Ben Mcintyre never fails to deliver and The Siege reads like a taut thriller from beginning to end. Full of rich details and the backstories of many cBen Mcintyre never fails to deliver and The Siege reads like a taut thriller from beginning to end. Full of rich details and the backstories of many caught up in the 1980 siege of the Iranian Embassy in London, this book is a timely reminder of cultural interplay and politics.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author and it was excellent....more
4.5* Circus of Mirrors - a stunner of a book told across 3 timelines which impeccably intertwine to create an incredible page turner.
Berlin 1926 - Le4.5* Circus of Mirrors - a stunner of a book told across 3 timelines which impeccably intertwine to create an incredible page turner.
Berlin 1926 - Leni gets a job at the Circus of Mirrors, desperate to earn money to put a roof over the head of her and her young sister Nette. Among the many characters in the cabaret club, Leni’s head is turned by Paul the pianist but the relationship is underpinned by untruths. As we follow the sisters we revisit them post-war and then again in the 1960s but always there is a draw back to the Circus of Mirrors.
This is an immersive read. The first third sets the scene (and perhaps is a little slow), but as we get under the skin of the characters and we hop around the timelines, the intricacy and deft-weaving of the plot is something to behold. The characters are well drawn, with a balanced mix of those to love and loathe in equal measure. From the half way point it is unputdownable.
Berlin makes for an incredible backdrop, a city of historical significance through each of the periods in the book. It reminded me of the excellent The Silence Inbetween by Josie Ferguson, a Waterstones shortlisted debut novel for 2024.
Thanks to Michael Joseph, PRH and Netgalley for an ARC. ...more
4* The Birdwatcher by William Shaw. An intricate, well crafted and hugely enjoyable police procedural.
William Shaw likes a quiet life. He is content b4* The Birdwatcher by William Shaw. An intricate, well crafted and hugely enjoyable police procedural.
William Shaw likes a quiet life. He is content being a community policeman, not least at the time of year that the migrating birds make for prime 'birding season'. But when William's neighbour, friend and fellow birder is found murdered, William gets drawn into the investigation.
Told across 2 timelines, we meet young William growing up in Belfast at a time when dark secrets are common-place. In the present day, William has to work alongside a new colleague Alex Cupidi, who doesn't share William's instincts that a number of incidents may be linked.
This is a fabulous read. It's well written, the characters are all very believable and engaging (whether for good or for bad) and there are plenty of twists, turns and red-herrings. I have heard great things about the author's Alex Cupidi series and this is the prequel to those books, so I thought I would start here. I am glad I did and I have already bought the next one in the series....more
3.5* The Bullet That Missed - the 3rd outing for the Thursday Murder Club is entertaining and great fun.
More preposterous fun from the residents of Co3.5* The Bullet That Missed - the 3rd outing for the Thursday Murder Club is entertaining and great fun.
More preposterous fun from the residents of Coopers Chase Retirement Village as they pick up the cold case of the disappearance and potential murder of a local news presenter, while Elizabeth is blackmailed into killing a former head of the KGB. The story is bonkers and the plotting is good but overall the ‘crime fiction’ is a bit too cosy and plodding for me. However, based on the earlier books, it's the characters and the whip smart dialogue that brought me back. It never fails to raise a smile (I do wonder how much of it goes over the head of non-UK readers).
I listened to the audiobook and Fiona Shaw does a brilliant job of the narration....more
4* Precipice by Robert Harris. The master of weaving historical fact into page-turning fiction is on top form in this incredible book.
HH Asquith is t4* Precipice by Robert Harris. The master of weaving historical fact into page-turning fiction is on top form in this incredible book.
HH Asquith is the Liberal Prime Minister, husband, father and a man who will shortly be steering the country in a monumental war across Europe. However, Asquith only has one thing on his mind, his obsession with Venetia Stanley, a woman who is part of his ‘set’ (more accurately his son’s ‘set’) and is less than half his age.
As war goes from a possibility to a reality, Asquith’s correspondence to Venetia not only amounts to several letters a day but regales secrets only available to the highest levels of his Cabinet. Robert Harris takes the contents of those incredible letters and imagines the beginning of WWI told through this misjudged relationship.
Precipice is a page-turning, jaw-dropping story, made all the more impressive as the reader can trust Harris to have grounded his work in fact (at one point Asquith travels to Newcastle to speak to munition workers … as it’s my home town, I was intrigued to see that the talk was in a theatre I had never heard of. A quick Google showed that it was the preeminent theatre in the city at the time but was demolished in the 1960s). The ability to weave a story of intrigue, espionage and secrets from letters which in many respects are wearing and repetitive, is an absolute skill. Although the reader knows that the country will go to war and that war will brutally last for years, watching this unfold so close to the decisions being made is chilling and Asquith prioritising his affair over leading the country into war in an informed manner is infuriating. I would thoroughly recommend this book.
Thanks to Penguin Random House, Cornerstone and Netgalley for an advance copy....more
3.5* What A Way to Go - Bella Mackie. When this book gets going, it twists and turns and it’s impossible to leave it alone.
Anthony Wistern is dead. H3.5* What A Way to Go - Bella Mackie. When this book gets going, it twists and turns and it’s impossible to leave it alone.
Anthony Wistern is dead. He leaves behind his wife, 4 children and two huge houses (the country pile and the London mansion). With no exception, every member of the family has a motive for murder but so do many of the other guests at the birthday bash where Anthony met his end. The Police consider there has been a tragic accident but a true crime blogger thinks otherwise and is determined to make a name for herself.
Bella Mackie has written a cast of characters who are brilliantly awful. There’s a (sometimes slightly misfiring) satire of the mega rich as the Wistern clan vie to be top dog. If the blogger is supposed to offer relief, I can’t say I liked her anymore than the others but as an overall list of protagonists, they are fabulous.
While I found the first half of the book a little bit over-conceived and trying too hard to be clever, as the plot and the twists kick in in the second half, I couldn’t put it down. I adored the plot device of those who had died finding themselves in a beige administrative purgatory within which they couldn’t move on unless they could accurately surmise their own death. The twists were plentiful and clever and the latter part of the book made up for a slow beginning. And like Mackie’s previous book, What A Way to Go is peppered with brilliant one liners.
Overall, this is a book which is throughly with sticking with until the final word.
Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC....more
The Bee Sting has won a lot of plaudits and a lot of awards. I can see why. But I am not entirely sold.
Dicki3.5* The Bee Sting. A vast family drama.
The Bee Sting has won a lot of plaudits and a lot of awards. I can see why. But I am not entirely sold.
Dickie is the second generation responsible for the family business. However, no one wants to buy a car as the financial crisis hits. His wife Imelda is frustrated that Morris, her father-in-law who started the business spends his time golfing in Portugal and Dickie won’t ask him for help. Their children Cass and PJ each have their own growing pains. Across a complex web of family memories and events, we unspool a complex web which will eventually all weave together.
This is a long book and it felt too much. There were parts that I hugely enjoyed but others which felt indulgent to the extent that they added little to the book (soothsaying and prepping spring to mind). The totality of the parts was enjoyable and was beautifully written, with clever plot development and immersion into the lives of the main characters.
I listened on audio, with numerous excellent narrators, and I suspect listening added to my enjoyment of the book. ...more
4* The Ghosts of Rome (Rome Escape Line #2) by Joseph Connor. The 2nd book in this superb trilogy with a fictional telling of those who, hunkered in t4* The Ghosts of Rome (Rome Escape Line #2) by Joseph Connor. The 2nd book in this superb trilogy with a fictional telling of those who, hunkered in the Vatican, supported allied soldiers and airmen to shelter and escape Rome in the latter years of WWII, as the allies made their way North.
In the preceding book, My Father's House, we met Fr Hugh O'Flaherty a Catholic priest who had found his calling in The Choir, a group who assembled by happenchance to create an 'escape line'. In The Ghost's of Rome, the focus shifts to the rest of the group and in particular Countess Jo Landini who has had to flee the palace which was the ancestral home of her late husband. The Choir continue their work despite the ever closing net of the Nazis led by Gestapo boss Paul Hauptmann. When a Polish airman is shot down, saving his life becomes one of the trickiest missions the group will undertake.
This is a superb book, entwining true characters with fictionalised missions and back stories. It was very special to be back with this group of characters as they become increasingly daring in a bid to thwart Hauptmann, who is himself under great pressure from Berlin. The plot zips along and there were half a dozen times I was entranced and had to keep reading to see if they could get themselves out of danger. It would work well as a standalone, not least because we are introduced to each character in turn, but reading My Father's House will give the reader more depth and understanding of what has gone before.
Thanks to Random House, Harvill Secker and Netgalley for an ARC....more
The 6th outing for one of my favourite crime fiction duos - National Crime Agency Detective Sergeant Washington Poe an3* The Mercy Chair - MW Craven.
The 6th outing for one of my favourite crime fiction duos - National Crime Agency Detective Sergeant Washington Poe and analyst Tilly Bradshaw. When a man is found stoned to death at a beauty spot, Washington Poe finds himself in one of his twistiest and tricky cases to date. Bound up in a religious sect and families who have endured historical tragedies, there are codes to crack and concerns about who to trust.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I thought a couple of the twists in the latter third were a step too far and unnecessarily outlandish. The Poe/Tilly relationship continues to be fun but wasn't as prominent in this book, nor were other characters such as DC Flynn. The dialogue in parts felt a little clunky (perhaps because I listened to the audio) and some of the jokes wore thin when told several times over.
This is a great series, with characters that I enjoy going back to but I didn't think that this was their strongest outing. ...more
4.5* Remain Silent by Susie Steiner #Manon Bradshaw 3. Brilliant.
When a Lithuanian man is found hanging from a tree in a Cambridgeshire park, it does4.5* Remain Silent by Susie Steiner #Manon Bradshaw 3. Brilliant.
When a Lithuanian man is found hanging from a tree in a Cambridgeshire park, it doesn’t appear to be a suicide but no one can work out how it could be a murder. As police officers Manon and Davy take on the case, they find themselves in the murky world of those who are brought to the UK on a promise of work, only to find themselves bound into debt and living in squalor.
This third (and very sadly final) book from Susie Steiner is another fantastic read. As with all the others, the characters and their development zing off the page. The plot is intricate and smart but only takes up enough of the book to allow the reader a more substantial reading experience.
While this could be read as a stand alone, I would, as ever, urge starting the series from the start (Missing Presumed) as the backstory of each character adds so much to the enjoyment. ...more
5* City in Ruins by Don Winslow #Danny Ryan 3. Amazing.
Danny Ryan is a rich man trying to lead a clean life. With a hotel on the Vegas strip, he deci5* City in Ruins by Don Winslow #Danny Ryan 3. Amazing.
Danny Ryan is a rich man trying to lead a clean life. With a hotel on the Vegas strip, he decides to try and expand his empire to the only lot that is ripe for redevelopment. One problem. Someone else has already had an offer accepted and by playing in the grey area outside the rules, Danny sets off a chain of events that requires all his street smarts and background to get him out of.
This book is incredible. The action is fast paced. The plot lines are clever and intricate. And the characters we’ve got to know over 3 books return for a final outing. It could be a standalone but is so much more when you are rejoining old friends. Thoroughly recommended.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration by Ari Fliakos was fabulous....more
Salt Lane is the the first in William Shaw's DS Alex Cupidi series, although 'completer finishers' would be well advised to start with the BirdwatcherSalt Lane is the the first in William Shaw's DS Alex Cupidi series, although 'completer finishers' would be well advised to start with the Birdwatcher, a prequel where Cupidi and her daughter are more minor characters.
A woman shows up dead in a marsh ditch and the coroner cannot fathom how she might have died. The same night another woman shows up at the home of a man, claiming to be his long estranged mother. Both women appear to be one and the same.
Therein starts a superb police procedural. The characters and setting follow on from the Birdwatcher and are a very welcome return. the plot is complex and hugely satisfying.
I'm hugely enjoying this series and have already bought the next book....more
4.5* Frankie by Graham Norton. Spellbinding. A beautiful book from Graham Norton which will pull you into the life of each and every one of the main c4.5* Frankie by Graham Norton. Spellbinding. A beautiful book from Graham Norton which will pull you into the life of each and every one of the main characters.
Damian, a young guy from Ireland, has been in London for 8 years and is working as an overnight carer. When he is sent to look after Frankie, whose ankle is in plaster, her initial reservation gives way to a warm bond and she tells Damian her life story. From a tragic start in rural Ireland to living the high life in NYC, Frankie has lived more lives than most could dream of.
Utterly absorbing, Frankie introduces a cast of people who will undoubtedly be with the reader for long after they have finished the book. The plot zips along but is full of rich detail and dialogue. There were a couple of times in the first half that were a little slow but I soon forgot those when the action moved to NYC.
I have read most of Graham’s fiction and loved them all. Frankie is a standout. Wholeheartedly recommended.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for an ARC....more
4* City of Dreams - Don Winslow - the second in the Danny Ryan series and another absolute barnstormer.
Danny Ryan has fled the East Coast with (what i4* City of Dreams - Don Winslow - the second in the Danny Ryan series and another absolute barnstormer.
Danny Ryan has fled the East Coast with (what is left of) his crew, his elderly father and his young son. Constantly checking their tails they make their way to the West Coast but with barely a dollar between them. Settling into a quiet life, Danny is living day-to-day worried about being recognised. Until he gets an offer he cannot refuse ... from the FBI.
This book has everything. Fantastic characters, fast paced plot and an underlying intricacy. The dialogue sings from the page and you feel like one of Danny's crew (who are a frustrating bunch). Even when the book meanders into Hollywood and film product, Don Winslow carries off a plot which could have been a stretch too far but feels all too real.
Highly recommended. I listened to the audiobook which was superbly narrated by Ari Fliakos....more
4.5* Persons Unknown. An absolute barnstormer of a book.
DS Manon Bradshaw has given up on her miserable stint with the Met and has moved back to Camb4.5* Persons Unknown. An absolute barnstormer of a book.
DS Manon Bradshaw has given up on her miserable stint with the Met and has moved back to Cambridgeshire, along with her adopted son, her sister and nephew. Picking up cold cases work, and being back alongside her former colleagues, things are drifting along although no one in the household is satisfied with their lot.
When a City banker is stabbed in the local park, it has far reaching consequences for Manon and everyone in her life.
Persons Unknown is fantastic. Slow burn crime literature with careful character development, the welcome return of many of the cast from Missing Presumed and an intricate twisty plot. It has the vibes of Tana French and Jane Harper (2 authors who I adore) but with a main protagonist who is at once highly likeable and utterly frustrating.
I couldn’t recommend this book more highly. It would work well as a stand alone but will be richer if you’ve read Missing Presumed first. It will be bittersweet to read the 3rd and final Susie Steiner book. ...more
City on Fire is the first in Don Winslow's 'City series' and it's a high paced mob drama which keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The Italians and theCity on Fire is the first in Don Winslow's 'City series' and it's a high paced mob drama which keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The Italians and the Irish in late 80s New England have muddled along side-by-side. That is until Liam tries it on with the girlfriend of one of the other families. As a mob war quickly escalates, Danny Ryan finds himself right in the middle. Working out sides, keeping out of direct fire, avoiding offers from the FBI and thinking tactically becomes a way of life for Danny, but can he keep his family safe.
City on Fire was great fun and felt over in a flash. I listened to the audiobook and will be diving into the next in the series shortly....more
4.5* Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly. Wow. Wow. Wow. What a book!
Addie lives on a tiny island off the Northumberland Coast, supporting her mother to run a re4.5* Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly. Wow. Wow. Wow. What a book!
Addie lives on a tiny island off the Northumberland Coast, supporting her mother to run a retreat for women. The neighbouring island is connected by a bridge which is only passable at low tide and on that island is a monastery where grief stricken Sol is visiting to trying to come to terms with the death of his mother. Two souls who have had hugely different but equally emotionally difficult upbringings. Both are reclusive, introverted and shy. But when their eyes lock, their worlds change.
At one level this is a ‘will they, won’t they, will they stick it out book’. Yet it is so much more.
The characters are fabulous. Not just Sol and Addie (who can be shout out loud infuriating), but many of the other characters; from the children who Sol teaches to the puffins on the headland, all of who will burrow into your heart and will make a huge impression.
There were times when the plot slowed a little too much but the language is so rich (yet readable) that you cannot fail to continue being swept along. If I was a little sceptical about this book at the start, I was blown away pretty quickly and absolutely loved it.
Thanks to Harper Collins, The Borough Press and Netgalley for an ARC. ...more
4* Eddie Winston is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin is warm, uplifting, quirky and a hoot. If you loved Margot and Lenni, you’ll enjoy this one ju4* Eddie Winston is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin is warm, uplifting, quirky and a hoot. If you loved Margot and Lenni, you’ll enjoy this one just as much, if not more or more (and if you haven’t read One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot - get to it!).
Eddie is a good egg. At 90 he works in a Birmingham charity shop, where he rescues items of sentimental value which people might return for. When Bella comes into the shop to donate items from her boyfriend, an unlikely bond is formed between the two of them. And when Bella finds out that Eddie is still awaiting his first kiss, she sets Eddie a challenge…
Told across two timelines; modern day Eddie and Bella and 1960s Eddie and his first (and only) love, this is a laugh out loud, gut-wrenching and ultimately uplifting book. The characters are fabulous, the small details zing from the page and the last 3rd must be read on one go for required peace of mind. It’s a stunner. Thoroughly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. ...more
3.5* Caledonian Road. A novel of epic proportions with an impeccable character list but perhaps trying too hard to be clever.
Campbell Flynn - Art His3.5* Caledonian Road. A novel of epic proportions with an impeccable character list but perhaps trying too hard to be clever.
Campbell Flynn - Art Historian, UCL academic, media contributor and clinging on to the upper middle class set he has been intertwined with since University. He’s married ‘well’ but unbeknown to his wife, Campbell is a man in debt and one who is getting drawn into mentoring a student who has his own agenda. As the cast of characters ripples out from Campbell, many of London’s issues are played out - Russian money, people smuggling and the privileged classes playing the system.
In many ways Caledonian Road is excellent but there is so much going on that it felt like a bit of a slog. Some of the characters were hugely believable, others felt sterotyped and some of the plot was squeezed in to cover off yet another issue which the author wanted to comment on.
I listened to the audiobook which was a mixed endeavour. The narrator, Michael Abubakar, was stunningly good and brought something to every one of the huge cast of characters. However, the plot is complex and despite my best efforts was difficult to keep on top of in audio - perhaps my fault for the wrong format choice for such a chunky book....more
4.5* The Silence Between - Josie Ferguson. Epic debut. What an incredible read.
Set across 2 times lines we join Lisette and her family from the early4.5* The Silence Between - Josie Ferguson. Epic debut. What an incredible read.
Set across 2 times lines we join Lisette and her family from the early years of WWII in their home in Berlin. A normal family who don’t believe the politics or hoop-la of the Nazis but cannot escape it either. As the war goes on, so the despair piles up for everyone but through the eyes of the characters that we grow to love, we get a visceral feeling of being with them. If some of these stories have been told before, the focus on the aftermath as the Russians take control in the Eastern zones of the city is less well accounted for in fiction and is harrowing.
Set alongside this is the night that Berlin is split in two and families are torn apart, not least Lisette, whose baby son is in hospital in the West. As the despair rises, the possible routes to a family reunion narrow and only a daring plan could bring solace.
A fantastic book. Equally heartbreaking and powerful. The various strands are beautifully intertwined and this book is deservedly shortlisted for Waterstones debut of the year.
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