Welcome!
This is a group for readers who enjoy novels set in the South, in particular the South Carolina Lowcountry, coastal Georgia, coastal North Carolina, and thereabouts, with a few other beach reads thrown in for good measure. It’s fine to discuss books set in other places in this group. Since we share a love of beach books, it’s likely our overall reading tastes are similar.The group focus is on what members are reading, what they want to read, their favorite books, the settings, and anything related to these books. Posts about the places the books are set, food in the books, and any other related topic are welcome.
I envisioned this as a place for readers who aren’t on social media or who are looking for an alternative, but everyone is welcome. Much of the content I post here is a duplicate of what I share in the Facebook group, The Lowcountry Book Club.
I’m so happy to welcome you to The Back Porch! Please pull up a rocking chair and fill your glass with iced tea, and join me!
Longest series you've read?
I’m paraphrasing here, but I once heard Lee Child say that people expect certain things when they light up a Camel, or have a glass of Dom Perignon, or open a Jack Reacher novel. His philosophy was to keep giving the readers what they expected, and not be concerned with what some reviewers call “a character growth arc.” What’s the longest series y'all have read? Do you like it when characters evolve, or do you want to keep experiencing the character you originally connected with?
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One of my favorite long series is Susan Wittig Albert's China Bayles herbal mystery series. Her characters have evolved and more people have been added to the small town. Hemlock, the 28th book in the series, was published in September 2021, and she is working on another.
Sue Grafton's alphabet series, and China Bayles series but I've got quite a few to catch up on with China Bayles. I've gotten away from reading series lately. I think it's just because I've discovered so many new authors lately.
Heather Graham's Krewe of Hunters 39 books so far!
The Covington Ladies and then Susan’s Lowcountry series
someone else said the Sue Grafton series…absolutely! I cried when she passed and couldn’t finish out the alphabet!
It is so sad that Sue Grafton passed away before she could finish the alphabet, and we know she would not allow anyone else to finish it. I love Susan's Lowcountry books too! I wish the Covington ladies books could have gone on. I will look at the Krewe of Hunters since this discussion will give me some suggestions of other long series.
Another good series is the Tony Hillerman Navaho mysteries which have been continued in 7 books by his daughter Anne with Bernadette Manuelito, Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn and another is due out later this year. The settings in New Mexico and Arizona are familiar and described well since I have traveled through much of the western states. In other series I get to learn about new places.
mvtx I have also discovered more new authors in the last two years (some with stand alone books and others with series) with an increase in my reading partly because of staying home more.
Of course Susan's Low country series! I also really enjoy Craig Johnson's Longmire series. Its like getting to spend the weekend with an old, dear friend when there's a new book added to a series.
Stuart Woods Stone Barrington series, John Sandford The Prey series, Marie Force The Fatal Series and of course Susan Boyer The Lowcountry Series. Shoot I’m old so there are so many for me following along the forensic theme Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series and Kathy Reichs Bones..lol and when I was a kid I read all The Bobbsey Twins books.
M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth. I was go glad she was able to have "Death of a Green Eyed Monster" published after her death. Hopefully there will be another book as Hamish is still..wait..can't say...spoiler alert! 🙂
Stuart Woods’ Stone Barrington series. He’s on book #62. It started in 1991, and he’s still going strong!
The Back Porch Rules:
- Be kind: Reading is very subjective. We all have our own opinions. Please share yours. Discussion, disagreement, and debate are all welcome, but kindness, courtesy, and respect are required.
- Be gentle: It’s perfectly fine to say, “This book wasn’t my cup of tea,” and tell us why. But reading is subjective. One person’s favorite book will be another’s least favorite. There are authors in this group.
- To Authors: I’m so happy you’re here. Please share what you’re reading and tell us why you love it. Join in on any conversation. Please don’t promote your own work in this group unless you’re invited to do so.
- No promotion of any kind: No promotion of any product, service, person, event, or any other group.
Thank you!