005, A Giant Crime, Mystery, and Thriller Book Haul
Hello, Book Lovers!
The crime, mystery, and thriller books in this haul were purchased over the last six months of 2019. Yes, some of these books have been sitting in a pile on the floor in my office for eighteen months.
What can I say?
I’m a chronic procrastinator.
Way back in March, I planned on releasing this episode, but my husband started working from home, and I struggled to figure out how to continue to work with my new workspace colleague, so this podcast went on a hiatus. Well, I thought it would be a short hiatus, but it didn’t work out like that much like many other things in 2020.
But, back to the books. As per my previous book hauls, I separated the novels according to the genre.
Mystery Novel and Film News
On the 11th of December, the Hollywood Reporter finally shared the release date of Death on the Nile along with a long list of other films. And, its new release date in the United Kingdom is the 17th of September 2021. I’ve been so excited to watch this film since I first saw the YouTube trailer back in August. To be honest, the release date is disappointing because I wish they would release the film through a streaming service because I’m happy to pay an extra £20.00 to see the film at home. There’s a part of me that releases why they want to wait for a cinema release because they are trying to encourage people to return to the cinema after the pandemic. Unfortunately, the pandemic is far from over. You get it; I’m annoyed and disappointed.
Book #1 – Immortal In Death by J. D. Robb
The first book in this haul is Immortal In Death by J. D. Robb. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this novel, this book is the third book in the In Death series, which features the protagonist, Eve Dallas. I read this novel between the 30th of October 2019 and the 6th of November 2019.
One of the things I love about this series is it’s fast-paced. When I cast my mind back to the period while I was reading Immortal In Death, I remember reaching the end of chapter three and there was a wedding dress fitting, an awkward love-triangle, and a dead body. As Eve and Rourke’s wedding fast approaches, Eve investigates the murder of a top fashion model. The stakes were amped up after her friend Mavis becomes tangled up in the crimes.
Book #2 – Rapture In Death by J. D. Robb
Up next is Rapture In Death by J D Robb which is book four in the In Death series. I read this novel between the 6th of November 2019 and the 13th of November 2019. There are a few scenes in this book that I’m not comfortable with, and these scenes are of a sexual nature. It’s not that I prefer my books to be clean, but it’s more about the quantity and how the scenes play out. Now is a great time to point out that the series is advertised as a sexy style of thriller, and Robb certainly delivers on that promise. In the spirit of trying to remain spoiler-free, let’s just say that I now have a healthy distrust of virtual reality. But, in saying all of that, I still consider the series binge-able.
Book #3 – Ceremony In Death by J. D. Robb
Next is Ceremony In Death by J D Robb, which is book five in the In Death series. I read this novel between the 2nd of June 2020 and the 9th of June 2020. The novel follows the investigation into the murders of victims who are linked to a sexual satanic cult. Due to the nature of the crimes, you get a sneak peek into the tragic events in Eve’s past. You also see character growth on Eve’s part and how she manages her own personal trauma triggers in her relationship with Roarke. This may not be a popular opinion, but I often find the relationship between Eve and Roarke unhealthy at times. I don’t usually do this, but this book probably needs a trigger warning. Without sharing spoilers, there are hints of sexual abuse in this story.
Book #4 – The Romanov Ransom by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell
The Romanov Ransom by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell is the ninth Book in the Fargo Adventure series. In this Fargo Adventure, the story focuses on the discovery of a Russian fortune stolen by the Nazi’s during WWII. And, that’s what made me pick this novel up off the shelf.
Now for a funny story. Way back in 2019 when you could travel, Roland and I were on vacation in Paris, and I purchased a small version of the English translation in a book store called FNAC, utterly unaware that I had a copy at home. Yes, a small fail on my part.
Book Giveaway
Good News: The giveaway for Romanov Ransom by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell is still open partly because I forgot to include the details of entry on the show notes, and I only realised quite recently. To enter the giveaway to win a free paperback copy of The Romanov Ransom by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell follow the steps below.
- Join The Book Nerd Reader Club Facebook Group
- Like the post for episode TBN005
- Comment underneath the post with “count me in”
Please note, only one entry per person is allowed. The winner will be announced in the Facebook Group and on the podcast in February 2022.
Book #5 – Fever by Deon Meyer
Technically, Fever by Deon Meyer is a dystopian thriller novel, but it still fits in the genre, so it made the haul. It’s a stand-alone, at the moment there doesn’t seem to be any hint of a series. For the sake of full transparency, this novel was a Christmas gift from my brother in law and his wife. And, that was Christmas 2019, not 2020. What intrigued me about this story was it’s written in the same vein as true crime. But it’s fiction and not based on a true story. I can’t wait to read this story, but my to be read list is out of control.
Book #6 – Blue Moon by Lee Child
Next in this haul is Blue Moon by Lee Child and is book twenty-four in the Jack Reacher series. I’m not sure how I feel about reading the rest of the books in the series, now that they are being written by someone other than Lee Child, even if it is his brother, who is an experienced thriller author. Here’s a link to the article where I learned this information. The cover drew me in; it looked so intriguing. I literally couldn’t resist, and I didn’t even read the blurb. But, here’s a bit about the story. Basically, in the story, Reacher steps in and stops an elderly man from getting mugged while on a greyhound bus. This one event unravels a mystery surrounding dirty money and dirty secrets.
Book #7 – The Poet by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly’s The Poet is a Crime and Police procedural featuring a character who works for a Denver newspaper. Jack McEvoy investigates a series of police suicides who leave goodbye notes taken from Edger Allen Poe’s poems. Darker than my usual choice; nevertheless, The Poet still had me turning the pages and shedding the odd tear or three. On top of all of this, the subject matter was hard to take at times. Just as a trigger warning, this story touches on the topic of paedophilia, and there are scenes from this person’s perspective. You get it, it’s dark. Despite that, I still managed to read The Poet in six sittings over thirty days. The Poet by Michael Connelly was a great read, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
Book #8 – The Book of the Dead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Book of the Dead, is book seven in the Agent Pendergast Series and the third book in a mini-series featuring his brother Diogenes. Despite this, the book can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone because the authors drop hints about the previous novels’ events. This one was an absolute bargain. I purchased The Book of the Dead for a messily two pounds from my local WH Smith. The story is about a cursed Egyptian tomb unveiled in a New York Gala for a second time. Spoiler alert, the original unveiling had disastrous results. From the onset, I was hooked upon reading the references to Egyptology, Curses, Museums, and a mysterious donation to fund the reopening of the Tomb of Senef. I’m hoping the rest of the series follows this similar theme.
Book #9 – Sleep No More by P. D. James
Sleep No More is a collection of short stories by P D James. The collection contains six murderous tales with a dark motive of revenge. This is the second collection of short stories that I own by P D James. I purchased this one because I want to write collections of short stories, but I want to read a few by other authors before I do that. Over the years, I’ve read a few short stories within the mystery genre by other indie authors. If you’re interested, I’m happy to devote an episode of this podcast to shorts stories, let me know by commenting below.
Book #10 – The Venetian Masquerade by Philip Gwynne Jones
The Venetian Masquerade by Philip Gwynne Jones is book three in the Nathan Sutherland series, set in contemporary Venice. I’m not going to lie, this was an impulse purchase. Once again, the covers sucked me into this series. As I was writing this script, I purchased the fourth book on waterstones.com, along with another book called the Thursday Murder Club. And, thanks to recent events, it’s an excellent way to travel to a beautiful location without leaving your sofa. I’ve been to Venice, so I’m excited to get into this series, minus the mosquito issues I had during my trip. Actually, I think book one might be next on my to be read list.
Book #11 – Target Alex Cross by James Patterson
Target Alex Cross by James Patterson is book twenty in the Alex Cross series. And, I purchased this on sale at half price from W H Smith in St Pancras. I originally purchased this novel, believing that Alex Cross had become a target and had to figure out the who and why, before he was murdered. But, now that I’ve read the blurb the title now seems a little deceptive or the book description is poorly written. I’m not sure how I feel about this, as a reader, I’m not a fan, and it’s something I try to stay away from as an author.
Book #12 – Dark Sacred Night by Michael Connelly
Dark Sacred Night by Michael Connelly is the twenty-first novel in the Harry Bosch that features a new Detective, Renee Ballard. For some reason, this novel is in the legal thriller category on Amazon, which is a bit weird considering it’s a police procedural. By the way, I’m making the assumption about the category based on the description.
Here’s a bit about the book courtesy of Amazon. Detective Renée Ballard has faced everything the LAPD’s notorious dusk-till-dawn graveyard shift has thrown at her. But, until tonight, she’d never met Harry Bosch – an ex-homicide detective consumed by this case. Soon, she too will become obsessed with the murder of Daisy Clayton. Because Ballard and Bosch both know, every murder tells a story. Daisy’s case file reads like the first chapter in an untold tragedy that is still being written – one that could end Ballard herself if she cannot bring the truth to light.
Book #13 – The First Lady by James Patterson and Brendan Dubois
The First Lady is the second book co-authored by James Patterson and Brendan Dubois. Thanks to the super spoiler-y title, it’s a political thriller. I purchased this novel, wondering whether it is connected to the President is Missing. But, I have to read it to find out. Here’s a short snippet from the book description on Amazon.
President Tucker is caught up in a media firestorm. The scandal of his affair has sent shockwaves through his re-election campaign and threatens to derail everything he has worked for. To win the vote, he needs the First Lady to stand by his side. Grace refuses to give in to her husband’s demands. Escaping the city and her Secret Service agents, she is officially off the radar.
Book #14 – Lies Sleeping by Ben Aaronovitch
Lies Sleeping by Ben Aaronovitch is the seventh book in the Rivers of London urban fantasy police procedural. Even though it’s technically an urban fantasy novel, the story focuses on solving a mystery. If you like mysteries set in the magical backstreets of London, then I highly recommend this series. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been addicted to this series since I turned up for the book signing with Ben Aaronovitch when I worked for Orion Publishing. But, I’ve purchased books four onwards with my own money. It took me quite a long time, maybe four years, to start reading the series and I’m glad I did.
Concluding Thoughts
That concludes this giant crime, mystery, and thriller book haul. As always, I have an important question for you. Do you like it when I segment these book hauls via genre or category? Does it make it easier for you to listen along?
I want to hear from you.
Let me know by sharing your thoughts in the comments section below or under the post over in the The Book Nerd Reader Club Facebook Group.
Thank you for listening and happy reading, everybody.
Amelia xx
* DISCLAIMER: This blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. The commission helps support the blog and allows us to continue to make content like this. Thank you for your support. 🙂
I’m Amelia. I write mystery and thriller novels under the pen name A. D. Hay and I’m the author of Missing the first book in the James Lalonde series. I’m the host of the Book Nerd Podcast and The Authorpreneur Podcast. Right now, I’m editing my soon to be published mystery novels, The Candidate, Duplicity, 24 Hours, and Immunity. When I’m not writing, hosting my podcasts or coaching aspiring authors, I love to travel around Europe with my Husband Roland, drink tea, and eat pizza.
