Tonight my mystery book group got together to discuss Real Murders by Charlaine Harris. We had a large crowd tonight and I think we were evenly divided on those who enjoyed it and those who were expecting a better mystery. I had high expectations for this book as I’ve enjoyed some of the Sookie Stackhouse books that Harris writes but this book left me wanting. You can read more of my thoughts on this cozy mystery here.
So, this year I’ve not liked most of the books we’ve read in book group. That’s a bit odd but it happens sometimes. However, I think things will finally turn around next month. We are reading What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris. I’ve already started this book and so far I like the main character and have even been surprised by one event. I think this is definitely a good start.
In the upcoming months we’ll be reading books by Laura Lippman, Robert Crais and Billy Boyle by James R. Benn. Anyone read the Billy Boyle book? That one sounded good to me.
And, I did suggest a book to my mystery group, The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri (click on title for my review). I have to give you the backstory about this book. The first time I tried to read this book I didn’t like it at all. I even gave it away but the friend I gave it to returned it back to me and told me she liked it. Well, that was a couple of years ago and I finally picked it up again and guess what? I really, really liked this book. I’m sure I’ll have to revisit with Inspector Montalbano soon. Oh yes, and The Shape of Water is a challenge read so another one down in the First in the Series challenge. Woo-hoo.
Charlaine Harris has such different series. I’m not fond of several of them, but her newest one about Harper Connolly, I’ve enjoyed. But boy, she can really crank out the books, can’t she?
I’ve enjoyed C.S. Harris’ series, but I tend to enjoy historical mysteries and I like Sebastian.
It was great to catch up with you at book group last night. I agree, I wasn’t too impressed by Real Murders. There’s just something about the small town gossip in cozy mysteries such as this one, that doesn’t appeal to me. I’m looking forward to What Angels Fear, that sounds more like my kind of mystery. Hopefully we’ll have better luck with our mystery selections for the rest of the year.
Congrats on your challenge progress!
I hope that you make more recommendations in your group.
May I say, that you seem to be the most knowledgeable!
jenclair – I do want to try that one out. I think I’d like it. But yes, how many series does she have?! I can think of four at least. Glad to hear you enjoy the C.S. Harris books. Yay.
Shadan – It was wonderful seeing you girl. From the bit I’ve read so far of our next book, I think you’ll like it. Definitely an improvement from the books this year! 🙂
Isabel – Actually, compared to some of the members in the group I feel like a newbie to mysteries! ha,ha… Some people there only read mysteries so I’ve actually been hesitant to recommend much but I’m slowly getting over that 🙂
What I find interesting is the timing of when books are read. Our thoughts about a book can be from one extreme to another at different times of our lives. And that’s what makes an excellent read – when everything is in alignment. Glad you enjoyed your second go ’round with The Shape of Water.
I just received Real Murders from bookmooch last week. Maybe I’ll be with the half that liked the book.
I liked The Shape of Water alot. Funny how sometimes you can hite four or five books in a row that you abslutely love, then go through as many that don’t work at all.
Joy – Isn’t that the truth! I’m just so glad I did give this book a second chance and was so pleasantly surprised.
booklogged – Oh I do hope you enjoy it! Some of the members did say that they had read further in the series so obviously they liked it quite a bit. You’ll have to keep us posted.
Jeff Savage – Exactly. I’m not going to give up on our group because I know we’ll come up on a winner soon — actually, I think this Harris book might be it. I’m thoroughly enjoying it so keeping my fingers crossed 🙂
It’s interesting that you had a problem with the Camilleri, because I had the same experience and yet so many people I know really rate him very highly. Perhaps I should learn from your example and go back and try him again.
Ann Darnton – I think you should give it a go again when you get a chance. I was so surprised at how my second attempt went. I think I was a bit put off by so many characters thrown in at first but I don’t know, he just manages that so well that if you stick with it past the first few pages it all falls into place.
I read BILLY BOYLE and Benn’s sequel, THE FIRST WAVE. Loved both of them. Billy is a fascinating character, and the WWI setting is fascinating.
Karen Olson – Oh so glad to hear that! I thought it sounded great so now I know to look forward to it 🙂
Isn’t it weird how you can pick a book up and not really get into it, but later read it and love it? I swear mood does have something to do with how we respond to books.