Reader Mailbag: Last Book You Couldn’t Put Down
This month’s topic was asking what was the last book you couldn’t put down.
Here are the responses:
Ginny: Last unputdownable book I read: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Odd, almost brutal story of a boy whose mother has cancer. (Brutal for me because my mother had cancer when I was in the 6th grade; she did not die of it.)
Bill: Over the years I have enjoyed all of David Downing’s “Station” Books. He recently came out with a prequel to the others – Wedding Station. I had to stay up late a couple of nights because I couldn’t put it down. Another history/fiction thriller.
Nancy: I haven’t read too many books lately that were hard to stop reading, but awhile ago the whole Lockwood & Co. series by Jonathon Stroud kept my undivided attention—one of those reads where you finally take a break & don’t even know what time it is!
PD: My last book I couldn’t put down was The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin.
A story of heroics, endurance, survival and love. A feel good book with a few tears at the end. Farther back was The All-girl Filling Station’s Reunion by Fannie Flagg.
Love your posts.
Elizabeth: Sorry it’s taken me a long time to reply to the question about the last book that I couldn’t put down. I loved The Power Couple by Alex Berenson.
Donald: The last book I couldn’t put down is “The Man From Beijing by Henning Mankell
I started reading this book just last week while I was out of town visiting a good friend of mine I was gone for five days and this book was read in a day while I was resting in my hotel room we were meaning the following afternoon for lunch. It is about a quiet village in Sweden and a mass murderer came about and left only one clue (the clue I will not tell you about) and a Judge set out to solve the crime and it leads to history and other things (trying not to give the story away) so as you read this maybe you read the story or not, you can’t just put it down just think “what could happen but not necessarily what actually did happen” enjoy my friend.
Ayesha: The book I can’t put down I’m still reading. It’s short stories (which I read when I’m busy & don’t have time to get “into” a novel) but I keep going back to it (or can’t wait to…) when I should be otherwise occupied 😂 The full title is: John Landis Presents HAUNTED HOUSES Classic Stories of Doors That Should Never Be Opened (published by Dorling Kindersley). My son actually bought it & gave up on the archaic language in the first story, but it gets way better! Ha. There’s some amazing authors included & for once I’m reading in order & not peeking ahead, but the final story is from Saki (who I adore) & if I have already read it I can’t remember, so can’t wait to get to the end!
Hope everything’s ok over there… Stay safe
Vicki: I was recently pulled into Christina Dodd’s romantic suspense, Dead Girl Running. There is more than one antagonist out there trying to get her out of the way. The way the story twists together for the woman who was an abused wife, has forgotten a year of her life, then spent time in the military in Afghanistan. Now she’s the assistant manager for a small hotel on the Oregon coast. She didn’t expect to need her fighting skills there.
Stu: Funny you should ask. Audible is my source, so this also includes the reader.
To Sleep in Sea of Stars by Christopher Pasolini. It’s sci-fi although this author also writes fantasy which should be another class.
That’s my contribution to your request.
ps…I also couldn’t put down the last Grey Man book!Gone in a day!
For your Audible subscribers the James Lee Burke books…Dave Robicheaux series is also a no put down type.
Thanks for all your wonderful news letters,
Barbara: I just finished “Thick As Thieves” by Sandra Brown. Very glad we were on spring break at work so I didn’t have to go to work while I was reading it. I definitely did not want to put it down. It was not exactly what I thought it would be like. It was better. It kept me guessing all the way through. It went one way and then the other. I don’t like to give away endings or the twists so I won’t go into that but fans of Ms. Brown will not be disappointed. I will say that Rusty gets what’s coming to him in more ways than one. You just have to hate him.
Beth: Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon was fascinating! As a fan of historical fiction, but not typically of WWll, the subject had me big toeing the water. Also, during Covid lockdown I stuck with books in my comfort zone (thanks Eve Dallas – JD Robb I hope you are writing feverishly) so I am not sure why this book called to me right now. I have never watched the movie Sophie’s Choice because of that ‘one scene’ being too unbearably tragic. There certainly were a few very difficult moments in this book. There was much to learn about the details of France in WWll. Code Name Helene was very highly researched by Lawhon as she presented Nancy Wake and her Victory Red lipstick. Yes, Nancy was a real person and yes, Victory Red was a real lipstick.
Katy: I just finished the best book I’ve read in a while, and I’ve read a lot of books this year. The book is And Now She’s Gone, by Rachel Howzell Hall. I suppose you could call it a women’s book but it’s also a thriller. I enjoyed it so much. I wonder if others have mentioned it?
PD: The last one I couldnt put down was “The Mountain Between Us” by Charles Martin.
Terry: ….is ‘The Couple Next Door’,by Shari Lapena. It is so mesmerizing,even though the crux seems like such an overused theme-a kidnapped baby-Shari keeps mounting the suspense,through her characters, as the twists in every chapter are just gripping, emotional and brilliant!!! Fantastic writer.
Carl: Hi, love Order of Books! The book I couldn’t put down was Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen. It was a good, funny book!
Rose: Last book I couldn’t put down: The Murder Room by P.D. James
Pam: I’m currently reading “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides, and I can hardly put it down. When I have to (because work), I can’t stop thinking about it and wondering how it is going to play out.
Myrna: I am rereading the Pern Series by Anne McCaffrey and found myself getting nothing done and staying up late, way past my bedtime even though I have read these many times. The later books are the best and not the ones written by her children but you really feel like the world she writes about should be even if it is not.
Max: Another good newsletter. The last book I couldn’t put down was “The Winter Soldier” by Daniel Mason. I was a bit disappointed in the anti-climactic ending, however. Mason’s first novel, “The Piano Tuner,” was better.
Some months before that, a superb book I couldn’t put down was “The Devil’s Star,” by Jo Nesbo. Superior mystery/thriller in every way!
But the Devil’s Star is the third book of a loose trilogy in which many of the same characters appear. So to get the full effect, you should read “The Redbreast” and then “Nemesis” first.
Here is an addendum to my earlier “book I couldn’t put down” email. I just finished John Sandford’s “Storm Prey.” Definitely a “can’t put it down” book! I read it in 24 hours. All of Sandford’s “Prey” books are excellent, and Storm Prey is particularly riveting!
Marlane: The last book that I had trouble putting down was The Ickabog by JK Rowling. It’s a fairy tale & extremely well written.
Mark: I love your newsletter – so informative and interesting.
I have started to read a few titles from the English writer Peter James someone I had not read before. He has been writing since the early 80’s and is most famous for his Detective Roy Grace series. Recently our library loaded up a reissued standalone of his book called Denial written in 1996 so I put a hold on it.
It is about an aging failed actress who has become a recluse and her only adult son, Thomas, who has lived all his life with her and under her wing so to speak. When she dies, the son does not take it well and begins to take revenge on those he feels have wronged her. It becomes a cat and mouse over the ensuing pages as he wreaks havoc especially against the psychotherapist, Dr. Tennant, that “mistreated” her and some significant others. We learn about his intelligence but unhealthy relationship with his mother. There are some rather gruesome incidents early on in the book but as Thomas plots his revenge on Dr. Tennant and those he loves, the pace really picks up. There is also a policeman suspicious of the demise of another rival actress, a “suicide” but not really (courtesy of Thomas) and he begins to unravel the mystery with all the protagonists colliding in an exciting conclusion.
It was definitely a page turner for me…. Enjoy
Kris: Great newsletter! Lots of great tips and reviews for books I’ve read or been interested in, but especially loved seeing the shout-out for IQ84. It’s one of my world-class top 5 books ever.
The most recent “unable to put down” book was The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec. I absolutely LOVED it. I’m very much looking forward to more books from this author!
Judy: Last book I column’t put down: The Unwilling by John Hart, closely followed by Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Dawn: Thank you so much for your newsletter. Just love reviewing it and look forward to receiving it. The last book I read that I just couldn’t put down was The Silent Sister by Shalini Boland. Great read from page 1 all the way through to the last page with nice ending twist. Enjoy!
Barbara: Your question this month of which book I could not put down was actually The Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer. This is a 7 book series. When I read a series I wait until the last book will be published & read them one after the other. I find I don’t forget any facts and like the continuity. Mr. Archer is writing a new series of 7 or 8 books – William Warwick novels. I think half of them are already out but again I’m waiting to read them one after the other. Maybe I’m crazybut hey, I’m a happy reader
AJ: Cast the First Stone by David James Warren (a combo of Susam Warren, James Rubart, and David Warren). I decided to read it because some of the reviews compared it to Quantum Leap, the old TV show, which I enjoyed. However that really didn’t do the book justice. It drew me in much more than I was expecting and was very hard to put down. The second book comes out next month, and I already have it reserved!
(then a follow-up) I need to change my answer. Started Win by Harlan Coben yesterday and read for 5 straight hours until it was finished. Really enjoyed it. I sure hope he continues this series.
Chris: Hi Graeme–It sounds like you’ve been pretty busy. Glad you also took some time to devour a good book! The last book I just couldn’t put down was “The President is Missing” by James Patterson and Bill Clinton. The details of how a president gets things done were interesting to me (and probably pretty accurate due to the input from Patterson’s cowriter) and the plot, where the president has to try to foil a plot to break the internet, was very exciting. I stayed up late finishing that one!
Jane: What was the Last Book You Couldn’t Put Down?
I would have to say The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. I didn’t know much about the 1936 Olympics beyond Hitler wanting to show German superiority and having that thwarted by Jesse Owens. Mr. Brown wrote an engrossing story about the people behind this phenomenal feat. I couldn’t put it down.
Barbara: The last book I couldn’t put down is the one I am reading now. Alas, I work at a school, so I MUST put it down to go to work. But the name of the book is Deadlock by Catherine Coulter. For me all of her books are unputdownable. But this is her latest on the FBI thriller series. Savich and Sherlock are forces to be reckoned with. They have resources that not everyone can access, like MAX the super computer, but they always solve the case and usually in a spectacular way.
Ginny: Unputdownable books: Well, today it was Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks. I didn’t clean the house. I didn’t run errands. I just read until I finished the book. (Slow start, but then it speeds up.)
Cathy: My book was Lazarus by Lars Kepler!!!
Linda: I had good reading in February and 3 books kept me up at night. I could not put them down. “Relentless” by Greaney, “One by One” by Ware and “The Last Child by John Hart. “The Last Child” was my first John Hart book and I am so glad I read it. Very captivating and mysterious. Now last month my email was not working, so my answer about destination that I like reading about was omitted. So, I want to answer now. Of course, “Three Pines” is probably my favorite destination. Then there is the series “Dust” written in silos. Most unusual setting , but it was very good. Then of course, all of the “Outlander books. Love the scenery that I am reading about and the history. Then there is Jean Auel’s caveman series. I just love her descriptive writing about the caveman times. I agree “Ballistic” was not one of my favorites of the Gray Man. I found it too descriptive and a little boring, but did finish it. Now the latest book “Relentless” far exceeds that book. I won’t give up on the Gray Man because of one bad book. Happy Reading Everyone.
Angela: A new author for me has been Mike Finlay & his debut book. The first has been Every Last Fear! I had d/led a sample & decided I needed to buy it & read it.
Marlene: The last book I had trouble putting down was The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osmon. It was delightful & it’s his debut novel. If he continues with this level of quality, his success is assured.
Mary: Been a while since I read a book I couldn’t put down. But I had one the end of last year.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
I am not normally a reader of historical fiction, but this was superb. Story of two sisters and how their
lives in France are affected by World War !!. Both a love story and a family drama. Interesting how members
of one family can have their lives affected so differently by life.
Stuart: Last book I couldn’t put down: The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate
Joyce: The last book I just couldn’t put down was
A Life Intercepted by Charles Martin.
Kenicia: I have two answers to the last book I couldn’t put down. Right now I’m listening to Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith. I almost look for excuses to drive somewhere so I can get in extra listening time.
The other book that really held my interest was Constable on the Prowl by Nicholas Rhea. I discovered them because of the TV show “Heartbeat”, which is based on them. The stories in it are great–I was constantly telling my mom about them.
Ann Marie: The last book I could not put down was “ Hostage Zero “ by John Gilstrap, he is a new author for me and I don’t get much done when I start his books. I’m reading a Linda Fairstein and need to get some work done before I start another Gilstrap.
Judy: series I love to re-read and can’t get anything done when I have one open
author Jodi Taylor series: The Chronicles of St. Mary’s ( at least 10 books) investigation of “major historical events in contemporary time” Entertaining and I even learn a little “real” history
Janet: Home by Coban was the last one I couldn’t put down. I am lucky, my sister and 83-year-old mom live with me and we all read so bringing a book to the dinner table is allowed. We don’t always read at dinner, but sometimes we do and we all end up reading the same books. Both have read Home and loved it.
30 plus years ago my now ex-husband came home to find me trying to salvage a burnt dinner since I had my nose in a book, I got wrapped up and failed to notice the water boiled away and pasta for the spaghetti dinner was not going to happen that day. I wish I could recall the book.
My question would be what book have you tried to read multiple times and never succeeded? I bought James Patterson’s “Fifty Fifty” since we all like him. I tried four times to read it and never got past page 50. I shared it with my sister and mom and none of us could get very far. I don’t know if it the lingo and we aren’t Australians so we don’t understand.
Can I put in a plug for physical books? I like the idea of reading ebooks but I can’t share them with my family so I still buy physical books. It comes down to economics, if we all want to read the same book, we would have to buy three copies, one physical and two for digital. Digital books cost more then physical books. I have a friend whose mom is also in her 80’s and he comes by to borrow books for his mom.
Your named charity for troops relies on physical books. What happens when we all switch to digital books? No one will send their phone or tablet to them to allow the troops to read the books.
Belinda: The last book I couldn’t put down was The Unwilling by John Hart. The story grabbed me right away and didn’t let go! I read it in 2 days!
Pat: The latest book I could not put down would have to be the latest Louise Penny, “All The Devils Are Here”. (Actually, any Louise Penny book would fit this requirement.) The setting in Paris, the intrafamily conflict becoming more open, the intrigue and the writing in general are all compelling. I finished the book almost breathless and immediately had to reread the last half just to confirm that it was as good as I thought it was. And the birth of Jean Guy’ and Annie’s second child in the middle of the denouement and the revelations that were revealed were so touching, I was in tears.
Looking forward to the next Gamache book.
Diane: You asked for authors of books that are set in the Western genre. I recently discovered the books by George G. West. I started his earliest book first, Medicine Creek. I found it hard to get into it, but will go back to it next. I then tried his The Hostile Trail. I haven’t been able to put it down and will finish it today. I will continue reading his many, many books.
Elizabeth: I loved both Before She Disappeared by Lisa Gardner and A Time for Mercy by John Grisham.
I love the focus on charities involved with reading. Ferst Readers is a great organization too. It provides books to underserved families as well as teaching literacy and developmental skills.
As always, thanks for the newsletter.
Michael: I knew they are old but I just read “The Young Lions” but Irwin Shaw and I’m now starting “Rich Man, Poor Man”. Both books are stellar and filled with social commentary. “The Young Lions” first chapter “dinner party”scene is tough to get through but the book is amazing after that.
Also Pat Conroy’s The Prince Of Tides, The Lords of Discipline and The Great Santini are all great books which study what it is to be both a southern man and a decent man. I loved them.. I’m going back and reading some of the great fiction and there is a reason why the books are still available. Most are amazing
Gail: I forgot to say what I was reading (that I just couldn’t put down) just this morning while brushing my teeth, etc., – Justice Redeemed by Scott Pratt. I’m really enjoying this one, by an author I have not read before. I’ll definitely read more from Pratt.
I am currently reading the Joe Pickett series of books by C. J. Box. It is really wonderful. I get to reading and lose track of time and where I am. This is a fascinating series of mysteries about a game warden in a small Wyoming town where he lives with his family. You get enthralled in the story the writer tells and it draws you into the plot so that you are drawn into the story and when it is over, you cannot wait to begin the next book in the series. Get the first book, Open Season, and begin in a thrilling adventure that you cannot put down.
The last two books that I couldn’t put down were Like Crazy by Dan Matthews, a wonderful story about his mother and The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel. I wish I had counted the books I have read since March 1, 2020. I thank God every day for my library and ebooks. And for the cat on my lap who is trying to put in his two cents worth right now.