The Mystery of a Good Mystery

I've been reading a lot of detective novels of late, and by a lot, I mean two. First, there was THE SHERLOCKIAN by Graham Moore and lately I've been enjoying THE MANUAL OF DETECTION by Jebediah Berry. Normally, I wouldn't say I'm much of a mystery buff, but I've been enjoying these detective novels so much that I'm starting to really warm to the genre. And I think what makes both of these novels great, is their ability to keep the whodunnit completely unguessable right up to the bitter end.

It's a very rare and precious skill to able to craft a good mystery. I'd say ninety five percent of the time, when I sit down to read one, I already know who did it within the first chapter or two. But to be completely dumbfounded page after page, desperately trying to assemble the clues as you creep towards the end, that is something brilliant. And to be perfectly honest, I don't know how they do it. It's like a really good magic act. The slight of hand is so subtle you don't even realize it's happening.

What is the best mystery you've ever read? Of course, we have to give props to the Sherlock Holmes stories, those are undoubtedly the best. But, aside from such an obvious choice, which mystery left you so startled and amazed you never forgot it? What was it that made it so unforgettable? I'm not just asking rhetorical questions here either. I really want to know. Because when I finish my current detective novel, I want another one. So, help a fellow reader out!

My Fall Book List

Well, I hate to say it, but summer's over. Fall has arrived and with it, it brings countless cozy evenings curled up with a book. I did pretty well on my summer reading list (did you?), so I thought I'd make another. Here is my new and improved fall reading list. (And yes, you'll notice I included a few of the summer reads I didn't quite get to).

1. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

Mostly it's just curiosity that's got me hankering for this book, but come on! She wrote Harry Potter! You know, you're interested in reading her first attempt at a book for adults. Maybe it'll be good, maybe it'll be awful. You've got to read it to find out!

2. The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

A book about Father Time? Say no more. I'm already there.

3. Speaking From Among The Bones by Alan Bradley

Another installment in the Flavia De Luce chronicles? Yes, please! Who wouldn't enjoy a story about a young, mystery solving girl obsessed with chemistry and poison? If you guessed no one, you'd be correct.

4. Isis Unbound by Allyson Bird

Maybe it's because it's fall, and there's that certain, slightly spooky chill in the air, but I'm going to try and read a horror. I'm particularly drawn to this one, not just because it's an award winner, but because it's a fresh and creative take on the whole zombie scenario. Of course, I'm sure zombie infested nightmares will follow...

5. Here I Go Again, A Novel by Jen Lancaster

It's true. I have a Jen addiction. Even though sometimes she's mouthy about really dumb stuff (Macey's discontinuing their plus size section, annoying political views...), I still love her where it counts; her writing. I thoroughly enjoyed her first foray into fiction (shaky start, but great once you got into it), so I'm sure her second attempt will be just as enjoyable.

6. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

Just when you thought I wasn't going to include any books that had anything to do with late 1930's upper society in New York, I went and turned the tables on you. I think this books sounds immensely charming and witty. I can't wait!

7. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

If the title hasn't already sold you on it, read the synopsis on Amazon. It sounds so wonderful it makes my heart ache.

And the repeats (can't believe I still haven't had a chance to read these ones)....

8. Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

9. Off the Menu by Stacey Ballis

10. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

What novels are you looking forward to reading this fall?