R.I.P. XI

R.I.P XI is a reading celebration started by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings eleven years ago. It's a celebration that runs from September 1 through October 31st. Check out Carl's blog for detailed info but, basically just have fun reading scary stuff or watching scary films.

Carl's overview

The review site

Reading and film subject matters would fall into some form of the following areas:

• Mystery
• Suspense
• Thriller
• Gothic
• Horror
• Dark Fantasy

There are only two expectations if you want to participate with us:

• Have fun reading (and watching).
• Share that fun with others.

I plan to read (4) books (from my shelves - another bonus) for this challenge. I've included a brief description of each.

(Update - 10/31/2016) BOOKS READ

1. The Wasp Factory; Ian Banks---The polarizing literary debut by Scottish author Ian Banks, The Wasp Factory is the bizarre, imaginative, disturbing, and darkly comic look into the mind of a child psychopath.
2. The Heavens May Fall; Allen Eskens--Detective Max Rupert and attorney Boady Sanden’s friendship is being pushed to the breaking point. Max is convinced that Jennavieve Pruitt was killed by her husband, Ben. Boady is equally convinced that Ben, his client, is innocent. As the case unfolds, the two are forced to confront their own personal demons.
3. Pretty Girls; Karin Slaughter --Pretty Girls is a gritty, disturbing, psychological thriller. The Carroll family has never been the same since the disappearance of daughter and sister Julia from her college dorm some 24 years earlier. 
   I haven't read this author in several years and always enjoyed her psych thrillers previously but, wow, has her writing become disturbing. It's overridden with violence and brutality against women and, was very tough to listen to.  I had to fast forward over some of that violence.  Definitely not recommended for the faint of heart.
4. The Girls She Left Behind; Sarah Graves --A few months ago I listened to the first book of a new series by Sarah Graves. The book was Winter at the Door, with protagonist, Lizzie Snow. In that story Lizzie had just relocated to rural Bearkill, Maine to accept a job as Sheriff's Deputy. Previously, Lizzie had been a homicide detective in Boston but, relocated hoping to follow a lead concerning her missing niece Nicki.  Although this story is the second book of a series, there is plenty of background information provided so that you need not feel compelled to read book one before trying this one.  Overall, I enjoyed listening to this mystery. It's a bit darker than book one but, not overly so.  Lizzy is a decent protagonist but she can be a bit of a flake when it comes to romantic interests.  I loved the cold, dark, rural Maine setting of both of these books which makes the mystery aspects more atmospheric.  Kirsten Potter is a great audio book narrator as well.

How about joining this Fright Fest?