Sadly my series reading has been neglected for the last couple of years except for those I’m totally devoted to. January of this year found me tackling my series reading and minting a new blog, A Serial Reader, to keep me on track. I read 14 books this month and DNF’d one. Of those 14 books 10 were series books – 8 from series I’m already a fan of and 2 new-to-me series. It’s not like I need any new series but resistance is futile.
1) Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag. I’ve really enjoyed the first two books in this new series as it’s fun to revisit the 80s and the infancy of the CSI effect on law enforcement.
2) Perfect Alibi by Sheldon Siegel. I wondered for the longest time if this installment would be published because I kept seeing a listing but a changing publication date. Finally it arrived. While I didn’t think it was the best of the series I still enjoyed it. Will this be that last we hear from Mike and Rosie? I, for one, sincerely hope not.
3) How to Tempt a Duke by Kasey Michaels. I’m always on the lookout for the next great historical romance series. While Kasey Michaels doesn’t quite meet my extremely high standards (think Lisa Kleypas) I enjoyed book #1 and have book #2 on my library wish list.
4) If Books Could Kill by Kate Carlisle. I’m still trying to decide whether this series will fly for me or not. I’d love to have Brooklynn’s job (antique book restoration) and find the tidbits interesting but I haven’t been real taken with the murder mystery aspects of the series.
5) A Crack in the Lens by Steve Hockensmith. I was totally taken by surprise with this book. I cracked it opened fully expecting to DNF it within the first 50 pages. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Big Red and Old Red are charming down on their luck cowboy detectives seeking justice in the old west. This is a new-to-me series that will soon have me reading the back list.
6) Bookmarked for Death by Lorna Barrett. I can’t help but be attracted to this series. A charming New England village chock full of book stores, intrigue and one adorable feline.
7) The Face of Death by Cody McFayden. I like Smoky. I like Smoky’s team. And the cases – yow. Those are guaranteed to give readers a nightmare or two.
Eight) The Night Season by Chelsea Cain. Let’s just say I was disappointed but I’ll be back for more. This is not an Archie/Gretchen story.
9) Murder on Waverly Place by Victoria Thompson. I absolutely love this wonderful historical mystery series. This story line was the weakest of the 11 I’ve read. I wasn’t taken with the séance/murder story line. Here’s hoping the next in line gets back on track.
10 ) Hex Marks the Spot by Madelyn Alt. I’ve been away from this series for a while considering the publication date for Hex is 2007 and it’s now 2011. Remembering what had happened in the two prior books was hazy at best. I think that affected my enjoyment of Hex but it’s definitely a series I want to get back into.
