Saturday, September 01, 2007


Yes, indeed . . . it is another challenge; however, this one I plan to complete throughout the year of 2008 and would like to include all of you. The details are as follows:


WHO: Anyone who would like to join me

WHAT: Read 12 books that are the first in any series
(new authors not required)
You may read your chosen books any time during the year.

WHERE: Mister Linky will keep track here on "Thoughts of Joy..."

WHEN:
January thru December, 2008

WHY: I need a structured plan to help me accomplish my goal of sampling many new series during the coming year.


* I just discovered that Kathrin at Crazy Cozy Murders has a challenge in the works titled Series Challenge. The challenge focuses on getting up-to-date on the series you have begun. If you would prefer to finish up series, instead of starting up new ones like the First in a Series requires, make sure you check out Kathrin's challenge. (You could always sign up for both!)


Here's a great list from Amazon.com that includes a brief description of many, many series.

Sign up below with a link to your post with your
First in a Series
choices OR just leave a comment, I'd love to read your thoughts:


110 comments:

  1. hee hee hee - you just can't resist coming up with new challenges can you??

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  2. I've really enjoyed reading new authors and several firsts in series for the Summer Mystery Challenge. I still have other firsts on my shelves but I'm not sure I'd have 12. Fun idea though. Good luck with it.

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  3. Suzi ~ It's not about coming up with new challenges, it's about being overwhelmed with books I want to read. Making a plan helps with the anxiety. :)

    Also, being that I was making a list with a theme, I felt it appropriate to invite others to join. The more the merrier, but not required. I've already whittled down my possible reads, so I'm good to go.

    Tanabata ~ I'm finally taking the time to read authors that I have read standalones, but not their series. Of course, there's authors I haven't read in the list too.

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  4. Hey crazy lady! I'm not joining this madness with you, sorry. Start 12 new series? can't do it, but I'll cheer you on from the sidelines, and read my 2nds books with you. You are fun to read with, but I've reached my limit. have fun

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  5. Raidergirl3 ~ LOL, no problem. Although, to me, it's a resolution to my madness! :)

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  6. I'm in! I just finished my list. I'm a series addict so it would be impossible for me to pass this one by!

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  7. Joy, I just added my link. I thought I did it before but I guess I forgot to hit enter!

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  8. Oh Joy, this sounds like too much fun to pass up! Would a trilogy count as a series?
    Anyway, off to start preparing my list!

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  9. Nicola ~ Glad to see you!

    Debi ~ Sure, why not! I don't think I would consider a sequel (2) though. I can't wait to see your list. :)

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  10. Wanted to let you know that I'll probably join in on the fun, but I don't have a list yet. I don't even have any *firm* ideas. I just know that it sounds really fun.

    Becky

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  11. Wait, what?? What was all this talk about no challenges in 2008!! ;) I'm guessing you meant *other* challenges. I'm going to pass on this one...I need to focus on reading the books that I own and I don't own enough firsts in a series. But sounds like fun!!

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  12. Becky ~ Hooray! The challenge doesn't begin for many months, but getting a tentative list together gives everybody more ideas. I can't wait to see your choices!

    Trish ~ Party Pooper!!! You got it; I'm not joining any other challenges (remember, I can still change my mind though) outside of my own! These are books I want to read and it'll take place of the TBR Challenge. I only made it a challenge because I thought others may want to join in on the fun...yes fun! :) Also, when more people join, more ideas can be had by all. Like I told Suzi, you can always reconsider. You have lots of time to decide. Grin.

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  13. Stop trying to peer-pressure me! I already caved into the RIP challenge. Urg! :)

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  14. Trish ~ Me, pressure you? Never. :)

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  15. Joy: You know you can count me in, chickie. I have the time to look new ones up. I self-challenged on the Medical Mystery Challenge and found some awesome new-to-me authors and series. Some of my authors write several series, so I can go back and revisit them.
    -V-

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  16. My first thought was "No Way!" Then I looked over my bookshelves and I already have several firsts. And you have some on your list that look enticing. And Amazon has recommended some . . . Can we include re-reads? I have a few that haven't been read in years. It's good that I have a couple of months to ponder.

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  17. Vickie ~ That's great! I added the Coffeehouse Mysteries to my "possibilities list", which I got from you. Thanks. :)

    Framed ~ I'm not a rereader, so that concept is foreign to me, but hey ... if you want to reread a first - that's fine with me. :)

    I do understand wanting to refreshing your mind or wanting to re-experience a book; I was being a bit facetious. *grin* However, I really don't reread fiction.

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  18. I'm joining in. Series are my favorite types of books because I hate getting to know a character & then have it be over. I have started my list & plan to add the rest tomorrow. Fun!

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  19. I looked at your list and you have some awesome reading ahead of you.
    I am going to try and do this challenge. I have to go thru the lists of books that I want to try and come up with the first one.

    Barbara

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  20. Ginny ~ I agree with your reasoning for reading series. :)

    Heidi ~ That's how I'm looking at this challenge. It's just an opportunity for me to try out new series and see if I like them. If so, yippee. If not, I don't continue.

    I've already begun reading some off my list. I couldn't wait. There are so many that I'm not worried about a shortage of books for the challenge. :)

    What were your favorites in the list?

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  21. On your list Michael Connelly, Jeffrey Deaver,James Grippando, Patricia Cornwell, Cleo Coyle, Debbie Macomber, David Rosenfelt,Stephen White, Aunt Dimity books, So far I prefer Laura Childs Scrapbooking series.

    I am so glad I am up to date on their series.

    Happy to hear that trilogys count since I have a few of them sitting around.

    Barbara
    I took your advice on my blog and added something about the books that I read. Thanks for the suggestion.

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  22. Heidi/Barbara ~ Hooray! I'll come by again! :)

    Thanks for answering my question. I'll have to look into that one, too.

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  23. Anonymous12:07 PM

    I can't wait!! This is my first challenge as a new blogger and I have been wanting to do some more series reading. I'm halfway thru Sue Grafton's ABC Books so maybe I'll go join Kathrin too LOL!! Thanks!!

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  24. Oh boy! Another challenge I don't think I can resist! I love series so much. The only problem is.. then you have dozens and dozens of books to read because you want to continue all the series! I hope you'll consider hosting a "finish the series" challenge next year! ;) I'm off to make my list.

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  25. Kristina ~ Welcome to the blogging world! Glad you'll be joining in on the fun of this challenge. :)

    Dewey ~ LOL I love this because it'll give me a sampling of many different authors' series, then I can decide whether or not they are worthy of continuing.

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  26. I love to read, and was just looking for a new series to start, so this will be great! Will read Cleo Coyle Coffee House Series. Thanks for hosting!

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  27. Okay, so I misunderstood - but am compiling a list of firsts to read, sounds like fun.

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  28. Lori ~ Oh good, you've decided to join us anyway! :) I look forward to seeing your list.

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  29. Just got my post up! I want to start reading them all now, though; I don't know how I'll wait until January!

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  30. Sounds like fun, land I can't believe I finally found where to leave my comment.

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  31. Dewey ~ I left you a message on your post. :)

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  32. Lindy ~ Your link doesn't work. If you could, please try again and I'll delete the current one.

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  33. Anonymous8:05 PM

    Hi, Joy! I am up for this kind of a challenge, but I will need a bit of time to put a list together. I am looking forward to this!

    By the way -- Mary from the WW Booklover's Board referred me to your blog site. I decided to Check it out and I quickly got hooked.

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  34. Anonymous3:51 PM

    Joy, This is Kay, aka ScrapManic. I tried to comment this morning but I don't think I did it correctly.

    It turns out that someone else already has a blog with a similar name (his or hers is Scrapmanic, mine was scrap-manic). To avoid confusion, I changed my URL to Kays-Read-Scrap_Live. And I changed my name to just plain old "Kay".

    You might want to remove the link for Scrapmanic . . .

    Thanks!

    And I am busily working on my list of 12 reads for next year.

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  35. Kay ~ I responded to your first comment on your blog. :)

    I took care of Mister Linky so you're all set for now. When you get your list ready, then link that specific post and I'll remove the current one. I'm looking forward to seeing your choices.

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  36. Its Lisa from the TBR group! I found my way over here. I am looking forward to sampling new series next year. Just because I read one doesn't mean I have to read the whole thing, right? Right...

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  37. Lisa ~ Welcome! :) Glad to see you found me. I am doing exactly what you said, "sampling new series". I've already begun and am having a great time doing it. :) I'll come by to see your choices.

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  38. I have so many series that I need to start. This will be a great motivation!!!

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  39. Emily ~ Yay! I'm glad to give you some incentive. :)

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  40. thanks for the challenge! As soon as I saw it, I knew it was for me.....then to my shock, when I began pulling books off my shelves, I discovered I had more than 12 series to START!!! Yikes! So, have to narrow them down, then will post the books on my blog. Count me in!

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  41. Susan ~ I left a comment on your blog. :) Can't wait to see what's on your series list!

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  42. Great one now I can get going on my series

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  43. Please remove #19 does not have correct blog link

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  44. Suefitz ~ I'm looking forward to sampling many new series, too! I see that you began your list. I'll be back to see what else you add.

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  45. I just linked up. Better late than never. Thanks to you, Joy, I never have to wonder what to read next.

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  46. Framed ~ I'm happy to be of service! :)

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  47. At first, I didn't think I had enough new series in my TBR. Then I made a list and realized I wouldn't even need to count the three "firsts" I have listed in the other challenges I plan to participate in (Caine's Weather Warden; Anne Stuart's "Ice" books; and Susan Gulland's Empress Josephine trilogy)! I taking this opportunity to start a few backlogged mini series from Silhouette Nocturne and Bombshell.

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  48. Christina ~ Sounds like a plan! I'm glad you're joining us. :)

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  49. Oh dear! I'm committing to this challenge too!

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  50. Wonderlandchick ~ Oh good! I look forward to seeing what you choose. :)

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  51. Joy,

    I am finally adding my choices to my blog. Thanks for doing this challenge. I found out I had a lot more firsts than I thought I did.

    Barbara

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  52. Heidi ~ I checked out your list...it's great! I hope you enjoy them.

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  53. I love series, and would really like to join the challenge. Already made up my list - it is in my sidebar. 2008 is going to be my first with reading challenges - can't wait to get started!!

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  54. Kara ~ Welcome! Glad to hear that you love series...this challenge is a perfect fit. :)

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  55. Anonymous9:25 AM

    I am joining yet another of your challenges! I posted my list on my blog and in the sidebar as well. I hope it's ok but a lot are overlaps with other challenges I am doing as I have signed up for so many next year.

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  56. I'm looking forward to this challenge. I'm still thinking about it, but may also join the TBR challenge. I've got too many books! I hope these challenges help me focus on reading what I already have.

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  57. Rhinoa ~ Glad to see you! Cross-challenge choices are perfectly legit! :)

    Terri ~ You can join them both! :) It's really not meant to make you feel overwhelmed. It truly is to just have fun. No pressure.

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  58. Anonymous3:57 PM

    I am joining in on a ton of your challenges.

    But I need help!

    How do I make all the challenges I am joining show up on a sidebar like you do? I am completely new to coding.

    Thanks

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  59. Red Headed Sarcastic Geek ~ I'm using Blogspot and you appear to be using Wordpress so I would be of no help to you. Sorry. Glad you are joining in though. :)

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  60. JOY:

    I have joined so many challenges that I decided to create a "challenges" blog - is there anyway to change the link in Mr. Linky to reflect that new site or do I just sign up again on the list?

    Thanks,

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  61. I've joined three different challenges. That's not too many, right?? ;) I'm really looking forward to all the reading that I have planned for the next year. Thanks for this challenge.

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  62. I can't resist a good challenge. I will be posting more of my lists as the year winds down.

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  63. Kara ~ No problem. I'll take care of it.

    Trisha ~ Glad you chose this challenge! I'm looking forward to my reading year as well.

    Janet ~ Okay...that works for me. :)

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  64. Joy: Thanks so much for taking care of that!!

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  65. Anonymous1:47 PM

    This is my first ever reading challenge and I am really looking forward to it!

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  66. okay, i've done it ... i'm not entirely sure that i'm going to be able to read everything i want to in 2008, but i just couldn't resist. thanks for hosting so many fun challenges!

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  67. Dana ~ Woo Hoo, a newbie!!! I'm so glad you are joining us. Don't forget to come back and link your read books. I'm going to come by and see your list. :)

    Alison ~ I wondered if you were going to give in!!! *BIG GRIN* No pressure...just have fun and read what you can.

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  68. Anonymous3:40 PM

    Thanks for this challenge, I just hope that i'll be able to read everything;o)

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  69. Virginie ~ Welcome! I hope you'll be able to finish them, too. :) No pressure, though. It's meant to be fun.

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  70. Anonymous2:00 PM

    It's ok, I don't feel any pressure, except mine;o) But I know I'm always very difficult with lists, because I read according to the moment and the feelings, right now I'm really into vampire stories for example, for how long I can't say, and maybe in one month time I'll be in a thrillers moment, who knows! But I hope I'll manage to stick to my list;o)

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  71. Hi Joy,

    I'm in on this challenge. I'm working a list and should have it up by the end of the day. My list will be at http://www.susanlovestoread.blogspot.com/

    Susan L

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  72. Susan L ~ Great! We are happy to have you join in our madness! :) I'll come by to see your list soon.

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  73. Anonymous6:51 AM

    Thanks, Joy!
    I needed a push to locate new series.
    SG/Sandra

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  74. This is going to be a fun challenge. I am not a big mystery reader so my list will be a lot of just fiction books (although there are a few mysteries). I have found several that sound great! After this challenge I am going to have to find a challenge to finish the series!!

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  75. Sandra ~ I'm happy to be of service! :)

    Darcie ~ There currently is a challenge called the Series Challenge (on my sidebar-no image) that goes from Dec. - May, 2008. Maybe she'll consider lengthening it or doing it again. ???

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  76. Mandy ~ Welcome! I look forward to seeing your list. (I can't comment on your blog.) :(

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  77. Just realized that I never "officially" joined up on this challenge. I have considered myself joined since the first I read the post! I just forgot to come & sign up via Mr. Linky. I'll try to see if I can post about it on my blog and join up 'officially' soon.

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  78. Becky ~ I know how that goes. Glad you remembered to come back. I came by your blog and checked your list out. :) Happy Reading!

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  79. Joy
    I posted my list. Happy to see this challenge. I actually have that many series I have been wanting to start. Thanks for the push :)
    Brittanie

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  80. Brittanie ~ Glad that you found us and that it has given you the incentive to read them. :)

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  81. Finished my first 'First In Series' book today. ILL WIND - Rachel Caine. Moving on....

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  82. Vickie ~ Keep up the good reading! :)

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  83. Okie doke! Finished another First In Series choice, THE MONKEY'S RAINCOAT - Robert Crais. I know you've read this one, Joy. It was neat to read the beginning of the series after having read a few of 'in the middle'. A little rough around the edges, but I remember my reasons for having a crush on Elvis!

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  84. Vickie ~ Hey -V-! I'm glad you enjoyed the first one, too. :)

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  85. Count me in! I had enough at home once I counted mysteries and fiction.

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  86. Anonymous1:20 AM

    I'm going to join your challenge, despite being a little late to it! I haven't posted a list yet because I have a couple of questions--can I change my list later, and can it cross over with other challenges?

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  87. Kris ~ Okay...you're in! :) That's great that you could gather all of them up from home.

    Teenbookreview ~ It's not too late! :) Yes, you may change your list whenever needed and by all means cross-challenge whenever possible! I wouldn't be able to do all the challenges I'm doing without crossing. Happy Choosing!

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  88. i just found out about this challenge... i know it's kind of late in jan. but i'd still love to join up!!

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  89. This is my second challenge and I am very excited! There are many series that I have been dying to start, and this gives me the incentive to!!!

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  90. Story Siren ~ I'm so glad you found us and are joining us! It's only 12 books, so you'll be fine. :)

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  91. Tasha ~ Great! :) I look forward to seeing your list.

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  92. Where do we post our links for our reviews?? Or do we just put them on our blog and hope people look??

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  93. Tasha ~ The first post of this blog has the directions (link) to the Mister Linky for the First in a Series Challenge. Happy Linking!

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  94. I found this challenge at The Story Siren's blog. It sounds great!

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  95. Reader Rabbit ~ Woo Hoo! I'm glad you found us and welcome! :)

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  96. Hey Joy! I'd love to join in! I've already posted my list.

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  97. Reader ~ Woo Hoo! I'll be by for a visit. :)

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  98. Anonymous12:32 PM

    Oops! I've been playing along with this challenge, but it looks like I forgot to officially sign up.

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  99. Esther ~ That's okay! I'm glad you are official now. :)

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  100. Joy,

    I'm coming to this very late, but I'd love to sign up if you don't mind. I'm a big fan of mystery novels and I'm always on the lookout for new series, so this one seems to be tailor made for me. And, checking back through my list of books read so far this year, I find that I've already read four firsts.

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  101. Kate S. ~ I don't mind at all! In fact, I'm very happy that you would like to join us. :)

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  102. Hi Joy - I realize I never told you my list was up....so I'm catching up with all my challenges to make sure I am registered! I have 13 books (I had so many that I couldn't choose just 12!), have read one so far...they're on my sidebar on my blog. Do you need a post for Mr Linky? thanks!

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  103. Susan ~ A new link is not necessary because you've already signed up and your list is on your sidebar.

    You may link your review onto March's Mister Linky for First in a Series. You can access it from the first post of this blog.

    Happy Reading!

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  104. I have a lot of series that are on my TBR list and I thought this would be a good challenge. Judy

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  105. I.B. ~ I look forward to seeing your list! Welcome!

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  106. I can't wait to read these books!

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  107. Kyle ~ I hope all your choices turn out to be winners! :)

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  108. Mickie ~ I can't find where to comment on your blog. I wanted to welcome you to the First in a Series Reading Challenge! I hope you enjoy all your choices. :)

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  109. I will be eavign shortly for the holiday, and I have no blog, so I am posting now.

    Lewis, Beverly The Preacher's Daughter
    2. Woods, Stuart The Prince of Beverly Hills
    3. Roberts, Nora Born in Fire
    4. Craig, Philip R. A Beauttiful Place to Die
    5. Rice, LuAnn Firefly Beach
    6. Anderson, Joan A Year by he Sea
    7. Lindsay, Johanna Love Only Once
    8. Karon, Jan At Home in Mitford
    9. Garwood, Julie For the Roses
    10. Fleming, Julia Spencer In the Bleak Midwinter.
    11. Unger, Lisa Beautiful Lies
    12. Hoag, Tami Dark Horse
    13. Johansen, Irs The Face 0f Deception
    14. Hooper, Kay The Matchmaker
    15. Page, Katherine Hall The body in the Lighthosue
    16. Deaver, Jeffrey The Bone Collector
    17. Gerritsen, Tess The Surgeon
    18. Lippman, Laura Charm City
    19. Neeggers, Carla Hunting Fear
    Lindy

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  110. Grilsgood ~ HOORAY! I hope you enjoyed it and have found some new series that you would like to continue. :)

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Thank you for taking the time to comment. :)

I hope you have a great day and ...
Happy Reading!