Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

Had a month filled with old reliable authors along with one NTMA who was good enough to go into the very large rotation. Here are my February reads:

Top Reads

Devil's Peak
Deon Meyer
I thought the author's previous books were all very good but this book is even better. Set in South Africa this story of three very different people whose lives intersect had a plot that kept me on edge of my seat, realistic characters, and a powerful ending.

Faithful Place
Tana French
Well written and very compelling, this was another great Irish crime novel by Tana French. Though the main character was not my favorite his family story kept me engrossed for the entire audio which was superbly read by Tim Gerard Reynolds.

The Moving Finger
Agatha Christie
The small village of Lymstock is being plagued by poison pen letters but when it drives one poor woman to suicide Miss Marple is called in to help. Deftly plotted with a nice romance this ranks up there with The Murder of Roger Ackroyd as my favorite by the author.

Good Reads

The Pearl Harbor Murders
Max Allan Collins
An entertaining historical mystery featuring a famous author, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and an infamous day in history. Listened to the audio version which was narrated by Dan John Miller who gave a steady performance.

Unruly Passions
Kate Charles
A quite enjoyable read though perhaps a bit heavy on the melodrama. Well written with realistic characters and interesting tidbits about the Church of England.

Suspect
Robert Crais
Robert Crais is one of those authors who you can always count on for good, quality entertainment and this book was no exception. Listened to the audio version which was narrated by MacLeod Andrews.

Tropical Depression
Laurence Shames
Judging by the cover of this book I was expecting a funny over the top Florida story and, while it had some of those elements, it also had a bit of a darker edge.

The Water Rat of Wanchai
Ian Hamilton
A fun, globe spanning thriller featuring a Chinese-Canadian forensic accountant who just happens to be an expert in Bak Mei. I enjoyed the financial aspects of the plot and thought the main character was quite interesting though just a bit too good to be true.

Death of a Hussy
M.C. Beaton
Like the previous books in the series, this was an easy, enjoyable read. Hamish is a fun character and the plot was pretty decent. Listened to the audio version which was read by Shaun Grindell who did a good job making the Highland accents understandable.

Sandy: good month! I also really enjoyed the audio of Faithful Place, the family drama was compelling, and Frank grew on me toward the end.

I loved the Shames books and was sorry when he stopped writing. His characters were uniquely likeable and quirky.

I enjoyed all of Max Allan Collins' Disaster mysteries and Pearl Harbor was one of my favorites. Really liked SUSPECT, too.

great month

Sandi: I checked and the fifth Tana French Murder Squad book looks like an August 2014 release. I look forward to it, the blurb said Frank's young sidekick in Faithful Place will narrate this new one!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Ann wrote: "Sandi: I checked and the fifth Tana French Murder Squad book looks like an August 2014 release. I look forward to it, the blurb said Frank's young sidekick in Faithful Place will narrate this new one!"

Thanks Ann. It will be interesting to see how the years have treated Frank. Since she only publishes about every two years maybe I can get caught up with her books in the next year.

I have Faithful Place out now on CD. Too many books, not enough time!!

Sandi wrote: "
Thanks Ann. It will be interesting to see how the years have treated Frank. Since she only publishes about every two years maybe I can get caught up with her books in the next year.
..."

I hear you Carol! (pun intended!) Lol I am torn between loving to immerse myself in an audio book and savor it for as long as I can and wanting to voraciously devour as many as I can.
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I have Faithful Place out now on CD. Too many books, not enough time!!"