What I've Been Reading
I need to ramp up my reading now more than ever. Reading is relaxing for me even when I’m turning the pages of a murder mystery. So far I’ve read eight new books in 2020. The time I’d normally spend reading has been consumed with learning how to make candles, dumping several social media platforms and prying myself away from cable news shows. The upside is that I’ve managed to do those things. I’ll never return to Facebook or Twitter. And yes, I now my kids have side bets with each other on just when I’ll cave and return. Sorry boys, but this time Mama has kicked the habit for good.
With a new creative space established in our bedroom I can get serious about reading the books on my “Want to Read” list on Goodreads. It’s a list that will never get smaller because wonderful authors keep writing engaging stories. I love reading. I’ve devoured books since I was a kid and couldn’t wait for the weekly trip to our town library with my Dad. The librarian always felt bad because members were limited to two books each. I spent a good portion of my library time deciding which two would go home with me.
I’m currently reading My Sister’s Grave by Robert Dugoni. Mystery, suspense and crime novels are a relatively new genre for me. I got hooked back in 2017 when I picked up The Girl in the Ice (DCI Erika Foster Series) by Robert Bryndza. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in just under 2 days. After I read everything available in the series I was lucky enough to find author Angela Marsons’ Kim Stone series. I love murder mysteries, crime novels, police procedurals etc. Can’t get enough of them. I’m also a fan of historical fiction but not those within the romance novel category.
As a young teen my sister-in-law would let me read her historical romance novels when she was done with them. Her favorite author, Kathleen Woodiwiss, pioneered the genre with the release of The Flame and the Flower in 1972. Honestly, I shouldn’t have been reading them when I was 16 years old. But I grew weary of that genre by the time I was 18 and returned to SFFA books. It made sense to dive into crime novels because I’m a fan of the Investigation Discovery channel on TV. If I’m not watching Britbox or Acorn, I’m watching crime shows.
I guess I should list the books in that little graphic up there!
My Sister’s Grave by Robert Dugoni
Shadow of a Century by Jean Grainger
The Hard Way Home (The Star and the Shamrock Book 3) by Jean Grainger
The Dressmaker’s Gift by Fiona Valpy
In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn
The Last Sister (Columbia River Book 1) by Kendra Elliot
Nine Elms (Kate Marshall Book 1) by Robert Bryndza
Killing Mind (Detective Kim Stone Thriller Book 12) by Angela Marsons
I’m excited for November because both Robert Bryndza and Angela Marsons will be releasing new books in their current series. While I miss reading about DCI Erika Foster, I’m a fan of Bryndza’s new direction with lead character Kate Marshall. As for Angela Marsons, well, everything she writes is gold in my humble opionion.
All of these books are great reads but I’d have to say The Dressmaker’s Gift and In an Instant are books that hit me emotionally. I was swept up in the story and the characters. Both had me laughing, sobbing and reluctant to let the characters go. They were amazing reads and I’m so glad I found them.
On that note, I’m off to finish My Sister’s Grave. The best part about finishing this one is that there are five more to read in the Tracy Crosswhite series with book 7 set to release in 2021!
I love books.
Peace,
Nim
