Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

I had a good month mainly with authors who are tried and true but also read a couple of really good debut books too. Here are my November reads:

Top Reads

Norwegian by Night
Derek B. Miller
An excellent debut novel. This had memorable characters, a tension filled plot, humor, family drama, and an interesting Norwegian setting. Listened to the audio version which was narrated by Sean Mangan who did a very good job juggling the all the various characters.

The Sweet Forever
George Pelecanos
The third book in the author's DC quartet and just as good as the previous two. The dark, gritty crime story was lightened a bit by all the pop culture references and I actually knew most of the music ones for once.

The Closers
Michael Connelly
A very satisfying entry in this series. Harry is back with the LAPD in the Open-Unsolved unit and doing what he was meant to do, clearing cases, though he is a bit rusty which adds tension to the storyline.

Good Reads

Let the Right One In
John Ajvide Lindqvist
This is not really my genre of choice and the story was dark, disturbing and, at times, graphically violent but I still found it very compelling and was impressed at how the author was able to make me care about various less than savory characters.

Chosen Prey
John Sandford
Usually I try to avoid books with serial killer plots but this series has always been the exception. For whatever reason I always enjoy reading about Lucas and his cohorts. This entry hints at some big changes both professionally and personally for Lucas which makes me eager to read the next book in the series. Listened to the audio which was read by Richard Ferrone.

The Bank of Fear
David Ignatius
A financial thriller that included international intrigue along with some horrifying scenes of torture in the post first Gulf War Iraq. I really liked the reluctant heroine and though the book was published almost twenty years ago and the technology was dated everything else rang true. I listened to the audio version which was expertly read by George Guidall.

The Judas Sheep
Stuart Pawson
An agreeable English Police Procedural set in Yorkshire. The main character, DI Charlie Priest, is quite engaging with a gentle sense of humor and the plot churned along at a nice pace.

When the Game Was Ours
Larry Bird, Earvin Johnson, & Jackie MacMullan
Larry and Magic give their accounts of their rivalry and how they ultimately became friends. A good overview of both of their careers but not a whole lot of new info. I received a signed copy of this book by Larry Bird from the Pacers for renewing my season tickets back in 2010 when the Pacers were coming off a 32-50 record.

Smokescreen
Dick Francis
An entertaining adventure featuring a movie star who agrees to travel to South Africa to investigate a friend's string of horses which, for some reason, have not been running up to expectations. Listened to the audio which was narrated by Geoffrey Howard.

The Herring Seller's Apprentice
L.C. Tyler
A light, fun read featuring a mediocre mystery writer and his interfering agent that was both humorous and well plotted.

OK Read

Come to Dust
Emma Lathen
Usually this is one of my favorite series but I found this entry to be a bit lacking. Though well written I just could not get engaged in the plot and thought the main character, Wall Street banker John Putnam Thatcher, was too much of a supporting player.

I saw the movie Let the Right One In and remember it as being very disturbing and not very good!

Quite a selection, Sandi. Good month.

Melodie wrote: "I saw the movie Let the Right One In and remember it as being very disturbing and not very good!"

Oh that's where I know the title from! That and Norwegian by Night are going on my request list. Don't think I'll listen to Bank by Fear but I'm tempted with George Guidall as reader -- will take a chance on almost everything he reads.
Also will check out the English police procedural.. you know that's one of my favorite genres.
I can only encourage you on the Prey series, they keep me entertained with the banter among the detectives and the developments in Lucas' private life.
Glad you finally got to When the Game Was Ours. I envy your Bird autograph but as mine is Kindle that's not likely to happen. Although I'm sure Jeff Bezos is working on it....

Melodie wrote: "I saw the movie Let the Right One In and remember it as being very disturbing and not very good!"

I recorded the movie version back in May but decided to read the book first. I figured reading would be less scary than watching it on the screen.

Carol, you know I agree with you re: George Guidall. In fact, I listened to my first book by David Ignatius, A Firing Offense, back in 2003 because George was the narrator.

looks like a good month