Renee’s Comments (group member since Feb 03, 2014)

Renee’s comments from the The Reading Challenge Group group.

I’m going to throw in a couple of fun recommendations for this genre. I have so thoroughly enjoyed both that they are on repeat on my reread list.

- The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold. There are lists for both publication dates and chronology. I literally stumbled on the series by reading a book smack in the middle, which I enjoyed but recognized that there were “inside” jokes going over my head. I would recommend either starting with Shards of Honor (begins the saga with Cordelia, mother of Miles, meeting what will become his father) or The Warrior's Apprentice (Miles at the beginning of his “career”), then continuing chronologically. Shards of Honor is a bit slower in pace but the rest of the series is a rush. Excellent in plot, pacing, character development, and clever dialogue.

- The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. I have not seen the Apple TV interpretation, so I can’t speak to how well the novels/novellas have been interpreted for the screen, but the books are brilliant. Again, plot, pace, clever dialogue. Definitely worth a look/listen.

I’ve been rereading Murderbot this year, so I’ll probably read System Collapse this month for this challenge.

I finished Nettle & Bone. It’s not so much a retelling of a specific fairytale, as it is a fairytale with elements of those you heard as a child.

I’ve been toying with a reread of Bellefleur by Joyce Carol Oates for a while. So I might break down and actually crack it open.

I’m also thinking about Nettle & Bone simply because it took the Hugo in 2023.

Or I might indulge in my beloved Lois McMaster Bujold because I think there’s at least one new Penric novel out there, and I might need them.

But was really fun being privy to the conversations that Benedict has envisioned for them.

P. S. The queens of crime in The Queens of Crime include: Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Emma Orczy, and Margery Allingham. They become friends while solving a murder together. :)

Finished The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict. It was a lot of fun for someone who loves those cozy golden age novels.

I finished The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell. It was an interesting and dangerous trip to Renaissance Italy.

I’m going to take the opportunity to pick up Wodehouse’s The Coming Of Bill, which is a bit different than the Wodehouse with which I’m familiar. Not far away, but has a different flavor.

Oooo. Adding that one to the ever-expanding TBR pile. It looks amazing.

Such a great book! I’ve read it twice. One as a young person and again as a retiree. Excellent both times, but I noticed very different things and connected with different characters.

Rosemarie wrote: "I read The Four Just Men with another group a few years ago as the discussion leader. The book is a dud. Good thing it's short!"

Finished and I must agree with you. My review: Meh.

Now starting The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. A reread but always a pleasure.

I’m still enjoying The Mysterious Mr. Quin but I only listen when I’m in the car… which is much less often now that I’m retired.

I’m three chapters in and I’m already pinging between falling asleep and chafing at the way it’s written. I’m trying to figure out how it made th Crime Writers Top 100 list.

I’ve been working my way through The Mysterious Mr. Quin, which I’m enjoying very much.

And I just started The Four Just Men by Edgar Wallace… but I suspect I’m going to be disappointed with it. The premise is just so odd.

Renee wrote: "Finished Gambit. It was a good introduction into the Nero Wolf series I enjoyed the voice of Archie Goodwin as Wolf’s secretary/gumshoe.

Starting [book:The Laughing Policeman|927672..."

Finished. Scandinavian thrillers are in a class of their own. They are completely absorbing and unnerving at the same time.

Rosemarie wrote: "I finished The Man Who Knew Too Much by G.K. Chesterton last night. It's a collection of short stories featuring the same character. Some of the stories are excellent..."

I enjoy Chesterton. He’s somehow completely unique.

Finished Gambit. It was a good introduction into the Nero Wolf series I enjoyed the voice of Archie Goodwin as Wolf’s secretary/gumshoe.

Starting The Laughing Policeman, which is on several Best Mystery lists

Finally tracked a Rex Stout on audio. So I’ve started GAMBIT. It’s something like #37 in the series but got good reviews here at GR, so I thought I might as well give it a try. :)

I’ve not read any Rex Stout. I see that it’s the first in a series… Was it also your first or have you read others and are tracking back to the early works?

I just read the blurb and it sounds like quite clever and delightful.

Started The Mysterious Mr. Quin. Christie never lets me down.