Share your “reads” with me
Two of my favorite past-times: Looking through magazines or reading a good book. It’s what I do every evening to unwind from the day. I’m getting desperate for more books to read so if you’ve read a good book share it! Mysteries are my favorite but I’m open to any good book. I love a series so I can read on when I’m done with one book. I’m reading Lisa Gardener’s book called Catch Me. I’ve read almost all of James Paterson and the whole Stephanie Plum series from Janet Evanovich. I know there must be book lovers out there reading away and enjoy books I haven’t read. Help! (Yes, I read The Help LOL.)
One of my favorite magazines, Jeanne d’ Arc Living just arrived at our door! It’s such an expensive magazine that I normally only order special issues, but this month Jeanne d’ Arc surprised us all and reduced the cost of the magazine in the US to $13.95 per issue. This is about half of what it’s sold for in the past so I’ve added a few copies to our website . Jeanne d’ Arc is published in Norway and it’s a treat to find it in the US. Enjoy the photos (taken by the Jeanne d’Arc photographer…not me) as a sampling of what’s inside this beautiful magazine.
I can’t wait to hear about what you’re reading…I’ll keep a list so email me or leave a comment. Have a great day everyone!
Follow up: Here’s a PDF file of books you suggested: Books to read from my blog readers
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151 Comments
Larissa
I got really addicted to Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs and Karin Slaughter books in the last few months of my pregnancy (almost 4 years ago now), and through the first year or so of breastfeeding (would read them during these times and, since she fed for long periods of time it was several hours a day!) … I would devour between 2 & 3 books a week!!! Still love them today, though as I found them ‘late’ in the ‘series’, and read most of what they had on offer, I am now having to wait (impatiently, lol) for the next books. Apart from these, I have been reading women’s non-fiction christian books lately … ‘What Women Fear’ by Angie Smith for instance …
Denise Cabral
Joel Rosenberg is a very good auther about the Middle East, Russia and Israel. He writes about prophesy and how things Could happen. The thing is, his novels have come true!Another Really good auther is Daniel Silva. He also writes non-fiction.
Carol
What fun it is to read all these recommendations! I, too, run out of ideas for books, and I love hearing others’ suggestions. I’ll repeat a couple of those already mentioned……ANYTHING by P.D. James is my first choice. I’ve read all the Louise Penny series with Inspector Gamache and they’re good. And Colonel Pettigrew’s Last Stand is excellent, as is The School of Essential Ingredients. I loved them both. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is excellent. Bill Bryson’s “Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid” kept me in stitches, as did Nora Ephron’s “I Feel Bad About My Neck”. Fanny Flagg’s “Standing in the Rainbow” is a joy. Also, I’ve read and liked all Sandra Dallas’ books. Good luck! You’ve got a lot of suggestions from which to select! Carol
Patricia Stroud
It left off my first sent4nce which named Kristin Hannah.
Patricia Stroud
Christian writers, Francine Rivers and Beverly Lewis. I am also a fan of Maisie Dobbs series by J. Winspear.
Kristin Hannah is excellent. I also like Jodi Picoult, however NOT her book “Sing Me Home” Everything else is excellent. She has surprise endings. Michael Palmer and John Saul, John Greshan, Richard Paul Evens are other authors I real. Also do Debbie Macomber, nora Roberts, and Tracie Peterson (a christian writer). Then there is Judith Henry Wall, an okla. writer that tells exactly our real feelings. And I also collect the books of Francis Parkinson Keyes. She is an older writer and her historical novels are wonderful. A lot set in New Orleans. These are very prim. and proper books. from an era from 1850- about 1960. Many set in La. The manor homes on the river roads. Good books about hpow it was for women during those times. I have also recently read a lot of Ken Follett. I read about 3 books a week (in the bathtub) I know I’ve forgotten a lot of good authprs. I read so much. But this is a start.
Sara
These books are not mysteries, but you really need to read them: The Paullina Simons trilogy, The Bronze Horseman, Tatiana and Alexander, and The Summer Garden. Could not put them down!!
Also the Lisa See books, Snowflower and the Secret Fan, Shanghai Girls and Dreams of Joy.
All of Sandra Dallas’s books, all of Andriana Trigiani’s books. All fo Peter Pezzelli’s books. Also Kristin Hannah’s books, Firefly Lane and True Colors.
Sandi
Lots of familiar names here – I second the recommendations of JA Jance, Diane Mott Davidson, Lee Child, John Sandford, and above all, Joshilyn Jackson. I’ll add Lisa Scottoline, who writes legal thrillers with women as the central characters, Nevada Barr’s books featuring US park ranger Anna Pigeon (first book is Track of the Cat; she’s up to 17 books), Julia Spencer Fleming’s mysteries with Episcopalian priest Clare Fergusson and Sheriff Russ Van Alstyne (first book is In the Bleak Midwinter), quilting author Emilie Richards has several series that I like, especially her Shenandoah Album novels (quilt related, first of five books is Wedding Ring) and Ministry is Murder series starring free-spirited minister’s wife Aggie Sloan-Wilcox, beginning with Blessed is the Busybody. If you enjoy Lee Child or Robert Parker (Spenser), give Robert Crais a try, beginning with The Monkey’s Raincoat. Val McDermid’s The Mermaids Singing (which I’d love just for the title’s nod to the T.S. Eliot poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock) starts off a series set in England that is wonderfully written though very dark – definitely not for the squeamish. And finally, for pure language, I love Barbara O’Neal. There’s just something about her characters and her voice that I find captivating. Try How to Bake a Perfect Life (expect to get the urge to bake bread) or The Lost Recipe for Happiness.
Pam Fredrickson
All of Sue Grafton’s books are wonderful; and I am so happy you read Jeanne d’
Arc Living,,,it is the most beautiful magazine out there….and the price reduction is even better,,,love that magazine
Donna
Hubby and I have been reading the Dirk Pitt series by Clive Cussler. We started reading them after watching Sahara.
Deanna
Hello!
The best books I’ve read for a long time are: “Friendship Bread” by Darian Gee, “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, “The Tea Rose”, and “Winter Rose” by Jennifer Donnelly. They aren’t mysteries but they are VERY good reads. Hope you give them a try!
Christine
J.A. Jance has several series. I have enjoyed the ones with Joanna Brady and the ones with Ali Reynolds. The Margaret Frazier books with a nun main character are great also.
Renee
My most favorite book to date is “The Forgotten Garden” by Kate Morton, that was until I picked up her other book, “The Distant Hours”. It is fabulous, I can’t put it down!
Cindi P
All have been mentioned…but I love mystery series too…Harlan Corbin, Lee Child, John Sanford, William Kent Kruger, Tess Gerritson.
Marcia P.
I highly recommend Boomerange by Michael Lewis. He is one of the best writers of the day. He reminds me of Frank McCourt, just the sure talent of his writing is amazing. the book is one of the best I’ve ever read. Of course The Hunger Games. Once you start plan on finishing, you won’t be putting it down.
Kim
JD Robb has about 35 books in her In Death series which is a great series. Also Lisa Jackson, Alex Kava, Michael Connelly. Not mysteries but I also really like Monica McInerney and Jane Green.
Phyllis
William Kent Krueger has 6 or 7 mystery books all with the setting in northern Minnesota. It’s an on-going series with same characters but you don’t need to read them in published order. Google his name and you will discover he writes all this books in a coffee shop in St. Paul, Mn.
Enjoy!!
Vicky
I just finished the Hunger Games triology. Am now reading Atlas Shrugged. I know, I know, many years behind the times. I just downloaded Raggedy Edge and its sequel, Crossroad of Shadows, by Michael Turnlund. Will let you know how they are when I’m done. I love serial books. The more the merrier!
Perry Dauzat
Into the Wilderness series by Sara Donati. One of my all-time favorite series. Historical based on US around the time of the war of 1812 as well as I remember. Concerns a town with a settler population and an Indian settlement close by. Their lives intertwine and they are very well written. I think there are 5 books in all. I think you might enjoy them.
Bevery @ My Sew Sweet Studio
I read all the comments and made note of so many authors I haven’t read yet.
I can’t believe no one mentioned my favorite…Mary Higgens Clark. She is my favorite mystery writter.
Her books aren’t a series, but she writes a new one every year at this time and I am always waiting anxiously.
Not mysteries, but I love Debbie Mc Comber for just good feel good reading.
Aileen
Oh–It sounds like you like what I like! I like the mysteries too but I am always in search for a good read and I gravitate toward fiction. A couple to add to your list: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig (series); Books by Sandra Dallas; School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister; The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows; Bloodroot by Amy Greene (really good as a book on CD); Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford; Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson
Jan Richards
I love all of Luanne Rice’s novels. Usually are set in the northeast near the ocean and revolve around
family and the sea. For a fun read the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella is good one. If you love
social issues and a real page turner Jodi Picoult is an interesting choice.
Diane R.
Oh, Anne, this is just the best thing! I’m leaving in a couple of weeks for a trip back east, and behind-the-times person I am, do not yet have a Kindle. I’ve caught up on all the books I was currently reading and needing something new. Oh, boy, I have lots of choices now. I have not read a lot of the books suggested and just can’t wait to dig into some of these mystery series. I am not a Stephen King fan, normally, but I just finished 11/23/63. That is the most intriguing and engrossing book I’ve read in a long time — it’s really like taking a trip back to the 60’s. I would HIGHLY recommend that book! Thank you everybody for these great suggestions!
rebecca
The “Prey” series by John Sandford is really good. If you are reading Catch Me( I had a hard time getting past the start) you also might enjoy the authors Harlan Coben and David Baldacci.
Rita Bright
Wow, what a subject!! What to read? Have you read any of the Cleo Coyle Coffee House mysteries? It’s about coffee, crime and yummy desserts with recipes. Then there’s Annette Blair who’s main character, Maddie, moves back to her home town, Mystic Connecticut, and opens a vintage dress shop in a haunted building with a handsome vintage ghost to help her solve crimes. Start with A Veiled Deception. I also love Ellen Byerrum’s books, the crime of fashion mysteries. Although fashion reporter, Lacey Smithsonian, is supposed to stick to writing a fashion column, she always seems to get involved with a murder. She also loves vintage clothes most of which are from patterns and material left to her by her Aunt Mimi. Then there’s Adriana Trigiani, not crime, but love. Her main character, Valentine, helps her grandmother run their 100 year old shoe factory. They’re not just shoes, but custom made shoes and you get to know the small family of employees that work for her and a bit about shoe making. But, do read Lucia, Lucia–now that’s another love story. My last great read is Stephen king. I stepped out of the box here and read his latest book, November 23, 1963. Someone is sent back in time to keep Kennedy from being killed and what if he could do it. It’s going to be a hard decision where to start first.
Kathy
Oh Boy, what fun! I need some new authors too!
One of my very favorite detectives is Agatha Raisin. I describe her as Miss Marple on steroids. I find her irresistible and so endearing. M.C. Beaton writes this series as well as the Hamish MacBeth series, and one or two other series. I would try to read the Agatha Raisin series in order of publication because it is lovely and great fun to see her career as a detective, friendships and romantic entanglements unfold successively; but they don’t have to be read in order and I didn’t read them in order. They’re great reads no matter what! Hubby and I both look forward to the latest books, which come out at about the rate of one per year.
The Hamish series is terrific too. Hamish is a country constable in Scotland. Any woman who has ever been frustrated by a man will want to take him by the shoulders and knock some sense into him! These come out at about the same rate.
Rhys Bowen also writes about a constable in Wales. He is capable of falling in love.
The Miss Read series is much-beloved by her legions of fans and I have read the series several times. They are the most lovely English cozies and if you are in need of comfort, these may help a lot and will get you through many weeks of distress. There are many books, most of which belong to two different series, focused around two different villages, Thrush Green and Fairacre. You will find them in the library stack filed under “Miss Read” as the author. If you have a library that only keeps current books on the shelves, you may have to ask for them to be sent in.
Hoping that we all have many hours more of wonderful reading!
Kathy
Teri Jordan
I owned a bookstore for 30 years and just retired and these are all good authors……Dani Amore…..Bill Travis mysteries by George Wier……Phillip Margolin…..Harlan Coban….Stewart Woods….Dennis LeHane his investigators series….mysteries by Sandra Brown….and the FBI series by Catherine Coulter……Check when published and try to read in order…..
pdudgeon
for something different, try the Irish Country Doctor series by Patrick Taylor. the series is now 6 books long, beginning with “An Irish Country Doctor”.
Fresh out of medical school Barry Laverty, (24, single, and no responsibilities) can barely find the small Irish village of Ballybucklebo on a map, and is none too sure upon meeting the Sr. doctor of his new practice whether he should stay or go. The book tells of the practice, the people, the animals, and everything that keeps Barry hopping thru his first months as a very green beginning country doctor in Northern Ireland. Definitely lively, and a really humorous page turner.
As an added bonus there are wonderful Ulster recipes in the back of each book.
Laurel
I second the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear (the eighth came out this week) and Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley mentioned. I also love books by Kate Morton. They are usually set in England and there is mystery as well as wonderful settings.
Hildy
Since I love british crimes (don’t know why but crime and britain work so well together) I read almost all of Deborah Crombie, Peter Robinson and Charles Todd. There’re definitly more, much more I read in the past years, but these three just pop up in my mind. Oh, and of course Rita MAe Brown for the love of cats;-)
Hildy
Dot in NE Georgia
I love the Joe Pickett series by C. J. Box. Be sure to start with book #1 and read in order. They are listed on his website.
selina
I too am a mystery addict. I enjoyed all of the Dana Stabanow books, she has 2 series which in the latest book join together. They are good mysteries with the addition of life lived in a totally different enviornment than I live in. Her stories take place in Alaska. People and state troopers fly everywhere. They also understand what snow is really like. I also enjoyed the Tony Hillermen series for the same reason, Native americans in New Mexico live a totally different life than I do in NJ, but murder is murder.
mimi'sdarlins
One of the best discussions we’ve had in our book club (men and women) was Possession by A.S.Byatt. It switches back and forth between Victorian era and present day, with characters loosely based on Robert Browning and Christina Rossetti, and two present day academics searching for information about them. It’s a romance, as well as a mystery, with unexpected twists and turns. It was published in 1990 , so maybe it’s old news to you, but if you haven’t read it, I believe it will be worth your time. Our group didn’t discover it until a few years ago.
cathy payne
There is a GREAT series by Diana Gabaldon first book is Highlander.. Recently read the Shack…..very inspiring :) Have a great day! Nurse Payne
Pat Hergert
I highly recommend the Flavia De Luce series by Alan Bradley. They are good mysteries and a very funny read. The main character is a precocious 11 year old who travels the rural English countryside on her trusty bicycle Gladys solving mysteries and getting into trouble. They are really well written, very clever and fast paced.
Lynda H
I do a ton of reading – most all genres (sp?). A fun read that is not mentioned are the books by Clive Cussler – there are tons of them – his early works were written just by him, bur later works are written in collaberation with others – all are fun light reads –
Jean
If you haven’t read them, pick up the Robyn Carr Grace River and Virgin River series. They are wonderful! Once you pick one up you can’t put it down.
Siobhan
Definitely The Book Thief. It’s fantastic. I also agree about the Sue Grafton books–I think she has gotten so much better as the series has progressed. The last four have been amazing. I just listened to two audiobooks–Grown Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson (also read by the author) and The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, and they were fantastic. Jackson has a few books–Gods in Alabama, Backseat Saints, etc., that have common characters. I love seeing someone I ‘know’ from another book pop up. My daughter and I devoured the Tess Gerritson Rizzoli & Isles (much better than the show) series, and we also love the Karin Slaughter books. I just read (and enjoyed) Kate Atkinson’s When Will There Be Good News–I think it’s her third Jackson Brodie book. I put off reading it because an animal (and a human family) is killed in the first chapter. i’m not giving anything away but only gave in & read it when told that it happens in the first chapter and then all is okay. I did enjoy the book. If you haven’t read Jennifer Donnelly, you’re in for a huge treat. Don’t miss her YA books Revolution & A Gathering Light–they’re both amazing. Her rose series is wonderful.
Donna Barker
The Lily Bard series and the Aurora Teagarden series by Charlaine Harris. No vampires here, just good mysteries.
marcella
You’ve gotten lots of good suggestions already! I’m a big fan of Louise Penny mysteries. For fun ones with recipes have you tried Joann Fluke or Diane Mott Davidson? Classic, well written ones by Michael Connelly. The magazine I’ve been loving lately is Vignette – such pretty embroidery on quilts!
Robin Gold
PS: thought of one more: Susan Witting Albert has a couple of mystery series. One stars China Bayles (sp?), who owns an herb shop, and my favorite is a series featuring Beatrix Potter. The first one of those is The Tale of Hilltop Farm. Fun!
Gwen
If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice, P.D. James’ Death Comes to Pemberley is excellent.
Robin Gold
Goodness, where to begin? All the Jennifer Chiaverini books are wonderful. Some are historical, some set in current times, but all relate to quilting. Earlene Fowler’s Benni Harper mysteries are wonderful, and all the titles are quilt names. Getting away from quilting, Laura Child’s tea shop mysteries are fabulous (all the book titles have a type of tea in the title). And if you like Sherlock Holmes, Laurie King has a marvelous series with a young woman who meets Sherlock in his later years. The first one is The Beekeeper’s Apprentice. Have fun exploring! And don’t forget to let us know what you find!
Norma
J.d. Robb “..In Death” series. Wonderful and she has more than thirty books in the series. Good reads all.
Kathie L
Also, have you read the Maisie Dobbs series? I just love the characters and stories (post WWI in England).
Laura
Oh and try The Book Thief and School of Essential Ingredients :)
Laura
I got totally addicted to lee childs! A brilliant series – read them back to back!
Kathie L
On vacation I read Colonel Pettigrew’s Last Stand and Cutting for Stone. Both were excellent.
Kathie L
To correct myself, it is Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand
Cathy McMann
If you like the Stephanie Plum mysteries, you will like the work of Sue Grafton. Start with “A is for Alibi,” and you have about 20 more to go as she is up to V (“V is for Vengance”). It hink they are some of the best mysteries out (and they take place in CA). I also recommend mysteries by Elizabeth George, Kate Atkinson, and Deborah Crombie, For a non-mystery, I am recommending “The Art of Racing In the Rain” by Garth Stein.
Tressa
Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand are both great books/page turners.
Missy
Have you read Terri Blackstock or Dee Henderson? They both write Christian fiction mysteries, I love their books!