⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29629611-belgravia
I am a huge fan of Downton Abbey, so reading this was not difficult.
Julian Fellowes sets his story on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, and then picks it up around a quarter of a century later as the ramifications of that fateful evening begin to play themselves out.
An aristocratic young man, Edmund Bellasis, the son of Lord and Lady Brockenhurst, is in love with Sophia Trenchard, the daughter of a self-made man. He marries her in secret, only for her to discover that he faked the marriage in order to seduce her. She becomes pregnant, but sadly dies in childbirth.
Edmund becomes one of the countless victims of the Battle of Waterloo. Sophia’s parents, believing their grandchild to be illegitimate, have him adopted by the Reverend Benjamin Pope, a country vicar in Surrey.
Charles Pope grows up and is successful, earning the patronage of his paternal grandfather, James Trenchard. When James’s wife, Anne, reveals the truth of Charles’s parentage to Lady Brockenhurst, she too takes an interest in him. This decision has serious repercussions for both families.
Fellowes draws us with ease into the world of privilege and entitlement, but is also sympathetic at drawing those of lesser rank and background.
Jealousy, scandal and snobbery all rear their head as the story plays out. We meet Oliver Trenchard and his vain wife, Susan, whose boredom leads her into an affair with the nefarious John Bellasis.
Bellasis, engaged to Lady Maria Grey, and his father, a vicar with a gambling addiction, are only interested in the title that one of them will inherit because of the Brockenhursts’ lack of a natural heir.
Maria Grey is an intelligent and spirited young woman, who has her own ideas about the man she should marry. Her choice does not meet with her mother’s approval and leads to a schism between the two when she refuses to marry Bellasis.
Misunderstandings and disagreements abound as the story plays out, and when the truth about Sophia’s marriage is finally revealed, it causes many of the central relationships in the novel to be re-evaluated.
Who is the true heir to the Brockenhurst title and estates? You will have to read the novel to find out.
This is a good read and those who love Downton Abbey, Gosford Park and other Fellowes creations need not hesitate.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 13th June 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49904521-the-heart-of-a-woman
I am a violinist in my local symphony orchestra and a lover of classical music. A few months ago, I purchased a CD of music by Florence Price and was fascinated by a woman who, despite her racial background, became successful as a composer. This book offered an opportunity to find out more about her, how she lived, and how she achieved recognition for her talent.
The book is written with a level of clarity and detail that not only presents the achievements of Florence Beatrice Price, but also chronicles the struggles and hardships she faced during her lifetime and chosen career.
The book also sets Florence Price in the context of the times she lived in, when black Americans were not regarded as equal citizens and subjected to disenfranchisement in many forms.
Florence Price was the first black woman composer to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra. She navigated the politics of skin colour, survived an abusive marriage and ‘fought her entire life to be heard and seen’.
The story of Florence’s life is fascinating, given that it also chronicles the work and achievements of several other important black musicians and composers, many of whom she knew and considered to be friends.
Florence Price was a private woman who suffered from ‘unconquerable shyness’ and this often inhibited her from promoting her own music.
The author, Rae Linda Brown, writes movingly of Florence’s determination and desire to become a composer. She studied for two degrees simultaneously and graduated in both.
By the 1930s, Florence Price was a serious composer, writing in all genres apart from opera, and her music was regularly performed. She was also accomplished as a pianist and organist.
Florence Price composed three major works from 1931-1940, the Symphony in E minor, the Piano Concerto in One Movement and the Symphony in C.
Florence’s Symphony No. 1 was performed in Chicago in 1933, with George Gershwin among the audience.
Florence Price continued writing large-scale works during the 1940s and 1950s. She died in June 1953. She had been planning a trip to Europe around that time.
Florence Price was aware of the polemics surrounding female composers. Her ultimate goal was for her large-scale works to be recognised and performed by the East Coast musical establishment; however, this did not happen in her lifetime.
Rae Linda Brown said in a speech that she chose to write about Florence Price because:
“I needed to bring her from invisibility to visibility and document her life and her music so that her legacy could be a lived legacy.”
On the evidence of this book, there is an extensive legacy and the music of this talented and industrious woman deserves a far wider audience.
I look forward to hearing more of Florence Price’s music as it becomes available. In the meantime, this book is warmly recommended.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by the University of Illinois Press in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 20th June 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53088283-the-crossing
I have just received an ARC of the second book in the series, so decided to read the first one to introduce myself to the background and characters.
DI Louise Blackwell has been transferred to Weston-super-Mare after she shot an unarmed man whilst working for Bristol Major Investigations Team. Her then colleague, Tim Finch, was promoted after her departure. Louise blames him for her transfer, as he lied about his role in the events leading up to the shooting, and Finch continues to harass her in her new post.
A series of religiously motivated murders form the central focus for Louise’s investigation, as she tries to piece together the links between the various victims, as well as how a missing man fits into the narrative.
The events behind the murders are gradually revealed and we learn of a cover-up involving a fire at a Catholic church which is central to the plot.
The storyline also reveals the killer from the beginning, as we are gradually made to understand why he chooses his victims and that they are linked to an unexplained event in his past. When the truth eventually emerges, Louise is in a race against time to reach the killer before he enacts his final murder.
I found this story convincing on the whole. Louise’s relationship with her new team is initially strained, mainly because of the back story, although her new boss appears supportive; however, by the end of the investigation, things have improved.
The relationship with Finch is central. Once lovers, she now clearly despises him and wastes no opportunity to make him uncomfortable as he tries to worm his way into the murder inquiry. It is clear that there is unfinished business between them and I look forward to seeing where this storyline ends up.
The device of hiding the killer in plain sight is a good one, as we get to see what motivates him to act as he does. He comes across as a damaged and emotionally fragile young man, with obsessive behaviour that leads him to react in a violent and premeditated way.
I am looking forward to reading the next novel in this series and will investigate other books by this author.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st June 2020.
⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50185083-murder-by-milk-bottle
I was drawn in by the title and the cover of this book and was looking forward to reading it. Lynne Truss is well known as the author of Eats, Shoots & Leaves, so this looked an interesting departure.
Crime is a serious business for Constable Peregrine Twitten, but innuendo is never far away.
Twitten can be slightly gauche and a little too earnest for his superiors. His only ally at the station appears to be the charlady, who has her own reasons for keeping him on her side.
Lynne Truss paints her characters with a broad brush of humour, such as you find on the ubiquitous saucy seaside postcard, in Carry On films or, more recently, in Mrs Brown’s Boys. The humour is not for everyone and one acronym that Twitten unwittingly relies on when questioning could be viewed as offensive.
I did not particularly enjoy reading this story and felt it would have worked far better as a script for a stage play or TV comedy. It wasn’t a surprise, therefore, to subsequently discover that the book is an adaptation of the author’s BBC Radio Inspector Steine series. I can see how well it would work in that context.
For all of that, the writing – especially the conversations – often seemed disjointed, with the story jumping around quite a lot. The plot was implausible to the point of being farcical at times; however, given the book’s title, I should probably have expected it.
There are people who will think the total opposite to me. I want to say something positive, but it is hard to say something positive when a book simply isn’t as enjoyable as you had anticipated and, in truth, does nothing for you. Since this is the third book in the series to date, perhaps I am missing something.
If you like the type of humour I have described, then you will probably enjoy this story; however, this is not a book or series that I will be returning to.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Raven Books, in return for an honest appraisal.
(This is an amended version of a review previously published on Goodreads and NetGalley.)
Originally reviewed by Alison Starnes, 23rd June 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52649136-fresh-water-for-flowers
Despite being set largely in the world of death, this is one of the most life-affirming books I have read. It is full of laughter, generosity, and warmth of spirit. It renders the ordinary and mundane in language that speaks with simple yet poetic eloquence.
Violette is a caretaker at a cemetery in the Bourgogne (Burgundy) region of France. Before that, she worked a level crossing gate. The cemetery has become her way of life.
Through and because of Violette, we meet several other people. The gravediggers, Nono, Gaston and Elvis, the Lucchini brothers who are the undertakers, and Father Cedric, the priest, all regularly visit her for coffee, food, and to talk. Sasha, Violette’s predecessor, who teaches her life lessons as well as how to grow vegetables and flowers. Julien, the man who arrives one day with an unusual request, whose mother had a love affair with a lawyer buried in the cemetery.
Through Violette, we also meet her husband Philippe Toussaint, a man who has disappeared. The reasons why slowly emerge, against a backdrop of prose that slowly yet inexorably draws you under its spell.
Love is central to the book. The various relationships, the way in which people relate to each other, not always successfully. Love that is obsessive, love that has soured, love that clings to what it knows, love that is afraid to let go, love that keeps us locked in the routines that are familiar, love that learns how to breathe again.
Valérie Perrin gives us a central character who is believable and human, who finds a way of connecting with the life around her. She is funny, warm, sad, bruised, determined, resourceful, insecure, generous, and maternal. We cannot help but like her.
Sometimes, when a book is translated from its original language, it loses some of its meaning and atmosphere. Not so here. The translation perfectly renders the story.
This is a wonderful book and I cannot recommend it enough.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Europa Editions, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 28th June 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50279562-the-day-she-came-back
This is the first book I have read by Amanda Prowse. It won’t be the last.
Victoria is 18 and lives with her gran, Prim. When Prim suddenly dies, Victoria is bereft. It isn’t made easier when a woman turns up at Prim’s funeral claiming to be the mother Victoria believed was dead.
Through denial, doubt, and a conflicting myriad of emotions, Victoria is able to come to terms with both her past and her future.
I loved the way that Amanda Prowse wrote the various relationships. Victoria was clearly close to her gran and therefore the letdown, when it came, was very believable. Sarah, her mum, was well written too, awkward and unsure of how to reach out to Victoria, but when they finally found a way to connect, it absolutely made sense.
Daksha, Victoria’s irrepressible best friend, was a joy – vibrant, funny, caring, and cake-loving! I also liked Gerald, who seemed completely unflappable and made me laugh as well.
There is a lot in this book about relationships and the choices we make, not always the right ones, as Victoria herself discovers.
You will need a box of tissues handy for this book, but it will leave you with a warm glow at the end despite the rollercoaster of emotions it took getting there.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 1st July 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51057965-the-hidden-beach
Bell is an English nanny working for Hanna and Max, a professional couple with three children who live in Stockholm. When she answers the phone one morning, Bell finds out Hanna’s husband has just woken from being in a coma. Except she thought Max was Hanna’s husband. What is going on?
The answer is that Hanna is married to Emil, a seriously rich man who is also the father of Hanna’s son, Linus. Hanna’s past and present collide, and Bell’s heart is also thrown into the mix.
Set in Sweden, in particular on the archipelago of islands near Stockholm, this story has a narrative that flashes back to before Emil’s accident and also weaves in Bell’s own back story as she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her fiance.
I particularly enjoyed the setting of the story and the way that the characters interacted felt realistic on the whole. What also helped was having the distraction of Bell’s friends, Kris and Tove, who always have her best interests at heart. Emil’s sister, Nina, isn’t immediately likeable but my opinion of her improved as events unfolded.
As events move towards a conclusion, the atmosphere becomes suitably charged and intense. The ending is possibly a little contrived but also enables the loose ends of the plot to be tied up.
On the whole, a satisfying read and an author I will probably return to.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th July 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51515513-the-descent
DI Louise Blackwell has a lot on her plate. As well as a troubling series of apparent suicides, her brother and young niece go missing and she finds it difficult to concentrate on the ongoing investigation, leading her to make uncharacteristic mistakes.
A number of vulnerable young women are members of an online chat group led by the charismatic and sinister Jay Chappell. As matters develop, Louise discovers that Chappell is not all he claims to be. Events escalate, leading to a dramatic showdown on an abandoned pier.
We are constantly reminded of Louise “seeing” her niece in the young women whose deaths she is investigating, which seems a distraction at times; however, it helps us appreciate how difficult balancing her personal and professional life is.
This is a well-written police procedural and although there isn’t as much focus this time on the relationship with Louise’s treacherous former colleague, Tim Finch, this suggests unfinished business to come.
I enjoyed reading this book and will be interested to see how the various characters and their relationships develop in the next instalment of the series.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th July 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52585380-the-worlds-of-j-r-r-tolkien
This is a wonderful and meticulously researched book, in which John Garth traces the connections between places that inspired JRR Tolkien and where they turned up in his writing.
Tolkien was born in South Africa and came to England as a small child, living near Birmingham. Place was important to him throughout his life, as was a love of language and mythology.
England, in Tolkien’s opinion, lacked the rich stories that were found in other nations’ mythologies and so he set out to create his own. He wove his personal life into his mythology.
In creating his own mythology, Tolkien also drew on many sources, all of which are discussed at length, with detailed annotations, drawings and paintings, photographs, and quotations to support the text.
I took my time with this book. It is not to be glossed over in one or two sittings but should be used as a point of reference to complement and illuminate Tolkien’s writings.
As an avid fan of both film trilogies of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, I know that place matters. The films were shot in New Zealand because of its stunning landscapes. They look, and are, spectacular, and suit the panorama and narrative of the films perfectly. But are they what Tolkien himself envisaged?
The answer is perhaps a surprising one, as Tolkien only travelled once among mountains, on a trip to Switzerland in 1911. Yet they clearly left a deep impression on him. His landscapes are so descriptive, and reading about his childhood you can begin to appreciate the breadth of his imagination. He never really left his childhood behind, you sense, but took the joy of remembered places and experiences with him throughout his life.
Tolkien was influenced by England and its countryside and appalled by industrialisation. He also admired the Arts and Crafts movement and believed in preserving the British rural landscape, creating Middle-earth ‘to reflect what he most loved and detested in his own world’.
If you buy one book this year to grace your coffee table, then you need look no further. This beautifully presented and illustrated book is one that I shall personally be adding to my collection.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by White Lion (Quarto Publishing Group), in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 7th July 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51831197-spark
Manzai is a form of Japanese stand-up comedy involving two performers trading jokes at great speed. The author of this novel, Naoki Matayoshi, is himself half of a manzai duo.
Tokunaga is a young manzai comedian who is half of a duo called Sparks. He meets another comedian, Kamiya, half of another manzai duo the Doofuses, and asks him to become his senpai or teacher. Kamiya agrees, provided Tokunaga agrees to write his biography, and the two forge an unlikely friendship that lasts for many years.
As Tokunaga gradually becomes more successful, Kamiya resolutely follows his own instincts and refuses to compromise his approach. He says and does outrageous things that are often misunderstood, but is still determined to succeed on his own terms.
Part of the book is about being true to yourself and Tokunaga realises he cannot be like Kamiya, however much he looks up to him, because his personality is different. Despite this, Kamiya’s approbation still matters to Tokunaga.
Another aspect of the book raises questions about what we perceive as art and whether this should please or provoke. As he examines this question, Tokunaga is forced to re-evaluate his performance style and the transitory nature of fame.
The humour in this book will not be for everyone – it probably helps to have an awareness of Japanese life and culture – and there is swearing at times, but there are some genuinely funny moments.
I found the relationship between Tokunaga and Kamiya endearing, even when long periods of time sometimes elapse between their meetings. Their friendship matters, albeit for a different reason to each, and that helped me connect to them.
Towards the end of the novel, Tokunaga criticises Kamiya for overstepping the boundaries between funny and offensive; however, the ending is touching and reaffirms the friendship between the two men.
The book has been adapted into a Netflix series called “Hibana”, which will be of interest to anyone wishing to explore manzai comedy further.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pushkin Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 8th July 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52959897-here-is-the-beehive
Ana is a lawyer who has an affair with a client. Connor suddenly dies and Ana is bereft. She finds a way of keeping her lover’s memory alive by appointing herself executor to his will and befriending Rebecca, Connor’s wife. All the while, she is thinking about whether Connor loved her more than his wife. She is neurotic, obsessed, can’t let go or move forward.
The book felt unsettling, mainly because it was impossible to warm to Ana. She came across as needy and self-pitying, always wanting someone else to blame. It took a long time to discover she had children. The narrative was all about her and the lover, and Ana’s husband who believed her when she supposedly worked late or went to a conference that was really a hotel where she was cheating on him.
Sarah Crossan writes in a way that engages you, flipping between the present day and the affair. There wasn’t a point at which I wanted to stop reading, despite the direct and at times uncompromising narrative style.
Even so, I found it hard to connect with the story at times. There wasn’t one character who was being honest, apart from the children. Everyone was hiding something. I got the impression that making readers uncomfortable was deliberate on the author’s part.
I didn’t feel that sorry for Ana. She used people, including her husband, and expected everything to revolve around her. When it didn’t, she got childish. The way she inveigled herself into Rebecca’s life felt creepy. She needed to get help but remained in self-denial.
Sarah Crossan skilfully depicts how obsessive love can make one person’s life disintegrate in front of and around them whilst they desperately clutch at every object or memory that keeps the past alive, as though this will make everything okay in the end.
The story tackles a difficult and emotive subject and will provoke a lot of discussion about morality and our perceptions of it.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 13th July 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54641469-the-sandpit
John Dyer is a former foreign correspondent who returns to Oxford from Brazil with his young son to carry out research about a little-known Brazilian indigenous tribe. He meets and befriends an Iranian nuclear scientist, Rustum Marvar, whose son is at the same prep school as Dyer’s (Dyer was also once a pupil there). Marvar and his son then mysteriously go missing.
Dyer becomes a person of interest as he was possibly the last person to see Marvar before he disappeared. The scientist had made a potentially world-changing discovery and he entrusted the secret and details of this to Dyer.
The sandpit of the title is a location that proves central to the plot. It can also be viewed in a metaphorical sense, as a lot of things are buried beneath the surface in this story and not just physically.
I found this an absorbing and well-written story, weaving espionage, counter-intelligence, and internal psychology with international affairs, as Dyer found inventive ways of keeping the various people who wanted Marvar’s discovery off the scent.
The people who want the knowledge that Dyer has acquired are playing their own games, desirous of getting to the truth as they perceive it and all convinced in one way or another that Dyer is the key to solving the riddle of what Marvar was working on. In an intricately plotted game of cat and mouse, Dyer’s journalistic ability to read people’s intentions and body language work in his favour.
I particularly enjoyed the ending, which very neatly tied up many of the loose ends and still managed to leave something hanging in the ether that might form the basis for a further story.
Nicholas Shakespeare isn’t an author I had come across before, but I enjoyed his writing style and use of language and will certainly be reading more of his books.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Vintage Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 17th July 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51338758-the-nightingale-silenced
I had never heard of Margiad Evans (born Peggy Whistler), an English writer who died at a young age in 1958 after battling epilepsy and then a brain tumour. She was determined to chronicle her struggles with the condition that eventually claimed her life and did so with a perceptive and at times harrowing honesty.
Margiad particularly identified with the Welsh border country and spent several years living near Ross-on-Wye.
Little was understood about epilepsy in the late 1940s and early 1950s, and Margiad’s own writing about her fits was rubbished by some in the medical profession. This saddened her but she remained convinced of the truth being closer to her own experience than the opinions of the so-called experts, with one or two notable exceptions.
The writings contain a diary of a trip to Ireland, excerpts from letters to the benefactor who made the Irish trip possible, a chronicle of Margiad’s stay in a hospital in Bristol when her epilepsy became acute, and five poems written at the same time.
There is a refreshing candour and humour in the account of the trip to Ireland, detailing trips out and buildings that interested her. Margiad clearly enjoys meeting people and is extremely perceptive of what she sees and hears around her.
The letters are interesting as they give a window into Margiad’s personal life, in particular the relationship with her young daughter and the increasing frustration she feels at the impact of epilepsy on her writing.
Whilst in hospital, Margiad writes at length about the fits and how these affect her physically and emotionally, and there is a real sense of the fear and dislocation that she must have felt. The poems written whilst in hospital are more evidence of her gifts as a writer, and the one about the relationship with her sister, Sian, is especially poignant, and evocative of innocent childhood before epilepsy reared its head.
Margiad Evans is a courageous and gifted writer deserving of a wider audience, which I hope this publication will achieve for her.
I was sent a review copy of this book by Honno Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st July 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54450730-the-tears-of-monterini
This book is based on true events and tells the story of Bella and Rico, born on the same day in Monterini, a small (fictional) village in Italy. As the two children grow up, they become almost inseparable; however, Bella’s family is Jewish and Rico’s Catholic. They fall in love, but Bella ends up marrying a Jewish boy to please her father.
War intervenes and Bella finds herself working alongside Rico to save a group of Jewish orphans. Bella chooses to remain when her family is forced to flee but this places her in the greatest danger of all.
The rise of fascism and its grip on Italy during the inter-war years is described in detail. Bella’s father, Jacobo, has a sense of the danger posed by Mussolini but is not believed at first. His friendship with Rico’s father, Angelo, is severely tested but survives.
Bella has the sense of being watched over by an unseen presence that her father, unknown to her, also experiences. She often feels distant from her father, who cannot let go of the memories of his first wife, also named Bella, who died giving birth to their daughter.
I enjoyed this book, even though it was sad at times and particularly towards the end as it described the arrival of the Germans in Monterini and the impact this had on the Jewish population. The descriptions of the countryside and the way of life of the village people are well conveyed, and there is a palpable sense of unease as events begin to spiral out of control.
At the heart of this book is a love story, yet it also has a powerful message that the human spirit can survive even when hope seems fragile, even impossible.
This is Amanda Weinberg’s first novel and I look forward to reading more by her.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by RedDoor Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 23rd July 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/144425.Ayala_s_Angel
“On the day fixed, and at the hour fixed, he came in the plenitude of all his rings. Poor Tom! It was a pity that he should have had no one to advise him as to his apparel. Ayala hated his jewellery. She was not quite distinct in her mind as to the raiment which would be worn by the angel of light when he should come, but she was sure that he would not be chiefly conspicuous for heavy gilding; and Tom, moreover, had a waistcoat which would of itself have been suicidal.”
I enjoy reading Trollope. He has a way with words, an observational humour and ability to winkle out the minutiae of people’s characters. Like Charles Dickens, he produces some truly memorable names.
What also pleases me is the way in which he writes about women as primary characters, not reduced to a secondary role or as somehow inferior. They are alive and resonate their feelings, desires and intentions in clear and unambiguous terms. We can judge them on the same level as any other characters.
Trollope writes preposterous scenarios very well. He also pricks the balloon of pomposity on a regular basis, such as he does with the Tringle family. Augusta Tringle, a young woman full of her own self-worth, marries an MP who is much older than her. The newly married couple then proceed to sponge off her parents rather than settle in a home of their own. Tom Tringle senior is enraged by this but cannot penetrate the impossibly thick skin of his son-in-law.
Ayala is a romantic, immature young girl who has an idealised vision of the “angel” of the title. She proceeds through the novel finding men happy to fall in love with her, but – alas! – none that meet her exacting standard. Even the delightful Colonel Jonathan Stubbs has fallen under Ayala’s spell but, although enjoying his company, she dismisses him for being ugly!
Of course, being a Trollope novel, everything always makes sense in the end. All those who should get married do, even the idiotic ones – and there are quite a few of those.
This is a delightful novel and well worth the effort.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20435697-the-warmth-of-other-suns
In this book, Isabel Wilkerson describes the mass migration over several decades of the 20th century from the Jim Crow south to the northern and western cities of the United States. The migration was of black people, individuals and families, determined to escape the inequality and harshness of their living and working conditions.
Three individuals are profiled in detail – Ida Mae Gladney, George Swanson Starling, and Robert Pershing Foster. All had different reasons for leaving when they did and all hoped for a better standard of living for themselves and their children, present and future.
The statistics at times make mind-boggling reading, throwing up numbers in the millions that have, until this book, remained largely unknown. The Great Migration began during World War One and was still happening in the 1960s.
The migrants had to compete with immigrants from Eastern Europe and blacks who already lived in the North. Just moving by itself didn’t guarantee a rose-coloured future and inequalities still reared their heads.
Ida Mae fared best because of her naturally warm disposition, devotion to her family, and refusal to be anything but herself. Moving to Chicago from Mississippi, she found work in a hospital. Her positive outlook enabled her to live into her nineties.
George Starling married in haste when young and repented at leisure. He was forced to flee north to New York by his outspoken nature; however, his work travelling up and down the eastern seaboard railway lines enabled him to retain contact with his family in Florida.
Robert Foster was ambitious to better himself, marrying into an affluent and well-connected Louisianan family. As a doctor working in Los Angeles, he eventually became personal physician to the singer Ray Charles. He was determined to be noticed, and lived and dressed flamboyantly.
I was fascinated by the detail of these stories, the humanity of all three of these people, and their determination to forge a better future.
For anyone wishing to learn more about American social history and, in particular, the way in which black people took charge of their own futures, this is a compelling read.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Penguin Press UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 10th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54495628-summerwater
This was an interesting and atmospheric short novel, with the tension building gradually over the course of a single rain-sodden day.
We are given windows on the lives of people staying in a group of wooden holiday cabins in Scotland – what they are thinking, whether about their own situation or those staying near them – and, slowly but surely, a picture begins to emerge.
A teenage girl bored out of her mind and her brother, an older man whose wife is in the early stages of dementia, a fitness-obsessed woman with her husband and two children, a woman possibly with post-natal depression and her family, a young engaged couple, and an Eastern European family who annoy everyone else with their loud music.
Everyone is linked, mainly by the appalling weather as they juggle family responsibilities and frustrations, but something is lurking just below the surface and leads to a startling denouement.
I liked the way the various narratives were connected by scenes of nature in the woods near the chalets, and the way different emotions were laid bare. The sense of tension is palpable.
This is a well-written story and I would be happy to read more from this author.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 13th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49427331-as-you-were
This is a distinctive novel and won’t be for everyone. I thought it would be depressing but parts of it made me laugh, sometimes in unexpected ways.
It is a “slap you round the face” kind of read, simply because the dialogue is so full-on at times, yet that is part of its charm.
As an English literature undergraduate, I read James Joyce’s Ulysses, which had several writing styles distilled in its narrative. This book is similar to Joyce’s, but the setting isn’t Dublin but a hospital in Galway where Sinead is trying to face up to the news that she has terminal cancer.
So far, she has only told a magpie and Google, not her husband or three sons because she can’t process it herself yet.
Part of Sinead’s lack of fight arises from her childhood and being told by her violent father that she is good for nothing. His invective towards her is recounted at key moments in the story.
The ward Sinead is on has a mix of patients, a matriarch figure with an errant husband and flighty teenage daughters, a former teacher who has dementia, a young paralysed man, and a local politician with lung cancer.
Dialogue is raw and nothing is off limits, and characters are believable, if flawed. The vernacular doesn’t always make it an easy read; however, there is an honesty and authenticity about the writing that compels you to read on.
On another level, the novel also touches on issues such as abortion, domestic abuse, Catholic treatment of unmarried mothers, and repressed sexuality. There are lists of searches on Google, transcripts of phone calls and text message exchanges, remembered invective from a parent to a child, repeated imagery, and passages of prose poetry. It is a heady mix but worth sticking with.
This is Elaine Feeney’s debut novel and I look forward to reading more by her.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52559453-the-seven-jewish-samurai-of-guadalajara
The title of this book intrigued me. I know a little about the Jewish faith but wasn’t sure how it related to Mexico, which is a predominantly Catholic country.
Matilde’s narrative primarily centres around the 7-day Jewish ritual called the shiva, where family and friends visit the home of a departed person, usually a close family member, to pay their respects.
Subjects as diverse as grief, family dynamics, friendship, honesty, superstition, food, the existence of ghosts, and spiritism are referred to throughout.
Matilde’s happiest memories of her father were as a little girl but he became more distant as she grew older. She is told by two psychics who claim to be able to see and talk to her dead father that he cannot move on until she grants him her forgiveness.
This is difficult for Matilde, who is full of doubts and insecurities. She desperately wants to forgive her father but not knowing what exactly she is being asked to forgive leaves her feeling agitated and ill at ease. The book narrates her journey towards achieving a degree of closure with this process.
Whatever your view on the various subjects raised in the book, it reveals a very engaging picture of Mexican family life. I enjoyed reading about the family traditions, the closeness of Matilde to her mother, and the way she was able finally to make some sense of her feelings.
The author is very helpful in providing English translations for the parts of the narrative that are in Spanish.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by the IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association), in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 17th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53327760-lucia-s-war
From a dramatic beginning unfolds a story that encompasses race, sexuality, war, love, and music.
Lucia Percival is an opera singer about to perform her last concert, although we first encounter her much earlier in her life when she is pulled from the River Clyde in Glasgow. How she got there is only part of her story.
As a young black woman in London around the time of the First World War, Lucia meets budding composer Arthur Rosewell and they strike up a close friendship. She eventually achieves her life’s ambition, although this comes at great personal cost.
The story is well written and the characters and their behaviour feel realistic. Lucia is sympathetically drawn so that even her wrong choices seem inevitable. The ending made me smile.
Difficult subjects, such as racism, sexuality, forbidden love, child abuse, and forced adoption, are all handled adeptly. I felt drawn in by the narrative and was rooting for Lucia to succeed.
It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to read a free review copy of this book. Many thanks to the publisher for allowing me to access this via BookSirens, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 18th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53191956-some-are-always-hungry
Jihyun Yun is a Korean American poet. Her poetry is not straightforward, yet it has an immediacy and rawness that demands your attention.
The imagery is stark at times, metaphors can be brutal. It pulls no punches and doesn’t avoid difficult subjects. Women likened to meat. Violation. The onset of puberty. War and its aftermath. Hunger not just about food. Desperation. Family relationships. Separation and new beginnings.
There is a lot of analogy with food preparation and some poems even give recipes. Some things had to be looked up as I am not familiar with Korean cuisine.
A selection of imagery from the poems:
‘a fevered petal hung on the hurt of daybreak’
‘bellies swelled like winter melons split too soon from a vine’
‘Our tongues boiled down to language, broth skimmed of birth fat.’
‘Back then, we weren’t made for tenderness, though swathed in summer we fooled ourselves.’
‘Azalea and baby’s breath drop petals on the nightstand like fly’s eggs.’
‘the slow arc of a dust-bloodied moon illuminating garbage’
Some poems struck me more immediately than others, but all are worth reading. There are many layers and much to consider. As with all poetry, you impose your own interpretation, which may or may not concur with the poet’s.
I will be interested to see what direction Jihyun Yun’s poetry takes next.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by the University of Nebraska Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 20th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50172967-monogamy
What a beautifully written book.
Sue Miller’s story is about a couple, Annie and Graham, who have been happily married for almost 30 years. When Graham dies suddenly, Annie struggles to come to terms with it and then discovers he has been unfaithful. This shakes her faith in him for a while, but gradually she is able to move forward.
I loved the way Sue conveyed the various characters and their relationships. There is care and attention to the conversations and the way we gradually understand different people, their flaws, insecurities, and truths.
Graham is complex and yet straightforward. He is larger than life, gregarious, and generous, yet being so open and people-oriented he finds it hard to say no and this makes walking away from situations difficult, leading to guilt on his part. This is particularly true of the affair he has shortly before his death.
Annie is introspective, less certain of herself, but you can see why Graham loves her so much. Then there is Frieda, Graham’s first wife with whom he shared an open marriage. She and Annie get on really well, and both their children, Frieda’s son Lucas and Annie’s daughter Sarah, find they can talk to the other’s mother far more easily than their own.
Grief is handled with sensitivity, particularly the scene when Annie wakes to find Graham has died. It is poignant and sad, yet rings true, as do all the emotional situations in the book. The sense of separation, the anxiety of starting over, the legacy of someone’s life and how it impacts others going forward.
This is the first time I have read a book by Sue Miller and it won’t be the last.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52749670-her-last-flight
For anyone interested in aviation, this is a must-read book.
Irene Foster meets Sam Mallory, a famous pilot, on a Californian beach and ends up becoming a pilot herself.
Janey Everett is a photojournalist who is writing a book on Mallory and tracks Foster down years later to a Hawaiian island. Foster is now Irene Lindquist and reluctant to spill the beans on her previous life.
As we look back on the aviation feats of Mallory and Foster, we also become aware that Janey is hiding something. Later on, we learn what this is.
Whilst Irene Foster is not a real person (her story seems to be based loosely on that of Amelia Earhart), the narrative is engaging and draws you in. It does take a little while to get going, though.
The characters in the story are well-drawn and believable, but not all the relationships make sense. Irene struck me as being quite feisty and independent, so I was a little surprised that she agrees to marry a man who is driven by profit, not love, although this does help set up the ending.
At the end of the book, we were fed a chapter of another book by the same author. I don’t approve of this as a rule. If you enjoy a story, then it is likely you will want to read more and a list of books available, with a brief synopsis, should be sufficient.
All that said, this is a good story and I would read more by Beatriz Williams.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Harper Collins, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46000520-the-thursday-murder-club
Richard Osman, in case you don’t know, is the very tall guy on Pointless who has all the answers.
I was very pleased to find out he had written a book and even more delighted when the publisher agreed to let me review it.
Like its author, The Thursday Murder Club is well dressed, funny, and quintessentially English.
Four pensioners in a Kent retirement village spend their Thursdays solving old unsolved murders. That is, until a real murder takes place and they decide to do the police’s work for them, although they can’t resist letting the local constabulary in on their investigations.
I loved this book with its gentle but clever humour. The characters of the four pensioners are spot on and absolutely believable. Everyone knows an Elizabeth, a formidable and endlessly resourceful woman (probably in MI6 in a former life), Joyce, our narrator who likes putting vodka in her cakes, Ron, the former union man, and Ibrahim, who is always having to explain to the less enlightened residents how modern technology works.
Donna, the PC that the pensioners took to their hearts and her boss, Chris, made a good double act. Bogdan, the Polish man of all trades and expert chess player, also made me chuckle quite a lot.
I liked the reference to the Isle of Wight, too, by the way. If it’s good enough for Jane Austen, and all that.
Looking at the end of the book, it seems pretty certain there will be another adventure for our intrepid pensioners, and that’s good news. After all, there are only so many cakes Joyce can bake or chocolate bars Chris can eat.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Penguin Books (UK), in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 25th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49127525-the-darkest-evening
A young woman, Lorna Falstone, is found murdered near the back entrance to the large country house where a gathering is taking place to drum up financial support for a business venture. Lorna’s toddler son is found abandoned in a car, but the identity of his father remains a mystery.
Whilst investigating the murder and trying to uncover who the child’s father is, one of Vera’s key witnesses, Constance Browne, goes missing. When Constance’s body is found, Vera realises the retired schoolteacher was killed because she had worked out the father’s identity.
A background of wealth and privilege hides a closely-knit community where secrets are often the subject of gossip and innuendo. Two farming families, the Falstones and Heslops, are also part of the landscape near the two murder scenes.
A picture of a local mill, painted by Lorna, becomes the focal point of Vera’s investigation, and it is here that the detective finally encounters the murderer.
If you are familiar with Vera, you will know that she is a woman not given to strenuous physical activity. She loves her home comforts, tea and cake, chips, and bacon stotties. In this novel, Vera does a lot of walking, even running.
Ann Cleeves is a master at giving you just enough information to whet the appetite, but not so much to make spotting the killer easy. As always, the story is meticulously plotted and bits of narrative are hung out to catch the attention and possibly distract you from who the killer really is.
A lot of people will have decided on a couple of suspects, and then – like me – been completely caught out by the revelation of who the killer is. It makes complete sense, though, and once again we are reminded of how the smallest detail matters.
I love Vera’s way of getting under people’s skin, including her rich relations at the big house. The relationships she has with her team of officers are well-drawn. I sensed a changing of the guard with the emergence of Holly from Vera’s shadow, gaining in confidence and approbation from her boss as the investigation progresses. Joe, as always, seems unflappable and the voice of steady reason.
Those familiar with Vera and this author need not hesitate. If this is your first time reading Ann Cleeves, I recommend you go back to the beginning of the series and read through. Each story can stand on its own, but you always learn something new about Vera herself and therefore get to understand her way of working, the verbal and visual cues that help her uncover the truth when others want it to remain hidden.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 25th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55216208-house-of-music
As a lover of classical music and a violinist, this was an easy choice.
Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason chronicles her family’s journey, via Sierra Leone and Antigua, to the present day, with seven gifted children. It hasn’t always been easy and there have been sacrifices along the way, but the children have always been their parents’ priority.
What you see is a picture of warmth, integrity, fun, and individual personalities allowed to shine within boundaries of loving family discipline and high expectations. All the siblings share with and support each other, and are deeply respectful of the gift they have in common.
Sheku, the second eldest son, won BBC Young Musician in 2016, and now has a stellar career as a cellist, as does elder sister Isata, a pianist. Although the main focus, inevitably, is on Sheku and Isata, Kadiatu is careful to ensure that all the children are mentioned. It is easy to see from her narrative where their love of life, joy, respect, and many other qualities emanate from.
It has been a joy to watch the Kanneh-Masons via the various TV documentaries and BBC Young Musician. I remember watching the final when Sheku won and being mesmerised by his performance. It was a joyous occasion, although fraught with nerves for Kadiatu.
Above all, the story of this family is about belief, being open to what life has to offer, and love. It is a story that should inspire many more young people to engage with classical music.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Oneworld Publications, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 27th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18143977-all-the-light-we-cannot-see
It took me a long time to get round to reading this book, but it was well worth it.
Marie-Laure is a blind girl whose father is a locksmith. Forced to flee Paris due to the occupation, they end up in Saint-Malo with her great-uncle and his housekeeper. The father is carrying a stone with him that may or may not be valuable, and Marie-Laure eventually becomes its custodian.
A German orphan, Werner, has a gift for technical sciences, in particular the mending and operation of radio sets. He is enlisted in a Nazi school and eventually sent to Russia to help track down illegal radio operators.
The two are destined to meet via recordings that Werner and his sister hear as children in the orphanage where they live.
This was a well-written story that conveyed the sense of how people can become locked or imprisoned, whether by memories, blindness, circumstances, or even ideologies. Both Marie-Laure and Werner are sympathetically drawn characters, whose paths are gradually and skilfully drawn together.
I particularly liked the descriptive aspect of the book and the way that the different narratives linked up.
This is a book and an author I will definitely return to.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 30th August 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42938877-snow-fallen
This is the latest in Alex Walters’s excellent DCI Kenny Murrain series.
Murrain has what could be described as a sixth sense that enables him to experience feelings and “visions” when he is around something that isn’t right, usually related to a crime he is investigating.
An elderly man turns up dead in a churchyard near an old house inhabited by three sisters. He is identified by one of them as her father, a disgraced former senior police officer. Another body turns up in a field nearby and then a third in a house in the small remote community around the church.
The weather is closing in and Murrain, along with several members of his team, find themselves stranded with a dangerous killer lurking nearby. To add to the impending sense of unease, a series of missing person cases throws up a possible further related killing.
As Murrain and his team bunker in for the night, one of his colleagues has the information needed to crack the case. What will the night reveal, and who might the killer be?
This is a well-crafted and tensely dramatised investigation that had me guessing throughout. I had a feeling about one of the main characters early on, which proved correct, but the ending was still gripping as the plot sorted itself out.
Dialogue and interactions between the police personnel are realistic and the tension is skilfully ratcheted up until the dramatic denouement.
This is a worthy addition to the Kenny Murrain series and readers of the previous two books, Late Checkout and Dark Corners, need not hesitate.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 3rd September 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53691750-stephen-hawking
I am not a scientist, and theoretical physics is certainly not an area I would have chosen to write a book about; however, for Stephen Hawking, this was his life’s work.
Leonard Mlodinow worked with Stephen Hawking on a book called ‘The Grand Design’ and the two became close friends. The Stephen Hawking that emerges from his account is a man with a prodigious memory, able to focus on the smallest detail – sometimes to the point of frustration for those around him – but who, when asked what was his greatest achievement, didn’t reply with “Hawking radiation” or one of his other discoveries, but simply said, “My children”.
Diagnosed at a young age with ALS (motor neurone disease), Stephen Hawking wasn’t expected to live many more years; however, he proved one of those exceptions – the 1 in 20 or so that survive decades beyond the normal expectancy for someone living with this condition. Consequently, Stephen decided to focus on achieving as much as he could and succeeded.
Whilst a lot of the discussion of the physics went over my head, I was fascinated by how Stephen came across as a person. He was married twice (a third marriage was proposed but never took place) and provoked deep affection in those who chose to share his life, whether carers, students, or fellow scientists.
Stephen faced battles every day just to stay alive and depended on an army of carers. He also relied on interaction with others, even though it took several minutes to frame a verbal response to questions. He loved food, had an impish sense of fun, and wasn’t afraid to be wrong.
A particular favourite reminiscence of mine is when Stephen wanted to go punting, and Leonard was convinced this was not a good idea; however, Stephen got his way.
This is an affectionate and very readable account of friendship but also of a working relationship. You don’t have to share Stephen Hawking’s conclusions about the universe, but you can respect the man who by sheer determination and self-will managed to bring science to many who might otherwise have ignored it.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Penguin Press UK (Allen Lane), in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th September 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51542211-owls-of-the-eastern-ice
Jonathan C. Slaght is an American wildlife researcher, who based his Ph.D. studies on the little known Blakiston’s fish owl. This elusive bird is only found in specific areas such as the remote Primorye forests of Russia near the border with China and North Korea. Over a period of years, Jonathan Slaght studied and collected data from a number of nesting pairs in this region.
Tracking and recording the data that has proved so essential to safeguarding the owls’ survival meant spending months at a time living and working in hostile conditions, often in temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius. Vehicles often broke down or got stuck, roads and rivers were rendered impassable, or melting ice blocked the way and forced inland detours.
The Primorye region is beautiful, but its remoteness lends its own challenges; however, the fish owl seems ideally suited to life in the harsh and sometimes inhospitable environment, managing to adapt with the changing seasons in order to survive, as do the human inhabitants.
Slaght formed good-humoured relationships with his fellow researchers and field workers, essential when you are living and working in such close proximity. Their persistence and dedication was patently clear and the findings have resulted in much more being known about fish owls, their habitats, and behaviour; consequently, better knowledge has led to increased protection and prevented vital habitat such as nesting trees being destroyed by logging companies.
The use of tracking and trapping methods is described in detail and what seems straightforward in the planning stage often proved far more difficult in reality, at least to begin with. As time progressed, these methods were refined and led to greater success.
Slaght’s prose is never dry and he provides several humorous anecdotes about his Russian companions, some of whom come across as real characters. I often found myself chuckling in places at the antics described, many including vodka and surreal conversations. You can easily understand why Slaght fell in love with this part of Russia, and it isn’t just because of the wildlife.
This is a wonderful book that will certainly raise interest in this beautiful creature.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Penguin Press UK (Allen Lane), in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 7th September 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49309243-english-pastoral
James Rebanks farms the same Lake District land that his father and grandfather did and hopes to pass the legacy on to his own children. The land, however, has undergone change over the years, not all of it for the good.
Farming on a large, industrial scale, has led to food being produced more cheaply, but often robbing farmers of a fair price for what they sell. Animals are kept inside in vast sheds, pumped full of antibiotics, and bred for maximum profit in the shortest time. Smaller farmers struggle to survive and are forced to diversify or risk going bankrupt.
Some of the numbers quoted were eye-watering. Over 50% of the milk produced in this country comes from cows kept entirely indoors. Contrast that with one of my great-aunts with a herd of dairy cows, of which she knew every one by name, often putting her arms around them and hugging them. She would have been horrified.
It’s not just the animals that have suffered. The industrialisation of farming has led to soil deprivation, hedgerows disappearing, and with it a great number of native species and habitats. Ecological disasters and climate change have accelerated the need to find a way forward that restores the balance.
Rebanks makes a passionate case for a kinder, more sustainable way of living. His farm has now adapted to incorporate many of the practices that were around in his father’s and grandfather’s day. It is a way of life that he describes with passion and clear-sightedness. The pleasure in seeing his children take notice of and pride in the natural world around them is also self-evident.
This book’s accounts of a way of life that needs to be relearned and cherished, so that we can continue to live in harmony with the natural world instead of fighting it, are worth reading time and again. It is descriptive and thought-provoking and deserves the largest possible audience.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Penguin Press UK (Allen Lane), in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 9th September 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55196968-going-green
Ellie Cooke works for Stratagem, a PR firm that is taken over by Nolan Reece, who renames it Veridian PR. In a desperate effort to ensure she keeps her job, the Mercedes-driving, ASOS loving Ellie embarks on a crusade to convince her new boss that she is environmentally aware. The problem for Ellie then is keeping up the pretence.
Although, with the clients she meets and situations she finds herself in, Ellie begins to find her life – and priorities – changing. Along the way, she meets a mad inventor, a taco-loving cockatoo, and a Joanna Lumley lookalike, dresses up as a plastic bottle, and ends up almost head first in a septic tank.
And that’s before she finds out the truth about her boss. When she does, it gets VERY interesting. I love the ending!
I hadn’t read anything by Nick Spalding before, but will definitely do so again. I chuckled in a lot of places, but especially the episode with the bamboo bikes. Ellie is slightly annoying to start with – and definitely more than a little accident-prone – but she is genuine and you will be rooting for her by the end.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 11th December 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51111864-the-queen-s-rival
Cecily Neville is an interesting woman. Not least because of her connection to the Houses of York and Lancaster.
Anne O’Brien chronicles her life from 1459 until 1483 when Richard III ascends the throne. Richard is her youngest son, but not the first to become King of England.
This is an epistolary novel (a series of letters) interspersed with prose accounts, recipes, and commentary from the English Chronicle, as we follow the events that surround Cecily (Cis) and her family.
She is particularly appalled when her eldest son, Ned (Edward IV), marries in secret into an ambitious family who will stop at nothing to grab power.
Cecily is a strong-willed woman who genuinely loves her husband, and has to deal with the machinations of a world that expects women to be silent; however, the most opinionated characters in this book are all women – Cecily, her sisters Katherine and Anne, and Margaret of Anjou.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and felt a connection with Cecily throughout. The only criticism I would make is that the English Chronicle reports sounded like a modern-day tabloid newspaper in places.
Nevertheless, this didn’t put me off and I will certainly be reading more novels by Anne O’Brien.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 11th December 2020.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55286078-a-year-of-living-simply
This is a fabulous, thought-provoking book. I read it in less than two days.
We live in a world dominated by consumerism, the need to make money and live what we perceive to be purposeful lives; however, for some people, this desire to have the latest gadget, fashionable clothes and eat in fancy restaurants, no longer matters. Or never mattered at all.
Kate Humble has spent several years living in Wales, a wonderful part of the world. She explores in this book what it means to live simply, stripping back the layers (a bit like peeling an onion) to find the meaning and purpose of connecting with the world around us.
A number of people Kate meets share their experiences, whether it is building Earthships in New Mexico, living in a floating house in Amsterdam, or sharing recipes and demonstrating what to do when you grow too much veg!
Kate finds out a lot about herself, and redraws the boundaries of what she thought she couldn’t do – carpentry, successfully growing fruit and veg, and sewing.
What is clear from the book is that it is possible to live more simply, and waste less, by listening to and observing what is around us, as well as sharing the resources and skills we already have. Having less clutter around and learning new skills can enrich our lives and help eliminate stress.
Reading this book has made me realise I have a very cluttered life and need to take a step back, reassess what is important and let go of the things that aren’t.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Octopus Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 12th December 2020.
⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53176774-your-neighbour-s-wife
Tara Carver is a driven woman with her own business, an online dating company; however, she makes a huge mistake when she sleeps with a man she meets at a conference in Tokyo. The guy subsequently won’t leave her alone and Tara becomes paranoid, to the point where she even contemplates having him killed. Then the guy turns up dead in his hotel room.
I found this book straightforward and quick to read but the title seems misplaced as we never meet Tara’s neighbour. Perhaps the title is generic. Some of the plotting seems occasionally too convenient, a way of tying up a loose end.
Tara doesn’t seem to learn from her mistakes. As her business, her marriage, and her friendships begin to crumble around her, it is hard to feel sympathy. The guy who stalks Tara is a creep, but his wife – when we meet her – is even worse. Yet Tara seems little better at times.
The only person who seems to be blameless in it all is Tara’s son, but then the storyline jumps forward ten years and he is a teenager. I wasn’t sure why this was necessary or why the storyline ended up back in Japan.
Perhaps I’m being too critical. The story is well written, but it just didn’t gel for me.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, Cornerstone, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 4th January 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11459926-chocolat
Vianne Rocher arrives in a small French village, Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, at the beginning of Lent with her young daughter, Anouk, and opens a chocolaterie. This enrages the local priest who becomes obsessed with sabotaging her business.
Gently, and with a natural instinct for people, Vianne changes the lives of those around her. The abused wife of the local cafe owner finds the courage to leave him, and an elderly lady, Armande, rekindles the relationship with her grandson.
The priest, Reynaud, controls the village but that changes with Vianne’s arrival as people learn to open up and accept outsiders. A group of river gypsies arrives and Vianne befriends them, in particular Roux, a red-haired man who ends up helping Armande; however, he loses his houseboat when it is set alight, an act the priest condones. We learn later that the priest has his own secrets to hide.
When Reynaud breaks into the chocolaterie near the end of the novel, the consequences are not quite as he intended and it is rather amusing.
This was a delightful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Have some tissues ready near the end, though.
I will definitely be reading the other novels in this series.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th January 2021.
⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53442141-fragile-monsters
Durga Pannikar is a maths lecturer in Kuala Lumpur, where she has returned after living in Canada. Mary is her grandmother, a woman who has secrets and stories to tell, but so much is bound up in these stories that it is hard to separate the truth from her different versions of events.
There is a story about Mary in her younger days, a wilful girl who ended up marrying a boy in love with her best friend. Mary has a daughter, Francesca, but she is dead too – or so Mary claims – dead after giving birth to Durga who Mary then brings up. There is also Mary’s brother, Anil, who struggles to communicate and may have been killed by a Japanese sentry or died of TB.
Durga visits Mary for Diwali, but a stray firework lands Mary in hospital. Ghosts from the past intrude on Durga’s present – a friend who drowned, a married man she slept with in Canada and still loves – and get in the way of her relationship with her feisty gran.
Durga’s precision and thirst for detail mean she doesn’t always see what is obvious. She sleeps with Tom, a doctor at the hospital, and only later learns that he is married and has a child with another woman. Tom is part of Mary’s secret too, as events begin to connect past to present.
I found this story confusing at times and couldn’t invest sufficiently in the characters, and parts of the narrative didn’t make sense in the context of the whole. I was left feeling unsatisfied at the end because the story didn’t tie up all the loose ends, although this may have been deliberate.
Overall, a good story but not one that grabbed my attention enough to want to return to it or read any more books by this author.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Penguin General UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 19th January 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52740378-rewilding
This is an important book, exploring a new and yet not so new concept. It is, effectively, conservation in a different guise, but updated for the 21st century.
Paul Jepson and Cain Blythe present an overview of rewilding, what it is, why it matters, and how increased knowledge, understanding, and embracing of its principles can help bring about the recovery of natural ecosystems.
The chapters are well laid out but some readers may be put off by the science-heavy approach. Those like myself who come from a different background will need to take their time understanding the terms and processes; however, this is a subject well worth persevering with.
One idea put forward for restoring nature’s balance is the re-introduction of mega-herbivores, with increased grazing enabling soil carbon levels to be restored and thus negating the release of methane from thawing of the permafrost (particularly needed in Arctic regions).
Rewilding science is already well advanced in the Netherlands, particularly with the way river habitats are managed. Other projects and research are referenced throughout the book and the final chapter gives ten predictions for the future.
Having found the book heavy going at first, re-reading it made me appreciate how crucial a fresh and innovative approach is if we are to preserve the world we live in for future generations.
Rewilding certainly has a lot to offer and will become more mainstream over the years and decades ahead, particularly given the threat brought by climate change.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Icon Books, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st January 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20167265-the-lollipop-shoes
This is the second book in the Chocolat series by Joanne Harris.
Vianne Rocher is now Yanne Charbonneau and Anouk is Annie. There is also Rosette, almost 4. They live in Montmartre in Paris and Vianne has opened a chocolaterie; however, Vianne has lost her emotional identity and is on the verge of marrying a man who is completely unsuited to her. The glamorous Zozie’s arrival changes everything, including Vianne’s love life when old flame Roux turns up. The book is told from three viewpoints – Zozie, Vianne, and Anouk.
Zozie is not all she seems, a stealer of people’s hearts and lives who insinuates her way into Vianne’s life and struggling business. Gradually, the business takes off and people’s lives are changed. It takes a while, but Vianne eventually realises what is going on and the price that Zozie will demand for her “assistance”.
This is a darker book than the first, but still enjoyable. The sense of Zozie “becoming” Vianne was unsettling at times as she gradually inhabited her life, leading to a final showdown on Christmas Eve.
Love, control, and identity are strong themes in this book, as is chocolate. We meet a host of new characters, all of whom leave their mark, in particular Nico and Alice. There is also a window on Anouk’s growing up, her struggles with bullies at school, and her desire to forge her own identity.
This is a good read and I look forward to continuing the series.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 28th January 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56575217-the-city-of-tears
Minou Reydon-Joubert lives with her husband, Piet, and their two children in late 16th century France, during the time of the Wars of Religion. They travel to Paris for the wedding of Henri of Navarre and, whilst there, are caught up in the massacre of Huguenots on St Bartholomew’s Day. They manage to escape but are separated from their daughter, Marta, whose impulsive nature has led her into danger.
Years later, now living in Amsterdam, Piet and Minou receive news that Marta may still be alive, and Piet’s nemesis, the vengeful Cardinal Vidal – who disappeared around the time of the massacre – is his blood cousin. They return to France to learn the truth, a journey that will change both past and present.
I found this a compelling read. Kate Mosse captures the history of the time well and there is a palpable sense of fear around Vidal, whose obsession with holy relics intensifies as events unfold. Vidal’s son, Louis, becomes part of his father’s plan to collect as many of these as he can, bringing them to an island reliquary on the estate he lives at under an assumed name.
All the characters are well-drawn and I particularly liked Minou, who came over as strong, resourceful, and loyal, and Cornelia, the daughter of a Dutch merchant who becomes friends with Minou. Women are prominent throughout the book and not merely submissive and subservient.
Not having read the first book in the series, I will now seek it out although this story stands perfectly well on its own.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 28th January 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/97864.Monday_or_Tuesday
This is a collection of eight short stories by Virginia Woolf.
The stories are quite abstract on the whole, but often humorous. There are minute observations of people, thoughts, existence, philosophies. A woman in a train carriage imagines a novel based on her perception of a fellow passenger and then finds the reality rather different (An Unwritten Novel), a group of women spend years researching whether men and books have any real meaning (A Society), a woman observes something that turns out not to be what she imagined at all (The Mark on the Wall).
A lot of themes are explored. The pondering of existence itself, how people are perceived and perceive others, snobbery, nature as a metaphor for life.
What happens when people die – do they come back later as ghosts to look over where they once lived (A Haunted House)? A heron flying overhead, the passing of time, and how observations shift as the day moves forward (Monday or Tuesday). The way that colours evoke thoughts and feelings, images and reflections (Blue and Green). A snail moving along a flowerbed in a park as people pass by with their conversations on the way to afternoon tea (Kew Gardens). A formal evening, music giving voice to inner thoughts, paths diverging – real and metaphorical (The String Quartet).
I enjoyed Virginia Woolf’s writing. She is a keen observer of the minutiae of human life, the eccentricities and idiosyncrasies that make us all unique and apart, yet our desire is not for solitude but company. This comes up in several of the stories – people seeking company and others not always wishing for it, the little judgements one makes of others because of a gesture, a turn of phrase or imagined slight.
A collection of stories that I shall return to.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 31st January 2021.
⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53175349-people-like-her
Emmy Jackson is an “InstaMum”. She posts her family life on Instagram and has over a million followers, is branded to the nines, and believes in telling it like it is. People like her, love her, slavishly following everything she posts.
Married to Dan, with a daughter, Coco, and baby son, Bear, Emmy’s legion of fans hang on her every word. Dan, though, knows one thing that they don’t. Emmy Jackson is a liar. Her posts are manufactured, her image micro-managed by her agent, Irene.
Someone has a big grudge against Emmy. This person wants to hurt Emmy and her family, believing Emmy has ruined their life. They meticulously plan their revenge. Emmy hasn’t a clue. Until it is almost too late.
The fake sideshow that is Emmy’s social media life would have been funny, except there are two small children involved. Emmy is self-obsessed, always wanting to milk the last drop of sympathy or cuteness from one of her posts, videos or media appearances, even betraying her oldest and best friend along the way.
You may end up thinking that Emmy deserves everything she gets. At the same time, you may even feel slightly sorry for the woman who hates her so much.
There is a twist at the end, but even that wasn’t altogether a surprise.
The story is well written and portrays the world Emmy inhabits convincingly, but just doesn’t grab me enough to make me want to read it again. If you like celebrity culture, you will probably love it. I don’t and didn’t.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 1st February 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56319020-eat-better-forever
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has been a staple on TV screens for some years now, extolling the virtues of home cooking via his River Cottage series and, more recently, as a campaigner on food and environmental issues.
His latest book seeks to bring a greater awareness of healthy eating, not by being negative and listing foods that are bad for us but rather by understanding what the good foods are and making it easier to choose them.
There are seven chapters, on subjects ranging from whole foods, gut health, and refined carbs to eating mindfully. The writing is backed up by Hugh’s own experience, as well as science. It is easily accessible and not preachy and backed up by recipes that are both easy to follow and adaptable.
This approach to food made me re-evaluate my own diet, and I will probably have a go at several of the recipes. I may even get to like fermented foods, something consciously avoided up to now, as they are incredibly good for you.
This book is definitely worth investing in, even if you already have a shelf groaning with cookery writing.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 1st February 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13153972-peaches-for-monsieur-le-cur
The third of the Chocolat series.
Vianne Rocher returns to Lansquenet, drawn back by a letter from her old friend Armande. On return, she finds the place has changed. There is a mosque, and a community of Moroccan families living near the river.
The priest, Francis Reynaud, appears to have fallen from favour, falsely accused of starting a fire in the chocolaterie, which had become a Muslim school. Determined to clear his name, Reynaud only succeeds in drawing more attention to his assumed guilt. And then he disappears…
A mysterious veiled woman, dressed in black, draws Vianne’s attention. Ines Bencharki is impervious to Vianne’s charms, even her chocolates. But, finally, the truth emerges.
This book drew me in with its dual narrative, flitting between Vianne and Reynaud. We see the priest as someone who is more human, rooted to his community and scared of being moved on. Vianne is rooted to Lansquenet too, yet in a different way.
There is a lot about community in this book, but also about religious tolerance – and lack of it. Trust is also a key theme, as Vianne wrestles with her suspicions about Roux. Appearances can be deceptive and the veil is not just something that is worn for religious reasons but a metaphor for the keeping of secrets.
As events progress the tension becomes palpable, culminating in a stand-off by the river.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Vianne’s story and look forward to the next instalment.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 4th February 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54443692-an-ordinary-life
Molly Collway is in hospital after a stroke and a fall. The elderly lady’s thoughts go back to her life, one that seems ordinary but, in reality, was anything but.
In the 1940s, Molly meets Johan de Fries, a handsome naval officer, and is swept off her feet. Their love affair is brief as he has to go away on a training exercise. Molly then finds herself having to make the hardest of decisions, involving a sacrifice that only her sister, Joyce, can truly understand.
Posted briefly to France on a dangerous mission, Molly is scarred by what she sees, yet her love for her family and one person in particular keeps her going.
The scars of her wartime adventures leave Molly struggling and she takes a while to recover, but her life becomes rich in ways she could not have imagined. Now, lying in hospital, memories threaten to overwhelm her, the truth she wanted to voice for so long frustratingly out of reach.
This is a lovely yet bittersweet story, shot through with family life, decisions, and raw emotion, and felt very believable. Molly’s journey, her struggles with mental health, the life she carves out for herself after the war, the family that grows around her, all relate to a person that deals with the various challenges life presents.
Molly is a force of nature but very real, never wavering in her love for those closest to her heart. The ending is tinged with sadness, and yet seems perfect. Whether her family comes to know the truth or not no longer seems important, but there is a sense of closure.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th February 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54350945-a-net-for-small-fishes
Anne Turner, mother of six children, becomes dresser and confidante to the much younger and wealthier Frances Howard, Countess of Essex. Frankie, as she insists Anne call her, is unhappy in her marriage and wishes an annulment so she can marry Robert Carr. Anne finds herself increasingly drawn into Frankie’s world and the women become close.
Scandal and intrigue are never far from the surface, nor the salacious underbelly of life in the early 17th century, and this is vividly brought to life. Some of the details are quite graphic but this gives an air of authenticity to Lucy Jago’s narrative.
Sir Thomas Overbury dies in the Tower of London, but it is only two years later that his death is investigated after rumours begin to circulate. When Overbury’s death is investigated, the net closes quickly and Anne Turner is implicated. The trial is a public spectacle, but what matters are the events leading to it and the friendship chronicled within.
The events depicted really took place and Lucy Jago lays bare both the opulence and the hypocrisy rife in the Jacobean court of the time. I particularly liked the way clothing is described and the sense that appearances matter above all else is never far from the surface. Yet it is Frankie and Anne’s friendship and their determination to forge their own paths that is most intriguing.
Both Anne and Frankie seek happiness and fulfilment and are prepared to take risks to achieve this, defying the held opinions and prejudices of the time. That can be admired, and yet that recklessness is perilous because of what it exposes them to. Not all their choices are wise ones, of course.
It took a while for me to warm to the book but once I got into it and understood more about the events described, it became a compelling read.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 12th February 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38310121-the-strawberry-thief
The Chocolat series has been a delight to read.
The final instalment focuses on Vianne Rocher’s “winter child”, Rosette. Almost 16 now, she is gifted a wood by the local florist in his will, much to the disgust of his materialistic daughter who wants to sell the land for development.
The old man also gifts a confession to the local priest, Francis Reynaud, within which he reveals the secret that he carried to his grave. The story causes Reynaud to reflect on his own guilty secret.
There is also a new shop in Lansquenet, where newcomer Morgane Dubois sets up a tattoo business. Vianne feels threatened by this stranger, but is the person she is running from really herself?
As events unfold, we learn what really happened when Reynaud was a boy and the true meaning of love. And Rosette finally finds her voice – at the bottom of a well.
I found this story compelling and yet sad. It was good to see Rosette find her voice and forge her own path in life, good also that Reynaud found release from the burden of his past. Sad, because this may be the last window into the lives of Vianne and her daughters. I sense, however, that as we learn of elder daughter Anouk’s plans for the future, one far away from her childhood home, and Rosette’s emergence from the shadows, that there are stories left to tell.
These are all stories that I will return to.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 14th February 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55281100-kololo-hill
It is 1972. Asha and Pran are newly married and living with his parents in Kampala, Uganda. Pran helps run the family business with his brother, Vijay, and father, Motichand. When the dictator Idi Amin orders all Ugandan Asians to leave the country, the family is forced to flee abroad.
The sense of menace is clear from the very start and the tension gradually builds as the deadline for leaving draws nearer. The family is split up as not all of them have British passports.
The sense of dislocation is a constant theme throughout, along with secrecy. Asha keeps a distressing scene she witnesses to herself, probably because it is safer to remain silent. Pran keeps secrets from his wife but Asha finds out, although one secret only comes to light later on.
As is so often the case, it is what isn’t spoken that resonates the loudest, the smallest gesture or look conveying far more than words. Asha realises that Pran will never change, whilst she has moved on. The end of the novel reflects this.
I found Neema Shah’s prose compelling as it moved between the minutiae of family life, the underlying menace, and the palpable fear as families left. The attention to detail in every facet of the family’s story, not just the life they leave behind but how they are treated on arrival in Britain and the subsequent struggle to adjust. Some manage this better than others.
The novel evokes a real sense of place and how one family survives in spite of all that is thrown at them. There is sadness and regret, but the story is also about hope and moving forward. Pran struggles because he cannot let go of the past whilst his mother, wife, and brother learn to embrace their new way of life.
This is a beautifully written book and I look forward to reading more by Neema Shah.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th February 2021.
⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55820702-no-one-is-talking-about-this
DNF at 5%.
Others have raved about this book but I prefer to give a DNF rather than leave a negative review. Not for me, I’m afraid.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th February 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54851661-the-gorge
The Gorge is the latest instalment of the crime series featuring DI Louise Blackwell.
After 5 months away from work, Louise returns to be assigned a mysterious case set around Cheddar Gorge. Some feral sheep have been brutally slaughtered and this is soon followed by a seemingly random attack on a dog walker.
The stakes are raised when an 11-year-old girl and then a baby boy go missing.
As well as the attacks and the missing children, Louise is still struggling with her mental health following the murder of her brother, which isn’t helped by the prospect of the case being shelved. She is supposed to keep away but can’t help getting involved, which brings her into conflict with her former colleague, the slimy and narcissistic Tim Finch.
A commune and a proposed development provide a back story, as well as a possible romantic interest for Louise. Her niece, Emily, is also featured, as the little girl struggles to move forward and Louise’s parents are also finding it hard. The little girl may hold the vital clue to who killed her father.
As with the previous novels, we gain an insight into the mind of the individual that Louise and her team are hunting. When a crucial piece of information is fed to her, Louise has to act quickly.
This story took a little while to get going, but I enjoyed it and was keen to see how everything ended up. The back story developed further, including one encounter where Louise very nearly gives Finch what he deserves. I suspect this is a story that will keep for a while yet, although will be delighted to see Finch finally get his comeuppance.
Now that the case around her brother’s murder has been resolved, Louise is able to move on with her life and I look forward to seeing what the author has planned next.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 1st March 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51152433-just-like-you
Years ago, I read Fever Pitch, mainly because of the film. Not an Arsenal fan, as the author is, but enjoyed it nevertheless. Nick Hornby has written more since, of course. About A Boy, for example. All good stuff, but how would he handle a relationship novel where one character (woman) is 20 years older, one character (man) is black, and several other characters (woman’s ex, man’s father) are ardent Brexiteers.
Lucy and Joseph meet in the butcher’s shop where he has a Saturday job. Joseph has several jobs and also fancies being a DJ. Lucy is an English teacher and has 2 sons, and her husband – the two are separated – is a recovering alcoholic. It seems an unlikely pairing at first, until Joseph hits it off with Lucy’s sons whilst she goes on an evening out with her boring, snobby middle-class friends.
The two become a couple and it works for a while, then doesn’t, then picks up again when both have tried being with someone else. It then goes through another mini-crisis but they manage to negotiate it. Do they end up together? You’ll have to read the book.
All of this happens with Brexit taking place and the storyline discusses the various attitudes towards it. Brexit seemed to me to be a metaphor for the relationship. In or out? Did it really matter so much?
Both Lucy and Joseph seemed uncertain of whether the relationship would work or not. How would their friends and family react? It took most of the novel for Lucy to meet Joseph’s churchgoing mother. Joseph was reluctant to meet Lucy’s friends because he felt he’d be a spare part, sat on the side whilst conversations went on around him.
In the end, what the novel did well was expose the flaws in human relationships, the things we think we understand about those around us and the world we believe they inhabit, when in fact they often aren’t anything like we thought them to be.
Lucy and Joseph’s relationship is flawed, but then most relationships are. That makes it believable. The dialogue points up their differences, but at the same time exposes their similarities. In the end, what matters is being with someone who understands and loves you for you. Lucy and Joseph manage to negotiate that bit, even though it takes a while.
One small criticism was the amount of Brexit talk. Given the time period of the novel, however, Brexit was inevitable. Now we are out of the EU, reading this novel is like taking a trip back in time, revisiting the old cliches and arguments that divided people then and, to an extent, still do.
I laughed quite a bit in places as well and that always helps.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Penguin General UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th March 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40193858-the-cuckoo-s-calling
Private detective Cormoran Strike is living in his office due to changed personal circumstances and too proud to admit it. When lawyer John Bristow asks Strike to investigate the death of his adoptive sister, Lula Landry, the detective agrees to take on the case due to the large fee Bristow is willing to pay which will help shift his debts.
Supermodel Lula was adopted after the death of John’s brother Charlie, a friend of Strike’s during his early childhood. The fatal fall from the balcony of her penthouse apartment is thought to be suicide, including by the police – even Strike is initially unconvinced the death is suspicious.
Strike’s new temporary secretary Robin Ellacott assists with the investigation. The relationship gets off to an inauspicious start but the two soon establish a rapport and she proves invaluable, much to the chagrin of her fiance Matthew who thinks she should get a more highly paid job.
Strike soon changes his mind about Lula’s death, establishing both motive and a list of possible witnesses. One key witness, Tansy Bestigui, who lives in the apartment below Lula, is convinced she heard an argument on the night of the model’s death, but this has been discounted. Another witness, Rochelle Onifade, disappears and is subsequently found dead.
Much hinges on a meeting in a cafe on the day before Lula died and a crucial piece of paper that the model was seen writing on. Finding this piece of paper proves key to Strike’s investigation and he is able to unmask the killer.
I enjoyed this story, and especially how Strike was able to elicit the information he wanted from the various people involved in Lula’s life. These characters were all well-drawn and believable, although several had a talent for swearing that would put even Gordon Ramsey to shame! The plot was tightly constructed and kept you guessing, and the reveal was cleverly done.
JK Rowling didn’t want the world to know she was Robert Galbraith, so the novel would be judged on its own merits and not measured against the Harry Potter series. Of course, it didn’t take long for the truth to get out, but the book would have been successful anyway.
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st March 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55539565-think-again
It took me a while to read this book. I am not a psychologist or social scientist but found it interesting and sometimes amusing.
Basically, Adam Grant is presenting how we often fall into repeating behaviours and opinions over time, even when presented with evidence that contradicts our beliefs and should cause us to “think again”. However, we often dig our heels in rather than allow the possibility that – heaven forbid – we might be wrong.
This book encourages us to look in a different way at how we make choices, factor in risk, practise what Grant refers to as “confident humility” and learn to be endlessly curious. Often, being wrong can actually help us improve ourselves and open us to new possibilities.
Yes, it has a lot of technical terms that you will need to reference, but it is honest and engaging – and I love the last chapter where he shows his own rethinking process and summarises key points.
This book is a good example of reading something that would otherwise have fallen outside my radar. I’m glad to have read it and will attempt to apply some of the principles.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, Ebury Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th April 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48836414-slay-in-your-lane-presents
This is a collection of essays by 20 black women, all writing about what it means to be black, female, and remain authentic in a society that often stereotypes black women instead of allowing them to express their personality and identity and celebrate who they are.
The women in this anthology are all lucid and articulate and remain tenacious in spite of the negativity they often encounter. Most importantly, they recognise the importance of handing the baton on to the next generation and empowering them to use their voices in a positive way.
I didn’t realise how marginalised and negative some views of black women are and so this was definitely an eye-opener and a refreshing insight into the lives of black women and the challenges they face, not just in their daily lives and workplaces but in terms of redefining the wider perception of what it means to be black and visible and how society needs to readjust.
And that is the point. Society needs to adjust to black women and not the other way around, to accept and respect them as their authentic selves. This thought-provoking book goes a long way to redressing the balance and I heartily recommend it.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by 4th Estate, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st April 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52730097-abandoned-london
This is an interesting book of photographs, with some commentary, about abandoned buildings and spaces in London.
The photos range from theatres, pubs, and sports grounds to residential, industrial, and shops, some of which are still standing and some not. Each has a history to tell.
Even for those not from the capital, this is a fascinating social history document with plenty to whet the appetite for that next visit. I love looking at old photographs as there is so much to take in, and nearly always something different to find that you missed the time before.
This would make a great coffee table book and a definite conversation starter, especially if you have family and/or friends from the London area.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amber Books, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 23rd April 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19209141-miss-marjoribanks
Lucilla Marjoribanks (pronounced Marchbanks) is a young woman of singular mind and energy, who takes it upon herself to organise and direct the society around her in the town of Carlingford. Her sole purpose in life, as we are constantly reminded, is ‘to be a comfort to her dear papa’. Papa is a doctor and inclined to indulge his daughter’s wishes, with a benevolent and droll good humour.
Such an accomplished and capable young woman is not without her suitors; however, Lucilla is not minded to marry for at least ten years and refuses, among others, her cousin Tom. Then there is Mr Cavendish, the would-be parliamentary candidate, who has a weakness for pretty young women, and his sister who has a talent for mimicry. There is also the Lake family, in particular Barbara, who has a fine singing voice, and her artistic sister, Rose.
I found this a delightful story, with plenty of humour – both direct and observational – and with likeable characters. Mrs Oliphant has a similar style to Anthony Trollope, and although not as satirical, she paints a convincing picture of the small town and its inhabitants; the social niceties and interactions are well handled and we are drawn into Lucilla’s world.
There are some who will find Lucilla slightly annoying because she is so certain of her own good qualities, even though she isn’t always successful in her endeavours; however, she is sincere and good-hearted and she deserves her happy ending.
If you want a direct comparison, Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse would be a good starting point, although personally I find Emma a bit of a snob and inclined to be patronising, whereas Lucilla comes across as more natural and unaffected.
All said and done, this is a good read and for anyone who enjoys 19th-century novels, an author well worth investigating.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 9th May 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53107594-we-are-all-birds-of-uganda
Sameer is a lawyer of South Asian descent living in London, whilst his family lives in Leicester. He accepts an opportunity to go to Singapore, then begins to have doubts. This is partly due to a racist work colleague, and also to a racially motivated assault that leaves a childhood friend in hospital.
We also meet Sameer’s grandfather, Hasan, through a series of letters written to his first wife. Hasan was forced to leave Uganda in the early 1970s after the coup by Idi Amin. Sameer makes his own journey to Uganda, and whilst there, meets Maryam, a doctor. He falls in love with the country and with her.
I found this a satisfying read, although the ending came abruptly and in a place that suggests the author has more to tell. The themes – of belonging, friendship, identity, family loyalty, loss, religion, and culture – are skilfully interwoven by Hafsa Zayyan into a narrative that kept me engaged throughout.
Sameer’s internal struggle with his sense of identity, the demands on him from his parents and employers, and the new freedom he finds in Uganda, all make sense. He moves from a lack of awareness and insularity to self-discovery and a sense of fulfilment.
The book does not shy away from the difficult narrative of displacement and racism, and the way inherent distrust between two cultures is handed down from one generation to another. The fractures that occur between parents and children and how past impacts on present also feature strongly.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, Cornerstone, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th May 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53138191-the-musical-human
We all love music, whether it’s a Beethoven symphony or the latest album by Ed Sheeran, but where does music come from and what makes music ‘music’? Michael Spitzer presents a fascinating and multi-layered approach to understanding how music has evolved and its ties to cultures, beliefs, and evolution.
Music is far more than just a group of notes – it provokes strong feelings, can make us happy or sad, and awakens memories long-buried. We are all born as musicians but the majority of us lose our ability to participate as we grow older, in other words we become passive. Yet, music never loses its ability to move us.
I found out that music has evolved over time in surprising ways. Sometimes it depended on living conditions or what raw materials were to hand, the level of communication existing between people within a society – spoken, sung, visual, gestural. The language of animals helps us to understand this evolution.
What is particularly interesting is the way in which the book divides into three sections – a human lifespan, music in world history and, finally, evolution itself. This helped separate the various strands of the narrative and open the focus gradually outwards, from a specific period in time to the broadest span.
This is a rewarding book but not one to be rushed, and whilst fairly academic in its writing style, you don’t have to be a trained musician to appreciate it.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th May 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56574098-when-america-stopped-being-great
This book is essential reading for those seeking answers to the conundrum that is Donald J. Trump. It is balanced and rational and doesn’t shy away from criticising those who have held the office of US President – including Trump’s direct predecessor, Barack Obama – and the flawed campaign of Hillary Clinton, who ‘…clearly could not countenance the notion that the world’s most important job interview could possibly end with someone so manifestly unqualified being appointed.’
The fact that it did should not detract from Trump’s achievement, nor should we seek to denigrate those who elected him. Democracy will have its way – even when the results shock us, there is always an underlying cause.
So many of us were confused, probably mystified, by Trump’s election as American President in 2016. How could a man considered narcissistic, misogynistic, and racist by so many secure the political mandate of millions of his fellow Americans?
This book goes a long way to explaining why – and how – Donald Trump became President, by putting his presidency in the context of what went before. Nick Bryant’s pin-sharp understanding of the American political system clearly delineates a timeline from Ronald Reagan forwards to the present day. Trump’s rise was legitimised by what preceded him:
‘Though Ronald Reagan took 16 years to achieve what Donald Trump managed in a little over 16 months, America’s first movie-star president laid the path for America’s first reality-TV-star president.’
The other thing to bear in mind is, as Bryant points out, ‘In all personality cults, followers can be blind to the flaws of their idols.’ And Trump had plenty, yet is still revered by his supporters, convinced to this day the 2020 election was fraudulent despite clear evidence to the contrary.
‘Trump possessed the great skill of populists and demagogues down the ages: to articulate the fears and prejudices of voters better than they could themselves, and also to offer simplistic solutions…’. This was his mantra, and it worked because ‘he grasped that the future in politics belonged to those who generated their own content.’
‘Often history only reveals itself in hindsight, but it should not have come as such a shock that an era of disruptive technology would produce such a disruptive president; that an anti-Obama party selected as its nominee the most virulently anti-Obama candidate; than an anti-Washington conservative movement would back an obstreperously anti-Washington outsider; that an older and whiter GOP would pick the oldest white man in the field; that a country where racial divisions had actually widened under its first black president would pick such a racially divisive demagogue; that a nation which had witnessed such a massive redistribution of the wealth upwards would end up being run by a billionaire; that a screen- and social-media-addicted populace afflicted by so much online narcissism would plump for a narcissist; that a polity fed up with politics would select such an avowed antipolitician; that a superpower whose influence had waned over the course of the twenty-first century would pick a strongman promising to make America great again.’
Politics in America has increasingly become polarised along party lines, but ‘…Trump instantly became the most polarising president of them all…For blue America he was a national embarrassment. Much of red America, though, still saw him as a national saviour.’
In the end, what undid the Trump presidency was a pandemic and his failure to handle it. Then, when he lost out to Joe Biden, he refused to accept the outcome, leading to the shocking scenes of insurrection at the Capitol building in Washington.
According to Bryant: ‘Greatness will never be this country’s defining characteristic while so many of its compatriots are at loggerheads; when mistrust, dislike and hatred are the drivers of politics; when the spirit of joint endeavour is displaced by the venom and even nihilism that now pervades so many aspects of national life.’
Donald J. Trump’s impact on his country and its political life will be felt for some time to come.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 20th May 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57007938-the-hunt-for-mount-everest
A fascinating book, exploring the history surrounding British attempts to locate and conquer the world’s highest mountain. For many years, Everest was undiscovered and inaccessible, mainly due to the known access being via Tibet, a country that was reluctant to allow entry to the British.
The stubbornness and determination of a number of individuals finally led to permission being granted for an expedition in 1921, among the members of which was George Mallory who disappeared near the summit three years later. Mallory was a natural climber, a charismatic and driven man – he and Guy Bullock were possibly the first Westerners to set foot on the mountain. Although the route to the summit was initially missed due to a misunderstanding of local geology, this was later corrected by another member of the party, but the harsh winds on the upper slopes prevented an attempt on the summit at that time.
The mountain was finally conquered in 1953, news of the feat reaching London on the eve of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Craig Storti lays out in great detail the diplomacy – sometimes chaotic, but never dull – that led to the 1921 expedition, and the characters who came together to make the first foray into the Himalayas that revealed the majestic splendour of Everest, recalled in evocative prose by Mallory. Tibet emerges as a country full of natural wonders, but also difficult weather conditions that proved almost as much of a challenge as the mountains.
There were names here I had never heard of but became fascinated by, not least Alexander Kellas, a Scottish chemist and ardent mountaineer, who sadly died on the 1921 expedition.
There weren’t any photographs to enhance the visual aspect, but these may have been left out of the ARC. The maps at the beginning were useful and I liked the use of quotations before each of the chapters.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Nicholas Brealey US, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 24th May 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56760199-waiting-to-begin
Bessie has what seems like a great life – just turned 16 and fallen in love, or so she thinks. In the space of a day, her world turns upside down and nothing will ever be the same again, seeds planted in her mind that shake her confidence and self-belief.
Bess is 53. She is dissatisfied with her life, little niggles with her husband become major issues and she feels unable to relate to those closest to her.
Amanda Prowse uses the narrative of a birthday 37 years apart to illustrate how easily a cruel remark or rumour can affect a person’s whole life and perspective, scarring them from within. In Bessie’s case, it is a boy she thought she could trust and who betrays her, and the secret she carries inside her years later that she can’t even tell her parents.
Will the adult Bess find the courage to face the past and put things right in the present?
As ever with Amanda’s writing, she has a natural instinct for human relationships and how these evolve and change, whether over the course of a day or decades. Bess is still hurting from the pain of her teenage years and the way she was made to feel by those closest to her. The relationships Bess has with her parents, husband, and children feel truthful and relatable.
The ending is positive and you will need tissues.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55298282-chasing-the-italian-dream
Lucia (Luce) returns to Italy to stay with her grandparents, who run a pizzeria. Her grandfather decides it is time to retire and give up the business, and Lucia realises her life needs to change too. Underappreciated in her high-powered job as a lawyer, being overlooked for promotion is the catalyst to fire Lucia’s ambition to become a pizzaiola (a female master pizza maker).
The fly in the ointment is Giacomo, Lucia’s estranged husband, who she left seven years earlier, and to whom her grandfather has decided to entrust the pizzeria. Lucia persuades her grandfather to give her a chance, and she and Giacomo agree to a competition – whoever sells the most pizzas before the annual bocce tournament will take over the family business.
Fighting feelings she forgot existed, Lucia is determined to prove herself in a male-dominated world and finds some surprising allies along the way.
I loved this story, with its food-based setting, strong characters, and the way Lucia learned to let go of her past and find her true self. There is a theme about women being empowered to take control of their lives and not simply do or be what is expected of them, which I liked.
Giacomo is an enigmatic character, also scarred by the past and clearly fighting his own feelings too. He wasn’t arrogant or patronising in the way that I possibly expected him to be. Family ties were important and he was able – slowly – to find his way to express what was in his heart.
If you want an easy read and love pizza and a sunny Italian setting, this is perfect. Just fill a glass with red wine, sit back and enjoy.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57024483-the-never-ending-summer
It’s the early 1970’s. Bea and Agnes have finished secretarial college but neither wants to be a secretary. Florence, Agnes’s mother, is married to William, who barely notices her. Marjory, Florence’s friend, leaves her husband and Florence realises she could do the same.
All three women set about changing their lives, with unexpected results. The two girls go off to London whilst pretending to be in Europe and end up working for the seedy Mr Adler whilst sharing digs with two other girls, one (Kiki) who is nice and the other (Camilla) who isn’t.
Florence wants to go to Italy but William refuses, so she decides to go anyway. He finds himself unable to cope and ends up at his married daughter’s home. Florence, meanwhile, has a great time and realises what she wants most of all is to be respected for herself.
The novel is basically about women taking control of their own lives and not being objectified or disappearing into the background. It is also about friendships and how people change.
It took a while to settle into the book and the characters seemed fairly mundane. Florence interested me the most because I could sense her latent resentment and was pleased when she finally recognised it and acted. As the story progressed, the characters began to fill out and it was easier to empathise with them, especially with Agnes. I particularly liked how the book ended as it affirmed the journey all three women had been on.
A good read in the end, despite the slow start.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, Cornerstone, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 8th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54620162-the-summer-seekers
Kathleen is 80 and decides to embark on a road trip in the USA when her family think she should be looking at retirement homes. Daughter Liza is tired of being taken for granted, especially by her teenage twin daughters. Martha wants to escape her toxic family who constantly criticise her life choices.
The three women are all about to find that life can take surprising turns.
I really enjoyed this story, set in Cornwall and the USA. Sarah Morgan writes truthfully about mother-daughter relationships and handles the generation gap well. Kathleen and Martha forge an unlikely bond as they drive across the USA, whilst Liza decides – for once in her life – to do something for herself.
As a former TV travel presenter, Kathleen has learned to keep herself emotionally distant. There is a reason for this, which becomes apparent as the story progresses. Gradually, the layers of skin peel back and Kathleen is able to face the future by accepting her past.
Liza and Kathleen discover that they aren’t as different as they thought.
This is a story that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last, and I will definitely be reading more by this author.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by HQ, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 11th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56074253-unpresidented
‘It is now nearly a month since the election was over, and the President is yet to concede. He may never. He won’t do so willingly or with a happy heart, even though the result is clear. But why would you expect this race to conclude with neatly creased wrapping paper, a pretty ribbon and a bow? The Trump presidency hasn’t been like that.’
‘…as a correspondent to be here, covering this period of time has been sometimes exhausting, sometimes exasperating, sometimes exhilarating – but overwhelmingly it’s been unforgettable: the wildest of rides, the journalistic assignment of a lifetime…’
Another book about Donald Trump, this time a journal charting the 2020 election campaign from the perspective of the BBC’s Jon Sopel. Once again, pin-sharp commentary and observations delve into the psyche and drama of American politics, and the man who refused to accept the final result.
What is abundantly clear is that for all his bluster and ego, Donald Trump still holds powerful sway over the minds of millions of Americans.
‘Though Democrats might wish it were so, this is not a repudiation of Trump and Trumpism; 2016 was not an aberration. It wasn’t just a crazy, misguided holiday romance that they have now thought better of. Tens of millions of Americans watched what he did over the four years he was president, and were happy to renew the contract for another term.’
Jon Sopel is right. It was far more interesting following a Trump presidency than it would have been covering a Hillary Clinton one. It was certainly never dull and at times baffling. Two examples:
(4 October) ‘…rolling up towards us comes the unmistakable sight of the presidential motorcade, moving at about three miles an hour. Surely not? Surely not a Covid joy ride? But yes, it is. The world’s most impatient patient, with a mask on his face, diagnosed with coronavirus only three days earlier and still infectious, is waving to his supporters.’
(23 April) ‘We have had the President advocating the merits of hydroxychloroquine, sure…But injecting bleach into our veins so that we can wash out our lungs? Holy moly.’
‘In the past he has done and said things that have caused people to gasp. He’s been insensitive. He’s been a bit sexist, or perceived to be a bit racist. But tonight he’s said something off the scale dumb.’
Trump’s rhetoric wasn’t always easy to digest, he didn’t enjoy negative stories and constantly changed the personnel around him. He disagreed with scientists and other advisors and called fraud on the postal ballot system, one which he and his wife both used.
Could the world have taken another four years of Donald Trump as POTUS? One thing for sure, it would have been entertaining. Presidency as reality show drew crowds and generated headlines, but in the end what undid Donald Trump was a foe he couldn’t fire or verbally harangue.
‘For three and a half years the President has been able to define his own reality; to bend and fashion facts to suit his own narrative. The coronavirus has been unimpressed by his efforts. This has been a foe like none that Donald Trump has faced. And he has had to bend to its will. Not the other way round.’
The other factor was a political opponent Donald Trump wasn’t able to stick anything substantial onto, unlike Hillary Clinton.
‘He [Joe Biden] may be old, he may make the odd verbal slip, he may not have been the most inspiring candidate, this might have been his third attempt to win the presidency, after the best part of half a century in public life, but as I watch the scene unfold I am left with one powerful thought: whatever his shortcomings, could anyone else have beaten Donald Trump? Almost certainly not.’
This is a wild ride and an engaging one. I suspect Jon Sopel will miss Donald Trump, and who is to say that American politics has seen the last of him and his family.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 12th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57196320-devorgilla-days
What a wonderful book. Kathleen Hart moved to Wigtown in Scotland (not to be confused with Wigton in Cumbria) after a series of major surgeries and protracted recovery. Buying a small rundown cottage, she sets to work making it habitable and, in the process, discovers a warm community of people who go out of their way to make her welcome.
Wigtown is a book town, with several bookshops, and Kathleen mentions most of them in her book, as well as her visits to the library and various classes she undertakes. Each of the main chapters is separated by a chapter on her wild swims in a small bay near Wigtown, the cold water bracing but therapeutic.
Kathleen’s journey has not been straightforward and she is disarmingly candid about the dips in that journey, the scares and wobbles along the road to recovery. She faces the future without self-pity, determined to forge something positive from the most challenging years in her life.
I was particularly struck by the section where she mentioned getting rid of a vast collection of handbags and clothes, accumulated over the years before her operations. It seemed to be a metaphor for shedding her old life to embrace the new one and challenged me to think about my priorities.
Wigtown comes across as a lovely town, with friendly and kind souls who have a real sense of community spirit, just like the town where I live here on the south coast of England. So much of the local landscape is mentioned too, and the way the weather and landscape change over the course of the year. I also love the way the conversations and laughter are recounted from the various classes and groups that Kathleen becomes part of.
An uplifting and affirming read, full of life and warmth, which I thoroughly recommend.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by John Murray Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 13th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55713014-the-long-way-home
Isla’s mother May dies and only leaves her an old painting in her will, leaving the family home in Scotland to her sister Aggie and two younger daughters. Hurt and upset, Isla is driven to find out more about her mother and why she seemed so distant from her.
The road trip that Isla embarks on to discover the truth is shared with her reluctant teenage granddaughter, Charlie; however, the two grow close as time passes and Charlie proves surprisingly perceptive, especially regarding the man Isla is currently in a relationship with.
Isla’s sisters, Morag and Lorna, have their own issues – Lorna, in particular – and it is clear that things need to be resolved. The truth finally emerges and Isla is able to reconcile her past with her present.
I enjoyed this book, especially the relationship with Charlie – prickly at first – that enabled Isla to face the truth about herself. There is also a lesson about trust, which Isla learns the hard way.
I also liked the interplay between Isla and her ex-husband, Ian. The back story, showing May’s life in 1950s Paris, is also revealing and sheds light on the difficult relationship with Isla. May and Isla both prove similar in one respect – both trust men they shouldn’t and are emotionally scarred when the truth emerges. All is not always what it appears on the surface.
Lorna, the youngest sister, seems to have an idyllic life, but this is only superficial and explains – whilst not excuses – her behaviour to her aunt and sisters. I liked the way this was dealt with at the end of the book, showing Lorna in a more positive light as she finds the help and understanding she needs. Past differences are reconciled and everyone is able to move forward.
All in all, a good family story, and I am happy to read more from Fanny Blake.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Simon and Schuster UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 14th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55457681-the-life-of-music
As a violinist in my local symphony orchestra, any book on classical music is going to be approached with interest and this was certainly no different.
Nicholas Kenyon, a former director of the BBC Proms, has covered a vast span, going back centuries to re-evaluate the role of early music and gradually coming forward to the present day and more challenging music of the 20th and 21st centuries.
As with any book examining classical music, there is a degree of subjectivity in which composers are written about as well as the degree of prominence given. Overall, there is a good arch of familiar and less well-known composers within Kenyon’s prose, which is knowledgeable and insightful whilst remaining eminently readable. Most readers, even those with more than a passing knowledge, will find out new and surprising information and new composers to explore.
What particularly sells the book is the list at the end of 100 pieces that Kenyon recommends for further listening, including preferred recordings. These range across all areas of classical music and can be accessed via Spotify, so not difficult to search out.
I found the chapter structure straightforward and easy to follow. Although not a book you will read in a couple of days, it rewards closer study and is a valuable addition to the library of anyone with at least a passing interest in classical music.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Yale University Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57795167-death-and-croissants
Ian Moore is a comedian who has written the first of a series of mysteries set in rural France.
Richard Ainsworth runs a B&B (or chambre d’hote) in the Loire Valley. One morning, a bloodied handprint is found on the wall of a bedroom and its owner disappeared. Another guest, Valérie d’Orçay, a formidable Frenchwoman, decides to investigate and Richard finds himself tagging along, not entirely by choice. All manner of farcical goings-on ensue.
A sweary cleaning lady, chickens named after famous actresses, a retired judge who hates his twin brother, a young Italian couple, mafia connections, a tall American with a Stetson, an actor who dresses up as a chicken, a senior policeman and a kinky English couple straight out of a Carry On film are among the panoply of characters inhabiting Ian Moore’s story.
There is humour to be had, with events putting me in mind at times of an Ealing comedy caper with an added je ne sais quoi. It all seems improbable but that is part of its charm – a slice of escapism, shot through with the stoical Englishness of film-lover Richard who blunders into the right answers without even realising, and the indomitable Valérie with her dog Passepartout.
I rather enjoyed it and would be happy to see where Valerie and Richard’s sleuthing leads them next.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Farrago Books, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54531934-lost-property
‘Life gives us so much,’ Mr Appleby says, ‘chance, excitement and hope. But woven through it all is loss. If you try to pull out that thread, the whole thing unravels. Loss is the price we pay for love.’
Dot Watson works in a Lost Property office but has mislaid herself. Wrapped up in guilt and unfulfilled ambition, she blames herself for the events that led her to abandon her language studies and return to the UK.
Dot’s mum has dementia and ends up in a care home, whilst her pushy sister Philippa wants to sell the family home. There are also issues at work, including a lecherous new boss.
An encounter with Mr Appleby, a charming elderly man who has lost a holdall containing, among other items, his late wife’s clasp purse, is the catalyst for Dot to re-examine her life and find herself again.
I loved this book, with its way of tying the various lost items (and sometimes people) with journeys, memories, and relationships. It took a while for Dot to realise that she was just as lost as many of the items she catalogued, stop blaming herself for the past, and find happiness in the present.
What particularly struck me was how Helen Paris found just the right way to express how Dot was feeling, whether about the relationship with her father, the difficulties with her sister, the frustration with work colleagues, or the final realisation that she could move forward without feeling guilty. I felt invested in Dot and cared about her journey.
For anyone who has had, or is suffering from, mental health issues, this area is sensitively handled, but be aware that there are references to suicide that some may find upsetting. There is also a sexual assault.
The book, however, is ultimately uplifting and life-affirming, and the ending felt entirely right.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57594864-mermaid-singing
‘And at the foot of the mountains was a town, an improbable town that from across the wild sea had the appearance of carefully arranged matchboxes – a doll’s town to amuse a child on a wet afternoon. Beyond the little cubes of white and blue and yellow ochre a hill rose out of a valley with a ruined wall and three round towers; and below the houses a forest of matchstick masts tossed on what would ultimately prove, no doubt, to be a nursery bowl filled with water from the bathroom tap.’
Writer Charmian Clift and her journalist husband, George Johnston, moved from London to the Greek island of Kalymnos in the 1950s. This book is a memoir of their time on the island, where they went to live a simpler life and focus on their writing.
The couple and their two children arrive on the island and are immediately found accommodation in a large yellow house on the seafront. In the book, Clift writes about their lives, the local characters, landscape, superstitions, festivals, religious beliefs, the role of women, and various other topics, in prose that brings everything to fragrant and descriptive life.
The island’s main industry is provided by sponge diving, which takes place off the coast of Africa, for around seven months a year. The work is incredibly dangerous and several divers end up crippled.
Clift and Johnston’s old life, in London, sits in stark contrast to their island life. Here, everyone is sociable and they cannot move or even eat without the accompaniment of friends and neighbours. Going for a walk by themselves is impossible and any hope of privacy is soon quashed; however, the islanders are kind and hospitable, bringing food and even pets to the family.
The consolation is the island itself, with its many small settlements, bays and views, and simple way of life, all of which Clift describes in a way that makes you want to visit.
‘Perhaps there is neither time nor room for the trivial emotions that lay the marks of disfigurement on the city face, not here in lives where joy and sorrow are scaled to the mountains and the wind and the eternal beat of the sea.’
I was captivated by the writing and look forward to reading more in the companion volume, ‘Peel Me a Lotus’, where the family moves to the island of Hydra.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Muswell Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 19th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58842033-peel-me-a-lotus
‘In appearance, the town today must be almost exactly what it was in the days of its merchant princes…It rises in tiers around the small, brilliant, horseshoe-shaped harbour – old stone mansions harmoniously apricot-coloured against the gold and bronze cliffs, or washed pure white and shuttered in palest grey: houses austere but exquisitely proportioned, whose great walls and heavy arched doors enclose tiled courtyards and terraced gardens. The irregular tiers are broken everywhere by steep, crooked flights of stone steps, and above the tilted rooftops of uniform red tiles rise the octagonal domes of the churches and the pierced and fretted verticles of marble spires that might have been designed by Wren.’
The companion volume to ‘Mermaid Singing’ is set on the island of Hydra, where writer Charmian Clift and husband George Johnston have purchased a house. Clift is pregnant with her third child. The writing mainly concerns itself with the various characters, including other writers and artists that come within the couple’s compass. Some are more likeable than others.
The writing is still descriptive and paints a picture of an idyllic if chaotic way of life. One wonders what it is like today and what has changed. Towards the end of the book, a film crew arrives to disrupt the equilibrium of the island, and Clift – one senses – does not approve of their intrusion.
The couple did not remain on the island, eventually returning to Australia, where Clift died in 1969. One senses that their island was a happy place, a retreat from the modern world with its pressures and demands on one’s time.
‘Ask nothing of it and the soul retires, the flame of life flickers, burns lower, expires for want of air. Here, in the midst of all our difficulties, life burns high. Though it seems sometimes that we make no progress towards the ideal, yet the ideal exists, and our energies are directed towards it…Living simply, living in the sun, we are at least in touch again with reality; we have bridged that chasm that separates modern life from life’s beginnings and come back to the magic and wonder of such sensible mysteries as fire, water, earth, and air. And, more than this, we have no masters but ourselves.’
The commentary seems spikier in places, perhaps because of the intrusion of modern life and the shifting moral values encountered in the behaviour of some of those described; however, there is still freshness and vitality to be found if one is prepared to look for them.
These delightful books, with their window on life in a bygone era, should be better known and I heartily recommend both.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Muswell Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 23rd June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53146101-while-paris-slept
Samuel is separated from his parents when barely weeks old. His mother entrusts him to a railway worker so that he is spared the horrors of Auschwitz. Jean-Luc, the man she hands him to, takes care of Samuel with the help of Charlotte, a young nurse with whom he has fallen in love. Together, they take Samuel to safety and end up in America.
Years later, Sam is nine and living in California. The family’s life is turned upside down when they learn that Sam’s biological parents, Sarah and David, survived the war and now want him back. Sam is returned to his parents, but they are like strangers to him and he wants his old life back. This has repercussions for all concerned.
The story is based on real events around the disappearance of hundreds of Jewish-French schoolchildren during World War Two. The scenes at Auschwitz are based on the experience of a female survivor, so feel authentic and resonate strongly.
I felt the sense of dislocation that Sarah and David had and yet also understood why Jean-Luc and Charlotte decided not to reveal that Sam wasn’t their natural child. Both sets of adults acted in the way they believed best for Sam, but slowly it became clear that love on its own wasn’t enough.
The dual time narrative works well, helping understand the different people involved and their emotions at what is happening. I like that Sam is included so that we have his perspective. The ending is positive and affirmative and that is important, so that we can see how time helps us to understand why things sometimes happen that we can’t explain or avoid.
It is an emotive subject and will be difficult to read at times; however, this is a period of history that needs to be rendered and spoken about. I am glad to have read this story and would be happy to read more by Ruth Druart.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Headline, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54831607-diving-for-pearls
A disparate group of people is linked by the death of a young Arab woman in Dubai. One, her brother, is hiding his homosexuality from his family. Another is a Russian prostitute. A third is a Pakistani taxi driver. There is an Irish woman with two spoiled children and their Ethiopian maid, a husband who is working away, and her brother who has just arrived on holiday.
As the investigation proceeds, we see behind the facade of Dubai, the glittering vistas and skyscrapers, and opulent lifestyles, and are shown the cold, hard reality of life underneath. The brutality of a father and brother whose hardline attitude condemns an innocent man to prison, the feckless businessman whose affair splits his family apart, the maid who dreams of setting up her own business but is trapped without her passport.
I didn’t particularly enjoy this story, mainly because many of the characters were difficult to invest in; however, the oppressiveness of Dubai was well rendered as well as the sense of hopelessness and the superficial lifestyle. The rich can buy just about anything, and those who are brought over to work have few if any rights. There is a strong sense of injustice that isn’t fully resolved by the end of the novel and this didn’t sit well with me.
Gete, the maid, came over well and I also grew to like Trevor, who seemed vulnerable somehow. Tahir was a good man trapped in an endless cycle of sleeping, eating and driving rich people around.
There is an interesting dichotomy between Siobhan and her family leaving Ireland for a better life and Aasim who wants to escape Dubai to return to his studies and boyfriend in Dublin. Aasim is complex, torn between love for his mother and his sexuality. I would have liked to know where things ended up with him but we aren’t told.
The story is well written but in the end it didn’t engage me enough.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 23rd June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54158850-here-and-now
This is an emotional story that will resonate particularly with anyone who has watched a loved one battle with dementia, as I have done.
Marigold begins to experience forgetfulness which gradually becomes more serious. Her family doesn’t notice at first but awareness begins to dawn over time. As her symptoms become more recognisable, Marigold’s family members want to support her but are scared of what lies ahead.
The characters in this story are entirely relatable. Having been on this journey with my own mother, the way Marigold’s forgetfulness is described completely resonated with me. The sense of helplessness and guilt is truthful, and the writing sensitive and poignant.
Santa Montefiore is also adept at capturing the various relationships within the family, including Marigold’s daughters with their respective boyfriends and her feisty Mum.
One saying that was repeated a lot in the book was “what’s wrong with now?”, which is about living in the present and – because of that – being able to connect with the real you. This becomes increasingly important to Marigold and is a reminder to all of us to look beyond a person’s physical and mental frailties to find the real person underneath, and also to be more patient if someone appears forgetful.
A story that will stay with me for a long time.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 25th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39680136-confessions-of-a-menopausal-woman
I saw this book and, being of a certain age, thought it was worth reading. At the time, I couldn’t have known that barely months later, I would actually need to read it. I am glad to have done so.
Andrea McLean is known mainly for being on ‘Loose Women’, where well-known women chat openly about issues that affect women, including those that may be seen as taboo or best avoided in polite conversation. Menopause would definitely qualify as one of those.
Menopause is often sidelined or not discussed because it is perceived as embarrassing, but Andrea explains that it needs to be talked about and part of her writing the book was to get the subject on the table and increase understanding.
She is incredibly honest and that helps demystify the subject. Medical advice is included from a leading consultant on menopause management; however, it is important to remember that each woman is unique and therefore Andrea advises to consult your GP or a specialist doctor before undertaking any of the treatments or exercise/diet programmes mentioned.
HRT is the obvious treatment, but this will vary depending on age, body type and experience of symptoms, of which there are around 34! At every stage, it is important to listen to your body and get the correct advice for you. Above all, the message of the book is to be positive and embrace this new chapter in your life and see it as an opportunity.
I will definitely return to this book over the weeks and months ahead as I navigate my own journey through menopause, and recommend it wherever needed.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 27th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53438824-whereabouts
This is a journal of a year in the life of a woman, in her late forties, who feels she doesn’t belong and yet seems desperate to. The sense of isolation seems to stem from her childhood.
We have a series of short vignettes of her life – at work, on the train, in her apartment, at a business conference, at a dinner party, visiting her mother, thinking about moving on. She seems insecure and afraid, as though she will get burned if she ventures too close.
The language Jhumpa Lahiri uses draws us into this woman’s fragile, uncertain world, with its daily routine and set parameters. She is reluctant to try new things, to taste new experiences, preferring the mundane to the different. I sense we are being challenged to look at our own existence and whether we, like the woman, are afraid to reach out to new experiences and people.
At the end of the novel, the woman is moving and yet remains within her cocoon of imposed self-isolation. How much will really change for her as she moves her contained life to another place?
The location is never overtly mentioned but is Italian, a city landscape – possibly Rome. I always imagine Italian women as being gregarious, open, and emotional, so it is unusual to find a woman who is none of these things. Yet, through the course of the various diary entries, we draw close to the woman and sense something of her solitude and why she has chosen it.
I enjoyed reading this book and will seek out more by Jhumpa Lahiri.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 29th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36617542-china
This is a vast historical novel, based on real events that took place in China between 1839 and 1903.
Several characters are introduced in the course of the novel, including British merchant John Trader, his missionary cousin Cecil Whiteparish, a Chinese eunuch Lacquer Nail, a peasant woman Mei-Ling, a soldier Guanji, and an administrator Shi-Rong. At certain points, their stories intertwine. All play out against the backdrop of the Opium Wars, the Taiping rebellion, and finally the Boxer rebellion and its aftermath.
Edward Rutherfurd weaves his narrative skilfully between the main characters, and is able to convey the differences of culture and belief that cause so much of the disaffection between China and the outsiders they view as barbarians.
I particularly enjoyed the stories of Lacquer Nail and Mei-Ling, but all the stories sustained their interest. John Trader is the main character, who seems almost peripheral at the start but takes on a more central role as events progress.
For anyone interested in Chinese culture and history, this novel would be a good place to start.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Hodder & Stoughton, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 30th June 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54976986-great-circle
This is an interesting read, told in a dual time narrative and also as a journal at points.
Marian Graves is a twin, brought up with her brother Jamie by their uncle Wallace when their father, a ship’s captain, is sent to prison after abandoning his ship following an explosion at sea. She is solitary and driven, knowing from a young age that she wants to fly after seeing two pilots – barnstormers – when they visit the part of Montana she is living in.
Marian achieves her dream, but at a cost, which continues to haunt her as the years pass. She disappears in early 1950 on the final leg of a circumnavigation flight and is presumed drowned. Her journal is found later and a book emerges that eventually turns into a film.
Hadley Baxter is the actress cast as Marian in the film of Marian’s life and final flight. She has a celebrity status due to starring in a fantasy film franchise and is inclined to be a little too honest. Making the film changes her perspective and the way she views relationships, as she becomes increasingly drawn to Marian’s story.
I enjoyed this book, particularly the sections that were about Marian and Jamie, whilst Hadley took a little longer to warm to. She seemed self-obsessed and a little needy at times but grew as a person towards the end of the story when she found out the truth about Marian.
Maggie Shipstead has clearly done her research and Marian’s complex character is well conveyed. I liked the ending, although it was puzzling how Marian would have claimed royalties on a book about her if she was supposed to be dead, although I guess that has something to do with Caleb, the childhood friend who remained loyal to her and Jamie throughout.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 3rd July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55711688-the-other-black-girl
The write-up for this novel describes it as ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ meets ‘Get Out’, but the end product actually surpasses the hype. It is a rollercoaster ride and has you hooked from early on, with a shocking twist that you 100% won’t see coming.
First of all, this is a story that lays bare the white-dominated world of publishing, with superficial people paying lip service to colleagues in order to get one step ahead of the person at the next desk. As happens to ambitious Nella Rogers, when a new colleague, Hazel, arrives at Wagner Publishing.
Nella thinks that Hazel will be on her side because, like her, Hazel is black; however, within a short timeframe, Hazel has everyone at Wagner in her pocket and Nella fighting to keep her head above water. And then there are the notes, telling Nella to ‘Leave Wagner. Now’. As Nella struggles to find out the truth, it seems Hazel is always one step ahead.
Secondly, there is the linked narrative of Kendra Rae Phillips, employed by Wagner Publishing in the early 1980s, who knows exactly what is happening to Nella because it happened to her and others. This adds an extra layer and dynamic to the story as we see how her and Nella’s experiences pull together.
This is a sharp and incisive piece of writing by Zakiya Dalila Harris. As a social commentary, it doesn’t pull its punches and challenges the reader’s perception of how race is perceived in the workplace and the lengths some will go to in order to get ahead. There is also an element of psychological thriller to it, as we witness Nella’s struggle to keep hold of her job and her sanity.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56389228-where-ravens-roost
Kjeld Nygaard is a Detective Inspector based in Gothenburg. When he receives a rambling phone call from his estranged father, Stenar, he is compelled to return home to investigate. What he uncovers is a complex situation involving a body, ravens, a mining company, and his own identity.
Karin Nordin has written a tightly constructed storyline, weaving deftly between the present day and glimpses of the past as the truth slowly emerges. There are a lot of secrets to be uncovered and not all of them expected. When Kjeld discovers the central truth, it hits him hard, forcing him to re-evaluate his life.
As the story progressed, I felt the oppressiveness of the landscape coming through. I also liked the sympathetic way the author dealt with Stenar’s illness with Alzheimer’s disease, which suggested a personal understanding, and how this was woven into the narrative.
The way that Kjeld found it difficult to relate to so many of the people in his life – estranged husband Bengt, father, sister Sara, police colleague Esme, local police chief Gunnar – was authentic and established him as a character that you believed in and wanted to succeed. I hope that there are more stories to tell with him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Karin Nordin.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by HQ, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56924997-the-secret-path
Medical student Tara Tremain is engaged to American biology student, Alex, but then he betrays her in a way that seems utterly callous. Ten years later, Tara – now a qualified surgeon – is in Costa Rica for the official unveiling of the national park her wealthy father’s money has helped establish.
Tara’s feelings of guilt are very near the surface, due to the death of a young child she operated on in London, and not helped by the tension with her current boyfriend Rory. When a desperately ill young child needs her help, Tara treks through the jungle to help find the plant that may cure him but events contrive to throw her together with the man she has spent the last ten years avoiding.
This is a good read, although things took a little while to get going. I enjoyed the depiction of Costa Rica and the environmental issues underlying the story had been well researched. The central relationships were well-drawn, although I would have liked more background with Tara’s family. Rory seemed to get quite a raw deal in the end even though he came across as possessive at times.
Not everyone will like the ending in terms of who ends up with who, but saying that it did make sense.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55199901-the-clockmaker-s-wife
Nell’s husband, Arthur Spelman, is a clockmaker, whose job involves keeping Big Ben chiming. As London suffers during the Blitz, Nell and baby daughter Alice move to her parents’ home in Oxfordshire; however, Arthur is arrested, drawing Nell back to London to discover what is going on. This places her in danger due to the activities of English fascists.
Many years later, Alice’s daughter, Ellie, is in London, searching for the truth about her grandmother and how she died, and what she finds is a remarkable story of courage and tenacity.
I enjoyed the dual time narrative between wartime London and modern-day America and London/Oxfordshire. The description of Big Ben and its role during World War Two is evocative, and Nell’s determination to clear her husband’s name shines through. The prickly (at first) relationship with Gillian, Ellie’s step-aunt, adds another layer to the story, and there is a romance thrown in as well.
The episodes set in London during the Blitz are poignant and harrowing at the same time, imagining what so many lived through at a time of great national crisis when many lost loved ones and homes, even their own lives.
This is an emotional but rewarding read, and I look forward to more books by Daisy Wood.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Avon Books UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 9th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56074512-dying-inside
Newly promoted DCI Nick Dixon is fed up with being desk-bound and sitting in meetings when he would far rather be actively solving crimes. When a series of sheep killings escalate and two bodies are found, both victims shot at close range by crossbow, Dixon gets his wish.
What follows is a fast-paced and tightly written narrative with plenty to engage the reader. We are drawn into an investigation focusing on the link between a dead accountant, a pensions scam, a capsized yacht, and a tax avoidance scheme. Even when the case appears to be wrapped up, there is one further twist to come but it absolutely makes sense.
Dixon’s policing instincts are natural and realistic, and we are always fed just enough information to move things forward. The tension gradually mounts as the perpetrator’s identity becomes clear; however, it is often what we aren’t told that proves crucial, as there proves to be more going on than initially appears the case.
I also liked the interaction between the different officers and look forward to how this develops over future stories, especially the relationship between Dixon and PC Nigel Cole. The setting in the Avon and Somerset area is a bonus.
Damien Boyd is a new writer to me, but will definitely be reading more and catching up on the previous books in this series.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 9th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54860500-the-secret-bridesmaid
This is the perfect holiday or weekend read, ideal if you’re lazing in the sun with a glass of something bubbly.
Sophie Breeze is a professional bridesmaid, whose job is to organise and manage other people’s wedding days whilst posing as a friend or family member of the bride. She is so good at her job that she is hired by a titled family to manage their daughter’s upcoming nuptials; however, the bride-to-be, Lady Cordelia Swann, is Bridezilla with a list of outrageous demands and initially treats Sophie like dirt.
As things progress, however, Sophie begins to see that Cordelia’s behaviour is a screen for who she really is – she is actually insecure and nervous about letting people get close to her because of an incident involving her former best friend, Annabel.
Also, Sophie is beginning to fall for Cordelia’s rather dishy brother, Tom.
As the wedding day draws closer, Sophie and Cordelia begin to actually like each other. Until…
This is a great read, frothy and fun, and I love the details of other weddings and outrageous email exchanges, especially the fake vintage suitcases and bagel walls (yes, really!) and my absolute favourite moment of Sophie wearing a Chewbacca costume – the episode where she dashes out on a mission of mercy whilst wearing it still has me chuckling. The bit where she gives the ghastly Annabel a reality check near the end is perfect, as is the ending itself.
Katy Birchall has written books for younger audiences and this is her first adult novel, but I hope she will be writing more.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Hodder & Stoughton, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 11th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56196741-under-a-greek-moon
Carol Kirkwood is a familiar and cheery face on BBC Breakfast where she presents the weather forecast. This is her debut novel and would be a perfect beach read.
Shauna Jackson is a well-known Hollywood actress but there is a sad story behind her success, linked to a visit she made to the Greek island of Ithos in her youth. Whilst working for the rich Theodosis family on their private yacht, she fell in love with Demetrios but was fired by his mother who wanted her son to marry a rich heiress instead in order to save the family business.
Twenty years later, Shauna is newly widowed and, reeling from a scandal involving her late husband, decides to return to Ithos where Demetrios is rebuilding his own life after divorcing his wife; however, his headstrong teenage daughter Ariana is proving a handful.
The setting of Ithos provided a perfect backdrop to the story and Shauna was a likeable main character. I also liked her friend Roxy who remained loyal throughout, but Shauna’s mother proved to be cold and unfeeling – you won’t see that at first but it becomes clear later. The introduction of Grace was also good, although it became obvious where she fitted in as events unfolded; however, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Carol’s sunny personality comes across in her novel, which made it easy and enjoyable to read.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 12th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56379302-circus-of-wonders
Nell lives with her father and brother, set apart because of birthmarks all over her body. She is sold by her father to Jasper Jupiter and his circus. Jasper is obsessed with fame and power, determined to exhibit all the so-called wonders and oddities of society and Nell is to be his crowning glory.
In this story, Elizabeth Macneal weaves a magical and yet sinister tale of power, ownership, love, revenge, and obsession. Nell doesn’t want to leave her village but grows to love the circus and is drawn to Jasper’s shy brother, Toby, a photographer. She befriends several other women in the show, including Stella, who knew the brothers in the Crimea. Something eats away at Toby concerning the death of another soldier, Dash, who was threatening to usurp Toby in Jasper’s affections.
Like Icarus, Jasper eventually flies too close to the sun and is burned by ambition when Nell becomes more famous than him. The story conveys the Victorian obsession with freak shows and people who are gawped at and paraded as marvels, exploited for being and looking different. And yet, Nell feels part of a family among the other performers in Jasper’s circus, in spite of being inside a spectacle that she initially wanted to shun.
I enjoyed this book with its descriptive prose and compelling storyline and look forward to reading more by Elizabeth Macneal.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55994372-the-paper-palace
Elle is happily married to Peter, but has loved Jonas ever since they were children; however, there is a secret that only they share concerning her half-brother Conrad. When Jonas has sex with Elle in the present day, she has to decide whether to stay with the man she genuinely loves or to go with the boy she fell in love with but walked away from years ago.
This is a story about families, about growing up, dysfunctional parents, failed relationships, abuse, neglect, nature, and the prisons – real and imagined – that we build for ourselves over the years. People we fall in and out of love with, finding out that someone we failed to understand holds the key to our inner redemption – the latter is what happens when Elle goes to Memphis and meets her half-sister Rosemary.
Not all the members of Elle’s family are likeable, although I found Wallace (Elle’s mother) quite amusing at times. Peter was the anchor of the family, solid and dependable, unlike Elle’s father who was always easily swayed by whichever woman he was seeing or married to, leading to the fracturing of the relationship with his daughters.
There is rawness and sadness in this story, sadness because of what happens to Elle’s sister, and rawness because of hurts caused by events that spiral out of control.
Miranda Cowley Heller’s writing is very descriptive, particularly of nature and the surroundings where the family spend a lot of their time – the paper palace of the book’s title is a cabin in the woods, near ponds and a beach.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Penguin General UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56025845-the-lucky-escape
Annie is about to marry Alexander, or so she thinks. Then he jilts her on their wedding day and sends a text to the wedding planner rather than tell her directly.
Heartbroken, Annie goes into hiding, but then her now no longer to be in-laws offer her the honeymoon trip of a lifetime to Australia and she can take someone with her. That someone turns out to be a guy from her past called Patrick who reappears in her life when she signs up for gym sessions and makes her feel good about herself again.
Persuaded by her work best friend Adzo and her core group of close friends, Annie decides to go. It turns out to be the trip of a lifetime, during which Annie realises she has been living her life to please others and not herself. She decides that this will change.
The other thing that happens is something she didn’t plan on either…
This story was light and frothy and a perfect summer read. The way Annie navigates through her feelings and life choices was relatable. Freddie, Annie’s teenage sister, was so cute and honest – in fact, I loved all the women in Annie’s life apart from her overbearing mother, but even she came good in the end once Annie stood up to her.
Patrick was everything that Alexander was not, and I was pleased that Annie could see that as we did. He didn’t always get it right but, unlike Alexander, he was prepared to admit this and allow himself to be vulnerable in front of her which spoke volumes about him.
I enjoyed reading this book and would be happy to read more by Laura Jane Williams.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 18th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57595972-the-edelweiss-sisters
This is a story set before and during the Second World War, one of resilience and courage in the midst of unimaginable horrors. Love and hope are at its centre, even when they seem far away.
Events begin with a baby being left outside a convent in early 1945. We don’t know who she is or the identity of the woman who leaves her, but this is revealed by the narrative that follows.
The Eder sisters – Johanna, Birgit, and Lotte – live with their parents in Salzburg during the rise of fascism and the subsequent invasion of Austria by Nazi Germany. Each of the sisters has her own particular story in relation to the overarching narrative, and all are required to show great courage as events unfold.
Johanna assists her mother with the housekeeping and cooking, Birgit assists her father with his clockmaking and repairing business in the family shop, and Lotte is a talented singer who decides to become a nun.
When Franz Weber arrives one day, it sets in motion a chain of events that lead all three sisters into danger. Franz is a Jew and eventually the family has to find a way of getting him out of Salzburg and to safety. Attempting to do so places all the sisters at great risk.
This is not an easy read because of the subject matter, for instance mentioning conditions in labour camps where people were brutally treated; however, it also shows that not all Nazis are inhuman and lacking in compassion – for instance, Werner Haas, who falls in love with Birgit, and Oskar, the guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where female prisoners are taken.
Some characters – Maria von Trapp, of Sound of Music fame, and the deeply religious ten Boom sisters, Corrie and Betsie – are people who really existed, which help add to the narrative’s authenticity.
This story touched me on many levels, not just because of the way the narrative unfolded, but also the courage and love that shines through. Lotte enters the convent, little realising that her real vocation will lie outside its walls. The nuns shelter Jews from the Nazis, placing themselves at great risk but disregarding this because they know they must help those who are in danger.
Kate Hewitt has written an exceptional book – despite its difficult subject matter – and I look forward to reading more by her.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bookouture, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 20th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56082786-from-something-old
Heather meets Ant (Anthony) and they end up together, although it is clear quite early on that he is controlling and she is not assertive enough to stick up for herself. Amy and Joe get married, even though she is selfish and never seems satisfied with what she has.
Years later, having met through their children, the couples end up on holiday in Spain together and it is there that things take a dramatic turn, causing Heather and Joe to reassess what they really want. And, as it turns out, that may not mean going back to what they had settled for.
Nick Alexander writes realistically about these relationships, in particular how Ant takes over Heather’s life and asserts his control, diminishing her sense of worth and causing her to hate him in the process. His mother is a piece of work, to put it mildly, and very well written as a character.
Amy is the dominant partner in her marriage, but has major issues of her own that relate to her childhood; these come to light later on and explain a lot about why she ends up the way she is, although it doesn’t excuse her behaviour. Joe’s dad, on the other hand, is lovely.
I felt this novel explained toxic relationships very well and how difficult it can be to escape from them; also, the impact this has on the wider family. Toxicity is shown as coming from a parent-child as well as an intimate relationship. Ant channels the negativity learned from his mother – someone else who is never satisfied – into belittling and undermining Heather.
Positive relationships are also highlighted – Joe’s father is the opposite of Ant’s mother, always looking to build people up rather than diminish them and this rubs off on his son who has learned to treat others and their feelings with respect.
What is particularly gratifying as events progress is that Heather discovers a sense of self-worth and learns to move on with her life. Joe’s struggles are also well conveyed and he too is able to move forward. Amy and Ant are not nice people, but Amy at least is heading in the right direction by the time the story finishes. We are left in no doubt that Ant will never change.
Having not read any books by him before, Nick Alexander is an author I will return to.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54981009-the-last-thing-he-told-me
Hannah is married to Owen. Then one day Owen disappears, and the only clue is a 2-word message Owen smuggles to Hannah saying “Protect her”, meaning Bailey his teenage daughter. This won’t be easy as Bailey wants nothing to do with her new stepmother.
It transpires that Owen’s employers are caught up in fraud and as the police start asking questions, Hannah realises her husband isn’t the man she believed him to be and that the answers lie somewhere in his previous life, when Bailey was much younger and her birth mother still alive.
Determined to find out what is going on, Hannah takes Bailey with her on a trip to discover just who her husband is running from and the past that he wants to remain hidden. What she discovers will force her to re-evaluate everything she ever thought she knew.
This book is incredibly well written and keeps you guessing what is going on, including who Owen really is and how much he is to blame for the present situation. I like how Bailey comes to realise Hannah has her best interests at heart, and the relationship between the two women improves significantly as they begin to fit the pieces of Owen’s past life together.
Hannah is resourceful and determined to do what is best for her stepdaughter and doesn’t hesitate when she thinks Bailey might be in any kind of danger. At the same time, she trusts her instincts and that places her at risk but she is proved right in the end.
As with any book of this type, it is not always easy to find the right balance in terms of where it ends up, but I felt the author got this spot on rather than have everything fall a little too predictably into place. Life doesn’t always resolve like that and this ending felt more authentic than how others might have written it.
Laura Dave is an author that I very much look forward to reading again.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Serpent’s Tail, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 26th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57232185-hob
As a reasonably proficient cook, anything that makes the process easier is very welcome by me, so this book of easy to produce one-pot (occasionally two) meals from Amy Sheppard has given me plenty to consider.
I like the idea of using the oven less and having more control over the cooking process, as well as trying out some new recipes and saving time – important for me as I have a busy job.
The book is well laid out with plenty of illustrations and explanations from Amy, including some swap-outs and tips along the way. I particularly like the mix of meat and veggie dishes, so there is something for all palates, and a dessert section from which the chocolate brownies will definitely be on the to-make list!
For anyone who has a young family, active lifestyle, busy job, or a combination of all three, this book definitely needs to be on your kitchen shelf. The included meal planner templates are also very welcome and can be tweaked to suit your own needs.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 28th July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19061905-havana-bay
‘Usually, an examiner cut at the hairline and peeled the forehead over the face to reach the skull. Since in this case both the forehead and the face had already slipped off and bade adieu in the bay, Blas proceeded directly with a rotary saw to uncover the brain, which proved rotten with worms that reminded Arkady of the macaroni served by Aeroflot.’
In this, the fourth of the Arkady Renko series, the Russian detective finds himself in Cuba where his colleague Sergei Pribluda has been found floating in Havana Bay. Renko is suspicious and refuses to confirm the body’s identity. Upset by the death of his wife, Renko has stolen a syringe with which to kill himself but ends up using it in self-defence when he is the target of an assassination attempt.
The dead man, Rufo Pinero, is part of a wider narrative that involves a fake sugar company, a man-sized doll, two charismatic Americans, prostitutes, and a mechanic with no legs. Then there is Officer Luna, who attacks Renko with a baseball bat and threatens him with further violence.
Renko is supposed to fly out of Cuba but is determined to find out the truth behind Pribluda’s death. This brings him into contact with female officer Detective Ofelia Osorio, who doesn’t believe there is anything to investigate but ends up helping Renko anyway.
An Italian sex tourist and a prostitute are found murdered, the man allegedly mistaken for Renko, and it is clear that Russians are not welcome in Havana. Yet Renko refuses to be cowed.
As with the preceding books in this series, Martin Cruz Smith’s narrative is tightly plotted and Renko his usual charismatic self. His dogged pursuit of the truth leads him into dangerous waters – metaphorically and physically – and, despite the fact he speaks no Spanish and is immediately distrusted due to his nationality, he gains Osorio’s respect and trust.
The city of Havana with its colourful and dangerous streets is the perfect backdrop, and Renko finds himself immersed in its politics, suspicion, and music as he and Osorio close in on the truth.
I liked Ofelia Osorio, a strong-minded woman who refuses to be sidelined, either by her male colleagues or initially by Renko, and yet she too falls under Renko’s spell as so many do.
There is one scene, where Renko and Osorio escape from an enraged Luna wielding a machete, that sounds improbable and yet is brilliantly evoked. I would like to see a film of this novel for that scene alone.
Anyone new to this series should read the preceding novels – Gorky Park, Polar Star, and Red Square – to get the background on Renko and his psyche, but this can be read as a standalone book.
There are more Renko novels to follow and I look forward to reading them all.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 31st July 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54785530-what-you-can-see-from-here
Luisa lives with her grandmother, Selma, and parents in Germany. One night, Selma dreams of an okapi which means someone is about to die. People start acting strangely as long-held secrets rise to the surface. Death comes, but not where expected, and Luisa’s life changes.
Years pass and Luisa, now grown up, falls in love; however, the love of her life is unexpected. Should she take a risk and allow love in or stay just where she is, safe in her village with its quirky characters and superstitions?
I loved this book with its gentle yet probing narrative, touching on subjects such as love, death, family, and facing your fears. Luisa has never faced her fears and that is why she stays where she is, why she changes her mind about posting the most truthful letter she has ever written, and why it takes her eight years to put up a set of bookshelves.
All the characters were engaging, even Marlies who is nearly always grumpy, superstitious Elsbeth, Palm with his Bible quotations, and the optician who is secretly in love with Selma and can’t tell her because of the voices in his head. Without realising it, you find yourself caring what happens to each and every one of them.
This includes Frederik, the man who enters Luisa’s life when she least expects it but takes years to realise what Luisa knows from the beginning. Finally, there is Alaska, who could be the subject of another book altogether.
Mariana Leky has a lovely way of unfolding the story. There is also gentle humour and, despite the sad moments, a smile is always just around the corner.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 2nd August 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56097391-fit-for-purpose
‘If we are to move on from imagining our purpose to fulfilling it, we need to be living a lifestyle that enables this: sleeping well, moving more, eating good food, and living mindfully. Improving these areas will help you with understanding your purpose. Having a purpose will help you to live better.’
I have always been cautious about endorsing books that advocate a lifestyle change, since there are so many of them and not all necessarily following the same pattern. One author will emphasise diet, another fitness, another sleep deprivation, another mental wellbeing.
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, mental wellbeing has become ever more important and something that all of us need to address to varying degrees.
What Richard Pile does is address all of these areas and, in doing so, places them in the context of the Christian faith. This won’t be comfortable for all readers, but it is not intended as preachy – rather, it gives a different context in which to consider the content of each of the chapters. I found it useful but appreciate not everyone will; however, a person can be spiritual without believing in a higher deity.
Coming from a medical background, Richard Pile is concerned that a lot of lifestyle problems end up being medicated and not treated holistically. He advocates a more inclusive approach, looking at how changing a person’s lifestyle may help lessen or eradicate health and wellbeing issues.
The author’s personal experience underpins the book and makes it more authentic as he has actually applied many of the principles he writes about.
This will not be an easy book to read as it advocates change, which as a race we are naturally resistant to; however, questioning our lifestyle and whether we are really happy with it deep down may provide the impetus to look at things differently. This book provides a useful starting point and can help focus on specific areas. On that basis, it is a welcome addition to an ever-increasing field.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 9th August 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54503829-offa-s-dyke-path
I love walking so this is a very welcome publication, with its clear and detailed guide to Offa’s Dyke Path, which traverses the Welsh-English border from Chepstow to Prestatyn. Part of the route passes into England, mainly into Shropshire, and follows the remains of the Dyke as far as possible.
As you would expect, the guide is sectioned into daily walk segments, some of which can also be split. Useful information is provided before each section of notable towns/features along the route, with practical details on transport, facilities, food, and accommodation provided after.
Maps are very detailed, with the trail clearly marked and there is a great deal of information in the route details about the landmarks and features along each of the sections. There is also a section at the end of the guide giving websites and contact emails/phone numbers, plus the OS maps a serious walker will need to complete the route.
The route is traversed south to north, so if you are planning on starting from Prestatyn you may also wish to find a guide that covers the walk in that direction.
I am very keen to walk this particular trail, so will definitely be buying this guide.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 10th August 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58043748-joe-s-family-food
Joe Wicks has become a staple on our TV screens extolling the virtue of keeping fit, as well as bringing out a series of cookery books with easy-to-follow recipes. This latest one focuses on family food and most of the recipes will appeal to busy parents who need something quick and easy to prepare that is also balanced and nutritious.
I liked the different sections and clear layout of ingredients, although I would have liked to see all the recipes photographed. Some unfamiliar ingredients also needed a quick explanation – for example, ketjap manis, an Indonesian soy sauce – as not everyone will know what they are.
The emphasis on getting younger family members involved is a good one as children are more likely to eat food if they have helped in its preparation. Joe clearly subscribes to the Jamie Oliver school of getting your children involved in cooking from an early age and this is to be applauded.
These are all recipes that can be easily reproduced and adapted for busy lifestyles and I will definitely be trying some – the beetroot and chocolate cake in particular!
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 20th August 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57297386-the-doll
This is a superior slice of Icelandic noir.
A young girl insists on keeping a creepy doll that gets tangled in a fishing net and the next morning her mother is dead and the doll has disappeared. Years later, a young British couple fly to Iceland but end up murdered and their bodies dumped at sea. A homeless drug addict is subsequently found dead and there are links to possible child abuse cases from years ago.
Everything hinges on finding the young girl – now a teenager – who links all the stories together, but she too has disappeared.
Huldar and his police colleagues, led by the irascible Erla, are faced with unravelling the truth, but the process is an intense and not always straightforward one. They are assisted by Freyja, a child psychologist who has worked with Huldar before.
Yrsa Sigurðardóttir is a clever writer who knows when to spare details and when to emphasise them. The plot is tightly constructed but always keeps your attention where it needs to be. At the same time, you are left guessing until almost the end of the book to find out what links all the various events together and there is one unexpected twist in the final chapter that you won’t see coming.
The writing is atmospheric and maintains a creepiness and uneasy tension throughout – this is definitely not a book to read last thing at night but once started you will want to finish it.
You don’t need to have read the previous books featuring Huldar and Freyja to enjoy this as a standalone story, but I suspect it will help in understanding the relationship between the main protagonists.
As this is the fifth book in the series, I will now look out for the others and recommend this one.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Hodder & Stoughton, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st August 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56798735-a-crooked-tree
Libby lives in rural Pennsylvania with her mum, brother, and sisters. One day, returning from school, Ellen is ordered from the car by their mum and told to walk home.
It appears that Ellen hitched a lift and then got scared so jumped from the car and went to where Libby was babysitting. Libby tells her elder sister Marie and they decide not to tell anyone, but Marie lets Wilson McVey – a neighbour she has become friendly with – know and he decides to do something about it. The consequences of this permeate the remainder of the novel.
Basically, this is a coming-of-age story as Libby comes to terms with growing up, having lost her father who she was very close to – her dysfunctional mother is having an affair and they find it hard to relate to each other. Marie is the most mature of all of them and is basically the glue that holds the family together, so when she moves out to take a job it hits Libby especially hard.
Libby’s friendship with Sage is also spotlighted, the two of them alternating between closeness and falling out but they definitely have a bond. She initially dislikes Wilson but comes to rely on him as events progress.
Una Mannion skilfully navigates Libby’s journey through emerging adolescence, as she deals with events that threaten to spiral out of control. Libby is a mixture of feistiness and immaturity, making errors of judgement and relying on her own misperceptions, but over time she learns to revise her opinion.
There is pathos as well, a sense of being on the edge of things, whether that is adolescence, friendship groups, or simply feeling you don’t belong. A wrong step can have potentially fatal consequences and Libby learns the fear that comes from not always thinking through her actions and then realising she could have acted or spoken differently. All this is part of growing up.
This was a good story and I would be happy to read more by Una Mannion.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Faber & Faber Ltd, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd August 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55673785-stilled-voices
This is the fourth in the series featuring DCI Kenny Murrain. It is an at times disturbing tale and leads to a dramatic showdown from which nobody escapes unscathed.
Murrain has a sense when things are not as they should be, leading to him “seeing” and sometimes hearing things that are not on others’ wavelengths; however, this is not always a good thing.
A number of individuals are targeted and murdered by a twisted and psychotic killer, all linked by an academic study from some twenty years previously. Murrain took part in the study and so is potentially a target himself.
When an astrologer and then a stage medium’s assistant are found stabbed, there doesn’t seem to be an obvious link. That is, until an intelligence agent appears who seems very keen to speak to Kenny. It is through him that the link is made and Kenny realises he may also be in danger.
A retired academic’s wife is the target of a curious break-in and it appears her late husband led the study. He died in a supposed hit and run. The study also links TV presenter and psychologist Geoff Nolan, whose wife also took part. It is at Nolan’s riverside address that the chilling denouement takes place.
One thing is for sure – Kenny Murrain has unfinished business and it will take him into a very uncomfortable place, personally and psychologically.
A great addition to an excellent series and I look forward to reading what happens next.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 27th August 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58145711-songbirds
Nisha is a maid for Petra on the island of Cyprus. She has come there to earn money for her own daughter, Kumari, who remains behind in Sri Lanka. Other women lead a similar existence, but the local authorities aren’t interested in them and when Nisha goes missing, Petra’s concerns are dismissed out of hand. Yet Petra knows Nisha wouldn’t disappear without taking the things that matter to her – personal items, her passport – and decides to search for her.
Yiannis is involved in the illegal trade in songbirds that he is capturing with Seraphim. As the novel progresses, we see him grow increasingly disillusioned with this life. He is in love with Nisha and wants to marry her. Like Petra, he is disturbed by Nisha’s disappearance and wants to find out what has happened to her.
This is a story that deals with systemic racism – the way a person can exist and yet go largely unnoticed by the society around them, only important as a source of cheap labour or exploitation for sex. Very few care about the fate of migrant women, but those who do face considerable barriers in getting concerns taken seriously.
In the end, Nisha’s fate is discovered, along with four other women who also went missing.
What the story is also about is love – the love of a mother for her child. Nisha regularly phones her daughter in Sri Lanka whilst acting as the mother figure for Aliki. This contrasts with Petra, who finds the mother-daughter relationship difficult due to the death of her husband before Aliki was born, but gradually this changes. There is also Yiannis’s love for Nisha and his quiet determination to find out the truth, not just for himself but for her daughter.
This story will involve you emotionally and you will not find it easy to let go after you finish reading.
Christy Lefteri is a skilled writer and I will certainly read more books by her.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bonnier Books UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 30th August 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57165211-the-secret-life-of-an-arable-field
This book is extremely informative, giving details of the ecosystem of an arable field, including various animals, birds, trees, and plants. The relationship between the different members of the ecosystem is important in ensuring the continued survival of all species.
There is detailed analysis throughout as well as numerous photographs, and this would be a fabulous coffee table book as well as an essential purchase for school libraries.
I learned a great deal and not least about how several of these species are in decline, due largely to the eradication of key habitats that support many of the animals and plants described. It is vital that we keep these spaces free for nature to thrive and survive.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pen & Sword, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 1st September 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56658157-beautiful-world-where-are-you
This is the first chapter of Sally Rooney’s much anticipated new novel.
Alice and Felix meet in a bar. She is a writer and he works in a warehouse. They end up going back to her house but nothing happens other than conversation.
As a taster, this set the scene well. The prose was descriptive but not so much that it told you everything. I sensed an undercurrent, something that time and the remainder of the novel would tease out. Clearly, this couple are meant to meet again, but in what circumstances? Will they end up sleeping together?
Having read this extract, I would be interested to read the whole novel.
Sally Rooney has already had one of her novels dramatised and I suspect this may also end up on the small screen at some point.
I was sent an advance review copy of this extract by Faber and Faber Ltd, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 7th September 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58959735-life-remains
This is the latest book in the excellent police procedural series from Alex Walters featuring DCI Kenny Murrain.
Murrain has a sense when things are not as they should be, leading to him “seeing” and sometimes hearing things that are not on others’ wavelengths; however, this is not always a good thing.
Tasked with investigating a series of mysterious deaths in the community, all linked by a fatal injection of diamorphine, things are further complicated for Murrain when patients also start dying in the local hospital where a police officer lies unconscious and it gradually becomes apparent that an old adversary is at work. The unresolved business on Murrain’s mind from the previous investigation proves difficult to deal with, especially as he feels responsible for the officer who has been hospitalised.
The web is a tangled one, involving a GP with a shady past, a retired war reporter, a sinister unnamed hospital worker, and an old flame of one of Murrain’s officers.
As the tension ratchets up, Murrain again encounters his former nemesis – a very disturbed and psychotic individual – but what will be the outcome?
I enjoyed this book, especially as the investigation gathered pace. The introduction of some new characters, notably Colin Willock to the police team, gave an added edge of tension and there was a palpable sense of unease as the body count increased.
The ending had one rather dramatic piece of timing which some will see as a convenient plot device, but the way everything came together made sense and gave the investigation closure.
It will help to have read the previous Murrain book, Stilled Voices first as events in this book follow on from its ending.
I am grateful to the author for an ARC of this book, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by AlisonStarnes, 11th September 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55457493-the-man-who-died-twice
The second in the Thursday Murder Club series from Pointless co-host Richard Osman, and it proves as delightfully and quintessentially English as its predecessor.
It picks up pretty much where the first leaves off, with the formidable Elizabeth contacted by her ex-husband who is on the run after stealing diamonds. He needs somewhere safe to hide out, so the retirement village seems the ideal spot but this is discovered; however, after moving to another safe house Douglas and his minder, Poppy, are murdered. It is up to Elizabeth to use her sleuthing skills to locate the diamonds, which she finally succeeds in doing, and unmasking the murderer, which takes a little longer.
All the gang from the first book are back, including police officers Chris and Donna, as well as Bogdan, who proves rather useful as events progress. Bogdan is my favourite character, by the way.
Ibrahim is mugged early on in the book and this links into the murder story via a local drug dealer that Chris and Donna are staking out, not too successfully as it happens. Events lead to an end of the pier showdown with several people who have an interest in the diamonds, all lured there by Elizabeth, who then reveals the identity of the murderer.
Joyce comes more to the fore in this story, as she begins to show a real aptitude for spotting clues. The same cannot be said for her IT skills, as she sets up an Instagram account and then wonders why she is getting so many messages – the reason is unintentionally hilarious and worth waiting for, although you will have to do a bit of research if you still don’t get it. The clue is in the number.
Richard Osman has succeeded again in drawing the characters of the sleuthing pensioners and the subtle touches of humour will leave you chuckling quite a lot. If you are really clever, you will spot another reference to the Isle of Wight, which I think is rather nice. Perhaps Richard will come over here and he can sign my copies of both his books – that would be lovely!
If you haven’t read the first book, you should. If you have, then this has to go to the top of your to-read list.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Penguin General UK – Fig Tree, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th September 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55921952-the-anti-inflammatory-diet-made-simple
Molly Thompson’s book came about when she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and she needed to change to eating anti-inflammatory foods.
The recipes are easy to follow, most have pictures, and use ingredients that are readily available.
One thing to note is that the book is targeted at an American audience, hence the use of terms like broiling (grilling). One type of fish I hadn’t heard of and, on investigation, found it was heavily consumed in the US, so figure you would swap in a similar type of fish available in the UK.
One ingredient Molly uses a lot is coconut aminos, which is a healthier substitute for soy sauce.
Lots of really good ideas here. I will definitely buy a copy of this book and investigate Molly’s website.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 20th September 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54500786-pretty-little-london
This is a beautiful book, full of photos of London through the seasons, including shops, restaurants, hotels, parks, galleries, and other sites that you shouldn’t miss on a visit to the capital.
The idea of sectioning the book in seasons is an excellent one, as it points up the best times of year to visit although, of course, you can visit whenever you wish.
Sara Santini and Andrea Di Filippo are Italian but now base in London, and have created an Instagram account – @prettylittlelondon – to showcase their photos of unique and stylish destinations in the capital. As well as the gorgeous photos, they provide detailed information and background, and insider tips to read for additional insight.
The other aspects of the book I loved were the walks and day trips, with destinations including the Cotswolds and York. Also, there are some wonderful food destinations just begging to be tried!
I am not a Londoner, but would happily have this book on my coffee table as a conversation starter, and refer to it when planning a visit to London – it will complement a Rough Guide or Lonely Planet type book very well.
Definitely my coffee table book of the year so far.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 24th September 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56570061-oh-william
This novel by Elizabeth Strout revisits a much-loved character of hers, Lucy Barton.
Lucy was married to William but she left him and her second husband has recently died. During the course of the novel, Lucy and William go on a road trip to find out more about his discovered half-sister. They find her but the outcome is not what either anticipated.
The story is told from Lucy’s viewpoint. She is a writer and so we get several flashbacks, of her troubled childhood and adolescence, her marriage to William, and her second husband, David. Lucy and William’s two daughters and their half-sister also feature.
There is a great deal of affection between Lucy and William, but also deep frustration at times. Lucy feels inadequate and invisible, and can sometimes appear needy; however, she has strength of character and insight. She can see the strengths and flaws of others, but naturally also sees them in herself. This causes problems for her and heightens her sense of not belonging.
William is an interesting character. He is an academic with a sense of inferiority. Like Lucy, he is emotionally dependent. He can appear distant and aloof. His mother, another complex character, is introduced at various points in the narrative and we learn that she abandoned William’s half-sister.
As events progress, we find Lucy and William drawing closer together, connected by their mutual love and respect and the daughters they share. It is Lucy that William often turns to, not his second wife Estelle, when he needs someone he can trust and talk to.
I enjoyed this novel, although hadn’t read My Name is Lucy Barton, the previous book featuring this character and will do so now. Elizabeth Strout is adept at shedding light on the frailties and insecurities of her characters and their motives, and in so doing draws us into Lucy’s narrative. It is poignant and bittersweet at times, but there is always a thread of hope. Even when Lucy and William’s road trip doesn’t have the hoped-for outcome, something is still gained and the book ends optimistically.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Penguin General UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 1st October 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4258446648
This is a stunning book from Tom Jackson of over 200 photographs of birds of prey.
The photographs show these magnificent birds in their natural habitats. Some are well known and others extremely rare. I watch a lot of natural history programmes and found several birds that were unknown to me.
Each bird is described with details of its habitat, diet, and where it can be found at various times of the year. Fascinating facts are also given, including how one bird is the fastest creature on the planet, reaching speeds of over 200mph.
For anyone interested in the natural world and especially in avian species, this is a superb book to add to your collection and increase your knowledge and awareness of owls, eagles, hawks, and other raptors.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amber Books Ltd, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 4th October 2021.
⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56170040-flowers-of-war
Llŷr Gwyn Lewis is a Welsh poet and writer. In this book, after being given a package of personal papers and letters by his grandfather, he goes on a journey of self-discovery and tries to connect himself to his great-uncle, who died in Syria during the Second World War.
I found Llŷr an engaging writer, especially in the passages where he is with and talking about his grandparents and their memories, but it took a while for me to get into this book. It is easy to see Llŷr’s gifts as a writer, but it felt disconnected at times and there were a lot of long sentences that lost me somewhere in the middle. I liked the reminiscences of the trip he made as a younger man through Europe, stopping at places such as Prague and Krakow, but struggled to find an overarching sense of narrative so far as the wider journey was concerned.
In some ways, I think Llŷr struggled himself because of present-day Syria being inaccessible due to the ongoing conflict in the region so he couldn’t visit the place where his great-uncle died. In that sense, he doesn’t find the closure he was looking for.
The translation from Welsh is excellent; however, I imagine it must have been difficult translating such long sentences.
Although this isn’t a book I will personally be adding to my collection, I would be happy to read some of Llŷr’s poetry.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Parthian Books, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 17th October 2021.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52039298-sustainable-travel
A thought-provoking read. With climate change one of the biggest news items at present, it is more important than ever to consider the footprint we leave behind us when we travel. Equally, we need to consider our behaviour once in a destination and what we can do to benefit the places we visit.
This book illustrates how many individuals and organisations worldwide are already doing their bit to preserve natural habitats and ecosystems, whilst educating and providing opportunities for local and indigenous people to participate. Regenerative travel is becoming more important, and this is covered in detail.
So many travel experiences can pay lip service to eco-tourism, so Holly Tuppen has listed important questions that any traveller should ask tour operators and accommodation providers. Using her own experiences, she also gives advice on volunteering, cutting waste, and reducing your carbon footprint.
I found the book very informative and noted several websites for future reference. I like to use public transport, so found this section particularly useful. The final section, providing recommendations on getting around, experiences, and places to stay in each inhabited continent, should whet the appetite for future travel adventures.
Wherever you want to travel, this book provides an excellent point of reference. It also gives hope that raising awareness of sustainable travel will lead to greater responsibility from those with the power and influence to change behaviours and preserve natural habitats and ecosystems.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 18th October 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4281436407
This book has a series of stunning photographs of rivers – urban and remote, their confluences, deltas, oxbow lakes, and waterfalls – across all the major continents.
The photographs are annotated. It was fascinating to read about rivers I knew and others that were unknown. The vastness of several rivers, their sheer length and majesty was breathtaking to look at and made me want to visit several of the countries to experience them first-hand.
Some of the photographs were particularly striking and it was fascinating to see human interaction with the rivers and the way that natural and man-made features, such as bridges, were featured. Aerial shots were included, showing how even vast river systems look tiny when viewed from a distance.
This is another book that would look great on a coffee table and generate much discussion.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amber Books, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd October 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4292393870
Katy and Rachel are twins, but neither is honest with the other and they mainly communicate via email.
Katy is an events organiser in London and lives in her boss Fiona’s garden cabin, whilst Rachel has a supposedly idyllic life in Wales; however, neither is telling the truth about their respective lives.
When Katy goes to Wales to look after Rachel’s house for a week, her twin decides on a whim to go to London and moves into Katy’s cabin.
As the truth about both their lives slowly emerges, the sisters have a chance to reconnect and get their relationship back.
Is Katy as happy in London as she claims? What was she running from when she left Wales?
Why hasn’t Rachel told Katy she is pregnant and no longer with her husband? Why won’t she speak to their father?
I enjoyed this book, which was easy to read and had believable and relatable characters. Rachel in particular has all sorts of hang-ups, mainly around her pregnancy and feelings of guilt. Katy is sweet but deludes herself about needing to fit in at work and doesn’t want to admit she still has feelings for her ex-boyfriend Isaac.
The story has a lot to say about family and what that is. It isn’t necessarily what you think it should be. In the end, family is shown to be the people who care about you and have your back, no matter what, and they don’t have to be related to you.
This book is an ideal beach or weekend read, and I would be happy to read more by Olivia Beirne.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Headline, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 26th October 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4305257504
Lee and Adam Parkinson are brothers who work in education, one as a teacher and the other as a TA (teaching assistant). They have a very successful podcast and have now written a book detailing their experiences, as well as observations on education generally.
The start of the book introduces the brothers and their routes into the teaching profession, followed by chapters on various topics such as Parents, Behaviour, PE, Dinner Times, and School Trips. The brothers prefer to use a conversational approach, so one will often interject as they would on their podcasts. This can often be funny, whilst some may find it annoying.
Since I work in education (not as a teacher), I am able to relate to a lot of what is written about, and particularly the final chapter where opinions are voiced on what the authors perceive to be wrong with education at the present time. It seems that Ofsted and the present government have quite a lot to answer for. I have my own opinions, but rather than state them here, it is up to the individual to read and decide where they stand. You won’t necessarily agree with everything that’s asserted.
Whatever your opinions, whether you are within the profession or not, this is an enjoyable read. It will also bring back memories, as it did for me, of the types of characters in a school – teachers, parents, and kids. A great deal of it is relatable and will chime with readers’ own experiences. I found myself chuckling in quite a few places.
If you have opinions on education, then again this is one you should probably read as it blows open a few of the myths and misunderstandings around teaching – especially in the chapter at the end.
As with the caring professions, teachers get a pretty raw deal at times and deserve much more praise and recognition, whilst the reality is an ever-increasing pile of paperwork and targets to be met. This book may change your perception of teachers and help you appreciate how hard they work.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 28th October 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4311159668
“It’s not true that the more you read, the more you see of the world. No matter how much knowledge you cram into your head, unless you think with your own mind, walk with your own feet, the knowledge you acquire will never be anything more than empty and borrowed.”
Sosuke Natsukawa has written a sweet and charming book that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Rintaro Natsuki is a reclusive adolescent boy who lives with his grandfather in their second-hand bookshop. When the old man dies, Rintaro is faced with moving away, but then has a surprising encounter with a sassy talking cat, who encourages the boy to accompany him into a series of labyrinths, all of them populated by people who are in some way mistreating books.
As he successfully navigates his way through each of the labyrinths, Rintaro gains in confidence and begins to find his own voice. By the end of the story, he is able to determine his future and not have decisions made for him.
Rintaro has a persistent and straight-talking female friend, Sayo, who enables him to become less introverted and this also helps him grow as a person.
I loved how this story used books as a metaphor for how people behave, and in particular how they enable us to have empathy for others. One quote is that ‘reading a book is a lot like climbing a mountain’ – it may take a while but the effort is rewarded by the sense of achievement.
The book has been translated from Japanese and is quite simple in its language, yet is profound at the same time. There are a lot of insights that are shed on reading and the way in which books can almost be taken for granted. We are all custodians of books and need to treat them well. The author realises this and the book, therefore, acts a kind of modern-day parable.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 8th November 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4311170694
DI Nick Dixon’s former climbing partner, Jake Fayter, dies in what initially looks like an accident, but Nick suspects foul play. His investigations uncover some disturbing evidence around drug dealing and the stealing of birds’ eggs that suggest someone killed Jake, and there are at least two people with a motive. When Jake’s new climbing partner is found murdered, Nick realises that the killer is within his reach and breaks police protocol to set a trap.
This is the first in the series of crime investigations and introduces Nick Dixon as a resourceful detective who has relocated to Somerset after working for the Met. Amid the day-to-day policing, Nick also finds time to walk with his dog, Monty.
I enjoyed this story and it was useful to have some background on the climbing terminology since this proved pivotal as events unfolded. My suspicions about one particular individual quite early on proved to be founded, but this didn’t detract from the pace of the writing. There was a twist right at the end, which I didn’t anticipate, but it made sense.
Also, I found the relationships with Nick’s colleagues to be realistic and well-plotted. I suspect there is a romantic attachment brewing with one of his female colleagues, so it will be interesting to see where this heads in the next book.
Anyone who enjoys a good police procedural in a picturesque setting could do far worse than read this series. I am already looking forward to the next investigation.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 8th November 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4307228363
Quirke is a pathologist, staying in a hotel on the Basque coast of Spain with his wife. He sees a woman who he vaguely recognises, later realising she is a young woman – April Latimer – reported dead a few years earlier. He recounts the sighting to his daughter, Phoebe, back in Dublin and she ends up coming to Spain to verify his report, accompanied by a police detective, Strafford.
The young woman is a subject of interest to others, notably a high-ranking Irish politician, Bill Latimer, who wanted April out of the way due to a family scandal. On learning that his niece has surfaced and fearful of the consequences should she talk, he takes steps to have her silenced for good.
The hired gun is Terry Tice, who has killed before, an unpleasant individual with no compunction when it comes to getting the job done and adept at leaving no trace. He identifies his target but things don’t quite go as planned.
This story took a little while to warm up but was well written. I particularly enjoyed how deft pen strokes revealed facets of people’s characters and their inner thoughts. The social awkwardness between characters, especially in the restaurant meal scene with Quirke and his wife and the two doctors, was beautifully executed.
Not having read any of the author’s previous books featuring Quirke, he came across as an irascible and complex man, yet strangely vulnerable. I also liked Phoebe and the air of determination about her, despite being in a relationship with a man who is plainly not her type.
The ending is swift and yet perfect, leaving a sense of unfinished business.
There is a prequel to this book that introduces Strafford and he is a character worth exploring further, as is Quirke.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Faber and Faber Ltd, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 13th November 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4336151149
Fliss and her two sisters inherit a French chateau when their grandfather dies. They knew nothing about it and are shocked to find that the property comes with its own resident, the enigmatic Madame Charlotte Cadieux.
With unexpected bills to pay, Fliss is left to find a way of making the chateau pay its way. Not easy when she is faced with hostility from the local townsfolk and a mayor – also Charlotte’s grandson – who initially appears frosty and unhelpful.
As is always the case in such stories, things come together and there is romance, secrets long buried, and of course loads of food and a touch of Christmas magic.
I enjoyed this story with its French setting and loved especially the character of Charlotte with her twinkle and love for life. She enabled Fliss to grow in confidence when others wanted her to fail.
There is a predictably sweet ending, as I guessed would be the case, but it was good to see how the sisters, even the uber-organised Lizzie, realised that their futures lay in working together.
This would be an ideal festive read and perfect with a glass of wine or even apple brandy – you’ll understand why when you read the book!
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th November 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4340459638
The fourth in the DI Louise Blackwell series sees the detective on the trail of a sadistic individual who brands their victims with a strange symbol.
When the first victim is revealed to be a local drug addict, Louise is plunged into the world of tattoos and addiction. As more attacks occur, a link emerges to a teenage gang cautioned by police some years earlier. The investigations finally lead to the perpetrator and place both Louise and her family in danger.
I found this an excellent addition to the series, with the continuing narrative of Louise’s home life with her parents and young niece providing a contrast to the ongoing investigation. Louise is dedicated to her job, often at the expense of her family and personal life, so it was good to see this situation potentially changing by the end of the story.
The ongoing stand-off between Louise and her nemesis, the narcissistic and seedy Tim Finch, reaches its conclusion in this story. Louise finds an ally in a young female officer who is determined to bring Finch to book for his harassment and misogynistic behaviour. Matters escalate, leading to a dramatic stand-off at Finch’s house, with Louise having to use all her wits and training to keep one step ahead.
Matt Brolly’s writing manages to maintain a level of tension and suspense throughout, with the central relationships well-drawn and realistic. As always, we get an insight into the mind of the perpetrator, who proves to be a damaged and psychotic individual with obsessive tendencies, including towards Louise.
This book can be read on its own, but I would recommend reading the other three books in the series – The Crossing, The Descent, and The Gorge – to get the full back story on Louise and, in particular, the relationship with Finch.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 19th November 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4342737112
This novel reimagines the rise to power of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor.
A young girl is left with her brother when their father is killed by bandits. The brother is destined for greatness; however, he gives in and dies. The girl assumes her brother’s identity and embarks on an extraordinary journey, driven by her overwhelming belief that she will become great.
Ordained as a monk, Zhu Chongba finds herself involved in a power struggle, and faces her deadliest foe in General Ouyang. She also manages to fall in love. There is a ruthless streak to her that grows as the story progresses, and yet Zhu remains a compelling character despite making choices that at times have little to do with morality.
Ouyang is another complex individual, a eunuch torn between loyalty and rage, yet who also recognises the inexorable march of fate. He has been treated badly by his employers and cannot be blamed for feeling bitter and vengeful, yet this goes unrecognised by many until it is too late.
I enjoyed this story, in particular the way that the girl (whose name we never learn) finds a way to survive, using her intelligence and courage. There is humour too, especially in how she outwits the stern Prefect Fang at the monastery.
There are also relationships – with Xu Da, who Zhu befriends as they both train as monks, and then Ma who is sweetness itself. Both realise the truth of Zhu’s femininity but neither betrays it, even though Zhu’s behaviour tests both.
The novel explores complex themes – sexuality and gender, masculinity, desire, and how far someone will go to become the person they believe they are destined to be.
There will surely be a sequel to this novel and I look forward to reading it.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st November 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4342709608
Liv is on a beach in Mexico and recognises a woman who was one of her best friends; however, she believed Sophie had died in a train crash years before when visiting another friend, Grace, in Spain. Sophie’s husband Tom (also Liv’s brother) has since remarried.
The truth is that Sophie suffered a form of amnesia after the fatal train crash and assumed Grace’s identity. She has built a new life for herself and has a boyfriend, Luis, and a job teaching Pilates.
Sophie is thrown into turmoil by Liv’s reappearance but, learning she has a young daughter, decides to return to England and try for custody. Liv agrees to help Sophie whilst uncertain of the truth, loyalties torn between her friend and brother as she tries to piece events together.
Through a combination of present day and flashbacks, the story of what really happened to Sophie begins to emerge. But what is the truth that Sophie’s mind has been repressing all these years, and what will happen when that truth finally comes to light?
This book deals with the difficult subject of postpartum depression and how traumatic events can affect memory. The other main subject is how relationships change based on what we know, or think we know, about the people closest to us. Perhaps the truth isn’t always what we imagined it would be, or because it was too frightening to admit even to ourselves.
The book touches on several sensitive subjects, such as grief and miscarriage, as well as the central trauma suffered by Sophie and its repercussions, but remains realistic in how the characters act and behave. Nobody is perfect and some individuals are more flawed than others, but accepting the truth of the past allows Sophie to move forward in the present.
I read this book in a single day, not able to put it down until knowing how things resolved.
Julia Roberts is a new author to me and I will look out for more of her books.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bookouture, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 23rd November 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4389349658
James Aldred filmed a family of goshawks in the New Forest over the course of the summer in the middle of a global pandemic.
The images he evokes in his diary entries are highly descriptive and transport you to the heart of the natural environment. Other creatures are also described – Dartford warblers, curlews, dragonflies, foxes among them – and James’s love for, and understanding of, these creatures shines through every paragraph.
What also comes across is the contrast between these natural scenes and the intrusion of people escaping lockdown as they trample all over the New Forest, causing traffic jams and littering. As James observes the goshawks, we come to appreciate and understand this elusive and intelligent raptor, and how it has fought back from near extinction.
Wildlife books are also ways of engaging discussion about our interaction with nature and finding a balance between enjoying the natural landscape and preserving its integrity. These environments are not just for our own use but primarily for the creatures who live there and depend on its resources.
I was particularly drawn by James’s dedication, getting up before dawn to spend the day filming the nest and always managing to find something different to say or observe about the forest as he arrived – whether a bird calling or the trees and plant life. One thing that stuck in my mind was the peace and tranquillity contrasted with the noise and chaos of everyday life.
This is a magical book and I thoroughly recommend it.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Elliott & Thompson, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th December 2021
⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4392936277
I did my best to like this poetry book but struggled to get even halfway through.
There are a few lines and one poem that did work, but the rest just didn’t resonate at all.
What definitely didn’t work were the often long and rambling titles. Some of the poems were about difficult relationships, obsessive behaviour, failing to move on from people who aren’t good for us, and to be honest it sometimes felt rather tedious. At other times, it read like a self-help book.
I am sorry because the author has clearly put a lot of work into this collection, but it just isn’t for me I’m afraid.
This was sent to me as an ARC and I am grateful to the publisher, Button Poetry, but I won’t be reading more poetry by this author.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th December 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4353159360
Art specialist Diana is about to fly to the Galapagos with her surgeon boyfriend, Finn, when the pandemic strikes New York. Persuaded to go on her own, she is then stranded on one of the islands and unable to get home.
Not everything is as it seems, however…
This was a complicated story, weaving together a narrative of love, separation, ambition, fear, resilience, family relationships, and how much we think we know the people closest to us.
It took a little while to get going with the story. I became more invested in the book after the mid-point when the author dropped in a curveball that completely changed the direction of travel. It made no sense and then complete sense. After that, I whizzed through the rest of the book.
The story is poignant but ultimately life-affirming. The struggles of those on both sides – patients and frontline medical staff – dealing with Covid and its aftermath are eloquently voiced, but it is only one strand of the narrative.
Jodi Picoult isn’t an author I had read before, but will definitely look for more of her books from now on.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Hodder & Stoughton, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 17th February 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4557096587
Amanda Prowse’s books are like a comforting mug of hot chocolate. Having read several now, she never fails to stir the emotions and challenge perceptions.
This latest novel is about a Cornish family, in particular Merrin Kellow, who is in love with rich boy Digby Mortimer. Then, on what should be the happiest day of her life, Merrin’s world collapses and she flees her beloved home town to escape being the subject of local gossip.
Of course, nothing is as straightforward as it seems and the story unwraps a series of revelations, not least the spiky relationship Merrin has with her elder sister, Ruby. The two sisters are finally able to put their differences aside, but it takes a tragic turn of events to bring this about.
I loved the family and especially Merrin’s parents. The sisters’ best friend Bella was a real tonic and had me laughing out loud in places – irreverent but caring, with a heart of gold. I also liked Miguel, who is instrumental in helping Merrin mend her broken heart.
The Mortimer family are aloof, in particular the matriarch Loretta, who Merrin blames for what happened, although it is really Digby who is to blame because of his immaturity. Loretta sees this but Merrin does not until much later.
I enjoyed seeing how the various storylines came together and resolved. The characters are relatable and human, and Amanda allows us to see their flaws as much as their strengths.
The only criticisms I would make – minor ones – are that Miguel deserves a happier ending than he gets and also the introduction of a new and significant character in the last couple of chapters. It seems right for Merrin to fall in love again, but it does seem to happen rather suddenly. Saying that, Merrin is ready by then to make the final step away from her grief and embrace a future in which she is free to love and be loved, so maybe it is the right ending after all.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 18th February 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4353948211
I loved this story. It had a sad and slow beginning but evolved into a beautiful and poignant exploration of a terminally ill woman finding peace with herself and her past.
Maggie Dawes is a renowned photographer who is dying from cancer. When she takes on a new assistant called Mark, she finds herself drawn to share the story of her life. It is a bittersweet story of teen pregnancy, family misunderstandings, and the man Maggie has never stopped loving.
Mark was a sympathetic and believable character and Maggie comes to depend on him more and more so, when we reach the end of the story, it is a perfectly natural way for the various plot strands to come together. You will definitely need a box of tissues.
Reading between the lines, I felt there was a narrative inside the narrative, about the way that parents and children fail to communicate. It was Maggie’s Aunt Linda who, despite being childless, had the most natural empathy with her niece, whilst Maggie’s parents seemed to think her a disappointment.
Nicholas Sparks isn’t an author I have read before, but will definitely be getting more of his books.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Little, Brown Book Group UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 23rd February 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4564882134
This is the first of the series of books that are the basis for the highly popular series, ‘Killing Eve’.
Villanelle is female, a trained assassin and a narcissistic sociopath. Her job is to covertly eliminate targets identified by a mysterious collective known as ‘The Twelve’. Her handler, Konstantin, ensures she has a cover for each of her missions and that she doesn’t overstep her brief.
Eve Polastri works for MI5 and is assigned the job of protecting a high-profile Russian Viktor Kedrin, who is in London on a speaking engagement. However, Kedrin is killed by Villanelle, using an elaborate cover sting involving a model, and Eve loses her job. Eve is then recruited by Richard Edwards of MI6 to hunt down the assassin.
I enjoyed this novel but those expecting a re-run of the BBC series should be aware that the plotlines have been reinterpreted and, in some cases, reordered. For instance, Fat Panda is killed in Shanghai, whereas in the TV series he dies in Berlin. Some character names also change. Eve’s new boss in the TV series is a woman and her colleague is called Bill, not Simon.
I found the novel fast-paced and clever at pointing up the insecurities and similarities of Villanelle and Eve. The two women become obsessed with each other, Villanelle spurning the chance to kill Eve whilst in Shanghai but taking jewellery instead. Eve is determined to kill Villanelle because of the killing of Kedrin and then her colleague but Villanelle, in this novel at least, remains elusive.
It is a clever premise to take two women, both flawed and insecure, and create a narrative where they effectively stake out each other, gradually drawing together to exclude all those around them.
I would recommend watching the TV series first and then reading the novels. The TV adaptation brings out the black humour of the book very well and you will find yourself drawn to Villanelle in spite of her modus operandi.
There are two further books in the series and I look forward to reading them.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 2nd March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3678978841
The second of the Villanelle books, and a fast-paced ride from start to finish.
This takes a different turn from the first book, as instead of a series of linked events, there is a continuous narrative that follows both Eve and Villanelle, the former as she relentlessly hunts down her nemesis and the assassin as she targets her latest quarry.
As ever, there is bluff and counter-bluff, with not everyone who and what they seem to be and leading to a finale that places both women front and centre as they realise that, in order to survive, they need to work together.
The writing keeps the momentum going from the first page to the last and leaves the story dramatically poised. As you will gather, there is a third book to explain and resolve the events that unfold.
Relationships are key in this book, whether between Eve and her long-suffering husband, Niko, or with her colleagues at MI6, or the spiky distrust that shadows Villanelle’s with her latest handler, Anton. And it appears there is someone in Eve’s orbit that she shouldn’t be trusting…
I look forward to reading the final book in this engaging series.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 3rd March 2022
⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3678979297
The final book in the Killing Eve trilogy, which ties up the story between Eve Polastri and her nemesis, the elusive sociopath known as Villanelle.
I wasn’t convinced by the beginning of the book, where Villanelle and Eve are in a container on board a ship heading for St Petersburg. There was a lot of dialogue around bodily functions and sex, rather than moving the narrative forward.
Once in St Petersburg, the story comes to life, as Eve and Villanelle seek to begin again with new identities; however, nothing is that simple. Some old enemies resurface and the two women find themselves part of a plot to assassinate two high-ranking individuals. The denouement is fast-paced and manages to tie up the various loose ends.
This is not a wholly satisfying read, mainly due to the contrived beginning and the emphasis on sexuality at the expense of plot. There is also a non-binary storyline (Lara/Charlie) that feels as though it was thrown in rather than being an integral part of the story arch.
We have to suspend disbelief quite a lot in this book, including the ending, but there is enough of a flow in the main storyline to keep you reading. It was good, however, to find Villanelle and Eve’s relationship resolved at the end.
These books are a good accompaniment for those who enjoy the BBC series, but this final instalment is not the best of the three.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 4th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4342709275
Emil and Adeline Martel are faced with an impossible choice, to stay and live under a Soviet regime or head west in a convoy protected by the Nazis.
The family faces hardship, separation and physical deprivation as they attempt to forge a better life for themselves. No choices are easy and not everyone can be trusted.
I enjoyed this story, although it was harrowing in places. Events are based on fact, as the Martel family really existed. Mark Sullivan conveyed their emotions and choices with sensitivity and realism.
I admired the courage and fortitude of Emil and Adeline, especially when they were separated, and it was moving to read how their faith and love for each other kept them going.
This is not an easy read, given the subject matter, but there are some lovely moments. I particularly liked the character of Colonel Gheorghe and was pleased to learn he had been based on a real person.
I found Mark Sullivan to be engaging and sympathetic in how he conveyed the situations and choices faced by Emil and Adeline. It would have been easy to veer into sentimentality and cliche but the story remained engaging throughout and you were left caring about what happened to the family.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Lake Union Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4353947229
Abby Pearce is a homicide detective, living and working on Martha’s Vineyard. When a family is murdered in their holiday apartment, Abby finds an apparently traumatised teenage girl at the scene who turns out to be a complete stranger. The real teenage daughter is being held captive by the psychotic individual responsible for the killing spree and it is imperative that Abby locates her quickly.
As she investigates the murders, Abby begins to realise the case is a little too close to home for comfort and she may be in danger herself.
I found this story frustrating, to be honest. It is told in the first person, from Abby’s point of view, and the conversational style didn’t work for me. Nor did the cliched and formulaic nature of the plot, with no real flow and pace until later on. Abby also seemed unaware of major developments affecting the case, such as the death of a key suspect, which I found odd for someone in such a senior role.
The saving grace for the story was the latter 30% of the novel when the pace and tension picked up, but even then the final showdown felt underwhelming.
There is a previous investigation in this series but I won’t be rushing to read it.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Bookouture, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4592089595
Maya’s boyfriend, Ryan, gets a job in Longyearbyen in the Arctic Circle and she moves there with him. Plagued by insecurities and self-doubt brought about by the childhood loss of her mother, Maya finds the move and transition hard and this is compounded by a trip back to India when her father remarries.
In time, Maya finds her niche cooking for an outdoor cabin business on the edge of town, using the recipes inherited from her late mother, and this gradually enables her to gain control over her anxiety and panic attacks. She is also able to make new friends – Mikkel, Adam, and Rita – who all help her move forward. Her childhood friend, Jobin, also helps.
Ryan is shallow and selfish and doesn’t respect Maya when she wants to discuss her repressed memories coming to the surface. His response is to jump into bed with someone else when Maya goes to India. As the story progresses, Maya is able to leave Ryan behind whilst she grows in stature and confidence.
There are some deep themes in this book, including depression, but there is also a lot of cookery. Many Indian dishes are described and will leave you wanting to recreate them.
I enjoyed this book and especially the description of the Arctic weather and surroundings. Maya’s situation was sensitively handled, allowing us to see her struggle but ultimately grow as a person. The ending is affirmative without being cloyingly romantic.
This is a good story and I will be happy to read more from Dani Redd.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Avon Books UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 7th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4594106940
Mary stands outside Ealing Broadway station, holding a handwritten sign. She has kept the vigil for seven years in the hope her boyfriend, Jim, will walk back into her life.
Alice works for a newspaper but her job is on the line. She comes by chance into Mary’s orbit and becomes invested in her story, deciding to track Jim down whatever it takes. This brings her into contact with the telephone nightline that Mary volunteers for with Ted, Olive, and Kit.
As Alice pursues her story, it becomes less about saving her job and more about finding out why a person disappears. Alice’s father disappeared when she was growing up and she still struggles to accept that he won’t return to her life. With Kit’s help, Alice manages to find the answers both she and Mary need to move forward.
This is a complex story, not least because of the way it chronicles mental health. Jim struggles profoundly with his and Mary is determined to stick with him, whatever it takes. But Mary’s love, in the end, is not enough. Whether Jim deserves Mary is not the issue here but whether Mary can find it in herself to accept a future without him in it.
I loved Alice’s persistence, her desire to find the truth about Jim, and the dawning realisation that her search was as much about her as it was Mary. Abbie Greaves is sympathetic at drawing out the various strands of the characters, nearly all of whom have personal issues that they are not facing up to. The end is affirmative and feels right in the context of what has gone before.
This was a good and thought-provoking book and I look forward to reading more by Abbie Greaves.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Random House UK, Cornerstone, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 9th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4598420727
Jenny is a postal worker in a sorting office. One day, she comes across a postcard with an incomplete address destined for the Dead Letter Office and its message prompts her to go on a quest to find its intended recipient, somewhere on the Isle of Wight.
Jenny is partly prompted by feelings of guilt from the decision made in her youth not to go travelling with her then boyfriend. She is married now to Simon, who has grown distant following the death of one of their daughters. The remaining daughter, Charlotte, feels she has had the expectations for her sister forced onto her and wants to forge her own life. Jenny is struggling to find the right words to bridge the increasing gap between them all.
I didn’t like Jenny’s family much. Charlotte came across as sullen and ungrateful. Simon was weak and insipid and her mother domineering, so Jenny felt even more isolated within her own family.
At work, Jenny is also struggling due to the sexist boss who continually tests her on her job but she has an ally in Roger, who is soon to retire. One part of this narrative, with a storyline around an alleged unfair dismissal, remained unresolved.
The search for the elusive address seemed a metaphor for Jenny finding words left unspoken for too long. It became easier to say nothing and slip into an acceptance of what life had become rather than make the effort to address the situation.
I felt that Jenny deserved better than to wrap herself in guilt. By the end of the story, it felt as though she had allowed herself to move forward from those feelings, so it was a positive conclusion.
Loree Westron is not from the Isle of Wight, as I am, but the parts of the book describing the Island evoke it well. She also described the relationships between the central characters well and the setting in mid-1980s Thatcher governed Britain was realistic.
This was a good story and I would be happy to read more by this author.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Fairlight Books, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 11th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4594107669
Gabriel Allon is an Israeli art restorer and secret service agent who is drawn into an operation against a prominent Russian oligarch, Arkady Akimov. At its centre is Isabel Brenner, a German cellist whose banking job has suddenly become untenable. Her new employer, Martin Landesmann, is persuaded by Allon to employ her to snare Akimov.
The reason for the targeting is due to the assassination in London of Viktor Orlov, poisoned by Novichok. Journalist Nina Antonova, who inadvertently delivers the package with its infected contents, is rescued by Allon working with British intelligence. Isabel Brenner left several similar packages that were delivered to Orlov without incident, all of them containing damning evidence against her employers.
Eye-watering sums of money change hands in the course of the story, with the power and influence it buys proving an irresistible lure to those at liberty to spend it. There is a clear line drawn between those who act altruistically and those who choose to play by a different set of rules.
The fate of the various characters is played out against a dramatic denouement involving a New Year’s Eve event in the French Alps and the subsequent endgame in the United States and Israel.
This is a slick and well-plotted espionage story, with some basis in real-time events, and Gabriel Allon was a charismatic and believable lead character. The endgame was rewritten to include the American presidential election of 2020 and its aftermath, which some will see as a weakening of the plot, but it makes sense in terms of the overall arch of the story.
For those who want to understand more about the political events underpinning and informing the novel, a full explanation is given by the author at the end of the story.
Daniel Silva is an author I will be returning to, including the earlier Gabriel Allon books.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 13th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3134479459
DI Ben Kitto returns to his childhood home on the Isles of Scilly, on a break from his job with the Met Police whilst recovering from the death of his female colleague.
Once arrived on Bryher, however, Ben is drawn into the investigation of the violent murder of 16-year-old Laura Trescothick, a popular girl whose parents were childhood sweethearts. Laura’s parents, and sister Sophie, are distraught at the death.
Ben suspects Laura’s death is connected with her boyfriend, Danny Curnow, whose wealthy parents were hostile towards the young couple’s relationship. Laura’s former boyfriend, Sam Austell, is also a suspect, but he has gone missing.
Investigations lead to a number of suspects, but Ben is increasingly frustrated because of the lack of hard evidence. Then Danny goes missing…
I enjoyed this story, not least because of the setting. Kate Rhodes sets her story against the seductive backdrop of the Isles of Scilly, with its isolated and close-knit communities where everyone looks out for each other as well as being a potential suspect.
Ben is a likeable character who I warmed to quickly and has an adorable sidekick in his dog, Shadow. There are several other interesting characters with stories to tell.
I look forward to the next instalment of Ben’s story.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4136920485
Margery Benson is stuck in a job she hates, teaching domestic science in a girls’ school. One day, she does something unexpected and steals a pair of lacrosse boots, then advertises for a companion to hunt down the exotic gold beetle she read about as a girl in her father’s study.
The woman who Margery hires as her assistant drops out and she is left with no alternative but to accept the offer of Enid Pretty, a woman with atrocious spelling who writes her letters on shopping lists. Enid turns up at Fenchurch Street station and proves to be a force of nature, despite being dressed in pink and incessantly talkative.
As the two women embark on their journey to New Caledonia, what starts out as an uneasy partnership becomes a true friendship and finds both women called on to display reserves of initiative and inner strength neither knew they had.
However, there is one mystery Margery cannot fathom – what is lurking in Enid’s red valise? And who is the mysterious man who insists on tailing them?
I loved this story for its quirky charm, its descriptions of flora and fauna, and the way it chronicled the relationship between Margery and Enid. One of the overarching themes is about facing your fears and finding the real person inside. Enid brings out something in Margery the older woman never knew she possessed.
You will need tissues near the end, though, as not all the characters get the outcome they deserve.
I look forward to reading more books by Rachel Joyce.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 18th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4603672826
Lincoln Rhyme is a forensic investigator for the NYPD and his wife, Amelia Sachs, is a police officer. When an individual styling himself “The Locksmith” starts breaking into women’s apartments and moving things around whilst they are asleep, Rhyme is reminded of a previous case and is determined to find the perpetrator.
The only problem is that Rhyme is kicked off the case due to bungling a prosecution for a mobster which results in a dangerous man walking free. Undeterred, and with his wife’s and others’ help, Rhyme still works the case.
There is also the small matter of a homeless man in the frame for an alleged homicide and the proprietor of a sleazy newspaper trying to reconcile with his son. A page from said newspaper appears at each of the apartments targeted by “The Locksmith” and written on with the victim’s lipstick.
As you will gather, not everything is as it seems, and there is plenty of politics going on as the various pieces begin to fall into place. One thing is clear, there is somebody out there with a far bigger agenda than simply breaking into apartments. This person has murder on their mind, and it is up to Rhyme to put the pieces together, leading to a tense denouement.
I hadn’t read Jeffery Deaver before but will definitely do so again. This was a well-written police investigation, with interesting lead characters and a well-constructed plot. I enjoyed the small details that helped build a picture of the suspect before a clever twist threw everything back in the mix just when the identity of “The Locksmith” seemed obvious.
This is #15 in the series and it will be interesting to read some of Lincoln’s back story in previous investigations.
I was sent an ARC of this book by HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 24th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3134479746
The second of the DI Ben Kitto investigations centres around young female diver, Jude Trellon, who is found dead after a night dive goes wrong, with an unusual object found lodged in her throat.
With his assistant Eddie also attacked, Ben is doubly determined to find the murderer. Then shy youngster Tom Heligan, who was besotted with Jude, disappears, leading to a desperate search; however, the killer isn’t finished yet and Ben finds himself in a race against time.
As with the first book, any one of a number of local characters could have motive and/or opportunity, but it is up to Ben to fit the pieces together. He also has to contend with his officious commanding officer, DCI Madron, who doesn’t always approve of Ben’s methods.
The Isles of Scilly provide a superb and atmospheric backdrop to Kate Rhodes’s story and there is a real sense of community. Ben is also falling for his best pal, Zoe, who makes an important life decision in this second book. Shadow, Ben’s dog, plays a crucial role as events race to their dramatic conclusion.
I look forward to reading the next book in this excellent series.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 25th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4629575223
Beth is disorganised and unable to stick at anything for long, including jobs. A family tragedy finds Beth moving into her sister’s home to act as guardian to teenager Polly and toddler Ted, with the assistance of her parents.
Beth’s mum is everything she is not – super-organised and critical of anything that is less than perfect – so Beth feels completely inadequate when things unsurprisingly don’t go as planned.
Fortunately, Beth has her best friend, Jory, who she is secretly in love with, despite trying to deny it; however, Jory is seeing another teacher at the school he works at. Then there is Albert, the elderly neighbour whose lavender bush Beth was sick in once and is still mortified about.
Albert turns out to be lovely and Beth gradually begins to find her feet whilst the family waits for more positive news regarding her sister. But what is the guilty secret that Polly is holding on to that makes her blame herself for her parents’ accident?
I enjoyed this story and found it easy to read. It didn’t have a cloyingly sweet ending but is nevertheless positive. You feel invested in the characters, especially Beth as she navigates her lack of self-confidence and finds she is more capable than she realised.
Sarah Turner is an author I would be happy to read more from.
I received an ARC of this book from Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 26th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4629576143
Elizabeth and Bryony are unlikely friends and godmothers to each other’s daughters. Clemmie, Elizabeth’s daughter, had seizures whilst a baby and cannot be vaccinated, whilst Bryony has consciously chosen not to vaccinate her own daughter, Alba. This is because of her mother Sara’s mantra that vaccines are dangerous and Bry’s adult brother Matty being in a home due to autism allegedly brought on by the MMR vaccine.
Elizabeth throws a 7th birthday party for Clemmie but asks all the parents of children attending to confirm they are vaccinated. Bry hesitates, then acknowledges Alba is vaccinated, but Alba is only vaccinated against meningitis and pneumonia and hasn’t had the MMR vaccine.
After the party, Bry and Alba become ill with measles and so does Clemmie. Bry and Alba recover but Clemmie is taken to hospital with encephalitis which causes her to go blind. Elizabeth and her husband, Jack, are irate and launch a court case against Bry and her husband, Ash, for gross negligence, refusing Ash’s offers of financial compensation.
This is a well-written and emotive story, with both sides of the vaccination debate carefully balanced by the author. There are snippets of observers – a journalist, a female internet troll, a social worker among them – commenting on the case and the publicity it generates, which add to the background debate.
I found the characters believable, although Elizabeth came over as suffocating and obsessive. Bry elicited more sympathy because of the situation with her brother but needed to let go of her past and make choices based on her own feelings rather than being driven by her mother’s. Rosalyn, the new neighbour, came across as kind and non-judgemental, unlike many of the others.
The outcome of the case throws into doubt a number of preconceptions that the reader will have formed whilst reading the story to this point. It begs the question of how far a parent will go to protect their child and – most pertinently – how we remember things we are told when in a time of self-doubt and emotional strain.
The two families cannot be the same after the case as before, but the ending suggests a more positive future for all of them. I felt this was important, showing that people can choose to be destroyed by something or learn to rise above it and face the future, however uncertain.
Emily Edwards is an author I would be happy to read again.
I received an ARC of this book from Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 27th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4633359925
Vicar’s daughter Rose Pedal starts a business called Pedals and Prosecco, selling ice-cold fizz from a vintage bicycle, but on the way to a wedding fayre is nearly knocked off her bicycle by the dashing James Blume of Blume’s Florists.
Despite initially disliking him, Rose becomes increasingly smitten with James, but problems arise when a rival business starts up and James appears to be implicated. Then James’s father, Geoffrey, and twin brother, Peter, are less than hospitable, making Rose doubt James’s sincerity.
With help from her best friend, Megan, and her parents, Rose is determined to make her business a success, but has she jumped too hastily to conclusions where James is concerned?
This was a light-hearted and easy read from Florence Keeling, with a likeable main character and plenty of chuckles throughout. You will end up rooting for Rose and wanting her to get the best outcome.
I also liked the friends Rose makes along the way who all rally around her, enabling her to keep going despite the setbacks she encounters.
This would be a perfect holiday read, best enjoyed with a glass of Prosecco!
I received an ARC of this book from Simon & Schuster UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 29th March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4633361218
Rumours, prejudice, and resentment in the community around a primary school cause a situation to spiral out of control, leading to five women having to re-evaluate their lives.
Maia is almost 16 and resentful of her mother, Rachel, who has divorced her father and moved in her lesbian lover, Erin.
Laura is a single mum with a small son, Max, and is struggling to make ends meet so has a night job as a sex worker. She volunteers for the PTA at the local primary school, also attended by Rachel’s youngest child, Tess.
Jo Fairburn is headteacher at the primary school and has a son, Luke, in his early twenties.
The main storyline is around the introduction of an inclusive sex curriculum, which Laura opposes along with the bossy head of the PTA. Jo, who is good friends with Rachel, has to tread a difficult path of diplomacy, whilst secretly loathing the PTA women and their narrow-minded homophobia.
Maia, meanwhile, moves out of home and in an attempt to get back at her mother makes some poor decisions that have unforeseen consequences.
There is an act of sexual assault described in the story which, whilst shocking, is dealt with sensitively and realistically.
Sarah Stovell is adept at linking the characters’ stories as the narrative moves forward. Some are more likeable than others, but all have their good points. I liked Erin particularly because she was empathetic and a good balance for the much feistier Rachel.
This story certainly highlighted a lot of issues that primary schools have to face, in particular with pushy parents, SEN (special educational needs), and safeguarding. It also showed how easy it is to misjudge people and presume too much from appearances.
Sarah Stovell is an author I would be happy to read again.
I received an ARC of this book from HQ, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 31st March 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4642937181
Tara is a counsellor at a wellbeing centre but struggles with accepting her past. This is exacerbated when her estranged father, Keith, turns up with plans to rebuild a local community centre after damaging floods.
She also has to deal with an errant on-off boyfriend, her absent twin brother Toby, an unexpected new family member, and a colleague who claims to communicate with animals.
In the midst of sorting out her own life situation after her mother’s death, Tara learns the truth about her parents’ marriage and why it is better not to mix work with personal emotions.
I found this an easy story to read, although it took a little while to get into. Tara was a plausible lead character, although her naivety around the past (and the boyfriend) did stretch credibility at times.
Tara’s colleague, David, is charming and insightful, often when Tara least needs it. Nevertheless, she has reason to be grateful to him later on.
This would be an ideal story for a holiday read and I would be happy to read more from Lucy Dillon.
I received an ARC of this book from Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th April 2022
⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4593981387
On the surface, this book is about the author Mark Yakich’s experience of playing three-touch games with friends and acquaintances during the pandemic. On another level, it examines the way people’s attitudes to football have changed and subjects such as sexism, racism, and mental health.
The book is aimed at the US market with references that non-American readers may find hard to unpick. As an insight into the pandemic, it throws up several questions. It became important to the author to have weekly games with friends, even leading to him making a football over a Zoom call. The author’s wife also talks about football’s positive effect on her husband’s mental health.
All football fans can relate to not being able to attend matches in person during the pandemic and the gradual reintroduction of spectators into grounds. From that perspective, it was interesting to see how the author’s experience tallied with my own as a fan of an English club.
Since this book is part of a series, it is not a history of the game so one shouldn’t expect to read an in-depth exploration. What the book does well is relate to the author’s own experience and his love of the game through a period of his life when access to football became more difficult.
The book was well written and informative, but those wanting more detailed analysis would probably need to read elsewhere. In terms of the culture of the game and how it has changed, there was little I wasn’t already aware of but it provided a good context for the wider discussions.
I received an ARC of this book from Bloomsbury Academic in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th April 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4638831171
DS George Cross is a detective with Asperger’s Syndrome. This means that he pays closer attention to nuances and patterns than many of his colleagues, which leads to one colleague filing a complaint when Cross criticises his investigative methods. Cross is eventually vindicated.
Cross also fails to observe some social niceties, such as acknowledging or understanding when someone does him a favour. This is due to his being on the autistic spectrum and he often has to be prompted by colleagues to say things like “thank you” or express sympathy for a bereavement.
Recovering drug addict Flick Wilson dies from a suspected overdose/suicide, but her mother is convinced she was killed and asks the police to investigate. Cross is the only officer who takes an interest and he notices some unusual details around the case that back up the mother’s suspicions.
As he enquires into Flick’s death, Cross interviews a range of suspects, including a boss who preys on vulnerable female workers at a dry cleaning business and an arrogant therapist who believes in legalising euthanasia. Cross becomes aware of a pattern involving the fatal administration of diamorphine to several recovering addicts and this eventually leads him to the killer.
I found this an engrossing mystery, with the interplay and relationship between Cross and his colleagues, DI Ottey and staff worker Alice Mackenzie, entirely plausible and sympathetic. Cross’s father, Raymond, also plays a significant part in helping explain Cross’s behaviour traits.
Cross works his way through his list of suspects doggedly to ensure he gets to the truth. This enables him to glean important information that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Tim Sullivan includes enough detail for you to follow the investigation but without revealing who the perpetrator is until a key moment. Even then, not all the loose ends are tied up, leading to Cross making one final connection to ensure Flick’s killer is brought to justice.
I particularly enjoyed the ending, which gave further insight into Cross’s character and introduced us to a possible storyline for the next investigation.
This is a superbly written crime story and I look forward to reading the two previous mysteries.
I received an ARC of this book from Head of Zeus, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th April 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4316970020
Kjeld Nygaard is a detective with a troubled past and things aren’t about to get any easier. A killer is targeting lone survivors of previous crimes that Kjeld investigated. What is the link between the victims and why have they been singled out now? It appears someone wants to get even with Kjeld.
However, Kjeld has other problems to think about. His ex-husband Bengt’s new partner, Liam, who can’t stand Kjeld (the feeling is mutual). Henny Engstrom, an amateur scene of crime reporter whose uncanny knack of turning up at murder scenes suggests some kind of inside knowledge. And then there is a commune with links to a drug cartel.
Kjeld’s boss takes him off the investigation because of his link to the unsolved murders, leaving his police partner Esme in charge. Then things take a far more personal turn, leaving Tove – Kjeld and Bengt’s young daughter – in mortal danger. Kjeld finds himself in a race against time to locate Tove, leading to a tense showdown with the murderer.
Karin Nordin’s writing draws you in from the first page to the last. Kjeld is a brilliant character, flawed and truthful, full of self-loathing and self-doubt but whose instincts nearly always prove right. Esme is a perfect foil for him, with her own insecurities and unresolved personal issues.
What is particularly impressive is the way the tension never lets up, keeping you guessing until almost the last few chapters who the murderer is and their motivation. Even then, there is a final twist to set up the next chapter of Kjeld’s story.
For those new to Kjeld Nygaard, I recommend reading the first book ‘Where Ravens Roost’ which is every bit as good. There is some overlap from that story to this one.
Lovers of Scandi noir will not be disappointed with this excellent series and I look forward to reading further instalments.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 8th April 2022
⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4656992147
A single woman with several failed relationships signs up for a revolutionary dating service called Cupid that promises to find her ideal match.
Laura Morrison finds her job under threat and clicks on an email for said dating service so she can trial it and write an article for the magazine she works on. It sounds less than plausible, especially when the number crunchers coincidentally find her so-called ideal match whilst she’s visiting Cupid’s office.
Adam, the guy she meets, is quite sweet but Laura gets quickly bored with him and only sticks around because of the contract she’s signed with Cupid. She is more interested in Cass, who crunches the numbers for Cupid, but he comes over as unreliable.
Family issues don’t help either – Laura’s parents are constantly bickering and her sister Jamie is prickly and hard to please. Laura also fails to get on with Adam’s parents.
This book didn’t live up to expectations, sadly. For me, good romcoms are easy to read, humorous, and with characters that feel relatable. I didn’t get into this story at all and the humour grated on me.
It feels quite obvious that Laura won’t end up with Adam, however nice he is. I wasn’t invested in any of the characters apart from Adam, Lil (Laura’s friend), and Whit (brother-in-law).
I gave up just over halfway through and fast-forwarded to the end. That was a shame as the author, Emma Hughes, has put a lot of time and effort into the book. Just not for me, I guess.
I received an ARC of this book from Random House UK, Cornerstone, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 12th April 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4638903166
DS George Cross is tasked with investigating the murder of former dentist Leonard Carpenter, a homeless man in Bristol. An arrest is made and charges are laid; however, Cross is convinced the wrong man is in the frame, much to the chagrin of his bosses.
A retired detective, Stuart MacDonald, led the investigation several years earlier into the murder of Carpenter’s wife Hilary and Cross uncovers vital clues dismissed by MacDonald at the time, resulting in an innocent man being sent to prison. Cross is sure the two cases are linked and determines to find the proof of this.
The detective has Asperger’s Syndrome, which means he is obsessed with patterns and logic and is not prepared to deal in hearsay and conjecture. This can cause colleagues to be frustrated, but Cross’s partner DI Josie Ottey makes an effort to understand his methodology and behaviour traits.
Was the same person responsible? What led MacDonald to obstruct the previous investigation? A painstaking approach pays off and Cross is able to solve both murders.
I came to this book after reading ‘The Patient’ and it was fascinating to read more of Cross’s back story and the relationship with Ottey and Alice Mackenzie, as well as Cross’s father Raymond.
Tim Sullivan draws the reader into the case and gives just enough detail to move things forward before the pieces fall into place. He also demonstrates Cross’s skill at eliciting information, often by saying nothing or giving the impression he is confused (he is anything but) and throwing the interviewee off their guard.
This is an excellent series and I look forward to reading more DS George Cross investigations.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 14th April 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4638903353
The second investigation featuring DS George Cross revolves around a young man called Alex Paphides, a keen cyclist who works at his family’s Greek restaurant in Bristol.
Alex is found dead and there are no obvious clues, but Cross is determined to find out the truth. Which, of course, he does quite brilliantly and in the way only he can. Performance enhancing drugs, a proposed business expansion, a pregnancy, and paint traces on a door jamb all contribute to the picture that Cross assembles in his mind.
It is fascinating to read the thought processes that Cross goes through whilst searching for the evidence that will hold up in court. As ever, Tim Sullivan allows us to observe the minute detail that his detective insists on, even turning down a search warrant at one point (to the total frustration of his boss) because he wants even more damning evidence – which he gets.
Cross has Asperger’s Syndrome, which means he finds social interaction difficult. This leads to him not understanding sometimes when colleagues make jokes or ironic comments, and he doesn’t always acknowledge when someone helps him. His partner, DI Josie Ottey, is learning to be patient with Cross’s manner and behaviour traits, and helps him remember social niceties that he would otherwise overlook.
I also enjoyed the way Alice Mackenzie is portrayed, as she also becomes more confident around Cross and begins to understand his processes and idiosyncrasies.
When Cross arrives at the explanation, it makes complete sense. Except, of course, it isn’t quite as cut and dried as we were being led to believe and there is, in fact, a further revelation to come. It is testament to the author that we are able to see how the truth emerges from layers of obfuscation and deceit, and of course it could only be Cross who makes the connection that enables the full story to come to light.
I look forward to reading more mysteries involving George Cross, who is fast becoming my favourite fictional detective.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th April 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4656981146
This was a full-on story about two sisters. Leigh is a defence attorney at a high-powered law firm and her younger sister Callie a heroin addict. When Leigh is hired to defend a client in a high-profile criminal trial she is faced with an individual accused of several attacks against women involving extreme sexual violence. The attacks follow a similar pattern.
The defendant, Andrew Tenant, is known to Leigh as she babysat him when he was a young boy. Callie also babysat him and was repeatedly abused by Buddy, Andrew’s father, until one night things got out of hand and Leigh had to step in to help Callie clear up the mess. Buddy disappeared and the two sisters have been carrying their guilty teenage secret ever since.
Now, it becomes clear Andrew knows the truth and is using it to get at Leigh so that he is acquitted. She is powerless to stop him by herself so she contacts Callie.
Andrew is a twisted, evil psychopath, and it is no surprise that Leigh is scared of what he might inflict on her and – more crucially – her family, especially her teenage daughter Maddie.
The two sisters work together because they have no choice. Can they find a way of silencing Andrew before the truth from their adolescence comes to light?
I haven’t read Karin Slaughter before but found this a gripping read. The subject matter is not for the faint-hearted, so if you don’t want to read about misogyny, drug abuse, paedophile acts, and graphic sexual violence, then avoid this book.
Karin handles her material well and never over-dramatises it at the expense of the story. We gain a real sense of the people at the centre, especially Callie. I loved Dr Jerry, the vet who helped Callie despite knowing she was an addict, and Walter, Leigh’s husband, is another good man who offsets the less savoury male characters.
Running through the book is a clear indictment of the American response to the Covid pandemic, as well as white male middle-class society that breeds individuals (like Andrew) who have both privilege and the money to buy the best lawyers and judges to load the legal system in their favour.
I received an ARC of this book from HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 20th April 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4123799577
This story is set in a public school, with intrigue and plotting from the very beginning.
An unnamed individual with an axe to grind has infiltrated the staff ranks at St Oswald’s using fake references and is determined to stir things up, causing scandal and distress along the way.
Items mysteriously go missing and are then planted as evidence against others, scurrilous rumours are circulated, and then a boy goes missing. The school is collapsing from all sides and nothing can be done to prevent it unless someone uncovers the culprit. Senior master Roy Straitley holds the key to unlocking the secret past of the infiltrator, who hides in plain sight until almost the very last.
The narrative is given from the points of view of Straitley (white King) and the infiltrator (black pawn), the two main players in this game of psychological chess.
This book is very different from the Chocolat series by Joanne Harris, which is to her credit. I enjoyed the different perspectives and the way we are gradually drawn into the world of the devious and clever sociopath who inhabits the centre ground but never draws suspicion. Even Straitley is fooled until he is confronted by the undeniable events of years ago when he first encountered the infiltrator.
There are two other books in this series and I look forward to reading them both to see how Roy Straitley’s, and the school’s, stories develop.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st April 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4681985992
Isaac Borquaye (Guvna B) is a British man of Ghanaian descent. He grew up in a culture where masculinity was defined as not letting your feelings out in public and that any outward show of grief or anxiety denoted weakness.
This ‘toxic masculinity’ reared its head most significantly when Guvna’s father died after a short illness and he found himself struggling to deal with the reality of his loss and the emotions it brought forward. For a long time, he found it impossible to open up, even to his wife, because he thought he needed to deal with his feelings alone.
This book chronicles how Guvna learned to accept his emotions and be open with them, the people he loves and who love him. It references his faith and his music, as he has found success by writing and performing. He uses his faith and music to reach out to young black men in particular and let them know it’s okay to not be okay.
Guvna also talks honestly about the negative stereotypes that lead to young black men in particular being criminalised. Not all violent crime is perpetrated by people of BAME (black and minority ethnic) backgrounds and yet this is the type of crime we read about most, which also promotes the feeling among young BAME men that they are being targeted and can often lead to a violent response.
Young people have a lot of conflicting pressures to deal with and are often seeking an identity. If they find this in a negative environment it can potentially lead to them ending up in prison or losing their lives. Guvna has clear ideas about how the negative cycle can be broken but is realistic about how difficult this is. His work to help young people find a positive voice is to be applauded.
I enjoyed connecting with Guvna and will take time to listen to some of his music. The lyrics reproduced in the book are honest and thought-provoking and his music deserving of a wider audience. A lot of rap and associated music forms channel negative themes, whereas Guvna seeks to be positive and look at the wider picture.
Hopefully, more people will pick up and read this book. For anyone struggling with mental health issues, or who knows someone who is, this is a recommended read.
I received an ARC of this book from HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 29th April 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3134480068
DI Ben Kitto returns in this 3rd instalment of Kate Rhodes’s series, set in the idyllic Isles of Scilly. The mystery this time centres on the island of St Agnes and a killer obsessed with fire.
The burned body of well-liked astronomer Alex Rogan is found on Burnt Island and Ben is determined to track down the person responsible. A local man known as The Birdman is his chief suspect, but Jimmy Curwen is unable to read or write and has barely spoken since he was 10 years old.
As Ben makes inquiries, it becomes clear that someone has a grudge against incomers. There are a series of messages written in Cornish warning about fire. Then a sculptor, Naomi Vine, goes missing, followed by a baby, and Ben faces a race against time before they become the killer’s next victims. The killer acts deliberately to lead the investigations astray, but Ben tracks them down and a tense scene ensues.
A tangled web of past relationships and possible jealousy seems to lie at the heart of the investigation. Ben also has to deal with his punctilious superior, DCI Madron, who can be infuriating at times although he means well. DS Eddie Nickell is an engaging character and it is interesting to see how his relationship with Ben develops during this story.
I enjoyed this book and was particularly drawn, as with the previous two, by the descriptions of the Cornish landscape and weather, the sense of isolation feeling palpable at times. Kate Rhodes is adept at bringing her characters to life and especially the islanders’ insularity and instinctive reticence to trust in outsiders. I also live on an island and can appreciate how someone may feel threatened by change and want to protect what they deem sacred. I also appreciated the twist near the end when we learn the identity of the killer, which helps set up the tense denouement.
There are two more books in this series and I look forward to reading both.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 3rd May 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4681988421
Valerie Perrin’s ‘Fresh Water for Flowers’ is one of the most beautifully written stories I have ever read.
On that basis, I was always going to read this book, despite the high expectations. Happily, those expectations were not only met but exceeded. This is an exceptional piece of storytelling and the most outstanding book I have read so far this year.
Nina Beau, Etienne Beaulieu, and Adrien Bobin are 10 years old and the firmest of friends, inseparable and completely in tune with each other. Growing up together, they have what appears an unshakeable bond.
That is until tragedy strikes one of their young lives, causing them to separate. Nina ends up marrying an older man who is possessive and controlling. Adrien becomes a famous playwright and Etienne a police officer.
Years later, the mystery of an adolescent girl’s disappearance resurfaces when a car is pulled out of a local lake. Virginie, a journalist with an intriguing past, follows and narrates as events unfold. How exactly she is linked to the three friends would be saying too much.
Valerie Perrin is extremely skilful at weaving her story with its engaging and charismatic cast of characters. I loved how the friends are depicted and the way their back story and present life gradually come together.
Nina is enigmatic and artistic, outward-looking and yet insecure. She was abandoned as a baby to be brought up by her grandfather and is shown to be shrewd, a quick judge of character, and yet vulnerable because of her past. She is capable of great happiness if only she can grasp it.
Etienne is self-absorbed and attractive, a magnet for adolescent girls. He cribs off his two brighter friends and bears grudges easily. He has a secret that he is keeping from his wife and is haunted by the disappearance of his former girlfriend, Clotilde Marais.
Adrien is the most shadowy of the three, with an inner personality he takes great pains to conceal. In love with Etienne’s sister, Louise, he is picked on at school by a sadistic teacher and draws on his life experiences to write. He wants to change the person he is but wrestles with his courage.
It is rare to find writing this good. I was completely drawn in and invested in the friends and their individual and collective journeys. The prose is beautiful and evocative, drawing together its themes of love and loss, hope and grief into a compelling narrative.
I received an ARC of this book from Europa Editions, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st May 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4736654603
Anthony Horowitz is a writer well-known for, among other things, the excellent drama series Foyle’s War. This is the latest instalment in his series of mysteries featuring the enigmatic detective Hawthorne.
Anthony and Hawthorne find themselves in Alderney for a literary festival, promoting Anthony’s latest book featuring Hawthorne. Whilst there, Charles Le Mesurier, the wealthy and unpleasant man bankrolling the festival is found murdered.
There is a long cast of suspects from the festival attendees and locals and, naturally, Hawthorne is keen to get to the truth. As events unfold, another murder takes place and the killer appears obvious. But is it really that straightforward?
I enjoyed this book, which was a slightly unusual take with the author placing himself at the heart of the narrative. This made the story more personal and gave authenticity to proceedings.
The various characters were well-drawn and I particularly liked the relationship between Anthony and Hawthorne, even though the latter could be annoying at times. The plot allowed for some licence in the way things were wrapped up so that we had a sense of closure, although not quite in the way events had led us to believe.
I didn’t work out who killed Le Mesurier and the other victim but did spot a couple of people pretending to be something they were not, although neither proved to be the murderer.
This is a different take on a murder mystery and refreshing for it. I would be happy to read more books in this series.
I received this book as an ARC from Random House UK, Cornerstone, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 23rd May 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4668311491
‘The task of the present is to correct our understanding of the past. And that task becomes the more urgent when the past cannot be corrected.’
This is a curious book, part novel and part biography/philosophical discourse.
The eponymous Elizabeth Finch is a lecturer whose thoughts and beliefs are laid before us by one of her former students, Neil, who appears obsessed with her.
After Elizabeth’s death, Neil is left her diaries and papers and decides Elizabeth would like him to complete a book she had started on Julian the Apostate. This section constitutes the middle part of the novel.
It is a slightly dry piece, waxing on about monotheism and animal sacrifice among other things. Julian isn’t someone I found myself warming to and perhaps this is deliberate on the author’s part.
I was more interested in Elizabeth, who eschewed personal contact and never kept correspondence, yet left a clear impression on Neil and his fellow students.
Neil has a tendency to allow his feelings to interfere with his judgement and remains in Elizabeth’s thrall throughout.
It felt to me as though Julian Barnes wanted to say something about how memory of a person changes over time and whether this memory is always truthful.
It is up to us to decide how we want to view Elizabeth Finch. She is complex and yet straightforward, a woman with clarity of thought who places each word with the precision of a surgeon’s knife. For those who admire her, it is easy to place her on a pedestal. For those who don’t, she may appear pretentious and self-absorbed.
This in itself begs the question of how we allow a person’s influence on us to change over the years and whether learning new truths alters our perspective or simply reinforces our initial perceptions.
Whilst difficult to get into at first, the novel is ultimately rewarding. The middle section will probably cause the most issues, but I found this to be the key to understanding the narrative as a whole and in particular how Neil relates to Elizabeth.
I received an ARC of this book from Random House UK, Vintage, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 26th May 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4751264200
I share a love of heritage railways with my husband, so was delighted to receive this book as an ARC. It was fascinating to read about lines that are well-known and loved by us and those not discovered or visited as yet.
The book is helpfully divided into sections for English regions, with separate sections for Wales and Scotland. Each railway has detailed information that includes a history of the original lines/branches operating in the area and the efforts made to preserve and reintroduce some, if not all, of the former lines to be enjoyed by visitors old and young.
There is a heritage railway near where I live and it is lovingly preserved by a collection of enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers. Judging by this book, there is a veritable army of such people up and down the British Isles, determined to retain glimpses of a bygone era and maintain links with our industrial past.
Of the various railways in this book, I can thoroughly recommend many of the Welsh railways (Ffestiniog, Welsh Highland, Talyllyn, Vale of Rheidol, Snowdon), as well as the Bodmin line in Cornwall. My husband has been on many more.
This is a wonderful book, and one to be left on a coffee table for browsing at leisure. I shall be buying a copy and planning some long-overdue visits!
I received an ARC of this book from Collins Reference, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 29th May 2022
⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4751354636
I got to around page 116 (chapter 18) – the book was not entirely what I expected and it involved scenes of cetacean rape. Whilst acknowledging the need to include scenes that would be perceived as distressing, I did not feel comfortable continuing with the book. This is not a reflection on the author, who is dealing with a difficult and emotive subject.
2 stars have been awarded as it had passages of writing that I enjoyed.
It would not be right for me to give an objective review, considering that the book is unfinished.
I received an ARC of this book via Little, Brown Book Group UK in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 31st May 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4750341003
DI Alec McKay is attending a bonfire to celebrate the winter solstice when a body is discovered in the heart of the fire, the victim apparently burned alive and rendered unidentifiable.
At the same event, DCI Helena Grant introduces her new male friend, writer Bill Emsworth. The two grow increasingly close but there is something nagging away at Helena.
Two businessmen linked to a shady character, jailed as a result of McKay’s previous investigation, are found brutally murdered. The son of one of the men is then attacked and drugged, but recovers. Simon Crawford, an accountant who dealt with both businessmen goes missing and McKay becomes intrigued by Crawford’s connection with a case when Helena was a junior officer.
McKay fears that Helena and Emsworth may also be in danger and warns his boss; however, events move at pace, placing Helena in deep peril when she realises who is behind the killings.
As always, this was a fast-paced and enjoyable read, despite the grisly nature of some of the murders. Alex Walters writes in a way that isn’t overly gratuitous but gives enough detail to indicate that we are dealing with some extremely depraved individuals. There is also a sense that the victims are not entirely blameless, which adds to the sense of menace.
The investigation is well constructed and plausible, with the usual to and fro of banter between McKay and his colleagues as they seek to find answers against a backdrop of festive celebrations and inclement weather.
Alex Walters also leaves the ending open, suggesting there is more to come from this investigation in a future McKay story.
Anyone who has enjoyed the previous McKay books need not hesitate. For those new to this series, books 1-4 are highly recommended to give more background to the main characters.
I look forward to seeing what Alex Walters has planned for DI McKay next.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 31st May 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4755138112
This is the latest (no. 6) of the books featuring Scottish detective Alec McKay and can be read on its own or as part of the ongoing series.
DI Alec McKay is called to what, on the surface, looks like a straightforward case of murder-suicide. A family, Paul Dawson with his wife and three young children, are found dead in their holiday chalet.
A couple running a local car hire business, Andrea and Craig Gillan, then turn up dead in what looks like a road traffic accident. McKay thinks the two cases are linked, due to a mysterious car turning up at the Dawsons’ chalet before the same car is found with the Gillans inside.
Alec and his colleagues, DS Ginny Horton and DCI Helena Grant, are joined for this investigation by DCI Brian Nightingale and another senior officer, Mike Everly. Nightingale, brought in by senior management, is supposed to head up the investigation but turns out to be a liability. He has a serious drink problem and falls out with Ginny whilst on a fact-finding trip to the Borders.
As investigations progress, a series of mysterious parcels with disturbing contents turn up at various addresses, including Alec’s and Ginny’s. Isla Bennett, Ginny’s partner, also receives a letter and then a visit from her estranged brother, Tristram, that puts her on edge.
Talking to jailed businessman Archie Donaldson (featured in a previous investigation) via a video link, Alec is able to put several of the pieces of the jigsaw together, before events precipitate, leading to a denouement in one of Donaldson’s former properties and a showdown with the elusive Ruby Jewell. The fates of several people hang in the balance.
As ever, I was drawn in by the storyline and the way Alex Walters built the narrative, keeping the tension throughout. Alec is irascible as a rule but excels himself with some of the retorts given to Nightingale, whom he holds in utter contempt, and more so after he tries to sully Ginny’s reputation.
Alec’s relationship with Ginny and Helena is as authentic as ever, the three having an unbreakable bond of trust that enables them to have each other’s backs whenever necessary.
The setting in the north of Scotland is perfect, giving its own sense of charm but also insidious menace when required.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 1st June 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4767342726
As a teenager during the 1980s, I remember Richard Coles as one half of the pop duo The Communards. He has since become a vicar, which gives authenticity to his first foray into crime fiction. Richard Coles is a likeable, warm and erudite person and this is reflected in the book.
It is little surprise that the setting is tied to a church in a rural community, bringing to mind the TV series ‘Father Brown’ and other vicar-related dramas.
Canon Daniel Clement has the cure of Champton, with its multifarious characters including the titled de Floures family. A murder takes place in the church not long after Daniel announces the need to install a lavatory. This does not sit well with certain members who want their flower room extended, chief of whom is Stella Harper.
Daniel’s mother, the redoutable Audrey, put me in mind of Audrey Fforbes-Hamilton meets Hyacinth Bouquet (Bucket) by imposing her personality on all around her, including her two sons. Theo, an actor about to film a new drama about a vicar married to a doctor, wants to shadow his vicar brother as he goes about parish business, a prospect that fills Daniel with misgivings. The two brothers have quite distinct personalities.
A second murder occurs near the bath house on the de Floures estate and Daniel is convinced that the two crimes are linked and the murderer someone in his own congregation. As events progress, he gradually unfolds a picture in his mind of who that someone might be, the final moment of clarity coming to him during a funeral service.
It is then that a third victim is discovered as well as the identity of the murderer.
I enjoyed this book immensely with its portrayal of a rural church community, its petty dramas, gossip, and social interactions well realised; however, those not familiar with church-related language will need a dictionary to hand.
There is gentle humour in many scenes and clever references to the 1980s, where events are set. I also loved the reference to the Bishop’s curate that invoked Anthony Trollope’s clerical novel ‘Barchester Towers’.
Dog lovers will be delighted at the characters of Daniel’s two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda, who have a crucial role to play in the murder narrative as it is they who inadvertently discover the first victim.
Further mysteries are planned for Canon Daniel and I look forward to reading them.
I received an ARC of this book from Orion Publishing Group, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 9th June 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4681985132
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is asked to provide protection for a statistics lecture at a university in Quebec. It seems an innocuous enough event; however, the speaker is Professor Abigail Robinson, whose disquieting ideas on the weaker in society are gaining traction.
Gamache wants the event cancelled but in the end it goes ahead and there is an attempt on Robinson’s life. Days later, Robinson’s assistant Debbie Schneider is found murdered at a New Year’s Eve party and the investigation into the professor’s dangerous views turns into a manhunt.
Assisted by his fellow officers, Jean-Guy Beauvoir (also Gamache’s son-in-law) and Isabelle Lacoste, Gamache investigates the narrative behind the dangerous views expounded by Robinson and why someone was prepared to kill in order to keep that narrative alive.
It proves a difficult case to crack and is also complicated by the narrative hitting a little closer to home than Gamache would like.
In a story that blends the investigation with moral questions regarding how we treat the weaker in society and the nature of cowardice – Gamache is accused of being a coward at an early point in proceedings – Louise Penny builds a complex storyline that eventually leads to a tense stand-off where the killer is finally unmasked.
I found this book slow going to begin with, but the layers of the story gradually peel back, like an onion skin, as the detective pursues the thread that eventually leads him to the killer. One of the related narratives, concerning Gamache’s wife going through boxes of possessions from a recently deceased local woman, proves crucial to the final outcome. The tension is palpable as events reach their climax.
Not all of the story is around the investigation. There are moments of humour and pathos as well as several engaging characters. I liked particularly Haniya Daoud, a Sudanese human rights campaigner who comes to visit the area, with her mental and physical scars and intellectual insight that proves at least a match for Gamache.
The ending is beautifully done too, showing the quiet dignity and humanity of a woman who will continue her work to liberate those unable to speak for themselves.
The book can be read on its own, but I would suggest reading some of the previous investigations to get more of the back story on Gamache; however, there was enough in the book to keep my interest engaged. I will definitely be reading more of this series.
I received an ARC of this book from Hodder & Stoughton, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th June 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3929075709
The fourth instalment in Kate Rhodes’s excellent DI Ben Kitto series, set on the Isles of Scilly.
In this story, Ben is looking to snare a killer who is targeting independent, single women and dressing them as brides before leaving their bodies hanging at local beauty spots favoured for wedding photos. The women are wearing Cornish jewellery and a line from an old song is written on the back of a photo of each of the victims.
The first victim is a Latvian student, Sabine Bertans, employed at the local luxury hotel Star Castle. Lily Jago hides her colleague’s phone and the note she finds in her room inviting her to Pulpit Rock. Lily believes the note to be from her brother Harry, who Sabine has been seeing recently, and she thinks he will be blamed for her friend’s disappearance.
Matters get complicated when a German journalist is attacked but she is rescued before she can become the killer’s next victim. A local woman who works as a pilot is not so fortunate and ends up dead. This makes Ben redouble his efforts but he comes up against a series of brick walls.
When Lily goes missing, Ben knows he is in a race against time. A conversation with a forensic psychologist gives him some new insight, enabling him to make the breakthrough that leads to the killer being unmasked; however, this is not without danger to Ben and his loyal dog, Shadow.
As before, Kate Rhodes weaves her narrative in such a way that we are led to suspect a number of individuals; however, the identity of the murderer comes as a shock. The clues are there but hidden carefully. All I will say is don’t assume that people who appear helpful are being helpful!
What the book does very well is to point up the importance of understanding and dealing with depression and the aftermath of grief. This is a key narrative in the story and central to unpicking the motive behind the murders when Ben finally realises who is responsible.
We are constantly reminded of the rugged and timeless beauty of this isolated corner of the British Isles. The Scilly Isles provide the ideal backdrop for the investigations led by Ben and his team of officers, including new recruit Isla Tremayne.
I also enjoyed the reappearance of a former love interest of Ben’s and there is enough to suggest she might stay around this time.
There is a fifth book in the series and I look forward to reading it.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 17th June 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4795897501
This is a short story featuring DS George Cross.
Cross’s father, Raymond, helps the residents of a care home and he alerts his son to a new resident who has accused one of the other residents of killing his father years ago.
Cross is intrigued by the case and decides to look into the allegations. It turns out that the accuser’s father ran a boys’ home and was stabbed by one of the boys after a number of incidents, including the disappearance and possible murder of two of the boys. The boy who killed the manager was jailed and it is his younger brother, who now has dementia, that has been accused.
Cross is able to find out the truth about what happened to the missing boys, thanks to his diligence and persistence in following the various leads.
I have read all the DS Cross stories to date and found this compelling, with a lot to take in despite only being a short story.
Cross is a complex character, whose being on the autism spectrum makes him more attentive to details that other officers might overlook. He has a particular love of procedure and relies on facts rather than speculation.
One of the key themes here is abuse and how, years ago, it was a lot easier to get away with it. The man who was killed turns out to not have been as nice a person as others were led to believe.
The trauma suffered by some of those involved is sensitively rendered and the ending of the story gave a sense of closure, although this was tinged with sadness.
I am looking forward to reading more DS Cross stories and am happy to recommend this series of books by Tim Sullivan.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st June 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4751436876
This is a really lovely book, with lots of recipes across each of the seasons.
I liked the way that Kate divided the book into seasons and therefore made use of whatever ingredients were available at a given time.
Lots of lovely things to make and I will definitely be getting a hardback copy as well as the Kindle version.
Also good to read references to the natural world and how to make use of what is freely available. Of course, if picking wild mushrooms you should definitely not do this unless you really know what is okay to eat, but there is an abundance of food out there, some of which I wasn’t aware of.
As ever, Kate fills the pages with her own matter-of-fact and friendly voice. She isn’t a trained chef and the book is better for that. The recipes are tried and tested – several from friends and family (especially her mum) – and you know they will taste good.
I received an ARC of this book from Octopus Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd July 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4755515507
What a fantastic and fascinating book this is.
I have travelled on all the Cornwall branch lines (except the Gunnislake, which starts over the border at Plymouth), so was delighted to look at this book with its history of the origins, development and history of the line from St Erth to St Ives.
Starting with the origins of the line, Richard Long’s book takes us on a journey across the late Victorian age into the 20th century and bang up-to-date, with all the dramas, uncertainty and achievements meticulously chronicled.
There are several splendid photographs to accompany the narrative and I was also pleased to see references to the Isle of Wight!
The wealth of history around the line is one that is bound to delight railway and social history enthusiasts alike. It will provide hours of pleasure.
I received an ARC of this book via Pen & Sword, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 25th July 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4874943392
Ariana Theodosis inherits the Hotel du Soleil on the French Riviera after the death of her beloved grandmother, but the hotel holds a secret. Its former owner, Madeleine du Lac, has become a virtual recluse since the death of her husband over twenty years earlier, and the hotel’s once glamorous image is now tarnished by age and dilapidation.
As events unfold, Ariana finds herself falling for Madeleine’s son, Gabriel, but there is a shadow cast by the death of Liberty Granger, a Hollywood actress, at a party Ariana attended whilst still living in California. She receives a number of messages from someone who claims to know the truth about Liberty’s death, but her own memory of the evening is hazy.
Ariana is none too pleased when her on-off actor boyfriend Jonny Farrell shows up. Jonny is bad news and up to his eyes in debt. There is also a glamorous couple, Robert and Elizabeth Chappell, promoting their latest film whilst trying to hide the cracks in their marriage.
I enjoyed reading this story, particularly as it reintroduced Ariana, familiar to those who have read Carol’s debut novel ‘Under a Greek Moon’. Then, Ariana was spoiled and entitled, but this novel sees her mature emotionally as she comes to terms with her inheritance and the feelings she develops for Gabriel.
This would be a great read for a holiday, with its descriptions of the French Riviera and the Hollywood glamour epitomised by the Chappells. Carol, however, also lets us see that a life lived in the spotlight isn’t as glamorous in reality.
I received an ARC of this book from HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 8th August 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4874948709
Fabulous book for lovers of high-octane thrills and spills.
F1 has been on the calendar for a long time and this book comprehensively charts its history, looking at the drivers, circuits, controversies, characters, technology and a lot more.
Loads of pictures and history, referencing iconic drivers such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Jim Clark, as well as the current icons including Lewis Hamilton.
The book also goes behind the scenes, looking at the backers and the politics. It makes for a fascinating read.
I was sent an ARC of this book by Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th August 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4173747047
This is a continuation of the story begun in ‘The Miniaturist’.
18 years have passed Nella Brandt is still living in Amsterdam with Otto and Cornelia, and Otto’s daughter Thea who has just turned 18. Her mother Marin died in childbirth.
Thea is in love with a man called Walter who is a scene painter at the theatre, but when she learns the truth about him she decides to enter into an arranged marriage with a wealthy man her aunt has met at a society event.
The family is struggling financially and the match seems an advantageous one, but is it the right decision for Thea?
This is a well-written story and it was interesting to read how the family dynamic has shifted, with Nella playing a more central role. Part of the narrative concerns Nella’s family home and her reluctance to return; however, in the end, she does.
The relationships between Nella, Otto and Thea are not always easy, but they are able to overcome this and move forward. I particularly liked the ending and there is probably at least one more book in this series.
I received an ARC of this book from Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 25th August 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4874942781
In the latest instalment of the DI Louise Blackwell series, the detective is nervously awaiting the criminal trial of her former colleague and nemesis Tim Finch.
Whilst in prison on remand Finch is still manipulating people and making alliances with some shady characters in order to discredit Louise as a witness at his trial.
A series of bomb threats has Louise worried, especially one at her niece’s school. A link is established between this incident and a fire at a static caravan park, leading to an arrest. When the suspect takes their own life and leaves a message suggesting further atrocities to come, Louise realises someone else is pulling the strings.
Louise is in a relationship with her former colleague, Thomas Ireland, who is now heading up security at a local distribution company. When suspicious packages turn up there Thomas is implicated by a local criminal but none of his colleagues believe this.
Greg Farrell and Tracey Pugh, two of Louise’s colleagues, tail another colleague they suspect of shady dealings with Finch and the journalist Tania Elliot.
Events escalate, leading to a tense denouement as Louise and her boss DCI Robertson face a race against time before a bomb explodes.
This is an excellent addition to the series, with the various plot threads coming together to create a fast-paced and compelling storyline. I look forward to reading what happens next.
I was sent an ARC of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 30th August 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4874944564
This is the first of 3 books set in Scotland during the 1930s and inspired by the true history of the small island community of St Kilda.
Effie Gillies is a free-spirited young woman who falls in love with a handsome stranger who arrives on her island during the summer months. She helps guide him and his father around whilst dealing with the unwanted attention of the island’s factor who insists on giving her gifts of books.
The handsome stranger is the heir to the Earl of Dumfries. Lord Sholto is out of Effie’s league and yet the two young people fall in love. When Effie and her father have to leave St Kilda, she is offered a job on the Dumfries estate which she accepts but the tensions between her and Lord Sholto remain. And then a body turns up back on St Kilda, the discovery threatening to mar the dreams Effie has for her future life.
This is an engaging book and, as always is the case with Karen Swan, well researched. I learned a lot about the history of St Kilda and the forced evacuation in the 1930s. Effie is a strong and feisty character who refuses to be cowed by circumstances or what is expected of her as a woman.
The ending is not tied up and therefore you will have to read the second book to find out what happens next. I am looking forward to seeing how Effie’s story develops.
I received an ARC of this book from Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 18th October 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5053873438
I have read several of Amanda Prowse’s books and it was fascinating to read about the woman behind the stories and how she came to her present career.
Amanda has a lot to say about the various struggles she has had – with miscarriages, drinking, mental health issues, and – most notably – a toxic relationship with food that saw her weight balloon to over 20 stone.
She is forthright yet engaging; however, you will need tissues at some points. The saddest part for me was the way Amanda’s self-esteem crumbled as she grew up, reinforced by the negative experiences she had. A teacher who basically laughed at her dream to be a writer, a serious health issue that affected her ability to bear children, a failed marriage – all impacted her and it was only when she met her present husband that she felt able to pursue her writing dream.
This is a book that demands to be read. If you have ever struggled with low self-esteem, felt invisible or are constantly comparing yourself to women you perceive as ‘perfect’, this book should be on your to-read list. It will challenge you to see life from a different perspective and to love the person inside your skin.
Amanda references the strong women she grew up around – her mum, nans, aunties and others, who all got on with life. She is strong too, but took over half her life to realise it.
I received an ARC of this book from Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 27th October 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5073196026
Bob Mortimer is best known as one half of the brilliant comedy partnership with Vic Reeves (aka Jim Moir) and for his series ‘Gone Fishing’ with Paul Whitehouse. This is his first novel.
Bob writes in his own voice with the trademark surrealist view of the world and his central character, Gary, shares this characteristic.
Gary, a legal assistant, is in a pub meeting a work acquaintance called Brendan when he sees an enigmatic woman and falls in love with her. They get talking and she seems to share his quirky worldview; however, she suddenly disappears, leaving Gary bereft and with a copy of the book she was reading, called The Satsuma Complex.
The publicity blurb I have read suggests that Gary goes on a quest to find the woman, driven by his feelings for her and the subsequent disappearance of Brendan.
I liked the story enough to definitely want to read the whole book, but as a Vic and Bob fan I didn’t expect anything less.
I was sent an ARC of the first two chapters of this book by Simon and Schuster UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 29th October 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5073286087
Lulu is a retired police officer living on a canal boat in London after the sudden death of her husband. When her mother-in-law Emily dies unexpectedly at her care home, Lulu’s instincts tell her something is amiss and she decides to investigate. She is assisted by Conrad, a talking cat with an uncanny ability to read people and situations.
Someone wanted Emily dead, but who? Lulu’s brother-in-law Richard and wife Maria stand to inherit Emily’s estate. Then there is the box of posh chocolates that was possibly used to poison Emily.
It is fairly obvious early on who the killer is, but the journey is an entertaining one. Lulu is engaging and Conrad simply delightful, making friends with nearly everyone he and Lulu encounter.
This is a charming story. The plot is a little contrived at times but you will find yourself rooting for Lulu and Emily nevertheless. I would be happy to read more from this author.
I received an ARC of this book from Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 4th January 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5232836201
A new author and review platform for me and a great start.
Detective Becca Ellis and new work partner Euan McCallister investigate a fatal car fire in the car park at a church in Maine, USA. It soon emerges that the victim, Claire Allen, was murdered due to her car being rigged.
Claire’s husband, Scott, is initially helpful but this doesn’t last long when his main alibi begins to fall apart. There are other people connected to the church, including its pastor, with secrets they would rather remained in the dark.
I found this a fast-paced and well-written crime novel. Robin Mahle draws her principal characters well and I enjoyed the interplay between Becca and Euan and their colleagues in the Bangor PD. It was also good to see some of Becca’s back story with her former detective father, Hank, and half-brother Carter. Certainly more mileage there.
It isn’t obvious who the murderer is, although I did have a hunch around halfway through that proved right. The ending suggests more investigations, and maybe even a little romance, to come Becca’s way.
It should be noted that there are references to child pornography in this story, although the subject is handled with sensitivity and there are no graphic scenes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more from Robin Mahle, especially if this standard is kept up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 13th January 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5232840367
DS Jack Brody investigates the brutal murder of Tamara in Dublin. Not all is as it seems, however.
This is a great police procedural with realistic characters and a gripping storyline.
Tamara has frequented many bars and clubs around Dublin and the key to her killing could lie in one of them. Or is the killer closer to home?
We are also given a secondary storyline of Jack’s boss, Tom Maguire, as he is stalked by a man he was responsible for sending to prison over 30 years previously and who is now seeking revenge.
J M O’Rourke is a new author for me and one I will be happy to read more from.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 24th January 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5232834441
Rowena Blythe is a pampered and cosseted young woman from an aristocratic family. When she meets and falls in love with a poor artist, she makes a decision that will have far-reaching ramifications for her future life.
Pansy Tilney is in service to the Blythe family and detests her life there. In love with the senior footman, she dreams of a better life and is encouraged by her mother to find fulfilment elsewhere.
Olive Westallen is a wealthy young woman who is a benefactress to the poor and less deserving of society. She believes women should take their rightful place in society, a view that does not always meet with approbation in late Victorian England.
The lives of these three young women become entwined in ways that even they cannot imagine.
I enjoyed this story and particularly the way in which Tracy Rees draws her characters. There is much to be said for the lack of grace of the Blythe family, who are only concerned about their money and entitlement, and the simple honesty and kindness of those who have far less in monetary terms.
Rowena’s journey is one of self-discovery and it is gratifying to see how she grows through the course of the story.
I also enjoyed the way in which women were depicted generally. It was much harder for women in this time to assert their independence and Olive and Pansy in particular showed real determination to make their mark on society.
I received a digital ARC of this book from Pan Macmillan, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 31st January 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5261001592
Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, youngest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, is a woman who prefers to be invisible. Then she meets Colonel Walter Trefusis (Tre), who works in military intelligence, and they find an instant connection.
A valuable brooch goes missing at a family party. Mary suspects who is responsible but has to prove it. With Tre’s help, she confronts the thief and resolves the mystery. As a result, she finds herself called on to help in other cases, involving stolen money and documents, where her observational skills and ability to read people prove crucial to uncovering the truth.
Mary has a difficult relationship with her mother, Lady Charlotte, but this improves as the story progresses. Tre’s redoubtable Aunt Louisa also helps, with her no-nonsense approach. She is very fond of her nephew and thinks he and Mary are the perfect match.
It is obvious that Mary and Tre are attracted to each other; however, they fight against their mutual attraction for most of the novel.
I enjoyed this story and found Mary and Tre engaging characters. The authors’ note at the end explains that Mary and Tre (and respective families) were real people, not fictional creations, which gives an additional layer of authenticity.
Other characters are well-presented. There is a ghastly titled woman near the start of the story (it is her brooch that goes missing), but Mary has her measure. Aunt Louisa is delightfully down to earth and a real force of nature and she brings about change in several people, not least Charlotte.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has written the novel alongside Marguerite Kaye and the partnership works well. This is the second novel in a series that I suspect has more life in it. I would be happy to read more books from these co-authors.
I received a digital ARC of this book from Mills & Boon, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 4th February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4642972276
The fourth story in the DS George Cross series sees the detective investigating the murder of retired Bristol politician and former mayor, Peggy Frampton. It appears at first sight to be a burglary gone wrong.
The deceased woman had a strong social media presence and was vehemently opposed to a local harbourside development, both of which made her enemies. Peggy had just won a crucial vote opposing the development on the evening she died.
Peggy’s husband, Luke, is a womanising barrister and there are two adult children. Sasha is a GP and Justin works in antiques. The children don’t exactly get on, not helped by Justin’s gambling addiction.
Cross resumes his partnership with DI Josie Ottey, who is well used to his methods by now. A new senior detective, Chief Superintendent Heather Matthews, heads up the investigation and is inclined to let Ottey and Cross get on with what they are good at, much to the chagrin of DCI Ben Carson.
The investigation leads Cross to a property development company and an unpleasant individual named Clive Bland (anything but), who turns out to be the nephew of a notorious criminal currently residing in HMP Belmarsh.
I worked out who the killer was fairly early on but this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story.
As before, Cross is only interested in facts. His method of getting to the truth is fascinating and, in this novel, it also applies to his personal life. I found it quite moving at the end when Cross and his father discuss the real reason his mother left when he was a small child.
As he operates on the autistic spectrum, Cross can seem obsessive at times but always manages to get to the truth.
A new member of the police team, forensic scientist Dr Michael Swift, was introduced and I hope he will feature in future books, not least as he appears to be getting on very well with Alice Mackenzie, the police worker who assists Cross and Ottey. Heather Matthews proved adept at handling Cross’s modus operandi and Carson’s fragile ego and it would be good to see more of her as well.
I thoroughly recommend this and the previous three books in this excellent series from Tim Sullivan.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5328128368
Sara Davies is best known as one of the current panel on the BBC’s popular show “Dragons’ Den” where would-be entrepreneurs vie for investment from some of the UK’s leading business brains.
With her no-nonsense approach, Sara has never lost touch with her roots in the north-east of England, still preferring to live in the area where she grew up. She began her multi-million pound crafting business from her student bedroom, the idea for its initial product springing from a work placement when she spotted a gap in the market.
Reading Sara’s story, you are aware of her energy and drive, not to mention single-mindedness in getting to the top. At no point does she gloss over her mistakes, instead using them as learning opportunities.
I love “Dragons’ Den” and found Sara to be just as bubbly and straightforward in print as she comes across on-screen. For anyone starting out in business, there is some great advice, not least about applying for patents and separating your personal emotions from running a business.
More recently, Sara took part in another iconic British TV show, “Strictly Come Dancing”. This definitely took her outside her comfort zone but she gained a lot from the experience.
As the title of Sara’s book says, everyone can achieve if they have the self-belief and determination to follow their dreams. Of course, nothing is given and Sara has had to work incredibly hard, but you definitely get the feeling there is a lot more to come from this self-titled “canny lass”.
A great read and definitely recommended for anyone looking for down-to-earth business advice.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 8th February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5317865709
Rob Rinder, a qualified criminal barrister, is best known as a TV personality and for his appearance a few years ago on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. This is his first novel.
Adam Green is a junior barrister completing his pupillage at Stag Court Chambers when he finds himself working a high-profile murder case.
Grant Cliveden, a hero policeman, collapsed and died in the Old Bailey, poisoned with a substance administered in a drink. Jimmy Knight, the accused, appears to have had both motive and opportunity. Yet, Adam is convinced of his innocence, especially when Knight claims a previous miscarriage of justice.
As the case progresses, Adam finds more evidence that suggests Knight may not have been guilty. The problem is getting his pompous pupil master, KC Jonathan Taylor-Cameron, to take him seriously. The eminent barrister is more interested in which of his illicit affairs is in the diary for a particular week than defending a client whose guilt appears nailed on.
The court scenes are extremely realistic, as you would expect from an author who is a barrister. I also enjoyed Adam’s phone conversations with his mum, who simply wants him to settle down with a nice Jewish girl. However, I wasn’t sure that we needed the back story about Adam’s dad’s wrongful arrest and its repercussions, even if it helped explain his passion for justice.
I enjoyed the various characters in the chambers and at the Old Bailey, where Adam desperately tries to uncover the truth about Knight and Cliveden’s fateful meeting in a pub whose landlord has a surprising connection to the defendant.
One thing is clear, there are people in the legal system who want to manipulate it for their own ends. Maybe Grant Cliveden is not the hero many believe him to be, but you will have to read the book to find out.
It would be good to read more about Adam’s fledgling legal career, so am hopeful there will be a sequel.
I received an ARC of this book from Random House UK, Cornerstone, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 10th February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5333241866
It is 1988. DCI William Warwick and his squad of Scotland Yard officers are charged with investigating Royalty Protection Command. What they discover is a trail of corruption that goes to the very top.
Miles Faulkner, forcibly (and possibly illegally) returned to the UK from Spain, is in Belmarsh prison awaiting a court hearing. His devious lawyer, Booth Watson, is determined to milk Faulkner of his fortune, including an extensive art collection. Faulkner’s ex-wife Christina also wants to get her hands on the paintings.
Ross Hogan, one of Warwick’s operatives, is charged with protecting a very important individual; however, she proves quite a handful. Hogan doesn’t like someone she is associating with, and for good reason, as a plot develops that places national security front and centre.
A renegade organisation is determined to strike at the very heart of British life and its ultimate target is the most high-profile woman in the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Apart from all the double-crossing going on, there is a strong narrative thread and all the various plotlines are expertly drawn together.
Booth Watson is morally bankrupt, more so even than Faulkner, who proves an entertaining character if not an entirely likeable one. I also liked the family dynamics with Warwick, his wife Beth and their children, and his lawyer father Julian.
Despite having read quite a lot of Jeffrey Archer’s books over the years, this is the first of his Warwick books that I have come across. I would be very happy to read the four preceding stories.
I was sent a digital ARC of this book by HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 12th February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5341054858
DS Kate Hamilton and her colleague, DI Jim Corcoran, investigate the murder of a wealthy Dublin woman in her home. It is a shocking crime and is swiftly followed by two more killings. The murders seem to fit a pattern. Then, the caretaker of a convent is killed. A link is established, enabling Kate and her colleagues to close in on the perpetrator.
What unfolds is a sad story. We see some of it in flashbacks. The killer is clearly angry at something that happened to them years ago. But what? How is the Catholic church involved? And how is Kate linked to this individual? All becomes clear as the narrative threads pull together.
I found this a compelling read, despite the harrowing nature of the crimes. It is also intensely sad for other reasons. In spite of this, I wanted to find out what happened and how Kate linked to the story behind the killings.
Gaye Maguire draws her characters skilfully, drawing us into the story and making us care about what happens.
Kate is a no-nonsense officer. We get to see a little of her home life but not so much to deflect from the case. There is enough to whet our appetite going forward, to learn more about Kate and what drives her.
Gaye Maguire is a new author for me and I look forward to reading more from her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 14th February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5343229667
The latest instalment of Tim Sullivan’s DS Cross series sees the enigmatic detective investigating the brutal murder of a Benedictine monk.
Brother Dominic Augustus was responsible for bookbinding, beekeeping and looking after visitors to the monastery and appeared to have no enemies.
George and DI Josie Ottey are initially baffled as to who would want to harm Dominic, but the answers lie in his past life as an investment banker.
As in previous investigations, George’s being on the autistic spectrum enables him to see the case in a unique way. Ottey is the perfect foil for him, even though George frustrates her at times.
In another thread to the story, George’s mother re-establishes contact with his father, which George initially finds difficult to process. George also has to deal with the victim’s connection with the parish priest, Stephen Mount.
This DS Cross investigation is possibly my favourite yet, not least because of how George fits in at the monastery where the silence and simplicity of the way of life enable him to feel relaxed. He also manages to restore the monastery organ, which has fallen into disrepair.
This series would translate wonderfully to television.
I received a digital ARC of this book from Aria and Aries (Head of Zeus), in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 14th February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5341491220
This is a novel about finding the person you are and loving that person, no matter what.
Yinka is constantly being told by her British Nigerian family that she needs to get herself a ‘huzband’ when that’s the last thing she is looking for. Until, that is, she is made redundant from her banking job.
Wanting to come across as vibrant and sassy, Yinka is inwardly insecure. She avoids difficult conversations, embarrassed about being paraded as a single woman when her younger sister is already married and pregnant.
Yinka thinks she has to reinvent herself as she strives to find her ideal man in time for her cousin Rachel’s wedding, when all she really needs to do is find herself.
Her search leads Yinka to places she doesn’t want to go and conversations she would prefer not to have, until the penny drops and she accepts what her best friend Nana has been telling her all along.
I enjoyed this book and found myself rooting for Yinka, willing her to ditch the props and trust her own judgement. Which she eventually does do, of course.
This is an uplifting read from an author that is new to me. The characters were all relatable and I particularly loved Nana.
I received a digital ARC of this book from Penguin General UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5351457744
‘It strikes me that this may be one of the differences between youth and age: when we are young, we invent different futures for ourselves; when we are old, we invent different pasts for others.’
This book is about, and narrated by, a man called Tony Webster, who revisits his youth when he receives an unexpected bequest.
The bequest is a diary and a sum of money. It comes from the mother of a former girlfriend, Veronica. Tony contacts Veronica and eventually discovers why the bequest was made.
Tony was friends with three other boys, one of whom was Adrian – the philosopher of the quartet. After leaving school, they gradually drift apart until one day Tony is informed that Adrian has killed himself. Tony feels, on reflection, that Adrian’s was ‘a noble suicide’ and doesn’t question it further at that time.
Memory is elusive and not always reliable. Tony has realised this over his life, finding memories suddenly arriving when not expected, recalled by events that push them back to conscious thought.
When Tony discovers what he thinks is the truth about Adrian, even this proves not as reliable as he assumes.
I enjoyed this book, although it took a little while to establish the narrative. It felt that Tony was an inconsistent narrator at times but this was deliberate. He was trying to piece his past together and not always seeing the full picture.
Julian Barnes is an interesting author. Sometimes the words will appear not to make sense in their immediate context, but later on that context becomes clear when further disclosure is made. This causes the reader to think about and question the narrative – for instance, was what I read reliable or did I miss something?
This is a book I will probably come back to.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4634314774
DI Ben Kitto investigates the disappearance of an 11-year-old girl, Jade Minear, on the island of St Martins. When Jade’s father Scott, a wealthy landowner, is then found brutally murdered, Ben realises someone has a vendetta against the Minears.
Scott was resented by many of the islanders, including members of his close family, making Ben’s investigation more difficult. More attacks follow, one of them placing someone close to Ben in danger.
Assisted by his colleagues Eddie Nickell and Isla Tremayne, Ben also has to contend with the dogmatic approach of their superior officer, DCI Madron.
As with the other books in this series, I found the storyline kept my interest throughout. I particularly enjoy reading about the landscape around the Scilly Isles and how this affects the narrative.
The story is also told from the perspective of Ethan Minear, Jade’s twin brother who has a medical condition that prevents him from speaking. Ben’s girlfriend Nina Jackson helps him and he is eventually able to find his voice.
I had a feeling who the murderer might be but, as always, Kate Rhodes manages to keep the reader guessing until the reveal. On this occasion, I was genuinely surprised by who was responsible.
For those new to the series, this can be read as a standalone book; however, I would recommend reading the previous stories to understand the background to some of the events mentioned in this book.
I look forward to reading more books in this excellent series.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 24th February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4123800245
In this sequel to the excellent ‘Gentlemen and Players’, we return to St Oswald’s and its venerable Latin master, Roy Straitley.
The corridors of power have been taken over by a super Head, none other than a former pupil, one that Straitley disliked. Johnny Harrington hasn’t changed but has nearly everyone else around him fooled. This time, his new broom is intent on consigning Straitley and his fellow Old Boys to retirement.
However, another former pupil, and associate of Harrington, has an agenda, one that ends in murder. Just like 34 years earlier, resulting in an innocent man being sent to prison. Straitley is determined to clear Harry Clarke’s name, whatever Harrington and his acolytes say. And he isn’t planning on going anywhere just yet.
This was an excellent read. I particularly enjoyed the way the narrative unfolded, giving just enough information to run with and then adding the next layer of intrigue. Was the English master Harry Clarke a serial abuser or a victim of injustice? And if innocent, then who abused the boy, now adult, writing his diary entries to Mousey and still prepared to deal with anyone coming too close to finding out the truth?
Roy Straitley is a great character, flawed of course but a stout defender of his ‘boys’ and pursuer of any perceived injustice. Impervious to change and allergic to technology, Straitley is a dinosaur but in the nicest sense. He cares about the boys he teaches and won’t alter his approach to suit Harrington and his deputies.
Joanne Harris is skilled at developing her characters and I suspect we haven’t seen the last of Roy Straitley. I am looking forward to seeing what she has in store for him next.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 28th February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4123801095
And so, we return to Roy Straitley. This is the final instalment of the St Oswald’s trilogy in which the venerable Latin master comes up against a new adversary as he seeks the truth about a body discovered within the grounds of the school.
Rebecca Buckfast was one of the deputies under the Headship of Johnny Harrington. Her story is what dominates this book, with its glimpses into a childhood that its narrator finds difficult to revisit for fear of the demons lurking below the surface.
Yet, it is those demons that need to be confronted to learn the truth. And when the truth comes to light, Rebecca Buckfast knows exactly what she needs to do.
Once again, we are drawn in, not least because Rebecca is a plausible narrator, careful to give just enough information to keep Roy Straitley – and us – wanting more. A bit like Scheherezade in the 1,001 Nights, who kept herself alive by always leaving her story unfinished.
It is in Rebecca’s interests that Roy Straitley knows her story, firstly because of the presence in it of his erstwhile colleague Eric Scoones, and secondly because she needs to purge herself of the truth after decades of concealment.
The story revolves around her brother Conrad’s disappearance when Rebecca was five years old and a mysterious person known to her childhood self as Mr Smallface.
There is also a message here about women challenging the male bastions of society. Rebecca must fight in order to rise to the top. If people get in her way, she will find a weakness and disarm them. Except with Roy Straitley who, ultimately, gets under her skin and earns her respect.
I found this a compelling and well-constructed story. You very much sense the end of an era as events move forward. The ending is sad, yet still managed to raise a smile.
Roy Straitley has been a reassuring presence, sometimes irascible but never unkind, and always on the side of truth and justice. He couldn’t simply retire and disappear into the woodwork. That wouldn’t do him or his legacy justice.
These are books that I shall return to again.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 3rd March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5380508158
Set mainly on the Isle of Wight, where I grew up and still live, this is a story about a mother and three adult daughters.
Margo, the mother, has never really recovered from being left by her husband, Richard. She left home aged 16 to be with him but he was an alcoholic and walked out when their youngest daughter, Sasha, was just 4.
Rachel, the eldest, was left to pick up the pieces and help care for her two younger siblings.
Now a lawyer, Rachel longs to move permanently to London, but her husband Gabe prefers life on the Island at Sandcove, the ageing but characterful family home.
Sasha, the youngest, resents her mother and has married Phil, a controlling and unpleasant man. She draws close to Jonny, a family friend, but cannot find the courage to leave her husband.
Imogen is the most sensitive of the sisters, a playwright who becomes engaged to a man she doesn’t really love. She is swept into a passionate affair with a needy and spoilt woman, the lead actress in her latest play.
The story revolves around secrets and the damage that keeping those secrets can do to relationships. The girls have never known the real reason their father left them, but this comes to light when Sasha spills a secret of her own.
I found this an extremely realistic story, well-written and with strong characterisation. Margo is a force of nature but flawed, still yearning for the one real love of her life. The three daughters have spent their lives in their mother’s spotlight, keeping up family traditions despite wanting to lead their own independent lives.
Georgina Moore gets the balance just right between the hedonistic pleasure of the house parties at Sandcove and the internal struggle all four women face, not least in their relationships with each other.
The idyllic setting of the Isle of Wight makes the perfect backdrop and it definitely helps when you recognise many of the places mentioned.
A great first novel and I would be very happy to read more from Georgina Moore.
I received a digital ARC of this book from HQ, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 4th March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5380512230
A heartwarming and thought-provoking coming of age story.
Maddie Wright is an introverted young black woman in her mid-20s living at home as the primary carer for her father, who has Parkinson’s disease.
Maddie’s brother James barely bothers to visit, even though he also lives in London, and her mother spends a lot of time in Ghana. Consequently, Maddie is called ‘Maame’, a Ghanaian name that suggests a little mother. She is basically taken for granted, even though she has to work as well.
When Maddie is unfairly fired from her admin job, she decides to change her life. This coincides with her mother returning to the UK. Maddie gets a room in a house with two other women and throws herself into her new life. She gets a new job with a small publishing house and starts dating.
Then, just as things are looking up, Maddie’s world falls apart. What follows is Maddie trying to make sense of her grief and feelings of sadness generally, and finding a way forward in both her personal situation and work life.
Jessica George portrays Maddie as being desperate to fit in but thinking that to do so she needs to invent a better version of herself. This doesn’t usually end well and Maddie finally understands that the best version of herself is the one that is truthful and invites others in.
Maddie also comes across as gullible and naive at times but finally learns how to articulate what she wants, whether it is a better relationship with her mother or recognition for her creative ideas at work.
The book references how depression can be misunderstood as feeling sad, which is done sympathetically. I also admire how the author talks about painful intimacy. Both these subjects are part of Maddie’s story and both end positively, which feels important.
Also, the book is about friendship and self-worth. Maddie has two loyal friends, Nia and Shu, who are there for her throughout her journey. Family is not just those who are related to you.
This was an enjoyable read and I would be happy to read more from Jessica George.
I received a digital ARC of this book from Hodder & Stoughton, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 7th March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5394594373
If, like me, you followed last summer’s European Championships, you would have shared in the euphoria and pride at our Lionesses winning the trophy after a hard-fought final versus Germany.
Beth Mead was the standout player from the England team, although to read her story you will be struck by just how humble she is.
From childhood, Beth wanted to play football and was supported and encouraged by her parents and younger brother. Her talent was quickly identified and she eventually signed for WSL side Sunderland before joining Arsenal.
Despite disappointments along the way, Beth focused on achieving her ambitions and has become one of the country’s most recognised footballers, male or female.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Beth’s story. There are sad moments but many uplifting ones. Beth wasn’t always as strong and confident as she is now and doesn’t shy away from that reality. She also speaks candidly about her sexuality and her mother’s cancer diagnosis.
The part I enjoyed most, of course, was the section on the Euros. Sarina Wiegmann was the catalyst for the women’s team achieving success, bringing a strong work ethic but also valuing each player as an individual. She backed and trusted them all the way.
Success at the Euros has significantly increased the profile of women’s football and female sport generally, which can only be a good thing. The England team continues to work tirelessly to ensure that girls and women in sport receive equal recognition and treatment, whatever level they are playing at. Of course, Beth is at the forefront of this.
Since this book came out, Beth has been voted Sports Personality of the Year for 2022 – quite rightly, in my opinion.
This book is essential reading for football fans, whatever team they support.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 8th March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5394596881
This is a profound and compelling book, based on real people and events in the Vatican City and Rome district during World War Two.
Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty heads a group of eight individuals called ‘The Choir’, whose mission is to hide and safely relocate Jews, escaped prisoners of war, and Allied soldiers. Events take place around Christmas Eve 1943 before and during a planned ‘rendimento’ or relocation of people at risk.
Hugh O’Flaherty became known as ‘the Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican’. A modest man, he grew up in County Kerry before training as a priest. He is fluent in several languages and knows Rome’s street layout intimately.
The German Gestapo, headed in Rome by Paul Hauptmann, relentlessly pursues the priest as a person of interest. Hauptmann is a cruel and sadistic man, personally responsible for the torture and murder of countless individuals. Hugh O’Flaherty knows the risk he is running but is determined to save as many people as possible from Hauptmann and his fellow Nazis.
Events described in this story are based on real events, something made clear by the author at the end of the book. Several individuals – Hugh O’Flaherty, Delia Kiernan, John May, Colonel D’Arcy Osborne, and Countess Landini – were real people, but words and acts attributed to them within the story are not necessarily what took place at the time.
What is true, however, is the saving of around 6,500 individuals, thanks to the bravery and resourcefulness of Hugh O’Flaherty and his network.
This is an exceptionally well-written book, with much to say about the reality of life under Nazi occupation and the lengths that seemingly ordinary people are prepared to go to in order to defy a brutal regime.
Hugh O’Flaherty died in 1963, but his legacy is a remarkable one. This book will hopefully bring his bravery, and that of the others who assisted him, to a wider audience.
I received a digital ARC of this book from Random House UK, Vintage, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 11th March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5401668761
Based on the real-life romance of Joni Mitchell and James Taylor.
Singer Jane Quinn comes to prominence during a local folk festival, catapulting her and her band The Breakers into a record deal and a support slot on Jesse Reid’s tour. Reid is the label’s standout artist and Jane falls for him, despite warnings from her aunt.
The story follows their on-off romance and its complications. Jane ends up recording a solo record, ‘Songs in Ursa Major’, finally able to throw off the shackles that prevented her from writing before. Her mother was a songwriter but disappeared when Jane was still growing up, a story that Jane and her family rigidly stick to. We learn the truth later on.
Sexism in the music industry is rife in the early 1970s, where this story is set. Jane is treated like dirt by high-profile producer Vincent Ray, who blackballs her to the record label when she gets the Breakers album finished without him.
Willy Lambert, the A&R man at the label, supports Jane and does his best to help her career progress, even though she mistakes his actions at times.
I found this story engaging and easy to read. There are several references to the drug-fuelled, hedonistic lifestyle of the musicians and some fairly graphic sexual encounters; however, I felt invested in Jane as a character and was pleased with how her story ended up.
The descriptions of the music business are realistic and take you into a world where female musicians are seen as disposable unless they do as their record label tells them. Jane is not one for doing as she’s told and, whilst this causes conflict on several levels, is determined to preserve her artistic integrity. I liked the way this was emphasised at key points in the story.
I received a digital ARC of this book via HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 12th March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5409299928
Ruby Oldbridge works as an employment counsellor in York. Zac Drewe does a similar job for the Leeds branch of the same company. Their offices are to be amalgamated and only one can be kept on.
Initially unsure about him, Ruby soon realises that Zac is a really nice guy, but there is something bubbling away beneath the surface. As is the case with her. Ruby is struggling to keep up debt payments from the mortgage and house she had to abandon when her feckless boyfriend left to live with someone else, as well as managing anxiety attacks.
YouIn2Work, the company Ruby and Zac work for, is trying to get them to dish the dirt on each other and making unreasonable demands at very short notice. One of these has unintentionally hilarious consequences, although it isn’t funny to Ruby at the time.
As events progress, Ruby and Zac are drawn together and finally make a decision that will benefit both of them.
I enjoyed this story, particularly the way in which Ruby and Zac were able, gradually, to learn to trust each other and open up. The underlying theme here is mental health and anxiety, a theme that Jane Lovering deals with sympathetically through the experiences of her two main characters.
Another theme is self-confidence. Ruby is low on self-esteem because of what happened to her, but with a little help is able to address this.
I also liked Priya, Ruby’s work colleague, who has her back throughout, even though she can be quite full-on at times.
This is a good read, which made me chuckle in places, but also addressed serious issues in an approachable way. I would be happy to read more from this author.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Boldwood Books, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5409301166
DI Helen Birch is looking forward to a good day, but events take over.
A man is reported shooting at a showground in the Scottish Borders and it soon becomes clear he has taken a hostage, a 3-year-old girl, after shooting his former fiancee and her husband.
The gunman is Gerry Hodgson, imprisoned after his actions during the foot and mouth epidemic in 2001. Hodgson has never recovered from the emotional and mental strain events took on him. He insists that Helen Birch is the only police officer he will speak to, even though she isn’t trained in hostage negotiation. A trained negotiator gives Helen some advice before she goes in but she is effectively on her own thereafter.
A tense standoff ensues, with Helen attempting to gain Hodgson’s trust and talk him down from shooting the little girl. This doesn’t prove easy but Helen perseveres, even thinking she has got through at one stage until events ratchet up into a startling denouement.
This was a gripping and believable police drama, with Helen’s own relationships well-drawn. Her partner, Anjan, is a solicitor and her father, Jamieson Birch, hasn’t always been there for her whilst Charlie, Helen’s brother, is in prison because of wrong choices he has made.
The way the investigation proceeded did make you suspend disbelief a little as I found it hard to conceive a situation where an untrained police officer would be sent in to negotiate with a clearly unstable individual; however, the way Claire Askew evinced understanding and even sympathy for what had happened to Gerry Hodgson made you more invested in the outcome.
As Hodgson reveals more of himself, the more we see how he has lost the thread of his life to the point that he acts in a way completely detached from reality. Whilst not excusing his behaviour, we can see how he finds himself more and more isolated and eventually cracks under the pressure.
Claire Askew’s resolution of events is realistic and not honey-coated, making the ending sad and yet more truthful. Life doesn’t always deliver the outcomes we would like.
I also liked the concentrated narrative, with events taking place over a single 24-hour period.
It would be useful to have read the three previous investigations to have more of Helen’s back story, but this can be read as a standalone novel. I will certainly read more by Claire Askew.
I was sent a digital ARC of this book by Hodder & Stoughton, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5401670330
Imagine that years ago you went on holiday to an old house in the West Country and met someone who persuaded you to change your life.
That is what happens to Janey Lestrange. Having recently lost her father, Simon, Janey goes to stay with the Hunter family at their isolated mansion and is drawn into the ancient ritual called The Collecting. She is chosen as one of the Beloved Girls with the Hunters’ eldest daughter, Catherine (Kitty).
The Hunters are a rather dysfunctional family. Sylvia, the mother, became the ward of Janey’s father when she lost both her parents as a young girl. Janey is drawn into the Hunters’ world, to the point where she literally wants to become one of them.
On Kitty and her twin brother Joss’s 18th birthday, a terrible event takes place that will have far-reaching repercussions.
Years later, Catherine is a successful barrister and happily married to Davide. Events, however, are about to spiral out of control, forcing her to revisit the past she has been struggling to leave behind for nearly 30 years.
This is a multi-layered story, told within three different time periods. The main story takes place in 1989 and 2018, with a section set in 1959 that fills in some background around the Hunter and Lestrange parents.
Not everything is as it seems. I worked out what happened in terms of the Janey and Kitty dynamic but there are layers within layers. The ending was more understated than I expected, given what went before; however, the story – despite the slow start – is successful at drawing the reader in.
You will find some elements of Gothic in this story, but it is skilfully woven together by Harriet Evans. I particularly enjoyed the way nature was used as a metaphor.
There are also important themes around identity, mental health, and the role of women in society and family life.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Headline, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 25th March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5440291761
Allegra Bird is a traffic warden in Dublin but is lacking in self-esteem. When she has a run-in with a man whose yellow Ferrari she keeps ticketing, he tells her she is the average of the five people she spends the most time with.
It takes a while for Allegra to realise who these people are, apart from one. Her father has always been there, her mother having abandoned her as a baby. Now Allegra has found her mother, she wants to get to know her but finding the right time isn’t easy.
As a child, Allegra kept joining the freckles on her left arm, comparing them to constellations in the night sky. She tries to connect people to her life in much the same way but doesn’t always get it right.
This story is about recognising that the people that matter the most to you are those who value you as a person. These aren’t necessarily the people you think.
Allegra has a few lessons to learn, not least from the man with the yellow Ferrari who turns out to be a decent human being and even ends up learning something from her.
There are some unpleasant people in the story who don’t appreciate Allegra but take advantage of her, anyway. Others misunderstand her good intentions when she has acted genuinely.
I enjoyed this story and Allegra was someone I felt invested in as a character. The ending was satisfactory and felt right in the context of what had gone before.
There were some moments in the story that resonated particularly with me, especially around having the confidence to speak up in situations that make you feel uncomfortable. This happens to Allegra a lot until she finds the right people to have around her, which makes all the difference.
I received a digital ARC of this book from HarperCollins UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 26th March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5409459663
R.E.M. is undoubtedly one of the finest bands I have ever heard. This book was always going to be on my to-read list for that reason alone.
In an album-by-album journey, Max Pilley tells the story of R.E.M. and their unlikely journey to global music domination. A band that never compromised on their principles, turning out songs with catchy hooks and lyrics that were utterly unique.
Michael Stipe was a shy young man who became one of music’s iconic frontmen. With Bill Berry (drums), Mike Mills (bass), and Peter Buck (guitars, mandolin), the four young men from Georgia who started out as a covers band were standout from pretty much day one.
Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) has published his lyrics in a book and Stipe’s lyrics would also translate well to this format. Their meaning can be subtle, in your face, or simply impossible to pin down. Whichever way you cut it, R.E.M. songs stand the test of time.
R.E.M. left the music world in 2011 – on their own terms, not because they fell out of favour or with each other. Not many bands can say that.
Whilst the narrative runs pretty much chronologically, it didn’t cover every song in detail. That is understandable as the band has an impressive catalogue, including some songs that never made it onto any album. The book also managed to shed new light on some songs – for instance, I wasn’t aware that one of the songs on ‘Monster’ was written for and about Kurt Cobain.
I also enjoyed reading about the band members’ individual collaborations with other musicians.
Anyone with an interest in popular music culture should read this book. Fans of the band will probably already know much of its content, but the book is well worth adding to their collection and will provide a useful reference for some of the band’s lesser-known output.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Pen & Sword, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 28th March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2234357549
Kevin Jackson is an atheist and friends with pop star turned vicar Richard Coles.
This is an account of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, led by Richard and his partner, fellow vicar David.
It was interesting to read about Kevin’s experience, given he was coming from a very different place to the other pilgrims.
Bible references are quoted at various points to explain the background to the sites being visited.
As a person of faith, I enjoyed reading this book, albeit short, and felt that Kevin gained something tangible from his visit, although possibly not enough to change his overall view of organised religion.
Richard comes over as a witty, at times urbane, individual, and his journey to faith is recounted. I am happy to read more books written by Richard and by Kevin.
This book is especially relevant approaching the season of Easter.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 30th March 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5440290959
Jack Laidlaw is an unconventional Glaswegian detective. When Bobby Carter, a shady lawyer, is murdered, Jack is on the trail of a killer who seems keen to stoke the gang wars between rival crime bosses Cam Colvin and John Rhodes.
DI Ernie Milligan, a man described by Laidlaw as someone who “couldn’t find s**t in a cowshed” is too busy throwing his weight around to notice the details. Laidlaw thrives on details, and getting his head around the doors of every person he has reason to suspect might know something.
Laidlaw’s rules are not necessarily straight out of the police detective training manual, but they are nonetheless effective, and the truth about Bobby Carter’s death emerges slowly but surely.
I hadn’t come across Jack Laidlaw before and will explore William McIlvanney’s other books featuring his character. McIlvanney didn’t finish this book, sadly, but fellow crime writer Ian Rankin stepped in to ensure it was a fitting prequel to the books that followed.
We can see on these pages the detective that has already formed, and something of the man, trodden down by domestic life, preferring to work a case from a hotel room rather than going home each evening to his wife.
Early 1970s Glasgow is well evoked, a visceral and unforgiving environment, where knowing your way around could prove vital. Jack Laidlaw traverses Glasgow, whether on foot or by bus, preferring to observe than be tied to a desk reporting to a man he neither likes nor respects.
This was a gripping and immersive read and I will definitely return to this writer.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Canongate, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 9th April 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5447150317
It is the end of the Second World War and young mother Gwen Ellison is about to find her life turned upside down. Six years ago, her husband Jack left to fight with a promise not to return. Jack is on the run, believing he has killed the man indirectly responsible for the death of his sister, and has found work on the Berkshire farm run by Gwen’s father Jim.
Seduced and made pregnant by Gordon Allingham, the caddish son of the local squire, Gwen is devastated when he becomes engaged to another woman. Having fallen in love with her, Jack offers to marry Gwen to protect her reputation and give her unborn child a father.
Gwen doesn’t love Jack but agrees to marry him, believing he will keep his promise not to return. After the war, Allingham decides – for purely selfish motives – to stake a claim to his son and Gwen is scared; however, Jack returns and despite Gwen’s initial doubts she finds her feelings for him beginning to change as they oppose Allingham’s plans.
The ending is heartwarming and ties up the mystery surrounding Jack’s flight.
I found this a compelling story. Gwen is headstrong and naive, whilst Jack is clear-sighted and sees through the charade of Allingham’s pursuit of Gwen, as does her father Jim.
Jack is hard-working and loyal, not afraid to defend those he loves but also sensitive and caring. He has moral fibre, winning the trust and respect of Jim, his friend and neighbouring farmer Ted, and Muriel the no-nonsense housekeeper.
The descriptions of rural life are quite nostalgic, especially with the references to farming and agricultural practices of the day, and helped add atmosphere to the story.
Towards the end of the story, a chain of events takes place that leads to a tragic outcome. A miscarriage of justice is averted but we are left in little doubt that the real perpetrator gets away with their actions.
This is the first book I have read by Anita Frank and I look forward to reading more.
I received a digital ARC of this book via HQ, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th April 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5447151680
Joe Sangster and Yasmin Ghorami are doctors and engaged to be married. The relationship has moved forward quickly and we don’t get much of a back story.
Yasmin seems a little naïve around relationships. She finds it difficult at work and is questioning whether to stay in the medical profession. Although Yasmin makes some poor choices along the way, she becomes much more self-aware in the end.
Joe, although outwardly more confident, is struggling with an addiction that we learn more about as the story progresses. Harriet, his mother, is a feminist writer with an overbearing manner who railroads her way into the couple’s wedding plans.
Despite disliking her intensely at the start, even Harriet proved to have hidden depths as the reasons for her behaviour towards Joe emerged and she learned to navigate towards a healthier relationship with him.
Yasmin’s dad, Shaokat, is well-meaning but has a poor relationship with his son, Arif; however, this changes as Arif shows a depth of character that seems absent in the first part of the book. Anisah, Yasmin’s mum, is sweet and I loved the way her character emerged as the people around her began to understand her better.
All the main characters have secrets and aspects of their character that are challenged. The process of self-discovery proves an important theme, particularly in how it affects the central relationships.
We were fed lengthy conversations between Joe and his therapist, Sandor, which I initially felt didn’t belong in the narrative. In the end, the therapist was a key factor in Joe moving his life forward and recognising what needed to change.
However, some characters didn’t seem to add anything to the story, such as the pretentious David Cavendish. I loved Mrs Antonova, though.
This book, like so many games of football, was one of two halves. I struggled with the first half but found the second flowed much better. It became a good read in the end but took a while getting there.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Little, Brown Book Group UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd April 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5433197224
Katherine May has been searching for the sense of enchantment she feels has disappeared from her life, partly through the pandemic and partly due to losing the threads of her childhood.
It is not easy to find a sense of enchantment once it has been allowed to disappear and we have to work hard to make the reconnection. This book shows us how that is possible.
I enjoyed each chapter as it looked at different elements of the natural world – earth, water, fire, and air. Each of these has something to teach us about ourselves and the world we inhabit, but we need to stop in the hectic pace of modern life and learn to reconnect, to listen to what is around us and cherish it anew.
Katherine May has struggled with burnout and is candid about the way this has impacted on her life, especially through and following Covid. She is determined to find a way of restoring the fragile balance of her life and to reawaken the sense of wonder she once had, especially as she wishes to pass this on to her young son.
Nature is full of things that we can take for granted and often miss, simply because we fail to stop for long enough to breathe and let ourselves be in the space around us, whether that space is a wood, a beach, or our own back garden.
At one point, Katherine takes off her shoes so she can feel the earth tingle through the soles of her bare feet connecting with the earth. It sounds so simple and yet is profound because it demonstrates an attention to the landscape and its capacity for renewal.
This is a thoughtful and nurturing book, especially in how it chronicles Katherine’s journey of self-renewal through the prism of the natural world.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Faber and Faber Ltd, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 28th April 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5518708188
In this short story, DS George Cross is convinced that David North, a convicted killer, also murdered his former wife and goes about proving it.
Cross is met by what appears to be an insurmountable hurdle – the body of North’s wife was cremated; however, he perseveres and succeeds in finding the evidence needed to secure a second conviction.
As always with this series, the story is well-written and draws the reader into the investigation.
It is based on a real-life case which adds a further layer of authenticity.
I am looking forward to the next full-length DS Cross investigation, which is due early next year.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 29th April 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Truth and liberal democracy are intertwined. To make rulers accountable to the people the latter need access to objective truth. When truth is defined by the rulers themselves, the people lose all ability to pass judgement on them.’
Boris Johnson – old Etonian, charming, funny, erudite – gained high political office through a campaign of lies and misinformation. So claims Peter Oborne in this incisive and heavily annotated polemic that delves into the Johnson premiership, the events preceding it, and the links with former US President, Donald Trump.
As Oborne says, ‘Boris Johnson at his best is a superlative entertainer, funny, charming, amiable. He is wonderfully gifted at playing Bertie Wooster while others pursue on his behalf the agenda of Roderick Spode. He is the perfect leader for a country where you can say or do anything without suffering the consequences.’
According to Oborne, Boris Johnson and his colleagues set about destroying the very institutions on which British democracy depends, and the British press – to a large degree – colluded with them, failing on many occasions to call out stories and statements they must have known were false or, at best, misleading.
‘Political lying is a form of theft. It takes away people’s democratic rights. Voters cannot make fair judgements on the basis of falsehoods. Truth has been taken out of the public domain.’
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Okay, I admit my politics is not coloured blue, but a little part of me has found Boris entertaining over the years. However, that stopped as soon as he jumped on the Vote Leave campaign.
It seemed pretty clear to me and many others that Boris saw Vote Leave as the means to an end – in short, his ticket to 10 Downing Street as the saviour of the UK economy post-Brexit. Oborne describes him as turning his political party ‘into a Vote Leave sect’.
But, because he’s Boris, we listened to him and got sucked in by the wit, the slightly dishevelled appearance and the soundbites no other PM has ever made, or indeed ever will make again.
The title to this book is particularly apt. I am reminded of the Garfield quote – “never trust a smiling cat”. Boris, like most cats, will probably land on his feet again in some area of public life.
I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 4th May 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5486041751
Cats are fascinating creatures but we don’t always understand the reasons behind certain of their behaviours. This book explains what cats like, how they sense and respond to the world around them, and also how to care for and stimulate them to ensure they lead happy and fulfilled lives.
I particularly liked the way the book was laid out so that there were sections explaining cats’ senses, diet, play, feline health and stages of a cat’s life. There were some really cute illustrations as well.
If cats are happy, they will generally let you know, but it is also important to be aware of the triggers for the behaviours we may not like so much and how to avoid these from presenting.
Anyone who already has a cat may well know a lot of what is in this book, but there is still much to learn.
As someone who is thinking of getting a pet cat (or cats) in the near future, I would be happy to have a copy of this book to hand for reference.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 14th May 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4316970838
‘If this is a circus, Donald Trump sees himself as the charismatic, brilliant master of ceremonies. The person who, when he is in the arena, will always be directly under the spotlight, centre stage. The ringmaster. The greatest showman on earth. A modern P.T. Barnum.’
‘…one of the things I love about this president is how authentic he is. When he tweets you know it is him; you can hear his voice, and you know it comes from the heart. It is so unfiltered, when what we are normally fed by politicians is a diet of carefully prepared and nuanced messages that have been through filters and sieves and drainage systems to take away any sharp edges.’
Jon Sopel has written several books about Donald Trump during his tenure as US President. This is the second I have read.
Taking as his theme various rooms in the White House or nearby, he charts a year in the life of the Trump administration. It makes for compelling and at times jaw-dropping reading – much may have been considered too unbelievable if offered as a TV or film script.
Reading between the lines, you glimpse how clever Donald Trump was in terms of positioning his candidacy at a time when Americans were disillusioned with conventional politics. Once elected, he governed in a way no US President has before or since, courting adulation and controversy at every turn.
Donald Trump sometimes had to be reined in by his staff – for example, papers would disappear off his desk so controversial legislation didn’t get signed into the statute book. He was consistently outspoken, particularly when it came to journalists, and wouldn’t always co-operate with official processes such as the Mueller inquiry into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 elections.
What the book also does well is look at some historical events and former Presidents, as well as explain the origin of the office of Vice-President (VP). This was formerly the role of the losing candidate in a Presidential election, even if they weren’t of the same political colour as the victor.
It was insightful to read how Mike Pence ended up on Donald Trump’s campaign ticket, as you sense from Jon Sopel’s narrative that they weren’t a natural fit. Perhaps he saw a bigger opportunity if the President was forced to leave office, but only he can answer that.
Of course, that was then. Donald Trump’s presidency was undoubtedly great political theatre. Whilst unsuccessful in seeking re-election in 2020 (he will beg to differ), America may not have seen the last of Donald Trump as a political heavyweight.
A hair-raising, white-knuckle ride of a political commentary and well worth your time.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 15th May 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5517680840
The Saroop family – Hans, Shweta and son Krishna – live in very basic accommodation, a single room in a block that is shared with other families. Hans works for the wealthy Changoor family. When Dalton Changoor goes missing, Hans is hired by his wife as a watchman, lured by the promise of enough money to buy his family out of poverty.
However, Hans finds himself falling under the spell of Marlee Changoor and the ensuing events have far-reaching repercussions for all the members of his family, not least his son, Krishna.
The relationship between Krishna, his cousin Tarak and the twins Rustam and Rudra, is central to the narrative. Also woven into the story is the back history of various main characters.
This is a compelling read, albeit not an easy one. There are themes of violence, animal cruelty, sexism and racism throughout, but the surroundings in 1940s colonial Trinidad are brought vividly to life by Kevin Jared Hosein.
You will need a dictionary to look up some of the native flora and fauna mentioned in the book, as well as references to the Hindu religion.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th May 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5556900846
This is a fun and frothy story and would be an ideal beach read.
Janine Wilson is the general manager of a hotel in the resort of Blue Moon Bay. Concerned at the lack of progress with aspects of the hotel’s renovation, she accepts an invitation from her persistent ex-boyfriend Cody to go on a boat trip to an island, suggesting that it will ultimately benefit the hotel.
Also on the boat is Jackson Davis, Cody’s best friend, who Janine has developed a crush on. When Jackson and Janine kiss on the island, Cody is upset and disappears with the boat, leaving them stranded.
Despite an uncertain start, city girl Janine is able to overcome some of her fears whilst on the island, and she and Jackson acknowledge their feelings for each other.
Back at the hotel, Janine then has to ensure the renovations are finished before a grand reopening party. This throws up a whole different set of problems, as Janine’s stepmother and her two daughters turn up and Janine has to address her difficult relationship with them.
The romance with Jackson is the central focus of the book, however, and this is well-written by Susan Hatler. Janine overcomes her feelings of low self-esteem to make the right decisions for herself (eventually) and Jackson is just adorable.
There are more books in this series and I would be happy to read them.
I received a digital copy of this book from Hatco Publishing, in return for an honest appraisal.
** The book has since been retitled and is now called ‘All About That Kiss’. **
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 20th May 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5556864878
This is a book aimed primarily at children about cats, with some introductory text before each section and descriptions for the many photos.
Cats are fascinating creatures and their history goes back many centuries.
The first section deals with wild cats and then moves to their domestic relations, shorthairs and longhairs. The final sections deal with cat behaviour and kittens.
I enjoyed looking at the photos and learning more about the various breeds of cats in them. Some were already known to me but many were not. I didn’t know, for instance, about munchkins. These are cats with short legs that actually looked quite cute; however, further reading has highlighted welfare concerns and health issues around this cat breed.
Clearly, it is a matter of taste as I didn’t like the bat-eared or almost hairless cats very much, but there are plenty of people who do.
This book has helped me clarify the breeds to look at in more detail as I am looking to adopt one or two cats in the near future.
I received a digital ARC of this book via Amber Books Ltd, in return for an honest appraisal.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st May 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5558086011
This story is the first in a series of three, based on real historical events around the Anglo-Norman kingdom of the late 11th and early 12th century.
Nest ferch Rhys is the young daughter of the Welsh king of Deheubarth in south-west Wales and promised in marriage to the son of another Welsh king.
At the beginning of the story, Nest is kidnapped and taken to Cardiff Castle by the Normans, whilst her father and two of her brothers are killed and another imprisoned.
Sybil de Montgomery, the Norman woman who takes responsibility for Nest, is kind. This enables Nest, over time, to adjust to her new surroundings.
Determined and resourceful, Nest manages to preserve her Welsh identity in spite of having to embrace the Norman language and way of life. She comes to the attention of Arnulf de Montgomery, who wishes to marry her, but her marriage is the gift of the King.
Nest also draws the attention of Count Henry, the youngest son of William the Conqueror, who is battling with his two brothers for control of the Anglo-Norman kingdom bequeathed by their father.
I found this a fascinating story and extremely well-written and researched by Tracey Warr. Nest was engaging and it was good to see a strong female character at the forefront of the narrative. I also enjoyed learning more about the historical events of this period.
There are two more books in this series and I look forward to reading them.
I received a review copy of this book for free via Booksirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd May 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5569802911
This story is the second in a series of three, based on real historical events around the Anglo-Norman kingdom of the late 11th and early 12th century.
Nest ferch Rhys is still married to Gerald and now has several children with him, but her beauty is prized by others. She is kidnapped by Owain ap Cadwgan, the man she originally intended to marry, and is forced to give herself to him in order to protect her children. Eventually released, Nest returns to Gerald, but relations between them are strained.
Benedicta, the nun we met in book one, also has a prominent role as she becomes a spy in an abbey in northern France, covertly sending information back to King Henry in order to root out traitors. She feels especially guilty about her method of acquiring a letter that was used to convict a man of treason and faces difficult choices regarding her religious vocation.
Haith, Benedicta’s brother, is in service to King Henry and also has feelings for Nest. When Gerald dies, Haith is hoping to marry Nest but dramatic events intervene to prevent this.
This is a very well-written and researched story. Tracey Warr realistically conveys the simmering tension between Welsh rebels and their Norman overlords, as well as the continued fighting between King Henry and his French counterpart Louis over lands in Normandy.
I also like the way that lesser characters such as Amelina, Nest’s maid, are conveyed and given their own storylines.
The events described in the book include the tragic loss of the White Ship, carrying Henry’s son and heir. This event sets us up for the final book in this series, which I look forward to reading.
I received a review copy of this book for free via Booksirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 30th May 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5584246457
This story is the third in a series of three, based on real historical events around the Anglo-Norman kingdom of the late 11th and early 12th century.
Nest has married Stephen de Marais, the Constable at Cardigan Castle. In a cruel twist of fate, her true love Haith – presumed drowned on board the ill-fated White Ship – returns just too late to prevent the marriage.
It turns out that Haith disembarked before the ship sailed; however, he investigates events leading to the sinking and discovers a trail of deception that places his own life in danger.
Haith’s sister, Ida, is now a renegade nun, hiding under the protection of King Henry but lives in fear of the bard Breri, one of the few men who can identify her.
Nest’s youngest brother Gruffudd and his feisty wife Gwenllian are plotting to overthrow the Normans and reclaim the kingdom of Deheubarth. The Welsh rebels have a plan to mine gold and milk the profits to fund their campaign.
It is a difficult situation for Nest, who is torn between loyalty to her brother and her half-Norman sons who are supporting King Henry.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series about a remarkable and courageous woman. Tracey Warr skilfully depicts the central relationships between Nest and the various men in her life, and there is palpable tension at times as events unfold.
Although Nest has to suffer loss along the way, she is able finally to find the happiness she deserves.
This is a fascinating period in history. So often we read of powerful men and forget the powerful women behind them. Thanks to Tracey Warr, we now know a lot more about Nest ferch Rhys.
I received a review copy of this book for free via Booksirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 1st June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5579075999
Anthony Inglis is a conductor, probably best known for his 33-year tenure at the musical ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and is also associated with the shipping line, Cunard.
This is an entertaining account of Anthony’s life and career. Several family members were in the RAF and one of his uncles flew in the Battle of Britain.
Anthony is very proud of his family history and RAF connection, which is completely understandable.
Having decided from an early age that he would be a conductor, Anthony left school early to attend the Royal College of Music. He has been fortunate to travel the world doing a job he loves pretty much ever since.
This is a detailed account – one could argue too detailed at times – but there are a lot of genuinely funny anecdotes along the way. Anthony has met and worked alongside many well-known people, including the Two Ronnies, and is now music director for the singer Katherine Jenkins.
As a violinist in my local symphony orchestra I certainly appreciate how important a good conductor is but, as Anthony explains, not everything always goes according to plan, even with the best orchestras and musicians.
Anthony has never been what he would call an academic, yet he comes across as charismatic and a witty raconteur.
Several sentences end with exclamation marks, not all strictly necessary, and this may prove irritating for some readers.
Nevertheless, it is a good read and certainly for anyone who has seen Anthony conduct over the years.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Matador, and am leaving my honest appraisal voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 4th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5595788005
Linda Kulig Magoon decided to hike all the White Mountains in New Hampshire, which consist of 48 peaks of over 4,000 feet with a required level of elevation.
This would be a significant challenge anyway, but Linda also had personal issues to overcome. She had finally left and divorced her controlling husband and, with the help of a therapist and a life coach, was learning to put her needs first. Unable to hike properly whilst married, this was now an opportunity to do something for herself and not worry about her ex-husband’s reaction.
Part way through hiking the 48, Linda learned that her ex-husband had been arrested on serious allegations of sexual assault. He went to trial and Linda found it hard to separate herself from the situation whilst negotiating the sale of her former marital home and then the pain of a close family bereavement.
Eventually, the trial process concluded and Linda was able to complete her goal of hiking all 48 peaks.
Linda has been incredibly honest about the process she went through, the tears shed and the lessons learned. What also stands out is her determination and focus, despite everything that was thrown at her.
I enjoyed reading Linda’s account of her hiking challenge and felt tremendous empathy for her. She has clearly come through a lot and it is to her credit that she wants to share her journey in the hope that it might help other women in a similar situation.
I received a review copy of this book for free via Booksirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 7th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5473282051
Detective Jack Brody of Dublin’s MCIU is back for a fresh investigation, with his trusted fellow detectives Steven Voyle and Nicola Considine.
Superintendent Fiona Ryan, Brody’s new boss, is ambitious and also possesses a very large chip on her shoulder about Voyle, who she takes an instant dislike to. Ryan sends Voyle to look at an apparent case of suicide with the inquest a week away, intending to get rid of him afterwards.
What Ryan doesn’t bargain on, however, is that Voyle’s dogged persistence will uncover a slightly different sequence of events and ultimately place his life in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, Brody is part of the team investigating the disappearance of Irish politician Donagh Hughes. Due to the high profile of Hughes and his relationship with TV presenter Marie Kennedy, the Special Detective Unit (SDU) is called in. When SDU Superintendent Tony Harper jumps to an obvious but erroneous judgement about the disappearance, Brody takes matters into his own hands.
It turns out that Hughes is very much alive, although potentially not for much longer.
As with the previous investigation, this was fast-paced and kept the interest throughout. I particularly liked the opening sequence and how it set the story up. There is a suitably explosive finale, in more ways than one.
Events move seamlessly between the dual narratives and there is no let-up in tension. Dialogue is realistic and the characters well-drawn.
This is an excellent series and I look forward to reading more stories about Brody and his team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 9th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5607591082
Kitty Talbot is in need of a rich husband and quickly. Her family’s future depends on it.
The death of Kitty’s parents leaves the family of five sisters in straitened circumstances. The only solution is for Kitty to find a man rich enough to buy off the debt attached to the family home in Dorset.
Once in London, Kitty and sister Cecily stay with their aunt Dorothy. It isn’t long before Kitty becomes acquainted with Archie de Lacy. The young man is suitably enamoured but Archie’s elder brother Lord Radcliffe intervenes, believing Kitty to be a fortune hunter.
Lord Radcliffe, however, has underestimated Kitty’s resolve and the two begin a battle of wits and trade-offs as the Talbot sisters navigate the marriage market of London high society.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Kitty is modelled on Becky Sharp but has a touch of Elizabeth Bennet about her as well. She is resourceful and forthright and usually manages to land on her feet.
Lord Radcliffe is the Mr Darcy figure, haughty and distant to begin with but eventually recognising Kitty’s worth.
Courtship in this time was extremely prescribed, with rich and eligible young women expected to marry a man of their family’s choosing. Kitty, from a very different background, is able to see through the pretentiousness of the rich and (en)titled people she encounters and this gives us a refreshing perspective.
Sophie Irwin has written a charming and attractive Regency novel that would be ideal for lovers of Georgette Heyer and the Bridgerton books.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via HarperCollins UK, and am leaving my honest appraisal voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 13th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5600286970
Jack Chesher is a tour guide around London and has produced a fascinating and beautifully illustrated guide to some of the lesser-known secrets about the capital.
There are several quirky buildings and objects that would be easily missed for those not aware of what to look for.
I was surprised and delighted in equal measure and learned a great deal.
This would be an ideal coffee table book and also good to have in e-book form to guide you around the capital, particularly if following any of the suggested walking maps.
If you want to know where to find street furniture, Roman remains, hidden rivers, or stink pipes (yes, really!) – basically anything that tells a story of the capital’s past, this is definitely a book to have in your collection.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, and am leaving my honest appraisal voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 17th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5616264224
Eliza, Lady Somerset, is in official mourning after the death of her much older husband. It was an arranged marriage and prevented her from marrying the man she truly loved, who has now returned to inherit his late uncle’s title and estate.
The late Earl’s will bequeaths property and wealth to Eliza; however, there is a morality clause that means she must avoid scandal or risk losing her inheritance.
Having lacked confidence until now, Eliza travels to Bath with her spirited cousin, Margaret Balfour. On the way there, she encounters the dashing Lord Melville, who soon takes up residence in the city with his sister, Caroline.
A number of rumours surround the Melvilles, whilst Eliza tries to make sense of her feelings for Somerset, who has also arrived in Bath. It seems that the former romance may be rekindled.
Eventually, Eliza realises where her affections truly lie, but can she avoid scandal and find the happiness she deserves?
This book was the sequel to ‘A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting’ and is every bit as good. I particularly enjoyed reading how Eliza became more confident over the course of the story.
People in this story are not always as they seem. There are some unsavoury characters and some surprising ones, but Eliza is delightful throughout and her romantic dilemma is well portrayed.
This novel shows how the manners and morals of Regency England so often prevent women from finding true happiness. Eliza behaved as her family demanded and now realises she needs to follow her feelings and not allow others to dictate the terms on which she is to live.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via HarperCollins UK, and am leaving my honest appraisal voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 18th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5627540229
A while ago, I read ‘Pretty Little London’ and this is the follow-up, showcasing places to visit that are within easy reach of London.
What I particularly like with this type of book is the juxtaposition of photographs with just enough information to whet the appetite. There are also lots of suggestions for eating and drinking, places to visit, local walks, and photo opportunities.
This is an ideal coffee table book and will give you plenty of ideas for destinations for day trips or long weekends. Some, like Cornwall, obviously can’t be done in one day from London but can be combined with others that are closer to make a longer trip.
If you are on Instagram, you will gain even more from this book as the authors post a lot of content on there, including videos.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, and am leaving my honest appraisal voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 18th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5618106348
Lou runs the local bookstore doubling as cat rescue in the cute town of Button.
When Vicki Younger turns up in the town promising a miracle serum, several locals invest in her pyramid scheme but end up losing their money. Vicki is then murdered and the initial clues point to Silas, one of Lou’s bookstore regulars.
Convinced that Silas is not a murderer, Lou decides to investigate. Unravelling the bizarre chain of events Silas describes is not easy and Lou also has to deal with her increasing attraction towards local vet Noah.
There is a secondary plot involving a mystery blogger, who bugs several locations in Button in order to collect local gossip.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story, especially with the cat connection. Lou’s cats have clever names (such as Catticus Finch) and are almost characters in their own right.
The storyline is plausible and the main characters well-drawn. I particularly liked the way Eryn Scott handled the relationship between Lou and Noah and the way they finally admit their feelings for each other.
You don’t need to have read the previous books in this series in order to follow the story, but you will want to read them anyway and I intend to do that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 20th June 2023.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5607574442
DI Helen Birch is signed off work after the dramatic denouement of her previous investigation but is restless and desperate to get back to work.
When a man is set on fire at a local scrapyard and subsequently dies from his injuries, Helen becomes convinced that a vigilante is at work and that the same person is responsible for other revenge type incidents, including a hit and run.
Convincing her superior officer DCI McLeod to take her theory seriously, a covert operation is set up to draw the vigilante out. Helen goes ahead, knowing that failure could well see the end of her police career.
I found this a fast-paced and tightly drawn storyline, with realistic dialogue.
Helen’s mental health is fragile as she constantly revisits previous events. We also see her visibly struggling with her physical condition and reluctant to accept help. This leads to a rift with her partner, Anjan.
The perpetrator is a damaged individual who takes increasing risks whilst managing to remain anonymous and untraceable. It isn’t easy to portray someone whose obsession with justice gradually spirals out of control but Claire Askew manages this adeptly.
Jamieson, Helen’s dad, is quite a character and provides some moments of genuine humour as well as supporting his daughter when her professional judgement is doubted.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Hodder & Stoughton and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 24th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5638497352
Lee and Adam Parkinson’s second book has a similar diet to their first, an inside look at education based on their popular podcast Two Mr Ps in a Pod(cast).
Teachers and parents have shared their stories, some definitely more embarrassing than others.
Reading some of the stories recounted here made me chuckle, bringing back memories of children and teachers from my schooldays.
Inevitably, some stories involve bodily functions and items that belong in an adults only environment but somehow found their way into ‘Show and Tell’ sessions. Teachers didn’t always realise what some items were for, leading to huge embarrassment when enlightened by colleagues.
Some practices adopted during the pandemic, such as the introduction of digital teaching platforms, have led to positive changes in education; however, resistance remains.
The authors are passionate about young people having a positive relationship with social media and argue for the introduction of a Digital Literacy Framework in England (it already exists in Wales).
This is an entertaining read that also makes some salient points around education, and can be enjoyed by educators and parents alike.
I received a free digital ARC of this book from HarperCollins UK, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 27th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5648853726
DS Kate Hamilton investigates the apparent suicide of female student, Emily Sweetman.
Emily and her best friends, Aisling and Max, use rich benefactors – referred to as Pay Pigs – to supplement their meagre student income. One of these rich benefactors takes advantage of Emily in the most horrific way, with the saddest of consequences.
The body of a man is then found in a car and investigations link him to the attack on Emily.
Around the same time, Aisling is reported missing and Kate and her colleagues face a race against time to locate her.
I found this a gripping narrative that is skilfully woven together and it kept my interest throughout. We also learn more about Kate’s personal life, including her search for answers around her birth family, and there is a good balance between this and the investigative elements of the story.
Gaye Maguire has definitely raised the stakes in this second instalment. The ending doesn’t give all the answers, suggesting further investigations to come. Kate is a persistent and committed detective and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next for her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 29th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5628432400
This is a gorgeous book that represents a deeply personal journey for its author.
Saghar Setareh moved to Italy as a young woman and the recipes in this book demonstrate the links between the cuisine of her birth country, Iran, the surrounding countries of the Levant and Eastern Mediterranean, and Italy where she now lives.
Food may differ from one country to another, but it is clear from the recipes and ingredients described in this book that there are often similarities.
I loved reading about Saghar’s food experiences growing up and the discoveries she has made in her adopted country. The food shown here is beautiful and definitely worth exploring.
This is a book rich in description and glorious photography, and is much more than just a collection of recipes. It is a journey filled with love and discovery and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with an interest in food and culture.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Murdoch Books, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 30th June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5657452647
This is the third investigation featuring Detective Rebecca Ellis of Bangor Police Department.
Ellis investigates a case where teenage students Anthony Mitchell and Carly Stone are found floating in a lake after attending a student party and it soon becomes apparent that they were murdered. The couple participated in a game, the nature of which is a closely guarded secret among high school seniors.
Ellis and her colleague Bryce Pelletier work painstakingly to uncover the chain of events that led to the murders. It isn’t easy, not least because the students aren’t willing to talk at first. Secrecy and lies threaten the investigation at every turn until a crucial breakthrough is made, enabling Ellis to home in on the killer. Even then, she comes perilously close to getting it wrong.
There is a secondary story around Euan McCallister, who is tracking down the supplier of a lethal batch of fentanyl. McCallister is also nervous around the imminent publication of a newspaper article that will paint him in a less than favourable light.
This has been an excellent series so far, with Robin Mahle’s writing fast-paced and immersive and there is a palpable sense of tension throughout.
Ellis is emotionally complex but totally authentic and this enables us to invest in her as a character. We also get to learn more about the team behind Ellis and how they support each other in challenging situations.
Whilst you can read this as a standalone book, I would recommend reading the other two investigations first in order to better understand the main characters and their back stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 3rd July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5581454552
This is the story of World War Two and the battle for supremacy over the airwaves.
It is a story I knew precious little about. Reginald V. Jones was a scientist with a brilliant mind who understood radar and, more importantly, its significance as a weapon.
The Germans already had radar but Britain did not and it was Jones who persuaded Winston Churchill and others how radar technology worked.
Initially, Jones worked on his own but eventually more like-minded individuals joined him. The ability not only to develop radar but to intercept and disable the effectiveness of the enemy’s systems became of paramount importance.
This involved acts of extraordinary heroism from pilots, agents and resistance fighters to gather information that Jones then used to help develop the systems that would eventually turn the tide in the Allies’ favour.
Jones came across as quite a character, one who didn’t suffer fools gladly and whose ability to interpret complex information was second to none. Without his knowledge and acuity, it is quite possible that World War Two’s outcome may have been very different.
The science is explained clearly without going into overly technical language and gives a fascinating insight into a crucial period of 20th century history.
Some sections, such as diagrams and indexes, were missing but these would have been added prior to publication.
I received a free digital ARC of this book from Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 3rd July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5657461820
Ben Jacob travelled the world searching for orchids until forced home by a frightening experience in South America. Whilst recuperating in the UK, Ben found some Bee Orchids and this prompted him to take a deeper interest in British orchids.
Ben discovered that orchids have been around in Britain for centuries, being mentioned in many historical accounts from botanists. Sadly, orchids are now in decline and many threatened with extinction – indeed, native species have died out in several areas of the UK. This has to do with several factors, including building developments and intensive agriculture.
Planning and environmental laws in the UK offer inadequate protection to wild plants like orchids and their habitats are rapidly diminishing. Ben decided that he had a moral obligation to do something and so embarked on a mission to save as many threatened orchids as possible. This involved travelling to building sites and digging up orchids to take home, usually during the night or early morning.
Ben then turned his kitchen into a laboratory and used his fridge as storage as he strove not only to preserve but to propagate orchids and re-introduce them to their natural habitats. Not an easy job, and he didn’t always get it right to begin with but gradually he found methods that worked and was able to see results over time.
This was a fascinating and inspiring read. So many people have strong views about the erosion of natural habitats and native plants, but few do what Ben has done and take action to reverse the trend.
I found the science of orchids fascinating as well. They don’t pollinate as other plants do and even different orchids pollinate differently, depending on the microclimate that they are best suited to.
Ben also includes a list towards the end detailing essential information on each native orchid, and there is a detailed bibliography.
Having read this book, I now want to go out and look for orchids in my local area and beyond.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via John Murray Press, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5665352649
In 1960s London, Everleigh is getting married to her Italian boyfriend, but Gualtiero disappears without explanation.
Travelling to Italy, Everleigh is determined to get some answers from her errant husband-to-be but has to locate him first.
Marta, a single mother, is shunned by the local community because she had a child out of wedlock.
Olivia, a young blind woman, struggles for independence and feels guilt at the loss of her brother.
These three women are connected by one man, the discovery of whom will change all their lives.
This was an interesting story, told from the points of view of all three women. The chapters are short and keep the story moving forward. The various threads eventually come together into a satisfactory resolution.
I enjoyed the setting and the way the narrative switched between the three women. Everleigh starts out as self-pitying and lacking in confidence but this changes dramatically as the story unfolds. All three women find their lives changed for the better.
Hilary Hauck is a new author to me and I would be happy to read more by her.
I received a review copy of this book for free via Booksirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5675325667
William ‘Wispy’ Fescue and his friends Marjorie ‘Strangely’ Drye and Miss Wanda Cushway are a private detective agency. When Lord and Lady Alfreton’s daughter, Miss Josephine Leighton, is the victim of an appalling miscarriage of justice, the agency’s services are required to prove her innocence.
In an entertaining romp taking in rural Kent, Derbyshire, London, and Boulogne in France, the friends ingeniously gather their evidence, narrowing the field down to three suspects.
What unfolds is a chain of events that ensures the real murderer of Josephine’s fiance, Viscount George Thurmaston, is brought to justice.
The title refers to the method used to murder the Viscount, with the intention of framing Josephine, who is a keen baker.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I particularly liked the interaction of the main characters. The dialogue reflects the days when the quickest way to cross the English Channel was via fishing boat and is all rather charming.
In a crowded market of crime fiction, this series is a refreshing change and I raced through it in no time. More mysteries are eagerly awaited, with the ending of this story sowing the seeds for the agency’s next investigation.
Anyone who enjoys reading PG Wodehouse or EF Benson should definitely give this series a try.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via The Book Guild, and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 9th July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2990129411
July is born into slavery, her mother a worker on a sugar plantation in Jamaica.
As a young girl, July is taken from her mother to become the companion of the rich mistress, Caroline Mortimer, who insists on changing her name to Marguerite.
Slavery is coming to an end, and a violent uprising leads to change for all on the plantation.
July’s story is told through her son, Thomas, who becomes a successful publisher.
I enjoyed this story, although it was sad in places. July is an interesting narrator who complains at times, but you also sense she relishes the opportunity to embellish her account of the events she describes.
The depiction of slavery is raw at times and it is not easy to read about the inhumane treatment of July and others like her. History can sometimes brush over the less savoury aspects of slavery but this book does not.
What is striking is how July manages to retain an independence of spirit, despite all that life has to throw her way. She is a survivor and at the end of the book you sense there are stories still left for her to tell.
Andrea Levy is an author I have read before and will definitely read again.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 19th July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5707521701
This is a book of very personal poems, drawing on the author’s own experiences and deals with the pain of being in difficult relationships, including coercive and controlling ones.
As a consequence, the subject matter doesn’t make for easy reading; however, the hope is that those in similar situations may find the strength and courage to move forward as the author herself has done.
The poems are all quite short – some only one or two sentences long – but are thought provoking. I liked the idea of highlighting one or more words in each poem to make these stand out more.
Amy Houck wrote these poems for herself initially but then felt she needed to make them available to others. It can’t have been easy opening up about her experiences but in doing so I am sure Amy will help many others.
I would be happy to read more poetry or other writing by Amy in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free via Booksirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 21st July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5707749445
Erin Alderson has written a book of very accessible recipes for anyone who wishes to cook quick and easy vegetarian meals.
Not all of the recipes have photos, but several have variations for different times of the year to make use of seasonal produce. They can also be adapted to use what is in most people’s store cupboards.
Readers should be aware that the book is aimed primarily at the US market, so some of the ingredients mentioned may not be available in the UK or elsewhere.
This was an enjoyable read and I will definitely try some of the recipes out. My niece is a vegan, so will suggest this book to her.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Quarto Publishing Group – Four Winds, and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5675381879
Carmela del Bosco lives on her family farm near Naples during World War Two. One night, her sleep is disturbed and she is confronted with a badly wounded young man who needs to be hidden. Initially reluctant, Carmela finally agrees to hide the man, Sebastiano, in an old watchtower.
It turns out that Sebastiano is an agent for the SOE and wanted by the Nazis and Italian fascists. In trying to assist him, Carmela finds herself in danger, along with other members of her family including her half-brother Danielo.
Inevitably, as events unfold, Carmela and Sebastiano admit feelings for each other but there are many challenges to overcome before they can be together. There is also the secret that Carmela carries of a previous love affair that she struggles to put behind her.
This was a beautifully written and emotive story, taking you deep into the Italian countryside and the fight for liberation. The characters and their relationships are well-drawn and realistic.
Not having read any of Natalie Meg Evans’s books before, I will definitely be looking out for more.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Bookouture, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 23rd July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5716147231
One of the best books I have read this year to date.
This is a short novel set in Ireland at Christmas time in 1985. Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, is challenged by a situation he discovers when making a delivery to a local convent.
Bill is happily married and lives with his wife and five daughters; however, his work takes him into the lives of others less fortunate. Aware of his own poor beginnings and good fortune in life, Bill is a kind and generous man who does his best to help others wherever he can.
The encounter at the convent leaves Bill questioning his faith and the complicit silence of the surrounding community. He is appalled at the way vulnerable young mothers are treated and wrestles with his conscience, before deciding he must act.
Not all books have to be long to make an impact. Claire Keegan’s prose is incisive and powerful as she depicts the world inhabited by Bill and his family, and the way his life changes in response to what he discovers.
The ending of the story is intensely moving and the hope contained in Bill’s journey home should resonate with many. I was left thinking about how one single act of compassion can have an impact far beyond the immediate person who is benefited.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Faber and Faber Ltd, and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 24th July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3381361440
Finnish author Tove Jansson is best known for her children’s Moomintroll books but also wrote for adults.
‘The Summer Book’ is a series of vignettes set on the island inhabited by Tove and her family during the summer. Whilst not strictly autobiographical, many of the episodes are rooted in the author’s own childhood recollections.
Sophia and her grandmother are the main characters, along with Sophia’s father, Lars (her mother has died). Together, the very young and very old explore the island and its natural environment. The highly descriptive language evokes a strong sense of connection and belonging, as well as exploring the sometimes fragile relationship between a young child and her aged grandparent.
The author’s niece, Sophia Jansson, provides an epilogue where she describes becoming a grandparent just as the Covid pandemic broke. This further reinforces the sense of the island as a character in its own right.
The conversations between Sophia and her grandmother address profound subjects such as death and faith.
I found much to smile about reading this wonderful book and will return to it often.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 26th July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5722526134
DI Louise Blackwell faces a challenging case when the body of a young woman is found in a shipping container. The victim was being filmed and the container was due to ship out, not in.
As she investigates what led Aisha Hashim to Bristol, Louise finds evidence of a practice called claustrophilia. This is when someone takes abnormal pleasure at being in a confined space.
There is a second storyline of a woman whose husband goes missing after they have a row and she tells him she wants a divorce.
Although initially the two stories don’t appear to be linked, there is a connection. Louise and her team’s persistence pays off, but will they be in time before more victims meet the same fate as Aisha?
The story also deals with the uncertainty in Louise’s personal life. Now in a relationship with former colleague Thomas Ireland, Louise is three months pregnant but a scan reveals possible health issues with the unborn child.
As ever, Matt Brolly skilfully weaves together the personal and professional aspects of Louise’s story, showing her vulnerability as well as tenacity and resolve in solving a complex and disturbing case. There is a palpable sense of tension throughout.
This has been an excellent series and deserves to be read from the start.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Amazon Publishing UK, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 28th July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5716853620
It is 1944. Helene, Elise and Florence Baudin are three sisters living in the Dordogne area of France during the Nazi occupation.
A difficult relationship with their mother Claudette means the girls live apart from her. Helene, the eldest, is a nurse whilst Florence, the youngest, is the homemaker. Middle sister Elise runs a cafe and is involved with the Resistance, even though this places her at greater risk.
The war means there are choices to be made, not all of them easy, and the sisters’ lives will change as a result.
This is a well-written story, dealing with sensitive and difficult subjects, and there is a strong narrative thread throughout.
The relationship between the sisters is not always easy but they learn to cope with the challenges that come their way.
This is the first in a trilogy about the sisters and I look forward to reading the next instalments.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via HarperCollins UK, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 31st July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5733959734
Alex Walters is a familiar author to me through his Kenny Murrain and Alec McKay investigations; however, this is the first book I have read in his DI Annie Delamere series.
Annie is called to the unexplained death of a woman found in a snowdrift outside the Peak District pub where she was sheltering.
It becomes clear that Alison Evans was murdered and Annie questions the married couple stranded with her, but senses something is being held back. Not long afterwards, the wife is found dead.
Added to this is the sudden disappearance of two young children that may be linked to a fathers’ rights movement.
This was a fast-paced and intriguing story, with good character development and realistic procedural elements. The two separate investigations come together as a common link is discovered via an unexpected source, leading to a dramatic denouement.
I will definitely be reading the three previous books in this series.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Canelo, and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 1st August 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3678975368
DI Annie Delamere and her colleague, DS Zoe Everett, are out walking in the Peak District when they come across the body of a young man who has been ritualistically murdered.
A second victim is soon discovered near a farm. The nature of the killings leads Annie to think there will be more victims and, sure enough, a third body turns up, this time a little too close to home.
Sheena Pearson, Annie’s partner, is targeted twice by a gunman but survives; however, the incidents leave her and Annie shaken. Due to Sheena’s high profile as the local MP, extra security measures are taken but these may not be sufficient.
There is also a storyline involving a bizarre and slightly sinister religious movement that gradually reveals its links to the other investigations, building to a dramatic denouement.
I enjoyed this story, which was fast-paced and kept the tension throughout, with good character development and realistic procedural elements.
Alex Walters has created several memorable detective characters and Annie Delamere looks set to be another. I look forward to reading books 2 and 3 in this series – book 4 was read first.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 2nd August 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5740552404
The fourth outing for Detective Jack Brody is possibly the best yet, at times jaw-dropping in its intensity. It starts with a sting on a honeypot scam, a brilliantly realised scene that segues into a murder investigation when a woman is found shot dead in her Dublin hotel room.
A pattern of murders linked to bank robberies across Europe is identified. Jack is certain that a bank in Dublin is the next target and a major surveillance operation is launched.
The initial murder sets in motion a chain of events that never lets up, each scene seamlessly merging into the next leading to a breathtaking climax.
Some central villains in stories fall short of being convincing but not so this one, who is a real piece of work. Having his perspective certainly adds to the palpable sense of tension as events move forward.
Jack Brody is a thoroughly believable and engaging character, flawed at times but relentless in his pursuit of justice. I also like how his personal story has evolved over the course of the four books and the ending to this one has ‘book five’ written all over it.
I received a free digital copy of this book via Booksprout, and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 7th August 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5716855551
An eclectic mix of short stories, engaging and thought-provoking in equal measure.
Each story explores an aspect of the human condition and challenges our way of seeing.
Several stories have a dark undercurrent but most have a positive outcome.
There is an art to writing short stories, the author having to concentrate their focus into a condensed narrative but still manage to provide a coherent and believable storyline.
The best of Lily King’s stories demonstrate an almost forensic attention to detail and observation of the emotional journeys taken by the various protagonists.
My personal favourites are Five Tuesdays in Winter, When in the Dordogne and North Sea. The first was a poignant and sweet exploration of love finding its voice, the second a beautifully observed coming of age story and the third a travelogue where a grieving mother tries to reconnect with her adolescent daughter.
On the basis of reading these stories, I would be very happy to read more and longer books by Lily King.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Pan Macmillan, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 10th August 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5754909351
Johannes, a captured German soldier, is sent from a prisoner of war camp to help on a farm in rural Canada. Whilst there, he forms a friendship with the farmer’s daughter, Violet.
When Violet’s fiance returns injured from the conflict, the young couple faces a difficult future, but Johannes may be able to help them.
In the present day, Elizabeth Sullivan uncovers a long-hidden family secret when she inherits her late grandmother’s cottage.
This story was engaging and kept my interest throughout. Johannes came over as a kind and sincere young man. His friendship and empathy with the bears kept at the POW camp was particularly endearing.
Elizabeth’s journey was also interesting as she discovered more about her family and its connection to Johannes.
Amy Robillard introduced me to a part of World War Two history that I knew very little about and I would be happy to read more by this author.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Booksirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 16th August 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5780245464
Talented musician Marceau disappears from Oxford without explanation as his band is set to sign a big contract. His girlfriend Jessie and her friend Laura travel to the French island of Guadeloupe to discover what has happened to him.
Intertwined with this narrative is another concerning a Haitian couple, Mari-Jo and Mackenzie, who are desperate to escape their poor existence and build a new life in better surroundings.
This is an immersive storyline, blending the stories of all the main characters as we are taken back in time to understand how they are all connected.
It is a story of resilience, determination, and at times desperation, as all the characters fight for a better future. It is emotionally charged and not always an easy read, but the subject matter is sensitively handled by Michèle Callard.
The story was engaging throughout and I found it a compelling read.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Booksirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 27th August 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3870479636
This is the second investigation involving DI Annie Delamere. Annie investigates the murder of university student Justin Wentworth, who has been bludgeoned to death at the family home in the Peak District. Justin’s mother Michelle is a high-powered and not especially likeable businesswoman, and it transpires that her ruthless ideology may have led to the fatal attack on her son.
A dispute at one of the businesses Michelle is taking over leads to another murder and Annie realises the two victims are connected – but how?
It is a difficult case to crack and Annie struggles initially, but the pieces gradually come together and the denouement is suitably dramatic.
This is a fast-moving read and further develops the central relationships between Annie and her police colleagues and partner Sheena. Dialogue is realistic and it isn’t obvious who the murderer might be until very near the end.
I have read several police procedurals by Alex Walters and whilst preferring the Alec McKay and Kenny Murrain series, this is still very good. It will be interesting to see where Alex Walters takes DI Annie Delamere next.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 29th August 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5530406497
This is the third of the stories involving DI Annie Delamere.
A teenage student falls to her death at a girls’ private school whilst Annie’s partner, Sheena Pearson, is visiting to talk to some of the older girls about her political career. Annie investigates and discovers a culture of secrecy. Another death soon follows and there is also an historic case involving a missing girl from 46 years previously.
As events unfold, more deaths occur and Annie’s mum Margaret could be in danger due to her connection with the school.
This was a tightly written and fast-moving story that kept me guessing throughout.
As ever, Alex Walters is adept at handling the procedural elements whilst moving events forward. We also find out more about Margaret in this story and how vulnerable she is despite the no-nonsense public image she seeks to cultivate.
This is proving to be an excellent series and I feel this is the best of the stories so far. I look forward to reading more.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 2nd September 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5819879098
Marissa Irvine goes to collect her son Milo from a playdate but the woman answering the door knows nothing about it and the police are soon involved.
Jenny’s nanny Carrie is soon identified as the person responsible, but why would this seemingly quiet young woman take a four-year-old boy from his family?
As events escalate, it becomes clear that several people have secrets to hide, resulting in a twisty and suspenseful read.
I enjoyed this book, in particular the way Andrea Mara draws us into the back story of Carrie and Jenny. Jenny has hired Carrie to look after her son Jacob, not realising she has lied about her background and experience.
Jenny, despite it being her nanny that is responsible, is actually a decent person, proven by the way she is determined to help Marissa find her son. That is more than can be said for some of the other parents, who are only too happy to pass judgement on their peers.
As events unfold, more layers are pulled back and the ending is shocking as the real reason for Carrie’s actions becomes apparent. The final chapter is the perfect payoff.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 8th September 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3678980402
Sandi Toksvig is best known for presenting various shows on TV such as QI and Bake Off. She is also a writer, actor, and comedian.
Travelling to work on the number 12 bus through London, Sandi takes us on a journey through local and national, as well as her personal, history connected to the various stops on the route. She mentions that very few women are commemorated or have streets and buildings named after them.
I was fascinated and saddened by the stories of women who changed society, the arts and life for the better but whose contribution was overlooked because of their gender. Blue plaques are very predominantly named for men. Sandi is very keen to change this and I am with her.
I chuckled a lot reading this book. Sandi is very good at recognising the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the people she encounters and likes to talk about bus etiquette. As a frequent bus user myself, albeit not in London, I completely get this.
There are poignant moments, not least because Sandi mentions the prejudice and intolerance she has encountered due to her sexuality, which she was aware of from a young age. Her parents were supportive, but that hasn’t prevented her from meeting with some appalling behaviour. Despite this, she remains determined to change perceptions and to ensure women have an equal voice in society, hence her co-founding the Women’s Equality Party.
I imagine reading this book wrapped in a warm blanket with a mug of hot chocolate, because it is that type of book, full of interesting anecdotes and quirky facts.
We are very lucky to have Sandi on our TV screens and as part of our national life, and long may she stay there.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 14th September 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5835912724
Hadley James’s ex-husband Tyler rolls up in Stoneybrook with his model girlfriend in tow. Only she isn’t really his girlfriend and then she turns up dead behind his family’s grocery store.
As the clues mount up, it appears that the woman was in some kind of trouble and the person responsible for her death is happy to see someone else take the blame.
That someone, it appears, could be Hadley herself and she has to work with her Stoneybrook friends to clear her name.
I have read a previous book by Eryn Scott, although not in this series.
This was a well-written story, with believable characters and a storyline that keeps you guessing until the truth is revealed.
This is book 11 in the series but can be read as a standalone. I would be happy to read more of the books based on this one.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 22nd September 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5758600369
This is an interesting book, charting the history of various cricket grounds around the world, taking in all the major Test-playing nations.
Each entry has photographs and factual information, with corresponding articles from The Times that chart notable matches – scorecards are included.
The real glory of this book is the photographs, which give a real sense of location and the atmosphere within many of the grounds.
Anyone who is an avid cricket fan will want to read this book and it would be particularly useful for those wishing to follow the game abroad.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Collins Reference (Times Books) and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 4th October 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2691380292
The fifth in the excellent Arkady Renko series sees the Russian detective investigating a suspicious death in the area around Chernobyl.
Pasha Ivanov, head of NoviRus Security, has supposedly leapt to his death from his Moscow apartment, but Arkady does not believe this and goes against his boss to probe further.
Renko ends up around Chernobyl due to Ivanov’s successor being murdered near a cemetery in the area. The local head cop, Commander Marchenko, doesn’t appreciate Renko on his patch.
The crime is difficult to investigate as the scene has been contaminated, but Arkady is dogged in his persistence and eventually solves the murders.
As with the previous books, the sense of menace is very apparent. Arkady is not your conventional detective and doesn’t take easily to being told what to do, or in this case what NOT to do.
The creepy atmosphere and bleak surroundings add to the sense of unease and make for uncomfortable reading at times.
This is an excellent series and well worth reading from the start. I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 6th October 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5869434445
I have read several books written by Japanese authors and they are usually delightful reads. This was no exception.
Koishi Kamogawa and her father Nagare run a restaurant with a difference. Their restaurant is also a detective business, advertising to people that want to recreate a dish from the past.
Through recreating the dishes, old memories are reawakened and the customer invariably learns something about themselves.
Koishi and Nagare go to great lengths to be authentic in their search and come across as warm and genuine people.
This is an enjoyable story and I would be happy to read more books by Hisashi Kashiwai.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Pan Macmillan and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 12th October 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5904707966
BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood’s third novel is set on the romantic Amalfi coast in Italy.
Carina is soon to marry Giorgio Bianchi. Concerned for his daughter’s safety, Salvatore Russo hires an Englishman, Tom Ryan, to chaperone her until the wedding.
Giorgio is ambitious and thinks nothing of cheating on his bride-to-be. The women he is attracted to are beautiful but shallow and manipulative. Giorgio’s behaviour hasn’t gone unnoticed by Carina’s bridesmaid, Edie Stone, who is holding onto a huge secret.
Salvatore’s wife, Philippa, feels that her husband is becoming distant and the last thing she needs is for her first love, Harry Fanshawe, to turn up out of the blue.
As the wedding draws nearer, the threat to Carina becomes all too real as Edie’s secret finally unravels, causing events to take a much more dramatic turn.
I enjoyed this story, particularly the location. Not all the characters are fully developed, but you definitely get a sense of the tension as events progress.
This book would make an ideal holiday read.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via HarperCollins UK and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 31st July 2024
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5869439167
Jonathan Hollins recounts his time as a vet in various British overseas territories, including the Falklands, St. Helena and Tristan da Cunha.
It’s an entertaining and informative read, with several moments that made me chuckle.
I was also impressed with the resilience of the people that live in these quite remote places with very limited access. Tristan da Cunha is basically an active volcano but the islanders don’t seem fazed at all.
Jonathan clearly loved his work and came across as personable and friendly.
The first story, about an aged tortoise that had apparently died (it hadn’t) was the gateway to this memoir, which I am happy to recommend to anyone with an interest in the natural world and travel.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Duckworth Books, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 5th August 2024
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5869432321
Old bones are unearthed in the Cornish countryside close to Penzance. Detective Lauren Pengelly is frustrated as it scuppers her plans for some time off.
DS Matt Price arrives on the scene, not realising that the lycra clad woman at the crime scene is his new boss; however, once established who Lauren is, the two manage to work well together.
Alongside the discovery of the bones, a young girl has gone missing from a local nursery. There is a worrying lack of evidence and Lauren initially suspects the girl’s estranged father may be responsible.
Then a second girl goes missing in almost identical circumstances.
There is a connection between the two cases, but will Lauren and Matt uncover the truth in time to find the missing girls?
I found this an enjoyable read and it helped to know the local area in which the story is based. Lauren and Matt were believable characters and I look forward to seeing how their relationship develops.
I received a free digital ARC of this book via Storm Publishing, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reviewed by Alison Starnes, 13th August 2024
The Kindle Bookworm 