@scout59, No, I thought it was a great book. It just felt weird saying I “enjoyed” it, because of the dark/creepy/underbelly of humanity factor. And the audiobook was good, just frustrating at times due to factors stated. But you are actually batting 1000!
Mathmom–I think the mystery writer you are thinking of is Martha Grimes.
Yes, it is. Haven’t read her for as long as I haven’t read George.
I read Martha Grimes now and then, and lots of other mystery writers that I have since grown sick of.I think that mystery novels were my recreational reading once I graduated from college (when I was a kid I read all kinds of things). I’ve read every alphabet letter of Susan Grafton’s books, and I can’t stop now. Martha used to be funny, and created fun characters like Piddlin’ Pete, and the rest of the Richard Jury characters, who all hung around the local pub with Melrose Plant.
Then it truly got tiresome, Then this year I realized that the mystery genre is no longer for me. So I stalk this thread for suggestions!
So far I’ve read The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, and a few more. And I just came back from my brick and mortar lending library with books from my rock star hero’s reading list: http://www.openculture.com/2015/04/patti-smiths-list-of-favorite-books.html
Michael Moore’s “Here Comes Trouble” autobiography was a good read–resonated with me.
Roxane Gay–“Hunger”. Highly recommended.
I just listened to two humor books:
What Would Beyonce Do? by Luisa Omielan and
How May We Hate You? Notes from the Concierge Desk by Anna Drezen and Todd Briscoe
They were both funny and entertaining. Luisa Omielan is a British comedienne who finally enjoys a measure of success after her show What Would Beyonce Do? becomes a big hit in the UK. The book is an autobiography, and it was kind of exhausting hearing about what it actually takes to make a barely livable wage as a comedian. This lady has an amazing work ethic, and a burning ambition dedicated to making it all work., Most people would have thrown in the towel years earlier. She does talk about some really low points she has experienced as she has tried to make a go of comedy. Being a female in that business has its particular challenges. More frustrating for me was her poor judgment related to men, and listening to how she agonized over a cast of losers over and over was annoying at times.
The Concierge Desk notes were both amusing and disturbing in terms of some the realities of the hospitality industry. I’l just say “bed bugs” and leave it at that.
@garland-- I read a Kindle sample for Gay’s book and was instantly riveted. Wow.
American War-- Omar El Akkad. It deserves the praise it’s getting.
Magpie Mysteries-- Tony Horowitz. A book within a book (I love those) and a sly/affectionate take on English ‘cozy’ mysteries.
^ downloaded American War sample yesterday - friend recommended - good to read your endorsement
I’m still on the library’s wait list for “American War.” And I’ve heard amazing things about “Hunger”
more than halfway through Magpie Mysteries-- Tony Horowitz and really enjoying it - I highly recommend
finished Magpie Mysteries - loved it - best book I read this year (and I have read 47 books so far this year)
Oooh, yay @kiddie. I really like Horowitz’ nonfiction and his wife (Geraldine Brooks) is one of my favorite authors, too.
@kiddie, that’s quite an endorsement! Just bought it for my kindle.
@jaylynn, not the same person. Geraldine Brooks is married to Tony Horwitz.
Whoops! I just assumed. And they’re both English, so… Well-- I love all three of their writing lol! 
I was once mistaken for Geraldine Brooks when I came early to a reading (for Year of Wonders) at my favorite bookstore and they for some reason thought I was her (Australian, living in England) even though I’m Asian, very Midwestern lol.
Just returned from a week’s vacation and I read The Other Einstein while away which I really enjoyed, especially after watching the Einstein mini-series on National Geographic. Also about half-way through an older first novel, The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Solis… I recommend. It is about a love triangle among war correspondents and the Vietnam War.
I was on a road trip over the holiday weekend and enjoyed Notorious RBG: The Life & Times of Ruth Bader Ginsberg by Shana Knizhnik and Irin Carmon.
Anyone read Gypsy Moth Summer? Pretty good writing, but numerous time line errors, which drives me crazy, and wildly bizarre character behavior. Thought I was going to like it way more than I did.
To those who so heartily recommended A Gentleman in Moscow: Thank you!!! Oh, the beautiful writing, the gentle dry wit, the journey!