Jill you have me super intrigued about Reformatory now!!! I got side tracked with Mujumdar’s A Guardian and a thief and Conform by Ariel Sullivan because they were due back at the library with people waiting so couldn’t renew! Looking forward to Reformatory next!!
Jo, I have A Guardian and a Thief, ready to read from library. I have been excited to read this book.
This past week was a change of pace for me. I read a thriller (King of Ashes) and a mystery (Richard Osman’s latest The Impossible Fortune - very entertaining). This week I’m reading an older book by an Irish writer I love - Niall William’s Four Letters of Love. What reading joy to find a favorite author with a backlist to discover.
I started my week by reading Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson. I thought it was a cozy mystery novel with a theme of reality versus fiction.
In last week’s recent reads Heart Be at Peace by Donal Ryan was mentioned by Vicki-F and Evonne Benedict. I have enjoyed their recommendations in the past and again was not disappointed. The novel has a narrative of 21 characters in rural Ireland that describe the turmoil and strength of a community. Thank you Vicki and Evonne it was a heartwarming read.
Now I am reading Bad Bad Girl by Gish Jen. The book centers on the relationship between a mother and daughter with the conflicts of family and culture. I’m 70% into the novel so I hope to finish it tonight. Parts of the book are reality but also somewhat humorous.
Just a reminder that Eve J. Chung, author of Daughters of Shandong, will be visiting us Monday, November 3 - Wednesday, November 5. Click here to follow the discussion. Those who take the time to ask the author a question will be entered to win a BookBrowse mug after the discussion closes.
Just finished reading King of Ashes by SA Cosby yesterday. It’s the 4 th book of his for me. His stories always have a lot of action and get me hooked.
I’m reading Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett. It recently landed on my radar, but can’t recall where. I have a goal to make note of where/how I discover books, but I forget to more often than not. ![]()
@Marilyn_M I just downloaded King of Ashes in audiobook format & hope to start that one today. How did you think it compared to his other books? I’ve read two of his (Razorblade Tears and All the Sinners Bleed) and thought they were excellent. @Vicki_F just finished King of Ashes, too.
Started There Are Rives in the Sky this morning. I’m unsure if I’ve read a book from this time period before. Already I’m thinking about the people who were living a “normal” life. I’d appreciate reviews from BB members.
I just started The Black Wolf by Louise Penny, with The Art of the Lie by Shepherd-Robinson waiting in the wings.
I’m reading The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis because I was inspired to read about the few women who became Pharaohs in ancient Egypt after going to an immersive experience about Egypt at the PBS studios here in Florida. This book is historical fiction inspired by Queen Hatshepsut; it is not so much about the Queen but about her statue being stolen from the Met Museum. The story is a little far-fetched but I’m enjoying it.
I felt the first 3 books ( Razorblade Tears, All the Sinners Bleed and Blacktop Wasteland) I would rate higher. This one seemed to have a lot more violent characters and more violence in general. His writing flows and moves the story along.
Like Kim and Marilyn, I really enjoyed Cosby’s earlier books. My disappointment in King of Ashes was due to less interesting main characters. Roman is a wealthy money manager who we’re supposed to believe is magically talented. I also eventually lost patience with Dante - I’m all for family loyalty but at some point it’s just too much. Given that, Cosby can really tell a story and I had to keep reading to see what happened.
As an aside, Cosby throws in a few sentences referring to “.. Breece D’J Pancake, one of the finest writers many people have never hear of ….” I agree and loved finding this. Thanks, Cosby!
I’m reading The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore..it was published in 2021..not sure how I missed it! It’s my local book club selection..non fiction but reads like historical fiction..story of Elizabeth Packard and her fight for womens rights in the 1860s..who knew a wife could be committed to an insane asylum by her husband for pretty much just not agreeing with his views..even after twenty years of marriage and six children?! I probably have crick in my neck from shaking my head in disbelief ..definitely gonna recommend to every woman I know and I few guys too:)
I am reading Haven’t Killed in Years which i recieved as a first impression selection. I am having a hard time getting thru the book. I find it wordy and slow getting started. I keep waiting for something to happen. Hope it gets better - I had great expectations
I just finished In the Light of the Sun, by Angela Shop. It was really good!
I’m reading “Twice” by Mitch Albom. I think it’s his best novel yet.
I’m woefully uninformed about any of last week’s books.
I am reading The Black Wolf by Louise Penny. I have enjoyed the series and look forward them!