Comments on: Standalone vs. Series Books

By: Jann

Jann — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:00:17 +0000

I’ve always been a book-a-holic, but having these blogs to expose me to new writers has been an incredible boon to me. Some things about technology are extremely positive!

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:43:10 +0000

I have yet to read THE LOCK ARTIST (still!), but Brian and I are both fans of Steve Hamilton’s Alex McKnight series. (We really liked the 5th in the series, BLOOD IS THE SKY.) Per Jen’s recommendation and having the pleasure of meeting him at Bouchercon, I’ve got R.J. Ellory in the new-to-me-author queue for this year. He and Daniel Woodrell.

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:38:30 +0000

Jann – PCN and Jen deserve some credit for my rather healthy TBR queue as well! 😉

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:27:22 +0000

If I’m being introduced to a new-to-me author that has both a series and standalones, I would probably start at beginning of their series first. Like Elizabeth and Nora were saying, I love reading the development of the characters through a series.

Now, that said, if a standalone of theirs was highly regarded I’d be tempted to try that first if the author’s series is more than 5 books in. Although recently, I tried to read a standalone that was getting such good reviews, but it bored me to the point that I just couldn’t finish it. It was written by an author that has a series that I do read and really enjoy and really debated on whether to push on through. After I got past the guilt of doing so, and also learned from others that it wasn’t just me, I bailed on it. Will I read another of this author’s standalones? Maybe, though I’ll probably check it out of the library instead of buying it; but I will definitely keep reading the series. Same deal if a series starts to flag. If I still like the characters, I’ll go for the library instead of buying. If even the characters can’t keep me interested after a couple, I’d probably stop reading the series.

By: Nora

Nora — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 17:36:38 +0000

I think if it’s three in a row, that’d be the kiss of death for me. If the series is quite long and there are a few here and there that just don’t do it for me, I’m fine with that. Authors can’t please everyone all the time, so fair enough.

It all comes back to character in series fiction. If I’m connected to the characters, if I care, then I can forgive the occasional dropped-ball, plot-wise. If the characters stall, that’s a problem.

By: Jann

Jann — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:43:05 +0000

You bet I will, if I can keep from making a blubbering fool out of myself! 🙂

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:23:23 +0000

I think you’ll do just fine in Vegas, Nora! I’m also counting on Jann to give a full report of the Crais signing.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:53:23 +0000

I’m glad I can help with your reading choices, Jann. Thank you for saying that.

Hmm. Let me think…When Crais appears at the Belmont Library, you’ll be home washing your arms? Seriously, have a wonderful time, takes loads of pictures and report back any monkey business!

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:45:23 +0000

I agree with you both, but sometimes I don’t have the luxury of time or access (because the first few installments are out of print) to start at the beginning.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:39:07 +0000

Precisely. Of course if the books are well written they should each be able to be read in a vacuum, but I just don't think a reader gets the optimal experience unless they follow a series from the beginning.