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Currently reading? Just finished? 2024
My review of A Cyclist's Guide to Crime & Croissants by Ann Claire
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm glad that Stephen King ventured out of horror into old-school mystery territory with Retired Detective Bill Hodges, a likeable guy who finds new purpose in catching the villainous Mr. Mercedes. 
My review of Mr Mercedes
Hi everyone!Has anyone read False Witness before? I am currently reading it and even though the premise is intriguing, the writing style is a little underwhelming. Particularly, the way it uses a lot of short sentences and goes into extensive detail of the settings. It feels like the plot gets bogged down by these descriptions, which sometimes seem unnecessary (or perhaps i'm wrong idk). And since I'm still pretty early on in the book (less than 50 pages), I can't decide if I should spend more time on it or DNF it right away
My experience reading this made me realize one of the reasons why I can't appreciate Rupi Kaur's work (and similar styles). The focus on short, fragmented sentences doesn't resonate with me.
Honestly, I thought I was going to be hooked from the first chapter onwards but here I am questioning if I should carry on. So, what I wanted to ask is: does the book pick up pace and get better later on or does remain slow-moving? Should i give it a second chance despite not having good first impressions? Because I'm
willing to overlook the writing style if the story becomes more engaging.
Wonderful historical fiction/mystery! Set in post-revolutionary war Maine, The Frozen River
captivated me!https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "I'm glad that Stephen King ventured out of horror into old-school mystery territory with Retired Detective Bill Hodges, a likeable guy who finds new purpose in catching the villainous..."Liked the review, Patty, and we're pretty much in agreement on the book and characters.
The Wrong One
is a decent afternoon’s entertainment. My three star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished my 54th book
Gamma Bots
by Ava LockThis is the third book in 'the womanoid trilogy', about female AI androids, their quest for freedom (from humans), and their adventures. The books are quirky and full of action.
Though they're in the genre of 'women's fiction' I think men would like these novels as well because there's plenty of fighting and shooting (and some sexy scenes 🙂).
Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm starting off the week with
The Last Thing Claire Wanted by Karin Fitz Sanford. This is a darker mystery, but I enjoyed it. It helped that I had fun with the setting - it was set in the town where I grew up.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Morning All, I've just finished reading Vendetta in Death by JD Cobb. Here is my review
Vendetta in Death by J.D. RobbMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an enjoyable, well written book. It was my first time reading JD Robb and her 'In Death ' series.
This is the 49th book in that series and I had hoped I didn't need to have read any of the others to follow. Whilst that is kind of true, it was clear that some of the characters that popped in to say hi were so brief that it felt like fan service and nods to her previous books.
I found it odd that it was set in the year 2061. This didn't seem that relevant, just some strange references to cars that could go vertical and had vending machines built in.
I really enjoyed Eve Dallas's logic as she worked the case. So many times I've read books where the detective plods along and then makes one giant leap that makes no sense but solves the case. Thankfully that didn't happen here and was quite well reasoned.
If you're new to the series, I'd strongly recommend starting with the 1st book. I will be looking to pick it up to work my way through Eve Dallas's back story
View all my reviews
I finished The Cuckoo by Camilla Läckberg
Here is my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Five Bad Deeds by Caz Frear
Here is my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Accidental Joe: The Top-Secret Life of a Celebrity Chef by Tom Straw
Here is my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
All the Colors of the Dark
is a solid five stars. My review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Cool Breeze on the Underground
by Don WinslowNeal Carey #1 sets up the series to follow. Neal, after his training is complete, is tasked to find and return the runaway daughter of a U.S. Senator. The book was OK. 2 stars.
Everyone is Watching
was a huge disappointment. Cliches abound. My two star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review of Wings Above The Diamantina] by Arthur W. Upfield
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Brian wrote: "Morning All, I've just finished reading Vendetta in Death by JD Cobb. Here is my reviewVendetta in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an enjoyable, well written book. It was..."
Brian - I think that was brave of you to tackle such a well-known series from the other end, so to speak. I keep putting it off because I haven't started it, but maybe I should just dive in. It sounds as if you had a pretty happy experience. 😊
The late Alice Munro's stories are among my favourites.
Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage: A Story
is right up there. An unlikely, cross-Canada search for a better life. Loved it.
My review of Hateship... etc.
I imagine the colourful music scene of Taylor Jenkins Reid's best-selling Daisy Jones & The Six will be better onscreen with real music and everyone looking high and beautiful.
My review of Daisy Jones and the Six
PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Brian wrote: "Morning All, I've just finished reading Vendetta in Death by JD Cobb. Here is my reviewVendetta in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an enjoyable, well written boo..."
I shelved so many books as the weren't the first in a series. I thought as this was so far in, (book 49) I wouldn't be ruining any cliffhangers from the early books.
That said, I'm sure its destroyed any "will they, wont they" romances that I suspect were in the earlier books.
I got it for 25p from my local library so I thought I'd jump right in.
Joe Country
by Mick HerronIn this addition to the 'Slough House' series, MI5 agents are looking for a teenage runaway in Wales while deadly mercenaries are trying to kill the boy.
Lots of action and skullduggery as usual. 4 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Storm Child
is a worthy addition to the series. My four star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Liz wrote: "Close to Death 
is a great addition to Horowitz’s oeuvre. My five star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
I cannot wait to read this!!! I loved the first 4.
Liz wrote: "Close to Death is a great addition to Horowitz’s oeuvre. My five star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
I've never read any Anthony Horowitz, reading this review sounds quite intriguing. Think I'll have to look up the first in this series
The Fall Between by Darcy Tindale is an excellent debut novel, featuring a female detective investigating a series of seemingly unconnected crimes in a small Australian town.review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I've gotten a little further in Carolyn Hart's Death on Demand series.
White Elephant Dead is fun, although it does have the usual issues for the series.Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished The Instruments of Darkness by John Connolly
Never read a book by Connolly? You must read this one!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Void in Hearts
by William TapplyBrady Coyne #5. One of Brady's long-time associates is killed. Is it murder? Well, you know Brady will find out. I liked the story -- 3 stars.
No Plan B
by Lee Child and Andrew ChildIn this Jack Reacher book, the former military's cop - and one of the toughest dudes alive - is determined to get justice for two murder victims.
Plenty of action. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I finished my 53rd book
Hi all, Ive just finished this. A decent read but not up to dean koontz usual high standards.
The Bad Weather Friend by Dean KoontzMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a story about Benny, a 23 year old very nice man who loses his job and his girlfriend on the same day. On this day of life changing events, he is bequeathed a mysterious crate from a distant relative.
We quickly discover this crate contains 'Spike', a 7 foot tall, supernatural creature known as a Craggle.
Spike's mission is to keep Benny safe and to discover why he lost his job and his girlfriend. Joining them is Harper Harper, a waitress and trainee private eye, first name Harper, surname Harper.
The story swaps between the present day mission and Benny's formative years, coming from a broken home and being sent to an elitist boarding school where the headmistress has been bitten by an alien and experiments on the students.
Whilst the story certainly sounds interesting, I found the characters to be very one dimensional. The occasional amusing quip but otherwise the dialogue is very 'wordy'. It reminds me of a quote from Harrison Ford discussing his StarWars script with George Lucas - "You can write this sh#t George, but you just can't say it!"
I think my biggest issue with this book is that by having this amazing, amusing, magical creature that can always save the day takes away any sense of jeopardy.
I found myself wanting to know more about Bennys time at school rather than following him into his present day encounters. I felt this was a book Dean Koontz churned out rather than lovingly crafted.
View all my reviews
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Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder
was a solid five stars for me. My review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The New Couple in 5B
by Lisa UngerA young couple inherit an apartment in a NYC building that has a reputation for supernatural and dark occurrences.
The book is very reminiscent of Rosemary’s Baby 3 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Nancy wrote: "Finishing up the last book until September for my real-world book group: The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann. I can't put it down."Glad to hear that. I finally obtained a copy. I'm looking forward to fitting it in, but I think it's going to wait until 2025.
Mod
Glad ..."
I started it Thursday and just finished like half an hour ago. It reads quickly because it's really interesting and there isn't a dull moment.
Oye
by Melissa MogollonThis seriocomic novel centers around a Colombian family in Miami. Grandma develops a serious health problem and teenage granddaughter Luciana appoints herself as Abue's advocate.
Dedicated to grandmothers. 3.5 stars
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group
Books mentioned in this topic
The Yard (other topics)In Too Deep (other topics)
The Jackal's Mistress (other topics)
Dream Town (other topics)
Flesh and Blood (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Alex Grecian (other topics)Lee Child (other topics)
Lee Goldberg (other topics)
Patricia Cornwell (other topics)
Erin Crosby Eckstine (other topics)
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