Michelle

Is there anything you'd like to ask our authors about their books, the writing process, publishing process, or anything else?

Is there a specific type of crime or thriller book you'd like to try? If you post here, hopefully someone can give you some recommendations.

Those of you who regularly read crime and/or thrillers, who are your favourite authors, and what is it you like about their style? Do you have a favourite ever book?

I don't really like admitting this, because I don't like supporting the author, but I really loved Earth Unaware by Orson Scott Card, and I'm now starting the 2nd one, Earth Afire. They're set before Ender's Game, are an easy read, and have some good characters in. I'm also rather impressed with the fact that I read 7 books in January!

The following authors have expressed an interest in coming along and chatting, time allowing... Sam Hayes - Website Claire McGowan - Website Sharon Bolton - Website Steven Dunne - Website Cath Staincliffe - Website Sarah Hilary - Website Ladies and gentleman, if you do manage to visit, please introduce yourself here, and tell us a little about your books...

We've been criticised in the past for being too 'nice', but that's the way I like it.

You're welcome. It's in my cupboard upstairs, I read a little but never got back to it.

is it House of Leaves? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Leaves#Format

I'll be watching to see what you think.

Yea, I managed to kinda gloss over that aspect.

Noll, you're giving up on The 5th Wave? We really do have differing tastes! Hollow City was getting good reviews the last time I looked, so it may be a payday treat on Thurs!

I'm surprised how much I liked Starship Troopers. I got a bit lost when he was talking about the different ranks, and chains of command, and there were a few political/philosophical ideas, but at the basic level it was a story about attacking bugs! I'm carrying on with the SF theme, and am trying Earth Unaware by Orson Scott Card. It was part of a 6 got £10 deal in The Works, so I don't mind too much if I don't get into it.

I think the synopsis was written to appeal to the YA audience, and it almost put me off. In fact, I've had the book for a while, but I'm glad I gave it a try.

I remember you talking about before Noll, and the author says she came up with the idea after talking to a friend who also experiences them. It's not much of a triangle at all, and that aspect is right towards the end, and there's plenty of creepiness in it for YA.

Unrest by Michelle Harrison was pretty good, about a 17 year old who experiences sleep paralysis and out-of-body experiences whilst asleep. Aspects of it seem typical YA, but at the same time, there were some quite creepy and chilling moments. I'm also about half way through Starship Troopers, which is proving to be a good read so far.

I'm finding it easier to use amazon.co.uk for my wishlist - I add books which I think sound interesting, and every now and again I go through it, removing anything which no longer appeals.

I loved A Monster Calls because it made me cry at the end - I came in from work one day, and was able to read the 2nd half of the book straight through uninterrupted, which I'm not often able to do. And despite telling myself I wouldn't, I was crying by the end.

Wow - you and I seem to have opposite opinions on YA books, I guess anything I like you'll know to avoid! With regards to the above review, I didn't dig too deep, it was either one thing or the other, and I didn't mind not knowing. There was no point to not knowing, it's just the way it is, and it kept me thinking because it wasn't made clear.

*hovers over the ban button*

Unwind isn't calling to me, but I just looked him up, and The Skinjacker Trilogy looks interesting. I really should wait until payday, so it's gone on my amazon wishlist.

Thanks for the ideas Noll - in return, I recommend you look for More Than This by Patrick Ness. I can't say much about it without giving things away, but my brief thoughts are here - http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/11986-more-than-this-by-patrick-ness/

wow - this could take some time!

I hate to read that, because I love The Hunger Games, Katniss, and Jennifer Lawrence playing Katniss! Ok - Divergent - I liked the concept, and there are some good twists. The end of the 2nd book is fab. However, the 3rd book is drawing a lot of criticism, and I was disappointed. So, if that would annoy you, then steer clear. There is romance, but in this case it works (well, I thought so!) - I also run away from YA now whenever I see a hint of cheesy romance, but I thought this one was realistic and it just felt part of the story. So on balance - worth a go, but you probably won't be that impressed! I will look more into Unwind later!

Divergent is definitely worth a try Noll. What was it about The Hunger Games you didn't like, and I'll to see if you'll find that aspect in Divergent?

Julie, it's always a bit strange when you don't get on with a book with is well liked, so it's nice to know I'm not the only one. I also didn't see what the fuss as about with Rebecca as well. bobblybear, do you prefer your kindle then? I thought pretty much everything was available, so I was wrong there!