Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code. Ruha Benjamin. 5/5.

A scholarly exploration of technology, how it inherently fails to include representation of people of color and the harm that can do. The author presses for more conscious design of technological systems and for more review of technology’s use with those limitations in mind. Eye-opening; I read for my book group at work, and it sparked much interesting discussion.

A Promised Land. Barack Obama. Read by the author. 5/5

A wonderful look-back at Obama’s early life and career, ending sometime during his first term. Even with my being familiar with most of the events, this was a nostalgic and emotional read for me. The memories of how it felt to elect the country’s first black president and his years in the White House are bittersweet given all that’s transpired since.

Journey to Munich. Jacqueline Winspear. Read by Orlagh Cassidy. 3.5/5

Maisie Dobbs, still recovering from personal events, is called upon to impersonate a woman whose father is being held by the German authorities during Hitler’s reign, in order to secure his release. As always, there are a few things at work making the task more complicated. A good read, made more interesting because of the backdrop of Nazi Germany.

The Girl Who Lived Twice. David Lagercrantz. Read by Simon Vance. 4/5

More of the same; Lisbeth Salandar has dropped out of sight to pursue her evil sister. Blomkvist is drawn into his own mystery and eventually they intersect. It feels like this series is ready to come to a close but I enjoyed the time spent listening to this latest adventure.

The Law of Innocence. Michael Connelly. Read by Peter Giles. 4/5

Mickey Haller is stopped by the police, who find a dead body in the trunk of his car. Mickey is charged with murder and elects to defend himself while he and his team, including half-brother Harry Bosch, launch a defense and try to figure out who set him up. A solid entry in the Lincoln Lawyer series. I do love a good legal thriller.

I am slowly working through Promised Land.

Nice month Carol!
I am hoping to get to my audio of A Promised Land very soon. Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code sounds very interesting.