The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

Just finished for my book club and hated it!!!!!! Too bad as I'm the facilitator, but that's Ok too. tommorrow I will start He's always good.

Georgia wrote: "He's always good."

Well, so far. I just started reading DeMille and liked Plum Island enough to finish it. It seemed there was a lot of driving around for a such a small place. Moving on, I really liked Night Fall. Cathedral was pretty good but kind of 'stock' hostage crisis story.
The climactic scene went on for a hundred pages or so. Got to the point where it wasn't a page turner any more.
Just starting The Lion's Game.

And now a comment on the Jack Reacher Books.

I don't think Lee Childs has ever fired a weapon in his life. Just finished Killing Floor and Childs knows squat about firearms. He keeps running on about an Ithaca pump shotgun like its some infallible killing implement. One scene and Reacher is 100' away from a guy armed with this awesome warehouse clearer. About thirty feet from the shotgun are two people Reacher is trying to rescue. Reacher calculates a shot directed at him will literally decapitate the TWO hostages and kill Reacher. Now some facts:
The largest shotgun round, a 10 gauge magnum, is 3.5" long and packs either 18 or 24 pellets of large shot. At a range of thirty feet, the spread of these pellets is about the size of your hand. Its likely the plastic shot cup would still be accompanying the shot. At 100' the spread would be about 3'. At 120', if the target were wearing a heavy coat, its likely the shot would only leave flesh wounds if it penetrates the coat at all. Childs seems to find weapons that sound cool, not knowing a damn thing about them.

OK, OK. I know the Reacher books have their place and people read them for the escapist nature of the story. Still, there should be some connection to reality. Its galling to read such misinformation, particularly in the testosterone aisle.

Don't get me started. On the choppy syntax. Peering into darkness. Still of the night. Thoughts wandering. Ready to ambush.

Ken wrote: "And now a comment on the Jack Reacher Books.

I don't think Lee Childs has ever fired a weapon in his life. Just finished Killing Floor and Childs knows squat about firearms. He keeps running on a..."

You're so right about reality being important. You know what I just found out? You can't actually "jump to light-speed". :) Sometimes we have to relax a little and go with it.

I have several family members in law enforcement and they tell me that interrogations in books and on TV would cost them their jobs. But that doesn't stop Criminal Minds and Bones.

I have read Submit - Marina Anderson.

Melissa wrote: "Ken wrote: "And now a comment on the Jack Reacher Books.

I don't think Lee Childs has ever fired a weapon in his life. Just finished Killing Floor and Childs knows squat about firearms. He keeps ..."

Reality is important. Since I don't know enough about the reality of certain subject, i.e. guns, forensic science, etc., my ignorance is bliss. That said, the issue of realism keeps me from reading the majority of legal thrillers. I am lawyer in active practice and I find myself picking the story apart saying "He would never do this" or "She would never get that admitted into evidence" or "the judge almost certainly sustained that objection". I intend to hand on to my ignorance in these other areas or my to read list will get too short.

I have read Caress - Marina Anderson.

Tim wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Ken wrote: "And now a comment on the Jack Reacher Books.

I don't think Lee Childs has ever fired a weapon in his life. Just finished Killing Floor and Childs knows squat about fire..."

Tim, Just wondering does Scott Turow fall within the readability for lawyers? As a paralegal I always found him fairly believable. But, let's face it, I don't know all of the ins and outs of legalities.

Tim wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Ken wrote: "And now a comment on the Jack Reacher Books.

I don't think Lee Childs has ever fired a weapon in his life. Just finished Killing Floor and Childs knows squat about fire..."

I'm not an attorney, but I laugh at Bones (my kids watch it constantly) because a) they always accuse people without a shred of evidence; and b) the suspects NEVER ask for an attorney.

I was questioned by the FBI -as a witness- and I felt the need for an attorney. (When I called my attorney at home, he answered the phone with, "Nobody likes lawyers 'til they need one. What can I do for you ... my friend?" :)

Peace, Seeley

The comments about the Reacher series lacking technical authenticity are spot on. Read the first book a while back, and frankly, it turned me off thrillers for many years. I don't mind an improbable story, it's entertainment, after all. However, a modicum of technical proficiency is required to keep this reader interested.

Read The Perfect Assassin by Ward Larsen over the weekend & loved the story. Well-paced, action packed, a wee but of romance - terrific story. Glad I picked it up.

You know I've read all of the Lee Child Jack Reacher novels and I've never found myself falling back because of the details. Now I'll admit I grew up shooting multiple guns, .22, .306, and shotguns, but haven't been anywhere near them in years, so I don't get caught in those details, but Lee Child seems to know what he's talking about, and I think when he goes into those very specific details related to an intensive situation he's really going for the analytic approach of his character to that situation, and the various calculations he's making before he goes into his action oriented response. If I dealt with guns on a more regular basis, or was a former Army MP, or was more involved with the investigative process, I'm sure I could find many faults, but like someone else mentioned in this discussion, sometimes you have to look past the details to concentrate on the story being told. For the most part Lee Child tells a very good story, sometimes he goes overboard with how many details he tries to throw in, which in my mind slows the story down significantly, but for the most parts he's a head and shoulders above a lot of other authors I've read.

I should have stated that I am a lawyer in Canada (we call ourselves Barristers and Solicitors) Can't comment on Scott Turow as I haven't read any of his books. I see he is an attorney. Books about lawyers written by lawyers tend to be more realistic. Problem is that there are elements that people expect, i.e. DA's seeming leading investigations, exciting cross examinations filled with leading questions, etc. Its far more exciting than the real thing so it gets exaggerated. Great cross examinations can be interesting, especially when you trap a witness in a web of lies and half truths. Only problem is, it can take 3 hours to build up to it. Can't write a three hours cross examination.

Tim wrote: "I should have stated that I am a lawyer in Canada (we call ourselves Barristers and Solicitors) Can't comment on Scott Turow as I haven't read any of his books. I see he is an attorney. Books abo..."

Scott, a local author here in the Chicago area, has been on both the prosecution and defense. He had already left the government when he was asked to come back and work on the Greylord prosecution - corruption amongst judges and lawyers - some years ago. I've fallen behind in his books but I still look forward to new releases.

Last night I finished Surrender - Marina Anderson. Now I am going to read A country Halloween - Robert Larrison.

I finished Never Go Back by Lee Child. Though it wasn't his best book it was still Reacher. Enough said.

Just finished a good middle grade mystery

Seeley wrote: "Tim wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Ken wrote: "And now a comment on the Jack Reacher Books.

I don't think Lee Childs has ever fired a weapon in his life. Just finished Killing Floor and Childs knows squa..."

It is interesting that on tv almost everybody confesses to their crime. Guess that's how it has to work to fit it into the hour, or so I have been told when I complain about it. And, if they don't confess, it will just get beaten out of them . . .

Ken wrote: "Georgia wrote: "He's always good."

Well, so far. I just started reading DeMille and liked Plum Island enough to finish it. It seemed there was a lot of driving around for a such a small place. M..."

Ken, I've started reading my first novel by DeMille. It's called Wild Fire and I like it quite well so far. Actually, I'm finding the subject matter a little scary.

As a thriller writer, the turn that this thread has taken (reality and the lack of it) chills me to the bone... :-)

I'm reading the 4th part "The 39 clues" .. Does this book have an ending????

I finished The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart. In this Dismas Hardy (defense attorney) book, Dismas's brother-in-law Moses Mcguire is accused of murdering Rick Jessup, an abusive, blackmailing young man that his daughter had dated. Of course Dismas is Moses' lawyer as the case goes to trial. The book slides into trial mode, with plenty of courtroom scenes. I found this mystery book entertaining but felt it wasn't one of Lescroart's best efforts.

This is the book Im reading at the moment as well..I am enjoying his writing.He is a new to me author..why did I wait so longThe Ophelia Cut

Mark wrote: "As a thriller writer, the turn that this thread has taken (reality and the lack of it) chills me to the bone... :-)"
As a fellow thriller writer, I know what you mean, I hope no one expects me to have gone out and killed anyone like I have in my books...that just wouldn't be right....

Kathryn wrote: "Seeley wrote: "Tim wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Ken wrote: "And now a comment on the Jack Reacher Books.

I don't think Lee Childs has ever fired a weapon in his life. Just finished Killing Floor and Ch..."

Haha. Yeah, that doesn't happen. Rule of thumb, NEVER GIVE A STATEMENT TO THE POLICE! Well, at least in Canada :)

Rick wrote: "Mark wrote: "As a thriller writer, the turn that this thread has taken (reality and the lack of it) chills me to the bone... :-)"
As a fellow thriller writer, I know what you mean, I hope no one e..."

I hope you haven't been knocking people off! But hey, I doubt many people here have so we are mostly ignorant as to what its really like. If you are convincing enough, we just might start to think you have been doing it in your spare time but I don't think the defence of "research" has been accept by any North American Court.

Yeah...but I'm hoping at least to get a Tax Write-Off on guns, knives, poisons, impaling paraphernalia, scalpels, and various incendiary tools because those really were "research"...lol

Okay so this is a mystery more for children maybe teen. I think maybe more tweens/teens and adults too! The book that I have on 54 pages left in is Bobby Ether and the Academy. The author was nice enough to give me a copy of his book. It is such a page turner! I am at that part of the book where I am slowing up because I do not want it to end. It is (I will do a full review)about a boy who has special powers (not your typical special powers) and he does not know. But people who seek to harm him know. This has so many twists and turns, it is so great! When you start finding out what set things into motion, and why certain things happened, you will enjoy the ride. So check it out. I am sure if you write to him, he will send you his book. I am reading 5 other books but this one will get finished first.

Rick, if you are successful, you may spawn a new generation I thriller writers. Lol.

I'm currently reading The Secret Of Crickley Hall and just starting Circus.

Kathryn wrote: "It is interesting that on tv almost everybody confesses to their crime...."

That kills me too, Kathryn. I did a prison ministry for a church a long time ago and none of those guys could admit their crimes to themselves much less an interrogator.

One guy told me, "Yeah I did it, but I didn't rape her the way they said."

That was the only admission/confession I heard in the six months (all I could take) of visiting daily.

Peace, Seeley

Bill wrote: "I'm currently reading The Secret Of Crickley Hall and just starting Circus."

Crickley Hall is on my tbr list. I've read a couple other Herbert that I enjoyed and have heard good things about this one. Hope you like it.

Just starting Devil's Night by Todd Ritter. Unfortunately the author is discontinuing this wonderful series because sales have not gone well. It's a shame because they are well written and engrossing stories. I will miss the characters

Just finished Bobby Ether and the Academy It was definitely a mystery. It is more for teens I guess but I LOVED IT! It had so many twists and turns and the character of Bobby was so likable. I did a review. I was lucky to get a copy from the author. If you write to him he may send you the ebook. I am always honest and this was really a good story. I hope you will check it out and enjoy!

Just finished The Last Clinic: A Darla Cavannah Mystery by Gary Gusick and reading now White Fire by Preston&Child - the 13th Pendergast novel. Awesome so far.

Last night I read and finished A country Halloween - Robert Larrison. Now I am reading A Child is Torn “Innocence Lost” - Dawn Kopman Whidden.

Seeley wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "It is interesting that on tv almost everybody confesses to their crime...."

That kills me too, Kathryn. I did a prison ministry for a church a long time ago and none of those guys ..."

They do all say that they are innocent . . .

Ctgt wrote: "Bill wrote: "I'm currently reading The Secret Of Crickley Hall and just starting Circus."

Crickley Hall is on my tbr list. I've read a couple other Herbert that I enjoyed and have heard good thing..."

There was an excellent BBC adaptation of Crickley Hall a few months back. The missus and I enjoyed very much. It was on BBC Canada recently as well..

I've been reading Running In The Blue by Ben Badgett. It's a chase mystery rather than a murder mystery. Set in future New York, 2070's, a teen-ager races to save himself and his little sister from bullies and gets involved in bigger problems. This book does have math in it but the reader isn't called on to solve any of the equations. With my very limited mathematical skills I wouldn't have been able to give the book 5 stars if it did since I wouldn't have been able to finish it. As a disclosure, the author is my son. But as he or anyone who knows me could tell you I can't and won't say that a book is well written unless it truly is, even if I love the author dearly.

I am reading

Marika wrote: "Just finished The Last Clinic: A Darla Cavannah Mystery by Gary Gusick and reading now White Fire by Preston&Child - the 13th Pendergast novel. Awesome so far."
Can't wait for White Fire, but I can't get in till November, so I'm jealous...

Starting No Man's Nightingale: An Inspector Wexford Novel and Lies You Wanted to Hear.

Just Got done reading
& Both books was so good couldnt put both down! I love Alex Kava Maggie O'Dell series and I never read anything from Alice Blanchard but now I know I will lol!

Now I am reading these next

Began "The American" by Andrew Britton this evening (after my Red Sox won G1 of The World Series)

reading Stealing Shadows - still early but really liking this story so far

I finished Backfire by Catherine Coulter. Lots going on in this mystery which is part of the FBI thriller series: a judge trying serial killers is shot, the prosecutor disappers, FBI agents receive threats, there's a little bit of romance, and various agents have cute kids. Pretty good story.

Just finished by Keith Houghton, it's the third in a series featuring LAPD/FBI Consultant Gabe Quinn, it was real good as were the first two and Gabe is a great character, very likeable and he really has a tough time.

I have just finished the intense and most genius book A Child is Torn “Innocence Lost” - Dawn Kopman Whidden. Now I have to think what I want to read next.

Now going to read Roomies - Sara Zarr

Have had a very frustrating couple of days finding a new book. Went through probably 8 free download books, if not more, without finding anything I wanted to finish and went on to 6 library books, none of which I finished!

Finally which was a free download when I got it, worked. About a third of the way in now, feels more 'cozy' than most, but interesting research regarding jewelery that originally disappeared in the WWII era.

I'm racing through F. Paul Wilson's Dark City which is yet another prequel to the first book in the Repairman Jack series which started with The Tomb. I've read nearly everything that F. Paul Wilson has written and am sad that there will only be one more Repairman Jack prequel novel, but am also looking forward to what Wilson will dream up next.