The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

I keep running into people who don't seem to be aware that you don't need a Kindle to read Kindle books. Amazon puts out a freeware program called Kindle for PC you can download to your desktop and laptop. I use it, and actually prefer it because you can read full screen, or two pages side-by-side.

The link for it is here: Kindle for PC

There's also Nook for PC program from Barnes and Nobles, too. The link is here: Nook for PC

Considering you can now download free books from these two sites once you install the programs, I wouldn't pass it by.

Also there is one of each of these for Mac users too. Easy then to get books from library, as well as ebook sites, etc
I love it! Little harder to carry but still good. :-)

did it! but unsure how you can download free books? it came with three books but how do you add more?

There is a freeware down load for iPad.

If you want ot make sure your new eBook isn't lost in the internet never-neverland, as in never gonna see it, then go to "Manage my Kindle" on the amazon website. You can see if it recognizes your "Kindle PC". If it's on the page (Manage Device is the page name) then your books will go there as soon as you close the deal with amazon. (You need billing info and some way of paying even for free books. They just don't charge for them.)

For kindle formated books from sources other than Amazon, when you set up your account whith them, you basically email them to your kindle account and they get pushed through to your kindle. (more on that later.

i set up the account and downloaded all the free books I don't already have (there isn't many of them)
Kat i did and there was already three books waiting there and I downloaded 3 or 4 of the free amazon books but there was only about 12 to 16 free books. i refuse to pay for books when the shipping is more then the book

never mind I found out loads more free books

dont forget Project Gutenberg for all the classics you could ever want to read:

www.gutenberg.org

Good thread Hilary!

As far as I can tell, the entire Amazon Kindle catalogue seems to be available to the Kindle Reader Apps... (free titles included). So, you need to find the book you want on Amazon, select purchase (or sample chapters), select delivery location (there is a drop down box which asks which Kindle device you want it pushed to)... and click go. [Alternatively, as Hugh says, you can use the "Manage Your Kindle" page on Amazon]. Free books are treated the same as chargeable ones (so you have to go through the purchasing process but the bill is zero).

Most of the Amazon Top 100's start with a screen including Top Paid and Top Free so you can also look there for bargains.

Last time I checked there were apps (all free) for: PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and any Android device... (not much missing from this list!)

I have a Kindle but if I'm on the train I use the iPhone... in the office the Mac (etc...)... And your library syncs to the last page read (providing you have wifi on/network connection) - brilliant!

There are links to download the apps on every ebook product page. They're on the righthand side under the purchase boxes... (Well they are on the one I check most often! ... http://www.amazon.com/FIREBIRD-ebook/...)

Hope this helps...

Being of sound mind (and limited means...sigh), I regulalry go to a sub-genre of fiction books, select four stars and above (on the left hand colum of the Kindle eBook page) and "Low to High" (price) on the upper right corner of the eBook page.

That brings up the books with lowest cost on top, but only those rated 4 stars and above. Free is of course, the lowest price, followed by the 99 cent reads then 2.99 etc.

Then I look for books with a good number of raters. If a hundred people took the time to rate a book and it still averages 4 stars or above, that's a good sign about the quality of the read. Not perfect but not a bad indicator.

I've found a lot of books from main stream publishers that are on the free list because they've gotten old (I guess) or they want to drum up interest in one of the later sequels. Not tomention the Indie pub books.

i look for star rating son goodreads. going to check out project gutemburg

The Kindle for PC works very well. I have friends who like to read e-books on their iPads and there's a free app for that, too.

Definitely check out Project Gutenberg--I have found out-of-print books there that I've always wanted to read!

Brian January

does the staring at the screen not cause a headache or having to take a break when you are into it to give your eye a rest?

it does but i stare at computers for a living and as long as the light is good I am okay

If screen glare is a problem, especially at night, I found a free program for your computer called "f.lux" (google it if you are interested, but don't forget the period".

It automatically changes your screen brightness so that it is dimmer at night. I was surprised at the difference it made. I didn't realize how bright my screen was at night.

I love my Kindle and am giving some for Christmas to favorite relatives. I like the way I can make the font as big as I like and if I finish a book in the middle of the night I can order another.

Oh, and I love getting the first 3500 words or so of a book so I can decide if I want to buy it.

Ebooks are so much cheaper. In the old days I sometimes bought a hardcover, realized I didn't like it, and was out 25 dollars! Now I'm buying more books, paying less, and reading books I love.

I've found some of these books, however, fall down after those first 3500 words. And, so, I sometimes find myself thinking - what did I see in this? But I usually trudge on.

Evelyn wrote: "it does but i stare at computers for a living and as long as the light is good I am okay"

Kindle with their 'e-ink' format is actually easy on the eyes, and because I can set the font as large as I want, and the number of words per page, it cuts down on headaches for me. I find it a lot easier on eyes and headaches than a paper book has been.

If your looking at the "fire" then it's just like any other LED computerized screen.

Funny, you mention that about the first 3500 words, Jan. I have noticed this as well. I need to be mindful of it as a reader and a writer. A novel needs to sustain its power and narrative drive.

The new KDP Select program for authors gives them five promotion days every three months to offer their books for free. To find each day's offering, go to Kindle ebooks, pick your category and have them listed by price lowest to highest. Freebies come first on this list.

My historical thriller, The Grand Mirage will be available for purchase at no cost at Amazon tomorrow and Friday, Dec. 15 and 16. If you like adventure, romance and intrigue, be sure to download it. Enjoy! http://amzn.to/t2qD5R

Evelyn wrote: "did it! but unsure how you can download free books? it came with three books but how do you add more?"

What books come for the kindle Pc and can you play angry birds on it.

Heh. Kindle PC is just the same reader that you have on Kindle Fire except it's run on the PC.

It only does books, but it'll read any kindle formated book (and pdf formats too I think)

No Angry Birds though... sorry.

Ellen wrote: "I love my Kindle and am giving some for Christmas to favorite relatives. I like the way I can make the font as big as I like and if I finish a book in the middle of the night I can order another.

..."

The ability to order another book when you finish one in the middle of the night can be a problem for those of us who are compulsive readers. Since I got my iPad and started downloading Kindle books I have to exert extreme will-power to keep from overloading my credit card and reading until 3:00am.

that would be a problem for me too Dena. I gave hubby a kobo for christmas, kobos are more popular here in Canada and more local libraries support them. maybe sometime in the new year I will get myself a kobo but in the meantime i have the 1000 plus books sitting on my bookshelf to read lol