by Jackie Houchin
I read a lot of print books and listen to a great many audiobooks each year. I do not read anthologies or collections of short stories unless they contain several stories by authors that have a track record I enjoy.
Recently, I have been “reading” (I will use that word whether I use my eyes or ears) a good many short prequels to book series. If the book turns out to be so-so, I haven’t wasted much time. If I like it, I’ll consider the series. Also, more authors are writing their stories as novellas, which I enjoy too. For me “shorter is better.”
Except!
Except when I read authors that I KNOW will come through with an outstanding story. Then I will read longer. Sometimes much longer. I’m currently reading CITY SPIES by James Ponti. It has 378 print pages and I LOVE it. I eat it up. I can’t get enough, even when my eyes are stinging. I’m already looking for the next in the series. (Okay, yes, it’s geared to 10-12 year-olds, but I’m a kid at heart, and it really IS written well.)
In general, for LONG reading, I like fascinating, immersive, tightly-written books, with unique plots and hooks and plenty of jaw-dropping moments. And the characters better resonate with me. I enjoy relevant back-story told well and within the plot. In mysteries, I don’t want to easily figure out who is the villain or how he did the crime. I want to follow the author step by cleverly contrived step to the WOW ending, which, on second thought, makes perfect sense. I want a story that stays with me for a while.
Charles Todd is one of those authors. His Ian Rutledge historical mysteries are top notch. Here are my reviews of two of those books. You can see why I love them and will READ LONG.
Historical Novels and Mysteries need to be believable and take me right to that setting and hold me there. If they do, I’ll READ LONG. Here are three I reviewed that did that.
The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson
The Girl in The Painting by Tea Cooper
A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly
In a LONG READ novel, I want to be carried along with astonishing characters, vivid settings, and heart-wrenching but hopeful story telling. Here are two I loved.
The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay
Light on Bone by Kathryn Lasky
Here’s one dual-time plot that is outstanding and innovative and that I gladly READ VERY LONG.
When The Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer
And I could name more. I totally enjoy reading Charles Martin (long & intense), Connie Berry (intricate plots), Katie Gayle (addictive), A.J. Pearce (Historical), Spencer Quinn (Humor, a dog’s POV), and my all-time favorite Mary Stewart, which I read and listen to over and over.
All these books are well written and enjoyable. If these authors keep on writing, and others like them, I think there is hope for readers. (At least in my life time.)
NOTE: I hope you don’t mind the blatant self-promoting of my Words and Reviews blog!
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And a few fun shots of Jolly Ole England – Afternoon Tea at the Ritz with lovely piano music, 150 Picadilly, London.
Buckingham Palace and Big Ben
The Writers in Residence 
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