No More Dying Then - Ruth Rendell. Not your typical Wexford book, in that quite a lot of the story is about Wexford's sidekick, DI Burden. We find out very early (so it's not a spoiler) that since the last book, the prudish, judgemental Burden has been widowed. The sub-plot involves how he comes to terms with the situation, and maybe starts to look at life a little differently. The main plot is about a kidnapped child and possible connections with a previous crime a few years back. Lots of descriptions of flora, as was Ms. Rendell's habit, and I still think the style is little stilted even though we are now in 1971. The plot is enough to keep you turning the page, but, without giving anything away, let's just say the ending is a bit disapppointing.
Phantom by Jo Nesbo. A Harry Hole thriller. I fear that the series is becoming a bit formulaic - I know detective fiction generally is, but the Hole stories are feeling a bit on repeat, and getting more far fetched. There is a big shock with one of the recurring characters that is unexpected, but there's too much "action" where you know where it's going and the whole (no pun intended) Harry vs the rest of the world is becoming a bit jaded. I hope they pick up, as I already have the next couple in the series lined up to read...
I know what you mean. Have just read his latest Harry Hole book, Killing Moon, and that felt really far fetched.
The Girl in the Eagles Talons - Karen Smirnoff. The seventh Girl with the Dragon Tattoo book. Bit different this one, Smirnoff has put her own take on it, whereas I felt David Lagerkrantz tried to copy Stig Larsson's style more. The story is a good one, but I wasn't keen on the jumping around of timelines, and the sections of inner dialogue. Quite a few times I wasn't even sure whose inner dailogue I was supposed to be listening to. Lisbeth Salander finds herself in a new, unexpected situation - I do look forward to seeing how that develops.
I have just finished Walker RN he was the commander of an WW2 Anti U Boat unit. It's not a area I knew much about. Pre war he was deemed not to have the right leadership qualities for promotion. But he turned out to be an excellent war timer Leader.
Can't remember if I mentioned The Birdwatcher by William Shaw when I read it last year, but it was very good. Set in Dungeness, it's half about a semi-retired policeman (who spends his spare time birdwatching) helping a new Detective who has transferred from London with her teenage daughter in tow. Slow burning and really atmospheric, really enjoyed it.
I've this week read the follow up which follows another case with the Detective, DS Cupidi - apparently there's five in the series. Again, really good - Dungeness feels like a character, really well done in terms of location. Quite dark, and again slow burning but the clues are dotted throughout once you realise etc.
About three quarters of the way through Thurston Moore’s Sonic Life. Well written and a fascinating study of mid to late 70s punk and post punk in the US. Recommended if you’re a fan of Sonic Youth and or this type of music.
MW Craven again, Nobody's Hero. Stonking! So many twists, and the dastardly crime plan is brilliantly conceived. 2nd Ben Koenig novel, this was fantastic.
Digress .. Inside the Factory Series 9:5 .. how hardbacks are manufactured .. a must for any book lover, how your favourite protagonists arrive on the bookshelf
9:6 Is how sausage rolls are made .. take yer pick .. host Paddy McGuiness is a slight improvement on Tourettes Gregg
Marching Powder by Rusty Young. An astonishing real life story of a British drug smuggler banged up in Bolivia,s most notorious jail. You have to buy your way in and buy your own cell!
Marching Powder by Rusty Young. An astonishing real life story of a British drug smuggler banged up in Bolivia,s most notorious jail. You have to buy your way in and buy your own cell!
Great book. Unbelievable how it works in those nicks. If you like that Damage Done is a similar read on the Bangkok Hilton
The Time Machine - H.G. Wells wrote timeless sci-fi. A short read but full of enduring ideas. His imagination was so far ahead of its time.
Russia, Revolution and Civil War 1917-21. Usually I love Anthony Beevor's historical narratives. This one is typically excellent for the first 250 pages but runs a bit flat until the final 100 pages. Too easy to get lost among the new names added to each page and all the small skirmishes we're introduced to. Keeping track of what is going on proves impossible. Learned quite a bit but needed a good editing and a clearer overview. Russia is obviously ludicrously large so it is understandable that tracking a Civil War across such a huge geography can get disorientating. Never previously realised what a large presence the British military had in Russia during the conflict and the amount of manpower they contributed to the Whites.
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I've this week read the follow up which follows another case with the Detective, DS Cupidi - apparently there's five in the series. Again, really good - Dungeness feels like a character, really well done in terms of location. Quite dark, and again slow burning but the clues are dotted throughout once you realise etc.
Off to find number 3!
It's got rave reviews and I did enjoy it, not sure I would give it the same rave review but then again, I don't read from a critics perspective.
9:6 Is how sausage rolls are made .. take yer pick .. host Paddy McGuiness is a slight improvement on Tourettes Gregg
Russia, Revolution and Civil War 1917-21. Usually I love Anthony Beevor's historical narratives. This one is typically excellent for the first 250 pages but runs a bit flat until the final 100 pages. Too easy to get lost among the new names added to each page and all the small skirmishes we're introduced to. Keeping track of what is going on proves impossible. Learned quite a bit but needed a good editing and a clearer overview. Russia is obviously ludicrously large so it is understandable that tracking a Civil War across such a huge geography can get disorientating. Never previously realised what a large presence the British military had in Russia during the conflict and the amount of manpower they contributed to the Whites.