After finishing Amy Stewart's Girl Waits With Gun, which I featured last week, I decided to stick with the historical mystery theme, and began reading Drop Dead Punk by Rich Zahradnik. I read Last Words by the same author earlier this year and was instantly hooked. Coleridge Taylor is a reporter on the crime beat. His most recent lead involves a dead homeless man who looked after strays and a police officer. The dead cop's partner already has a strike against her being a female. Now she is being blamed for not backing him up. Not everything is as it appears, and, as always, Taylor is determined to find out the truth.
First Paragraph of Drop Dead Punk:
First Paragraph of Drop Dead Punk:
The three ancient copy editors were on their feet, with Copydesk Chief Milt Corman in the middle. Taylor stopped his walk through the newsroom to find out why. If someone had made a mistake, it must be a colossal one to get those fat asses out of their seats. He looked over Corman's shoulder. The copy chief held the Daily News. It was that day's edition, Oct. 30, 1975. The 144-point front-page headline screamed up from the page.
FORD TO CITY:
DROP DEAD
"The next time they come, it won't be a warning. Who can I trust? They'll kill me. I can't. I can't." She was almost whispering.
and one from 40%:
Taylor tried to look to a future where he wasn't chasing police stories for the Messenger-Tegram. Nothing. The emptiness of a direction never considered. His gut tightened like a hand was squeezing it. What would he do if he didn't have this job?
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
What are you reading at the moment? Is it anything you would recommend?
What are you reading at the moment? Is it anything you would recommend?
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.
This week's Top Ten Tuesday theme is Fifteen Fairytale Retellings I've Read/Want To Read. I haven't read many fairytale retellings, but I do enjoy them now and then. I have included retellings I have reand many more I want to read in my list.
Five Fairytale Retellings I Have Read:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ten Fairytale Retellings I Want To Read:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Honorable Mention:
I went back and forth about including Uprooted by Naomi Novik on the list. It certainly has a fairytale vibe and brings with it many of the fairytale tropes. In the end, I decided not to count it. It's on my wish list though, and a book I hope to read one of these days.
Do you read fairytale retellings? Have you read any of these books?
Five Fairytale Retellings I Have Read:
1.
Tigerheart by Peter David (Peter Pan)
2.
The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey (Beauty and the Beast)
3.
Ash by Malinda Lo (Cinderella)
4.
Wicked by Gregory Maguire (The Wizard of Oz)
5.
The True Story of Hansel and Gretel: A Novel by Louise Murphy
Ten Fairytale Retellings I Want To Read:
1.
The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood (The Robber Groom)
2.
Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell (Cinderella)
3.
Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth (Rapunzel)
4.
Thorn by Intisar Khanani (Goose Girl)
5.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (Cinderella)
6.
Beauty by Robin McKinley (Beauty and the Beast)
7.
Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer (Cinderella)
8.
The Crown (Queen of Hearts Saga #1) by Colleen Oakes (Alice in Wonderland)
9.
Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi (Snow White)
10.
The Snow Queen (The Snow Queen Cycle #1) by Joan D. Vinge (The Snow Queen)
Honorable Mention:
I went back and forth about including Uprooted by Naomi Novik on the list. It certainly has a fairytale vibe and brings with it many of the fairytale tropes. In the end, I decided not to count it. It's on my wish list though, and a book I hope to read one of these days.
Do you read fairytale retellings? Have you read any of these books?
© 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.
Drop Dead Punk sounds suspenseful; I loved the tension in the excerpts. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteLaurel-Rain - I am enjoying Drop Dead Punk. There have been a few tense moments so far where I've found myself holding on to my Kindle a little too tight.
DeleteWhat a wild list, very varied. This was such a fun post idea this week. I love retellings and you picked some good ones. Drop by my blog and sign up for my give-away. It relates to today's meme.
ReplyDeleteMy TTT Retellings
Anne - I tried cutting my list down, but I couldn't think what to leave off. As it is, I'm still thinking of other titles I wish I'd included. I'm enjoying seeing what everyone else has listed. :-)
DeleteI have read Ella Enchanted and Cinder and both are absolutely amazing!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my TTT.
Lauren - I am looking forward to reading both! I don't think I actually own a copy of Ella Enchanted, but it's one my wish list. I have both a print and e-copy of Cinder, so I have no excuse for not reading it. :-)
DeleteThat opener was a great cliff-hanger. I want to know more. Enjoy your historical mystery.
ReplyDeleteMargot - It was such an interesting time in New York's history. So far, I'm really enjoying it. Zahradnik does a good job of weaving the history of the times in with his story.
DeleteDrop Dead Punk sounds intriguing! I'm anxious to hear what you'll think of it.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's a great list you've posted. I don't think I've read any except Ash. I'll have to add those books onto my checklist for future reads. :)
Melody - So far I am enjoyed Drop Dead Punk. I really like Coleridge Taylor. He is such an interesting character.
DeleteI am suddenly very interested in reading more fairytale retellings after coming up with my list. LOL
Mechanica and Cinder made my list this week too. I really need to read Ella Enchanted, that's been on my TBR for ages! Have you ever read Beastly by Alex Flinn, that's a Beauty and the Beast retelling and is pretty good :)
ReplyDeleteBrocs - I only learned about Mechanica a couple weeks ago, but it does sound good. I haven't read Beastly, but it sounds like I should! Thanks for the recommendation!
DeleteHaving worked in a newspaper office, I'd read Drop Dead Punk for sure!
ReplyDeleteHarvee - That aspect appeals to me too. Probably for a similar reason. :-)
DeleteI liked that intro and even chuckled a bit as I read. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteDiane - Me too. :-) I'm enjoying it so far.
DeleteDrop Dead Punk sounds good - enjoy!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - So far it is! I am looking forward to getting back to it during my lunch break. :-)
DeleteYou have a lot I've never heard of (and I've read quite a few retellings). Beauty by Robin McKinley is a must!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT:
https://abibliophilesstyle.wordpress.com/2015/08/04/ttt-fairytale-retellings-ive-read
Selah - I've heard such great things about Robin McKinley's Beauty. I really should make time for it sooner than later.
DeleteThanks for sharing this new-to-me series and author. The descriptive style really pulled me in--and I remember that headline.
ReplyDeleteCatherine - I really like this series so far and hope you will to if you give it a try!
DeleteDrop Dead Punk sounds good to me.
ReplyDeleteI don't really care for fairy tell retellings but my sister really likes them.
Kathy - Zahradnik doesn't get enough attention as an author, I don't think. I am really enjoying his books.
DeleteGreat post. These books by Rich Zahradnik sound like my kind of read and its been a while since I have read a good thriller.
ReplyDeleteOf the fairytale books you have shared I have read 'Ash' and 'Wicked' and have several of the others on my wish list.
Tracy - Thank you! I've enjoyed the books quite a bit--especially the way the author captures the time period. And I'm quite fond of Taylor. He's not perfect by any stretch, but he is a good person.
DeleteI would have never picked up Drop Dead Punk from the shelf. The title nor the cover would have appealed to me, but your intro grabbed me. So, now it is on my list.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read many fairy tale retellings, but I did read Cinder and the next one by Marissa Meyer, Scarlet. Both were very good. Thanks for your list.
Judy - I hope you like Drop Dead Punk if you read it. The title doesn't really do anything for me either, to be honest.
DeleteI am glad to hear you liked Cinder and Scarlet. Scarlet actually interests me more than Cinder, but I decided I want to read both--and in order. Hopefully soon. :-)
I like the opening, the title, and the cover, so I'd keep reading!
ReplyDeleteMonica - I'm quite enjoying Drop Dead Punk. I was in the middle of tense scene when I had to stop reading this morning. I hope to jump back as soon as I can.
DeleteI'm not much of a fairytale reader anymore, but I did enjoy reading Ella Enchanted when my daughter was younger. The book teaser sounds fun. Here's Mine
ReplyDeletePaulita - I haven't read too many retellings over the years, and rarely on purpose. I'm suddenly finding myself really into them though. I can't wait to read the ten on my list above that I haven't yet read.
DeleteI LOVE fairytales & retellings - had to add Beauty & Cinder to my TBR list after so many like you have listed them. My TTT list
ReplyDeleteCarrie - They've both come highly recommended, and so hopefully we will enjoy them when we do read them. :-)
DeleteGreat teasers :) Thanks for sharing! Have a terrific Tuesday and happy reading.
ReplyDeleteLexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
Lexxie - Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful day too!
DeleteDrop Dead Punk sounds pretty good! I'm always looking for something different; I might have to put this on my TBR list! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteLisa-Marie - It's good so far. I definitely more on the hard-boiled side, which is just what I've been in the mood for. I hope you like it if you do decide to read it!
DeleteI liked your teasers, but suspense-crime is not really my kind of thing. I hope you enjoy another book by this author.
ReplyDeleteMy TT
Caro - I'm really enjoying it. I love crime fiction of just about all kinds, so this is right up my alley.
DeleteSuch a great showcase. I see a few I'm going to go nab! I really enjoyed Drop Dead Punk. Something about the writing was very compelling.
ReplyDeleteHere's my TT - http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/08/04/teaser-tuesdays-124-my-life-as-a-white-trash-zombie/
Laura - I am glad to hear you enjoyed Drop Dread Punk. I like the writing as well.
DeleteYour teasers sound intense! Definitely a book I will have to check out in the future.
ReplyDeleteYvo - It has been intense at times. So far there seem to be a lot of questions and I can't wait to get to the bottom of everything. It's rare I don't have a theory or two about what will happen--but I haven't a clue yet.
DeleteI remember when Ash was super popular at my school. I never seemed to get around to it though... still meaning to pick it up. Great list!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: http://tsundokubooks.blogspot.com/2015/08/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-fairytale.html?showComment=1438716330623#c2467615209016775937
Sam - I hope you like Ash if you do read it. :-)
DeleteDrop Dead Punk-- sounds different and interesting to me, historical + mystery.. I like how you find titles I'm not aware of.
ReplyDeleteYour TTT list is wonderful. I just added a few that I hadn't heard of: The Snow Queen, The Crown, Mechanica. A couple others I have on my own list. Enjoy DDP, and wonder about your final thoughts on it.
Rita - I really like the series so far. I hope the author continues it.
DeleteI keep looking at my copy of The Snow Queen and thinking how much I want to read it, but find the size a bit intimidating. I've heard such good things about it though.
Those teasers from Drop Dead Punk sound really intense. Sounds like a suspense/thriller type of read. Your Top Ten picks were good too. I actually haven't read many of them, I'll have to check them out. Thanks for sharing and for visiting Bookworm Book Reviews!
ReplyDeleteKimberly - More of a hard-boiled mystery than a thriller, really, but it has its intense moments. It's really good so far!
DeleteI wish I had more time to read all the books I want to read. But I imagine we all feel that way, don't we?
I want to read Thorn, Mechanica, and Queen of Hearts so much. I'm actually reading Uprooted right now and I'd say it definitely has that "Beast and the Beast" vibe to it.
ReplyDeleteAlicia - I hope you are enjoying Uprooted! I am really looking forward to giving that one a try. I'm so curious about the Queen of Hearts series. I hope its good.
DeleteIt sounds like a fun, intense book.
ReplyDeleteSonia - It is!
DeleteThe second one is kind of a depressing teaser. But, yes, I would read on!
ReplyDeleteSonia - I thought so too. Taylor really likes his job even if not always his bosses and between the financial climate and his inability to avoid digging more deeply then those in high positions are comfortable with, he really pushes his luck.
DeleteI spotlighted Drop Dead Punk on my blog, it does sound like an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteStormi - Have you had a chance to read it? I've really enjoyed the series so far.
DeleteI'd keep reading Drop Dead Punk. I'll have to look into that series. Thanks for sharing it. I love the fairy tale retellings. It was a good top 10 this week. My Teaser
ReplyDeleteLaura - I hope you do! It's a good series. The author gets the time period so right and the impact it has on his characters.
DeleteI enjoy fairytale retellings too. And there are so many out there that sound good.
Since the story takes place in 1975, printed newspapers were still a major source for news. Things have sure changed! I'm curious about the headline's meaning and would keep reading to find out.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog today.
Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG
Sandra - 1975 is such an interesting time period for newspapers. Television is just beginning to become popular and the newspapers feel threatened by that. It's been interesting to compare that to the internet and its impact on newspapers and also on television.
DeleteBoth TTs sound intense - I'm sure you'll be into them in no time!
ReplyDeleteMine's a Jane #AusteninAugust new release [with giveaways!] so do stop by and enter if you're a classics and JAFF fan :)
HappY TT whether suspense or fairytales :)
Sharon - I'm really enjoying the book. I just wish I had a good block of time to sit reading as opposed to fits and spurts.
DeleteI do think today's talk about fairytales has put me in the mood to read a fairytale next . . . Poor Sharon Bolton might get put off again.
Wicked and Ella Enchanted are two of my favorites! :) Awesome list.
ReplyDeleteMiss Magee - I really enjoyed Wicked (I love the musical)! I look forward to reading Ella Enchanted.
DeleteThese teasers sound intense. I feel on edge just reading them makes me want to dig deeper. Here is my TT
ReplyDeletehttp://totallyaddictedtoreading.blogspot.com/2015/08/teaser-tuesday-21.html
Nadene - There is a strong sense of tension that carries through most of the book. I'm really enjoying it!
DeleteOh definitely definitely DEFINITELY read Uprooted! It's not a retelling but it definitely fits the fairytale theme. I absolutely adored it! The book you're reading now sounds right up my mystery-loving alley, too!
ReplyDeleteKaren - That's one strong recommendation. :-) I definitely well read Uprooted. :-)
DeleteYes!
ReplyDeleteMechanica looks so good and I definitely want to read it.
Lunar Chronicles is great and I hope you love it! I seriously can't recommend it enough. I has something for everyone.
Olivia @ Fluttering Pages
Olivia - From all I have heard about the Lunar Chronicles, I am sure I will love them :-) I hope Mechanica is good as well!
DeleteI see you have "Wicked", "Cinder", and "Ella Enchanted" on your very impressive list! There are many books that are new to me, but I will definitely check them out on Goodreads! Wait....I HAVE heard of "Beauty", by Robin McKinley. It's supposed to be fantastic! So I will keep that one in mind, as well.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read the entire Lunar Chronicles series. I only have "Cinder" and "Scarlet", but that's a start.
Love yor kitty pics!! Thanks for visiting and commenting on my Top Ten!! : )
Maria - I have copies of Cinder and Scarlet too. I am trying to be good and not collect the rest of the series until I've at least tried those two. :-)
DeleteNow I'm in the mood to read fairytale retellings!
Hi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of book re-writes. alternatives, or prequels, I'm afraid! I enjoy my classics just the way they were written, how they should be and most importantly of all, how I want to remember them ... especially Fairy Stories! Having said all that, there are some amazing covers amongst your selection, so I can imagine it being quite easy for me to be beguiled enough to pick any one of them up off the bookstore shelf, before realising what I had in my hands.
One of my favourite genres is a good crime thriller and although 'Drop Dead Punk' didn't grab me right away, it definitely grew on me, as I checked out the series a bit more ... some of the reviews have been amazing, several from my regular fellow bloggers and Goodreads friends, so this one is definitely on my list for future reading, although I may go back and read the first part of the series! I thought the opening paragraph you shared was most apt, just going to show that nothing much has really changed in the last 40 years ... What goes around, comes around!
Nice post and thanks for sharing :)
Yvonne
Yvonne - Thank you for your comment. :-) I feel similarly about rewrites of classic novels, although I have read at least one variation on Jane Eyre a few years ago. It was different enough--and went in an entirely different direction mid-way through that it didn't bother me. I've always been okay with fairytale retellings though.
DeleteI hope you enjoy Zahradnik's books if you try them. I really liked Last Words and am enjoying Drop Dead Punk. It's hard not to compare what was going on then with now--seeing the state of newspapers, the country financially . . .
I would absolutely continue reading with that teaser! Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for visiting my blog :)
ReplyDeleteCandid Cover - It is interesting! It's such an interesting time and the author breathes life into 1975 New York City.
DeleteWhat a great list. I have Tigerheart on my shelf, I'll have to get to it soon. Definitely added some to my TBR!
ReplyDeleteVanessa - Thank you! I hope you do get a chance to read Tigerheart. I was hesitant about that one at first, but ended up really liking it. I keep meaning to read Peter David's other work.
DeleteI really liked Uprooted! I've read and enjoyed several of your mentions, but see several more that intrigue me. New list in the making!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I think I will really like Uprooted too. I hope I'm not getting my expectations up too high. That never bodes well. LOL
DeleteI forgot all about Ella Enchanted! I remember reading that one years ago now, I think I loved it. Wasn't it much funnier than the film version?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love your cats in the banner pics. My cats are always all over my books and shelves too :)
Kelsey - I may read Ella Enchanted with my daughter when she's a bit older. I don't think I've seen the movie.
DeleteThank you! My cats aren't very helpful when it comes to actual reading--they'd rather eat, rub their heads on or lay on my book as a I read. LOL
I really admired The True Story of Hansel and Gretel, but I'm not sure I'd count it as a 'retelling' exactly. More like based on. I second the recommendation for Ella Enchanted above. Enjoyably, funny and fun.
ReplyDeleteJames - The True Story of Hansel and Gretel was such a good book. I feel like I always have to preface anything I say about the book with "It's not actually a true story" when I talk about it though. :-)
DeleteI will definitely give Ella Enchanted a try. I am not sure how I got out of my childhood without reading it.
Great list. I've only read Cinder & Uprooted from your TTT this week but I really loved them both! Happy reading! x
ReplyDeleteRhoda - Thank you! I wish I could dive into both right now! Maybe Cinder since I at least have a copy of that one. :-)
DeleteI don't read too many fairy tales, but I did read Ella Enchanted a while ago and enjoyed it. I've had my eye on Cinder for some time.
ReplyDeleteNaida - I wasn't sure about Cinder the first time I heard about it, but it may be its time now. I've been wanting to read it for awhile now.
DeleteCan I just read all of these? Pretty much all of these could easily be on my list - Ella Enchanted, Bitter Greens (which I own but just haven't read), Cinder, Uprooted and so many more! I hadn't heard of The True Story of Hansel and Gretel before but I'm intrigued. I'll have to go look for that one!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I know I want to--at least the ones I haven't yet read. :-) I cam really close to starting Cinder today, but decided I would stick to my original plan and read Sharon Bolton's book instead.
DeleteI do recommend The True Story of Hansel and Gretel. There is nothing magical about it, but it's a harrowing and touching story.
I adored Ella Enchanted as a kiddo. I hope you get to it and that it holds up!
ReplyDeleteShaina - I look forward to giving it a try. :-)
Delete