Tag: Monthly update

I read nine books in September, the same as last month. It was a mixed picture with some I absolutely loved and others . . . well, the less said the better. Read on to discover my top three. Links from each title will take you to my full review.

Check out all the books I’ve read so far in 2025 here. If we’re not already friends on Goodreads, send me a friend request or follow my reviews.

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The Two Roberts by Damian Barr (Canongate via NetGalley) – The intense, emotionally charged story of Scottish artists Robert ‘Bobby’ MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun.

The Predicament by William Boyd (Viking via NetGalley) – Reluctant spy Gabriel Dax returns in another thoroughly enjoyable, stylish thriller with a great sense of time and place.

The Story of a Heart by Rachel Clarke (Abacus) – Winner of the Women’s Prize for Nonfiction 2025, the book tells an intensely moving but uplifting story with clarity and sensitivity.

What were the best books you read last month? Have you read any of my picks?

I read nine books in August, thanks to a long month and the motivation of the 20 Books of Summer 2025 reading challenge (although I still fell short of the target I set myself). Although it was a cracking month overall, here are the three books I enjoyed the most. Links from each title will take you to my review.

Check out all the books I’ve read so far in 2025 here. If we’re not already friends on Goodreads, send me a friend request or follow my reviews.

My thanks to Head of Zeus and Viking for copies of Lion Hearts and Evil in High Places via NetGalley.

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The Mirror & the Light by Hilary Mantel (4th Estate) – The final book in the author’s trilogy chronicling the life of Thomas Cromwell. A brilliant work of historical fiction, well worth the investment of time. (A shout out to Ben Miles, narrator of the audiobook.)

Lion Hearts by Dan Jones (Head of Zeus) – The gripping, authentic and action-packed third book in the Essex Dogs series, set in the Hundred Years’ War.

Evil in High Places by Rory Clements (Viking) – Set in 1936 Munich, a terrific historical thriller with a satisfyingly twisty plot, a constant sense of jeopardy and plenty of drama.

What were the best books you read last month? Have you read any of my picks?