Category: My Week in Books

My Week in Books – 6th January ‘19

whatcathyreadnext4 Comments

MyWeekinBooks

New arrivals  

The Turn of MidnightThe Turn of Midnight (Black Death #2) by Minette Waters (audiobook, courtesy of RB Digital and Wokingham Libraries)

As the year turns from 1348 to 1349, the Black Death continues its relentless course across England. In Dorseteshire, the first county to be afflicted, the people of Develish begin to question if they are the lone survivors of this terrible pestilence. Guided by their heretical mistress, Lady Anne, they wait inside the protection of a moat as their stores dwindle, knowing that when the food is gone they will have no choice but to leave. But where will they find safety in the desolate wasteland their county has become? And how can Lady Anne, a woman without rights herself, grant them the freedom they long for?

One man has the courage to find out.

Thaddeus Thurkell, a bastard serf, educated in secret by Lady Anne and risen to the post of steward, takes a band of raw, untested youths in search of supplies and news. As free-thinking and heretical as his admired mistress, Thaddeus makes a compelling leader, and his companions quickly learn to throw off the shackles of serfdom and set their minds to ensuring Develish’s future.

But what use is freedom that cannot be won lawfully? Aided and abetted by Lady Anne, Thaddeus conceives an audacious and dangerous plan to secure her people’s right to determine their fates for themselves. Neither foresees the life-threatening struggle over power, money and religion that follows…or the trial for heresy that will imperil all in Develish.

On What Cathy Read Next last week

Blog posts

Monday – I played Reading Bingo 2018 and shared my review of my final Buchan of the Month for 2018, Sick Heart River.  I also published an end of year report on my 2018 Blogging & Reading Goals.

Tuesday – For Top Ten Tuesday, I revealed the Ten Best Books I Read in 2018.

Wednesday – WWW Wednesday is the opportunity to share what I’ve just read, what I’m currently reading and what I plan to read next…and have a good nose around to see what other bloggers are reading.   I also published my review of Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller and a wrap-up post for the What’s In A Name 2018 Reading Challenge.

Saturday – I took part in the first Six Degrees of Separation meme of 2019 and published my review of historical novel Blackberry and Wild Rose by Sonia Velton.  I also shared my five favourite books I read in December.

As always, thanks to everyone who has liked, commented on or shared my blog posts on social media this week.

On What Cathy Read Next this week

Currently reading

Planned posts

  • Book Review: The Ice House by Laura Lee Smith
  • Buchan of the Month: Reading List 2019
  • Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases in the First Half of 2019
  • Waiting on Wednesday
  • Book Review: The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker by Jenni Keer
  • Throwback Thursday/Book Review: The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood
  • Blog Tour/Book Review: A River in the Trees by Jacqueline O’Mahony

My Week in Books – 30th December ‘18

whatcathyreadnext2 Comments

MyWeekinBooks

New arrivals  

Zoo StationZoo Station (John Russell #1) by David Downing (audiobook)

By 1939, Anglo-American journalist John Russell has spent fifteen years in Berlin, where his German-born son lives. He writes human-interest pieces for British and American papers, avoiding the investigative journalism that could get him deported. But as war approaches, he faces the prospect of having to leave his son and his long-time girlfriend.

Then, an acquaintance from his communist days approaches him to do some work for the Soviets. Russell is reluctant but ultimately unable to resist. He becomes involved in other dangerous activities, helping a Jewish family and an idealistic American reporter. When the British and the Nazis notice his involvement with the Soviets, Russell is dragged into the world of warring intelligence services.

My Sister, the Serial KillerMy Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite (hardcover, courtesy of Atlantic Books and Readers First)

“Femi makes three, you know. Three and they label you a serial killer.”

Korede is bitter. How could she not be? Her sister, Ayoola, is many things: the favourite child, the beautiful one, possibly sociopathic. And now Ayoola’s third boyfriend in a row is dead. Korede’s practicality is the sisters’ saving grace. She knows the best solutions for cleaning blood, the trunk of her car is big enough for a body, and she keeps Ayoola from posting pictures of her dinner to Instagram when she should be mourning her “missing” boyfriend. Not that she gets any credit.

A kind, handsome doctor at the hospital where Korede works, is the bright spot in her life. She dreams of the day when he will realize they’re perfect for each other. But one day Ayoola shows up to the hospital uninvited and he takes notice. When he asks Korede for Ayoola’s phone number, she must reckon with what her sister has become and what she will do about it.

Sharp as nails and full of deadpan wit, Oyinkan Braithwaite has written a deliciously deadly debut that’s as fun as it is frightening.

On What Cathy Read Next last week

Blog posts

Monday – I shared my favourite scenes from a book that always makes an appearance at Christmas in our house, An Edwardian Christmas by John S. Goodall.

Wednesday – WWW Wednesday is the opportunity to share what I’ve just read, what I’m currently reading and what I plan to read next…and have a good nose around to see what other bloggers are reading.

Friday – I published my sign-up post for the 2019 edition of the When Are You Reading? Challenge.

Saturday – Another day, another 2019 challenge sign-up post.  This time for the Official TBR Pile Challenge.

Sunday – I published my review of an espionage novel set in 1939 Berlin, Zoo Station by David Downing.

As always, thanks to everyone who has liked, commented on or shared my blog posts on social media this week.

On What Cathy Read Next this week

Currently reading

Planned posts

  • Book Review: Sugar in the Blood by Andrea Stuart
  • Buchan of the Month/Book Review: Sick Heart River by John Buchan
  • Book Review: So Much Life Left Over by Louis de Bernières
  • Book Review: Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller
  • Book Review: Stories We Tell Ourselves by Sarah Françoise