What Fiction are you reading this week, May 17, 2026?

[hermetic]

This discussion thread is pinned.

The State Library of So Australia was named the second most beautiful library in the world.


Reading Anarchy and Old Dogs by Colin Cotterill. A Dr. Siri Paiboun historical mystery. Dr. Siri solves a mystery and discovers a plot to overthrow the government of Laos. This one is really funny. Lots of LOLs.

Listening to Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn. A blend of Cozy Mystery and Adventure Fiction.
"A recent widow, in her seventies, is startled awake one night by a phone call from a voice claiming to be her grandson Will, who desperately needs ten thousand dollars to get out of a jam. Of course, she obliges -- after all, what are grandmothers for." I'm liking it.

[cbabe]

1. Revenge by John Sandford. His latest book. Found it

Last edited Sun May 17, 2026, 05:45 PM - Edit history (1)

to be uneven and not very engaging. Best parts were the cop talks at the coffee shop. And Del.

Rereading Sandford’s Deadline. Virgil and Johnson Johnson. Dogs. Lots of dogs. Dog nappers with side trips to meth lab and corrupt school board. Turkey fryers and fishing. A Mississippi small town caper. Really fun.

[The Blue Flower]

2. I decided Sandford began to run out of creative juices a few books ago

It happens. Publishers demand more and the tank starts to run dry

OTOH, I recently discovered Jess Walter. He's a creative genius. I discovered his latest book at the library and am now reading the third one of his that they have. The title is The Zero. I'm an author myself and was an editor for 35 years, so I always read with my mental blue pencil in hand. His fiction is the best I've ever enjoyed. The Beautiful Ruins was amazing, as was Citizen Vince.

[hermetic]

4. He sounds terrific

Thanks so much for telling us about him! Definitely on my list now.

[cbabe]

5. Thanks for the tips. Some authors do need to retire. Handing the

Last edited Sun May 17, 2026, 01:34 PM - Edit history (1)

franchise to a family member (Dick Francis, Tony Hillerman, Robert Parker, Lee Child …) is also not a good idea. The newer books feel flat and lack the magic.

Is there a term for nepowriter?

One who seems to be making the generation leap is Jesse Kellerman. I like his writing much more than his dad’s.

[byronius]

3. Where Eagles Dare by Alistair Maclean.

Rewatched the movie a bit ago — I first saw it as a child in Bombay, in a wharfside theater. I’d never read the book, but I was researching the film and it sounded like a good read.

The film was stunningly powerful for a ten year old to watch.

[hermetic]

6. The classic World War II thriller

from the acclaimed master of action and suspense.

[mentalsolstice]

7. Beautiful library!

I finally finished The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, oh so very good! Then a quick read, Margo’s Got Money Problems by Rufi Thorpe, I enjoyed it, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I just started House Rules by Jodi Picoult, about a teenage boy with Asperger Syndrome. I always enjoy how she focuses on each character’s POV.

Have a great week everyone! Be careful if you’re traveling for the holiday! 🚗🚃✈️

[Polly Hennessey]

8. Started another cozy, The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams.

This one is centered in North Carolina, a place called Miracle Springs. It’s fun, easy to read, likable characters, and, best of all an escape from today’s mind numbing reality. 🤗📚

[txwhitedove]

9. Wouldn't it be fun to do a travel tour to beautiful libraries of our world?!

I'm still reading The Future is Peace, but very busy having fun with darling granddaughter here for 2-wk vacation before leaving for work in Alaska on American River Cruises. Plus high school graduation week for 2 grandkids, daughter got MBA, birthdays, and family shenanigans. New pond is full of tadpoles and plants blooming. A new book waiting for me at the library. I feel blessed. Enjoy your week with Mrs. Plansky!

[hermetic]

10. It sure would be.

Your weeks sound wonderful and I appreciate your sharing. Good news is always welcome. Enjoy!

[dickthegrouch]

11. Every newspaper I pick up. /nt

[Bayard]

12. Finished, "Blue Labyrinth," by Lincoln and Child

Agent Pendergast's ancient, secret family history catches up to him in a very real way. A good suspenseful read.

Just started, "The Rainbow Bridge," by Anne Hillerman.

Always love the library pics, Hermetic!