The Sixth Idea is the seventh book in the Monkeewrench mystery series, set in Minnesota. I am well and truly hooked in this latest book by mother and daughter writing team, P.J. Tracy.
Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a book they are reading or thinking about reading soon. It is also where I share my first impressions about the book I am sharing.
Prologue, 1957
Confine a dozen scientists and engineers to a seemingly endless desert of hard-packed sand with no recreational diversions and inevitably, they will design and build a golf course.
Teaser from page 40 of The Sixth Idea:
He got down on his hands and knees and peeked around the corner as the footsteps drew closer. He saw a male figure flash by, but not fast enough to keep him from seeing the gun in his hand.
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
Every time I pick up one of P.J. Tracy's books I am reminded how much fun I always have with the Monkeewrench crew. The Sixth Idea is proving to be no different.
At first glance, the opening paragraph/sentence of the prologue doesn't give anything away. Although, I can see that exact scenario being more true than not.
At first glance, the opening paragraph/sentence of the prologue doesn't give anything away. Although, I can see that exact scenario being more true than not.
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.
This week's Top Ten Tuesday is the Top Ten Books You'd Buy Right This Second If Someone Handed You A Fully Loaded Gift Card.
1.
Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure by Emma Campbell Webster ~ I think the title says it all, really. This book pays tribute to Jane Austen and her books. All the while taking me back to my childhood love of Choose Your Own Adventure Books (remember those?). I have Lark from Lark Writes . . . On Books and Life to thank for this recommendation!
2.
George's Grand Tour by Caroline Vermalle ~ You are never too old for a road trip, not even at 83 years old. It was my friend Jenclair's (from A Garden Carried in the Pocket) review that landed this book on my wish list. It sounds like the perfect book when I am craving a more feel good book.
3.
Before We Visit the Goddess by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni ~ There's just something about inter-generational novels featuring women, mothers and daughters, and their struggles and bonds that appeal to me. I could not resist adding this book to my wish list after reading Eustacia's (from Inside the Mind of a Bibliphile) review.
4.
Talon by Julie Kagawa ~ My friend Nicole knows me well. I mean, dragons!
5.
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande ~ Everyone I know who has read this book sings its praises. I cannot remember which book blogger review put me over the edge to putting this one on my wish list, but it's one I know I should read.
6.
The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1) by Erika Johansen ~ Dark forces, magic, a kingdom needing saving; all make for an epic fantasy novel that I would like to one day read all thanks to Beth F. of Beth Fish Reads.
7.
Blue Suburbia: Almost a Memoir by Laurie Lico Albanese ~ I don't often read memoirs anymore, but Kathy's (BermudaOnion) review immediately caught my attention. Especially since this book is written in verse--which has me even more curious!
8.
Snow White Red-Handed (Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery #1) by Maia Chance ~ I wish I could remember who recommended this series to me, but the fairy tale connection to these mysteries appeals to me quite a bit.
9.
What Was Mine by Helen Klein Ross ~ Pat of Posting For Now had me from the first line of her review. Desperation drives a woman to kidnap a baby and raise the child as her own. The novel delves into the impact that decision has on everyone involved, including a now adult Mia who is confused and angry.
10.
Murder on the Last Frontier (Charlotte Brody Mystery, #1) by Cathy Pegau ~ Hoping to start over in the Alaska Territory, Charlotte Brody, suffragette and journalist, finds herself investigating the murder of a prostitute when no one else seems to care. Sounds like a combination I must check out for myself.
1.
Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure by Emma Campbell Webster ~ I think the title says it all, really. This book pays tribute to Jane Austen and her books. All the while taking me back to my childhood love of Choose Your Own Adventure Books (remember those?). I have Lark from Lark Writes . . . On Books and Life to thank for this recommendation!
2.
George's Grand Tour by Caroline Vermalle ~ You are never too old for a road trip, not even at 83 years old. It was my friend Jenclair's (from A Garden Carried in the Pocket) review that landed this book on my wish list. It sounds like the perfect book when I am craving a more feel good book.
3.
Before We Visit the Goddess by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni ~ There's just something about inter-generational novels featuring women, mothers and daughters, and their struggles and bonds that appeal to me. I could not resist adding this book to my wish list after reading Eustacia's (from Inside the Mind of a Bibliphile) review.
4.
Talon by Julie Kagawa ~ My friend Nicole knows me well. I mean, dragons!
5.
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande ~ Everyone I know who has read this book sings its praises. I cannot remember which book blogger review put me over the edge to putting this one on my wish list, but it's one I know I should read.
6.
The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1) by Erika Johansen ~ Dark forces, magic, a kingdom needing saving; all make for an epic fantasy novel that I would like to one day read all thanks to Beth F. of Beth Fish Reads.
7.
Blue Suburbia: Almost a Memoir by Laurie Lico Albanese ~ I don't often read memoirs anymore, but Kathy's (BermudaOnion) review immediately caught my attention. Especially since this book is written in verse--which has me even more curious!
8.
Snow White Red-Handed (Fairy Tale Fatal Mystery #1) by Maia Chance ~ I wish I could remember who recommended this series to me, but the fairy tale connection to these mysteries appeals to me quite a bit.
9.
What Was Mine by Helen Klein Ross ~ Pat of Posting For Now had me from the first line of her review. Desperation drives a woman to kidnap a baby and raise the child as her own. The novel delves into the impact that decision has on everyone involved, including a now adult Mia who is confused and angry.
10.
Murder on the Last Frontier (Charlotte Brody Mystery, #1) by Cathy Pegau ~ Hoping to start over in the Alaska Territory, Charlotte Brody, suffragette and journalist, finds herself investigating the murder of a prostitute when no one else seems to care. Sounds like a combination I must check out for myself.
- Have you read any of these?
- If you suddenly were given a gift card that would cover the price of ten books, which would be first in your shopping cart?
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Ooh The Sixth Idea sounds interesting- I wonder what those scientists and engineers were up to (besides the golf course). lol
ReplyDeleteNice Top Ten list. I do remember the Choose Your Own Adventures, I still have fond memories of those and an Austen version would be fun I would think! I liked Queen of the Tearling although I stalled out in the second book. But the first one I can say is a good read!
Greg - I wonder what they were up to as well! Whatever it is impacting the present--at least in the book.
DeleteI used to read all the possible options in the Choose Your Own Adventures. I just had to know all the possible outcomes. LOL I think the Austen one would be quite fun too. I am glad to hear you liked the first Tearling book, at least. :-)
"Lost in Austen" sounds awesome! I'm planning to finally read "Pride and Prejudice" soon, and that sounds like it would be a fun follow-up! Despite loving all the Austen movies and minseries, I've never actually read a Jane Austen novel!
ReplyDelete"The Queen of the Tearling" has been on my to-read list since before it was released. I'd like to get to it soon as I've been on a major fantasy kick this year. It's a fairly new-to-me genre but I find I'm craving it more and more!
Lindsay - I think so too! I was so excited when I discovered it through Lark's blog.
DeleteI am glad you are enjoying reading fantasy! It's such a broad genre and there are so many different types of books to explore.
I haven't read any of these, but Talon is on my TBR as well. I hope you get to read some of these soon. Great list, and thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteHere's my TTT
Petra - Thank you! I'm really intrigued by Talon too. I haven't read anything by Kagawa before, but I know here books are well liked.
DeleteP.J. Tracy writes good mysteries. I like the beginning. Usually, I think of scientists as so serious. This opener seems a bit funny.
ReplyDeleteTea - I love their books. They are a little out there sometimes, but so much fun to read. I thought the opening was good too--it's nice to see the other side of scientists and engineers. :-)
DeleteOoooh, so that's how golf courses are made? I wonder how the ones with the monkeys came about .... XD
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I hope you get to read Before We Visit the Goddess soon! It's really good!
Eustacia - Haha! That's a good question. :-)
DeleteI look forward to one day reading Before We Visit the Goddess. Your review was so good.
Lost in Austen? George's Grand Tour? I like the sound of both of these. And yes, yes, yes to Being Mortal.
ReplyDeleteHere's my Top Ten!
Deb - It's so tempting to go ahead and buy them all now . . . I want to. I really really do. I'll be good though.
DeleteI read the first in the Monkeewrench series and liked it. I wonder why I didn't continue.
ReplyDeleteBeth - Probably because of all the other books out there to read. :-)
DeleteI didn't include Talon on mine but I should have! That series is one I've been meaning to start for some time!
ReplyDeleteEmily @ rabbitholereviews.com
Emily - It sounds like a good series! And my friend Nicole often steers me in the right direction. :-)
DeleteI'd definitely keep reading. Been enjoying the authors for many years. And I'm going to check out some of the fabulous books you've shared too.
ReplyDeleteMy TT from Mummy's Little Angel
Laura - I haven't read all their books (I think I missed the two before this latest one), but I do enjoy their books. I just somehow lost track that they were still writing.
DeleteI love Queen of the Tearling! Well I liked the sequel better since it's darker and answers all the questions I had from the first book, but I really liked Queen of the Tearling as well.
ReplyDeleteNina - I am glad to hear you loved Queen of the Tearling! It sounds so good. You're getting me excited about reading the books! :-)
DeleteYay! Hopefully you'll like it as well; and the final book, Fate of the Tearling, will be released this November I think, so if ever you won't have too long a wait to finish the series!
DeleteOh, I wish I'd known you wanted Blue Suburbia - I would have sent it to you.
ReplyDeleteKathy - What a nice thought! It's okay. It'll end up on my TBR list one of these days. :-)
DeleteI'm not familiar with the Monkeewrench series. Thanks for introducing me to it.
ReplyDeleteMine is from a YA book about a girl in therapy for an eating disorder: https://wp.me/p3Nz8P-Ja
PD Workman - The Monkeewrench mysteries are a bit over the tip, but a lot of fun.
DeleteI've read a couple in this series and have a couple more on my TBR mountain. I should get back to them. My teaser this week is from The Widower's Wife by Cate Holahan - a mystery from my review stack. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy M. - They're fun books, aren't they? I need to read the ones I skipped. I think there are only two, so that's at least good.
DeleteThe first paragraph is a great set-up for some kind of story. I'd keep reading. I find your Top Ten interesting in that I have never heard of any of them! I need to get out more.
ReplyDeleteMargot - It adds a little humor to a murder mystery novel, that's for sure. :-)
DeleteI found all ten of the books on my list thanks to book bloggers. You all keep my wish list from getting too short. Haha
I've never read P.J. Tracy, but love the idea of a mother-daughter writing team.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - I do too. The two women work well together. :-)
DeleteCouldn't help but smile about the golf course...and the gun, yeah I would read on.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental My TT
Sherry - I'm nearly done. So mad I couldn't take an extended lunch to read on . . .
DeleteI LOVE the comment about the golf course:). And that is a great list of books - the Lost in Austen looks intriguing - but the one that had me drooling is Talon - I LOVE that cover... Thank you for sharing. This is my TT...
ReplyDeletehttps://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2016/08/02/teaser-tuesday-2nd-august-2016/
Sarah - The Talon cover is great, isn't it? It sounds like such a good book. I'm beginning to think I should go ahead and buy the Austen book--there weren't many left in stock when I last checked. I want to be sure to get one. LOL
DeleteYes, I will read P.J. Tracy's new one! I did like George's Grand Tour and the Queen of Tearling, too. I haven't read Kagawa's Talon series, but really enjoyed her "vampire" series that begins with Immortal Rules. Snow White Red-Handed--what a great title! I want that one!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I think I have Immortal Rules, but I could be mistaken. I know I have another of Kagawa's books. I think, anyway. The Fairy-Tale mysteries sound like they'd be fun reads. I like the title of Snow White Red-Handed too. :-)
DeleteOh, I want the Jane Austen choose your own adventure book, too. Thanks for pointing it out to me. I can tell you spent a lot of time carefully choosing your selections. I hope you get them all. My list is much more silly because I chose books based on price.
ReplyDeleteAnne - It took me a little while to put together the list to narrow it down. I don't always keep track of where I got a recommendation comes from, but it's nice when I do. :-)
DeleteI love the opening to The Sixth Idea. I'm wondering if it's an example of the kind of thing that can happen or something that actually happens in the book! These authors are new to me, and I think I'd enjoy this story.
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post features BLUEBONNET SPRING
Sandra - I'm still in the dark about what the Sixth Idea may be, although I have an idea. The body count is high because of it, whatever it is. It's a good story so far.
DeleteI like the excerpts. I would keep reading. I've read Before We Visit y Goddess. It was a good book. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteHeather - I am glad you liked Before We Visit the Goddess. I have another of the author's books on my TBR shelf, but have yet to read it. Shame on me, I know. :-(
DeleteI would continue reading The Sixth Idea. It's a little different and sounds like there's some humor going on.
ReplyDeleteI also like Murder on the Last Frontier!
Charlie - Yes, there is a little humor in PJ Tracy's books. They are quite suspenseful, but definitely more lighter fare even given the dark subject matter the books sometimes tackle.
DeleteHope you receive the books you want soon. Happy reading!!
ReplyDeleteHere's a link to my TTT post for the week: http://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2016/08/top-ten-tuesday-ten-books-id-buy-right.html
My birthday is coming up. :-)
DeleteI've not read any of this author's books although I've seen the high praise they get - you are right that opener doesn't give much away so I'd need to read a little bit further to be sure, but my hunch is I'd enjoy this one!
ReplyDeleteCleo - I think you might enjoy P.J. Tracy's books. They are a lot of fun. The Monkeewrench crew are quite an eclectic bunch.
DeleteI'm going to need that Jane Austen book, it sounds marvelous! I love reading about dragons myself and am always on the lookout for new titles. Great list!
ReplyDeleteAlicia - The Austen book sounds too good to pass up, doesn't it?
DeleteI haven't read too many books about dragons yet, but they are my new obsession. :-)
Oh! I loved Before We Visit the Goddess. I'm a big Divakaruni fan, and I actually got to meet her a few months ago at an event for the release of the book!
ReplyDeleteJean - How cool that you got to meet Divakaruni! I have been wanting to read her books for awhile now, and am glad you loved Before We Visit the Goddess.
DeleteI read the 2nd (or maybe the 3rd) in the Maia Chance fairy tale series and really enjoyed it. It's an interesting main character. The Austen adventure book looks amazing! I've heard great things about Queen of Tearling and you've got me really wanting to try PJ Tracy's books.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - Maybe it was you who I first heard about this series from. It probably was. You read all the cool books. :-)
DeleteOh WOW -- I loved What Was Mine; hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the intro, but, I would read more. Lot's of nice reads on the horizon.
Diane - I am glad you loved What Was Mine! It sure sounds good. I am sure I will enjoy it too. :-)
DeleteI would keep reading. The book sounds good. Great list of books!
ReplyDeleteYvonne - I finished it last night and enjoyed it. :-)
DeleteI've heard many good things about P. J. Tracy's series so I'll have to check them out. And that Jane Austen book definitely sounds like a fun read!
ReplyDeleteMelody - I hope I can get the Jane Austen book soon. :-) P.J. Tracy's books are fun. A bit over the top sometimes, but fun.
DeleteWhat was mine sounds amazing! Overall, this is such a great list, I kind of want them all lol
ReplyDeleteVerushka - I think so too! Now I want ot read it even more. LOL
DeleteI don't know if I'd keep reading the Sixth Idea. I'm sure it's not so mundane, but from the snippets it kind of sounds that way.
ReplyDeleteI have The Queen of the Tearling on my Kindle- I tried to read it once, but I just wasn't grabbed. I think I really have to push through with some books: they're just not my style.
If I had a gift card, I'd binge on some more romantic fantasy reads by my favorite indie authors: Grace Draven and Elizabeth Hunter, along with the latest book in Anne Bishop's Others series. The rest can wait- I'm eyeing my full TBR shelves as I write this.
~Litha Nelle
Litha Nelle - The Sixth Idea definitely is not dull. I have a few romantic fantasy novels on my wish list. :-) I think my full TBR shelves is why I haven't bought any of the books on my wish list. I have so many books already in my possession to read.
DeleteWouldn't it be great to get a fully loaded gift card. I'd probably get overwhelmed and not know what to buy - haha. I really like the premise for What Was Mine. Will have to look into that one.
ReplyDeleteIliana - It would be great! I actually have gift cards from my birthday and Christmas I have yet to spend. I don't know what I am waiting for. Maybe for my TBR shelves to go down a little first. Haha
DeleteThe Queen of the Tearling is really good! I really must reread it and read the sequel. :)
ReplyDeleteKelly - I am glad to hear you liked it! Hopefully I will enjoy it too.
Delete