Summer seems to want to start early around here. We are already seeing triple digit temperatures. And, of course, my office is freezing. I guess I would rather that than to be outside under the hot sun.
This weekend I polished off two books I had been reading: Blood Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff and My Highland Bride by Maeve Greyson. One is a dark thriller about the FBI's search for a female serial killer and the other is a historical paranormal romance set in, you guessed it, the Highlands. After much back and forth about what to read next (because so many books are calling my name), I settled on a paranormal mystery by Heather Graham, called The Silenced. I have enjoyed the books I have read by her in the past, and am hopeful this one will be good too. I am barely in though
This weekend I polished off two books I had been reading: Blood Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff and My Highland Bride by Maeve Greyson. One is a dark thriller about the FBI's search for a female serial killer and the other is a historical paranormal romance set in, you guessed it, the Highlands. After much back and forth about what to read next (because so many books are calling my name), I settled on a paranormal mystery by Heather Graham, called The Silenced. I have enjoyed the books I have read by her in the past, and am hopeful this one will be good too. I am barely in though
First Paragraph of The Silenced by Heather Graham:
She found her tweezers and an eyeliner pencil with a soft end for smudging color.
Matt very cautiously began to use the tools to open the damp paper. Meg watched it unfold.
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
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With the help of some of the books below, I am participating in this summer's COYER's Scavenger Hunt hosted by Fantasy is More Fun, Because Reading Is Better Than Real Life, and Books, Movies, Reviews.Oh My!, which runs Saturday, June 20th through Friday, September 4th. There are 80 categories of which there is no way I would be able to complete in such a short amount of time (I'm not even sure I could do it in a year--I just don't read that many books). Fortunately, there is no requirement to fit a book into every category. Whew. Why am I joining, you ask, after I swore off challenges for the year? Because I think it will be a fun community event to participate in--and I enjoy scavenger hunts. Although the scavenger hunt is open to all book formats (as long as they are ones you already own), I am planning to stick to e-books. I really do need to work on cleaning out my e-reader (Clean Out Your E-Reader = COYER). I also hope to make some new friends by visiting other blogs and seeing what the other participants are reading.
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This week's Top Ten Tuesday theme is Top Ten Books On My TBR For Summer 2015. Many of last week's books could easily go on this list, but I will make every effort not to duplicate any of the titles just the same. As I have said before, I am not good at sticking to book lists, but these are a few coming up on my TBR stack I wouldn't mind getting to this summer season. Have you read any of them?
1. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman, translated by Henning Koch) ~ A young girl whose world revolves around her eccentric grandmother, sets out to deliver her grandmother's letters apology to a colorful cast of characters. I loved, loved, loved Backman's A Man Called Ove, which I read earlier this year, and am excited to read the author's latest book. [COYER Scavenger Hunt Category: Read a book by an author you’ve previously read and given 5 stars.]
2. Death in Brittany (Kommissar Dupin #1) by Jean-Luc Bannalec ~ Murder and the French Coast, a thrilling combination. I enjoy a mystery set in another country (and I really like this cover). [COYER Scavenger Hunt Category: Read a book with word DEATH in the title.]
3. Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin ~ A psychological thriller involving a woman who long ago had survived a murder attempt and now fears for her daughter's and her own life as signs begin t appear that maybe the wrong person is in prison for the crime. I read another of Heaberlin's books, Playing Dead, years ago and really enjoyed it. From friends who have already dived into this one, I have only heard good things. I can't wait! [COYER Scavenger Hunt Category: Read a book with BLACK in the title.]
4. Killing Secrets by Dianne Emley ~ I am taking a chance on this one as I wasn't a big fan of her stand alone novel, Night Visitor. [COYER Scavenger Hunt Category: Read a book by an author you have previously read and given less than 3 stars.]
5. Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton ~ Because everyone says I should give her a try. [COYER Scavenger Hunt Category: Read a book with water/or the ocean on the cover.]
6. As Night Falls by Jenny Milchman ~ You can tell my reading mood at the moment is leaning most often towards psychological thrillers. This book comes directly out of the headlines--only it was written before the recent prison break of two convicts. While the premise isn't new, escapees come across a seemingly perfect family at home, I'm curious to see what direction Jenny Milchman takes her characters and the story. [COYER Scavenger Hunt Category: Read a book with no magical or futuristic elements.]
7. Cold Moon (The Huntress/FBI Thrillers #3) by Alexandra Sokoloff ~ I am enjoying this crime fiction thriller series and cannot wait to read the next book. This one picks up where the last one ended. [COYER Scavenger Hunt Category: Read any type of crime novel. (police procedural, detective, etc.)]
8. Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart ~ "[B]ased on the forgotten true story of one of the nation’s first female deputy sheriffs", this is one novel I could not resist adding to my TBR pile. [COYER Scavenger Hunt Category: Read a book featuring a strong female protagonist.]
9. The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts (The Unbelievables Book 1) by K.C. Tansley ~ This young adult/fantasy/mystery novel caught my attention right away. There's a centuries' old murder, time travel, ghosts, a curse, and magic. This one sounds like it will be an entertaining book to read. [COYER Scavenger Hunt Category: Read a book that's is 1st in its series as indicated on Goodreads.]
10. Drop Dead Punk by Rich Zahradnik ~ One of my favorite journalists is back in the second Coleridge Taylor mystery, set in 1975 New York. I was quite taken with the author's Last Words, and am anxious to continue with the series. [COYER Scavenger Hunt Category: Read a book with no living thing on the cover.]
Have you read any of these books or plan to read them? If so, what did you think?
What books are you planning to read this summer?
What books are you planning to read this summer?
© 2015, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Loving your selection, I'm reading Little Black Lies at the moment, featured on my Tuesday post https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/06/16/first-chapter-first-paragraph-june-16/, but My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry has really caught my eye. A colleague only recommended A Man Called Ove the other day so both are now on my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteCleo - Thank you. I hope you are enjoying Little Black Lies. I'm looking forward to reading it! I hope you enjoy A Man Called Ove as much as I did. I'm curious about Backman's new book and hope it will be just as good. I'm trying not to let my expectations get away from me though.
DeleteI haven't read any of these books before, but I really hope that you enjoy them all and get to them this summer! My TTT
ReplyDeleteChrissi - I am not sure I will be able to get to them all this summer, but even if I read just half, I'll be happy. :-) I'm such a mood reader. And considering how dark many of these are, I'm sure I'll need to read other types of books in between.
DeleteI enjoyed the opening to The Silenced and want to know more. The author has created the feeling that something bad is about to happen -- or at least the character is going to be frightened. Good beginning.
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post features A Walk in the Woods.
Sandra - I can feel the tension in that opening paragraph. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the book and seeing how everything comes together.
DeleteI've read Alexandra Sokoloff before. Really liked her first book. (I have a weak spot for ghost stories.) I read the first of her romantic suspense books, and while it was good, I was sorry to see her change genres.
ReplyDeleteSuzi - I haven't read her earlier books and so do not have much to compare her current series too. I do want to go back and try her other books though.
DeleteI like your intro Wendy, the writing appeals to me and would keep reading. Hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteYou just reminded me I need to write a review for My GRandmother Told Me to Tell You She's Sorry. I liked it byt not as much as Ove.
Diane - So far, I am enjoying it. While Heather Graham's books tend not to be the kind that blow my socks off, I do enjoy them.
DeleteI will try not to let my expectations be too high when I read My Grandmother Told Me to Tell You She's Sorry. I am glad to hear you liked it though. :-)
I love the idea of doing challenges during summer, even if I planned not to do any ever. I think that the summer challenges are usually a lot more fun and there is a good chance you will finish the challenge as well (or try to finish). Hope you have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Backman has a new book coming! I HAVE to get my hands on it now.
Athira - I'm trying not to think of it as a challenge--given I'm going to read what I want and see what books match which category. LOL It will be fun though. I haven't decided if I'll participate in any of the read-a-thons they have planned--that might be a little too much commitment for me.
DeleteI am so excited about Backman's new book.:-)
You look very well organized for summer from here!
ReplyDeleteHere's what I plan to read this summer!
Deb - The key word in your comment is that I "look" well organized. Haha I only look like it on the surface. When I actually start reading, well, what I actually read may be very different. I am terrible at sticking to lists.
DeleteFirst of all, the Heather Graham opening sounds great. I'm going to try to read some of her books soon. Think I have the first book in the Krewe series here. And yes, there are several of your 10 that I am planning on reading. Little Black Lies, As Night Falls, Black Eyed Susans, and I'm supposed to read Killing Secrets for a blog tour. Enjoy your summer of the e-reader, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteKay - I'm enjoying The Silenced so far, but I'm still early in the book. I hope you enjoy the series when you start it! I still haven't read the first book. Or many of the ones leading up to the first I read in the series.
DeleteI hope I like Killing Secrets. I thought I would give the author a second chance as I know she is well liked.
I can't wait to get to Girl Waits with a Gun.
ReplyDeleteGreat teaser -- things can look a bit spooky in the dark.
Beth - It sounds like Girl Waits with a Gun will be good, doesn't it? I'm really excited about that one.
DeleteIt's scorching here too and there's no relief in sight. I haven't read any of the books on your list but I do own a couple of them.
ReplyDeleteKathy - It's too hot. I hate to think what August and early September will be like, which is when it's usually the hottest here.
DeleteA great intro, and a great selection of books on your summer reading list. I'll look forward to your thoughts on Girl Waits with Gun. I love that cover!
ReplyDeleteMonica - I'm quite a fan of that cover too. :-) I hope you have a good summer of reading as well.
DeleteI liked your intro of The Silenced. It is not my usual genre, but I have read some that I enjoyed. The COYER Scavenger Hunt sounds like a challenge. I do a scavenger hunt with the Love of Reading group on Goodreads that is a bit different and takes me almost a year to complete. So good luck with clearing out your e-reader.
ReplyDeleteJudy - Those particular books in Heather Graham's series (which can be read as stand alones--each book features a different character, with very little overlap), have strong mystery and romance elements. The supernatural/paranormal elements are on the soft side, so I think not as off putting for those who don't normally gravitate towards the genre. So, you might like this one. :-)
DeleteI admit I'm kind of taking the challenge out of the COYER Scavenger Hunt by not setting a specific goal. I'll likely read what I want and try to fit the titles into the categories as best I can. If they don't fit, then they don't fit. I'm just in it for the fun really.
I really like your summer reading list. I got Girl Waits With Gun at BEA last month. I'm also curious about the new mystery series on the French coast...
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/06/first-chapter-first-paragraph-110.html
Catherine - Thank you! It's very mystery/thriller heavy, isn't it? I'll be looking for your thoughts on Girl Waits with Gun when you get to it. It sounds like it will be good! I think the setting of Death in Brittany is what initially caught my interest--that and the cover. :-)
DeleteOh gosh, the temps. I walked to lunch yesterday and felt like heading back to the office. It was so muggy and hot. Bleh.
ReplyDeleteI haven't officially made a summer reading list. I have loads of fun making the list but I hardly ever read the books mentioned. I know that Finders Keepers and the newly translated Murakami (Wind/Pinball) will be read for sure. I will also be reading Atlas Shrugged for a read along I am hosting. It's 1200 pages long! That may be my summer, seriously.
Ti - I didn't even leave my office yesterday until it was time to go, and even then it was terribly hot outside. My daughter has swim lessons in the evenings for the next few weeks and I envy her being able to get in the pool.
DeleteI saw that you are hosting a read-a-long for Atlas Shrugged. It's tempting, but the size is so intimidating.
(I received the DVD, photos and program. Please thank your son for me!)
I have never read Heather Graham, but now I must! Love the excerpts.
ReplyDeleteOf your Top Ten, I've read and loved two of them: Black-Eyed Susans, and As the Night Falls.
Here's mine: “BEFORE WE MET”
Laurel-Rain - I enjoy her books. They are kind of on the cozy side. Seems like a good choice to help kick off summer.:-)
DeleteI am glad to hear you loved both Black-Eyed Susans and As the Night Falls. I'm excited to read them finally.
I would read the Heather Graham because I seem to remember adding her to be TBR a while back. The scavenger hunt sounds a lot of fun if, yes, a lot of time! I've no firm plans for the summer but I do want to read Tender Is The Night at some point.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - My husband's favorite Fitzgerald is Tender Is the Night. I haven't read it. Hopefully you will enjoy it. :-)
DeleteI'm really not going to change up my reading much for the scavenger hunt/challenge, which I suppose kind of defeats the purpose. I do want to make time for my reading though if I can. Somehow. :-)
Hmm, going by that teaser alone I'm not sure The Silenced is one for me. That said once begun I'd have to finish it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the challenge. Quite addictive aren't they? I know I have to resist the temptation to sign up and try to limit myself to two/three a year.
Tracy - Hopefully you won't be starting the book then, if you know it isn't for you. ;-)
DeleteYes, challenges can be very addictive. This is my first of the year, which I guess is pretty good considering the year is almost half over. :-)
That first paragraph definitely sets a suspenseful tone. I would keep reading based on that. and the tease- make me wonder what they're up to. :)
ReplyDeleteGreg - Suspenseful is good. :-) I am enjoying the book so far. I'm used to the more small town settings with Graham's books and so I'm curious to see where this one will go. I wouldn't mind spending more time in D.C.--at least as I read.
DeleteBlack-Eyed Susans and As Night Falls, read both and really enjoy them and hope you do too!
ReplyDeleteI would keep reading your Tuesday Intro if for no other reason than I do want to someday read a Heather Graham!
Rita - I'm glad to hear you enjoyed both Black-Eyed Susans and As Night Falls. Always good to know books I plan to read are liked by my fellow readers. :-)
DeleteI hope you get a chance to try Heather Graham's books at some point!
Ello:) "Death In Brittany" sounds like a good one to read as does "My Grandmother asked me to tell you shes sorry". I'm glad your participating, and way to go on already picking out books for the challenge:3 Can't wait to see your thoughts on them!
ReplyDeleteLanie - We'll see if I actually stick to my list. Haha I'm terrible at doing so. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI am happy you are also joining Coyer, just like you there is no way I can fill all categories, but I am hoping to be able to read a few books for the scavenger hunt at least. This is my third time participating in Coyer and it's one of my favourite reading challenges, it's always so much fun!
ReplyDeleteLola - I can see why you like COYER so much. :-) I wish I had thought to find out more about it sooner. Here's hoping we read some great books this summer!
DeleteSounds ominous. Hope it's a good one. Here's Mine
ReplyDeletePaulita - It does sound ominous, doesn't it? Then had in the type of book it is, and it's almost a given! I am enjoying it quite a bit.
DeleteThe first paragraph sets a nice tone for this book. I like stories set in D.C. In fact, I just finished reading a Whte House Chef mystery and liked moving around D.C. as I read. I'll have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteMargot - I think so too. I'm actually enjoying this one in the series more than I did the other two I've read--both of which I enjoyed. I haven't read too many books set in D.C., but I have always wanted to go there--in person and through books.
DeleteWow, this is a great Top Ten list! I haven't heard of a few of these, but I'm going to check them out!
ReplyDeleteChristy - Thank you! I hope you like the ones you do decide to try.
DeleteYour summer reading list sounds great! I know I want to read Little Black Lies and Black Eyed Susans.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your reading challenge! :)
Melody - Thanks! I'm excited to see what direction my reading will take me. :-) Both Little Black Lies and Black-Eyed Susans sound like they will be good. I hope my expectations aren't too high.
DeleteOoh, Girl Waits With Gun sounds awesome. Hope you enjoy these!
ReplyDeleteBreathesbooks - I think so too. Especially since it's based on a real life person. I can't wait ot read it.
DeleteI always enjoy reading your Top Ten lists. 'My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry' is such an interesting title!
ReplyDeleteKim - Thanks! I felt the same. I couldn't resist a book with such a title. Of course, it helps that I have read the author's work before and loved it.
DeleteI've read a few of Heather Graham's books and really enjoyed them so hopefully this one you've picked will be good as well.
ReplyDeleteI love psychological thrillers especially on audio. I've got a few of your picks on my list as well. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You is one, Killing Secrets is another. I really enjoyed Night Visitor. Little Black Lies is great - loved that one. And As Night Falls sounds pretty good. I think I'll be adding that one in. Enjoy your summer reading Wendy!
Darlene - What I didn't expect with The Silenced is that the main characters go to Harper's Ferry. Having recently read The Mapmaker's Children, I couldn't help but perk up at that. :0(
DeleteI hope I enjoy Killing Secrets. I wanted to give the author another try since I didn't care for Night Visitor. I know many people liked that one though. And I've heard good things about her series. We'll see.
Good luck with COYER! It is super fun. Your gray kitty looks so much like our old kitty. I love gray cats and we definitely miss ours.
ReplyDeleteSarah - Thank you! I am already enjoying the Facebook group. Just a few more hours until COYER begins! Yay!
DeleteI'm sorry about your cat. :-( We've had Gracie now for over a year and a half now. She's a sweetheart. Such a lover.
Your teaser is very intriguing! I want to know what they are up to! With tweezers, eyeliner and paper no less ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with COYER, I love that challenge because it's so laid-back and you can just read, hang out with other participants, and also add ever more books to your TBR :)
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
Lexxie - I kind of can guess about the tweezers, but I haven't a clue what the eyeliner has anything to do with. LOL I'm not quite there yet in the book, but I'm getting closer. I should find out soon. :-)
DeleteLaid back challenges are right up my alley. :-) I'm excited about COYER. :-)
Black Eyed Susans is on my list as well. The cover is beautiful, and the story seems really interesting. Great list!
ReplyDeleteTiffany - I really like the cover of Black-Eyed Susans too. I hope we both enjoy it!
DeleteThe COYER Scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun! Loved reading some of the categories that you're tackling within your list. Though lots of dark and mysterious reads for you. :) I did just finish In the Woods and enjoyed it...looking forward to listening to more Tana French.
ReplyDeleteThe heat. Thankfully we haven't hit 100 yet but I know it's coming soon. I FREEZE all day and then enjoy the extreme heat of my car...for about a minute. Would be nice to have a happy medium, huh? ;) Happy summer!!
Trish - I think it does. :-) It reminds me of the Whats in a Name Challenge to some degree. I didn't take part in that one this year, but I came close. I still haven't gotten beyond In The Woods, which I loved. It's one of those "I keep meaning to continue" series, you know?
DeleteI know the heat will be coming your way soon enough, although I wish we could all be saved from it. A few of my coworkers wear blankets while working and fingerless gloves, the office is so cold. It's crazy. Like you, I wish there could be a happy medium between the heat outside and cold inside.
I hope you have a Happy Summer too.
Patty - Thank you. I'm looking forward to reading them! I may have to mix my reading up though--too many dark crime fiction novels in a row might be too much. LOL
ReplyDelete