What IS It About Book Series?

I am trying to figure out why I have been on such a book series jag the last couple of years.  It seems like they are making up the bulk of my reading.  Perhaps I've always enjoyed them, but I don't think I was as conscious of the fact that they were series. (For some reason the plural of series doesn't look right!)  I know that when I enjoy an author I want to read more of his or her books.  Perhaps there are more series nowadays?  I realize that many classic authors wrote books featuring the same lead character (Agatha Christie for example, with Hercule Poirot, or Miss Marple, or even Tommy and Tuppence) but I don't think I was aware of a sequence.  It didn't seem to matter in which order they were read as much as series do now.  Perhaps earlier series concentrated more on the plot of the moment rather than the character development subplots?  I'd have to do some serious re-reading to see if my hypothesis is correct!  I do think that as the stress in my life has increased, my desire to stay in my comfort zone for reading relaxation probably has increased.  It's helpful to know that characters will act in certain ways, and that plots will unfold in a predictable fashion.  (Although, there have been a couple of times where an author veers into startling new areas -Dana Stabenow's series comes to mind with Hunter's Moon, #9 in the Kate Shugak series).  At any rate, here are my comments on Lindsey Davis's Ode to a Banker,  #12  in her Marcus Didius Falco series!  And it's book #95 for me this year.  I sure don't do a lot of heavy reading!


Ode to a Banker by Lindsey Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This 12th installment in the series examines the publishing and banking industries of Vespasian's Rome.  As usual, Lindsey Davis makes this period come alive.  Marcus Didius Falco is investigating the brutal murder of Chrysippus, the owner of a publishing house interested in Falco's satires.  Falco discovers Chrysippus also owns the Aurelian Bank which has been involved in some shady investment schemes.  Anacrites, the Chief Spy, and erstwhile partner, continues to be a thorn in Falco's flesh as he romances Falco sister, and provides investment advice to Falco's mother.  More family problems crop up when Didius Geminus, Falco's father, loses his grip on his business.  The involved plot kept me guessing and intrigued!


View all my reviews

Keeping Track

I've been keeping track of the books I read each year on  Goodreads.  I try to write at least a short review of each, and I sort them various ways for my own amusement.  It started when I "guesstimated" how many books I read in a year in a conversation with another readaholic.  In 2008 I read 106 books, in 2009 I read 105, and so far this year I've read 57.  Now I suppose I'd feel very virtuous if I could tell you that these books were deeply edifying, educational, and enlightening, but for the most part, they are pure entertainment.  I have definitely read some very challenging books, most recently Parallel Journeys, but mostly they are mysteries, mostly they are parts of series with familiar characters and plotlines, and mostly they do not challenge my brain or my beliefs.  And I'm mostly okay with that.  I am constantly challenged by my work with adolescents so I definitely need the escapist reading.

Here's Book #56


A Grave Denied by Dana Stabenow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Grave Denied is another terrific installment in the Kate Shugak series. Kate's "ward" Johnnie Morgan and his classmates discover the frozen body of a long-time Park resident in a glacial cave.  Jim Chopin asks Kate to help with the investigation, much to the jealous dismay of Dandy Mike, who's hoping to become Jim's assistant trooper.  As in all the other books, a few more murders/attempted murders occur before Kate gets it all sorted out.  What made this book standout for me was the inclusion of Johnny's journals.  I really liked his point of view about the events, and about Kate. Perhaps too, there's some foreshadowing for future novels as it's clear he has a major crush on Kate.  I also like the way Kate was honored by her community, and especially her reaction to their love!

View all my reviews >>

  

And here's #57:

The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've always enjoyed Agatha Christie, but somehow had never read this one which introduce Tommy and Tuppence and the Young Adventurers partnership.  This was quite entertaining with very likable characters and a sensational plot ripped out of 1920's headlines.  I'm guessing it was written early in her career because while there were several plot twists, I actually figured out two of them on my own.  In other words, my own "little grey cells" were up this challenge.  I also think that she captured the flavor of the time quite well - or at least the stereotype of the era.  I haven't read other Tommy and Tuppence novels, yet, but will be putting them on my list.

View all my reviews >>