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Monthly "Reads" > Marcy's June reads

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message 1: by Marcy (new)

Marcy | 865 comments Search the Dark by Charles Todd � More sound detective work and mystery surrounding the main character of Inspector Ian Rutledge in post-WW1 England. Solid writing, but slow moving at times.

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.



message 2: by Melodie (new)

Melodie (melodieco) | 3679 comments I only ever tried one Reacher before, KILLING FLOOR, and wasn't wowed by it. I have read so much about GONE TOMORROW and the Denver Post has been riding for it so much, that I'm going to have to check it out!


message 3: by Marcy (new)

Marcy | 865 comments Reacher's eccentricities drive some people crazy (not me), but the story in Gone Tomorrow is enough to justify the read, in my opinion. Nice thing about this series is that there is no need to RIO.


message 4: by Gail/Ladyvolz (new)

Gail/Ladyvolz Bowman (ladyvolz) | 343 comments I had trouble years ago actually reading a Reacher book. So didn't read any for several years, then picked up one on audio cheap and thought what the heck..... Loved it! Lee Child is one of those authors I cannot sit and read but become absolutely enthralled listening to the books. I am "almost" current with his books now, listening to them on audio.

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


message 5: by Cheryl (new)

Cheryl | 547 comments Gail said: Lee Child is one of those authors I cannot sit and read but become absolutely enthralled listening to the books. 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.



message 6: by Susie (new)

Susie Fevella (susieinks) | 1771 comments I love J.A. Konrath and can't wait for Cherry Bomb! I'm slowly working my way thru the S.J. Rozan books too.


message 7: by Dan in AZ (new)

Dan in AZ | 2933 comments Marcy wrote: "Reacher's eccentricities drive some people crazy (not me), but the story in Gone Tomorrow is enough to justify the read, in my opinion. Nice thing about this series is that there is no need to RIO."

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




message 8: by Sandi (new)

Sandi (sandin954) | 1276 comments >>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 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.


message 9: by Marcy (new)

Marcy | 865 comments Sandi wrote: ">>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 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.




message 10: by BarryP (new)

BarryP (barrypz) | 3457 comments I was surprised when MY mother read the copy I sent her, and mentioned "you know your tantala Chava went to Shanghai..."
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.


message 11: by Marcy (new)

Marcy | 865 comments Susie in KS wrote: "I love J.A. Konrath and can't wait for Cherry Bomb! I'm slowly working my way thru the S.J. Rozan books too."

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



message 12: by Marcy (new)

Marcy | 865 comments 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

...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?




message 13: by Ann (new)

Ann (annrumsey) | 16673 comments How interesting! I loved The Shanghai Moon
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? "





message 14: by Marcy (new)

Marcy | 865 comments The odd thing is that I've been to Shanghai (couple of years ago) and our Chinese guides never mentioned this part of WW II history. The Chinese people seem to remember only their Japanese invaders.


message 15: by OMalleycat (new)

OMalleycat | 1448 comments Barry said: " I was surprised when MY mother read the copy I sent her, and mentioned "you know your tantala Chava went to Shanghai...""

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


message 16: by BarryP (new)

BarryP (barrypz) | 3457 comments I can't get over that I'd never heard of Shanghai as a destination for Jewish people escaping WWII Europe...
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


message 17: by Sandi (new)

Sandi (sandin954) | 1276 comments >>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.<<

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


message 18: by OMalleycat (new)

OMalleycat | 1448 comments Sandi said: "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


message 19: by Marcy (new)

Marcy | 865 comments Sounds good to me too. I just reserved it!


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