Fifty Years of Fear

Ross Greenwood is a fairly new author to me but I do like his style and his thoughtful take on things.

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Book description

Could you forgive murder? What if it was something worse?

A childhood accident robs Vincent of his memories, causing him to become sensitive and anxious around others. His differences attract bullies, and he comes to rely heavily on the support of his family.

After the devastating loss of his parents, a remarkable woman teaches him to embrace life and, little by little, he realises the world is far more forgiving than he imagined. When fragments of his memory return, he begins to unravel his past.

Who was his mother? What kind of a man is his brother, Frank? And why does death surround them?

Fate is cruel. History is dark. Things are not as they seem.

Perhaps he should have stayed at home.

My review -

Although this book is about the life of a fairly ordinary man I found it completely engrossing. Vincent retells fifty years of a life lived as a fearful loner. His few relationships are less than satisfactory and his brother disappears from his life for years at a time. Vincent’s great sin seems to be a naiveté but it causes him a huge problem. By the end, although he is a character shunned by many, it’s hard not to sympathise with him. The author has a way of putting you into a character’s mind so you can see the world from his point of view. There’s a question of whether evil traits are heritable or not and the whole story really stretches your mind. Highly recommended.

Author info

I was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.

I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.

Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.

I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.

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Just a thought - “but for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short.” 

― Jane Austen

The Cull

This is part three of a series by G J Reilly. Fantasy for young adults - and others!

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Book description 

Called out of retirement to repay their debt, an ancient coven will soon arrive at Grimm's library. An unexpected hero will rise, and London will burn.

With the series awarded two IndyB.R.A.G medallions (Inquisitor - 2015, and Piper - 2016), The Cull continues to bring the thrilling world of The Book of Jerrick to life. This penultimate episode is the darkest yet, once again weaving fairytale favourites into its intricate web.

My review -

The book is heavy on action between rival groups. This was set up in the previous two volumes and now we begin to understand why former best friends Michael and Tamara have ended up on opposite sides. We can now see what is dictating Tam’s cold attitude, even to those on her own side. Making use of fairy tales and fantasy figures woven into all our psyches, the book contains battles, deaths and a reconciliation. I look forward to reading the final part of this absolute blockbuster of a story.

Author info

By day, G. J. Reilly is a teacher of (mostly) ICT in the South Wales valleys, where he lives with his long suffering wife and 1.4 cats. By night, he is an author and occasional instructor of martial arts.

Having gained his degree, he spent ten years working in industry, before deciding to change career and head into education. In many ways it is the many wonderful people he has taught that have shaped his characters and story telling, and it is for those people that his books are intended.

With an interest in high fantasy, contemporary fantasy and science fiction from a young age, it comes as no surprise that his first work falls into the Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy genre.

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Just a thought - A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.

― C.S. Lewis

The Thankless Child

Another in the fabulous Hippolyta Napier historical mystery series by Lexie Conyngham.

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Book description -

The sun is shining, Ballater is full of wealthy visitors, and Mrs. Kynoch’s school for young ladies is flourishing - until one pupil, the daughter of a slave-owner, vanishes. Has she eloped with a rich man, or is something more sinister afoot? Hippolyta Napier needs to know, before a vulnerable local man is accused of something he could not have done.

My review - 

Once again Hippolyta can’t stop herself from investigating strange happenings in Ballater. New pupils appear at her friend’s school for young ladies, arriving from Tobago. Other newcomers appear at the nearby spa, increasing her acquaintance. Each book in this series makes me feel I’m back with a gossipy friend. I love the domestic details: the problems with servants, the tea parties. In this volume, concerns are voiced about emancipation in the West Indian sugar plantations. There are topics great and small, and Hippolyta and her husband Patrick, the local doctor, are in the midst of it all. A great murder mystery within a slice of Scottish history. Not to be missed.

Author info 

Lexie Conyngham is a historian living in the shadow of the Highlands. Her Murray of Letho novels are born of a life amidst Scotland’s old cities, ancient universities and hidden-away aristocratic estates, but she has written since the day she found out that people were allowed to do such a thing. Beyond teaching and research, her days are spent with wool, wild allotments and a wee bit of whisky. 

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Just a thought - There are two motives for reading a book; one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it.

― Bertrand Russell

Once Upon a River

A new book by Diane Setterfield. I loved The Thirteenth Tale and this has a similar haunting and other-worldly quality.

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Book description -

On a dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the Thames, the regulars are entertaining themselves by telling stories when the door bursts open and in steps an injured stranger. In his arms is the drowned corpse of a child.

Hours later, the dead girl stirs, takes and breath and returns to life.

Is it a miracle?

Is it magic?

And who does the little girl belong to?

My review - 

This is the story of a number of families who lived by the river Thames in the 19^th century. It centres upon the fate of a child rescued from the river, apparently drowned, who seems to come back to life. Various people think they know who she is but nobody can prove it, and the child herself has lost the power of speech. This story is fascinating, atmospheric, and has the feel of myth or legend about it. The characters and their lives are skilfully interwoven. I found it almost impossible to put down and I heartily recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.

Author info -

DianeSetterfield’s bestselling novel, The Thirteenth Tale was published in 38 countries, sold more than three million copies, and was made into a television drama scripted by Christopher Hampton, starring Olivia Colmanand Vanessa Redgrave. Her second novel was Bellman & Black, and her new novel is Once Upon a River. Born in rural Berkshire, she now lives near Oxford, by the Thames.

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Just a thought - When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes. 

― Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus

Night Watcher

My first Chris Longmuir book and it's a great read.

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Book description -

Evil stalks the streets of Dundee
A dark compelling novel of revenge, obsession, and murder

Two stalkers
Julie – a woman with revenge on her mind.
The Night Watcher – a psychopathic killer with a mission

One target
Nicole – an unfaithful woman with a weakness for other women’s husbands.
Will Julie’s mind games drive Nicole over the edge into madness?
Or will Nicole pay the ultimate price for her sins?
And what will happen when the Night Watcher turns his attention to Julie?

DS Bill Murphy must find the killer before he kills again.

My review -

This is a tense and atmospheric stalking story and I confess I didn’t know who was the stalker till the very end. Someone feels he is acting out God’s purpose by getting rid of the Chosen Ones. There are intricate overlaps of people’s lives and their extra marital affairs. Nobody seems entirely blameless yet we don’t understand The Watcher’s criteria. I really enjoyed this book and found plenty to think about, especially at the end. Highly recommended.

Author info

Chris is an award-winning novelist and has published three novels in her Dundee Crime Series. Night Watcher, the first book in the series, won the Scottish Association of Writers’ Pitlochry Award, and the sequel, Dead Wood, won the Dundee International Book Prize, as well as the Pitlochry Award. Missing Believed Dead is the third book in the series.

Chris has recently published the first book in a new series set just after the Great War. This series features Kirsty Campbell, Dundee’s first policewoman. Her next book, to be published soon, is another Kirsty Campbell mystery set during the First World War.

She has also published a non-fiction book entitled Crime Fiction and the Indie Contribution. This is an examination of crime fiction as well as an evaluation of independently published books in this genre.

Her crime novels are set in Dundee, Scotland, and have been described as scary, atmospheric, page turners. Chris also writes historical sagas, short stories and historical articles which have been published in America and Britain. However, A Salt Splashed Cradle is the only historical saga currently published. Writing is like an addiction to me, Chris says, I go into withdrawals without it. She is currently working on a new Kirsty Campbell novel.

Chris is a member of the Society of Authors, the Crime Writers Association and the Scottish Association of Writers. She designed her own website and confesses to being a techno-geek who builds computers in her spare time.

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Just a thought - Be careful about reading health books. Some fine day you'll die of a misprint.

― Markus Herz

Mo Mo Mo, Merry Christmas Maureen

Another funny Christmas short from Jonathan Hill which, at the time of writing, is free. Even better!

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Book description -

After Maureen receives a plea from her friend Louisa, she faces a challenge far greater than trying to keep her potted poinsettia alive…

Spend Christmas with Maureen and her friends in this festive comedy novella, new for 2018!

My review -

Dear old Maureen! Apart from eating and drinking, she usually only opens her mouth to change feet. This time, under the baleful influence of a certain red coat, she is uncharacteristically hurtful, shocking even herself. Something’s up and someone bears a grudge. Her friends Louisa and Tim also feature and, as usual with Jonathan Hill, the slapstick is interspersed with thoughtful sections. I particularly liked Tim and Maureen comparing experiences of loneliness. Light and dark, silly and sad, it’s all in here. Cheers, dears!

Author info

Jonathan Hill is an author from Manchester, UK. 

His work isn't confined to one genre, but he has already published a number of gay literary fiction books to high critical acclaim. His debut novel 'FAG', a hard-hitting story set in an English boarding school in the 1930s, was named as the overall winner in the Self-Published and Small Press 2014 Book Awards.

He has also penned the hit comedy series of Maureen books, in addition to numerous short stories and 100-word drabbles. Jonathan firmly believes that writing should not only entertain but also enhance and change the way readers view the world.

When he's not writing and working as a pharmacist, he enjoys painting, photography and going to the the theatre.

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Just a thought - Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore? 

― Henry Ward Beecherr

Feather and Claw

Second in Susan Handley's crime series and this has an exotic holiday setting.

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Book description -

On the sun-soaked island of Cyprus, Cat McKenzie should have been enjoying a relaxing holiday. Instead, she finds herself delving deeper and deeper into the death of a fellow guest. With a keen intuition and an inability to walk away from even the smallest of loose ends, she continues to dig, uncovering the way into the world of a ruthless killer. Outside of her jurisdiction, Cat is forced to use all of her wiles to find the murderer and bring them to account; a task made all the more difficult given the cold-hearted killer’s cunning. 
Choice not chance determines human destiny, but away from home, on sunnier shores, people aren’t always what they seem and choices can be ill informed. 

My review - 

Can a detective ever truly take a holiday? Cat and her friend Amy find the body of a fellow holiday maker and Cat’s mind starts ticking. She believes the circumstances indicate murder but she can’t get solid evidence. The story of her search for it takes her into danger. I enjoyed the characters, particularly Cat, who’s annoying enough to feel human rather than some know-it-all or goody-goody. Also her friend Amy who wants a holiday romance which gets in the way of her and Cat’s original plans. The writing is elegant and the atmosphere created becomes tense. A great crime story in an exotic setting.

Author info

Susan Handley grew up in the Midlands and despite a love of literature, and crime fiction in particular, she never dreamt of being able to carve out a career as a published writer. But the desire to write never left her and after years of writing by night she has at last been able to share the results of her efforts. 

Susan now lives in a small village in rural Kent with her husband and three cats. When she’s not indulging in her love of writing crime fiction she loves walking (the hillier the better), bike riding (the flatter the better) and tending her veggie patch. 

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Just a thought - “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”

― Jorge Luis Borges

Fancy Meeting You Here

More anecdotes from the Cumbrian farm of Jim Webster, with added World Heritage Status (and what that means).

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Book description

More tales from a lifetime’s experience of peasant agriculture in the North of England, with sheep, Border Collies, cattle, and many other interesting individuals. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is just one of those things.

My review -

This is the third collection of farmer Jim Webster’s anecdotes about his sheep, cattle and dogs. This one had added information on the Lake District’s World Heritage status. This largely depends upon the work of around 200 small family farms. Small may not always be beautiful but it can be jolly important. If you want to know the different skills needed by a sheep dog and a cow dog, or to hear tales of some of the old time travelling sales persons – read on! This is real life, Jim, but not as I know it. Author info Jim Webster is probably fifty something, his tastes in music are eclectic, and his dress sense is rarely discussed in polite society. In spite of this he has a wife and three daughters. He has managed to make a living from a mixture of agriculture, consultancy, and freelance writing. Previously he has restricted himself to writing about agricultural and rural issues but including enough Ancient Military history to maintain his own sanity. But seemingly he has felt it necessary to branch out into writing SF and fantasy novels.  He lives in South Cumbria. ~~~ Just a thought - Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience; this is the ideal life

The Other Miss Bates

The second book in the Highbury Trilogy, inspired by Jane Austen's 'Emma'

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Book description

Jane Bates has left Highbury to become the companion of the invalid widow Mrs Sealy in Brighton. Life in the new, fashionable seaside resort is exciting indeed. A wide circle of interesting acquaintance and a rich tapestry of new experiences make her new life all Jane had hoped for. 
While Jane’s sister Hetty can be a tiresome conversationalist she proves to be a surprisingly good correspondent and Jane is kept minutely up-to-date with developments in Highbury, particularly the tragic news from Donwell Abbey. 
When the handsome Lieutenant Weston returns to Brighton Jane expects their attachment to pick up where it left off in Highbury the previous Christmas, but the determined Miss Louisa Churchill, newly arrived with her brother and sister-in-law from Enscombe in Yorkshire, seems to have a different plan in mind. 

My review -

This story fills in much of the background detail from the original Jane Austen story, Emma. Like the earlier Mrs Bates of Highbury, it rings true to the original. It treats Miss Austen’s work respectfully and feels and reads as true to the time. The characters we know from the original are not altered but merely expanded and it all feels like part of the story of Emma. This isn’t merely fan fiction but a credible contribution to the backstories of many favourite characters. It’s an enjoyable read for Austen lovers but also makes a great tale on its own behalf. I’ve loved these two books and look forward to a third. Author info Allie Cresswell was born in Stockport, UK and began writing fiction as soon as she could hold a pencil. Allie recalls: 'I was about 8 years old. Our teacher asked us to write about a family occasion and I launched into a detailed, harrowing and entirely fictional account of my grandfather's funeral. I think he died very soon after I was born; certainly I have no memory of him and definitely did not attend his funeral, but I got right into the details, making them up as I went along (I decided he had been a Vicar, which I spelled 'Vice'). My teacher obviously considered this outpouring very good bereavement therapy so she allowed me to continue with the story on several subsequent days, and I got out of maths and PE on a few occasions before I was rumbled.' ~~~ Just a thought - A room without books is like a b ody without a soul.

Death in the Lakes

Graham Smith is a new author to me and I'd like to follow this series.

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Bok description -

Detective Beth Young has just joined the Cumbrian major crimes team when a body is found posed in a ritualistic manner – arms spread and graceful wings attached – at a crumbling castle in the hills of the Lake District. 

The entire police force is on red alert. But Beth begins to feel she’s the only one who can follow the disturbing clues left by the twisted killer. Because she doesn’t think like everyone else. To Beth, crimes are puzzles she can solve. Even if real life is a little harder.

As more bodies are discovered in derelict stately homes across the Lake District, Beth knows she’s in a race against time.

But the killer is looking for another victim to add to his collection… Will Beth be able to save her? Or will he get there first?

My review - 

I bought this book as The Silent Dead fairly recently, and as I was reading it, the title changed to Death in the Lakes. To be honest, I prefer the first title. There’s a series of murders here and all by the same bizarre and painful method. They seem to be random. One of the DCs on the case, Beth Young, has an analytical mind and begins to see patterns, but doesn’t yet see her own role in this. Beth is an interesting character, with her scarred face and loner lifestyle. I enjoyed the way she drew out of her fellow officers their own problems and strengthened the team. It’s a fast-paced story, just the way I like them, and a recommended read.

About the author -

Graham Smith is the bestselling author of two explosive crime thrillers in the Jake Boulder series, Watching the Bodies and The Kindred Killers. Watching the Bodies spent over two weeks at number one in the Amazon UK chart and Amazon CA charts. Graham is also the author of the popular DI Harry Evans series and has collections of short stories and novellas. 

He is the proud father of a young son. And as a time served joiner he has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. Since 2000 he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland. 

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Just a thought - A room without books is like a body without a soul.