Happy to keep reading these - I think book 4 is out May time. Like Dansecu and Emily Summers is credible. Set around where I live, this makes the settHappy to keep reading these - I think book 4 is out May time. Like Dansecu and Emily Summers is credible. Set around where I live, this makes the setting really interesting. I have recommended to a friend and we may set up a day out visiting all the key sites!...more
Living near Chichester, I especially enjoyed the setting but as a crime novel this was far better than I had anticipated. Well-written, well-plotted aLiving near Chichester, I especially enjoyed the setting but as a crime novel this was far better than I had anticipated. Well-written, well-plotted and really engaging characters - will certainly be looking out or books by Matthew Evans....more
As a quick detective read it was ok. Got a bit irritated by the protagonist, Declan Miller because I think I'd be irritated by him in real life. It waAs a quick detective read it was ok. Got a bit irritated by the protagonist, Declan Miller because I think I'd be irritated by him in real life. It was a bit predictable but for term time, it did the job....more
New Year's Day read of my annual Brody Christmas present from Ma. Enjoyed it but do miss Kate Shackleton!New Year's Day read of my annual Brody Christmas present from Ma. Enjoyed it but do miss Kate Shackleton!...more
Received as a bundle of 4 pamphlets - favourite poems in it Christmas in Envelopes by U A Fanthorpe andChristmas Sparrow by Billy Collins. Enjoyable rReceived as a bundle of 4 pamphlets - favourite poems in it Christmas in Envelopes by U A Fanthorpe andChristmas Sparrow by Billy Collins. Enjoyable read. ...more
I got confused in parts as some of the description wasn't as clear as would have helped but I have downloaded others by the same author and will give I got confused in parts as some of the description wasn't as clear as would have helped but I have downloaded others by the same author and will give them a go. Supernatural crime is always a go to....more
This is an enjoyable series and as a winter holiday read for the train, it didn't disappoint.This is an enjoyable series and as a winter holiday read for the train, it didn't disappoint....more
Read this with Y9 - have done it previously in the summer term and think that that's better maturity-wise. It's an ok book to teach but I prefer Of MiRead this with Y9 - have done it previously in the summer term and think that that's better maturity-wise. It's an ok book to teach but I prefer Of Mice and Men for Y9. ...more
By book 13 you know what to expect - Lady Swift, Hugh Seldon, Clifford, Butters et al and bloodless murder鈥� more twists than the Cyclone at Coney IslaBy book 13 you know what to expect - Lady Swift, Hugh Seldon, Clifford, Butters et al and bloodless murder鈥� more twists than the Cyclone at Coney Island!...more
This is a typical Persephone classic - an English, mid 20th century family and their village life. Centred around Esther - a 45 year old widow and herThis is a typical Persephone classic - an English, mid 20th century family and their village life. Centred around Esther - a 45 year old widow and her 3 grown up daughters. A realistic, light but engaging read. ...more
I really enjoyed this book - It reminded me a bit of Wake by Anna Hope - a 2nd world war story about the impact of events. Whilst elements of the storI really enjoyed this book - It reminded me a bit of Wake by Anna Hope - a 2nd world war story about the impact of events. Whilst elements of the story were a bit inevitable, the event at the centre was a true story of what happened one night at the Bethnal Green tube station shelter - an event that happened to the writer's grandmother. Having read other reviews I recognise that Brown worked with a ghostwriter - the story is Brown's as was all the research and she hired a willing writer to work with her on the book, it is the book I am reviewing not the circumstances of its writing which is acknowledged - this an accomplished narrative - believable and in places moving....more
I love the way Michael's writes - none of the glowing reviews are undeserved. I loved Fugitive Pieces and this also moved me throughout. Narrative wisI love the way Michael's writes - none of the glowing reviews are undeserved. I loved Fugitive Pieces and this also moved me throughout. Narrative wise I had expected it to follow John through his life - especially given the blurb but this is not the case (This isn't really a spoiler). The book examines love, loss, grief and resilience against the back drop of science and politics - it is clever without being superior and I cried at least twice. Beautifully written and will be on my Christmas gift list for several people for Christmas. Read in one sitting - literally couldn't put it down....more
My first O'Brien as I am exploring Irish writers now I am learning Irish! Not at all what I was expecting, stylewise - set in the 60s and about a sepaMy first O'Brien as I am exploring Irish writers now I am learning Irish! Not at all what I was expecting, stylewise - set in the 60s and about a separated woman who is breaking away from societal sexual constraints - I thought this would be a pro-freedom exploration of woman power but all the female characters are sad and used and it is all a bit bleak to be honest - the protagonist is not someone I felt any sympathy towards and the whole thing did seem to say, stay in your lane! I don't know how typical this is of O'Brien's work - I wanted to like it better....more
Completely cosy read. Fantasy world which feels as if it doesn't have to be. Nothing bad happens - feel good book - especially when off sick!Completely cosy read. Fantasy world which feels as if it doesn't have to be. Nothing bad happens - feel good book - especially when off sick!...more
This was a real slow starter and I nearly gave up - the first quarter wasn't really hooking me but I read the 2nd half in one go and it did pick up. IThis was a real slow starter and I nearly gave up - the first quarter wasn't really hooking me but I read the 2nd half in one go and it did pick up. I do prefer the more domestic / relationship focus rather than the wider world stuff but I will read the next instalment when it's out....more
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