I had a conversation with a fellow book club member about titles we want to read. I was talking about a specific title and I guess I was raving…. Gulp! Who me? Rave about a book???? Anyway, she said “I guess you’re going to read that one next”. “No”, I said. “It is number 124 on my TBR. I have over one hundred titles that I have made commitments to review and they must come first.”
Her reply? “What’s the fun in that?”
Her response got me thinking. Since I have agreed to review all these titles (the majority of which I’m sure will be great reads), I feel I must read them first. And then, if I’m being honest with myself, I have to accept the fact that before I read them all, I will have agreed to review some more. This pushes my personal wish list further and further away… However, life is short, and why shouldn’t I read a few titles that I’m really looking forward to?
What a dilemma! What do YOU think?
Anyway, here are the top ten titles I’m going to read AFTER I finish my review queue.
They are all either mysteries or thrillers, so I guess it is obvious what my preferences are as to genre.
“The hope that kills” by Ed James
(1st in a new Scottish police procedural – I’ve read one of Ed James’ other books and really enjoyed it.)
“Whisky from small glasses” by Denzil Meyrick
(another 1st in a Scottish police procedural)
“When she was bad” by Tammy Cohen
(I’ve never read this author, but this was recommended by several of my Goodreads friends with tastes similar to mine)
“Lie with me” by Sabine Durrant
(I’ve loved all the other titles of hers that I have read)
“Rubbernecker” by Belinda Bauer
(one of my favorite authors + recommended highly by a friend)
“Her” by Harriet Lane
(recommended to me by several friends)
“Long way home” by Eva Dolan
(first in a series of British police procedurals – and it has a GREAT cover)
“Behind closed doors” by B.A. Paris
(I’ve never read this author, but this was recommended by several of my Goodreads friends with tastes similar to mine)
“Coffin road” by Peter May
(one of my favorite authors – I think his work is fabulous – AND it has a great cover)
“For reasons unknown” by Michael Wood (first in a British crime series)
Oh, and by the way, I DO enjoy other genres and have a wish list of those as well. But alas… that is for another blog post, another day.
Fictionophile 
I’m excited to see Behind Closed Doors on your list, it is an emotional intense read. Coffin Road is on my Wishlist, I haven’t read him before so that is exciting to know he is one of your favourites. I love Thrillers too but still have to read to my mood. # 100 on my list can easily become my next read. 🙂
LikeLike
Peter May’s Lewis trilogy makes for excellent reading. “Black House”, “The Lewis man”, and “The Chessmen”.
LikeLike
I am in the same boat. I have so many that I agreed to review. I will still review because as someone said, the reviews are still good even after the book is published. I tend to read the ones that really peak my interest first though even though I know the others will also be good.
LikeLike
It’s good to know I’m not alone, Carla.
LikeLike
Just this week I sent a reply where I stated I just didn’t have time; the review list I committed to was becoming overwhelming, and the author would be in the queue “Undetermined date for review.” I received the book this morning. Warning labels don’t work.
LikeLike
Yes Ron, I agree. This has happened to me twice during the month of August.
LikeLike
Oh, you need to read Lie With Me! Such a great book!
LikeLike
Thanks Annie! I’ll have to shuffle my queue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynne, read some of the books that are truly calling to you…..get off the treadmill for a short period of time. This way you will feel rather “refreshed” and will approach your “have to reads” with an open mind (not wishing you were reading some other title!!) Do this periodically and let all the other books “go” and stop and enjoy what you are longing to read. Of the books you have listed as wishing to read, I can vouch for Rubbernecker and Her (read them each twice!) and Behind Closed Doors wasn’t bad…good twist near the end. Thanks to your list, I have added three titles to my “to be read pile”! THANKS & Hugs, Gaye
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Gaye! Sage advice. ♥
LikeLike
I broke up with my TBR (committment issues) and learned not to binge request reviews. I still have a big stack due to a few blog tours and requested ARCs, but they are titles I really want to read. It is funny how fast things can get out of hand 😂 I am learning though. I never want my blog to feel stressful. I have also made a point of letting any authors who contact me know, that when I accept the books, I am currently not agreeing to get to them right away as I have a long list. It seems to be helping.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done! Ha-ha commitment issues… LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am doing the same keeping away From NG and not participating in any more blog tours after I met my already committed to and saying no more often
LikeLiked by 1 person
NG was a big problem for me haha. Now I am wrapping up committments 😊 Blog tours are great though, depending on the lineup. Sometimes it is so hard to say no. By the way I love Riesling with my reading 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
or shiraz..or bubbles 🙂 or at this time of night hot chocolate 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
All sound great! Unfortunately it is 8am here 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
hehe…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Riesling is good, but Cabernet Sauvignon is better! 😉
LikeLike
Unfortunately red wines have been removed from my diet 😦
LikeLike
I’m very sad on your behalf. It is so disheartening when our favourite vices are taken away…
LikeLiked by 1 person
They tried to take my cheese and I refused after the wine haha.
LikeLike
I don’t let myself get more than 12 books behind for reviews, because it makes me feel overwhelmed and strained. I like to mood read too much, and I don’t like putting off personal reads. I don’t know how you do it!
LikeLike
I’m weak. I find it hard to say no sometimes, though I am getting better at it! Also, I am a reviewer for NetGalley and Edelweiss and they have SO many great titles…
LikeLike
Yeah, Netgalley (and binge requesting) are definitely my downfalls as well! There’s just so many good books out there! Eidelweiss has only sent me one eARC so far, and I couldn’t finish it, it was so bad. We’ll see if they send me any more!
LikeLike
Great list…my TBR list is a lot longer than 124…but who is counting. Lol
LikeLike
124 is just my ‘agreed to review ‘ queue. My actual TBR is over one thousand. GASP!
LikeLike
Now…that’s more like mine…..I will have to live as long as Methuselah to finish it!!
LikeLike
I have struggled with this issue too. I finally decided that I am probably a better reviewer if I allow my mind to follow its interests. Now, I make it a point to read a book of personal interest after every 2-3 “agreed to review” books. This helps keep the pleasure in the process, at least for me.
LikeLike
Great attitude. I wish I could adopt it.
LikeLike