4.5 rounded up - which is a very high one for me and fiction. So yes, I absolutely loved, loved, loved this, the best of the 3 Alec Halsey books so fa4.5 rounded up - which is a very high one for me and fiction. So yes, I absolutely loved, loved, loved this, the best of the 3 Alec Halsey books so far. There's been some excellent reviews of this already (Wendy and Caz, which I've now permitted myself to read) so I'm not going to go on at length on this one. But highlights:
- Alec is just drop dead sex on legs - He's even better now we know one of his dark, nasty secrets - Fantastic setting and history just after the 7 Years War which I know very little about. For some reason I kept picturing that country from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the one with the child catcher and the mad king and queen - and that's a big complement, I promise - Alec gets his gal - at least for the moment - A LOT happens, and the ambiance is fantastic - and Uncle Plant may just get his gal too
No more needs to be said. Just go and read it - oh, but start with book one, or you'll just end up wanting to go back to it anyway. And the only problem is now we have to wait ages for book 4. Fab read.
Merged review:
4.5 rounded up - which is a very high one for me and fiction. So yes, I absolutely loved, loved, loved this, the best of the 3 Alec Halsey books so far. There's been some excellent reviews of this already (Wendy and Caz, which I've now permitted myself to read) so I'm not going to go on at length on this one. But highlights:
- Alec is just drop dead sex on legs - He's even better now we know one of his dark, nasty secrets - Fantastic setting and history just after the 7 Years War which I know very little about. For some reason I kept picturing that country from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the one with the child catcher and the mad king and queen - and that's a big complement, I promise - Alec gets his gal - at least for the moment - A LOT happens, and the ambiance is fantastic - and Uncle Plant may just get his gal too
No more needs to be said. Just go and read it - oh, but start with book one, or you'll just end up wanting to go back to it anyway. And the only problem is now we have to wait ages for book 4. Fab read....more
As a writer of historical romance, I don't actually read a lot of historical romance these days, but I was drawn to this one as a Gothic romance (whicAs a writer of historical romance, I don't actually read a lot of historical romance these days, but I was drawn to this one as a Gothic romance (which I'm currently immersed in writing myself) and because (of course) anything mentioning a housekeeper makes you think of Rebecca.
The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall was not a retelling of Du Maurier's classic, and even though the housekeeper was called Rebecca, she bore no resemblance to the first Mrs de Winter, never mind the terrifying Mrs Danvers. This Rebecca was the opposite of Mrs Danvers, determined to open up Thornhallow Hall and expel the ghosts, not to preserve them or celebrate them. This Rebecca was determined to heal Liam, the (until she arrived) absentee owner of the estate, and to bring light and happiness back to all. Not that she expressed any of that though, this Rebecca considers herself a practical, pragmatic woman with no illusions about any of the softer emotions. With reason. 'Love' has not been kind to her. And as for Liam, the earl determined not to be an earl? He wants to expel his ghosts, that's why he comes back to Thornhallow, but he simply doesn't know how. Is it any wonder that he vents at Rebecca? She's so annoying, so right, and so very attractive.
This is a great romance, of two people determined not to romance each other, and determined that they have no future - I mean not only together, but anything permanent. Wherever they lay their hats, to quote a song, has been the case until now. No putting down roots for very different but understandable reasons. But what becomes clear is that putting down roots - together - is exactly what they need.
There's a brilliant cast of secondary characters in this book, and a really good storyline underpinning the slow simmer romance. The haunting Gothic overtones of the back stories are brilliant, and the Hall itself plays a very Manderlay-style role. I loved all the inversion of Du Maurier's Rebecca too. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Merged review:
As a writer of historical romance, I don't actually read a lot of historical romance these days, but I was drawn to this one as a Gothic romance (which I'm currently immersed in writing myself) and because (of course) anything mentioning a housekeeper makes you think of Rebecca.
The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall was not a retelling of Du Maurier's classic, and even though the housekeeper was called Rebecca, she bore no resemblance to the first Mrs de Winter, never mind the terrifying Mrs Danvers. This Rebecca was the opposite of Mrs Danvers, determined to open up Thornhallow Hall and expel the ghosts, not to preserve them or celebrate them. This Rebecca was determined to heal Liam, the (until she arrived) absentee owner of the estate, and to bring light and happiness back to all. Not that she expressed any of that though, this Rebecca considers herself a practical, pragmatic woman with no illusions about any of the softer emotions. With reason. 'Love' has not been kind to her. And as for Liam, the earl determined not to be an earl? He wants to expel his ghosts, that's why he comes back to Thornhallow, but he simply doesn't know how. Is it any wonder that he vents at Rebecca? She's so annoying, so right, and so very attractive.
This is a great romance, of two people determined not to romance each other, and determined that they have no future - I mean not only together, but anything permanent. Wherever they lay their hats, to quote a song, has been the case until now. No putting down roots for very different but understandable reasons. But what becomes clear is that putting down roots - together - is exactly what they need.
There's a brilliant cast of secondary characters in this book, and a really good storyline underpinning the slow simmer romance. The haunting Gothic overtones of the back stories are brilliant, and the Hall itself plays a very Manderlay-style role. I loved all the inversion of Du Maurier's Rebecca too. Thoroughly enjoyed this one....more
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
Essie was betrothed to Aidan, the Earl of Denholm when they were botI received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
Essie was betrothed to Aidan, the Earl of Denholm when they were both children, and from the moment she met him she decided two things: she disliked him heartily; and she had no desire whatsoever to be a countess. Essie was set on becoming an actress. On the day of her eighteenth birthday and her official betrothal, she decides she’s going to find a way to rid herself of her unwanted fiancé. Unfortunately, the Earl is rather set on taking her on for her dowry, and Essie has the added problem of having to make sure that she escapes from the betrothal without her estranged father getting wind of her intentions.
This is a fun, pacy, flirty and very witty book, and I romped through it. Essie is an endearing, a highly original heroine with a strong stubborn streak and a heart of gold – except when it comes to her fiancé, whom she presents a heart of stone. What I loved about Aidan is that he was an honourable man just as trapped in a different way, in an engagement he didn’t want. He’s trying so hard to do his duty by his mother and sister and his estate, to fulfil all the obligations his father didn’t, but the big problem he faces as the book goes on is that by doing that, he realises it’s not only himself but Essie who is going to be sacrificed. And he likes Essie. He likes her a lot. To her annoyance, he also ‘gets’ her in a way no-one else does.
There’s lots of classic Regency romp in this book (and nothing wrong with that) but there’s also some serious issues being dealt with too, with a lovely light touch. Essie is stubborn and clings way too hard to her preconceptions about Aidan, judging him by his earldom and all she thinks that represents. As a heroine, she has a lot of prejudices to overcome, and she has to learn the tough lesson of giving people a second chance, of looking beyond appearances to understanding motivations.
Aidan has inherited a shedload of debt and a huge burden of obligations, and he needs Essie’s dowry to sort it all out – not because he wants to life the high life, but because he wants his tenants to have warm, weatherproof cottages, and he wants to pay his servants a living wage. By an odd coincidence, I’m currently reading Adrian Tinniswood’s ‘Noble Ambitions,’ about the fall and fall of the country house after the First World War, the battle that stately home owners had to wage to keep their homes, to house and employ their tenants, in the face of massive debt, declining incomes and inheritance tax – nearly two hundred years after Aidan is pretty much fighting the same battle. Aidan doesn’t put himself first, and for that alone, he’s a wonderful hero, but having to choose between his obligations and Essie’s happiness however, is a much tougher decision for him to make.
I really enjoyed this novel, and had no idea that it was intended for the YA market – I think that’s a good thing. Essie and Aidan eventually get their well-deserved and satisfactory happy ever after. As for poor Cousin Caro – well, I’m hoping there’s a second book to sort out a happy ever after for her too. ...more
Second book featuring theatre writer and manager Minnie, and policeman turned private detective Albert. The book starts with a horrific event based onSecond book featuring theatre writer and manager Minnie, and policeman turned private detective Albert. The book starts with a horrific event based on a real tragedy, with a matinee session in a theatre ending in the death of nearly 200 children, the innocents of the title. Move forward a few years, and some of the key people in the theatre at the time, are being murdered.
It takes Minnie and Albert a while to get the connections but of course they get there in the end. And while they're getting there, we get their relationship going forwards and backwards, we get the ongoing impact of the past from the first book, we get loads of fabulous theatre and colour, a monkey whose main talent seems to be to pee on people from a height, and we get lots of dark deeds.
I actually enjoyed this book more than the first one, I felt that Minnie and Albert had become really well-established, and I loved the story - though it was awful. I love the light and dark, I love the writing. Have to say, this is fast becoming one of my favourite series. Pity the next one isn't on the horizon yet. A great read which also manages, despite the lack of obvious HEAs, to be feel good....more
Fun, a heist story that's a page turner with a brilliant all-female gang and some very dark undercurrents. I heard Alex Hay being interviewed by JuliaFun, a heist story that's a page turner with a brilliant all-female gang and some very dark undercurrents. I heard Alex Hay being interviewed by Julia Boggio on her podcast, so when I saw the book on the shelf in my local shop, I thought, this might be interesting. It was! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mrs King, the former housekeeper of a lavish Mayfair mansion has a grudge against the recently deceased owner. His daughter is about to hold a ball. Mrs King plans a heist that will exact her revenge, and allow numerous other former employees the same. Making them all a fortune that will allow them independence in the process.
This is a heist, a roller-coaster of a plot that would make a fabulous film, with a galaxy of underworld characters that I couldn't help but cast in my head as I read. But it's also a book with a darker undercurrent as the back stories of Mrs King and her female gang unfold. The perfect combination to keep you turning the pages. I really, really want to see a film of this and I'll definitely be buying this author's next book. ...more
A re-telling of The Tempest set mostly in a prison. I loved the premise of this, and I'm a huge fan of Margaret Atwood, but this one didn't work for mA re-telling of The Tempest set mostly in a prison. I loved the premise of this, and I'm a huge fan of Margaret Atwood, but this one didn't work for me, mostly because I ended up heartily disliking Felix, the main character. I know I was supposed to, but I disliked him, not in an amused way but in a loathing way.
Felix is at the top of his game when he's sacked as artistic director, just as he's about to stage his innovative version of The Tempest, which is also his tribute to his dead daughter. He then spends most of the book - years and years - getting into a position working on a prison reform scheme putting on Shakespeare, to allow him to stage his production. And to get his revenge on the two men most culpable.
The Tempest isn't a play I love or am particularly familiar with, and Atwood took a lot of time on readers like me, filling us in on what it was about. Fair enough, though I have to confess, not that interesting. The staging of the play in the prison took up most of the book, with Felix's thoughts and views on it and how it would get him his revenge, interspersed with his really, really weird relationship with his dead daughter and her substitute, the actress who would play Miranda. This is all very Atwood, tricky plotting, vengeful characters, and lots of dark comedy. This is what I love about Atwood. But this time, not so much. As I've said, it was mostly Felix, but not only. The ending was a huge anti-climax for me. Again, I got it - it was for Felix too, and it just goes to show that making revenge your life's work isn't such a great plan. The book was also making some very serious points about reformation and prisons - again, get that. The problem is, for me, it didn't work as fiction.
A rare mis-hit from a very favourite author, but it won't stop me going back for more, or from re-reading regularly. ...more
I bought this book about a year ago and then forgot I had it. When I did pick it up, just after my own Gothic romance featuring a woman who is wronglyI bought this book about a year ago and then forgot I had it. When I did pick it up, just after my own Gothic romance featuring a woman who is wrongly incarcerated was released, the co-incidence astonished me - and I must admit, I'm really glad I read this AFTER mine was released.
As it happened, thanks to my research, I knew quite a lot about the appalling way women were locked up for failing to conform, though I didn't know about the Parisian Salpêtrière hospital where Eugenie, the main protagonist in this book, is incarcerated because she can commune with the dead. This was a difficult book to read in terms of subject matter, because it's so heart-wrenching and because you know when you're reading it that it's based on real events. The women who were treated for what was called 'hysteria', a catch-all for anything from any form of depression, to any form of rebellion, with a host of real and imagined illnesses in between - the women in this story represent all of them. In this book, at a time when one doctor achieved fame for his hypnosis treatment, they are 'famous' - or some of them are, the ones he shows off in public, who he puts into a trance and makes them perform (I can't tell you how appalled I was, reading this). The others, he and his acolytes dismiss and forget. Lots of women are locked up at their husband and family's pleasure. Some get out. Lots have no hope.
This story centres around a ball, an annual display of the women to an invited public - which is macabre enough. But it's also about Eugenie, her determination to escape, and the relationship she forms with Genevieve, a head nurse who until that point had been one of the regime's great supporters. Eugenie asks questions Genevieve can't ignore. So this is a story of uniting, of joint power, and ultimately it's in a small way a story of success.
I won't say any more about the plot. This is a short, difficult, moving read and I loved every minute of it. It made me so glad I'd written my own book - and though mine is very different, I too celebrate the strength of one particular woman fighting the system. It made me want to write another, too. And inevitably, it made me want to visit Paris again, and the Salpêtrière.
Highly recommended, but not for the faint-hearted. ...more
I am not sure what I thought of this book, but I do know I found it a taxing, at times frustrating and not hugely enjoyable read. That's not to say thI am not sure what I thought of this book, but I do know I found it a taxing, at times frustrating and not hugely enjoyable read. That's not to say though, that I didn't rate it because I did - in a, that was thoughtful, interesting, ambitious, kind of way.
This was a very different book for Sebastian Faulks, set in the near future, sort of dystopian-lite, though as ever with him, with some challenging characters for you to invest in. Seth is the product of an experiment to produce a human who is half-neanderthal, and essentially this is his story. Behind his creation is an Elon Musk type character who I must admit I found really annoying, and (sorry about this) slightly facile. As I found some of the speculation about the near future, I have to admit - though on reflection, this might be because it was so unexpected, coming from Sebastian Faulks. Seth's 'parents' are innocent, old-fashioned souls and also slightly irritating, while his surrogate mother, Talissa is the oddest of the lot, a woman so detached as to be, in a darkly humerous twist, the perfect companion for the Elon Musk person.
I'm not going to say anything about the plot, save that it follows Talissa and Seth as his identity is uncovered by some extreme right-wing American creationists, and the chase begins. Is Seth a 'real' human? Does he have rights, or should they be surrendered to the human good? Or should he be destroyed because he's not human? All these momentous questions are asked, but not answered - though in this, his interest in the human psyche, Sebastian Faulks is consistent - I'm thinking Human Traces here. All very big questions, but dealt with in a novel that is much smaller than the author's usual, and I felt much too small to deal with them. Key players are dealt with summarily and with no explanation. And as to the ending - in some ways it was the only way, but in others, it felt like way too abrupt, as if the author's head (like mine) was exploding with the questions asked, and unable to answer them.
So as I said, not sure what I thought of it as a reader, because I didn't enjoy it. But as a challenging novel, it does the trick, and as for the author - I've noticed this in a few of his 'league' such as William Boyd, Ian McEwan, the desire to explore more of what is happening today and the mess we're in - well for that, I applaud him heartily. ...more
3.5 Stars If you know nothing or very little of what life was like for the vast majority of Victorians, this is a great read. I really liked the struc3.5 Stars If you know nothing or very little of what life was like for the vast majority of Victorians, this is a great read. I really liked the structure, which was life in a day from dawn to dusk, and I really liked some of the author's personal anecdotes about trying stuff out for herself (including some of the personal care products, which I have to say I'd never have dared).
However, I think I'm the wrong reader for this book, because there was very little in it that I don't know from my copious other reading. So maybe the wrong choice. But on saying that, it was excellent entertaining history, and there's nothing wrong with that! ...more
Not sure why the cover isn't showing, but this was a history of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. I bought it because it purported to be full of good stoNot sure why the cover isn't showing, but this was a history of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. I bought it because it purported to be full of good stories, history mixed with anecdotes which is exactly what I love. Sadly, it didn't really deliver for me. Lots of excerpts from the various Infirmary log books, some newspaper clippings, but it was very bitty and had no analysis and very little context. A good starting point, to give you an indication of the types of people who worked there, but short of the more rounded picture I was looking for. ...more
I really wanted to enjoy this one, which was Peaky Blinders starring women, but it didn't work for me. I liked the set up, I liked the time period andI really wanted to enjoy this one, which was Peaky Blinders starring women, but it didn't work for me. I liked the set up, I liked the time period and the ambiance, but my big issue was with the two main characters Florrie and Ted. I found both tedious, I didn't believe they would have fallen for each other, and I simply couldn't invest in them. I thought the other characters, the Cutters, were really well drawn and I was intrigued by Ruby, but not enough to keep going with the story. So this was a DNF for me, I'm afraid. ...more
I bought this after listening to Marian Keyes's review - normally I find her recommendations excellent. Sadly, this one didn't work for me.
Therese haI bought this after listening to Marian Keyes's review - normally I find her recommendations excellent. Sadly, this one didn't work for me.
Therese has come from very humble beginnings to launch her own homeware company, and she's married to a rich and charismatic older man with a grown-up family and a continuing slightly too-goog-to-be-true relationship with his ex-wife. Therese seems to have it all, but she's not so sure, she's beginning to feel stifled. And she's worried that her perception of life is not the reality. When her husband's business ethics are challenged at the beginning of the book, she starts to question everything.
This is a novel about how women mould themselves and the pressures that are put on them, as well as the pressures we put on ourselves, to conform - or at least, women of a certain age do. All very interesting, a subject that I'd usually really enjoy, but my big problem from the start was that I simply could not stand Therese or any of her close family, which meant I couldn't invest in the outcome. It was an interesting novel dealing in really interesting themes. At times (especially the 'zone' scenes) I was reminded of the Channel 4 comedy, The Change - and I had similar mixed views about that. I admired it, and I wished I liked it more, but it didn't gel for me.
Lioness unfolds at quite a pace, with unpalatable truths creeping out of the cupboards in every chapter, and Therese mostly closing her eyes and singing lalala - which is exactly what most of us would do until pressed, I get that, but I wanted to give her a shake. Not for me, but I suspect I might be in a minority here. ...more
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