It's the second Tuesday of the month, so you know it's time for me to link up with Jen and Steph for their monthly Show Us Your Books Linkup and discuss the books that I read last month.
April was a little better than March in terms of quantity (I read 3 instead of 2) and much better in terms of quality. Here's what I read last month:
Read April 2-9 | Format: Audiobook | My rating: 4/5
What if you died suddenly, mid-conversation with your spouse one day, only to find yourself not dead but back in time and replaying your life? That is the gist of Replay, which I found utterly captivating.
I stumbled upon this book by accident and am so glad that I did. It was entertaining, it kept me engaged, and it made me think - what would I do differently if I found myself back at the age of 18 but still with all the knowledge that I possess now?
*I definitely recommend this book.
The First Rule by Robert Crais
Read April 10-20 | Format: Audiobook | My rating: 4/5
This is the 13th book in the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series and the second to feature Joe Pike as the lead character. Of the two characters, Joe Pike is my favorite, so I was excited to read this one.
The First Rule is a solid detective/mystery novel with several unexpected plot twists that I didn't see coming, as well as a personal move by Joe Pike, but with the familiarity of characters that I've grown to love over the years.
Reading previous books in the series is not necessary, but advantageous because you see the character development of Elvis and Joe.
*I recommend this book.
Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight
Read April 20-30 | Format: Audiobook | My rating: 3/5
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I found the premise interesting and I was drawn in trying to figure out who did it and why. BUT, there were too many characters to keep up with, characters whose lives were all entangled, and there were a couple of subplots that were not wrapped up in the end, leaving me with several unanswered questions - which I hate.
*I would have a hard time recommending this book due to the frustration that the ending brought out in me.
What books have you read lately? Do you have anything that you recommend I add to my TBR?
As always, thanks for stopping by!
What if you died suddenly, mid-conversation with your spouse one day, only to find yourself not dead but back in time and replaying your life? That is the gist of Replay, which I found utterly captivating.
I stumbled upon this book by accident and am so glad that I did. It was entertaining, it kept me engaged, and it made me think - what would I do differently if I found myself back at the age of 18 but still with all the knowledge that I possess now?
*I definitely recommend this book.
Read April 10-20 | Format: Audiobook | My rating: 4/5
This is the 13th book in the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series and the second to feature Joe Pike as the lead character. Of the two characters, Joe Pike is my favorite, so I was excited to read this one.
The First Rule is a solid detective/mystery novel with several unexpected plot twists that I didn't see coming, as well as a personal move by Joe Pike, but with the familiarity of characters that I've grown to love over the years.
Reading previous books in the series is not necessary, but advantageous because you see the character development of Elvis and Joe.
*I recommend this book.
Read April 20-30 | Format: Audiobook | My rating: 3/5
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I found the premise interesting and I was drawn in trying to figure out who did it and why. BUT, there were too many characters to keep up with, characters whose lives were all entangled, and there were a couple of subplots that were not wrapped up in the end, leaving me with several unanswered questions - which I hate.
*I would have a hard time recommending this book due to the frustration that the ending brought out in me.
What books have you read lately? Do you have anything that you recommend I add to my TBR?
As always, thanks for stopping by!
I've never heard of Robert Crais as an author but I love series like that in which you can jump around a bit and there are a lot of books out...I might have to check that out. Too bad the Kimberly McCreight book was disappointing!
ReplyDeleteYeah... Oh, well... that's the way it goes sometimes, right? Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI really liked Reconstructing Amelia by McCreight, so I'm interested in Where They Found Her, but I totally know what you mean about too many characters & storylines being distracting or not well thought out, so I'll probably pass on it for now.
ReplyDeleteI like Reconstruction Amelia as well. I just had some issues with this one. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteReplay sounds totally fascinating!
ReplyDeleteIt was! It was one of the best books I've read this year.
DeleteI have a hard time when books leave loose ends too. I try not to let it bother me, but it does. It really, really does. :D I am unfamiliar with the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike series but am going to check it out. I love a good series, especially seeing the main characters develop and evolve.
ReplyDeleteYes, and here's the kicker - the unanswered questions I have, were part of subplots that could've easily have been left out for they did not enhance the plot at all.
DeleteI really liked Where They Found Her. Lots going on but I thought the author laced it up well.
ReplyDeleteThere was a lot going on, wasn't there? At one point, I honestly took some notes as to who was who. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI've had Where They Found Her on my TBR for awhile. I'm looking forward to getting to it eventually.
ReplyDeleteI just wish it had been 1 or 2 chapters longer and answered a few of the lingering questions I had. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteSorry to hear Where They Found Her left with some unresolved plot points. That's always a big frustration for me!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
Yeah... it needed to be about 1 or 2 chapters longer. Oh, well...it happens. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI'm definitely adding Replay to my list! The plot line sounds super interesting, and I think that's something we can all relate to, if you knew the future would you do things differently.
ReplyDeleteI found it via Erin's challenge. Someone else chose it for the time travel category and I decided to give it a shot when I ditched Dragonfly in Amber. I was pleasantly surprised by it!
Deletewow, Replay sounds creeptastic.
ReplyDeletei think Where They Found Her is on my list, but i despise unanswered questions so i don't know. i see you are currently reading on the island, i hope you like it! i loved it.
Yeah, I just got to the end and I was like - "Hold up! What about so and so? And this?" So far, I'm really enjoying The Island. Solid entertainment!
DeleteReplay sounds like an interesting concept! I'll have to pick that one up!
ReplyDeleteI just happened to stumble upon it through Erin's challenge. It was complete serendipity!
DeleteReplay could be very interesting! I've never heard of it. That's why I love these book linkups! So many great suggestions a person misses when they rely on B&N and Goodreads :)
ReplyDeleteI really, really enjoyed it. I participated in a book challenge and someone else in the challenge had originally picked it for the "book that has time travel in it" category. I switched to it after realizing that in order to finish the challenge by the last day, that I would not be able to listen to Dragonfly in Amber (which is 40 hours long on audiobook). I'm so happy that I did!
DeleteI really liked Replay too and didn't think I would. I enjoyed Where They Found Her as well.
ReplyDeleteI think Replay is one of my favorites so far this year. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteYour description of "Replay" is intriguing and a great writing prompt. Now I'm thinking about what I would do differently starting back as an 18 year old - so much to think about!
ReplyDelete