My reading really slowed down in September- I read six books, as opposed to ten in August. BUT! My last book of the month was a winner.
This was a mystery/police procedural, and the best book of this genre I’ve read all year. Why was it so good? Well- it had everything I want. It’s not a fast paced thriller (I don’t like those because they make me too anxious) but there were some suspenseful chapters, and of course the whole story has a sense of urgency, because there’s a serial killer out there who must be stopped.
There’s a creepy feeling to this book, because the bad guys are REALLY bad. There are also scenes that are very intense and fascinating, including one incident where the main detective smokes opium, and a couple descriptions of a key witness (who can’t remember anything) undergoing hypnosis.
The characters are really well developed, AND, best of all- there was a twist at the end that I absolutely did not see coming. My only complaint is- and this is definitely a “me” problem- this is the eighth book in a series. It stands alone, but there is an ongoing story with the main detective that I was ignorant of. Reading the series from the beginning would probably be a good idea- but then I don’t know if all the books are this good. This one was outstanding for me.
As soon as I finished it I dove into this one:
The description is “A burnt-out writer’s retreat at a fancy Swiss hotel is interrupted by a murder mystery in this metafictional, meticulously crafted whodunit…” OH YES GIVE IT TO ME RIGHT NOW!
This sounded so good- but unfortunately it suffers from following so closely on the heels of The Mirror Man. It’s just not as good, although so far (I’m 80 pages into this 574 page book) it is fun and interesting enough to keep me reading.
What are you reading now? – My copy of The Joy Luck Club is in at the library! Don’t forget to join Engie’s book club!
Top photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
12 Responses
September is Slow Reading Month! At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I barely read anything. Part of it was travel, and I also think I just needed a slower reading season after a very busy reading summer.
I’m excited for Joy Luck Club. I’ve never read it.
I’ve never read it either! And- I can see how your reading slowed down in September. That’s okay… October is the official beginning of Cozy Reading Season.
September brain didn’t want to read much. I keep checking books out and ignoring them. I did read sone of T Kingfishers books, which are good, but my usual mystery titles just don’t appeal. The only one I stuck with was A Grim Reapers Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara, which was a really different idea. Very fun read.
I’ve never heard of that book! I’ll look into it… I’m always up for something fun and different.
Ooooh I love a good police procedural!
I continue to have a bunch of lackluster book experiences. I’m listening to Fleishman Is in Trouble now, and it’s fine, but it’s not a book I LOVE… and it’s the best in a long line of meh. Hopefully things will turn around!
Things will turn around if you read The Mirror Man! I know what you mean- I’ve read a lot of mysteries this year that were okay but not great.
I am reading two VERY ho-hum non-fiction books. I was only still reading them because there is a stupid Canada Post strike and that means I can’t get any books that are out of our local region so I was down to…wait for it…just two (again, ho-hum) books.
BUT TODAY there was a shipment from within our library region and I came home with FIVE (count them, five) books I’m excited to read.
I’ve never read Joy Luck Club, but I won’t allow myself to start it until the official start date. That said, I am terrible at sticking with Engie’s reading guide and always read ahead. Ahem. Don’t tell her, please 😉
Ha ha… last time I read ahead and finished the entire book! Not sure if I’ll do that this time, or stick to the official schedule.
Glad you got a stack of books you’re excited about!
Thanks for reminding everyone about The Joy Luck Club. I’m excited to see how it goes! (Also, I really need to get started reading it…)
I’m reading the newest Robert Galbraith and I’m not loving it. I hope something exciting happens in it soon.
Reading something that doesn’t measure up to a previous well-loved book is so relatable. I have a few pages left of Heartland. And just picked up Joy Luck last night.
I am SO here for Cozy Reading Season
I read a nice lot in September, mainly because I did four Three Investigators novels and a pony book right at the end of the month! No police or thrillers though as they’re not my thing. Hope you’re having a good October – I’m lagging horribly in my blog reading at the moment!