I just got back from my mystery book group meeting where we discussed In the Woods by Tana French. I was expecting that this one would be a crowd pleaser but it was actually not. Perhaps even one of the most disappointing reads for most of the members.
I didn’t re-read it for the discussion but I do know that I loved this book when I read it several years ago, you can see my review here. It was still an entertaining discussion, even if I had to struggle to remember a lot of the details of the book.
Moving on, our September read is Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker. After that we’ll be reading: Man From Beijing by Henning Mankell, Sister by Rosamund Lupton and Deceit by Brandilyn Collins. I’m glad that the Mankell book is a stand-alone as I’ve only read a couple of his Wallander books and would hate to read out of order.
Anyway, all this talk of mysteries though is making me want to start reading one but I’ve been reading one book at a time lately and I think I’ll stick with my current read for now.
So, how about you, have you read any good mysteries lately?
I am shocked that your book club did not like In the Woods! The only French book my group read was The Likeness, but it was definitely a crowd pleaser and induced many book members to read French’s other books.
You know, In the Woods was actually my favorite of the three. The Likeness was ok but watered down, and Faithful Place was so depressing. Plus, there wasn’t that mysterious air to them like there was the first. Just loved it.
I’ll be curious to see what you think of the Mankell. I got it for Christmas, picked it up once, and put it back down again. But, you know, I actually do that pretty frequently if I’m not in the mood for a certain book.
I’m on an Agatha Christie and M.C. Beaton kick. I’ve read a lot of lit fic lately and just need something to cleanse my palate. Plus, school is about to start back up, and I need some comfort. Happy reading!
In the Woods not a crowd pleaser? What is wrong with your bookgroup? 😉
If a reader likes ANSWERS and the plot wrapped up with a bow, then they will hate In the Woods. Personally, I dig her moxie, her guts to not follow the formula. And the chemistry in that book! It was as good as it gets, really.
I’m surprised your group didn’t like In the Woods, but that’s how it goes sometimes! I just finished a Swedish crime novel called Studio 69 by Liza Marklund, which I enjoyed. I’m still working on a French mystery called The Chatelet Apprentice. I’m in the mood for a nice cozy or something set in Britain but am trying to talk myself out of starting another new book! 😉
Too bad the Tana French book wasn’t a hit. I have that on my wish list. I just finished a Heyer mystery called The Queit Gentleman and i enjoyed it 😉
The Karin Slaughter series are good ones. I recently reviewed Fallen which was #3 of a series.
I’m also surprised that In the Woods wasn’t a huge hit. My book club loved it, as did I. But you know, I think I liked The Likeness and Faithful Place even better. Wonder when she’ll have another new release?
I recently read Awakening by S.J. Bolton and thought it was a decent mystery, although the finale was fairly convoluted.
I haven’t heard of many people not liking In the Woods! But then again, I haven’t read it myself yet, so perhaps I should reserve judgment. Sometimes book groups can be surprising in that way!
I always take it so personally when a book I have loved is declared distasteful by someone else. I know it is silly to think like this, but it almost like someone has insulted a friend…Don’t let your book club’s review ruin a good book for you.
I’ve had In the Woods on my list for so long it is embarrassing! I’ve heard mostly good things about it so will definitely be excited to read it once I finally break down and crack open the book!
Wow, I also loved “In the Woods” and “LIkeness” was also amazing to me. “Faithfull place” was a bit pale next to the first two but worthy because of the strong emotions that Tana French is bringing up to the surface in those tough characters. Always good to scratch the layer of veneer. I do like when I get to defend my ideas when I am on the other side of the fence… sometimes, it is worth it!.