Kindle British Mystery Book Club discussion

Just finished

First book in the series and first that I have read by the author. This book had a well drawn mystery that was compelling and drove me to want to know the ending, however the writing was poorly executed. The story is told in first person and the main character's inner dialogue is unrealistic and artificial. It was a shame that it was a good mystery plot written in an amateurish fashion. I am tempted to read book seven in the series to see if the writing improved over time.

I really enjoyed and rated it 5 stars. A contemporary British crime mystery.

David wrote: "Why not nominate it for the January Group read Diana if it is really good?"

I thought about it but I noticed the first one in her series was your group read in August? Not sure I'm confident to recommend for a group read. I just say what I enjoyed.

I know that Shirley will really love that you nominated her book.

Fellow readers I would be remiss if I didn't share this gem with you. I highly recommend reading Eden

My review of the book: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Happy reading!

American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot by Craig Ferguson
I am a little embarrassed because I chose this book for the picture on the cover! Craig Ferguson in a strange kilt. I was soon drawn into his life story from childhood till today. He is extremely honest about his alcoholism and drug use, his small successes and big failures. All along his journey was his dream to live in America. His story is told with an unbelievable humor considering his life. Loved the book and would recommend it to all. Non-alcoholics will definitely come away with a better understanding of the disease. Great read!

A Modest Proposal by Swift, Jonathan

Great satire from late 1700"s--political statement.

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

This book was sold to me as a "modern classic". For me it fell far short of that. More like a story of young people living through mid life crisis way too early. All dysfunctional, some insane. It did keep my interest and it left me feeling disturbed-which for me is usually a sign of a great book but I never felt the Greatness.

From the Corner of His Eye by Dean Koontz

Wow, this book kept me interested for some 750+ pages! Many absorbing main characters and even the secondary characters interesting and real. Most of the book involves a terribly arrogant, paranoid serial rapist/murderer. His delusions and more than that-his pure evil drive him towards what I think he sees as his survival. That survival, in his mind involves the death of someone named Bartholomew, who turns out to be a child. Dean Koontz must have really thought that this was the ultimate evil character (I Agree) --I say that because it seems everyone else in the book is ultimate good--It was going to take a lot of goodness to bring this guy down! This book has many interesting themes and I enjoyed them all. He ends with bringing things together using Quantum physics, molecular biology, quantum mechanics, Spirituality and a good dose of the Bible. The name Bartholomew is no coincidence in the story. Loved this book.

Just finished Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White.

I've never come across this author before and was really impressed by her writing style. The book was more of a psychological thriller than straight crime and she built up the tension nicely. The main character, Georgie, is a social worker who is having to deal with the aftermath of the death of a child who was on her caseload. To escape the publicity and try to get over her guilt, she decides to spend a few months in an isolated cottage on Dartmoor - idyllic, except for the strange neighbours...

I thought Georgie was a very believable character and really enjoyed this book though, to be honest, I found the ending just a bit of a let-down. But I'll certainly read more from this author - can anyone recommend any of her other books?

My review is at http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

The Casual Vacancy by Rowling, J.K.

I was interested in whether this author could write more than Harry Potter. Read over 70% of the book and am just quite bored with it. Something should be happening by now! Instead Rowling is still introducing new characters. I have a feeling that the book will get better but I have thought that from page 1 so I am putting it on my "To finish later" shelf. BTW A Casual Vacancy is when someone on a town council dies and leaves a vacancy. If you like books about small towns and a tiny bit of politics with many, many pretty average characters -then this may be a good one for you.
To be fair, I also became bored with the Harry Potter stories after second or maybe 3rd book so perhaps this author is just not for me.

Gone by Mo Hayder. First time I've read this author. I enjoyed the book, but it took me a while to get into it. Haven't yet decided if I will read more by this author.

The Kite Runner Hosseini, Khaled
This was a book that I am conflicted on. Knowing the way that especially women were treated in the period it was written, I was quite disturbed that this was mostly overlooked. This story could have been written about most anywhere and yet sold as an Afghan story. The rape of the young boy was also disturbing to me. I guess it was important to the overall story of a scared child but that it took so long for the main character to make amends-well that sort of turned me off. The story may have been sincere but did not feel that way to me. I probably would not recommend it mostly because it could have been so much more than it was. It felt like a product to sell, especially to Americans.(less)

Notes from my Travels by Angelina Jolie

I love this book/journal. Angelina jolie wrote it in her early time with work with refugees for UN. Written on scraps of whatever paper she could find. If you are looking for a well written book then this is probably not for you. But if you want to read about refugees and their special needs depending on who, where and why through rather innocent eyes it is perfect. It will break your heart, make you laugh,cry and wonder about man's treatment of mankind. The story she wrote-not even a story but maybe 5 pages of a museum in Cambodia had me swallowing bile--it is a gritty book written by a NON author but tells important stories. I wish she would write another now that she has been working with this problem for many years.

Ana's Story A journey of Hope by Jenna Bush

Wow, would have thought Jenna Bush such a gifted author. This story is about many individuals who live in poverty but Jenna focuses on a young girl, gaining her trust gradually to tell her story. She is a teen aged pregnant girl with HIV/AIDS, and wise beyond her years. Through Ana's story you can hear the stories of at least thousands of people in terrible poverty and terrible circumstances. And yet, Jenna DOES make it a story of hope. She was working for the UN as an intern during this time and insisted NO SECRET SERVICE or she would not be trusted...this also was in my mind as I read this story. It is excellent and the last chapter has facts, figures and ways to help. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. But maybe not for the faint hearted. The life she portrays is hard, ugly, and violent at times..heartbreaking.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck

Beautiful story (somewhat like complex fairy tale) and very easy read. Story of a young man who dreams of riches or at least enough money to provide a better life for his family. He obtains the wealth and the story begins... You can read this story in a couple of hours but I have a feeling the true meaning will live a while in my mind and heart.

Sissiwye wrote: "Just finished The Outsider by Camus yesterday. Part one is total shit. Part two has something inside but maybe I am too shallow to perceive."

Sissiwye wrote: "Just finished The Outsider by Camus yesterday. Part one is total shit. Part two has something inside but maybe I am too shallow to perceive."

I find his writing boring but go back every few years and try again--he is a writer that others tell me should be read. As I implied, I have never finished his books but I love John Fowles and for some weird reason think that is who Camus is "supposed" to be. I know, you might think this is total BS and probably is.

The Secret Agent

I just finished a classic, The Secret Agent, by Joseph Conrad, which takes place in 1880s London. It's a bit slow in places but a good read overall. The story is about a man who is paid by an Embassy (apparently the Russian Embassy) to get the British government active about the anarchist terrorist threat by setting off a bomb to demolish a research institution. Unexpectedly, someone gets killed.

The books was a favorite of Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber, who identified with the anarchist called "The Professor" who built bombs.

The Roadby Cormac McCarthy

The book is a post apocalyptic story. I do not usually read this type of book but it was recommended by someone who is a voracious reader and gave it a high rating. I was pulled in immediately, at first trying to figure out what exactly the disaster was but soon realized that it did not matter. The world is full of the dead-people, animals, vegetation. The story is the relationship between father and young son-the dialogue as sparse as the landscape they are transversing. It is all about survival and the protection of the boy. I think the Father sees in his son a simple and special goodness that must live on. Seeing this and feeling it, I think makes the Father a better person as well-the fact that everything the man does is for protection of the son and the goodness within him creates a brave and nurturing spirit within him as well. Interesting tidbit is that the son was born the night of whatever disaster has taken place-so by the end of the story the boy is around 5 yrs. old but with an old soul wisdom and yet innocent as well. It speaks well of the father in that he has been the boys only teacher. Loved the writing style in this book-words are used sparingly and descriptions are bare-boned. Minimal punctuation-really only periods and some paragraphs really draws you in and you really do see and feel what they are living. Loved this book-hope and hopeless fighting for survival.

Mary wrote: "The Roadby Cormac McCarthy

The book is a post apocalyptic story. I do not usually read this type of book but it was recommended by someone who is a voracious reader and gave it a high rating. I..."

I read this and really liked it as well. I haven't watched the movie with Viggo Mortenson so I don't know if that lives up to the book.

I've been reading through S.J. Bolton's books. Yesterday I read Dead Scared and Sacrifice . I have one more out from the library Awakening that I will get to this week.

Dead Scared is book two in the Lacey Flint series. I am really enjoying this series and Lacey Flint and her not-really-a relationship with DI Joesbury.

Sacrifice was a standalone, not part of the series and was excellent. Very suspenseful and created an atmosphere of "trust no one". Sacrifice is set in the Shetland Islands and is very atmospheric. Similar feel in some ways to Ann Cleeves or Elly Griffiths. I would definitely say heavier than Elly Griffiths though.

Just watched the movie--It was done well but they really embellished the dialogue and the young boy was much older than 5. Innocent still in some ways but just did not live up to the book for me. That said, I would recommend the movie as well. Talking about The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

Just finished Really disappointed. I usually really enjoy Nordic fiction but this one didn't work for me.

Dead Over Heels (Aurora Teagarden, #5)
by Charlaine Harris

Lighthearted murder mystery- similar in tone to Harris's other mysteries. They are a fast read, simple plots and characters. Usually when reading, I like all her characters including the villain. Nothing great about her stories but I always enjoy reading them especially when I want to be distracted from my life.

Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck
I am a fan of Steinbeck but this story was just plain fun. I think it was a sort of autobiography of the author in his older age. He travels with his dog across areas of United States. Focuses a lot on his thoughts, nature, people he meets or just eavesdrops on--all with good friend Charley, his dog. This is a great book that most everyone will enjoy.

Good story, good plot, good mystery. Typical Ruth Rendall mystery with regular characters, a murder, lots of interesting suspects and a toss up as to whether you will guess the murderer before the end of book. I always recommend her books for easy, but not too easy, interesting read.

From Doon With Death (Inspector Wexford, #1)
by Ruth Rendell

Beastchild by Dean Koontz

I have been trying to work my way through early Dean Koontz books and have enjoyed them. This one was a semi-science fiction story but what my focus ended up on was that wars can be fought for total MISunderstandings--that your enemy just may be your friend...I am glad that Koontz basically left science fiction behind and went for suspense but many of his later books manage to throw in a bit of weird stuff that I guess is a bit like science fiction. As always I have to say that his writing improves as the years go by. Pretty good book.

The Pit and the Pendulum by Edgar Allen Poe

I read this as a child and this is a reread plus I think I saw a television movie at one time. Reading it today-the suspense, fear (the characters AND mine), and horror were greater than I had remembered. Poe was such an artist and for someone who had so many personal problems, he still was able to recognize when to end a story. Basically most of his stories are short stories but all are so suspenseful and scary that it is hard to put one down and hard to stay away from the next.

Deep Down True by Juliette Fay

I have not read a chick book in a while-perhaps this book is an example of why. I liked the easy writing style and the many characters--all were likeable in one way or another. The problem that I had with this book was that it took on many serious problems...bulimia, divorce, custody issues, financial problems, drugs AND parents who abuse drugs,betrayal of friends and even death... But for the main character, Dana, (who is also likeable) they come across as quite simple problems-the kind that can be fixed with a tucking in and good night kiss. This all seemed so strange to me. I did keep reading and got to the happy ending (of course). Something kept me reading-maybe because I wish that was how life is. I still want to read this new author's first book but have not found it. Her blog is entertaining and makes you laugh, cry and all emotions in between.

Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Rather short story by Hawthorne. I liked it-story of a young man who meets his "demon" in the woods... Guess who wins!? The dialogue is good even though dated. I recommend this for a quick but thoughtful read.

I think that perhaps Hawthorne had a fear of the woods at night as I read his stories...Ha

A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis

The most raw description of grief I have ever read. Simple words, hard truths. Great book by great man and philosopher.

Another death, another read of this great book.

Beach House Memories
by Mary Alice Monroe
4 of 5 stars

Mary Alice Monroe is one of my favorite chick-lit authors. She writes simply and just seems to let the story flow. This one was about a dying woman remembering the past, especially a particular summer when she falls in love with someone other than her nasty and neglectful husband, and the decisions she makes surrounding that. It is also very much about the not so distant South which I found endearing. But mostly, I think it is about a woman with a love and passion for Loggerhead turtles! I found these parts of the book most interesting-learned a lot and came to see how important protecting these at risk animals is. Liked the book, and Monroe once again is a great storyteller.

The Light Between Oceans, by M. L. Stedman... A well written, enjoyable summer read. Highly recommended.

Velocity
by Dean Koontz


3 of 5 stars


Velocity was a mix of suspense (lots)and a who-dun-it mystery. In the beginning I felt so sorry for the main character but as story moves along he is forced to do so many terrible things that I felt he was lost. Not sure why I felt so different about this book than I usually do reading Koontz books but I did no laughing, no crying, no contemplating of the universe-ha. Instead I read with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach...The ending should have made me feel better...but didn't. Not one of my favorites but it is a good story.

One Door Away from Heaven
by Dean Koontz

5 of 5 stars


Many stories within this story-exciting and thoughtful suspense with very unusual characters. All characters became real to me-one of the enemies especially real, in fact as real as the visiting extra-terrestrial! At first this book seemed a bit scattered but if you continue reading you begin to know that Mr. Koontz will as usual pull it all together. He again champions the weak, disabled, feeble minded persons and recognizes the worth of all that strive to be kind and good. Simplistic review but this is one of my favorites from Koontz.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
by Philip Yancey (Goodreads Author), Paul Brand


5 of 5 stars

Interesting take on the Human body compared with Body of Christ. These two men will take you on a very interesting practical and spiritual journey full of wonder. You will realize that you do not have to travel far to be amazed-no farther than your own self. A lot of anatomy and physiology in this book which I found really interesting. Will be looking for more books by this duo--I love the way they take you on spiritual journeys without a lot of religiosity. Good, easy to understand writers, as well. I recommend to all.

Gorky Park (Arkady Renko, #1)
by Martin Cruz Smith
5 of 5 stars

Loved this book-international murder/mystery. Set in Communist Russia in the 80's. Three bodies found early on-no faces nor hands for ID. The detective and other characters in book are good and main ones are carefully and skillfully developed. Politics (communism) is underlying throughout the book and interesting, esp. since I am old enough to remember the 80's. It could have been a bit shorter as the last of the book was sort of comparing communism with the West. Interesting but written sort of after the story could be over. Would like for young people to read this book and perhaps they would pay more attention to what is being done here in US under name of Patriot Act and Executive Orders...
BTW-the actual writing in this book was wonderful-a true storyteller who knows how to tell a story. Really worth a read.

Just finished Mrs. Pargeter's Point of Honour by Simon Brett. I loved this whole series and this was the last one. Cozy mystery with social satire thrown in.

Divided in Death (In Death, #18)
by J.D. Robb

4 of 5 stars


Interesting Detective story with Eve and her group, including her husband Roarke going up against Homeland Security. It is well paced and clearly written as always by JD Robb. This one was a bit more complicated on the personal level when Roarke discovers that Homeland knew about her abuse from father and left her to it as an 8 yr. old who finally kills her father. Clean-up was done by Homeland security including leaving Eve, traumatized, unable to speak wandering the streets of Dallas. It was a bit uncomfortable to have husband and wife angry and not speaking over what to do with this info. But the group solves 4 murders and points finger squarely at Homeland security agents perhaps gone rogue. Perhaps not? Scary to think of a Homeland Security in futre with the whole galaxy under their thumb! Her books are always entertaining for me, especially set in future with all the gadgets and such. I would recommend this book to anyone who like detective stories mixed with some romance.

Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell

Great mystery/thriller. The characters are so fun--the uptight Dr. Scarpetta plays off the gruff, rumpled, cigar smoking, beer drinking detective Marino absolutely perfectly. A withdrawn and angry at life teen niece is in the background. The story is fast paced and well written-a hard to put down book which I stayed awake til I finished. The science is dated but that is ok with me. The only negative is that all those horrible, sick CSI shows might have been spawned by this author.

The Red Badge of Courage
by Stephen Crane
3 of 5 stars

Would have given this book 4 stars but I had some trouble with the dialect way back during Civil War. The book is sort of like short story. The story of a young man who joins the army. He spends many months with no fighting which I got the idea gave him plenty of time to reflect on how he would perform in battle. Battle comes and he panics and runs, hiding in a tree. A different soldier hits him over the head with his rifle and he now has "A Red Badge of Courage" (wound) so can return to his unit. Overnight he ponders his action and the next day Becomes a Man(?) and joins the battle even running forward with the flag. Really good descriptions of hand to hand and close fire battles and the fear and courage of a young man who can continue life without shame. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history and characters in conflict types of books.

The Various Haunts of Men (Simon Serrailler, #1)
by Susan Hill

Body of Evidence (Kay Scarpetta, #2)
by Patricia Cornwell (Goodreads Author)
4 of 5 stars

Well written second book with coroner Scarpetta and detective Marino. They are played off each other very well...friends, but not so much. This one is murder mystery of a writer. Good book for anyone who likes this type of book but is not annoyed by the outdated science.

All That Remains (Kay Scarpetta, #3)
by Patricia Cornwell (Goodreads Author)


4 of 5 stars

Patricia Cornwell is a really good writer. Multiple murders in this one and much more character development. The speed of the story is perfect, the writing is clear and precise-just a good book that I would recommend to anyone who likes detective, murder, forensics, and politics.

L

Wings of Fire by Charles Todd. After reading Test of Wills for October read, I have gotten interested in the Ian Rutludge stories. Both have had interesting characters, twisting plots, descriptive settings and a bit of the main characters flashbacks to the trenches in France during WWI. Really enjoying this series,

I have just read The Chemistry of Death by Simon Beckett and I was very impressed. I've never read this author before, but I certainly will be doing again! I have this site to thank as that's where I discovered this author. Excellent book, so good in fact I went straight online when I finished and ordered the next in the series!

Just finished Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner I gave it 3 out of 5 , a good light read with humour, sort of a Cinderella story with a great lead character.

Mike wrote: "The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths

Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway uncovers the bones..."

Half way through this book and loving it. have read all in the series.