These are the library books I reserved and brought home last month and I've already read five but have
had three surprising Did Not Finishes - they are probably fine, just not for me this time.
I've read several of the Mike Ripley Albert Campion stories and enjoyed them but this one took ages to get anywhere, jumping between Campions job in the Second World War and his 70th birthday party and got a bit tedious.
Sycamore Gap by L.J.Ross is the second in a series about DCI Ryan - I read the first recently but this story annoyed me. There is still a high up policeman involved in satanic rights and lots of cover ups and plotting to kill other policemen - No - couldn't be bothered.
The Last Green Valley is fiction but based on real events and follows a family fleeing Ukraine and the Russian advance during WWII and I know would have been an excellent story to read but too sad. I can't do sad anymore and much too close to real events happening now. I don't want to read books that make me depressed even if that means I'm a wimp and not facing reality.
I'm now reading the second of the two in the photo by Donna Leon, then there are plenty to read from my own shelves.
***************
Thank you to everyone for comments about the mini sink pond, it's something I've tried in several homes and usually attracted in a few frogs. It's not in a the place in my small garden that I would have preferred but anywhere else and it would have filled up with leaves during the autumn, and the slabs will be round the sides to keep the grass from growing close to the sink so I can keep it mown.
I know you like crime fiction. Have you read any of the Susan Hill books with Simon Serrailler her detective, I find them unputdownable, mostly from the library but occasionally Charity Shops. The Vatious Haunts of Men is the first one but they are all very good. Sarah Browne.
ReplyDeleteI've tried the Susan Hill books in the past, but for whatever reason I couldn't get into them. I ought to try again
DeleteA shame about those three books but I totally understand about not wanting to read too much really sad stuff, especially when grounded in reality. It's just too - personal, in a way. You can't tell yourself it's just fiction.
ReplyDeletexx
There are always so many other books to read that I maybe give up too easily sometimes.
DeleteIt is a shame about the Ripley Campion books. I so wanted to enjoy them too. Like Sarah, I've enjoyed SHs Serailler ones. I struggle with "sad' too - but can cope with murder! Last night I dashed to the outside garage freezer in the heavy rainstorm - and a frog hopped over my foot and sheltered behind the bikes. Never seen a frog in this garden before. Now I want a mini pond too!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed the 5 or 6 others but this one went on a bit without getting anywhere
DeleteI've never really read any crime fiction. I'm doing rather well this year, even if I say so myself. 40 books read and every one finished - a couple of DNEVMBPOTTE's though (did not enjoy very much but ploughed on to the end!).
ReplyDeleteI read more crime fiction than anything else by miles. I like it as it has a beginning and an end and doesn't make me cry!
DeleteI shall be interested to know what you think of the Kate Ellis book 'The Killing Place'. I also quite like Susan Hill's set of Serailler's books as well
ReplyDeleteThe Killing Place was another in her series set in Dartmouth - very like all the others but still a good read.
DeleteDCI Ryan books I found to be boring, I can't be bothered with books that allow the police to know everything, so they can solve cases.
ReplyDeleteThe satanic stuff all seemed a bit OTT
DeleteI am not a crime reader yet it is the thing I watch on TV - my favourite by far being the old Miss Marple with Joan Hickson. I have a little stack of half read books that have not really grabbed my attention.
ReplyDeleteI'm quick to take the unfinished back to a library and get them out of the way!
DeleteI read the first L.J. Ross book a few years ago and while it was 'OK' there was a lot in it that made me roll my eyes and I decided not to carry on with the series. She's hugely popular though so her books must appeal to a lot of people.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm getting fussier in my old age!
DeleteL J Ross isn't for me either - it was the style of writing I found annoying, and that was a DNF after just a chapter! I don't do sad either, I don't do horror.
ReplyDeleteKeith has been watching a drama series (Fauda) set in Israel I think, and with much violence etc - it's about terrorism. I read my book when I had to be in the room, but not for me. I need something a LOT more light and lifting these days.
I don't fancy terrorism either!
DeleteI've had a few books I could not get on with recently. Often it's the writing style that irritates me, though if it's a really good story I can get past that. Too much sadness in the world - light relief is needed;-)
ReplyDeleteI've had to rely on my bookshelves quite a lot in the last few months.
DeleteI'm a wimp too and choose to avoid depressing situations. Why inflict ourselves, when there is no need. I think most wildlife also like water sources like your pond to enjoy a little drink.
ReplyDeleteDuring and since Covid I found I couldn't face fiction, having loved it for years. I felt I had to read facts and news.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't happy about this as reading news before sleep is such a bad idea. Then I remembered reading Val McDermid ages ago so I chose one at random.
I'm happy to say I'm back in the fiction saddle and the old need to get to bed to read my book is back!
As I recall [I read a LOT], the DCI Ryan series improves and the writing improves also. I did read it. I always enjoy your book posts so much and often find new authors to try. Thanks!
ReplyDeletelizzy
I no longer persevere with books I am not enjoying. Life is too short.
ReplyDeleteThat DSP publishing company is coming out with nice stuff. Are the Campion books the same hero as the Margery Allingham originals?
ReplyDelete