mystery novel fans

[hensylee]

have you read anything by David Kent. He's a relatively new writer, works for NPR, has written three novels:

DEPARTMENT THIRTY
MESA CONSPIRACY
BLACKJACK CONSPIRACY

He has patterned his nearly 6 ft red haired tech after my sister who is 6 ft tall and has(d) red hair. He writes in such a way that you just can't put down the book. The first book introduces DEPARTMENT 30 (a new branch in the govt) so pay close attention to this one. MESA CONSPIRACY is the second book and it's about bunches of twins in the same cemetery and why are they there? I couldn't stop reading til the end. I am still reading the third one.

He constructs his books sorta like Patterson. Short chapters - switching next chapter to another thought. Very interesting mysteries. Happy reading.

 

[Georgia]

Kewl; and thanks for the heads up. I'm always looking for new good books - my next stop will be Amazon to order these.

 

[Georgia]

Got my books ordered, Ann - and the customers' reviews are really good for these on Amazon.

 

[Mary]

Ann,
On your recommendation I'll either pick one up or order like Georgia did. I suppose I should start with the first novel, or does it matter?
Mary

 

[Praline]

Love mysteries

Love mysteries

I love whodunits. Two of my favorite authors are Erica Spindler and Carlene Thompson. I also like Patricia Macdonald. I have 2 boxes full of that type of books that I have already read. I was going to sell them on Amazon in the used books department but I just never got around to it. Some day I will come across someone who will want them and I will give them away.

 

[Georgia]

I "thin" my library by giving them to the local library - they have a couple of booksales every year. The hospitals like to get them, too, for their bookcart.

 

[hensylee]

Mary

Mary

I recommend that you begin with DEPARTMENT THIRTY because it introduces you to what Dept 30 is. Second book is kinda important because it shows how Kelly becomes part of the dept. After that, it doesn't matter - I don't think. At least it doesn't so far in the 3rd book.

 

[Georgia]

Hey, Ann - I'm in the middle of "Department 30"- am really enjoying it. Is "Faith" patterned after your sis? Thanks for the heads up on these. Back to my book.

 

[Phyllis]

Thanks for the heads up, Ann. I just finished a number of books by Harlan Coben, a winner of many Mystery awards- twisting plots and always a surprise ending- check him out.

 

[Blanche]

I have been a mystery fan forever. I began at an early age with Mickey Spillane (sp?). My mom objected because of the, as she called it, s-e-x. My dad said not to worry because I wouldn't understand it anyway. HA!

Right now I am reading Iris Johansen, Linda Fairstein, Lisa Jackson, J.A. Jance and Faye Kellerman. I like authors who have already written a few novels. I start with the first, and if I like it I know there are more.

Ann, I will be looking for your author. However, new books are a bit of a hit on the budget for me. I keep a list of books that I would like and check for them on half-price day at the local Goodwill stores. It may take a while to get the books, but the prices are great. ($1.00 or less for paperpack, $2.00 or less for hardcover)....Just a suggestion for the financially challenged! I got "Angels and Demons" and "DiVinci Code" for Al for $3.00 for both.

Praline, save some of those books for me when I visit. *smiles*

Kindest regards,
Blanche
"People who don't love cats were probably mice in a previous life!"

 

[Praline]

Mystery books

Mystery books

Blanche,
Please let me know what books you are looking for. You never know, I may have them here just ready to move on to a new home.

 

[hensylee]

Yes, Faith is Nancy (my sis). My sister is 6 ft tall, red hair.

Harlan Coben - I discovered him in Winn Dixie book section when he wrote his first novel (after the sport agent series), bought it, got hooked, bought every one he's ever written. I have even talked to him and emailed him. I went on the net and wanted to get his new book for my son for Christmas - autographed. I called the NYC bookstore - and I got him because he was there for signing. Probably hangs out there a lot. Every book he writes, he also teaches something. The one about the children's hospital was particularly enlightening. I love his writing. The sports agent series is particularly good.

Have you read Jonathan Kellerman, Blanche? I like him better than Faye - she's rougher than he is. After I started reading their books, I hunted til I found their first ones. Faye's was really a good one - about the Ritual Bath.

Patterson (James) is good, too. I love the Alex Cross ones. He also wrote 'somebody's' DIARY FOR 'somebody' - I just forget the names of who it was for, but it was excellent.

Our library has a sale about once a month or every two months. The just put the books outside on tables and sell them for 50 cents and we have loaded up. That's a boon for us. We also have a used book store that gives credit for books you bring in and you can buy with that credit, including new ones. We are lucky about books in our small town. Daughter and I are both in a book all the time. I go to sleep at night with one in my hand.

Anyone go to WalMart book section? I have noticed in the last couple of years more and more customers are browsing (and buying) there. Sometimes I have to wait for somebody to move before I can browse for me. Good for us, we need to read and learn.

On a more somber and sad note, you might read TUESDAYS WITH MAURY. Wonderful book. it's about love (not romance)

 

[Blanche]

The wonderful world of books!!!

The wonderful world of books!!!

Harlan Coban sounds like my kind of author. This is one more author for my list. Johnathan Kellerman's books are always a good read. He's a clinical child psychologist who specializes in children. I first came across him in a college class that included the book, "Helping the Fearful Child." His non-fiction work on children is outstanding. My favorite Kellerman is Faye. I guess I like it rough, and her character Rina is very special. Reminds me of my aunt. The Kellermans recently released a joint publication entitled, "Double Homicide," which I have not yet read. The Alex Cross character from James Patterson's novels has my heart. I believe I have them all, except for the latest one.

Ann, you mentioned "Tuesdays with Morrie." Just a magnificant book that I too would recommend. This one makes one hold their breath a whole lot. I also loved "The Five People You Meet In Heaven," by the same author, Mich Albom. As with "Tuesdays," this one humbled me and taught me many heartfelt things that I continue to ponder. Like you, Ann, I always have a book within easy reach. That's why I so value other people's recommendatons. Sometimes, I search the net for books. I have found one site from the UK that is very user friendly. For those who enjoy books, this site is a great one. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/ Enjoy!

Kind Regards,
Blanche

 

[hensylee]

Son and his wife always give me e-gift certificates. This Christmas they gave me a $100 one and I couldn't figure out how I would spend that much on books - but I ended up buying text books! Bought XP FOR IDIOTS, QUICK REFERENCE FOR XP FOR IDIOTS, and LAPTOP FOR IDIOTS. Took nearly the whole certificate. Those idiot books are so full of information. That's how I learned to use my computer in the first place.