Because Wendy rocks . . .

As an escape from the Harlequin drama, my sister SoCal Blogger, Wendy the Superlibrarian did an awesome Top 10 rock songs post.

Since it’s a lazy Saturday (for once!) I thought I’d post my list. I know I’m missing some major groups/songs, but these were the first 10 that came to mind, via my “Feeling Rowdy” playlist on iTunes.

This one’s for you, Wendy!

Here are my 10 Top Rock songs:

1. The Who’s Baba O’Reily

    

 

2. U2’s Bullet the Blue Sky

    

 

3. The White Stripes’ Conquest

    

 

4. Free’s All Right Now

    

 

5. The Kinks’ You Really Got Me

    

 

6. The Cult’s Love Removal Machine

    

 

7. The Black Crowes’ Sometimes Salvation

    

 

8. Rage Against the Machine Bulls on Parade

    

 

9. The Pretenders’ Precious

    

 

10. The Clash’s Should I Stay or Should I Go?

     

 

Rock on!

Taking Stock and Looking Around

I’ve started working on my year end lists (already!) And, I’ve got to say, I’m really excited about the books and author’s on them. Now, for me the hard part is paring the lists down, and figuring out how I’m going to organize/present them. Last year, I did a year book “ultimates” style. (In sidebar on left.)

This year is up for grabs. I have about 25 books that were my top reads, spanning all the different genres I read—though I’m still trying to whittle them down. I’ll break this list up into at least 2 posts, though I think I’m trying to avoid doing it by genres, which I think sometimes prevents people from trying things outside of their comfort zones.

What do you think?

I also really want to do a 2009 Top Author Discoveries, since I have found so many new (and new to me) authors this year. Have you already started looking back at 2009?

And, you don’t want to miss:

I just finished reading Josh Lanyon’s new speculative fiction novel,  Strange Fortune. I loved the incredibly vivid world he created and his characters Valentine and Aleister were utterly compelling. I probably won’t get a chance to review it but Mandi, from Smexy Books wrote an awesome review, and Josh Lanyon stopped by to answer questions. Check it out!

And, then:

Was there anyone out there like me who was actually rooting for Glee’s Kurt and Finn to get together, last night? Even for just a moment?

And now time for something a little silly:

My guy sent this to me the other day. I can’t stop watching this once the video starts. Makes me laugh my ass off for it’s sheer goofiness, and everytime it starts, I’m stuck there till the end giggling like a goof.

Enjoy! (And, don’t say I didn’t warn you.)

2009 TBR Challenge (November): Snowbound

This is November’s TBR Challenge review:

Snowbound by Janice Kay Johnson After missing the last couple of months due to my arm fracture, I’m so glad to get back into the swing of things, now that my cast is off! This month’s theme is “holidays” and I don’t read many Christmas or holiday themed books, so this one fit the bill. I have had this book in my ebook tbr (on my laptop) since the Harlequin 60th celebration started, almost a year ago. For their celebration, they are giving away 16 ebooks, including Snowbound. Here’s the book description:

Outside, a storm is raging… When a blizzard strands Fiona MacPherson and her students in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, their only hope of survival is to seek shelter at Thunder Mountain Lodge. Their host is John Fallon, a handsome, enigmatic war veteran haunted by secrets and scars that may never heal. John Fallon never imagined he’d be playing host to this captivating teacher and her eight teenage charges. But when his solitude is shattered by their arrival, his world shifts on its axis. He needs Fiona—but does she need him? There’s only one way to find out. The ex-soldier must find the courage to reach out to the remarkable woman who has transformed his life.…

I was off to a bit of a shaky start with this one, when the hero is introduced. He’s grumpy and upset, because he’s got guests coming to his lodge. He’s moved to the mountains to hole-up and get away from people and civilization. So, what does he do? He buys a lodge, and enters the service industry. Um . . . OK. However, I decided to keep reading, and see what the story does with this unsocial innkeeper. And, in the end, the story worked for me. Over the course of the story, it becomes more understandable why John retreats to the mountains, and whether he wanted to, or not, the enforced interaction helps pull him out of his self imposed isolation. Mostly, because Fiona and her students wind up on his doorstep at the onset of a snowstorm. And, that was my favorite part of the story. I really enjoyed the group of high school students, how they and Fiona interact, and how John is slowly drawn out of himself by all of them, despite himself. Each of the kids were distinct, fully drawn characters, not just stock “precocious teens”. Fiona, too, was an interesting character. Not because she was so incredibly unique. It was actually her normality that made her a relate-able, empathetic heroine. As she and John come together, however, his PTSD—or rather, his reluctance to deal with it—becomes a big issue. The book spends plenty of time exploring this serious matter, never giving an easy “he fell in love and it ‘cured’ him” solution. While I wish Fiona had been a little more flexible in how she encouraged him to seek help, for the most part this plotline was handled with insight and sensitivity. In the end, I really enjoyed this, my first read of Harlequin’s Super Romance line. I also have a couple of more of the free categories, which I plan to read soon, including one more which will be reviewed next month for December’s TBR Challenge. Janice Kay Johnson at SuperAuthors site. Ebook is available for FREE (along with 15 other titles) as part of Harlequin’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Misfits & Smart Asses

I love alpha heroes.

They are undeniably confident and in control. And, when you read as much paranormal romance and urban fantasy as I do, they are sometimes even literal Alphas.

Shifters Hawke and Curran, fiend Xia and the mysterious Jerhico Barrons, never doubt who is in charge. (They are, of course.) Even human alphas like Max Bhagat or Vic Savian are bigger than life characters, that make the heroine (and me) weak in the knees.

Beta heroes, too, are wonderful, for that matter.

Sir Harry Valentine is a great, supportive beta. When I think about how he is there for Olivia, giving her the support she needs, it just makes me sigh. And, the artistic Jamie (from the Isabel Dalhousie series—warning: link starts an audio clip) brings out my nurturing tendencies.

Dave Malkoff, from Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters series is another wonderful supportive beta. However, there’s also something else about Dave that I find so irresistible. Through the last 7 books, I’ve seen him become the go-to guy for the Troubleshooters team, reluctantly (but effectively) taking a leadership position among all the tough-guy alpha SEALs and operatives.

However, he’ll always be a bit of a misfit.

Now, all misfits aren’t hero material, but I sure do love it when an author is able to turn the frog into a prince. These guys aren’t always comfortable it their own skin or with the people around them. They may not always say the right thing.

But, there are some things I find really appealing about a good misfit hero:

• They walk their own path, regardless of what everyone else is doing or expecting of them.
• Often, they’re loners. Yet, when they connect with their significant other, I can’t help but cheer.
• Most times part of what sets them apart from others is that they’re really intelligent. (Brains=Sexy in my book.)

I’m so happy for the underdog, and glad that their s.o. can see past first impressions to the wonderful person underneath.

A few of my favorite misfit heroes (along with Dave):

Wildcard Karmody (Troubleshooters series by Suzanne Brockmann)-When we first meet him, he is an emotional mess, unpredictable and over-the-top devastated by a break-up with his girlfriend. But, by the time he got his own story in Out of Control, I loved how honest and forthright he was about his feelings for Savannah. He just put himself out there emotionally, and didn’t hold back.

Mildmay the Fox (The Doctrine of Labyrinths by Sarah Monette)-Mildmay is one of those guys that brings out my maternal instincts—which, of course, he would hate. A cat burglar who has been thrust into a world of wizards and court politicians, he is always out of sync with everyone around him. But, his loyalty to Felix makes my heart melt.

Jack (Nadia Stafford series by Kelley Armstrong)-Now, this hitman is one of the most anti-social potential love interests I can think of. He doesn’t even speak in full sentences. However, I love seeing him and Nadia connecting in a way that they can’t with anyone else.

Clay Danvers (Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong)-More wolf than man, human behavior often puzzles Clay, but he never cares enough to actually start acting more human. He’s got his pack, his mate, (and now) his children. For a guy who will never fit in (even among most other weres) he’s doing pretty well for himself.

And then, there are the smart asses.

Originally, I started thinking about this post when I read 3 books pretty close together. One was the Troubleshooters series in which Dave Malkoff was pretty prominent, Into the Fire. I just couldn’t stop rooting for him to get the girl, instead of the more typical-style hero who was the other potential love interest.

The other characters that made me realize how much I love off-beat heroes were not really misfits. Instead, Finn, Simon, and Izzy (see more about them, below) were smart asses. You know, the guy who usually has a comeback ready, doesn’t always respect authority, and isn’t embarrassed to make a scene.

He would, IRL, make me cringe, since I’m normally a person who is not into drama or “scenes”. However, in a book, these guys always say the things we’re thinking or do the things we wish we had the guts to do.

What is it about a smart ass hero that I find so attractive?

• Confidence/Independence. Not a sheep or wanting to be one of the crowd.
• Sense of Humor. They often get the best lines in a book, using everyone around them as the straight man.
• Intelligence. (Again, Brains=Sexy.) Usually, their mouth gets ahead of their better judgment (or they ignore it all-together) and they wind up in situations that are so fun to read about!

A few of my favorite smart ass heroes:

Mark Meehan and Finn (Michael) Finnegan (Men of Smithfield series by LB Gregg)-The reader first meets Mark from Gobsmacked when he enters a church and smacks his cheating boyfriend upside the head with a book. Talk about making an entrance!

In Cover Me, Finn is a little less confrontational, but still has the heart of a fighter. Even when knocked down by circumstances, he comes up swinging (verbally, at least). I love his internal monologue when he sees Max again after their previous disastrous encounter.

Izzy Zanella (Troubleshooters series by Suzanne Brockmann)-everytime Izzy opens his mouth, I get ready to crack up. He’s unpredictable, and when he’s in a scene, I’m know something is going to happen. Of course, his attitude belies what a sweet guy there is underneath. (Though I’m sure he would deny it.)

Simon Murray (Tigers & Devils by Sean Kennedy)-I love how Simon refuses to be intimidated by Declan’s fame as a soccer star, and even when he realizes he has stuck his foot in his mouth after meeting Declan, he stands by what he says. That confidence allows him to weather all the notoriety that comes his way later in the book.

Harry Dresden (The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher)-Not only is he the king of the smart-ass comeback, but he can think of one while putting a beat down on —or getting a beat down by —the bad guy. Often, his self-deprecating sense of humor is at his own expense, and I find that so charming.

Cal Leandros (Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman)-His snarky observations crack me up. I love Cal’s irreverence, regardless of the monster he’s fighting, the apocalyptic situation, or the odds stacked against him. Even when he’s giving his brother Niko shit about things, I know that he really loves him.

Dean Robillard (Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips)-Dean proves that macho good looks can go hand in hand with a smart ass attitude. Normally, a god-like good looking football player who dresses in designer clothes and spends more time in front of the mirror than most women would not be my idea of a favorite hero. But, his smart ass-ness  takes him from a ho-hum hero to a stand out. And, he definitely gets the best lines in NBC.

Sterling (With or Without series) -Sterling hasn’t even gotten his story in this series, but this younger brother to Remi steals the show whenever he’s on the page. He is young, cocky, and refuses to be intimidated by all the macho shifters around him, especially Rhys. Did I say I can’t wait for his story?

Of course, being a smart ass is not mutually exclusive with being an alpha. Curran and Hawke are great examples of heroes who are both Alphas and smart asses. They never let their attention to being in charge get in the way to give the people around them a hard time (especially, Kate and Lucas, respectively). Jack, too is a definite alpha male, but a misfit, nonetheless. But that’s what makes these characters so interesting, isn’t it?

Do you like a smart ass or misfit hero? Who are your favorites?

M(e)/M(e)

I was tagged by Lisabea over at Nose in a Book for this M/M themed meme, created by Kris at Kris ‘n’ Good Books.

Lisabea must’ve known I’m a sucker for a good meme, so here it goes!

Rules:

1. Answer all the questions below in either the comments here or post it on your own site. If you post it on your own site you have to come back and give the link here so I/Kris can mosey on over and see if you answered correctly have a sticky beak.
2. You have to tag two other people once your done and pester them relentlessly until they do the meme too.
3. Instead of a meme image thing you have to post a cookie, preferably a twofer. It is an m/m meme after all.

This isn’t necessarily a cookie, so much as my own wishful casting of Adrien English and Jake Riordan (I always did have a hard time following rules.):

Montgomery Clift as Adrien English

Karl Urban as Jake Riordan (KU carried off blonde hair well in Two Towers.)

Well, it works for me.

Questions:

1. How long have you been reading GLBTQ fiction?

IDK if books with gay or bi protags count like Tanya Huff’s Smoke series, Elizabeth Bear’s New Amsterdam or A Compaion to Wolves, Diana Gabaldon’s Lord John series or Sarah Monette’s Doctrine of Labyrinths, but specifically m/m genre fic, I’d say a little more than a year.

2. What was the first book you read in this genre?

J. L. Langley’s With Caution (With or Without series) which I had won over at DIK.

3. Are you ‘out’ as a reader?

To a select few.

4. Ebooks, print or both?

E-books mostly.

5. Do you buy direct from publishers or from secondary sellers?

Both.

6. Prove you’re a Book Slut. How many books would you say you buy a week?

I’m currently on a diet. I’ve only bought 3 books this month, so far.

7. Are you a cover, blurb or excerpt buyer?

Excerpt if there is one. Blurb, otherwise.

8. Yeah, you read reviews, but do you actually take notice of them?

Sometimes. It depends on the reviewer, the author, my mood, the weather.

9. Who’s your fave publisher?

I’m loving the spec fiction over at Blind Eye Books, right now.

10. What about authors? Your top two only!!

Josh Lanyon and JL Langley.

11. Is there a sub-genre you particularly dis/like?

I usually don’t dig GFY.

12. Short or long?? *rolls eyes* And, no, I’m not talking about cocks.

The longer the better. Book. Rather than short story. (stop that!)

13. Anything turn you off about m/m or is all just glorious smut to you?

No sniffing of athletic equipment, plz.

14. Finish this sentence. You know it’s m/m twu wuv when…

They get to meet the parents. Or, the one that’s in the closet comes out. Whichever comes first.

15. What trope or theme are you heartily sick of in m/m romance?

Insta luv.

16. If you could choose any 3 characters for a m/m/m who would they be?

David Cooke (LB Gregg’s Happy Ending)/Adrien English (Josh Lanyon’s Adrien English series)/René DuBois (Samantha Kane’s Islands)

17. What new GLBTQ release are you most hanging out for right now?

The Dark Tide (AE book 5) by Josh Lanyon. Though I just got Strange Fortune in the mail a couple of days ago. ::squee!::

18. What GLBTQ book has completely blown you away this year?

Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale. I also really loved Hemovore by Jordan Castillo Price.

19. What do you think we’ll see more of in m/m romance in 2010?

Lanyon. Who has to be the busiest author in the genre.

20. Don’t you agree that author Josh Lanyon should kill off arsehole character Jake Riordan?

No, but I want lots of good nice-nice with Adrien to make up for what Jake put him through.

I tag for this M(e)/M(e):

Hilcia

Mandi

Conclusion to our Grave discussion of another sleeper series

 

Stop by The Thrillionth Page for the exciting conclusion to Carolyn’s and my discussion of the Charlaine Harris’ Harper Connelly series.

In part 2 of my discussion with Carolyn, we take on:  An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris, and the Harper Connelly/Grave series in general. With cameo appearances of our other favorites: Kat Richardson’s Greywalker/Harper Blaine books and Harris’s Southern Vampire (SV) series.

Head on over for the fun!

A Grave discussion of another sleeper series. . .

. . . in which Carolyn, (The Thrillionth Page) and I have much fun discussing  An Ice Cold Grave, the third installment of Charlaine Harris’ (other!) series, contrast it with two other favorite series of ours, and get ready for the series conclusion, Grave Secret, released last month.

Here’s why we think you would like the Harper Connelly series as much as we do!

A little about An Ice Cold Grave:

Hired to find a boy gone missing in Doraville, North Carolina, Harper Connelly and her brother Tolliver head there, only to discover that the boy was the only one left of several who had disappeared over the previous five years. All of them teenagers. All unlikely runaways. All calling for Harper. Harper soon finds them—eight victims, buried in the half-frozen ground, all come to an unspeakable end. Afterward, what she most wants to do is collect her fee and get out of town ahead of the media storm that’s soon to descend. But when she’s attacked and prevented from leaving, she reluctantly becomes a part of the investigation as she learns more than she cares to about the dark mysteries and long-hidden secrets of Doraville—knowledge that makes her the next person likely to rest in an ice-cold grave.

Carolyn: So Renee, how do you characterize the difference between the Sookie series and this one?

Renee: There are actually quite a few differences between the series, but I guess I’ll start with the difference of genre. While the Southern Vampire series always has that element of mystery, the Harper Connelly is much more of a traditional mystery, though still with a bit of a paranormal element.

Each book so far has started with a case on which Harper has been asked to consult, and use her abilities to find and communicate with the dead about their cause of death. The mystery really drives the action, and over the course of each book, we learn a little bit more about Harper and Tolliver, her stepbrother. Really, Harper’s kind of abilities are the only paranormal elements in the story. No weres, fae or vamps in this series!

Carolyn: I never thought about that, but yes, she is the only one in this world with any sort of paranormal ability. I was going to say that for me, a lot of the fun—and the darkness—comes from the mystery as well as from Harper’s interaction with the rest of the world. People want her help, but they resent and mistrust her.

I can’t think of any other series where a paranormal person is so isolated, or where the story comes from human/paranormal friction, instead of paranormal/paranormal friction. What about you?  You’ve read way more UF and paranormal than I have.

Renee: You know, I think you’re right. I actually went through my lists of books I read this year and last to check but no one really stood out as being so unique in their abilities.

As far as the human/paranormal tension, the series that comes closest, actually, is the Southern Vampire series, also by Charlaine Harris. Until Sookie meets Barry the Bellboy, she’s the only one with her abilities, and it’s only recently that she’s discovered why she has them.

However, in that series there are racial elements (the human race vs the paranormal races) where with Harper it is much more of a personal/individual issue people have with her. Even the only other people with paranormal abilities, Xylda and her grandson, Manfred are often written off (at least by the “normal” people) as complete shams.

Another difference I see from the Sookie series is the much darker tone. Sookie’s voice is so upbeat most of the time, and her self deprecating sense of humor as well as the quirky characters in Bon Temps really make for a light read, even when murders, vampire coups and bombings are happening. (Of course, Dead and Gone really did take a much darker turn, but that was the exception in the series.)

What do you think about the mood in this series, and in An Ice Cold Grave, in particular?

Carolyn: I find it darker, but in a good way. I wonder if you could say the worldview of this series, regarding whether humans overall are essentially good or bad, makes it that way. I mean, when you look at the Southern Vampire (SV) series, everyday humans are generally good, but just quirky, unless you count the ones in those anti-paranormal churches. But in AICG, everyday humans are generally less good, less trustworthy. I actually love that dark worldview—I find it challenging and juicy, and it makes more underdoggy characters.

And in An Ice Cold Grave, because one of the humans is a heinous murderer, it seemed like Harper and Tolliver were always in great unseen danger from any human at any time. I had a number of suspects in mind for the murder. And Harper and Tolliver would stay over in that isolated lake house, and I’d be like, get away from the lake house!

Renee: There does often seem to be a serious element of personal threat against Harper and Tolliver.

I think for the Southern Vampire series, the humans are just as capable of violence as the supernaturals (the Fellowship of the Sun, the human anti-vampire group is just as likely to be violent as the vamps or weres.) But, in the Harper Connolly series, the humans are always the source of the violent deaths that Harper investigates. And, in An Ice Cold Grave in particular, the murders are especially gruesome . . .

Stay tuned for part 2 of this discussion of An Ice Cold Grave, in which Carolyn observes, “How did it take us this long to come around to the sex?”

Drop by The Thrillionth Page tomorrow!

Also, you can check out our other Sleeper Series discussion, Carolyn and Renee chat about . . . The Bride of Casa Dracula.

Just finished reading . . . Cover Me & His Convenient Husband

Well, actually I didn’t just finish either of these books. However, this is another post I’ve been dying to finish now that I’m able to type again!

Cover Me (Men of Smithfield series, book 3) by LB Gregg

Here is the book description:

Lax. That was the initial conclusion enigmatic security specialist Max Douglas had drawn of Michael “Finn” Finnegan—Dalton Prep’s beloved English teacher. When Max arrives at Smithfield’s exclusive boarding school to protect a high profile student against a mysterious stalker, he’s hell bent on enforcing his style of leadership on students and teachers alike. Warring tempers turn to passionate lovemaking between the former marine and the easy going drama coach. But danger is closer than either man expects and all too quickly violence rocks the homey campus—putting both men at risk.

Because it had been a while between reading and writing this review, I decided to re-read it this past weekend, and I really enjoyed it for a second time.

The Men of Smithfield is a fun, smart series and Cover Me has the best story, so far. There is much more of an emphasis on the mystery/suspense element, and while the “whodunit” wasn’t hard to guess, the “how” made for an absorbing read.

Though, in the end it is the romance in the romantic suspense that make the book. I loved the outgoing, but slightly insecure Finn. He’s a bit of a smart-ass, but I always have a soft spot for the guy whose wisecracks and quick mind sometimes get him into trouble. I had a bit of a harder time warming up to Max, who used his job as a security consultant as a shield between himself and Finn. Sometimes, I just wanted to smack him! lol

However, when Max finally does unbend, and allows himself to show Finn how much he cares about him, it’s all worth it.

Actually, my favorite part of the book (aside from Finn) was the setting. LB does such a great job evoking autumn in New England, as well as prep school culture. I loved getting those glimpses into a place that is so different from my workaday life.

While David from Happy Ending is still my favorite guy in Smithfield and his story my sentimental favorite, I really enjoyed Cover Me. I can’t wait for Men of Smithfield 4, which will be out early 2010.

If anyone doesn’t already know, LB is aka Lisabea from Nose in a Book , and an honorary So Cal Blogger.

• LB Gregg’s site.
• Cover Me excerpt.
• More posts on the Men of Smithfield series: Cover Me release day post; Just finished reading . . . Happy Ending post; Just finished reading . . . Gobsmacked post

His Convenient Husband (Innamorati series, book 1) by JL Langley

Here is the book description:

At the tender age of seven, newly orphaned Micah Jiminez lost everything—and got lucky. The Delaney family opened their hearts and their home, treated him like one of their own. One Delaney in particular, though, became more than a brother to Micah. The handsome and protective Tucker is the man to whom he wants to give his love. But after a single passionate night together, Tucker rebuffs him and hightails it to Dallas to pursue his dreams. Leaving Micah to pick up the pieces of his broken heart—and feeling like a fool. The impending death of the Delaney patriarch brings an unsavory relative out of the woodwork, threatening Micah’s beloved adopted family. They’re going to need all hands in the fight to keep The Bar D from being pulled out from under them all—including Tucker. Micah steels himself to convince the man he can’t forget to come home. To his everlasting surprise, it’s Tucker who comes up with the perfect solution: a marriage of convenience—to Micah. His gut tells him Tucker’s motivation involves nothing more than saving the ranch. Now he just has to convince his fragile heart.

When I heard that JL Langley had written this book in the style of a category romance, I was really intrigued. I find the idea of an m/m romance using some of those well loved tropes a wonderful way to interpret the category genre.

Also, books with a “marriage of convenience” plot are one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

JLL’s strong suit is creating characters that touch the reader on an emotional level, and make her care about what happens to them. With Micah, she does just that. He’s vulnerable and honorable, trying to do the best he can for his adopted family.

The story itself was sort of a mixed bag for me. It was hard for me to understand exactly why Tucker felt he had to cut himself off so completely from both Micah and his family once he and Micah spent their night together. Also, the rationale for the marriage was confusing for me. I kept wondering things like: was the book’s “world” written so that they could get married in Texas? did they have to go somewhere out of state to get married? would a Texas court acknowledge their marriage based on the will’s terms? I found that these questions kept pulling me out of the book.

This is sort of nitpick-y, but . . . the phrase “convenient husband” popped up more than once, and its insertion felt a little too heavy handed. I wouldn’t have minded seeing it once or twice in the story, but when it showed up at least 4 times in the 76 page novella, it was a bit of overkill.

However, there was enough in the story that ultimately I enjoyed it, and will read more of the Innamorati series. The family ties between all the men on the ranch was really touching. I also really loved the plot twist at the end of the book, which left me with a smile on my face.

The next book in the series, The Greek Tycoon’s Paramour, doesn’t yet have a release date, but I will be keeping my eye out for it. I can’t wait to see what JL will do with this category romance plotline.

• JL Langley’s site.
• His Convenient Husband excerpt.

My Top 5 . . . Mystery series

I’ve had this post in the works for weeks, and with my accident, it (along with a few other posts) has languished in my drafts pile. Luckily, I did most of the formatting a couple of weeks ago, so at least most of the heavy lifting was already taken care of.

I’ve been a big mystery reader for years—I actually worked my way through Agatha Christie’s enormous backlist when I was in junior high and high school— and while I don’t read as much as I used to, there are still some great series that I really enjoy.

Adrien English Mysteries by Josh Lanyon This series is an excellent example of why I love reading series books. The characters, especially Adrien and Jake are revealed slowly over the course of the series. Learning about them is like peeling back the layers of an onion. At the end of each book, I feel differently about the characters (especially Jake!) based on what I have learned about them. And, of course, this series wouldn’t be on my favorite mysteries lists if the mysteries themselves weren’t compelling. I’m a really harsh judge of books set in my backyard, and this series takes place about as close to my backyard as one can get. Josh Lanyon really captures the feel of contemporary LA, yet still casts a noir feel. Also, the mysteries themselves keep me guessing. On the couple where I guessed “whodunit” the “how” and the “why” kept me turning pages. Read more about the Adrien English Mysteries in my posts: Josh Lanyon’s Adrien English Mysteries post, Best Reads of 2008 (part 2-M/M and Spec Fiction edition) and November 2008 Best Reads. Josh Lanyon’s site

Rev Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne series by Julia Spencer-Fleming I’m always a sucker for a free book, and last year St Martin’s press very wisely gave away the first two books in this series. I actually wound up listening to most of this series, but I would never have checked it out in the first place without the “freebie” incentive. Like the Adrien English series, this one has equally compelling characters and plot. Again, the characters —and their relationship—are developed slowly over many books. Our assumptions based on their roles (Clare’s as Episcopal priest and Russ’ as police chief) are challenged as we get to know the humans inside the priest’s collar and uniform. Location, too, is as important as any character in this series. I love how JS-F evokes rural upstate New York, sometimes with it’s seasons or terrain playing a vital role in the mystery. Read more about the Rev. Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne series in these posts: Best Reads of 2008 (part 1-Mystery and YA edition) Julia Spencer-Fleming’s site.

Alphabet series (Kinsey Millhone Mysteries) by Sue Grafton This is a series I have read for years, and yes, I’ve read A is for Alibi through T is for Trespass. Kinsey is one of those characters that over the years has become very real to me. Also, I love how Sue Grafton continues to try new things with the series, thus avoiding stagnation. It’s pretty ambitious to take on a 26 book series, which is expected when the books are named for the alphabet. In fact, the last book released, T is for Trespass really broke new ground, with the book’s story structure (divided pov between Kinsey and a sociopathic serial killer) as well as it’s much darker than usual tone. (Necessary because of the villian’s pov.) I can’t wait for U is for Undertow, which will be released in December 2009. Read more about the Alphabet series in my post: Underground by Kat Richardson Sue Grafton’s site.

Lord John series by Diana Gabaldon DISCLAIMER: Lord John currently resides in my hut over at DIK, so I am a little biased when it comes to this gentleman sleuth. This series is a little different for me, since I felt I already knew Lord John quite well through Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series before I read the Lord John series. However, not only do we get to find out more about what happens to Lord John between his appearances in the Outlander books, but these mysteries include the same incredible historical detail that I’ve come to enjoy in DG’s books. Additionally, there is no shying away from the dangerous reality on what it meant to live as a gay man in the military in 18th century Europe. The author’s research is apparent, but it is also blended seamlessly with an absorbing mystery, and wonderful character development. I’ve really been looking forward to Lord John and the Scottish Prisoner, which is the upcoming installment, but I haven’t been able to find a publication date. Read more about the Lord John series in my post: Best Reads of 2008 (part 1-Mystery and YA edition) Diana Gabaldon’s site. Very cool podcast by Diana Gabaldon about Lord John is available on her podcasts page.

Lady Julia Gray series by Deanna Raybourn Another historical mystery, blending two of my favorite genres! I actually had a bumpy start with this series, which I first listened to on audiobook. Fortunately, once I realized that my issue was with the narrator, my enjoyment of Deanna Raybourn’s writing increased dramatically. Lady Julia is a great study in contrasts. She intelligent, witty, and an independent thinker. Yet, especially at the beginning of the series, a woman who still has a lot to discover about herself. I love that while she unravels the mysteries in each book, she is also learning about herself. And, of course, there’s Brisbane. Mysterious, moody, and maddening, his chemistry with Lady Julia always sizzles beneath the surface. Deanna Raybourn’s site. Excerpt for Silent in the Grave on author’s site. Great post about Silent in the Grave by Carolyn at The Thrillionth Page.

I don’t read much by way of stand alone mysteries. It’s all about the series for me. I love really getting to know a character over many books, and with mysteries there is always the bits and pieces revealed about the protagonist that I love discovering.

Mysteries also appeal to my love of structure. There is an architecture in mystery writing, necessary so that the event/crime, clues, and reveal can evolve in a believable way.

It was really hard for me to leave a few books off this list, so I’m going to fudge a little, but including a couple of honorable mentions:

• The Richard Jury series by Martha Grimes
• Hercule Poirot series and the Tommy & Tuppence books by Agatha Christie
• The Adam Dagliesh series by PD James

I also just listened to The Wine of Angels (Merrily Watkins series, book 1) by Phil Rickman, an excellent psychological mystery that was very dark, had paranormal/horror overtones, and features a female Anglican priest. (Not exactly the typical cozy mystery one would expect, given the protagonist.) I highly recommend it.

Check out my other Top 5s in the sidebar on the right.

What are your top 5 mysteries?

Comfort listens

This is my first post completely written post-arm-fracture. I’m trying out typing without my splint (I’ve been told I can start removing it occasionally), and if things go well (no swelling or pain) I’m hoping to resume regular blogging activity! ::fingers crossed::

There’s a lot written about “comfort reads”, and while I’m not a big re-reader, I do have one or two— Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion are the ones that immediately come to mind.
However, I actually turn more often to audiobooks for “comfort listens” and I actually have more of them than comfort reads.  I will turn to these audiobooks when I want something that I can really relax to while listening. And, often, it’s not just the story that makes me return to these audiobooks: it can also be the reader, or even the way the words flowing over me make me feel.
These books aren’t even necessarily my Top 5 audiobooks. This is mostly due to the fact that more than a few of my Top 5 audiobooks are epic stories, like the series: Outlander, Harry Potter, and Temeraire. For comfort, I tend turn more to the personal stories with which I can deeply identify (paranormal elements notwithstanding ).

Here are a few of my comfort listens:

Sugar Daddy (Travis family series, book 1) by Lisa Kleypas

I’m an unabashed Kleypas fan-girl. And, while many of her books have made my Top 5 lists (and even more would make it into my Top 10s) Liberty Jones story just makes me feel good when I give it a listen. I’ve heard complaints about Jeannie Stith’s Texan accent, but honestly since I can’t tell if it’s authentic, it works for me. She also does a great job weaving this very intimate feeling between Liberty and the listener. It really feels as if Liberty is sitting down telling her story to a friend. Sometimes, when I need a little pick-me-up, I won’t even listen to the whole book. Just a few minutes of listening in to Liberty’s up-beat attitude lifts my spirits.

The Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris

This is actually one that’s on my Top 5 audiobook list as well as my Top 5 urban fantasy list. Johanna Parker’s narration takes it to the next level for me. Again, I’m no expert in regional accents, so I can’t really vouch for JP’s authenticity when it comes to Sookie’s northern Louisiana accent, but she really does capture Sookie’s self-deprecating charm and sense of humor way more than Anna Paquin ever has in the True Blood tv series. She also does a wonderful job with Eric’s deadpan (no pun intended) outrageous comments and Pam’s droll observations. After repeatedly listening to the first hour or so of Dead Until Dark whenever the mood hit, I finally decided to work my way through the entire series in audio format. Currently, I’m about to start my “audio re-read” of book 6, Definitely Dead.

Bitten by (Otherworld series, book 1) Kelley Armstrong

The Bitten audiobook is such a great blend of Kelley Armstrong’s incredible writing talent and Aasne Vigesaa’s moody, atmospheric reading. Unlike the Southern Vampire series, I first came across this book in audio format (in audiocassetes, no less!) So, in a lot of ways, AV’s voice really is Elena to me. Honestly, I’d read the phonebook is Kelley Armstrong wrote it, but not only is Bitten one of my favorite Kelley Armstrong novels, but one of my favortie novels, period. Fortunately, the audiobook version does it justice.

Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

NBC is a new addition to my comfort listens. Again, I originally listened to this book rather than reading it, and I’m sure that has a lot to do with why this is going to be a regular visitor on my iPod. The late, incredibly talented Anna Fields has a lot to do with my enjoyment in listening to the story. I’ve been feeling the need to revisit Blue Bailey and Dean Robillard, especially after AnimeJune’s great review, and will probably load it up very soon.

Something I notice is that while only 1 of these audiobooks made my Top 5, they all are at the top of my genre lists for contemporary romance or urban fantasy, as the case may be.

You know, it’s funny, but until I was writing this post I didn’t realize how greatly the readers of these audiobooks impact the fact that they are my comfort listens. I guess when it comes down to it, a book isn’t going to even be considered for an audio re-visit if the story isn’t compelling to me, but it’s my ability to truly connect with the characters that take these stories to that next level of comfort listens. To me, the narrator is the facilitator of that deeper connection.