Weekly Reading Round-Up
After finishing Tana French’s The Witch Elm, I’ve been in a bit of a book slump.
Thinking a bit of Golden Age crime might be the answer, I tried Georgette Heyer’s early mystery novel, A Blunt Instrument— but it only reminded me how little I like Heyer’s mysteries. Which always baffles me, because her Regencies are so very, very good.
What have you been reading this week? And do you have any recommendations for breaking a book slump?
Karen White’s second Tradd St book, The Girl on Legare Street, Maclean’s Mr Churchill’s Secretary, and finishing Diana Jeffries’ The Tea Planter’s Wife, all most enjoyable!
Getting out of a reading slump = such a struggle! I try not to force myself to read things I’m not enjoying and put them down/ return them to the library without guilt. Also, fluff books help to get me back into the groove; re reading an old favorite or finding a new one. There’s beauty and wonder in so many choices, but it can also make your ability to make a decision foggy and debilitating. (And there ARE always costume dramas for the feel of a story without the commitment of a novel.)
I have to admit to a lot more Facebook zoning out than normal this week. I started out with Caroline Linden’s Scandals series, then Joanna Shupe’s newest and I’m currently reading Suzanne Enoch’s A Devil in Scotland.
I’ve enjoyed them all! I did start a Suzanna Medeiros book but only made it 1/3 of the way in (maybe that’s why it was free on Kindle?)
I don’t usually quit on books but this one really was contrived.
I finished A Simple Favor for a book group. I don’t recommend it. Currently rereading an Outlander book–The Fiery Cross
I love the Outlander TV series, and I am determined to read the books.
As good as the series is, the books are so much more!!
I’ve been hankering for Tolkien, so I re-read “The Hobbit” and have gotten started on “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Julia Quinn’s new one comes out in about a month, so I’ve been re-reading some of her older ones, namely “Dancing at Midnight” (John reminds me so much of my guy, it’s scary) and “The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever.”
Love Tolkien! I think the differences between The Fellowship book and movie are very interesting. I’m glad they included Arwen more in the movie, but I adore Aragon, Gandalf, and Frodo in the book too.
Have you read any of Kate Morton’s books? Her lastest book is The Clockmaker’s Daughter. It just came out this week. I have it on my kindle but have not started it yet. All of Kate’s books are worth reading. Maybe try to reread one of your favorite books to get out of the reading slump. 😄
For book club I’ve been reading Voodoo Dreams by Jewell Parker Rhodes and I really didn’t know what to expect, but it’s interesting historical fiction about Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen of New Orleans.
This week I started “The Flander’s Panel” by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. The local Library BookClub discussed the Aunt Dimity series.
I’m currently reading and listening to The Night Watch by Sarah Waters, it’s excellent. To break out of a book slump I usually try something I wouldn’t normally pick up. Last book slump I was in, I read and listened to ALL OUR WRONG TODAYS by Elan Mastai , and I have to say it’s one of the books I often recommend now because it was so very good.
Re reading Minding Frankie
Finished the latest in the Lady Sherlock series, The Hollow of Fear. I love this series by Sherry Thomas. It never disappoints! Now reading The Girl in the Picture by Melanie Benjamin and loving it.
I’m currently reading Lara by Bertrice Small. It’s the first in her one and only fantasy, Sci-fi series. I’ve read all of her books, but I never picked up this series. Needless to say, I am happy to have new five books to read 🙂
Lauren perhaps you should read (or re-read) some Evelyn Anthony who passed away recently at 92 years. The Enemy At The Gate (The Occupying Power in Great Britain edition) The Tamarind Seed or her Davina Graham mi6 thrillers, The Defector, Avenue of The Dead, Albatross, and The Company of Saints (read in order). My daughter enjoys her historicals, Anne of Austria, Victoria and Albert, Valentina. I think any of these novels would help you out of your reading slump!
I just finished Susanna Kearsley’s Bellewether. It was a wonderful romance/historical/ghost story, perfect for chill autumn days!
I’m reading His Wicked Sins by Eve Silver, labeled a dark Gothic, and so far it really is.
I have only read one Heyer mystery and agree with you, Lauren, about being disappointed,
Still reading Drums of Autumn, the 4th book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.