New arrivals
Zoo 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 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
What Cathy Read Next... 