A Harry McCoy Thriller #6

Yet another stellar entry in this detective series and definitely reading time well spent.

However,

The author, who seemed to have started this series with a monthly theme (January, February, March, April, June...) with this book being published in 2023.

So I went in search of July--only to find nothing. All I could tell from a google search was that the author seemed to have abandoned Harry and started a new series of books--the first be titled Gunner, which of course I will read. It doesn't get published until July. Do not read more if you like zero spoilers!

While I am totally dismayed at this turn of events and really, really, really, hope that this is not the last we read of Harry McCoy--Mr. Parks has really written Harry into somewhat of a dead end. Harry was not at his best to begin with but by the end of this outing-Harry is tottering in the direction of recently murdered father's footsteps. Really dark--maybe the author needed a moment--figure out how to pull Harry back up by his boot straps. Hope so!

Reading Challenge: Once Around the Categories (June, Book of the Month Club)

Ongoing Reading List

27 June 2025

I have had this book deeply buried in a TBR stack for close to 10 years,  never got around to reading it and for the life of me I can't imagine why...now I have both read the book and have joined the ranks of this authors' many fans. I am really glad that I have another of his books already waiting for me in another TBR stack. This book left me wanting more--I am not done with these characters and I secretly hope that the author isn't either--he paints that vivid of a picture.

2025 Reading Challenge:

20 In 2025

Once Around the Categories: 

Ongoing Reading List

13 June 2025

The next in my quest to read more of Lisa Jewell.

A seemingly picture perfect family gets hit by a tragedy one Easter weekend and after that the family is ripped apart and everything changes. The mother, Lorelei, is the only one that remains, and over the years she has turned into a recluse and county's worst hoarder. After her death the remaining members of the family return for her funeral and to clear out the house. The story is told through multiple characters and slips between the past and the present. Ms. Jewell continues to be reading time well spent.

2025 Reading Challenge

Once Around the Categories: Dwellings

Ongoing Reading List

13 June 2025

I had started this series a couple of years ago when Mr. Parks first started writing his Harry McCoy thrillers and then kind of forgot about them. I am glad that I did as now the books go up through July meaning they are almost a perfect fit for my 2025 book of the month club category. Close enough any way. I started back at the beginning, which was fortunate as I had almost forgotten all the details. Good series-reading time well spent.

Ongoing Reading List

04 May 2025

Harry McCoy #2

The first novel left Harry on an enforced leave during a mandatory psych evaluation...well deserved as that case was something out of a nightmare. First day back on the job finds him right back in the middle of a grisly string of murders and once again all the clues point to Stevie Cooper's involvement in the crimes. 

Ongoing Reading List

28 April 2025

Charlie Parker Thriller #1

This series (11 books) gets lots of rave reviews and Mr. Connolly is often called one of the finest crime writers currently in existence--but after reading this first one I am not completely sold on his mastery. I am giving this series one more book and then I will determine if I am going to read on...

There a LOT of subplots and a LOT of back stories and a LOT of overly descriptive prose but the story is compelling and the writing if overly verbose is good. And maybe it is just me but does everything fictional detective have to be a raging alcoholic (or in recovery), with a horrible childhood and cases that have almost ruined their careers, and have a snarky superior arrogant manner, and in spite of all of this still manage to have beautiful women falling in bed with him---just asking for a friend. 

25 in 2025 Challenge

Once Around The Categories: Dead

Ongoing Reading List

04 June 2025

Harry McCoy Thriller #3

Sometimes my TBR stacks will generate a subcategory of their own--my current TBR stack unintentionally  contained three mystery/crime novels that revolved around the mysterious death of a the lead singer in a '70's - '80's rock and roll band. This one was a little different and instead of the singer meeting his death on stage--he took the more traditional approach--he was found dead and alone in his hotel room after a self administered drug overdose---or was he murdered???

The author worked in the music business for decades before switching gears and his deep knowledge of the music industry and the deeply noir 1970's Glascow--makes this pitch perfect. I am enjoying this series and consider it reading time well spent.

25 in 2025 Reading Challenge

Once Through The Categories Challenge: Category: March and Book Of The Month Club

Ongoing Reading List

11 May 2025

A Harry McCoy Thriller #4

This time around: While Harry is hunting for a missing sailor and investigating a string of Glasgow bombings that are tied to a secrective group with a fanatical leader---his criminal friend Stevie Cooper reaches out in need of a favor causing him to be pulled into the middle of a gangland war. Once again a book of non stop action and once again a series that continues to be a must read, it certainly continues to be well spent reading time.

2025 Reading Challenge: 25 in 2025

Once Around The Categories Challenge: April, Book of the Month Club, Dead

Ongoing Reading List

19 May 2025

Harry McCoy Thriiler #5

I am a huge fan of this series and this outing certainly doesn't disappoint. Harry's bad habits caught up with him in the last book, so he is trying with little success to cut back on the drinks, the drugs, the fried food--but is nice to see Harry on the mend--whether he likes it or not.

An arson attack leaves five dead, three boys are accused with the crime, and while they are being transported to prison to await trial, their van is ambused and the boys are grabbed and thrown into a waiting car. The next day one of their bodies is dumped in the town center with the note--One Dead Two to Go.

Harry is on the case and has 24 hours to find the two missing boys...

25 in 2025

Once Around the Categories: Book of the Month Club, May

Ongoing Reading List

04 June 2025

This is the second in the series--Before The Coffee Gets Cold

Once again the action is set in the cafe--where one can briefly travel through time--as long as they sit in the correct seat and drink their coffee before it gets cold. Like before the tales somewhat entertwine and now they entertwine through books as well--and we finally find out more about the process and more about the mysterious ghost in the white dress. There are five books in this wonderful series and I look forward to reading the next. Reading time-well spent. 

Reading Challenge:

25 in 2025

Once Around the Categories: Drink Service

Ongoing Reading List

23 May 2025

The book is set in 1692 Scotland, in the aftermath of the massacre of the McDonald clan, who were staunch Jacobites, and it is widely thought the massacre to be at the behest of the new King William of Orange, who usurped the rightful King James Stuart from his throne. Corrag is also a true Scottish "witch" and was indeed involved in the clan uprising. Charles Leslie was also a real Irish propagandist and is believed to be the anonymous voice behind the pamphlet that disclosed the facts about the massacre.  This is the historical basis for the tale.

The novel is a fictionalized retelling of Corrag and the McDonald massacre---and for the vast majority I really enjoyed the book and the lyrical writing. Anyone who knows my reading tastes nows that I am sucker for English-Scottish history and epistolatary writing. But, I agree with other readers--the fictional romance element was not necessary and only served to bring the writing down a notch.

It is 2025, I live in the USA, so I found some delight in the following: William of Orange was from Denmark and usurped the Scottish throne from King James, much rebellion ensued. The Scottish populace refered to him as the "Orange Man". An actual Orange Man now believes himself to be the ruler of the USA--sad but so unfortunately true.

Reading Challenge:

25 in 2025

Once Around the Categories: Bewitching Reads

Ongoing Reading List

23 May 2025

I continue on in my quest to read all of Ms. Howard's books--I first found her through her marvelous Cazalet series. 

This book is about 4 people, a playwright, his wife, his publicist, and his new assistant--four people and four voices. It begins in London then travels to New York City, then to Athens and on to the island of Hydra. I will admit that at first I didn't think I would like it and struggled through the first bit but as per usual the excellent writing and brilliant characterization drew me in and by the end I couldn't stop reading. Already have another book by this author in a TBR stack by my comfy gray reading chair. 

Reading Challenge: Once Around the Categories: Sea Change

Ongoing Reading List

23 May 2025

Rabbi Small Mystery #2

Saturday finds the Rabbi preparing for Yom Kippur but he is interrupted by the usual mayhem from various congregation and non-congregation members--to top it off a man is found dead in his car in the synagouge's parking lot. Miriam who is pregnant with the Small's first child, does not believe it was suicide and convinces David to investigate... another good mystery and rest assured I already have the next book in queue to read.

Reading Challenge: 
25 in 2025
Once Around the Categories: Day Of The Week

Ongoing Reading List

21 May 2025

A Detective Declan Walsh Novel #7

A series that continues to be a must read for me...and this installment is no exception. It is also a part of a the "muscian dying on stage" side category that developed itself on its own behalf. Three mystery thrillers in a row involving around the death of a lead singer--this is one of the two muscians that were electrocuted on stage during a performance. Another parallel is that this also involved the comeback of a smash '80's band. Dave Manford, the founding member of the band, is electrocuted on stage during a London comeback concert. 

The surviving members of the band are involved in a multi-million dollar rights sale, plus, the original lead singer went missing in the '80's and was never officially declared dead, and --oh yes-- their most successful album appears to be cursed and has left a pile of bodies in its wake. 

Perfect outing for the members of the Last Chance Saloon. Can't wait to read the next.

Reading Challenge: 25 in 2025

Once Around the Categories: Killer

Ongoing Reading List

20 May 2025

IQ Isaiah Quintabe #1

Years ago I read this book, I liked it and wanted to read the whole series, now it is 2025 and I wonder what happened to that intention...recently I stumbled across the book again and am once again resolved to read the series and as of 2023 there are now 6 books to read--lucky me.

My second read through was both necessary (to remind me of the plot) and once again reading time well spent--I look forward to reading the next--and so I keep to my goal, I already have the next book in a TBR stack by my comfy gray reading chair.

Reading Challenge:
25 in 2025
Once Around the Catergories: ABC's

Ongoing Reading List

20 May 2025

In 1993, the murders of three eight year old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, had the police stymied for weeks, then suddenly the detectives charged three teenagers--alleged members of a Satanic cult--with the killings. It is brutal and riveting--the abuses of the criminal justice system are so blatent and tragic--but unfortunately also the well documented truth. 

There have been multiple books and several HBO miniseries devoted to documenting the blunders, the absence of physical evidence, the error ridden "confession" that occurred while investigating and prosecuting this case--a case the lead to the ultimate conviction of three teenage boys.

Ms. Leverett's fine reporting covered the happenings through 2003, and ends with all three boys still in prison despite multiple appeals. Of course, as I read this in 2025 I went to the interwebs to see how it all played out in the intervening years. The real tragedy--the person who killed those three innocent 8 yr olds walks free today, while three teenagers spent close to twenty years in prison for crimes they did not commit.

Reading Challenge:

25 In 2025

Once Around the Categories: By The Number, Devil

Ongoing Reading List

19 May 2025

John Wayne Cleaver knows he is dangerous, he is obsessed with serial killers, and is fascinated with dead bodies. Luckily his family runs a morgue/mortuary in the basement of their home--so he has kept under the radar thus far, but now that there seems to be a serial killer on the prowl in his home town, he finds himself needing to break some of his own self imposed rigid rules. This is the first in a trilogy and I already have the second on my bedside table. Well worth the reading time. 

Ongoing Reading List

11 May 2025

What can I say--I was desperate for a book that had "Spring" in its title, and this book, first published in the 1930's had it share of good reviews. If you can imagine an Italian immigrant trope--you will find it in this book. And even though it was a short book I found difficult to continue to the end. Wish me better luck with a title next Spring and if someone ever happens to read this post please send me a recommendation.

Once Around the Categories Challenge: Seasons

Ongoing Reading List

11 May 2025

Manny Rivera Mystery #8

I continue to really enjoy this series and this one is no exception. When an older couple are found shot to death in a remote section the Utah backcountry--it suggests a murder suicide but...Manny thinks otherwise as there are just too many unanswered questions. Good mystery...reading time well spent.

Once Around the Categories: Animalia

Ongoing Reading List

07 May 2025

Chief Inspector Gamache Novel #4

This murder mystery is set outside of Three Pines for the most part-- although there are some brief soujourns to Three Pines and some of the usual suspects are transported to the isolated Manoir Bellechase. Yes, murder manages to find Gamache even while he is on vacation. A terrible storm leaves a dead body behind. Stop here if you don't want spoilers.

I liked that this one was set outside of Three Pines, although eventually Peter and Clara show up for his family reunion. And while we do gain more insight into Peter's back story--if it was supposed to make me like him more--it failed. Also I thought plot held some holes--especially when--all was revealed. I just didn't buy it. Too much left to the vagaries of happenstance and storm. Plus there was absolutely no reference to the chaotic ending of the previous book.  Hopefully, the next book returns to the norm.

Once Around the Categories: Murder

Ongoing Reading List

07 May 2025

Dectective Inspector Declan Walsh Novel #6

This case finds the members of the Last Chance Saloon involved in a case that connects to the supernatural, 17th century architecture, ley lines, nuclear reactors, lost treasure, and an underground market for occult items...such as the mythical Hand of Glory.  A series that continues to enchant (hehehe).

Ongoing Reading List

04 May 2025

A Chief Inspector Charlie Woodend Mystery #2

Swann's Lake is pleasure park and normally an ideal weekend retreat...when an ex-con turned nightclub owner is found brutally murdered, Charlie is sent to investigate...only to find himself with multiple questions and suspects...not the straight foward case that it first appeared. Another good mystery and I continue to enjoy this series.

25 in 2025:

Once around the Categories:

Ongoing Reading List

04 May 2025

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache Novel #2

Another murder has occured in Three Pines and Chief Inspector Gamache is on the case...CC de Poitiers is electrocuted in the midst of a curling match--and yet no one sees a thing? Good mystery and the secondary plot concerning the mission to discredit and depose Gamache continues at full pace during this novel. Thus far a wonderful series well worth the reading time. 

25 in 2025:

Once Around the Categories: Fatal; Grace

Ongoing Reading List

04 May 2025

A Thomas Berrington Tudor Mystery #9

As it turns out--this is the 9th Thomas Berrington mystery---so deep in the series but as it is set upon his return to England, it can be read as a stand alone. The Queen of Spain wishes Thomas to watch over Catherine of Aragon on her marriage to Aurthur, heir to the English throne, and as anyone who knows even the slightest about Tudor times--that was not fated to happen. 

While this was as promised, easy to read as a stand alone book, I find myself liking it so much that I am going back to the beginning, so I will be holding on to this book as I will most likely need to give it a re-read after reading the previous 8 books.

25 in 2025:

Once Arond the Categories: Manly Endevours; Body Parts, Yes Body Parts

Ongoing Reading List

04 May 2025

The 1st Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

This is my second reading of this book--I read it some years ago--I decided to give it re-read as it is my intention to read all of Louise Penny's Gamache novels. Good thing, as I hardly remembered any of the details. Reading time well spent.

Ongoing Reading List

28 April 2025

Inspector Troy Novel #2

A series that I seem to insist on reading out of order. After reading this book thought I had ordered the 1st book and start at the beginning but no--somehow I ordered the third. Good book, good mystery and an excellent depiction of London during the darkest hours of the blitz. However, I spent most of my reading time trying to puzzle out the meaning of the title (two different Churchill's appear in two tiny scenes)...upon further investigation...the original title of this book when it was first published in Great Britain was...Riptide...and for some bizarre reason they changed the title when it was published in America. Riptide--the better fit for sure--no bluffing.

Once Around the Categories Challenge: Introducing Mr. & Mrs.

Ongoing Reading List

28 April 2025

Manny Rivera Mystery #6

I continue to really enjoy this series--keep up the good work Mr. Curtin...

This outing sees Manny traveling out of town when new clues to an old cold case emerge... Manny goes to New Mexico to see if he can solve 15 year-old murder. Thus far, Manny hasn't had much luck in the girlfriend department...no spoilers...but he does met a fellow deputy sheriff while he is on this case--Gloria. Intriquing mystery, beautiful scenery, and as always clean and straightforward writing.

Once Around the Categories Challenge: Death

Ongoing Reading List

28 April 2025

Japanese books about cats seem to be all the rage right now and I have been reading a fair amount of them--as well as looking into Wabi Sabi and Japanese mending--maybe I will actually pick up some of these traits.

I really enjoyed this book and will be keeping it on my forever shelf as I would like to one day give it a re-read. The tale is told from the perspective of the cat--an engaging tale about friendship and the things we will do for the people or animals that we love.

Once Around the Categories Challenge: Cats & Dogs

Ongoing Reading List

16 April 2025

As usual I am reading more than posting so I have a big stack of books to enter into the blog and truth be told I don't remember much about this one. It was enjoyable and a quick read but just not really my cup of tea and most likely this will be a one off as far as this writer is concerned, too many books in the sea. 

Part of my challenge: Once Around The Categories (Fair Game)

Ongoing Reading List

16 April 2025

Sometimes books decide to make little side categories of their own--so I unintentionally found myself with three books in row revolving aroung the mysterious death of a musician and not only that 2 of the deaths happened on stage. 

Our first muscian, Eddie Barnes, is electrocuted on stage during a live performance and ChIef Inspectory Woodend is called into investigate and rather quickly feels out of his depth--a complex mystery well worth your reading time. 

Another little sub catergory is also seeming to develop as a fair amount of my reading choices have been based in Liverpool. This book is set in the exciting days of the early sixties in the thrilling days of the Liverpool music scene and the author has based "his" club and "his" music magazine on establishments that actually existed in '60's Liverpool.

And engaging series that is well worth your reading time and I already have the next book on my TBR stack.

Ongoing Reading List

16 April 2025

A "be"witching story set across time. A witch who was bound to her lover by a curse and is doomed to living out the same tragic scenario through multiple time lines and multiple lives. This time around she thinks she might have the power to break the curse...very imaginative storytelleing, I really enjoyed. Read time well spent.

2025 Challenge-Once Around the Categories Categories: Bewitching Reads/ A Matter of Time

Ongoing Reading List

01 April 2025

Simon Grave #2

This a very funny dectective series set in the not so distant future... full of robots, hovercraft, a mix of the new and the familiar...plus a new take on the graveyards of the future. I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to reading on...

Challenge 2025

Once Around the Catergories: Cats & Dogs

Ongoing Reading List

01 April 2025

I'm afraid to say...but in the last few years...I have been just picking out books and then making up categories to suit the title. So I am giving myself this reading challenge.

This fall (2024) I compiled my stack(s) for this challenge from books that were already setting around my house in stacks, and only filling in gaps with new purchases when necessary. So, this year I will be reading once around all my current categories....interested to see how far I get.

Ongoing Reading List

15 January 2025

A while back I was browsing around looking at other websites dedicated to the reading life and came across this reading challenge aimed at clearing out massive TBR (To Be Read) stacks. As I am a woman who has many such stacks all over her house--seems like a perfect fit. 

The goal is to pick 25 books out of your TBR stacks and read them all in 2025. Ready set read...

Ongoing Reading List

15 January 2025