Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

Wow, 2020 is almost here, so the topic of group read books is a timely discussion to start. We've been actively discussing multiple books as a group each year since 2014 and some lively conversations have added to our enjoyment of several new authors and favorite authors' books.

Jan-2020 Blood Orange Harriet Tyce
Feb-2020 Long Bright River by Liz Moore
Mar-2020 Gone by Midnight Candice Fox
Mar-2020 Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
Apr-2020 Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha
So far we have a debut author's thriller, Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce set for January 2020, and for March 2020, a favorite Group Read author, Candice Fox has a new Crimson Lake book, Gone by Midnight. (#3) We have a tradition of continuing to read new series books by an author we've "group read". The Crimson Lake books are really good and are favorites to discuss.

On the 2019 thread Geri suggested Long Bright River by Liz Moore for February (US release date January 6, 2020), are there others interested in reading it then?

Other suggestions for group read books are welcome!

Thanks for organizing this again Ann. I hope to be able to participate a bit more this year.

Yes Long Bright River looks good. I put it on hold at the library and am # 10 on 1 copy though. Maybe when the book comes out there will be more copies available or I can pick up the audio from Audible.

A couple of titles that I thought would make good discussion books are:

Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha

Long Bright River and Miracle Creek both sound good to me!

All three of those look good to me. I’ve heard a lot of positive stuff about Steph Cha.

Wow! That was easy! Thanks for the suggestions Sandi, and for your seconds, Sarah and Barbara!
Miracle Creek has been on my tbr and Your House Will Pay looks good too! I put Long Bright River down for February, and I can slot these other two in too after the Crimson Lake book. Fun reading ahead!

Here's our current line-up, we can shuffle the order if needed!
Jan-2020 Blood Orange Harriet Tyce
Feb-2020 Long Bright River Liz Moore
Mar-2020 Gone by Midnight Candice Fox
Apr-2020 Your House Will Pay Steph Cha
May-2020 Miracle Creek Angie Kim

Ann wrote: "Wow, 2020 is almost here, so the topic of group read books is a timely discussion to start. We've been actively discussing multiple books as a group each year since 2014 and some lively conversatio..."

I'm interested in Long Bright River and will see if I can put it on hold or buy it cheap. I'll also check out the first Crimson Lake book and see if I like the series enough to catch up with you all.

Bonnie: I think you'll like the Crimson Lake books!
Bonnie wrote: "I'm interested in Long Bright River and will see if I can put it on hold or buy it cheap. I'll also check out the first Crimson Lake book and see if I like the series enough to catch up with you all."

Carol: I just saw your friend Peter Swanson has a new book coming out soon. Tradition says we will group read it too, wow, book six, Eight Perfect Murders comes out in the US in March 2020.

I won a copy of Eight Perfect Murders in a giveaway and I will be starting it next week. It sounds promising!

Bonnie wrote: "Ann wrote: "Wow, 2020 is almost here, so the topic of group read books is a timely discussion to start. We've been actively discussing multiple books as a group each year since 2014 and some lively..."

I didn’t realize Gone by Midnight was a Crimson Lake book, I will need to catch up on that series, not sure I will get a chance to do that before March.

Linda wrote: ". I didn’t realize Gone by Midnight was a Crimson Lake book, I will need to catch up on that series, not sure I will get a chance to do that before March."

They’re pretty quick reads, Linda. Pretty streamlined and to the point. And entertaining.

Ann wrote: "Carol: I just saw your friend Peter Swanson has a new book coming out soon. Tradition says we will group read it too, wow, book six, Eight Perfect Murders comes out..."

Yes, I've got an ARC thanks to Sherry. Would denitely like to have it as a Group Read, at least we know I'll read that one! ;-)

Updated 2020 Group Read line-up, we usually extend the discussion for each book for 60 days, and can shuffle the order if needed! A couple won't release until mid-Month in the US.

Jan-2020 Blood Orange Harriet Tyce
Feb-2020 Long Bright River Liz Moore
Mar-2020 Gone by Midnight Candice Fox
Mar-2020 Eight Perfect Murders Peter Swanson
Apr-2020 Your House Will Pay Steph Cha
May-2020 Miracle Creek Angie Kim

I forgot to set up notifications. But all the upcoming books look great to me!

Ann - I have Long Bright River now. The book isn’t broken down by chapters. And there are over 130 sections. I did start jotting down a brief summary. This book won’t be easy to split. It probably would be best to let everyone know how one section ends and another begins?

The good news is I am enjoying the book!

Edit - After listening to the book for a few days, it will probably be good if the book is split into 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. There are “then” and “now” sections. But they won’t really work as good markers. I’ll get the text before and after to help everyone to figure out where each section ends and begins.

Today Bookbub sent out a review by Dennis Lehane of Long Bright River.

“Long Bright River is a remarkable, profoundly moving novel about the ties that bind and the irrevocable wounds of childhood. It’s also a riveting mystery, perfectly paced. I loved every page of it.”

He knows mysteries, doesn’t he? Makes it sound intriguing!

Geri: Thanks very much for the heads up! I can add some text to the thread segments for Long Bright River. I understand that chapters don't always work with the flow of a novel but they sure do make setting markers for discussion easier when we get them.

Geri wrote: " I have Long Bright River now. The book isn’t broken down by chapters. And there are over 130 sections..."

Jan O'Cat: That sounds promising for this group read - Dennis Lehane does know a good mystery thriller for sure!

OMalleycat wrote: "Today Bookbub sent out a review by Dennis Lehane of Long Bright River.
“Long Bright River is a remarkable, profoundly moving novel about the ties that bind and the irrevocable woun..."

I am definitely looking forward to the next four books!

OMalleycat wrote: "Today Bookbub sent out a review by Dennis Lehane of Long Bright River.

“Long Bright River is a remarkable, profoundly moving novel about the ties that bind and the irrevocable woun..."

I am about halfway done. I do agree with Lehane’s review.

Really excited about this list. I’ve read Miracle Creek and liked it. Big Peter Swanson fan. Just finished Blood Orange in 2 days (thumbs up). Catching up on Crimson Lake series now in preparation for March.

Angie: I think it is a good list too, and Blood Orange has stuck in my head, Good to have you join in!

Angie wrote: "Really excited about this list. I’ve read Miracle Creek and liked it. Big Peter Swanson fan. Just finished Blood Orange in 2 days (thumbs up). Catching up on Crimson Lake series now in preparation ..."

Starting in June or July we will need another group read book so if anyone spots something that looks promising please feel free to mention on this thread for consideration.

Current 2020 Group Read line-up, we usually extend the discussion for each book for 60 days so these will take us into June / July.

Jan-2020 Blood Orange Harriet Tyce
Feb-2020 Long Bright River Liz Moore
Mar-2020 Gone by Midnight Candice Fox
Mar-2020 Eight Perfect Murders Peter Swanson
Apr-2020 Your House Will Pay Steph Cha
May-2020 Miracle Creek Angie Kim

In light of the pandemic I imagine many of us are not as focused on reading for pleasure while trying to stay on top of the current events unfolding around us and with library closures and non-essential businesses shutting down access to a new book may not be as easy. Some new books we might consider are listed below.. but older books or non-fiction are also options.

Potential 2020 release: Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith - book five of the Cormoran Strike series.. We've discussed prior books, the last in 2018 so if it does release in 2020 perhaps?

Deacon King Kong by James McBride

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian

The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben

I’ve been thinking about The Glass Hotel.

Barbara: I've had The Glass Hotel on hold for a while, it's currently suspended for a couple more weeks. I'm getting backed up on my audio books. I will definitely plan to read it. ;)

Barbara wrote: "I’ve been thinking about The Glass Hotel."

Hmmm. The Glass Hotel doesn’t sound like my usual sort of thing but maybe that’s a good thing. I’ll second Barbara’s suggestion.

LOL Ms. O'ParticipatoryCat: great! I'll add it to our Group Read bookshelf!

OMalleycat wrote: "Hmmm. The Glass Hotel doesn’t sound like my usual sort of thing but maybe that’s a good thing. I’ll second Barbara’s suggestion."

Today I attended a virtual author panel with Peter Swanson on it at the Newburyport Literary Festival and heard of a book that piqued my interest. Tell me if does yours. You Can't Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie.

Carol: I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on the virtual literary festival and thanks for mentioning You Can't Catch Me. Sounds like a good possible candidate for a group read.
When is the release date? (US on June 9 2020) so consideration for July!

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Today I attended a virtual author panel with Peter Swanson on it at the Newburyport Literary Festival and heard of a book that piqued my interest. Tell me if does yours. [book:You Can't Catch Me|50..."

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Today I attended a virtual author panel with Peter Swanson on it at the Newburyport Literary Festival and heard of a book that piqued my interest. Tell me if does yours. [book:You Can't Catch Me|50..."

oh da**. i wanted to "go" to that and completely forgot!

Sherry wrote: "oh da**. i wanted to "go" to that and completely forgot!
..."
So easy to forget, even when you have it written down! i was about to head out for a walk, thinking it was later, and thank good ness I looked at my calendar to be sure. In any event it was fun/interesting. I wish there were more events like this, it seems like a great way to make author touring events available to those outside the customer base of a particular bookstore/festival.

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Sherry wrote: "oh da**. i wanted to "go" to that and completely forgot!
..."
So easy to forget, even when you have it written down! i was about to head out for a walk, thinking it was later, and th..."

our bookstore has started doing some virtual events since all of our events have been canceled through at least may 20. I've missed a few of those, too , because I forgot..lol

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Today I attended a virtual author panel with Peter Swanson on it at the Newburyport Literary Festival and heard of a book that piqued my interest. Tell me if does yours. You Can't Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie..."

Sounds like a good, creepy book.

Speaking of missing virtual events, today I forgot a tele-med appointment with my doctor. Originally scheduled as a regular check-up six months ago, in quarantine it was changed to tele-med. So despite being long anticipated and on my calendar. . .I just forgot. If I don’t have to get up, take a shower, and put on shoes it doesn’t lodge in my brain.

OMalleycat wrote: "Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Today I attended a virtual author panel with Peter Swanson on it at the Newburyport Literary Festival and heard of a book that piqued my interest. Tell me if does yours. You C..."

LOL on "putting on shoes"! For me it's putting on a bra!! Came into the office to take care of a couple things today and even though I knew I probably wouldn't see anyone else, decided it might be a good idea to put one on! LOL

Ann wrote: “ For me it's putting on a bra!! Came into the office to take care of a couple things today and even though I knew I probably wouldn't see anyone else, decided it might be a good idea to put one on! LOL "

Ann, I’m glad to hear that you’re clinging to some vestiges of decency in these difficult times. Me, not so much. “Putting on a bra” is now in the place occupied pre-quarantine by “putting on a ball gown.”

Lol, that was Melodie!! Not me! Shoes and standard undergarments are my dress code - even working remotely!
OMalleycat wrote: " Not me!!!Ann wrote: “ For me it's putting on a bra!! Came into the office to take care of a couple things today and even though I knew I probably wouldn't see anyone else, decided it might be a good idea t..."

Jan O'Cat: Yikes! My husband had two different telemedicine appointments switched from in-office and both doctors called him!

OMalleycat wrote: "Speaking of missing virtual events, today I forgot a tele-med appointment with my doctor. Originally scheduled as a regular check-up six months ago, in quarantine it was changed to tele-med. So despite being long anticipated and on my calendar. . .I just forgot.
"

Ann wrote: "Lol, that was Melodie!! Not me! Shoes and standard undergarments are my dress code - even working remotely!
OMalleycat wrote: " Not me!!!Ann wrote: “ For me it's putting on a bra!! Came into the o..."

Ooooohhhhh! That explains why “Melodie wrote. . .” kept coming up when I’d hit reply! I finally had to type in “Ann.” Don’t ask me why I didn’t notice I was quoting Melodie’s post. I’ll just claim quarantine brain.

Ann, I apologize for accusing you of clinging to vestiges of propriety when apparently propriety is your “old normal.” And Melodie, I’m sorry I assumed Ann is the one who prefers to be [ahem] loosey -goosey.

Ann wrote: "Jan O'Cat: Yikes! My husband had two different telemedicine appointments switched from in-office and both doctors called him! ."

Gosh, Ann, I’m glad my doctor didn’t call. There I would have been with bed head, no shower, no shoes, and possibly insufficient underwear.

I had an appointed time to call. I’m wondering if I’ll be charged for a missed appointment. Not that I’d complain. It couldn’t have been any more my fault.

....Possibly! Lol Ms. O'Cat
OMalleycat wrote: "Gosh, Ann, I’m glad my doctor didn’t call. There I would have been with bed head, no shower, no shoes, and possibly insufficient underwear.
..."

Since I’m the one who bears responsibility for deflecting the topic from group reads to quarantine wardrobe choices AND since I’m over on a Miracle Creek thread recommending a new member look at this topic for advance notice of group reads, I thought I’d ask if we decided on You Can't Catch Me for July?

Of books mentioned above Deacon King Kong and The Red Lotus look good. I’m not one for keeping up with new releases—I’ve got too many old releases on hand—so chime in if you’ve heard of anything that sounds good. Just thought I’d bring the topic back around.

Jan O’Cat, on rare occasions can try to be a good board citizen😸

I'd be happy with any of the four suggestions other than Deacon King Kong. I'm feeling a bit emotionally exhausted these days, and another investigation into the aftermath of a crime with socio-political significance might be more than I can handle right now.

I'm going to read The Red Lotus anyway so it would be great if it could be a group pick some month so I can enjoy discussions :)

I'm interested in You Can't Catch Me. Not too bad a price on Kindle too right now. :)

Not sure if I'm doing this right, but here's a few books that have caught my eye recently--

Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

I'm really looking forward to The Glass Hotel next month!

OMalleycat wrote: "Gosh, Ann, I’m glad my doctor didn’t call. There I would have been with bed head, no shower, no shoes, and possibly insufficient underwear."

Don't worry, guys dig this stuff.

Barry wrote: "OMalleycat wrote: "Gosh, Ann, I’m glad my doctor didn’t call. There I would have been with bed head, no shower, no shoes, and possibly insufficient underwear."

Don't worry, guys dig this stuff."

Uh. That’s strangely uncomforting, Barry.

Isn’t it time for you to go back on night shift?

Kari wrote: "Not sure if I'm doing this right, but here's a few books that have caught my eye recently--

You did it just right, Kari! The links to books and authors really help the rest of us browse the choices.

Thanks for suggesting some more titles. It’ll be fun to have you join our discussions!

Okay, I thought I’d pull together all the group read suggestions in one post. Take a look and give an opinion! If I’ve missed any, let me know. I’m guessing (this is really Ann’s gig) that we could pick 2 or 3 to take us to the Galbraith book.

Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith- book five of the Cormoran Strike series. Almost a sure bet for group read but not due for release until late September.

You Can't Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie. Already several interested in this one. Release date June 9th. Kari’s right: $4.99 to preorder the Kindle edition on Amazon.

Deacon King Kong by James McBride

The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian

The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben

Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

I like
You Can't Catch Me,
The Red Lotus,
and The Sun Down Motel.