NanaCC (Colleen) Reading in 2022

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NanaCC (Colleen) Reading in 2022

1NanaCC
Modificato: Dic 15, 2022, 10:47 pm

Hi, I’m Colleen. Welcome to my 2022 thread.

I will post my current reading here. I don’t usually set goals for my reading, as I get distracted easily, and my goals fall apart. I consider my posts as comments about the books I’ve read, rather than reviews. If I try to write reviews, I wind up spending less time reading than I’d like.

I enjoy listening to audio books in addition to reading paper books. Last year I read 53 paper or kindle books, and 22 audio books. 55 of them were written by women, and 17 of the authors were new to me. The largest percentage were mysteries, and that may not change. They are my comfort reads, and with Covid and the way of the world these days, I think I will continue to need that.

Happy reading everyone. I look forward to your suggestions to add to my wishlist. My thread from 2021 is https://www.librarything.com/topic/332633#unread

CURRENTLY READING:

Hunting Shadows by Charles Todd
The Hangman by Louise Penny
Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe

Currently Listening:

A Clubbable Woman by Reginald Hill, narrated by Brian Glover
A World of Curiosities: A Novel by Louise Penny,
narrated by Robert Bathurst
The Diamond Eye: A Novel By Kate Quinn,
narrated by Saskia Maarleveld

2NanaCC
Modificato: Ago 8, 2022, 12:44 pm

Books Read First Half 2022

Print/Kindle


1- The Punishment She Deserves by Elizabeth George
2- London Rules by Mick Herron
3- W is For Wasted by Sue Grafton
4- A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson
5- Joe Country by Mick Herron
6- Tin Man by Sarah Winman
7- The Catch by Mick Herron
8- Slough House by Mick Herron
9- Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
10- Something to Hide by Elizabeth George
11- X by Sue Grafton
12- Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton

Audio

1- The Mermaids Singing by Val McDermid, narrated by Graham Roberts
2- Still Life by Sarah Winman, narrated by Sarah Winman
3- State of Terror by Louise Penny, Hillary Rodham Clinton; narrated by Joan Allen
4- Hidden Depths by Anne Cleeves, narrated by Ann Dover
5- The Skeleton Road by Val McDermid, narrated by Davina Porter
6- Baggage: Tales From a Fully Packed Life by Alan Cumming
7- City on Fire by Don Winslow

Stats

Books Read Total = 19
Print/Kindle = 12; Audio = 7; Women authors = 12; New to me authors = 3

3NanaCC
Modificato: Dic 15, 2022, 10:42 pm

Books Read Second Half 2022

Print/Kindle


13- Bad Actors by Mick Herron
14- The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths
15- The Lost Man by Jane Harper
16- Out of Bounds by Val McDermid
17- Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith
18- The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

Audio

8- Mrs Polifax on Safari by Dorothy Gilman, narrated by Barbara Rosenblat
9- God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen, narrated by Jasmine Blackborow
10- The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths, narrated by Jane McDowell
11- The Killings at Badger’s Drift by Caroline Graham, narrated by John Hopkins
12- Where Shadows Dance by C. S. Harris, narrated by Davina Porter
13- The Bullet That Missed: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman, narrated by Fiona Shaw
14- Death of a Hollow Man by Caroline Graham, narrated by John Hopkins
15- Hello, Molly by Molly Shannon
16- The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood, narrated by Nicolette McKenzie
17- The Twist of a Knife by Anthony Horowitz, narrated by Rory Kinnear
18- Bleeding Heart Yard by Elly Griffiths, narrated by Nina Wadia , Candida Gubbins , Jane Collingwood
19- Where the Sky Begins: A Novel by Rhys Bowen, narrated by Emma Griffiths

Stats

Books Read Total = 37
Print/Kindle = 18; Audio = 19; Women authors = 27; New to me authors = 7

4arubabookwoman
Gen 1, 2022, 2:22 pm

Hi Colleen. Looking forward to following you again in 2022.
I see Elizabeth George has a new Lynley book coming out soon (featuring Barbara Havers). I can't wait, as I am all caught up on her. I am also all caught up on the Slow Horses and the Gary Disher series I was following.
Where in Florida are you going? Just being nosy, and don't feel like you have to answer. I am in the Tampa Bay area.

5NanaCC
Gen 1, 2022, 2:34 pm

>4 arubabookwoman: Hi Deborah. My daughter has a condo on Marco Island. They buy me a ticket every year to join them in March when they go for the kids’ two week spring break. My son is buying a house in Winter Springs (I think that’s it) as long as everything goes smoothly with their sale. It’s a little north of Orlando. We will be visiting him in March as far as I know. And, I’m hoping to be able to visit him on my own at a different time.

The Lynley book I’m reading now is the last one up to this point. It has a lot of Barbara Havers, which makes me very happy. I’m looking forward to the new one as well.

6BLBera
Gen 1, 2022, 3:38 pm

Happy New Year, Colleen. I hope 2022 is a great year for you.

7lauralkeet
Gen 1, 2022, 5:46 pm

Happy New Year, Colleen! thanks for posting a link to this thread on your 2021 thread. You are now starred and I will be stalking you all year long LOL.

8NanaCC
Gen 1, 2022, 6:10 pm

>6 BLBera: Thank you, Beth. I hope the same for you.

>7 lauralkeet: The bread crumbs worked! I’m happy to see you here, Laura. You know I’ll be visiting your thread. I am so interested in those nesting eagles. When I go to Marco Island with my daughter each March, we always go to an area along alligator alley in the Everglades where there is a very long boardwalk we walk along. At one point there has been a huge eagles nest that we check out with our binoculars. After the last big hurricane that ripped through Marco, hurricane Irma, the nest was destroyed, but the eagles had started rebuilding the last time I was there.

9labfs39
Gen 1, 2022, 6:11 pm

I hope you have a great reading year with lots of cozy mysteries. Happy new year!

10NanaCC
Gen 1, 2022, 6:13 pm

Thank you, Lisa! I’m hoping the same for all of us. Well, maybe not the cozy mysteries part… 😄

11lauralkeet
Gen 1, 2022, 8:41 pm

>8 NanaCC: that's really interesting, Colleen. This is my first time being involved with a nest cam, although I've watched them in the past. It's fun.

12dchaikin
Gen 2, 2022, 12:55 am

Hi Colleen. I'll be following again this year. Wish you a good reading year.

13AlisonY
Gen 2, 2022, 6:22 am

Happy New Year, Colleen! Look forward to following you this year again as well.

14Trifolia
Gen 2, 2022, 1:03 pm

Happy New Year, Colleen. I'll be happy to follow your thread. This seems to be the right place for cozy mysteries!

15NanaCC
Gen 2, 2022, 1:37 pm

>11 lauralkeet: I think it sounds like an amazing task, Laura. They are so majestic.

>12 dchaikin: Thank you, Dan.

>13 AlisonY: I’m looking forward to book suggestions from your thread, Alison.

>14 Trifolia: Thank you, Monica. I’m not sure all of the mysteries I read can be classed as cozy, :-) but I definitely have been leaning toward mysteries as my comfort reads. I’ve needed that the past couple of years. I think I noted in your comments on the introduction thread that you do the same. I’ll be following along.

16Nickelini
Gen 3, 2022, 10:42 am

Hello! I hope you’re enjoying Still Life. I’m looking forward to that one

17NanaCC
Gen 3, 2022, 2:33 pm

>16 Nickelini: Hi, Joyce. I haven’t actually started it. It is my next audiobook. I’m still listening to the Val McDermid. I am also looking forward to it, though. I’ve heard so many good things about it.

18VivienneR
Gen 3, 2022, 9:13 pm

Adding a star so that I can find you easily. At this time of year I seem to lose contact with a lot of people as the groups change.

19brenzi
Gen 3, 2022, 9:26 pm

Happy New Year Colleen! Got you starred now. I hope you're enjoying that copy of Still Life. Is that the same one I read?

20NanaCC
Gen 3, 2022, 11:11 pm

>18 VivienneR: Hi Vivienne..I have you starred now, so hopefully won’t lose you.

>19 brenzi: Hi Bonnie. It is the same book, but I haven’t started it. It’s my next audiobook. I’m really looking forward to it.

21VivienneR
Gen 4, 2022, 1:17 am

Colleen, I forgot to mention when we talked about Reginald Hill books that if you can get any audiobooks read by Jonathan Keeble, he is excellent.

22PaulCranswick
Gen 4, 2022, 5:32 am



Happy new year, Colleen.

23avaland
Gen 4, 2022, 6:45 am

Hi, Colleen; Happy New Year. Will stop by from time to time to see what you are reading :-)

24NanaCC
Modificato: Gen 4, 2022, 4:40 pm

>21 VivienneR: Thank you, Vivienne! I am putting one in my audible wishlist now so that I don’t forget. ***just updating to say that the first book read by Jonathan Keeble is number 12. I’ve just downloaded the first read by Brian Glover. I will get to it soon.

>22 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul. Happy New Year to you, as well. I couldn’t agree more with that list. 😊 number 1 in particular. I think that is why I didn’t have any bad books in my year end wrap up.

>23 avaland: Happy New Year, Lois! I’ll be checking in with you too.

25NanaCC
Modificato: Gen 5, 2022, 2:01 pm

1- The Punishment She Deserves by Elizabeth George

This was book 20 in the Lynley/Havers series. Elizabeth George creates characters that are fully fleshed out, and this book is full of them. A deacon has been found dead while in police custody, and has been determined a suicide. The man’s father, a wealthy businessman, doesn’t believe for a minute that his son committed suicide and he’s asked for help from Scotland Yard to reopen the investigation. Police commissioner Hillier is determined to get rid of Barbara Havers, and what better way to do that than to send her along with her supervisor Isabelle Ardery, who also wants rid of her. The college town provides lots of binge drinking and sex, along with suspects as the story unfolds. Barbara Havers features heavily in this book, which makes me happy. The description of her tap dancing with the department Secretary Dorothea Harriman made me laugh. Ardery’s alcoholic spiral out of control was a welcome outcome. These books are long. This one was 692 pages, but I enjoyed it all. I know that a lot of people don’t like that, if so this wouldn’t be for you. But, if you like a meaty book full of great characters, this series just might fit the bill. But start at the beginning with A Great Deliverance. The newest book in the series will be released next week on the 11th. I’m looking forward to it.

**I meant to mention that it was rebeccanyc who suggested these books to me.

26rocketjk
Gen 5, 2022, 1:59 pm

Belated Happy New Year. I'll look forward to following along this year.

27NanaCC
Gen 5, 2022, 2:02 pm

Hi Jerry. Nice to see you here. I’ll be following your reading, as well.

28dchaikin
Gen 5, 2022, 2:06 pm

>25 NanaCC: first book is almost 700 pages! Interesting that this was a rebeccanyc recommendation. I have a small number of mystery books waiting in case i get that urge to read the genre, I think they are all CR recommendations.

29NanaCC
Gen 5, 2022, 2:45 pm

>28 dchaikin: Ah, well, I did start it two days before the new year, Dan, so am I cheating? I don’t think so. I finished it last night after midnight. I was at the point where I had a little less tha 100 pages to go, and couldn’t put it down. As for Rebecca’s recommendation, when I look back at books that I have her tagged as the person who recommended the book, I see a few that surprise me.

30arubabookwoman
Gen 5, 2022, 11:04 pm

Elizabeth George is one of the few detective series I have followed along with religiously over the years, generally reading the new books shortly after they are published. They are all long, but never feel long, and I always look forward to them. There is only one that I haven't read. It was one of the more recent ones and when I read in the descriptions that it featured the character I call "whiney Deborah" I decided to skip it. Since that entry, most of the books have featured Barbara Havers, who is my favorite ( and I think the favorite of many others of the series readers).

31NanaCC
Gen 6, 2022, 1:52 pm

>30 arubabookwoman: I really enjoy this series, Deborah, and will download the kindle version as soon as the new one is released. What other series top your list? I keep hoping for a new one in Deborah Crombie’s series, but I haven’t seen anything mentioned. Three Pines, Ruth Galloway and Rebus are also at the top of my list, waiting for the next entry. There are others…I am a series junkie.

32arubabookwoman
Gen 6, 2022, 3:09 pm

>31 NanaCC: I loved the Slow Horses series which you are already reading. The only other one I can think of that I've read all of and loved is Gary Disher's Hal Challis series. I think there are seven in the series, which is Australian. This is one that you have to read in order (can't remember which is first). I've also read several of his stand-alones, and a series of three that I didn't realize was a series when I read it out of order, that I've also liked. Disher also has a series (the Wyatt series) from the POV of the criminal which I haven't read but hope to. I've also read many in the Rebus series, but in a scattershot way.

With series I frequently get bored with the characters, so I don't follow many series. But I've also read pretty much anything by P.D. James and Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine, so I think I read most of their Adam Dalgeish/Inspector Wexford series respectively, but that was eons ago.

33NanaCC
Gen 6, 2022, 3:46 pm

>32 arubabookwoman: I haven’t read anything by Gary Disher, but I’ll add something to my wishlist now so that I don’t forget. I’m enjoying the Slow Horses series. I always read a series in order, unless I pick one up by mistake. I think I’ve read all of Adam Dalgeish, but only one or two of the inspector Wexford due to difficulty in finding the kindle versions. Thank you for the input.

34karspeak
Gen 6, 2022, 7:32 pm

Happy New Year, Colleen!

35BLBera
Gen 6, 2022, 9:04 pm

Have you read Maisie Dobbs, Colleen. If you like historical mysteries, you might like these. One thing I have liked about the series is that Maisie ages. The first one is set right after WWI, and the one I just finished is during the Blitz in 1940.

I also loved Margaret Maron's Deborah Knott series. The first one is The Bootlegger's Daughter. They are set in North Carolina.

36NanaCC
Gen 8, 2022, 1:17 pm

>34 karspeak: It’s nice to see you here, Karen. Happy New Year to you, as well.

>35 BLBera: Hi, Beth. I’ve read the first twelve of the Maisie Dobbs series. I’ve enjoyed them a lot. I have the next, In This Grave Hour, on my shelf, I should pick it up. I’ve also read the first five in the Deborah Knott series. I’ve actually listened to those. I like the reader. Her voice fits perfectly I think. I think I haven’t been back to them because….well those shiny distractions thrown about by everyone here on LT. 😄

37majkia
Gen 8, 2022, 1:31 pm

>25 NanaCC: I've got a ways to go to catch up. I'm soon to start book 12.

38BLBera
Gen 8, 2022, 1:39 pm

I'll keep thinking, Colleen. Good to know that the Maron series has good narrators. I might revisit them at some point.

39NanaCC
Gen 8, 2022, 3:02 pm

>37 majkia: Fair warning, Jean, I think number 12 is the one that features Deborah and Simon. A lot of people really hated that book because of her constant whinging. I read it and it didn’t keep me from continuing. But she is very annoying. After that one, I think it has been smooth sailing.

>38 BLBera: I really have so many series on the go, Beth, that I do forget to pick them up if too much time goes by. I used to love FictFact for keeping track. I’ve been terrible at keeping a list so that I can continue to the next books in some of the series I put down a couple of years ago. I should create a log of some sort.

40brenzi
Gen 8, 2022, 3:13 pm

Hi Colleen, I have very few series I follow anymore because it just get to be too much to keep track of. My problem I know. I love the Louise Penny series and will probably never give that one up but there are so many where I read the first one or two and then lost track and forgot about them. The Slow Horses sounds appealing though and I wouldn't mind trying out the Adrian McKinty series sometime.....

41NanaCC
Gen 8, 2022, 3:16 pm

>40 brenzi: I think you’d like the Slow Horses, Bonnie. They are pretty quick reads. I think a bit unique, witty, and irreverent all at the same time.

42BLBera
Gen 9, 2022, 1:07 pm

I also miss FictFact for that reason, Colleen. Like you, I've started a lot of series, but there are few that I keep up with. Ruth Galloway and Louise Penny are two. The Adrian McKinty and Slow Horses ones sound like ones I would like. One of these days...

43avaland
Gen 10, 2022, 7:06 am

>32 arubabookwoman: I can also vouch for the Garry Disher "Hal Challis/Ellen Destry." He has another series about a thief but I only read the first. I've had another book of his, regular novel, that I keep trying to read without much luck (I suspect my timing isn't right).

44lauralkeet
Gen 10, 2022, 7:47 am

I miss FictFact but after some emotional adjustment, am perfectly happy with my spreadsheet. If anyone would like a copy for their own use, just let me know.

45NanaCC
Gen 10, 2022, 9:37 am

>42 BLBera:, >44 lauralkeet: I have done a spreadsheet of sorts. I miss the next book feature, which of course,I can look up here on LT. It was also good for letting you know when a new book was coming out. I’m sure that I can do it differently, but old dog, new tricks….

>43 avaland: I’ve added that series to my wishlist, Lois. It’s nice to have the extra push.

46rocketjk
Gen 10, 2022, 10:47 am

>44 lauralkeet: & >45 NanaCC: If I understand correctly what you folks are discussing, www.fantasticfiction.com is a very good and user-friendly website for looking up and keeping track of book series.

47NanaCC
Gen 10, 2022, 1:08 pm

>46 rocketjk: Thank you. It looks interesting, Jerry. I’ll take a closer look tomorrow. I’m up to my eyeballs in stuff today. 😊

48lauralkeet
Gen 10, 2022, 1:09 pm

>45 NanaCC: I miss the next book thing too, Colleen, and as handy as my spreadsheet is, it can't do that! I subscribed to several authors on Amazon so I get notified when they have a new book coming out. Funny thing though, I've often heard it here first!

49NanaCC
Gen 10, 2022, 1:28 pm

2- London Rules by Mick Herron

This is the fifth book in the Slough House series. A group of terrorists have attacked and slaughtered the population of a small village, killed several penguins at the zoo, and planted a bomb on a train. Resident geek, Roddy Ho, has a girlfriend. “In his dreams” think the other Slow Horses. After an assassination attempt on Roddy, which he doesn’t believe occurred, the others follow him at night to a club to keep an eye him. From here the real craziness begins. Jackson Lamb is as obnoxious as ever, although you somehow care about the guy. HR would have a field day. Once again, the slow horses are one step ahead of their MI5 counterparts…..sort of. They live by London Rules, and rule #1 is “cover your arse”. I find these book very witty, unique, and as I said to Bonnie, irreverent.

50NanaCC
Gen 10, 2022, 1:31 pm

>48 lauralkeet: I took a quick look, Laura, and the site Jerry mentions above in >46 rocketjk: does seem to show when a new book is coming out. I’ll take a closer look tomorrow as I have a bunch of things to catch up on today.

51VivienneR
Gen 11, 2022, 9:38 am

>49 NanaCC: I'm so envious! You have finished the fifth Slough House book! I'll be reading third in the series, Real Tigers this month.

52NanaCC
Gen 11, 2022, 12:33 pm

>51 VivienneR: They are so enjoyable. I’m just afraid to get too attached to anyone.

53arubabookwoman
Gen 11, 2022, 1:38 pm

>51 VivienneR: >52 NanaCC: That is very true since it seems like we lose one or two with each outing, though more are usually added in the next installment.

54MissBrangwen
Gen 11, 2022, 3:03 pm

>31 NanaCC: I also love Ruth Galloway and Rebus! And I started the first Three Pines in October but abandoned it because we moved shortly after and I didn't have the concentration to read on. I really liked the beginning, though, and I hope to continue my read soonish.

55NanaCC
Gen 11, 2022, 9:23 pm

>53 arubabookwoman: It does keep you on your toes, Deborah. Who will it be?!?! I need to keep myself from plowing on. Although, I’m sure it won’t be long before I pick up another.

>54 MissBrangwen: It is so nice to see you here, Mirjam. I think once you get into it, you will enjoy it. There are a lot of fans here on LT for the Three Pines series.

56brenzi
Gen 11, 2022, 9:47 pm

>46 rocketjk: >47 NanaCC: Thanks. I'm signed up but I can't remember which series I follow other than Louise Penny lol.

57NanaCC
Gen 11, 2022, 9:52 pm

>56 brenzi: 😊 I think I know you better than that!

58Linda92007
Gen 14, 2022, 9:11 pm

>25 NanaCC: I'm not familiar with Elizabeth George, but the series sounds like something I would enjoy for those times when only a mystery will do. And I love a good long book! Once you get beyond the first book, is it important to read them in order?

59NanaCC
Gen 14, 2022, 11:35 pm

>58 Linda92007: I like reading series in order. Characters develop, and you get to know their back stories. In this one, the main characters, Lynley and Havers have things happen that get carried from book to book.

60arubabookwoman
Gen 15, 2022, 1:01 pm

>58 Linda92007: I started the series out of order ( when there were only 4 or 5 in the series), but I think that it is important to read in order, especially after the first few since the characters develop and things happen to them.

61NanaCC
Gen 17, 2022, 4:37 pm

I haven’t had much time for reading this week. I’ve had too many other things that really had to be done. Hopefully I can get to it tonight. I just caught up on everyone’s threads. That in itself was a reading project. I didn’t comment on most. I don’t think I’d ever catch up if I did. 😊 It has been very busy around here.

>60 arubabookwoman: I agree with you, Deborah. Unless I make a mistake, I always start with the first book in a series. I guess it may not always matter, but I prefer to do it that way.

62dchaikin
Gen 20, 2022, 8:31 pm

I swear I was caught up about that time too. A lot has popped up since.

63NanaCC
Gen 20, 2022, 10:22 pm

>62 dchaikin: I am definitely having trouble keeping up. I’ve been trying to read through all of the threads, but really haven’t been commenting. I’m watching your Edith Wharton reading. I’ve loved everything I’ve read of hers, but there is so much that I haven’t read.

64dchaikin
Gen 20, 2022, 10:25 pm

Wharton wrote so many books, and she was a late starter. I'm looking forward to my next one, The Fruit of the Tree.

65NanaCC
Gen 23, 2022, 10:22 pm

3. The Mermaids Singing by Val McDermid, narrated by Graham Roberts

This is the first book in the Tony Hill/Carol Jordan series. A serial killer is targeting men, brutally torturing and mutilating them, before dumping them in areas where gay men hang out. Tony Hill is a forensic psychologist and profiler who is brought in to help identify the killer. Carol Jordan is the detective in charge of the case. From graphic phone sex, to descriptions of the torture and brutality, I am pretty sure this book isn’t for everyone. I will continue with the series. I want to see where the relationship goes from here. I think that Lois may have been the one to recommend this series. I know she recommended the author to me.

66NanaCC
Gen 23, 2022, 10:36 pm

4. W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton

Only two books left in this series, and I will be sad to have it finished. Grafton died of cancer before finishing the series with her planned Z is for Zero. In this book, a homeless man dies and Kinsey gets pulled into his affairs when her name and number are found in his pocket. In a subplot, another private investigator is murdered, and there is a link between the two deaths. I enjoyed the book, and look forward to the final two.

67AlisonY
Gen 24, 2022, 4:24 am

Also ridiculously behind on LT threads, but saying howdy whilst I generally lurk!

68avaland
Gen 24, 2022, 10:40 am

I think we are ALL ridiculously behind in LT threads....so you are in good company:-)

69NanaCC
Gen 24, 2022, 11:18 am

>67 AlisonY:, >68 avaland: I’ve been doing the same thing. Just flying through threads, and trying to keep up. I appreciate the stop.

70BLBera
Gen 25, 2022, 8:21 pm

I have gotten to "E" in the Grafton series. Baby steps. I have found that the audiobooks work well.

71NanaCC
Gen 26, 2022, 1:16 pm

>70 BLBera: I’m glad the audiobooks are working for you, Beth. I do a lot of audiobooks, but I’ve never done one of these.

72avaland
Gen 29, 2022, 8:08 am

Colleen, I read your comments on the McDermid on the 'What are you Reading?' thread. I have enjoyed a fair number of her early independent mysteries, and very much enjoyed her Karen Pirie series, and her Northanger Abbey; and I have watched the Tony Hill/Carol Jordan series on DVD (it was good to watch on the exercise bike!) so I haven't bothered to read the books. I did not care for the recent 1979 and didn't finish it (McDermid and I are the same age and I think my years of working for various police depts. and the two newspapers gets in the way, plus I found going back to '79 not very interesting).

73NanaCC
Gen 29, 2022, 8:26 am

>72 avaland: I enjoyed the book Lois, but it was quite graphic. I kept wondering how a woman would be able to write it the way that she did, getting into the mind of a serial killer. The Karen Pirie series is very good. I’ll keep going with that one, and I’ll probably try the next in the Jordan/Hill series, before deciding whether I’ll continue.

74NanaCC
Gen 29, 2022, 9:01 am

5. A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson

This was a very nice book. The setting is a fictional town in northern Canada. The story unfolds from the voice of three people— eight year old, Clara, whose sister, Rose, has run away from home. Clara’s parents are devastated and Clara stoically keeps watch from the window, convinced that if she stops her sister won’t come home; Elizabeth, Clara’s elderly neighbor who has gone to the hospital for a short stay and has given Clara the keys to her house so that she can care for the cat, Moses; Liam, a thirty something recently divorced man, who comes to Elizabeth’s house carrying boxes and looking like he plans to stay, much to Clara’s horror. As the story progresses, their stories connect. The book was long listed for the Booker prize. I enjoyed this one, although, as others have said, maybe not quite worthy of a Booker. If you like a story with well drawn characters and setting, I think you’d like this one.

75lauralkeet
Gen 29, 2022, 12:25 pm

>74 NanaCC: I really enjoyed it too, Colleen.

76AlisonY
Gen 29, 2022, 2:13 pm

>74 NanaCC: I had this out on loan from the library before Christmas and was about to start it last week when I realised my loan time was almost up and they weren't allowing a renewal as there were other people in the queue. Ah well - maybe another time.

77NanaCC
Gen 29, 2022, 8:03 pm

>75 lauralkeet: I’m pretty sure you were one of the people to solidly put it on my wishlist, Laura.

>76 AlisonY: I had to wait a while for the library hold, Alison, but it was worth it.

78AnnieMod
Modificato: Gen 29, 2022, 8:21 pm

>74 NanaCC: It still is my favorite book from the long list of Booker last year (from the ones I got to anyway).

79dchaikin
Gen 29, 2022, 10:50 pm

>74 NanaCC: I found myself nodding with your last two sentences. Glad you enjoyed

>78 AnnieMod: I liked this one too, but more in an of-the-moment way. So far I think Klara is my favorite (of the Booker 2021 longlist) because it was fun (on audio) and has hung around a little.

80AnnieMod
Gen 29, 2022, 11:46 pm

>79 dchaikin: Klara did not click with me the way I expected it to for some reason. I am still not sure why quite honestly - it is a good book but something just seemed a bit forced in places. You would have expected the opposite - Klara is closer to the type of books I read and yet…

What’s wrong with “of the moment” books and why would they be worse than others? :)

81NanaCC
Modificato: Gen 30, 2022, 4:59 pm

>78 AnnieMod:, >79 dchaikin: I think this is the only one I’ve read from the list, so I really can’t comment. I really enjoyed it. It was a quick read, and I liked the characters. I’ve been recommending to my daughters and friends.

Editing to add that I’m wrong. I also read The Great Circle which I also enjoyed.

82dchaikin
Gen 30, 2022, 6:54 pm

>80 AnnieMod: by “of-the-moment” I mean I read it and moved on and left it behind. I prefer books that hang around.

As for Klara - The makes sense. It wasn’t exactly new to me, but there was still a novelty aspect to it for me.

>81 NanaCC: I just never took to Great Circle.

83NanaCC
Feb 4, 2022, 6:51 pm

>82 dchaikin: I understand about Great Circle: A novel, Dan. The modern part of the story really wasn’t necessary. I’m sure the author was using it as a way to eventually wind up at the ending, but it made it a bit over long. I didn’t mind that, but I know that others did.

84NanaCC
Feb 12, 2022, 4:17 pm

6. Joe Country by Mick Herron

This book is number six in the Slough House series. The Slow Horses, as the misfit group of MI6 “failures” are called, are sent to Wales by Jackson Lamb to enact some revenge on a man who killed one of their own. And, it isn’t a good idea to get attached to the characters. These books are like candy. I’m going through them too fast, but can’t help myself. There is only one more until the new one comes out in May.

85NanaCC
Modificato: Feb 12, 2022, 11:23 pm

7. Still Life by Sarah Winman, narrated by Sarah Winman

I loved this book. Historical fiction, starting in Tuscany in 1944. As the final bombs are dropping, Ulysses Temper, a young British soldier, meets 64 year old Evelyn Skinner, an art historian who is there to help salvage paintings. Their discussion about the importance of art makes an impact on Ulysses which he takes back to London with him. In London, at The Stoat and Parrot, a wonderful cast of characters that make up his “family” are introduced to the reader. An unexpected inheritance takes him back to Italy, where he lives a full life running a small hotel, and where his London crew make periodic visits. And, where, decades later, Evelyn Skinner crosses his path again. In reminiscences, Evelyn recounts her meeting, at the age of 20, with E. M. Forster. My description doesn’t do justice to this book, but if you like a novel with great characters, a meaty story full of love and life, this might be the book for you. The author’s narration of the audiobook is wonderful.

86MissBrangwen
Feb 12, 2022, 5:22 pm

>85 NanaCC: This sounds like a special book and I have added it to my endless wish list!

87AlisonY
Feb 12, 2022, 6:04 pm

Still Life sounds great, Colleen. Onto the pile it goes.

88Nickelini
Feb 12, 2022, 8:35 pm

>85 NanaCC: I've only heard good things about Still Life. I was holding off for the trade paperback copy, and it's now been out for a while so I must pick it up

89NanaCC
Feb 12, 2022, 10:59 pm

>86 MissBrangwen:, >87 AlisonY:, >88 Nickelini: I think Still Life will be in my top books for the year. I will look for your comments when you get to it.

90NanaCC
Feb 12, 2022, 11:16 pm

I forgot to thank Bonnie (brenzi) and Laura (lauralkeet) for the book bullet for Still Life. Thank you!

91lauralkeet
Feb 13, 2022, 7:15 am

>90 NanaCC: ha ha ha you're welcome, Colleen! It makes me very happy to see how much you enjoyed it.

92NanaCC
Feb 13, 2022, 9:04 am

>91 lauralkeet: I had never read anything by her before, Laura. I downloaded Tin Man, and started it this morning.

93brenzi
Feb 13, 2022, 7:37 pm

Ohhhh Tin Man is a favorite of mine. I think you're going to like it Colleen.

94NanaCC
Feb 13, 2022, 9:02 pm

>93 brenzi: I’m enjoying it so far, Bonnie!

95lauralkeet
Feb 14, 2022, 6:59 am

>93 brenzi: What Bonnie said! Tin Man was a rare 5-star read for me.

I'm glad you're enjoying it so far, Colleen.

96BLBera
Feb 14, 2022, 1:42 pm

I also loved Still Life, Colleen. The only other book by Winman that I've read -- and also loved -- was When God Was a Rabbit.

97NanaCC
Feb 14, 2022, 2:41 pm

>95 lauralkeet: Five stars! Excellent indeed, Laura. I’m hoping to finish it tonight, although I have mahjong, which I recently learned how to play. It will depend upon how late we go.

>96 BLBera: I will add that one to my wishlist, Beth. Her writing is wonderful.

98NanaCC
Feb 25, 2022, 11:18 pm

I am so far behind. I’ve been reading threads, but mostly not posting. I’ve enjoyed the last couple of reads.

8. Tin Man by Sarah Winman

Another wonderful novel by Sarah Winman. A book about first love, friendship and love. Ellis and Michael. Michael and Annie. Ellis and Michael and Annie. Art. AIDS. So much to love in one very short book. Loved it.

9. The Catch by Mick Herron

A short novella in the Slough House series. A quick filler before the next in the series.

10. State of Terror by Hilary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny, narrated by Joan Allen

A pretty good political thriller with a nod to the Three Pines series and an appearance by Armand Gamache. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. I did not enjoy the reader. Joan Allen is an actress who may be familiar to fans of the Bourne movie series. But as a reader, her performance fell a little flat for me.

99lauralkeet
Feb 26, 2022, 7:00 am

I'm very happy to see that you loved Tin Man, Colleen. And I'm reading State of Terror right now. I'm about 1/3 of the way in, and totally immersed. I'm reading the print edition, not audio, which is normal for me but also something I'm glad about, having seen your comments. Looking forward to discovering the Gamache connection.

100NanaCC
Mar 1, 2022, 7:06 am

>99 lauralkeet: I’ve been busy with RL “stuff”, so not much reading or visiting LT threads the past few days. I’ll look for your comments about State of Terror, Laura. I’m curious to see what other people thought of it.

101torontoc
Mar 1, 2022, 7:53 am

I just started reading Still Life and am enjoying it!

102NanaCC
Mar 1, 2022, 8:03 am

>101 torontoc: I found so much about it to love, Cyrel. I’ll look for your comments after you’re done.

103VivienneR
Mar 3, 2022, 5:44 pm

I'm taking a BB for both Sarah Winman books. Until now I was undecided but your recommendation decided it. We enjoy the same books so this was a no-brainer!

And I'm so envious that you are progressing so well on the Mick Herron series. Well done!

We are agreed on Hilary Clinton's State of Terror. I felt like telling the narrator to turn it down a notch.

104NanaCC
Mar 5, 2022, 10:15 pm

>103 VivienneR: Hi Vivienne. I’ll look forward to your comments on Winman’s books. I hope you enjoy as much as I did. The Slow Horses are great, aren’t they?!?. I’ll be sad to finish.

105NanaCC
Mar 7, 2022, 2:00 pm

11. Hidden Depths by Anne Cleeves, narrated by Ann Dover

This is the third book in the Vera Stanhope series. I’ve watched most of the tv series on BritBox, except for the most current one. The tv character played by Brenda Blethyn comes close to the character in this book. Two young people are found dead within a few days of one another. The circumstances are similar. Both have been strangled, and then posed in water surrounded by floating flowers. There seem to be no apparent links between the victims, but Vera gets to the facts soon enough. The reader for this series is quite good.

106lauralkeet
Mar 7, 2022, 6:51 pm

>105 NanaCC: I've read a few of the Vera books and enjoyed them. I couldn't get my husband into the TV series but Brenda Blethyn's Vera is how I imagine her in the books.

107brenzi
Modificato: Mar 7, 2022, 8:26 pm

I haven't read the Cleeves books Colleen but I love the Vera series. I've finished it now and evidently Brenda Blethyn has announced that she's done with the series. She's 74 I believe so I think she wants to retire.

108NanaCC
Mar 7, 2022, 10:35 pm

>106 lauralkeet: I agree, Laura. She’s a good actor for the part.

>107 brenzi: I’m enjoying the books, Bonnie. And I can understand Blethyn wanting to let it go. I’m sure they get to a point where it gets to be too much. And, I’m guessing Covid didn’t help. Have you watched the Shetland series? I like that one too. I’ve been listening to those books, as well.

109BLBera
Mar 8, 2022, 11:33 am

I haven't watched the Vera series, but I love the Shetland series.

110NanaCC
Mar 8, 2022, 12:03 pm

>109 BLBera: I do too, Beth. The scenery is gorgeous, and the stories are good. Have you read any of the books? Both series are good, I think.

111brenzi
Modificato: Mar 22, 2022, 9:33 pm

>108 NanaCC: I'm watching the Shetland series now Colleen. I think I'm about to start Season 4.

112NanaCC
Mar 9, 2022, 11:58 am

>111 brenzi: I like the actor who plays Jimmy Perez in the Shetland series, Bonnie. I think the show does a pretty good job, but the books are better, as is usually the case.

113BLBera
Mar 12, 2022, 11:32 am

I've read the first couple of books in the Shetland series. At some point, I will probably continue.

114rocketjk
Mar 17, 2022, 6:02 pm

>112 NanaCC: My wife and I have also watched all the Shetland seasons (though I haven't gotten to the books, yet), and we also liked the actor who plays Perez. The only problem for us is that the guy looks just like a close friend of ours. It was a bit distracting!

115NanaCC
Mar 21, 2022, 11:38 am

>113 BLBera: I’m enjoying the books in both series, Beth. I’ve read six in the Shetland series.

>114 rocketjk: I can see where that might be distracting,
Jerry. I’m not sure he looks like the description in the books, but I do like him. If you ever get to the books, I hope you enjoy them.

I’m in Florida on vacation right now. I’m not getting in as much reading as I thought I would. The kids are keeping me busy. I’ve finished two which I’ll write about when I get a bit of time.

116brenzi
Mar 22, 2022, 9:44 pm

Hi Colleen, there's a new show on HBO called Slow Horses. I'm wondering if it's based on the books you read. Are they about spies?

Hope you're having fun in Florida.

117NanaCC
Mar 23, 2022, 12:17 pm

>116 brenzi: I just heard about the show a couple of days ago, Bonnie. It is based upon the books, but other than that I don’t know much about it. I saw that Gary Oldman is cast as Jackson Lamb, the boss of the slow horses. The slow horses are MI5 spies who have messed up somehow, and are relegated to doing make busy work instead of the excitement they signed up for. Of course they keep getting into dangerous situations anyway. I think you’d like the books. The first one is called Slow Horses.

118NanaCC
Mar 31, 2022, 5:50 pm

12. Slough House by Mick Herron

In the seventh book in the Slough House series, the Slow Horses have been targeted by a hit squad. A cliff hanger ending has me waiting for the next book, due out in May.

13. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

Classic Agatha Christie with Poirot in the right place at the right time.

14. The Skeleton Road by Val McDermid, narrated by Davina Porter

Book number three in the Karen Pirie series. An old building in Edinburgh is scheduled to be turned into flats. The inspection prior to renovation turns up the skeletal remains of a man with ties to Yugoslavia and the Balkan wars of the 1990’s. Karen Pirie’s cold case unit heads up the investigation which intersects with a group looking for people responsible for war crimes during the war.

119VivienneR
Modificato: Apr 4, 2022, 3:24 pm

I dropped by to tell you about the movie Slow Horses, but I see others have got there before me. Gary Oldman is a good choice for Jackson Lamb and Mick Jagger is also in it but I don't know which part. It's available on AppleTV, which I don't have, but this will push me to subscribe.

ETA: Hope you are having a great time in Florida!

120rocketjk
Apr 4, 2022, 5:17 pm

>119 VivienneR: Not a movie, but a series. I agree it's quite good. Only the first two episodes are available at this point. Looks like they're releasing two episodes every Friday, at least here in the U.S. Mick Jagger sings the theme song. Is he in the series as well? I'll have to look out for him.

121lisapeet
Apr 4, 2022, 9:31 pm

>120 rocketjk: Mick Jagger sings the theme song
I'm guessing it's not "Wild Horses" with the lyrics changed?

122rocketjk
Apr 4, 2022, 10:38 pm

>121 lisapeet: Ha! That's already a slow song, though. But let me think . . .

"Real slow horses can't get out of my way.
Real slow horses, it takes them all day."

123NanaCC
Apr 4, 2022, 11:48 pm

>119 VivienneR:, >120 rocketjk:, >121 lisapeet: Oh, I need to start that series. I love the books. I hope the series does them Justice.

Florida was great. Back in Massachusetts, driving my grandson to and from school this week. I’m tired already. 😊

Have you all read the books. So good!

124VivienneR
Apr 5, 2022, 12:29 am

>120 rocketjk: Thanks for that information. I saw an interview with Jagger in The Guardian about his acting career and jumped to conclusions! I just had another look and you're right. Not that I'm too disappointed I'm a fan of both The Stones and Slow Horses.

"That much is clear from Strange Game, the grungy theme song he has recorded for the six-part adaptation of Mick Herron’s acerbic spy novel Slow Horses. The series concerns a team of disgraced spooks relegated to an insalubrious office tucked behind the Barbican. Jagger sneers at these rejects on the song, branding them “losers, misfits and boozers” before announcing: “You’re finished, you’re foolish, you faiiiled."

125lisapeet
Modificato: Apr 5, 2022, 8:20 am

>122 rocketjk: I've seen horses like that.

It looks like they reissued Slow Horses in advance of the series, and offered the book as an e-galley, so I've got one now. It was on my wishlist, so yay—I probably won't watch the series but I'm really interested in the book from comments here.

126NanaCC
Apr 6, 2022, 1:12 pm

>124 VivienneR: 😄 I haven’t started watching yet, Vivienne. Very soon though.

>125 lisapeet: the book series is quite good, Lisa. It’s a little bit like candy, I can’t stop once I start.

127arubabookwoman
Apr 19, 2022, 5:51 pm

I've been watching the Slow Horses series and loving it. I have one episode left, but it won't be released until Friday Gary Oldman is great as Jackson Lamb, and Kristin Scott Thomas is perfectly icy as Diana Taverner. And I can't get the Stones theme song out of my mind.
The series basically covers the first book. I heard that it has already been renewed for another season.

128NanaCC
Apr 19, 2022, 6:42 pm

>127 arubabookwoman: I have to start watching soon, Deborah. It really sounds so good. The kids have been keeping me busy. I guess that’s a good thing, but reading has suffered. I hope you are doing well.

I finished listening-

15. Baggage: Tales From a Fully Packed Life by Alan Cumming

I listened to Not My Father’s Son several years ago, in which he tells of his abusive father and their terrible relationship. In this book he talks about his start in show business at a very young age, and of the relationships he’s had throughout. He knows how lucky he has been with his successes, and he tells his story in that delightful accent.

129avaland
Apr 20, 2022, 6:56 am

Nice to see you out and about, Colleen :-)

130NanaCC
Apr 20, 2022, 10:48 pm

>129 avaland: I know I’ve been a bit MIA lately, Lois. Fun, but crazy RL things right now have been keeping me busy. I pop in once in a while to read a few threads, but I can’t seem to keep up. We’ve been a busy group so far this year. I’ll try to pop in more often.

131avaland
Apr 21, 2022, 8:26 am

>130 NanaCC: We are certainly a busy group, and I'd be surprised if anyone could keep up (and still have a life outside of LT)!

132NanaCC
Mag 10, 2022, 7:33 pm

16. Something to Hide by Elizabeth George

This new book is 21st in the Lynley/Havers series. At almost 700 pages, I should probably think it’s too long, but I don’t mind long. George did a lot of research for this one, the murder of a policewoman investigating the illegal practice of FGM, female genital mutilation, in the Somali and Nigerian communities in London. Much of the story follows a Nigerian family, and there are loads of red herrings. As with any mystery series, I think they need to be read in order. Lynley, Havers, and Nkata’s characters all feature in this one.

133NanaCC
Mag 10, 2022, 7:36 pm

As always lately, I am way behind on threads. I just know I can’t catch up with everyone. I’ll be reading through, but not really commenting. I apologize for that.

134labfs39
Mag 11, 2022, 3:45 pm

>133 NanaCC: RL has a way of intruding on our book time, doesn't it? It's nice to hear from you though.

135lauralkeet
Mag 12, 2022, 6:50 am

>134 labfs39: I agree! Thanks for checking in, Colleen.

136avaland
Mag 17, 2022, 10:05 am

>133 NanaCC: It's always good to hear from you.

137NanaCC
Mag 27, 2022, 4:10 pm

17. X by Sue Grafton

Only one more to go in the Kinsey Malone series by Sue Grafton. I think it’s quite sad that she didn’t get to finish the series in the way she probably wanted to. For fans of the series, this is a good one. Lies, scams, a psychopath, and Kinsey sorting it all out.

Hi, Lisa, Laura and Lois. (The three “L’s”) Thank you for stopping by my seriously neglected thread.

138lauralkeet
Mag 27, 2022, 5:09 pm

>137 NanaCC: I just picked up A is for Alibi at a used book sale last weekend. I hold you responsible!

The three “L’s”: maybe we should form a girl band. Ha.

139labfs39
Mag 28, 2022, 9:38 am

>137 NanaCC: I read Sue Grafton's books up through H(?) many years ago. Why was she unable to finish the series? Oh no, did she pass away so close to the end?

140NanaCC
Mag 28, 2022, 11:09 am

>138 lauralkeet: We can both blame Linda, Laura. I had read through (maybe) J originally. After Grafton passed away, Linda said she was doing a reread, and that prompted me to do the same.

>139 labfs39: She did, Lisa. And, my daughter said that she thought the family had decided not to try to finish it. I can’t vouch for that.

141lauralkeet
Mag 28, 2022, 11:28 am

>140 NanaCC: Okay! Let's blame Linda. She's a bad influence, indeed. 😀

142NanaCC
Mag 28, 2022, 11:45 am

>141 lauralkeet: LOL. The two of you…. 😄

143AnnieMod
Mag 28, 2022, 6:29 pm

>140 NanaCC: At the time of her death, her daughter stated that it is because Grafton never wanted anyone interpreting her material (TV, other authors and so on). See https://www.tampabay.com/news/obituaries/There-will-be-no-Z-for-mystery-author-S... for one of the reports - the original post may still be foundable.

On the other hand, there is this: https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Entertainment/wireStory/sue-graftons-alphabet-novels-... so who knows what will happen next year or in a decade.

144NanaCC
Mag 29, 2022, 12:03 pm

>143 AnnieMod: I’m not sure how I feel about her family going against her wishes regarding the filming rights. But as you said, who knows what will happen.

145BLBera
Mag 29, 2022, 12:57 pm

I'm currently on E, Colleen. They are good audiobooks. Interesting that the family decided to televise them.

146laytonwoman3rd
Modificato: Mag 29, 2022, 1:42 pm

>140 NanaCC:, >141 lauralkeet: That's me, bad company!

147NanaCC
Mag 30, 2022, 8:44 am

>145 BLBera: I’m glad you are enjoying them, Beth. I never listened to any of them, but I’m glad to hear that they do well on audio.

>146 laytonwoman3rd: The best kind of bad company, Linda. 😄

148rhian_of_oz
Mag 30, 2022, 9:16 am

I miss Kinsey (and Henry) so from that perspective I would love to see them on screen. But yeah I don't love the idea that they are going against her explicitly expressed wishes.

149NanaCC
Mag 30, 2022, 9:18 am

>148 rhian_of_oz: I agree, Rhian. I just think it’s disrespectful. She had her reasons.

150AnnieMod
Mag 30, 2022, 3:36 pm

Well, apparently someone offered enough money for them to come up with the “this is not the same TV” or something like that and to agree. While I don’t necessarily agree with authors blocking their characters from being adapted (because the characters and stories belong to the readers once published), it is the author’s work and as long as they had clearly expressed their wishes, going against them is dishonest at best and disrespectful. And this one is especially bad because of all the statements to immediately after her death. Oh well.

151NanaCC
Ago 16, 2022, 1:19 pm

I know I’ve been MIA lately. I’ve been in a reading slump, so my stats are far from normal for me. I do peek in once in a while to see what everyone is reading, but haven’t been commenting. Here is what I’ve read since the last time I posted.

18. Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton
This was the last book in Grafton’s alphabet series. I would have liked seeing how she intended to finish the series.

19. City on Fire by Don Winslow, narrated by Ari Fliakos
I had seen a lot of hype for this one on Twitter. Very “Godfather” like. Two crime families, one Italian, one Irish, come to blows over a woman. I enjoyed it, but it isn’t my normal genre.

20. Bad Actors by Mick Herron
The newest in the Slough House series. I loved it. The series is great.

21. Mrs Polifax on Safari by Dorothy Gilman, narrated by Barbara Rosenblat
This series is entertaining. The reader is perfect for the series.

22. God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen, narrated by Jasmine Blackborow
These books are silly, but entertaining. This is the latest.

23. The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths, narrated by Jane McDowell
The newest in the Ruth Galloway series. It begins in February 2020, so Covid was a big part of the general atmosphere. It ended with me wanting to read the next one. Of course, this one just came out in June, so the wait will be long.

152VivienneR
Ago 16, 2022, 1:41 pm

Delighted to see you back, Colleen! You've had some good reading in the meantime!

I'm still enjoying Mick Herron's Slough House series too. Currently reading Spook Street.

Elly Griffith's The Locked Room has escaped my notice until now. Not sure how that happened but it will be fixed soon.

153lauralkeet
Ago 16, 2022, 3:02 pm

It's always nice to see you Colleen. Thanks for the update. I really enjoyed The Locked Room, too.

Have you read The Thursday Murder Club? I think you'd really enjoy it -- it's the first of a series.

154AlisonY
Ago 16, 2022, 4:08 pm

Just stopping by to wave hello, Colleen. Hope the reading slump is passing.

155RidgewayGirl
Ago 16, 2022, 7:18 pm

Good to see you back, Colleen. Reading slumps are no fun.

156labfs39
Ago 16, 2022, 7:44 pm

>151 NanaCC: I first read Mrs Pollifax when I was in my teens? twenties? Very fun

157NanaCC
Ago 16, 2022, 10:15 pm

>152 VivienneR: The Locked Room had escaped my notice too, Vivienne, until I saw it on Laura’s thread when I peeked in. I put my name on the waiting list right away. Definitely worth reading.

>153 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. I’ve read books one and two of The Thursday Murder Club, and looking forward to book three coming out next month.

>154 AlisonY: Hi, Alison. I’m leaving for Maine on Monday with my daughter and family. The island is a perfect place to relax and read so I’ve been trying to add some good books to my kindle.

>155 RidgewayGirl: Hi, Kay. I think I just need a jump start, and I’m hoping two weeks on Great Diamond Island will do that.

>156 labfs39: Hi, Lisa. I had never heard of Mrs Polifax, until the first book showed up as a special on audible. They are good fun when you don’t want to think too hard.

158avaland
Ago 17, 2022, 6:19 am

>151 NanaCC: Always nice to hear from you when you can stop by. Life gets in the way sometimes.

159labfs39
Ago 17, 2022, 7:36 am

>157 NanaCC: Whereabouts in Maine are you headed, Colleen? I live in a little town about 45 minutes inland from Wells.

160MissBrangwen
Ago 17, 2022, 8:33 am

>151 NanaCC: The Ruth Galloway series is a favourite of mine! I have only read the first five books so far, but now I am already looking forward to reading The Locked Room when I have caught up one day. It will be interesting to see how these beloved characters handle something we all had to go through...

Have a good trip to Maine! I have never heard of Great Diamond Island and just had to google it, it looks beautiful.

161BLBera
Ago 17, 2022, 9:29 am

Hi Colleen. I keep meaning to start the Slough House series; I've only heard good things about it. I also enjoyed The Locked Room; the downside of reading the new Ruth Galloway is that there is a wait until the next one!

162NanaCC
Ago 17, 2022, 9:39 am

>158 avaland: Hi, Lois. Yes, life can definitely throw in some hoops to get through. Everything here is pretty good. Chris and family came up on Friday night. Owen had college tours set up for Monday. Her husband felt ill on Saturday night, and tested positive for Covid on Sunday morning. So they headed back home. It is the second time Covid has squashed Owen’s plans to look at colleges up here. He is doing his second year at community college this school year, but plans to transfer next year. So far, the rest of us have tested negative.

>159 labfs39: My daughter has a house on Great Diamond Island, Lisa, which is about a 20 minute ferry ride from Portland. The only vehicles, other than golf carts, are service vehicles. So it is lovely and quiet. Perfect for relaxing, reading and walking.

>160 MissBrangwen: The Ruth Galloway series is really a good one, isn’t it. I’ve read a few other books where they included Covid in the story, the last Three Pines for example, but I liked the way this one was done.

163NanaCC
Ago 17, 2022, 9:46 am

>161 BLBera: Hi, Beth. Agreed on the wait. That’s true of so many series. The Thursday Murder Club has a new one coming out next month, and Three Pines in November. I’m looking forward to those. I think you’ll enjoy the Slough House series. I also watched Slow Horses on tv. It is based upon the first book.

164laytonwoman3rd
Ago 17, 2022, 5:53 pm

Hi, Colleen. Good to see you reading again! Sorry about the Covid Dx in your family. Poor Owen. The decision-making is tough enough without such impediments!

165japaul22
Ago 17, 2022, 7:26 pm

Everybody has been talking about the Ruth Galloway series with the new book out, so I bought the first one to give it a try. I've been needing a new-to-me mystery series to read.

Good to get an update from you!

166NanaCC
Ago 17, 2022, 10:59 pm

>164 laytonwoman3rd: Hi Linda. So far the rest of us are still testing negative. Keeping my fingers crossed it stays that way. Owen decided, with a little nudge from mom, to get two years under his belt by going to the local community college. He was originally going to do a gap year when visiting colleges wasn’t in the cards due to Covid, but was a little afraid he’d wind up not going at all.

>165 japaul22: I think you’d like the series, Jennifer. I’ll be interested to see what you think.

167Trifolia
Ago 20, 2022, 9:36 am

Well, I don't know how I could have missed your thread but it is a treasure trove of mystery recommendations.
I didn't know Richard Osman's book is coming out next month. I really enjoyed the first two and will definitely look forward to the third one.
Enjoy your holiday!

168NanaCC
Ago 20, 2022, 10:12 pm

>167 Trifolia: Thank you, Monica. Nice to see you here. I’m afraid I’ve been bad about posting lately. I’ll try to be better about it when I get back. We are leaving for our holiday on Monday. I’m definitely ready for it. My kindle is loaded, mostly mysteries, I admit, but at least I’ll be reading. I’m looking forward to the new Osman book, as well as the Louise Penny in November.

169avaland
Ago 22, 2022, 6:55 am

>162 NanaCC: Aw, that's too bad about Owen's plans. Nearly all my family has had Covid now, just one son-in-law has not (and I can't figure out how he's avoided it), and us oldsters.

170lisapeet
Ago 22, 2022, 10:21 am

>166 NanaCC: I hear a lot about kids doing a year or two of community college and then transferring to a four-year school. The offerings at community colleges are stepping up accordingly, plus it's just a good way to figure out how to do college, what you want to focus on, etc. with slightly lower financial stakes. Sorry to hear about the Covid, though. My husband and I haven't had it yet, but he's going to have to start going back to the office at least a few days a week (commuting on the subway) next month, so he may get hit.

171NanaCC
Ago 23, 2022, 9:22 am

>169 avaland: I’ve managed to avoid getting it, as far as I know, Lois. Same for Owen and Chris. But I think everyone else has had a mild case with cold like symptoms.

>170 lisapeet: I think you are right about the community colleges, Lisa. He is able to do the core subjects that almost every degree requires, and keep the cost way down. Getting back into the office is definitely scary for everyone. My granddaughter just got a job in NYC. She starts next month, and will be commuting on the subway, after working from home for over a year. Tricky indeed.

172wandering_star
Ago 25, 2022, 10:31 am

>151 NanaCC: That is great to know that Mrs Pollifax is available on audible! I always look out for her in second-hand book shops but they only turn up occasionally.

173NanaCC
Ago 25, 2022, 10:37 am

>172 wandering_star: I’m not sure how I was introduced to these books, but I’ve listened to the first five now, and they are very good as audiobooks.

174NanaCC
Ago 26, 2022, 3:16 pm

24. The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths

This is the first book in a series called The Brighton Mysteries. Vivienne put this on my list a few years ago, I think. Edgar Stephens and Max Mephisto were part of the Magic Men, a group of soldiers during WWII, who were creating illusions to fool the Germans. Edgar is now a policeman in 1950, and when the body of a woman is found cut into three pieces, it reminds him of his friend Max who performed a trick with that illusion. Max agrees to help find the killer, who seems to be targeting members of The Magic Men. I like Elly Griffiths’ Ruth Galloway series better, but I liked this one enough to look for the second book.

175lauralkeet
Ago 26, 2022, 5:04 pm

>174 NanaCC: I haven't succumbed to this series yet, Colleen. And I don't need to start a new one right now! I'll watch your progress and see how you get on.

176BLBera
Ago 27, 2022, 11:58 am

>174 NanaCC: I started this one once, Colleen, and ended up pausing it. I might try again at some point. I agree that the Ruth series is her best one.

177NanaCC
Ago 27, 2022, 12:12 pm

>175 lauralkeet:, >176 BLBera: I had forgotten all about this series, but looking at reviews, Vivienne really likes it. I was waiting for a couple of library books, and decided to try it. I did like it enough to want to read the next. The kindle version had a few typos that annoyed me.

178NanaCC
Ago 31, 2022, 11:46 am

25. The Lost Man by Jane Harper

This is the third book I’ve read by Jane Harper. The “who done it” is really more than that. Three brothers own neighboring ranch stations in the Australian Outback, at least three hours from the nearest town. The weather is hot and extremely dry. The middle brother is found dead in a remote location on their land. It is obvious that he suffered from the heat and dehydration. Why would he have walked several kilometers from his car, which was filled with water and supplies? The landscape features as a main character in Harper’s books. I liked this one even more than I liked The Dry.

179lauralkeet
Ago 31, 2022, 5:59 pm

>178 NanaCC: I read this one recently too, Colleen. I totally agree the landscape is a character in its own right. I could really feel the remoteness and the dry heat. I can't imagine what it's like to live in that area. It made for an excellent story though.

180NanaCC
Ago 31, 2022, 11:36 pm

>179 lauralkeet: I know. I said to my daughter that I couldn’t imagine living where my closest neighbor was three hours away. It’s just mind boggling. I do like some alone time, but there is always someone to get together with if I want to. The story really made you feel the loneliness.

181BLBera
Set 3, 2022, 11:25 am

I love the setting in Harper's books, Colleen. Great comments. This sounds like a good one.

182MissBrangwen
Set 3, 2022, 11:37 am

>178 NanaCC: Jane Harper's books are at the top of my wishlist! I worked in such a remote place as a nanny/farm hand, on a cattle station in Cape York in northern Australia. It was 130km to the next roadhouse and more than 500km to the next real town. I only lasted three weeks, though.
It was extremely fascinating and I will always remember it, but I couldn't go on any longer because it was too isolated and I wasn't used to the hard work. I must add that I was quite young (it was during my gap year before starting university) and I think that today I could deal with it a little better.

183NanaCC
Set 3, 2022, 12:34 pm

>181 BLBera: it’s my favorite of the three I’ve read, Beth. I’ll have to see what else there is.

>182 MissBrangwen: Hi, Mirjam. How interesting, and brave of you to try out such an adventure. I think the books might resonate with you.

184NanaCC
Set 8, 2022, 1:01 pm

26. The Killings at Badger’s Drift by Caroline Graham, narrated by John Hopkins

This is the first book in the Chief Inspector Barnaby series, inspiration for the tv series Midsomer Murders. An old spinster, loved by everyone, is murdered. Her best friend is sure it isn’t natural causes, and Barnaby takes on the case. This small village sure has a lot of scandalous behavior going on. I saw this episode on tv a couple of years ago, and I think it followed the book pretty closely, as much of it seemed very familiar. I’ll continue the series, which is fairly well written.

185NanaCC
Ott 9, 2022, 10:53 am

Catching up, once again. I’m having a terrible reading year.

27. Where Shadows Dance by C. S. Harris, narrated by Davina Porter

This is the sixth book in the Sebastian St Cyr mystery series. Set in London in 1812, Sebastian gets involved solving several murders that may be related. War with America is imminent. Light reading. I enjoy this series as a distraction from the crazy world we live in right now.

28. Out of Bounds by Val McDermid

The fourth book in the Karen Pirie crime series is a really good one. The characters are well developed and Karen’s crime solving is deftly plotted. If you haven’t read anything by Val McDermid, this would be a good series to start. While this could be read as a stand-alone, I think starting at the beginning is the way to go.

186labfs39
Ott 9, 2022, 11:13 am

>185 NanaCC: I’m having a terrible reading year. I'm sorry to hear it, Colleen. Been there, done that, and it's no fun.

187NanaCC
Ott 10, 2022, 10:16 am

>186 labfs39: I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read, Lisa. I just feel like I’ve been doing so many other things that my numbers are pitiful.

188labfs39
Ott 10, 2022, 4:40 pm

>187 NanaCC: Enjoying it is the important part, right? Stop putting the number before the title :-)

189avaland
Ott 11, 2022, 5:24 am

>185 NanaCC: The Karen Pririe series starts late this month on BritBox if you as streaming. I really loved that series.

>188 labfs39: What Lisa said! This is what I am telling myself.

190NanaCC
Ott 11, 2022, 10:59 am

>189 avaland: I will definitely check that out, Lois. I do have BritBox. I really have enjoyed the books I’ve read so far. This last one was really good.

191VivienneR
Ott 11, 2022, 5:29 pm

Just dropping by to say hello!

>185 NanaCC: I like what I've read of the Karen Pirie series but haven't got to this one yet. I'm interested in Lois's comment at >189 avaland: that it will start streaming on BritBox soon. That alone makes me interested in subscribing to BritBox.

192NanaCC
Ott 11, 2022, 10:44 pm

>191 VivienneR: Hi, Vivienne. I love BritBox….Shetland, Vera and more. I’m looking forward to this new one.

193lauralkeet
Ott 12, 2022, 6:56 am

Hi Colleen, I just realized I hadn't yet commented on your recent reads. It looks like we are at exactly the same point in the Sebastian St Cyr series. Those books are so enjoyable and, I agree -- perfect light reads that distract from everything else.

Having only just learned of the upcoming Karen Pirie TV series on Britbox, I don't have a hope of reading the books first. I guess I'll just go straight to TV. Although when for some reason my husband couldn't get into Vera on TV (what is wrong with him LOL), I decided to start reading them instead. So we'll see.

I assume you've been watching the latest season of Shetland. I recommend Sherwood as well if you haven't checked it out yet.

194avaland
Ott 13, 2022, 2:53 pm

>190 NanaCC: That series starts the 25th of this month.

195NanaCC
Ott 13, 2022, 6:51 pm

>193 lauralkeet: I haven’t started the new series of Shetland, Laura. Oh yay! I wasn’t aware it had started. I think you’ll like those books.

>194 avaland: I’ve noted the date, Lois. Thank you.

196AlisonY
Ott 14, 2022, 8:13 am

Hi Colleen, hopefully your reading time is being filled with interesting other things. Mine has gone down too since upping my exercise commitment, but I see that as a positive overall.

197NanaCC
Ott 14, 2022, 11:53 am

>196 AlisonY: Hi Alison. Have you ever tried listening to an audiobook while exercising? If you can find a genre that works well for you in that format, it can be enjoyable. For me, mysteries and memoirs work well in audio format.

198NanaCC
Ott 15, 2022, 4:00 pm

29. The Bullet That Missed: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman, narrated by Fiona Shaw

The third book in the Thursday Murder Club series is the best yet. The main characters, pensioners who live in a retirement village called Cooper’s Chase, are trying to solve an unsolved cold case from ten years previous. Their police friends, Donna and Chris, are back as well. An investigative journalist died when her car went over a cliff, but the body was never found. She had been investigating a huge money laundering scheme when this happened. Add in a couple more murders, a little romance, and lots of humour, and the book is a winner. If you haven’t tried this series, start with the first one titled The Thursday Murder Club. The characters are terrific.

199lauralkeet
Ott 15, 2022, 8:00 pm

>198 NanaCC: I love that series SO MUCH, Colleen.

200NanaCC
Ott 16, 2022, 11:07 am

>199 lauralkeet: I do too, Laura. The audiobook had an interview with the author afterwards. In it he said that Stephen Spielberg has the rights to do a film. I think that should be good. Osman also said that he plans a book a year. I’m all in.

201AlisonY
Ott 16, 2022, 3:28 pm

>197 NanaCC: I go to a gym where we have structured classes and exercises, Colleen, so listening to an audiobook probably wouldn't work. I try to listen to podcasts when I'm out for a walk, though. I feel a full book would take me too long to get through as I don't have that long to walk each day, so podcasts feel manageable.

202NanaCC
Ott 16, 2022, 7:35 pm

>201 AlisonY: Podcasts are a great option, Alison.

203lisapeet
Ott 19, 2022, 11:00 am

>187 NanaCC: Don't look at your numbers! If you enjoyed what you read, then it was a good reading year... numbers are just notches on a bedpost, not good indicators of anything that matters when it comes to reading or love.

204NanaCC
Ott 19, 2022, 11:14 am

>203 lisapeet: Thank you, Lisa. You have all convinced me. 😄 I know I shouldn’t get hung up on things like that, but here I am.

205AnnieMod
Ott 19, 2022, 1:16 pm

>204 NanaCC: Then make it a goal to have a "better" year next year (in these terms) and look at this year's numbers as opportunity and not as a failure :)

If you enjoyed the books, you have a good reading year in my book. I'd call it a "slow reading year" and not a bad/terrible if I were you but if you prefer terrible, so be it. But then with my summer (mis)adventures I am so far from own goal in books (in numbers anyway) that I am also a bit stressed about numbers but it is always easier to talk about other people while stressing internally ;)

206NanaCC
Ott 25, 2022, 7:42 am

>205 AnnieMod: I like “slow reading year”, Annie.

207NanaCC
Ott 25, 2022, 8:20 am

30. Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith

Book number six in the Cormoran Strike series in the kindle version is 1,462 pages. Cormoran and his partner Robin are trying to identify the identity of the developer of an online game, whose user name is Anomie. A bully, and possibly a murderer. The length of the book has a lot to do with the formatting on the kindle. When first released, kindle readers were unable to read the online chats because the font was so small. And unlike the regular text that can be enlarged on the kindle, these chats could not. They’ve fixed that by putting the chats in the normal kindle font. But the original chats are still there so you need to skip past those. Adding about 200 pages. Rather wonky. There are many characters with online user names, and the detective duo need to suss out their real life identities in order to find the murderer. It’s a good story, probably too many characters and suspects. But I enjoyed it. Robin is a full partner now, not just getting herself in dangerous situations, and given the credit she deserves.

I had a hard time deciding whether to read the book, after all of the controversy surrounding J. K. Rowling. But, I do enjoy the series, so decided to get it from the library. Any thoughts on that?

208NanaCC
Ott 25, 2022, 8:26 am

31. Death of a Hollow Man by Caroline Graham, narrated by John Hopkins

This is the second book in the inspector Tom Barnaby series, inspiration for the Midsomer Murders tv series. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book, but I’ll probably continue. A prop change during the performance of a play leads to the death of a rather unliked actor. It was a puzzle trying to figure out who did it.

209laytonwoman3rd
Ott 25, 2022, 11:19 am

"I had a hard time deciding whether to read the book, after all of the controversy surrounding J. K. Rowling" I understand the dilemma. We'd give up an awful lot of art, if we judged the author's moral stances or behavior before deciding what to read, listen to or view, but it is a bit different when you're talking about putting money into the pocket of a living person you find distasteful. I had already become disenchanted with the series itself, so don't have to deal with my feelings about the author in this case.

210japaul22
Ott 25, 2022, 11:33 am

I'm also on the fence about reading the latest Cormoran Strike book because of Rowling's recent statements on transgender issues. I snapped up all the others as soon as they came out, but I'm hesitating on this. And it's been long enough since I read the last one that I think I can do without it.

It's sort of silly though, because my kids still read and love Harry Potter and I'm not even considering taking those out of my house. At least I'm aware of my inconsistencies?! ;-)

211NanaCC
Ott 25, 2022, 4:42 pm

>209 laytonwoman3rd: That was more or less my feeling, Linda. I guess even using the library is contributing to her pocket, but I’m trying to convince myself it’s better than buying.

>210 japaul22: As you can see, Jennifer, I am full of inconsistencies on this. I find her views on transgender rights despicable. Yet here I am reading her book. And I must say that I loved the Harry Potter series. I am so conflicted. ;-)

212laytonwoman3rd
Ott 25, 2022, 5:42 pm

The Harry Potter books are favorites around here too. Since there doesn't seem to be any indication of her despicable (great word) opinions in those, and they came round before her nastiness came to light, I don't have any conflict with reading and re-reading. Borrowing her new book from the library is slightly better than buying it yourself, and really, given the vastness of her fortune by this time, standing on principle has little actual effect. (She has given millions to philanthropic causes, to be fair.) But still, I'm glad I don't feel the least bit inclined to read any more of the Strike books.

213lauralkeet
Ott 25, 2022, 6:42 pm

>205 AnnieMod:, >206 NanaCC: I'm delighted to have learned the phrase "slow reading year." I'm on track to read fewer books this year than any year since I started counting (2007). I can't for the life of me figure out why, as I do not feel significantly busier now, 5 years into retirement, than when I was working full-time. But I've enjoyed my reading regardless of the numbers.

>212 laytonwoman3rd: All of this ... AND the Strike books just kept getting longer and longer. I bailed some time ago, and the very thought of 1,462 pages sends me over the edge.

214RidgewayGirl
Ott 25, 2022, 11:12 pm

>207 NanaCC: I read the series up through Lethal White (the 4th one?) and was so eager to read the next but decided to wait a little and slowly lost all inclination to continue with the series. Lots of other books out there. I am glad you enjoyed the book, though. It's so long that you'd better like it to finish.

215NanaCC
Ott 26, 2022, 11:42 am

>212 laytonwoman3rd: and >213 lauralkeet: I don’t think any of her transphobic views were in the book, to be honest. Unless I totally glossed over it somewhere. The chats were mostly bullying, or trying to figure out true identities. Other than the length, my only issue was that the chats were not easy to read on the kindle. A friend listened to the audio version, and said that the chats were difficult in that format as well.

>214 RidgewayGirl: Hi, Kay. The mystery was a good one, although I think there were too many suspects. There was a whole white supremacy side plot, which Strike and Robin thought could be connected. It was sort of, but not in a major way. They wound up helping the police with that one.

216VivienneR
Nov 1, 2022, 7:17 pm

Hi Colleen, as usual you are way ahead of me in your reading. I have the latest Robert Galbraith book on my library wishlist but it could be a lengthy wait before my name comes up. I don't pay a lot of attention to the politics of authors, actors, musicians unless their opinion is reflected in their work. I'm looking forward to ink Black Heart even though I don't much like long books.

I have to get caught up on the Richard Osman series too. So many books...

217NanaCC
Nov 2, 2022, 6:14 pm

>216 VivienneR: Hi Vivienne. So many books is right. I keep downloading to my kindle, and having to turn off my wifi so that I don’t lose them before I’ve finished. It seems like they all seem to come in at once.

There are a couple of new books coming out soon. A new Gamache near the end of the month. I can’t remember what the other was that I was interested in. Hopefully I won’t miss whatever it is. ;-)

218NanaCC
Nov 4, 2022, 10:10 am

32. Hello, Molly by Molly Shannon, narrated by Molly Shannon

This was fun, sad at times, and an interesting look at what formed her career. Having her read it, added to the enjoyment.

219NanaCC
Nov 26, 2022, 11:14 am

33. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

The book is told in alternating parts. The most enjoyable chapters are “Eve”, told about fictional Evelyn Gardiner, recruited as a spy during WWI in the real life Alice Network. They were a network of female spies, led by Louise de Bettignies. Louise was a tiny woman who was awarded many medals posthumously for her bravery. Much of the story told in these chapters is based on reality and includes some actual people and events. The alternating chapters, “Charlie”, are about Charlie St. Claire in 1947. Unmarried and pregnant, Charlie’s parents have brought her to London on their way to take care of her “little problem”. Charlie wants to find out if her cousin Rose is still alive in France, after the Nazis invaded her town. Her first clue has led her to Eve, and the story here becomes quite unrealistic. While I enjoyed the book, I probably could have enjoyed Eve’s story alone.

220avaland
Nov 29, 2022, 6:12 am

>219 NanaCC: Just checking in. Sounds like you've had some decent reads, Colleen.

221NanaCC
Dic 1, 2022, 5:18 pm

>220 avaland: I really can’t complain, Lois. I haven’t had any bad reads, anyway. I hope you are well. I’ve been really bad about checking in this year.

222NanaCC
Dic 1, 2022, 9:11 pm

34. The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood, narrated by Nicolette McKenzie

This was a fun read, although why they couldn’t have used a different title, coming so soon after The Thursday Murder Club was released. Judith Potts is a seventy-seven year old widow, living in an inherited mansion on the Thames. She is a bit untidy, loves her whiskey, and spends her time setting crossword puzzles for The Times newspaper. When she hears a shout and a gunshot she tells the police that her neighbor has been murdered. They don’t really believe her. She proves them wrong and decides to find the murderer herself. She makes friends with two other women and they join forces to find the murderer. When two other murders happen, they become involved in following clues there too. Lots of red herrings and several suspects. I really enjoyed it despite being put off by the title at first. A solid cozy mystery.

223NanaCC
Dic 5, 2022, 11:20 am

35. The Twist of a Knife by Anthony Horowitz, narrated by Rory Kinnear

This is the fourth book in the Hawthorne and Horowitz mystery series. Horowitz plays Watson to Hawthorne’s Sherlock, writing about cases that Hawthorne is solving. This one hits close to home, as a theater critic who writes a terrible review of a play that Horowitz wrote after opening night, is found murdered the next morning. Horowitz throws in enough tidbits of real life stuff he has written or is writing, that it adds to the fun.

224NanaCC
Dic 22, 2022, 6:59 pm

I’ve been pretty bad about checking in, but enjoying some reading, or rather listening, while wrapping gifts and baking.

36. Bleeding Heart Yard by Elly Griffiths, narrated by Nina Wadia , Candida Gubbins , Jane Collingwood

This is the third book in the Harbinder Kaur crime series. The murder of a controversial MP at a school reunion puts several of his close high school friends under scrutiny. Being treated as a high profile case, Harbinder is charged with solving the murder quickly. Was there a political motive, or did one of his former friends do the deed? When another of the classmates is found dead in Bleeding Heart Yard, all fingers point in the direction of the group. I’m enjoying this series. I’m not sure it’s as good as Griffiths’ Ruth Galloway series, but enjoyable just the same.

37. Where the Sky Begins: A Novel by Rhys Bowen, narrated by Emma Griffiths

Bombs are falling in London during the Blitz. Josie Banks has lost everything. Her boss at the tea shop has been killed, her house is demolished and her husband is missing (no great loss in my opinion 😄). She has been injured and evacuated to the countryside, where she convinces the woman who owns the house where she has been put up, to let her run a small tea shop. An airbase has been set up nearby, and there may be a traitor passing secrets to the Germans about their bombing runs. A man from MI5 has an eye on Josie and notices how observant she is. Well, you can see where this is going. A little tragedy, a little mystery, a little romance and even a bit of history. Light reading which is Rhys Bowen’s style. Perfect for listening while busy.

225avaland
Dic 23, 2022, 5:28 am

Oh, yes, wrapping and baking. the former is done, the latter is not. Cleaning, too. It's a shame those things get in the way of reading and writing reviews! I am also behind on reviews and have foot surgery next week (may do the reviews while under pain meds, LOL) Hope you and yours have a lovely holiday.

226NanaCC
Dic 23, 2022, 6:54 am

>225 avaland: Thank you, Lois, I wish the same for you. I hope your foot surgery goes smoothly. I think I’d like to read those reviews written under the influence of pain meds. 😄

227lauralkeet
Dic 23, 2022, 6:55 am

Hi Colleen, I skimmed past your reviews because I am just about to pick up Bleeding Heart Yard from the library. I know you probably don't have any spoilers, but still.

However, this seems a good time to wish you a Merry Christmas and I hope you have a lovely few days ahead.

228NanaCC
Dic 23, 2022, 7:02 am

>227 lauralkeet: Merry Christmas to you, as well, Laura. I’m off to Connecticut tomorrow to spend a week with my daughter and family there.

I try not to do spoilers, but I agree, best to skip by. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed it.

229PaulCranswick
Dic 26, 2022, 2:12 am



LT makes the world smaller and better. Have a good holiday, Colleen.

230NanaCC
Dic 26, 2022, 11:03 am

Thank you, and happy holiday wishes from my side of the world to yours, Paul.

231AlisonY
Dic 26, 2022, 11:57 am

Happy Christmas, Colleen. Hope you had a nice day.

232NanaCC
Dic 26, 2022, 11:11 pm

Thank you, Alison! It was wonderful. Happy Christmas to you, as well. I’m going to try to be more active here in the new year. We shall see how that goes. 😄

233avaland
Dic 28, 2022, 9:37 pm

Happy New Year! Looking forward to visit your thread in the new year!

234NanaCC
Modificato: Gen 4, 2023, 6:43 pm

Happy New Year!

My new thread is here..
https://www.librarything.com/topic/347406#n8024937