Aussie Lovers of Crime/Mystery/Thriller/Suspense discussion

As we have been reading Mystic River by Dennis Lehane I thought it might be a good idea to talk about the author. Has anyone else had any other experiences with this author and what books of his do you like/dislike.

I wouldn't mind reading Shutter Island and A Drink Before the War.

Also he has a new book coming in October called Live by Night which really good. I like the idea of a 1920's crime novel.

I haven't read anything of his before, but I did purchase Sacred as it was very cheap only a few days ago. I'm hoping I'll enjoy Mystic River (so far I am) and then go on to read the next one:)

As you know I'm reading Mystic River and this is the first book I've read of his.

So far it is just okay for me but if things don't start moving along quicker, I don't think I'd pick up another book of his....unless someone convince me otherwise.

I've recently finished Gone, Baby, Gone and I was a bit disappointed. I don't know why, but I just found it unconvincing. Often crime mystery thrillers are unrealistic is you think about what is actually happening, but they usually get you in so much you suspend disbelief and go with the flow. i just kept picking at it and thinking "... would a 4-year old do that?" or "are these characters real". I had expected more - is it just me??

I haven't read that one Cathy, as Mystic River was my first....bad luck you were a little disappointed:(

I just started A Drink Before the War actually and it looks like it will be my first Lehane that I finish after not caring about Mystic River or Shutter Island.

Let us know what you think when you're done Toby, please:)

I'm done review here, actually enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. Started a little slow but was excellent once it got going. Be warned, this one is a little violent. OK more than a little violent.

Great review Toby:)

I have read all the novels in the Kenzie & Gennaro series over the last few years, and really enjoyed them, maybe except Moonlight Mile, the sequel to Gone, Baby, Gone(which I liked a lot, despite its violence and very dark undertones). What appeals most to me about the series are the protagonists Patrick and Angie, who don't shy away from fighting to find justice - and of course there is their friend Bubba (who I want to borrow every now and then when someone upsets me).All books are quite dark, gritty and violent, action-packed and with a good dose of suspense. They are probably best read in order, as the protagonists grow and develop as the series comes along, and having read the earlier books helps understand their backgrounds and motivations. Once I started with A Drink Before the War I couldn't stop and had to read them all - found them quite addictive.

I have Sacred and Moonlight Mile here to read, and have only read Mystic River which introduced me to him...I'll have to give them a go soon..

Brenda wrote: "I have Sacred and Moonlight Mile here to read, and have only read Mystic River which introduced me to him...I'll have to give them a go soon.."

I would recommend you read Gone, Baby, Gone before Moonlight Mile, Brenda, since Moonlight Mile is the sequel.

Oh OK thanks Heidi:) I'll check that one out!

Without knowing about book, I watched movie "Gone, baby, gone" staring Morgan Freeman as inspector and movie director - Ben Affleck. I watched years ago, but still remember as a very good movie, impressing and making you think about life.