I’ve been spending time with several books this week which have taken me from San Francisco to New York and to Dublin. Not to mention, I’ve been jumping back in time. Here are my current reads:
The Secret Place by Tana French. Although her books can certainly be read as standalones this is the fifth one in her Dublin Murder Squad series. Like her previous books, I know I can expect well-drawn characters and complex plots. This one is no exception. In this book two detectives are called back to a posh girls’ school where a murder took place. I’m thoroughly enjoying the descriptions of the girls’ behaviors and attitudes.
Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue by Victoria Thompson. This is the 18th book in the Gaslight series and yes, I’ve read all the previous ones. I just love the setting and these have become comfort reads for me. At the start of this novel we find out that Sarah and Frank are not going to be as involved and it’s mainly the other characters who get a chance to shine and do some sleuthing. I admit I was a bit disappointed because while I enjoy the secondary characters it’s Sarah and Frank who bring me back each time to this series but so far it’s proving to be an enjoyable read.
Against A Brightening Sky by Jaime Lee Moyer. This is the third and final book featuring Delia Martin. While this is a mystery series and Delia’s husband is a police detective, the big difference from other mysteries is that Delia sees ghosts and can often help in police investigations. This book though seems to be veering more into fantasy genre territory then the previous ones. I really enjoyed the second novel but I’m not sure if I’ll find this a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I’ll keep you posted.
Paid For: My Journey Through Prostitution by Rachel Moran. I read a review about this memoir in Bitch Magazine and it sounded interesting and something totally different from my usual read so I was very intrigued by this. I’ve only just started it but I can imagine this will be hard book to read. In the first sections of the memoir the author is taking a look back at her difficult childhood, having parents with mental illness and being in poverty.
So those are my reads. I normally do not have so many mysteries going on but somehow this happened. Oh well, I think the reading year is off to a great start. I hope to finish one of these books this weekend. Keeping my fingers crossed. I really want to because I actually have to add another mystery to the mix for my upcoming mystery book group.
Anyway, we did it, we survived going back to work after the holidays. I know I’m ready for some downtime at the bookstore. How about you? I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
I really liked The Secret Place. And I’ve read all of Tana French’s books. I’m ready for a new one!
It was a long week, wasn’t it? I am looking forward to popcorn and a Netflix movie tonight with my husband. Your reads in progress have you off to a good start for the year!
What fun reads! It sounds like they have taken you all over. I have’t yet read any of them, I’m afraid. I am so glad the weekend is here. I have no plans, but that’s okay. Just nice not to have to go to work! Have a great weekend!
I’m reading The Secret Place, too! I’ve read all her other books, and while I’m enjoying this (now that I switched from audio to print), it’s not my favorite. Who knows, though. I may change my mind in another chapter or two!
I loved The Secret Place! In fact, it is the only Tana French novel I even enjoyed, unlike so many readers. But, I thought that Tana did a spot on job of portraying the characters, and the plot had me completely hooked. Great book. I hope you enjoy it, too, although Les said she wasn’t crazy about listening to it. I hope it grows on her, as well!
I was late discovering Tana French, but quickly read through all her books and look forward to the next one.
So many authors here that I want to read/or read more of myself! I’ve only read the first book in both Tana French’s series and Victoria Thompson’s series but I want to continue on with both!! And the Delia Martin series by Moyer has been on my TBR list for some time. You have some great reading ahead of you! Enjoy 🙂
I’m intrigued by PAID FOR. I don’t read too many memoirs but I like checking out those that are a bit unusual or about people very different from me. I love the geography map of your books – certainly all over the place!
Kay – Yay, glad you liked it. I wonder when she’ll have a new book out. I feel like this year may be it right?
Stefanie – Hope you guys watched a good film. We also did a bit of Netflix viewing and think we found a new series to follow. Not that I need another! ha.
Literary Feline – Sometimes it is great to have no plans for the weekend right? I totally appreciate that. I actually look forward to that because then I feel like so much possibilities.
Les In NE – How far are you into it? I think it took me quite a few pages to get into it as well. I can’t say that I like one of the main characters very much and that is usually hard for me.
Bellezza – Isn’t her portrayal of characters wonderful? I especially like Detective Moran. But all those girls.. Man, they are all up to something as far as I can tell!
Nise’ – Isn’t she great? Glad you discovered her too! I wonder when her next book will come out.
Samantha – There are so many great series it is hard to keep up isn’t it? I’ve fallen behind on most of my series reads but at least I know I have characters I enjoy waiting for me!
Athira – I didn’t get a chance to read more into it this week but it is grim. Not surprising of course but I’m almost afraid to keep turning the pages. To see what the author had to go through. Will keep you posted!
I can’t wait to hear what you’ll think of those books, especially The Secret Place! 🙂
Melody – I had to put aside The Secret Place so I could get to a couple of other books first but I am looking forward to getting back to it. It’s great so far!
I’m only a few chapters away from finishing. It’s definitely better in print than audio. I’m finally hooked and eager to find out what the heck happened to Chris! I’m curious to know which character you dislike.