It is March 1st What is everyone reading? I am in the middle of Kim Harrison's 6th book The Outlaw Demon Wails. Quite good, she does a good job at keeping the series fresh.

Alice

I just finished Karin Fossum's Don't Look Back (using it for the Parlez-vous Francais category of the reading challenge) and started A Test of Wills by Charles Todd (using it for the Sinners, not Saints category of the reading challenge).

Arrrgh. . . I've fallen behind on all of my big challenges, so I've got to stay focused this month. Therefore, I will only have time for one mystery book (my mystery challenge book) and I'm planning on reading Inherent Vice, by Thomas Pynchon (my home sweet home category). However, I may sneak in Seven for a Secret, an alternate history/steampunk with vampires mystery novella by Elizabeth Bear.

I'm reading The Vendetta Defense by Lisa Scottoline while I'm waiting impatiently for Shooting At Loons by Margaret Maron.

"Skin and Bones" by a new guy, Tom Bale.  It is pretty good (the beginning had me on the edge of my seat!), anxious for the next one "Terror's Reach" it comes out in June.

Where's Cheryl/Spuddie?

I just finished Truly, Madly. Loved it! Now, I am going to start reading A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton for the Home Sweet Home challenge. It should be an interesting change from reading my cozies.

Connie, I've read and enjoyed all of Steve Hamilton's Alex McKnight series. I've never been to Michigan; however, the author's descriptions of harsh weather conditions, etc., have familiarized me with the Paradise area. Hamilton recently released The Lock Artist, a stand-alone. Haven't read it yet, but have heard good things about it.

I've read the first four Steve Hamilton books and really enjoyed them.  I think I'll have to search out number five and get that one read too! I have The Lock Artist on my WL.

I'm working on The Pearl Diver by Sujata Massey, Raven Black by Ann Cleeves, Murder in Chinatown by Victoria Thompson in audio. Also reading Hood by Stephen Lawhead, which is historical fantasy. Oh, and Principles of Druidry by Emma Restall Orr in non-fiction.

Cheryl

Thanks for replying about Steve Hamilton's books. I am looking forward to the setting for his book. I have been to Paradise, Michigan a few times. I will definitely be picturing that area while reading the book. I'm looking forward to trying something totally different for me and glad to hear good things about his books. I'll be sure to come here and let you know how it's going.

I finished up A Fountain Filled with Blood and am almost done with Kate Sedley's Holy Innocents.  I couldn't get my hands on the first in her Chapman's series (which as y'all know drives me crazy...lol) butbut I wanted to see if I'd actually enjoy the series so I'm trying this one and I actually like it. I've requested the first in the series through ILL.  I hope they get it soon.  I've got A Reliable Wife up next.

I love Roger the Chapman, Melani! But the only ones I was ever able to get here were the first and second ones. I don't think most of her books were ever published in paperback here in the USA. I always end up having to get them from the library, too.

Cheryl

A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch.  Very interesting so far.

Just completed "Fear On Friday" a Lois Meade mystery by Ann Purser.  I actually started this one more than a year ago but only got about 20 pages into it before something else caught my eye.  Needless to say, this one is on my challenge "TBR" list.

I also started "Shinju", the first Sano Ichiro mystery by Laura Joh Rowland.  Not far into it but it's good so far!

I started I KILL last night written by Giorgio Faletti. It began in Monte Carlo and I was  drawn  into the story from the very beginning. I am only 1/4 way into the book, but so far I would recommend it. SORRY, BUT I CANNOT REMEMBER WHO TOLD ME ABOUT THIS BOOK. I LOOKED THROUGH THE "WHAT ARE YOU READING" FORUM ALL THE WAY BACK TO OCT '09 AND COULD NOT FIND THE POST. THANKS FOR TELLING ME ABOUT THE BOOK. I REMEMBER YOU SAID IT WAS THE BEST MYSTERY THAT YOU HAD READ. THEN LUCKILY,  I WAS ABLE TO FIND IT, TRANSLATED OF COURSE!!! I AM LEAVING COMPUTER TO GET INTO I KILL .

Next to read is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. All reviews have been excellent, especially by readers who grew up in the South. I started it once months ago and had to turn it into the library. Then it took months to get another copy.

Mary

I am reading Theft on Thursday by Ann Purser and still slogging through The Poisoned Chocolates Case. It's not that I'm not enjoying it that it's taking me so long to read it, I've just been having terribly painful gallbladder issues and not been in the reading mood. Finally went to the doc today who is sending me for a HIDA scan. I'm pretty nervous about the whole mess. Hopefully the scan will show a rotten gallbladder and I can get it out and get back to reading and eating again.

Sorry to turn this thread into a medical problem vent.

Ellie ~ so sorry you are feeling unwell.  I have alot of pain issues to deal with, have had several surgeries, and I can attest to the fact that reading makes great diversion therapy to get your mind off how miserable you feel.  Hope all goes well and that you will be better soon! Sending you {{{{{get well hugs}}}}}

I have just started one of my reading challenge books, "Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor"  It has just grabbed me from page one - I can't believe I have waited this long to read it.  I found it interesting that the premise for the writing this book is somewhat the same as Laurie King's writing the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series.  Manuscripts found that Jane Austen had written about mysteries she was involved in solving, and Stephanie Barron being asked by the owners of the manuscripts to edit them so they could be published.  King has been sent manuscripts of Mary Russell's adventures with Sherlock Holmes.  Quite good ideas.  Anyway, I love this book and will go on to read others in the series. 

Just started Lynley/Havers # 10. Also working on several good histories (Braudel, 2 Pelicans, Oxford History of Medieval Europe) that taken collectively should get me up to speed on Europe in general and England in particular 1066-1348. Probably will mix in a couple Nero Wolfes and a Thomas Sanchez novel. Maybe have this project done by Ides of March. Then back to Lynley/Havers # 11.

I am such a neophyte to REAL mystery and thriller's books, that I am GOOD /crazy to find/locate new authors that I like. Sunday , I found author's names which include:

Ken Bruen's detective  Jack Taylor

Andrew Vachess' s Burke

Ian Rankin's John Rebus

Georges Simenon's Maigret

Nicholas Freeling's Vander Walk

PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THESE "NEW" AUTHORS TO ME.

THANKS

I MAY HAVE SOME OF THE NAMES CONFUSED.

MARY

I am reading Six Geese A-Slaying by Donna Andrews.  Only have about 10 more pages till I am finished.  Very good book...only took me two days to read it and that was only becuase I had a couple of appointments that interupted my reading time.   Not sure what is up next...will have to check out my bookshelf. 

Mary, the only ones I've read are Ken Bruen (Jack Taylor series) and Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus. Do be aware that neither of these are cozy. The Ken Bruen series particularly is graphically violent and can be pretty bleak and depressing. That said, I like both of them a lot!!

Andrew Vachss's series, i read one of a few years ago and wasn't overly impressed so never read on--I don't remember why I didn't much like it now. It does deal with issues of child abuse, so again if you're squeamish it wouldn't likely be a good choice.

Cheryl

Thanks Cheryl for your input. I am not a "cozy" reader. I will try the 2 that you liked first.

Mary

I've read some Ken Bruen and Ian Rankin as well and really like both authors.  I completely agree with Cheryl's assessment, too.  I've not read any of the others.

Thanks LeeAnn for your input.  I trust  your judgement, as well as  Cheryl's, and will start looking for Bruen and Rankin.

Mary

Last night  I just started  Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell.  Only a few pages in  but so far it's really good. Not sure what will be next but I'm thinking Cross by Ken Bruen.

Happy reading everyone

Tammy