Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

Group read nominations are welcome for 2025.
~~ Do you have suggestions for 2025 group read books?
~~ This thread is for nominations and timing discussions.

~~ We look for new authors, as well as traditionally prioritizing books based on repeating authors we have read in the past as group reads.
~~ On average we schedule about twelve Group Read books in a year; we list them with a two-month timeline for reading as an 'active' book, but can discuss them any time.
~~ Even a series book may get a mostly 'automatic' slot if we read the previous books, and we usually look for one true crime book.

Feel free to consider 'favorite group read authors' with new books coming out in 2025 and post your suggestions.
For example there is expected to be a new Thursday Murder Club book in 2025 date TBD https://www.goodreads.com/series/2992...
And Peter Swanson is expected to publish Kill Your Darlings: A Novel in 2025.

Sherry, I saw your recent arc review of Lisa Jewell’s new for June 2025 book, Don't Let Him In. We have read her books as group reads in the past. Thoughts?

Another possible 2025 group read book (with no firm release date as yet) is a new Robert Galbraith book. She is writing it now, media speculation suggested The Hallmarked Man may debut in 2025!

So, I came across this one today, which is a bit off the beaten path I think, but sounded intriguing, if no other reason than one of the authors is 50cent! 50cent, writing about a female Texas Ranger. Hmmm. It's the first in a series, just published this year. The Accomplice.

Another "might-be-oddball" (wow- I really know how to sell "it", don't I...) that my F2F book group is reading in first quarter is Butter by Asako Yuzuki. "The cult [translated] Japanese bestseller about a female gourmet cook and serial killer and the journalist intent on cracking her case, inspired by a true story."

Brendan Slocumb has his third book coming out next May - The Dark Maestro

Tess Gerritson's second book in the Martini Club series is due to release in March - The Summer Guests

And has anyone else yet read The God of the Woods by Liz Moore? It is also on my list for next year!

Ann wrote: "Sherry, I saw your recent arc review of Lisa Jewell’s new for June 2025 book, Don't Let Him In. We have read her books as group reads in the past. Thoughts?"

oh yes, definitely add it! i got a bound galley of it in the mail and loved it! it's amazing to me that someone as nice as her can write such twisty books!

I have The God of the Woods by Liz Moore and plan on reading it soon. I have heard great reviews and am excited for it!

For nominations:

I already started The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon and was really impressed. So much so I stopped and am saving it for December/January cuz I want to read it when it's cold outside. It's a historical mystery.

I recommended First Lie Wins by Ashley Elstonin my real life book club and to all our surprise everyone loved it, which never happens - so I have to throw that one in there. I wouldn't mind reading it again - it's one of my top reads this year. It appeased our cozy and not cozy readers. We were finding that hard to do and this hit the spot.

(Selfishly) (for my spreadsheet) Summarizing here in order of publication date/alphabetical by title:

Out now:
Butter by Asako Yuzuki
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

mid-March:
The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

mid-May:
The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb

mid-June:
Kill Your Darlings: A Novel by Peter Swanson

late-June:
Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

late-September:
Thursday Murder Club #5 - Richard Osman

Unknown:
"The Hallmarked Man" - Cormoran Strike #8 - Robert Galbraith

Gail, Christina, Sherry, look at the list coming together! I love it!
I am on board for all of them. I also have been meaning to get to The God of the Woods, sounds good for January! I'll start adding the list to our bookshelf and we can shuffle them around later for start dates and see what else comes up. A very good list!

ChrisQ wrote: "I have The God of the Woods by Liz Moore and plan on reading it soon. I have heard great reviews and am excited for it!
For nominations:
I already started [book:The Frozen River|..."

Gail W wrote: "(Selfishly) (for my spreadsheet) Summarizing here in order of publication date/alphabetical by title:


Out now:

Butter by Asako Yuzuki
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

mid-March:
The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

mid-May:
The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb

mid-June:
Kill Your Darlings: A Novel by Peter Swanson

late-June:
Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

late-September:
Thursday Murder Club #5 - Richard Osman

Unknown:
"The Hallmarked Man" - Cormoran Strike #8 - Robert Galbraith

."

I have been so frustrated with how poorly Annette Dashofy's publisher is handling her works, I contacted her directly (on Goodreads) about her next book in the Inspector Honeywell series, asking if there was going to be a third. Here's her response:

"Annette Dashofy: Yes! The third book in the series was supposed to come out at the end of this month, but my publisher has pushed back the release until sometime next year (probably mid-summer, but that's just a guess on my part.) There will also be a fourth (scheduled for release in September 2025) and a fifth (scheduled for a 2026 release.)"

Yay!

Ann wrote: "Feel free to consider 'favorite group read authors' with new books coming out in 2025 and post your suggestions.
For example there is expected to be a new Thursday Murder Club book in 2025 date TBD..."

Hi Ann,

I would be on board for both of these (Peter Swanson's new one and the next in the Thursday Murder Club series).

Ann wrote: "Another possible 2025 group read book (with no firm release date as yet) is a new Robert Galbraith book. She is writing it now, media speculation suggested The Hallmarked Man may de..."

Definitely!!!!

Gail W wrote: "I have been so frustrated with how poorly Annette Dashofy's publisher is handling her works, I contacted her directly (on Goodreads) about her next book in the Inspector Honeywell series, asking if..."

Yay!!!!!

Thanks Carol! I am excited for the initial lineup for 2025. Yikes January is near, so I better start lining up a copy of The God of the Woods

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I would be on board for both of these (Peter Swanson's new one and the next in the Thursday Murder Club series). (and the new Cormoran Strike)"

Group Read Books 2025 tentative lineup


🔶 Dec/Jan-2025 Keep Your Family Close by Annette Dashofy

🔶Jan/Feb-2025 The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

🔶Feb/Mar-2025 Butter by Asako Yuzuki

🔶Mar/Apr-2025 The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

🔶 Apr/May-2025 First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

🔶May/Jun-2025 The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

🔶Jun/Jul-2025 Kill Your Darlings by Peter Swanson

🔶Jul/Aug-2025 Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

Unslotted (dates and titles to come)
Thursday Murder Club
Cormoran Strike

Ann wrote: "Group Read Books 2025 tentative lineup ..."

Thanks, Ann! I've been working on my "plan" for next year. It's ridiculous.

Ann wrote: "Thanks Carol! I am excited for the initial lineup for 2025. Yikes January is near, so I better start lining up a copy of The God of the Woods

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I would be on b..."

I took a page from your book (see what I did there) and went to reserve a copy. A little concerning... "234 copies, 1281 people are on the wait list." What?!?! I'm # 23 in the queue, which sounds a little less daunting. I went to my other system and am #7 in the queue. That's better!!!

Carol: I fo see what you did there! Your hold wait is better than mine. I am #612 for 111 copies in circulation for a thirteen week wait! Yikes! Maybe my free Audible book for January.

Okay, my library system is whacky. The system that told me I was 23rd in line just sent me an email that The God of the Woods is available for download. What? Guess I better grab it, though, who knows how long I'll have to wait if I send it back.

I am getting excited for The God of the Woods! Can't wait to read it and see what everyone thinks!

ChrisQ wrote: "I am getting excited for The God of the Woods! Can't wait to read it and see what everyone thinks!"

Just started it, Chris. I was looking to see if I'd read anything else by her. I wonder, did we read Long Bright River by her? The plot sounds vaguely familiar. Although maybe I'm confusing it with Keep Your Family Close, lol.

Carol, yes, we did group read Long Bright River by Liz Moore. I had forgotten we had. Glad you already got your turn!

For a change (and open to change again) I have started the group Read comment threads in one folder for 2025. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...
This may make it easier or harder to find the comment threads depending on your perspective. With only two main threads for each book and about twelve books a year it should be fairly easy to find the right book to comment.

Christina - I am really happy that you and Gail recommended The God of the Woods. As Carol mentioned we did read Liz Moore's Long Bright River. It is striking how different the two books are, and I look forward to more of her books.

ChrisQ wrote: "I am getting excited for The God of the Woods! Can't wait to read it and see what everyone thinks!"

I have the February book Butter by Asako Yuzuki in my holds queue so hope to get to it soon. Will start the threads for it.

Ann wrote: "Christina - I am really happy that you and Gail recommended The God of the Woods. As Carol mentioned we did read Liz Moore's Long Bright River. It ..."

I enjoyed reading with everyone and hearing everyone's thoughts!!! Looking forward to more group reads! :)

Hello I am a bit lost. How do I find a thread for the group read for God of the Woods?

Hi Alexandra B happy to provide bread crumbs to reach The God of the Woods group read discussions.

Link to to No spoilers version
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Link to the Spoilers Welcome topic
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Link to the group reads 2025 folder
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

Oops! You missed the last link, Ann....

Thanks Carol 😀 done! See the post two above this one for the links specific to the Group Reads 2025 folder now and the two specific to topic discussions of The God of the Woods.
I was on the Goodreads app on my phone where it’s trickier to do links. I meant to go back and add the third link and got distracted.

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Oops! You missed the last link, Ann...."

My financial advisor's book group (everyone is getting into the act it seems!) is reading Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson and I've heard it mentioned a few times so I think I'm gonna join. I wondered if there was any interest in adding it to our 2025 lineup. Discuss.

Carol: I have had Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone on my TBR since Dec-2023 so I am game to try it. The next “open” slot is Aug/Sep - not that having an open slot has ever stopped us from doubling up. Lol.
So open for suggestions of when as well as voting to add.

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "My financial advisor's book group (everyone is getting into the act it seems!) is reading Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson and I've heard it mentioned ..."

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "... Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone ..."

I actually have it on my list to read this year (not that that means anything really). So I'm game for it!

Carol: when does it look like you will start Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone? I can double up any month if needed I assume it’s readily available, better go check if it has a hold list. Looks like a ten week wait but I get a new free audible audio on March 4 that needs a title. 😀😀📚📚

I have it on my kindle so I’d be up for reading it, too. Preference would be to wait until May or June 🤣

My book group announced on 2/21 that it was the pick for March, which meeting is March 13! (These folks have time on their hands I guess...) It just came in to the library so I guess I will start soon. But I'd be up for putting it off for a few months, depending on what others want. I sympathize with folks who (1) don't want to double up, (2) may need some time to get the book or (3) have other reading priorities. Sherry suggested May/June. What do others think? I can make notes on the pertinent points and be ready to post whenever the thread is up.

May or June would be better for me as well.

Group Read Books 2025 updated lineup
Added to May/June


🔶 Dec/Jan-2025 Keep Your Family Close by Annette Dashofy

🔶Jan/Feb-2025 The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

🔶Feb/Mar-2025 Butter by Asako Yuzuki

🔶Mar/Apr-2025 The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

🔶 Apr/May-2025 First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

🔶May/Jun-2025 The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

🔶May/Jun-2025 Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

🔶Jun/Jul-2025 Kill Your Darlings by Peter Swanson

🔶Jul/Aug-2025 Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

🔶Aug/Sep-2025 open

🔶Sep/Oct-2025 The Hallmarked Man byRobert Galbraith

Unslotted (dates and titles to come)
Thursday Murder Club

Gail, Carol, Sherry - May / June works for me too! A bit crazy that May is so close. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is on the list!

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "My book group announced on 2/21 that it was the pick for March, which meeting is March 13! (These folks have time on their hands I guess...) It just came in to the library so I guess I will start soon..."

Ann wrote: "Gail, Carol, Sherry - May / June works for me too! A bit crazy that May is so close. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is on the list!

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "My book group an..."

Thanks, Ann. I may not join the F2F book group discussion after all, as my church just announced a book group reading of Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman as part of our Anti-Racism Team work, and as I'm a member I feel I should participate. First meeting conflicts with the group meeting for Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone so that's that.

Carol: I just put Jesus and the Disinherited on my Libby holds list. Thanks!

Ann wrote: "Carol: I just put Jesus and the Disinherited on my Libby holds list. Thanks!"

You're welcome, Ann. If you want to join the reading group let me know and I'll ask.

𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐬

I got my copy from Audible and am hoping to get time to read our Apr/May-2025 First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston.
The audiobook is supposed to be top rated narration.

So, am I allowed to nominate another or is that ban only self-imposed? 😁🤣.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. Billed as "fiction-mystery-thriller-mystery thriller". Book was just published March 4th.

Gail: lol you are not banned from nominating- I have had Wild Dark Shore on my TBR for a while. Sounds good to me.

GailW wrote: "So, am I allowed to nominate another or is that ban only self-imposed? 😁🤣.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. Billed as "fiction-mystery-thriller-mystery ..."

Ann wrote: "Gail: lol you are not banned from nominating- I have had Wild Dark Shore on my TBR for a while. Sounds good to me.

GailW wrote: "So, am I allowed to nominate another or is that b..."

Ann, I swear you seem to have EVERY suggestion on your TBR pile, lol. I have no objections to adding this to the list.

I was in Sherry's bookstore and saw this on the shelves: Kills Well with Others. It's the sequel to Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, which I believe was a Group Read. Shall we put this on our list?

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I was in Sherry's bookstore and saw this on the shelves: Kills Well with Others. It's the sequel to Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, which I believe was..."

yes!

Ok with multiple votes Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn is an easy add as the sequel to a group read along with Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. Now to figure out which months to add them.