Hooray, I finally moved house this month, albeit from one beautiful part of the country to another. We moved from The Cotswold's to Devon during March, so the month has been very busy unpacking everything after most of our worldly goods have been in storage for 18 months, registering ourselves at our new residence and trying to locate everything we need.
I have only managed to read 5 books this month, but they truly were exciting books. From thrilling mysteries through to captivating adventures. I explored a variety of genres and discovered some new favourites along the way with most of them getting 4 or more stars so there are some great book recommendations.
Overall, even though I read less than normal it was a month of literary adventures and I can't wait to see what April has in store to enable me to recommend more of my favourite books to you.
Let me know what was your most favourite book of all time that you would recommend to everyone.
Love Alis x
Title: The Blue Book of Nebo
Author: Manon Steffan Ros
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Firefly Press
Date of Publication: 2022
Format: e book purchased myself on kindle
Star Rating: 2** – It’s not really for me.
About book: Dylan was six when The End came, back in 2018: when the electricity went off for good, and the normal 21st-century world he knew disappeared. Now 14, he and his mam have survived in their isolated hilltop house above the village of Nebo in north-west Wales by learning new skills and returning to old ways of living. However, despite their close understanding, the relationship between mother and son changes subtly as Dylan has to take on adult responsibilities. And they each have their own secrets - which emerge as they take it in turns to jot down their thoughts and memories in a found notebook – the Blue Book of Nebo.
My thoughts: The book describes life after the end from Rowena and Dylan’s perspective, switching over each chapter. I did not take to Rowena’s character, she seems far too weak, and I found myself wondering who really was the parent, Dylan or Rowena. Fearing there was no-one else left in the world they spoke to each very little and she did not seem to explain things to Dylan or teach him anything, considering the period covered Dylan’s age from 6 to 14. He was left very much to learn by himself.
I found myself getting to the end of the book and still waiting for it to start, There were too many strands left unanswered for my own personal taste. But maybe I was just annoyed at Rowena to enjoy the book, I will leave that for you to see where the book takes you.
Title: The Colonel and The Bee
Author: Patrick Canning
Genre: Historical, Adventure
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Date of Publication: 2018
Format: E reader supplied to me free by Voracious readers in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and would recommend
About book: The Amazing Beatrix, with no home or family, suffers an abusive ringleader as an acrobat in a 19th-century circus. After a harrowing escape from her tormentor, Beatrix encounters the daring adventurer Colonel James Bacchus, and the unlikely pair team up. Flying to safety aboard the Colonel's miraculous four-story hot air balloon, they begin a grand quest to find the most precious gem in the world, The Blue Star Sphinx. Perils await them, however, as they must outmaneuver deadly treasure hunters, escaped convicts, and endless double-crosses. If they succeed, they might discover the great treasure, or better yet, a true sense of belonging.
My thoughts: I started reading the book not knowing anything about it, and it took me a few chapters to get into it as I found it initially confusing. I kept putting it down and picking it up and even read another 2 books in between. But I persevered and am glad I did. The book is like Sherlock and Enola Holmes meets around the world in 80 days. I loved the relationship between Beatrix and the Colonel, and the plot was intriguing. Beatrix is feisty, outspoken and daring. The Colonel comes across as dashing, suave and adventurous but also a gentleman at heart and when the two meet the book changed for me and took on a new meaning and I didn’t want to put the book down.. The descriptive verses are eloquent and expressive which truly adds to the drama . With words dancing back and forth on the page as the plot moves on. It was truly an exciting read. If you are a fan of adventure and mystery it’s a must read.
Title: The Puzzlemaker
Author: Ty Hutchinson
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense Crime
Date of Publication: 2021
Format: E book purchased myself on Kindle
Star Rating: 4**** I liked a lot and would recommend.
About book: Agent Abby Kane heads to Yuba City, where six months out of the year, thick fog engulfs the town allowing a killer to operate freely in nature's camouflage. As Abby’s investigation progresses, she discovers something puzzling, perhaps even impossible. The killer might be blind. How can a blind man kill so easily and get away with it? It’s not an easy question to answer. To complicate matters, the killer has a unique calling card. He meticulously removes the skin from the backs of his victims—no easy feat for someone with perfect vision—unbelievable for someone with a visual impairment. Abby has six months before the fog lifts, and the killer heads back underground. Can she stop his murderous spree before fog season ends, or will the blind psycho leave behind a string of bodies right under her nose?
My thoughts: I am a true lover of crime; police procedure thrillers and this book did not disappoint. This book is number 13 of 15 in a series – Abby Kane FBI thriller series and the first one I have read. I didn’t think that you needed to read each of them in turn as the plot was easy to follow. The book felt different to me than your normal run of the mill FBI thriller book. It swaps between the FBI and the killer’s perspective, so you know upfront ‘whodunnit’. But the book kept me enthralled all of the way through, the characters were believable although there was one element that was a little confusing during the middle and I wondered what it had to do with anything else, but it kept you guessing and there was a real twist.
A great book for lovers of crime thrillers.
Title: The Mission House
Author: Carys Davies
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publisher: Granta Books
Date of Publication: 2020
Format: Hardback purchased for me as a present and came as part of a book subscription
Star Rating: 4**** I liked a lot and would recommend.
About book: Fleeing his demons and the dark undercurrents of life in Britain, Hilary Byrd takes refuge in a south Indian mission house next door to the presbytery where the Padre and his adoptive daughter, Priscilla, live. As Hilary's friendship with Priscilla grows, so too do the religious and nationalist tensions around them, and the mission house may not be the safe haven it seems. Meticulously crafted and tenderly subversive, The Mission House is a deeply human story of the wonders and terrors of connection in a modern world.
My thoughts: Davies' writing is stunning and evocative, bringing the characters and setting to life in vivid detail. The book is full of complex, multi-dimensional characters who are all searching for something, and the way their stories intersect is both surprising and satisfying. What I particularly appreciated about "Mission House" is the way it explores the challenges of finding one's place in the world, especially as we age and our priorities shift. The novel doesn't offer easy answers, but instead provides a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of these issues that will resonate with many readers. Overall, "Mission House" is a beautifully crafted novel that will appeal to anyone who appreciates excellent writing, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Highly recommended.
Title: Next in Line
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Crime
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date of Publication: 2022
Format: Hardback purchased myself
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend.
About book: London, 1988. Royal fever sweeps the nation as Britain falls in love with the ‘people’s princess’.
Which means for Scotland Yard, the focus is on the elite Royalty Protection Command, and its commanding officer. Entrusted with protecting the most famous family on earth, they quite simply have to be the best. A weak link could spell disaster.
Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick and his Scotland Yard squad are sent in to investigate the team. Maverick ex-undercover operative Ross Hogan is charged with a very sensitive – and unique – responsibility. But it soon becomes clear the problems in Royalty Protection are just the beginning. A renegade organization has the security of the country – and the Crown – in its sights. The only question is which target is next in line…
My thoughts: "Next in Line" is the fifth book in Jeffrey Archer's William Warwick series and it is every bit as thrilling and engaging as the previous installments. The novel follows William Warwick, a detective in the Metropolitan Police Force, as he investigates a high-profile art theft. As with all of Archer's books, the writing in "Next in Line" is crisp, clear, and engaging. The plot is expertly crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. What I particularly appreciated about this book is the way that Archer weaves in elements of art history, making it a fascinating read for anyone interested in the subject. William Warwick is a compelling protagonist, and it's been a pleasure to watch his character develop over the course of the series. He's a detective who is passionate about justice, but also flawed and relatable. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-drawn, with each one bringing something unique and interesting to the story. Overall, "Next in Line" is a fantastic addition to the William Warwick series, and one that is sure to delight fans of Jeffrey Archer's work. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and engaging writing, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller and I highly recommend it and can’t wait for the 6th book.
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