Finally, I get to tell you about two books I’ve recently finished. First up is The Collaborator of Bethlehem by Matt Beynon Rees.
This was a book I read for my new mystery book group and we had our meeting to discuss the book earlier this week. While some of the members didn’t think the mystery itself was that strong we all agreed that the setting made this a very readable book. We couldn’t think of another mystery sleuth who not only has to deal with the issue of solving the murder but also keeping his family safe in a very unsafe place.
The book sparked a great discussion so I’m excited that my first official meeting (the last one I went to I hadn’t read the book) was such a promising one. In the coming months we’ll be reading books by James Lee Burke, Elmore Leonard and Dashiell Hammett… All new to me! Anyway, for more of my thoughts on this book click here. Also, did you know that this book just won the 2008 New Blood Dagger? I will definitely be looking for the second in the series. And, speaking of series, I’m counting this one as a read for my First in the Series challenge.
My other read was Die With Me by Elena Forbes. I hadn’t heard anything about this book when I saw it on the bookshelves at the library but I do enjoy British police procedurals so I checked it out. I must say I was surprised at how quickly I guessed the whodunit and was hoping it was going to turn out a bit differently in the end, but perhaps the next book will be a bit more complex. You can read more about it here. Interestingly enough this was also a nominee for the 2008 Daggers.
And, on the subject of mysteries have you guys caught the Crime in the City series on NPR? Good stuff there so check it out. In the meantime I’m off in Assisi with the handsome Commissario Cenni from Grace Brophy’s debut The Last Enemy.
What good mystery are you reading now?
I haven’t read either one of these. They both sound good. I’m glad you enjoyed your new book club.
I’m not reading it yet, but I just picked up In the Woods by Tana French – not my usual read actually, but it sounds so good!
Lisa – I’m glad I found a new group to join! It’s hard to find a group that you think you’ll mesh with but this group seems like fun so I’m looking forward to more meetings 🙂
Tara – Ooh I hope you like it! I thought it was a fantastic read.
Those both sound good. Perhaps the mysteries will get more complex in the Forbes series. I like British police procedurals as well. I’m still working on my Barbara Vine novel and also just started Georges Simenon.
That Rees book is going straight on my wishlist!
I just started the first Dave Robicheaux book. I’m into it so far!
Thank you for the link to Crime in the City! And thanks for the great review of Rees’ book. It’s such an unusual setting for a mystery–at least not one I have encountered before. After having just read a book set in the Middle East that talks a little about the history if Palestine and Israel, I am even more eager to read the first book in the author’s series.
Danielle – I know what is it about those British police procedurals that make them so appealing right? 🙂 Can’t wait to hear what you think of the Simenon book. I still haven’t tried his series.
jaime – Cool! I hope you enjoy it. I haven’t read any of the Robicheaux books but I know some members in my previous book group recommended those. Will look for your review on it!
Literary Feline – Did you get to hear it? I missed it the whole week but am so glad they put the content on the web. Good way to keep adding more books to my list 🙂
I’m not much of a mystery reader but I love, love, love Dashiell Hammett! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts when you read him!
Nancy, aka Bookfool – Oh good! I can’t believe that as much as I enjoy mysteries I somehow have managed to miss a lot of the “greats”! I’m looking forward to the book and more time with my new group 🙂
I’ve been eyeing that Bethlehem one for awhile-good to know you enjoyed it!