What Fiction are you reading this week, April 2, 2023?

[hermetic]

Happy happy!!

Reading Our House by Louise Candlish, a "disturbing and addictive novel of domestic suspense where secrets kept hidden from spouses cause shocking surprises." From 2018. This book is really intense. Imagine coming home after a couple of days away on a business trip and finding someone you don't know moving into your house and everything you owned is now gone. Heck of a premise.

There are several books titled Our House, as well as that famous song written by Graham Nash. In 2021 another book by that name, and written by Nash, came out. "..a beautifully illustrated children’s book and a magical visual journey for readers of all ages, especially the millions of people around the world who embraced the song as their own." I really would like to find this one.

Listening to French Braid by Anne Tyler. Just came out a year ago. A "funny, joyful, brilliantly perceptive journey deep into one Baltimore family's foibles." A nice alternative to that nightly tale of horror I'm reading.

Any books making you happy this week?

[Deep State Witch]

1. Kaiju Preservation Society

By John Scalzi. At the beginning of the pandemic, a young man gets hired into a mysterious organization that works with "large animals."

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

2. John Scalzi is author guest of honor at this year's Soonercon

in Norman, OK June 30-July2. That's my current favorite of the several s-f cons I go to each year.

Here's a link: https://soonercon.com/

And I just put that book on hold with my local library.

[Deep State Witch]

6. He's Great!

Another favorite of his is Redshirts.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

30. Yes!

I recently re-read Redshirts and it was even better than I'd remembered.

[hermetic]

5. Cool

Scalzi's first standalone adventure since his Interdependency trilogy. The "large animals" exist in an alternate dimension. Sounds like a fun adventure.

[Deep State Witch]

7. Oh, it is!

And yeah, he goes there with Kaiju reproduction.

[RSherman]

3. Sometimes I Lie

by Alice Feeney. Suspenseful. I had to follow closely to keep up with and try to understand what was happening (in a good way). Very dark! I could not imagine this ever becoming a movie because of some disturbing "scenes".

[hermetic]

8. Oh, my

Sounds like a companion novel to the one I'm reading, Our House. Very disturbing.

[RSherman]

13. I'm going to read that next

Thanks for your suggestion of Our House. I will try that next and I'm not surprised that you think they're probably alike.

[bif]

4. Alas, I seem to be reading only non-fiction lately.

Mainly because I don't know what work of fiction to read. Have to head to the library and continue my method of checking out 5 books at a time. I think I left off with the "C" or "D" authors.

Suggestions welcome. I enjoy just about everything, although I'm not big on mysteries or detective novels.

[hermetic]

9. Well, in the 3 above

we've got one sci fi and 2 psychological thrillers. No mysteries or detectives. But still maybe not your cup of tea. There are places like Barnes and Noble where you can sign up to get email suggestions for the kind of books you enjoy. I get them pretty much every day. Of course you can always check in here weekly for new ideas. Granted, we lean heavily towards mystery and detective novels.

[RSherman]

14. I'm suddenly reading a lot of nonfiction too!

Seabiscuit

When Women Stood

Drawing Deportation

Bootstrapped: Liberating ourselves from the American dream

Weathering: The extraordinary stress of ordinary life in an unjust society

[piddyprints]

10. The Night Fire by Michael Connelly.

It's #22 in the Bosch series. There are only a few left, but then I will read all the other Michael Connelly books, which feature people we've met in the Bosch books. I'm enjoying them very much. If I decide to re-read them, I'll read all the Michael Connelly books in publication order, regardless of which series they are from. Should be fun.

Well, technically, I'm listening. My husband says that's not really reading, but I beg to differ. I've been able to get most of them for free from the Libby app. If they don't have it or there's a wait, I'll buy from Audible. I have been devouring books lately because I don't have to stop what I'm doing in order to read.

I'm adding Our House and French Braid to my list. Thanks for the recommendations!

[hermetic]

12. You are certainly welcome

Connelly is one of my most favorite authors. And I, too, benefit greatly from Libby's audios. I love to listen while cooking and cleaning.

[piddyprints]

17. Funny thing about Connelly...

My daughter and best friend have nothing in common except they're close to the same age and both women. That's where it ends. My husband and I absolutely have different taste in books.

Yet, my daughter first recommended Bosch to me. Then my best friend mentioned that she was reading The Poet. I figured Connelly must be good if they both liked him. So I started Bosch #1, The Black Echo, and mentioned it to my husband. His reply? "Yeah, those are great books! I enjoyed them!"


My daughter has recently recommended Jack Reacher books. I'll likely try them as well.

I've been known to get my barn chores done completely while listening and then forgetting that I did them. Yeah, I get that involved. But what a way to go, eh?

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

36. I've been a Bosch fan since the late 90s.

Ever since I started the series, I've gotten the latest book in first edition hardback, and now I'm prepared for the transition to Renee Ballard that Connelly has been setting us up for since he first paired her with Bosch in Dark Sacred Night. I'll buy all of the Renee books once the transfer to her is complete. She's not Bosch, but she's grown on me enough to follow where Connelly goes with her. I like the "universe" Connelly has created too much to stop now!

I acquired first edition hardbacks of the Bosch series published before I became a fan, save for the first one, which originally came out in paperback. Yes, I have a first edition paperback of The Black Echo. I got all of the old books through used stores. One of them was a super-lucky find of a mint condition signed copy, and for dirt cheap ($6)!

I have all of the audiobooks as well, the formats changing over the years, but all updated when the mP3 versions came along at last. They were lifesavers for me when I did factory and data farm work, with their mindless tasks. I would have died of boredom without audiobooks!

So yeah, you can say that I'm a huge fan.

My only gripe with the Bosch series was Harry never finding his mother's family. He doesn't even seem to have tried, which was the only thing that was contrary to everything about him. The story possibilities from tracking them down could have been a gold mine. Never understood why Connelly never pursued it.

[RamblingRose]

11. The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel (author of Life of Pi)

fun and easy read in anticipation of a trip to Portugal this summer.

[hermetic]

15. That sounds great

even if one isn't planning to visit Portugal. Lucky you, though, that are are.

"..part quest, part ghost story, part contemporary fable -- offers a haunting exploration of great love and great loss. Filled with tenderness, humor, and endless surprise, it takes the reader on a road trip through Portugal in the last century -- and through the human soul."

The Life of Pi was quite amazing, too.

[Srkdqltr]

16. You all are reading high minded stuff. I, for some strange reasons, have been rereading Joan Hess's

Maggoty series. I'm waiting for the new Dana Stabenow and Jodi Taylor's.
I think I needed a dose of 90's wisdom? Actually we haven't changed much just louder.

[hermetic]

18. Not familiar with her

but she's written a ton of cozies that sound quite entertaining. Like Deader Homes and Gardens . Woman looking to buy a new house but "the real estate agent disappeared mid-showing and hasn't been seen since. And the last owner died in circumstances labeled 'accidental' but were actually both 'mysterious' and 'dubious'. The family that owned the estate is now suing the lover of the dead owner over the rights to the property. Oh, and it isn't really for sale. When the previous owner's lover dies practically at her feet, Claire decides to take matters into her own hands. After all, to get the house of her dreams, first she has to find a killer. And all's fair in love, war, and real estate."

[cbabe]

19. Tried Mecca/Susan Straight. Recommended here last

week. She can really write but not my cup of tea. Too sad.

Back to Dick Francis comfort zone. Picked up an armload at my favorite used bookstore as library only has ebooks/audio. Owner handed me a perfect cloth shopping bag for my treasures. For free. I love bookstores.

Ps thanks for heads up on a new Dana Stabenow. Put on my library holds list.

[hermetic]

22. Sweet

Thank goodness for bookstores. Some of my fave places to hang out.

[Srkdqltr]

24. Never thought about rereading Dick Francis have to look into them.

[cbabe]

26. Queen's jockey and fighter pilot. Gave his wife, Mary, co-credit.

(… the outbreak of World War II he joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot, flying fighter and bomber aircraft including the Spitfire and Lancaster.)

Talent. Nothing but amazing talent.

[yellowdogintexas]

20. finished one and started another

I finished London Force: A Beta Force Comedy Thriller by Ernest Dempsey.

The world's most dangerous cyber criminal is about to unleash a virus that will collapse the way of life for billions of people.
The only thing that stands between us and global anarchy are two guys who have almost no clue what they're doing.
Now Zeke Marshall and his partner Phoenix Underwood must find this cyber terrorist before it's too late.
Journey through the mean streets of London and beyond in this hilarious and thrilling sequel in the new action & adventure series that's taking the world by storm.

The author normally writes serious action novels with either an archaeology focus or espionage plot but this is a very funny send up; I really enjoy his plots and characters.

Currently reading: The King of Bones and Ashes by J.D. Horn
Book 1 of The Witches of New Orleans (New Orleans is the undisputed Paranormal Capitol of the US, right?). I am not very far into it, still getting to know all the characters and their connections.

Magic is seeping out of the world, leaving the witches who’ve relied on it for countless centuries increasingly hopeless. While some see an inevitable end of their era, others are courting madness—willing to sacrifice former allies, friends, and family to retain the power they covet. While the other witches watch their reality unravel, young Alice Marin is using magic’s waning days to delve into the mystery of numerous disappearances in the occult circles of New Orleans. Alice disappeared once, too—caged in an asylum by blood relatives. Recently freed, she fears her family may be more involved with the growing crisis than she ever dared imagine.

Yet the more she seeks the truth about her family’s troubled history, the more she realizes her already-fragile psyche may be at risk. Discovering the cause of the vanishings, though, could be the only way to escape her mother’s reach while determining the future of all witches.

This is the first of a 3 book series.

[hermetic]

23. Definitely want to

give those a look.

[hauckeye]

21. The End of the World Running Club

It’s disturbing.

[hermetic]

25. Author Adrian Walker?

A catastrophic asteroid strikes the earth and "Edgar and his family find refuge in an Edinburgh army barracks. Then he finds himself facing a grueling journey on foot across a devastated United Kingdom. Accompanied by a group of misfits that include a large, hairy tattoo artist and an old man who claims to have run around Australia, Edgar must race against time and overcome his own short-comings, not to mention 100 mile canyons and a very strange council estate, to find the people he loves before he loses them forever. A vivid, gripping story of hope, long-distance running and how we break the limits of our own endurance."

[japple]

27. Finished reading Susan Straight's MECCA and loved everything except the ending.

I was just merrily reading along and BOOM...THE END. I hope this means that she is working on another part to story. Several of the characters in MECCA were in previous books by her.

Now, I'm reading Fannie Flagg's (Book #4 Elmwood Springs)The Whole Town's Talking. This is a typical Fannie Flagg book, filled with subtle humor, endearing characters, but with a lively graveyard.

I have French Braid on my list to read. Glad you are enjoying it. I love Anne Tyler.

Thanks for the weekly thread.

[Paper Roses]

28. The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron

This is the first book by this author that I have read. Fantastic story. Googled the author, it seems he has written quite a few books. Luckily I read this one as it is the first of a series.

I just ordered his second book, Trespasser, from eBay.

[hermetic]

29. New to me, too

But sounds really good. "SET IN THE WILDS OF MAINE, THIS IS AN EXPLOSIVE TALE OF AN ESTRANGED SON THRUST INTO THE HUNT FOR A MURDEROUS FUGITIVE-HIS OWN FATHER."

"..a sterling debut of literary suspense. Taut and engrossing, it represents the first in a series featuring Mike Bowditch.

Looks like there are 18 in that series now. Thanks.

[Jilly_in_VA]

31. The Yiddish Policemen's Union

by Michael Chabon. It's my favorite SF genre, alternate history. I actually read it years ago but had forgotten most of it. It came round in e-book so I grabbed it. Much more enjoyable this time around.

Just finished Night Song, by Karen Ann Hopkins, #14 in the Sheriff Serenity Adams series, which I am reading in no particular order, just as I come across them. I really enjoy them, but this one ended in a semi-cliffhanger, which I did not like. I think the author is trying to split off a new series.

[hermetic]

32. There's a Hopkins book #15

Coming out the end of this month.
Devil's Eye (Serenity's Plain Secrets Book 15)
by Karen Ann Hopkins (Author)
Devil’s Eye continues Sheriff Serenity Adams’ quest to unravel the truth about Possum Gap’s Peachy family.
Perhaps that will clear things up.

Chabon is such a fantastic writer. I should read that one again some day myself.

[Jilly_in_VA]

33. I know about #15

It's previewed at the end of #14. As I said, I think Hopkins is starting a new series about Possum Gap Sheriff Sadie Mills. She's interesting in her own right.

[yellowdogintexas]

34. I have been interested in this one for some time

Definitely on my list.

[yellowdogintexas]

35. I also read one Ernest Dempsey book and started another

Finished: Hell's Gate: A Paranormal Archaeology Division Thriller (Book one in a new series)

X-Files barely scratched the surface.

On any given day, the experts at Atlanta’s International Archaeological Agency crisscross the globe to rescue ancient relics long feared lost to time, war, or thieves.

IAA agents have recovered billions’ worth of missing antiquities, have wiped out entire networks of smugglers, and have even solved a murder at the Vatican. Their successes have made headlines from Tokyo to Turin to Tulsa.

But some mysteries require deeper investigation—enigmas so puzzling that they’ve defied the explanations of history, science, and faith for millennia. Enter the IAA’s top two researchers, Alex Simms and Tara Watson, among the brightest, most dogged investigators ever to unearth a secret.

This husband-and-wife duo has played a key role in every major success at the agency, but they’ve never been tested like this before. Their first assignment? To track down and stop a resurgent order of neo-Nazis who believe a cache of ancient stones holds the key to a new, eternal German Reich. Alex and Tara—whose “weapons” normally include computers, lab equipment, and reference books—are about to face an entirely new brand of war: in the real world, against real criminals…with real guns.

They’ll need every bit of skill, luck, and maybe a miracle to stop these madmen who are hell-bent on opening Hell’s Gate. USA Today best-selling author Ernest Dempsey, creator of the popular Sean Wyatt series, unlocks a new realm of danger in this, his first in a new collection of thrillers.

Archaeology has gone paranormal.

Just started: Heavy Lies the Crown: A Thriller (The Relic Runner Book 4)

A London crime boss thought stealing a priceless artifact from a rival wouldn't have consequences.
He hadn't heard of Dak Harper. (Dak is also a character in Hell's Gate, as is his 13 year old multimillionaire boss, Boston)

For a job that came out of the blue, this latest gig could keep former Delta Forcer operator Dak Harper in the black for quite a while.

On his way to London to track a crazed former colonel who wants the ex-Special Forces commando dead, Dak is diverted by an urgent request from his employer, a thirteen-year-old multimillionaire with a passion for antiquities.

Dak’s new assignment? Find the fabled Welsh Crown, a mysterious thirteenth-century artifact that’s been missing for centuries. Whether originally stolen by scoundrel or sovereign, the crown now rests in the grimy little hands of one of London’s seediest would-be gang lords.

The gig sounds easy enough at first—until Dak’s target starts a bloody turf war with a larger, more powerful syndicate.
Suddenly caught in the crossfire of open gang warfare, what Dak hoped would be a simple smash-and-grab now pits him against two bloodthirsty crews who value money far more than human life or priceless antiquities. As the Welsh Crown goes missing yet again amid deadly street battles, Dak worries he might never escape England with his life, much less with his quarry
This fast-paced crime thriller series with thousands of 5-star reviews by USA Today bestselling author Ernest Dempsey will have you ripping through the pages as Dak Harper races to solve the mystery, recover the artifacts, and save a town from its oppressor.

This is #4 in the Relic Runner series.

I really enjoy Dempsey's books!