Jana &
Steph are bringing us book lovin' bloggers our favorite day of the month again - Show Us Your Books day! If there was ever a day to break away from the news and social media and throw myself into book talk, now is that time.
What I've read since our last link-up:
1.
Extreme Prey by John Sandford (Lucas Davenport in the Prey series #26) - I have been reading this series since the beginning in the early '90s. Possibly some of you were not even born yet when I started my relationship with Lucas Davenport. He is smart and a badass, and I love him. After talking about collecting poetry books: "I'm pretty delicate," Lucas admitted. "You know, when I'm not beating somebody senseless."
I also love that this author has started a spin-off series with another detective (Virgil Flowers), so throughout this book, there is a sprinkling of "that fuckin' Flowers" comments, and that makes me happy. This particular story focuses on some
political nut jobs who are potentially plotting an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. There are very few authors that I am as loyal of a fangirl as John Sandford.
2.
The Killing Lessons by Saul Black -
A messed up lead detective with a difficult past; mix that with an even more messed up lead killer with a far more disturbing past; that is this book. Plus more.
WARNING (spoilers ahead): if you are sensitive to the topic of miscarriage and/or abortion, you probably want to skip this book. 4/5
3.
Hades by Candice Fox - I read this book for the Aussie Author Challenge and
review it here.
4.
Breakdown by Jonathan Kellerman (Alex Delaware #31) - Yes, this is a book that is a part of a series, but I have no problem recommending it even if you've never read any previous book by this author. The relationship between Dr. Alex Delaware, practicing psychologist, and his best buddy Lt. Milo Sturgis, homicide detective, always entertains me enough for a good solid 4 star read.
5.
The Cartel by Don Winslow - The sequel to The Power of the Dog - Think
The Godfather; instead of The Mafia, it focuses on Mexican drug cartels. No, not
The Godfather. That isn't violent or horrific enough. Think
The Sopranos multiplied by 1000. And, to think, I've been to every border town that is featured: Juarez, Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, and Tijuana. I think that made the book all the more intriguing. And frightening. Both of these books would make epic movies. I looked at the author's website, and guess what, they are in "pre-production" for movies. Excellent! 4.5/5
6.
The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan - After a string of books filled with senseless murders, it was time to switch things up. Plus, it was time to
Read My Books (for the challenge Dani & I are hosting). I guess this is chick lit, right? Well, this isn't the normal type of book that I'd pick up to read, but after seeing many-a-blogger sing its praises, I was intrigued. Thanks to
Kristen (blogger buddies & unexpected gifts are awesome!) for ensuring I had my very own copy, this was sitting on my bookshelf waiting for me. It is delightful, and I'm happy that I stepped out of the box and read this little gem of a book. Is this a perfect book? No, but I gave it a five-star rating anyways for the enjoyment factor. 5/5
7.
Dumplin' by Julie Murphy - A celebration of individuality, self-acceptance, growth, friendship, relationships, and love...sprinkle in some Dolly Parton...all set in small town Texas. For me, what's not to love? Finally, I can catch up on my
Armchair Librarians podcast.
Book Challenge Reminders:
Currently Reading: Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs (for #SCSBC16 & #readmybooks)
2. The Killing Lessons by Saul Black - A messed up lead detective with a difficult past; mix that with an even more messed up lead killer with a far more disturbing past; that is this book. Plus more. 
i was thinking those there were some pretty depressing stories you've got there... one of these things is not like the other...
ReplyDeletethe chronicle published their summer reading list sunday. it's AWFUL.
where the hell are the badassed beach reads?
I like the Lucas Davenport series too, although I have only read a handful of them. Need to start reading them again. One reason I like them is because he lives in Minneapolis, so it gives me a kick to recognize locations/neighborhoods because I am a geek that way. :) Another friend recommended The Cartel to me today too. I'm reading one of his books for your upcoming challenge already and am adding this one to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteI still have to pick up Dumplin' - it sounds right up my alley
ReplyDeleteGlad you like The Royal We - I just adored that book but I'm a Royals nut.
You have me intrigued about The Killing Lessons. Sometimes I'm just in the mood for something strange & dark.
I'm actually surprised how popular The Royal We is. Is it basically like fan fiction but for real people?
ReplyDeleteI loved Dumplin'... I still think of Dumplin' from time to time. I have The Royal We. I caught it for sale through Audible a month or two ago. I, like you, have been intrigued by it after seeing all the attention and love it has received by fellow bloggers. Surely I'll get to it during one of the two book challenges I'm participating in this summer! LOL! Have a good one!
ReplyDeleteI have The Royal We on my list, I should pick it up from the library since I've already failed the read your own books challenge.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Running With Scissors when I read it years ago.
It's the best when you find a series that you can keep up with and stands the test of time! I've been wanting to read The Cartel forever! I actually had it from the library, but I didn't get to it in time, and haven't added it back to my hold list yet.
ReplyDeleteI have seen The Royal We a lot, I may have to check it out. Dumplin' was one of my favorite books from last year- so much love.
ReplyDeleteI loved Dumplin' so much! I have had The Royal We on my radar for a while- I am excited to read it!
ReplyDeleteI'm exactly like you in that when I read a couple of thrillers I need a break and read something "lighter". I enjoy the occasional chick lit. except I don't do Nicholas Sparks, hell no. I also need to get my hands on Dumplin'
ReplyDeleteI've never read a John Sanford book, but your review has me intrigued. If I look for a thriller, I think I might pick one up. Are the early ones still worth reading?
ReplyDeleteI've only read the first two books in the Lucas Davenport series and I just looked and can't believe that I've never read any of Kellerman's Alex Delaware series! I may have to change that soon, though there's so many books in both series that it seems a little daunting! I enjoyed The Royal We and Dumplin.
ReplyDeleteOMG YOU LIKED THE ROYAL WE
ReplyDeletemy life is complete <3
I'll definitely try The Killing Lessons.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked The Royal We!! I can't wait to read it next month for your challenge!!
ReplyDeleteI am dying to Re-read the Royal We someday. It was such an enjoyable experience. So sweet of Kristen to send it to you too. My mom loves Kellerman's books and I really feel like I should try one someday...good to know you can just pick up any one.
ReplyDeleteDumplin has been on my list.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I've considered The Royal We, but I get very hesitant with chick lit.
The Royal We and Dumplin are on my list --- oh, look, Dumplin' is my freebie book for your challenge! I've read a lot of the Alex Delaware books, but not all of them and not in order and I still love them.
ReplyDeleteI added The Cartel to my to read list. Have you seen Narcos on Netflix? It's really good. I'm into drug cartel stories, so I think I'll time it to read this about when Narcos Season 2 comes out.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the challenge starting soon! Made my library requests today, so I'll be ready.
I'm always looking for good mysteries and thrillers, especially when they're series! I haven't read any of the Lucas Davenport or the John Delaware books, but they definitely sound great to me! The Killing Lessons also sounds really interesting as well! I've had The Royal We and Dumplin' on my list for forever! I need to read them soon! I remember you talking about The Power of The Dog and how good it was. I need to read it soon too!
ReplyDeleteI heard someone else raving about The Cartel. I have had Dumplin on the list for awhile, need to get around to that! And I keep thinking that the Royal We is not for me...but I dont know? So many people loved it. I don't care anything about the royal family, will I still like it?
ReplyDeleteI’ve had The Killing Lessons on my “To Read” list for quite a while. I only vaguely remember the Goodreads synopsis, but I remember thinking it sounded very dark and disturbing … So obviously my kind of book! Haha.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve talked about Hades.
I’m adding The Cartel. I added The Power of the Dog when you reviewed that one, so, assuming I like that one, I’ll probably want to read the sequel.
I’m glad you loved Dumplin’. I keep thinking I’ll push it to the top of my list, but there are just so many other books I want to read! If I don’t get to it this year, I’ll definitely make it a priority next year.
P.S. I also really needed a break from the crazy, awful shit in the world. I was looking forward to this link-up even more than usual because my heart and mind need something positive right about now.
Apart from Hades, I haven't read any of the other books. How are you finding Running with Scissors? I quite enjoyed it --- it's almost hard to make that stuff up! So outrageous, it has to be true!
ReplyDeleteso much yes in this list! i just finishsed the cartel last night and getting the power of the dog today and i'm so excited (LOVED the book)
ReplyDeleteThe Royal We and Dumplin have been on my list forever!
ReplyDeleteThe Royal We sounds like something I would enjoy! Adding to my list :)
ReplyDeleteI really want to read The Royal We. Because who doesn't love a book that is just plain enjoyable? I'm so glad that you got to read Dumplin' and that you liked it! It's probably my favorite book that I have read so far this year! :) XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
The only titles I'm familiar with at the last two, and I'm happy to hear your reviews of them. I've been in such a rut lately as I feel like I've been saying all year, but I keep picking the wrong books. I'm starting to think The Royal We would be the perfect read to pull me out.
ReplyDeleteI keep seeing Royal We everywhere too. Might need to finally pick it up!
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