Fear in Writing: Mailbox Monday

Today in Literary History

Today in Literary History...December 14, 1907: Rudyard Kipling receives the Nobel prize for literature, the first English-language writer to do so.ud

Monday, May 24, 2010

Mailbox Monday

It's Mailbox Monday...partly because I love books and partly because I can't think of anything writerly to blog.
Into my home in the last week...
The Murder Room by PD James.  I read The Private Patient earlier this year--wasn't overly impressed, but was drawn in by the stories and her unique-but-wordy style.  I received this book via Paperback Swap.

Missing Joseph by Elizabeth George.  Many have recommended George's books, so it's about time I picked one up!  I don't know anything about her style...but I know she has staying power.  I also received this book through PBS.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.  This Pulitzer Prize-winner has been on my TBR list for a while, but just became available to me through PBS (a great site for swapping and saving money).  I'm looking forward to this critically-acclaimed read.

Just finished...

A Carrion Death by Michael Stanley.  This murder mystery takes one deep into the world of Botswana--a seemingly peaceful country bordering the more tumultuous South Africa and Angola.  The MC, Kubu, is deep and jolly.  The reader loves him from the start!  The murder takes the entire book to unravel, and one doesn't mind.  It is a fascinating journey through culture, food, geography, and crime.  The next Detective Kubu is already on my TBR list.  You can find Michael Stanley (which is actually the writing team of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip) blogging at Murder is Everywhere.

FORTY-EIGHT X by Barry Pollack.  This semi-SciFi/biological advancement/historical thriller takes on the idea of blending DNA to create the perfect soldier.  Sure, the idea has been done before, but Pollack adds some unique spice to his work--think Alexand the Great, the Middle East, and the setting for 'The Shining.'  I enjoyed this read and look forward to seeing what else Pollack will come up with. (Disclaimer: This book was sent to me for a blog tour the author was conducting.  I was in no way influenced by the fact that this book was free.  It had flaws, just like every other book, but it was a good read.)


Mailbox Monday is conducted by Marcia at The Printed Page.  What's in your mailbox?

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10 comments:

  1. Hmm...is "Missing Joseph" the first of the Lynley mysteries? My memory is so bad. If it's not, maybe consider starting at the beginning. Although each is pretty much a standalone, there are threads that run between books. Hope you enjoy them...I think you will.

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  2. I don't know any of these books yet - but it looks like you got a good haul. :) Have fun!

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  3. Ooh, I'm so glad you mentioned paperback swap! I love that site and have been trading books for awhile on there now.

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  4. Haven't heard of paperback swap but will certainly check it out. Thanks for the info.
    Enjoy all that reading--makes me jealous.
    Maribeth
    Giggles and Guns

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  5. Middlesex is so good. Happy reading! My mailbox is at The Crowded Leaf.

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  6. I agree about PBS.. I love to use for those books that I don't have to have right now, and the automatic wish thing is wonderful. Thanks for visiting my blog =) Enjoy your books.

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  7. I've often thought of picking up Middlesex. Hope you enjoy your books!

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  8. Middlesex is an amazing, wonderful book. The subject matter put me off reading it for a long time, but I am so glad I finally got over that and read it. It is a favorite.

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  9. Missing Joseph isn't the first Lynley, it's A Great Deliverance which is my favorite Lynley/Havers. But, Missing Joseph I believe is about Sign Language. It's been awhile since i read it. Middlesex seems like a wonderful book. Can't wait until your review.

    CD

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  10. I also think PBS is a great way to get the word out about books...I plan on putting one of my first editions on there just to get it circulating...And I have done so with any that are sent to me or that I do blog tours on. The more people who read it the better--whether it is bought new or not, I firmly believe getting it read is the first step, sales will follow.

    I'm looking forward to these other reads. Began PD James the other night...And Dan Waddell's 'The Blood Detective' arrived in the mail on Monday, so I have a big stack to make it through...but no rush. :)

    Michele

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