Waiting on Wednesday - The Brothers McKay

 

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

This week I'm 'waiting on' a new book by one of my favorite authors, Craig Johnson.  This is the 22nd book in his Walt Longmire series, set in Wyoming.  I have enjoyed the books featuring Sheriff Longmire and his team and family since the very first one, The Cold Dish.  I haven't read every single one of them, but my husband has read all the ones available at this time and he's a big fan too.  I also really liked the TV adaptation of Walt and company as well.  Have you read any of this series?  It's one I recommend.  

The Brothers McKay

by Craig Johnson

Publication Date:  May 26th

A masterful new novel in the beloved New York Times bestselling Longmire series

When Pepper McKay, one of the most hated men in Absaroka County, is found murdered on his ranch in Crazy Woman Canyon, suspects aren’t in short supply. But Sheriff Walt Longmire’s attention is on those who had gathered for a family meeting that evening, McKay’s very different sons: a smooth-talking charmer, a cosmopolitan journalist, a reclusive monk, and a half-Native ranch hand who keeps the place running. Each had a motive. Each claims he’s innocent.

As Walt investigates what happened that night at the O-Kay Lodge, he’s pulled into a tangle of old grudges and long-buried secrets. Then the case takes a sharp turn: a second body surfaces, and a wildfire tears through the canyon, trapping Walt and forcing him into a fight for his life as both the killer and the elements close in.

The twenty-second novel in the Longmire series, The Brothers McKay is a murder mystery and a survival thriller that tests the sheriff’s hard-won sense of justice—all while paying sly homage to Dostoevsky’s classic.

Waiting on Wednesday - Fury In Death

 

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

I know that I have mentioned several times that I have really, really enjoyed the series written by J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) that features Lt. Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke.  It is an incredibly long-running story and this new book that will be published in the fall is #63!  Have I read all of them?  Yes, yes, I have.  One of the things that I love so much about this series is the fact that Eve and Roarke, both of whom come from very rough childhoods, have found each other, love each other so much, and have exhibited growth in their inner selves and their dealings with others.  They help people, they seek justice, they have created a family of friends and co-workers that we also get to know and love.  Not sure how long J.D. Robb will add to this storyline, but I'll be there reading them until she finishes.  Have you tried any of this series?  If so, what are you thoughts?

Fury In Death

by J. D. Robb

Publication Date: September 8th

In the new crime thriller from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author, Lt. Eve Dallas journeys into the darkness where murder is born…

NYSPD homicide detective Eve Dallas never knows what to expect when she gets word of a body. It could be an elderly man who made the mistake of climbing a ladder in slippery footwear. And the next call could be a wealthy biotech executive beaten to death in his home office—but what was Larry Chu’s mistake?

The victim’s corpse is so mangled and damaged it’s hard to believe a lone, unarmed assailant could have managed it. The killer was clearly unnaturally strong—and smart enough to find a way into Chu’s highly secure building. Most of all, whoever did this was very, very angry.

The excessive violence leads Dallas to conclude that this was a deeply personal act, born of a rage that she can’t excuse but can understand thanks to her own traumatic past. And though the motive seems rooted in heated emotion rather than cold hard cash, she can’t ignore the suspicious bank account in the Cayman Islands, or the shadowy, profit-hungry company Chu worked for. The mystery only grows when it turns out Chu isn’t the only victim—and Dallas will need to tear through one layer of secrecy after another to reveal what lies behind this explosion of fury...

Hey, it's spring! Here's a little catch-up....

 

Hey there, book friends!  Hope you are doing well in your part of the world and enjoying some good reading and maybe a bit of spring.  I'm going to try to be back posting again.  Thought I would do a short catch-up and then get back to maybe once-a-week what I've been reading or doing.  Also want to begin sharing my 'Waiting on Wednesday' posts beginning next week.

I had said when I took my break that I would try to share some wildflower pictures soon.  Well, there are wildflowers around in our part of the world, but honestly, this year's pollen, both winter and spring, has been pretty awful.  We had temps that seemed very warm for February and so the winter pollen continued.  Spring stuff came right along though and the seasons have overlapped more than usual.  For pollen sufferers, it's not been fun at all.  They are still being able to get cedar pollen counts here in April and those normally end in early March.  So, that means I have been having allergy issues weeks beyond what I usually experience.  No spending much time outside for me yet.

The flowers I am sharing above were from a visit my husband and I took to the Desert Botanical Garden in the Phoenix, Arizona area in March.  We spent at week in Scottdale and enjoyed the Garden, golf, walking, and two events at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore.  It was a really nice trip and we had a great time.  The picture that will be at the end of my post was one I took as I set off to walk each morning around that lake area with plenty of sidewalks, fresh air, and books to listen to.  

I was able to attend two book events at the Poisoned Pen.  I saw Sujata Massey and Naomi Hirahawa and loved hearing about their new books.  Sujata's was The Star From Calcutta, the 5th book in her Perveen Mistry series.  Naomi's book was Crown City, 3rd in her Japantown mysteries.  I really enjoyed hearing both of those authors.  And I was lucky enough to get to see Sandra Brown as well.  Her new book is Bloodlust.  Sandra has been writing for many, many years and it has been a really long time since I read one of her stories.  However, she's from Texas and I took advantage of the opportunity to hear her speak.  No pictures from the events unfortunately.  I kind of forgot to take any - ha!

Otherwise, life has been busy with some family events and volunteering.  Also had some annual doctor check-ups.  Stuff like that.  My reading has been a bit slow all the way around this year, but I'm hoping it will improve.  I've had to miss some book groups because of travelling or other things.  However, I'm hoping to not miss more of them in upcoming days. 

Guess that's all I'll share today.  I've been trying to keep up with reading your blogs and commenting a bit.  As I said, I plan to be back fulltime next week.  Hope you all have a great reading week and will have some beautiful spring flowers in your area.  Take care!!

A short break...spring is coming though and I'm looking forward to that...

Hey book friends!  Hope you are all having a good start to your week.  Wanted to say that I'll be on a short break for a couple of weeks, but I'll be back soon.  Have some family birthday events and other stuff keeping us busy.  My reading time has been a bit limited.  I am happy that spring seems to be coming in our area and I'll try to share some pretty wildflower pictures when I can get some.  

Take care and I'll be around in a bit.  Leaving you with a lovely sunset picture.  Enjoy and happy reading!

Waiting on Wednesday - Lost In Yellowstone

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

The book I'm sharing this week or rather 'waiting on' is by an author that I have not read as yet.  Nicole Maggi has a new series featuring a special agent in the National Park Service.  There is one other book out right now, A Murder In Zion, so this is #2.  The cover is what drew me in first.  I felt like I recognized the location from our trip to Yellowstone last fall.  Yes, intriguing.  And I know that the description is a little 'grim', but the geysers in that park are interesting to see and also not something you want to get particularly close to.  The park rangers have all kinds of rules for the safety of the visitors and some people pay attention to them and some don't.  Sigh.  Anyway, I hope to read the Zion Park book before this one comes out.  What do you think?  Curious?   

Lost In Yellowstone

by Nicole Maggi

Publication Date: May 5th

A foot in a geyser. A school in the wild. A truth no one saw coming.

When a human foot is ejected from a geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Special Agent Emme Helliwell of the National Park Service is assigned the chilling case.

Tasked with identifying the victim and uncovering what led to such a grisly end, Emme is drawn into the park's vast, unforgiving wilderness—and into the orbit of a private school for at-risk teens where extreme backcountry excursions are part of the curriculum. As disturbing truths begin to surface, Emme must also confront personal fault lines, including the unresolved tension with an ex-boyfriend who's suddenly back in her life and assigned to the same case.

In a place where danger hides behind natural beauty and good intentions can mask darker motives, Emme must navigate both treacherous terrain and emotional landmines to solve a mystery that could cost her everything.

Perfect for readers of C. J. Box and Lisa Gardner

Waiting on Wednesday - Last One Out

 

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

I have enjoyed all the books I've read by Australian author Jane Harper.  She has a new book coming out in April, though it is already available in Australia.  I'm very much looking forward to trying this new one.  I really liked Jane's books that feature Federal Agent Aaron Falk.  She has written a few standalones as well and I haven't quite made my way through all of them.  Not sure if this new book will be part of a series, but I'm on board to try it.  How about you?  Read any Jane Harper books?  What did you think?

Last One Out

by Jane Harper

Publication Date: April 14th

From the New York Times bestselling author of Exiles and The Dry comes a captivating new novel set in a modern ghost town.

Carralon Ridge, a once vibrant village in rural New South Wales, has become a shell of itself, its houses and buildings bought up and left to rot by the mining company operating at its borders. A decade into its slow death, surrounded by industrial noise and swathed in thick layers of dust, the skeletal town is all but abandoned, with just a handful of residents clinging onto what remains.

After years of scorning those who left the Ridge behind as it fell into ruin, Ro never imagined she'd become one of them. But everything changed when she lost her son. Five years ago, Sam vanished while visiting during a break from college, leaving behind a rental car with his belongings inside. Sam had loved Carralon Ridge, and had been working on an oral history of the town to preserve its legacy before it vanished altogether. It wasn't long after his disappearance that the rest of the family began to crumble away too.

But when Ro returns to Carralon Ridge to be with her husband and daughter on the anniversary of Sam's disappearance, she begins to suspect that something important was overlooked in his case. Because while nothing can stop Carralon Ridge from dying, someone seems to want to make sure that its secrets die with it.

Waiting on Wednesday - The Harvey Girl

 'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

This week's 'Waiting on...' book is by an author that I have enjoyed for years.  Dana Stabenow has written over 20 books in her Kate Shugak series, set in Alaska.  She has also written other mystery series and also books in other genres.  Dana is from Alaska, but I believe she has spent part of most years in Arizona lately.  Her new book is the historical time period of the Old West.  I think it sounds like one I definitely want to try.  What do you think?  Interested??

The Harvey Girl

by Dana Stabenow

Publication Date:  March 3rd

From the award-winning author of the Kate Shugak Mysteries, a thrilling new detective series set during America's wild boom time and frontier expansion of the nineteenth century.

WELCOME TO THE GILDED AGE. WHERE NOT EVERYTHING GLITTERS.

1890: the Gilded Age, a period of financial success and political corruption. The United States is growing at a breathless rate, with six new states recently added to the Union.

With expansion comes an influx of crime. Outlaw gangs hold sway on the frontier and heists and robberies are commonplace. A lot of businesses shrug off these depredations as the cost of success. Those who don't hire the Pinkerton Detective Agency to get their money back.

The Pinkertons' newest operative is twenty-two-year-old Clare Wright. Highly educated, skilled with disguises, and handy enough in a fight, Clare's future in the agency seems bright. But when she's introduced to Fred Harvey, she finds herself thrown right into the heady mix of frontier life.

Harvey's Arizona hotel has been robbed and Clare is the perfect recruit to solve this mystery. Clare must infiltrate high society and win the confidence of killers like Butch Cassidy as she seeks the truth.

Happy Valentine's Day and a short reading update...

 

Happy Valentine's Day to all!  Yes, that is a red velvet cupcake above.  No, I didn't have it this year for Valentine's Day, but my daughter did make us some of those several years ago.  Looks yummy, doesn't it?  We did go out for a Valentine's Day dinner last evening and enjoyed some tasty seafood and then actually ordered dessert.  I had a sort of brownie thing with a salted caramel sauce and tiny scoop of chocolate chip ice cream with it.  It wasn't a huge serving at all, but it was tasty and definitely enough.  

As I'm sitting here writing this, we have rain falling outside.  Not a storm or not yet (hope it doesn't progress to that), but just some quiet moisture that we can definitely use.  The wildflowers will need some in order to be able to bloom in quantity.  The moisture will also tamp down some of the pollen that has been blowing in and around quite freely.  Since cedar pollen and I don't get along, anything to help with that is welcome.  I have had some pretty bad sinus headaches this week and I hate those.  

My reading has been a bit slow, but I did finish a couple of books this week and attended one book group.  I didn't get to go to our mystery book group meeting because of a sinus headache and so had to miss talking about The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict.  I did enjoy that one though and hope they had a good discussion.  I also attended that 'Book Cafe' group and had nice time talking with others about their recent reading.  I forgot to make notes though and so don't have titles to share - sorry.

The first book I read this week was a re-read of The Wonder Test by Michelle Richmond.  I originally read that book back in 2021 and wrote about it in a post here.  I did enjoy it again and remembered why I often like mysteries or thrillers that include private schools or those type of settings.  I think I would like a sequel to this one because of the mother's FBI agent profession.

The second book I read was new to me - This Book Made Me Think Of You by Libby Page.  This one was published recently and I had seen a couple of really positive reviews by other bloggers.  It's a very touching, sweet story, but I will warn you that it does contain sadness as well.  Tilly Nightingale has lost her husband and six months after his passing, she receives a birthday gift from him for her to pick up at a local bookshop.  Joe, her husband, has given her a year of books - one for each month.  He wanted to help her get back to her reading, which she had almost stopped while he was ill, and also encourage her to get through this time and heal.  One interesting thing is the author has the book divided into the months of the year and each month has a theme and some suggestions for books that would fit that theme.  That's a gift to the reader for sure.  I'll tease you by saying that the first sentence in the book is:  'The right book in the hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever.'  I thought this book was lovely and since I completely agree with the first sentence, I highly recommend it.

Think that's about all I have to share.  Again, Happy Valentine's Day!  And hope all of you have a nice reading week to come.  I'll be back around soon.      

Waiting on Wednesday - Her Last Breath

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

The book I'm featuring this week is by an author that I haven't read as yet.  However, the setting of the book drew me in.  I've mentioned that I love mountains and mountain settings.  I also have visited a few caves that can be toured - not that I'm a 'caver' by any means.  I have gone to Carlsbad Caverns several times and also gone on tours through mines in Colorado.  I will say that they don't necessarily make me super comfortable, but I can manage.  The description of the story here made me want to pick it up.  Have you read books by Taylor Adams (I do have a couple of others by him to read on my shelves)?  Have you toured caves or caverns and enjoyed them?  What do you think?

Her Last Breath

by Taylor Adams

Publication Date:  February 17th

From the critically acclaimed author of No Exit and The Last Word comes a story of two friends who embark on an ill-fated caving expedition—and the dark truth of what happens deep underground.

After years of excuses, Tess has finally agreed to go caving with her best friend Allie. Their lives have diverged sharply since high school—Allie is a self-made travel influencer, while Tess is a shy (and claustrophobic) legal assistant struggling to pay for law school. Maybe she’s a little jealous of Allie's globe-trotting life. Who wouldn’t be?

As Tess and Allie descend into the depths, they realize they’re not alone. A stranger who claims to be a fellow caver harasses them. Confident, take-no-shit Allie insults the guy—and he retaliates. Soon, Tess is trapped inside a narrow crawl space hundreds of feet underground, fighting to stay alive.

Twenty-four hours later, as a hospitalized Tess recounts her harrowing story of survival, the detective interviewing her shares new and shocking secrets about Allie's true past. Together, they begin to suspect the brutal attack wasn’t so random after all.

Who was Allie, really? Why did this man target them? And did Tess really leave the danger behind when she escaped the cave?

It's February!

 

Hello book friends!  And it's February and spring will be coming - well, in a few weeks.  No, we are not having bluebonnets yet, but I'm hoping for a good year and so decided to share a picture of them.  Actually, we may not have a good wildflower year because we've not had much moisture and that is needed.  We shall see.  We did have an ice/sleet/freezing rain storm a couple of weeks ago and got through that.  Actually, it wasn't as bad as it could have been because the freezing rain became sleet and that's better for our roads.  I know that I've said before that Central Texas does not deal with freezing moisture well.  Happily, we're on the other side of it.  We'll see if we get another time of super-cold, but hopefully not.

My reading has been kind of slow.  I did read 7 books in January and that's OK enough.  Attended my afternoon book group meeting and also my mystery book group meeting.  I've already shared about the books we discussed.  This next week will hopefully include two book groups.  Our mystery group will meet Thursday evening and we'll be discussing The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict.  I'll try to share what the group thought about it perhaps at the end of next week.  I'm also going to attend a new book group that I've visited a couple of times so far, the 2nd Tuesday of the month.  It's called a 'Book Cafe' and it's at the library where I volunteer a couple of times a week.  In this group, everyone comes and shares what they have been reading, makes suggestions to others for books they might like, and the librarian who leads it usually has a few questions for us talk about or share thoughts on.  I wasn't sure if I would like the format, but decided I would try it and I've liked it a lot.  The group seems to have about 10-11 people and the reading suggestions have been across all genres, but quite interesting.  I'll try to share a bit about what occurs.  I will say that it has concerned me that some libraries seem to be sort of phasing out book groups a bit.  Has that happened at your library?  I'd hate to see 'in-person' book groups that do talk about specific books become a thing of the past.  I'll keep attending mine as long as I can.  

Hope you all have a good weekend!  Are you watching the Olympics?  We are and I'm going to close out this post and go watch more.  Take care and happy reading!  And Happy February!