Mandy Dyer's peaceful existence is shattered by her friend, Laura, who has a strange request: that Mandy help her find out who swapped coats with her Mandy Dyer's peaceful existence is shattered by her friend, Laura, who has a strange request: that Mandy help her find out who swapped coats with her at a local restaurant. Mandy reluctantly agrees but once Laura leaves Mandy's dry cleaning shop she is run down by a speeding car.
This begins a series of increasingly worrying events that has Mandy back to detective work to try to find who has hurt Laura and why before things escalate even further.
I have to say that Mandy isnt particularly good at detective work as she focuses on tiny details rather than being logical. She mentions several times that she is independent and doesn't need a man yet any time anything male hoves into view she goes to pieces and starts imagining that the man wants to be with her. Instead of coming across as a strong minded woman she seems petty and jealous and desperate to please the male of the species. I found her really quite irritating.
The story itself was exceptionally easy to work out - except for Mandy who was too busy imagining drug deals to contemplate anything else.
I listened to the audio version, narrated by Emily Ellet, was alright. I understand Mandy's mother was supposed to be irritating but her "voice" grated so badly I nearly switched it off. I'd also like to beg female narrators, yet again, not to "do" male voices - the younger men sounded constipated and the older ones sounded like Carry On characters.
Sorry. Just not for me.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audio advance review copy....more
The Cut is a dual timeline crime thriller. Annie and Ben are the power couple at school. Annie is smart, ambitious and beautiful. Ben is Top Dog. HoweThe Cut is a dual timeline crime thriller. Annie and Ben are the power couple at school. Annie is smart, ambitious and beautiful. Ben is Top Dog. However, on the night of the Leaver's dance things go terribly wrong and Annie ends up dead.
Thirty years later her killer, Dave Patel, is being released from prison after finally admitting his guilt. But it coincides with professional problems for a now successful Ben and now his kids have got themselves involved in a movie project that is totally beyond his control. But who is pulling the strings and what will it reveal about the killer of Annie Maddock?
Sounds good right? And it might have been had I a) not worked out the end in about 5 seconds and b) been full of the most preposterous inter-generational and school relationships I've read in quite a while.
The adults seemed utterly insensible as to what the children were doing ALL the time. The kids didn't seem to have one braincell to rub against another. I thought they were supposed to be internet-savvy or, at least, have parental controls. But no, none of that. As for the boy with the cello - did noone remind him that he could easily leave it at the school?
There is a lot of bullying in this book. Apparently noone cares - not teachers, not parents. It's quite unbelievable.
In fact the whole story is utterly ridiculous.
I also listened to the audio version (which is free with Audible), and whilst one narrator - Jacob Dudman - was excellent, surprisingly Richard Armitage got a bit too melodramatic all the way through. His over-acting was awful.
Hence I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. It was a ridiculous plot, easily worked out; none of the characters are likeable; the interplay between characters is laughable. I've not read Geneva but based on this novel I'd say Mr Armitage needs to stick to acting.
Thanks to Netgalley and Faber &Faber for the advance review copy....more
At some point in a book club's lifetime there will come a time when you get dragged into another member's passion. Hence I find myself reading the 3.5
At some point in a book club's lifetime there will come a time when you get dragged into another member's passion. Hence I find myself reading the very first of the Master and Commander series (or rather Aubrey/Maturin). Having adored the movie I'd hoped for a jolly good nautical adventure.
Which is exactly what you get. This is the start of the pair's foray into endless naval wars that Britain (and Ireland by default) conducted against mainland Europe. The first book deals mainly with fights against Spanish ships although the French do make appearances at the end.
We get some slight background on both Jack Aubrey (captain) and Stephen Maturin (physician/surgeon) including Jack's dodgy love life and Stephen's political affiliations.
I did enjoy the book but I didn't understand any of the battle scenes - lots of nautical terms that I doubt will ever sink in but since Maturin appears just as hopeless I will not worry.
A good start. I definitely wanted more. So onto Post Captain....more
What a terrible book. I don't mean the writing. I mean the story. What this poor woman and her family have had to endure simply defies belief. My hearWhat a terrible book. I don't mean the writing. I mean the story. What this poor woman and her family have had to endure simply defies belief. My heart goes out to her.
Jacqueline Connolly wasn't a stranger to loss before the horrific murders of her sister and nephews. Her younger brother Tighe, had committed suicide and then, just as her life seemed almost perfect, her husband took his own life too leaving Jacqueline alone and pregnant.
You would imagine that would be enough to break some but the resilience of this woman must be something to behold.
However the horrors weren't over as one Monday morning the bodies of her sister, three nephews and their father were discovered in their Cavan home.
What follows is the fight that Jacqueline and her mother had to find out the truth behind the brutal murder/suicide and then to get justice for her family.
Some of the things in this book shook me. And not just the horrific murders but the way the community and organisations, including her own work colleagues, treated her.
It made me sick to my stomach that this kind of behaviour continues to this day.
This book was a book club book of the month read and, while some of the book made me feel sick, it is, nonetheless, an important book with message for anyone who finds themselves in an abusive relationship. I wish things like this didn't happen but it is important to acknowledge them and recognise the courage of those who fight to change things.
Excellent writing. I listened to the audiobook which was extremely well narrated by Sherelle Kelleher who had a good clear voice and didn't over-dramatise a story that is nothing but dramatic....more
Sara is a young, ambitious reporter who is determined to make a name for herself in Gaza reporting on the latest hostilities. She has a lot to live upSara is a young, ambitious reporter who is determined to make a name for herself in Gaza reporting on the latest hostilities. She has a lot to live up to - her late father having been a correspondent before her. She also wants the love of her life, Michael, to notice she is gone.
But Sara's attempts to circumvent the tried and tested method of following the conflict continues to let her down. That is until she swaps her agreed fixer, Nasser, for Fadi who may be able to get her access to the top man in Hamas. But will she be triumphant or should she listen to her increasingly frustrated editor?
Throughout Vulture (named after the bloodthirsty war correspondents who prey on the misery of the population) Sara gives us glimpses into her childhood and youth giving us a look at the two men she reverse- her father and Michael. But her unorthodox methods not only don't sit well with her editor but also her fellow journalists, the locals and the wildlife.
Sara is a complex character who rubbed me the wrong way with everything she did and said but even her selfishness makes her a compelling character to read.
A fascinating look at the life of war correspondents whose lives are endless hours of boredom interspersed with near death experiences. Kept me hooked till the end.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Europa Editions for the advance review copy....more
Murder at the Black Cat Cafe is a Kosuke Kendaichi case which is, as Kendaichi himself says, a faceless corpse murder with a twist.
A man is found in Murder at the Black Cat Cafe is a Kosuke Kendaichi case which is, as Kendaichi himself says, a faceless corpse murder with a twist.
A man is found in the grounds of the deserted Black Cat Cafe digging. When a body is exhumed it is clear that it is a young woman but who? The owners decamped months before having sold the cafe and land. They've been seen since. So who is the mystery woman.
The local police have their suspicions - in fact several theories crop up before another character calls in Kendaichi to solve the mystery.
This first story is a typical Kendaichi mystery where he seems to do very little before he unravels a case but he's always so goodnatured about showing up the cops that they all like him.
My copy had a second story which echoes the first, in that it is also a "faceless" corpse mystery. Kendaichi does not appear in it and I did get a bit lost, at times, trying to work out all the characters but it was enjoyable all the same.
You always know what you're getting with the master, Seishi Yokomizo. Plots are invariably complicated with lots of characters but he sticks to a winning mystery novel formula after twisting it to breaking point.
If youve read Yokomizo before you'll love this but any fan of classic mysteries (especially Japanese ones) will enjoy Black Cat.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Pushkin Vertigo for the advance review copy....more
This seems to be a return to more of a romance novel than Ahern's last two books, which felt a bit edgier to me. For me, it's not as engaging but y3.5
This seems to be a return to more of a romance novel than Ahern's last two books, which felt a bit edgier to me. For me, it's not as engaging but you can make your own mind up. Traditional Ahern fans will surely love it although even they may have to suspend their belief for some parts.
Pip is 32 years old, her daughter Bella is 16. However, Pip doesn't run her own show, that's left up to her mother, Josephine and father, Philip, who Pip and Bella live with. Sixteen years ago Pip got pregnant with the love of her life, Jamie, but the families sent Jamie away and Josephine took over the mothering. But things in Ballybeg are changing. Pip is getting tired of being treated like a child; she wants her independence. Will she get it at her dead-end job or will handsome and rich Sammy Wolverson come to her rescue? Just to throw a spanner in the works a new customer with a strange name has appeared and Bella's father is back to support his own family.
Paper Heart is a romance with a story of rural Ireland wrapped around it. Cecelia Ahern does bring up serious issues such as turf cutting, quarrying in rural areas along with violence against women but she handles each sensitively enough.
I'm afraid I found the slightly out of this world element a little forced and the showdown at the end was quite farcical. If you can suspend your disbelief you will love it.
Great for fans of romance and (dare I say it) traditional chick-lit. It would make a great summer or book club read.
Thankyou to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the advance review copy....more
From the writer of Tokyo Express comes another story that really plays with the idea that we never really know the people we love nor what we are capaFrom the writer of Tokyo Express comes another story that really plays with the idea that we never really know the people we love nor what we are capable of when this love is tested.
Tsuneo Asai is a businessman who is more lickspittle than success. He is with a boss he is trying to ingratiate himself with when he is given the news that his wife, Like, has died suddenly. At first Asai accepts that Eiko has merely died from over-exerting the weak heart she was diagnosed with. But as time goes on he begins to uncover a web of lies and he makes plans to find out the truth and take revenge.
Asai is an interesting character who seems to blunder from one disaster to another. Just as you think he's getting somewhere he finds himself in even more trouble. Where the train timetables played a starring role in Tokyo Express, here it is the inept Asai.
The story does meander a little at times but the action, when it comes, is quite shocking.
I really enjoyed it. If you liked Tokyo Express you'll enjoy this.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin Press for the advance review copy....more
This short novel tells the story of Esther and husband Ravi as Esther recounts the beginning and end of their marriage.
Written in prose (in the form This short novel tells the story of Esther and husband Ravi as Esther recounts the beginning and end of their marriage.
Written in prose (in the form of letters to her unborn child, Noa Lynn, and Eve, a woman her husband has been intimate with) Esther guides us through each part of their life as a couple and how she expected certain aspects of it to play out.
Her letters to both the unseen mistress and child are the most poignant parts for me but I felt that a lot of the end of the novel tended to ramble on. I think I wanted more punch to it when few relationships begin and end in fireworks.
I am afraid that this book didn't move me quite as much as I was hoping it was my fault for having these expectations of how the story would play out, given the circumstances.
If you like a thoughtful, measured book that deals with relationships, couple expectations and disappointments then this is for you.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Corsair for the advance review copy....more
Sunbirth is the story of Five Poems Lake and its inhabitants as the sun begins to disappear, leaving two sisters to wonder what will happen when the sSunbirth is the story of Five Poems Lake and its inhabitants as the sun begins to disappear, leaving two sisters to wonder what will happen when the sun is gone and whether an old photograph of their late father holds the key to the mysterious beacons who begin to appear.
Sunbirth is a strange, surreal novel that explores the bonds of family along with trying to come to terms with death of self, family and world.
I found this book quite fascinating although the end seems to tail off into ambiguity and I wasn't clear on what message (other than family and home are important) I was supposed to glean from it.
The writing is good and it certainly kept my interest for most of the novel. The characters are all quite sympathetic, drawn with a very light touch.
It felt, by the end, that you were simply left to make your own mind up about what each significant event meant.
An interesting novel that would appeal to fans of Murakami or Kawakami.
Thanks to Netgalley and Vintage Digital for the advance review copy....more
Before I start I will admit that this isnt my usual fare. But I wanted something lighter so ...
Lucia is a charity worker who lives in Austin, Texas bBefore I start I will admit that this isnt my usual fare. But I wanted something lighter so ...
Lucia is a charity worker who lives in Austin, Texas but her world is turned upside down when her very own Mr Darcy, Ollie, arrives and they fall in love.
A couple of years later Lucia is now living in London, a full time mum to Marley. She feels cut off from the world and when a chance to pursue her charitable works presents itself she jumps at the chance.
However Lucia finds out very quickly that this new job is more about protecting the wealthy than making a difference to those in need. Plus the job is playing havoc with her home life. How can she still be a mum but have friends and a satisfying work life?
I didn't really find Lucia a very sympathetic character. The descriptions of British life are also pretty hackneyed - we're all posh, we sound like the Queen and we care more about animals than people.
This simply wasn't my sort of book. However I would recommend it to those who like a little romance, a little intrigue and a lot of swanky characters. It would make a great light summer read.
Thankyou to Netgalley for the advance review copy....more
Spiralling is the story of Gabe, a young gay man living in Manchester with boyfriend Seamus. That is until he discovers the ultimate betrayal, he loseSpiralling is the story of Gabe, a young gay man living in Manchester with boyfriend Seamus. That is until he discovers the ultimate betrayal, he loses his job and he, effectively falls apart. Or he would have done if it wasn't for best mates, Tasha and Evie. Who, along with a supporting cast of family, friends and Paul the security guard, help to push Gabe back onto his feet.
I loved this book. The writing is a mix of prose, some rather risqué poetry and text messages. It is really funny in parts, a little bit near the knuckle in others and very emotional as well.
Cal Speet is an author new to me but I really hope that he writes more soon. His characters were totally believable and wonderfully vulnerable. The holiday to Seville was my favourite part.
I'll warn you now that if you are a sensitive soul you might want to skip some parts but do read this book. Its a wonderful story about real friendship, learning about yourself and a lesson in gaining self-respect, knowing what you want and always standing up for your real friends.
Highly recommended. If you like something a bit different with great dialogue and characters then this is for you.
Thankyou to Netgalley and HarperNorth for the advance review copy....more
Elly Parker is a successful journalist and social media influencer. Her life seems perfect - good carDefinitely my favourite Eddy Flynn novel so far.
Elly Parker is a successful journalist and social media influencer. Her life seems perfect - good career; perfect new husband; great best friend. Elly even "gives back" with her random acts of kindness videos.
But the ultimate betrayal derails the perfection and before she can find some peace she finds her life spiralling out of control in ways she could never have imagined. Thankfully she's heard of Eddy Flynn.
There are a couple of connected strands to this novel which Cavanagh knits together seamlessly. The action is fast and almost non-stop leaving you wondering what on earth can happen next.
I loved this book. It was really hard to put down. All the usual suspects are here with Eddy being ably assisted by Bloch, Lake, Harry and Kate. But there are also breaks in the action that involve Eddy's family.
It's a perfect combination and the end is extremely satisfying and twisty.
Very highly recommended whether you're already a fan of Flynn or not. Just be prepared to be hooked from the start.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Headline for the advance review copy. Most appreciated....more
At the Edge of the Orchard is another wonderful historical fiction novel from Tracy Chevalier.
Set in mid 1800s America we find ourselves in Black SwaAt the Edge of the Orchard is another wonderful historical fiction novel from Tracy Chevalier.
Set in mid 1800s America we find ourselves in Black Swamp, Orion where the Goodenough family are eking out an existence on their land by raising apples. Father, James, loves the sweet Golden Pippins but his wife, Sadie, prefers the sour apples which make applejack (brandy). Both vie for supremacy over the orchard, sabotaging each other's trees at every chance.
In between the two are the children - Robert, Nathan, Sarah, Caleb and Martha. Robert is a quick learner and everyone's favourite but Martha suffers the most from her mother's wrath.
A tragedy brings about a change that will affect every member of the family sending the Goodenoughs spiralling in all directions.
Split into narrative alongside the letters of Robert and Martha, this novel covers decades of frontier life in America. The characters of the parents are simply horrific as the children struggle to live as normal a life as they are allowed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel although it did take a little time to get going. The parents are horrific but it simply makes you want the children to succeed even more. Chevalier takes us on a journey across the continent and I was glued to this beautifully crafted family saga.
Highly recommended.
I listened to the audio, which was narrated by Liza Ross. My single criticism is that she made one of the characters - Molly - sound like an old crone when she was probably not more than 30. And yes, I know, people aged faster but noone else sounds like a ringer for the wicked witch of the west....more
Another Pratchett that i read on its publication, wasn't impressed with and haven't touched since.
However, on second reading 26 years later, I loved iAnother Pratchett that i read on its publication, wasn't impressed with and haven't touched since.
However, on second reading 26 years later, I loved it.
Set in Uberwald Sam Vimes has been tasked with an ambassadorial trip to attend the crowning of the next Low King of the Dwarves. Of course things start to go pear-shaped long before Sam, Sybil and a dodgy retinue including Detritus and Cheery, set off with the murder of Sonkey (who makes rubber "products") and the theft of the Scone of Stone.
And as if that wasn't bad enough, Angua has gone missing, Carrot has resigned and Colon, left in charge, is slowly losing his sugarlumps.
All in all there's homicidal werewolves to one side, warring dwarf factions to the other and while Sam tries desperately to lose his ceremonial robes, will Sybil ever get his attention long enough to tell him something really important?
Very funny, brilliantly plotted, excellent characters. Completely fell in love with Carrot and Angua all over again. AND! Gaspode the Talking Dog is along for the ride. Can't ask for more.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jon Culshaw. I'm getting used to his Eastenders-style Sam but the Igors? seriously? I could barely make out what they were saying. Not just a lisp but clearly thumone had knocked out all their teesh too. Only criticism though....more
It's been nearly 30 years since I last read Jingo and at the time I really didn't think much of it. Fast forward nearly three decades and, as I'm doinIt's been nearly 30 years since I last read Jingo and at the time I really didn't think much of it. Fast forward nearly three decades and, as I'm doing a full re-read (or listen in my case) of Sir Terry's Discworld novels. This time I'm doing it by group and I'm finally on the City Watch.
What's more - this time round I loved Jingo! So funny. So clever. So brilliantly observed.
In the middle of the sea an island suddenly appears. The only people around are fishermen - some from Klatch and a father and son from Ankh-Morpork. And the first thing they do is ... yes, start arguing about who it belongs to. And it isn't long before both a force is sent to Klatch to "show those Johnny foreigners" what a bit of Morporkian steel tastes like. Lord Rust is sure his bunch of badly trained troops will prevail but Sam Vimes and his tiny crew of watchmen/ women/Nobby is intent on making sure that justice is actually the winner.
Jingo is an absolutely mad look at empires, jingoism, sheer insanity and Nobby as a spy. I'd have to say that this is Carrot at his most adorable and persuasive. I love him as a character but he really hits his stride in Jingo.
The star of the show is, however, definitely Nobby who gets roped into an undercover mission along with Fred Colon, Lord Vetinari and Leonard de Quirm. It's utter genius.
In fact, the whole book is exceptionally brilliant (not that many of Sir Terry's books aren't). I listened to the audiobook, voiced by Jon Culshaw and even his irritated Vimes voice couldn't bother me this time although it was difficult to tell the difference between Death, Vetinari and several Klatchians. Minor whinges all.
My Other Heart is really a story about who we think we are rather than where we come from.
Set in Philadelphia with two concurrent timelines in the3.5
My Other Heart is really a story about who we think we are rather than where we come from.
Set in Philadelphia with two concurrent timelines in the 1980s and 2010s; Kit Herzog is the adopted daughter of rich parents whilst Sabrina is the child of Lee Lee Chen, a migrant from China. The girls have been best friends for years but when Kit decides to travel to Japan to find her roots, Sabrina's planned trip to China has to be cancelled and the unravelling of both their lives begins.
Throughout the summer after they have graduated we follow both girls' progress as they discover more about their own personalities while their parents struggle to keep up with the changes in their now,-adult children.
Both the girls are engaging characters. As someone of nearly 60 I have almost forgotten what those teenage days of extreme ego-centricity are like. Everything is about you. The tiniest slights take on a huge significance. Nothing is ever fair and you are just finding out that this us just the tip of the inequality of life.
I did have an overwhelming need to roll my eyes at the girls every now and again but the writing is good and the portrayals of the girls, their families and the fears of everyone as to what life holds in the future felt genuine.
There are several twists along the way that keep the story from wandering into fairytale happy-ever-after territory. On the whole I really enjoyed it. It's a quick read and would make a good summer book for young adults or anyone, like me, who just enjoys a story with a bit of a twist. Definitely recommended.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the advance review copy....more
The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is split into two timelines. We have Nora's story, which begins in Scotland where she aThe Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey is split into two timelines. We have Nora's story, which begins in Scotland where she and father, Lavish, work the fairs and neighbourhoods by Nora reading cards and giving a purely manufactured show of Nora being spoken to by spirits. This ends one night when Nora is booked by a rich client who sees something in her that her father has not noticed - that she can actually see spirits.
The second timeline deals with Lottie Liath who is used to fighting for her rights and those of other miners' wives. That is until there's a tragedy at the mine in Aberdare when her husband is killed. Lottie's reaction is considered unreasonable and she finds herself locked in an asylum. Pregnant and afraid Lottie comes under the "care" of Dr Bothelli who sees a psychic ability in her and sees a way to make his name.
The historical part of the book is a well worn one - women who are strident or speak up are locked away or burned as witches; men rule everything and must be obeyed. We follow both Lottie's and Nora's stories as their connection becomes stronger despite being decades apart.
It is certainly clear enough who the "baddies" are in this story and it's left up to the characters of Nora and Lottie to carry the story. There are a few surprising helpers to both women, which made a nice change and both the women have strong characters.
However I found the story somewhat repetitive and drawn out. The inclusion of a devilish aspect seems lost in the narrative and I'm not sure what I was meant to conclude. There were also certain trigger words that began to irritate me - settle, for one - perhaps it was more noticeable on the audio. There was also a strange obsession with people's accents, which didn't seem to play any part in the plot but was mentioned.
As I say I listened to the audio and read the book alternately. The narration by Mhairi Morrison was, on the whole, very good. Ms Morrison has a lilting and pleasant Scottish accent. The only thing that let it down were other accents - which was made much of in the story - which were often confused and odd. Otherwise it was a pleasure to listen to.
On the whole, I would recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction and those interested in psychical phenomena.
Thankyou to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing and RB Media for the advance review and audio versions of this novel....more