tymfos relaxes with a good book or two (or 75)

It's time for another year of reading.

Hi, I'm Terri. I think this is my 7th year in the group. (My, how time flies!) My plan is to read exactly what I want to read, when I want to read it, rather than building my reading around a lot of challenges. As of now, I'm only planning to do this challenge for 2015. But I'm already thinking that I'll miss some friends from other groups, so that may change. I decided to do a very, very simple thread for the 2015 Category Challenge, focused on series reading, and just plugging in books I choose to read that happen to fit.

I like all kinds of books, though I'm particularly fond of mysteries and plan to catch up on some favorite series this year.

All visitors are welcome (except spammers) and comments are encouraged!

A word about my rating system: I really have no system. My ratings are very arbitrary. This is sort of the general idea:
1 star -- don't bother
2 stars -- maybe there was something worthwhile in it, but not much
3 stars -- a decent read
3 1/2 -- a pretty good read -- I enjoyed it
4 stars -- very good, I liked it a lot -- I'm not very generous with 4-star ratings
4 1/2 stars -- very, very good; made a strong impression on me
5 stars (rare) -- nearly perfect

Because I'm so arbitrary with ratings, I may not put them here on the thread most of the time.

BOOKS READ IN FIRST QUARTER
*starred books are from my own bookshelf, real or virtual

Books finished in January:

1. A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey e-book (1/1/15)
2. Crusaders Cross by James Lee Burke AUDIO (1/2/15)
3. *The Hanging Valley by Peter Robinson (1/2/15)
4. *A Murder in Passing by Mark de Castrique (1/4/15)
5. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (1/8/15)
6. Pegasus Descending by James Lee Burke AUDIO (1/10/15)
7. The Penguin who Knew Too Much by Donna Andrews e-book (1/10/15)
8. The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman (1/15/15)
9. Let It Burn by Steve Hamilton e-book (1/18/15)
10. Tin Roof Blowdown by James Lee Burke AUDIO (1/20/15)
11. *The Third Man Factor by John Geiger (1/23/15)
12. The Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill e-book (1/31/15)

Books Finished in February

13. *Dead Wake by Erik Larson (ER book, non-fiction) (2/1/15)
14. Gallows Lane by Brian McGilloway e-book (2/3/15)
15. Bootlegger's Daughter by Margaret Maron AUDIO (2/3/15)
16. *Deer Season by Aaron Stander e-book (2-5-15)
17. *The Body in the Kelp by Katherine Hall Page (2-7-15)
18A. Wait for Signs by Craig Johnson short stories AUDIO (2-8-15)
18B. An Event in Autumn by Henning Mankell novella AUDIO (2-11-15)
19. Finders Keepers by Belinda Bauer (2-11-15)
20. *Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott (2-18-15)
21. *The Waters of Kronos by Conrad Richter e-book (2-18-15)

currently reading:

The Secret Place by Tana French (fiction)
*So Cold a Sky: Upper Michigan Weather Stories by Karl Bohnak (non-fiction)
Swan Peak by James Lee Burke AUDIO
Bleed a River Deep by Brian McGilloway e-book

ongoing devotional reader for the year:
Near to the Heart of God: Meditations on 366 Best-Loved Hymns by Robert J. Morgan

on deck

temporarily suspended
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers

These are the categories I'm working with in my category challenge. The focus there is on series reading.

Category 1: "Start of Something Good" -- First book in a series
Category 2: "What's New?" -- Most recent book in a series
Category 3: "Keep On Trucking" -- Book from the "middle" of a series (anything between the first and the most recent)
Category 4: "All Shook Up" -- book from a series that I'm reading out-of-order
Category 5: "Hello, Again" -- book from a series I've read before but not in 2014.
Category 6: "Irish Eyes" -- series book set in Ireland
Category 7: "Rule, Britannia" -- book from a British series
Category 8: "Norwegian Wood" -- book from a Scandinavian series
Category 9: "Good Morning, Vietnam" -- book from series set somewhere in Asia
Category 10: "The African Queen" -- book from series set somewhere in Africa
Category 11: "Home, Sweet Home" -- book from a series set in Pennsylvania
Category 12: "Southern Nights" -- book from Southern mystery series
Category 13: "Marian the Librarian" -- book from series involving books/writers
Category 14: "Wide World of Sports" -- book from series involving a sport
Category 15: "Once Upon a Time" -- book with a historical element

I think I've written my categories so I read what I want but don't get stuck in a rut. It encourages me to continue & complete favorite series, but also to try something new now and then. And it gives me permission to go at that odd volume or two in a series I don't want to commit to reading in its entirety. I have a hard time letting myself do that sometimes. It also gives me series close to home and in far-flung places of the world.

Of course, not all my books will be series books. Everything I read doesn't have to fit in those categories.

Welcome, everyone! Pull up a chair and join the discussion!

Book #1 A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey

Inspector Alan Grant series #2
A movie star is found drowned under suspicious circumstances. Inspector Grant investigates.
This was OK -- didn't really impress me that much.

Book #2 Crusader's Cross by James Lee Burke

Dave Robicheaux series #14
This was definitely NOT my favorite in this series, though it was OK. I felt that it ended rather abruptly -- the epilogue tidied up too many messes too neatly and quickly.

Book #3 The Hanging Valley by Peter Robinson

Chief Inspector Alan Banks series #4
A hiker finds a body near a small village. Another hiker was murdered several years ago, and a woman disappeared at that time. Chief Inspector Banks is up against a village full of secrets. The ending stunned me.

Oh my goodness! I'm in at the beginning - a very rare circumstance, especially this year! I hope I've given you time to finish your basics, Terri.
LOVE TEY! Really Like Burke and Robinson! You are way ahead of me in reading already. I should go try to catch up!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, TERRI! I look forward to following and talking with you from time to time!
ETA: Your orange thread-topper looks a lot like our little two except that they have foxier faces.

Hooray, Terri, you're here! I love that you used Sig as your thread topper - he looks quite cozy up there. And three books done already?! Good work!

>6 LizzieD: Hi, Peggy! Congrats on being first!

The Burke and Robinson series are both favorites of mine, though this particular Burke wasn't as strong as many of the others in the series, IMO.

I've only read two Tey, and neither really gripped me. I've heard that The Daughter of Time is especially good, so I look forward to getting to that one.

>7 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! Sig does look cozy there, doesn't he?
I've been reading up a storm the past few days. (Audio books help.)

Hi, Terri! Hi, Sig! Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Amber and Katherine! Glad you stopped by.

Sig meows hello.

Wow Terri, you're off to a running start already with 3 books in 3 days! You're on pace for 365 this year! ;)

Adrian sends his greetings to Sig. One of the outdoor cats from across the street looks a lot like Sig, and he and Adrian have become friends. They will rub up against each other in a friendly way when we run into the cat on our walks.

Hi, Carrie! I don't think I'll keep up that pace. For one thing, I had started one of those last year and just finished it up yesterday. And the Tey was a very quick read.

Hello to Adrian!

We've got freezing rain today, and everyting is quite slick. I was awakened by the fire dept. siren this morning, and as I listened to the scanner there were multiple accidents and the responders were having a hard time getting to them because of the ice. I think I'll stay indoors and read today. ;)

Hi Terri! Just dropping by to leave a star. Hope you have a good day reading indoors. We're supposed to get rain tomorrow, with a high of +6 Celsius, then it will drop down to a high (!) of -14 Celsius so all that will rain will freeze over. Fun.

Thanks for dropping a star here, rabbitprincess! Our weather has been all over the map lately. The temperature is supposed to rise tonight and melt this, but then tomorrow it's supposed to start dropping again and get very cold.

Happy weekend Terri! Three books already? Wow. I should get to reading instead of spending so much time on LT. But...

Hi, Rachel! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year and Happy New Thread. I'm glad that you made it over to here. I drop some to get back to you quicker.

Hi, Barbara, glad you dropped the stars here!

Happy New Year, Terri! I am happy to see your 2015 thread has appeared and with a wonderful picture of Sig as thread topper! Three books read is a great start to your 2015 reading. Starring your thread so I can find my way back here.

> 5 Terri...you've already hit several of the series I'm hoping to catch up on (wow what awful grammar!) in 2015. I love the Inspector Banks, and Inspector Alan Grant books. Also have a couple more Donna Andrews and Mark de Castrique books on the TBR shelf. I'm determined to enjoy these series sooner rather than later.

BTW; gorgeous picture of Sig. Happy New Year! You are hereby starred.

Hi, Lori and Tina! Happy New Year, and I'm glad you have me starred. At this moment, Sig is napping in the same spot where that photo was snapped. He loves that spot. When he wakes up, he can look out the window at the side yard and the back steps (where a chipmunk lives in a hollow under the steps). It's also one of the warmer areas of the house.

I've got 4 books going now, and I just reaized I need to get going on The Thirteenth Tale for a RL group read. Uh, oh! It's one I really want to read, too. So do I hurry through A Murder in Passing, or do I put it aside until I'm done with my group read book? Decisions, decisions!

Happy New Year of reading, Terri! Sig looks so cozy!

Welcome back and Happy New Year!

Hi Terri, it looks like you're off to a great start this year.

I'm trying to read right now while watching the Steelers game.

Terri, I can see what kept you! Three books done already is excellent. We are going toe-to-toe so to speak as I have managed the same. How long will we be able to keep up with the Suzs , the Lucis and the Morphys?
Great to see you back again my dear.

Hi Terri and Happy New Year. It's only January 3 and you've already finished three books? I'll never keep up lol. I've read a couple of the Tey books and I loved The Franchise Affair. I didn't care for The Daughter of Time as much but that might have just been a case of wrong book, wrong time. Wind and rain going on here tonight.

>25 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne, and Happy New Year!

>26 scvlad: Happy New Year! Thanks for stopping by!

>27 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda!
I'm trying to read right now while watching the Steelers game.
I was doing the same -- wound up wishing I'd just read. Not a good night for the Steelers. Ah, well, wait 'til next year . . .

>28 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! Thanks for stopping by. I'm plugging along with more books, but I'm sure my progress will be slowing down.

>29 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie! The Franchise Affair is next up for me in the Inspector Alan Banks series, so it's good to know that you loved it.

BTW, I'm continuing A Murder in Passing and making good progress. I love the interesting history de Castrique weaves into books in this series.

Terri--Found you and starred! Still trying to track people down. : ) Wishing you a fabulous 2015 filled with health, happiness, friends and books.

Found you and dropped a star, Terri. I like the Tey mysteries but I started with The Daughter of Time and the other books just aren't in the same class. It's probably because I love history that The Daughter of Time was such a hit with me.

Three books under your belt already?! Wow, Terri, you are on a roll!

>32 Familyhistorian: I love The Daughter of Time, which was the first book in that series that I read. I agree that the other books are not as strong. Like you, I am a history buff.

I loved both The Daughter of Time and The Franchise Affair. I hope at least one of them works better for you.

Happy New Beginnings, Terri! I hope you are having a nice New Year and I wish you quality reading throughout the year. Hugs!

starred

Why, who is that handsome cat at the top of your thread??? My girls are in love!

A Shilling for Candles remains singularly unmemorable for me, although I enjoyed most of the rest of the series. I have one more, The Franchise Affair, and I will have finished that set of books. I enjoy Robinson's books too, mostly.

You might try the Inspector Bruno series. I fell in love with him while reading the first book.

Happy New Year, Terri!

I watched the evening news on the ABC affiliate in Philadelphia with my parents, and one story showed a truck that skidded off of a hilly road just outside of Pittsburgh and plowed into a house. Fortunately neither the driver nor the homeowner were seriously injured.

ETA: It happened in Shaler Township, in the North Hills just north of Pittsburgh.

>31 Berly: Hi, Kim! I'm still finding people, too.

>32 Familyhistorian: Meg, I like history a lot, too, so that book really appeals to me

>33 alcottacre: Hi, Stasia! Happy New Year!

>34 cbl_tn: Well, I'll be sure to get to both of them, Carrie.

>35 msf59: Thanks, Mark! I'm not really doing your AAC, but I plan to read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter this month, since I've always wanted to read it.

>36 mckait: Hi, Kath! Thanks for the star!

>37 Matke: singularly unmemorable That sounds about right.
Gail, I have the first Bruno book on my shelf -- a friend loaned it to me, then moved cross-country and told me to keep it.

>38 LauraBrook: Thanks, Laura! Happy New Year to you, too!

>39 kidzdoc: Yowza, Darryl! I'm glad no one was hurt. Crazy weather, freezing yesterday, up to almost 60 today, and now dropping into the deep freeze.

OK, it's the fourth and I just finished my fourth book.

I'm not getting much sleep these days -- I keep starting books that I can't put down, and stay up too late reading.

Book #4 A Murder in Passing by Mark de Castrique

Sam Blackman Series #4
Sam literally falls over a body hidden in a rotten log. He's drawn into a mystery that dates back to the Jim Crow south. I love these books for the history into which they delve, much of which I'd never encounter otherwise. I certainly knew quite a bit about Jim Crow and bigotry in the Old South, but I'd never heard of The Kingdom of the Happy Land, or the photography of Doris Ulmann, or even South Carolina's one Pulitzer-Prize-winning novelist Julia Peterkin.

Terri...I've only read one of the Mark de Castrique books about 3 years ago. Is this series worth picking up again? I remember liking it and saying I wanted to read more, but then .... oh you know....

>42 tututhefirst: I really like both of his series. I think the Sam Blackman series is the meatier of the two series -- he always works in some fascinating historical or literary angle that's enlightening, while spinning a good tale. But I enjoy his Buryin' Barry series, too. Both series have protagonists that I really like.

>41 tymfos: Aw, crap. My first BB of yours this year, Terri. And of course it's part of a series! ;)

Hi Terri!
Glad to have found you and starred!

Okay I have to try Tey at some point.

Will be curious about your reaction to The Thirteenth Tale. I read it awhile ago so the details are foggy but I remember liking it a lot. :)

>45 LauraBrook: Laura, at least it's a series that only has 4 books so far . . . ;)

>46 jolerie: Valerie, so far I am liking it a lot . . .

The wind was so strong Sunday night, it carried the next-door neighbor's trampoline out of their backyard, across our backyard, and up against the side of the house on the other side of ours. And it is bleepin' cold, and getting colder.

ETA for clarification. BTW, original post was Monday night

Snow today! There's not enough to cancel school, so my son is out of the house; but I'm not scheduled to work at the library today. I have tons of laundry to do, among other chores, but I plan to get in some reading. I made whole wheat pancakes for breakfast. Yum! It's always nice to have time for a good breakfast.

I left my cell phone at work yesterday. I can't believe how much I miss having it with me. It's not like I'm worried about missing calls -- anyone who knows me knows to try my land-line. And I sure don't mind missing calls from telemarketers. (If I don't recognize the caller, I don't answer.) Hubby is going to stop by and pick it up (I've alerted my co-workers who are there today) and he'll probably drop it off to me at lunch time.

I really meant to cut back on book buying . . . last year, it looks lkie I acquired fewer than 60 total (paper and e-book), including gifts and other freebies. I didn't ask for, and didn't get, any books as Christmas gifts.

Then yesterday I yielded to a book sale in its final hours, and ordered 5 books:

Dead Right: An Inspector Banks Mystery by Peter Robinson
Hell for the Holidays: A Christopher Miller Holiday Thriller by Chris Grabenstein
A Question of Identity: A Simon Serrailler Mystery (Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler Mystery) by Susan Hill
Close Case (Samantha Kincaid Mysteries) by Alafair Burke
The Betrayal of Trust: A Chief Superintendent Simon Serailler Mystery by Susan Hill

They all continue series I'm reading, two of them bringing me up to date / finishing series.

I'm going to try to read as many off my own shelves as I buy this year . . . yeah, right . . . really . . .

Hi Terri, I suspect I will do most of my chatting with you over at the Category Challenge, but I have placed my star and plan to visit here as well.

Beautiful Sig!

>50 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! I have you starred in both groups, too.

>51 mckait: Kath, last night I crawled into bed very late after finishing a book. I felt furry movement beside me, and there was Sig, stretched out under the covers between my husband and me. That is a first. When I reached over to pet him, he got up from under the covers, stretched, and rambled around on top of the comforter for a few minutes before wandering out into the hall.

Today is bitter cold, sub-zero (Fahrenheit) temperatures when we awoke and 25 below wind chills. The schools and library are closed. It's lucky for me that they're closed, because I was up too late last night. I think I'm reading too many good books lately, because I find myself up late trying to finish things. Last night I was up until after 3 a.m. finishing my book for next week's RL book discussion.

Book#5. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

This odd book of a story within a story captured my imagination. I struggled between lingering to savor the excellent writing, and rushing forward to see how it all fit together. I'm afraid the rush won out this time. A woman whose life revolves around antique books is called upon by a popular modern writer to serve as biographer. Vida Winters has told many conflicting and obviously spurious tales to reporters and would-be biographers through the years; now, facing a fatal illness, she says she wants to tell the real story. It's a Gothic snarl of twisted family dynamics and secrets in a crumbling old manor house, complete with madness, untimely death, and rumors of ghosts. But even as the "truth" is revealed, are things quite what they seem? Meanwhile, her young biographer is facing her own family secrets. I may have to re-read this one in light of the ending, which puts quite a new spin on things. This would actually be worth a re-read, and I don't do that often.

You are on a roll with the books, Terri! Nice review of The Thirteenth Tale - I have had that one in the stacks forever. Sounds like I should get to it already.

Sorry about the cold temps, but it's nice that you don't have to go anywhere. Hoping that Thursday is kind to you.

>52 tymfos: Thanks, Mamie! At first I wasn't sure if I quite liked the ending, at least as far as the missing piece of the puzzle as it was finally revealed. But as I ponder it, it's growing on me. I really think it would do with a re-read sometime. And it's a great story for book lovers.

Whoa, lady....slow down! I mean, I guess you have, a little, from your initial book-a-day pace, but still... My head's spinning. And I'm just a little jealous, if you want to know the truth. I have occasionally read a book in a day, but not several days in a row. I read The Thirteenth Tale in November, and I really enjoyed it too. What's up next?

(More Sig pictures, anytime!)

I gave The Thirteenth Tale four stars. A good read! You are WAY outpacing me. ; )

Terri, thanks for the recommendation of The Thirteenth Tale. I saw that our local library has got an audiobbok of it. I will take it when I'm next in the library.
I wish you a fabulous weekend.

>55 laytonwoman3rd: Linda, it's not so much reading a book in a day as getting to the end of books on successive days. And, then, there's the audio factor. I "finished" two books today, but one was an audio I listened to over the course of a week or so while doing housework and shoveling snow . . . and shoveling snow. . . as the wind kept drifting snow over the path I'd shoveled. (So this lousy weather is good for something, I guess -- time to finish audio books.) The other was an e-book I've been nibbling at since around Christmas. (The 3-week library loan was about to expire.)

>56 Berly: Hi, Kim! Glad to hear that you enjoyed The Thirteenth Tale, too. As for my pace, I think I'm making up for my book funk prior to Christmas, when I started a lot of books and let them just sit.

>57 Ameise1: Barbara, I hope you enjoy The Thirteenth Tale as much as I did. I'll be curious to know how it is on audio. I wish you a fabulous weekend, too!

Book #6. Pegasus Descending by James Lee Burke AUDIO

#15 in the Dave Robicheaux series

The story begins with the memory of an incident from Dave's past when, in a drunken stupor, he witnessed the killing of a friend. Dave is dealing with the hit-and-run killing of a homeless man, and the suicide of a young woman. In the mix are spoiled and violent fraternity boys, organized crime, gambling revenues, a televangelist . . . and the daughter of Dave's murdered friend from long ago. This was a powerful story well-narrated by Will Patton on the audio.

This book was published in 2006. Burke weaves presentiments of Hurricane Katrina throughout the story. The next installment of the series, Tin Roof Blowdown, is the account of Robicheaux's experiences during the disaster of Hurrican Katrina, and I've already downloaded it and listened to a chapter or two.

OK, what happend to my post of the Donna Andrews book? If I'd hit "post message" again, it surely would have wound up as a double post, like some others I've had recently. As it is, I think I'm going to have to post it again.

Book #7. The Penguin Who Knew Too Much by Donna Andrews e-book

Meg Langslow series, book #8

OK, this is as far from the gritty realism of Burke's writing (see previous book) as one can get and still be in the mystery genre. Meg's household has always been a bit of a zoo, but now it's become literal. Animals from the local zoo, closed by bankruptcy, are winding up in Meg's backyard. Oh, and there's a body in the basement. Zany fun, not very realistic, but addresses an issue of serious concern to animal lovers: "canned" hunts.

OK, I've got five books going right now, but they are all so different from one another, I don't think I'll get them confused. And so far they are all good, though I've barely started most of them:

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers (for American Author Challenge)
The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman (for Tony Hillerman group read)
Tin Roof Blowdown by James Lee Burke AUDIO (next for me in Dave Robicheaux series)
The Third Man Factor by John Geiger (non-fiction)
Let It Burn by Steve Hamilton e-book (most recent in Alex McKnitght series)

Yes, I said I wasn't getting caught up in group reads or challenges, but I've always wanted to read Hillerman and McCullers.

>59 tymfos: I will be very interested in your reaction to Tin Roof Blowdown, Terri. I read it at a bad time in my life, and I don't think my response was quite fair, for that reason. But I haven't felt able to go back and revisit it since to see if I might feel differently. It was kind of the end of my love affair with Burke.

>62 laytonwoman3rd: Oh, dear, you're making me a bit anxious. I hope it doesn't have the same effect on me. Stay tuned for my reaction.

Those Donna Andrews books are a hoot. I read a few...they are LOL. Is this one "Safe" ?

I ordered up that Hillerman. Why is there a group read? I like his books..haven't read any for YEARs!

>63 tymfos: Sorry..I don't want to color your approach to it. The Hurricane Katrina stuff is still very hard for me, as I lived in a New Orleans suburb when we were first married; I haven't been back to the city since we left it in 1975. It's been magical in my memory, and probably nothing like the reality,even before the hurricane hit.

>64 mckait: Kath, I'm not sure I'd recommend this Andrews book for you. Maybe I'm being too cautious, but maybe not.

I'm not sure why there's a group read of Hillerman, but here's where:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/185185#

It's actually a combination of the Hillerman series and Craig Johnson's Longmire series, alternating months. This month is Hillerman's The Blessing Way, first of the Leaphorn books.

>65 laytonwoman3rd: I can imagine that accounts of Katrina are tough for you, Linda.

Thanks for the warning, I appreciate your caution, and will likely pass on that one :)

I have been fortunate to receive some good books in the last months from the Vine leftovers. Some aren't out yet, but there are a few that I really want to put on the shelves at work. Not that Zuul gives hoot what I suggest, as our shelves fill up with Manga and old books from Ollie's listed as new...

>68 mckait: You're welcome, Kath!

>55 laytonwoman3rd: (More Sig pictures, anytime!)

Here's the latest:

>66 tymfos: It is replacing a group read of the Spenser novels, which got to be a little too much of a good thing. Hence the alternating series this year. Luvamystery65 is heading it up.

Hi Terri, great photo of Sig on top of the bookshelf. The Thirteenth Tale sounds interesting from your review. I keep thinking that I have that book but it doesn't show up when I check my books in LT - maybe it is hiding somewhere on the shelves, it looks so familiar.

Love the Sig pic :)

Terri, what program is your library using again? Our county is changing from millennium sometime soon. Whatever. They keep having meetings about it and getting nowhere.... but apparently it will happen eventually....as there will be no more updates to millennium.

>70 Berly: I kind of like the alternating series idea. I've read all the Longmire books, and understand that I'm welcome to comment when they come up. I'd always wanted to read Hillerman, and this was the nudge I needed to get to it!

>71 Familyhistorian: I keep thinking that I have that book but it doesn't show up when I check my books in LT - maybe it is hiding somewhere on the shelves, it looks so familiar.
I occasionally have that happen, where I think I have a book and LT says I don't. Sometimes it's something that I missed cataloging, and sometimes LT is right and I don't have it. I can attribute the sense of familiarity to either seeing it on LT or handling it at the library.

>72 mckait: Thanks, Kath! Sig loves you back. ;)
what program is your library using again?
Our library is a SPARK consortium library, using the Evergreen software. When we first got it, I hated it -- for one thing, it came with a lot of policies that were not suitable for our library. However, there were management and server hosting changes for the consortium, and some upgrades to the interface. It's more customized to fit our own library policies, some features have improved, and it has become more reliable. I'm much happier with it now, though I still find it less user-friendly than Millenium.

I came home today and found a BOX from BETTER WORLD BOOKS on the porch! My books arrived!

Book #8. The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman
Book #1 in the Leaphorn/Chee series
This is my first book by Hillerman, and I understand that it was his first book. It wasn't perfect, but it was good enough for me to want to continue the series. I was disappointed that Leaphorn wasn't more central to this case -- much of the story revolved around Professor McKee, who was rather annoying. There was a lot of interesting information about Navajo traditions.

>74 tymfos: Shiny book covers! Enjoy!

>73 tymfos: I had an idea of where The Thirteenth Tale was hiding and found it on my shelf. There are still some books on my shelves that aren't on LT - the amount I have is already scary enough without adding them!

>69 tymfos: Sweet!

I need to get back to the Simon Serrailler series one of these days.

>69 tymfos: Love the cat's perch!

Oooh, coming home to a box of books is always a good thing!

So nice to have visitors!

>76 cbl_tn: Thanks, Carrie!

>77 Familyhistorian: Glad you found it, Meg!

>78 Copperskye: Hi, Joanne! That is really a favorite series for me.

>79 thornton37814: Thanks, Lori!

>80 scaifea: It truly is, Amber!

Good Morning, Terri! I am almost finished with the Hillerman book - like you, I wanted more Leaphorn. SO strange to have a mystery where the sleuth is not more central to the storyline. Anyway, since it was his first book, and since everyone says that they get better, I am looking forward to the next one.

>74 tymfos: Coming home to abox of books is very exciting - looks like you got some good ones there!

Hoping that your Friday is full of fabulous!

I read that first Hillerman long ago, then other series took hold of my life--surprise! I may try again based on your ongoing reviews.

Love Sig looking things over.

Ooooo, a whole box of books! Makes any day a great one.

A good weekend to you.

>77 Familyhistorian: Yes, found it. Now all I need is the time to read it. The stack of books that are all partially read now tower over my bedside lamp. I have to read one of the texts for my course by Saturday - one week to read a book that is about 300 pages and not fiction - groan.

>84 Familyhistorian: Best of luck on that challenge

>85 connie53: Thanks Connie, it is a toss up whether to catch up with LT threads or read the text. You reminded me that I should get back to the text even though I am very, very behind in the threads and really the threads are more interesting!

>86 Familyhistorian: Now you go and do just that. Get the text and read it. Everyone is behind in the threads at one time or another. Certainly in the beginning of the year. You will have plenty of time to catch up or just simply skip reading some posts.

Terri, I wish you a relaxed weekend.

Happy Saturday, Terri!

Hi Terri, I've never read any Tony Hillerman so glad to hear you liked his first one well enough to continue with it. At some point, I may pick him up.

I just finished a disaster/history book about the 1896 NYC heatwave. Loved it. Hadn't read a disaster book in awhile.

>82 Crazymamie: Hi, Mamie! I hope you're having a great weekend!

>83 Matke: then other series took hold of my life--surprise!
Yeah, I know how that is. Wishing you a great weekend!

>84 Familyhistorian: one week to read a book that is about 300 pages and not fiction - groan.
I'm almost always slower reading non-fiction, and textbooks are the hardest.

>87 connie53: Hi, Connie! Good advice.

>88 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara!

>89 Crazymamie: Happy weekend to you, Mamie!

>90 lindapanzo: Linda, my current non-fiction is about people in extreme situations, so it sort of kind of touches on the disaster category, in a way . . .

I've been without my own working computer printer at home for months, and finally got one and (with much aggravation) installed it and got it working. I gave up on a wireless connection for it after about an hour of fiddling, and pulled out an old USB printer cord to make the connection.

I got really aggravated with the salesman at Best Buy who sold it to me.

All my current reads are kind of heavy, so I decided to start one more -- a cozy, The Body in the Kelp from the Faith Fairchild series by Katherine Hall Page.

>92 tymfos: I have picked out a cozy for my next read too. It's one that I got from SantaThing this year called Lending a Paw. It's the first in the "Bookmobile Cat" series. Libraries and cats! It can't get much cozier than that!

I am late in finding your thread, Terri. You are a reading whirlwind, Girl! I'll be back to see if you keep this pace up. Happy New Year to you and your family.

Terri--Glad you finally got your new printer!! Hope you can eventually figure out the wireless connection. I also read Hillerman, and I agree that the first book is a little rough, but I am enjoying the company as much or more than the book, so I am up for some in the series. Have a great Sunday!

Happy Sunday, Terri!

I read Hillerman a long time ago, several of his books. I have been wanting to reread, and I picked up a copy of Blessing way to hopefully read soon.

Yesterday I called Penguin about the Wiley Cash thing, because Kathie wanted to know. They had no idea. They said he wasn't on the schedule. So.... keep an eye on their website if you're interested . . .

>93 thornton37814: Bookmobile Cat series? Uh, oh, I see another series on my horizon. I look forward to your comments on that book, Lori!

>94 Donna828: Hi, Donna! I'm already slowing the pace. Happy 2015 to you and yours, too!

>95 Berly: Kim, I think I'll just keep it connected the old-fashioned way,

>96 connie53: Happy Sunday to you, too, Connie!

>97 mckait: Kath, Cash's website isn't showing an appearance there, either. Could we have seen the listing for his appearance last year, left up until he put the new year's calendar of events up? It does say he'll be in Pittsburgh at Chatham University, July 23 through August 2. Given the setting and the timespan, I'm suspecting that will be a writers' workshop or something like that.

huh. I don't know. I thought that LT local only showed upcoming. I could absolutely be wrong. That would make me sad. We might have to go out for adult beverages without him. Wanna come?

Happy weekend Terri!

>98 tymfos: I've read a few chapters so far. Not really enough to decide how well I like the overall series. The cat has just found the body! (It's not on the bookmobile though.) I need to finish the inventory of the garage for the insurance tomorrow, go to the retirement home to sing with our worship pastor and a few other choir members, and then do laundry. I'm sure I'll get some reading mixed in somewhere. My plans could, of course, change if they decide to do surgery on Jeff's mom.

>99 mckait: Oh, I see. It's on LT Local. Says it was posted from the publisher. Could they have erred?

>101 thornton37814: Happy Week, Rachel!

>101 thornton37814: Best wishes to you, Lori!

I finished another book.

Book #9 Let it Burn by Steve Hamilton

I crossed through the northen reaches of the city, turning down one street after another. I saw the abandoned houses. I saw the garbage and the graffiti and the high weeds. I saw the charred remains of houses that had burned down. This is something Detroit had always been known for, of course. Devil's Night, the night before Halloween, when people would come from literally all over the world to watch the city burn. Every fireman on the job would be out that night and just about every cop, too. It always felt like a losing battle, but now . . .
Now it was like the whole city just said, all together . . . Let it burn.

The bulk of this series is set on the UP of Michigan, but the character Alex McKnight has his crime-fighting roots in Detroit, and the bulk of this installment in the series sees him back on his old turf. Author Steve Hamilton is a native of Detroit, and I think that perhaps he is mourning the fate of his hometown through the eyes of his protagonist in this novel.

"What the hell," I said out loud. I was looking at the shell of what was once a monument. A palace. And I was thinking of everything else I had seen that day. "How can a whole city come to this?"

This latest installment may be the best yet in the series. The release of a convicted murderer that Alex helped put away has the former cop taking another look at the case and at his old precinct. The first section alternates chapters between the present-day life of Alex, and those last few weeks of his career as a Detroit police officer. The suspense was such that I had to put the book down because I couldn't take the suspense, then had to pick it right back up to see what came next.

I've felt like my reading has been a disaster zone lately. My non-fiction book is mostly about people facing life-and-death situations of disaster; my just finished e-book dealt with large-scale destruction of the city of Detroit, by decay and fire. And my e-book was set in and around New Orleans during and post Hurricane Katrina.

Book #10. Tin Roof Blowdown by James Lee Burke
#16 Dave Robicheaux series
I'm not sure how to describe this one. It was complicated and dealt with havoc, both because of Katrina and because of the duality of human nature. I think a big theme of the book was that most people are complex: good people have some evil within them, and people we might think of as evil are also capable of good, or at least trying to be good. Then there is the occasional person who seems to be evil through-and-through. We meet all three of these types of people in this book. There is one who is a rapist and killer, frightfully self-centered in his viewpoint even as he regrets and tries to make amends for his misdeeds. There is the mob-related figure who loves his wife to a fault. There is the priest who is a drug addict. There is a twisted man who likes to hurt women and appears to have no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Then we have our flawed protagonist Dave Robicheaux and his buddy Clete Purcell, who with the best of intentions can sometimes sow violence and chaos in their wake.

Dave is pressed into service when his department is called upon to help with maintaining order in disaster-stricken New Orleans. This involves him in dealing with several crimes over which he otherwise would have had no jurisdiction: the shooting of two looters, the looting of a mob-related man's house, and the disappearance of a drug-addicted priest in the Ninth Ward, among others. And then there is the threat posed by a man who has targeted Dave's daughter Alafair.

Upon return to his home department in New Iberia, Dave's mindset toward the tragedy that is Katrina alternates between despair over the fate of the city and a kind of tunnel-vision regarding his investigations which seems to occasionally forget the strain under which neighboring law-enforcement and civic personnel are laboring.

I found the book powerful for its portrayal Katrina and of the complexity of human motivation and action. I must say that the final "breakthrough" Dave had regarding an accomplice to one of the criminals really didn't make a lot of sense to me -- either how he figured it out with any certainty from the scant info offered by Clete, or why it made much difference in the ultimate outcome of the case.

>103 tymfos: I haven't really read any of Burke's books, but that is one that I always intended to read just because of the Hurricane Katrina angle. I guess I never really added it to a wish list.

>104 thornton37814: Lori, be warned that this series is very gritty -- lots of violence and profanity. I get the feeling that's usually not your preferred reading material. But there is a level beyond that in Burke's writing -- he can even get a bit theological sometimes.

I just got home from work and found my ER copy of Dead Wake by Erik Larson, about the sinking of the Lusitania. I can't wait to get started on this one! I've loved everything I've ever read by the author.

>105 tymfos: Perhaps I removed it from my wish list after seeing that it had the large amount of violence and profanity. Probably best to keep it off my list.

Hi Terri, I'm always tempted to read Robicheaux when I read your reviews of his gritty work. Then I think about starting yet another series and I get queasy;-)

I did like The Thirteenth Tale a lot when I read it a few years ago.

Lucky you getting an ER copy of Dead Wake. That's one I will definitely want to read.

Just stopping in and waving! Have a Happy Weekend, Terri.

Stopping in to wish you a weekend filled with fabulous, Terri!

>106 thornton37814: If you're sensitive about those things, might be best, Lori

>107 brenzi: Hi, Bonnie! I was thrilled to win that ER!

>108 connie53: Happy Weekend, Connie!

>109 Crazymamie: Fabulous weekend to you, too, Mamie!

I started The Heart is a Lonely Hunter for the AAC this month. I had always planned to read it, and I like it, but it's really not what I want to be reading right now in the dead of winter. I just had two holds come available all at once on library e-books I really want to read (and that I won't be able to renew because others are waiting for them). Also, I have the new ER book I'm anxious to start. So I think I'm going to suspend the McCullers for now. It's in the local library collection where I can get back to it easily. I committed to not let my reading be ruled by challenges this year, and that's a promise I'm going to keep.

I finished my non-fiction book this week, so I'm ready to start my ER book!

Book #11. The Third Man Factor by John Geiger
This book deals with a phenomenon where people in extreme circumstances sense an extra presence who is inexplicably with them in their time of difficulty. Geiger explores the many theories ranging from spiritual (guardian angels, Jesus, decased loved ones) to the scientific (neurological, psychological). In the end, the author seems to come down on the scientific side. It's worth reading just for the many tales of harrowing situations which people have faced (and over which they've often triumphed). It's inspiring just to see the kinds of perilous challenges people can survive. We read about polar explorers, mountain climbers, astronauts, disaster survivors, etc., who have experienced the sense that an extra helper was present just when they needed it most.

>103 tymfos: One of these days I'm going to go back to the early Robicheaux novels and re-read a few of them. I tend to think Burke took him too far in the later installments. And I really object to the way he "disposed of" Dave's wives. Especially Bootsie, who we had come to know and expected to lose because of her chronic illness...I think we deserved to see her out, and instead she just disappeared from one book to the next.. However, I have always admired his writing, and I picked up a book called Wayfaring Stranger at the library, and am really enjoying it. The protagonist is one of the Holland clan (Billy Bob and Hackberry Holland each feature in other Burke series) and it takes place during the end of and shortly after WWII.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the Lusitania ER book. I'd hoped to get that one but got the baseball one instead. It hasn't arrived yet.

>111 laytonwoman3rd: I agree entirely with what you said in your spoiler. That really bothered me. I have no idea why he handled it that way.

>112 lindapanzo: I'm hoping to really get started on it tomorrow after church.

I hope all my LT friends in the winter storm zone is safe and warm somewhere.

We got snow, but not the kind of weather being seen further northeast.

Hi Terri, I wish you a lovely weekend.

>115 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara!

I am so behind on threads, I'll never get caught up. I may have some time this afternoon to lurk and comment a bit here and there.

Book #12 The Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill
#5 in the Dr. Siri series
This series gives a fascinating look at a totally different culture, at a transitional time in Laos history. The characters are lovable and fun. Dr. Siri is the coronor, an old-school Socialist revolutionary who is less than thrilled by the results of the Revolution. Aided by his loyal morgue assistants and other assorted friends (and now a new love in his life), he solves mysteries while dealing with otherworldly forces. The spriitual beliefs in the books are, of course, far different from my own, but it's interesting to see the cultural differences in an entertaining story that nonetheless deals with serious political and social issues. This story highlights the sad fate of the Hmong in a hostile world.

I have had my eye on the Dr. Siri series and have already made a mental note to give it a go after I finish a couple of my current series reading. Like you, I have resigned myself to the fact that I will never get caught up with threads so I have taken to speed reading and short comments here or there. Not the way I want to respond but there just isn't enough time in the day. ;-)

>117 lkernagh: I have taken to speed reading and short comments here or there.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I've resigned myself to, and I can barely manage that. This year is crazy, with my son a Senior in High School and dealing with college applications and financial aid, etc., to get ready for fall. There's an extra layer of bureaucracy to deal with because of his special needs, and getting accommodations for his learning disabilities. I refuse to quit reading, and I can't go without sleep like I used to, so it's LT I've had to cut back on.

Book #13 Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson
Since this is an ER book, I need to write a real review of this one -- which will take some time and thought. The short and sweet is that I thought this was marvelous. I've read two other books about the Lusitania, and was most taken by this one. Larson always makes history come alive. And even though his narrative non-fiction style of writing can feel almost like a novel, he does not skimp on the research. The endnotes in my ER copy weren't numbered yet, but they were substantial; the bibliography was extensive. Funny, even with an event so familiar to me, he managed to make the book suspenseful and gave me a lot of new information to ponder.

>118 tymfos: I'm so glad to hear that Dead Wake so good....I've had that on my definite TBR this year pile, and can't wait to get my hands on it. It sounds really good.

Hi Terri, you have hit me with a BB with Dead Wake, I have been fascinated by the sinking of the Lusitania for ages and this is an author that I know I like.

I just finished The Curse of the Pogo Stick, too. And I've got a copy of Dead Wake right on my night stand - glad to see it was a hit! I'm really looking forward to it!

Speed reading and leaving short comments--I hear ya! I also have a senior in HS with learning differences. Makes everything just a little harder doesn't it? Glad to see you when you can.

For those interested in Dead Wake who didn't get an ER copy, I believe the release is scheduled for mid-March -- March 12, according to Amazon.

>119 tututhefirst: Hi, Tina! I feel really lucky to have gotten an ER copy of Dead Wake.

>120 DeltaQueen50: Hi, Judy! Speaking of BBs, was it you who introduced me to that Irish police procedural series by Brian McGilloway? I'm reading the second one, Gallows Lane, and can hardly put it down.

>121 Copperskye: Sounds like we're kind of in synch with our reading these days, Joanne! Have a great day!

>122 Berly: Hi, Kim! Ah, we're both dealing with those special HS seniors. Can't believe mine is so grown up already! I think you manage to get around the threads a little better than I do these days.

Today is my day off, so I'm getting around to a few threads, at least. I also plan to spend some more time reading. Last Tuesday wasn't a good day for books at all, as the washer repairman was here, and there were other assorted issues to deal with.

BTW, why do appliances always break, like, a month after the warranty expires? (I actually had a digital camera break the day before it went out of warranty, but couldn't come up with the receipt for proof-of-purchase-date in time to send it out for warranty service.)

RL can totally get crazy sometimes! So glad you have some time to read (that's important!) and that you have a few moments to pop in here and there. :)
I hear ya on the warranty. Sometimes I wonder if it is even worth it because then there wouldn't be a magical number that it's for sure going to die by...ha!

>125 jolerie: Hi, Valerie! I definitely found some reading time, both to sit and finish my audio book, plus some audio listening time while I did housework. So I finished my latest e-book and audio.

Book #14. Gallows Lane by Brian McGilloway e-book
#2 in the Inspector Ben Devlin series
I found this to be a really good read. I like the setting in Ireland, along the border with Northern Ireland. I like the main character, Inspector Ben Devlin, who is a good and well-meaning detective, but who doesn't always do the right thing all the time. The series is gritty without excessive portrayals of violence. This installment involves the release of an ex-con who claims to have found God, a couple of discovered stashes of guns and drugs, two sexual assaults (one ending in death) and eventually a mess of murders. It's a complex case, all unfolding while Ben is applying for promotion. It was a very compelling read, which kept me picking it up and turning pages whenever I got a chance. I've already placed a hold on the next installment in the series!

Book #15. Bootlegger's Daughter by Margaret Maron AUDIO
#1 in Deborah Knott series
I read one later book in this series a few years ago, not realizing until I'd started that I was getting into the middle of a series. I decided to try the series from the start, and it didn't all quite sit right with me, but combined with the other one I read, it shows enough promise to read the next one, I think. The audio rendition was OK, but nothing special.

>123 tymfos: Yes, Terri, I do think it was me that warbled about the Brian McGilloway series. And now you have surged ahead of me! I do have Gallows Lane so will have to pull it down from the shelf soon.

Glad to hear that Dead Wake is wonderful. I'm looking forward to reading it.

>127 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy! Get to it; it's very good!

>128 lindapanzo: Hi, Linda! I hope you enjoy it.

I'm on a roll.

Book #16. Deer Season by Aaron Stander
#3, Ray Elkins Series
This was a short, quick mystery read. The title is a reference to deer hunting, but it seemed that people were the ones being shot. The deer hunters just confounded evidence gathering by having wandered around the crime vicinity leaving stray shell casings behind. The snow plow that practically buried one crime scene didn't help matters, either. What's a rural sheriff to do? Especially when one of his deputies seems to be way too much of a "person of interest" in the case?

I like the setting of these books, in Northern Michigan (but not the Upper Peninsula, though the UP is referenced throughout the book, as some "offscreen" action takes place there.) I skipped book #2 because I had read #1 and had this in my e-library, and wasn't sure I'd liked the first one enough to buy the rest. I obviously missed a lot of action in that second book, given some of the references to Ray's recent past. But it didn't affect my ability to follow the story in this book.

For some reason, the books in this series don't "feel" really well-written to me, but I can't point to where they fall short. It's certainly not the plot, which drew me along quickly through this installment once it got going. Is the dialogue stilted, as one reviewer suggested? Are the efforts to portray Sheriff Elkins as not-your-typical-sheriff too pointed? Is the prose just not up to par? I'm not sure. I enjoyed this one enough that I may go back and buy #2. (OK, so I know Ray survived whatever danger there was in that one; since it's a continuing series, I knew that anyway.)

>126 tymfos: I'm up to No. 10 (I think) in the Judge Knott series, and I like them a lot. Maron often picks a local industry (furniture making, pottery, etc.) and makes it the setting for her stories. They are informative as well as entertaining. As so often with series fiction, they get better as they go along, and the characters develop a bit. So far, she hasn't "jumped the shark".

>130 laytonwoman3rd: I do think I'll continue with the series, Linda!

Book #17 The Body in the Kelp by Katherine Hall Page
Faith Fairchild Series #2

This is a series of which I have read installments out-of-order over the years. This was the second book of the series, and was set on an island Down East Maine, rather than in the Fairchild's normal environment of Aleford, Mass. It was a decent mystery, and I generally like this series about a minister's wife who is a professional caterer -- though her kind of food is really not my cup of tea.

>131 tymfos: It's funny how, in some series, you just never read them in order. In this Katherine Hall Page series, I've read 3, 9, 16, and 18. I can't even pinpoint the reason. For a couple, they may have been nominated for an award when I attended a mystery conference. I think one was a Christmas-themed book.

I ought to start at the beginning of this series.

I'm the same way with Margaret Maron.

>132 lindapanzo: Linda, with the Katherine Hall Page series, I started, years ago, with the ones our public library had. The first one that caught my eye was The Body in the Lighthouse, since I love lighthouses, then I just grabbed whichever ones were available -- we didn't have many. Then I'd occasionally find one in a library sale or used bookstore. The Body in the Bookcase was one I picked up on vacation and read. Now I'm trying to fill in the gaps. The one I just read was so early in the series, Faith's first child was just a wee toddler and Faith hadn't re-established her catering career in Aleford. I think that the next one I haven't read yet is #8, The Body in the Fjord, from 1997. #22 is due out this May.

I have also read the Faith Fairchild books out of order. The Body in the Fjord is my favorite in the series. I've wanted to go on a Norwegian cruise ever since I read it.

The Faith Fairchild series is one I'm definitely going to get caught up on this year. I love the different venues and find them relaxing, but not in the brain candy category.

I'm with you in not wanting to read anything that I feel forced to read Terri. I decided not to participate in any challenges this year and just read what I want and I'm very much enjoying this new found freedom.

I've already got Dead Wake requested from the library so I'm glad you enjoyed it so much:-)

Here I am on LT when I should be soing other things. Hmmm . . .

>134 cbl_tn: Carrie, I look forward to the Fjord!

>135 tututhefirst: relaxing, but not in the brain candy category.
Well said, Tina! They are rather cozy, but not TOO cozy.

>136 brenzi: Bonnie, glad you're enjoying reading freedom! I hope you will like Dead Wake as much as I did.

I am having trouble settling on my next non-fiction book. So far, I've nibbled at two and put them both aside.

I ordered books today, but I have an excuse -- I needed one for a retreat I'm going on, and I needed the other two so the order would qualify for free shipping. Totally logical.

>137 tymfos: Here I am on LT when I should be soing other things.
Nobody else does that.

>138 qebo: Hi, Katherine!
(hee, hee) I didn't notice my typo until you quoted it :)

I got the work done I needed to. Maybe I should go to sleep now?

>131 tymfos: I'm pretty sure that The Body in the Kelp is one of the ones I decided that I haven't read. I know I've read most of them, but I wasn't tracking the reads when I first began the series.

Hi Terri. Steve Hamilton is an author we like to listen to when we are traveling to the UP. He writes well about the area with a bonus of good suspenseful stories. I made note of The Third Man Factor as I too am a fan of survival stories and how people depend on "help" to get through a rough time. I read my first Longmire book last week and enjoyed the part where Walt received help from the Native American spirits.

Terri and Bonnie: Congratulations on sticking with the "no challenge" reading so far this year. It's really working for me, too. I'm much happier when I make the choices of what I'll read next.

Several bb's here for me, most notably The Third Man Factor, which sounds fascinating. Several of the series you've been dipping into have been on my radar for several years, so I'll be getting to those later this year.

Isn't Larson a deft writer? It's astonishing how he can build suspense from, as you say, events with which we're quite familiar. I'm looking forward to the Lusitania tale.

>140 thornton37814: It was pretty good, Lori. I really like that series. I also am not exactly sure which one's I have and haven't read, as they date back pre-LT, but I think I sort of have a handle on it. :)

>141 Donna828: Donna, Steve Hamilton was doing a book signing nearby when we were vacationing in Michigan a while back, but I didn't get there -- sort of overruled by the rest of the family's plans. I think it was dinner that was the final blow. Bummer. Can you imagine wanting to eat when you could be meeting a famous author instead?

>142 Matke: Hi, Gail! "No Challenge" reading is going pretty well for me. I'm floundering trying to pick my next non-fiction book, but the challenges here rarely helped me with non-fiction choices, anyway. Maybe I'm just not in a mood for reality?

Book #18A Wait for Signs by Craig Johnson
A collection of Walt Longmire short stories

I finished the audio book of Craig Johnson's Wait for Signs, a Longmire series short story collection. I'm not counting it as a full book, since I skipped some of the stories I'd recently read as singles.

Next audio is the recently-released Kurt Wallender series novella by Hennng Mankell, An Event in Autumn -- it apparently was written some years ago, and fits into the series shortly before the last novel, The Troubled Man. I think this combined with the Longmire short-story book I just read, might "count" as 1 book by my standards. I'll call it Book #18B, even though I may finish it after Book #19. (see below)

I'm reading the third of Belinda Bauer's Jonas Holly series, Finders Keepers. It's very suspenseful. It, read after the second book, Darkside, is very unusual in the type of situation and suspense she has created. Can't say more without spoiler for those who haven't read the second book.

I see Bauer won awards for a recent book, Rubbernecker, featuring a character with Asperger's Syndrome. I'd like to read that during Autism Awareness Month in April.

My Amazon order has been shipped:



I already read the Johnson, but want a re-read of that one, then plan to donate it to fill in the library Longmire collection.

Sig goes to the vet today for his annual check-up and booster shots.

Hi Terri, I am chomping at the bit for the start of Spring Training so I've started my Spring Training read thread at: http://www.librarything.com/topic/187759

Oh, I love Belinda Bauer! I have Rubbernecker in the stacks, so I will join you in April, Terri!

Oh, I will join in with Rubbernecker in April as well. I also love Belinda Bauer!

Well, at least somebody is getting some reading done....
scritches to Sig...

>145 tymfos: Not come across Anne Lamott, and the reviews on her LT page sound good, so I've added it to the reservation list at the library. Thank you!

>146 lindapanzo: Thanks for the link, Linda! I'll star the thread. I've been trying to decide on my next non-fiction book, and sampled several titles. Baseball seemed a likely topic. I tried A Well Paid Slave: Curt Flood's Fight for Free Agency in Professional Sports. It looks fascinating and well done, but not fitting my mood. It looks like I'm doing a weather book next, So Cold a Sky: Upper Michigan Weather Stories, since this time of year it's good to read about places that have worse weather than we do! But next nf read will surely be about baseball.

>147 Crazymamie:, >148 DeltaQueen50: Mamie and Judy, I may have to re-think that Bauer book. According to Amazon, apparently the US edition isn't set to be released until August. I could get a UK edition via Amazon, but I think I'd rather wait until my options for purchase are wider and closer to home. Also, the library might get it when the US edition is released! It's not like I don't have anything else around to read . . . ;)

>149 mckait: Hi, Kath! Sig meows back! His vet visit went fine. I mean, Sig wasn't happy about it, but the vet says (and I agree) he's a big, beautiful, healthy cat. At approximately 13 pounds or so, (he wouldn't stay still on the scale!) not at all too heavy for his size, just a big fella.

>150 charl08: Hi! Welcome to my thread! I hope you enjoy reading Lamott.

A bit of snow today. I'm not scheduled to work, and probably won't go out. Bitter cold expected by tomorrow. I do work tomorrow.

Book #18B (novella, actually) An Event in Autumn by Henning Mankell AUDIO

This novella was written years ago for a Danish reader-incentive program, and Mankell has only recently resurrected it for wider distribution. In the chronology of the series, it takes place in the gap between the last two Wallander novels, somewhat before The Troubled Man. Kurt is looking at a house that he might purchase when he makes a surprising discovery which launches an investigation into a decades-old crime. My audio edition included fascinating author comments about the series and the origins and development of the Wallander character.

Book #19 Finders Keepers by Belinda Bauer
#3 Jonas Holly series

I find Belinda Bauer's novels to be among the more unusual crime novels I've read -- especially the second and third installments of this series. As I said before, when this book is read after the second book, Darkside, it's very unusual in the type of situation and suspense she creates. I can't explain more about that without spoiler for those who haven't read the second book. In this book, children are going missing all over Exmoor, replaced by notes claiming "you don't love him" (or her, or them). Jonas Holly has been on medical leave since the death of his wife and his own critical injury; however, now he returns to the police force -- but should he? This was a real page-turner, and at the end I admit I was speed-reading to see how it turned out.

Sig went a-pawing at the door to the closet where the catnip is kept. OK, I can take a hint . . .


Catnip cat!

>152 tymfos: Terri, I saw online at my local library that they've got the second and third book of the Jonas Holly series. I hope it doesn't matter when I'm not able to read the first one.

>153 tymfos: Lovely photo of Sig. It looks like playing time.

>154 Ameise1: Barbara, I had forgotten a lot about the first book in that series before I read the second and third. There are references to the first book in the latter two, but they are not dependent upon the first book as much as the third is linked to the second. The second and third are, unavoidably, in some way a spoiler to the first (as far as who survives into the second book, anyway). If you're not reading the first, that doesn't matter.

Did I state that clearly enough? Seems a bit fuzzy. . .

That photo of Sig was kind of fuzzy, too, as he was perpetual motion after I gave him the catnip. He is sound asleep now. I guess he's all played out from the catnip.

My book order arrived today.

Everything clear, Terri. Thanks so much. I've now some more BBs to read ;-).

Which books did you get?

>153 tymfos: Sounds like Sig has you wrapped around his paw!

Hi Terri! You have been reading a lot lately. Good for you.

Hi Terri, looks like you have been doing lots of good reading lately. I am glad to see that you enjoyed Dead Wake. That is one book that I really want to read because I have an interest in WW1 and that is the ship that my grandfather immigrated to Canada on a few years before it was lost.

Hi Terri! Love the picture of Sig. What a cutie. Looks like you've been reading a lot of good books lately. Good job!

Hi! Sorry I haven't been around much. I can't even say I've been busy reading, as my reading has ground pretty much to an abrupt halt. The temperatures dropped below zero, and I think my brain froze. My car battery died. I got a summons for jury duty. My cat has gone hyperactive.

I had to change Sig's dry cat food -- the all-natural stuff I was getting affordably at the discount store isn't available there anymore. The new stuff looks like it has food coloring. Are cats like some ADHD kids, responding wildly to artificial colors and flavors?

Anyway, I haven't been LT-ing, except a quick jot on a smart phone now and then. I hate posting from phone! I've hardly had my computer on at all this week. Tonight I need it to print out the Ash Wednesday bulletin, so I thought I'd stop by the thread.

>156 Ameise1: Barbara, two Anne Lamott and a Craig Johnson. Covers, see >145 tymfos:

>157 thornton37814: LOL! Lori, today he has been wrapping his paws around my leg, seeming to want something and I can't figure out what. I've done fresh food and water, catnip, play with the laser pointer, play with the toy-on-a-string . . . he doesn't want to be petted. And he's making all kinds of mischief, climbing the bookshelves and knocking things off. Tonight he turned on my computer printer while we were watching the dog show on TV.

>158 connie53: Hi, Connie! Up till now I was reading up a storm, but I seem to be fizzling out now.

>159 Familyhistorian: Meg, wow that is a neat connection! I hope you like the book.

>160 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel!

currently reading: (* means I own a copy of the book, real or virtual. Others are from library/)

The Secret Place by Tana French (fiction)
*So Cold a Sky: Upper Michigan Weather Stories by Karl Bohnak (non-fiction)
*Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott
Swan Peak by James Lee Burke AUDIO
*The Waters of Kronos by Conrad Richter e-book

ongoing devotional reader for the year:
*Near to the Heart of God: Meditations on 366 Best-Loved Hymns by Robert J. Morgan

on deck
Bleed a River Deep by Brian McGilloway (e-book on hold with Overdrive, and I'm next in line)

I like the Tana French boook so far. I really liked the first part of the Anne Lamott book, but am relating less to what I'm reading now. The Burke is the usual for the Robicheaux series, more or less, only with a change of scenery. I'm tiring of the supporting character of Clete. The Michigan weather book has more detailed history than I expected, and is a bit of a slog so far. The Richter appealed to me for several reasons when I bought it, but I'm really not enjoying it. The devotional is just a quick reading for each day of the year including a hymn text and related Bible verse -- always with some tie-in of the hymn or hymnwriter to that particular day in the calendar. I generally pick it up first thing in the morning to start the day.

Just catching up here. Hugs. : )

Hi, Kim!

Glad you are kind of back, Terri. Maybe Sig has some Spring thoughts on his mind and he is looking for a lady cat.

I think Sig wants some of this snow and ice to look at. I'll gladly send it. I'm tired of it already.

I keep meaning to try out Tana French. Looking forward to your final thoughts on The Secret Place.

My car battery died. I got a summons for jury duty. My cat has gone hyperactive.

Well, that is enough to keep anyone off LT.

>166 connie53: Hi, Connie! Sig is neutered, so I think he's not so interested in the lady cats. But who knows?

>167 thornton37814: Lori, I think Sig has adequate snow and ice here already. No more, please!

>168 jolerie: Valerie, I'm continuing to enjoy the French.

>169 lkernagh: Lori, I think it's less that stuff, really, as I'm just spending so much time on computer at work, I don't want to sit at the computer at home -- combined with winter blahs.

>170 tymfos: Maybe his mind does not know yet ;-)

>171 connie53: Who knows the mind of a cat? ;)

Snow day for the kids, I'm home, not scheduled to work today. COLD, zero degrees Fahrenheit, wind chills worse than 20 below, approaching 35 below with some of the wind gusts overnight when temps were sub-zero. Internet went down for a while in the middle of trying to post this.

I managed to finish the last bits of two short books.

Book #20 Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers by Anne Lamott.

I really liked this little book about prayer. Some Christians might not find it overtly Christian enough, but it worked for me. And Lamott didn't go on any of the political rants that often irritate me with many of her books.

Book #21 The Waters of Kronos by Conrad Richter.

I bought this because of the main premise -- a man returning to his home area, where his home town is now under the waters of a man-made lake, due to construction of a dam for hydro-electric power. There's such a lake not too far from us, and I know people whose old homes are now under water, with bits of the old town popping up along the lake edges during severe droughts. Also, the author is a native Pennsylvanian, and a minister's son, I believe. It was enough for me to spring for a Kindle daily deal and buy the book. The problem is, when the protagonist goes home, he somehow is transported back into time, when the town was still there, and as an old man walks the streets and sees his younger self and family. (The river dammed up is the Kronos River, as in "chronos," Time.) Some of the usual aggravating time-travel situations emerge, with him somehow thinking the people who knew him then will understand who he is, and they can't possibly do so. Then, near the end, this mystery emerges about a frightening man. The author writes as though this was the man's reason for being there all along, but I don't recall it coming up at all until near the end, and I don't understand the insight which is supposedly revealed when he finds the "solution" to this puzzle. The writing is lovely prose, richly evoking small town life of a time gone by, but the story was all just a bit of muddle to me, and the ending was more than abrupt, though I guess I understand what the author was getting at.

Timing can be everything . . . I just finished my e-book, and the hold came available for the e-book I'd been waiting for, next in Brian McGilloway's Inspector Devlin series. BUT . . . I just realized this has me reading two police novels set in Ireland at the same time. I usually try to make my concurrent books more unlike one another. Let's see if I can handle this -- the styles of the two books are very different, so it may not be a problem.

Snow again today. I will be so glad when Spring comes!

At least the temps got into the 20s today! It's actually 30 right now.

>175 tymfos: My home is my castle! What a cute photo. Happy Sunday, Terri.

> 175 Hi Sig!

Terri, I have to admit that I am finding reading on my paperwhite more convenient than books. It's a lighting thing. But I am sort of plodding through Station Eleven. I can't really get invested in it, but it might be my busy-ness since I sm always putting it down to do something like shovel snow or brush a furkid.

Oh! Lovely shot of Sig! He is very photogenic!! Morning, Terri!

Happy Weekend, Terri! How are you? I am glad you loved Dead Wake, since I also have an E.R. copy, waiting nearby. I hope I can bookhorn it in next month.

>175 tymfos: I think I'm in love!

Beautiful shot of Sig. What hyperactive? Note the calm eye, the folded paws...both camouflage as he plots his next bits of naughtiness...

ETA: I do love Anne Lamott.

>175 tymfos: Love the picture! :) Too bad you didn't like The Waters of Kronos, it looks like it has an interesting premise.

Hi Terri--Wishing you a great weekend. And Sig, too.

If you're at all like me Terri, it's winter that's getting to you. Cold and snow and more cold and a lot more snow. I'm so sick of it.

Hi, folks! I hope all of you in cold places (like me) are managing to keep warm. Funny, it seems like perfect weather for reading, but I've barely managed a few chapters this whole past week.

>176 Ameise1: Hi, Barbara! Sig is napping in his "castle" now.

>177 mckait: Sig says hi, Kath!
What little reading I've been doing is sort of plodding, even with books I like.

>178 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! I hope you're having a good weekend.

>179 msf59: Mark, do get to Dead Wake ASAP. It's worth reading!

>180 connie53: Hi, Connie! Sig is a sweetie, isn't he?

>181 Matke: What hyperactive? Note the calm eye, the folded paws...both camouflage as he plots his next bits of naughtiness...
LOL, Gail!

>182 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel! The Waters of Kronos really disappointed me.

>183 Berly: Thanks, Kim! Same to you!

>184 brenzi: Bonnie, I am so very sick of winter. I keep telling myself we're lucky here compared to Upstate NY and New England, but it's still been a bit much -- so cold for so long!

I 've started a new thread for March. I'm hoping a new thread will jump-start my reading and LTing.

This thread is CLOSED. Come on over to the new thread!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/188470