Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

Group read nominations are welcome for 2023. We look for new authors, as well as traditionally prioritizing books based on repeating authors we have read in the past as group reads.
Even a series book may get a mostly 'automatic' slot if we read the previous books, and we usually look for a true crime book. This thread is for nominations and timing discussions.
Do you have more suggestions for 2023 group read books?
We have a few selections already on the group bookshelf here
https://www.goodreads.com/group/books...

So far we have:
Jan-2023 The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-mo

Feb-2023 Exiles by Jane Harper

Mar-2023 The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson one of our favorite authors

Apr-2023 The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth originally scheduled in 2022, publication was moved out

May-2023 open

A nomination from one of our favorite group read authors, Jane Harper, Exiles. We've group read four Jane Harper books, the first two Aaron Falk books in 2017 and 2018, this is book three.

Ann wrote: "A nomination from one of our favorite group read authors, Jane Harper, Exiles. We've group read four Jane Harper books, the first two Aaron Falk books in 2017 and 20..."

Yes, please!

Carol, I know, right! Exiles comes out January 31, 2023, might slide right into February! ;)

Ann wrote: "Carol, I know, right! Exiles comes out January 31, 2023, might slide right into February! ;)"

I just requested Exiles on Netgalley.

I just requested from my library and am #2 on the list so I should get it in time to join the February discussion.

Donnajo wrote: "I just requested Exiles on Netgalley."

Ann wrote: "A nomination from one of our favorite group read authors, Jane Harper, Exiles. We've group read four Jane Harper books, the first two Aaron Falk books in 2017 and 20..."

Time flies. I just finished reading the Amazon preview (basically the first two chapters). I like it so I'll join the group read!

Yay Russ, glad you are in for the reading of Exiles!

Calling for your nominations for future group read books for June/July forward! Suggestions are welcome.

So far we have read / are reading:
Jan-2023 The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-mo

Feb-2023 Exiles by Jane Harper

Mar-2023 The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson one of our favorite authors

Apr-2023 The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth originally scheduled in 2022, publication was moved out

May-2023 Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

Based on prior favorites, here are a few suggestions to group-read...
What do you think of considering
🔶 Prom Mom by Laura Lippman
Maybe August? US publish date July 2023
🔶 The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman the fourth Thursday Murder Club book possibly in Sept/Oct, US publish date 9/14/2023
🔶 The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith Cormoran Strike, possibly Oct/Nov. US publish date 9/26/2023
Also we sometimes pick a non-fiction /true crime..any suggestions?
Jun-2023
Jul-2023
Aug-2023
Sep-2023
Oct-2023
Nov-2023
Dec-2023

Here are some I’m excited about.

The Only One Left
Zero Days
A Twisted Love Story
None of This Is True

I plan to finally read book 6 of Cormorant Strike next month. Good thing since I see another one is being released! And I do enjoy Lippman. 🙂

I really liked Zero Days and None of This Is True I hosted Lisa Jewell for a book-signing - she's lovely

Wow, Geri, all of these look good!

Geri wrote: "Here are some I’m excited about.

The Only One Left
Zero Days
A Twisted Love Story
None of This Is True"

Geri and Sherry, I've really enjoyed the Lisa Jewell books I have read so far!

Sherry wrote: "I really liked Zero Days and None of This Is True I hosted Lisa Jewell for a book-signing - she's lovely"

I only dislike Cormoran Strike books for two important reasons: I am bereft when they come to an end (call it the Harry Potter effect) AND I can't find the series of the latest novels to watch here in the US. Otherwise, CS gets a spot on my calendar for release day!

Ann wrote: "Based on prior favorites, here are a few suggestions to group-read...
What do you think of considering
🔶 Prom Mom by Laura Lippman
Maybe August? US publish date July ..."

I saw Drowning by TJ Newman will come out May 30. I enjoyed Falling by the same author earlier.

Russ: ooooh Drowning looks good (and terrifying) :) I have been meaning to read T.J. Newman's Falling.. good suggesting and with a release date of 5/30/2023 fits for a sooner than later selection! Good to consider!

Russ wrote: "I saw Drowning by TJ Newman will come out May 30. I enjoyed Falling by the same author earlier.."

/

Heather - I hear you on feeling bereft when a Cormoran Strike book ends. I have been ready for the next book immediately for every one of them! Hope you can find the TV series someday soon. I have watched several of the episodes multiple times (can't remember on which service though)
Holly wrote: "I only dislike Cormoran Strike books for two important reasons: I am bereft when they come to an end (call it the Harry Potter effect) AND I can't find the series of the latest novels to watch here..."

Geri wrote: "Here are some I’m excited about.

The Only One Left
Zero Days
A Twisted Love Story
None of This Is True"

Yikes, The Only One Left is already giving me Lizzie Borden type nightmares!
I have mixed feelings about Ruth Ware so not sure about Zero Days
A Twisted Love Story and None of This Is True are possibiities....

Ann wrote: "Based on prior favorites, here are a few suggestions to group-read...
What do you think of considering
🔶 Prom Mom by Laura Lippman
Maybe August? US publish date July ..."

Ann, I am on board with your three suggestions. Of course! I'm going to read them anyway, LOL

Ann wrote: "Russ: ooooh Drowning looks good (and terrifying) :) I have been meaning to read T.J. Newman's Falling.. good suggesting and with a release date of 5/30/2023 fits f..."

Agreed, Drowning does look good! I think I'm going to request in now, whether we select it as a group read or not.

Falling was unputdownable!

CB Strike is on HBO Max. I love this series although I can't see watching it again for awhile. I can't wait for the next season whenever it comes.

Ann wrote: "Heather - I hear you on feeling bereft when a Cormoran Strike book ends. I have been ready for the next book immediately for every one of them! Hope you can find the TV series someday soon. I have ..."

Carol, Russ, Holly, Geri and Sherry - I will try to sort those out into something we can attempt to line up for group reads based on release dates and our comments. What do we think of this proposed line-up? As always, these are suggested start dates, and can be read any time and comments added to the discussions.

Since we are looking for a June book, let's start with Russ's suggestion first. I think it fits nicely!

Jun-2023 great suggestion Russ! 🔶Drowning by T.J. Newman (US release May 30, 2023)

Jul-2023 Geri's suggestion fits well!
🔶 The Only One Left by Riley Sager (US Release date June 20, 2023)

Aug-2023 Maybe either or both for August? I can't resist either author
🔶None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell (US release date July 20, 2023
🔶 Prom Mom by Laura Lippman ( US publish date July 25 2023)

Sep-2023
🔶 The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman the fourth Thursday Murder Club book. (US publish date 9/14/2023)

Oct-2023 being a big fat book, Oct/Nov.
🔶 The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith Cormoran Strike, and Holly is right, we will be bereft when we finish it for sure. (US publish date 9/26/2023)

Nov-2023 another of Geri's great suggestions.
🔶 A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing US Release July 18, 2023

Dec-2023

The schedule looks good to me! I don’t mind reading both books in August. And having 2 months to read the next Cormorant Strike is a good idea.

The line-up looks great Ann. I may bow out of The Only One Left, but we'll see.

I've already requested what I can from the library! For some I'm #1 on the list when they are released!

you know i don't always get to read at the same time as you all but I've read Prom Mom and None of This Is True were both quick read and really good.
i have Drowningon my TBR to read so might actually get to that one as the same time as the group!

I’m excited about the upcoming books, several might be a challenge to get right away from the library after release dates so we can be flexible with these suggested dates. I am only able to get an alert notice from Libby when Drowning is available to request on release date (5/29) so hope I don’t have too much of a delay to get started with the June book.
Lol who am I kidding, I have a pile up of other audio books in front of it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a happy place to have so many choices!

Carol: I have to admit, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... The Only One Left gives me pause at the creepy factor. The age of one of the characters intrigued me. I’ve enjoyed exploring the psyche of older women in several recent books we’ve read. The Old Woman With The Knife for example. :)
Nightmares may ensue. Lol

I'm number 94 on the hold list for None of This Is True!! I'd better start saving up my Audible credits....

Carol, wow, I better go see if I can add an alert for when I can request it on Libby.

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I'm number 94 on the hold list for None of This Is True!! I'd better start saving up my Audible credits...."

The Only One Left is available to me today. 🙂 I’ll be ready to discuss in July.

Yes. I wasn’t too happy at first when Overdrive/Libby changed the way to recommend books. But I figured out how to add the notify me tag. It is nice that there are no limits now. I can put all my requests in at one time. The alerts come through as a message while I am looking at my iPad. So I’ve been lucky to catch these quickly and put a hold on the title. I also check my notify me list on Libby on Tuesdays and Fridays. That’s usually when new titles are added at my library. So far so good!

Geri, glad yo hear you got it! I utilized a notify me tag for it and several others lately. (It is a great feature!)
Some of the tags and subsequent notifications got me closer to the top of the line.
For The Only One Left , not so lucky. I am number 60 in line for one of five copies which translates to 24 weeks. Yikes!! Hopefully they will purchase more copies to speed that up.

Wow! Your library must serve a large population. My library has 8 copies and 17 people waiting. I have sampled the book. I was drawn in right away. The story and writing are great. If you consider using an audible credit, I don’t think you would be disappointed! But I know how precious credits are. I try to only use 2 a month, since I get 24 a year. Usually by the end of the year, I end up buying a few extra. LOL Still, that is good since I read so many books a year. I love Libby, Hoopla, and Scribd!

Geri wrote: "Wow! Your library must serve a large population. My library has 8 copies and 17 people waiting. I have sampled the book. I was drawn in right away. The story and writing are great. If you consider ..."

I'm number 16 for the audio of The Only One Left so I guess I will be listening to it soon.
I'm not sure what the "notify me" tag you guys are referring to is. Is that different from just placing a hold on a book?

Carol, on Libby for my library we can’t put holds on books until the release date. The Libby app on my phone lets me “deep search” for upcoming release titles and tag them with a notify-me tag and the app lets me know when they are in the catalog right at the release date so I can request them.

Geri: Yes! audible credits are precious! :) I have the same two a month strategy for my 24 credits a year. Some years I run out early, some I get close. The hold counts are definitely a factor on which I get from audible. Thanks for the tip it is worth it!

Ann wrote: "Geri: Yes! audible credits are precious! :) I have the same two a month strategy for my 24 credits a year. Some years I run out early, some I get close. The hold counts are definitely a factor on w..."

I only get one credit a month and using them is a last resort, although I do have to remember not to let them expire now that they have put restrictions on how long you can hold onto a credit. Not a problem.... Although, I can get so many from the library--CDs and digital audios--that I can take my time with the Audible credits. I usually use them for beloved popular authors whose books I can't wait to read, and group read books that are taking too long to get to me through the library system.

I wish I had your restraint and only used 1 credit a month , Carol! LOL Yes, the library helps. Libby gets so many books I want, fortunately. I do get notified even before a book is released. Yesterday, 9 titles were added to the catalog. I was able to put a hold on Prom Mom and A Twisted Love Story. I’m number 1 on the waitlist.

Ann - I finished The Only One Left today. I tried to savor it, but it was too good to read slow. LOL Not sure if you have read Sager before, but it’s definitely one of his best.

Geri, very good to know! This will be my first Riley Sager book. I've moved up a bit in the Libby queue, I will see if I need to use a credit or wait a bit.

This is indeed good to know, Geri and Ann. I will move The Only One Left up on my wish list. I have not read any Sager before.

A possible Group Read suggestion -- not a 2023 Group read - this is a possible 2024 book - in October 2020 we group read Tana French's The Searcher.
I just noticed there is a book two coming in early 2024 - The Hunter. So, food for thought. :)

Ann wrote: "A possible Group Read suggestion -- not a 2023 Group read - this is a possible 2024 book - in October 2020 we group read Tana French's The Searcher.
I just noticed ..."

sounds like good food for thought!

Ann wrote: "A possible Group Read suggestion -- not a 2023 Group read - this is a possible 2024 book - in October 2020 we group read Tana French's The Searcher.
I just noticed ..."

You had me at "Tana French."

Ann wrote: "Geri and Sherry, I've really enjoyed the Lisa Jewell books I have read so far!

Sherry wrote: "I really liked Zero Days and None of This Is True I hosted Lisa Jewel..."

Lisa Jewell is incredible! What's your favorite?

Kirsten wrote: "Ann wrote: "Geri and Sherry, I've really enjoyed the Lisa Jewell books I have read so far!

Sherry wrote: "I really liked Zero Days and None of This Is True I hosted.
.Lisa Jewell is incredible! What's your favorite?"


that's a tough one! I've read a lot of her books and have really liked most of them. i gave The Family Upstairs and Invisible Girl5 stars

Kirsten - I think mine may have to be The Family Upstairs, though I haven't yet read many of her books - yet -which is your favorite?

Kirsten wrote: "Lisa Jewell is incredible! What's your favorite?."

Closing out 2023 Group Read books here is the lineup. Do we want to add one more for December? Ideas for Jan-2024? Suggestions welcome.
I noticed there is a sequel to a prior group read coming for December release: The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
The previous group read The Maid by Nita Prose was in February 2022.


Sep-2023
🔶 The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman the fourth Thursday Murder Club book. (US publish date 9/14/2023)

Oct-2023 being a big fat book, Oct/Nov.
🔶 The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith Cormoran Strike. (US publish date 9/26/2023)

Nov-2023 another of Geri's great suggestions.
🔶 A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing US Release July 18, 2023

Dec-2023 or Jan-2024
🔶 TBD

Feb-2024
🔶 TBD

Mar-2024
🔶 The Hunter by Tana French sequel to The Searcher group read in Oct-2020

Ann - I have 2 suggestions that I think would be interesting to discuss.
Bright Young Women and Happiness Falls.

One book is out now and the other releases in a few days. But they could still be good options for December or January.