So last night I found myself in a bit of a muddle. My "To Be Read Pile" was depleted. I order all my books from The Book Depository and for some reason the series I have been reading and pre ordering did not have any releases this month that I ordered. It was 7:30 at night and I was thrilled to find my public library was open until 9pm.
I told my husband my problem, put the youngest to bed and left the boys with their Dad as I made my way to the library where I stood in front of the spiral racks of cozies at my library, faced with a muddle. Not having a ton of time to choose, I used my "Choose Books By Their Cover" method, grabbed 8 I thought looked interesting, checked them out and headed home.
I lay them out as you see above and tried to pick the one I wanted to read, before resorting to "Enie meni mini mo" I posted the photo on Facebook to get some opinions, a friend suggested Death of a Kitchen Diva. I then turned each over and read the back to see if any jumped out at me right away and I grabbed Death of a Kitchen Diva, read the back and realized I had read this one about a year ago and place in in a different pile.
I narrowed it down to these five and decided to give
Hooked On Murder by Betty Hechtman a try... When I choose first in series I always get a bit nervous. It's an odd feeling I get almost feels like guilt~ Silly I know. I feel sometimes like I am so committed to the series that I love and do I have room in my life for another one? I had to do some self talk, "just read the first few pages and if you don't like it you can switch to another one..." Well 8 pages in I am "hooked" already and glad I took the chance.
So it leaves me wondering, how do you feel when you take a chance on a new series, does it feel like you are trying to make a new friend? Is it easy for you? How far do you read before you decide to continue reading a book if you are not hooked right away?
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com
I look at new series as a new adventure and hope for the best. I've been lucky - I think there were only 2 books that didn't interest me in all of the new series that I've read.
ReplyDeleteUsually by chapter 6, I know if I'm going to continue reading the book.
For new author books always start with the cover art- if it is interesting I will flip it over and read the back. New series are exactly like making new friends, a little hesitant in the first chapter and hoping they will be interesting. If they don't grab me right away I normally give it about 50 pages or so. If I am not invested in what will happen next - then it is time to say goodbye. I really like the Betty Hechtman series so am glad you have found a new friend in her.
ReplyDeleteStarting a new series is like you said for me like trying to make a friend, It's like going on a new adventure getting to know new characters and new settings and the themes of cozies. The possibility for themes for new cozies are endless that's why I love starting a new series and I always like to give authors with a new series a chance and give them an honest review. If a book dosen't hook me I usually either quit it right away if I really don't like it or at least give it till I read the first 50 pages
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled you all took the time to leave me a comment, I feel bad if I give up on a book, but you are right 50 pages should be enough. I am enjoying this book and it is an interesting premise. Thank you all for sharing your experience with me!
ReplyDeleteFor new series I start with reviews and the synopsis. I have so many cozy series that are regulars now, its hard to find time for new series yet I am drawn to cozies and love the thrill of a new series , new characters and a new set of mysteries to enjoy. I have to choose carefully to make time for those that are regulars and those I review, but I enjoy giving a new series a chance. Well done on your choices of series . My library has 9 branches, and only one carries cozies and it is a poor selection. How fun to have such a nice selection at your public library.
ReplyDeleteI read every new first print of a new series that I can get my hands on. You never know when you'll find a new best friend. That's how I ended up with two rooms with each having a wall to wall floor to ceiling set of overfilled bookcases. I might have to get rid of the guest beds to put in more book cases... The guests can always stay at the motel down the road. LOL
ReplyDeleteYeah Nora, I would love to visit with you and see all the lovely books :)
DeleteI do have some Diva books, but not the first one, so I haven't read it yet. When I have finished a series I love, I allow myself a new one to start. And I always hope it will be a new keeper. How long I read before I decide to DNF depends on the book. How bad is it, or how boring, or how too scary, a heroine I dislike immensely.
ReplyDeleteAurian, DEATH OF A KITCHEN DIVA isn't part of the Diva series. It's the first in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktail Mysteries by Lee Hollis. They're hysterical!
DeleteI'm following a thread from Lisa K's Book Reviews. After eight books in the Jillian Bradley Mystery Series I feel the need to begin a spinoff. Some of my fans are saying please don't stop but I can't stop my muse! I suppose the stories in Jillian and Teddy's world will only end when I'm either dead or have no mind left!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy! I think a spin off is a great idea. Then you can always do a crossover!
DeleteAbout 50 pages is enough for me too. But I have stopped sooner of something just didn't set right with me. In the same respect, I have read more than 50 pages and then something in the book turned me off. My feeling on starting a new series are a mixture of excitment and nervousness. I want a new group of characters to enjoy, but always fear a new series can't live up to my go to favorites. But try I do and I have found so many!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all "Lisa sent me" from Facebook. How delightful your blog is. I am unsure when I start a new series or a series that's established and I am just starting. First if it's an established one, I want to start them from the first book. I had to read them out of order. If I start and feel bored I try to make it through 3 chapters, if still bored I skip to the last two chapters and read them. I know not right but it's the way I justify spending the money to purchase it. I also have oodles of books in my closet and drawers and end up buying ones I've read a year ago, much like you did at the library. I'll have to try the library! I am definitely coming back to read you blog. Thank you Lisa for directing me here.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it as much as I always do!
DeleteWonderful to hear from so many of you! Thank you for taking time to write!
ReplyDeleteThe BB Haywood cozies are some of my all-time favorites. LOVE the characters and the setting!!!! I'm also a huge Claudia Bishop fan. It took me awhile to warm up to that series but I'm glad I stuck with it!
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