NanaCC's (Colleen's) 2017 Reading

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NanaCC's (Colleen's) 2017 Reading

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1NanaCC
Modifié : Déc 28, 2017, 6:31 pm

I'm Colleen and I will post my current reading here. Hopefully, I'll do better at keeping up with my thread. I was quite negligent fourth quarter of 2016. The mix of audio books to print books picked up quite a bit towards the end of the year, as I started several knitting projects. That may continue. Happy reading everyone. I'm looking forward to all of your book bullets.

CURRENTLY READING:

A False Mirror by Charles Todd
Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

Phineas Finn by Anthony Trollope

Currently Listening:

A Pale Horse by Charles Todd, Narrated by Simon Prebble
Queen of Hearts by Rhys Bowen, Narrated by Katherine Kellgren
A Matter of Justice by Charles Todd, Narrated by Simon Prebble

2NanaCC
Modifié : Déc 28, 2017, 6:31 pm

Books Read 2017

Print/Kindle:

23- Well Schooled in Murder by Elizabeth George
22- Rather Be the Devil by Ian Rankin
21- The Green Gauntlet by R. F. Delderfield
20- For the Love of Mike by Rhys Bowen
19-Death of Riley by Rhys Bowen
18- Glass Houses by Louise Penny
17- Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen
16- A Long Shadow by Charles Todd
15- Post of Honor by R.F. Delderfield
14- Long Summer Day by R.F. Delderfield
13- Bootlegger's Daughter by Margaret Maron
12- Belgravia by Julian Fellows
11- A Cold Treachery by Charles Todd
10- A Fearsome Doubt by Charles Todd
9- Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin
8- Saints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin
7- Standing in Another Man's Grave by Ian Rankin
6- The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin
5- The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters
4- The Curse of the Pharaohs (Amelia Peabody #2) by Elizabeth Peters
3- Watchers of Time by Charles Todd
2- In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen
1- Celia's House by D. E. Stevenson

Audio:

25- Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen, Narrated by Katherine Kellgren
24- The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen, Nuarrated by Katherine Kellgren
23- where Serpents Sleep by C. S. Harris, Narrated by Davina Porter
22- A Suitable Vengeance by Elizabeth George, Narrated by Davina Porter
21- Naughty in Nice by Rhys Bowen, Narrated by Katherine Kellgren
20- Why Mermaids Sing by C. S. Harris, Narrated by Davina Porter
19- When Gods Die by C. S. Harris, Narrated by Davina Porter
18- What Angels Fear by C. S. Harris, Narrated by Davina Porter
17- Evanly Choirs by Rhys Bowen, Narrated by Roger Clark
16- Evan Help Us by Rhys Bowen, Narrated by Roger Clark
15- Winter of the World by Ken Follett, Narrated by John Lee
14- Evans Above by Rhys Bowen, Narrated by Roger Clark
13- Wild Chamber by Christopher Fowler, Narrated by Tim Goodman
12- Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen, Narrated by Kathrine Kellgren
11- Exit Music by Ian Rankin, Narrated by James Macpherson
10- And Justice There is None Deborah Crombie, Narrated by Michael Deehy
9- The Naming of the Dead by Ian Rankin, Narrated by James Macpherson
8- Fleshmarket Alley by Ian Rankin, Narrated by Michael Page
7- A Finer End by Deborah Crombie, Narrated by Jenny Sterlin
6- The Trespasser by Tana French, Narrated by Hilda Fay
5- From Doon With Death by Ruth Rendell, Narrated by Terrence Hardiman
4- A Question of Blood by Ian Rankin, Narrated by James MacPherson
3- Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley, Narrated by Jane Entwistle
2- Crocodile on The Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters, Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat
1- Resurrection Men by Ian Rankin, Narrated by James MacPherson

2017 Stats
Books Read Total = 48
Print/Kindle = 23; Audio = 25; Women authors = 27; New to me authors = 4

3NanaCC
Modifié : Jan 1, 2017, 10:27 am

My stats for 2016

Favorite Fiction
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
The Secret River by Kate Grenville
The Forsyte Chronicles by John Galsworthy (all nine volumes)
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

Favorite Mystery
A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George (hard to pick just one mystery)

Favorite Reread
The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

Favorite I Can't Believe I Actually Liked "That"
Mr Mercedes by Stephen King

2016 Stats
Books Read Total = 67
Print/Kindle = 44; Audio = 23; Women authors = 34; New to me authors = 8

My final thread for 2016 is here:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/220519

4OscarWilde87
Jan 1, 2017, 6:10 am

Just dropping by to say hello!

5Caroline_McElwee
Jan 1, 2017, 7:55 am

Happy New Year Colleen.

6NanaCC
Jan 1, 2017, 8:26 am

>4 OscarWilde87: & >5 Caroline_McElwee: Hello and happy new year!

7ELiz_M
Jan 1, 2017, 9:35 am

Happy New Year! I enjoyed many of your reviews (I still can't believe you read ALL NINE books of the Forsyte saga) and am looking forward to see what mix of mysteries and literature you tackle this year.

8NanaCC
Jan 1, 2017, 10:21 am

Happy New Year Liz. Once I started the Forsyte Chronicles, I couldn't stop. I thought they were wonderful. I became very invested in the characters.

9BLBera
Jan 1, 2017, 10:39 am

Happy New Year, Colleen.

10NanaCC
Jan 1, 2017, 10:54 am

Hi, Beth. Happy New Year! I'll be by to check out your new thread soon.

11dchaikin
Jan 1, 2017, 11:27 am

You are allowed to negligent here, you know! : ) Wish you Happy New Year and looking forward to following your reading...you seem to be staring off with some interesting books.

12NanaCC
Jan 1, 2017, 11:45 am

Thank you, Dan. Happy New Year to you, as well. I really do try to mix up the genres, although last year I drifted to mysteries to take my mind off the election. I may need to continue in that vein for a while, but as you can see, I'm trying. I love Trollope, so he may be just what I need.

13janeajones
Jan 1, 2017, 11:52 am

Happy New Year!

14NanaCC
Jan 1, 2017, 11:53 am

Happy New Year, Jane! I just posted the same on your thread. :)

15lauralkeet
Jan 1, 2017, 12:34 pm

>12 NanaCC: I love Trollope, so he may be just what I need
Ahem. Yes. :)

16NanaCC
Jan 1, 2017, 12:36 pm

>15 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura... I failed miserably last year, so here's hoping. :)

17ursula
Jan 1, 2017, 2:13 pm

I'm always better at reading threads than commenting on them, but I'll be here. :)

18NanaCC
Jan 1, 2017, 2:49 pm

>17 ursula:. Hi, Ursula. Nice to "see" you. I'm always interested to see where your life, as well as your reading, takes you.

19rachbxl
Jan 1, 2017, 3:11 pm

Happy New Year! Looking forward to following your reading again.

20AlisonY
Jan 1, 2017, 3:28 pm

Throwing down my star for this year - looking forward to your reads.

21Trifolia
Jan 1, 2017, 3:31 pm

Hi Colleen, I'm dropping off a star here. I look forward to see what you read this year.

22NanaCC
Jan 1, 2017, 3:59 pm

>19 rachbxl:, >20 AlisonY:, &>21 Trifolia: Nice to see you here Rachel, Alison and Monica. Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to following your threads this year. I'm sure we will be passing those book bullets back and forth, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

23lyzard
Jan 1, 2017, 5:42 pm

Happy New Year and Thread, Colleen!

24PaulCranswick
Jan 1, 2017, 8:42 pm

I look forward to following your reading this coming year Colleen.

Anyone who can list The Forsyte Saga and The Secret History in best of lists will do for me!

Happy New Year!

25The_Hibernator
Jan 1, 2017, 9:16 pm

26NanaCC
Jan 2, 2017, 8:11 am

Happy New Year, Liz, Paul and Rachel. I'm looking forward to following your reading, and possibly catching a few book bullets along the way. :)

27labfs39
Jan 2, 2017, 2:00 pm

Happy New Year! I didn't listen to any audiobooks in 2016. I may have to pick up the habit again...

28baswood
Jan 2, 2017, 6:17 pm

Happy New Year Colleen

29brodiew2
Jan 2, 2017, 6:57 pm

Happy New Year, Nanacc! I look forward to following your thread again this year. I hope all is well with you. :-)

30arubabookwoman
Jan 2, 2017, 7:46 pm

Hi Colleen--I look forward to following your thread again this year, and this year my goal is to stop lurking and comment occasionally. Best wishes for a great reading year.

31valkyrdeath
Jan 2, 2017, 9:04 pm

Looking forward to following your reading again this year. Just dropping by to make sure I keep track of the thread!

32NanaCC
Jan 2, 2017, 9:04 pm

>29 brodiew2: thank you for stopping by Brodie, and happy New Year. I'm looking forward to some good reading this year.

>30 arubabookwoman: hi Deborah. Another year, and we both hope to do better. :) I was hopeless the last quarter.

33NanaCC
Jan 2, 2017, 9:17 pm

I see that I'm skipping all over the place.

>27 labfs39: Hi, Lisa. Audiobooks are great while I'm knitting, or traveling in the car. I won't buy one unless it is unabridged. No cheating.

>28 baswood: Happy New Year, Barry. Thank you for stopping by.

>31 valkyrdeath: Thank you for stopping by, Gary. Here's to another good reading year (says she with wine glass in hand).

34Linda92007
Jan 3, 2017, 11:25 am

Looking forward to following your reading this year, Colleen. I see Brooklyn in your list of favorites for 2016. Colm Toibin is a favorite author of mine and I had the good luck to hear him speak last Spring. Most recently I read The Heather Blazing after returning from a trip to Ireland and his descriptions brought me immediately back to the magic of the coastline. Thanks for the reminder that The Master and Nora Webster are waiting in my TBR pile.

35NanaCC
Jan 3, 2017, 4:02 pm

>34 Linda92007: I read Nora Webster last year, as well, and loved it. I was trying not to go crazy with my "favorites" list, but there were so many good books.

36mabith
Jan 3, 2017, 6:49 pm

Seeing The Secret River on your best list makes me want to read it again. Hope 2017 will be a good reading year for all of us.

37NanaCC
Jan 3, 2017, 9:05 pm

>36 mabith: I actually listened to The Secret River, Meredith. It was narrated by Simon Vance. I know you do a lot of audio, and I'm sure you'd like that.

38avaland
Jan 4, 2017, 6:38 am

>37 NanaCC: When I first came on LT way back in '06, I had a long commute and listened to a fair bit of audio. That's one of the connections Chris & I made back then. I have a huge, expensive set of Middlemarch read by Juliet Stevenson that I'm saving for when they put me in the old folks home (so they don't park me in front of a television playing soap operas). I tried uploading it to my computer and then my iphone but it won't play the sections in order! Same went for Sarah Vowell's latest (I still like to have the hard copy).

39NanaCC
Jan 4, 2017, 8:18 am

>38 avaland: I started listening to books while I was still working, Lois. Initially I bought CDs, and then I decided to do a subscription to Audible. I used to download the books to an iPod, but now I download them to my iPhone. While I was working, I went through the books quite quickly due to a long commute, and visits to daughters in CT and MA. Now I do quite a bit of listening while I'm knitting or doing other crafty things. (Or trips to my daughter's homes). I had downgraded my subscription to one book a month, instead of two. I'm thinking about going back up to two, because I seem to be buying extra credits when they have sales of three credits for the price of two. I have a copy of Middlemarch read by Kate Reading, but have yet to listen to that one. Chris' husband had put the Harry Potter books that I had purchased on CD in a format that I could play on my iPod. He had to name them so that they would play in order. I've no idea how he did it.

40mabith
Jan 4, 2017, 6:03 pm

>37 NanaCC: I listened to the audiobook as well. :) I'm hoping to get to Middlemarch this year myself.

Frequently with things playing out of order you have to highlight all the tracks, right click to get to properties, and then go to details. That's where you can select track information and delete it (often with CDs transfers it wants to play track one on all the CDs, then track 2 for all of them, etc). After that you just need to make sure the files are named sensible (D01- preceding the track number for all of disc one, D02- for disc two, etc...). Sometimes those things are really cranky though.

41PaulCranswick
Jan 4, 2017, 9:03 pm

I have a feeling Colleen that the audio book format may help me finally get Middlemarch done. I am not sure what my blindspot with George Eliot is but I really must remedy it soon.

42NanaCC
Jan 4, 2017, 9:04 pm

>40 mabith: The percentage of audiobooks may be pretty high again this year, Meredith.. I enjoy them, and I have several projects going where I know I can listen at the same time.

43NanaCC
Jan 5, 2017, 8:28 pm



1. Resurrection Men by Ian Rankin, Narrated by James Macpherson, (P: 2002; Hachett audio, 2014)

Book 13 in the Inspector Rebus series has Rebus in the doghouse, and sent back to the police academy for retraining. This of course is really a plan for Rebus to work undercover to catch a couple of 'dirty cops'. As the case unfolds, Rebus begins to wonder if he might be the one under investigation. Rebus' colleague Siobhon Clarke plays a big role in this one as she investigates the murder of an art dealer. Great narration by James Macpherson. 4 stars.

44AnnieMod
Jan 5, 2017, 8:34 pm

Are you reading the Rebus books for the first time? If so - have fun!

45NanaCC
Jan 5, 2017, 8:46 pm

>44 AnnieMod: I'm reading them in order, Annie. I've really enjoyed them all so far. Someone in CR pointed me towards them when I first joined LT in 2013. I always need to stop myself from binge reading to the end of the series. I'll be sad when I come to the end.

46AnnieMod
Jan 5, 2017, 8:50 pm

>45 NanaCC: Well - his "last book (#17)" kinda became not-exactly-the-last and he is publishing one per year again :) It's one of my favorite series - although I am considering rereading them - it had been so long since I read the first...

One advice if I may - before the 18th, read the 2 Malcolm Fox ones (the 18th Rebus is the third Fox). Not that you won't understand the story but you will get annoyed at Malcolm without the backstory. :)

47NanaCC
Jan 5, 2017, 8:55 pm

>46 AnnieMod:. I did read the first Nalcom Fox thinking it was a stand alone or new series. I'll reread that one and the second Malcom Fox before reading number 18 based upon your suggestion.

48AnnieMod
Jan 5, 2017, 9:00 pm

It was supposed to be a new series... I think he just missed Rebus too much :) So he ended up connecting them and then just proceeded with Rebus at the lead for the most part :)

49NanaCC
Jan 5, 2017, 9:07 pm

I'm sure I'll enjoy the ride. :)

50avaland
Jan 6, 2017, 7:03 am

>47 NanaCC:, >48 AnnieMod: I really enjoyed The Resurrection Men. I like Rebus & Fox together, although I thought Rebus a bit less interesting in last year's book. I'm not sure he's giving me the buzz I need anymore. And he's getting old (as am I) and I imagine like the Reginald Hill or Colin Dexter*, he'll kill his creation off at some point. Still, I'm looking forward to the one coming out this month.

*You know, I have never read the last PD James' Adam Dalgelish novel? I have read everyone of her books except that one, which still sits on my shelf. I suppose I didn't want it to end. Rather dated now, I bet.

51NanaCC
Jan 6, 2017, 10:48 am

>50 avaland:. I loved PD James' Dalgelish mysteries. I binged on them I think I read all of them. Her Jane Austen take in Death Comes to Pemberly fell a little short, but I enjoyed it anyway. I still haven't read any Reginald Hill or Colin Dexter. Just what I need another series... ha ... as if that would stop me.

52AnnieMod
Jan 6, 2017, 12:17 pm

>50 avaland: Well, allowing Rebus to go old is part of the series and you cannot expect him to be to his usual antics in the position he is in.

>51 NanaCC: If you are looking for another series, Billingham's Tom Thorne is also an option (although he tends to be a lot less restricted with his gruesome murders) :) Rebus and Thorne get themselves in very similar issues now and then :)

53NanaCC
Jan 6, 2017, 12:24 pm

As I said Annie. There are never too many series. :) I have quite a few on FictFact that I haven't started but will get to some day.

54BLBera
Jan 6, 2017, 12:59 pm

I know what you mean about series, Colleen; I think I follow about 300 on FictFact. I loved P.D. James as well. From your comments, I think I would enjoy the Rebus series, even though I am trying really hard not to start a new one.

55NanaCC
Jan 6, 2017, 1:08 pm

>54 BLBera: 300 series... Yikes!

Rebus really is quite good. The first was the weakest I've read so far, and it didn't keep me from proceeding.

I've got to be careful, or this is going to turn into the year of the mysteries. Although I am reading Phineas Finn right now too, so I feel ok about that.

56AnnieMod
Jan 6, 2017, 1:10 pm

>53 NanaCC: and further

Series... I love series :)

57Caroline_McElwee
Jan 7, 2017, 5:45 pm

>43 NanaCC: it's a whole since I read any Rankin Colleen. Maybe I'll get some in this year.

58lauralkeet
Jan 7, 2017, 8:31 pm

>55 NanaCC: Trollope! Way to go!

59PaulCranswick
Jan 9, 2017, 1:29 am

>54 BLBera: & >55 NanaCC: Note to self :
Need to go and update fictfact!

I am also overdue a further does of the Edinburgh grouch.

60NanaCC
Jan 9, 2017, 8:37 am

Thank you for stopping by everyone.

>56 AnnieMod: I love series too, Annie, and since Laura introduced me to FictFact a couple of years ago it makes it easier to keep track. Not only of the ones I've started, but also of the recommended ones that I want to get to eventually.

>57 Caroline_McElwee: If you enjoyed Rebus in the past, Caroline, I think the stories just keep getting better.

>58 lauralkeet: I'm making my way slowly through Phineas Finn, Laura. Not because I'm not enjoying it, but it has been the season. I had my yearly big family party on Saturday, although the "big" was considerably less because Mother Nature decided to dump loads of snow where some of my relatives live. My brother, who lives in Vermont, had no problem getting here, but relatives in Long Island and my daughter in Boston were unable to come. I'll listen to a book while I take down Christmas trees and the rest of the decorations. And, I'll try to stay awake long enough tonight to read a chapter or two of Trollope. :)

>59 PaulCranswick: FictFact is a wonderful thing, Paul. :). Rebus, yes!

61lauralkeet
Jan 9, 2017, 11:24 am

>60 NanaCC: Colleen, I understand completely -- Trollope is an investment! I have really enjoyed them but often will read something else at the same time.

62VivienneR
Jan 11, 2017, 6:07 pm

I'm so far behind reading threads this year! Can't believe this is my first visit to your thread and you are up to 61 posts already! Looking forward to sharing your reading this year.

63NanaCC
Jan 11, 2017, 9:35 pm

>62 VivienneR: The number of posts has nothing to do with the quality of my reading, Vivienne. I've only finished one book so far. I have a couple on the go, but other things have been keeping me busy. I'm glad you stopped by. :)

64lauralkeet
Jan 29, 2017, 5:24 am

Hi Colleen, just stopping by to say hello.

65NanaCC
Fév 2, 2017, 12:37 pm

I really have been negligent about posting anything so far this year, and I don't even have much in the way of completed books to report. I have mostly been listening to audiobooks because I have a few knitting projects underway, and also because the cataracts in my eyes seem to have progressed to the point where reading at night has been limited to shorter periods of time. I plan on having them taken care of in June, but for now, I'm plodding along. Anyway, two audiobooks to report...



2. Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Book 1) by Elizabeth Peters, Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat (P:2001, © Elizabeth Peters; (P)Recorded Books)

I have Meredith to thank for this new-to-me series, which I am sure I will enjoy. Victorian era Amelia Peabody is a no-nonsense, smart, independent woman who winds up on an expedition with an archaeologist in Egypt. There is a little mystery, but my enjoyment of the book was due to the entertaining dialogue. 4 stars for making me laugh - (I needed that).



3. Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd: A Flavia de Luce Novel by Alan Bradley, Narrated by Jane Entwistle (©2016 Alan Bradley (P)2016 Random House Audio)

The eighth book in the Flavia de Luce series has Flavia back in England after her experience at Miss Bodycote's Female Academy in Canada where the plot of the last book took place. She's back with her bicycle Gladys, and of course she discovers a dead body. Her father is ill in hospital, and everyone is too worried about him to pay attention to Flavia. Everyone except Dogger. I missed Dogger in the last book, and he is quite present in this book as he watches over Flavia who is bound to get into tricky situations. These books are really quite good. 4.5 stars

66BLBera
Fév 3, 2017, 5:07 pm

Hi Colleen. Sorry to hear about the cataracts. The Peters series sounds like something I would enjoy. I think I have a couple on my shelves, but I don't think I have the first ones.

67NanaCC
Fév 4, 2017, 12:34 pm

>66 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. Nothing serious, I just need to do something about it eventually. I loved the humor in the Peter's book. I always like to read series in order, and since I've only started, I don't know whether starting in the middle will make a difference.

68BLBera
Fév 4, 2017, 5:20 pm

I'll check to see if my library has the ones I don't.

69valkyrdeath
Fév 4, 2017, 7:15 pm

I'm torn between really wanting to start that Elizabeth Peters series and feeling I should finish the half dozen other series that I'm already part way through before I start yet more. It sounds like so much fun though!

70NanaCC
Fév 4, 2017, 9:05 pm

>68 BLBera: I downloaded the audiobook from audible. Perhaps there is a kindle version?

>69 valkyrdeath: I have so many series on the go, and quite a few that I have bookmarked as not started. The only way I can keep track of them is by using the website FictFact.com. I think the series will be fun to read.

71NanaCC
Fév 5, 2017, 7:14 am



4. A Question of Blood by Ian Rankin, Narrated by James Macpherson, (©2004 Ian Rankin (P)2014 Hachette Audio)

Number 14 in the Rebus series just might be my favorite so far. A former soldier goes into a boarding school and kills two students before killing himself. No mystery for the police, it is obvious what has happened. Or is it? Rebus thinks there must be more to it. As usual, Rebus is in trouble, but his closest friends are standing by him. Hogan has asked him to consult on the case, and Siobhan comes along for the ride, more or less, as she is doing the driving. Rebus has injured his hands. What did he do now? You'll have to read it to find out, but start at the beginning of the series. They just keep getting better. 4.5 stars.

72BLBera
Fév 5, 2017, 10:55 am

You are zipping along with the Rankins, Colleen. I need to start those.

73NanaCC
Fév 5, 2017, 11:11 am

>72 BLBera: I really do enjoy them, Beth. Right now I seem to be in a mood for mysteries, so this may turn out to be the year of the mysteries.

74mabith
Fév 5, 2017, 3:12 pm

Glad you enjoyed Crocodile on the Sandbank. I've read the first five now and the mystery element is variable (in terms of being predictable), but I really just read for the humor and the setting.

75NanaCC
Fév 5, 2017, 8:32 pm

>74 mabith: I can understand that, Meredith, but that is the part I enjoyed as well.

76NanaCC
Fév 6, 2017, 5:52 pm



5. From Doon With Death by Ruth Rendell, Narrated by Terrence Hardiman, (©2007 Ruth Rendell (P)2014 Audible, Inc.)

This is the first book in the Inspector Wexford crime series. Kay had recommended this series to me quite a while ago. Mr. Parson's calls the police to say his wife is missing. She's only been missing a few hours, but he's sure that something isn't right. The police are under the impression that she has run off with another man, but their assumptions are soon proven to be wrong. I think I'm going to like this series, and there are 24 books in total. I've given this one 3.5 stars.

77RidgewayGirl
Fév 6, 2017, 7:26 pm

Wexford will grow on you, Colleen. I promise. You're making me want to reread the series and I might just do that.

78NanaCC
Fév 6, 2017, 9:21 pm

>77 RidgewayGirl: I'm sure he will, Kay. Thank you for the suggestion.

79Simone2
Fév 7, 2017, 7:33 am

>71 NanaCC: After every review of Rebus I get more convinced I have to read them as well! I guess I'll just have to get a copy of the first one!

80NanaCC
Fév 7, 2017, 7:58 am

>79 Simone2: Barbara, I'm pretty sure that I got the first few from my library, but had to wait while they found them at one of the other libraries in the area. After that I received a few as Christmas gifts. Lately I've been using audible credits on the latest I've listened to. The reader for the recent ones is really good with his lovely Scots accent.

81avaland
Fév 18, 2017, 6:04 am

Just finished the most recent Rebus (2017), Colleen....you're going to love it when you get there!

82NanaCC
Fév 18, 2017, 6:31 am

>81 avaland: It is good to hear that, Lois. I love the series.

83NanaCC
Modifié : Fév 21, 2017, 5:24 pm



6. The Trespasser by Tana French, Narrated by Hilda Fay (©2016 Tana French (P)2016 Penguin Audio)

I love these books by Tana French. This is the sixth book in the Dublin Murder Squad series. While each book can be read as a stand alone novel, each book features a narrator who was introduced as a minor character in a previous book.

This book is told from the point of view of Detective Antoinette Conway, as she works with her partner, Stephen Moran, to solve what starts out as a by-the-book lovers' quarrel gone bad. As the case unfolds, Antoinette's prickly temperament gets more prickly and paranoid. There are red herrings tossed in, just as you think you've got it. And even after you've figured it out, another twist is added.

I enjoyed this one much more than the previous book, which I felt was the weakest of the series. I gave it this one 4.5 stars.

If you haven't tried this series, I would start at the beginning with In The Woods, but you can't go wrong if you just jump in.

84lauralkeet
Fév 21, 2017, 3:59 pm

I'm glad you enjoyed the latest Tana French! I agree with you about the previous book, it didn't grab me at all. This one did.

85RidgewayGirl
Fév 22, 2017, 9:25 am

I'm looking forward to The Trespasser, although I'm trying to put off reading it as long as I can.

86NanaCC
Fév 23, 2017, 8:14 am

>84 lauralkeet: I enjoyed this one enough that it made me think I want to go back and relisten to the books from the beginning.

>85 RidgewayGirl: I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it, Kay. When I finish these books, I'm always curious about who the main character will be in the next book.

87NanaCC
Fév 23, 2017, 2:36 pm



7. A Finer End by Deborah Crombie, Narrated by Jenny Sterlin, (©2001 Deborah Crombie; (P)2002 W.F. Howes, Ltd.)

This was book 7 in the Duncan Kincaid / Gemma James crime series. The setting of Glastonbury/Avalon were intriguing and added a bit of the mystical to the storyline. Kincaid receives a call from his cousin in Glastonbury asking for help in finding out who did a hit and run. Of course murder comes into the picture. There was a fair bit of a spiritual element thrown in, which I just found a bit over the top for me. I didn't hate it, but definitely didn't enjoy it as much as the previous books in this series. 3 stars from me.

88NanaCC
Fév 26, 2017, 8:46 am



8. Celia's House by D. E. Stevenson (P: 1943; Kindle Edition- 2015; Sourcebooks Landmark)

Written in 1943 by Scottish author D. E. Stevenson, Celia's House takes place in Scotland. The story begins in 1905 when ninety year old Miss Celia Dunne asks her great nephew, Humphrey Dunne, to visit her at the family home of Dunnian. She knows of his love of the estate, and she has asked him to visit so that she can tell him a secret. Everyone assumes that the estate will be left to her pompous nephew, Maurice, but Celia has other plans. She has changed her will to leave the estate to Humphrey, with the stipulation that at his death the estate will go to his daughter Celia. The fact that he doesn't have a daughter named Celia doesn't bother her in the least because she knows he will have one. The story follows Humphrey and his wife Alice and their children through their growing up years, and ends during the Second World War. Totally innocent and quiet entertainment, as are all of Stevenson's books, I enjoyed this one. I gave it 3.5 stars.

89BLBera
Fév 26, 2017, 5:35 pm

Hi Colleen - I have In the Woods on my shelf. This year.

Nice comments on the Stevenson; I have enjoyed the ones I've read although I think Miss Buncle's Book was my favorite.

I am eagerly waiting for the new Crombie. I'm #1 on the library waiting list.

90RidgewayGirl
Fév 26, 2017, 5:47 pm

>86 NanaCC: Me, too! I like to speculate on who will be chosen and I always have my favorites. Still no Sam, though. I really want French to write a novel about him.

91NanaCC
Fév 26, 2017, 9:24 pm

>89 BLBera: In the Woods was great, Beth. A great intro to the series, although they can all stand alone. And, Miss Buncles Book was my favorite too. It was very amusing. I still have a bit to go to catch up to you on Crombie.

>90 RidgewayGirl: I loved Sam, Kay. I keep waiting for him too.

92PaulCranswick
Fév 27, 2017, 11:17 pm

>88 NanaCC: Over in the 75ers Colleen I run something called the British Author Challenge (BAC) wherein two writers (usually) are selected each month for the group to read from. D.E. Stevenson was picked for later in the year and your positive and gentle review has me looking forward to it.

93NanaCC
Fév 28, 2017, 7:33 am

>92 PaulCranswick: I have a few of the authors included in your challenge on my mental list for this year, Paul. Stevenson is a comfy read. Nothing really exciting happens, but I find myself entertained throughout.

94VivienneR
Fév 28, 2017, 2:19 pm

>83 NanaCC: Faithful Place, my first Tana French is on my reading list for this month - although I've been known to change plans without notice ;) Glad to know I can just jump into the series.

>87 NanaCC: The local library didn't have Crombie's A finer end in the collection and it always niggled that I skipped it. It sounds like I didn't miss much.

95NanaCC
Fév 28, 2017, 4:51 pm

>94 VivienneR: I think that Faithful Place is still my favorite of the series, Vivienne. While the books can all be read as stand alone, there is always a link to one of the previous books, which can be interesting to see where French has taken the character. That won't take away from reading it as a stand alone book though. I look forward to your reaction.

Missing A Finer End won't be the end of the world, that's for sure. I can't say I hated it, but I've enjoyed the others and this didn't live up to my expectations.

96laytonwoman3rd
Mar 1, 2017, 5:46 pm

Well, I somehow managed not to star your thread at the beginning of the year, Colleen. I've rectified THAT oversight! I really enjoy Ruth Rendell, and as is so often the case, the Inspector Wexford series gets better as it goes on.

97lyzard
Mar 1, 2017, 8:38 pm

I've read quite a lot of Stevenson lately but not that one; thanks for the heads-up. :)

98NanaCC
Mar 1, 2017, 8:56 pm

>96 laytonwoman3rd: Hi, Linda. I'm happy to see you here. I'm looking forward to more of the Wexford series. It is so nice to find a new series with so many books. I'm headed on vacation on the 11th for two weeks, and I'm looking forward to Bootlegger's Daughter which you had sent to me quite a while ago. Your enthusiasm for the series on your thread reminded me that I keep meaning to get to it. It looks like a good size to take on the plane.

>97 lyzard: I really enjoy Stevenson, and find some very hard to get. I think my first exposure was Mrs Tim of the Regiment. It was one of the first books I read when I first got my Kindle. The Miss Buncle series was enjoyable, although the first was definitely my favorite. Which of her books is your favorite?

99lyzard
Mar 1, 2017, 9:19 pm

I recently wrapped up the Mrs Tim series, which are all very good; I find Stevenson interesting in her balance of dark and light in her mid- and post-war novels, as the later Mrs Tim books are. I've also read Amberwell and its sequel, Summerhills, about two generations of a 'county' family, which also have that deceptive quality, being more serious than they appear at first glance

100NanaCC
Mar 2, 2017, 7:38 am

>99 lyzard: I just used an audible credit for Amberwell. I've been doing a lot of audiobooks this year. I only get them if they are unabridged, and this book was available. They keep me company while I do my knitting projects.

101NanaCC
Mar 3, 2017, 2:27 pm



9. Fleshmarket Alley by Ian Rankin, Narrated by Michael Page

Book number 15 in the John Rebus series didn't disappoint. Inspector Rebus becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of a Kurdish immigrant who is knifed to death in a housing complex. He and Siobhan Clark wind up immersed in a case of racism, human trafficking and illegal immigration. It seemed very current. I gave this 4 stars.

102VivienneR
Mar 4, 2017, 3:37 pm

That Rankin title will be coming up soon in my reading. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Rankin never disappoints.

103NanaCC
Mar 13, 2017, 9:40 am



10. In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen

I've listened to several of Bowen's Her Royal Spyness series, so I wasn't really expecting great literature. This stand alone novel takes place in 1941. I guess it would fall in the cozy mystery genre. A dead parachutist in the Field at Farleigh manor leads to the questions of who?, spy?, why?. Ms Bowen did her research, and the story includes involvement of pro Nazi organizations in plots to dismantle the government, as well as the role of MI5 and Bletchley Park in keeping them at bay. I would call this Downton Abbey- ish in melodrama, predictable and moderately entertaining. 3.5 stars

104valkyrdeath
Mar 19, 2017, 6:51 pm

>103 NanaCC: I got that book for free recently, so interested to see a review of it. Sounds like it's a decent read but nothing too special.

105NanaCC
Mar 20, 2017, 11:10 am



11. Watchers of Time by Charles Todd

The year is 1919, and Inspector Rutledge is sent to a small town to unofficially investigate the murder of a parish priest. The Bishop has asked a favor to ease his mind that all is being done to find the murderer. A few weeks before the priest's murder, a dying man had asked to see this priest even though he was not catholic. Rutledge begins to wonder if there is a connection. Did the man tell the priest something that someone does not want revealed? This was another good story in this series. The inspector's struggles with the aftermath of the war add to the sense of the time.

106NanaCC
Mar 20, 2017, 11:12 am

>104 valkyrdeath: A decent read is a good call. :)

107NanaCC
Mar 28, 2017, 6:42 pm



12. Curse of the Pharohs by Elizabeth Peters

Amelia and her husband now have a precocious child, and they are reluctant to leave him while they go to excavate Egyptian tombs. However, when one of Emerson's colleagues dies, and the wife, Mrs. Baskerville, begs them to take over the excavation, how can they refuse. Dead bodies abound (not all are the mummified kind), and Amelia is ready to become the amateur sleuth once more. The time is 1890's, and the silly, entertaining dialog along with descriptions of the tombs and the accompanying myths made this an enjoyable read.

108NanaCC
Avr 5, 2017, 4:06 pm

I have been absolutely hopeless at keeping up this year, and the stats are not very impressive either.



13. The Naming of the Dead by Ian Rankin, Narrated by James Macpherson

Rebus and his sidekick Siobhan are working together on what appears to be a serial murder case, in this 16th book of the series. The 2005 G8 summit is in progress, and the police are out in force, as are the protesters. An MP dies in the midst of it all, and it is ruled a suicide. Rebus thinks differently, and when he and Siobhan find possible evidence of links to a serial killer, well the story heads off in that direction. I love this series, and will be sorry when it finally comes to an end. 4 stars



14. And Justice There is None Deborah Crombie, Narrated by Michael Deehy

This is the eighth book in the Duncan Kinkaid / Gemma James crime series. Dawn Arrowood, the young wife of a wealthy antiques dealer is found slashed and stabbed in the driveway by her husband. Pregnant Gemma and her beau Duncan find themselves working the case together, as well as moving to a big house and combining their families. The flashbacks to a years old backstory are woven in nicely, and the historical snippets at the beginning of each chapter add to the color of the story. 4 stars

109BLBera
Avr 7, 2017, 9:50 pm

Hi Colleen - I just read the most recent Crombie -- the series is still good. I wish I had another one to read now.

The Peters series sounds good to me, too.

110NanaCC
Avr 7, 2017, 10:51 pm

>109 BLBera: Hi, Beth. I really am enjoying the Crombie series, and love the fact that I still have quite a few to go. I think you'd enjoy the Peters series. The books are really lighthearted enjoyment.

111NanaCC
Avr 20, 2017, 9:15 am

I haven't had anything interesting to post about lately. I've been reading everyone's posts, but haven't been reading much else. I thought I'd post this piece I saw on Facebook this morning. Some of these bookshops really are beautiful.

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20140327-worlds-most-beautiful-bookshops?ocid=f...

112SassyLassy
Avr 20, 2017, 6:42 pm

Beautiful indeed. Thanks for posting the link. Now it's time for us all to go travelling.

113VivienneR
Avr 20, 2017, 7:37 pm

It would be difficult to leave any of those bookstores without buying a boatload! Beautiful.

Crombie, Rankin, Peters - you've had some good reading recently.

114Simone2
Avr 21, 2017, 7:22 am

Hi Colleen, Just wanted to let you know that I am starting the first Rebus, Knots and Crosses thanks to all your raving reviews!

115NanaCC
Avr 21, 2017, 9:38 am

>112 SassyLassy: wouldn't that be nice, Sassy! For now I need to live vicariously through the internet, but maybe someday.

>113 VivienneR: I've enjoyed the reading I've done, Vivienne, but I'm not reading as much as I have the past few years. RL sometimes gets in the way of doing the things we most enjoy. You have been reading up a storm.

>114 Simone2: The Rebus series is really one that I enjoy, Barbara. But, keep in mind that the first book is the weakest in this series. It does help set up the character and the atmosphere that make the later books so enjoyable.

116Simone2
Avr 21, 2017, 12:41 pm

>115 NanaCC: Thank you Colleen, I'll keep that in mond!

117VivienneR
Avr 21, 2017, 1:47 pm

>115 NanaCC: As long as you are enjoying what you read, that's the important thing. My reading should slow down now that summer is on the way. My insomnia, worse in winter, helps get those books off the shelves!

118Caroline_McElwee
Modifié : Avr 23, 2017, 10:37 am

>111 NanaCC: wonderful bookshops Vivienne oops, Coleen. I have been in to Shakespeare and Co, in Paris, a number of times.

119NanaCC
Avr 22, 2017, 2:21 pm

>118 Caroline_McElwee:. How lucky, Caroline! Beautiful!

120BLBera
Avr 23, 2017, 9:33 am

Beautiful bookstores! Thanks for posting Colleen.

121laytonwoman3rd
Mai 12, 2017, 10:34 am

Awfully quiet here...

122NanaCC
Mai 12, 2017, 1:02 pm

>121 laytonwoman3rd:. I have been quite negligent here. I finished two more books, on which I have yet to comment. I keep visiting posts, but haven't had much to post about on my own thread. You, on the other hand, have been reading up a storm. :)

123laytonwoman3rd
Mai 12, 2017, 5:43 pm

"reading up a storm"...I have to! More books keep finding their way into the house. Somehow. It bewilders me. ;>)

124NanaCC
Mai 22, 2017, 5:20 pm

15. Exit Music by Ian Rankin, Narrated by James MacPherson

Book #17 in the Inspector Rebus Series, has Rebus tying up loose ends days away from retirement. A new case lands on his desk dealing with the murder of a dissident Russian poet. As he gets closer to answers, the local gangster is found beaten up, and Rebus is in the headlights for having done the deed.

4.5 stars

125NanaCC
Mai 22, 2017, 5:27 pm

16. The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters

Book #3 in the Amelia Peabody series has Amelia and her husband Emerson back in Egypt. This time they have their precocious son, Ramses, along. This little imp gets into a lot of mischief, and adds to much of the humor of the book. Delightful and silly entertainment.

4 stars

126NanaCC
Mai 22, 2017, 5:42 pm

17. The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin

This is the second book in the Malcom Fox series, which along with the first book sets up the backstory of Malcom Fox before introducing him to the Inspector Rebus series. Malcom is a member of The Complaints, the cops who investigate other cops where rule breaking is suspected. Malcom and two of his colleagues are sent to investigate several officers at a station, where they don't really know anyone. So who do you trust? As they delve deeper, Malcom finds links to a past unsolved case from 1985, and he doggedly peels away until he finds the truth. I really enjoyed this character. Completely opposite from Rebus. He doesn't drink, and he follows the rules.

4 stars

127NanaCC
Mai 22, 2017, 5:58 pm

18. Standing in Another Man's Grave by Ian Rankin

Book 18 in the Inspector Rebus series, and #3 in the Malcom Fox series. Rebus is retired and working in a civilian job for the police department called the cold case department. He has already put in an application to rejoin the force. A woman who has been looking for her missing daughter for ten years comes into the office. The officer who had helped her previously has retired, and Rebus decides to pick up the case when she points out two more women have disappeared from the same road where her daughter was last seen. Rebus brings it to his old partner Siobhan, and together they dig into this 'new' old case. It seems that another missing girl has been reported, so it fits in nicely with Siobhan's investigation. Malcom Fox is digging into Rebus' past, and he's sure he will find something that Rebus has done wrong. This one was really good.

4.5 stars

128AnnieMod
Mai 22, 2017, 6:27 pm

>126 NanaCC:

I still think that Fox was a missed opportunity - the moment when the two series collided and merged, Fox was just lost (and his background did not matter - he was just there to show how different Rebus is). I am happy that we have more Rebus books but... oh well.

129mabith
Mai 22, 2017, 10:24 pm

>125 NanaCC: I love how Amelia is the hands-off parent while Emerson is the warmer, huggier (for lack of a better word) parent. Peters mines those characters for every drop of humor, and I love it.

130NanaCC
Mai 23, 2017, 3:52 pm

>128 AnnieMod: Annie, I'm hoping that Fox takes a larger role with Rebus. I like the way they are sizing each other up in the book that I'm currently reading.

>129 mabith: Meredith, I have you to thank for the Amelia Peabody series. They really are fun, and while the mysteries are there, they take a back seat to the relationships and the snappy dialog.

131AnnieMod
Mai 23, 2017, 7:33 pm

>130 NanaCC:

Rather Be the Devil? I need to get around to it... :) If Rankin got them to behave together, I will be very happy indeed.

132NanaCC
Mai 24, 2017, 2:08 pm

>131 AnnieMod: Right now I'm reading Saints of the Shadow Bible. There is still tension, but they seem to be trying to trust each other, while still being wary. We shall see.... :)

133AnnieMod
Mai 24, 2017, 2:14 pm

>132 NanaCC:

Ah, have fun. That one was not half-bad :)

134RidgewayGirl
Mai 24, 2017, 2:16 pm

>128 AnnieMod: Annie, I am in complete agreement. I got the feeling that there was just too much pressure for Rankin to keep the Rebus character. I liked Fox and wish he'd gotten his own series.

135NanaCC
Modifié : Mai 26, 2017, 2:43 pm

19 Saints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin

This is book 19 in the Rebus series. Rebus is back from retirement, and now reports to Siobhan. He was taken back on the force with the caveat that he was coming in at a lower rank. Not being one to sit at home, Rebus accepted, much to everyone's surprise. Malcom Fox is still in the Complaints, investigating a case that involves Rebus' old mates from his first years on the force. Rebus gets pulled into the investigation, and he isn't quite sure if he's actually wanted, or is it a way for Fox to get at him. He needs to decide where his loyalties will lie. I liked the way Rebus and Fox were sizing each other, and trying to decide if they really trusted each other. I'll be interested to see where Rankin takes their wary relationship from here. I enjoyed it, and gave it 4.5 stars.

136BLBera
Mai 31, 2017, 9:15 am

Hi Colleen. One of these days, I will start the Rankin and Peters series. They both sound excellent. Too many books, you know.

137NanaCC
Mai 31, 2017, 10:55 am

>136 BLBera: Too many books is right, Beth. This year seems to have turned into the year of the mysteries as far as my reading is concerned. But there really are so many more books that I want to get to.

138NanaCC
Mai 31, 2017, 11:12 am

20. Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin

The 20th book in the series is another satisfying edition to the Rebus saga. Rebus is retired, and is asked to consult when a bullet is shot through the window of the home of his old foe Big Ger Cafferty. Siobhan Clark and Malcom Fox are working together on a case, when Fox is asked to work with some out of town cops on their under cover assignment. Siobhan's case intersects with the Cafferty incident, and a decades old secret seems to hold the key. The twists and turns were good fun, and I enjoyed it right to the end. 4.5 stars

139BLBera
Mai 31, 2017, 5:44 pm

Well, mysteries are comfort reads for me, Colleen, so I can understand that.

140VivienneR
Juin 6, 2017, 2:22 pm

Glad to see you are enjoying all of those Ian Rankin books! I have started too many series and really need to knuckle down about getting up to date on some of them. Your reviews are an inspiration.

141NanaCC
Juin 8, 2017, 3:33 pm

>140 VivienneR: I have the most recent Rankin on my kindle, Vivienne, but I'm holding off for a bit. I'll be disappointed when I don't have another to read. I have so many series on the go, that I've got to find a few books that don't seem to be in print. Fortunately, my library will usually be able to find the ones I'm looking for, but I have a few where that may be doubtful.

142NanaCC
Juin 8, 2017, 4:26 pm

21 Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen, Narrated by Katherine Kellgren

This is the fourth book in the Her Royal Spyness series. These books are very light hearted. The setting is 1930's England. Georgiana Rannoch is 34th in line to the throne of England. She is penniless, and lives alone in her brother's London house. Her brother and his hateful wife, Fig, have announced that they are coming to spend some time in London. Fortunately for Georgiana, Queen Mary asks her to represent the family at a royal wedding in Transylvania. She has no maid to take with her, so she hires one. Queenie turns out to be the most hopeless ladies maid in existence. She was a great add to the characters though. Rumors of vampires, a murder or two, and several misunderstandings make for a very amusing and entertaining read.

Cozy mystery - 4 stars for entertainment value.

143VivienneR
Juin 14, 2017, 1:58 pm

>142 NanaCC: I enjoy Rhys Bowen's Royal Spyness series too. They are silly yet, as you say, entertaining. Queenie was a great character.

144NanaCC
Juin 15, 2017, 12:48 pm

>143 VivienneR: I had listened to a book in another of Rhys Bowen's series a while ago. It was called Evan Blessed and was ninth in the Constable Evans series. I don't remember much about it, but I think I liked it. I didn't know at the time that it was part of a series.

145NanaCC
Juin 21, 2017, 6:32 pm

22. Wild Chamber by Christopher Fowler, Narrated by Tim Goodman

The latest, number 14, in the Bryant and May mystery series. I really enjoy these two old coppers. They are the glue that holds the Peculiar Crimes Unit together. Tim Goodman's narration is always wonderful. A woman's body is found in a private locked park. Only residents are supposed to have the keys. There were several twists and turns, before coming to a satisfying conclusion. I've rated it 4 stars.

146NanaCC
Juin 21, 2017, 6:49 pm

23. A Fearsome Doubt by Charles Todd

This is the sixth book in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series. The books are set in London just after the end of WWI. Rutledge is sent to Kent to help the local police find the person who has been murdering soldiers who had been wounded and maimed during the war. Just before he leaves to go to Kent, the wife of a man Rutledge had helped convict of murder, comes to him with something that she says proves that her husband was innocent. This makes him start to doubt his instincts, as he wonders had they hanged an innocent man. He heads to Kent to begin the new murder investigation, and makes frequent trips back to London to try to uncover the truth about the previous conviction. As always, the ghostly voice of Hamish, the soldier he had executed for disobeying orders, argues with him in his thoughts. This one had an unexpected ending. 4 stars

147NanaCC
Juin 25, 2017, 6:50 am

24. A Cold Treachery by Charles Todd

After finishing the last Ian Rutledge mystery, I wanted to jump directly to the next book in the series. In number 7, a family is slautered in their kitchen in a remote part of England. A blizzard is hiding the killer, and the ten year old son of the dead family is no where to be found. Can he be found before he dies in the brutal cold snow. He may be able to provide clues to the murderer. There were lots of suspects in this one. I gave it four stars.

148NanaCC
Juin 27, 2017, 8:36 pm

25. Evans Above by Rhys Bowen, Narrated by Roger Clark

This is the first book in Rhys Bowen's Constable Evans mystery series. Quite a few years ago, I had listened to a book called Evan Blessed not realizing that it was part of a series. I recently realized that i could read another series. This would probably fall into the cozy mystery category.

Constable Evans has recently moved to a small village in Wales called Llanfair. A body is found on the local mountain, and it is thought to be a climbing accident. That is until another body is found a little further up the mountain. Evans thinks it is unlikely to find two accidents in one day. He decides to investigate on his own. The mystery is pretty good, and there is some light humor thrown in. The humor is not quite as silly as in Bowen's Royal Spyness series, but both series are enjoyable I enjoyed this one, and will continue the series. I gave it 3.5 stars.

149VivienneR
Juin 29, 2017, 12:53 pm

>148 NanaCC: You have reminded me to look for this series. It's not in the local library system so I'll have to try harder. A nice little cozy with some humour thrown in is perfect for a rainy day.

150NanaCC
Juin 29, 2017, 4:11 pm

>149 VivienneR: As you can tell from the books I've been reading, I'm in a slump as far as anything too serious is concerned. I know I'll get back to more serious fare at some point, but this has been pretty much 'the year of mysteries' for me.

I downloaded R. F. Delderfield's A Horseman Riding By trilogy a few days ago. It was on the kindle daily special. I remember devouring Delderfield's books, probably forty years ago, and loving all of them. I don't remember much about this trilogy, but I'm hoping it will make a good vacation read when I go to Maine for the month of August.

151lauralkeet
Juin 29, 2017, 7:05 pm

I read a ton of R.F. Delderfield in my teens. My library allowed me to "graduate" from the juvenile to general fiction section, and my mom recommended Delderfield, beginning with To Serve Them All my Days, of course. But I'm certain I read A Horseman Riding By -- the title struck a chord although I remember nothing about it, just curling up with good books for hours on end.

152NanaCC
Juin 29, 2017, 9:38 pm

>151 lauralkeet:. I know about curling up. They are all nice long books. To Serve Them All My Days was really good. And, the Masterpiece mini series was really good too. I hope they hold up, and that my expectations aren't shattered. :)

153laytonwoman3rd
Modifié : Juil 2, 2017, 10:51 pm

I loved Delderfield in my teens, too! My grandmother gave me God is an Englishman and Theirs Was the Kingdom, which she had read. She gave me a lot of books over the years, but the only ones I remember seeing her reading other than the Bible were those two, and Hal Borland's The Dog Who Came to Stay.

154NanaCC
Juil 3, 2017, 8:41 am

>153 laytonwoman3rd: I can't remember even one of Delderfield's books that I didn't like. I remember reading The Avenue and relating it to my mother's stories of her experiences in London during the war. I'm hoping I won't be disappointed in my holiday reading. Although, it is my kindle....loads of unread books on there. I'll find something. :)

155VivienneR
Juil 6, 2017, 3:27 am

>150 NanaCC: I read lots of Delderfield too when I was young, but I've forgotten every one. Maybe it's time to read them again.

156NanaCC
Juil 6, 2017, 7:22 am

>150 NanaCC: "Maybe it's time to read them again."

My thoughts exactly! :). Just hoping they hold up.

157NanaCC
Juil 6, 2017, 7:56 am

26. Belgravia by Julian Fellows

If you were a fan of Downton Abbey, I'm sure you will enjoy this entertaining novel. It begins at the famous Dutchess of Richmond's ball on the eve of the battle of Waterloo. A tragedy occurs, which leaves its mark on two families. One aristocratic, and the other a tradesman who becomes one of the nouveau riche, they share a secret that unfolds throughout the book. Fellows writes good characters who populate this "upstairs / downstairs" story. It is filled with intrigue, jealousy, and romance. I gave it four stars.

158NanaCC
Juil 9, 2017, 10:44 pm

My husband and I started watching Broadchurch on Netflix, after seeing some amazing reviews. We are through season one, and have started season two. The third season has just started, and we are recording it. This is really a terrific show. BBC really knows how to do it right. I feel good about finding a show that we both enjoy. I may have had to talk him into it, but he is hooked now. :)

159lauralkeet
Juil 10, 2017, 6:25 am

>158 NanaCC: we watched the first season which I thought was quite good. We haven't watched the subsequent seasons, but not for any particular reason. It's difficult to get my husband hooked into watching a series, he would prefer to watch sports (and to be honest, when he's watching sports I usually read or knit so that works for me, too). I'm glad to hear you were successful and are both enjoying it!

160japaul22
Juil 10, 2017, 6:29 am

>158 NanaCC: I haven't tried Broadchurch yet, though I've heard from many people that it's good. Did you watch The Crown? My husband and I both liked that and it's on netflix.

161NanaCC
Juil 10, 2017, 5:33 pm

>160 japaul22: The Crown was very good too. I also enjoyed Victoria which was on PBS Masterpiece. My hubby didn't watch either of those though.

>159 lauralkeet: there are very few shows which I like that I can get my hubby to watch. He watches a lot of TV, but not usually anything I would like. I knit or read then too. I wasn't sure with Broadchurch, because he has a hard time with accents. I bought him a wireless headset a while ago, and that seems to help because he can hear the dialog better.

162RidgewayGirl
Juil 10, 2017, 8:12 pm

Yeah, it's hard for my husband and I to find things to watch together and I'm not entirely happy when we do find something, since we rarely have time to watch together, so a series can take a long time to watch. I had to watch Broadchurch on my own. I do like Olivia Coleman.

163NanaCC
Juil 10, 2017, 8:37 pm

>162 RidgewayGirl: I like Olivia Coleman too. The whole cast is great.

My husband works a 3 to 11 shift, so we really only get to watch tv, eat dinner, etc. together on the weekends. It does make watching any long series a very long process.

164avaland
Juil 13, 2017, 10:47 am

I see you are having a Rankin and Todd feast!

I have managed to get my hubby interested in crime shows, although it has taken a decade and a half. Retirement helped. Turns out, he appreciates some of the same things I do about them. Funny, though, I only moderately liked Broadchurch. I think at the time it reminded me of something else I had already watched.

I think you would like the Alex Gray mysteries set in Glasgow, although they have not been released in the US, sadly.

165NanaCC
Juil 13, 2017, 9:40 pm

>164 avaland: I'll have to keep an eye out for Alex Gray, Lois. I always like your recommendations.

I just started the Constable Evans series. It would fall into the cosy mystery genre, I think. As you can see, this year has become my mystery tour. I've been having trouble getting into many other books.

I hope that your grandchild is keeping you busy,( in a very good way, I'm sure.) Mine are getting so big.

166japaul22
Juil 14, 2017, 7:05 am

We started watching Broadchurch last night, Colleen! After two episodes, I think we're hooked.

167NanaCC
Juil 16, 2017, 7:31 am

>166 japaul22: I think it is well done. Next up for us is episode seven of season two. The only negative thing for me, is that I like to knit while I'm watching most shows or while I'm listening to books. So much of this show is visual, and I don't think that dialog only would be rewarding. I feel like I would miss too much if I was constantly looking at my pattern. But that's a good negative to have. It means I'm really enjoying the show. :)

168BLBera
Juil 16, 2017, 11:12 am

Hi Colleen - I'll have to check out "Broadchurch." I am currently enjoying "Shetland," which is based on the Ann Cleeves novels. Regarding the accents, I turn on the captioning.

Belgravia sounds like one I would enjoy.

I haven't read any Delderfield, but they sound like the kinds of books I would like.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

169NanaCC
Juil 17, 2017, 8:53 am

>168 BLBera: Hi, Beth. I do think you would like Belgravia. I haven't read Delderfield in years, so I'm hoping his books hold up. I'll find out while I'm on vacation. :)

170NanaCC
Juil 20, 2017, 4:35 pm

27. Bootlegger's Daughter by Margaret Maron

Linda (Laytonwoman) had piqued my interest in this book quite a while ago, and for some reason it just never jumped off the shelf, until now. I'm so glad it did. Not only is it the start of a new series for me, but her reviews of the books that follow make me want to find them soon.

Deborah Knott is an attorney in North Carolina, and she just happens to be the daughter of an infamous bootlegger. She has just decided to throw her hat in the ring for a judgeship, when 18 year old Gayle Whitehead asks her to look into the death of her mother who was murdered while she was an infant. The murder was never solved, and Gayle believes that Deborah's local knowledge may help uncover some clues. When she starts digging into people's lives, it starts to make trouble for her campaign.

Maron uses all the local knowledge she has to build the story with believable characters. Her descriptions are so vivid, you can "see" the settings. I really enjoyed this. 4 stars

171BLBera
Juil 20, 2017, 5:53 pm

You are so lucky to have the Deborah Knott series ahead, Colleen. I loved the books. The setting and characters are great.

172NanaCC
Juil 21, 2017, 7:43 am

>171 BLBera: I agree wholeheartedly, Beth. I'm happy to have them to look forward to.

173VivienneR
Juil 21, 2017, 1:00 pm

>157 NanaCC: Glad that you enjoyed Belgravia, a book that I acquired recently. It sounds like Julian Fellowes has written another engaging story.

I really liked Broadchurch and The Crown on Netflix. Fortunately my husband enjoys - or at least he will put up with - the mystery series that I love, so I always have a companion. My favourite series watched on Netflix recently was River with Stellan Skarsgârd playing John River, teamed with Nicola Walker. Kind of dark, and different to anything else I've seen. I wish there were more episodes.

174NanaCC
Juil 21, 2017, 5:07 pm

>173 VivienneR: I will have to check out River, Vivienne. Is it just one season?

175VivienneR
Juil 22, 2017, 2:07 am

Yes, at least there is only one season on NetFlix in Canada.

176laytonwoman3rd
Juil 22, 2017, 10:50 am

>170 NanaCC: *silent applause* I really envy you having the whole series ahead of you. She's brought it to an end (or will with one more book, I forget exactly), and I only have two (or three) left. I've been reading her Lieutenant Sigrid Harald series now, which is much shorter. I tried the first one some time ago, and wasn't terribly engaged, but then Sigrid showed up in one of the later Knott books (the two characters are distantly related, but hadn't know each other until Deborah went to NYC and got involved in one of Sigrid's investigations). Now I'm hooked on that one too.

177bonannoan
Juil 22, 2017, 1:39 pm

Cet utilisateur a été supprimé en tant que polluposteur.

178NanaCC
Juil 22, 2017, 10:50 pm

>176 laytonwoman3rd: I'm definitely looking forward to more of the Maron series, Linda. Thank you again for the recommendation. I've added both series to my FictFact tracking.

179brodiew2
Août 2, 2017, 3:16 pm

Hello NanaCC! I hope your day is going well.

I am late to the Delderfield party, but I thought I'd comment anyway. I read To Serve Them All My Days in my 20s and, to this day, it remains one of my favorite books. Now that I think of it, I may have mentioned it toyou in a thread last year. I never read any of his others as my interest was more in school stories. As I get older, I still eyes God is an Englishman every time I see it in a bookstore. Perhaps, soon.

180NanaCC
Août 9, 2017, 6:51 am

>179 brodiew2: Thank you for visiting. I'm currently on vacation on Great Diamond Island off of Portland, Maine. I'll be here for the whole month, so relaxation is the name of the game. :). There is spotty internet service so I've been saving my data usage for emails.

I think that To Serve Them All My Days has been up there as one of my favorite books, as well. I'm enjoying the Horseman Riding By trilogy, and since I read it during the 70's, I have almost no recollection of the story.

181NanaCC
Sep 7, 2017, 10:11 am

I'm home after a month's vacation in Maine. The weather was cooler than it normally is in August, but I love sweater weather, so it was wonderful. Lovely days and cool nights. I enjoyed kayaking around the island, long boat rides in my son-in-law's boat, and lazy afternoons reading and knitting. I finished two books, and have a couple more started.

28. Long Summer Day by R.F. Delderfield

Book number one in The Horseman Riding By trilogy starts just after the death of Queen Victoria and takes us up to WWI. It follows a young man, Paul Craddock, whose father made a fortune in scrap metal, as he returns wounded from the Boer War. He buys a rundown estate called Shallowford in the Devon area of England. The trilogy is one of those big family sagas with many characters.

29. Post of Honor by R.F. Delderfield

Book number two in the trilogy takes place from WWI and into the start of WWII. Many characters come and go as war takes its toll.

Maybe not great literature, but a jolly good read anyway.

182laytonwoman3rd
Sep 7, 2017, 10:30 am

>181 NanaCC: A month in Maine, with books and boats...what could be better? But it's good to have you back, Colleen.

183lauralkeet
Sep 7, 2017, 11:23 am

>182 laytonwoman3rd: and knitting! It sounds lovely, Colleen. What are you knitting theses days?

184NanaCC
Sep 7, 2017, 12:30 pm

>182 laytonwoman3rd:. It is a lovely spot, Linda. My daughter and family have a house on Great Diamond Island which is off of Portland. You take a ferry to get there, and the only vehicles other than golf carts are for the services. I drove to her house in MA and left my car there. Parking for a month in Portland would be quite expensive.

>183 lauralkeet: I'm knitting an afghan for my 10 year old granddaughter. It is a sampler with 20 squares, each a different pattern. The book I have has 60 squares to choose from. I've made five different blanket/throws for my grandchildren. I have one more to go after this one.

185Caroline_McElwee
Sep 7, 2017, 1:11 pm

That all sounds delightful Coleen.

186NanaCC
Sep 7, 2017, 2:06 pm

>185 Caroline_McElwee: It really was delightful, Caroline. Now I just have a lot of catch up to do. :)

187BLBera
Sep 9, 2017, 11:30 am

Your time in Maine sounds wonderful, Colleen. I was there for a family reunion many years ago and loved it. I would like to visit again. My cousin lived near Damariscotta and now lives in Yarmouth.

188lauralkeet
Sep 9, 2017, 11:37 am

>184 NanaCC: ooh, I like the sound of that afghan! What a lovely keepsake for your grandchildren, too. My mom made quilts for my daughters when they "graduated" from crib to twin bed, and even though the dog took a chunk out of one of the quilts we still treasure them.

189NanaCC
Sep 9, 2017, 2:31 pm

>187 BLBera: Hi, Beth. We drive through Yarmouth when we go to the outlets in Freeport (known as the home of LLBean). We found a beautiful botanical garden in Booth Bay this time. It was amazing, and had a great children's section.

>188 lauralkeet: Laura, it is one I've used twice, so far. It was put out by Leisure Arts, leaflet 932. Sampler Afghans. I just looked and found it on Amazon. I wasn't sure if it still existed. The one I made for my grandson, Owen, was from a Debbie Bliss book. His cats made a mess of several of the squares. I have it sitting here trying to figure out if there is any way for me to repair it. It was made up of many smaller squares. I'll figure it out somehow.

190NanaCC
Sep 18, 2017, 2:50 pm

30. A Long Shadow by Charles Todd

Eighth in the Inspector Ian Rutledge series, this book followed a similar pattern to previous books. The Inspector is sent to solve a case in the countryside far from London, by the boss who hates him. A constable who had previously worked in London has been shot in the back with a bow and arrow. Rutledge has been instructed to find the responsible party. His investigation leads him to look for a missing girl, whose disappearance may be linked to the shooting. To add to the mystery, Rutledge is being stalked by an unknown person. This was an enjoyable addition to the series.

191avaland
Sep 21, 2017, 9:56 am

Apparently Hillary Clinton has been reading Charles Todd also, along with Donna Leon, Jacqueline Winspear and Elena Ferrante....(listening to her book on unabridged CDs)

192NanaCC
Sep 21, 2017, 12:22 pm

>191 avaland: I read an interview with Chelsea Clinton in the Times a while ago, and when they asked her about favorite authors, both of the Charles Todd series were in her list, as well. I'm looking forward to the Hilary Clinton book. I'll be looking for your review.

193NanaCC
Sep 21, 2017, 12:45 pm

31. Winter of the World by Ken Follett, Narrated by .John Lee

The is the second book in Ken Follett's Century trilogy. This book follows the next generation of the families in the first book, Fall of Giants. These people are from the United States, England, Wales, Germany, and Russia. In the first book, it took the reader through the First World War. In this one, they experience the rise of The Nazis, fascism, the Spanish Civil War, WWII and the explosions of the American and Soviet atomic bombs. Follett does a lot of research before he writes a book, so the historical facts seem to be spot on. Some of the details are brutal. It was hard not to look at the rise of the Third Reich, and not compare it to some of what has been happening recently. As far as historical fiction goes, the book is pretty good. Not great literature, but an entertaining story. The audio version is over 40 hours, but John Lee is one of my favor narrators, so it did not seem like a slog. I'll read the third eventually.

194avaland
Modifié : Sep 28, 2017, 6:53 am

Ce message a été supprimé par son auteur

195NanaCC
Sep 23, 2017, 4:41 pm

>194 avaland: thank you for letting us know, Lois. I am so saddened. She was very special, and after reading her obituary, I am amazed that she had the time to visit everyone's thread, which she did faithfully for as long as she could.

196NanaCC
Modifié : Oct 1, 2017, 5:29 pm

32. Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen

This is the first book in the Molly Murphy mystery series. Another cozy mystery by Rhys Bowen, it was entertaining, while a bit far fetched. i will continue to see where it goes.

197NanaCC
Oct 1, 2017, 5:40 pm

33. Evan Help Us by Rhys Bowen, Narrated by Roger Clark

This is the second book in the Constable Evans series. Bowen's mysteries are entertaining, easy reads. Sometimes that is just what you need. An archeological find, and plans for an amusement park are at the center of not one, but two murders. The townsfolk of the little town in North Wales come together over the first find, but the amusement park plans meet with mixed reviews.

198NanaCC
Oct 1, 2017, 5:55 pm

34. Glass Houses by Louise Penny

This is 13th in the Chief Inspector Gamache series. How many times can you say that the 13th book in a series is the best yet? I haven't had many, because by the thirteenth, the stories often start to lose their momentum. Not with Louise Penny. These books just keep getting better. My favorite characters are starting to reveal more of themselves. When a robed and masked figure appears in the little village of Three Pines, its presence places an atmosphere of unease that all of the residents feel.

The problem with reading the latest book in a series, is the wait for the next installment. Hurry, please, Ms. Penny.

These books really need to be read in order, because puzzle pieces keep building from one book to the next.

199NanaCC
Oct 2, 2017, 8:54 pm

35. Death of Riley by Rhys Bowen

Second in the Molly Murphy mystery series. Molly is still looking for work, and hopes to become a private investigator. She manages to worm her way into a private investigator's office as an assistant. He laughs at the idea of a woman doing his job, but she persists. When he is murdered, she is determined to find his killer. Historical accuracy for this pre WWI time period is pretty good. Light entertainment.

200lauralkeet
Oct 3, 2017, 7:30 am

>198 NanaCC: It's great to see such positive reviews of the latest Louise Penny. I started the series in April and just finished #6 a couple weeks ago. I'm loving it!

201NanaCC
Oct 3, 2017, 10:17 pm

>200 lauralkeet: Hi, Laura. I’m glad that you are enjoying the Three Pines series. When I first started the series, I thought the Ruth Zardo character was a little off-putting, and now she is one of my favorite characters. She just about broke my heart in this one.

202BLBera
Oct 8, 2017, 11:32 am

I am another Penny fan, Colleen, and I loved Glass Houses. Now we have to wait! It's hard to see how she can top this one.

203NanaCC
Oct 8, 2017, 6:51 pm

I agree, Beth. It was really a page turner. Waiting is so hard with some of these series.

204Caroline_McElwee
Oct 9, 2017, 5:05 pm

I downloaded some Penny on my Kindle. Must nudge it up the pile. Coleen, your and Laura’s enthusiasm dictates.

205VivienneR
Oct 9, 2017, 9:20 pm

Good to hear your opinion on Louise Penny's series. It took me a while to warm to them but I'm a fan now. I can imagine Ruth Zardo becoming a favourite character (although at first I thought Penny was crazy to create her).

I am sure I left a message for you in the last few days but don't see it here. (??) Just letting you know I haven't forgotten you, Colleen.

206NanaCC
Oct 10, 2017, 7:59 pm

>204 Caroline_McElwee: I think you’d enjoy the series, Caroline. I was really hooked right away, although I know that a few people took a couple of books to really warm to a few of the characters.

>205 VivienneR: Hi, Vivienne. We chatted on your thread. I actually listened to the first couple of books in the Three Pines series. The reader, Ralph Cosham, was wonderful, and I still hear his voice for Inspector Gamache in my head. I thought Ruth Zardo was such a crazy character that I didn’t understand at first how she added to the storyline. That feeling has changed. Ralph Cosham passed away after he recorded the tenth book, and I tried one with the new reader. Although he’s quite good, he isn’t the voice I have in my head. :)

207VivienneR
Oct 11, 2017, 3:37 pm

>206 NanaCC: I've been trying to catch up on all threads and as a result I'm hopelessly lost regarding who wrote what and where. :))

I remember we spoke about Ralph Cosham when he died. It must have been difficult to get another reader who could live up to Cosham's ability, and especially when the voice is associated with the stories. The Three Pines series is one that I hope to get up to date soon. There are a few where I am too far behind to take part in conversations. I have big hopes for 2018.

208NanaCC
Oct 11, 2017, 4:53 pm

36. For the Love of Mike by Rhys Bowen

The third book in the Molly Murphy series has Molly trying to solve two puzzles. She has advertised in Ireland that she is available to locate lost relatives, which has her looking for a young woman of means who has run off with the stable groom. This leads her into the territory of an Irish gang of the time. She has also been hired by the boss of a garment factory to find out who has been stealing his designs and passing them to the competition. These are light cosy mysteries.

37. Evanly Choirs by Rhys Bowen

This is the third book in Bowen’s Constable Evans series.
A famous singer has come for a vacation to the small Vilkage of Llanfair in Wales. He had grown up in Llanfair and when the choir plans to join a singing competition, he is persuaded to help them. Silly entertainment, but enjoyable.

209NanaCC
Oct 11, 2017, 5:03 pm

38. What Angels Fear by C. S. Harris, narrated by Davina Porter

This is the first book in the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series. Viscount Devlin is accused of the murder of an actress, and he escapes the authorities hoping to find the real killer, thus clearing his name. This series is new to me, and I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere of London in 1811 seems to be fairly accurate. I’m looking forward to more of the series. Perfect for listening while knitting.

210NanaCC
Oct 18, 2017, 5:34 pm

39. The Green Gauntlet by R. F. Delderfield

The third book in The Horseman Riding By trilogy follows the Craddock Family after the Second World War into new troubles as more and more land is sold to developers. This volume seemed slower than the previous two, but still took Paul Craddock and his wife through the last twenty years of their lives. I enjoyed the trilogy as a whole.

211NanaCC
Oct 29, 2017, 7:18 pm

40. When Gods Die by C. S. Harris, narrated by Davina Porter

This is the second book in the Sebastian St Cyr series. The beautiful wife of an elderly Marquis is found dead. Scandalous! She is found in the arms of the Prince Regent. St Cyr becomes involved as she is wearing a necklace that belonged to his mother. The mystery to him is how, since his mother had been wearing it when the ship she was traveling on sank when he was just a boy. Of course, he is asked to help find the murderer to avoid the scandal to the royal family. The historical details are fun. So far a good, light mystery series.

212NanaCC
Oct 29, 2017, 7:23 pm

41. Rather Be the Devil by Ian Rankin

The latest book in the Rebus series is a good one. Big Ger Cafferty is back, and in rare form. Rankin seems to be able to keep cranking out these books. I will keep reading them as long as he does.

213Caroline_McElwee
Oct 30, 2017, 11:30 am

Just waving Coleen, realised it’s a while since I peeked in. A while since I read a Rebus too.

214laytonwoman3rd
Oct 30, 2017, 12:00 pm

"Big Ger Cafferty" Hmmm....haven't read far enough to encounter that character. You have me intrigued!

215NanaCC
Oct 30, 2017, 7:32 pm

>213 Caroline_McElwee: I’ve been a bit lax myself Caroline. RL has been getting in the way.

>214 laytonwoman3rd: He's a big baddie, Linda. I think the series just gets better.

216BLBera
Nov 5, 2017, 2:59 pm

Hi Colleen - I need to get back to the Harris series. I really liked the first two. I just read one that kind of reminded me of Harris: Death Comes to the Village by Catherine Lloyd. Another series to keep up with...

217AlisonY
Nov 5, 2017, 5:26 pm

I'm late catching up, but your holiday in Maine sounded wonderful. I've been hankering to go there for years, and really fancy doing a laid back holiday there with the kids one year when they're a little older.

218NanaCC
Nov 8, 2017, 3:36 pm

>216 BLBera: Thank you for stopping by, Beth. You have given me another series to look at. My FictFact entries are on two pages now. :)

>217 AlisonY: Hello, Alison. I have been terrible about keeping up this year. I’ve had way too many distractions. The holiday in Maine was wonderful, and I had a terrific family party at the end of September. Those were the kind of distractions that one enjoys. Maine is a wonderful vacation spot.

My brother passed away unexpectedly three weeks ago, two days before his 70th birthday. I’ve just come out of my funk after that. I’ll try to update my thread, and visit threads soon.

219Caroline_McElwee
Nov 8, 2017, 5:02 pm

Really sorry for your loss Colleen. Will keep you in my thoughts.

220BLBera
Nov 8, 2017, 6:25 pm

So sorry for your loss, Colleen.

221lauralkeet
Nov 8, 2017, 6:28 pm

I'm so very sorry you've lost your brother, Colleen. My heart goes out to you and your family.

222dchaikin
Nov 8, 2017, 9:32 pm

So sorry Colleen.

223laytonwoman3rd
Nov 11, 2017, 7:03 pm

>218 NanaCC: Oh, Colleen, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother.

224NanaCC
Nov 11, 2017, 9:08 pm

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. It is still very unreal, but I’m keeping busy which seems to help.

225NanaCC
Nov 15, 2017, 2:02 pm

42. Well Schooled in Murder by Elizabeth George

This is the third book in the Inspector Lynley series. A thirteen year old boy goes missing from a prestigious school, and the boys headmaster asks Lynley for his help. The headmaster and Lynley were school chums at Eton. When the boy is found dead and tortured, Lynley, Barbara Havers and Simon Allcourt-St. James need to weed through deception, lies and a cover-up in order to discover the murderer. This was a solid addition to the series.

My biggest issue with this series, is finding all of the many books at the library. The series is old, and not necessarily easily found. I’d go broke buying all of the books, so hopefully the sister libraries will be able to come up with the ones which my library doesn’t have.

226NanaCC
Nov 15, 2017, 2:13 pm

43. Why Mermaids Sing by C. S. Harris, narrated by Davina Porter

This is the third book in the Sebastian St. Cyr series.The time is still 1811, and Sebastian St. Cyr, Lord Devlin is asked to help investigate a series of unusual murders. There is a connection between the victims, and St. Cyr is tasked to discover what it is. This book was the best so far. I will definitely continue.

227NanaCC
Nov 15, 2017, 2:27 pm

44. Naughty in Nice by Rhys Bowen, narrated by Katherine Kellgren

This is the fifth book in Her Royal Spyness series. These books are really silly, entertaining and fun. Just what I needed for distraction. It is 1933, and Lady Georgiana’s cousin, Queen Mary, has asked her to take a trip to the French Riviera to find and recover a stolen snuff box. In the process she becomes friends with Coco Chanel, encounters the Duke of Windsor and Mrs. Simpson, along with a host of rogues and thieves. Katherine Kellgren’s narration is very good.

228lauralkeet
Nov 16, 2017, 7:30 am

>225 NanaCC: It's good to know that about the Lynley series, Colleen. You gave me the first one for Virago Secret Santa and I'll be reading it before the end of the year. For future books, like you I'll be relying on libraries along with lucky finds in used bookshops.

229avaland
Nov 16, 2017, 3:44 pm

>212 NanaCC: Amen, sista!

>218 NanaCC: So sorry to hear about your brother. I hope his passing was peaceful.

>225 NanaCC: Can we help you find the missing ones?

230NanaCC
Nov 16, 2017, 5:56 pm

>228 lauralkeet: Thank goodness for libraries.

>229 avaland: My library has the next couple, and they have always been good about finding at other libraries. I didn’t realize how old these were until my daughter pointed it out. I’m listening to the fourth book right now, but then audible has a gap until the 16th. My daughter suggested I put them on my Christmas list, which is always a fun thing to do.

231mabith
Nov 19, 2017, 9:12 pm

I'm sorry to hear about your brother, Colleen. I know exactly what you mean about it seeming unreal.

232NanaCC
Nov 20, 2017, 8:29 am

Thank you Meredith. I know that you’ve had your own unexpected loss recently, and I hope that you are healing.

233VivienneR
Nov 29, 2017, 2:08 pm

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother, Colleen. It is very difficult to come to terms with an unexpected passing. My thoughts are with you.

Apologies for the delay, as usual I'm trying to catch up with threads.

234NanaCC
Nov 30, 2017, 8:08 am

Thank you, Vivienne. I am so far behind, I know how difficult it is to catch up.

235NanaCC
Déc 30, 2017, 10:33 pm

And now for my pathetic stats for the year. Way down from 67 last year. I do hope to do better in the coming year.

2017 Stats
Books Read Total = 48
Print/Kindle = 23; Audio = 25; Women authors = 27; New to me authors = 4

Happy New Year!

236laytonwoman3rd
Déc 31, 2017, 9:55 am

Hope you'll link us to your new thread for 2018, Colleen. (It's not the numbers, it's the experience!)

237lauralkeet
Déc 31, 2017, 4:18 pm

I agree with Linda -- I fell just one short of 75 and am a little grumpy about it, but I also read 74 mostly-really-good books.

Happy New Year, Colleen!

238dchaikin
Jan 1, 2018, 7:10 pm

a lot of us had a down year. I also had my lowest numbers in many different ways, in a long time. With all due respect to the experience, this was a year where, you know, the world sent me into tailspin slumps, and rest of the year was a quiet fragile recovery. Wishing you a rewarding 2018.

239NanaCC
Jan 2, 2018, 11:08 pm

>236 laytonwoman3rd: i will add a link once I get to my computer, Linda. I can’t figure out how to do it on my iPad.

240Caroline_McElwee
Jan 4, 2018, 6:35 am

Happy New Year Colleen, I’m well behind in my felicitations. I hope 2018 is a better year for you.

241NanaCC
Jan 4, 2018, 6:14 pm

The link to my new thread for 2018 can be found here:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/279385