Sunday, December 20, 2009

2009 Reading Wrap-up

What a great reading year 2009 was. I read 135 books, finished all 11 of my 2009 my challenges, made good progress on my two on going challenges, read several books out of my comfort zone and all in all had a great time.

My absolute favorites this year were:
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski review
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Shaffer & Barrows review here
Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith review here
Thanks For the Memories by Cecelia Ahern review here
The Help by Kathryn Stockett review here
Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck review here
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris review here
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery review
Dog Days by John Levitt review

Some of my other favorite books this year were:
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger review here
Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith review
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson review
The Lost City of Z by David Grann review here
Bless Your Heart, Tramp by Celia Rivenbark review here
Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson review here
Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon review here
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck review here
Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez review here
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith review here
Fire Me by Libby Malin review here
Staying Dead by Laura Anne Gilman review
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson review here
Divine Justice by David Baldacci review here
Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker review here
1776 by David McCullough review here

Books out of my comfort zone:
A Long Way Gone Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah review here
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DeFoe review here
Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe review here
The Christmas Day Murders by Sheriff J.B. Smith review here
Battle on the Bay by Edward T. Cotham, Jr. review here

Some of my least favorite were:
Heart of Stone by C.E. Murphy review here
I just assumed that I would like this since I like to read urban fantasy. The main character irritated me. I thought I might read another in the series anyway, but so far not so.

Obsessed by Ted Dekker review here
I am a Ted Dekker fan so I was surprised that I found one of his books I didn't like.

The Night Gardner by George Pelecanos review here
I really disliked the end. The book wasn't anything like I thought it would be.

Death Match by Lincoln Child review here
It's not that I disliked this one so much as I got bored in the middle of it.

Cross Country by James Patterson review
It didn't seem like I was reading about Alex Cross.

Why Beulah Shot Her Pistol Inside the Baptist Church by Clayton Sullivan review
I was disappointed in this book.
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Friday, December 11, 2009

2009 Challenges

I had a lot of fun with the Challenges I joined last year and decided to join more this year.
(My 2008 Wrap Up is here.)
The Challenges I've chosen to join or continue this year are:

1. The 100+ Reading Challenge + The Read & Review Challenge (below) Finished! :)

2.The 5X4 Self Challenge (below) Finished! :)

3. The Audiobook Challenge (below) Finished! :)

4. The 2009 Read-Your-Own-Books Challenge (below) Finished! :)

5. Books Around the States (Continued from 2008) (below)

6. Suspense & Thriller 2009 Challenge (below) Finished! :)

7. Support Your Local Library Challenge 2009 (below) Finished :)

8. Chunkster Challenge (below) Finished! :)

9. What's In a name Challenge (below) Finished :)

10. The Daniel DeFoe Mini-Challenge (below) Finished :)

11. John Steinbeck Mini-Challenge (below) Finished! :)

12. The Southern Reading challenge (below) Finished! :)

Reading Around the World (see the sidebar)
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Sunday, November 8, 2009

Opposites Attract Challenge


Look at this fun challenge! I found it at Jen's Book Talk. To play just read books that have at least one word in the title opposite to another book title's word. You can only use a book once though; not in 2 different sets. And be sure to use some of these with your other challenges if you can! (ex: salt, pepper - good, bad - this, that, - angry, happy - angel, devil - empty, full.) Click here or on the button above to go to Jen's for the rest of the guideline>

I won't make a list ahead of time. Instead I'll just list as I go. I am shooting for 10 matches this year. My opposites:

1. Hold Tight by Harlen Coban
Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by C. J. Box

2. Fire Me by Libby Malin
Wild Rain by Christine Feehan

3. Call after Midnight by Tess Gerritsen
8. Snow Angels by James Thompson
9. Master of None by Sonya Bateman
10. Below Zero by C.J. Box
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
All of my 2010 Challenges are listed here.
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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Monthly Mixer Mele


Since I have finished all my challenges for 2009 I thought I might start a new one a little early. this is it: Monthly Mixer Mele hosted by Jen's Book Talk.

Rules right from Jen's Book Talk:
All you have to do is read a book that begins with a letter of each month or read a book that begins with the authors name (first or last name, doesn’t matter). There are 74 letters so you will have to have 74 different books to complete the challenge. Books can however be used to complete other challenges.You don’t have to do the months in any kind of order, just fill in books as you go along until you have each letter a book by it.Challenge begins November 1, 2009 and ends November 2, 2010 so you have a whole year to complete! Lets break out them books and get busy!


Note: If there is not a review link I have not read the book yet. It is just listed in anticipation.

N New Tricks by John Levitt review
O Wild Orchids by Jude Deveraux review
V Void Moon by Michael Connelly review
E Elegance of the Hedgehog, The by Muriel Barbery review
M Murder Packs a Suitcase by Cynthia Baxter review
B Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by C.J. Box review
E Elvis and the Dearly Departed by Peggy Webb review
R Psych: Mind over Magic by Willam Rabkin review

D Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding review
E Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett review
C Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris review
E the golden One by Elizabeth Peters review
M Cat Playing cupid by Shirley Rousseau Murphy review
B Black Stallion, The by Walter Farley review
E Last Car to Elysian fields by James Lee Burke review
R Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey review

J Sudden Fury by William W. Johnstone review
A Skeeter: A Cat Tale by Anne Watson review
N The Gate House by Nelson DeMille review
U Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett review
A Asylum Prophecies, The by Daniel Keyes review
R Belle Weather by Celia Rivenbark review
Y

F Fire Me by Libby Malin review
E Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich review
B Briar King, The by Greg Keyes review
U Unleashed by John Levitt review
R
A Web of the Witch World by Andre Norton review
R
Y Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz review

M King Rat by China Mieville review
A The Winter Queen by Amanda McCabe review
R
C Wild Rain by Christine Feehan review
H Hold Tight by Harlan Coben review

A And Another Thing... by Eoin Colfer review
P Princess of Burundi by Kjell Eriksson reiew
R Ravenheart by David Gemmell review
I In the Woods by Tana French review
L Whistling in the Dark by Lesley Kagen review

M Cat Striking Back by Shirley Rousseau Murphy review
A Snow Angels by James Thompson review
Y

J Dog Days by John Levitt review
U The Good, the Bad and the Uncanny review
N Nineteen Minutes by Judy Picoult review
E And Another Thing by Eoin Cofer review

J Sandstorm by James Rollins review
U The Good, the Bac and the Uncanny by Simon R. Green review
L The Three Miss Margarets by Louis Shaffer review
Y

A Arguing with Idiots review
U
G The Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen review
U
S Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck review
T Call After Midnight by Tess Gerritsen review

S Why Beulah Shot Her Pistol.... by Clayton Sullivan review
E
P Fever Dream by Preston and Child review
T Wailing Wind, The by Tony Hillerman review
E Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich review
M Dakota by Martha Grimes review
B Boneshaker by Cherie Priest review
E
R

O Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot review
C Cross Country by James Patterson review
T Texas Bound II review
O
B Boneman's Daughters by Ted Dekker review
E
R

N Master of None by Sonya Bateman review
O Overlook, The by Michael Connelly review
V
E
M Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater review
B The Lost symbol by Dan Brown review
E
R

If you decide to join Jen in the 2009/2010 Monthly Mixer Mele, create a post on your blog telling others about this event. In your post, be sure to include the link to Jen's post on your blog. That way others can find their way there and join in the fun! When you sign up under Mr. Linky, list the direct link to your post where your books will be listed in the URL spot.

All of my 2010 Challenges are listed here.
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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Southern Reading 2009 Challenge

Finished!


Yea! The Southern Reading 2009 Challenge is here. this was so much fun last year and I have been waiting anxiously for it again. Maggie makes it so much fun with friendship, projects, and prizes. Go visit her and sign up. To participate you simply sign up then read three southern books between May 15th and August 15.
Here are the three books I plan to read:
1.Bless Your Heart, Tramp and Other Southern Endearments by Celia Rivenbark review here
2.From Dead to Worse Charlaine Harris review here
3. The Help by Kathryn Sockett review here
and I just might read The Color Purple by Alice Walker extra.
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Thursday, December 18, 2008

100+ Book Challenge 2009 + the Read & Review Challenge

Finished

Click on the picture above to go to J. Kaye's rules for this challenge.

January

1. Dragonheart by Todd McCaffrey review here
2. Swan Peak by James Lee Burke review here
3. Dead Over Heels by Charlaine Harris review here
4. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick review here
5. Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch review here
6. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger review here
7. Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez review here
8. Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith review here
9. No Nest for the Wicket by Donna Andrews review here
10. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown review here
11. Just Another Judgement Day by Simon R. Green review here

February
12. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson review here
13. A Long Way Gone Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah review here
14. The Memorist by M. J. Rose review here
15. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch review here
16. Adam by Ted Dekker review here
17. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich review here
18. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski review here
19. Night of the Loving Dead by Casey Daniels review here
20. Just the Two of Us by Will Smith review here
March
21. Chill Factor by Sandra Brown review here
22. Heart of Stone by C.E. Murphy review here
23. Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown review here
24. Watchmen by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons review here
25. Arctic Drift by Clive Cussler & Dirk Cussler review here
26. Angel's Tip by Alafair Burke review here
27. Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen review here
28. Fool by Christopher Moore review here
29. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows review here
30. Horton Hears a who by Dr. Suess review here
31. Armadillo Rodeo by Jan Brett review here
April
32. The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell review here
33. Mean Streets by Jim Butcher, Simon R. Green & More review here
34. Tarzan and the Golden Lion by Edgar Rice Burroughs review here
35. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DeFoe review here
36. Deader Still by Anton Strout review here
37. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson review here
38. 1776 by David McCullough review here
39. White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison review here
40. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson review here
41. In the Company of Ogres by A. Lee Martinez review here
42. Borderline by Nevada Barr review here
43. Dogzilla by Dav Pilkey review here
44. Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie review here
45. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith review here
May
46. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher review here
47. Power Play by Joseph Finder review here
48. Belle Weather: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Scattered Hissy Fits by Celia Rivenbark review here
49. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs review here
50. Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith review here
51. The Little Painter of Sabana Grande by Patricia Maloney Markun review here
52. Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe review here
53. Darkness Falls by Kyle Mills review here
54. Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy review here
55. The Christmas Day Murders by Sheriff J.B. Smith review here
56. The Mystery of Grace by Charles De Lint review here
57. Divine Justice by David Baldacci review here
58. The Help by Kathryn Stockett review here
59. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald review here
June
60. A Breed Apart by Pierre Davis review here
61. Eternity in Death by J.D. Robb review here
62. Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker review here
63. Resolution by Robert B. Parker review here
64. Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck review here
65. Glory In Death by JD Robb review here
66. The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen review here
67. Thanks For the Memories by Cecelia Ahern review here
68. The Lost City of Z by David Grann review here
69. Bless Your Heart, Tramp by Celia Rivenbark review here
70. The Golden Buddha by Clive Cussler and review here
71. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb review here
72. The Camel Club by David Baldacci review here
July
73. Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child review here
74. Savage Run by C.J. Box review here
75. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson review here
76. Death Match by Lincoln Child review here
77. The Collectors by David Baldacci review here
78. Sail by Patterson and Roughan review here
79. Terra Incognita by Ruth Downie review here
August
September

October
109. The Zookeepers Wife by Diane Ackerman review here
110. Battle on the Bay by Edward T. Cotham, Jr. review here
November
112. The Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen review here
113. Whistling in the Dark by Lesley Kagen review here
114. Hold Tight by harlan Coben review here
115. Fire Me by Libby Malin review here
116. Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by C.J. Box review here
December
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5 X 4 Self Challenge 2009

FINISHED!!


In all the years I've been reading I've never planned it out. I read books that catch my fancy, that appeal to me from the shelf at the library, bookstore or garage sale, or that friends talk about. I found last year when I joined the 888 challenge I felt.......cornered. It DID help me to broaden my reading to new genres and helped me to see I could enjoy reading them. However, I didn't finish the challenge by 3 books. This year in an effort to widen my reading range but still have lots of room for the books I come across that I want to read, I've created this pared down version, The 5X4 Self Challenge. Four books in each of five categories. These are books I wouldn't normally read or that I want to read and never get around to. That's a quarter of my 100 book reading goal for this year. I'm going to plan the books, but will change if something else comes along that catches my interest. Who knows, I may read more than four in each category. Of course, I already own all these books. The categories I've chosen are:



Classics
1 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald review here
2 Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe review here
3 Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck review here
4 Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DeFoe review here



Non-Fiction
1 Me Talk Pretty Some Day by David Sedaris review here
2 The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson review here
3 The Lost City of Z by David Grann review here
4 The Christmas Day Murders by Sheriff J.B. Smith review here


Books Older Than Me That Are Sitting on My Shelf
1 Kazan The Wolf Dog by James Oliver Curwood review here
2 Brewster's Millions by G. B. McCutcheon review here
3 Tarzan and the Golden Lion by Edgar Rice Burroughs review here
4 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith review here


Award Winners
1 The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson (Mcavity Best First Novel)
2 The Time-Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger (Booker Prize)
3 Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick review here
4 The Killing Floor by Lee Child ( Anthony Award for Best First Novel) review here

Histories
1 1776 by David McCullough review here
2 The Zookeepers Wife by Diane Ackerman review here
3 Battle on the Bay by Edward T. Cotham, Jr. review here
4 The Lost City of Z by David Grann review here
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Audiobook Challenge 2009

Finished!

Click on the picture above to go to J. Kays rules for this Audiobook Challenge! Our goal is to listen to 12 audiobooks in 2009.

1. Swan Peak by James Lee Burke review here
2. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audre Niffeneggar review here
3. Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith review here
4. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown review here
5. Adam by Ted Dekker review here
6. Chill Factor by Sandra Brown review here
7. Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown review here
8. Arctic Drift by Clive Cussler & Dirk C. review here
9. Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen review here
10. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows review here
11. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DeFoe review here
12. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by bill Bryson review here

The challenge ended at 12, but I'll keep list all audiobooks I "read" this year.

13. Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie review here
14. Power Play by Joseph Finder review here
15. Belle Weather by Celia Rivenbark review here
16. Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe review here
17. Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy review here
18. Divine Justice by David Baldacci review here
19. Eternity in Death by J.D. Robb review here
20. Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck review here
21 Thanks For the memories by Cecelia Ahern review here
22. The Camel Club by David Baldacci review here

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The What's In a Name Challenge

Finished!


In this fun challenge you must read a book from each of 6 categories. The challenge runs form Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec 31, 2009. Click on the picture to go the host's site.

My Books

Title with a profession: (Fool)
Fool by Christopher Moore review here


Title with a time of day:
Night of the Loving Dead by Casey Daniels review here


A Title with a relative:
Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen review here


Title with a body part:
Heart of Stone by C.E. Murphy review here

Title with a building:
Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez review here


Title with a medical condition:
Deader Still by Anton Strout review here
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Chunkster Challenge

Finished April, 2009
Ok. Only one more challenge. I decided to join the chunkster challenge. Several reading plans are offered. I have opted for the "Do These Books Make My Butt Look Big" plan, mostly because I thought it was funny. Rules from the Chunkster site:
*A chunkster is 450 pages or more of ADULT literature (fiction or nonfiction)
*No Audio books in the chunkster
*If you read large type books your book will need to be 525 pages or more
*Books may crossover with other challenges


Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? - this option is for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to 3-5 Chunksters over the next ten months.



Here are my chunksters:


1. Dragonheart by Todd McCaffrey (544 pages) review here
2. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (480 pages) review here
3. The Memorist by M. J. Rose (464 pages) review here
4. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (576 pages) review here
5. White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison (504 pages) review here

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Read Your Own Books Challenge 2009

Click on the picture to read the rules
at MizB's Challenges You. I've chosen to set my
goal at 50 of my own books. Should be easy,
I have TONS of books here at home
that I haven't read.
1. Swan Peak by James Lee Burke review here
2. Dead Over Heels by Charlaine Harris review here
3. Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch review here
4. Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez review here
5. Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith review here
6. No Nest for the Wicket by Donna andrews review here
7. Just Another Judgement Day by Simon R. Green review here
8. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch review here
9. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich review here
10. Night of the Loving Dead by Casey Daniels review here
11. Just the Two of Us by Will Smith review here
12. Heart of Stone by C.E. Murphy review here
13. Fool by Christopher Moore review here
14. Armadillo Rodeo by Jan Brett review here
15. The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell review here
16. Tarzan and the Golden Lion by ERB review here
17. Deader Still by Anton Strout review here
18. I am Legend by Richard Matheson review here3
19. 1776 by David McCullough review here
20. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson review here
21. In the Company of Ogres by A. Lee Martinez review
22. Dogzilla by Dav Pilkey review
23. Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie review
24. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith review
25. Belle Weather by Celia Rivenbark review
26. The Little Painter of Sabana Grande by Patricia Maloney Markun review here
27. Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe review here
28. Darkness Falls by Kyle Mills
29. Divine Justice by David Baldacci review here
30. The Help by Kathryn Stockett review here
31. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald review here
32. Thanks For the Memories by Cecelia Ahern review here
33. Bless Your Heart, Tramp by Celia Rivenbark review here
34. The Camel Club by David Baldacci review here
35. Cemetery Dance by Douglas and Child review here
36. Savage Run by C.J. Box review here
37. Sundays at Tiffany's review here
38. Death Match by Lincoln Child review here
39. The Collectors by David Baldacci review here
40. Terra Incognita by Ruth Downie review here
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Support Your Local Library Challenge

Finished :)


I am adding J Kaye's Support your Local Library Challenge to my list of challences. Click on the picture to read the rules. I love the library and read lots of books from there every year. Boy does that save a ton of money! I think I'll set my goal at 25 library books.
1. Dragonheart by Todd McCaffrey review here
2. Swan Peak by James Lee Burke review here
3. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick review here
4. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown review here
5. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson review here
6. A Long Way Gone Memoirs of a Boy Soldier review here
7. The Memorist by M. J. Rose review here
8. Adam by Ted Dekker review here
9. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle review here
10. Chill Factor by Sandra Brown review here
11. Heart of Stone by C.E. Murphy review here
12. Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown review here
13. Watchmen by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons review here
14. Arctic Drift by Clive Cussler & Dirk C. review here
15. Angel's Tip by Alafair Burke review here
16. Pandora's Daughter review here
17. Fool by Christopher Moore review here
18. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows review here
19. Mean Streets by Jim Butcher etc review here
20. White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison review here
21. Borderline by Nevada Barr review here
22. Turn Coat by Jim Butcher review here
23. Power Play by Joseph Finder review here
24. The Christmas Day Murders by Sheriff J.B. Smith review here
25. The Mystery of Grace by Charles De Lint review here

May 22, 2009 - YEA! I've finished another challenge. I love going to the library so I know I will be getting more books from the library. I will keep track of the rest of them for the year below.

26. Eternity In Death by JD Robb review here
27.Tortilla Flat
28. Glory in Death by JD Robb review here
29. The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen review here
30. The Lost City of Z by David Grann review here
31. Sail by Patterson and Roughan review here
32. The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
33. Relentless by Dean Koontz

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