Welcome to my version of The Bloggers Dozen–twelve of my favorite reads during 2017.
These are laid out in chronological order, and please don’t ask me to narrow it down any further. I didn’t choose these by the rating I gave them, though most came in between 4.5 and 5 stars. They all resonate with me–still. Lest you think they may all be thriller and suspense (since I seem to lean that way), I’ll mention that they were actually all over the board from Literary Fiction to Cozy Mysteries and Animals. I did have a number of other five stars reads–just that these were special for me.
Okay, it’s no secret I’m a sucker for a story that includes (especially) dogs animals. Also, if I had to count–and even I was curious–of the twelve listed here, free BookBub books only accounted for one this year as I discovered NetGalley and got serious about their offerings to the tune of 58.3% of those I downloaded. That doesn’t add up to 100% though, does it? That’s because I devoted 33.3% to author requests and beta-reads.
Follow the link to explore my full review and give you additional links to the books. Perhaps you might find one you missed that looks particularly exciting for you as well–I HOPE SO!
Stone Song by Wil Blevins
This is the story of the Lakota Sioux warrior, Crazy Horse, a man who lived—and died tragically—on his own terms. HistFic 5/5 Stars
Dining and Driving with Cats-Alice Unplugged by Pat Patterson
Travelogue from Mexico to the “Boudin Capital of the World” with two kitties loose in the car. (Doncha just love that cover?!) Foodies will love! Travelogue-food 5/5 Stars
Telemachus by Peter Gray
Interpret this anthropomorphic metaphor as a Greek tragedy, engaging all the elements of love, challenge, loss, and triumph as seen through the POV of a protagonist bird and his flock. Literary Fiction 5/5
Hunting Hour by Margaret Mizushima
Loved, loved, loved, this Timber Creek K-9 Mystery and K-9 drug-sniffing German shepherd, Robo. Cozy mystery-5/5 Stars
Fender by Brent Jones
This emotionally packed literary saga will have you grabbing for a hankie. (But it is a “good” cry.) Fender is a Beagle, btw. Literary Fiction 5/5 Stars
Snap Judgment by Marcia Clark
If you thought a novel by an attorney (yes, “that” Marcia Clark) would be stale, dry, and unappealing, then look again. Suspense-crime 4.5/5
Sea of Doubt-The Greatest Story Ever Sold by Jeremy D. Holden
You know by the title that you are in for an intelligent and socially unacceptable ride and after the hook at the beginning, that’s how this book proceeds. So how would you announce to the world the Second Coming? Mystery-suspense 4.5/5 Stars
Her Last Secret by Barbara Copperthwaite
Loved the way this brilliant author took you to the week prior to the tragic Christmas day event, seamlessly introducing each of the major characters using their own POV. Gripping psychological thriller 5/5 Stars
Bonfire by Krysten Ritter
I’ve said it before, will say it again–how is this fair? Ritter is a successful actress–pretty, intelligent, and now an author? Yes, she can grow, but really, try reading this and visualize Jessica Jones. Psychological thriller 3.5/5
Outside the Wire by Patricia Smiley
At last–a female protagonist not damaged by an abusive childhood or sporting model-like height and classic features! This lady sounds real. Sympathetic commentary on ex-military. Suspense-thriller 4.5/5 Stars
The Whispering Room (A Jane Hawk Novel) by Dean Koontz
Jane is the ubiquitous former FBI agent gone rogue. She’s smart, she’s dangerous, and she’s on a mission. Uh oh Suspense-thriller 4.5/5 Stars
The Wild Road to Key West (The Cave of the Stars) by Michael Reisig
The Hole in the Coral Wall Gang always does the right thing. One of my favorite authors; this book includes some HistFic-Men’s Adventures 5/5 Stars
Which of the above did you read? Did I miss something fantastic this year that you’d love to tell me about? Do you have a suggestion (book or author) for my 2018 reads?
Hi Gin! I didn’t see this post until now. So cool to see Fender on a favorites list. —Brent
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and well deserved! thank you for the comment.
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ah, sorry–didn’t mean that you should go back and add my name, but of course, i greatly appreciate that!
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I enjoyed your list! I posted my reads for 2017 last Friday, and we have not read any of the same books. Therefore, I will try some of your recommendations. I enjoy all genres also, but I write and publish romantic suspense.
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i went to see your reads for 2017 and didn’t find them. perhaps you could send the link? i do so appreciate, however, your stopping by and the comment. i’ve followed and look forward to seeing more of your posts!
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https://roughwighting.net/2017/12/29/a-bookish-answer-to-life/ Nice connecting here, and on Instagram! 🙂
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Thank you! I saw you listed on Cheryl’s site as well. Spending too much time on Bookstagram, but gives me a chance for some artistic fun!
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Thank you–it’s fun to compare reads and reviews!
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Apologies for not spotting this post earlier. Thank you so much for including Her Last Secret on your list – I’m over the moon! x
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no apology needed, but accepted. i’ll continue to be a fan as long as you write. thanks!
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Check out the Canadian author Lyn Alexander. She wrote several books in her ‘Schellendorf’ Series, incredible books you really can’t put down. Maybe you can even check out “We Don’t Talk About That” by Giselleroeder.com Happy New Year!
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thank you, i will check those out–always appreciate suggestions! and thanks for the comment!
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Some of these books look interesting. I will have to put them on my “to read” list. Thank you for posting this. Happy New Year!
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thank you–it would be very difficult for me to rate them in 1, 2, and 3 position. i was lucky with my picks–some of which surprised me. appreciate your stopping by and the comment!
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Wow. That’s is a very varied list from genres to star ratings. I must say that all look very interesting in their own way.
Hope 2018 reads are even more enjoyable.
Happy New Year!!! 🎊🎈🎆
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