How Did Life End Up With Us? : By S.S. O’Connor

 

This is Book 1 in The Secrets of Life Quartet & the fact its headline linked these to The Big Bang and Trump piqued my interest. My background is in science and I have a keen interest in politics, so I was fascinated to see how the author married these together. If that wasn’t enough to make me start reading, the questions posed on the back cover would have done the trick!

Each chapter has a question which it tries to answer (rather lengthier than those on the cover I might add, but by throwing in teasers like mentioning familiar things like DNA alongside guaranteed attention grabbing words like sex and death, the chances are that you’ll read on). 

The writing style is perfect for a book aimed at the lay population, illuminating without intimidating. There are funny cartoons, pictures and quotes which act as a spoonful of sugar to make the learning go down. It’s rather like sitting in the pub with a clever professor who follows the apocryphal Einstein theory ( no, not THAT theory 😉) that if you understand something, you can explain it to a six year old. We are the six year olds and, by the time you finish this book,  you WILL have learned things. Whether this is being able to drop LUCA knowledgeably into a conversation, discovering the horrific (but incredibly ingenious) life cycle of the emerald cockroach wasp or finding out that, whilst rutting stags may look fearsome, their battle is closer to choreographed wrestling bouts than a genuine life or death struggle. I promise that you will feel that bit smarter and will be looking for opportunities to impress others with your new found knowledge. This book talks a lot about how organisms succeed in the hurly burly of life, so maybe you should be glad of any advantage you might gain. I can’t guarantee that it will make you more attractive a mate, but it will make you a more interesting one! 

All in all, this was a pleasure to read & I look forward to the rest of the series.

My thanks to Literally PR for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour and to the author for an entertaining and educating experience. 

Justinians’s daughters by Nigel Stewart

 I make no secret of the fact that I am a fan of Nigel’s work, but after reading this, perhaps I should describe myself as an acolyte. It is a breathtaking departure from his previous books, with a sweeping multi-generational narrative akin to a fever dream. It effortlessly segues from mystical to mundane to mirth to menacing and back again, keeping the reader on their toes & never quite sure what to believe. Are you intrigued yet?

I’ll try to give you an flavour of some of the features that make this such a stunning read, but you will have to read it for yourself to see what a truly magnificent book this is.

As in all books with a dark edge to them, the use of moments of levity make the shocks even more powerful. So, when we first meet Ben, a comedian heading to Wales to work on his material for his upcoming tour, there is humour in spades to lull you into a (false) sense of security. His internal monologue as he tries out one liners, local references & puns is so well written that you almost feel like you are watching a work in progress set at The Fringe. But, as he explores the area, enjoying going about unrecognised, he comes across an old airbase where he experiences strange feelings of belonging. One of the great things about the way the story is told is that the author teases the reader, you hold your breath expecting a dramatic moment, are left hanging as another joke appears, only to be blindsided minutes later. The arrival of Erin at his holiday home leads to just such a moment. All I wrote in my notes at one point was “Wait! What? OMG!” 

Ultimately this is a story of retribution and we learn the history of Erin’s bloodline in step with Ben. Each wrong is exposed, each heartbreak devastatingly described and these,together with the undercurrent of arcane knowledge which seems to pass from mother to daughter, creates an atmospheric read. Why has Erin sought Ben out & what does she want from him? Did the untimely deaths of those who caused pain to her forebears happen as she claims? Will you find yourself believing and approving one minute & being horrified the next? This book could shape up to be a true test of your moral compass! It is obviously well researched, creating a vividly authentic feel to the stories from the past which is sure to appeal to the historical fiction lovers out there. I found myself looking up some things to find out more- I’d never heard of Q-ships, have you? 

I took great delight in certain words and phrases; describing someone wearing a blue hat as looking like a “power-crazed hydrangea “ made me laugh out loud. I also enjoyed the nod to The Clash’s London’s Burning when Thomas is thinking of his family in wartime London. There is a poetic feel to much that he writes which makes it a joy to read. 

To say I loved this book is an understatement. Strong women, strong storyline, what’s not to love? Don’t miss out on reading this incredible book. 

It’s a well-deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️and a huge 👍from me.

My thanks to @hyggebooktours for my copy and the chance to review this book 😁

The Temenos Remains by Heather Peck

 

The blurb

With his ex-wife receiving threatening phone calls, loose ends still flapping from his last big case and a ritual burial found in an archaeological dig; the last thing Greg Geldard needs is an East Coast flood and a cliff fall that reveals - what exactly?

Ritual burials are rare. Finding them – rarer still. When three turn up, Greg Geldard knows he has a problem.

The nature of the victims and historic attitudes complicate his investigation as he struggles to find the killer’s latest victim before it’s too late.

What I thought about The Temenos Remains

I have read all of the DCI Greg Geldard books to date so I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review The Temenos Remains. My very first official book review was for Glass Arrows, an earlier book featuring Greg, so I have an emotional connection to this series and I have loved seeing the characters and storylines grow in depth with each release. Although the book does make references to previous events and has returning characters, these would not prevent you from enjoying it as a stand-alone title. Actually,  I think that the threads that weave through the series add to the feeling of authenticity. Police procedurals can sometimes wrap things up a bit too neatly, rather than reflecting the unfinished or unpunished elements of police work. 

 Set in a gloriously described Norfolk backdrop, we meet Greg as he faces up to two problems; his ex-wife  calling to say she & her infant son have been threatened because of him and an unusual discovery at the site of an archaeological dig. As the blurb refers to multiple ritual burials, it may not surprise you that the body found is not an an ancient artefact but most definitely a relatively recent interment. This is not the only body that turns up during the course of the story so Greg and his team have their work cut out to identify the victims and track down a serial killer with a penchant for bizarre burials. 

There are a couple of things that really made this book stand out to me. The first relates to Greg Geldard, the man. After the end of his marriage to Isabelle, Greg began a relationship with Chris, a fellow detective. Needless to say, Chris is less than pleased to see Greg rush off to Isabelle’s aid and this causes friction in their lives outside of work. Will Greg be able to convince Chris that it’s her he wants to be with? It’s fascinating to see more of what makes him tick and how he tries to balance his sense of honour with the demands of his work and his new love. I also enjoyed Chris becoming a more central character I the story.

 The second is the use of Entr’actes between the regular chapters, giving the reader glimpses into the mind of the killer, each one gradually cranking up the feeling of tension as you follow the progress of the investigation. These were outstanding, so immersive that I found myself almost agreeing with his twisted world view…perhaps I should be worried?! 

As in her previous books, contemporary issues are explored. We meet Jeff Fellowes, a transfer from the Met who personifies endemic misogyny in the police force. The continuing themes relating to organised crime throw a spotlight on the sex trade and the lack of visibility for some women. This is a pacy, intelligent book which I devoured in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed. 

As I said at the start of this review, neat endings are not always reflective of life and this book, like the others, has a cliffhanger that will leave you raring to read Greg Geldard No. 5! 

It’s a big 👍 from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for the opportunity to review this fab book & well done Heather for writing another winner 😁

About the author

Award-winning author Heather Peck has had a varied life.

As featured in the ‘Norfolk’ magazine and the Eastern Daily Press, “Norfolk farm disaster expert turns to crime writing” she has been both farmer and agricultural policy adviser. She bred sheep and alpacas, reared calves, broke ploughs, represented the UK in international negotiations, specialised in emergency response from Chernobyl to bird flu, managed controls over pesti- cides and GM crops, saw legislation through Parliament and got paid to eat Kit Kats while on secondment to Rowntree. She has also chaired an NHS Trust, worked on animal welfare, sailed a boat on the Broads, volunteered in Citizens Advice and the Witness Service and vaccinated humans against Covid.

Two golden threads have run through everything; her fascination with words and her Gran’s wise advice: ‘You can do anything if you try hard enough!’

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera

 

There are some books that you have to step back from reviewing for a while to get your thoughts in order but then there are those that leave you so breathless by the riotous thoughts and feelings a story evokes in you that you need to get it down on paper (well in type anyhow) whilst you are still riding the high. This is one of the latter. A surprisingly life affirming book about the importance of love and death. 

The blurb

This is a story set in an alternate present, one where you find out that you are entering your last 24 hours on Earth by a call from a Death-Cast herald.  Mateo and Rufus don’t know each other yet, their only connection is that they’ve both had the “The Call” and both only have up to 1 day left to live. The exact timing of your death is rather like ads on T.V. where “up to” is the catch- it might be 5 seconds into the period or you might make it to 23:59. 

The alternate world is utterly believable, of course a whole industry has built up around catering for Deckers (that’s what people who have had the call are called). So there’s an Tinder-esque app to find a Last Friend to spend whatever time you have left with. And just like on Tinder and Twitter, there are those who are trolls or rubberneckers .There are experience venues that let you virtually hang-glide, swim with sharks or embark on a round the world trip. There are Decker Discounts at the restaurants for that last meal and lots of hashtags on Instagram revolving around #EndDay. You can go to Clint’s Graveyard club & wow the crowd with a final karaoke (bet you’re now thinking about what your song would be, aren’t you?😉). The mixture of the familiar and the fantastical make this an immersive and compulsive read. 

The up to 24 hours period is told through first person view, time stamped snippets, alternating between the 2 main characters and others directly or indirectly involved in their lives. When Mateo & Rufus connect through Last Friend you know that you are in for something special. On the surface they couldn’t be more different, Rufus is a seize the day, act first, think later boy whilst Mateo is a cautious, think before you act type who is reluctant to leave the house. But together they set out on their last adventure, their impending end forging a bond like no other. The author expertly unpicks their innermost thoughts, fears and hopes as they meet their greatest and final life challenge. Warmth and humour shine through the tale and you will be rooting for the boys to make the most of End Day. You find yourself nodding as they choose to take the stairs rather than the lift, why take chances? It seems perfectly obvious that they make decisions based on the relative risk. I’ll leave it to you to see how that goes though.

So what would YOU do if you got the Death-Cast call? Each part is separated by quotes ranging from a Roman emperor to Oscar Wilde through to Steve Jobs,  all about living rather than existing. Makes you think doesn’t it? Perhaps we should all be a bit less cautious and a bit more carpe diem in our outlook? You never know what tomorrow may bring and there’s something to be said for living each day as if it’s your last.

An easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating for this book

Off to start on the prequel now 😉

Secrets We Hide From Ourselves by Nigel Stewart

 

Having enjoyed Colouring In (if you’ve not read it, do- you can see what I thought of it here on my blog in case you need persuading!), I was excited to read this book about Simon Turner’s upcoming birthday bash. 

Unlike James in Colouring In, Simon appears to be emotionally intelligent, the glue that holds the friendship group and his family together. So when he starts planning his 60th birthday celebration you would think that everyone would stampede to get their RSVPs in. To Simon’s frustration some don’t seem that keen, especially his own family. 

You meet his friends and their partners & what a disparate group they are, despite their shared past. There’s Rick, a volatile, now quite well known actor who has caused mayhem over the years. Matthew is a stolid diplomat in Finland whilst John is a serial dater. Male bonding and its at times superficial/competitive nature is perfectly played out, grown men still reminiscing about long gone conquests (real or imaginary) and shenanigans whilst ignoring the emotional elephant in the room. Their partners are not merely satellites, they know what makes their men tick, what flaws they have & are often forthright in their words and actions. Flashbacks interleaved in the present day narrative peel the layers away from these enduring friendships, revealing the complexity of human relationships. It is here that you see how the author has grown in his storytelling, trusting the reader to pick up the nuances and subtext in the situations & draw their own conclusions. But will you be right? 

Simon is a widower having lost his wife in a car accident many years ago & seemingly content with just his friends, his family & his beloved band. Music features heavily through the story &, although his day job might bring in the money, it’s playing music which makes Simon whole. I may be wrong, but I think there’s more than a little of the author in Simon.

The Turner family reflect contemporary life, one sibling with a gammon of a husband who struggles to accept that his sister-in-law is happily loved up with another woman, another experiencing an abusive relationship and a father who tries to keep up with the times and his family(I adored George). Their love for each other is evident but will any of them come to the party? 

As the title suggests, all is not quite what it seems on the surface and there are plenty of eye openers along the way. After all, no one gets to their 6th decade without a few skeletons poking their heads out of the closet ( & before you ask, I’m keeping shtum on my own 😉). How those affect the party, Simon & those around him will be revealed at the end- no spoilers, but to say that the ending builds to a startling crescendo is an understatement. 

A superb book from start to finish, great story, believable, well drawn characters, all woven together with sensitivity, warmth and humour, ending with a stunning finale. 

It’s a massive ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read and 👍 from me. 

Can’t wait to read his latest release Justinian’s Daughters. 

The Delegate by Ali Carter

I read and enjoyed Blood List a couple of years ago, so when I got the chance to read & review Ali Carter’s latest DCI Harry Longbridge thriller, I jumped at the chance. I’ll hold my hands up & confess that I missed the release of its follow up, Dead Girls Don’t Cry, so reading the blurb was enough for me to have a major “wait, what?!!” moment. 

No doubt that will make you wonder if you can read The Delegate as a stand-alone? The answer to that is YES, you get more than enough detail to piece together the back history. Would I have enjoyed this book even more if I’d read the second book? Almost certainly, Ali Carter is a genius in letting you see what makes people tick and I WILL seek it out and read it (& then reread The Delegate). 

This book is perfect for lovers of dark, psychological thrillers. Charlotte is as fascinatingly manipulative as before and the idea that she chooses and uses the wife of her nemesis to carry out her acts of revenge is so in character. I particularly enjoyed getting into Annie’s mind, seeing how the past impacted her present, making her the perfect stooge for Charlotte. Even more so, I loved seeing how the balance of power between the two women shifted over the course of the book. There are a satisfying number of deaths, some of which may give you pause for thought next time you are swiping right on a dating site or about to eat, and with each despatch the story builds to an exciting conclusion. 

All in all this was a great read and, somehow, I don’t think that we have heard the last about Charlotte Peterson. I’ll be over here… waiting…

Many thanks to Anne Cater & Random Things Tours for the opportunity to read & review this fab book. And thank you Ali Carter for writing another page turner! 

 

The Rabbit Factor by Antti Tuomainen (translated by David Hackston)

Like many of my recent faves, I have the wonderful Book Twitter community to thank for coming across this book. I liked the absurdity of an actuary, who calculates every action before reacting, inheriting an adventure park that is mired in dodgy dealings. 

Any book that opens with someone being beaten to death by a giant rabbit ear and you finding yourself instantly on the side of the person wielding the weapon has to be a winner. Henri Koskinen has been let go from the insurance firm where he has diligently calculated the risks of disaster happening to other people, little knowing what life has in store for him. The section describing his severance is sublime and anyone who has endured management corporate speak will be howling with laughter (& sympathy) by the time Henri signs his resignation letter. So when a lawyer turns up to inform him that he’s inherited his brother’s adventure park (NOT an amusement park as Henri would be quick to point out), it makes sense for him to look at the viability of the business. The only trouble is that his brother was heavily in debt to some very unsavoury characters who want repaying …and fast. 

To say that Henri isn’t a natural people person is an understatement, so watching him try to get a handle on the day to day running of the park and its staff is something else. The YouMeFun staff are an eclectic bunch, including an absent ticket seller, a maintenance man who thinks he’s going to be general manager, a security chief who may or may not have been in the Marines, a marketing director who reeks of booze and Laura, an artist with a past who is the park manager. It is Laura who confounds Henri the most, throwing his analytical brain into confusion. How does a man who thinks in probability navigate an unpredictable relationship? Can logic be applied to love? 

Just reading about the goings on in the park would have been entertaining enough, but the gangsters trying to recover his brother’s debt add a thrilling element to this tale. How will Henri handle their intimidation tactics? Can maths really be the answer to his problems? You will have to read it to see how it all adds up…sorry, couldn’t resist a numbers joke! 

This is an intelligent thriller with a difference, one minute laugh out loud funny, next darkly threatening. You will veer from giggles to gory goings on, prepare to be on the edge of your seat and for your moral compass to be challenged. I’m more than a little in love with Henri Koskinen and can’t wait to read the follow up to this brilliant story.

 A well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read 

*Final note is a shout out to the translator, David Hackston, who has done a superb job in making this a seamless read. The only clues that this was written in a different language involve names, places and an obviously more efficient public transport system.*

 

Colouring in by Nigel Stewart

There’s been a bit of a  gap between finishing this book and writing my review. Some of that delay is down to work, family, life etc. but it was also down to my need to process what I’d read. What at first seemed to be a simple, albeit entertaining, observation of a man’s life and loves, became something deeper, darker and completely captivating.

Most of us have dated, mated or been related to a person like James Clifton, someone whose glory days were in high school but who failed to translate that success into adult life.To call him a man-child is too simplistic, but at the beginning of the story James seems to be trapped in his adolescent self who didn’t pursue his artistic talents after leaving school. He has a well paid, but unsatisfying job, a girlfriend who’s just dumped him because she wanted a more grown up relationship and his social life still often revolves around his old school friends despite living elsewhere. So when he then starts dating Laura ,who had a crush on him in school, you fear that he will be doomed to repeat the cycle. He is self-absorbed, resistant to change and at times rather unlikeable in his attitude and actions. Yet you are drawn to him, and as the story unfolds and you get to see more of his psyche, you become protective, willing him to see what he needs to do to grow(up) and be happy. 

Laura certainly has an impact on James and the development of their relationship is a fascinating (& entertaining ) thing to follow. When life throws James a major curve ball is when this novel really takes off and is the reason I took some time before being able to write a review. The events that follow are exquisitely written and I defy you to be unmoved. How does James cope? Will he finally fulfil his potential? Will he find happiness? There’s only one way to find out! 

To sum this book up, if you like crawling inside someone’s mind to see what makes them tick, this will be right up your street. If you like keenly observed human behaviour, look no further. If you want pithy dialogue, you’ve got it. Need light relief, it’s peppered with humour. Enjoy strong, forthright female characters, read on. There’s something for everyone in this fantastic book.

 This is a book that I will read again because I know there are depths that I will have missed in my hurry to see what happens next. 

A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me. 

The Things That We Lost by Jyoti Patel

Where to begin with my review of this incredible book? 

I could talk about how quickly it drew me in…from the very 1st page.

Or how well it tackled the idea of identity from the viewpoint of a person of colour in Britain…brilliantly eye opening.

Maybe I could focus on the portrayal of family secrets and dynamics…devastatingly powerful at times.

Perhaps the coming of age element should be the central thrust…Nikhil’s journey is a rollercoaster ride! 

Should I explore Avani’s life and mothering choices…it’s complicated! 

Instead, I’m going to talk first about how it made me feel. This is a book that took me through the full gamut of emotions; nodding along in recognition, breathlessly waiting to see what would happen next, feeling sorrow for what might have been, sharing the grief of loss, anger at casual racism, disappointment when I felt characters let themselves or others down. You know it’s well written when you find yourself having heated discussions with the protagonists in your head. When you think you understand their reasons but violently disagree with the choices they made. I had a lot of these reading this book! 

The Things That We Lost is a gem of a story following the aftermath of the death of the family patriarch. Nikhil has always felt that he has only ever had a heavily curated and sanitised view of the father who died before he was born. He is preparing to leave for uni when his dying grandfather tells him where to find a key that will unlock some of the secrets of his past but warns him that his mother, Avani, won’t be happy about it. Will the discovery derail his plans? Will his mother finally give him the full story about his father and, more importantly, will he come to terms with the uncertainties  of the past? Needless to say, there are revelations, upsets and high drama moments along the way which will keep you turning those pages to the end. 

 The author uses a variety of timelines to drip feed the background to their stories, showing how the past colours the people we become and the decisions we make. It skilfully shows how relationships with families and friends change over the years and that we often don’t understand why our loved ones behave as they do. I talked about the heated discussions I had with characters earlier, well sometimes I felt the need to apologise for things I’d said. As the next episode from the past was uncovered, I realised how you don’t always have the full picture and should refrain from rushing to judgement or using harsh words when you haven’t walked in someone else’s shoes. I love a book that makes you reevaluate your stance. It also gave me cultural insight, I did find myself having to stop to check my understanding of some terms at times, but I loved the authenticity of the language used, pitch perfect for the era, the age of the speaker or their background. 

Jyoti Patel is going to be a name to watch out for. I won’t say that for a debut, this is an amazing book. It is an amazing book full stop & one any author would be proud to have published. In case you hadn’t already guessed it from my review, this is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. 

Thank you Anne Cater & Random Tours for my proof copy and to Jyoti Patel for a fantastic read. ☺️

Wishing everyone a happy year of reading!

 My first review of 2023 is The Secrets of Rochester Place by Iris Costello…

One of the gems from my Christmas stack that straddled the old and the new year. This book ticked all the right boxes for me, unusual premise, well developed characters to love (and hate!) and a narrative that teases and makes you think.

Corrine is a first responder who takes a call from Mary pleading for help rescuing a child. She duly sends emergency vehicles but, when they get there, there’s nothing to see, just a back alley. No house burning, no sign of anything but rubbish. Has Corrine been prank called, or has the past somehow reached out to her?

The story unfolds using snippets of the lives of 3 women spanning the period from the 1920s to the present day. Books which jump around in time can sometimes feel disjointed and be hard to follow, but the author deftly leads you through their lives, with each interlude revealing more and keeping you invested in the outcome.

For fans of historical fiction this book will score highly, it covers Ireland in the era of the Easter Rising , the impact of the Spanish Civil War and World War 2 and reveals parallels with life today.It is clearly well researched and the historical elements are introduced in a natural way. The characters all have a distinct voice that reflects their lived experiences and makes you see how the world around them impacts their lives. Bigotry in all its forms is a common thread in the lives of the three main protagonists. This could make you feel despair that nothing much has changed, but somehow this story made me feel uplifted, that people do have the capacity to become more tolerant and that the future is brighter. 

I don’t do spoilers, but suffice it to say that you won’t be disappointed in how the story resolves itself. I loved how this book made me feel, although I felt more than a little bereft afterwards in the way you are when something good is over! 

A resounding 👍 from me. 

Books I have loved in ‘22

Duckling by Eve Ainsworth

I wasn’t expecting to be as moved as I was by this book. What I thought would be a gentle, easy read turned out to be much more thought provoking. Lucy is a loner, keeps herself to herself, expecting little from life and giving the same back. That is until a neighbour asks her to look after her little girl for a short while. When far more than a couple of hours have past and there’s still no sign of her returning, Lucy realises that she’s got some choices to make. Does she contact the police or Social Services? Or does she continue to care for little Rubi until her mother reappears?

Up till  now, Lucy’s life has revolved around her cat, her job in a bookshop and the complicated relationship she has with her father, a recovering alcoholic. As the story progresses we learn more about Lucy’s past and the reasons for her self isolation. I found myself alternating between wanting to shake her and hug her as she does her best to do the right thing by Rubi. The plot is pacy and entertaining with plenty of humour peppering the dialogue, but it was Lucy’s voyage of self-discovery that I enjoyed the most. Lucy has been imprisoned by her perceptions of her past and the book makes you realise that long held beliefs can be completely and utterly wrong. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my final read of ‘22 and I think you will too! 😊

Books that I loved in ‘22

 The Lost Storyteller by Amanda Block

This was another recommendation from my Twitter friend Adam, and again he picked a corker. I don’t have enough superlatives to describe how this book made me feel. 

Captivating? Yes!

Evocative? Yes, Yes! 

Poignant? Yes, Yes, Yes!

The journey that Rebecca takes in trying to uncover the meaning of her father’s book of fairy tales is riveting. All of her childhood feelings of abandonment and hurt colour her adult life and only by exploring the past can she find peace of mind. It’s an interesting take on the father/daughter dynamic and one which will have you alternating between laughter and tears. It might also make you question things from your own past that you’ve taken as gospel up till now. All in all, a gem of a book. 

Books I have loved in ‘22

 Five Minds by Guy Morpuss

This was one of those books that, once started, you just want to keep on reading. Think you don’t like sci-fi or dystopian settings? Think again as this book deftly crosses multiple genres to create an utterly believable world and still manages to be a cracking murder mystery. 

I loved how easy it was to immerse yourself in this world & accept that the essence of 5 people inhabit a single body, each getting 4 hours allotted to them each day. Just as in a regular household, the individual minds behave badly & put the others in jeopardy or act altruistically for the greater good. They have disagreements about their future which add to the drama. 

All in all this is totally different from any other book I’ve read & am looking forward to reading the author’s next title,Black Lake Manor.

Books I have loved in ‘22

 Before the Coffee Gets Cold: tales from the cafe by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

If you’re looking for something that’s just a bit different from your average book, then look no further. I was introduced to this by a Twitter friend who has exquisite taste in books and this is definitely up there in  my top 10 reads of ‘22.

A series of customers visit the Funiculi Funicula cafe for the express purpose of being able to travel in time to meet a loved one. But there’s a catch, you have to sit in the right seat, the person you want to revisit must have also been a customer at the cafe and you only have the time it takes for your coffee to grow cold to complete your quest. 

Each vignette is beautifully written, the characters are well drawn and relatable. It reminds you of the importance of not leaving things unsaid or undone. I’m going to be sure to read the others in this series and you would do well to do the same ☺️

Books that I have loved in ‘22

 Journal of a Husband by Marc Francis

This is the perfect book for anyone who has ever been in a relationship. I’m not sure whether to describe them as chapters or anecdotes but each covers a situation everyone can relate to. We all know that it’s not US who’s the difficult one, right? Hmmm, well that might not always be true because I saw myself as both the victim & the culprit at various points along the way! 

I must be one of the few people who’ve never visited an IKEA(or sampled their legendary meatballs) , either with or without my significant other. I know that must be hard to believe but I can assure you that is the case. However, I have had to listen to endless horror stories from friends and family about the rows these trips cause to know it rings true. 

Likewise the trials of going along with things for a quiet life, the difficulties of getting some uninterrupted alone time & navigating the tightrope that is married life are all laid bare for your amusement. I genuinely laughed out loud at frequent intervals and it made me feel some sympathy for my partner when I realised what effect my “can you just” requests might have had over the years. I’ve also made a note of the devious tricks to get away with forgetting a birthday or anniversary. 

All in all this is a light, fun read. There is swearing & some rude bits so be warned if you’re easily offended, but for me it added to the authenticity of the accounts. I hope there are more journal entries to come. 

Books that I’ve loved in ‘22

 Dirty Little Secret by Jonathan Peace

If you’re a fan of police procedurals with a twist, then look no further than Dirty Little Secret. It ticks all the right boxes, intriguing opening, fast moving multifaceted plot, strong characters (some you’ll love and some you will absolutely love to hate), and a storyline that will, at times, feel make you like you’re falling down a rabbit hole as you are reading.

The book is set in ‘80s Yorkshire and this adds to the atmospheric narrative, depicting  the small town mentality of the era. The central character, WDC Louise Miller, has to deal with a horrific murder as well as the dinosaurs in her own station. The author captures the casual sexism women have often faced when entering a male dominated environment perfectly and I was frequently outraged on her behalf. I loved that Louise is no pushover who faces down her detractors and looks to improve the lot of the other female in the shop, WPC Hines. Theirs is a winning combination and one that I look forward to seeing develop in future outings. 

When a second girl goes missing, things really start to hot up and Louise is all too aware that the clock is ticking. No one wants a second body turning up, but can she untangle the layers of circumstantial evidence and uncover the town’s hidden secrets before it’s too late? 

I particularly enjoyed the way this book leads you this way & that, leaving you unsure whether the events being described are based in reality, the imagination or something darker still. This is an accomplished thriller which means that you are bound to be hooked from the very first page to the startling conclusion. 

Books that I’ve loved in ‘22

 Fires of Hate by Heather Peck

I’ve read all 3 books in the DC Greg Geldard series now and they just keep getting better. This time, in addition to a cracking story line revolving around animal rights activism, we get to see more of the man himself. In the last book, Glass Arrows, we had a tantalising glimpse into Greg Geldard’s private life but Fires of Hate let’s us learn more about what makes him tick. A highly principled man with a strong sense of honour, Greg is trying to do the right thing when his wife wants a divorce whilst he is dealing with a fatal incident at a government laboratory. We meet again the feisty DS Chris Mathews who is becoming increasingly important to Greg and their developing romantic relationship is a running feature in this book.

This is a compelling tale which deftly uncovers the mindset of the people involved in the central incident. You get to see how characters’ previous life experiences impact their decisions and actions and also how they become embroiled in situations that rapidly become out of control. DC Geldard and his team have to discover who is responsible for the atrocities and ultimately bring the culprits to justice. Their task is complicated by the discovery that there has been an undercover agent operating in the animal rights cell.

This book can be read as a stand-alone but for those who have read the previous titles, there are pleasing cameos and links to characters and events from earlier cases. The book is filled with moments that will make you gasp and hold your breath as you see how events unfold. Heather Peck is on to a winner with this series and the ending will absolutely make you want to read the next title. It’s a hit for me! 

Books that I’ve loved in ‘22

 Paws by Kate Foster

I’ve got 2, now adult, autistic children and this book make me laugh and cry at its perfection in describing the world through an autistic child’s eye.  It captures the confusion caused by unwritten social conventions, the desire to be “good” but unable to control swirling emotions & the absolute need to talk about special interests. His experiences at school reflect the difficulties autistic children face but done in a non-preachy way by seeing it through his eyes. There were so many times that I thought “Yes, I recognise this”! 

I loved that Alex isn’t portrayed in a heroic way, but as he is, a boy trying his hardest even when he makes mistakes. Likewise his family are allowed to be less than perfect, mum sometimes being tetchy & an older brother who behaves like older brothers do, sometimes kind but sometimes not. However it is clear that this is a family filled with love.

Central to the story is the bond between Alex & his dog, Kevin. Unlike human friendships, this relationship is uncomplicated but Alex wants a human friend before he goes to secondary school. He is sure that he will become popular if only he & Kevin can win a trophy at a dog show. 

All in all, this is a wonderful, funny and heartwarming (but not saccharine sweet) tale which I would have loved to have been able to read with my two when they were younger. Representation is important & this book certainly does this well, not falling into the “inspirational/ overcoming difficulties “ tropes but instead delivering a cracking story with a loveable central character who is,incidentally, autistic. 

A definite yes from me 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Books that I’ve loved in ‘22

Could leave out Tip of the Iceberg by David Jarvis could I? 😉

A fake photo of an oil rig near to Antarctica appears in the national press giving rise to speculation about the discovery of oil in the region. The cat is truly set among the pigeons with governments, environmental groups and, more importantly for this story,  the CEO of Petronello Oil, Charles Yelland , all parties having vested interests in the  veracity of the photo. Yelland knows the photo is doctored and he’s due to address his AGM. Oh, and he’s hoping to take over another company & this complicates things. Now you might think this is going to become just another business intrigue story, but you’d be wrong. 

What follows is a rollercoaster ride which starts with Yelland’s daughter being kidnapped. The thing is, the kidnappers don’t want money, they want him to confirm the photo as genuine, but why? Enter Mike Kingdom, a wig wearing, motorbike riding, computer hacking whirlwind with connections to the Five Eyes intelligence community. Yelland employs her to recover his only child but is he prepared for the fallout? 

The action weaves between the kidnap situation, the machinations of government and others having a vested interest in the outcome. The author creates an utterly believable narrative involving SPADs, PMs, the President of the USA and government officials. I loved that he captures the world of politics with such aplomb & I genuinely laughed out loud at some of the exchanges. There are plenty of unexpected events, edge of the seat moments and an intriguing climax- are you hooked yet? 

This is intelligent, thought-provoking stuff with a generous dollop of humour to grease the wheels and very current with its environmental theme. In Mike Kingdom, David Jarvis has created yet another memorable character who I’d love to see in another adventure. This is the second book of his that I have read, and if I enjoyed The Collation Unit, I ADORED The Tip of the Iceberg. It’s a resounding YES from me! 

Books that I’ve loved in ‘22

 Next up is The Change by Kirsten Miller

Funnily enough, I started reading this on World Menopause Day! Perfect for those who’ve enjoyed Vox or The Handmaid’s Tale. In Harriet, we meet a woman who has harnessed the power of botanicals. Mess with her and she knows just what to do to wreak havoc in your life. As a former pharmacist, whose favourite module at uni was pharmacognosy, this was an absolute delight. She is joined in her quest to bring powerful men to justice by Nessa & Jo, two women who are also coming to terms with the changes that advancing years have brought to their lives. Under Harriet’s guidance they learn that they have capabilities that they never knew they had.

This is a fast moving thriller that highlights the lived experience of many women, the casual misogyny, the invisibility that comes with no longer being viewed as worthy of attention and the imbalance of a patriarchal society. There isn’t any tub-thumping though, the feminist messaging is delivered through a riveting storyline. I defy woman of a certain age not to laugh out loud in recognition at some of the exchanges in the book. Ultimately, this is a darn good read with an important warning- underestimate menopausal women at your peril! 😉