Cozy Mysteries discussion

Have you ever not read a book based on readers' bad reviews?

Recently, I removed The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger from my TBR box and put it in the Donate box.

Amy wrote: "I don't generally nix a book because of readers' reviews - however, I tend not to read books that receive bad reviews from Publishers Weekly or Library Journal because I've found them to be more ev..."

I don't read the publisher or newspaper reviews because often they're too analytical and long-winded. I just want to know, "was it good or not??" LOL

Along with Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, two other review publications are considered to be in the "big four" of trusted review sources: Booklist and Kirkus Review.

I don't buy books based on someone's (professional) review but it does carry weight if someone I know has reading tastes similar to mine gives a good review. (I never saw a movie based on a "professional" review - most times my personal likes/dislikes NEVER mesh with "critics.") I like what I like. LOL

But, if it helps any, Beth - I just gave a really good review of on my goodreads and facebook updates! : )

I do. I love this group because it has made me shy away from more than one book that multiple people disliked (i.e. the Glazed Murder book), but, the same thing is true about getting me to read certain books. If everyone here seems to love a book, I add it to my pile :)

I definitely do. I've had to stop reading reviews on good reads because often someone will pick up something in the book that annoys them. It's not something that would've bothered me, but because someone pointed it out, I notice it and it bothers me.

For example - Stephanie plum. EVERY book has her destroying at least one car. I probably wouldn't have noticed at all if someone else hadn't been annoyed by it.

I read Library Journal reviews and Romantic times too. But I love to read reviews by regular readers. Even when I am buying for the library, I always check reviews in librarything, goodreads and amazon.

Erin wrote: "I definitely do. I've had to stop reading reviews on good reads because often someone will pick up something in the book that annoys them. It's not something that would've bothered me, but becaus..."

Really, Stephanie wrecking the cars? That is sort of the point. How is she going to manage to total a car and whose will it be. Hmmm.

Erin wrote: "I definitely do. I've had to stop reading reviews on good reads because often someone will pick up something in the book that annoys them. It's not something that would've bothered me, but because someone pointed it out, I notice it and it bothers me.

For example - Stephanie plum. EVERY book has her destroying at least one car. I probably wouldn't have noticed at all if someone else hadn't been annoyed by it...."

Sorry, Erin, that would be me. It bugs the crap out of me. How many vehicles can one woman destroy?

Also the constant describing of Lula annoys me. OK the woman is heavy and wears skin tight hooker clothes. Anyone that has read one of the books knows this ad nauseum.

I'm with Dru. I'll listen to recommendations but I mostly go by what I like. I can't stand the female protag who is TSTL and I don't like books where the author has their character spouting/preaching their political views. I quit reading one author after I felt like they were saying their political views were what was right and it pissed me off. Someone else might not care about that. And I enjoyed the Glazed Donut one - it wasn't To Kill a Mockingbird but it was a light easy read. Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't. I'll never denigrate what some might consider a "fluff" novel. Just like the motto for Malice Domestic - "Not everyone's cup of tea." : )

Caroline wrote: "I'm with Dru. I'll listen to recommendations but I mostly go by what I like. I can't stand the female protag who is TSTL and I don't like books where the author has their character spouting/preac..."

Who's the author you gave up for the political thing? I know a couple of people who won't read Paretsky anymore because they think she's too political. I think it makes her books more interesting. I didn't like GLAZED MURDER. Throughly unlikeable protag.

I've been vacationing and am catching up on my Goodreads emails. Thanks so much, Caroline, for your good reviews of To Hell in a Handbasket!!

I use recommendations from this list to choose the next cozy mysteries I'm going to read. I already enjoy Louise Penny's and Ellen Crosby's books, but I've gotten behind in their series because I've been investigating other authors. Based on recent comments here, I've got some catching up to do!

Okay, Beth. We'll let you read a few books - as long as you don't let your writing slip! We want to read more from you! Hahaha! Hope you had a great vacation. Mine starts tomorrow. (My permanent one that is - i.e. RETIREMENT! Can you tell I'm excited?) I'm actually going up to the mountains in WV (my sister's cabin) for the 4th of July weekend - leaving Friday and back sometime early next week. Plenty of books to read while swinging in the hammock!

Great, Caroline! Enjoy your retirement!

Caroline wrote: "Okay, Beth. We'll let you read a few books - as long as you don't let your writing slip! We want to read more from you! Hahaha! Hope you had a great vacation. Mine starts tomorrow. (My perman..."

Congrats, Caroline! Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!

I have never not read a book because of bad reviews. I always start reading and then if I'm not enjoying the book I'll go to the reviews on Goodreads or Amazon to see what people are saying. It helps me decide whether to give up now or read a little further.

I love Stephanie Plum ruining all the cars. It's just so silly I laugh out loud every time. I'm reading Sizzling Sixteen and she just borrowed a car from Ranger. I'm waiting to see how she totals it.

I very, very rarely ever nix a book because of something bad I've heard/read about it. I have added quite a few books from different reviews though!

Caroline,
I think you may find your retirement won't be as lazy as you envisioned. Almost everyone I know who is retired is as busy or busier than when they worked. I'm certainly an example. I started writing mysteries after retiring as a software engineer, and I'm now on a book-every-8-months schedule! I hope you still have lots of time to read, though. :)

I prefer word of mouth-- from mouths who enjoy the kind of things I do :-). Over the years I have developed a rule though. If a book has a heroines hair catching fire and it is supposed to be funny, I don't read it. I have found (from the three supposedly funny books I've read with heroine's hair catching fire) that I don't share the same sense of humor.

I rarely follow a "professional" reviewers review. I prefer word of mouth or just to try it and see. I have had to stop buying books, so I let the library do my dusting and organizing. Therefore, I can afford "try out" several authors and titles without an investment. Now my shelves are full of what I truly love.

Melanie wrote: "I prefer word of mouth-- from mouths who enjoy the kind of things I do :-). Over the years I have developed a rule though. If a book has a heroines hair catching fire and it is supposed to be funny..."

I can't count the times Stephanie Plum's hair has caught on fire!

Melanie wrote: "I prefer word of mouth-- from mouths who enjoy the kind of things I do :-). Over the years I have developed a rule though. If a book has a heroines hair catching fire and it is supposed to be funny..."

the fact that in the books you've read the heroine's hair catches on fire is NOT funny. The fact that you've been so unlucky as to read THREE books where the herioine's hair catches on fire, made me crack up a little. Sorry...

I wouldnt say I dont read a book because of good or bad reviews but sometimes it helps me add to the top of my TBR list or move books around. Especially if I notice the reviewer has similar thoughts on a book to me or rates the same books then I find it interesting to pick up the books they rate highly. I have found some good books that way from members here on Goodreads. I used to look at amazon reviewers too. But everyone has different tastes, so I will always follow my intuiton..

Traditionally I have always relied on the "blurb" about the book when ordering online, and if in a bookstore, the first few pages of the book to grab me. If I purchase a book, I feel compelled to finish it, whether I like it or not, so I'm pretty choosy. If I'm unsure, I rely on the Amazon reader ratings, especially since there's always at least one that gives an overview of the story. I never rely on the "official" reviews, since they are looking for things in the book that aren't necessarily that important to me.

Having said all that, since joining this forum, I find the recommendations by everyone here to be just as valuable as the Amazon reader ratings with the added benefit that I've been introduced to many great new series here that I wouldn't have found otherwise.

But if anyone asked what I missed the most about home, I'd say, browsing through my local Barnes and Noble store on a random afternoon, discovering new books. :) It's just not quite the same here (although still fun).

I was a little shocked at the hair on fire motiff....

I was complaining on another discussion that I am shocked by how many Christmas mystery samples I've downloaded (with cute Christmas covers) that have involved child kidnap and/or murder. Usually a cover warns you away and I felt really indignant that they would lure me in with cookies and Christmas trees and then have something like that in the plot.

Melanie, that's a major dirty trick in my book. I don't blame you for being indignant.

I don't usually read professional reviews of books. (For instance, I havn't found a book recommended in People magazine's book section yet that I liked, nor do I read anything from Oprah's bookclub.) I have occassionally looked at Amazon reviews if I'm not sure about a book. Now that I've been on Goodreads for a year, I look at the reviews here and the rating. I give the most weight to reviews from Goodreads friends that have simlilar tastes to mine, or from groups like this one to learn about new cozy mystery series to try.

I go by reviews somewhat especially on here and or Amazon customers. But I usually go by how the book is described and a lot of times the cover's looks will make or break it.

Melanie wrote: "I was a little shocked at the hair on fire motiff....

I was complaining on another discussion that I am shocked by how many Christmas mystery samples I've downloaded (with cute Christmas covers)..."
I just mentioned how I go by a cover, but after your comment I am going to be more careful. lol

Before I buy a book, I check it on Amazon. I read the publisher blurb, and if it sounds interesting, I read the reviews, starting with the negative reviews first, then I move on to the positive reviews, but I make my own mind up about them. I have bought at least one book based on 100% positive reviews and a cute premise, only to find that the quality and plot were not up to my standards.

Actually, I accidentally set my hair on fire twice. :(

Ellie wrote: "Actually, I accidentally set my hair on fire twice. :("

Were you playing with matches? Again?????

lol.

One time, I was actually holding a candle at a peace vigil and another I was holding one at the Easter Vigil. I just can't be trusted around candles! (and these weren't all that big either)

ok, now you've got me scream laughing. I would so do something like that. Imagine all around you with their candles having a moment and you hopping around trying to put your hair out!!! Poor you! I always have nightmares before the Christmas even service at our church that someone will set themselves on fire with the little white candles. We all go from the church to outside with them to welcome Christmas and one of these days I imagine I'll be putting out my Christmas sweater while singing Joy to the World!

My answer is the same as most people so far: I don't read 'professional' reviews, but I do listen to friends (online and off) with similar tastes.

My hair caught on fire at a candlelight service at church once so you are not the only one Ellie.

I only listen to any review if it mentions something I regard as important. For instance, I don't like excessive violence or constant vulgarities. If any reviewer mentions these in a review, I won't read or buy the book.
There are many books that I love that others don't and vice verse. For instance, Wolf Hall is extremely popular, but I can't figure out why since I thought it was horrible! So reviews only have a limited influence with me.

Chris wrote: "My hair caught on fire at a candlelight service at church once so you are not the only one Ellie."

I accidentally set a friend's hair on fire at a christingle service when I was about nine or ten: she just stepped back into the candle (and had LOTS of hair). Thankfully we got it snuffed out sharpish.

it's hard to be pious and on fire at the same time that is unless you're Joan D'arc!

Long hair and birthday cakes don't mix!

I was roasting a marshmallow and flipped it from the stick to my mouth and it stuck on my nose. Did I ever look awful the next night with my prom dress and a big scab on my nose.

It depends who the review is and whether I trust their taste in books.

Rosemary wrote: "it's hard to be pious and on fire at the same time that is unless you're Joan D'arc!"

I kept saying, I am the Paschal Candle!

Fire is all well and good, but let's talk ICE! When I was at a ski area years ago, our lift went through the snow making machine spray. I had long hair that was hanging down from my ski cap. After our run, I went into the lodge to use the WC and found that a large chunk of my hair had flash frozen and broken off.
I ended up with a chin length hair cut to balance things out! Any ice stories out there??