I believe the answer is yes. The past couple months haven’t been kind to the world, nor has my book reading been the most enjoyable. Conspiracy? Well, I’m not Alex Jones, so put me firmly in the coincidence camp. At the same time, me no likey. Mystery/thriller is my go-to genre but maybe, just maybe, I read too many of them. So this month I tried to add a couple of different genres to see if that helped.
The Books I Loved, Liked and Loathed this Month
Another month and lots of books read, some loved and liked and none loathed.
The Books I Loved
The books that remind me why I love to read.
Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
Book Description: Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization and introduces four practices of true belonging that challenge everything we believe about ourselves and each other.
Book Review: Wow. She did it again. Half the time I was pumping my fist and nodding my head at all her insights. The other half? I was uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable with all the truth bombs she was dropping on me. Again. And I love it. Because it is nice to be validated but even more important to grow and expand. To shine a light on all those dark spots inside of us, which seem to be expanding these days. This book is so timely and I recommend it to everyone who feels a little lost, a little scared and a little alone.
To Read or Not To Read: YES. If I could, I would give a copy to every single person I meet because we all need to both learn how to stand strong with ourselves and with others, even those (especially those) who think and feel differently than we do.
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King
Book Description: The now retired Sherlock Holmes meets an orphaned teen whose intellect and deductive abilities rival his own abilities.
Book Review: I love me some Sherlock Holmes, which means that reading different takes on him is nerve-wracking because I take it personally when I don’t like how they portray Holmes. Weird, but true. 😀 Fortunately, I like this older Holmes. One who is still brilliant and difficult with a few softer edges too. And I really like Mary Russell. I like her wit and brains and heart. And I like that Holmes likes all those things about her too and hones those skillsets, rather than feel threatened by them.
To Read or Not To Read: It’s elementary, my dear readers: those who love historical mysteries (and Sherlock Holmes) will enjoy this book and series.
The Books I Liked
These are the books that I liked from most liked to liked.
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
Book Description: A serial killer ensnares Inspector Harry Hole in his twisted web of revenge.
Book Review: I caught a trailer for the upcoming movie based on this book and thought it looked like a good thriller. Plus, I like Michael Fassbender. 😀 One of the librarians told me Nesbo’s books are very popular and now I understand why. It’s a fast-paced read with one freaky deeky serial killer. Harry is likeable enough, although quite damaged himself. It’s book #7 in the series and now I have to go back and start at the beginning (I started here because of the upcoming movie, and it will also be interesting to see how they handle the killer’s motive, which is one part warped brain and two parts double standards around the sins of women).
To Read or Not To Read: Yup, especially if you like mysteries where virtually everyone is a little bit messed up.
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Book Description: Ismae faces her toughest task as Death’s assassin when the man she loves is marked for death.
Book Review: I enjoyed this but I must admit a teeny tiny bit of disappointment because when I read “trained at a convent to become an assassin” in the book flap, I automatically assumed it was Hogwarts for Assassins and sadly, it’s not. Basically Ismae arrives at the convent, briefly meets two other girls (who will each have their own book) and we fast forward 3-4 years when she’s now an assassin. I wrongly assumed it would be more fantasy (which is why I chose it) versus historical mystery. Again, I have no regrets reading it and plan to read the remaining two books at some point. Note the book is (549) pages and I feel a little (a lot) bitter that 100 of those pages weren’t used at the convent to show Ismae learning her trade, especially because it did not need to be 549 pages long (at all).
To Read or Not To Read: Sure. It’s a fine pass-the-time book that will keep those who like YA and a little romance happy.
Secrets in Death by J.D. Robb
Book Description: After the murder of a popular gossip columnist, Lt. Eve Dallas uncovers a roster of suspects with secrets worth killing over.
Book Review: It took 45 books for J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) to write an In Death book that I merely found good. It’s not bad but it lacked something and felt a bit flat compared to her previous 44 books. And while I hyperventilated over my lack enthusiasm for her latest book, it’s okay if one book isn’t quite up to snuff after 44 books. But let’s hope it’s not a trend because she switched publishers from Penguin to St. Martin’s and her last two books have been her weakest. Prior to the new publisher, she had a big stretch of excellent books and now I’m back to hyperventilating.
To Read or Not To Read: Yes, but start at the beginning with Naked In Death. And don’t let one meh review for the series scare you. The remaining 44 books range from very good to excellent. 😀 Who am I kidding? It’s not my review that scares you; it’s the 45 books.
The Dark Lake by Sarah Bailey
Book Description: When a classmate of Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock is murdered, her death threatens to expose many secrets, including Woodstock’s.
Book Review: As Shrek once so aptly noted, “Ogres have layers.” And so do people. It is the unraveling of those layers that capture our attention and heart while giving us insight into their nature. When you peel back too many layers at once, they become less fascinating because savoring revelations is what gives character form. And when you give a person a ton of layers to ostensibly make them 3-dimensional and one of those layers/quirks/tropes happens to be one I hate (mild spoiler alert: an affair with no real payoff/growth), then you really, really have your work cut out for you. I don’t mind unlikeable characters, but I still need to feel deeply engaged and connected to the book.
To Read or Not To Read: Sure. Bailey certainly shows potential (to lazy to confirm but believe this is her debut novel) and my frustration with the book is more about my distaste around pointless affairs intended to make protagonists damaged and somehow more interesting. Gemma is already flawed and three-dimensional and more real without it.
Note: I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. The Dark Lake is now available.
Don’t Wake Up by Liz Lawler
Book Description: Kidnapped and forced to make a horrible choice, no one believes Dr. Alex Taylor and she fears she’s losing her mind until she meets another victim.
Book Review: An interesting hook that never quite lived up to its potential. Some of the segues confused me a bit because they seemed so different tonally. I wasn’t sure if we were in the past, present or what not. It felt like there was a real solid premise that needed some fleshing out and a good editor.
To Read or Not To Read: Dealer’s choice. It’s a bit rough (writing-wise) but still passed the time okay.
Note: I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. Don’t Wake Up is now available. (Note: Netgalley says the book published on October 5 but Amazon says January 2, 2018. It does appear you can get the audible version now.)
TL;DR – My Recommendations for You
This month I recommend The Beekeeper’s Apprentice to mystery lovers, especially those who like Sherlock Holmes or prefer their murder mysteries less gruesome and violent. The Snowman by Jo Nesbo is for mystery lovers who do like their stories messed up. Or who want to read the book before the movie comes out later this month. I am a ride and die In Death fan, so I will always, always recommend those books. Grave Mercy is a good choice for those who enjoy YA with a little romance.
To More Great Books
Adding some different genres (non-fiction, historical mystery and a fantasy that wasn’t a fantasy) did help me a bit this month, so I will continue to switch things up. At the same time, I have come to the conclusion that many of my “meh” books lately are netgalley books. So I’m putting a moratorium on requesting new books that I am unfamiliar with the author for now. It feels a bit harsh because netgalley has definitely introduced me to some great new authors too, but reading has always been my favorite past-time and now it’s become work. I struggle to DNF any book but especially netgalley books. Thankfully, I only have two netgalley books in my queue for next month and both hail from authors I trust.
As always, I will be partaking in the Show Us Your Books Link-Up, hosted by Jana and Steph. Be sure to visit the link-up and see what everyone is reading.
What books did you love in September?
Tanya
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice is on my list – I think I first heard about it on What Should I Read Next?. I love Brene Brown and can’t wait to read her newest book.
It’s been on my list for awhile as a diehard Sherlock Holmes fan, but like I said, sometimes I am scared to read stories that play with one of my favorite literary characters. King handles him well! Brown’s book is fabulous. I’ve been meaning to go back and read her other work (I’ve only read Rising Strong, which is also fantastic) because her work seems consistently good.
Oh, I’m so curious about The Beekeeper’s Apprentice now. I do love Sherlock Holmes. I think The Snowman would be one I’d enjoy too – I’ve started seeing previews for the movie too; very curious!
-Lauren
Give Beekeeper’s Apprentice a try. I thought it was really good. I really enjoyed The Snowman. It was the right amount of thriller for me. I’m looking forward to the movie too, although probably more of a watch-at-home for me. I’m gearing up for Thor!
Braving the Wilderness sounds intriguing. I really enjoyed Grave Mercy, and finished the series this past month! The second book was my favorite, but enjoyed the series as a whole.
I can never remember who recommends what, but I definitely read Grave Mercy based on your recommendation, so thank you! I really did enjoy it –after I got over my disappointment that it wasn’t Hogwarts for Assassins (which no one said it was but that’s what my brain expected!). I read the descriptions for books 2 and 3 and they look really good. They sound like perfect plane books when I travel for Christmas.
I tried reading this month but of the 6 books I had, all of them were DNF because they sucked! hopefully my new batch of books will come in soon and those will be better.
NOOOOOOOO!! Oh, Kathy! And here I am whining about book ruts when at least every book was minimally decent and some were fantastic. Here’s to better reading this month!
Oh – I had gotten the Beekeeper’s Apprentice from the library, along with some others, and never got around to reading it. I need to get it again. I know it just came out but I’ve heard a lot about Brenè Brown’s book — need to get that one too.
Been there, done that with more books then I care to admit. But sometimes it’s hard to read a book in your loan time! I really loved Brown’s book and hope you enjoy it too!
I would definitely read another by the Dark Lake author. I think there’s potential in a series there.
I don’t typically read Brene Brown type books but feel the need to read that one after seeing her speak on it last week!
I definitely agree that Gemma could be a series. Like I said, affairs really annoy me and the book would have rated a “really like” versus “like” had it not been there. But we all have things that bother us and that’s one of mine. The Women’s Conference you attended sounded amazing and if you enjoyed her talk, I’d bet you’d enjoy the book too.
I have yet to read a Brene Brown book but have heard that they are all amazing. There are too many books in the J.D. Robb series that I have never even started it! LOL! I also am feeling in a bit of a rut and prefer to read suspense/thrillers. I’ve been trying to read some other genres and my reading is so much slower.
I’d previously read Rising Strong by Brown, which I also really enjoyed, and I’ve been meaning to read her other books. I like the way she writes too. She’s very personable and it feels like you’re having a conversation with her vs being lectured. Every time I review a JD Robb book, I laugh because I know that I’m scaring potential readers with the this is book #45 stuff. 😀 I started on book #22, so it wasn’t quite so intimidating! LOL!
oh boooo to book rut!!!
all of Brene Brown’s books are on my list. i haven’t read any.
i am not a sherlock holmes fan (i’m not NOT a fan either, but you know what i mean) but i totally understand about taking it personally when you don’t like how they portray a character. i read a lot of retellings – pride and prejudice and fairytale retellings mostly (wow i sound so adult like right now) and i get really cranky if they portray them in a way i don’t like.
Grave Mercy has been on my TBR for like 5 years (or something) and i’m sure i’ll get to it one day.
ohhhh no about that in death book. i am seriously only on book like #5 or #6 but i spread them out so they don’t run together. i am super interested to see how they are after 10 books, 20 books or 40 books. i’m sure by the time i get to 45, it will be up to 99 or something lol.
honestly, i’m with you with netgalley. i have no problem letting books sit there for months and if after 6 months they don’t sound good, i just ‘give feedback’ and say, sorry, not my jam or whatever. reading should not be work. that being said, i am super picky about what i request now, i had way too many duds.
and as for book ruts, i mean, i have a go-to genre that i will ALWAYS enjoy no matter what mood i am in. for me, that is historical romance (i know, i know) because they never use words i don’t like (i have issues with some words in normal romance books), the stories are always good or fun and i know exactly what i am getting.
that being said, if you have a go-to genre that is something like mystery or thriller, there are so many variables that go into that kind of book that could make it awful, you know? or they all run together and they seem the same as the last one you read. with historical romance, i like them being kind of the same and it’s hard to screw one of them up, they are predictable and cheesy and i love it. so i feel like you need something like that – not historical romance obviously – but something that can’t be bad, you know?
or, something else i turn to? a re-read. re-reading a favourite always gets me out of a book rut! also (geez sorry for the novel comment) i let myself go through the phases of my book reading, i let myself feel and live the book rut, but there comes a time that i want out of the book rut, so i turn to books i know will get me out.
I can totally relate to your Pride and Prejudice crankiness when the portrayals of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are off. It feels personal. 😀 You’ve got some strong JD Robb books coming up next and I actually think she hits her stride in the teens and goes on a really solid run of very good to excellent books. It’s just the last two have been her weakest. And honestly, I think she has a little help these days and I’m guessing her “help” is probably contracted with Penguin and didn’t work on the latest 2 books.
Okay I feel better knowing that others have had some problems with netgalley books too. I am so grateful for the chance to read ARCs and to be introduced to new-to-me authors, but sometimes, they are just not good books. And it kills my enthusiasm because I have no desire to be a dream-killer for any writer either. I’m going to take your advice and if I’m just not feeling a book, I’ll pass on it with my apologies versus forced reading and bad review.
Grave Mercy sounds like something I would like, i’ll check it out! Thanks!
I hope you like it!
Sometimes it really does help to mix things up with genres when you feel stalled out when reading. It still sounds like you read some great thrillers this month, and I definitely want to add Grave Mercy and The Dark Lake to my TBR list. I think that I remember somebody else reading The Snowman during one of these linkups and it sounded so good, and then I saw the trailer and thought that looked great too! I need to read the book and potentially get started with another series!
I think mixing up my book genres did help. I still leaned heavily mystery but I can’t help myself! 😀 I hope you enjoy Grave Mercy and The Dark Lake. I really liked The Snowman and am excited to have another series to read too!
Grave Mercy sounds like something I’d enjoy too but YEAHHHH – you’d think they totally missed out on a great part of the story telling with the training. Maybe after they get through all the girls books, they’ll do a prequel & do that – email the author & Tell them to get on that!
Right? Am I wrong to want/expect to enjoy Ismae being trained? I don’t think so! But now that I know not to expect that (and the next two stories are also shorter, thankfully), I will like the stories better.
I’ve loved all of Brene Brown’s other books that I’ve read so I don’t know why I haven’t been more on top of getting her new one, but I definitely am after your review.
I hope you enjoy it, Carly!
YAYYYY!!! I am SO glad you loved The Beekeepers Apprentice! I knew you would!! 🙂 That particular book is in my top 10 of favorite mystery books ever and I’ve probably read it about 100 times, so I am always glad when someone else is enamored as well 🙂
Um, I will not be reading The Snowman. I didn’t even know that was a book, until I saw the preview for the movie yesterday and almost lost my s#*t. I was already scared and it was just a 45 second preview!!
Thank YOU for recommending it to me, my Sherlock Holmes loving buddy! When the heck is Elementary back on because I need my fix! And I need my Joan Watson clothes envy too! 😀
If you didn’t like the Snowman preview, you probably wouldn’t enjoy the book because he kills in a very specific way that is a bit nightmare-giving. And I’m you’re pregnant and that’s all I’m going to say. But no actual kids or pregnant women are harmed in the book.
Ive been in book ruts before. really mixing it up is the only thing that helps! The snowman trailer freaked me out – Im easily spooked but intrigued by the book!
Mixing it up helped and so did some re-reading some of my favorite books. LOL! I’m easily spooked too, but lately I’ve liked more spooky books. Go figure.
I think I’m the only person that hasn’t read a Brene Brown book yet. What should my first one be? I’ve heard such good things and I need to make it happen.
I’ve only read two books, Rising Strong and her latest, Braving the Wilderness. Honestly, I don’t think you can wrong with any of them.
I have a few library books and after those, it’s NetGalley until the queue is clear. Some are WAY overdue.
I’ve read one Jo Nesbo book but I didn’t love it. I feel like something got lost in translation.
My Netgalley is finally in pretty good shape. I have a few books for this month but then it’s more like 1 book per month, which is doable. Of course, knowing me, I will go nuts and request a ton of books and then later whine about it!
I wonder if you read The Bat by Nesbo. It’s his first book and definitely not as strong as The Snowman. The talent existed but it hadn’t all come together yet. I actually felt a bit bored with it and had I not read The Snowman first, I don’t know if I would have continued with the series.
I read a Brene Brown book before, but I’m kind of a jerk and believe that sometimes shame can be a good thing. Braving the Wilderness is on my list though, because I read in more than a few places that it’s a little edgier.
Beyond Braving the Wilderness, I’ve only read Rising Strong by Brown. I have noticed her work tends to build on previous work. Shame is a weird thing. Sometimes we should feel ashamed by our actions and those seem like the times when we don’t. And other times we let shame cripple us when we should forgive ourselves and let go.
I loved The Beekeeper’s Apprentice and this has just reminded me that I have the second book waiting on my bookcase. Yay!
I really enjoyed The Beekeeper’s Apprentice too and I’m so excited to have another series to devour!
I’ve never heard of The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, but it sounds really interesting! I’m going to add that one to my Goodreads list now!
I hope you enjoy it, Laura!
I haven’t read any of Brown’s books yet, I will admit that this one right off the bat just sounded like “Wild” to me. I was like… I don’t want to read another “author goes into the wilderness” story. LOL. BUT that is probably unfair. Your rave review has me re-thinking it and wanting to read her other book even more. I have Grave Mercy on my ipad, excited to get to it someday. I buy a lot of $1.99 ebooks… and then proceed not to read many of them. LOL XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Oh, Brown doesn’t go into the literal “wild”, like Wild or a journey like Eat Love Pray – those books aren’t really my jam either. She is referring to the wild as places both internally and externally that are uncomfortable and where we don’t feel welcome. It still might not be a book you’re interested in, which is perfectly fine, but I just wanted to make it clear that it was a journey kind-of-book. 😀
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice reminds me of the movie ‘Mr. Holmes.’ I wonder if one was based on the other…
Everyone loves Michael Fassbender ;D Haha!
There are some similarities but the Holmes in Beekeeper’s is younger. If I remember your review of the movie correctly, he was in his 90s and is more like in his 50s/60s here. And that is only important because he eventually develops a close (ahem) relationship with Mary Russell, and a large age gap already exists but at least not a 70+ gap. 😀
True, everyone does like Michael Fassbender and I wonder if I enjoyed Harry Hole so much because I kept picturing Fassbender as him! LOL!
I’m on the library wait list for Braving the Wilderness. I’m usually pretty good at waiting for a book I want to read, but half the time I’m thinking I should just go ahead and buy this one.
I hear you! Normally I can wait too, but sometimes it gets really hard. I generally like to read a book first from the library, then buy it if it’s one that I’ll reread again. I’m cheap! 😀
I’m adding The Beekeeper’s Apprentice and Brene Brown’s new one to my tbr! Hope the book rut is lifting. Pam
I hope you enjoy both books! The book rut is, well, still there. Mainly because I’ve been too wimpy and whiny to read anything new and have been mostly rereading favorites. 😀
I definitely want to read the new Brene Brown, I’ve heard such good things about it. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice sounds good too. I hate getting into book ruts. It seems like sometimes that happens to me after I’ve finished several REALLY good books and then I struggle to find one to compare to those.
YES! Sometimes an amazing book makes everything else seem mediocre, even when they are not. I don’t think that was my problem. I’ve just read too many thrillers/mysteries where they are started to blend together and not in a good way. And a lot of mediocre books. Boo!
I am in a book club and some of the books on your recent list look really interesting. I may have to recommend we read a couple of them.
Go for it! And I hope they enjoy the books!