It’s Monday. What am I reading?

Sunday, November 9, 2014 Permalink

It’s Monday again and… is it just me or do the Mondays seem to be coming around more quickly as we approach the year’s end?!

Anyhoo, time to share my reading and reviewing agenda for the past week and upcoming week. 

What I’ve been reading

I read David Baldacci’s latest novel in the John Puller series. It’s a fairly large book so took three nights to read, but definitely worth it. My review of The Escape  is already live.

I also read a novella by Dan Newman. I read and reviewed Dan’s debut novel last year and even interviewed him later. The Clearing  was published through Angry Robot (Exhibit A books) and he had deal for his second novel (The Journalist) but he’s been left hanging after the closure of Exhibit A. I’ve reviewed the novella And With The Shadow People Be  in Goodreads and it’s available now via Amazon.

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I also read The Job  by Stephanie Evanovich and Lee Goldberg. I hadn’t realised this was the third in a series. I’ve read almost all of the Stephanie Plum series (PS. I’m pretty sure I’m #TeamRanger in case you’re wondering!) and bits and pieces from Evanovich’s other series, but seemed to miss this one completely. My review will be up in the next week or so, but it’s an enjoyable read – you just need to go with the flow and not question the feasibility of some of the antics of FBI Special Agent Kate O’Hare and her CI (former con-man and thief) Nick Fox.

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And I’ve finally started the novel, Five, which I’ve now talked about for three weeks running!

NaNoWriMo update

I’m writing this blog post on Sunday 9 November and I’ve done about 17,000 words on my novel(s). Oh yes – that IS a plural… I got part way through my crime fiction novel and decided I wasn’t terribly motivated to continue, so started on a chick lit type novel idea I had. It makes no sense as I don’t read chick lit so I’m trying to actually write bits on both over the month. I’m pretty much where I want to be word-wise however. But the biggest challenge for me is to remember the first draft is just all about dumping words on paper (or a screen).

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Blog posts

As well as my review of The Escape  I’ve published a review of the Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke collaboration – The Cinderella Murder  which is an enjoyable start to a new series.

Early last week I published a post about my slightly-embarrassing fetish for the new TV show Scorpion. (And was heartened by comments from fellow fans!)

I also wrote about my ‘hometown’, the Fraser Coast. I struggle with Wordless Wednesday posts but try to publish something on a Wednesday to keep some continuity after my Monday posts. I’m not a particularly visual person and it takes me at least twice as long to put together something with pictures than it does to write a blog post.

Source: whalesong.com.au

Source: whalesong.com.au

Next week’s reading

Obviously I need to finish Five  and unless something interesting pops up in my inbox I’m going to take it easy on the reading front.

I am however salivating over new releases from Lisa Gardner, Lisa Scottoline, Jonathon Kellerman, JD Robb, Alex Kava, Allison Brennan, Karen Rose, John Sandford and many others.

I need to focus on my NaNoWriMo writing AND I’m going away for a couple of days to celebrate my sister-in-law’s upcoming 50th birthday.

So there you have it, my reading and reviewing agenda over the past week and coming up. Any of my recent reads of interest? Anything I should add to my list?

I’m linking up again with Sheila from Book Journey to share my weekly reading.

38 Comments
  • Char
    November 10, 2014

    I’m Team Ranger too. But I quite like Morelli so maybe it should be a ménage et trois.

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2014

      I know but that feels kinda wasteful… 🙂

  • Michael @ Literary Exploration
    November 10, 2014

    17,000 words is pretty impressive, well done

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2014

      Thanks. Someone I know hit 46,000+ words yesterday. Must be some sort of record as she’ll certainly complete her 50,000 in 9 days!

  • Paula
    November 10, 2014

    I’m a big team ranger I love the Stephanie Plum books I will definitely have to check out her other books here’s mine http://communitybookstop.blogspot.com/2014/11/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-26.html

  • Nise' (Under the Boardwalk)
    November 10, 2014

    I am hoping to get to The Job soon. So far I’ve enjoyed the series. I did not know a new John Puller novel was out. I listen on audio. I just want Stephanie to choose already!

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2014

      I know! Although I haven’t read any of the other Ranger series. Wonder if it features an alternative love interest?

  • Greg
    November 10, 2014

    That’s great about NaNo. I’m slowing down a little, i need to remember that quote you posted- just keep writing! 🙂 I also enjoyed your post on your hometown- looks like a beautiful area.

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2014

      I certainly live in a lovely part of the world. And I’m the same with NaNo. I’m constantly rolling my eyes at the crap I’m writing or wallowing in self doubt but keep seeing similar quotes so tell myself it’s about getting words on paper.

  • viki
    November 10, 2014

    The Job looks great and I love the Stephanie plum books so I definitely have to put The Job on my wishlist!

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2014

      The Job definitely has the same ‘fun’ tone as the Plum novels.

  • thebookdate
    November 10, 2014

    Busy reader and writer! I know one of my fav authors does not read the genre she writes in, but reads other genres so that she does not accidentally reuse something another writer has written – so good luck with the chick lit – by the way that’s a name I loathe, wish there was something better to call it.

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2014

      I actually don’t understand the difference between romance and chick lit…. though I’m sure someone’s told me!

  • Pinky Poinker
    November 10, 2014

    Are you going to publish anything you write for NaNoWriMo Deb? I’d love to read something you’ve written because I think you have a way with words, definitely. 17 000 is pretty impressive. I think I’d be like that with a first draft too. I’d go back all the time picking it to pieces. But I wouldn’t get past 500 words 🙂

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2014

      At the moment everything I’m writing is crappy Michelle. You’d probably like my crime fiction – former teacher released from prison after new evidence casts doubt on her conviction for murdering two of her students 8 years before (and she sets out to find alternative suspects etc). 🙂

      The second one I started cos I hated the first is about a woman meeting her childhood sweetheart years later. (What a cliche!)

      I now hate them both quite frankly! *sigh*

  • kirstviz
    November 10, 2014

    Wow! That’s a great word count 🙂 Hope you do as well this week!
    I haven’t started watching Scorpion yet, but do have the first few episodes recorded.
    New to the hop so have just started following.
    Kirsty xx
    http://kirstylovesbooks.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/its-monday-what-are-you-reading/

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2014

      Hi Kirsty and nice to virtually meet you. I’m still besotted with Scorpion so hope it stays on our screens for a while. Am off to check out your reading.

      Deb

  • yvonne473
    November 10, 2014

    I have to read The Job. It’s on my wishlist. I’ve read all the Stephanie Plum books (I’m the lone Team Morelli person – LOL).

    Have a great week!

    • Debbish
      November 10, 2014

      I suspect she’ll end up with Morelli rather than Ranger. He’d be less heartbroken I suspect!

      Deb

  • Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
    November 10, 2014

    I’m TeAm Ranger too but like you I think she’ll end up with Morelli. I’ve been curious about her new co written series but have had no time to look into it.
    Congrats on keeping the NaNo momentum going!

    Happy reading!
    Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out

  • jkb4664
    November 10, 2014

    You are staying very busy! Continued success!!! I am a big Scorpion fan too, and I’d read more Janet Evanovich if I could figure out how to read more, and eat and sleep less! 🙂 So many books, so little time!

  • laurelrainsnow
    November 11, 2014

    I lost track of where I was in the Stephanie Plum series…but I didn’t read them in order, either, which is why I find it hard to keep track! LOL

    I like Ranger better, too.

    The Job looks interesting. Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.

    • Debbish
      November 11, 2014

      Almost everyone seems to prefer Ranger. I guess he’s got that ‘bad boy’ thing going on!

  • Melinda Ott
    November 11, 2014

    Good luck with NaNoWriMo and your crime novel!

  • Kathy Martin
    November 11, 2014

    I’m a few books behind on the Stephanie Plum series and have read the first Fox and O’Hare with the second on my TBR mountain. I’m glad you enjoyed the third book. Here is my week. Happy reading!

    • Debbish
      November 11, 2014

      Hi Kathy. I think I may be 1-2 behind in the Plum series. I stopped borrowing books when I started reviewing them (in 2013) and am on a budget so can’t buy many / any, so I’ve really only read books I’ve requested for review since then and sadly some of my fave authors don’t seem to put their books out there for review…

  • Susan Whelan
    November 11, 2014

    Sounds like you have been keeping busy! 17,000 is a great achievement. I hope you can stay focused for the rest of the month.

    I love the Shannon Hale quote.

    • Debbish
      November 11, 2014

      Oh yes, it’s important to remember!

  • Jen G. (The Introverted Reader)
    November 11, 2014

    I’m only up to #6 in the Stephanie Plum series but so far I lean more toward Morelli. Surprising, since I married a Cuban. Then again, don’t we always want what we don’t have? 😉 Enjoy your week!

  • Elizabeth P. (Silver's Reviews)
    November 11, 2014

    Super nice week for you and a great upcoming week.

    I have never read a David Baldacci book.

    ENJOY all your books and your reading week.

    Elizabeth
    Silver’s Reviews
    My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading

  • Catherine @ Book Club Librarian
    November 12, 2014

    You’ve had a great reading and writing week…very impressive!

I'd love to hear your thoughts