Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion
Monthly "Reads"
>
Marcy's June reads
date
newest »




I am same way on James Lee Burke, the Harry Potter series and Stuart Woods' Stone Barrington series.

I have only listened to one Reacher book on audio, but I agree with you on Burke and Woods. Will Patton is the only way to "read" Burke for me, and I enjoy Tony Roberts' reading of Stuart Woods.


Reacher is eccentric? I hadn't noticed. Must be spending too much time listening to Carol and the Cat.

I enjoy this series, though I have listened to the first two books on audio. George Guidall is the reader and does a really nice job. Will look for the third soon.
>>City of Shadows A Novel of Suspense<<
Loved this too. Ariana Franklin has become one of my favorites for historical mysteries.
Have always meant to read The Butcher's Boy and your mention reminded me to put in a hold request in for the audio download version.

I enjoy this series, though I have listened to the firs..."
This is one series I've read and not listened to, but I enjoy listening to George Guidall and bet he does a great job with John Wells.

Barry
...The Shanghai Moon by S J Rozan - I loved this book for much more than the mystery plot. I totally enjoyed the atmospherics of wartime Shanghai and the descriptions of the lives of those who were there at the time. Like Lydia in the story, I kept wanting more of Rosalie's letters. By the end, the fate of The Shanghai Moon itself was almost irrelevant to me as I was just completely involved in the lives of the many characters.

The cliffhanger ending of Fuzzy Navel is really driving my interest in Cherry Bomb. Clever of Konrath, isn't it?

Barry
...The Shanghai Moon by S J Rozan - I loved this book for much more ..."
Turns out some good friend's parents also went there from Russia. Who knew?

Barry wrote: "I was surprised when MY mother read the copy I sent her, and mentioned "you know your tantala Chava went to Shanghai...Barry"
Marcy wrote: " ...The Shanghai Moon by S J Rozan - I loved this book for much more ..."
Turns out some good friend's parents also went there from Russia. Who knew? "


Wow, Barry, how interesting!
I can't get over that I'd never heard of Shanghai as a destination for Jewish people escaping WWII Europe until I read Shanghai Moon. Now mentions of it are coming out in many places.
Jan O'Cat

Me neither, but I was aware of Russians using it as a destination. If you have never read Bradby's "masters of Rain", treat yourself. I am not the greatest fans of Brit M/T, but this one knocked me out of the ballpark.
Barry

I'll second Barry's rave for The Master of Rain, a fascinating setting and time period.

All righty then, it looks like a good book, so with both of your recommendations, I've put it on the TBR list.
Jan O'Cat
Books mentioned in this topic
The Master of Rain (other topics)The Shanghai Moon (other topics)
The Butcher's Boy (other topics)
City of Shadows (other topics)
The Butcher’s Boy (audio) by Thomas Perry - Story about a smart hit man and the woman from the Justice Dept. trying to uncover the crimes behind the pattern of murders. The narrative jumps in places, which is a bit disconcerting and exciting at the same time. Well written, though slightly dated for today's high tech world
Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child - I was so disappointed by the last Reacher, Nothing to Lose, that I almost passed on this one. I'm so glad that I didn't! I was hooked from the very beginning and the fast-paced, suspense building narrative didn't let up 'til the end. Though there was a little too much blood and gore than I like, I thought this was a great M/T.
Fuzzy Navel (Jack Daniels Mystery, Book 5) by J.A. Konrath - At first, the incongruous combination of blood and guts and absurd humor made me believe that this wasn't the book for me, but I soon changed my mind. The tension was nicely relieved by the comic additions and kept me reading on. I was enjoying it so much that I tried to download the next in the series only to be disappointed because it has yet to be released (just a few more days).
The Palmyra Impact by Boyd Morrison - Despite the fact that I usually don't enjoy this kind of mega disaster melodrama (giant tsunami hits Hawaii), I really liked this book. It was hard to put down because of the constant escalation of suspense and terror. I will read more of Boyd Morrison's works, after I get my heart rate to settle down.
The Shanghai Moon by S J Rozan - I loved this book for much more than the mystery plot. I totally enjoyed the atmospherics of wartime Shanghai and the descriptions of the lives of those who were there at the time. Like Lydia in the story, I kept wanting more of Rosalie's letters. By the end, the fate of The Shanghai Moon itself was almost irrelevant to me as I was just completely involved in the lives of the many characters.
City of Shadows by Ariana Franklin - Another book where the historical setting (Berlin of the 20s and 30s) drew me in and almost overshadowed the plot. This is basically the story of finding a brutal, serial killer, but the characters all have either lots of baggage or complex motivations. I thought the writing was wonderful and will definitely be reading other works by this author.
Farthing by Jo Walton - I really enjoyed this combination murder mystery/alternative history! Set in 1949, Britain has made peace with Hitler, who controls the continent and continues to persecute Jews and fight Russians. A murder among the wealthy, conservative and politically important set in England brings out the worst in some and the best of Inspector Carmichael of Scotland Yard. Thanks to Shomeret for recommending this one!
The Silent Man by Alex Berenson - This is the 3rd in a series about CIA operative John Wells (after The Faithful Spy and The Ghost War). I don't really know why I like these books, because the characters are pretty one dimensional, but there's lots of action with much suspense. All in all, a good quick read!
Prince Across the Water (YA) by Jane Yolen and Robert Harris - Thanks again to Shomeret for passing on to me this story of a young, Scottish highlander and his introduction to war, fighting for Prince Charlie at Culloden. The boy's romantic ideas about war soon dissolve, but not his loyalty to his prince. Good, historical fiction!
The Widow by Carla Neggers - I almost put this book down many times, but forged ahead, thinking I would like it at some point. I ended up disliking the plot (chaotic) and the characters (one dimensional and whiney). Next time, I think I'll trust my initial feeling and move on.