Summer Reading: Mavens of Mystery by Jacqueline Seewald

Summer is the perfect time to spend some time vacationing or just relaxing. Sit in the sun, lie on a chaise poolside, rest by the ocean or a lake, or under the shade of a tree, sip a cool drink, and read a book.

 

                                                   

Mysteries remain one of the most popular genres for summer reading. The current issue of AARP Magazine features a wonderful article entitled “Murder, She Wrote.” It discusses the most popular women mystery writers. None are young. Each has a popular mystery series. Who are these most popular women writers of murder mystery fiction?

Janet Evanovich (latest book WICKED CHARMS),

Tess, Gerritsen DIE AGAIN,

Louise Penny THE NATURE OF THE BEAST,

Sue Grafton X IS FOR…,

Sara Paretsky BRUSH BACK,

 and the Queen of Suspense herself—Mary Higgins Clark, THE MELODY LINGERS ON

Lots of good summer reading on this list. But what about some of the excellent women authors that write for small independent presses and provide us with quality mystery series but don’t get as much publicity because they are not with the big publishers?

I have read two of these writers so far this summer and intend to read many more. I recommend Patricia Gligor’s Malone series, her latest novel MIXED MESSAGES being a perfect summer read. Check it out on Amazon. Nancy J. Cohen writes the Marla Shore hairdresser (Bad Hair Day Mysteries) series. I recently read BODY WAVE--another enjoyable summer read to check out on Amazon. I also recommend the 4^th in my Kim Reynolds librarian sleuth series THE BAD WIFE.                                    

                                   http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J6PCKVW

If you’re in the mood for the latest in Southern gothic romantic mystery, I can recommend two--Susan Coryell’s BENEATH THE STONES and my own just released novel DARK MOON RISING. Both can also be checked out on Amazon.

As a reader and/or writer are there any books you would like to recommend for summer reading?

August Heat: Summer Reading Recommendations by Jacqueline Seewald

Last month, I blogged on the topic of summer reading. This month I want to take that a step further. With people going on vacation, sitting at beaches, pools and on cruise ships, many individuals enjoy relaxing with a good book. And there certainly are a lot of them being published. So I’ll suggest several novels I’ve read so far this summer and particularly liked. I’m asking that you join me in suggesting books that you recently enjoyed reading—or your own novels if you’re a fellow author.

My husband and I both appreciated John Grisham’s SYCAMORE ROW. I left a review for the novel on Goodreads and Amazon. This novel is supposed to be a sequel to the critically well-reviewed A TIME TO KILL. In my opinion, it’s even stronger. Grisham’s greatest talent is in writing beginnings with a powerful narrative hook. But this novel never wavers throughout. Characterization and plotting are excellent. You simply don’t want to put the book down. It’s a serious, thoughtfully written novel.

Another novel that we both enjoyed and just finished reading is THE CHASE by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg. This is a fast-paced humorous caper which follows THE HEIST, another O’Hare/Nicolas Fox novel. Yes, the plot is outrageous and improbable but it’s still fun. We enjoyed both books in this new series, but I think THE CHASE is the better of the two. The series is gathering steam and I hope it continues.

I’ll also recommend my own most recent books:

The fourth Kim Reynolds mystery THE BAD WIFE (and yes, she is very, very bad!) was published by Perfect Crime Books. It is available both in print and e-book editions. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J6PCKVW

My Regency romance TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS received an excellent blurb endorsement from Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick which appears on the cover of that novel, published both as a hardcover from Five Star/Gale and in large print from Thorndike Press. Mary Balogh also read this novel and offered helpful editorial suggestions prior to publication. SteameReads has published this novel in a newly edited e-book formats. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JFHMXWW

I won SteameReads “Some Like It Hot” romance novel writing contest with my sensual Georgian romance THE CHEVALIER. That novel was published and is also available in all e-book formats. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GY95RTU/

http://steamereads.com.au/product-category/historical/

My “clean read” YA novel THE DEVIL AND DANNA WEBSTER was recently published as an e-book in all formats by Astraea Press. This YA novel is a good reading experience for mothers and daughters to share. It’s not just for teens. Although a romance, it's also a coming-of-age novel, the main theme being family values.

http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Danna-Webster-Jacqueline-Seewald-ebook/dp/B00JZYXW7K/

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/433530

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-devil-and-danna-webster-jacqueline-seewald/1119365486?ean=2940149550449

Finally, I will mention my book of short stories, BEYOND THE BO TREE, published as an e-book by Authentic Press. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DTV0750

I collected together some of my best diverse stories for reader enjoyment. The first story in the group is a free read.

Okay, now here’s your opportunity to share the books you think will make for good summer reading. Don’t be shy! Comments/suggestions are welcome here.