Another week’s flown by and I’m actually having a few days at my mother’s for a change of scenery. Well that on top of the fact school holidays have just started and my apartment complex and hometown get pretty busy at this time of year.
What I read
I started the week by finishing off Lynda La Plante’s Tennison and it’s undoubtedly my favourite book this month (so far!); and one of my 2015 favourites.
Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg’s The Scam was next on my agenda. It’s an easy read but I paced myself and read it over a few nights. (And I needed to take time off reading to catch up on my reviewing!)
As planned I read MJ Arlidge’s fourth book in the DCI Helen Grace series, Liar Liar, and loved it.
Next came Sophie McKenzie’s Here We Lie.
And… although it wasn’t planned, a sleepless night last night meant I also read Jane Shemilt’s The Drowning Lesson.
What I wrote
I started the week with a fairly personal post about how I’d been feeling. In reality I know my life doesn’t suck but sometimes it feels like it and I tend to wallow. And eat. However I’m trying to change that so wrote about ‘sitting’ with my feelings.
Then it was back to the less navel-gazing stuff, with my review of Tennison by Lynda LaPlante—a book I loved.
I also enjoyed The Scam by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg. In comments on the post I mentioned that the books are pretty formulaic but they’re comfort (cozy?) reads for me, so enjoyable as long as I suspend my disbelief at some of characters’ antics.
MJ Arlidge’s books are always pretty dark and gritty and his latest, Liar Liar is no different. It’s confronting and a whodunnit I didn’t actually solve.
And finally I reviewed The Good Neighbour by AJ Banner in Goodreads. I was a bit slack getting to that review but… better late than never; and it was a solid 3 star (good) read.
What I plan to read
Elizabeth George’s A Banquet of Consequences is first on my list for the coming week and I’m hoping there’ll be a return to the Inspector Lynley and Barbara Havers we know and love.
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson (better known as The Bloggess) is due to be published on 1 October so it may be next on the list, along with Cathy Kelly’s latest Between Sisters, which I’ve now deferred for a few weeks.
And that’s the extent of my planning for this week. I’ve been doing a lot of binge-reading (ie. reading an entire book in a night) over the past few weeks and would like to get out of the habit so might try to find a new TV series to obsess about. I think season one of Wayward Pines is out on DVD here and am thinking of borrowing that but not entirely sure.
What’s on your agenda for the week?
Any TV shows (old or new-ish) you can recommend I binge-watch?
Linking up with Kimberley from the Caffeinated Book Reviewer for the Sunday Post and Sheila from Book Journey for, “It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?”
September 20, 2015
I’m reading Charlie Anderson’s General Theory of Lying by Richard McHugh- and trying to write & stockpile astro posts for while I’m away in November/December. How organised is that?
September 20, 2015
Very impressive Jo. I also saw you’re going to do a stack of writing in October, so you will be busy!
September 20, 2015
The usual week ahead for me ending in my son’s 20th birthday. Yikes! Where did all those years go?
You’ve come to the right place for binge watching TV recs – I’m your gal. Two ones I’ve hoovered up lately – Orange Is The New Black and Shameless (I watched the US version with William H Macy and Joan Cusack although the UK is the original and even better from what I hear).
September 20, 2015
I’ve seen S1 of Orange is the New Black so S2 is definitely an idea. I’ve actually never watched Shameless so will check that out as well.
I’m still old-school and borrow stuff from video (DVD) libraries but do need to move down the Netflix route!
September 20, 2015
I need to start that Elizabeth George series. I have the first one but just not read it, but I love the TV show that was based on her books.
Stormi
Week in Review
September 20, 2015
Hi Stormi and I’m the opposite. I loved the early books in the series (until a major character dies. I didn’t care that she died, but more about how others reacted when that happened) but I didn’t like the TV series as neither character was how I’d pictured them to be. (Isn’t it weird like that?!)
September 20, 2015
Nice books and I see a couple I’d like to read: Tennison, The Drowning Lesson, and Here We Lie. I applaud your ability to read a book in one day, or night, on a regular basis. I did that 2x last month but they weren’t extra-long and it was a rare event for me indeed. Hope this doesn’t mean you aren’t sleeping much.
I have been at odds with finding a tv show I want to binge on, though I enjoy that when I can. Perhaps you would like Happy Valley, if you haven’t seen it? It’s a BBC show, just one season so far, that I caught on Netflix but I don’t know how you can watch it where you live. It’s about a female British detective who works in an area swamped with drug use and crime, and becomes obsessed with trailing the newly released ex-con who she believes caused her daughter to commit suicide. It’s intense and realistic, and very well acted.
September 20, 2015
Oh I second Happy Valley! I’ve only seen a few eps when it was on the ABC recently and its really gritty with an amazingly strong female lead character. BBC Tv at its best!
September 20, 2015
Oh wow, I somehow missed it but then again ABC sometimes add new shows here at obscure times with little fanfare and I miss them. Fingers crossed my local Blockbuster has it!
September 20, 2015
yes! What’s up with that ABC??
September 20, 2015
I haven’t heard of Happy Valley Rita, so will definitely check that out as it sounds like the sort of show I’d like.
And no, I haven’t been sleeping well though last night is the first night I picked up a book at 3am and read for a solid 2hrs, knowing sleep just wasn’t going to come!
I’ve always been an insomniac and struggled to GET to sleep but have been much worse since my recently illness during which I slept A LOT.
September 20, 2015
I’ve long had a soft spot for Lynley and Havers… enjoy.
Suits and Orange is the New Black are my ‘go to’ series on Netflix right now.
September 20, 2015
Ah yes, I’m a season behind in Suits and missed a couple of the latest series and just didn’t bother to catch up in the end. Not sure if I wasn’t enjoying it as much or what. I don’t have Netflix so might see if it’s out on DVD yet!
September 20, 2015
I have certain books or types of books that I read sometimes for comfort too- a good cozy read is sometimes a good thing. And that cover of Furiously Happy is hilarious
September 20, 2015
I know, it’s a great cover isn’t it?! I’ve not read The Bloggess’s blog but I know a lot of people here who adore her so put in the request. I’m assuming it’s non-fiction which is something I usually struggle with, but will give it a go!
September 20, 2015
These all look so tempting, especially Here We Lie and The Drowning Lesson. Enjoy your books…and have a great week. Thanks for visiting my blog.
September 20, 2015
Yes I enjoyed elements of both of those novels Laurel and have been pondering the reviews as there are tiny things I would change in both books and worry I’m starting to get a bit too pedantic!
September 20, 2015
I’ve been watching Unreal after seeing a few bloggers recommend it. It’s the behind scenes drama in a reality show and it’s FAB! I wasn’t sure it would be for me but if you love messed up lives and ugly drama, then it’s a must watch!
Hope you enjoy your books, I wish I was reading as fast as you, I’d be through my tbr in no time.
September 21, 2015
I haven’t heard of Unreal Trish, will check it out!
September 20, 2015
I hope you’re enjoying some time with your mom, a change of scenery is important every now and then, Deb. And I think sometimes, when we feel down about something, it helps just to be able to put our feelings into words, so good for you that you wrote about sitting with your feelings!
Your new books all look great, and I hope you’ll enjoy them 🙂
Have a fantastic week ahead and happy reading.
September 21, 2015
Thanks Lexxie and I’m having a nice time with my mother. It would have been my parents’ 52nd anniversary yesterday but my dad passed away just after their 48th, so I wanted to be here for that as well.
September 20, 2015
Enjoy your time off. That cover with the raccoon makes me laugh and reminds me of Guardians of the Galaxy. I can also me an emotional eater. I think it’s more constructive to write about your feelings than to try to eat them away – that just makes one feel worse. There is no comfort in comfort food.
September 21, 2015
Very true Steph the comfort is fleeting. I think the problem for me is that once I get the taste for something I can’t let it go and I’ll start ‘needing’ it every day!
September 20, 2015
You seem to read so fast. I wish I read faster. I am so slow. Shows I recommend would be Arrow it’s a comic books show but I love it. Another show is The Returned am not sure if it’s available in your country it’s based on a book and has French sub titles but I love it so much.
September 21, 2015
Ah yes Megan, I watched Arrow until this last series as it seemed suddenly EVERYONE had super powers and can fight and it just got too over-the-top for me I’m afraid. And yes I did watch The Returned – the original was on here a while ago and I enjoyed it. I’m trying to remember if I saw some news about it coming back for a second season.
September 21, 2015
Furiously Happy looks so adorable! It’s on my list of books to get as well! I’m sorry you’ve felt down lately! Life is just hills and valleys! 🙂
September 21, 2015
It definitely is Maggie. I’ve heard it likened to the ocean and needing to ‘ride the waves’ (peaks and troughs!).
September 21, 2015
Elizabeth George looks like a book I would like. About TV shows I am currently watching Psych, not sure if that is your type of show.
September 21, 2015
It might well be Viki. I’m surprised it’s been going as long as it has as I remember seeing early episodes years ago. I liked both male leads so might check that out as well. (I know it’s not at one of my local DVD rental places but can check out another!)
September 21, 2015
I have Netflix so I watch it on there. It is a nice show. Maybe your library has it?
September 21, 2015
I must look up Lynda La Plante’s Tennison and Furiously Happy has me curious. It is hard when our mood drops, I hope you are feeling more uplifted.
September 21, 2015
Thanks Kimberley!
September 21, 2015
Liar Liar looks super interesting. I’m almost done with After the Rain by Renee Carlino.
September 21, 2015
Liar Liar was really good. Possibly my favourite of that series so far.
September 21, 2015
So many books that I’ve either read or want to read. Our taste is so similar. The new TV season starts this week, so Scandal and a few other favorites are back.
September 21, 2015
Ah yes, I’ve been seeing ads for new stuff coming – Quantico, Limitless etc. I suspect our new season will start after our current batch of school holidays finish.
September 21, 2015
I’m counting down the days until Furiously Happy comes out. I love Jenny Lawson! I thoroughly enjoyed your review on Tennison. That sounds like a book I would enjoy and I need to find Prime Suspect. None of the American streaming choices seem to have it. As for binge watching – have you tried Crossing Lines? It’s kind of a darker show but focuses on an international investigative group that focuses on crimes that cross country borders. I love it! Have a great week!
September 21, 2015
I haven’t heard of Crossing Lines Katherine. Will check that one out and it sounds like the sort of show I’d enjoy!
September 21, 2015
I can’t imagine reading a book in a night. My head hits the pillow, I fall asleep. Some good sounding books on your list though think Here We Lie would be up there for me. Hope you are feeling less “blah” – sounds like you are. Have a good week.
September 21, 2015
Thanks Emma. I ‘usually’ read in the bath from about 5.30 or 6pm. I live alone and struggle with the time between 5-8pm or so. It’s the time of day I’m most tired and melancholy so I usually head to the bath with a book and spend an hour or two there before getting out and cooking dinner, watching some TV etc…
I rarely read in bed any more though did the other night as my mother doesn’t have a bathtub AND I was awake all night. I decided I might as well read rather than waste time on my iPad.
But I do also read quickly.
September 21, 2015
I’ll have to get hold of Jenny Lawson’s new book. I read her first one and really liked it.
September 21, 2015
I didn’t even know she had a first. I actually see her being tweeted a lot on Twitter etc but haven’t ever read her blog either. #oops
September 21, 2015
I have seen Furiously Happy around a lot lately, I’m eager to hear your thoughts on it! Hope the personal post helped to get some feelings out and helped you feel better!
Thanks for stopping by the The Local Muse
September 21, 2015
THanks Mallory!
September 21, 2015
I’m reading a Tess Gerritsen one at the moment. I’m loving it but have no idea what it’s called. That’s the downside of a Kindle. You generally only see the title when you open it the first time.
September 21, 2015
That’s true Char. Sometimes I go to do a review and realise I have no idea what it was I read! I enjoy Tess Gerritsen but didn’t get her latest. I hope you enjoy it!
September 21, 2015
Going to check out Tennison since you’re calling it a fave and should Arlridge’s series be read in order? I really want to read Liar Liar.
I’ve got 3 episodes to go on Hannibal, the latest season of Downton Abbey has just started and Friday Scandal is back and I’m soooo excited about that! But I am thinking of watching a new Aussie series 800 Words. Enjoy the time with your mum.
September 21, 2015
You could leap ahead to Liar Liar Teddyree as Arlidge does a good job of recapping. I think the main spoiler it offers relates to the first book in the series as it probably tells you who the baddie was…
September 21, 2015
I enjoyed The Scam last week too, even the cliffhanger! I binged watched Outlander on Starz last week.
September 21, 2015
I’ve seen the first series of Outlander Nise. (Though I think it was the first part of the first series or something?!)
September 21, 2015
You had a busy week indeed, so much reading!
I haven’t read Evanovich’s collaborations but her solo books are definitely formulaic. That can be comfort reading, sometimes just what you need.
Wayward Pines was good, try the books too! Do you have Hulu available to you? I found some good shows on there: Outcasts, a sci fi show, and Survivors, about a flu epidemic and the people who survive.
Have a great week!
September 21, 2015
No Hulu but I did actually watch Outcasts a few years ago – it’s British isn’t it? I remember being upset cos one of the very gorgeous leads got killed off really early on!!!
Ah yes, I guess I could try Wayward Pines books, but I was kinda after something to watch. As it happens, my local video library DOES have it but it wasn’t in when I went yesterday and is due back this week.
September 21, 2015
I hope you are having a good visit and a happier week. I love the cover of Fabulously Happy! Happy reading!
September 21, 2015
Thanks Martha. I’ve been on my computer a bit but it does feel a bit like a holiday away from my own place!
September 21, 2015
I get down a lot too, I definitely understand the desire to wallow for a while. It can be hard to rise above that. So I hope you’re week is going better!
I have Furiously Happy on my wishlist! We listened to ‘most’ of her other novel on the way back from Florida a few years ago, but we never got to hear the last 20% of it so I need to get her first one too.
September 21, 2015
Oh yes, getting out of that hole can be kinda difficult can’t it. I knew part of my problem was hormonal (cos I fall in a bit of a heap every month!).
September 21, 2015
Ah, I’ve seen some episodes of the Lynley show, but never looked at the books they were based on. I could just never get into the show or the characters. And I like detectives.
Happy reading.
September 21, 2015
Nah, I didn’t enjoy the show either….
September 21, 2015
Sitting with your feelings sounds very interesting. Must be off to check this out.
Here’s my It’s Monday!
September 21, 2015
Thanks Deb.
September 21, 2015
I have been binge watching Newsroom. It is so well done. It is preschool hols here for us so trying to get out and about and avoid crowds as much as possible. (Not really possible in Sydney holidays though.)
September 21, 2015
Oh, I LOVED The Newsroom. One of my faves!
September 21, 2015
I rarely finish a book in one night, but can definitely see how that would interfere with binge-watching 😉
Hope you have a great week!
September 21, 2015
I’ve already had 2 nights off reading this week. One for a ridiculously early night and the other for some DVD binge-watching!
September 22, 2015
Great cover on that Furiously Happy! It makes me quite interested to read it!
I love binge reading, but to get out of the habit I just do what you said. I find a new TV Show and get addicted – lol! Greg has started a new TV show that I haven’t checked out yet, it’s called Dark Matter. Maybe it’d be up your street? It’s worth checking out anyway x
September 22, 2015
I haven’t heard of Dark Matter… so will check that one out.
September 22, 2015
Liar Liar looks good.
Love the cover of Furiously Happy.
Have a great reading week.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading
September 22, 2015
Thanks Elizabeth!
September 23, 2015
I haven’t seen the tv show but if Wayward Pines is as bonkers good as the books it will be worth watching, I have just read all three of them and they were crazy good fun.
Furiously Happy is an immense read, a horrible topic turned in its head, I loved it, truly loved it.
Have a lovely week!
September 23, 2015
I’ve only heard good things about the show Heather (and didn’t originally know they were based on books, so….).