I am now 21 months into writing about the books I have been reading. I love the seasons we have and as the days grow longer and summer settles in, I find myself drawn even more to the comfort of a good book and reading outside in my garden.
June has been no exception to the number of books I manage to read, it is between 6 and 7 a month these days, depending on the size of the book. I have managed to explore new worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and uncovered stories that lingered long after the final page was turned. In this blog post, I'm excited to share with you the captivating books that filled my June with wonder, reflection, and pure joy. Whether you're looking for your next great read or simply love to hear about the magic of storytelling, join me on this journey through the pages that made this month truly special.
Let me know what you are reading and don’t forget to sign up to my weekly blog post so you can catch all of the wonderous books I have been reading.
Love Alis
Title: The Croaking Raven
Author: Guy Hale
Genre: Crime
Series: Shakespeare Murders
Publisher: Bullington Press
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 336
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: The Croaking Raven draws DC Toby Marlowe and DS Fred Williams into the dark world of Hamlet, not on the stage but on the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon. Oliver Lawrence has returned and he’s looking for revenge.
My Thoughts: The Croaking raven by Guy Hale is a crime book based in the 70’s, a period I love. I really enjoyed the characters DS Fred Williams and DC Toby Marlowe, although unorthodox and clearly of its time, I enjoyed Fields humour, most of which I don’t think would be allowed today. The relationship felt real, and Toby fitted in well. I love history, so the Shakespearean element fitted in well for me. The story switched from the police point of view to the killer’s point of view of which I think made the story all the more interesting. Some of the chapters were short which gave an intensity to the story. I also enjoyed the play on words which mad me chuckle. I liked the structure of the story where the reader knows who the murderer is and their motives, while the police work to unravel the identity of the criminal from the opposing side which made a compelling tension as I was privy to the murderer’s identity that fostered a sense of anticipation, suspense and foreboding. I did however think the story stopped short with the ending, but I guess I will have to wait for the next book.
In conclusion a crime book set in the 70’s clearly of its time with tongue in cheek humour and a premise where you know whodunnit and great for those of you who lover the period, crime, suspense and a little humour thrown in.
Title: Traitors Gate
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Genre: Crime Thriller Mystery Historical
Series: William Warwick Series book 6 of 7
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date Published: 2023
Format: Hardback
Book Length: 367
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: 24 hours to stop the crime of the century The race against time is about to begin…
THE TOWER OF LONDON…
Impenetrable. Well protected. Secure. Home to the most valuable jewels on earth. But once a year, the Metropolitan Police must execute the most secret operation in their armoury when they transport the Crown Jewels across London.
SCOTLAND YARD…
For four years, Chief Superintendent William Warwick – together with his second-in-command Inspector Ross Hogan – has been in charge of the operation. And for four years it’s run like clockwork.
THE HEIST…
But this year, everything is about to change. Because master criminal Miles Faulkner has set his heart on pulling off the most outrageous theft in history – and with a man on the inside, the odds are in his favour.
Unless Warwick and Hogan can stop him before it’s too late…
My thoughts:
Traitors gate by Jeffrey Archer is the 6th book in the William Warwick series of which I have read the previous 5 and loved them. Although, I purchased this book when it came out, I have only just got around to reading it and wonder why I waited.
Jeffrey Archers way with words and prowess at storytelling is brilliant. He is able to draw on all of his experiences to deliver a gripping, imaginative political thriller filled with twists and turns. On opening the book from the very start I was taken back into the lives of the characters, and although I would not call this book fast paced, it is a page turner. As there are so many things going on. Archer keeps you on your toes and unravels all the stories perfectly and the book ends in a timed frenzy.
I must also add that although this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone, but I strongly recommend that you go back to the beginning of the series and read through them all as this series has been wonderful all the way through.
In conclusion, a great continuance to the William Warwick series a page turner with many twists and turns, great detail of government politics that will keep you enthralled. A book for you if you love intrigue and suspense.
Title: Blades of Destiny
Author: Ben Cotterill
Genre: Fantasy Science fiction
Publisher: Next Chapter
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 330
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: Rella has known the rumours of technology are true ever since she witnessed a spacecraft fall from the skies. But, on Arcadia, speaking that truth can get you hanged as a heretic. Only her collection of blades offers a glimmer of hope against Arcadia's ruthless dictators.
Though often lacking in social graces, Rella, a governor's daughter, suffers no lack of hand-eye coordination or resolve to survive after her father's wrongful death. When she gets word that the fanatics who executed her father have seized her only remaining friend, Rella knows it is time to put her training to the ultimate test. She must find a way to break into the Omi's Sanctuary, buried beneath their capital city.
Help arrives from the most unlikely of sources: a traveling Omi monk with a hidden agenda of his own. He seeks safe passage, while Rella needs his navigational knowledge of the underground maze leading to the heart of the Omi's stronghold. The pair must put their differences aside as the rescue mission morphs into a quest to expose the secrets concealed by their oppressors-and possibly even unveil the true history of humankind.
My Thoughts: Blades of Destiny by Ben Cotterill is a Science Fiction, Fantasy adventure book and not my normal genre to read.
The book is told from two time periods and although it was a little confusing to start with, it certainly added context to the story, and I quickly began to know what was happening.
Cotterill story offers a blend of high-stake adventure along with deeply rooted conspiracies. The book takes you to the world of Arcadia where technology is taboo and heresy is met with the hanging noose.
The main protagonist Rella is a compelling character with grit and determination along with skill and a sense of what is right. Cotterill’s description of places and events is vivid and enabled me to feel the oppression. The books pacing is just about right with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged. But beware the book is about a continuing hard warn battle and sometimes not for the faint hearted.
In conclusion, Blades of Destiny is a tale of resilience and courage. Cotterill’s narrative is entertaining and thought provoking, I think, asking us to question boundaries between myth and reality and the lengths people will go to for justice. If you are a fan of Science Fiction, fantasy or adventure then give this book a read.
Title: The Swans Nest
Author: Laura McNeal
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 320
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: On a bleak January day in 1845, a poet who had been confined to her room for four years by recurrent illness received a letter from a writer she secretly idolized but had never seen. "I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett," Robert Browning wrote, "and I love you too. "Elizabeth Barrett was ecstatic. She was famous for her poetry but completely cut off from the kind of international travel that Browning used to fuel his obscure, unsuccessful, innovative poems, one of which was written from a murderer's point of view. They began an affectionate correspondence, but Elizabeth kept delaying a visit. What would happen when he saw her in person? What was Robert really like? Could she persuade her father and brothers that he was honourable, even though she had never met his family? And what would happen if she gave in to Robert's wild proposal that they go to Italy and see if the sun could cure her?
My Thoughts: The Swan’s Nest by Laura McNeal is an historical romance book set in Victorian times and is so eloquently written that I could almost feel and touch the Victorian era. There were a lot of players in the book, and at times I did lose track of them. But there was a beautiful love story intertwined throughout full of hope and fear.
The love story picks up the pace about 2/3rds of the way through and I was routing for Browning and Barrett, victims of their times. McNeal writes it beautifully taking care with the period that has you transported back.
In conclusion a wonderful love story set in Victorian times a must if you love history and romance.
Title: New Dreams at Polkerran Point
Author: Cass Grafton
Genre: Romance
Series: The Little Cornish Cove series
Publisher: canelo Romance
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 320
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: A surprise inheritance will open the doors to her future, and also the past…
When Aunt Meg leaves her cottage to Anna Redding in her will, Anna immediately packs up and heads to Polkerran, the Cornish fishing village where she was so happy as a child.
With ambitions to turn the cottage into a B&B, a job working for the enigmatic historian, Oliver Seymour, and the return of her childhood crush, Alex Tremayne, it seems the stars have all aligned for Anna.
But Aunt Meg left behind a mystery for her to solve, and a shock discovery reveals she may be living a dream that isn’t really hers to hold. Can Anna rescue the new life she’s made for herself? Who in Polkerran can she really count on in her time of need?
My Thoughts: New Dreams at Polkerran Point by Cass Grafton is a romance book and not my normal genre to read, this is also the first book I have read by Cass Grafton, and I don’t think it will be the last either. The book is an easy read, the prose flows like a gentle=e river, and you get to know and love the characters.
This book also has mystery and intrigue with some people not being who they seem. Grafton’s way with words made me not want to put the book down.
I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter – a great touch.
I also loved Anna’s character she was realistic and relatable, and I found myself routing for her to find happiness and true love.
In conclusion, an easy book that was so much more than just a romance book with mystery and intrigue and I thoroughly recommend.
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