Tag: Monthly update

I’m still reading at a snail’s pace, only managing to finish six books in May. I’m going to blame garden projects, a bathroom refurbishment and a family wedding! Here are the three I really loved. Links from each title will take you to my full review or the book description on Goodreads. I’m behind with reviews as well!

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 HarperCollins and Head of Zeus for review copies of Traitor’s Legacy and A Beautiful Way to Die via NetGalley.

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Traitor’s Legacy by S. J. Parris (Hemlock Press) – a compelling historical mystery with a deliciously complex plot, an engaging main character, a varied supporting cast and lots of period detail

A Beautiful Way to Die by Eleni Kyriacou (Head of Zeus) – a brilliant story that exposes the tawdry side of 1950s Hollywood. Think A Star is Born combined with Sunset Boulevard with a helping of All About Eve

Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon (Fig Tree) – Inventive, playful but thought-provoking story set in Syracuse, Sicily during the Peloponnesian War, and told with an Irish lilt

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

I read eight books in April which rather suprised me because I’ve been spending a lot of time on garden projects in the past few weeks leaving not much space for reading. However, deadlines for a blog tour and a book club meeting helped. Here are the three I really loved. 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.

My thanks to VERVE Books for my review copy of Viper in the Nest, and to authors Gordon Doherty and Chris Thorndycroft for review copies of Devotio and Defender of the Wall respectively.

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Devotio (Legionary #10) by Gordon Doherty – set in 4th century Roman Britain, a thrilling and beautifully judged ending to the series.

Viper in the Nest by Georgina Clarke (VERVE Books) – the third book in the series featuring harlot and part-time sleuth Lizzie Hardwicke. A really entertaining historical mystery with a skilfully crafted plot and great period atmosphere.

Defender of the Wall by Chris Thorndycroft – also set in 4th century Roman Britain, the first action-packed book in the ‘Dragon of the North’ trilogy telling the story of Cunedag who went on to found the Kingdom of Gwynedd.

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