John's Third time here for fifty

Looking forward to seeing some old friends on here in 2014.

Books read in 2014.

JANUARY

1.Death of an Outsider by M.C.Beaton
2.A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow
3.The Forgotten Affairs of Youth by Alexander McCall Smith
4.Jump by Jilly Cooper
5.I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson

FEBRUARY

6.Dead in the Water by Carola Dunn
7.The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer
8.The Promise by Danielle Steel
9.Citadel by Kate Mosse
10.The Brethren by John Grisham
11.The Vintage Teacup Club by Vanessa Greene

MARCH

12.Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich
13.Something for the Weekend by Pauline McLynn
14.Sold to the man with the Tin Leg by Philip Serrell
15.The Long Shadow by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
16.An Advancement of Learning by Reginald Hill
17.London by Edward Rutherfurd
18.NYPD Red by James Patterson

APRIL

19.The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection by Alexander McCall Smith
20.Before I go to Sleep by S.J.Watson
21. Winter Games by Rachel Johnson
22. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
23. Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer
24. The Concrete Blonde by Michael Connelly

MAY

25. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
26. Temeraire by Naomi Novik
27. Wicked Pleasures by Penny Vincenzi
28. Birdman by Mo Hayder

JUNE

29. Four Play by Fiona Walker
30. Theodore Boone : The Abduction by John Grisham
31. Styx and Stones by Carola Dunn
32. Season of Passion by Danielle Steel
33. Death of a Perfect Wife by M.C.Beaton
34. A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
35. Death of a Hussy by M.C.Beaton

JULY

36. The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen
37. 12th of Never by James Patterson
38. The Winds of War by Herman Wouk

AUGUST

39. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
40. Right on Time by Pauline McLynn
41. Drop Shot by Harlen Coben
42. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
43. World Without End by Ken Follett

SEPTEMBER

44. Death in the Cotswolds by Rebecca Tope
45. Private No1 Suspect by James Patterson
46. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
47. The Sins of The Father by Jeffrey Archer

OCTOBER

48. Rattle His Bones by Carola Dunn
49. The School Inspector Calls by Gervase Phinn
50. Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson
51. Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich
52. Severed by Simon Kernick
53. Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson
54. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
55. Shall We Tell The President by Jeffrey Archer
56. The Life by Martina Cole

NOVEMBER

57. Open Season by C.J.Box
58. Wish Upon a Star by Trisha Ashley
59. Death of a Snob by M.C.Beaton
60. The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths
61. The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer

DECEMBER

62. City of Women by David Gillham
63. Best Kept Secret by Jeffrey Archer

Books bought in 2014.

JANUARY

1.The Einstein Pursuit by Chris Kuzneski
2.Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson
3.The Wood Beyond by Reginald Hill
4.The Wildcats by J.T.Edson
5.Hangman's Choice by Ralph Cotton
6.Pancho and Black Jack by Fred Bean
7.Paper Money by Ken Follett
8.Right on Time by Pauline McLynn
9.The Summer That Never Was by Peter Robinson
10.The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
11.Philomena by Martin Sixsmith
12.Manna From Hades by Carola Dunn
13.A Colourful Death by Carola Dunn
14.Valley of the Shadow by Carola Dunn
15.The Shadow Child by Judith Lennox
16.Divine Justice by David Baldacci
17.The City of Gold and Lead by John Christopher
18.Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik
19.Black Powder War by Naomi Novik
20.Trains and Lovers by Alexander McCall Smith
21.A Thousand Pardons by Jonathan Dee
22.The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
23.The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer
24.Our Spoons Came From Woolworths by Barbara Comyns
25.The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
26.The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore
27.Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
28.Pilgrim's Rest by Patricia Wentworth
29.Out of the Past by Patricia Wentworth
30.Earth by David Brin

February

31.Private Down Under by James Patterson
32.The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
33.Something for the Weekend by Pauline McLynn
34.Belgarath the Sorcerer by David Eddings
35.Queen of Sorcery by David Eddings

MARCH

36.The Railway Man by Eric Lomax
37.An April Shroud by Reginald Hill
38.Chances by Freya North
39. Heresy by S.J.Parris
40. Enchanter's End Game by David Eddings
41. The Deerslayer by James Fenimore Cooper
42. Bones and Silence by Reginald Hill
43. Cause of Death by Patricia Cornwell
44. Elephant Song by Wilbur Smith
45. Mick Grant, Takin' the Mick by Mick Grant
46. Shunt by Tom Rubython
47. Here be Dragons by Sharon Penman
48. When Christ and his Saints Slept by Sharon Penman
49. A French Affair by Katie Fforde
50. Blossom Street Brides by Debbie Macomber
51. Mistress by James Patterson
52. Anathem by Neal Stephenson
53. Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins
54. Shatter the Bones by Stuart Macbride
55. Heirs to the Body by Carola Dunn
56. Paris by Edward Rutherfurd

APRIL

57. Patriot Games by Tom Clancy
58. Ultimatum by Simon Kernick
59. Irons in the Fire by Juliet E.McKenna
60. People of the Silence by Kathleen O'Neal Gear
61.Theodore Boone, The Activist by John Grisham £3.50
62.2014 Playfair Cricket Annual by £5.99
63.The Honor of the Queen by David Weber £7.50
64.The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima £0.60
65.Scarlet Woman by Jessie Keane £0.60
66.Black Widow by Jessie Keane £0.60
67.Bloodstream by Tess Gerritsen £0.60
68.The Lost boy by Camilla Lackberg £0.60
69.Murder Most Royal by Jean Plaidy £0.50
70.Punish the Sinners by John Saul £0.50
71.Boneland by Alan Garner £0.60
72.The Scrivener's Tale by Fiona McIntosh £0.60
73.The Yips by Nicola Barker £0.60
74.The Northern Clemency by Philip Henscher £0.60
75.Frith on Cricket by David Frith £0.60
76.Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan £4.00
77.Everything to Lose by Andrew Gross £3.33
78.King and Maxwell by David Baldacci £3.33
79.The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton £3.34
80.The Sins of the Mother by Danielle Steel £0.33
81.Happy Birthday by Danielle Steel £0.33
82.Have a Nice Night by James Hadley Chase £0.34
83.Deception on his Mind by Elizabeth George £0.33
84.The Forgotten by David Baldacci £0.33
85.Dangerous Kiss by Jackie Collins £0.34
86.A Darkness More Than Night by Michael Connelly £0.33
87.Void Moon by Michael Connelly £0.33
88.Death of Yesterday by M.C.Beaton £0.34
89.Otherland by Tad Williams £0.33
90.The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry £0.33
91.Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey £0.34
92.Revenge by Martina Cole £3.99
93.Recipe for Life, The Autobiography by Mary Berry £3.99
94.The Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez £7.99
95.Storm Front by Jim Butcher £1.99

MAY
96.Castle of Wizardry by David Eddings £0.50
97.Guardians of the West by David Eddings £0.50
98.The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley £3.00
99.Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy £1.50
100.I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes £3.49
101.Home by Ronald Harwood £0.50
102.Godchildren by Nicholas Coleridge £0.50
103.The Bone Bed by Patricia Cornwell £3.34
104.Sea of Lost Love by Santa Montefiore £3.33
105.Secrets of The Lighthouse by Santa Montefiore £3.33
106.Private L.A by James Patterson £3.60
107.Underworld by Reginald Hill £0.50
108.The Case of William Smith by Patricia Wentworth £0.50
109.Sharpe's Honour by Bernard Cornwell £0.50
110.Seeress of Kell by David Eddings £0.50

JUNE
111. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare £11.99
112. Best Kept Secret by Jeffrey Archer £0.50
113. Sharpe's Trafalgar by Bernard Cornwell £0.50
114. Boycott the Autobiography by Geoffrey Boycott £0.60
115. The Omen Machine by Terry Goodkind £0.60
116. Five Star Billionaire by Tash Aw £0.60
117. The Shining Ones by David Eddings £0.49
118. Don't Point That Thing at Me by Kyril Bonfiglioli £3.99
119. The Kills by Richard House £9.99
120. The Unpredictable Consequences of Love by Jill Mansell £3.34
121. Summer at the Lake by Erica James £3.33
122. The Country Escape by Fiona Walker £3.33
123. The Case of the Gilded Fly by Edmund Crispin £1.20
124. The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin £1.20
125. Love Lies Bleeding by Edmund Crispin £1.20
126. Holy Disorders by Edmund Crispin £1.20
127. Swansong by Edmund Crispin £1.20
128. Buried for Pleasure by Edmund Crispin £0.99
129. The Luminous Life of Lilly Aphrodite by Beatrice Colin £2.00
130. The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon by Alexander McCall Smith £3.00
131. Bring Me Home by Alan Titchmarsh £4.99
132. The Village Vet by Cathy Woodman £1.30
133. Trust Me, I'm a Vet by Cathy Woodman £1.30
134. Must Be Love by Cathy Woodman £1.30
135. The Sweetest Thing by Cathy Woodman £1.30
136. It's a Vet's Life by Cathy Woodman £1.30
137. Vet's in Love by Cathy Woodman £1.49
138. An Immoral Code by Caro Fraser £1.70
139. Judicial Whispers by Caro Fraser £1.70
140. The Pupil by Caro Fraser £1.59
141. Expose! by Hannah Dennison £1.70
142. Scoop! by Hannah Dennison £1.70
143. Exclusive! by Hannah Dennison £1.59
144. High Rising by Angela Thirkell £1.70
145. Wild Strawberries by Angela Thirkell £1.70
146. Pomfret Towers by Angela Thirkell £1.59
147. The Truth by Peter James £1.00
148. Host by Peter James £1.00
149. Possession by Peter James £1.00
150. Twilight by Peter James £1.00
151. Prophecy by Peter James £1.00
152. Alchemist by Peter James £1.00
153. Denial by Peter James £1.00
154. Faith by Peter James £1.00
155. Sweet Heart by Peter James £1.00
156. Dreamer by Peter James £0.99
157. Storm Rising by Mercedes Lackey £0.50
158. Storm Breaking by Mercedes Lackey £0.50
159. Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich £3.99
160. The School Inspector Calls by Gervase Phinn £3.99
161. After You With The Pistol by Kyril Bonfiglioli £4.50
162. Something Nasty in The Woodshed by Kyril Bonfiglioli £8.99
163. The Great Mortdecai Moustache Mystery by Kyril Bonfiglioli £8.99
164. All The Tea in China by Kyril Bonfiglioli £8.99

JULY

165. White Heat by Dominic Sandbrook £2.50
166. The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer £1.99
167. Sense and Sensibility by Joanna Trollope £3.34
168. My Husband Next Door by Catherine Alliott £3.33
169. Sycamore Row by John Grisham £3.33
170. False Start by John Francome £0.33
171. The Bancroft Strategy by Robert Ludlum £0.33
172. The Lazarus Vendetta by Robert Ludlum £0.34
173. Sharpe's Sword by Bernard Cornwell £0.20
174. The Forests of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley £0.20
175. Severed by Simon Kernick £0.20
176. An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell £0.20
177. The Forget-me-not Sonata by Santa Montefiore £0.20
178. Rumours by Freya North £0.50
179. Cry of the Halidon by Robert Ludlum £0.50
180. Lifeless by Mark Billingham £0.50
181. Soldiers of the Mist by Garry Kilworth £0.50
182. Meet me under the Ombu Tree by Santa Montefiore £0.50
183. The Deaths by Mark Lawson £3.99
184. The Summer Without You by Karen Swan £7.99
185. Second Honeymoon by James Patterson £4.00
186. The God's of Guilt by Michael Connelly £4.00
187. The Pheasants' Revolt by Brian Viner £1.00
188. Red Rabbit by Tom Clancy £1.00
189. On Beulah Height by Reginald Hill £1.00
190. The Butterfly Box by Santa Montefiore £2.00
191. The Foreign Field by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles £1.50
192. The Winding Road by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles £1.50
193. The Crippled God by Steven Erikson £2.00
194. Open Season by C.J.Box (Freebie from Barbara (ameise1) )

AUGUST

195. Gone by James Patterson
196. In The Name of Honour by Richard North Patterson £1.00
197. The Warrior's Princess by Barbara Erskine £1.00

SEPTEMBER

198. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt £4.49
199. NYPD2 by James Patterson £4.00
200. The Well of Tears by Cecilia Dart-Thornton £0.99
201. Weather Witch by Cecilia Dart-Thornton £0.99
202. The Barbed Coil by J.V.Jones £0.95
203. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry £2.00
204. Be Careful What You Wish For by Jeffrey Archer £3.00
205. The Way You Look Tonight by Richard Madeley £1.00
206. Poison in the Pen by Patricia Wentworth £0.50
207. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion £1.99
208. The Sins of The Father by Jeffrey Archer £2.25
209. Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones £1.50
210. The Watersplash by Patricia Wentworth £0.50
211. Skinner's Round by Quintin Jardine £0.50
212. Executive Orders by Tom Clancy £2.00
213. Requiem by Robyn Young £2.00

OCTOBER

214. Command Authority by Tom Clancy £3.50
215. The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson £3.50
216. And Quiet Flows The Don by Mikhail Sholokov £1.50
217. Saville by David Storey £1.00
218. Prince of the Blood by Raymond E.Feist £0.25
219. The Spirit of Cricket by Christopher Martin-Jenkins £0.25
220. Off Armageddon Reef by David Weber £2.00
221. A Week in Paris by Rachel Hore £3.15
222. Cross My Heart by James Patterson £3.15
223. Stalin's General, The Life of Georgy Zhukov by Geoffrey Roberts £10.99
224. Some Old Lover's Ghost by Judith Lennox £1.00
225. The Girl on the Cliff by Lucinda Riley £1.00
226. Kushiel's Avatar by Jacqueline Carey £2.49
227. Cricket, A Modern Anthology by Jonathan Agnew £2.49
228. Sidney Chambers and The Shadow of Death by James Runcie £7.99
229. Sidney Chambers and The Perils of the Night by James Runcie £3.99
230. The Care and Management of Lies by Jacqueline Winspear Free
231. My Autobiography by Guy Martin £6.99
232. The King's Curse by Philippa Gregory £4.00
233. W.G.Grace ate my Pedalo by Tyers and Beach £1.60
234. "What are the Butchers For" by Lawrence Booth £1.60
235. Elk Stopped Play by Charles Connelly £1.79
236. And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander £1.60
237. A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander £1.60
238. A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander £1.79
239. The Cat Who Tailed a Thief by Lillian Jackson Braun £2.70
240. The Cat Who had 60 Whiskers by Lilian Jackson Braun £2.70
241. The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell by Lilian Jackson Braun £2.70
242. The Cat Who said Cheese by Lilian Jackson Braun £2.70
243. The Cat Who Sang to the Birds by Lilian Jackson Braun £2.70
244. The Cat Who Moved a Mountain by Lilian Jackson Braun £2.70
245. The Cat Who Played Post Office by Lilian Jackson Braun £2.70
246. The Cat Who Came to Breakfast by Lilian Jackson Braun £2.74
247. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe £1.99
248. The Heart of Midlothian by Sir Walter Scott £1.99
249. The Queen's Quair by Maurice Hewlett £1.99

NOVEMBER

250. The Blood of an Englishman by M.C.Beaton £3.99
251. Murder at the Brightwell by Ashley Weaver £3.99
252. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton £3.99
253. Vintage Murder by Ngaio Marsh £1.28
254. Death in Ecstasy by Ngaio Marsh £1.28
255. The Nursing Home Murder by Ngaio Marsh £1.28
256. Enter a Murderer by Ngaio Marsh £1.28
257. A Man Lay Dead by Ngaio Marsh £1.28
258. A Drake at the Door by Derek Tangye £1.33
259. A Cat at the Window by Derek Tangye £1.33
260. A Gull on the Roof by Derek Tangye £1.33
261. Vampire Voles by Gary Kilworth £2.49
262. Naked Empire by Terry Goodkind £1.00
263. Phantom by Terry Goodkind £1.00
264. The Tribes of Britain by David Miles Free
265. Nothing like it in the World by Stephen E.Ambrose Free
266. The Oxford History of the American West Edited by various authors Free
267. Fire & Steam by Christian Wolmar Free
268. The Dead Sea Deception by Adam Blake Free
269. The Sanctuary by Raymond Khoury Free
270. The Eagle and The Wolves by Simon Scarrow Free
271. Imperium by Robert Harris Free
272. Crown & Country by David Starkey Free
273. The English by Jeremy Paxman Free
274. The Political Animal by Jeremy Paxman Free
275. On Royalty by Jeremy Paxman Free
276. Master & Commander by Patrick O'Brien Free
277. Post Captain by Patrick O'Brien Free
278. H.M.S. Surprise by Patrick O'Brien Free
279. The Mauritius Command by Patrick O'Brien Free
280. Empire by Niall Ferguson Free
281. The Templar Legion by Paul Christopher Free
282. The Shadow Project by Scott Mariani Free
283. The Templar's Secret by C.M.Palov Free
284. Phoenix Squadron by Rowland White Free
285. Pharoah by Valerio Massimo Manfredi Free
286. Undaunted Courage by Stephen E.Ambrose Free
287. D-Day by Stephen E.Ambrose Free
288. Citizen Soldiers by Stephen E.Ambrose Free
289. The Faber Book of Reportage by John Carey Free
290. Newton and the Counterfeiter by Thomas Levenson Free
291. Wellington by Elizabeth Longford Free
292. The Memoirs of a Physcian by Alexandre Dumas £0.50
293. Old Mortality by Sir Walter Scott £0.50
294. Dragon Prince by Melanie Rawn £0.50
295. Star Scroll by Melanie Rawn £0.50
296. Sunrunner's Fire by Melanie Rawn £0.50
297. The Fast Men by David Frith £1.00

Just to let everyone know my current reading is:

World Without End by Ken Follett
Right on Time by Pauline McLynn

1.Death of an Outsider by M.C.Beaton

First book of 2014 finished earlier today, a nice gentle read to start the year off and get the ball rolling.

Hi John, it's great to have you back here, too. I set up my new thread and finished the first book.
Happy reading 😃

Hi Barbara, I saw your reading list on your thread, I am impressed.

2. A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow

Second book finished yesterday and a new author to boot. I had seen a few comments about this author and thought I would give her a go. I am glad I did as I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next two books in the series. Kate Shugak seems to be a real character and doesn't suffer fools easily. I felt at home with the setting as I have enjoyed watching the Ice Road Truckers series on t.v and so felt I knew some of the places mentioned.

Hi John
Thanks for this nice review. I've bought this book last year and now, thanks to your review, it looks like I should read it this year :-D

3.The Forgotten Affairs of Youth by Alexander McCall Smith

Third book of 2014 finished at lunchtime today, this is the eighth in the Isabel Dalhousie series and yet again never fails to deliver. Isabel is asked by a fellow philosopher to help her find out about her mother and Isabel being Isabel jumps at the offer. What will she find out and will she take over the task? Will Isabel fall foul of housekeeper Grace and will her niece Cat find another unsuitable boyfriend? You will need to read this book to find the answers and I have no doubt you will enjoy it as much as I did.

To add to my challenge I am going to try to read twelve books of 900+ pages to reduce my chunksters pile, wish me luck.

Hey John...best wishes in this new year for you and your family. Happy reading!

4.Jump by Jilly Cooper

Fourth book of the year finished and the first of my chunksters challenge, this was 907 pages. Yet again Jilly's bonk buster doesn't fail to please and this one is set in the world of Horse racing over the jumps. Some characters from the Rutminster series appear, notably Rupert Campbell-Black and his family. The book gives an interesting view of life in the stables and of the foibles of rich owners and some of the dopey lives of the rich and famous.

The next chunkster is Citadel by Kate Mosse.

5.I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson

Fifth book of the year finished late last night, this is the 73rd Patterson that I have read and once again enjoyed the book. In this one Bennett comes up against his most dangerous adversary in drug lord Manuel Perrine. This piece of scum has little regard for human life if it interferes with his business and now Bennett his in his sights and that is bad. As things progress it becomes apparent that not only is Bennett's life at risk but also that of his FIL, his nanny and his brood of adopted kids. What will Bennett do? What can Bennett do? Read and find out, well worth it.

6.Dead in the Water by Carola Dunn

Sixth book of the year finished at lunchtime today, I love these Daisy Dalrymple mysteries, this time Daisy is at the Henley Regatta to write an article for an American magazine and looks forward to a few days enjoying the rowing and also the fact that DI Alec Fletcher, her beau, is coming down for the weekend. When Alec arrives and links up with Daisy an event occurs that Alec could really do without and wonders how this always seems to happen with Daisy around. Alec has to get his team over to Henley to help with the investigation and Daisy helps/ meddles as per usual. Another rollicking adventure set in Twenties England in the Upper Class world.

7. The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

This has got to be my read of the year, for a future book to beat this it is going to have to be very special. I can see why it won the Costa, it is a superb read and a debut novel at that. The Author has set his bar high and I can see why. It is a heartrending tale and an illuminating tale and had me hooked from the first page. I don't want to go into too much detail so as not to spoil it for everybody. The story grabbed me so much it felt as if I was watching everything unfold before my eyes. I will comment on this later when more have had chance to read it and I have composed what I want to say about this wonderful book.

A belated Happy New Year, and happy reading in 2014. Glad you liked the Stabenow. I've been meaning to give her a try. I sold a copy of the exact book you read in my store yesterday!

Hi Jerry, I really enjoyed the Stabenow and have books two and three on the book shelf, I will be looking out for more. A belated happy new year to you and hope business is good for you.

I picked up The Shock of the Fall on a whim without realising it was nominated for the Costa. Everyone seems to love it so I can't wait to start reading it.

Eclecticdodo you will love The Shock of the Fall.

I started reading it last night and loving it already

8.The Promise by Danielle Steel.

This is the fourth Ms Steel I have read and I will eventually read them all when she stops writing as with James Patterson. An enjoyable quick read.

9. Citadel by Kate Mosse.

This is the final part of the Languedoc trilogy and what a way to finish it off. A tale of romance, treachery and a long-buried secret that may hold the key to a victory. The book moves from 4th century France to 20th century France under the heel of Nazi occupation with a religious artefact at the centre of both parts of the story.

10. The Brethren by John Grisham.

Another good read from the master of law thrillers. Two intertwining stories with a common thread.

11. The Vintage Teacup Club by Vanessa Greene.

A wonderful debut novel, friendships are made after three ladies meet at a car boot sale all after the same vintage tea set. What follows is all set around vintage tea cup collecting and they learn more about each other and their families. The story moves from May to September and there are ups and downs, laughter and tears and finally fulfilment.

12. Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich

Yet another laugh a minute romp with Stephanie plum and pals, I love this gal, she makes me smile, laugh until I am crying and eventually gets her skips, dead or alive. Unfortunately for Stephanie she is no nearer to deciding who she should be with in the love stakes although Morelli remains the favourite. I can't wait for the next in the series.

13. Something for the Weekend by Pauline McLynn

Finished this one just before lunch, it made me laugh most of the way through although there was a bit of a sadness near the end. Leo Street is Eire's premier private investigator with a traditional Irish family and a lazy actor boyfriend. In this her first adventure she takes on a case that involves her going undercover at a cookery course, this might not be the best course of action as she is more inclined to a tin opener than pans and utensils. Surprisingly she seems to enjoy herself but will the results be edible and will she crack the case?

Book Fourteen finished this morning and I have had a real giggle reading this one. The author tells in this his second book the trials and tribulations of being a trainee auctioneer in the 1970's. The anecdotes of travelling around Worcestershire giving valuations and organising sales and the characters around at the time just make you smile. Philip Serrell is a regular on BBC programmes such as Bargain Hunt, Antiques road trip and Flog it.

14. Sold to the man with the Tin Leg by Philip Serrell, 243 pages.

Hey John...thanks for the kind words. I see you are really burning through them lately, great job! Stone of Tears is kind of an on/off thing right now. Hopefully I will get some momentum going on it soon. I am seriously addicted to Warhammer 40000 books right now...I thank my good friend from back home for turning me on to them. Happy reading!

Hi Andy, I think we are both reading at a good pace, glad you like the Warhammer 40,000 books, I really must make a start on them. Hope you have a good week my friend.

15. The Long Shadow by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

This is the sixth in the Morland saga, we are now in the reign of Charles the 2nd and things seem to be going well for the Morlands but times are a changing. Annunciata has married Ralph Morland, her third husband but is spending lots of time in London in the Royal court and rumours abound that she is the King's mistress. As trouble arises for the King, his close followers begin to feel persecuted for being catholics, alongside this is the deaths of many young children and even Annunciata's older boys suffer losses. What will become of Annunciata and the Morlands now that Charles's son James allies himself to the Dutch crown and lands back in England to claim the throne. Another exciting read of early English history from a brilliant author, looking forward to book seven.

16. An Advancement of Learning by Reginald Hill

This is the second in the Dalziel and Pascoe series, when a body is found after a statue is moved to make way for extension works at a college, Dalziel and Pascoe are called in to find out who the body may be. Unfortunately whilst they are investigating another body is found and this causes confusion, is it someway related to the first body or is this unrelated. Both officers come across abuse and ill feeling and to add to this Pascoe comes across a staff member who used to be an old flame of his. Dalziel takes everything in his stride and refuses to be put off by educated ruffians and a successful outcome should take place. I do enjoy these books as they bring back memories of the BBC tv series based on the books.

17. London by Edward Rutherfurd.

I absolutely loved this book and as a lover of history since my schooldays I can't believe how much knowledge I have gained by reading this book. Tracing London's history since Roman times through to 1997 in differing size chunks and having a cast of families to run through kept me wanting to read. I enjoyed this author's previous two books and can't wait to get to the others on my TBR pile.

May have to read London....I had the opportunity to visit London and surrounding countryside back on a senior trip in '85. Literally had the best time of my life...

18. NYPD Red by James Patterson.

Book eighteen finished late this afternoon, this is the 75th Patterson that I have read and yet again Mr P does not disappoint. Whatever folks say about him he does write a good well paced thriller and long may it continue. We each have our own favourites and style of book we like, I like a wide range of authors across the genre's and will continue this. Looking forward to the follow up and have another twelve Patterson's on the shelf awaiting me.

John, never apologize for your taste in reading. We read for enjoyment, so read what you enjoy!

19. The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection by Alexander McCall Smith

In this book Mma Ramotswe has had a strange dream and cannot put a meaning to it but Mma Makutsi tries her best to somehow find a meaning for her. Whilst this is put to the back of her mind, Mma Ramotswe gets on with the day to day work in the agency until a stranger appears who she does not know but knows of him. Following this meeting, her friend at the orphanage needs her help and then there is trouble for one of the mechanics. Mma Ramotswe uses her knowledge and the help of the stranger to assist in these cases and as is usual things conspire to win the day. The No1 Ladies Detective Agency books are just lovely to read and comfort me like Tea and chocolate and long may they continue. This is definitely one to read.

Agreed....read what makes you happy. My wife makes fun of my science fiction books, but I always tell her she's just not smart enough to understand them. She gets mad and won't speak for two days which just gives me more quiet time to read...mission accomplished.

20. Before I go to Sleep by S.J.Watson

What a debut novel, I have not wanted to put this down at all. After about 30 pages I thought I had an idea of where it was going but did not see the ending at all until the last 20 pages or so. This has to be close to being my book of the year but I will stick with Nathan Filer's debut costa winner. This is one book that everyone should read and trying to describe without spoiling it for readers is hard, so I will think about it and add to this post soon.

21. Winter Games by Rachel Johnson.

Finished book twenty-one this afternoon, it is an enjoyable read telling the tale of a Granddaughter wanting to find out who her Grandfather was. The story drifts between 2006 and 1936, embracing nineteen thirties Germany when many English girls went to the Alpine spa's to finish off their education. The Nazi's are beginning their rampage through the streets and rallies are held on a regular basis and Daphne Linden is there with a friend. The story tells of Daphne's time in Germany and Francie's life in London as a writer for a magazine, suddenly whilst on a job in the area of Hitler's winter Palace she decides to write a piece about Grannie's time there and so the story unfolds. This is a very good read and I would recommend this one.

22. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Finished this about an hour ago, what a fantastic read, the story tells of intrigue, treachery, religious strife and the battles of monarchs and the church in twelth century England. The author weaves the story around a number of characters whose lives are intwined as the years pass by. I cannot wait to start the sequel to find out how things progress.

23. Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer.

Finished book Twenty-Three on Thursday evening, Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer. This is the first in the Clifton Chronicles series and I absolutely loved it and am eager to start the second one. The story is well told and kept me wanting to read. This is the Jeffrey Archer of old and I will be devouring this series, a definite recommended read from me.

>22 johnsimpson:

One of these years, I will get around to reading Pillars of the Earth. It has been on my TBR list for years!

24. The Concrete Blonde by Michael Connelly

Book Twenty-Four finished late last night, this is the third in the Harry Bosch series and an enjoyable read yet again. In this Harry is in court over the fatal shooting of Norman Church, a.k.a. The Dollmaker, who committed Eleven murders, or did he. As the case opens a note is left for Harry, has it come from the grave or is someone copying The Dollmaker. As the court case unfolds another mystery that may affect this case has to be investigated. The pressure that Harry is under and then that of the LAPD crackles along giving the reader a turbulent ride. This is a superb crime thriller from an author I love, keep these coming.

25. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Finished book 25 this afternoon whilst Hannah was baking with grandma. I have taken my time getting to this series of books and have not seen the film but I did enjoy the book and didn't really want to put it down. It was a well thought out story and kept me wondering what would happen next. Whilst a book of fiction you could see something like this possibly happening in the future, it did make me think of the UK at the present time without the games. London seems to be very much like the capitol where everything apparently revolves there and the districts are the counties amalgamated together in groups where we are sometimes left out of things or some of us are the industrial areas to be ignored as long as we produce the goods.

I look forward to books 2 and 3 of this series which I will read before the year end.

26. Temeraire by Naomi Novik

This is the first in the series and a debut novel and I loved it, this book combines historical fact with gorgeous fantasy fiction. I love Dragons and my daughter will love it as well. I have four more in the series and will be getting to them later in the year, that is the trouble with having books in series, there are always so many to read.
I don't know why but my reading has seemed slow this month.

27. Wicked Pleasures by Penny Vincenzi

Book Twenty-Seven finished at 00.15am today, I love Penny's books, they keep me enthralled with the twists and turns in the story, this one did just that. A story covering a 30 year period with a brief but full back story that kept the main story going. I have more of her books awaiting reading as with a lot of my favourite authors.

28. Birdman by Mo Hayder

Finished my 28th book of the year a couple of hours ago, this was a really good crime debut, the twists and turns kept me reading and not wanting to put it down. I don't have any more by this author but I will be on the lookout for the next in the series, well worth a read.

29. Four Play by Fiona Walker

Book Twenty-Nine finished this morning, this is the third in the Lodes series and a right rollicking read it was. Picking up again the lives and loves of the people in the Oddlode valley, this progresses the twists and turns of various families and their offspring. I am looking forward to the final book in this series to see what happens to the characters and will life ever be the same in this area of the Cotswolds.

30. Theodore Boone: The Abduction by John Grisham

Finished book Thirty this morning, this is the second in the Theodore Boone series, like James Patterson he has tapped into the youth market well with a good character and story line. This was a nice gentle story and was the right book at the right time. I have the next two in the series so I may get these read before the end of the year.

Enjoyed your review of Hunger Games.....first time I read that book I was fascinated.

31. Styx and Stones by Carola Dunn

Book Thirty-One finished last night, this is the seventh in this series. The Honourable Miss Daisy Dalrymple is invited down to Oakhurst by her Brother -in-Law with the hope that she can help him solve who has been sending him poison pen letters. After a brief chat with him he asks if she would bring Belinda, the daughter of her boyfriend, Detective Inspector Alec Fletcher, as company for his sons Derek and Peter. She readily agrees and Alec thinks it is a good idea, though she has failed to tell him about the letters. Over a couple of days she gets to meet a number of the villagers and as it is a small village, gossip has got around that she is visiting so they are not surprised to see her. Things don't seem to be going well on the identity of the poison pen author when the brother of the vicar is found dead, is he involved in the letters in some way although Daisy can't believe this and who could have done him in. Daisy has to send the children back to the house to call the police and a doctor, little does she know that in their panic, Belinda calls her father at Scotland Yard. Alec was making preparations to spend a few days with Daisy at her sisters but now seems to involved in some way with an investigation. How does Daisy always seem to get involved in these sort of things, she has a knack of being in the thick of things and needs Darling Alec to help her out. This is a nice gentle read of the goings on in Twenties England, when the shakedown of society after the Great War is affecting the upper classes to their chagrin. I am looking forward to the remaining fourteen in the series which are sat on my shelves just waiting to be read.

Finished book Thirty-Two last night, Season of Passion by Danielle Steel. I did enjoy this romance from the queen of romance, I think this is the fifth book of hers that I have read and after checking fantastic fiction I only have another 88 to go as at the present time. I have about fifty more of her books on my shelves in the loft and will get around to them over the next few years.

Book Thirty-Three finished this afternoon, Death of a Perfect Wife by M.C.Beaton. Once again PC Macbeth is doing his usual police work around the village of Lochdubh when he comes across new arrivals to the village. The Thomas's are from London and are going to turn the house into a b'n'b but Trixie tells anyone who will listen that they are poor as church mice and Macbeth thinks something is not right. Things start to take a turn for the worse when Trixie starts to turn the women of Lochdubh into protestors and members of various groups she sets up and the menfolk are not happy about this. Some of the women think Trixie is the perfect housewife and the husbands just want her dead, then that becomes a reality, but who has done the wicked deed. Macbeth has to contact Strathbane and Detective Chief Inspector Blair arrives to take charge and get the glory on the back of others work. Macbeth soon has an ally in Superintendent Daviot ,who thinks Macbeth is an able bobby and should be encouraged to find the murderer. This is a light and enjoyable read with Hamish Macbeth and the villagers in Highland Scotland and I will be getting to the next dozen or so in the near future.

Book Thirty-Four finished about 40 minutes ago, A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon. This has been my chunkster for June, the aim is to do one book a month that is 900+ pages long, so far I have done three 900 to 999 pages and three 1000+ pages so am on track for this personal challenge. I just love this series of books and book seven on my shelf. The narrative is absorbing to me and although it is seriously long I just wanted it to go on and on.

Book Thirty-Five finished a short time ago, Death of a Hussy by M.C.Beaton. Another tale from the Highlands featuring P.C Hamish Macbeth and the village of Lochdubh. A nice gentle read that makes me smile as I am reading and brings back memories of watching Hamish Macbeth on BBC 1 on a Sunday evening with Robert Carlyle as Hamish. As I am reading these tales I am starting to think about trying to find them on DVD as I would like to watch them again.

Book Thirty - Six finished this afternoon, The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen. This is the second in the Rizzoli / Isles series and it did not disappoint. I enjoy these taut crime thriller's that keep me wanting to turn the page.

Finished book Thirty -Seven about an hour ago, 12th of Never by James Patterson, the Women's Murder Club is back in business with a scumbag to prosecute and two killers on the loos, will Sergeant Lindsay Boxer come out victorious or will ongoing personal episodes keep her away from what she does best. Don't want to say too much in case others are reading this series and haven't got to this one yet.

Book Thirty-Eight finished about half an hour ago, The Winds of War by Herman Wouk. I have read these in the wrong order and Eighteen years apart. I really enjoyed War and Remembrance and I must say that I enjoyed this one and I can remember watching the mini-series of these books in the late Eighties, this is alos the seventh in my 900+ page book challenge.

39. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Finished book Thirty-Nine a couple of hours ago, I really really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to everyone. It is a delightful tale of a retired man who gets a surprise letter from a long lost colleague, he decides to reply and on walking to the post box to post the letter decides to go see the person. It is told in a lovely way and we see all facets of human kindness. I wont spoil it by adding more but it is well worth a read.

Hi John, are you reading multiple? I can't do that, I have to read one by one. I wish you and Karen a fabulous Sunday.

40. Right on Time by Pauline McLynn

Finished book Forty about thirty minutes ago, this is the third in the Leo Street series and follows the trials and tribulations of a private detective in Dublin. She has the typical Irish family and the neuroses that go with all this, she has a boyfriend who she is not sure she wants and a menagerie of animals. Everyday life fascinates her and whilst trying to earn a living she has to do the mundane things life throws at you. A good read and will look out for the fourth in this series.

41. Drop Shot by Harlen Coben

Finished book Forty- One a short while ago, this is the second Myron Bolitar book, I had forgotten how much I liked this character as it is quite a while since I read the first one. I shall be reading more over the next couple of months.

Book Forty-Two finished late last night, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. This is the second in the Hunger Games trilogy and sets things up for the finale well. The pace of the book is just right and I felt I could picture what was going on as I read it. I have not seen the films yet and will get them on DVD when I have finished the last book so that I do not spoil the reading pleasure.

Just before midnight yesterday I finished book Forty-Three, World Without End by Ken Follett. This is also book eight of my Big Fat Book challenge, I really enjoyed this after reading The Pillars of The Earth by the same author. The story of the Kingsbridge folk has moved on two hundred years but a lot of things have not changed much in the intervening years. There are some new challenges for the inhabitants to be wary of, not least the regular visits of the plague and how it can be dealt with. I have a few more Follett's on the shelves which I will invariably get around to.

Book Forty-Four finished late last night, Death in the Cotswolds by Rebecca Tope. This is the third in this series that I have read and it was enjoyable. Thea Osborne is a house sitter and has been involved in two previous hairy episodes in the past but this time is on a gentle visit with her policeman boyfriend to help him clear his aunt's house out but she gets dragged into the investigation of a murder in the village. Her previous experience helps her to ease Ariadne's fears but will it help unmask the killer, and then a second body is found. Who will be next?

Book Forty-Five finished 30 minutes ago, Private No1 Suspect by James Patterson. This is the third of the Jack Morgan series that I have read and yet again it is another enjoyable Patterson read for me. Things go wrong for Jack right from the start, first it looks like he is being framed for murder and then he is strong armed by the mob to recover some stolen pharmaceuticals. This could be the end of Private if he fails to find the true killer and he recovers the drugs. Looking forward to more of this series.

Book Forty-Six finished a short while ago, Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey. This is one from my BFB challenge as it was 1,015 pages long, this is the first in this series and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. This is a fantasy historical novel with occasionally elements from Fifty Shades of Grey but these are essential to the story and do not distract. I should finish book 47 before the month end which will take me to the 23,000 pages mark which keeps me well on track to reach my target.

Book Forty-Seven finished just before midnight last night, The Sins of The Father by Jeffrey Archer. This is the second in the Clifton Chronicles series and like the first I did not really want to put it down. The book started as Harry Clifton lands in New York and follows the families ups and downs over the war years and we find out more of the secrets of the Clifton and Barrington families that were intimated in the first book. I look forward to the next in the series which is on my shelf.

Book Forty-Eight finished this afternoon, Rattle His Bones by Carola Dunn, this is the eighth in the Daisy Dalrymple series and is a delightfully light read set in Twenties London. Daisy is minding her own business in the Natural History Museum when disaster strikes, a department manager is found dead under a pile of dinosaur bones and Daisy finds the body and heard a conversation just before this happened, will her fiancé Detective Chief Inspector Alec Fletcher be assigned the case and if so what is he going to say when he finds Daisy is involved. A really good read and I look forward to reading number nine.

Congrats John....you are well on your way to 50, perhaps even 75. Way ahead of me, I have slacked some recently due to job difficulties for me, but I am trying to get back in the groove. Keep up the good work...

Book Forty-Nine finished a couple of hours ago, The School Inspector Calls by Gervase Phinn. This is the third in the Little Village School Series and what a wonderful read it is. The summer term has begun and there is lots going on at Barton-in-the-Dale school, not least the proposed merger of Barton and Urebank schools. The Headteacher Mrs Devine is a bright, forward looking headteacher and sees that the amalgamation would be good for both schools but faces a lot of animosity from the headteacher at Urebank, added to this is her forthcoming marriage, a new disruptive pupil and the usual machinations that are going on in this Dales village. I look forward to the arrival of the next in this series.

Book Fifty finished late this afternoon, Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson, another in the Alex Cross series finds him getting ready to celebrate Christmas with his family when he gets a phone call that he knows is going to spoil all this. The phone call is to let him know of a hostage situation that is volatile and his expertise is needed, the family are annoyed that he is leaving them at this special time and he is torn that the job may fracture his relationships. The hostage situation takes its out of Cross but a combination of luck and management averts a bad situation and he is able to get home by breakfast time on Christmas day, everything seems to be ok in the Cross household but by late afternoon another major crisis erupts and his phone rings again. Yet again he has to make a decision between family and work and is soon on his way to try and avert a major terrorist attack with an old adversary. This was a fast paced and well plotted thriller in the usual style for a Cross book and I enjoyed it as usual and I look forward to the next one.

My reading this month is going well but with 25 more books to read to reach my 75 I think it is a little too late but I will reach or surpass my page target and my book page average will be high this year.

Finished book Fifty-One, Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich about an hour ago. This is the twentieth in the Stephanie Plum series and yet again our heroine is up to her eyes in dangerous escapades. She has a relative of her on/off boyfriend to capture who also is a mob boss, a Giraffe on the loose and their is a granny murderer on the loose. The granny murderer garottes them with venetian blind cord and dumps them in a dumpster after leaving a little card with them and a sunflower is found at their homes. Along the way she has other bail bonds refusniks to collect as well as car trouble and men trouble. These are the themes that are a day to day occurrence for Stephanie, this is a lovely light, relaxing read that makes you smile. Looking forward to book Twenty-One.

I finished book Fifty-Two about an hour ago, Severed by Simon Kernick. I really enjoyed this taut thriller, the pace of the story kept me reading and riveted. This is the fifth Kernick book that I have read and I must say his books are good, I have another two or three on the shelves so I look forward to them.

Book Fifty-Three finished a short while ago, this is also one of my twelve chunksters of the year, Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson. This is the second in the Malazan series and follows the machinations of the Seven Cities. A long prophesied uprising named the Whirlwind is being prepared for, this will be unprecedented in its size and savagery and will embroil the Malazan Empire in its bloodiest conflict ever known. The story moves along with various tribes and the battles fought, invisible warrens (paths) are used to move to various parts of the Seven Cities, peoples (human and non-human) will be involved with the various characters that make up this tale. It was a hard read to begin with mainly because it is a while since I read the first in the series and so I was referring to the maps and glossary to get myself back up to speed with the Malazan empire and its characters. I enjoyed the book once I got going and look forward to the next and won't be long in doing so.

Book Fifty-Four finished a short while ago, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, this is the final part of the Hunger Games trilogy and I must say I have enjoyed this set of books immensely. The ending was different to what I imagined it was going to be and I am glad for that.

I always wanted to try the Malazan series....maybe someday I will get to it.

Finished book Fifty-Five earlier today, Shall We Tell The President by Jeffrey Archer. This was a superb read with Archer at his best and has come back to these heights with his Clifton Chronicles. This read has made October a good month for me on the reading front with another that will be finished before month end and may put me in with a fighting chance of reaching my 75 target.

>78 utbw42:, Andy, you have plenty to read my friend and you will get around to the Malazan series at some point.

I finished book Fifty-Six very late last night, The Life by Martina Cole. I love this lady's books, they are so gritty and violent but she does her research and these things went on and still go on. Although the themes are of London gangsters past and present, the stories are all different and encapsulate all the various elements of the life and times and areas that are mined for money by these people but are interesting at the same time. Ms Cole is a nice lady and funnily enough she was being interviewed on radio on Wednesday whilst I was cleaning the kitchen and she still has not forgot her roots, she mentioned that she had done a book signing on Romford Market at the stall of a bookseller who gave her her first break by agreeing to a signing of her first book and she has signed book there each time a new one has come out. The presenter asked for questions to be texted or e-mailed in for Martina and I quickly texted one and it was the first read out after the news break and her answer was lovely.

I finished book Fifty-Seven late last night Open Season by C.J.Box. This is a lovely book and introduces Game Warden Joe Pickett and the State of Wyoming. I really enjoyed this tale of life as a game warden in Wyoming and the deceit that can lead to murder and ruination of a good man. Joe Pickett is a character that has grown on me and I will be getting more of these books. The biggest thing this book has done is to introduce the State of Wyoming to me and I want to know more, I love history and travel and this is a place I want to at least investigate even if I never visit. That can be the wonder of a fiction book, it opens horizons and makes you want to know more about the place.

Book Fifty-Eight finished just before lunch today, Wish Upon a Star by Trisha Ashley. This is part of the Lancashire series and is a nice gentle read and mentions a favourite Lancashire market town that I like to visit, Ormskirk. Cally Weston is a recipe writer based in London but when her daughter becomes sick she has to relocate to Lancashire and stay with her mum in the village of Sticklepond. Whilst in Sticklepond she meets a baker called Jago and a friendship blossoms, but with an ill daughter the last thing on her mind is romance. So ensues a tale that includes bitchy exes and intrigue in a family name. This is a read I would recommend.

Book Fifty-Nine finished mid-morning, Death of a Snob by M.C.Beaton, this is the sixth in the Hamish Macbeth series and was a nice enjoyable light read. Hamish appears to be having to spend Christmas on his own until his friend Priscilla asks him to help a friend of hers by listening to her problem. Hamish listens to Jane Weatherby's tale and with a bit of gilding of the tale gets offered a holiday at her health farm over the Christmas period. Everything seems to be going ok at the health farm and the friends that Jane had invited seem to be getting along ok until one of them goes missing, a search party is got together and it is Hamish who spots a body at the bottom of a cliff, the police are informed and accidental death is the cause given until Hamish takes it upon himself to want to know more as he thinks a murder has been committed. Will Hamish get to the truth or will he be found to be wrong in this instance?

Book Sixty finished about an hour ago, The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths. This is the first in the series and introduces the reader to Dr. Ruth Galloway, she is a forensic archaeologist based on the Norfolk coast. When a child's bones are found she is called in to help date them as a child was abducted ten years ago and the investigating officer thinks these may be the missing girls. Unfortunately they are two thousand years old but a relationship between Ruth and DCI Harry Nelson begins. Soon another little girl goes missing and Ruth becomes a part of the investigating team as colleagues of hers who did an archaeological dig on the Saltmarshes ten years ago may be of help or could be the villain of the piece, as the first missing girl vanished just after the dig. Since that time DCI Nelson has received anonymous letters which include archaeological, literary and poetic messages which purport to the dig. Will Ruth be able to help or is she in danger, read and find out. This is a really good first crime novel and I can't wait to read the next in this series.

Finished book Sixty-One late last night, The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer. This has been a really good read, the tale of Gary Mark Gilmore, a man who served a large amount of his adult life in prison and who came to world prominence after being sentenced to death for the murder of two males in Utah. The death penalty had not been used for ten years when he was sentenced and he demanded to be shot and would not appeal his sentence. I was Thirteen at the time and can remember it being on the news here in Britain, eventually the sentence was done and he was shot on the 17th January 1977. This is a book I would recommend as a must read, it gives an insight into a murderer and the machinations of the legal system and the media at that time.

#86> I read The Executioner's Song many years ago and found it to be completely absorbing--I'd even say compelling--although at times very hard to read due to the subject matter.

>87 rocketjk:, Hi Jerry, I agree totally with your comment and I am glad that I purchased the book and glad that I didn't leave it too long before I read it.

Hey John....saw your post. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and congrats on your total so far this year. I am trying to catch up after a rough summer. Finally finished the door stop Atomic Bomb book. woo hoo!

Book Sixty-Two finished a short while ago, City of Women by David Gillham. I enjoyed this immensely, it tells the tale of a woman called Sigrid, her husband is a serving soldier on the Eastern front yet there is another side to Sigrid, this one dreams of her Jewish lover, all this in Berlin of 1943. One day whilst she is at the cinema a young girl sits next to her and asks in a whisper if she will tell the Gestapo that they came to the cinema together. This Sigrid does and here starts a new, dangerous chapter in her life, secrets and lies become the norm and taking risks and lovers are the currency of the moment. This is an ordinary woman caught in extraordinary times and she must find the strength to not only keep herself alive but also save the lives of others, if she can. Who can she love and who can she trust, these are things that torment her every waking moment. I would recommend this to all to read, well worth it.

Book Sixty-Three finished late last night, Best Kept Secret by Jeffrey Archer, this is the third in the Clifton Chronicles series and did not disappoint. This is a fantastic series and I am looking forward to reading book four shortly. The series was planned to be five books covering the period 1920 to 2020 but at the end of this book the author put a note in to say that he now thinks it will run to seven books to do the story justice. As far as I am concerned he can carry on writing this series as it is one to read and I think he is back to his best.

Finished book Sixty-Four a couple of hours ago, The Broken Souls by Jack Kerley. This the first Carson Ryder book I have read but didn't know it is book three in the series. I must say that I really enjoyed it and once past the halfway mark I didn't want to put it down, this is another author to follow more closely.

Book Sixty-Five finished a short while ago, An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon. This is the seventh in the Outlander series and I loved it and look forward to reading book eight sometime in 2015. This is a memorable book as it is the 800th I have read since I started keeping reading records on 1st July 1995, also it puts my LT total to 195 over the three years I have been on here at an average of 65 per year. This book also helped me pass my page reading target of 31,000 for the year. I am looking forward to what 2015 will bring on the reading front and also for all my LT friends.