Book review: Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh

Sunday, February 16, 2020 Permalink

I came across Irish author Steve Cavanagh’s name last year when his 2019 novel Thirteen won Crime Novel of the Year at Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival (which – incidentally – I’ve fantasised about attending someday). He was also touring with a number of other authors I knew so I kept seeing him on social media again and again.

It wasn’t until later I realised I’d actually read one of his books – The Liar in 2017 – which I really enjoyed. And of course I heard (only) fabulous things about Thirteen, and though I’ve not read it I really must. More so now I’ve read the fifth in the series featuring Eddie Flynn, Fifty Fifty.

I mention in my review of The Liar that it’s only when I read a legal procedural that I’m reminded how much I enjoy them. I’m also reminded that though once they were a dime a dozen and they’re now as rare as hen’s teeth. (Apologies for the idioms but you get what I mean….)

Book review: When You See Me by Lisa Gardner

Thursday, February 13, 2020 Permalink

I have to admit to being slightly confused by Lisa Gardner’s series’. I actually think perhaps there were more series and some merged when I wasn’t looking? I’m not sure. But although this is the 11th in the DD Warren series, I note it’s also labelled 20th in the Gardner Universe. Which entirely makes sense given the crossovers. (And makes me feel less like I’m losing my mind.)

Commitment phobic

Monday, February 10, 2020 Permalink

I like being organised and making lists, but generally they’re more like checklists or ‘to-do’ lists. And for the present or immediate future.

Yet for someone who is very anal about planning and feeling in control, I’m also weirdly averse to making commitments.

Book review: The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Saturday, February 8, 2020 Permalink

I’ve heard of Lucy Foley’s The Hunting Party and assumed for a moment I’d read it. But it seems it was most likely a book I’d admired from afar, so The Guest List is my first book from the English author.

It’s not out in Australia until later this month but I did notice it’s been released elsewhere so decided to move it up my reading pile. Naturally it meant an extended bath* as once I started I had to keep reading until I’d turned the last page!

Book review: Golden in Death by JD Robb

Thursday, February 6, 2020 Permalink

JD Robb’s ‘In Death’ futuristic cop series is one of my ‘go-to’ reads. The arrival of a new instalment leap-frogs anything else in my to-be-read pile or reading queue. Golden in Death actually arrived on its publication day so I was completely justified in delving into it straight away.

Embarrassingly I really didn’t twig (for some time) that the book’s title was a nod to the fact that this is the 50th in the series. D’oh!

Book review: The Fallout by Rebecca Thornton

Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Permalink

I must have requested this book (electronically) a while ago. Or during a lull. Because when it popped up in my ‘due to read’ pile I read the back cover blurb and groaned. Not from any physical pain ( 😉 ) but rather the thought of yet another book about parenting wars. I know the fascination with good / bad parenting started before Big Little Lies but the perfect / imperfect mummy thing has become a little old hat. More so for me I suspect as a non-parent.

But I bravely read on, deciding it’s not the author’s fault there’s been a deluge of books about parents being blamed for their children going missing or getting hurt when they should be keeping a better eye on them.

And, I was relieved to discover – after this book kicked off – there are some secrets at play that go beyond the parenting crap, so I found myself more intrigued than I expected to be.

Grumble-bum

Monday, February 3, 2020 Permalink

I’ve got a post written (drafted three weeks ago) about the fact I’ve been a misery guts of late. Each time I open it I’ve new fodder to add. New examples of my negative attitude and grizzly manner. New things to whinge about. New frustrations.

The post is now ridiculously long and my original point… which was about the fact I recognise my moodiness and am quick to apologise if I lose my temper (only ever with my mother I must confess) is buried in the sea of negativity.

Book review: The Museum of Desire by Jonathan Kellerman

Sunday, February 2, 2020 Permalink

The Museum of Desire by Jonathon Kellerman

Jonathan Kellerman’s The Museum of Desire is the 35th book in the popular Alex Delaware / Milo Sturgis series. I’ve been reading the series since its advent, missing just one a few years ago.

For those who are newcomers to the series, the pair are old friends… Milo is a homicide detective, and Alex a psychologist often called on for Milo’s quirkier cases.

Book review: Haven’t They Grown by Sophie Hannah

Thursday, January 30, 2020 Permalink

What I really liked about this book by Sophie Hannah is that though the lead character Beth sees something completely impossible, she’s conscious of its improbability and considers alternatives despite being sure she’s not mistaken. And of course, given my logic-loving ways…. I also liked that Hannah steers clear of the fantastic and (eventually) the inexplicable as we unpick the mystery.