NanaCC's (Colleen's) 2016 Reading, Part 2

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NanaCC's (Colleen's) 2016 Reading, Part 2

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1NanaCC
Editado: Oct 29, 2016, 2:55 pm

I have no formal plans for the year, but do plan to read Trollope's Palliser novels. I've been reading the Forsyte Chronicles, and have the third trilogy to finish in the second quarter.

My bookshelves and my Kindle are full of great books which I should read. And of course, I am constantly adding other books that are highlighted by the folks in this group.

CURRENTLY READING:



Phineas Finn by Anthony Trollope



Bootlegger's Daughter by Margaret Maron

ON DECK





Currently Listening:

2NanaCC
Editado: Dic 28, 2016, 10:35 pm

Books Read 2016

Print/Kindle:

(1946) 44- The Four Graces by D. E. Stevenson
(2007) 43- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
(2005) 42- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling
(2003) 41- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling
(2000) 40- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling
(1999) 39- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
(1998) 38- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
(1997) 37- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
(1992) 36- The Secret History by Donna Tartt
(2000) 35- A Sight For Sore Eyes by Ruth Rendell
(2014) 34- The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley
(2010) 33- Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson
(2015) 32- The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny
(2007) 31- A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch
(1865) 30- Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope
(1988) 29- A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George
(1937) 28- Summer Half by Angela Thirkell
(2001) 27- The Falls by Ian Rankin
(2000) 26- Set in Darkness by Ian Rankin
(1999) 25- Dead Souls by Ian Rankin
(2014) 24- Nora Webster by Colm Tóibín
(2015) 23- Finders Keepers by Stephen King
(1998) 22- The Hanging Garden by Ian Rankin
(2006) 21- Limitations by Scott Turow
(2011) 20- A Bitter Truth by Charles Todd
(2014) 19- Mr Mercedes by Stephen King
(1933) 18- One More River By John Galsworthy
(1932) 17- Flowering Wilderness by John Galsworthy
(1931) 16- Maid in Waiting by John Galsworthy
(2014) 15- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
(2014) 14- The Long Way Home by Louise Penny
(2013) 13- How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny
(2012) 12- The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny
(1928) 11- Swan Song by John Galsworthy
(1926) 10- The Silver Spoon by John Galsworthy
(2009) 9- Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
(2015) 8- Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
(1924) 7- The White Monkey by John Galsworthy
(1936) 6- The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie
(1921) 5- To Let by John Galsworthy
(1920) 4- In Chancery by John Galsworthy
(1906) 3- The Man of Property by John Galsworthy
(2012) 2- Gods and Beasts by Denise Mina
(2007) 1- The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys

Audio:

(1999) 23- Kissed a Sad Goodbye by Deborah Crombie
(2001) 22- Legacy of the Dead by Charles Todd
(2009) 21- Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen
(1989) 20- Payment in Blood by Elizabeth George
(1999) 19- Search the Dark by Charles Todd
(2016) 18- A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
(2007) 17- Dreaming of the Bones by Deborah Crombie
(2008) 16- A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen
(2005) 15- Mourn Not Your Dead by Deborah Crombie
(2015) 14- As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley
(2016) 13- Bryant & May Strange Tide by Christopher Fowler, Narrated by Tim Goodman
(2015) 12- Blood Salt Water: An Alex Morrow Novel by Denise Mina, Narrated by Cathleen McCarron
(1996) 11- Leave The Grave Green by Deborah Crombie, Narrated by Michael Deehy
(2013) 10- The Red Road by Denise Mina, Narrated by Cathleen McCarron
(2011) 9- Slash and Burn by Colin Cotterill, Narrated by Clive Chafer
(1994) 8- All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie
(2014) 7- Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming
(2013) 6- Speaking From Among the Bones by Alan Bradley, Narrated by Jane Entwistle
(2000) 5- The Constant Gardener by John le Carré, Narrated by Michael Jayston
(2006) 4- The Secret River by Kate Grenville, Narrated by Simon Vance
(2010) 3- Love Songs From A Shallow Grave by Colin Cotterill, Narrated by Clive Chafer
(2011) 2- I Am Half-Sick of Shadows a Flavia de Luce novel by Alan Bradley, Narrated by Jane Entwistle
(1999) 1- The Pyramid and Four Other Kurt Wallander Mysteries by Henning Mankell, Narrated by Dick Hill

2016 Stats
Books Read Total = 67
Print/Kindle = 44; Audio = 23; Women authors = 34; New to me authors = 8

3NanaCC
Editado: Mar 26, 2016, 4:39 pm

2015 Stats
Books Read Total
= 73
Print/Kindle = 56; Audio = 17; Women authors = 41; New to me authors = 20

My final thread for 2015 is https://www.librarything.com/topic/195276

I read a lot of great books in 2015, making it hard to pick favorites. Here are my final picks:

Favorite Fiction
The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengtsson
Passion: A Novel of the Romantic Poets by Jude Morgan
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson
Coventry by Helen Humphreys
A Month in the Country by J. L. Carr
Troubles by J. G. Farrell
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra

Favorite Mystery
Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

Favorite Reread
Emma by Jane Austen
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Favorite Classics
Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier This also falls into the 'I can't believe I never read this before' category
Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope
Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope
The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope
The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope

Favorite I Can't Believe I Actually Liked "That"
The Red Riding Quartet, Book One, Book Two, Book Three and Book Four by David Peace

Favorite Non-Fiction
A Spy Among Friends by Ben Macintyre

Favorite Audio
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: A Novel by by A. J. Hartley & David Hewson, Narrated by Richard Armitage

Most Disappointing
Loving Without Tears by M. J. Farrell

4NanaCC
Editado: Mar 31, 2016, 12:17 pm

2016 Q1 Stats
Books Read Q1 Total = 20
Print/Kindle = 15; Audio = 5; Women authors = 9; New to me authors = 5

5mabith
Mar 26, 2016, 4:55 pm

I love your stats and "Can't Believe I liked THAT" category.

6NanaCC
Editado: Mar 26, 2016, 5:20 pm

>5 mabith: Thanks, Meredith. :-) I thought the Quartet was terrific, but definitely not a series for everyone. It is quite graphic.

7BLBera
Mar 26, 2016, 7:36 pm

Happy new thread, Colleen. How many of the Galsworthy books are there? You must be approaching the end.

8NanaCC
Mar 26, 2016, 10:38 pm

>7 BLBera: Hi, Beth. There are nine books total in the chronicles. They are broken into three trilogies. Nine novels and several interludes. The Forsyte Saga (The Man of Property, In Chancery, and To Let); A Modern Comedy (The White Monkey, The Silver Spoon, and Swan Song); and, End of the Chapter (Maid in Waiting, Flowering Wilderness, and Over the River). I've finished the first two trilogies, and should finish the last trilogy by the end of next month. Then I want to tackle The Pallisers. I love Trollope, so tackle may be the wrong word. :)

9NanaCC
Mar 29, 2016, 7:16 pm



19. The Long Way Home By Louise Penny, (Minotaur Books (2014), Kindle Edition, 385 pages)

Reviews on this book are quite mixed, and I can see why. I love the Inspector Armand Gamache series, but after the fast paced, page turning thrillers that were the last two books before this one, the slow pace here was quite a departure. Inspector Gamache has retired from the Suret de Quebec and has moved to Three Pines with his wife. He is enjoying the peaceful quiet life, when the artist Clara asks him for help. She and her husband Peter have been separated for a year, but he was supposed to return once the year was up so that they can see if their marriage can be fixed. He hasn't returned, and now she is worried that something might be amiss. The story is told slowly, and all of the familiar characters and humor are present, but the heart pounding ending of the last one isn't here. I still enjoyed it, but I can see why some people were disappointed. 3 1/2 stars for this, the tenth book in the series. I recommend the series, but start at the beginning.

10sibylline
Mar 30, 2016, 8:06 am

I've enjoyed the Gamache series - I know the area too, as it is just over the border of Vermont.

11rebeccanyc
Mar 30, 2016, 9:50 am

Colleen, do you think I'd enjoy the Gamache series? A friend gave me the first one and it isn't calling to me. (In fact, I forget where I put it!)

12NanaCC
Mar 30, 2016, 10:45 am

>10 sibylline:. I love the area, and the descriptions of Three Pines make me wish it was an actual place I could visit.

>11 rebeccanyc: That's a hard call, Rebecca. They are not as gruesome as the Karin Fossum books. I think they are more character driven than plot driven. But, I'm not sure I'd call them cozy either. I could say try the first one and see what you think. I really enjoy them. They really do need to be read in order, because there are a couple of plots that carry through.

13NanaCC
Mar 31, 2016, 12:32 pm



20. Brown Girl Dreaming By Jacqueline Woodson, (P:, 2014 by Penguin Books, Kindle Edition, 353 Pages)

This memoir, written in free verse, is listed as a YA book, but really is a book for everyone. Woodson tells her story of growing up as a brown girl in the 60's & 70's, when the civil rights marches were in the news. Born in Ohio, she was raised in South Carolina and in Brooklyn, New York. Her best friend, Maria was Puerto Rican, and her stories tell of their sharing favorite foods on front stoops, and of being best friends even today. She tells of having stories in her head before she knew how to write, and how once she started writing, she couldn't stop. The book has won several awards including the National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2014), Newbery Honor (2015), among others. I recommend this book as a must for everyone. Five stars.

14detailmuse
Mar 31, 2016, 2:48 pm

>13 NanaCC: I loved it too and have been wanting another by Woodson, maybe Locomotion or Beneath a Meth Moon. What I really want though is more memoir from her.

15RidgewayGirl
Mar 31, 2016, 3:03 pm

>11 rebeccanyc: There are so many people whose opinion I respect who love this series. That said, I read part of the first book and hated every page. The characters are so very full of character that I think you'll either love the series or hate it.

16rebeccanyc
Mar 31, 2016, 3:16 pm

>15 RidgewayGirl: Well, since I can't find the first one that a friend gave me, I'm not in any danger of either loving the series or hating it.

17cabegley
Mar 31, 2016, 3:58 pm

>13 NanaCC: I'm so glad you liked this one as much as I did!

18NanaCC
Mar 31, 2016, 5:09 pm

>14 detailmuse: Have you read any of her other books, MJ? I was wondering if they are all for YA.

>15 RidgewayGirl:&>16 rebeccanyc: It is funny how we can click on most things, and then all of a sudden there will be something where we are wondering what the other person saw that we didn't. Your description of the characters having too much character made me smile, Kay. And, that may be why I've never recommended them to you, Rebecca. I think the only way you'll know would be to read the first. I wonder if my listening to the first two in the series gave me a different perspective. Ralph Cosham was the perfect narrator for the series. Unfortunately, he passed away last year, so I'm not sure who took over narration of the latest books.

>17 cabegley: I almost always love your recommendations, Chris. :)

19brodiew2
Editado: Mar 31, 2016, 5:18 pm

>13 NanaCC: I will need to check this out. Also on my similar radar is The Crossover.

Believe it or not, I was introduced to African American free verse by author Tameka Brown. Her book My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood is a favorite of my kids and I.

20NanaCC
Mar 31, 2016, 5:18 pm

>19 brodiew2: I'm going to check out The Crossover. The reviews look interesting. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, Brodie.

21brodiew2
Mar 31, 2016, 5:26 pm

Around Our Way on Neighbors' Day This one was not as popular in my house, but I enjoyed reading it. They are children's picture books but so well done. I wish Tameka Fryer Brown would produce more.

22lauralkeet
Mar 31, 2016, 8:07 pm

>13 NanaCC:, >17 cabegley: I loved Brown Girl Dreaming too. It really is a book for everyone. Not once did I feel it was aimed at a younger audience, and at the same time would be perfectly appropriate for younger readers.

23brodiew2
Abr 1, 2016, 12:02 am

>20 NanaCC: I picked up The Crossover today and am enjoying it already.

24NanaCC
Abr 1, 2016, 8:27 am

>23 brodiew2: That is good to hear, Brodie. I'll look for it soon.

>22 lauralkeet: I don't read a lot of YA, Laura, but I felt the same way about The Book Thief.

25lauralkeet
Editado: Abr 1, 2016, 11:49 am

>24 NanaCC: oh yes, so did I! I forgot it was even considered YA. Back when I read it, my local library had an edition on the general fiction shelves as well as in the YA section.

26detailmuse
Abr 1, 2016, 12:30 pm

>18 NanaCC: I haven't read others by Woodson. She's published a lot -- picture books, middle-grade and YA. I want to look closer to find one(s) that fit adults too.

27BLBera
Abr 1, 2016, 5:46 pm

Nice comments on the Penny and Brown Girl Dreaming. The later is on the top of the pile on my desk, which means I should get to it soon.

One thing I like about the Gamache series is the fact that people are dynamic; changes take place. I also think I read them more for the characters and the place than the mysteries.

28NanaCC
Abr 1, 2016, 9:25 pm

>25 lauralkeet: I think I can say that reading either of those books, I didn't get a YA vibe, Laura. Either is a book for anyone/everyone.

>26 detailmuse: Woodson definitely makes me want to read more, MJ. I'll be curious to see if you find something.

>27 BLBera: The one thing about Brown Girl Dreaming is that it is a quick read, Beth. It makes it easy to fit it into the plan.

I also love the characters in the Gamache series, but I know that Vivienne and Kay both mentioned the characters as what turned them off in the first book.

29Caroline_McElwee
Abr 2, 2016, 2:29 am

>13 NanaCC: That's been on my shelf for a while Colleen, I need to nudge it up the pile.

30NanaCC
Abr 2, 2016, 7:11 am

>29 Caroline_McElwee: I don't think you'd be disappointed, Caroline.

31BLBera
Abr 2, 2016, 11:49 am

Well, Colleen, it's lucky we don't all like the same things - it would be pretty boring.

32AlisonY
Abr 3, 2016, 9:07 am

Brown Girl Dreaming sounds great - another book bullet for a few of us!

33NanaCC
Abr 3, 2016, 9:37 am

>32 AlisonY: My job is done! :)

34NanaCC
Abr 4, 2016, 9:33 pm



21. Maid in Waiting By John Galsworthy, (P: 1931; Kindle Edition; 299 Pages)

The focus of the seventh book switches from the Forsytes to Fleur's husband, Michael Mont's cousins by marriage, the Cherrells. Dinny Cherrell is much nicer than Fleur, but just as interesting. Her brother Hubert is facing a possible murder charge. Her cousin is threatened by her mentally unstable husband. Dinny resists two eligible suitors, while trying to help her brother and cousin. The Forsytes were new money, the Cherrell's are of old established families, and while money is a little short, they have beautiful estates and pride of heritage. Galsworthy shows how society is changing in each of the books. I really enjoyed this one. Four stars.

35sibylline
Abr 5, 2016, 8:31 am

>12 NanaCC: It almost is a real place. Penny lives in the "Eastern Townships" area of Quebec, I think near Sutton, very anglais, just over the border from Vermont. There are a number of very picturesque villages in that area, the inspiration for 3 Pines.

Penny is annoyingly repetitive and sometimes . . . and writes sometimes simplistically and awkwardly, but the relationships are good and sometimes the stories themselves are very good - the one set in Quebec City where they look for Champlain's actual burial site and that is part of the plot and the one in the isolated monastery come to mind. An orful lot of folks get offed in Three Pines - really - an unbelievable number and that grated after awhile. But then, it is mysteryland, not real life.

36NanaCC
Abr 5, 2016, 4:25 pm

>35 sibylline: those were two of my favorites in the series too, Lucy. And yes, the number of murders in that little village is definitely "mysterland".

I love Vermont. My brother lives in South Burlington, which I enjoy any time I get there. I've only been to Quebec once, but would love to visit again.

37NanaCC
Abr 7, 2016, 3:28 pm



22. Flowering Wilderness By John Galsworthy, (P: 1932; Kindle Edition; 296 Pages)

Dinny Cherrell is still the focus of the eighth book in the Forsyte Chronicles. Dinny has turned down eligible suitors, waiting for the love of her life. In this book, she falls head over heels with the wrong man, Wilfred Desert. He's charming, a poet, moody, and with a past that comes back to haunt him. Dinny's family doesn't approve, but Dinny is determined.

I really enjoy Galsworthy's style of giving the reader a glimpse of the problems from a societal and moral view, without banging us over the head with answers that we may or may not agree with. He presents women as creatures who should have their own views and feelings, and not as possessions.

Loved this one. 4 stars

38edwinbcn
Abr 7, 2016, 5:57 pm

Nice progress with the Forsyte Chronicles.

39NanaCC
Abr 7, 2016, 11:23 pm

>38 edwinbcn: Thank you, Edwin. On the last one now. Well worth reading.

40janeajones
Abr 8, 2016, 1:49 pm

Bown Girl Dreaming was one of my favorite books last year. Glad you're enjoying the Galsworthy.

41NanaCC
Abr 8, 2016, 4:37 pm

>40 janeajones: Thank you, Jane. Brown Girl Dreaming will be at the top of my list this year, I'm sure. Have you read Galsworthy?

42baswood
Abr 10, 2016, 6:14 am

I wonder how many readers have completed The Forsyte Saga. The reviews on the book pages seem to get fewer as the series progresses.

43NanaCC
Abr 10, 2016, 10:34 am

>42 baswood: I noticed that too, Barry. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that the third trilogy is not about the Forsytes, but Fleur's relations by her marriage to Michael Mont. They are much nicer people, but there is plenty of drama.

44japaul22
Abr 10, 2016, 10:35 am

I read the first three of the Forsyte Saga and then stopped. I wasn't a big fan of Fleur and just never felt motivated to continue on with the characters that the first trilogy ends with. Though I did love the first trilogy. Maybe some day . . .

45NanaCC
Abr 10, 2016, 11:10 am

>44 japaul22: The second trilogy is all about Fleur, Jennifer, and she is not a nice character at all. But she is a great character, and there is so much going on around her and because of her. The people in the third trilogy are much nicer, but they have their problems and drama surrounding them too. I am loving it, and will be sorry when it ends.

46NanaCC
Editado: Abr 10, 2016, 6:07 pm



23. One More River By John Galsworthy, (P: 1933; Kindle Edition; 320 Pages)

This ninth and last novel in The Forsyte Chronicles was a fitting end to a wonderful story. Dinny's younger sister, Clare, has left her husband in Ceylon and refuses to give anyone but Dinny the true story of why she has left him. The husband is a brute and promises to take her to court. Times are changing, but a woman still seems to have no rights in the divorce court. Galsworthy handles it all very nicely though. I like his treatment of women in his telling of the story. Dinny also is trying to move on from her ill fated love with Wilfred Desert. The sisters both have suitable endings to their story. And even Fleur Forsyte comes out to be a good egg in the end.

If you've followed my thread, you'll see that The Forsyte Chronicles includes 9 novels and several interludes. It is divided into three trilogies:
1. The Forsyte Saga (The Man of Property, In Chancery and To Let)
2. A Modern Comedy (The White Monkey, The Silver Spoon and Swan Song)
3. End of the Chapter (Maid in Waiting, Flowering Wilderness and One More River)

According to Wikipedia: "Through his writings he campaigned for a variety of causes, including prison reform, women's rights, animal welfare, and the opposition of censorship. During World War I he worked in a hospital in France as an orderly after being passed over for military service. John Galsworthy was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932..."

After 3,000 pages, I didn't want the story to end. If you have the time, I highly recommend the entire series.

Edited to fix the touchstone.

47cabegley
Abr 10, 2016, 6:16 pm

>46 NanaCC: I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It's a time commitment, but so worth it. I was concerned when we switched in the third trilogy to a new family, but I ended up loving them. And I really appreciated Galsworthy's enlightened (for the time) view of women.

It's going to be hard to move on to something else after spending so much time in his world. I recommend light fare for a while--fewer comparisons.

48NanaCC
Abr 10, 2016, 6:27 pm

>47 cabegley: Thank you, Chris. I think Stephen King will do the trick, if Mr Mercedes is as good as you say it is. :)

I'll be getting to Trollope's Palliser series very soon.

49lauralkeet
Abr 10, 2016, 6:55 pm

>48 NanaCC: I'm sure you need a break before diving into The Pallisers. I'll start the second book, Phineas. FInn, soon, which I received from you in Virago Secret Santa. So I will be thinking of you!

50NanaCC
Abr 10, 2016, 7:20 pm

>49 lauralkeet: I'm looking forward to Trollope, Laura, so I won't be far behind you. Can you Forgive Her is waiting patiently on my Kindle.

51cabegley
Abr 10, 2016, 7:20 pm

>48 NanaCC: Let me be clear--it's no Forsyte Saga. It's got some ridiculous parts to it. But I couldn't put Mr. Mercedes down.

52japaul22
Abr 10, 2016, 8:13 pm

>45 NanaCC: Well, maybe some day I'll get back to it. I've enjoyed reading your thoughts on all of them!

53NanaCC
Abr 10, 2016, 9:09 pm

>51 cabegley: I know, Chris. It's Stephen King.. :) I'm figuring it is the "light" read you were referring to..

>52 japaul22: I'm pretty sure you would enjoy it, Jennifer.

54AlisonY
Abr 11, 2016, 2:54 am

The Forsyte Saga seems quite a reading commitment - it really must be good. How many books are there in all?

I think I would struggle to stay devoted to a series of novels as you have done - respect!

55NanaCC
Abr 11, 2016, 8:24 am

>54 AlisonY: There nine novels and several short interludes in total, Alison. I did read a few other books in between a few of them, but I was enjoying it so much that I really didn't feel it was a struggle to commit.

56rebeccanyc
Abr 11, 2016, 9:36 am

I'm impressed that you read the whole Forsyte Saga -- and it seems so quickly too.

57NanaCC
Abr 11, 2016, 9:41 am

>56 rebeccanyc: Chris read it last year, Rebecca, and encouraged me to start it. Once started, it was easy to keep going. :)

58baswood
Abr 11, 2016, 12:52 pm

The Forsyte saga seems like real enjoyment for you Colleen and you can always read it again if you get into a reading slump.

59AnnieMod
Abr 11, 2016, 12:53 pm

>46 NanaCC:

I have a nice edition of the whole series. Need to get around to reading it one of those days. Had been enjoying all your reviews of it.

60NanaCC
Abr 11, 2016, 1:46 pm

>58 baswood: Ah, there lies the problem, Barry. Too many books and too little time, as Rebecca always says. :). But I'll be starting Trollope soon, and if the Palliser series is as good as the Barchester series I will be just fine.

>59 AnnieMod: I'd love to see your thoughts if you do get to it, Annie.

61BLBera
Abr 11, 2016, 6:08 pm

Congratulations in finishing the Forsyth saga, Colleen. Your comments have almost convinced me to give it a go... Maybe after I retire.

62NanaCC
Abr 15, 2016, 8:51 am

>61 BLBera: I loved it, Beth. It really was something with which to settle down and get cozy.

63NanaCC
Abr 15, 2016, 9:16 am



24. Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King (P: 2014; Scribner; Kindle Edition; 449 Pages)

I don't read anything by Stephen King, because I'm really not a fan of horror stories. But every once in a while he writes one that fits right in my comfort lane. My daughter, cabegley, finished this one and said I'd enjoy it, and she was right (as usual).

No supernatural horror, but more of the serial killer kind...this was a fast paced, cat and mouse, retired police detective vs. crazy maniac thriller. I found it hard to put down. The story is told alternately through the eyes of the detective and of the killer, and that works well here. King's cast of characters are really well drawn. If you like a fast thrill ride, I think you'd like this one. Four stars.

64janeajones
Abr 15, 2016, 8:04 pm

I've enjoyed all your reviews of the Forsyte Saga. Don't think I'm quite ready for that committment yet :)

65NanaCC
Abr 15, 2016, 9:40 pm

>64 janeajones: when you are ready, Jane, I think you will find it worthwhile. A lot of people go with the first three novels which make up The Forsyte Saga. Once I finished those I was anxious to keep going.

66RidgewayGirl
Abr 16, 2016, 6:20 am

>63 NanaCC: I liked Mr. Mercedes quite a bit, although I spent much of the novel expecting something supernatural to show up. I like that King has written a well-plotted PI novel that respects the genre. He did keep some tropes that I don't personally love (dead woman as motivator, for example) but he does do a great job. The next book is also excellent.

67NanaCC
Abr 16, 2016, 8:04 am

>66 RidgewayGirl: I knew that there wasn't anything supernatural, Kay, because Chris wouldn't have recommended it to me if there had been. I'm glad to hear that book two is good too.

68sibylline
Editado: Abr 17, 2016, 11:27 am

Besides adding The Constant Gardener to my audio WL I am considering LISTENING to the Forsyte Saga. I will have to think of some very long drives, eh??? Or knit a blanket for an elephant? Or something!

69NanaCC
Abr 17, 2016, 1:41 pm

>68 sibylline: I listen while driving or knitting too. Elephant...well maybe. :). I listened to one of the Trollope's last year, and liked it quite a bit. I can see where the right reader could make the Forsyte Saga quite enjoyable. You could start with the first Trilogy, which is actually the part called The Forsyte Saga. About a thousand pages probably equals something over 40 hours, I think.

70Simone2
Abr 20, 2016, 2:17 pm

>63 NanaCC: That sounds just like something I'd like to read during the coming holidays "Cat and mouse and no horror". Although The Stand has been calling from my TBR pile for years and I still have not picked it up, while it is supposed to be King's best, I thought.

71NanaCC
Abr 20, 2016, 4:35 pm

>70 Simone2:. I read The Stand many years ago, and liked it. I thought of it more as a tale of good vs. evil than a typical Stephen King horror story.

72brodiew2
Abr 20, 2016, 5:28 pm

>71 NanaCC: I think that is a good characterization of The Stand, NanaCC. It is also an epic post apocalyptic tale.

>70 Simone2: I highly recommend it. It is well written and contains great characters on both sides of the good/evil spectrum. It is hard not to come away from The Stand thinking you have experienced something special.

This from King fan, like NanaCC, who has picked and chosen from his works over the years. dead Zone is another oldie, but goodie.

73NanaCC
Abr 20, 2016, 8:29 pm

>72 brodiew2: I think the first book I ever read by Stephen King was The Long Walk, which he wrote under the name Richard Bachman. I don't remember anything about it, although I think I liked it.. It was a long time ago.

74BLBera
Abr 20, 2016, 10:16 pm

Colleen - I have to admit, I have never read a book by Stephen King. I don't care for horror. I might try the one about the Kennedy assassination.

75NanaCC
Abr 20, 2016, 10:29 pm

>74 BLBera: I have that one on my Kindle, Beth, and I'm tempted. One of my daughters loved it, and the other said it was ok, but she seemed lukewarm at best. I will get to it some day, since, after having finished Mr Mercedes, I realize it probably will be good. If you like a good thriller (not horror), you might like Mr Mercedes too.

76japaul22
Abr 21, 2016, 4:45 pm

I haven't read many of Stephen King's books (considering how many he's written), but I LOVED The Stand.

77cabegley
Abr 21, 2016, 9:20 pm

>72 brodiew2: The Stand is his best, in my opinion. I agree that The Dead Zone was also good, although I was probably in my teens when I read it.

In >75 NanaCC:, I would be the lukewarm one. I think it was fine, and I think you should listen to the daughter who loved it.

78NanaCC
Abr 26, 2016, 11:03 am

>76 japaul22: Sorry I've been absent from here for a few days, Jennifer, and missed your post. I also liked The Stand quite a bit, and seem to remember reading it while the miniseries starring Gary Sinise was playing on TV.

>77 cabegley: Yes, you gave me a very lukewarm opinion of that one, but I will get to it eventually.

79brodiew2
Abr 26, 2016, 1:13 pm

>78 NanaCC: I enjoyed The Stand television miniseries, though Gary Sinise was not the Stu Redman I has in my head. I saw Harrison Ford or someone older and earthier than Sinise. He did well though. My favorite character was Rob Lowe's Nick Andros.

80NanaCC
Abr 26, 2016, 3:52 pm

>79 brodiew2: I barely remember any of it, it was so long ago. Gary Sinise and Jamie? Sheridan were the only two I could think of. :) I'm getting old.

81NanaCC
Abr 26, 2016, 4:10 pm




25. A Bitter Truth by Charles Todd, (P: 2011, William Morrow, Edition: Reprint, Kindle Edition, 368 pages)

This is the third book in the Nurse Bess Crawford mystery series by the mother / son writing team of Charles Todd. Timeframe is WWI. Bess is a nurse serving in France. Home in London on leave, she stumbles over a woman huddled on her doorstep on a cold wet winter's night a few weeks before Christmas. The woman has been beaten by her husband, and is hiding from him. Even though she's a stranger, Bess invites her to stay, and eventually is persuaded to accompany the woman to her home in Sussex. A murder takes place and everyone in the house, including Bess, winds up as a suspect. While more than a little predictable, the descriptions of France during the war are enjoyable. The Ian Rutledge series by the same writing team is a much better series. But both point out the effects that the war had on the people at home, as well as on those serving in the field. 3 1/2 stars.

82NanaCC
Abr 26, 2016, 4:26 pm



26. Limitations by Scott Turow, (P: 2006, Picador, Edition: First Edition, 197 pages)

This is my first book by Scott Turow. Linda (laytonwoman) had reviewed it earlier this month, and it wound up on my library wishlist. A court of appeals judge, George Mason, is sitting on a case involving rape of a 15 year old girl by four high school students. The statute of limitations had passed before she brought it to attention, and the video tape of the whole incident may or may not have been legally shown in court. George is one of three judges who must decide whether the verdict should stand, and he is the deciding vote. He is distracted by his wife's cancer diagnosis, and also by death threats that he has been receiving in email. He also has memory of an incident in his own past during college and this is making him question his reasoning in the case. Although classified as a thriller, I wouldn't call it thrilling in the same vein as the book I recently read by Stephen King. It was slower, and maybe more thoughtful. I gave this one 3 1/2 stars.

83NanaCC
Abr 26, 2016, 4:54 pm



27. The Hanging Garden by Ian Rankin, (P: 1998; Minotaur Books (1999), Edition: 1st, Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages)

This ninth book in the Inspector Rebus mysteries, was a page turner. Who am I kidding, I think all of these books by Ian Rankin do that to me. I wind up staying up late trying to finish. Here we have gang warfare, an Eastern European prostitution ring, a man suspected of being a Nazi war criminal, investigation into a rumored post-WWII secret "train" by which the Vatican and the Allies smuggled high-ranking Nazi figures to the West, called the Rat Line, a Japanese crime gang called Yakuza, and drug smuggling by unsuspecting senior travelers. As complicated as all of that crazy mish mosh of a plot sounds, it all comes together very nicely to a satisfying conclusion. All this is going on while Rebus' daughter is in the hospital in a coma due to a hit and run accident (or was it intentional?). I really enjoyed it, and look forward to the next one in the series. 4 1/2 stars.

84NanaCC
Abr 27, 2016, 6:11 pm



28. Speaking from Among the Bones by Alan Bradley, Narrated by Jane Entwistle , (©2013 Bradley Page (P)2013 Random House Audio)

This is the fifth book in the Flavia de Luce mystery series. For those who enjoy the series, this one will not disappoint. Flavia's knowledge of chemistry once again helps her to figure out the mystery of how the organist's body was found in the crypt housing the bones of Saint Tancred. It is the 500th anniversary of the saint's death, and his bones are being removed from his tomb. Of course Flavia wormed her way in to be on site for the big reveal. While the mystery is pretty well done, it is the many characters that make these books so much fun to read. I will definitely keep going with the series. I gave this one 4 stars.

85brodiew2
Editado: Abr 27, 2016, 6:28 pm

>83 NanaCC: I have not read Rankin before, but the subplots in this one sound delicious. Audio wish list.

>81 NanaCC: Todd's first Rutledge is on my list this year. A test of wills

86NanaCC
Editado: Abr 27, 2016, 6:31 pm

>85 brodiew2: If you can start from the beginning with the Rebus series, Brodie, it will be beneficial with the buildup of one of the gang leaders. Also the development of Rebus' character from book to book is really good.

The Rutledge series is very good.

87AnnieMod
Abr 27, 2016, 6:33 pm

>86 NanaCC: Not to mention Edinburgh - the city is a major character in the books although it is more defined in the earlier ones - the later ones do not need to define, a sketch makes it clear what they mean because you know the city from before.

88NanaCC
Abr 27, 2016, 6:44 pm

>87 AnnieMod: absolutely, Annie. The Rebus books get better and better as they go on.

>85 brodiew2: I haven't listened to these books, however, because reviews of the readers have not been good. On Audible, a lot of the reviews say "loved the book, couldn't stand the reader". For me, a reader can make a big difference in my enjoyment of it.

89brodiew2
Abr 27, 2016, 7:00 pm

>88 NanaCC: I agree re narrators, NanaCC. I'll give it a try. I wonder if Audible narrators are the same as audio discs. I guest we'll see.

90lauralkeet
Abr 27, 2016, 9:38 pm

I need to get back to Rebus. I think I've only read 2 bit I have a couple more on my shelves.

91NanaCC
Abr 27, 2016, 10:19 pm

>89 brodiew2: Good luck, Brodie. Hopefully you will get a good reader. The stories are really good.

>90 lauralkeet: The books just keep getting better and better, I think, Laura. They are the kind I could sit and read one right after the other. But I won't. Although, I did ask inter-library loan to try to get me the next one.

92baswood
Abr 28, 2016, 5:29 pm

Deep into murder and mayhem after your Forsyte Saga experience.

93NanaCC
Abr 28, 2016, 6:07 pm

>92 baswood: Oh, I am. And, to make things even more "thrilling", I was about to start Trollope's Can You Forgive Her?, when the library loan for Stephen King's Finders Keepers came in. That is a follow up to Mr Mercedes, so it won't keep me away from Trollope for too long. I am assuming it is as much of a page turner as the first one was.

94RidgewayGirl
Abr 29, 2016, 4:51 am

Finders Keepers is excellent! Enjoy it. I'm waiting for the next book. I never thought I'd be hoping Stephen King would pick up his writing pace!

95NanaCC
Abr 29, 2016, 6:52 am

>94 RidgewayGirl: I had a hard time putting it down last night, but knew I'd be wiped out today if I didn't go to sleep. Have you read The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson? I read it in December at Chris' suggestion. She basically said "read this". It is another page turner that I haven't seen mentioned here.

96RidgewayGirl
Abr 29, 2016, 8:16 am

Colleen, I do have books on my tbr. But I suppose there's always room for one more. Noted.

97BLBera
Abr 29, 2016, 3:01 pm

Hi Colleen - As usual, I got some ideas for new series here. Both the Rebus and the Rutledge sound good. I've read the first two of the Bess Crawford and felt they were OK -- I, like you, do like the setting though, so I'll probably keep reading.

98NanaCC
Abr 29, 2016, 6:05 pm

>97 BLBera: Hi Beth. I do find Bess Crawfird annoying, but I guess I will keep going as there were some really good parts when she was in France. The other two series are worth starting IMO, with Rebus being the better of the two.

99NanaCC
mayo 5, 2016, 11:20 am



29. Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming, (2014 by HarperAudio)

Alan Cumming's narration of his touching memoir was easy to listen to because of the lovely accent. But, the subject matter is sad and at times rather dark. His father was very abusive to Alan and his older brother, and yet Cumming lets you know how much he knew he was loved by his mother and his granny. When he agreed to do the tv reality show "Who Do You Think You Are", he thought he was going to find out about his grandfather, which he did. He also found out how cruel his father could be, when his father revealed something to him that had his head spinning. He concludes by saying he knows how lucky he is in his current life, and he seems happy with that. I enjoyed the listen. 4 stars.

100NanaCC
mayo 5, 2016, 11:39 am



30. Finders Keepers by Stephen King, (P: 2015; Scribner, Kindle Edition; 448 pages)

A famous author, John Rothstein, is murdered by a fan who is obsessed by his books about the fictional character Jimmy Gold. Or at least Morris, the murderer, was a fan until the third book, where he felt the author ruined the character. I'm not giving anything away, because this happens in the first few pages. Morris winds up in prison for something totally different, but 30 plus years later after he is released, he comes back to the place he hid the notebooks that he stole from the author on the night of the murder. A teenager had found those books several years earlier, and Morris is furious. He is a killer after all. Detective Hodges, who solved the Mr Mercedes case, is back to help the teenager before he winds up dead too. I really enjoyed this one, and it should have been a page turner - it was, but I had to keep putting it down- the tension definitely made this one a "thriller" for me. 4 stars

Now back to Can You Forgive Her by Anthony Trollope. I need to get my blood pressure back to normal.

101NanaCC
Editado: mayo 11, 2016, 6:00 pm



31. Nora Webster by Colm Tóibín, (P: 2014; Kindle Edition; Scribner; 374 pages)

This was just what I needed after the roller coaster of a ride with Stephen King's book. I read Brooklyn a little while ago, so knew I would enjoy this one, set in the Ireland that Tóibín knows and loves.

Nora Webster's husband, Maurice, has recently died, and she is filled with grief. He was the love of her life, and now she must cope with neighbors who come calling to express their condolences, financial issues, two young boys at home, and two daughters in college. The book covers three years of her life as she emerges from her grief, finds a love for music, and discovers some strengths that had been hidden. If you are looking for adventure or excitement, you won't find it here. You will find a lovely quiet story. Four stars for me.

102lauralkeet
mayo 11, 2016, 8:15 pm

I loved Toibin's The Master and keep meaning to read more. Why haven't I? So darn many books ...

103NanaCC
mayo 11, 2016, 9:42 pm

>102 lauralkeet: Thank you for stopping by, Laura. I have yet to read The Master, but have it on my list. As you can see, I keep getting distracted, and haven't made progress on Trollope's Palliser series. "So darn many books" is correct.

104NanaCC
mayo 13, 2016, 3:01 pm



32. Dead Souls by Ian Rankin, (P: 1999; Minotaur Books; 406 pages)

This is the 10th book in the Inspector Rebus crime series, and it kept me up way past my bedtime last night. A highly respected police officer, Jim Margolies, commits suicide, but Rebus doesn't believe that is what happened. A convicted paedophile, Darren Rough, is freed from prison, and winds up placed in housing near a playground. A child from the same housing complex goes missing. Old high school friends (the wife was once Rebus' sweetheart) come to Rebus for help after their son disappears. And to top things off, a murderer, Cary Oakes, is released from jail in the U.S. due to a technicality and has been deported back to Scotland where Rebus is assigned to the team responsible for keeping tabs on him. The authorities have been warned by the U.S. authorities that he will likely murder again. All of these subplots could be confusing, but Ranking deftly weaves them together for a rather satisfying read. 4 stars.

105BLBera
mayo 14, 2016, 2:07 pm

Hi Collen - Great comments on Nora Webster. Tóibín can write, can't he? I've loved all his books.

I keep meaning to try the Rebus series - your comments gave me a nudge.

Have a wonderful weekend.

106Caroline_McElwee
mayo 14, 2016, 4:21 pm

I'll be rereading Nora Webster for my reading group next month Collen, I agree Tôibin is a fine writer. I read his book n Elizabeth Bishop recently, and loved it.

I've read som early Rebus, and loved Ken Stott on the tv series.

I've got Alan Cummings' book on the shelf. I saw him on stage in the 90s a few times.

107NanaCC
mayo 14, 2016, 6:33 pm

>105 BLBera:. Hi Beth. If you like gritty crime stories, I think you'd like Rebus. And I agree about Toibin. His writing is wonderful.

>106 Caroline_McElwee: I didn't know that there was a Rebus TV series, Caroline. I wonder if it would be something I could find.

I've only read Brooklyn and Nora Webster, but I'm interested to read more.

I really like Alan Cummings in anything I've seen him in. His book was full of emotions.

108AnnieMod
mayo 15, 2016, 2:16 am

>107 NanaCC:

It is available ion DVDs in the USA - check your library - I know I had seen it in mine. May be on one of the streaming providers as well but had not looked. :)

109NanaCC
mayo 15, 2016, 5:23 am

>108 AnnieMod:. Thank you, Annie. Would I just search for Rebus? Not sure what it would be called.

110Caroline_McElwee
mayo 15, 2016, 7:35 am

Yes Colleen, it's just called Rebus, there were several series with Ken Stott in (there is a series with John Hannah as Rebus, but I liked it less).

111rebeccanyc
mayo 15, 2016, 10:30 am

Colleen, do you think I'd like Rebus? I'll soon be searching for another mystery series.

112sibylline
mayo 15, 2016, 9:37 pm

From Galsworthy into a crime wave!

113NanaCC
mayo 16, 2016, 7:58 am

>110 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you, Caroline!

>111 rebeccanyc: I think you might like Rebus, Rebecca. Like many series, they get better and more complex as they go along. I think it was Lois who originally recommended the series to me when I first joined LT. The atmosphere of Edingburgh is also a big part of my enjoyment.

>112 sibylline: I think you could say my reading tastes are a bit varied, aren't they, Lucy. :) I'm also reading Trollope right now, so I feel like I'm not completely wasting my time. I must admit though, that after I retired a couple of years ago, I decided to read what I wanted to, rather than what I thought I should read. That is working for me.

114rebeccanyc
mayo 16, 2016, 10:47 am

>113 NanaCC: Thanks, Colleen. I think I'll order the first one as I like to start at the beginning.

115NanaCC
mayo 16, 2016, 11:30 am

>114 rebeccanyc: I am the same way, Rebecca. I like the character development, and often there are story lines that carry through. Have you read the series that J K Rowling is writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith? The first book is The Cuckoo's Calling. There are only three, so far, but I think I read that she plans seven. It is excellent. Tana French's series starting with In the Woods is also very good.

116lauralkeet
mayo 16, 2016, 4:15 pm

>115 NanaCC: I agree with both of your recs, Colleen. I've heard there's a new Tana French on the way too.

117NanaCC
mayo 16, 2016, 5:18 pm

>116 lauralkeet: Laura, I love hearing that my favorite series will have more books, at least as long as the writing stays good. Something to anticipate going forward. :)

118NanaCC
mayo 16, 2016, 5:46 pm



33. All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie, Narrated by Michael Deehy, (©1994 Deborah Darden Crombie (P)2010 BBC Audio)

The second book in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series was nice to listen to on my car ride to CT this weekend. I think I would put this police procedural in the "cozy" classification. Superintendent Kincaid and his assistant Sergeant James work for Scotland Yard. In this installment, Kincaid's terminally ill neighbor, Jasmine Dent, dies quietly in her sleep, but Kincaid thinks something doesn't quite fit. After an autopsy indicates an overdose of morphine, he and Gemma need to investigate to see if it was suicide, and if so, was it assisted, or was it murder. There is quite a bit of delving into the victim's back story, so the reader gets to know her as well as the other characters in the story. Enjoyable. 3 1/2 stars

119AlisonY
mayo 23, 2016, 2:41 pm

Glad to hear Nora Webster was a good follow up to Brooklyn. Must read that one soon.

120NanaCC
mayo 24, 2016, 6:05 pm

>119 AlisonY: I think you'd like it, Alison. A very quiet read.

121Caroline_McElwee
mayo 27, 2016, 6:10 pm

I just brought home my mum's 1925 copy of the complete The Forsyte Saga, I had it in a box of her things still at dads, so it may get read this year. After I get back to, and finish The Barsetshire Chronicles.

122NanaCC
Editado: mayo 27, 2016, 8:08 pm

>121 Caroline_McElwee: I loved The Barsetshire Chronicles, Caroline. I've been a bit distracted by mysteries this month, but will get to the first book of the Pallisers series soon. I think you'll enjoy the Forsyte Saga too. How wonderful to have the old set. I think once you finish those, you will want to get the rest of the chronicles.

123lauralkeet
mayo 28, 2016, 6:25 am

>122 NanaCC: will get to the first book of the Pallisers series soon
Where have I heard that before?! Ha! Hope you're having a nice holiday weekend Colleen.

124NanaCC
Editado: mayo 28, 2016, 7:23 am

>123 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. LOL. I'm reading an Angela Thirkell now, Summer Half. I figured that would get me off the murder mystery kick. (I've read two more of Rankin's Rebus books that I have yet to write about). Can You Forgive Her? is ready and waiting on my Kindle. I've been spending time with kids this week, so having fun, but not much reading time.

Enjoy the sun while it lasts. We haven't had much of a spring.

125lauralkeet
mayo 28, 2016, 4:25 pm

>123 lauralkeet: hey I'm planning to read Summer Half pretty soon myself. That's another one you gave me for secret Santa and I'm very much looking forward to it.

126NanaCC
mayo 29, 2016, 9:42 am

>125 lauralkeet: I really enjoy Angela Thirkell. Her books are really so full of humor. I can't help but smile.

127BLBera
mayo 29, 2016, 7:13 pm

I think I would like Thirkell - do they have to be read in order?

128NanaCC
mayo 30, 2016, 7:06 am

>127 BLBera: Hi Beth. I think that each book probably could stand on its own, but as with any series, there are character threads between the books. I like to read a series in order for that reason.

129lauralkeet
mayo 30, 2016, 7:55 am

>127 BLBera:, >128 NanaCC: for what it's worth, I was introduced to Thirkell when I received Pomfret Towers as a Secret Santa gift. This book is well into the series, but it stood on its own and I liked it well enough to go looking for more. I'm not sure why my Santa chose this particular work, but it could simply have been availability, because Thirkells can be hard to find in used bookshops. After my first one, I read a couple more in no particular order. By then I had acquired a string of earlier books so I decided to read in order from that point. I will have to hunt for the ones I don't have, but that's half the fun.

130NanaCC
mayo 30, 2016, 1:11 pm

>129 lauralkeet: You are right, Laura. I think that Pomfret Towers was my first as well.

131avaland
mayo 31, 2016, 6:16 am

Am enjoying revisiting the early Ian Rankin books through your reviews, Colleen. And there are plenty of great Rebus reads ahead of you.

132BLBera
mayo 31, 2016, 8:57 am

Thanks Colleen: I have two books to look forward to, the first Rankin and the first Thirkell.

133NanaCC
mayo 31, 2016, 10:15 am

>131 avaland: I think you introduced me to Rebus, Lois, and I'm happy that you did. The books keep getting better. How is the grandbaby?

>132 BLBera: Both series have lots of books, Beth, so I do hope you enjoy them.

134detailmuse
Jun 6, 2016, 9:50 am

Colleen I've avoided series because they feel like signing on to multiple books when I already have so many/so little time... But you and other CRers are enjoying so many. I'm having a great time following along and beginning to reconsider.

135sibylline
Editado: Jun 6, 2016, 10:09 am

>113 NanaCC: I am so with you about reading widely and reading just what it pleases me to read. For decades I read with utmost seriousness and then one day I'd had enough. I still read some tough books, mind you, but I am more balanced. I have come to believe firmly in the value of any and all reading (well, save the seriously gross and unethical and manuals on how to do illegal stuff etc.), including "genre" reading of all types. Writing a ripping good yarn whether set in outer space or some seedy city where a murder has taken place or the land of the fey is just as difficult and necessary as any other form of writing. I have been "saved" more than once by having just the right book to read at a difficult time. And, yes, there have been more difficult moments as I get older and I need that kind of relief more than of yore. In fact, I can pretty much pinpoint the shift as being somewhere around the time my mother's decline began in the early 2000's.

Thirkell isn't really a series, it's just the characters pop up here and there ....

I feel I am drowning in series, but in a good way, I hope!

136NanaCC
Jun 6, 2016, 10:54 am

>134 detailmuse: Hi, MJ. I think my attitude towards series is that, if I am enjoying the series, I know that I probably have lots more reading ahead of me that I will enjoy. I am definitely of the opinion that I can drop a series that becomes too redundant, or if it becomes more than a bit ridiculous.

>135 sibylline: For me, the drowning is mostly in a good way, at least I think so, Lucy. :) Laura (laurelkeet) had introduced me to FictFact a while ago, and I use that to track the series I am reading.

137NanaCC
Jun 6, 2016, 11:21 am

I've been busy, and have been putting off writing my book comments. Before this gets too far out of control, I figured that I better add a few notes.



34. Set in Darkness by Ian Rankin, (P: 2000; Minotaur Books; 414 pages)

Eleventh in the Inspector Rebus series. The story takes place as the first Scottish parliament in 300 years unfolds. Queensbury house is being torn down for new construction. Skeletal remains are found stuffed in a fireplace that has been hidden behind walls for many years; a homeless man jumps off a bridge, leaving behind a suitcase full of cash; a young politician is found murdered. It takes Rebus to find a possible link, and a big mess to clear up.



35. The Falls by Ian Rankin, (P; 2001; Minotaur Books (2010), Edition: Reprint, 480 pages)

Number 12 in the Inspector Rebus series. A university student, Philippa Balfour, is missing, and Rebus is pretty sure that she will turn up dead. A tiny doll sized coffin is found near the scene of the crime, and this is not the first time that has happened. Is there a serial killer? Once again, Rebus is in trouble with his superiors, but he doesn't let that stop him from doing his job. Constable Siobban Clarke lends a hand, and becomes a little too involved in a cat and mouse game with an online gamer that the victim had been playing with.

I gave 4 stars to both of these stories. They just keep getting better.

138NanaCC
Jun 6, 2016, 11:37 am



36. Slash and Burn by Colin Cotterill, Narrated by Clive Chafer, (P: 2011 Colin Cotterill (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.)

Communist Laos in the late 1970's. One might not think there would be much humor in the subject, but Cotterill adds the magic touch to Dr. Siri Paiboun and his band of misfit associates as they investigate the disappearance of a pilot from ten years earlier. They all wind up high in the mountains with several Americans at the Friendship hotel. In Agatha Christie fashion, murder and mayhem, everyone in the room could be the murderer.

These books are rather far fetched, but fun to read. 3 1/2 stars. The reader on the audio versions is not my cuppa, but the stories are enjoyable anyway.

139NanaCC
Jun 6, 2016, 12:12 pm



37. Summer Half by Angela Thirkell, (P: 1937; Virago UK (2015), Edition: Reprint, 284 pages)

Angela Thirkell's social comedies are entertaining, often silly, and tremendously enjoyable. In this story, Colin Keith, a recent university graduate decides that he wants to start earning money right away, rather than study for the bar as his father wishes. He takes a position at a prep school as the Junior Classical Master. The head master's daughter, Rose, is breaking hearts, and her fiance, fellow teacher, Philip Winter, is finding this out the hard way. After many ups and downs, Colin is able to convince Philip that he has no interest in Rose, and they have a good few drinks after a party.

" Philip went back to his room, and to bed, where he lay staring into the darkness. Half of him would have given anything in the world to be free from his Rose. The other half was still instinctively jealous of anyone she looked at, but he believed Colin now and felt safe with him, and this was the first sign of sanity he had shown since the beginning of the winter term when his engagement took place.

Colin felt extremely annoyed with Philip, and also extremely sorry for him. Once or twice before going to sleep he got out of bed, went gently to Philip's room, and listened at the door in case he had committed suicide. Complete silence gave him no clue as to what was going on, but he found it reassuring."
(Page 143)

We meet Tony Morland again, but he has grown up a bit, and is not as hellish as he was in The Demon in the House. Colin's sister, Lydia, is a corker. As with any of the Thirkell's I've read, all is well that ends well. 4 stars

140NanaCC
Jun 6, 2016, 12:35 pm



38. The Red Road by Denise Mina, Narrated by Cathleen McCarron, (P: 2013; Hachette Audio and AudioGO (2014))

This is the fourth book in the DS Alex Morrow series. It begins in 1997 on the night that Princess Diana dies in a car crash. We are introduced to Rose Wilson, a fourteen year old girl who is loaned by her pimp, Sammy, to groups of older men. Rose winds up killing Sammy and another young man, and surrenders to the police. The lawyer who has been appointed to her, Julius Macmillan, arranges for a light sentence, and manages to get her a job with his son when she gets out. Skip to present day, and Denise Mina is on the witness stand, providing evidence in a case involving Michael Brown, an ex-con, on charges of illegal weapons. Julius Macmillan dies. His son, Robert, is running from assassins. Michael Brown's fingerprints show up at a murder scene, but he has been in jail, and couldn't have committed the murder. This very complex story of corruption and evil comes together in the end. And, is worth following the clues. A 4 1/2 star read.

141brodiew2
Jun 6, 2016, 6:05 pm

>139 NanaCC: Hello NanaCC! It's been a while. Summer Half sounds right up my alley as I enjoy a good school story as well as comedies manners. Is it a school story or is the school just the setting for the romantic comedy?

142NanaCC
Jun 6, 2016, 7:55 pm

>141 brodiew2: I think you would say that the school provides the backdrop and several of the characters. Much of the story takes place in and around manors in Thirkell's fictional Barchester, which she borrowed from Trollope. I think there are about 29 or 30 books that are in her Barchester stories.

143lauralkeet
Jun 7, 2016, 6:15 am

>139 NanaCC: I'm right behind you ... Summer Half is next up on my TBR. As a result I skimmed your review gleaning enough to know you liked it. Yay!

144NanaCC
Jun 7, 2016, 6:54 am

>143 lauralkeet: I'm pretty sure it will be a winner for you, Laura.

I'm enjoying Can You Forgive Her, and was happy to see that you enjoyed London Belongs to Me.

145rebeccanyc
Jun 7, 2016, 9:41 am

>137 NanaCC: Glad to learn that the Rebus stories just keep getting better.

>140 NanaCC: And glad you're liking the Minas.

146NanaCC
Jun 7, 2016, 12:07 pm

>145 rebeccanyc: Thank you, Rebecca. I am pretty sure you were an LT'r who recommended Mina. I just started reading A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George last night. I believe that was also your recommendation.

147rachbxl
Jun 9, 2016, 5:12 am

>140 NanaCC: Ah, now you've edged ahead of me in the 'how much Denise Mina have you read?' stakes. This one sounds good. I will get back to her soon!

148NanaCC
Jun 9, 2016, 6:38 am

>147 rachbxl: I think that I could binge on these, Rachel. Well, actually, I know that I could. :) Rebus, Gamche, Sejer..... The list goes on. They all have qualities that make me want to read on. There are others that become too much the same if you read them one after the other.

The Red Road was really good -- go for it! :)

149rachbxl
Jun 9, 2016, 9:04 am

I'm saving Mina for my next reading slump, when I can't find anything I want to read. I binged on her at the start of the year, and could easily do so again!

150laytonwoman3rd
Jun 11, 2016, 8:45 pm

Lots of good reading going on here, Colleen. I've only read one Rebus, and I will get back to him one of these days. It sounds like he holds up well through many books.

151NanaCC
Jun 11, 2016, 8:56 pm

>150 laytonwoman3rd: Rebus just keeps getting better, Linda. I need to keep myself from binging.

152NanaCC
Jun 15, 2016, 4:27 pm



39. A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George (P: 1988; Bantam Books (2007), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 432 pages)

Another new series for me to enjoy. Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sargeant Barbara Havers are put together in this first installment of the series. Havers had previously been demoted to street duty, as she seems unable to get along with anyone. Her boss has decided to give her another chance, and teams her up with Lynley to solve a brutal murder. She comes into the partnership with a chip on her shoulder and a determination to hate him because of his wealth and his supposed womanizing. A farmer has been found decapitated in a barn. His daughter is sitting beside the body, dressed in her Sunday best, with an ax nearby. She admits to the murder and says she isn't sorry to have done it. The characters are richly drawn, and the story is nicely complex. This was quite a good book for first in a series. I will definitely read on. 4 stars Now I'm interested in finding the BBC series.

I'm about half way done with Can You Forgive Her?, and loving it. If only I didn't keep getting distracted by other shorter books, I might actually finish it soon.

153lauralkeet
Jun 15, 2016, 9:07 pm

>152 NanaCC: Colleen, have you seen the Inspector Lynley television series? I haven't read any of the books but loved the program.

And I can forgive you for starting Trollope later than planned! :)

154NanaCC
Jun 15, 2016, 9:44 pm

>153 lauralkeet: I haven't seen the series, Laura, but I am very interested. I think you'd like this book.

155NanaCC
Jun 25, 2016, 12:38 pm



40. Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope, (P: 1865; Kindle Edition; 847 Pages)

This is the first book in Trollope's Palliser series, and I am looking forward to reading the next. Trollope writes in such a way that a book of 800 plus pages doesn't really seem intimidating once you've started. His books are full of witty social commentary. He does a good job with his female characters, and this book has several. Alice Vavasor is the main character whose actions beg the question "can you forgive her?". And of course, the reader will forgive her at the end. Alice who has inherited money from her grandfather is engaged to John Grey. She loves him, but although he has money and an estate, she thinks life with him will be a bit boring. So she breaks her engagement (a very naughty thing at the time) in favor of her cousin, George Vavasor, who is a bit of a rake, and who she knows will probably break the bank as far as her money is concerned. Will she marry George or will she marry John? I guess you will need to read the book to find out. Trollope has two other women with romantic "problems". Lady Glencora, a very wealthy young woman, has been pushed into a marriage with the very eligible Plantagenet Palliser by her relatives. She loves another unworthy character, Burgo Fitzgerald, who would have wasted her fortune had she married him. She even contemplates leaving her husband to run away with him. A very naughty action to even think about. And then for comic relief, we have the widow, Mrs Arabella Greenow, who toys with two suitors, Samuel Cheeseacre and Captain Bellfield. Trollope presents these three women who are independently wealthy, and lets them figure out what they should do, and even gives them the chance to decide what they want to do with their lives. It is Victorian times, though, and we know that Trollope is a believer in marriage, although I think he pokes fun at the rules. There are many more characters who add to the color of the book. I really enjoyed this, and give it 4 1/2 stars.

156NanaCC
Jun 25, 2016, 12:43 pm

Now, I have to load up my Kindle and decide, in addition to Phineas Finn, what else I want to read next. I'm headed to Maine on Friday for a month, and probably won't have any internet coverage. Internet will be spotty at best. I should have lots of reading time, and I'm looking forward to time with my family.

157lauralkeet
Jun 25, 2016, 2:00 pm

I'm glad you enjoyed the first Palliser so much, Colleen. We'll miss you but I hope you have a great vacation with great reading. Oh, and family time. :)

158NanaCC
Jun 25, 2016, 2:31 pm

Thank you, Laura. I have been looking forward to it for a while. Now that the time is here, I need to figure out clothes and everything else. No grocery stores on the island, so we need to plan shopping. The ferries only stop every few hours, so it can be a pain to have to go to Portland for anything forgotten that might be important. We do go in to Portland to shop and the occasional restaurant.

159detailmuse
Jun 25, 2016, 2:43 pm

Sounds like really getting away, a wonderful immersion. Have a great time!

160Caroline_McElwee
Jun 25, 2016, 4:27 pm

Happy holiday Colleen. Happy reading too.

161NanaCC
Jun 25, 2016, 9:25 pm

Thank you, MJ and Caroline. It will be relaxing.

162rebeccanyc
Jun 26, 2016, 9:18 am

Glad you're able to relax . . . and read! Well, being able to read is relaxing! And I'm glad you liked the first novel in the Palliser series. Even though I'm reading, and loving, the next-to-last novel in the Barsetshire series, I still love the Pallisers more.

163BLBera
Jun 26, 2016, 10:07 am

Have a great vacation, Colleen. Make sure you have enough reading material.

164VivienneR
Jun 26, 2016, 5:05 pm

Dropping by to catch up, Colleen. Good to hear your opinion of Finders Keepers because I have it on the tbr shelf. I'm enjoying an Ian Rankin right now and agree, he brings complex plot details together very neatly.

Enjoy your vacation. Sounds like a lovely spot.

165NanaCC
Jun 27, 2016, 6:46 am

>162 rebeccanyc: I can't say that I love the Pallisers more, but I enjoyed this first book equally as much. I'm sure the rest of the series will be just as enjoyable. You are in for a treat, I think, with the last book in the Barchester series. I absolutely loved that one.

>163 BLBera: I have loads of good books on my Kindle, Beth. If none of them appeal to me, there will be something wrong with my state of mind. I have loads of Georgette Heyer that I haven't read. Plus the works of Trollope, Dickens, Wodehouse and much much more. I might load a Rankin or Loiuse Penny too. I definitely won't run out of books, but must be sure that my charger is packed. :)

>164 VivienneR: I enjoyed Finders Keepers and I'm sure my blood pressure was higher than it should have been. I had to keep taking breaks.

I may try to figure out how to post a picture or two when I get back. It really is a lovely spot.

166brodiew2
Jun 27, 2016, 1:25 pm

Good morning, NanaCC. I'm bubbling with excitement to tell you about Michael Harvey's Brighton. I've read his Chicago series, but this is his second stand alone novel. Very good so far.

167NanaCC
Jun 27, 2016, 1:49 pm

>166 brodiew2: I'm glad you are enjoying it, Brodie. :)

168lauralkeet
Jun 27, 2016, 7:08 pm

>162 rebeccanyc:, >165 NanaCC: I wonder if one tends to prefer whichever series was read first? Because like Colleen, I'm enjoying the Pallisers but have a special place in my heart for the Barchesters, mostly because of memorable characters like Mrs Proudie. However, I don't think I fell completely in love with the series until the last volume which really was a treat.

169rebeccanyc
Jun 28, 2016, 9:41 am

>168 lauralkeet: You might be right, Laura, but in part I loved the Palliser series because it felt more like a series with continuing characters.

170NanaCC
Jun 28, 2016, 9:49 am

>169 rebeccanyc: I think you'll love The Last Chronicle of Barset, Rebecca. It is like a grand finale, with just about everyone making an appearance.

171rebeccanyc
Jun 28, 2016, 10:33 am

>170 NanaCC: I'm reading The Small House at Allington now and so far nobody familiar has made an appearance!

172NanaCC
Editado: Ago 3, 2016, 8:21 am

I am back after a month's vacation in Maine. Looking at all of the posts I have to read to catch up, I can see why some people are reluctant to come back. It is daunting.

I did some fun reading while I was gone, and will post my thoughts eventually.

A Beautiful Blue Death (Charles Lenox Mysteries) by Charles Finch
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny
Leave the Grave Green by Deborah Crombie
Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson
The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley
A Sight for Sore Eyes by Ruth Rendell

I'm currently reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt, and listening to Blood Salt Water by Denise Mina

173lauralkeet
Ago 3, 2016, 8:02 am

>172 NanaCC: welcome back, Colleen. Oooh, The Secret History is a great summer read. Enjoy.

174dchaikin
Ago 3, 2016, 8:06 am

Welcome back. How was the Atkinson?

175NanaCC
Editado: Ago 3, 2016, 8:22 am

>173 lauralkeet: I'm about half done with The Secret History, Laura. It is excellent.

>174 dchaikin: That was the fourth book in the Case Histories (Jackson Brodie) series, Dan. Kate Atkinson tells a good story, and I enjoy her writing.

**noting that none of my touchstones are working. Has something changed? And now they are....

176Caroline_McElwee
Ago 3, 2016, 8:56 am

aaah, the holiday maker returns. Hope you had a nice tie Coleen.

I really should re-read The Secret History, it is actually at the top of one of the TBR piles. I really liked The Goldfinch (why on earth is the first touchstone that comes up for that 'Pride and Prejudice'?!!!).

177NanaCC
Ago 3, 2016, 9:21 pm

>176 Caroline_McElwee: I had a wonderful relaxing time, Caroline, thank you. I agree The Goldfinch was pretty wonderful, and The Secret History is quite good too.

178AlisonY
Ago 4, 2016, 8:24 am

A month in Maine - sigh. Sounds wonderful. Good to see you back here though!

179laytonwoman3rd
Ago 4, 2016, 9:12 am

A month in Maine with lovely books to read...you do know how to do things, Colleen!

180RidgewayGirl
Ago 4, 2016, 9:38 am

A month in Maine sounds lovely. I hope you had a wonderful time. I'm catching up on threads myself and it is a daunting task!

181rebeccanyc
Ago 4, 2016, 11:11 am

>172 NanaCC: That's a Mina that's new to me. Off to look it up.

182NanaCC
Ago 4, 2016, 11:33 am

Alison, Linda and Kay, all I can say is I can't wait to do it again next year. My daughter's house is right on the water. A view of Portland across the bay. I really must learn how to post pictures, because words just don't do it. Her two children ages 10 and 7 were there with us the whole month, as well as, Chris' son, who is now 13. The rest of the crew was there for a week. They rented a place on the island, so it was really lovely.

Rebecca, The Mina is the latest in the Alex Morrow series. I'm really enjoying it, and wish I was reading it in print so that I could just get on with it.

183VivienneR
Ago 4, 2016, 2:29 pm

>172 NanaCC: Welcome back! Your vacation in Maine sounds wonderful - and accompanied by some great reading. I know how you feel about the daunting job of catching up on threads. It seems as soon as your back is turned everybody posts. I'll never catch up.

184NanaCC
Ago 4, 2016, 2:45 pm

Vivienne, I figure I will chip away a little at a time. But you are right, once I finish a thread, I turn around and there is more added to it. Not only do I need to catch up here on LT, but at home too. And, my grandson is coming to stay with me for a week starting Saturday, so I know that next week will be really busy.

185VivienneR
Ago 5, 2016, 1:06 am

For a grandson - everything can wait! Have fun!

186sibylline
Ago 5, 2016, 8:16 am

Perfect summer reading! Loved The Secret History although I haven't gone for any of her later books. I'm a great fan of Atkinson. Or should I say, Jackson Brodie.

187rebeccanyc
Ago 5, 2016, 12:16 pm

>182 NanaCC: It's only available in hard cover so far, so I'll hold out ... I think!

188BLBera
Ago 7, 2016, 4:22 pm

Welcome back Colleen. Your Maine vacation sounds wonderful. You did some good vacation reading.

189NanaCC
Ago 7, 2016, 4:33 pm

>185 VivienneR: I agree, Vivienne. And this week I am also watching two of my granddaughters who live about twenty minutes from me. I think I have some fun stuff lined up for the three of them.

>186 sibylline: I loved The Goldfinch, Lucy. And, Atkinson is really good. The Jackson Brodie series is really good, but I loved Life After Life and A God in Ruins.

>187 rebeccanyc: I'm sorry about that, Rebecca. It is always so hard to wait for the paper covers on a new book. How about the library?

>188 BLBera: Thanks for stopping by, Beth. Maine was terrific, and yes, the reading was good too!

190Caroline_McElwee
Ago 7, 2016, 8:32 pm

And is their a photograph or two of the holiday in Maine?

191NanaCC
Ago 8, 2016, 8:04 am

>190 Caroline_McElwee: I am afraid I don't know how to post a photo. Sad isn't it?!?! I'll see if I can find directions.

192lauralkeet
Ago 8, 2016, 12:42 pm

>191 NanaCC: Colleen, the 75 Books Group has a page, How to Do Fancy Things in Your Posts, which includes instructions on posting photos.

You will first need to upload the photo to a location on the web. Your LT member gallery works nicely for this if you don't already store your photos online.

193NanaCC
Ago 9, 2016, 9:47 pm

>192 lauralkeet:. Thank you, Laura. I've uploaded photos to Shutterfly to make books. But I'll try the member library.

194NanaCC
Ago 21, 2016, 3:39 pm

I am trying to catch up after vacation and grandchildren, so just a quick recap of my reading to date.



41. A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch, (P:2007; St. Martin's Minotaur (2008), Edition: 0, Paperback, 324 pages)

First in the Charles Lenox mystery series. The armchair sleuth is asked by his friend, Lady Jane, to help solve the mystery of the death of one of her former employees. This was a quick easy read. The first in the series is not always the best, but it was enjoyable enough that I will continue. 3 1/2 stars

195NanaCC
Ago 21, 2016, 3:48 pm



42. The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny, (P: 2015, Minotaur Books; Kindle Edition, 384 pages)

A nine year old boy, who is constantly making up outlandish stories, is missing in Three Pines. Chief Inspector Gamache has retired to Three Pines, although "retired" might be premature. He is asked to help his former team unofficially. This was another enjoyable installment in the Three Pines series. 4 1/2 stars

196NanaCC
Ago 21, 2016, 3:59 pm



43. Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson, (P: 2010; Transworld Digital, Kindle Edition, 385 pages)

This is the 4th in the Jackson Brodie mystery series. Jackson has been asked by a woman in New Zealand to find her birth mother. He doesn't anticipate the dangerous situation brought on by the questions he asks. As usual, Atkinson's writing is clever and complex. 4 stars

197NanaCC
Ago 21, 2016, 4:11 pm



44. The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley, (P: 2014 Penguin Random House Delacorte Press, Kindle Edition; 336 Pages)

The 6th book in the Flavia de Luce series was fun, as usual. The story revolves around the mystery of the disappearance of 11 year old Flavia's mother. More than that I will not say. There are too many details that can spoil the story. 4 1/2 stars

198NanaCC
Ago 21, 2016, 4:26 pm



45. A Sight For Sore Eyes by Ruth Rendell, (P: 1998; Dell; Kindle Edition; 385 Pages)

Three stories are tied together at the end of this gripping story. The first story revolves around a young girl who is sent to her room at the beginning of the book. While there, she hears her mother being killed. The second story involves a young man named Teddy. Teddy is frightfully lacking in any emotion. The third story centers around a beautiful woman who can't face getting older. That all sounds rather boring, but the book is anything but boring. I gave it 3 1/2 stars, but I might bump it up to 4 just for the thrill factor.

199NanaCC
Ago 21, 2016, 4:42 pm



46. The Secret History by Donna Tartt, (P: 1992; 2011 by Random House LLC; Kindle Edition; 546 Pages)

Richard Papen moves from California to New England to attend a prestigious college. He is accepted into an exclusive Classics major under an eccentric professor, Julian Morrow. There are five other students in the class. These students keep to themselves, but Richard is accepted into the group. We find out within the first page or two that murder has been committed, and the rest of the book is dedicated to the buildup to the act, along with the why and when. The characters are all rather unlikable, but the book is very good despite that. 4 stars

200NanaCC
Editado: Ago 21, 2016, 9:03 pm



47. Leave the Grave Green by Deborah Crombie, Narrated by Michael Deehy, (P: 1996; 2006 by Sound Library; Audio Edition)

This is the third installment of the Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James mystery series. Connor Swann, the son-in-law of an influential couple, is found floating in a Thames River lock. Several people come under suspicion, including Connor's wife, Julia. I enjoyed the mystery, and gave it 3 1/2 stars

201NanaCC
Ago 21, 2016, 5:03 pm



48. Blood Salt Water: An Alex Morrow Novel by Denise Mina, Narrated by Cathleen McCarron, (P: 2015 Hachette Audio)

The latest, number 5, in the Alex Morrow series did not disappoint. DI Alex Morrow and her team have been following a woman believed to be involved in drugs and money laundering. The woman goes missing, and the case takes on another dimension when a second woman turns up dead. These are solid mysteries that are well written. 4 stars

202lauralkeet
Ago 21, 2016, 6:39 pm

Wow, you read a ton of books on your vacation, Colleen! I agree with your take on The Secret History: horrible people but a good read.

203NanaCC
Ago 21, 2016, 9:07 pm

>202 lauralkeet: It didn't really feel like a lot of books, Laura. There were no chunksters in the group, with The Secret History being the largest at 546 pages. I tried to pick light and breezy, and for the most part, I think I succeeded.

204BLBera
Ago 21, 2016, 9:40 pm

Hi Colleen - You did a lot of reading on your vacation, and it looks like you had a good selection of books, too.

205NanaCC
Ago 21, 2016, 9:45 pm

>204 BLBera: Hi, Beth. I seem to have enjoyed all of the books I read, so that's a good thing. I haven't had a chance to catch up on your thread yet. There are over 100 posts on it that I haven't read, so it will take me a bit of time. Trying to catch up is crazy.

206rebeccanyc
Ago 22, 2016, 11:08 am

Great that you enjoyed all the books you read on vacation.

207NanaCC
Ago 22, 2016, 11:32 am

>206 rebeccanyc: I know, I was really lucky that there were no disappointments.

208sibylline
Ago 28, 2016, 3:28 pm

Great vacation reads! I'll have to check out Mina.

209NanaCC
Ago 28, 2016, 4:07 pm

>208 sibylline: I'm pretty sure you would like her, Lucy.

210NanaCC
Sep 21, 2016, 12:44 pm

I am way behind again. Things have been crazy busy, but in a good way. A quick recap of my last few books:



49. Bryant & May: Strange Tide by Christopher Fowler, Narrated by Tim Goodman, (P: 2016; Whole Story Audiobooks; W F Howes Ltd)

The latest book in the Bryant and May crime series, #13, proves that the series is still going strong. The Thames plays a big role in this installment, which, as usual, has loads of historical tidbits. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

211NanaCC
Sep 21, 2016, 12:55 pm

I decided it was time to do a reread of the Harry Potter series. I've finished three, and currently reading the fourth.

50. Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling. (P: 1997; Scholastic Inc.; 320 pages)

51. Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling. (P: 1998; Scholastic Inc.; 352 pages)

52. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling. (P: 1999; Scholastic Inc.; 448 pages)

212VivienneR
Sep 22, 2016, 6:59 pm

My, you have been busy. Glad to see you back.

213avidmom
Sep 22, 2016, 8:21 pm

Just delurking to say "hi"!

Um.... I have not read any Harry Potter.

I feel like such a muggle...

I intend to read more Atkinson soon too.

214NanaCC
Sep 23, 2016, 3:30 pm

>212 VivienneR: RL just seems to have become very busy lately. I'll try to keep up, Vivienne. :)

>213 avidmom: I do love the Harry Potter series. J. K. Rowling really writes a darn good book. I think you will enjoy Atkinson, Susie. She also writes a good story.

215NanaCC
Oct 25, 2016, 7:26 am

I've been busy, and having a hard time keeping up with LT. I have managed to finish a few books though, although several have been audiobooks.

I managed to finish reading J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. I really enjoy this series which is well written.
53. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
54. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
55. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
56. Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

57. As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley
The seventh book in the Flavia de Luce mystery series is full of the antics of the young sleuth. This installment has Flavia at a girls boarding school in Canada. Four stars

58. Mourn Not Your Dead by Deborah Crombie
This is the fourth book in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James crime series. Commander Alastair Gilbert of the Metropolitan police is found beaten to death in his home. Kincaid and James are sent to investigate. Adding to the complication of investigating the death of a superior officer, is the changing relationship between Duncan and Gemma. Four stars

59. A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen
A silly, but entertaining mystery in Her Royal Spyness mystery series. Three stars

216NanaCC
Oct 29, 2016, 2:51 pm

>60 NanaCC: Dreaming of the Bones by Deborah Crombie

The fifth book in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series has a lot more depth and complexity than the previous books in the series. Kincaid and James investigate a possible murder, unofficially, when Kincaid's ex-wife asks him to look into the death of a poet who supposedly commited suicide five years earlier. Four stars

217NanaCC
Oct 29, 2016, 2:59 pm

I'm reading Phineas Finn by Anthony Trollope and enjoying it very much. Also reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.

218Caroline_McElwee
Oct 29, 2016, 3:35 pm

>217 NanaCC: I too am reading The Underground Railroad Coleen, and think it a fine novel. I'm about two-thirds through.

219NanaCC
Oct 29, 2016, 5:14 pm

According to my kindle, I'm about 25% done. I agree it is a good read.

220lauralkeet
Oct 29, 2016, 8:37 pm

>217 NanaCC: Phineas! Hurrah! I'm waiting on The Underground Railroad from the library, but it will be a while.

221brodiew2
Oct 31, 2016, 2:29 pm

>217 NanaCC: I have The Underground Railroad on tap for 2017, but I am hoping to read a similarly themed Song yet Sung by James McBride before the end of the year. His Miracle at St. Anna was brilliant when I read it a few years back.

222VivienneR
Nov 26, 2016, 3:17 pm

Hi Colleen, I just realized I haven't seen any posts from you recently. Have you started a continuation of your thread that I missed? I hope all is well.

223NanaCC
Nov 29, 2016, 9:47 am

>222 VivienneR: Hi, Vivienne. I have been very lax about posting lately. I got so far behind that I've just been popping in periodically. RL has just been hectic...good, but hectic.

224NanaCC
Nov 29, 2016, 10:02 am

61. A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny

In the latest installment, #12 in the Inspector Gamache series, the inspector has taken a job as head of the Surete Academy where he hopes to weed out the source of corruption that he uncovered in the last installment. An old map, a murder, and all of the quirky characters made this one a pleasure to read. 4 1/2 stars.

62. Search the Dark by Charles Todd

This is the third book in the Inspector Rutledge series. A man suffering from the effects of the Great War is on a train headed to a possible job. At a train station he sees a woman that he thinks is his wife, although she had been killed during a bombing raid. This man is accused of murder and Inspector Rutledge is sent to investigate. Of course his mental ghost, Hamish, is along for the ride. 3 1/2 stars

225VivienneR
Nov 29, 2016, 1:37 pm

It is that time of year when RL gets hectic. And somehow reading, posting slides down the priority list.

>224 NanaCC: I've tried both of those authors and neither appealed. Louise Penny is naturally very popular here in Canada. I still have one unread on the shelf so I haven't given up on her.

226NanaCC
Nov 29, 2016, 5:53 pm

>225 VivienneR: it is funny how this happens, when for the most part we like the same kinds of books. But that is what makes us all unique. :)

227BLBera
Nov 30, 2016, 7:38 pm

Hi Colleen - I'm another fan of Penny, and I really enjoyed A Great Reckoning, as well. Overall, I've been impressed with the quality of this series -- still going strong at number 12!

I recently read the first Rutledge book and thought it was very good. I will definitely be reading more in this series.

228NanaCC
Dic 1, 2016, 3:06 pm

>226 NanaCC: thank you for stopping by Beth. I was wondering how Penny was going to keep up the murder rate in the little village of Three Pines, but she has managed to handle that possible problem quite well. I like what she's done.

I do like the Inspector Rutledge series. I'm not as much of a fan of the Bess Crawford series by Charles Todd, but that won't stop me from reading more of them.

229BLBera
Dic 1, 2016, 4:23 pm

I loved Bootlegger's Daughter as well, Colleen. I'll be anxious to see what you think of it.

230NanaCC
Dic 1, 2016, 9:17 pm

63. Payment in Blood by Elizabeth George

This is the second book in the Inspector Lynley series. A big country house. A theater group. Murder. What more could you want. This was great fun. Another good series with lots of books. 4 stars.

231laytonwoman3rd
Dic 1, 2016, 9:21 pm

>221 brodiew2: James McBride will be featured in the 2017 American Authors Challenge, Brodie. I've read Song Yet Sung, as well as The Color of Water, and am really looking forward to Miracle at St. Anna. I'm glad to hear you liked it.

232NanaCC
Dic 1, 2016, 9:30 pm

>231 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda. I am so far behind. McBride sounds good. I need more time.

233laytonwoman3rd
Dic 1, 2016, 10:28 pm

>232 NanaCC: Oh, I feel the same way---more time, definitely!

234brodiew2
Dic 2, 2016, 7:21 pm

>231 laytonwoman3rd: Very cool. I have not run into anyone who has read Song yet Sung. Mark told me that McBride would be featured in the AAC. I look forward to taking part. It will be the second challenge I am committing to in 2017. Ellen will be doing a re-read challenge as well.

235NanaCC
Dic 3, 2016, 7:18 am

>234 brodiew2: what will you be reading for the re-read challenge?

236brodiew2
Dic 6, 2016, 2:04 pm

>235 NanaCC: Hello NanaCC! I plan to re-read Rendezvous With Rama, which was a favorite sf classic by Arthur C. Clarke.

237NanaCC
Editado: Dic 16, 2016, 3:54 pm

63. Payment in Blood by Elizabeth George

The second book in the Inspector Lynley series. Lynley and Havers are called to a country house to investigate the murder of a playwright. The list of suspects includes a famous actress, the producer of the play, and the woman Lynley loves. Quite enjoyable. I will definitely continue with this series. 4 stars

64. Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen

This is the third book in the 'Her Royal Spyness' series. Lady Georgiana, thirty-fourth in line to the throne, is a penniless heiress who occasionally is called upon to spy for the queen. Campy entertainment value and a spunky narration by Katherine Kellgren gives it 4 stars.

I forgot to add this one..

65. Legacy of the Dead by Charles Todd

This is the fourth book in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series, which takes place right after WWI. Inspector Rutledge has returned from the Great War with the emotional wounds so many men faced. In this installment, he has been sent to investigate whether bones that have been found belong to a young woman named Eleanor Gray. During the investigation, he must travel to Scotland and face the ghosts of the men who served under his command. Along for the ride is the ghost of Hamish, his constant mental companion. I've been enjoying this series. 4 stars

238laytonwoman3rd
Dic 24, 2016, 10:45 pm



Merry Christmas from the Koons household to yours!

239NanaCC
Dic 24, 2016, 11:23 pm

That's great, Linda! Love it. Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you and your family too.

240AlisonY
Dic 25, 2016, 2:55 pm

Merry Christmas, Colleen. Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

241VivienneR
Dic 25, 2016, 10:13 pm

Hope your Christmas was a Merry one, Colleen. Looking forward to sharing your reading in the new year.

242NanaCC
Dic 26, 2016, 5:42 pm

Merry Christmas Alison and Vivienne. I hope to do better next year than I have this past quarter. I got so far behind that I was visiting threads but not posting very often. Maybe if I start fresh in January it will keep me going.

243BLBera
Dic 27, 2016, 11:43 am

I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season, Colleen. Happy New Year.

244NanaCC
Dic 27, 2016, 3:21 pm

>243 BLBera: thank you, Beth, the season has been wonderful. We started with Christmas Eve eve, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day festivities. Next up we have a few friends coming over for New Year's Eve, and will finish up with a big family party on the 7th. After that I can take down the trees, and get my house back to normal. :). I hope yours has been just as terrific.

245NanaCC
Dic 28, 2016, 10:45 pm

My stats for 2016

Favorite Fiction
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
The Secret River by Kate Grenville
The Forsyte Chronicles by John Galsworthy
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

Favorite Mystery
A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George

Favorite Reread
The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

Favorite I Can't Believe I Actually Liked "That"
Mr Mercedes by Stephen King

2016 Stats
Books Read Total = 67
Print/Kindle = 44; Audio = 23; Women authors = 34; New to me authors = 8

246SassyLassy
Dic 29, 2016, 10:55 am

>245 NanaCC: Love your "Favorite I Can't Believe I Actually Liked 'That'" category. I had thought I might read that book on holiday this year, but didn't, maybe next year, but am encouraged by your "Like".

247NanaCC
Dic 29, 2016, 5:47 pm

>246 SassyLassy: I'm not a horror fan, Sassy, so have always avoided Stephen King. However, my daughter assured me I was going to like this book, and as usual, she was right. It was very suspenseful.

248AnnieMod
Dic 29, 2016, 6:03 pm

>247 NanaCC:

King had been working across all genres for years :) You may want to try 11/22/63 at some point - it's a surprising story for anyone that believes King to be just a horror writer.

249NanaCC
Dic 29, 2016, 8:19 pm

>248 AnnieMod: I have that one on my kindle, and plan on reading it in the coming year. I will also read the third book in the mr Mercedes trilogy, although the way the second book ended, it seems like it might be going a little too paranormal for me.

250VivienneR
Dic 30, 2016, 3:09 pm

>247 NanaCC: I felt the same way about King and was pleasantly surprised by Mr Mercedes and enjoyed Finders Keepers too.

251NanaCC
Dic 31, 2016, 5:08 pm

"Tonight’s December thirty-first,
Something is about to burst.
The clock is crouching, dark and small,
Like a time bomb in the hall.
Hark, it's midnight, children dear.
Duck! Here comes another year!"
Ogden Nash


Happy New Year Everyone!

Tucked in with the many wonderful things that happened in 2016 we had far too much bad news and sorrow, including loss or sickness of loved ones. I am hoping that 2017 will be a happier, healthier, more peaceful new year for all of us!

252dchaikin
Dic 31, 2016, 6:03 pm

Amen, Colleen. Wish you a happy new year!

253Simone2
Ene 1, 2017, 4:05 am

Happy new year Colleen!

254NanaCC
Ene 1, 2017, 8:55 am

>252 dchaikin: & >253 Simone2: happy new year to you as well.

255BLBera
Ene 1, 2017, 10:01 am

Great list, Colleen. Happy New Year.

256NanaCC
Ene 1, 2017, 10:18 am

Happy New Year, Beth!

257AlisonY
Ene 1, 2017, 3:20 pm

Look forward to catching up on your new 2017 thread!