seasonsoflove's challenge for 2010

I had so much fun doing this in 2009, I am definitely doing this again!

1. At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie
2. Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser
3. Palace Council by Stephen L. Carter
4. The Cat Who Went Underground by Lillian Jackson Braun
5. Death of an Expert Witness by P.D. James
6. The Prestige by Christopher Priest
7. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
8. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
9. Death in the Stocks by Georgette Heyer
10. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
11. Death of a Peer by Ngaio Marsh
12. Spider's Web by Agatha Christie
13. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
14. Something Blue by Emily Giffin
15. The Michigan Murders by Edward Keyes
16. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
17. The Likeness by Tana French
18. The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
19. Dust and Shadow by Lyndsay Faye
20. The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson
21. The Language of Bees by Laurie R. King
22. The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley
23. House Rules by Jodi Picoult
24. Splendor by Anna Godbersen
25. Final Exam by Maggie Barbieri
26. Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl
27. Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
28. The Eight by Katherine Neville
29. Haunt Me Still by Jennifer Lee Carrell
30. The God of the Hive by Laurie R. King
31. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahme-Smith
32. The Spellmans Strike Again by Lisa Lutz
33. Jane Slayre by Charlotte Bronte
34. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson
35. The Broken Teaglass by Emily Arsenault
36. The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum
37. Clutch of Constables by Ngaio Marsh
38. Cold and Pure and Very Dead by Joanne Dobson
39. Love is Murder by Linda Palmer
40. The Secret Notebooks of Agatha Christie by John Curran
41. Gone by Lisa McMann
42. The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve
43. The Ghost Orchid by Carol Goodman
44. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
45. Swimsuit by James Patterson
46. Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson
47. Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
48. The Burning Wire by deaverjeffrey::Jeffrey Deaver
49. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
50. The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry
51.The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman
52. The Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
53. Destination Unknown by Agatha Christie
54. Like Me by Chely Wright
55. Beasts by oatesjoycecaroloates::Joyce Carol Oates
56. The Moonlit Earth by Christopher Rice
57. Faithful Place by Tana French
58. Liar by Justine Larbalestier
59. The Many Faces of Van Helsing edited by Jeanne Cavelos
60. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
61. A Wedding in December by anitashreve::Anita Shreves
62. A Better Class of Murder by Joyce Christmas
63. Murder by the Book edited by Cynthia Manson
64. Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
65. What Never Happens by Anne Holt
66. Spook by Mary Roach
67. Private by James Patterson
68. Dracula in Love by Karen Essex
69. Murder is a Girl's Best Friend by Amanda Matetsky
70. Malice Domestic 3 edited by Nancy Pickard
71. The Happy Birthday Murder by Lee Harris
72. Murder at Bertram's Bower by Cynthia Peale
73. The Murder Room by Michael Capuzzo
74. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
75. Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
76. The Girls of Murder City by Douglas Perry
77. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
78. Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
79. At the Scene of the Crime by Dana Stabenow
80. Flawless by Sara Sheperd
81. No Angel by Penny Vincenzi
82. Murder With Mirrors by Agatha Christie
83. The Crazy Garden by E.A. Bagby
84. 116825::Yankee Doodle Dead by hartcarolynghartcaro::Carolyn G. Hart
85. The Private Patient by jamespdandothers::P.D. James
86. Perfect by Sara Shepherd
87. Third Girl by Agatha Christie
88. The Veiled Detective by David Stuart Davies
89. Death in a Strange Country by Donna Leon
90. Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
91. P.S. What I Didn't Say by Megan McMorris
92. The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
93. The Mighty Queens of Freeville by Amy Dickinson

Welcome back!

Welcome back...got you starred!

Glad to see you back with us again!

Thanks so much everyone! I came back because I had so much fun with you guys in 2009!!

First book of the year!

1. At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie
This was another one of hers that deviated from her usual style, and as much as I love her usual style, its always fun to see her playing around with different types of mysteries. A really fun setting, with great twists and interesting characters.

Looks like your reading year is off to a good start!

Thanks alcottacre! Just finished another good book as well.

2. Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser
This was a really creepy, suspenseful, engaging young adult book. The premise-an anonymous blogger starts wishing the popular kids who are mean at him or her at school would die, and these same kids start disappearing-is a great one for suspense and mystery, and the author carries it well through the end. The writing occasionally verges on cliche, but this really doesn't take much away from the book. Though this book could certainly stand alone, I was pleasantly surprised to find it is planned as part of a trilogy.

#7: I already have that one in the BlackHole. It looks very good. I just need my local library to get in a copy.

Found you and starred you! Glad to see you back for 2010. :)

Wish You Were Dead has plopped onto the neverending wishlist! Thanks. I remember reading and enjoying The Wave - Todd Strasser when I was in high school.

Hi Marcia! Glad you found me!!!

I remember The Wave!! I loved that book and movie when I read/saw them in school-had a really powerful effect on me. Definitely a book that stayed with me.

3. Palace Council by Stephen L. Carter
This is one of those books that manages to be intelligent, gripping, suspenseful, fascinating, and complex. Even at almost 600 pages, it flies by.

#10: Well, I cannot resist the sound of Palace Council. Into the BlackHole it goes!

It's totally worth it #11-SO good! Though my favorite of his remains The Emperor of Ocean Park.

4. The Cat Who Went Underground by Lillian Jackson Braun
Though the ending seemed a little rushed and ridiculous, it was still a fun read.

5. Death of an Expert Witness by P.D. James
I love her books, and this was no exception. Her characters are always so incredible and complex,and her mysteries psychological, twisty, and suspenseful. You just get lost in her world.

I like P.D. James books as well. Glad to find another fan!

I totally forgot about the movie version of The Wave! We watched it in high school, too, and it was pretty good.

I've added Palace Council to my neverending wishlist. I've never read anything by Stephen Carter... do you recommend reading Emperor of Ocean Park first?

#14-I'm definitely glad to find another fan as well!

#15-I would recommend reading Emperor of Ocean Park first-some characters come up again in Palace Council, so it helps to read them in order (though its not necessary).

6. The Prestige by Christopher Priest
This is one of those rare times when I say I liked the move more-the movie's twist and turns worked better for me. However, this book was really amazing-the story really hooked me in from the first page, and I couldn't stop reading.

#16: I did not see the movie of The Prestige. The book looks interesting though. I will give it a shot.

I'm another in the camp of liking the movie version of The Prestige better than the book. The book's quite good, but the actors in the movie version really made it come alive.

#13, #14 P.D. James is currently my favourite crime writer (I say currently because in the last month I've added countless new detective series to my wishlist)

#17 it's definitely a unique read, and really creative.

#18 that's exactly how I felt! Plus there were some moments in the movie that, because of the medium of film, were able to be so so visually stunning and haunting.

#19-I am such a mystery lover! Who did you add?

7. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
This was a quick, excellent read. Its somewhat in the spirit of Twilight, but still very different. The characters and their romance is so beautiful, and touching, and the supporting characters are excellent as well.

I'm glad to hear good things about Shiver. It's sitting near the top of my TBR pile, so I hope to read it in the not-too-distant future.

#20 My wishlist has gone critical so I'm not even sure anymore! I need to work out some kind of tagging system.

From a quick glance I have the Meg Langlsow series (starts with Murder with Peacocks), The Three Pines (Still Life), Shetland Quartet (Raven Black), Hilary Tamar (Thus Was Adonis Murdered), Jar City, Pale as the Dead and I have never properly investigated Dorothy L. Sayers and Josephine Tey.

I thought I was quite well read until I joined this group!

(And I forgot to say your review got me to add The Prestige to my book wishlist and my movies-to-watch list!)

Enough complaining - I absolutely love all the recommendations. It's fantastic to have all these people to talk to about books :-)

#22: I knew I was underread when I joined the group and since joining have come to the conclusion that I will never be well read :)

Just chiming in... I loved the movie of The Prestige, but I've never gotten around to reading the book. Definitely recommend the film though!

Enough complaining - I absolutely love all the recommendations. It's fantastic to have all these people to talk to about books :-)

I think we all just enjoy complaining about the massive TBR pile while secretly being happy to have so many great book ideas :)

Just stopping by to say hello and check out your thread. I read your comment about Shutter Island on the What Are We Reading page. I love how these connections are made.

It looks like you are a big mystery fan, an area where I am pretty negligent. Have you read any P.D. James? I started reading her books in order years ago, and am on No. 4 or 5. I need to get back on track. My thread is here. Drop by anytime!

I didn't know The Prestige movie was based on a book. I really liked the movie and thought it was better than The Illusionist when they were competing at the box office against each other. Good to know the book isn't that good, though. Less movie-tie ins to read!

*waves to all the awesome new people dropping by my thread*
Hi everyone! I'm really glad to have you all here.

#26 I will definitely check your thread out. I an a huge mystery fan, and love P.D. James.

8. Shutter Islandby Dennis Lehane
As incredible as I remember it, and then some.In my Top 10 books of all-time.

Shutter Island is mentioned often throughout our challenge group. I'll need to read this one.

#29-Definitely read it!!! It's so amazing-and you should definitely read the book before seeing the movie.

9. Death in the Stocks by Georgette Heyer
This is a really fun mystery with great characters. I definitely plan to read more of her mysteries.

#30: I enjoy Heyer's mysteries. I am glad to have found another fan.

#31-I really enjoyed reading Death in the Stocks-I'm hoping to order another from the library soon.

10. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
Though I had heard him give a talk before, I had never read a book of his-now I know why he has so many fans-this was so funny and insightful.

11. Death of a Peer by Ngaio Marsh
Another great book of hers, with such great characters. I always enjoy reading her work.

I've taken note of these mysteries - thank you! My library doesn't have them but I can get them through an interlibrary loan when I'm ready.

You're so welcome Joanne! I'm a mystery fiend as you've noticed ;)

12. Spider's Web by Agatha Christie
This is one of the novels adapted by someone else, from one of Agatha Christie's plays.This means that while the characters and awesome plot twists and fabulous surprise ending are there, her amazing writing style is not. I would still recommend this to people who love Agatha Christie, but it is certainly not as good as those she completely wrote herself.

13. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Though this book was almost 600 pages long, it didn't feel like it at all. The book was beautifully written (though her pronoun use could get a little confusing at times), and every historical figure, especially Cromwell, really brought to life.

14. Something Blue by Emily Giffin
What was really incredible about this book was the author took a character I had despised from the previous book, and made me passionately love her in this book. A really beautiful, intelligent, emotional read.

15. The Michigan Murders by Edward Keyes

My dad tracked down this book for me, as not only am a true crime buff, but he grew up in Ann Arbor, and every year on our way to visit my grandparents we drive along one of the stretches of road that played a prominent role. While the writing wasn't great, the story told was a really interesting look at the psychology of a crime, and the police process of catching a criminal.

#36: Sounds interesting. I will look for it!

That's totally why I like Something Blue, as well! I had another conversation with another LT about that book, because she was saying that she didn't like the book because she couldn't emphasize with Darcy, but I said that I felt that author took a big chance by writing the story from the "villianess's" side which I respected. In the end, I still didn't like Darcy, but I'm not a reader who has to like the main character. And I think the story is a good reminder about how there are multiple sides to every story and that an essentially good person can be a jerk if they aren't emotionally mature or have deep insecurities they hide.

#37-its definitely an interesting read.

#38-exactly! I love how well the different sides of the story are shown.

16. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
I loved this! I thought the main character was really interesting-even though at times a bit obnoxious (which was definitely the author's purpose)-and the story was well-written, clever, and engaging.

#39: I have definitely got to read 'Sweetness' soon. It got shunted aside for library books.

Message 35..
Kidzdoc (Darryl) started us on the Wolf Hall wagon train and since then, I don't think I've heard anyone who didn't like the book.

Cromwell is a fascinating character. I thought it was interesting that Mantel did not take the reader through the end of Cromwell's relationship with Henry wherein he lost favor.

#40-It took me a while to read it too, but I am definitely glad I did.
#41-I thought that too!

17. The Likeness by Tana French
This is one of those books that just leaves you breathless at the end. Tana French is an incredibly brilliant writer, and I cannot recommend this and In the Woods enough.

I picked up a good used copy of Sweetness recently. I need to bump it up on my list!

#42: An LTer sent me a copy of The Likeness recently and I am planning on reading it over the summer. Looks pretty good!

I know this going way back on your thread, but just saw Emperor of Ocean Park the other day and wondered about it; I think I'll have to try it now. Thanks!

#43 and #44 both of those books are really good!
#45 I can't recommend it enough. It's my favorite of his books, though they are all good.

18. The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
I had high hopes for this one, being that it's by the author of Austenland, but I think if it hadn't been by Shannon Hale, I would have put it down after the first few pages. It was one of those books I wasn't excited to pick up again, though it was ok once I was reading it again. Everything was just too far-fetched and ridiculous to really get into it.

19. Dust and Shadow by Lindsay Faye
I really enjoyed this-I am really interested in Sherlock Holmes, and Jack the Ripper, so any book that combines the two with excellent writing and a lot of suspense is a book I'm going to like.

#46: Dust and Shadow looks right up my alley. Into the BlackHole it goes!

I'm really glad you're going to read Dust and Shadow-it is really great.

20. The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson
The story being told was really interesting, and definitely scary, though the writing style occasionally verged on cheesy.

#48: I checked Dust and Shadow out of the library the other day, so I will be getting to it in upcoming weeks. Thanks again for the recommendation.

#49 I'm so glad to hear that-I hope you like it!

21. The Language of Bees by Laurie R. King
Another stunning Mary Russel/Sherlock Holmes book. As a Watson fan, I always wish he was in these far more than he is, but that is the only complaint I have.

22. The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley
I actually enjoyed this second book in the series far more than I enjoyed the first. While I had liked the first, I actually loved this second addition. The characters are more complex and more likable by far.

23. House Rules by Jodi Picoult
While the ending seemed a little pat for my taste, this was still an incredibly powerful, poignant, and gripping book. I found myself really caught up in this story, and deeply caring what happened to the characters.

#50: Have you read the newest one in the Russell/Holmes series yet? I have not gotten to it yet - just curious to see if you had. I really like that series.

#51 I haven't gotten to yet-I need to put myself on the list for that at the library as soon as possible-I'm really excited about it!!

24. Splendor by Anna Godbersen
At first I wasn't as drawn into this book as I have been with previous entries in the series, but by the end I was completely hooked again. I found the ending extremely satisfying-this was an excellent series.

#52: My daughter got an ARC of the latest Russell/Holmes book. I may have to 'borrow' it from her :)

#53-So jealous! I can't wait to read it!

25. Final Exam by Maggie Barbieri
I love these books-great characters, great romance, really funny and clever.

26. Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl
This is one of the best books I've read this year. Incredibly well-written, challenging in an amazing way, and haunting-really stays with you. The end is incredible, as is everything leading up to it.

27. Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
Maybe it was the long span of time between reading the first in this series and this one, but I had a hard time getting into this. I did enjoy it enough to plan to read the third book, but I didn't love it. A good read, but not great.

#54: I have seen mixed reviews of Special Topics in Calamity Physics. I am going to have to try it myself one of these days to see how I feel about it.

I've enjoyed getting caught up with your thread. I'm glad you recommend In the Woods and The Likeness. I've got them at the top of my summer reading pile. Oh yes, and a few more Sherlock Holmes stories by Doyle. I'm also planning to read the Three Pine Series by Louise Penny that so many on LT are raving about. Have you read these? I'm looking forward to my "mysterious" summer. :-)

Don't let Rebel Angels put you off from her latest book - a complete departure - Going Bovine. It's a spin on Don Quixote where a young man is diagnosed with Mad Cow Disease and goes on an adventure with his hospital roommate. It won the Printz award and is great!

#55 My dad actually disliked Special Topics in Calamity Physics and gave it to me to see what I thought-he thought I'd love the mystery aspect of it and he was right.

#56 thanks Donna! In the Woods and The Likeness are so amazing! I look forward to hearing what you think. I loved the Three Pine series and cannot recommend them enough! I'm a huge mystery fan-its my favorite genre-so I'm always reading mysteries.

#57 thanks for the recommendation mamzel! My dad actually read Going Bovine and loved it-its on my TBR shelves now.

I'm so glad to see you enjoyed Special Topics in Calamity Physics. I'm planning to read it for my books off the shelf challenge and I keep putting it off because of mixed reviews. One more for the plus column! :)

#59 It is one of my favorite books I've read this year by far-I actually just wrote a review for it on here (my first review on this site-I've always been so nervous to write one!). I can't recommend it enough.

28. The Eight by Katherine Neville
I ended up liking this a lot more than I thought I would. While I love Da Vinci Code type books, chess, mathematics, and physics have never been things I'm good at, let alone things I am interested in. But this book really grabbed me. I loved the historical aspect and the great twists and turns, and I wanted to follow the characters even after the book ended to find out what happened to them. The main romance was really wonderful and well-done. The only complaints were a tendency to spend a little long describing the sand in the desert, and the occasional "corny" "cliched sentences.

Congrats on your first review! You did great and I'm looking forward to Special Topics even more now!!

#60: I enjoyed The Eight, but did not care for the follow up, The Fire, at all.

#61 Thank you so much! I had a lot of fun writing it, so will definitely be writing another one someday.

#62 That is good to know-I was wondering about the follow-up.

29. Haunt Me Still by Jennifer Lee Carrell
While I did not enjoy this as much as the first in the series, I still enjoyed it a lot. The mystery and historical aspect of it (though fictionalized at times, as admitted by the author) kept me completely hooked, as did the relationship between Kate and Ben. As I got to the final chapters, I couldn't put the book down. I look forward very much to the next book in the series.

Great, great comments on Special Topics in Calamity Physics!! It's already on my wishlist and I'm moving it up.

RE: Haunt Me Still, I already have the first one in this series on my wishlist and it sounds like I need to get to it.

I also loved The Eight. I haven't read the second one because of negative reviews. I may try it eventually, just start it and see where it leads me. My library has it, so I wouldn't be out any money if I don't finish it.

#63: I liked the first of the Carrell series well enough, so I expect I will read the second (if my local library ever gets a copy!), although in the States it is known as The Shakespeare Curse (do not even get me started on why publishers feel it is necessary to change book names from country to country!!)

#64 thank you so much! I was so nervous to write a review, so I'm really excited I'm convincing people to read it!

Interred with Their Bones is definitely worth the read-as a former English major and current Shakespeare fan, getting all the background on him and his works mixed with the surrounding legends and a good mystery was really great (and a rare find!).

I am the same way with reading the sequel-if you end up reading it, please let me know what you think.

#65 I noticed it is referenced as The Shakespeare Curse on here-I don't know why publishers are always changing the titles!!

30. The God of the Hive by Laurie R. King
I honestly have to struggle to ever find anything negative to say about the Mary Russell series, besides the lack of Dr. Watson in them. This was not the strongest entry in the series, but even a weaker book by Laurie R. King is still an incredible book. The characters are so fantastic one cannot help but be drawn in, and the mystery was suspenseful and twisting.

#66: I love the Russell/Holmes series too, so I am definitely going to be reading that one. Thanks for the reminder about it!

Oh goody, another new series for me to check out...

I keep hearing people talk about this Mary Russell series and your rave has put me over the top so I put The Beekeeper's Apprentice on hold.

#68: Joanne, I think you are really going to like it. The Beekeeper's Apprentice is one of the stronger books in the series, IMHO, but they are all worth reading.

I'm also perking up my ears about this series. I've promised myself to read more of my Sherlock Holmes stories this summer but I could also fit in a different perspecitive of him. I read a few Laurie King books years ago and seem to remember liking them.

Hmmmm....just checked the archives and I read Folly in 2001. I gave it 3.5 stars. The other two I read by her were rated less favorably, but when I entered these pre-LT books, it was pretty much a guessing game on the ratings.

I'm going to reserve The Beekeeper's Apprentice. Thanks for the suggestion, Seasons..., and for the backup, Stasia.

#70: You are quite welcome, Donna!

#54 Interesting title, great review, have added that book to wishlists and will check out library catalogues at some point.

Welcome to my thread elkiedee-can't wait to hear what you think of it!

31. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahme-Smith
It seems strange to say this book was fun, given the blood-soaked aspect of it, but it was a fun book. I can't really imagine it inspiring anyone who reads to and hasn't read Pride and Prejudice to go pick up the original, as so little of the amazing original novel is retained, but as someone who loves both Pride and Prejudice and the supernatural in fiction, I did enjoy reading this quite a bit. It was particularly fun to read the classic lines from the original that were put into this very new context.

32. The Spellmans Strike Again by Lisa Lutz
I am incredibly sad that this fun, funny, clever, unique series has reached its end, but a perfect end it was.

I definitely need to get to the Spellmans again!

Is that really the end of the Spellmans series? No more to come? Somehow I missed that. Any chance Izzy will come back like Sherlock Holmes did from Reichenbach Falls? It's been such a great series.

#74-The books are so good! You definitely should.

#75-from what I read other places, it seems to be sadly. My hope is that there will be more someday, due to popular demand. Apparently they are making a movie out of the first book, which has the potential to be awesome.

Anyone know any ideas about what i can call my book about the police in the 60's. Its from a sergeants point of view and he has a lot of problems at home and at work but mostly at home.

33. Jane Slayre by Charlotte Bronte
Strangely enough, for a book that turns Jane Eyre into a vampire/zombie slayer, this is also a book that takes away much of the spunk that Jane had in the original. Jane comes across as irritatingly self-righteous, highly paranoid, and even a little whiny. It is the moments when Jane Slayre comes closest to being Jane Eyre, while still kicking some vampire butt, that the book remains interesting.

34. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
This is one of those books where I'm at a loss for words at how amazing it is. While the beginning was a little slow (I'm not much for economics and finances to be very honest), I could not put the book down. The characters are incredible, the mystery is gripping, and the story is compelling.

35. The Broken Teaglass by Emily Arsenault
As someone who loves mysteries with unusual formats, centered around secrets from the past, this was right up my alley. Interesting, informative, and incredibly engaging, this was another book I could not put down.

I am passing on Jane Slayre (I think Bronte is probably turning over in her grave), already love the Larsson books, but am putting The Broken Teaglass in the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation of that one!

Glad you liked The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Broken Teaglass. I liked them both, too.

#79-Jane Slayre is definitely one you can (and probably should) pass on. The Broken Teaglass though is definitely one for the TBR.

#80-Someone with good taste in books recommended those to me ;)

36. The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum
This is one of those books that manages to seamlessly blend history, mystery, science, and suspense into one incredible piece of non-fiction. It traces the history of forensics, specifically the science of poison and poison detection, in the early days of New York City, through the eyes of the very first chief medical examiner and his assistants.

37. Clutch of Constables by Ngaio Marsh
The concept of having everyone trapped on a boat together, while assuredly not a new mystery strategy, created great suspense, character development, and tension, and the reveal was really surprising and exciting.

#81: I just finished The Poisoner's Handbook too and loved it. I am glad you enjoyed it.

Yay, another fan of The Poisoner's Handbook! I've added The Broken Teaglass to my neverending wishlist, as it looks great.

#81 and #82 it's such a good book, isn't it? And yay for The Broken Teaglass!

38. Cold and Pure and Very Dead by Joanne Dobson
I picked this up on a whim at a used book fair, as the back cover read as very interesting, and I really enjoyed it. I love books involving secret/long lost/mysterious books, and secrets from the past, and this book had all of that. I would like to read more of this series.

39. Love is Murder by Linda Palmer
Another whim, and while this one was fun, it wasn't great. The twist at the end was really surprising and great, and the romances were fun, but the book itself was merely okay.

#84: The Dobson book looks good, so I will give that one a try. Thanks for the recommendation!

Congratulations on making it halfway through the challenge!

Thanks! I'm really excited to be halfway through-I love this challenge!

40. The Secret Notebooks of Agatha Christie by John Curran
Agatha Christie is my favorite author ever, and so to get insight into her writing and life from her own notes, plus get to read two never-before-published Poirot stories, was heaven for me. The only thing better would be actually getting to see the notebooks myself.

41. Gone by Lisa McMann
Sadly, this was a disappointing end to what had been an amazing trilogy. In what had previously been an exciting, action-packed, achingly beautiful series, this final entry dragged, and nothing really happened.

#86: Thanks for the mention of the Curran book. I had not heard of it before and as I am also a Dame Christie fan, I will be on the look out for it.

Too bad about the McMann book!

The Secret Notebooks of Agatha Christie sound good, and I agree with you about Gone. While she resolved some of the questions about the main character, she otherwise forgot to have a plot.

#87 The Curran book is a must-have for Christie fans, definitely worth a read, and I'd say worth owning as well.

#88 You should definitely borrow the Christie book-it just adds so much to her books knowing more about her and what she was thinking while writing them, and all the possible places the stories could have gone, and did go. And that's exactly how I felt about Gone, just completely lacking a plot.

42. The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve
This is one of those haunting books that grabs hold of you and won't let go. Part mystery, part tragedy, part history, this is one of those books full of great characterization and complexity.

43. The Ghost Orchid by Carol Goodman
This was a random purchase at a used book fair, and I now plan on reading all of Carol Goodman's books. The writing style, the plot, the characters, and the suspense/mystery were all so excellent.

#90: I have heard good things about that one, but have not had a chance to read it yet. Thanks for the reminder!

That's a new author for me; glad to hear you liked it. I thought you might enjoy this parody of the Stieg Larsson series: http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2010/07/05/100705sh_shouts_ephron

Just added Ghost Orchid to my list. I love a good ghost story.

#91, 93-Its a really excellent book! I just took out another one of hers from the library.

#92-So funny! Thanks for sharing that!

44. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Masterfully written, incredibly dark, disturbing, and depressing, but so gripping you can't stop reading. The end was incredible-a complete shock and amazing twist.

> 94 I love Gillian Flynn. I thought her second book, Dark Places, was even better and that's saying something.

#95 I totally agree-I actually read Dark Places first, which is what got me hooked on her books.

45. Swimsuit by James Patterson
Unfortunately, the quality of his books have really gone downhill. That said, this book, while having a disappointing/"lame" ending, was still a good read. As a warning to anyone thinking of reading it though, it got shockingly gruesome right off the bat, more so than his previous books would have indicated, I feel.

46. Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson
This was very different from his usual fare, but I really enjoyed it. A very hard read at times, but definitely one of his better ones lately.

#97: I need to give that one a try. Thanks for the reminder!

#98: No problem! I really liked it.

47. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Just an absolutely incredible book, start to finish. I particularly loved how the book took something I had been believing from the beginning, and completely turned it on its head in the end. Really complex, incredible characters, and an amazing story.

Wasn't Water for Elephants wonderful?! I had resisted reading it for some reason but then when I finally did, I was blown away. Glad you liked it, too!

#99: One of my favorites from a couple years ago. Glad to see if has found another fan!

I agree -- Water for Elephants is a wonderful book.

#100, 101, and 102-It was wonderful. I don't know why I put it off for so long either, but I couldn't put it down once I picked it up.

48. The Burning Wire by Jeffrey Deaver
This started out really really slow, to the point where I actually thought about putting a Deaver down. But I'm so glad I didn't, because once it picked up, I couldn't stop reading it. The last few chapters especially were filled with so many incredible twists and turns.

#103: I am glad to know that one is worth the read - I have it on hold at the local library. I think there are several people ahead of me though so it may be a while before I get to it.

#104-its definitely worth the read, just stick with it when its slow going.

49. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
An incredible book, one of those that, even though the author's story and my own are so so different, still applied in a really powerful way to my life. This book really moved me, and made me think.

#105: I enjoyed that one as well. I am glad to see it has another fan!

I see you've done lots of good reading! Quite a few of your titles are already on my list to read, but I may add a few of the titles you've discussed here.

You've got me thinking about a couple of new ones for me, Sara Gruen's and this one. Sounds like you've had a lot of good reading recently!

#106 it was amazing! I'm so glad I read it.

#107 I've been on a streak lately of really good books, which has definitely been lucky for me. (Though I did give up on one about 5 pages in because the writing style drove me nuts.) I'd love to know what you think of any books you read that I've read!

#108 Well I happen to know there are copies of both now back at the house since I'm done with them hee hee. I've definitely lucked out with my reading lately.

50. The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry
While I didn't love this as much as I love The Lace Reader (most likely because I'm a huge mystery fan, and there was a lot more mystery in The Lace Reader, I still loved this. Her writing style and characters are really amazing, and the plots are always so interesting, with twists and turns you never see coming.

#109: *sigh* I need to get to Barry's books one of these centuries.

#110-Her books are really good-definitely start with The Lace Reader.

51. The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman
Another incredible book by Goodman. She weaves the past and the present together so masterfully,and creates incredible mysteries on top of that.

#111: I liked The Lake of Dead Languages too. I am glad to see you enjoyed it as well.

The Lake of Dead Languages, with its "buried secrets", definitely sounds like your kind of book. Glad to hear the interview went so well!

#112 I just discovered Carol Goodman, and now can't get enough of her books.

#113-It is definitely my kind of book-and thanks! :)

52. Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
A really good historical mystery, with great characters, and some excellent twists.

53. Destination Unknown by Agatha Christie
Not her typical fare, and I honestly didn't love it as much as I love her other books, but I still really enjoyed this. The twists at the end were great.

#114: I enjoy the Ariana Franklin series. I have read the first three, but not made it to book four yet. I hope you get to read more of them.

I really liked the two Carol Goodman books I've read, The Lake of Dead Languages and The Seduction of Water. Have you read The Night Villa? I have it but haven't read it yet.

I also have both of the Barry books waiting to be read. I'll definitely start with The Lace Reader.

#115 Hi!!!

#116 I hope I get to read more of them too. I have such a big TBR pile, but I can't help adding more!

#117-I haven't read The Night Villa yet. Every time I go to the library I take out another of her books.

And definitely start with The Lace Reader-I'm planning a re-read of it sometime soon hopefully.

54. Like Me by Chely Wright
I picked up this book due to a friend, who took me to a Chely Wright performance and book signing. Having met Chely, who was incredibly kind, just made reading this book even better. Her story is fascinating and well-told, and this is an excellent memoir.

55. Beasts by Joyce Carol Oates
A really disturbing novella, but a fascinating, gripping one nonetheless. The narrator is such a complex character, in such a complex and confusing world, you can't help but get caught up in everything.

#118: I have such a big TBR pile, but I can't help adding more!

I know how that goes!

Glad you liked The Mistress of the Art of Death. I'll have to look for Destination Unknown; it sounds like it's more of a thriller than her usual mystery.

#120-Sorry I'm just seeing this! Do you want to borrow my copy?

56. The Moonlit Earth by Christopher Rice
I've always been a big fan of Christopher Rice, but I hate to say that each book that comes out seems to be a little less than the book before. I just am not looking forward to his new books as much as I used to. That said, this was a good book. It wasn't a great one, but the characters were complex and interesting, and I did deeply care about the heroine and her brother. There was some excellent genuine suspense as well. Unfortunately, this is nowhere near as good as A Density of Souls, which remains one of the best books I have ever read.

57. Faithful Place by Tana French
Tana French is one of my favorite new authors. Her books, though heartwrenching, never disappoint. They are incredibly complex, twisting, suspenseful mysteries, and this was no exception. I also love her tactic of featuring a different character from the Dublin Murder Squad as the central character of each book.

#121 Yes, please!

And you can borrow my Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - wait, you already did!

We have very similar tastes. I enjoyed Goodmans, Larssons and the first two Tana French's as well. I have to hurry to get through some waiting TBRs so I can get Faithful Place.

#121: I will have to look for Faithful Place. Thanks for the recommendation!

#123-Always glad to meet another reader with similar tastes!

#124-You're welcome-its a great book!

58. Liar by Justine Larbalestier
A really amazing YA book, full of twists and turns and shocking surprises. I actually gasped out loud a few times while reading this.

59. The Many Faces of Van Helsing edited by Jeanne Cavelos
As in every short story collection, some stories were better than others, but as a collection, this was a good one. The stories were all really interesting and unique.

#125: I already have Liar in the BlackHole, so I do not need to add it, but I am looking for the Cavelos book. Thanks for that recommendation.

#126 Liar is definitely worth pulling out of the BlackHole, and I'm glad you'll be looking for the Cavelos book!

60. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
All I can really say is this book is perfection. I was so invested in this series, and the final book was just incredible. One of the best series I have ever ever read.

61. A Wedding in December by Anita Shreve
While I didn't love this as much as The Weight of Water, it was still a good point. So sad at so many parts, but also managed to be uplifting too, and the characters were really complex.

62. A Better Class of Murder by Joyce Christmas
A fun, light mystery read. The mystery wrap-up was somewhat disappointing though-it felt too quick and pat.

I am going to have to get to Mockingjay soon!

So glad you enjoyed Mockingjay so much! Suzanne Collins has created a series for the ages. As you know, I was worried the last book wouldn't measure up to the first two, but as you say, it sure did. Amazing series.

Mockingjay is definitely one of my top books of 2010, and one of my top books ever, for sure.

63. Murder by the Book edited by Cynthia Manson
It was really fun to get to read a collection of mysteries all centered around books, two of my favorite things. I really liked how the collection contained a real variety of mysteries and writing styles.

That looks like a fun one, seasonsoflove. I noticed Amazon has a new edition available for $108.46. (!!) I suspect you got yours from the library? Or a book sale?

#130: Murder by the Book looks right up my alley! Thanks for the recommendation.

#131 For that much? Wow! I just got a beat-up paperback at a yard sale.

#132 It's a lot of fun.

64. Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
I was constantly laughing out loud-this book was so wonderful, and so fun to read, as all her books in this series are.

65. What Never Happens by Anne Holt
I wanted to like this so much more than I did. The characters were weird, for honest lack of a better word. They seemed to change motivation, emotion, relationship to each other, constantly, and in ways that read strangely and made no sense. Even though this book ended on a cliffhanger, I will not be picking up the next one in the series.

66. Spook by Mary Roach
This book was amazing! Clever, well-written, interesting, and the author has a great written voice that is really fun to read.

67. Private by James Patterson
One of his better recent books. Had some great suspense.

>133 seasonsoflove: - I dropped in at the library on Thursday and picked up a nice used copy of Spook. So many people here on LT have raved about it that I'm really looking forward to it!

#133: I just read Mary Roach's Stiff. If you have not read it yet, you might want to give that one a go.

#134-I can't wait to hear what you think!

#135-My mom has a copy of it, so I'm going to borrow it from her for sure.

68. Dracula in Love by Karen Essex
I love books that take an alternative approach and/or perspective to classic works of literature. This book took characters I had really been attached to in Dracula and turned them completely on their head for me-I ended up passionately hating some characters I had loved in Dracula, and deeply caring for characters I had either hated or dismissed in the original.

69. Murder is a Girl's Best Friend by Amanda Matetsky
A fun read, with some fun characters. This series is honestly nothing special, but still enjoyable.

70. Malice Domestic 3 edited by Nancy Pickard
This is a really fun collection of short stories, in the mystery style I love the best. I didn't really understand how some of them qualified as "domestic, traditional" mysteries, but still really enjoyed the collection.

71. The Happy Birthday Murder by Lee Harris
This is a really fun, well-done series. I definitely would like to read more.

#137: I have never heard of the Harris series. I will have to investigate :)

#138-they're fun, lighter mystery reads.

72. Murder at Bertram's Bower by Cynthia Peale
This was a well-written mystery with a great surprise ending, and the author clearly did her research on the historical period she set her novel in. The history only added to the mystery.

#139: Adding that one to the BlackHole too!

That does sound good. Did you read the first one, The Death of Colonel Mann?

#141 I have not yet, but I plan to.

73. The Murder Room by Michael Capuzzo
This was one of those books I couldn't wait for, and actually bought in hardcover. It more than lived up to my hopes. It was absolutely fascinating.

74. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
I have quickly gotten addicted to this series, and already have the second one out from the library.

#142: I brought The Murder Room home from the library the other day, so I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it!

Edited to correct the Touchstone

75. (yay!!) Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
This was not a book I would normally pick up on my own, but it's the October book for my book club, I had to give it a try. Though I didn't care for it in the beginning, I ended up enjoying it, and might pick up the second book sometime. The story is very creative, and throughout the book I got invested enough in the characters to need to read through to find out what happened to them. There was a neat twist at the end in regards to a famous true crime that I thought was very clever.

76. The Girls of Murder City by Douglas Perry
This was a really well-written look at a part of Chicago's history I knew very little about. The crimes and the journalism aspects were really interesting.

77. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
When I first started this book, I really didn't like it, to the point where I thought I would have to bribe myself with chapters of another book to get through it. But within a few chapters, I was completely hooked. I cared so deeply about what was going to happen to these characters, and will now be reading the rest of the series.

Way to go, seasonsoflove! And we're still in October!

Glad you liked The Knife of Never Letting Go. The second one is really good, too, and I've got the third one on order at the library.

Congrats!

Thanks everyone!

78. Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
I was so happy to discover there was another book in this series, and that it was revisiting and revising the part of the last book I had the most trouble with. This was definitely an intense read, but a beautiful one, and yet another book in this series I could not put down.

79. At the Scene of the Crime edited by Dana Stabenow
This was a really fun read, all short stories centered around forensics. I actually enjoyed all the stories too, which is sometimes unusual for a short story collection.

80. Flawless by Sara Shepard
These are definitely my guilty pleasure books right now. I can't stop reading them or put them down. I already have the third book on hold from the library.

#148: I loved Bury Your Dead, so I am glad to see it has found another fan.

I will have to look for the Stabenow book. I have not heard of that one before. Thanks for the recommendation!

148 - Yes, thank goodness Penny made everything right with Bury Your Dead!

80 books - you go girl! :)

I agree with you about Bury Your Dead. I was concerned after the last one that the series was headed in a direction I might not like, but this got it back on track for me, including its new insights on the situations in the previous book.

As you probably know, Dana Stabenow is the author of the Kate Shugak mystery series, which I've been curious about but never read. It has a lot of fans.

I've liked the Kate Shugak books that I've read (up to about #4 I think).

#148-Thanks!
#151 & #152-I will definitely keep an eye out for the Kate Shugak books!

81. No Angel by Penny Vincenzi
A highly addicting, wonderful guilty pleasure book full of history and romance. I got so gripped by this book and the characters and storylines contained in it I couldn't put it down, and read all 600+ pages in just a few days.

82. Murder With Mirrors by Agatha Christie
I had had a long hard week and just needed to read an Agatha Christie, and this did not disappoint. I always feel transported when I read her books, sucked completely into the mystery, and this was no exception.

I hope this week is better for you!

I will have to look for the Vincenzi book. Thanks for the recommendation.

I know what you mean about Agatha Christie. She's like a vacation - takes you to a different, captivating world that gives you a break from the day-to-day.

I join Stasia in hoping you're having a better week!

Thanks #154 and #155!!

83. The Crazy Garden by E.A. Bagby
This was an okay book-good but not great. It was a good portrayal of an American family, with their eccentricities and complexities, traveling abroad and dealing with the emotional tangles among them.

84. Yankee Doodle Dead by Carolyn G. Hart
Fun, though it took quite a bit of time to really get going. The twists and surprises at the end were dramatic while making sense.

The Crazy Garden interests me. I will have to look for that one.

#157 it was definitely a book I would recommend, though not one I loved enough to keep in my personal library.

85. The Private Patient by P.D. James
As always, this is an author who does not disappoint. Her mysteries are complex, with characters whose pasts influence their presents deeply, and the endings are always surprises.

Well, if you finished it, why didn't you bring it over? Jeesh.

sorry to be far behind on the threads. Congratulations on reaching the 75 goal!

#159 lol! I'll run it down on Sunday.

#160 No worries at all! Thanks so much!

86. Perfect by Sara Shepherd
These are such addicting books-mystery, drama, romance, suspense, excitement...I have already ordered the next one from the library.

#161: I am obviously going to have to look for the Sara Shepard books. I have seen several good reviews of them.

#162 They're wonderfully addictive guilty pleasures.

87. Third Girl by Agatha Christie
This was quite different than many of her other books, in that the murder seemingly didn't take place until really close to the end of the book. This was a great technique, and implemented perfectly. This was a suspenseful, twisty book full of red herrings and a great surprise ending.

Oh, that sounds like a good one, seasonsoflove. I'll have to look for it. I also have her Dumb Witness waiting for me.

#164 They're both really good.

88. The Veiled Detective by David Stuart Davies
At first, I didn't think I would like this book, as it took a world I love and turned it completely on its head. But once I saw where the book was going, I couldn't put it down.

89. Death in a Strange Country by Donna Leon
I didn't love this-I had a hard time getting myself to finish it. The characters were pretty interesting, but it just moved too slowly for me.

90. Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
What happened in this entry in the series literally made my jaw drop-I can't wait to read the next book.

That sounds like an interesting piece of Sherlockiana!

I lost steam with the Donna Leons a good while ago. She has her fans, but the ones set in Italy that keep me reading are Andrea Camilleri's Inspector Montalbano mysteries.

I'm sure I'm too much of a doltish guy person to properly appreciate Sara Shepherd's series. But I'm glad you're enjoying them so much.

#165: I will have to give The Veiled Detective a try. Thanks for the recommendation.

#166-I can see where they wouldn't be your cup of tea ;)

#167. It's really good, just stick with it through the beginning.

91. P.S What I Didn't Say by Megan McMorris
An absolutely incredible book looking at the various kinds of female friendships through real life letters. I can't recommend this enough.

#168: Too bad that the McMorris book is not available at my local library. It looks very good!

Happy New Year, seasonsoflove!

#169 I would say it's worth purchasing, it's that good, and definitely rereadable.

#170 Happy New Year!!

92. The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
Incredibly written, heartbreakingly beautiful, full of secrets, twists, love, and suspense. I cannot recommend her books enough. You get completely lost in them.

93. The Mighty Queens of Freeville by Amy Dickinson
Having met her just made this even better-such a great witty wonderful read.

Happy New Year, Becca! I do hope you will be joining us again in 2011!

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