thread of philosophical musings.

The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley

I have long been wanting to read this book that is often mentioned as a classic by the likes of Dennis Lehane. It didn't disappoint, a noir along the classic lines of Raymond Chandler, with dozens of one-liners that made me cackle with delight. P.I. Sugrue is hired to track down a wayward writer. This sets him off on a long and involved journey, including a search for a teenager gone missing decades ago. The book is full of snappy dialogue and characters with complicated motives. Sugrue's no angel either. This was perfect to be reading as I attended a memorial for Robert B. Parker, as it's the genre Parker revived and updated in the ubiquitous Spenser.

Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman

This is the first entry in the Tess Monaghan series by Laura Lippman. I thought it was just okay. I enjoyed the Baltimore setting, and watching the unveiling of the various characters in Tess' world of rowing, journalism, and law firms. I always have trouble with regular citizens who fall into private detecting for reasons other than they have a passion for it and are trained in it. But the case was just interesting enough to hold my interest, and because I've seen LL in person a lot and think she is the bee's knees, and because others say the series improves, I will pick the next one up, eventually.

thanks for posting Carol...I have not heard of THE LAST GOOD KISS...will check it out.

Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman ..."

Carol,
I've read the entire Tess series and I've never really connected with her. After the last book, I've decided not to continue. Although I usually love her standalones and count some of them as my favorites.

Carl:
Someday I must try an Alexander McCall Smith on audio. The one I tried to read (HB) was 44 Scotland Street and I just couldn't get into it. I have had a hard time getting connected to the Tess series too, though also usually enjoy Laura's stand-alone books.

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I can't believe I've only read three books, but I guess it's true.
The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith
Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman
....But the case was just interesting enough to hold my interest, and because I've seen LL in person a lot and think she is the bee's knees, and because others say the series improves, I will pick the next one up, eventually. ..."

Carol, I agree with your review of Baltimore Blues. I have the next one sitting on the shelf, but I'm not in a hurry to read it (especially after reading some of the reviews on Amazon).

because others say the series improves, I will pick the next one up...
I agree that this was just "OK" at best, but the series does improve.

I read the first 2 Tess Monaghan books and didn't care for either one. Too bad since Laura is such a nice gal.