OK, I need some help! I just started a new-to-me author’s series, which a lot of you have recommended. Between the comments posted here and the reviews online, I thought this author looks perfect for me!
Hmmm…
Granted, I only started my book two days ago, and have only read 20%, but I’m getting the opinion I just wouldn’t like any of the characters enough to want to stick around for following books, let alone another percent of this book! We have talked about how the characters in the Cozy Mystery series we follow sort of become our friends. We want to read about them in the following books because we like them, we appreciate them, we’re curious about what they are up to, ETC.
Don’t get me wrong, I like the author’s writing style… it’s very easy to read, and flows pretty well. What I don’t like are the characters’ obsession with people’s shapes. Look, I worry enough about my own shape! (Yes, I have several pounds to lose, and I’m talking closer to thirty than ten!) Am I really ready to start reading a series that has such an obsession with people’s perfect bodies? Don’t I worry enough about mine? Don’t I read for enjoyment, not to subconsciously worry about an extra pound (or five!) I’ve put on in the last month?
And, it’s not just the perfect physiques all these characters seem to have, but come on, what’s with thinking slacks like Dockers are for slackers! The characters in the first 20% of this particular Cozy Mystery would definitely not want to associate with me! I am most comfortable in jeans… black or blue… love ’em!
The characters in this book belong to the Country Club Crowd, which there is nothing wrong with… But they are exclusively the Country Club set. So much so, that I wonder how the police detective is going to fit into this crowd>>> and there is no question in my mind, after having read only the first 20% of the book, that he will definitely become our sleuth’s boyfriend… even though, of course, they have a hate/hate relationship now. (Any time a prominent police detective is good looking, let’s just say, “same dance/same song”.)
So, today I have been thinking about whether or not I should continue reading this book. I truly can’t get over all of the characters coming right out of a high-end clothing store’s catalog, but at the same time, since so many people think this author is a really good author, what’s a girl to do?!?
(PS>>> It’s at times like this that I am really sorry I have the “no bad comments about any author” policy. I’m chomping at the bit to tell you who I am talking about!)
Lisa Palmer says
I say move on to something new. You gave it a shot and no need to waste anymore time when there are so many books out there you could be reading and enjoying.
(and yes – i’m dying to know who it is now 🙂 )
Jennifer says
There are so many lovely characters to get to know and spend time with I say leave it be and move on. I manage to discover knew series all the time that I enjoy and can’t keep up with them so I can’t justify wasting time with ones I don’t. You can’t be expected to like everything just because it falls in the cozy mystery realm.
MJ says
I HAVE to LIKE the characters or I don’t read it. Now I KNOW what I like in characters often times differs from what others like. Based upon Danna’s description, the book/series she is reading doesn’t sound familiar to me, so I doubt I’ve read it. However, I got a newly released book (first in a series/new author) a couple of weeks ago. Twenty/thirty pages in, I KNEW I didn’t like ANY of the characters. Therefore, I stopped reading it. The mystery may/may not have been good and well written, but I’ll never know. I am positive many others will like the characters and the story. It will be interesting to see if anyone suggests this book on the future monthly recommendations list. As of yet, no one has. There are so-o-o-o-o-o MANY books, so LITTLE time. I say, “don’t bother reading it”. Pass it on to a friend/relative who may like it or donate it to a used book store.
This is the main reason I usually get the first book of a series from the library. Then I’m not upset with myself that I’ve ‘wasted’ money on a purchase of a book I don’t like.
We’ve discussed before that posters on this blog are quite diverse with a wide variety of tastes. I highly respect that and enjoy reading the varied opinions, some of which I disagree with. But then, I know some disagree with me. I’m sure no one is offended. In fact, I like some of the authors Danna recommends, but not all. Her tastes are far more eclectic than mine.
Last night I finished a book by an author that’s often recommended on this blog. I’ve enjoyed all her previous books in this series. However the latest one falls FAR short in the ‘mystery’ storyline. There was NO drama (as there is in her prior books) and by page 50 I had the mystery figured out. But, I LIKE the characters and there’s enjoyable interaction between characters, romance, friendships, etc. Of course I finished it, but it was a BIT boring without a strong mystery. I won’t recommend this particular book, but I’m sure someone else will in the June or July recommendation list.
*Susan says
Everyone’s tastes are different.
Some really popular authors I hate, and I love some that other people hate.
You know, you haven’t actually said anything BAD about the author, yet. A few observations on their characters, is all, and whether you think you’re going to like them, or not… That’s all…
Lexie says
Move on that is annoying. Better left unread.
Jetty says
I would say hang on to it for another 20 pages or so (especially when you bought the book and it is not a library book) and see if it gets better if there are so many good comments about the author. That’s the only reason I would continue and perhaps that you know what others are talking about. If that still doesn’t work for you, well then there are so many books you will like and which make you love the characters and you are dying to know how the story or next stories continue. When the last book is finished you can’t help but feel sad because you’re going to miss reading more and perhaps miss some paper friends… Those are the books you must be going for.
Kath says
Not everyone has the same tastes, if that quickly you are having qualms definitely move on and don’t give it a second thought! There are too many authors we will love out there waiting to be read to waste time on books we don’t enjoy.
Judy says
I just look at it as a bad movie not even worth renting. Move on! 🙂
Ricky says
Why waste your time. There are so many books out there. Since you won’t say who it is, you aren’t even serving your “fans”.
Deborah says
I agree with the other commenters: move on! This situation is probably my most common reason for not finishing a book. One good thing about having such a wide variety of books to choose from is that we don’t have to stick it out with one we don’t like.
Rae says
Move on to another book. There are so many books to read and not enough time to read one that doesn’t really interest you.
linda c says
Move on danna
Laurel says
I think you shouldn’t waste your time with this one. There’s enough of this kind of thing in the real world. Who needs it in our books? I say find something else to cozy up with.
Regina says
…Danna, Please, please tell us the name of the author. i would like to know it so I can avoid him or her.
Not to flog a dead horse but I am rereading Katherine Hall Page and as I continue I would like a score card of the players. I swear I can’t remember ever reading some of the books of the series’ beginnings. Recently I read one about the original Poppy and Emily mishaps and now I realize who they were in her newest book. Referring to previous books occurs frequently in her books.
Carrie says
I agree … move on. There are too many other cozy authors worth reading to waste time with ones you don’t particularly like.
I also wouldn’t worry about the fact that other people really like a particular author and you don’t. I’ve previously read highly recommended authors only to find that I don’t like them and I’m left wondering what they are seeing in the story that I’m completely missing.
At least you have discovered the “fatal flaws” nice and early. I’ve found three or four times recently that I’ll enjoy the first few books and then discover the “fatal flaws” that spoil the series. Unfortunately, if I find a new author I like, I tend buy several of their books at one time so I’m now stuck with books I’m not really interested in reading. Maybe I will leave them and try again when the irritating memories have faded and, hopefully, I might enjoy the next book in the series. I hope so. If not, I’ve wasted quite a bit of money on books I now don’t like because I was too enthusiastic at the beginning.
Cindy says
I agree with the others. If I get that irritated with a book, I see no point in continuing. I recently started reading a new to me author and new cozy series. I managed about half before I got tired of it and just said enough is enough. I read the end, saw who the bad guy was, and didn’t even care to know why. Moved on to another that I enjoyed so much more.
Annette says
It is all a matter of individual taste, there are authors out there that I will not touch but others absolutely love, there is no “right” or “wrong” I always give a book approximately 100 pages, if I cannot get “into” it in that time, bye bye and move on. Too many books out there to read to waste time on one that you are NOT enjoying!!!
Angela says
I’m someone who hates to give up on a book I’ve started, however I have been learning to do just that. There are so many books and so little time that if I really am not into the story or characters by 100 pages or so I give up. This is relatively new to me but I feel such a sense of relief once the decision is made to abandon a story, that’s how I know it’s the right move. Same goes for series, I’m learning to throw in the towel when a series just no longer holds up to expectations and yes I have quit reading series solely on the fact that I could no longer take the main characters and their antics or lack of personality or whatever. Move on, it’s just not worth it to hang on to something you are not enjoying!
Donna says
I agree with the others who have posted comments, it’s time to move on! Personally, I would read the last chapter just to have some closure. I can’t stand to not know how something ends, even when I don’t like the book or movie.
Cathy says
LOL….now who says we have to like the characters?!…I’m reading a series with a very obnoxious, self-centered, sharp-tongued woman as the main character and I’m having a great time….every time she has a problem, I’m laughing and thinking ‘you deserve that, lol’!!!
I’d hang in there a little longer than 20%…..you never know, you might just be glad you did….
Petie says
I say move on like the others … hey, you gave it a shot and tried to like it but it didn’t work for you. I’ve done that before and chalked it up to experience. Too many other good ones out there!
Deb says
My “library shirt” that I got years ago at Waldenbooks says “So many books, so little time.” I remember that whenever I start a book that just doesn’t feel right, whether it’s the writing or the characters or sometimes even the setting. Especially now that I’ve found this blog, my problem is too many books TBR. We just returned 24 overdues to the library, and I hadn’t even had a chance to read some of them. (Thankfully I volunteered for them doing storytelling for years, so I don’t have to pay fines!) I say if you’ve given it a good shot, move on. If you bought a hard copy, donate it to a friend or a library or a nursing home. If it’s on your Kindle, send it to the archive in the clouds!
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
Move on! Life is too short for average books!
Sometimes cozies get a little too much chic-lit in them and I can’t empathize. Spend too much time obsessing over nail polish and which purse goes with whatever shoes and name brands and you will lose me for sure. I don’t know a prada from a pretzel and I don’t want to learn. I love it when there is funny diet talk in books and I don’t mind characters that don’t need to diet, but do not complain you can’t quite fit in your size 2 shorts six times in six pages…
Dannette says
I found your cozy mystery website and noticed that you did not have Elizabeth Peters as an author you have read. She has written several books around a lady named Amelia Peabody. These books are based in the victorian era but Amelia is not your typical victorian women. I have throughly enjoyed this series and you might too.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Welcome to the site, Dannette! Elizabeth Peters has a lot of fans here.
susie calkins says
I agree with many of the comments above. When I was younger, I used to plow painfully through a book I didn’t like. Now, I don’t. However, if a number of people I respect really like an author or a particular book, I might try a little longer, or even try a different book in the series. Lots of authors don’t really hit their stride for a while. But as someone noted, this site has provided me with many new authors to try, and I don’t want to take much time for the bad ones. Thanks for a great post!
Sharon says
I have a friend who belonged to a book club. She discovered she didn’t really enjoy most of the books and finally came to the realization that she didn’t need to do that anymore. I agree with so many others. There are so many books I really enjoy, why “waste” time on those that do not bring me pleasure. And, that’s the phase I am in — the reading for pleasure period. I can change my mind later if I want. But, for now, I read what I like.
Margaret says
I say move on. If I don’t like the characters I can’t enjoy the story and I tend not to pay much attention to what I am reading, so it is just a waste of time. Sometimes I feel so picky about what I like in a book and think I should be more open; but since I have found so many series I really love I say why fix what is not broken.
I read one book I hated all the way through, because it was for a book club I had just joined and wanted to try. I was so annoyed with the book, I found nothing redeeming about it and was sorry I wasted my time.
I wanted to read about locals I like, and about characters I could be friends with. I have found eight series that meet my “picky criteria” and I enjoy them and cannot wait for the next installment before I even finish the one I am reading. For me that is what it is all about. Even though I wish I was more open to try new authors (and have been told to be so by some other readers I know) I don’t see the need.
I always give new-to-me authors a chance and check out new books to add to my favs. but I am happy with the series I have chosen.
Margaret says
And as far as those super “popular” authors go, sometimes I think some people read them because it is “chic” to read them. I wonder if those readers really like them at all or just want to say they like them?
Annette says
Amen to that last comment. If it is in the top 10 it must be read I think not!!! and to go along with the comment about not knowing a pretzel from a prada I do not know Jimmy choo’s from NIKE!
Mary Joy says
I know all the designer stuff A-Z. I’m in the fashion business. But I don’t want to read my mystery stories to center around that stuff. Characters have to be appealing, then good storyline. Sounds like the book you started is a real snooze! I’d stop if you’re not enjoying it.
Arlene says
I agree with the junk box/resale shop/maybe library for the chic lit “mystery” books. I have purchased a few on recommendation that are now on the library shelf because after about 20 pages I have had it with self-centered, me agonizing (is that a word?) characters.
Give me the oldies who tell a story.
Kalena says
Anyone else just want their cozies to be cozies – not romance novels or paranormal occurrences? To me, a good cozy has a detective who is pretty ordinary except for their crime-solving abilities and who is just trying to have a good day now and then. Miss Marple,Goldy Schultz, Theodosia Browning, Helen Hawthorne … it is their oh-so-seemingly average lives that make them so fascinating to me. Oh, and their romances complement, not dominate, the plot.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kalena, I love this comment of yours, and will be using it in a future blog entry… terrific question! (I won’t use it if you contact me and tell me not to, but it is a good question.)
Kay says
Kalena hit the nail on the head for me. That’s exactly what I like to read.
linda c says
Me too, Kay
Margaret says
Kalena put my thoughts into the perfect words. I have always said I like realism in my cozies. I want the characters and places to be “normal”. I just want the murders and mysteries to be the only “abnormal” part of the story. When everything is too “far fetched” I cannot enjoy the story. Thank you Kalena for wording it just the right way and getting my thoughts out for me. Yes I want my cozies just to be cozies!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret, I feel the same way. I just stopped listening to my audio book that had the main sleuth getting one happy coincidence after the other, that put her smack dab in the middle of the mystery. One coincidence is OK, but when everything got “too ‘far fetched'”>>> I decided that enough was enough. On to my next audio book…
Julia says
Kalena,
I’d agree with all those character assessments but Theodosia Browing. Don’t get me wrong – I adore the Tea Shop mysteries and I wouldn’t miss one for the world. But a character who goes from being fabulously successful at one career to being fabulously (and continuously – has she ever had a bombed product idea?) successful at a new career isn’t precisely what I would call ‘ordinary’, certainly not these days.
Nona says
We NEED more books about Diesel the Cat Harris! I’m reading the last book about this adorable cat that I know of–Diesel and Charlie are a great team. I love Diesel!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nona, I know that Diesel, Charlie, and Miranda James are favorites of a lot of mystery readers.
Julia says
I would say stick it out for a bit longer – maybe all the characters you don’t like get killed (because the killer doesn’t like them anymore than you do). It might also be a good way for you to further refine your taste in mysteries, by defining what you like, and don’t like, about this particular book, and how important those things are to you overall when it comes to book selection.
For example, I really enjoyed the first Gideon Oliver mystery I read, which was set in Normandy and revolved around events in WWII. Based on that enjoyment I read another book in the series, set outside of Seattle…and realized for me with that author and character it was all about location, location, location. So I continued to take a quick look at all his new books but didn’t actually buy another one until he set one in Hawaii.
The books are well-written and the characters well-developed, but forensics isn’t my thing unless you find the skeleton in a place I’d like to visit. So now I know something about my tastes I didn’t know before, and I don’t think any of my time was wasted in the pursuit.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Julia, for the tip >>> It sounds like a good one. Unfortunately, I think my definition is a lot clearer when it comes to what I don’t like in my mysteries. My list of “don’t like” things is probably a lot longer than what I actually do like!
I moved on to Ruth Rendell, and although I am currently not getting a lot of reading done, when I do, I enjoy it. (She is one of the authors on my “favorite authors” list, and thankfully, she has written a lot of mysteries.)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Julia, I guess I have the same thing about “location, location, location” being important, but mine “location, location, location” is sort of in reverse. When one of my favorite authors takes the main sleuth outside of the quaint village/town, I don’t usually like it. There are exceptions, like Miss Marple visiting friends, or going on holiday.
linda c says
Danna, I didn’t know where to post this but I hope your family in Colorado is safe. My oldest brother lives with his daughter and her family in Colorado Springs. So far the whole family is safe. Evidently the direction of the wind has changed so the immediate threat to them has diminished for now. They can see the fires on the mountain ridges but as yet they are safe. The smoke and the ash is their biggest concern right now. From what I gather from my niece the fire that is affecting them is the Waldo Canyon fire. Those poor people. I pray and pray and pray. And worry that if they have to, my family can get out in time. My nieces’ family lives on the eastern side of the AF academy. They can look down into the football stadium; just giving an approximate location to where they live. I have never been there myself.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda C, my brother picked my mom and her boyfriend up on Tuesday night. He drove over when her area had a “voluntary evacuation” in effect, and by the time he got there, it was being changed to “mandatory evacuation” mode. They are all fine, and her house has not been effected.
I’m glad to hear your brother and niece’s family has not needed to evacuate. Let’s keep it that way!
Ashley says
I recently read a series by Rae Davis that I think would be a good cozy series. There are only 2 books so far and they are: Loose Screw and Cut Loose. I am currently waiting to hear feedback from the author on whether there will be more to the series or not. I am truly hoping there will be though, as I could not put my kindle down while reading them. I would recommend them to everyone.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ashley, thanks for telling us about Rae Davis and her Dusty Deals Mystery Series.