Wednesday Reading Meme
What I Just Finished Reading: A combination of a free weekend, not being able to sleep for more than 4 hours a night, and a series with quick reads and short word counts led me to reading 7 books this week: Dog Day Afternoon by David Rosenthal, Vagabond by Tim Curry, and 5 books in the Under The Breaking Sky series by Nick Clausen. Reviews below.
I also had one DNF, Marsha by Tourmaline. Just poorly written, repetitive, and with no narrative flow.
What I'm Reading Right Now: I'm hoping to finish the series by the weekend. I'm reading Blind Hate now, and there's only one book left in the series after that.
What I'm Planning to Read Next: I think I'll move to a Gridlock book next. Maybe Everybody in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson.
34. Blind Fury by Nick Clausen
The immune struggle to stay clear of the rampaging affected and the government looking to round them up for experimentation.
This picks up right where the last book ended. Our immune characters are physically all over the place, and while the book makes some strides to get them together it also splits some of them up. Despite the large cast of characters it’s a rollicking fast-paced crazy action tale, and I’m enjoying every minute of it. Our heroes are not only trying to deal with the rampaging murderous infected, but this time there’s bad guys out to get them as well. It feels a bit old-fashioned and a bit popcorn action movie.
The author ends almost every chapter with a cliffhanger, which can be a little annoying at times. But the chapters are short so you’re not left hanging for long. Anyway, it was an effective way to keep me reading, that’s for sure.
I made myself a little cheat sheet to stick into my reading journal of where the characters were left off, since their fates are left hanging and I may forget details before I get to the next book.
Dates Read: March 11 to 13, 2026
Page Count: 300
5 out of 5 stars
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 10 - read 10 books from any series (06/10 - 34/55 total)
35. Dog Day Afternoon by David Rosenfelt
Marcus enlists Andy’s help when a young man Marcus mentors is arrested for mass murder.
A fast-paced and easy-to-follow entry to the series. Nick, our accused murderer, has a flimsy alibi. But his love of dogs and Marcus’ endorsement is enough for Andy. There’s clues a-plenty and I was able to figure out some of the mystery, though not how it all tied together. I was happy for a return of the Bubelah Brigade (minus two members who have moved to Florida) and was pleased that Marcus at least spoke briefly, though I’d hoped he’d have a bigger role.
We really need a book featuring Marcus!
Loved the chilling little epilogue ending.
Dates Read: March 13 to 14, 2026
Page Count: 304
5 out of 5 stars
+ Around the Year in 52 Books - Prompt 20 - related to today (34/52)
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 10 - read 10 books from any series (07/10 - 35/55 total)
36. Vagabond by Tim Curry
Memoir.
Mr. Curry hits the highlights of his life in this fast moving autobiography, from a few quick chapters of his early years to his appearances on stage, film, TV, and voice work, and his later stroke. There’s no celebrity gossip or details about his love life, and the most he’ll give is the suggestion that some actors were less tolerable to work with than others. It did feel very honest and straightforward, with a breezy, conversational style. His assistant/ghostwriter certainly got his voice right because I felt like I could hear him narrating in certain parts.
It was lovely to reminisce about some of his classics, and delightful to hear that one of his favourites to work on was Muppet Treasure Island. This book brought back a lot of great memories, from listening to his albums on my portable record player, an image ripped from a Rocky Horror book on my bedroom wall, many RHPS showings, and dragging my friends to the theatre trying to see allll the endings of Clue.
Is it wrong that I wanted just a littttttle bit of gossip?
Date Read: March 14, 2026
Page Count: 281
4 out of 5 stars
+ Around the Year in 52 Weeks - Prompt 19 - related to yesterday (35/52)
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 3 - read 3 books with one-word title (03/03 - 36/55 total)
37. Blind Fear by Nick Clausen
As the crack in the sky gets bigger and lasts longer, it becomes more of a struggle for both the immune and non-immune to resist its effects.
Our heroes are mostly still separated and in a world of hurt. One of the manifestations of the crack is hallucinations (or are they?) of dead loved ones, who will use any tactic to get the living to either look into the sky or hurt the people around them. This especially causes trouble for newcomer Nick, whose deafness means he doesn’t realize his companion is communicating with her dead boyfriend, and Gina and Thorn both find themselves on the brink after unsettling encounters.
The cast of characters is a bit too unwieldy and the brevity of the books means we don’t get to spend enough time with them. But the tension is ratcheted up to the max, and this instalment was able to surprise me a few times, so I can’t seem to fault it.
Onward to book 4.
Date Read: May 15, 2026
Page Count: 215
5 out of 5 stars
+ Lost Challenge Countdown - Prompt 10 - read 10 books from any series (08/10 - 37/55 total)
38. Blind Pain by Nick Clausen
Our survivors wrestle with their demons, and we’re given a little hint as to the origins behind the crack in the sky.
The story takes a lurching step sideways in this instalment, with Fritz – well, I don’t want to ruin it for anyone, but he’s certainly not the same person. I’m not sure I like this development. And as more and more survivors are alternately tormented or helped by their ghosts, we’re left to wonder if there are two powers at play here. The characterizations can veer pretty wildly here, from the accuracy of what kids are like when they’re bratty to the over-the-top-ness of the redneck family that Melissa encounters.
I like the imagery of the varying degrees of adeptness that blind display when in hiding. Sometimes they’re like cats behind a curtain, or an elephant trying to hide behind a pole. And sometimes they get it right, those sneaky buggers.
Dates Read: March 15 to 16, 2026
Page Count: 240
4 out of 5 stars
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 10 - read 10 books from any series (09/10 - 38/55 total)
39. Blind Hope by Nick Clausen
Midway through the series and things are getting a bit unraveled.
The survivors continue to struggle with their demons, with Mark taking a big downturn for the worst. This is the Mark from the beginning of the series, and considering not much time has gone by in this apoca-world, this version of him feels more authentic, if offputting, then the virtuous Mark we’ve seen in the last few novels. I know that he’s probably the main “hero” and will gain redemption, but I pretty much want him to die.
In the world of the bad guys, Fritz is making headway on… something. There’s a lot of people and an airplane hangar and plans are apparently afoot. Melissa should have rethought about hanging with this dude.
This book feels a lot choppier than the rest. Considering they’re so short there’s plenty of space to expand the world-building, give us smoother transitions between locations, and especially fill in the backstory from one of John’s previous cases that apparently holds the key to the breaking sky. Events are mentioned as if the reader should already know about them, but I’m clueless.
This was the most disappointing installment, but I’m in for the long haul. Three more to go.
Date Read: March 16, 2026
Page Count: 180
3 out of 5 stars
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 10 - read 10 books from any series (10/10 complete - 39/55 total)
40. Blind Fate by Nick Clausen
Tommy’s going off the deep end, John is one lucky dude, and Melissa probably deserved that fate.
Well, there is a LOT of ridiculousness in book 6, yet somehow it was quite enjoyable. Chief among the craziness is a ghoulish baby. Seriously, why do so many books and movies feel they need to add a monster/zombie/inhuman baby? It’s never a good idea. The premise is also completely unravelling – I’m not sure the explanations given for the breaking sky and the ghosts matches with the physical manifestation of what the affected blind people and Fritz/Franz can do, never mind the aforementioned ghoulish baby.
So with John’s miraculous survival, Tommy’s repetitive ghost, and a cracked out plot, why did I enjoy it so much? I mean, this whole series is pure schlock, but I guess this one was pretty entertaining schlock.
Date Read: March 17, 2026
Page Count: 197
4 out of 5 stars
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 6 - read 6 books published in 2023 or before (02/06 - 40/55 total)
.
I also had one DNF, Marsha by Tourmaline. Just poorly written, repetitive, and with no narrative flow.
What I'm Reading Right Now: I'm hoping to finish the series by the weekend. I'm reading Blind Hate now, and there's only one book left in the series after that.
What I'm Planning to Read Next: I think I'll move to a Gridlock book next. Maybe Everybody in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson.
34. Blind Fury by Nick Clausen
The immune struggle to stay clear of the rampaging affected and the government looking to round them up for experimentation.
This picks up right where the last book ended. Our immune characters are physically all over the place, and while the book makes some strides to get them together it also splits some of them up. Despite the large cast of characters it’s a rollicking fast-paced crazy action tale, and I’m enjoying every minute of it. Our heroes are not only trying to deal with the rampaging murderous infected, but this time there’s bad guys out to get them as well. It feels a bit old-fashioned and a bit popcorn action movie.
The author ends almost every chapter with a cliffhanger, which can be a little annoying at times. But the chapters are short so you’re not left hanging for long. Anyway, it was an effective way to keep me reading, that’s for sure.
I made myself a little cheat sheet to stick into my reading journal of where the characters were left off, since their fates are left hanging and I may forget details before I get to the next book.
Dates Read: March 11 to 13, 2026
Page Count: 300
5 out of 5 stars
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 10 - read 10 books from any series (06/10 - 34/55 total)
35. Dog Day Afternoon by David Rosenfelt
Marcus enlists Andy’s help when a young man Marcus mentors is arrested for mass murder.
A fast-paced and easy-to-follow entry to the series. Nick, our accused murderer, has a flimsy alibi. But his love of dogs and Marcus’ endorsement is enough for Andy. There’s clues a-plenty and I was able to figure out some of the mystery, though not how it all tied together. I was happy for a return of the Bubelah Brigade (minus two members who have moved to Florida) and was pleased that Marcus at least spoke briefly, though I’d hoped he’d have a bigger role.
We really need a book featuring Marcus!
Loved the chilling little epilogue ending.
Dates Read: March 13 to 14, 2026
Page Count: 304
5 out of 5 stars
+ Around the Year in 52 Books - Prompt 20 - related to today (34/52)
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 10 - read 10 books from any series (07/10 - 35/55 total)
36. Vagabond by Tim Curry
Memoir.
Mr. Curry hits the highlights of his life in this fast moving autobiography, from a few quick chapters of his early years to his appearances on stage, film, TV, and voice work, and his later stroke. There’s no celebrity gossip or details about his love life, and the most he’ll give is the suggestion that some actors were less tolerable to work with than others. It did feel very honest and straightforward, with a breezy, conversational style. His assistant/ghostwriter certainly got his voice right because I felt like I could hear him narrating in certain parts.
It was lovely to reminisce about some of his classics, and delightful to hear that one of his favourites to work on was Muppet Treasure Island. This book brought back a lot of great memories, from listening to his albums on my portable record player, an image ripped from a Rocky Horror book on my bedroom wall, many RHPS showings, and dragging my friends to the theatre trying to see allll the endings of Clue.
Is it wrong that I wanted just a littttttle bit of gossip?
Date Read: March 14, 2026
Page Count: 281
4 out of 5 stars
+ Around the Year in 52 Weeks - Prompt 19 - related to yesterday (35/52)
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 3 - read 3 books with one-word title (03/03 - 36/55 total)
37. Blind Fear by Nick Clausen
As the crack in the sky gets bigger and lasts longer, it becomes more of a struggle for both the immune and non-immune to resist its effects.
Our heroes are mostly still separated and in a world of hurt. One of the manifestations of the crack is hallucinations (or are they?) of dead loved ones, who will use any tactic to get the living to either look into the sky or hurt the people around them. This especially causes trouble for newcomer Nick, whose deafness means he doesn’t realize his companion is communicating with her dead boyfriend, and Gina and Thorn both find themselves on the brink after unsettling encounters.
The cast of characters is a bit too unwieldy and the brevity of the books means we don’t get to spend enough time with them. But the tension is ratcheted up to the max, and this instalment was able to surprise me a few times, so I can’t seem to fault it.
Onward to book 4.
Date Read: May 15, 2026
Page Count: 215
5 out of 5 stars
+ Lost Challenge Countdown - Prompt 10 - read 10 books from any series (08/10 - 37/55 total)
38. Blind Pain by Nick Clausen
Our survivors wrestle with their demons, and we’re given a little hint as to the origins behind the crack in the sky.
The story takes a lurching step sideways in this instalment, with Fritz – well, I don’t want to ruin it for anyone, but he’s certainly not the same person. I’m not sure I like this development. And as more and more survivors are alternately tormented or helped by their ghosts, we’re left to wonder if there are two powers at play here. The characterizations can veer pretty wildly here, from the accuracy of what kids are like when they’re bratty to the over-the-top-ness of the redneck family that Melissa encounters.
I like the imagery of the varying degrees of adeptness that blind display when in hiding. Sometimes they’re like cats behind a curtain, or an elephant trying to hide behind a pole. And sometimes they get it right, those sneaky buggers.
Dates Read: March 15 to 16, 2026
Page Count: 240
4 out of 5 stars
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 10 - read 10 books from any series (09/10 - 38/55 total)
39. Blind Hope by Nick Clausen
Midway through the series and things are getting a bit unraveled.
The survivors continue to struggle with their demons, with Mark taking a big downturn for the worst. This is the Mark from the beginning of the series, and considering not much time has gone by in this apoca-world, this version of him feels more authentic, if offputting, then the virtuous Mark we’ve seen in the last few novels. I know that he’s probably the main “hero” and will gain redemption, but I pretty much want him to die.
In the world of the bad guys, Fritz is making headway on… something. There’s a lot of people and an airplane hangar and plans are apparently afoot. Melissa should have rethought about hanging with this dude.
This book feels a lot choppier than the rest. Considering they’re so short there’s plenty of space to expand the world-building, give us smoother transitions between locations, and especially fill in the backstory from one of John’s previous cases that apparently holds the key to the breaking sky. Events are mentioned as if the reader should already know about them, but I’m clueless.
This was the most disappointing installment, but I’m in for the long haul. Three more to go.
Date Read: March 16, 2026
Page Count: 180
3 out of 5 stars
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 10 - read 10 books from any series (10/10 complete - 39/55 total)
40. Blind Fate by Nick Clausen
Tommy’s going off the deep end, John is one lucky dude, and Melissa probably deserved that fate.
Well, there is a LOT of ridiculousness in book 6, yet somehow it was quite enjoyable. Chief among the craziness is a ghoulish baby. Seriously, why do so many books and movies feel they need to add a monster/zombie/inhuman baby? It’s never a good idea. The premise is also completely unravelling – I’m not sure the explanations given for the breaking sky and the ghosts matches with the physical manifestation of what the affected blind people and Fritz/Franz can do, never mind the aforementioned ghoulish baby.
So with John’s miraculous survival, Tommy’s repetitive ghost, and a cracked out plot, why did I enjoy it so much? I mean, this whole series is pure schlock, but I guess this one was pretty entertaining schlock.
Date Read: March 17, 2026
Page Count: 197
4 out of 5 stars
+ Lost Challenges Countdown - Prompt 6 - read 6 books published in 2023 or before (02/06 - 40/55 total)
.