Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

Since I finished three books yesterday I will not finish a fourth for the weekend so here are my October books - all good ones!

Speak by Laurie Halce Anderson 9+ of 10
Coming Back by Marcia Muller 9+ of 10
On the Line: A Bill Smith/Lydia Chin Novel by S.J. Rozan 9+ of 10
Burn (Anna Pigeon Mysteries, #16) by Nevada Barr 8+ of 10
Every Last One by Anna Quindlen 10 of 10
Body Work (V.I. Warshawski, #14) by Sara Paretsky 9+ of 10

Speak by Laurie Halce Anderson
me:
what can you say about such a powerful book that isn't too little, too ineffective, too inadequate.

Coming Back (Hardcover) by Marcia Muller
Ah what a treat to spend time with Shar again.

On the Line: A Bill Smith/Lydia Chin Novel (Bill Smith/Lydia Chi... by S.J. Rozan
I started this series with a "Bill book" in Stone Quarry and was hooked so I was glad this installment was told in Bill's POV; though I also really missed his interplay with Lydia. This was a fast paced scavenger hunt of a tale with great characters and fast and furious sleuthing

Burn (Anna Pigeon Mysteries, #16) by Nevada Barr
I can't disagree with other people who have commented that the Anna Pigeon series books have gotten very dark and away from the "Rangering Anna" of previous books, but I still feel compelled to read them. This one was especially difficult with the subject matter of heinous crimes against children / slavery and child pornography. It didn't help that the book was split into two main character points of view in the beginning and then back and forth throughout. (not often my favorite style) All of that considered, it is still a powerful (and very disturbing) book.

Every Last One (Hardcover) by Anna Quindlen
I was wowed by this book. I am unlikely to ever forget it. More than ably read by Hope Davis, the listener is caught up in the lives of the characters and feels the events through Mary Beth Latham's voice.
Why I read this book: Anna Quindlen books are always of interest and I saw it on the new audio shelf at the library just as I dropped one off and was between books. I am glad I did.

Body Work (V.I. Warshawski, #14) by Sara Paretsky
One of the joys of reading a V.I. Warshawski book is the opportunity to get inside Vic's head and vicariously live in her Chicago world for a little bit. This is no exception and I am glad to know the denouement and was sad to have it end.

Very good month, Ann! I have BURN in The Pile, but am behind a few books in the Anna Pigeon series. The last one I read was starting to edge into the "dark" territory. Totally agree with your opinion of BODY WORK. This series seems to get better as it ages!

Good books Ann!...and you finished three in one day ;)

Thanks to you, Ann I've now moved 2 books up in the TBR - Speak and Every Last One ;-) I've heard good things about both and your reviews convinced me to read them sooner rather than later.

I hope you like them, Marcy!
Both dealt with painful subjects in a way that tears at your heart and makes you think. I couldn't read that sort of book all the time, but am glad when I do. I'd like to think it helps me to be a kinder and more observant person. Please be prepared for some tears.
Marcy wrote: "Thanks to you, Ann I've now moved 2 books up in the TBR - Speak and Every Last One ;-) I've heard good things about both and your reviews convinced me to read them sooner rather than later."

Wasn't speak a movie on Lifetime? If it was, I saw the movie. I just finished reading,Every Last One and did cry in that book.

Amy:
Yes, the movie of Speak was mentioned in the Author notes in the back of the book. I haven't seen it but would like to. It is coming on the Lifetime Movie Network on Nov 15 and 16. Kristen Stewart (Twilight) stars in it.
Amy wrote: "Wasn't speak a movie on Lifetime? If it was, I saw the movie. I just finished reading,Every Last One and did cry in that book."

I was going to check out speak on the nook but if it's coming out this month on lifetime I'll hold off and see the movie since I usually watch the lifetime movies. I do have every last one as a sample which I need to check out yet.

Well that took care of that nook doesn't have speak. But that is okay. I would never be able to read in with everything else I want to get read before it's on tv.

DJ:
The library here has a gazillion copies of Speak. (well ok, four copies at my branch anyway) ;)
Donnajo wrote: "Well that took care of that nook doesn't have speak. But that is okay. I would never be able to read in with everything else I want to get read before it's on tv."

I'll see if the library has on when I go on monday to take back the library book.