Tag: mymonthinbooks

My 5 Favourite August Reads

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5Favourite

Of the 12 books I read in August, here are my five favourite (in no particular order). Click on the book title to read my review.

TheSixteenTreesoftheSommeThe Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting (5*)

The death of his grandfather and the facts that come to light as a result, see Edvard embark on a journey that will take him away from the isolated Norwegian farm where he has grown up. His travels take him to the Shetlands and to France in search of the truth about his parents’ death and the mystery of the four days afterwards when he was missing.

Beautifully written with a compelling story line, wonderfully atmospheric settings and well-developed characters.

TheWardrobeMistressThe Wardrobe Mistress by Patrick McGrath (5*)

Following the death of her husband, Charlie Grice, a famous stage actor, Joan discovers the secret he harboured throughout their marriage; a secret that causes her to see him in a very different life and propels her into actions that will have far-reaching consequences.

Set in an atmospheric post-war London, this book is an intriguing mystery, a very moving exploration of grief and an insightful examination of the act of performance.

TheHauntingofHillHouseThe Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (4.5*)

Four people gather in an allegedly haunted house as part of an exploration of supernatural phenomenon.  The author creates a creepy, unsettling atmosphere that builds towards a climax but leaves the reader to decide whether the events experienced by the group are indeed the result of supernatural activity, fuelled by some form of group hysteria or just the product of a feverish imagination and unstable mind. Rightly regarded a modern classic.

TheWordisMurderThe Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz (4.5*)

A wealthy woman is strangled six hours after she’s arranged her own funeral. Enter consulting detective, Hawthorne, assisted by the author himself in the role of latter-day Watson.

The book is hugely enjoyable and proof that Anthony Horowitz is a very clever man. The mystery is well-plotted and liberally dosed with funny and self-referential moments.

ADangerousWomanfromNowhereA Dangerous Woman from Nowhere by Kris Radish (4.5*)

In the harsh frontier country of 1860’s North America, Briar Logan sets out to rescue her husband, kidnapped by lawless men for the knowledge he possesses. A loner by nature, Briar is forced accept the help of two companions in what turns out to be an adventure that will put all of them in danger and test their bond of friendship to the limit.

A compelling story with some wonderful, powerful female characters. Review to follow.

What were your favourite reads last month?

My 5 Favourite…June Reads

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My5FavouriteJuneReads

Yes, I know we’re a week into July already but I seem to be permanently in catch-up mode at the moment!  Anyway, here goes… 

Of the 14 books I read in June, these are my five favourite. Click on the book title to read my review.

GoldenHill2Golden Hill by Francis Spufford

June was dominated by reading the books shortlisted for The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction and this was one of them. Although I felt slightly let down by the end, it was a highly enjoyable romp with a great cast of characters, some wonderful set pieces, lots of sly humour and a convincing period setting.

BrokenBranchesBroken Branches by M. Jonathan Lee

The first offering from new publishers, Hideaway Fall, the author creates an unsettling atmosphere with a distinctly gothic feel as he explores the impact of guilt, secrets and tragedy on one family.

WolvesintheDarkWolves in the Dark by Gunnar Staalesen

Orenda Books can be relied on to come up with some cracking crime stories and this was no exception. The book is full of twists and turns and interrelated stories creating a complex web for its protagonist, Varg Veum, to untangle.  I was lucky enough to win the previous two books in the series in a giveaway.

ACountryRoadATreeA Country Road, A Tree by Jo Baker

Another of the novels shortlisted for The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, but probably the least known, the book follows the experiences of an unnamed protagonist (but clearly identifiable as Samuel Beckett) during WW2. Not only is the story beautifully told and compelling, it is a really clever book. It inspired me to learn more about Beckett with the result that I picked up lots of references in the book that I’d missed the first time.

DarkDawnoverSteepHouseDark Dawn over Steep House by M R C Kasasian

I’d been aware of this historical mystery series for a while but never read any of the books. Luckily for me, my friends at Head of Zeus gave me the opportunity to read this, the 5th book in the series, and I absolutely loved it.  The mixture of quirky humour, eccentric characters and compelling plot was really entertaining and I’m now looking forward to reading the previous four books.

 

What were your favourite reads last month?