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Which Book Are You Reading thread

Dr Curmudgeon said:
Page limits? No idea.

Although I expect that publishers have to be a bit more flexible with fantasy and science fiction because of the amount of world-building that goes into them.

Speaking of science fiction, currently about half way through John Scalzi's When the Moon Hits Your Eye. I've read and enjoyed some of his other books, such as Old Man's War, but this one is disappointing, to be honest. It begins with the moon turning into a massive ball of cheese. The book is a series of disconnected chapters about how various people/groups react to this. I'll probably finish it out of curiosity, more than anything else.
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".....that's amore!"
 
The Fisherman by John Langan

The story follows Abe, a guy who turns to fishing to deal with the loss of his wife. He ends up meeting Dan, another widower, and the two hit it off, bonding over their grief and fishing together.

Eventually, they hear about this strange spot called Dutchman’s Creek. Locals warn them about creepy legends tied to it—especially about this supernatural figure known as The Fisherman, who’s rumored to bring back the dead, but at a heavy price.

From there, the book shifts into a story-within-a-story, diving deep into the backstory behind the legend, about 80% of the book.

As they dig deeper into the area's history, things get weird and unsettling, blending ghost stories, old-world magic, and cosmic horror for a very lovecraftin feel
 
Terryible said:
The Fisherman by John Langan

The story follows Abe, a guy who turns to fishing to deal with the loss of his wife. He ends up meeting Dan, another widower, and the two hit it off, bonding over their grief and fishing together.

Eventually, they hear about this strange spot called Dutchman’s Creek. Locals warn them about creepy legends tied to it—especially about this supernatural figure known as The Fisherman, who’s rumored to bring back the dead, but at a heavy price.

From there, the book shifts into a story-within-a-story, diving deep into the backstory behind the legend, about 80% of the book.

As they dig deeper into the area's history, things get weird and unsettling, blending ghost stories, old-world magic, and cosmic horror for a very lovecraftin feel
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Welcome to the forum. good luck to the Jets on the weekend.
 
Terryible said:
The Fisherman by John Langan

The story follows Abe, a guy who turns to fishing to deal with the loss of his wife. He ends up meeting Dan, another widower, and the two hit it off, bonding over their grief and fishing together.

Eventually, they hear about this strange spot called Dutchman’s Creek. Locals warn them about creepy legends tied to it—especially about this supernatural figure known as The Fisherman, who’s rumored to bring back the dead, but at a heavy price.

From there, the book shifts into a story-within-a-story, diving deep into the backstory behind the legend, about 80% of the book.

As they dig deeper into the area's history, things get weird and unsettling, blending ghost stories, old-world magic, and cosmic horror for a very lovecraftin feel
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Terrific review, Terryible!

John Langan rings a bell. I've been an infant teacher and feel like I've read a children's book to classes written by John Langan. It might have been a traditional fairy tale, with a modern slant.

I have to say that this genre doesn't usually entice me to read books in this style. I should try it though. Can remember this author's name distinctly, and will look out for it in secondhand bookshops.

Also, welcome to the forum, T. Great to see you posting here!
 
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TILT : CHRIS HAMMER

Setting: Contemporary outback NSW

Genre: Aus Crime noir

Number Of Pages : 485

I chose this book because I've read all of Chris Hammer's previous books in this genre. They had previously been recommended by family and friends.

In his early books Chris H had journo Martin Scarsden as his main character.

In TILT, and a few books before and after, his main characters are Sergeant Ivan Lukic, and the more recent ones have had Nell Buchanan as the main investigator.

They work as a pair - very well. There is no romantic attachment. I've definitely preferred the two cops as protagonists to Martin S, the journo.

Innocent people kept appearing in newspaper articles after MS confidential info to fellow journos/reporters in the same media outlet, because other selfish and callous journos wanted to use them for their own stories after MS shared details, which were supposed to be kept confidential and private. I admit I have a bit of a personal bias against the media, who can be very destructive, cynical and cowardly. There have been good screen series of the early Chris Hammer books.

In TILT, Homicide Detective Nell Buchanan returns to her home town, annoyed at being assigned a decades old murder cold case.

Nell is an experienced martial artist too. She trains a lot and is dedicated to a rigorous training regime. She is constantly underestimated by male villains.

The cold case leads to a chain of escalating events in the present day. Nell's own family start to turn up in evidence collected. There is tension with members of her own family who live in this area, where she grew up. They don't want her to investigate 'secrets'. Nell becomes alarmed at where the evidence leads regarding her own family.

I think TILT is well written and has a good plot, with a surprising conclusion. The ending is sound too, with all ends neatly tied up. I'm sure more exacting reviewers will find faults in CH's writing style, that I gloss over.

I recommend TILT to others.
 
Terryible said:
The Fisherman by John Langan

The story follows Abe, a guy who turns to fishing to deal with the loss of his wife. He ends up meeting Dan, another widower, and the two hit it off, bonding over their grief and fishing together.

Eventually, they hear about this strange spot called Dutchman’s Creek. Locals warn them about creepy legends tied to it—especially about this supernatural figure known as The Fisherman, who’s rumored to bring back the dead, but at a heavy price.

From there, the book shifts into a story-within-a-story, diving deep into the backstory behind the legend, about 80% of the book.

As they dig deeper into the area's history, things get weird and unsettling, blending ghost stories, old-world magic, and cosmic horror for a very lovecraftin feel
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welcome to the forum! Good luck to the Jets
 
CLEAN CUT: LINDA LA PLANTE

Genre: Crime/thriller/mystery.

Setting: London circa 2007.

Number of pages: 500.

I looked for this author after seeing the screen series Above Suspicion. Have previously read Deadly Intent the sequel to Clean Cut.

A young prostitute is killed, presumed murdered. Protagonist DI Anna Travis, plus DCI James Langton, and extended team are assigned the case.

The suspects are illegal immigrants. Langton is slashed by a machete from a suspect. Travis, who at the time is romantically involved with Langton, helps him with rehab. Then they split up.

There are more deaths that intertwine and link two separate investigations. I think the plot is appealing, but others might be more discerning.

I'm a huge fan of Linda LP. Have only just discovered her books. Even though Clean Cut is 500 pages, she never has those slow spots many authors seem to have about 60-80% into the book. LLP writes at a fast, exciting pace.

I prefer it when Travis and Langton aren't romantically involved. They are both good investigators, but Langton is obnoxious a lot of the time and bullies his staff, with no apparent control from someone senior to him. It annoys me.

I thought the conclusion was more satisfactory than Deadly Intent. Highly recommend this book. I'll be seeking more LLP books from secondhand bookshops.
 
THE DARK HOURS : MICHAEL CONNELLY

Genre : Crime fiction/Murder mystery.

Setting: Los Angeles and surrounds 2020-1.

Number of pages: 388.

I chose it because I've read heaps of other Michael Connelly Bosch and Ballard books.

Throughout the book there is a growing frustration with the LAPD and the upper echelons of it having a constant concern about departmental image and optics, as opposed to bringing the perpetrators to justice, if it isn't a good look for the dept.

For two of their best detectives, Renee Ballard and retired Harry Bosch, have got into a lot of strife with senior LAPD brass for solving so many crimes. Ballard is moved sideways for bringing sexual harassment complaints against a former boss cop in the LAPD Homicide Dept.

In The Dark Hours, Ballard constantly relies on Bosch, retired LAPD Detective and PI as back up when the LAPD doesn't provide it.

Detective Ballard finds a person fatally shot on New Year's Eve. There was a case previously worked by Harry Bosch that is connected. She approaches Bosch for background info, and of course workaholic Harry assists her to close the case. Bosch becomes an avuncular figure and mentor to Ballard.

There are also the serial rapists, The Midnight Men, who are active. Ballard is working in a LAPD sexual assault unit. Ballard has to bend rules to catch the Midnight Men, whilst suspended. Bosch supports, because she doesn't have LAPD support, as the best Detective, Laumayer, is on leave when she needs him most.

Not wanting to advance a spoiler, but Ballard has to take drastic action after a corrupt cop tries to kill her. She is given no support by colleagues. Instead she is grilled by internal affairs.

Bosch's vast experience and investigative acumen is a huge asset to Ballard. The evidence keeps leading to places the LAPD brass don't like.

All crimes are solved by Ballard ( with Bosch's clandestine help), but LAPD brass want to scapegoat Ballard and question why Bosch assists?

In the end a surprising conclusion occurs. The most senior LAPD Chief tracks Ballard down and makes her an offer she can't refuse! The police chief loves her work and wants to change the LAPD in the direction Ballard wants to.

This sets up the next Ballard books and the screen series, Ballard.

The book was pretty fast paced, and the plot changes were good, but the pace was not quite in the class of Linda La Plante. I'll be reading more Michael Connelly books. I recommend The Dark Hours.
 
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I'm reading three books concurrently, with another I haven't quite finished.

THE ROAD TO RUIN : NIKKI SAVVA

Well researched. It is how Tony Abbott and Peta Credlin destroyed their own government. Abbott was completely dominated by Credlin. The way NS portrays PC is she is the nastiest person I've read about in Aus politics.

THE HALLMARKED MAN : ROBERT GALBRAITH

RG who also wrote as JK Rowling, is probably my favourite author. Very entertaining! I don't want it to end.

TASMANIA'S CONVICTS: ALISON ALEXANDER

How Felons Built A Free Society. Particularly informative. Have referred to it earlier.

MR CLEANSHEETS: G and Gs own Mr C.

Can't bring myself to finish this entertaining book, as the main character, Mr C, hasn't had good news regarding his body holding together late in the book. His future looks bleak.
 
My local library allows me access to the Borrowbox app where there thousands of ebooks available and also thousands of audiobooks.

Also does anyone think listening to an audiobook is cheating?

My Missus listens to them in the bath and I say she's not read the book. Just listened to an extended podcast...😂
 
Football us life said:
My local library allows me access to the Borrowbox app where there thousands of ebooks available and also thousands of audiobooks.

Also does anyone think listening to an audiobook is cheating?

My Missus listens to them in the bath and I say she's not read the book. Just listened to an extended podcast...😂
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Interesting topic?

I’ve read ebooks, but prefer paper. I lost my place a lot with ebooks.

I’ve never listened to audiobooks, but many friends and family swear by them, particularly on long car trips. I don’t think it is in any way ‘cheating’.

Gee, your Missus must have long baths, FUL!
 
Football us life said:
Cheers ez that's not a bad option for me. 5000 plus books....
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All the books on Project Gutenberg are in the public domain though so the vast majority of them are older works, and you're now limited to what they already have since they're not going to be adding any more as of the start of this year.
 
erogenouszone said:

Record Diary of a Walk Around Australia

gutenberg.net.au

The diary of a journalist who walked around Australia, literally around it in 1921. Took him 897 days however out of those he was walking for 572 as he was in hospital for a bit and ill along the way as well.

Not bad, not bad at all.
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At first glance this topic seems interesting for a short recount of the event, but not an entire book.
 
Decentric said:
At first glance this topic seems interesting for a short recount of the event, but not an entire book.
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Somewhere on that site is more of a storytelling aspect to it but I couldn't find it even though I had read it before, I'll agree dated diary entries are a bit dry.
 
erogenouszone said:
Somewhere on that site is more of a storytelling aspect to it but I couldn't find it even though I had read it before, I'll agree dated diary entries are a bit dry.
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I suppose the historical aspect would be interesting, being written nearly a century ago.
 
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