Finished Reading “Broken” and Cable TV Woes

When we got home from Savannah on Sunday, we wanted to check up on the news we recorded. Discovered that sometime on Friday, our DVR died.

I feared about this day. I liked that DVR box. Only good thing was that we were basically caught up in our shows (just had the daily things like Jeopardy! and the news) and I lost only one showing of Nancy Drew (which I can get on demand).

On Monday I went to Spectrum to turn it in for another box. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a box with a clock on the display (or any display at that). I was told I could order one. I called Spectrum. They couldn’t guarantee I would get one with a clock. Would you believe that they have NO WAY to send a comment to their warehouse to send a specific type of box? NO. WAY. Okay, fine. I asked if I could call the other stores in the area to see if they had one in stock. Nope. Stores don’t take calls anymore.

Can you believe that? I can’t even imagine how they must do inventory! Anyway, I took my chance and ordered a box, but told them that I would return it if it didn’t have a clock.

I got the box Tuesday. No clock. I returned it Wednesday at the store. This time, I was told that one of their repair people could bring one by. Now, why wasn’t I offered that the first time?

Anyway, I got a new box with a clock display. Unfortunately, the menu and recording is all different, and with LESS options that I used to have. LESS.

I just love (not) how everything is more technically advanced, yet we get less stuff. Doesn’t make any sense.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 39

Dates read: July 22-27, 2023
Title: Broken
Year of publication: 2010
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #4
# of Pages: 480
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased used
Blurb from Book: When the body of a young woman is discovered deep beneath the icy waters of Lake Grant, a note left under a rock by the shore points to suicide. But within minutes, it becomes clear that this is no suicide. It’s a brutal, cold-blooded murder.
    All too soon, former Grant County medical examiner Sara Linton—home for Thanksgiving after a long absence—finds herself unwittingly drawn into the case. The chief suspect is desperate to see her but when she arrives at the local police station she is met with a horrifying sight—he lies dead in his cell, the words “Not me” scrawled across the walls.
    Something about his confession doesn’t add up and, deeply suspicious of Lena Adams, the detective in charge, Sara immediately calls in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Shortly afterwards, Special Agent Will Trent is brought in from his vacation to investigate. But he is immediately confronted with a wall of silence. Grant County is a close-knit community with loyalties and ties that run deep. And the only person who can tell the truth about what really happened is dead…
My thoughts: This was a good read. I really like this series. And there isn’t any romance in them, either! Go figure.

One of these days I’ll get brave and cut the cable. I just like my sports too much to do that, though.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Boy Overboard” and I’m Ready for Home

Another LLS (Literary Love Savannah) is about done. Well, done for me. All I have left to attend is the raffle basking drawing tomorrow morning and then Hubby and I will be on our way home. I’m ready to sleep in my own bed. And be where it’s a little cooler.

Now watch Dayton get hit with a heat wave. That would be my luck.

Sales weren’t what I’d hoped, but I think a lot of people who stopped by my table today will get an e-book. I hope, anyway.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 38

Dates read: July 20, 2023
Title: Boy Overboard
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Miski Harris
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Series: All American Boy Series
# of Pages: 91
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Won at LLS2023
Blurb from Book: Why must Fate insist on having the last word?
    Spoiled rich kid Riko Walker has spent the past year roaming the New England coast, working hard to maintain the rudderless image his father believes. Riko doesn’t need his father, or anybody else. Until a beating leaves him broken and alone in the middle of nowhere.
    Braxton Harper’s inner voice screams “don’t get involved!” when he finds a bloodied and beaten young man in a heap on the roadside. He’s gotten good at ignoring that voice, loading the stranger into his truck and promising a place to rest and heal.
    The Titanic-sized chip on Riko’s shoulder makes Braxton want to drop this ungrateful brat and be on his way. After all, no one handed Braxton anything in life. He’s worked hard for what little he has. If Riko doesn’t want help, why bother?
    Fate has no patience for their stubbornness, throwing the two together time after time. How can sparks fly between two so different men? And can they move past ugly beginnings to find their common ground?
My thoughts: Basically, this is about a spoiled brat who gets everything he doesn’t deserve. Might not have cared if there was any emotion to the story. Even the romance lacked tension. I was hoping to like this story before I handed it to my daughter. I’ll still hand it to her, but I’ll be curious to see how she likes it. Thank goodness it’s short.

I did buy some books at the convention today. One author was in the vampire party I was also hosting last night and her books sounded interesting, so I got the trilogy. Another author I had a meal with the other day wrote books I was sure my daughter would enjoy (she texted that she would), so I bought some of her books, too. And while I sold one copy of the Bitten by Love series and one copy of the Ghostly Encounter series (a total of 8 books) in preorders, I only sold one book at the convention. I shouldn’t let it get to me. I mean, I should be used to this by now. But still…it stings.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Undone” and I’m In Savannah

Hot, hot, hot. That’s what it is in Savannah. If I didn’t have to go out to eat, I’d just stay in the hotel, with the convention. But since I’m taking readers OUT to eat tonight and tomorrow that’s not gonna happen. Just need to make sure I stay hydrated, because even a quarter-mile walk can be taxing.

I’m in Savannah for LLS2023 (Literary Love Savannah), a book convention that runs from Thursday (actually, Wednesday evening for some) to Sunday morning (raffle basket time). It’s a lot of fun and the readers can really get to know the authors, if they want. We do try to pamper them!

I don’t know if I’ll come back next year, though. I really don’t see the sense if I haven’t finished Ghostly Protector. Can’t make money if I don’t have any new stuff, right? But Hubby loves coming here every year with me (didn’t make it last year due to my surgeries). He always finds something new to do.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 37

Dates read: July 12-19, 2023
Title: Undone
Year of publication: 2009
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Fiction/Suspense
Series: Will Trent #3
# of Pages: 504
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: In the trauma center of Atlanta’s busiest hospital, Sara Linton treats the city’s poor, wounded, and unlucky—and finds refuge from the tragedy that rocked her life in rural Grant County. But when a tortured young woman becomes a patient in her ER, Sara finds herself thrust into a desperate police investigation, coming face-to-face with Special Agent Will Trent and his partner, Faith Mitchell.
    In this suspense masterpiece, Karin Slaughter weaves together the moving, powerful human stories of three unforgettable characters from her New York Times bestselling novels Faithless and Fractured, who collide for the first time in an electrifying race against the clock—and a duel with unspeakable human evil. For Sara, Will, and Faith—each wounded, each carrying dire secrets—are all that stand between a madman and his next victim.
My thoughts: I didn’t realize Sara Linton had her own series (like I read the blurb—not—when I’m committed to reading the series), but you don’t need to have read them to read this. I’m at the part in the book series where I realize the TV version is completely different, but I don’t care. These are still great reads and I’ll keep at it (because I already own the books!).

Lots of construction is going on around the hotel. Savannah is growing. The riverwalk has expanded to go past our hotel to new condos being built. I guess new businesses will also appear once the condos are finished (don’t they usually?).

Have you ever visited Savannah? It’s a neat city, with lots of history.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Fractured” and Book vs TV

I’m feeling a little bit better than last time I posted. Don’t know if it’s the weather, or getting back out there and walking, or if it’s because I finally feel ready for Literary Love Savannah 2023 (I got off my duff and organized my stuff for that book convention). I always spend way more than I ever make at that convention, but I have fun, so I figure it’s worth that, at least. I also crochet lots of stuff I give away (either in raffle baskets or with swag). Makes me think that I should have a character in my books who crochets a lot. Then giving this stuff out as swag would make more sense!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 36

Dates read: July 8-12, 2023
Title: Fractured
Year of publication: 2008
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Fiction/Suspense
Series: Will Trent #2
# of Pages: 503
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased used
Blurb from Book: When Atlanta housewife Abigail Campano comes home unexpectedly one afternoon, she walks into a nightmare. A broken window, a bloody footprint on the stairs, and, most devastating of all, the horrifying sight of her teenage daughter lying dead on the landing, a man standing over her with a bloody knife. The struggle which follows changes Abigail’s life forever.
    When the local police make a misjudgement which not only threatens the investigation but places a young girl’s life in danger, the case is handed over to Special Agent Will Trent of the Criminal Apprehension Team—paired with detective Faith Mitchell, a woman who resents him from their first meeting.
    But in the relentless heat of a Georgia summer, Will and Faith realize that they must work together to find the brutal killer who has targeted one of Atlanta’s wealthiest, most priviledged communities—before it’s too late.
My thoughts: I realized early on that I had a UK version of this book. I guess that’s what I get for buying it at Half Price Books, huh? I don’t think it mattered in the long run (I got used to the ‘ vs “ marks in dialogue). This is the story that was used in the pilot of the television series “Will Trent”. And as early as I had seen that, I still couldn’t remember whodunit. Very good read. And I just ignore how the author describes the characters. I go by who’s playing them in the TV series. It’s just easier for me that way.

Do you read books that were based on a television series you watch? Or have you watched television series based on books you’ve already read? Which do you prefer? I read the Sookie Stackhouse books while I was watching True Blood. But I didn’t start reading the first book until after the first season ended. I was afraid I would spoil things. Silly me. I should have known by then that TV and movies RARELY are the same as the books. And… the books are always better. Agree? So I have no problems reading the Will Trent books and hope the series has been renewed. Because I know the TV series will eventually veer in a different direction than the book series. And I like them both.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Triptych” and I’m in a Funk

I get in these kinds of funks occasionally. Right now I wonder why I even bother keeping my blog up to date. Then I think back on all the times I have to research something and then KNOW I blogged about it. So, that’s why I stick with it (to remind me when I did whatever). Still… days like these aren’t all that easy.

And, of course, it’s been one busy week. Dragons game on Wednesday. Concert on Thursday. Another Dragons game tonight. Hair appointment tomorrow. And visiting our Columbus friends on Sunday.

And all I really want to do is stay home, crochet, and watch TV. Well… and read, too. But you don’t see any writing in there, do you. That’s probably not helping my funk any.

I really wish I could snap my fingers and it would go away, but, unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. I just deal with it and hope it goes away as quickly as it came.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 35

Dates read: July 2-7, 2023
Title: Triptych
Year of publication: 2006
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Fiction/Suspense
Series: Will Trent #1
# of Pages: 454
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: In the city of Atlanta, young women are dying at the hands of a killer who signs his work with a single, chilling act of mutilation. Leaving behind enough evidence to fuel a frenzied police hunt, this cunning madman is bringing together dozens of lives, crossing the boundaries of wealth and race. And Michael Ormewood, the hot-tempered veteran detective assigned to the case grows increasingly erratic as he is distracted by his crumbling marriage.
    Enter Will Trent, a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. Lanky, quiet, and resolute, Will and his astute observations and unconventional methods have earned both praise and scorn from his colleagues, but they may give this team the edge they need to solve this case. Working with Angie Polaski, an acerbic vice cop, Michael and Will race to track down the killer before he strikes again.
    But another player has entered the game: a loser ex-con who has stumbled upon the killer’s trail in the most coincidental of ways—someone who may be the key to breaking the case wide open….
My thoughts: Man, I had trouble putting this book down. I love the TV series Will Trent and knew I had to eventually read the books. I’m glad I started now. Very suspenseful reading!

Here’s to a funk-free weekend! At least, I hope…

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The Killing Edge” and Happy July 4th

Happy Fourth of July! People are celebrating all over and not just on Tuesday. Our city had fireworks last night. I think downtown Dayton is having theirs on Monday night. Does anyone actually celebrate ON the day anymore?

Hubby and I are spending Tuesday morning at the movie theatre to see the new Indiana Jones movie. Then… nothing. Might have to figure out what to cook for dinner, although I’m sure restaurants will be open. Guess we’ll just celebrate quietly. Well, as quiet as the neighbors make it. There’s always someone, somewhere close, setting off fireworks.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 34

Dates read: Jun 27 – July 2, 2023
Title: The Killing Edge
Year of publication: 2010
Author: Heather Graham
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Series: Harrison Investigations #10
# of Pages: 366
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased used
Blurb from Book: Chloe Marin was lucky. She was just a teenager when a beachside party mansion turned into a bloodbath. According to authorities, the killers were later found dead in the swamp. Chloe’s not so sure.
    Ten years later, as a psychologist consulting with the cops, she gets drawn in to the disappearance of a swimsuit model. Everyone assumes the girl ran off for some fun in the sun—everyone but Chloe, who’s been visited by the model’s ghost.
    Someone else is interested in the dead girl: Luke Cane, a P.I. investigating the disappearance for her father. Chloe and Luke barely trust one another, but they agree on the important things—they will bend the law to catch these killers, and there is an undeniable attraction between them.
    When another mass murder occurs, Chloe’s beginning to think her presence is no longer a coincidence…
My thoughts: Good story (although I think I figured out whodunnit—sort of—early on). This appears to be the end of the series, not that the books were all tied together. I could have read them out of order, but why would I? I enjoyed this series a lot. Loved all the ghosts! Sorry to see there aren’t any more.

Daughter and I went to a concert at Riverbend (Cincinnati) last night to see Metric, Garbage, and Noel Gallagher. I went to see Metric, Daughter went to see Garbage (although, I like them, too!). Noel Gallagher used to be in Oasis, but I didn’t recognize anything he played (neither did Daughter). We were amused at how many people left after Garbage’s performance and didn’t return for Noel.

Oh, and we barely made it back home before the storms hit. It was like a race! One I’m glad we won. The sky opened up just as I finished parking and headed for the garage. Whew!

So… are you celebrating on Tuesday (or some other day)? Been to any concerts this year? Please share!

Happy Reading!

Stacy