Books from last year

Along with the glut of book lists from last year, here is mine from the last couple of months of last year. Hope you find something that is also on your list, or maybe to be inspired by. I haven’t included synopses because you can find those on the online bookstore site, but just what I’ve thought of them and come away with. (You might spot my weakness for crime fiction!)

The Murder Room - PD James

Variation of the locked room murder mystery - one of my weaknesses. A contemporary novel with a strangely retro feel, somewhat amplified by the romantic element which seems like it’s from then last century. But a rollicking good mystery.

The Bedlam Stacks - Natasha Pulley

The write up says this could be Indiana Jones with gammy leg. No, it isn’t. If that is what you are expecting when you pick up this book then you will be sorely disappointed. It’s actually difficult to say exactly what it is - adventure, yes, but also a spiritual commentary with a touch of fantasy. There, I think my description is better. Give it a try and it might be anything you want it to be.

The Shape of Night - Tess Gerritsen

Quite an effective ghost story - or possibly a ghost story. Is it a ghost or a woman with a drink problem? You’ll have to read to find out. I did stop reading it last thing at night because it was a bit spooky but maybe the says more about me than the book.

The Library of Ancient Wisdom - Selena Wisdom

I did want to love this as it’s a really interesting topic. Sadly, it is the victim of something that academics can do - take an interesting subject and beat it to death. I didn’t read the bibliographical essay because that was a bridge too far. Might be worth a go if you are interested in ancient history.

21st Century Yokel - Tom Cox

An entertaining read. I laughed and - yes - cried. A real mixture of laughter and memoir. Tom’s Dad’s EXPLOITS ARE ALWAYS WORTH READING EVEN IF HE DOES SAY EVERYTHING IN CAPITAL LETTERS.

The Man in Black - Elly Griffiths

I’m a fan of some of Elly’s work, usually the Ruth Galloway series. This is a collection of short stories which vary greatly. There isn’t a particularly outstanding story which is a shame, there were one or two which were better but I didn’t feel this showed off her best work. Perhaps one to read if you haven’t yet read of the other novels - she is a prolific author and there is probably a series you will love.

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Exit Strategy - Lee and Andrew Child

I’m not alone when I say that I don’t think the recent Reacher stories are the best of the series. We would all still read them in the hope that the latest would recapture the essence of the earlier works. Lee Child’s brother Andrew is now writing the novels with the oversight of Lee and this seems to make the difference. If you listen to this one on audiobook there is an interview between Jeff Harding and Lee Child at the end which is fascinating.

The Skull Beneath the Skin - PD James

A Cordelia Gray mystery, sequel to An Unsuitable job for a Woman. Another story from PD James based on an island where the suspects must be one of the guests staying for a new production of the Duchess of Malfi. Gray takes the job because things are quiet in the detective agency. One of the better stories I think, with great naughtiness added by badly behaved actors and staff. James must have enjoyed herself writing this one.

Oh Miriam! - Miriam Margolyes

This book is well titled - it did sometimes make you sign inwardly. If you didn’t think this woman was bonkers before reading this, you will afterwards. She has lived - and still does well into her 80s - an alternative lifestyle which is appealing. The name dropping and showbiz stories are less interesting, but if you like the idea of reading about a woman with a very different view of life, then you will like this.

The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories - Edited by Jessica Harrison

A mixed bag of short stories - 2 or 3 are lovely, the most memorable perhaps is by Dorothy L Sayers. Some are simply faintly puzzling. All appear to be a social commentary on what happens to families and relationships at Christmas gatherings. It isn’t always happy or festive, and some are a bit gloomy. I grease I’m not necessarily selling this book here, but if you want something a bit alternative, then this might be for you.