Any tips for summer reading?
First of all - have you read ALL the books by our bloggers here? Why not check out our titles - we write across a range of styles and sub-genres, so I bet there's something here for you, whatever your taste.
Then, depending on where in the world you live, you might fancy
reading something with a setting that can keep you cool, as opposed to what’s
commonly referred to as “a quick beach read”…which, these days, could mean a
large book that’s big enough to give a decent amount of shade. However, here
are some reads I think are worth it at ANY time of the year:
TRADITIONAL CRIME – TRUE GOLDEN AGE:
Martin Edwards: The Rachel Savernake series (currently 4
books) Martin is not only a true afficionado of Golen Age detection fiction,
but a talented author, and this series is a delight. The fourth in the series, SEPUCHRE
STREET, is just out, and is my own summer read. I’d say these books stand on
their own very well, but why not start with book 1, GALLOWS COURT?
HISTORICAL CRIME - SLEUTH:
Ovidia Yu writes a wonderful series set in 1930s Singapore,
and I heartily recommend it to you. Yes, I think this one’s worth starting at
the beginning, so THE FRANGIPANI TREE MYSTERY (Crown Colony series book 1)
would be my recommendation here. My summer reading is book 6, THE MUSHROOM TREE
MYSTERY.
CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CRIME – TRADITIONAL SLEUTH:
If you haven’t read the Ruth Galloway Mysteries by Elly
Griffiths…I envy you, because you have so many books to enjoy! I have been
hooked since book 1, THE CROSSING PLACES, and have the “final” book in the
series, THE LAST REMAINS, ready for my summer reading. Dive in wherever you can,
but if you’re new to this series, do yourself a favor and start at the
beginning. Elly is a talented author and she knows how to build and develop
characters and relationships throughout a series, as well as delivering a
satisfying closed-circle mystery within each book.
CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CRIME – DARK/THRILLER/POLICE:
I have fallen for the Washington Poe series by MW Craven. Each
book in the series of five (so far) delivers an engrossing (and not too, too
graphic) dark case for the wonderfully hermit-like DS Poe to tackle, more than
ably supported by the delightful Tilly Bradshaw. Craven’s writing is stellar,
his voice a delight. I cannot get enough of these books! Sadly, I have read
them all, but – if you haven’t – catch up now, because book 6 is coming next
year – and I bet it will be up for ALL the awards, as have all his previous
titles.
CONTEMPORARY BRITISH SPY THRILLERS:
By now you MUST have heard of The Slough House books by Mick
Herron. Yes? Excellent – but have you read them? You might have enjoyed the TV
adaptation on Apple, but the books? Oh – Mick Herron’s ability to make me laugh is second to none…even while I'm on the edge of my seat, or horrified.
This comes through in the dialogue captured in the series’ screenplays, but if
you haven’t read the books you’re missing the way Herron’s descriptive text
captivates and engages. Yes, I think it’s worth starting at the beginning with
SLOUGH HOUSE.
CONTEMPORARY ACTION – INTERNATIONAL SETTINGS:
Kevin Wignall writes standalones that have sort-of common
threads: a professional assassin/action-orientated operative, who’s in a bit of
a pickle/on the cusp of/definitely decided to get out of the “game”. They have other
common threads, too – a break-neck pace, excellent settings, compellingly
written action. Truly unputdownable – dive in anywhere, and drink your fill.
CONTEMPORARY COP THRILLER USA:
Robert Dugoni is a prolific author, so I’ll plump for my
favourite series – the Tracy Crosswhite series. Tracy is a cop in the Pacific
Northwest – wonderful settings, compelling plots, pacy writing – nothing to not
love here! Dive into the 10 book series anywhere, or start at the beginning (my
preference, when I can). My summer reading includes book 10, ONE LAST KILL, but
maybe begin at the beginning with MY SISTER’S GRAVE.
Finally, a shout out for my latest book - THE CASE OF THE UNINVITED UNDERTAKER - which was published on 24th July. If you fancy traveling to Wales this summer, but can't quite manage it, why not go in the company of the women of the WISE Enquiries Agency?
Full details here: https://www.cathyace.com/wise-enquiries-agency-mysteries
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