April & May Books
I have run two months together, as one book turned into a bit of a slog
23: Raven Black Ann Cleeves
The first book in the Shetland series. Vaguely remembered bits of this from the tv adaptation, but not the crucial bit of whodunnit, so no spoilers. This is a series I am really liking, the characters and setting are good, in fact the setting also functions as a character.
24: High Fidelity Nick Hornby
This was the May book club book. I quite liked it, although it wasn't the best timing to read it, as some of the themes co-incided with unfortunate annivesaries. I think I would have liked it more in another month ;) However, the discussion was really good, as we are a mixed group in terms of age, as well as gender, so we all had different perspectives on the 90s, as well as the male mind!
25: Gallow's View Peter Robinson
This is the first in the Inspector Banks series (bit of a theme here). It is very different from the tv adaptation. I did like it alot, although I am a bit sceptical about the amount of involvement of his wife - could be a bit too Joyce Barnaby for my liking.
26: Tides of War Steven Pressfield
This was the slog. Which is a shame, I was looking forward to this, as I liked Gates of Fire, his Thermopalye novel, very much. Not only were the characters whose lives we followed less engaging, but the style of telling was a little confusing, being portrayed as third hand information. I felt like giving up at times, but having made it through 400-odd pages, I wasn't going to let the last 100 or so defeat me!
27: Skeleton Road Val McDermid
Her newest one featuring Karen Pirie, and I had enjoyed the previous ones I had read, so was glad to borrow this from a friend. It not being mine meant I refrained from throwing it across the room at the end. Waaaah!
Other than the ending, it was an excellent read, great case, marvellous twist. I just don't know if I can forgive her for that ending.
23: Raven Black Ann Cleeves
The first book in the Shetland series. Vaguely remembered bits of this from the tv adaptation, but not the crucial bit of whodunnit, so no spoilers. This is a series I am really liking, the characters and setting are good, in fact the setting also functions as a character.
24: High Fidelity Nick Hornby
This was the May book club book. I quite liked it, although it wasn't the best timing to read it, as some of the themes co-incided with unfortunate annivesaries. I think I would have liked it more in another month ;) However, the discussion was really good, as we are a mixed group in terms of age, as well as gender, so we all had different perspectives on the 90s, as well as the male mind!
25: Gallow's View Peter Robinson
This is the first in the Inspector Banks series (bit of a theme here). It is very different from the tv adaptation. I did like it alot, although I am a bit sceptical about the amount of involvement of his wife - could be a bit too Joyce Barnaby for my liking.
26: Tides of War Steven Pressfield
This was the slog. Which is a shame, I was looking forward to this, as I liked Gates of Fire, his Thermopalye novel, very much. Not only were the characters whose lives we followed less engaging, but the style of telling was a little confusing, being portrayed as third hand information. I felt like giving up at times, but having made it through 400-odd pages, I wasn't going to let the last 100 or so defeat me!
27: Skeleton Road Val McDermid
Her newest one featuring Karen Pirie, and I had enjoyed the previous ones I had read, so was glad to borrow this from a friend. It not being mine meant I refrained from throwing it across the room at the end. Waaaah!
Other than the ending, it was an excellent read, great case, marvellous twist. I just don't know if I can forgive her for that ending.