Then I found Jesus, or rather, Jesus found me. For a long while, I trusted other Christians who pointed out what I should be reading. Oh, friends, the horrors of some Christian books that somehow get published! Then for a long while, I trusted only the Bible as reading material. It is pretty great but even Leviticus gets hard to read after a while.
And then I learned to let Jesus speak into my life. Did you know he doesn't mind if I read detective stories? And I do, but I have strict standards. Yes, there might be a murder, but there is no violence. At least in the books I choose, It's not referred to in gory terms or knifing scenes. All that takes place before Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple enter the picture.
You might be groaning about those oldy but goody plots, but new ones must be perused carefully. Blood and gore leave me screaming in my sleep. Of course, there are the usual cozies with the never-ending plot of girl leaves big city to make her living in Granny's world-famous button store. To be followed to Hollow Junction by the jilted fiancé. There will be a (bloodless) murder. She will solve the crime and marry the local policeman.
But yet again there are the impossible mysteries, such as the sheep series by Leonie Swan. Look for 'Three bags Full' at your library. If you haven't guessed by now, the sheep discover the murderer. It's a clever write. Ms. Swan also writes a little old lady series you will enjoy. ( The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp) And try out "The Maid "series by Nita Prose, a sweet, though murderous collection.
Lest you think I am a total barbarian, I also am reading Matriarch by Tina Knowles. She is mom to the famous Beyoncé. Quite a fine read, as is Karen, the painful memoir that Kelsey Grammar wrote about his murdered sister.
I can't list all my favorites here, but I can finish with a question or two. Does anyone else read several books at once? Is anyone else a speed reader? Does anyone else ever cheat by reading the ending first?
(Top) Image by Kriemer from Pixabay
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Brenda J Wood has authored more than fifty books. She is a seasoned motivational speaker, who declares the Word of God with wisdom, humour, and common sense.
You tickled my ribs in a few places today, Brenda. In response to your questions:
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else read several books at once? Oh yes, most of the time I have more than one book on the go, often a mix of fiction and nonfiction. My bedside table always has a pile of books that I'm dipping into.
Is anyone else a speed reader? I used to be, but not so much now. I am a faster reader generally with simpler fiction, and I take my time when the plot is complicated or if I'm reading nonfiction.
Does anyone else ever cheat by reading the ending first? Yes. Especially if the tale is so gripping I need to know if the main characters come out alive and that the bad guys get their comeuppance. Once I know that, I can relax and finish reading more leisurely.
Thanks for a great post!
Hello Brenda. What a fun post. A sheep who solves mysteries sounds like quite the premise for a story.
ReplyDeleteI do have several books going at once, too. Just now I’m reading an Agatha Christie, a book about nature, and a book on watercolour landscapes. Different topics for different moods and times of day.
Lorrie (publishing anonymously today because I’m away from home)
I read your note, Lorrie, and I liked your comment about several books on the go - different topics for different moods and times of day. Exactly. That's for me as well.
DeleteThanks Brenda.
ReplyDeleteI was looking for an author I'd never read before, so I bought the first book in the Maid series, we'll se if I like it. Sheep-detectives? Baaa humbug! Sorry, I couldn't resist; actually it sounds like a fun idea, I'll see if I can find it.
ReplyDeleteMany things in this post made me smile like the line, “Did you know he doesn't mind if I read detective stories?” I also appreciate that you have standards to which you adhere. I love a good mystery too but not blood and guts stuff. God bless and thanks.
ReplyDelete