Search This Blog

2024 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (Hosted by Yours Truly)

2024 Challenge Sign-Up Post

January Reviews Link-Up

February Reviews Link-Up

March Reviews Link-Up

April Reviews Link-Up

May Reviews Link-Up

June Reviews Link-Up

July Reviews Link-Up

August Reviews Link-Up

September Reviews Link-Up

October Reviews Link-Up

November Reviews Link-Up

December Reviews Link-Up

My Progress:


9 / 30 books. 30% done!

2024 Literary Escapes Challenge

- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California (3)
- Colorado (1)
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho (2)
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana (1)
- Maine (1)
- Maryland
- Massachusetts (1)
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York (1)
- North Carolina (1)
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (1)
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia (1)
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Washington, D.C.*

International:
- Australia (1)
- Canada (1)
- England (5)
- France (1)
- Ireland (1)
- Scotland (1)
- The Netherlands (1)

My Progress:


12 / 51 states. 24% done!

2024 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

My Progress:


10 / 50 words. 20% done!

2024 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge


15 / 50 books. 30% done!

Booklist Queen's 2024 Reading Challenge

My Progress:


32 / 50 books. 64% done!

2024 52 Club Reading Challenge

My Progress:


27 / 52 books. 52% done!

2024 Build Your Library Reading Challenge

My Progress:


21 / 40 books. 53% done!

2024 Pioneer Book Reading Challenge


13 / 40 books. 33% done!

2024 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge

My Progress:


5 / 25 books. 20% done!

2024 Medical Examiner's Mystery Reading Challenge

2024 Mystery Marathon Reading Challenge

My Progress


17 / 26.2 miles. 65% done!

Mount TBR Reading Challenge

My Progress


15 / 100 books. 15% done!

2024 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge

My Progress:


34 / 104 books. 33% done!

Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge

My Progress


31 / 52 books. 60% done!

Disney Animated Movies Reading Challenge

My Progress


32 / 165 books. 19% done!
Tuesday, November 08, 2022

Top Ten Tuesday: Reading Series-ly


I don't know how you feel about it, but I adore reading books in a series. Something about sinking into a setting and really getting to know a cast of characters over time really appeals to me. Since I'm in the middle of so many of them, I started keeping track of my series reading on a spreadsheet. According to its very scientific data, I'm in the middle of about FORTY series. Clearly, I have a problem and yet, according to the same spreadsheet, there are at least TWENTY new ones I want to start! It's an addiction, what can I say? I know not everyone likes to read books in a series, but I also know I'm not alone in loving them. Because I'm such a fan, I love this week's prompt—Top Ten Series I'd Like to Start/Catch Up On/Finish. Last year at this time, I made a list of Top Ten Series I Want to Start in 2022 (I even started two of them!) and in January of 2021, I crafted one about the Top Ten Mystery Series I Want to Finish/Catch Up On Before the End of the Year. (Spoiler alert: I failed miserably, so you'll see a lot of crossover with today's list). This time around, I'm going to highlight series in all genres (although they're still mostly mysteries) that I want to catch up on/finish.

Before we get to that, though, be sure to click on over to That Artsy Reader Girl and give our gracious hostess, Jana, some love. If you want to talk series-ly, make your own list and join in the fun. If you're not feeling the prompt, change it up to something more appealing. Then, click around the book blogosphere and enjoy the party that is TTT. It's a good ole time, I promise!

Top Ten Series I Want to Catch Up On/Finish
(Book covers show the first installment in each series. "Books in Series" includes only full-length books that have already been published or have announced publication dates.)


1. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny
Books in Series: 18 (and counting)
Books I've Read: 13
Next Up: Kingdom of the Blind

This is my favorite mystery series of all time and I don't ever want it to end! I've been reading the books slowly in order to savor them. The series features one of the most likable and admirable detectives I've ever encountered. If you love mysteries, definitely give this series a go.


2. Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower
Books in Series: 8 (and counting)
Books I've Read: 5
Next Up: Lemon Drop Dead

This is a fun cozy mystery series set in Amish country. The main character leaves her career as a chocolatier in New York City to help her Amish grandmother run a candy store in rural Ohio. Murder and mayhem ensue, even among the peace-loving Amish.


3. Ruth Galloway Mystery series by Elly Griffiths
Books in Series: 15 (I believe the 15th installment will be the last book in the series, but don't quote me on that!)
Books I've Read: 4
Next Up: A Dying Fall

Featuring an intrepid British forensic archaeologist, this mystery series is always good for an interesting, engrossing read.


4. Bloody Jack series by L.A. Meyer
Books in Series: 12 (complete)
Books I've read: 10
Next Up: Boston Jacky

A swashbuckling YA pirate adventure series, this one is just all-around entertaining. I've especially enjoyed listening to the books on audio, with the wonderful Katherine Kellgren narrating. Unfortunately, Meyer died in 2014. Kellgren passed four years later. I hope they're collaborating in heaven to create amazing new series!


5. Casey Duncan/Rockton series by Kelley Armstrong
Books in Series: 8 (I think the series was actually complete at seven books and the 8th is, technically, a spin-off.)
Books I've Read: 2
Next Up: This Fallen Prey

Set in a secret, off-the-grid town hidden deep in the Yukon that has been set up especially for people who need to disappear from their lives, this series has a unique set-up. The star of the show is Casey Duncan, a talented young police detective, who's tasked with keeping the peace in this very unique village full of intriguing people. 


6. The American Wonders Collection by Regina Scott
Books in Series: 3 (complete)
Books I've Read: 2
Next Up: A View Most Glorious

This trilogy of historical romances (with a Christian bent) set in famous American locales is clean, uplifting and enjoyable.


7. Eleanor Wilde Mystery series by Tamara Berry
Books in Series: 4 (and counting)
Books I've Read: 1
Next Up: Potions Are For Pushovers

Featuring a fake psychic who solves mysteries, this cozy series is just a whole bunch of fun.


8. Amelia Peabody Mystery series by Elizabeth Peters
Books in Series: 20 (complete)
Books I've Read: 2 (I'm re-reading the series since I never finished it years ago when I started reading it.)
Next Up: The Mummy Case

Amelia Peabody is a no-nonsense British archaeologist who's happy to be a wealthy spinster with the freedom to explore ancient civilizations at her leisure. She never expects to find love or a string of shocking mysteries, but that's exactly what happens in this humorous cozy series.


9. Gilded Newport mystery series by Alyssa Maxwell
Books in Series: 10 (and counting)
Books I've Read:
Next Up: Murder at Rough Point

Despite being only a poor relation of the Vanderbilt Family, Emma Cross is invited to all the best parties in Newport, which makes her perfectly positioned to write juicy stories for the society pages. When she is instrumental in solving a puzzling mystery, she becomes known for her skills as a successful amateur sleuth.


10. Thursday Murder Club Mystery series by Richard Osman
Books in Series: 4 (and counting)
Books I've Read: 1
Next Up: The Man Who Died Twice

A group of senior citizens in a British retirement home solve mysteries in this entertaining series of whodunits.

There you go, ten series I would like to catch up on/finish at some point. Who knows how long it will actually take me! Ha ha. How do you feel about reading books in a series? Love them? Hate them? Which ones are your favorites? Have you read any from my list? Based on this list, do you know of any others I would like? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog (I also reply to your comments here).

Happy TTT!

52 comments:

  1. So many series, so little time. It looks like you have some fun ones to catch up with, though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! I'll never catch up, but that's okay. I'm not going to stop reading them :)

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Deanna!

      Delete
  2. I'm with you, Susan, I love a good series! More to enjoy. :) I'm intrigued by that Kelley Armstrong series but have not started it yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've only read a couple of the books, but I really liked them. The concept of a hidden town full of people needing a new start for various reasons (not all of them pleasant) is just intriguing to me. And I like Armstrong's writing, so that's a bonus!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Tanya!

      Delete
  3. I love the IDEA of a spreadsheet...maybe something to do after the move is complete and we are settled, but I would be curious to see how many I am currently in! Quite a bit I would imagine. I know I have at least 20 on my physical shelves that I want to start, LOL, since that is the direction my post went today. Love your list, I also want to read that series by Amanda Flower, I am featuring a different series of hers on my blog today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I looked at my spreadsheet to make this list, I noticed it was a *little* out of date. That means I've made some progress, anyway. Even if you don't keep it religiously updated, I think spreadsheets are super useful for keeping track of series. Some other blogger (can't remember who) suggested it and it's worked really well for me.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cindy!

      Delete
  4. I love the Kelley Armstrong series! And I'm looking forward to reading Regina Scott's next book. And I'm hoping to start the Louise Penny series this month. Fun TTT list, Susan! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm pretty sure you're responsible for getting me to read the Rockton series and you're DEFINITELY the one that recommended the American Wonders books. My TBR list would be a lot shorter if it weren't for you! LOL. I hope you enjoy the Penny books. I think they're fabulous.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lark!

      Delete
  5. I have only read the first Louise Penny but really enjoyed it. I'd like to read more of those as well. And I have read 2 of Richard Osman's with the third on my TBR shelf.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Penny series is great. They're police procedurals, but more literary and with more depth than the usual. I'm glad you liked the first one. The Osman series is fun. I need to catch up on it before more books are released and I get even more behind!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Helen!

      Delete
  6. This topic has been fun. Some bloggers love series, like you and some don't like series. I want to read the Thursday Murder Club Mystery series too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. It's been interesting to see how many people love series and how many avoid them. I also like knowing how different people approach them. Some are very systematic and others very scattershot. TTT is a great way to get to know other people's preferences. It's always interesting to compare and contrast myself and my habits with others!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Wendy!

      Delete
  7. I enjoy reading books in a series too. It's nice catching up with the characters throughout the series :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! I like to see how they grow and change over the course of a series.

      Thanks for popping in, Lucy!

      Delete
  8. I missed adding the Thursday murder club books to my list. I have been meaning to read them for some time now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The first one was really fun. I've been meaning to continue with the series, but it's gotten away from me and now there are two more books. Hopefully, I can get to it soon. I hope you enjoy it as well!

      Thanks for stopping by, Nishitak!

      Delete
  9. Series are something that I enjoy so much, but there are so many good series that I still want to read!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right? It never ends! That's a good thing, though, if you like series like we do :)

      Thanks for popping in, Esther!

      Delete
  10. I love the Thursday murder Club books and they get better with each one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, good! The first one was very entertaining, so that makes me even more excited to read the sequels. I love it when a series gets better as it goes.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, NickiMags!

      Delete
  11. Ooo, the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series looks really good. I've seen the Thursday Murder Club around a LOT too, it must be good.
    Your list looks like it's full of books I would probably like lol. I hope you enjoy them x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like we have similar reading preferences! The Amish Candy Shop series is light and fun. It gets a little silly at times, but I don't care. I enjoy it. The Thursday Murder Club (at least the first book) is quirky and entertaining. I'm looking forward to catching up on it.

      Thanks for stopping in, Amy!

      Delete
  12. The Kelley Armstrong series has caught my eye so many times already, I'll need to give it a try! Hope you'll enjoy all of these!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You do! Armstrong writes too fast for me to keep up, so I'm waaayyy behind on the series. I can't wait to catch up, though. The books have been great so far. I hope you enjoy the series.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lindsey!

      Delete
  13. Wow, 40 series? I'd probably get overwhelmed and get them mixed up. Good luck with finishing all these!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha! I do get them mixed up all the time. Keeping a spreadsheet at least helps me keep track of which books in the series I've read, which series I want to start, which I've DNF'd, etc.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, AJ!

      Delete
  14. I love series, but I have a heck of a time keeping up with them. Maybe it is that 1970s TV show brain where everything was wrapped up in 30 to 60 minutes.

    Thanks for sharing these great books and for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! Right? I get that, but I also like following a story and characters over a long time. At least as long as new, interesting things are happening. If a series starts to get stale, I usually bail.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cheryl!

      Delete
  15. I am generally not a series person these days as I get too distracted by Blog Tours. I used to love them.

    You are certainly in the middle of a large number, and the ones on this list seem huge! They look good though. I love a cosy mystery.

    I hope you enjoy them all when you get to them!

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I stopped participating in blog tours a couple years ago and it has been SO freeing! I've got more time to read books I want to read, plus I'm under no pressure to read on someone else's schedule. It's nice.

      I enjoy a good cozy, too. I used to mock them (ha ha), but I've learned to appreciate them for the light, fun reads they are. They're perfect for sandwiching between heavier reads.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Emily!

      Delete
  16. Oh good, it's not just me! I have 40-some series in progress right now, too! :D Though the Amish Candy Shop series is one I still need to start... (and there are so many series I want to start...)

    Happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! You're definitely not alone. I'm the same way and so are a lot of other bloggers, apparently.

      The Amish Candy Shop series really is fun. The books are quick, easy reads so they're great for bingeing when you just want to be entertained!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Nicole!

      Delete
  17. Great list. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with a love of series and a serious problem finishing the series I start :D.
    Here is my TTT: https://herseriallife.com/top-10-series-id-like-to-finish-before-2022-ends/
    Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not at all! It sounds like a good many of us have this exact problem. That makes me feel a lot better about my serial reading addiction :)

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Rae!

      Delete
  18. I love the City of the Lost series! I have two t go and then the new one (the spin off). Also the Peters series has always appealed to me- I need to get those.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're lots closer to catching up than I am! I actually just got the spin off book from the publisher yesterday. Now, I REALLY need to get back to the series. It's been too long and the books have multiplies in my absence. LOL.

      The Peters series is fun, too. Very entertaining. I hope you enjoy it.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Greg!

      Delete
  19. Looks like a great selection. I really want to start the Louise Penny one some day and the Thursday Murder Club Mystery series. I always see such great reviews for both.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Penny series is excellent. I've liked some of the books more than others, of course, but they're all good. I really liked the first Thursday Murder Club book so I'm looking forward to continuing with the series. I hope you enjoy them both when you get to them!

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Suzanne!

      Delete
  20. We read The Thursday Murder Club for my book club. I didn't realize there were so many written! I'm already behind, lol!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! I hate waiting when series installments are spaced out, but it's tough to keep up when they're published every year. The struggle is real.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cindy!

      Delete
  21. I love cozy mystery series! I haven't checked out the Amish Candy Shop series yet. That looks really cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really is a fun one. I especially like the way Flower presents the Amish as being as human as the rest of us. I always think of them as perfect peace-keeping saints. They're not, at least not in this series! Ha ha.

      Thanks for popping in, BookBabeNails!

      Delete
  22. I didn't to TTT this week but I did Non-fiction November Week 2 and just didn't have any idea for this topic or a twist. So, I left it at that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That happens to me, too, but I've been trying to at least post a TTT every week since that seems like all I've been capable of lately! Hopefully, I can get back to regularly posting reviews in the new year. Life still hasn't quite gotten back to normal with the move and continued remodeling (which will HOPEFULLY be done by the end of this month).

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Marianne!

      Delete
    2. I'm in the middle of Non-fiction November and have been posting those instead of TTT. None of the last topics spoke to me, so I thought I might as well replace them at the moment.

      Delete
  23. The Thursday Murder Club is on my TBR. I didn't know it was a series.

    I also love series, but I try to limit myself to only a few at a time. How do you keep track of everything going on in all your series?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great question! I have a terrible memory so it's tough to remember what's going on from book to book, especially if there are big gaps between when each book is published. Usually, I go back and re-read my reviews of earlier books in the series so I remember what's going on. Occasionally, I'll re-read the previous books if I really can't remember, but I hate re-reading so I try to avoid doing that. A smarter solution would be to limit the amount of series I read, like you do, but I don't have that much self-control! Ha ha.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Kami!

      Delete
  24. Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your post. Great list! I also love series. I want to start The Thursday Murder Club, Amelia Peabody, and Bloody Jack! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! You need to. They're all fun series. Light, funny, and entertaining. I hope you enjoy them all.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Jenni!

      Delete
  25. I haven't read any of these. It looks like a great list. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's a pretty good list, although there are definitely some books I expected to see and didn't (Harry Potter, for example). Still, I always think it's fun to go through these types of lists and see how many I have/have not read.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting!

      Delete
  26. Hope you enjoy ALL of these! For me, I think sometimes why I lose some interest is because of the release gaps. Understand the need for this, but sometimes when the book finally does release I've completely forgotten about the prior book! Thanks so much for visiting my website on this week. I'm grateful.

    ReplyDelete

Comments make me feel special, so go crazy! Just keep it clean and civil. Feel free to speak your mind (I always do), but be aware that I will delete any offensive comments.

P.S.: Don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away. I have to approve each one before it posts to prevent spam. It's annoying, but it works!

Blog Widget by LinkWithin


Reading

<i>Reading</i>
End of Story by A.J. Finn

Listening

<i>Listening</i>
My Contrary Mary by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows



Followin' with Bloglovin'

Follow

Followin' with Feedly

follow us in feedly



Grab my Button!


Blog Design by:


Blog Archive



2024 Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge
Susan has read 0 books toward her goal of 200 books.
hide

2023 - Middle Grade Fiction

2023 - Middle Grade Fiction

2022 - Middle Grade Fiction

2022 - Middle Grade Fiction

2021 - Middle Grade Fiction

2021 - Middle Grade Fiction

2020 - Middle Grade Fiction

2020 - Middle Grade Fiction