Louise's Books 2007

[Louiseog]

Having miserably failed to keep this up to date last year am starting again!!

Will list tbr in a moment when I've sorted it (alright three hours)

Am going to be really strict and not buy/swap any books unless I really want them! (Ha ha)

2006 read 125 books! Aim to not necessarily read more but enjoy more!!

[Michelle]

Am going to be really strict and not buy/swap any books unless I really want them! (Ha ha)

It'll be surprising how many you really want! lol

[Louiseog]

Already found 4!!!

[Louiseog]

Here goes:
On my bookshelves I have:
Thrillers
Jim Kelly - Fire Baby
GM Ford - Fury
Denise Mina - Garnethill
Ian Rankin (Jack Harvey) - Blood Hunt
Catherine Sampson - Falling off Air

[Louiseog]

Non-Fiction
Craig Brown - 1966 and All That
Bill Bryson - The Thunderbolt Kid
Frank Gardner - Blood and Sand

[Louiseog]

Historical (or set in the past)
Sebastian Barry - A Long Long Way
Elizabeth Chadwick - Shadows and Strongholds
Tracy Chevalier - Falling Angels
Tracy Chevalier - Virgin Blue
Jennifer Donnelly - Gathering Light
Sarah Dunant - Birth of Venus
Sebastian Faulkes - On Green Dolphin Street
Philippa Gregory - A Respectable Trade
Philippa Gregory - The Virgin's Lover
Robert Harris - Imperium
Valerie Martin - Mary Reilly
Fidelis Morgan - The Rival Queens
Iain Pears - The Instance of the Fingerpost
James Shapiro - 1599 abandoned

[Louiseog]

Mysteries (police/private eye books)
EF Benson - Mrs Mapp just found!!! gave up on
Simon Brett - Mrs, Presumed Dead
Simon Brett - Mrs Pargeter's Point of Honour
Simon Brett - Witness at the Wedding
Paul Carson - Scalpel
Linda Fairstein - The Kills
Reginald Hill - Good Morning Midnight
Alex Kava - A Perfect Evil
Ian Rankin - Tooth and Nail
Veronica Stallwood - Oxford Exit
16

[Louiseog]

Others
Jasper Fforde - The Fourth Bear
Jonathan Franzen - The 27th City
John Harwood - The Ghost Writer
MJ Hyland - Carry me Down
Wendy Jean - Unstolen
Liz Jensen - War Crimes for the Home
Kath Kincaid - Mrs Murphy hires a cleaner
Penelope Lively - The Photograph
Ian McEwan - Saturday
Sue Monk Kidd - The Secret Life of Bees
Jojo Moyes - The Peacock Emporium
Terry Pratchett - Hogfather
Malcolm Pryce - Aberwrystwyth mon Amour
Miss Read - A Village Christmas
Anita Shreve - Light on Snow
Asne Seierstad - The Bookseller of Kabul
Sarah Waters - Fingersmith
Sarah Waters - The Night Watch
Louise Welsh - The Cutting Room gave up on!

[Louiseog]

87!!!:blush:
The coloured in ones are read!!
Have got rid of some

[Kell]

Ooh, crikey, mrs! I think you've got enough to last you the whole year there! Got some good titles on those lists though - I'll look forward to hearing what you think of them all. Any ideas which one of the multitude will be kicking off your new year?

[Louiseog]

Have started Robert Harris Imperium today (present from oh). Better than I thought it was, the story of Cicero.

[Angel]

Wow Louise - you've some reading there! You've also put me to shame as I haven't sorted out my shelves yet -New Years resolution!!!!!!

[Louiseog]

We are deep in sorting hell at the moment!!
Clothes in bags, just starting on wicker magazine basket in the living room (here there be dragons!!!:eek2: )

[Liz]

Just a few books to start with, then. :lol:

[Sugar]

Oh, Louise - your shelves make me feel sooo very much better. Thank you!!!

[Louiseog]

It's Ok Sugar, anything to help!
Found another one so will add that.

[Louiseog]

Finished Imperium.
It was much better than I thought it would be.. Well written and easy to read story of Cicero and Roman politics in the Republic (just before Caesar). Although it was quite complicated it made sense and I felt I learnt a lot from it. (which I like)

[Purple Poppy]

If I ever get stuck for something to read I'll have to return to your list.
Thanks Louise :)

PP

[Louiseog]

Now reading and loving
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

[Louiseog]

Finished and what a lovely read.
America in the South in 1960s.
Girl runs aways and ends up in a family of bee keepers. (lots of twists)
Bittersweet with a moral of no regrets. Lovely

[Louiseog]

John Harwood Ghost Writer

[Louiseog]

I am really enjoying this one. Will find blurb later

[Louiseog]

Gerard Freeman lives in Australia, one day he stumbles on a book and a picture which terrify his mother.
He investigates, helped by his mysterious pen friend in England he tries to find out more about his English family.
Bit by bit we find out the haunting tale!
This was really excellent and very spooky (not terrifying but menacing!) Moved about in time and then all came together in the end.
4.5/5

[Louiseog]

Next three:
Witness at the Wedding - Simon Brett,
Instance of the Fingerpost - Iain Pears
The Hundredth Man

[Louiseog]

Witness at the Wedding Simon Brett,
Carole Seddon's son is about to be married. But as plans for the big day get underway, Stephen's future parents-in-law, Marie and Harold, seem desperate to keep the affair as discreet as possible. Then, after a quiet engagement party, Harold disappears ...only to be found dead the next day, in a burnt out car in Epping Forest. While the family try to deal with their grief, Carole discovers they are concealing secrets that can be traced back thirty years, to the murder of Marie's best friend. Now the girl's killer has been released from prison and is back in his old stomping ground, near Fethering. As Carole enlists the help of her friend Jude in researching the truth, Gaby returns to London to find herself in grave danger. Fearing the bride-to-be is the killer's next target, Carole and Jude must unravel the Martin family's past before he makes another deadly move ...and before the happiness of the impending wedding day is ruined.
This is the sixth in a fab series about Carole and Jude.... love 'em, and am running out!
As good as I expected, half way through already and its ironing night!

[madcow]

Oh its sounds a good read think i'll add it to my list :smile2:

[Louiseog]

I'd start at the beginning (a very good place to start!!) which is 'The Body on the Beach' and then go on from there.
Finished it last night and was great, easy to read, lovely, developing relationships among the characters and a believable story.

Started 'The Instance of the fingerpost'

[Louiseog]

Ploughing through Fingerpost which i am enjoying but have forgotten who all the characters are!

[Louiseog]

Finished the Instance of the Fingerpost and will post on that thread.
Kathy Kincaid, mrs Murphy hires a cleaner, just what I needed, easy, lovely story.

Half way through The Thunderbolt Kid Bill Bryson which was a Christmas present. Have only ever listened to his others but am really enjoying his stories of being a child in the 1950s. Worth it.

[Louiseog]

Finished Thunderbolt Kid and as a professed non non fiction reader it made me laugh and think. Want to live in 1950s America though - the optimism!

Now reading Tes Gerritsen Body Double - hooked at once and in there gripped !

[Purple Poppy]

Got Body Double high on my TBR list Will be interested to see what you think of it.

PP

[Amy]

Malcolm Pryce - Aberwrystwyth mon Amour




I'd love to hear what you think when you get around to this one!

I have read all of Malcolm Pryce's Aberystwyth books now (I can't remember off-hand if it is 3 or 4, and they are on my bookshelves at my parents' house). I went to university in Aberystwyth, so I love them for nostalgic reasons. Part of the fun is that they seem to show quite a perverse view of Aberystwyth that seemed quite different to what I remembered.

I hope you enjoy it...

By the way, your list is very impressive! My bookshelves seem almost sparse by comparison.

[Louiseog]

Hmm was wondering what to read next, choice made! Thanks!;)

[Amy]

Hmm was wondering what to read next, choice made! Thanks!;)

Now I feel responsible! Please don't blame me if you don't like it!

I hope you do though......:yahoo:

[Louiseog]

I am I am:blush:

[Louiseog]

Got Body Double high on my TBR list Will be interested to see what you think of it.

PP
Finished it last night.
Really good, easy to read and thrilling.
Liked it being about Maura Isles and only less about Rizzoli.

[Purple Poppy]

Should I be reading Tess's books in any Particular order. I haven't read any yet, so I can easily start them in order.

[Louiseog]

I haven't but there are moments when I get a bit confused with characters but they do all stand alone as well does that make sense?
www.fantasticfiction.co.uk (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk) is my order guru!!

[Purple Poppy]

Thanks Louise :) I keep forgetting about that site...although I have it bookmarked. I'll remember to use it in future.

[Michelle]

Also, the author's website is often useful! ;)
www.tessgerritsen.com

[Purple Poppy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q77/Catkintails/Tags%20and%20blinkies%20etc/thhm20on20computerMA11304590-0023.jpg Thanks Michelle. I keep forgetting that they all have their websites!

[Louiseog]

Now I feel responsible! Please don't blame me if you don't like it!

I hope you do though......:yahoo:
I did, a sort of mix of proper detective novel (Raymond Chandler) and mad Jasper Ffordeness.
Set in Wales in a parallel universe, good fun

[Louiseog]

Nowjust finished Jennifer Donnelly A Gathering Light which I think I would have enjoyed more if I hadn't read the Secret Life of Bees this month as I thought this one was quite similar.
Anyone read any others by her (as I have now joined the library)

[Louiseog]

Started: Nrs Mapp E Benson. Gosspiy tales of a woman in turn of the century England, not sure if I can do another bridge party though!

[Amy]

I did, a sort of mix of proper detective novel (Raymond Chandler) and mad Jasper Ffordeness.
Set in Wales in a parallel universe, good fun

Phew!

Glad you liked it! The Jasper Ffordeness never occurred to me when I read it first, but I can see what you mean...

[Louiseog]

Gave up on Mrs Mapp.
Went onto Kate Atkinson One Good Turn follow on from Case Histories subtitle a Jolly Mystery.
Set in Edinburgh Festival, different stories interact and collide.

Then: Veronica Stallwood, Oxford Exit which was OK!

Now going onto writing the CV!

[Louiseog]

reading Night Watch by Sarah Waters, great

[Polka Dot Rock]

Ooh yay, I'm also reading it :) I'm really enjoying it too.

Odd question, but do you have a particular favourite yet? I really look forward to Viv's 'turns' but I'm dying to know more about Kay.

It's so beautifully written too - and so easy to read!

[Louiseog]

Finished Night Watch. really enjoyed it, like PDR says its one to savour.
Don't think this will spoil but liked the way that I changed my opinion of the characters, and that you only found out why they were like they were at the end of the book!

[Louiseog]

Raced through MC Beaton The Skeleton in the Closet which was fun. Quick murder mystery.
Then tried the Cutting Room by Louise Welsh and hated it.
Now starting Fire Baby author escapes me

[Polka Dot Rock]

Finished Night Watch. really enjoyed it, like PDR says its one to savour.
Don't think this will spoil but liked the way that I changed my opinion of the characters, and that you only found out why they were like they were at the end of the book!

Ooh I'm near the end now (1941) and you've just made me even more intrigued! Can't wait!

[Louiseog]

Hope youa re enjoying it PDR!

Read Fire Baby which was a good thriller, Jim Kelly. Its a book crossing book so am going to release it somewhere!

Now Louise Dean Becoming Strangers which is about holidays not sure ...

[Louiseog]

Finished Becoming Strangers not much to say really it made me think and am still thinking about although I felt like I ploughed through it but the characters are staying with me.

Now reading Brother Grimm by Craig Russell. Scarey thriller!
Library book!
Need to read Room with a View for reading group but not that bothered!

[Louiseog]

Brother Grimm was a decent thriller with murders based on the Fairy Tales, could not understand why it was set in Germany but written by a Brit, seemed strange.

Gave up on Room with a View, too many words.

So still on the thriller theme, read Alex Kava A Perfect Evil which about the normal child kidnap horror but well crafted, there was lots of character development a bit like Tess Gerritsen which I am finding appeals to me.

[everydayxangels]

Sue Monk Kidd - The Secret Life of Bees
Zadie Smith - White Teeth


I absolutely adored The Secret Life of Bee's. I didn't read it that long ago, but it was absolutely wonderful. Already one of my favorites of the year.

As for White Teeth, i haven't read this one yet, though I did try On Beauty and was bored thoroughly. I definitely hope that White Teeth is better. So, do let us know how you liked it!

happy reading :D

[dogmatix]

Gave up on Room with a View, too many words.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Louiseog]

I absolutely adored The Secret Life of Bee's. I didn't read it that long ago, but it was absolutely wonderful. Already one of my favorites of the year.

As for White Teeth, i haven't read this one yet, though I did try On Beauty and was bored thoroughly. I definitely hope that White Teeth is better. So, do let us know how you liked it!

happy reading :D
Not got to White Teeth
SLOB was great.

Read Queen of Suburbia by Susan May (very black humour)
Melissa Nathan Learning Curve - a story of men and women. You know what will happen but how they get there is quite pleasant. Melissa Nathan died of breast cancer last year which made this quite poignant especially as she wrote the acknowledgements knowing that this would happen.

[Louiseog]

My New Years resolution was not to buy any more books, I haven't but have joined the library and been to my friend Ali's house and raided her bookshelf!

[Polka Dot Rock]

My New Years resolution was not to buy any more books, I haven't but have joined the library and been to my friend Ali's house and raided her bookshelf!

Nice exploitation of a resolution loophole :mrgreen: :lol:

[dogmatix]

My New Years resolution was not to buy any more books,

You're a brave woman!!

[Louiseog]

Nice exploitation of a resolution loophole :mrgreen: :lol:
:angel_not:

[Louiseog]

You're a brave woman!!
No just overwhelmed by paperbacks!!

[Louiseog]

Alex Kava - A Perfect Evil. Small town ex-footballing sheriff and beautiful FBI profiler.... kidnapped children and yes we know who it is (or it appeared obvious to me) but still engaging. A bit like Tess Gerritsen in that the characters lead the story rather than the gore!!

[Louiseog]

Jasper Fforde The Fourth Bear - second in the Nursery Crimes Division series and one I thought was up there with Thursday Next. Nearly cried at the end as there are no more to read .... yet!

[Louiseog]

Now Jeb Rubenfield Interpretation of Murder am on page 3 and hooked!

[Louiseog]

Posted about TIOM on the correct thread.
Am now Jill Manselling! Open House

[Louiseog]

Jill Mansell did exactly what it said on the tin!
Then read The Sultan's Seal by Jenny White for another book group.
About a murder in Turkey in the 19th Century. Really made me think about the nature of Islam in Turkey then and how our attitudes are affected by more recent events.

Now reading mercy by Jodi Piccoult which I am enjoying.

[Purple Poppy]

You're rattling through them Louise! The Sultans Seal sounds interesting. ;)

[Angel]

I haven't read that Jill Mansell, I generally enjoy her books when I need something light to read

Enjoy Mercy - I did!

[Louiseog]

Finished Mercy, gripped me from beginning to end like MSK.
Loved the theme but the undercurrents are fantastic as usual really. Last one I read was Salem Falls and that was not as good but this was enough to get me back into her.

Now Mothers Day pressie, Lee Child, Die trying (can't help thinking this was for someone else to read after me!)

[Louiseog]

Finished Die Trying, then Adrian Mole and the weapons of mass destruction, great fun
Hit library (not literally) and got Susan hill Risk of Darkness the third in a trilogy about DCI Simon Serrallier am so excited and started it today, gripped already

[JudyB]

then Adrian Mole and the weapons of mass destruction, great fun



I think Sue Townsend is a brilliant writer - have you read The Queen and I?

[Louiseog]

I think Sue Townsend is a brilliant writer - have you read The Queen and I?
Yes, loved that too!

[Louiseog]

Wendy Jean 'Unstolen'
Great

[Louiseog]

Just finished Sarah Dunant The Birth of Venus great story about a woman in Renaissance Florence, well told and crafted, a bit Phillippa Gregory.

[Louiseog]

Forgot PJ Tracy Snowblind, which is the most recent in a very good thriller/detective series.

[Louiseog]

Have leapt into Celia Ahern A Place called here. Thank you Paula/Gyre its fabulous, really different and thought provoking and I thought it would be chick lit!

[Louiseog]

Finished APCH here is what I said elsewhere:
I really enjoyed this book! Thought it had shades of Jasper Fforde and Kate Atkinson and made me feel happy and sad at the same time, going to be on my top ten this year!

[Louiseog]

Mum's the Word, Kate Collins. Small town detective stuff quite good.

[Louiseog]

Sovereign - CJ Samson Have discovered the reserve section on the library website and they all came at once!!!

[Angel]

Do enjoy Sovereign - it's a great read! I loved it

[Louiseog]

Do enjoy Sovereign - it's a great read! I loved it
I am hooked already!

[Louiseog]

Finished this last night and did enjoy it, managed to tell a lot about this period while making you feel at home with the characters and sympathy for them.

Now Triptych by Karin Slaughter (have transferred my Amazon wishlist onto the library reservations catalogue can you tell!)

[Louiseog]

I really enjoyed Triptych, engaging characters and not part of her usual series. Am struggling to move to a new book!
Assassani by Thomas Gifford is going to the charity shop unless someone can convince me otherwise

[Louiseog]

Read Sherri Holman the Mammoth Cheese today, liked the characters and the plot a surprise. thanks for the rec (again) Gyre/Paula
Started Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

[Louiseog]

Off to write a review. Hmmm

[Louiseog]

Alex Kava - Split Second, a new author who I am really enjoying, like early Patricia Cornwell.
Second in the series.
Off to get number three from the library

[Gyre]

Glad you enjoyed 'The Mammoth Cheese' Louise x

[Louiseog]

Off to get number three from the library
On page 212, great

[Louiseog]

Finished last night and read The Kite Runner today, cannot speak about it now too sad that its finished!

[Louiseog]

Janet Evanovich (she of Stephanie Plum fame) Metro Girl.
I liked this one, funny easy, good plot (and a £1 in ASDA). Not about SP though
Started a library one now and can't find it to tell you title!

[Louiseog]

David Roberts, Buried Bones was the library one. Sort of Agatha Christie era, detectivey, about the Spanish Civil War. OK

Then took em swimming and read Simon Brett 'The Stabbing in the Stables' which was the next in a great series called the Fethering mysteries, easy, light but a great story!

Off to try Jonathan Franzen The Twenty-Seventh City. Not sure yet.

[Louiseog]

Gave up on 27th City.

The Peacock Emporium Jojo Moyles, great!

[Louiseog]

Finished Peacock Emporium, really liked this one too. Forgot to write Marian Keyes Anybody Out there. Both of these made me cry and laugh will look for more Jojo Moyles.

Then read 1966 and all that by Craig Brown, made me laugh, history of Britain from 1900 to 2000.

Now onto Blood Eagle by Craig Russell.

[madcow]

I read The Ship Of Brides by Jojo Moyles last week and really enjoyed it.

[Louiseog]

Ooh shall look out for that one then! Is it about Australia?

[madcow]

Its about the Australian war brides and their journey to England to be reunited with their husbands, it's based on actual events.

[Louiseog]

Even more tempting, off to have a look on risi!

[Louiseog]

Really enjoyed Blood Eagle, a good old fashioned gory thriller. By the same author as Brother Grimm and the first in the series I think. Preferred it to BG actually

Read Saturday by Ian McEwan today and loved it may even be inspired to write a review.

[Louiseog]

Finished Skin Gods, fantastic loved this one!
Am starting Nicholas Sparks The Notebook.

Finished it now (it was very short) but left me cold, someone I know raved about it really said it was great and it touched no emotion in me at all! no I tell a lie, they cooked some crabs and I felt hungry!

[mrstrecool]

Finished Skin Gods, fantastic loved this one!
Am starting Nicholas Sparks The Notebook.

Finished it now (it was very short) but left me cold, someone I know raved about it really said it was great and it touched no emotion in me at all! no I tell a lie, they cooked some crabs and I felt hungry!


LOL!! :lol: I bought The Notebook because i absolutely love the film, but just found it dull and boring. I was so disappointed. I can't believe they even bothered to make a film from it, although I'm glad they did.

[Louiseog]

I have now read Paul Carson, Scalpel which was one I heard about on here. really gripping thriller, doing well this month.

[Louiseog]

Simon Brett, Mrs, Presumed dead. Light, easy mystery great fun!

[Louiseog]

Elizabeth Falconer The Love of Women
Good story but the characters did annoy me one of them got shouted out loud at for being a selfish so and so!!

[Squawk]

LOL!! :lol: I bought The Notebook because i absolutely love the film, but just found it dull and boring. I was so disappointed. I can't believe they even bothered to make a film from it, although I'm glad they did.

You see that sort of criticism makes me want to read it.

Maybe there is a market for really really bad books that will spread this way. Lord knows if there is a man up to the task then it's me!

[Louiseog]

You see that sort of criticism makes me want to read it.

Maybe there is a market for really really bad books that will spread this way. Lord knows if there is a man up to the task then it's me!
All the best! As I said the crab cooking bit was good

[Louiseog]

Fury by GM Ford
Not great, thriller about a serial killer wasn't very thrilled.
Been to library today and am reading Eoin Colfer 'Half Moon Investigations'
Only read half a page but looks good!

[Louiseog]

Liked the Eoin Colfer one. Probably aimed at a slightly younger audience than Artemis Fowl (which I love) but well plotted and fun.

Then read Carole Matthews 'Welcome to the Real World' Good fun but a bit sad at the end I thought.

Now Alice Hoffmann The Ice Queen.

[Louiseog]

Loved Alice Hoffmann about a woman struck by lightening really lovely and well told, a modern fairy tale for adults.

[Louiseog]

Alex Kava, At the Stoke of Madness am getting into this author but this was not her best. Thriller about serial killer short and not much changing in the whole story.
Paul Carson Cold Steel another thriller set in Dublin read his first last month and swapped for this one. Getting quite thrilling!

[Louiseog]

Was good but need a break from thrillers

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox loved this one have posted in the correct place.

Ian Sansom Mr Dixon Disappears second in the mobile library series and enjoyed the first one, North London Jewish librarian ends up in mobile library in northern ireland. Have heard comments that it stereotypes the Irish but I think the North London sophisticate who is beaten by them and he is the one learning to be a better person from them (I think!) It is funny anyway

[Louiseog]

Tracy Chevalier The Virgin Blue
Have avoided this author and not sure why as this was fantastic!

[Angel]

Funny that, but I also avoided her for a long time. I havn't read this one - I think I'll have to add to my wishlist.

The Girl with a Pearl Earring and THe Lady and the Unicorn are also very good

[Louiseog]

Do you want my copy?

[Angel]

Ooh yes please - that would be great! Is it hardback or paperback. Would you like to swap it for my Lady and the Unicorn? If so pm your details. Thankyou Louise

[Louiseog]

Annie's New Life by Maureen Martella
OK nice story am a bit bored of books set in Ireland now! So started Carry Me Down M J Hyland set ... in Ireland :lol:

[happyanddandy]

Are you a speed reader? You seem to read very quickly indeed. What is your secret? :smile2:

[Louiseog]

Dunno appear to be reading ver fast at the moment but not doing much else apart from work and do kids!! Have always read quickly !

[Louiseog]

Enjoyed Carry me Down can't really describe it but the story was clear and carried me along here is the Amazon synopsis and think I agree!

John Egan is a misfit, 'a twelve-year old in the body of a grown man with the voice of a giant who insists on the ridiculous truth'. With an obsession for the "Guinness Book of Records" and faith in his ability to detect when adults are lying, John remains hopeful despite the unfortunate cards life deals him. During one year in John's life, from his voice breaking, through the breaking-up of his home life, to the near collapse of his sanity, we witness the gradual unsticking of John's mind, and the trouble that creates for him and his family. Set in early seventies Ireland, "Carry Me Down" is a deeply sympathetic take on one sad boyhood, told in gripping, and at times unsettling, prose. It plays out its tragic plot against a disarmingly familiar background and refuses to portray any of its lovingly drawn characters as easy heroes or villains.

Anyway Drowning People next. OH has taken middley to see Spiderman 3 and littley is watching Peter Pan (again)

Changed my mind and reading a light mystery by Judith Cutler

[Louiseog]

Finshed The Food Detective which I loved - I do enjoy Agatha raisin and Simon Brett and this presses all the buttons that they do.

Now Carla Banks Forest of the Souls, another goody! nearly finished its about Belorussia in the war and secrets but its a thriller too well thought out and clever

[Louiseog]

Stuck on what to read next avoiding Ireland and should be a library book so will let you know (on case anyone was on tenterhooks!);)

[Louiseog]

Gave up on Drowning People by Richard Mason was a book of the month and I could not get into it!!!
So read Nineteen Minutes Jodi Picoult, am still thinking about what I think about it.

[Angel]

Let me know what you think Louise. I got Nineteen Minutes from DH today as a prezzie

[Michelle]

Did you see my review Angel, I was impressed with it. I won't say 'enjoyed' because that's the wrong word, but I do think it was well written.

[Louiseog]

I saw your review, think its up there with MSK but I felt there were unresolved issues and it ended too fast.
Read it soon Angel it is worth it!

[Louiseog]

Jo Bannister Broken Lines, easy police book, quite enjoyed it.

[Louiseog]

The Devil wears Prada, entertained already!

[Sofia]

The Devil wears Prada, entertained already!
one instance where I actually liked the movie better:blush:

[Louiseog]

Ooh may have to rent that too!

[Louiseog]

Liked this one. Library again today for 5 more books. Will list later.
Starting Stephen Booth Scared to Die

[Louiseog]

Finsihed Scared to Die, really enjoyed it.
Simon Brett Mrs Pargeter's Point of Honour, good quick fun.
The Book of Lost Things John Connelly.

[Louiseog]

Loved the Book of Lost Things, alternated between scaring the pants off me and laughing out loud.
Then Pauline McLynn Just in Time, funny and easy detective story (she was the housekeeper in Father Ted)
Now started Michael Chabon the Adventures of Kavalier and Clay (99p in Smiths)

[Louiseog]

Gor another Pauline McLynn from the charity shop Something for the Weekend, wich I did like. Still ploughing through Kavalier and Cray am enjoying it but it is very fat!!:lol:

[Louiseog]

Finished Kavalier and Cray and loved the whole tone and storyline.
A bit like John Irving for me.

[Polka Dot Rock]

Finished Kavalier and Cray and loved the whole tone and storyline.
A bit like John Irving for me.

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it :) You read it very fast!

And your last comment makes me now want to read A Prayer for Owen Meany...

[Louiseog]

Am going to be really strict and not buy/swap any books unless I really want them! (Ha ha)

This was posted in Jan so this week:
A friend very kindly gave me a copy of Boy in the World by Niall Williams
At the charity shops with this friend I bought The Crimson Petal and the White, Exodus, Something for the Weekend by Pauline McLynn and The Map of Love by Ahdaf Soueif
My mum bought me The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Cray by Michael Chabon.
Then I joined Book Mooch and mooched The Cape Cod Caper, Brown Owl's Guide to Life, Atonement and Jill Churchill Anything Goes, and I'm waiting for Vodka by Boris Starling and JoJo Moyles book Silver Bay?
Then I Book Hopped Phil Rickman Midwinter of the Spirit and A Crown of Lights.
Then I readitswapped it for:
Slaves And Obsession Anne Perry
Cold Granite Stuart McBride
Dinosaur Days Jill Laurimore
Maisie Dobbs Jacqueline Winspear
Curtains Katy Hayes
Summer In The City Pauline McLynn
Then my local charity shops gave me:
Birthday Girls Annabel Giles
Calling on Lily Louise Harwood
Something Borrowed Tina Reilly
Then on Amazon I bought The Poyson Garden by Karen Harper.
Finally I have eight books from the library and two more on order !!!!

Oh and another friend sent me Me and Mr Darcy.
Oh and I ordered and received ten Agatha raisins from Book People!

[Louiseog]

Oh and I'm reading the Tarnished Chalice by Susanna Gregory

[Louiseog]

Finished and enjoyed this 12th in a great series about a Medieval physician,very clver in its history and story telling.
Me and Mr Darcy Alexander Potter good clean take on P and P. fun and easy.
Starting Steph Penney The Tenderness of Wolves, got me hooked

[Polka Dot Rock]

Starting Steph Penney The Tenderness of Wolves, got me hooked

I thought this book was superb - really wonderfully written. I hope you continue to enjoy it! :mrgreen:

[Louiseog]

I stopped for a bit and read Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley (becaue I couldn't be bothered to go upstairs and get Wolves! :smile2:) Am now carrying on still good

[Louiseog]

Could not get past the first third of ToW, not in the right mood, will try again.
Read Sarah Dunant Birth Marks which was a detective story well told.
John Francome can't remember the title because oh gave it to me to read !

[Louiseog]

Now onto Queen of Subtleties by S Dunn

[Louiseog]

Stopped reading that for some reason. Maisie Dobbs Jaqueline Winspear, loved this detective/historical novel, set in 1929, echoes of first world war and beginnings of psychiatry, Great story too.
Val McDermid Grave Tattoo, enjoyed this much better than her other recents ones which were scarey.
Starting to mark exams and so less time to read and very tired!!

[Louiseog]

Fogive Me Amanda Eyre Ward, to review for Harper Colins. Great story will read more by her.

[Louiseog]

Getting behind with this:
A Crime in the Neighbourhood - the effects of the murder of a young boy on American suburbia, tightly plotted and from the point of view of a young girl. Quite intriguing.
MC Beaton Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage love this series, easy and light and well characterised
Maeve Binchy Whitethorn Woods - lovely set of stories linking into a shrine in some woods, vintage Binchy.

[happyanddandy]

Maeve Binchy Whitethorn Woods - lovely set of stories linking into a shrine in some woods, vintage Binchy.


Louise - I thought this book was dire!! :lol:

[Louiseog]

Louise - I thought this book was dire!! :lol:
:lol::lol:
Can see why was just what I needed on a rainy cold filled day!

[Louiseog]

Martin Edwards The Coffin Trail, I liked this one, about a community in the Lakes and an old murder case, well written and characterised.

[Louiseog]

Simon Brett A Comedian Dies, I like Simon Brett and this is a new series to me, it was a bit dated though.
Kate Harrison Brown Owl's Guide to Life, looking forward to this.

[Janet]

Simon Brett A Comedian Dies, I like Simon Brett and this is a new series to me, it was a bit dated though.
I've read a few Simon Bretts! I've read the Mrs Pargeter series (years ago now - they are also dated) and a few of his new 'Featherington' mysteries - Murder at the Museum, Body on the Beach, that series.

[Louiseog]

I've read a few Simon Bretts! I've read the Mrs Pargeter series (years ago now - they are also dated) and a few of his new 'Featherington' mysteries - Murder at the Museum, Body on the Beach, that series.
Those are my favourites have read up to Stabbing in the Stables.

[Louiseog]

Read and loved Brown Owl's Guide to Life !

[Michelle]

It's always good to hear that when you recommend a book! :D

[Louiseog]

It's always good to hear that when you recommend a book! :D
There are very few recommendations on here that I don't like!

[Louiseog]

Out by Natsuo Kirino, plunged me into an unfamiliar culture but one which did not feel difficult to understand.
Very dark and scarey, bleak. Made me feel sad.

Then Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist M C Beaton, Miss Marple for the 21st Century, read in two hours light, a good comparison!

[Louiseog]

Wearing purple Quintin Jardine. thought it was light and then suddenly it wasn't good clean detective goodies winning etc. Will find more by this author.

Amistead Maupin Michael Tolliver Lives, I loved the Tales of the city series but this author set in 1980s San Fransisco and this is light but a bit more explicit than I remember not for the under 18s I would suggest but a lovely story with all sorts of comments about the US, homosexuality, living with AIDs etc.

[Louiseog]

The Cipher Garden Martin Edwards, historian investigating murder in the Lake District, if I work very hard could persuade OH to live this life!
Another new and great author.

Jonathan Tropper How to talk to a Widower, I liked this one its R and J. Exactly what it says on the tin and very cleverly done without being smushy, sort of triumph over adversity thing.

Fidelis Morgan The Rival Queens set in 1699 historically great and an anti heroine, aging Countess Ashby de La Zouche is trying to find murderers so she can pay off debts. Good fun.

[Angel]

That sounds a good one Louise - one I may have to put on my TBR pile if you recommend it

[Louiseog]

That sounds a good one Louise - one I may have to put on my TBR pile if you recommend it
The first one is Unnatural Fire although you don't have to read in order, great fun!

[Louiseog]

James Morrow The Last Witchfinder wanted this for ages but quite hard work to start with will keep going though!

[maclsj]

I keep seeing this in my local library, I'll definitely be interested to hear how it turns out!

[Louiseog]

I keep seeing this in my local library, I'll definitely be interested to hear how it turns out!
I'm struggling but not enough to give up (if you want it after me pm me)

Since being off work (that's July) I have:-

Swapped from RISI
Agatha Raisin And The Deadly Dance by M C Beaton
The Last Witchfinder by James Morrow (already reading)
Wearing Purple (Oz Blackstone Mystery) by Quintin Jardine (read)
My Lover's Lover by Maggie O’Farrell
Crow Stone by Jenni Mills
The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie
The Field Of Blood (The Sorrowful Mysteries Of Brother Athelstan) by Paul Doherty (Harding)
The Devil's Domain (Sorrowful/Brother Athelstan 08) by Paul Doherty (Harding)
Last Tango In Aberystwyth
By Design by Richard E Grant
The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy
The 5th Horseman by James Patterson
Relentless by Simon Kernick
The Starter Marriage by Kate Harrison
Final Duty by Paul Carson
Reliquary by Lincoln Child
The Weight Of Water by Anita Shreve

Mooched from Book Mooch
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Babel: A Kathy and Brock Mystery (Kathy and Brock Mysteries) by Barry Maitland
Predator by Patricia Cornwell
The House of Dust by Paul Johnston
The Relic by Lincoln Child
At Risk by Patricia Cornwell
Mary, Mary by James Patterson

Bought from Amazon,
The Affair of the bloodstained egg cosy James Anderson
Birds of a Feather by Jaqueline Winspear
The Winter Garden Mystery (A Daisy Dalrymple Mystery) by Carola Dunn
Peter Pan in Scarlet by Geraldine McCaughrean

Gulp
Plus I got Savage Garden, How to Talk to a Widower (now read), Blood Angel and another one from the library.
I need to get out more!

[Angel]

:lol: Louise - I dread to think how many books you're going to get during the school holidays!!!

[Janet]

I was only thinking about Peter Pan in Scarlet today and wondering if/when it's out in paperback. :)

[happyanddandy]

Louise, my jaw is hanging!! How do you do it? :lol: :lol:

[Louiseog]

:lol: Louise - I dread to think how many books you're going to get during the school holidays!!!
I'm not by myself then!:blush:
and I'm on holiday from for about four weeks of it(time to read)

[Polka Dot Rock]

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

Ooh, I really want to read this Louise! It sounds brilliant! Very envious that you managed to 'mooch' it (:lol:)

[Louiseog]

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

Ooh, I really want to read this Louise! It sounds brilliant! Very envious that you managed to 'mooch' it (:lol:)
Hasn't arrived yet:blush:

[Louiseog]

Harry Potter.

[Louiseog]

Finsihed the Last Witchfinder, still thinking. A Necessary Evil Alex Kava, good thriller.
Hmmmm what next?

[Liz]

Hi Louise. :)

I keep hearing about The Last Wichfinder and I have been tempted to get it.
Would you recommend it and is it part of a series?

[Louiseog]

Hi Louise. :)

I keep hearing about The Last Wichfinder and I have been tempted to get it.
Would you recommend it and is it part of a series?
It is not part of a series and was good, did feel that I had to think. Had listened to middley's horrible history tape about Isaac Newton before and was glad I did. It is about the battle between Renaissance and Enlightenment ideas, narrated by a book which is very clever.

[Liz]

Thank you, Louise. :D

[Louiseog]

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. Enjoyed it but it was Practical Magic Alice Hoffman all over again!

Richard Montanari Broken Angels.
Am away till Monday so will take more have packed my entire wardrobe so may as well take the book case!

[Louiseog]

Enjoyed Broken Angels, easy to read, reminded me a bit of Brother Grimm!

Then Karen Harper, the Poysen Garden which I will review later

[Louiseog]

Agatha raisin and the Wizard of Evesham

[Louiseog]

Paul Harding The Nightingale something! as recommended by macslj (sp) was a new historical detective which I liked so will read more (also called Paul Doherty)

[Louiseog]

Jasper Fforde First Among Sequels, great so far (page 19)

[Liz]

Jasper Fforde First Among Sequels, great so far (page 19)

I've got that one waiting on the shelf. I've read and enjoyed all of the Thursday Next books so far and cannot wait to get started on the new one. :D

[Louiseog]

It is really great, tumbled into another world which makes sense:mrgreen:

Brilliant again, cannot explain the plot as its too complicated but it makes sense and there is lots of room for more!!. Forgotten how great Thursday Next is.

[Louiseog]

Didn't read much on hols but there are some will post later when I am human !

[Nici76]

Hello and welcome back Louise! Did you have a nice time?

[Louiseog]

Fab.... 1746 posts though! Thank god for jet lag.

[Nici76]

That will take you a while to get through!

[Louiseog]

On holiday, between theme parks, shuttle and fun!!!! I read:
The House of the Red Slayer (Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan) by Paul Doherty
I'm enjoying this series and will read more.
Jane Fallon Getting Rid of Matthew, an easy read with a twist.
Kate Harrison The Starter marriage, knew it was coming but good story and characters - not her best im my opinion
Relic, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child quite good but a bit far fetched for me
Calling on Lily Louise Harwood, not worth bothering really.
The Magdalene Cipher Jim Hougan - thriller supposed to be a la Brown but not great, good idea but a bit far fetched and rubbish ending
Last Testament Sam Bourne much better thriller great pace and good idea.
The Tidal Poole, Karen Harper- Elizabeth I as a detective good idea and fun.
Summer in the City Pauline McLynn - I loved this, a but like Maupin friends lives interlocking and their stories interlink, agreeable surprise.

[Louiseog]

Birthday Girls, Annabel Giles, better than I thought, interweaving stories which came together at the end.

[Louiseog]

Another 1920s detective, like Jacquelilne Winspear, Carola Dunn - Daisy Dalrymple Mystery.
Quite Christie-ish, light and easy.
On to Simon Kernick Relentless

[Louiseog]

Really enjoyed Relentless, very fast moving, there was one big loose end which annoyed me but the rest was fab.

[Louiseog]

Tina Reilly Something Borrowed. Sadder than I expected from the cover but nothing unexpected, enjoyable and a nice ending!

[Louiseog]

James Anderson, The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy.
The theft of the diamond necklace and the antique pistols might all be explained, but the body in the lake - that was a puzzle. "Don't expect me to solve anything," Inspector Wilkens announced modestly when he arrived to sort out the unpleasantness. And at a house party that included English aristocracy, foreign agents in disguise, a ravishing baroness, a daring jewel thief, a Texas millionaire, and of course, the imperturbable butler, it was going to take some intricate sleuthing to uncover who killed whom and why.
Agatha Christie with a tongue in cheek, great fun, although it was a murder mystery!.

[Louiseog]

Little Sister Laura Lippman, this is a proof copy that someone lent me and I think it has another title now, a woman is arrested after a hit and run accident and claims to be a child who disappeared thirty years before. The tale jumps around between time and people but ultimately makes sense although I thought that the ending was a bit rushed.

[Louiseog]

Death under the Dryer, Simon Brett, last in the Fethering Mysteries which I do enjoy and this one was as good, nothing to set the world alight but good mystery and satisfying characters

[Louiseog]

Legally Blonde Amanda Brown. Short, easy story, no characters with any depth and ended as I thought it would.

[Louiseog]

Mr Pip, Wow!

[Louiseog]

Edward Rutherford, Ireland, The Awakening. This book is huge but I have loved all of his others so am optimistic

[nicx27]

Little Sister Laura Lippman, this is a proof copy that someone lent me and I think it has another title now, a woman is arrested after a hit and run accident and claims to be a child who disappeared thirty years before. The tale jumps around between time and people but ultimately makes sense although I thought that the ending was a bit rushed.

It's now called What The Dead Know, Louise.:)

[angerball]

Edward Rutherford, Ireland, The Awakening. This book is huge but I have loved all of his others so am optimistic

I have two of his (London and Sarum) that I have owned for ages, but have yet to read. Good to hear something positive about his books - it may motivate me to get cracking on them. :D

[Louiseog]

I have two of his (London and Sarum) that I have owned for ages, but have yet to read. Good to hear something positive about his books - it may motivate me to get cracking on them. :D

I love this series, Sarum is great, they area very huge but very easy to get into use the index of names at the front and it makes much more sense.
I've read Sarum twice which is unheard of or me!

It's now called What The Dead Know, Louise.:)
Thank you knew you'd be the one to help!

[Louiseog]

Took me ages but read Ireland-the Awakening. It was the history of Ireland from Tudor times to independence although the bulk is Cromwell to the famine (1640s to 1840s) and in fact 1916 etc was in the last 40 pages. A really interesting read with lots of history which was explained well. Found myself reading bits out to oh!

Now Craig Russell Eternal which I think is the most recent in the Blood Eagle, Brother Grimm series.

[Louiseog]

Could not get into Eternal, very gory first chapter so am reading a Jill Mansell!

[pontalba]

I have two of his (London and Sarum) that I have owned for ages, but have yet to read. Good to hear something positive about his books - it may motivate me to get cracking on them. :D

Those are two that I have read, and I loved them. The scope is amazing, comparative to James Michener.
I have the Ireland series, yet to be read.

[angerball]

^I'll definitely be reading them sometime soon. I've had them for years, but just never got around to it. :blush: I tried reading one of James Michener's books - I think it was Chesapeake - but I just couldn't get into it. It just seemed like a series of short stories set in one geographical area. That's what put me off. I had no interest in reading all these details about a character, knowing that they weren't going to be mentioned again. :irked:

[pontalba]

^I'll definitely be reading them sometime soon. I've had them for years, but just never got around to it. :blush: I tried reading one of James Michener's books - I think it was Chesapeake - but I just couldn't get into it. It just seemed like a series of short stories set in one geographical area. That's what put me off. I had no interest in reading all these details about a character, knowing that they weren't going to be mentioned again. :irked:
I've read Hawaii and Centenial by Michener and enjoyed them throughly. I particularly appreciated the way JM begins with the formation of the land itself, and then the animals that inhabit that land, and then the humans come in....
I haven't tried Chesapeake so don't know if it is the same difference or not.
There was one of his I tried and could not get into, but can't remember the name.....The Source, that was it. Didn't care for that.

To find that last name I Googled, and I had no idea he'd written so many!! James Michener (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_A._Michener#Works)

[Renniemist]

I read Chesapeake a long time ago and really enjoyed it I have since read The Covenant, which I also enjoyed. I mean to read more of Michener’s books.

I also like the Rutherfurd books (London and Sarum). I have Russka sitting on my shelf, but I do fancy those ones about Ireland. They sound interesting Louise.

[Louiseog]

Have put Michener on my wishlist!
I did find the Ireland ones very interesting. Its such a small country that all the interlinking worked well (as it did with his other books)

Miranda's Big Mistake Jill Mansell, easy story, good fun but did feel like three stories nailed together! (or that she had to write a certain length of book and had to pad a bit)

Crow Stone Jenni Mills

[Louiseog]

Crow Stone Jenni Mills (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crow-Stone-Jenni-Mills/dp/0007247125/ref=sr_1_1/203-7372602-3604733?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191158266&sr=1-1), I loved this book, its all about quarrying and growing up in the 1970s.

Now Arkangel by Anthony Horowitz. The last in the Alex Rider series.

[Louiseog]

Which I had read before!! Hate that

Spot of Bother Mark Haddon, had been trying to get for ages and then found in the library on the shelf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Louiseog]

Ami McKay The Birth House (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Birth-House-Ami-McKay/dp/0007233302/ref=pd_bbs_1/203-7372602-3604733?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191777532&sr=8-1)
I loved this book set in the first world war in Canada, about a woman who is learning to be a midwife and her battles with a doctor and his modern methods of childbirth, whether a modern world is the best place to be. Lovely characters who engaged me and made me feel I was in a place which was real.

Arsenic Labyrinth Martin Edwards

[Louiseog]

Enjoyed Aresenic Labyrinth, a mystery/thriller set in the Lakes, nothing too taxing or gory exactly what I needed

The Judith Cutler Chinese Takeaway, easy mystery/thriller set in the Cotswolds hmm could be in a rut !

have Cold Granite on bedside table but not sure whether am in the mood yet.

[Kell]

I hope yo'u'll enjoy Cold Granite, Lou - I loved it!

[madcow]

have Cold Granite on bedside table but not sure whether am in the mood yet.

Go on you won't be dissappointed! :mrgreen:

[Louiseog]

I know!!
Have just finished Queen Camilla by Sue Townsend which I loved, finished work early picked kids up (littley went for the whole dressed up as a farmer!) and then came home and read (haven't done that for ages and feel great for it) CG is next

[Louiseog]

Am loving Cold Granite, read it during World Cup

[burghead lass]

I have just started Cold Granite in page 35 looks like a great book

[Louiseog]

I love it lots!

[Louiseog]

Zoe Barnes: Love Bug, OK

[Louiseog]

A Taste for Murder by Claudia Bishop. Cosy mystery, death and cooking, just myt scene, no thinking!
Red Dust by Gillian Slovo already very promising.

[Louiseog]

Have started a thread about this, great.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Rick Riordan. Librarian at work was raving about this. I was on a cover in the library and read first few chapters and was hooked. Then got it out (and the next two in the series) and although it was great I was expecting it to be Harry Potter and just reminded me of how fab HP is (and Artemis Fowl)
Know Kell has reviewed it and would echo her comments. think Tiger would like it as it has lots of Greek references.

Jojo Moyles The Silver Bay good start

[Kell]

Yes, I've read the first two Percy Jackson books - they were great fun to read. :)

[Louiseog]

Yes, I've read the first two Percy Jackson books - they were great fun to read. :)
Did check your reviews before I started!

Then read Barry Maitland book, Babel which was about a police investigation into a murder, Ruth Rendellish.

Crimson Petal and the White now, jumping in.

[Louiseog]

Got a bit sidetracked by stuff, went away and ... forgot my book!!!! :motz:
So readAnthony Horowitz South by South East as only one I could find at little brother's house

[Angel]

Louise - you must have felt totally at odds - going away without a book!! You must have been stressed - hope you are ok now

[Louiseog]

Still can't quite believe I did it! Improving and loving the Crimson Petal and the White

[Louiseog]

Really enjoyed Crimson Petal and the White, found the characters brilliant, felt so strongly about all of them!
Ending was a bit abrupt and would LOVE a sequel!

[madcow]

Try The Apple, it's not a sequel as such more like a little update! I loved both these books, glad you enjoyed TCPATW Louise.

[angerball]

Yet another book I have to read. I bought it a few months ago, but kept setting it aside. :blush: One of these days, I'll get to it!

[Gyre]

Happy reading Louise x

[Louiseog]

Back on my mojo! Mephisto Club Tess Gerritsen, great

[Louiseog]

Finished, greatg
Percy Jackson and the Sea Monsters. Good again

[Louiseog]

Enjoyed this but may stop the series now, think its more for reading to a small boy who likes heroes!

Catherine Sampson Falling off Air (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Falling-Off-Air-Catherine-Sampson/dp/0330420194/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/203-7372602-3604733?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194805590&sr=8-1) which have had on tbr for years! Have linked to Amazon and think I agree more with the first review than the second!

[Louiseog]

Stephanie Barron Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor A Jane Austen Mystery OK

Elizabeth Chadwick Daughters of the Grail

[Louiseog]

Which I loved, shades of Virgin Blue (Tracey Chevalier ) and Labyrinth
Friday Night Knitting Club Kate Jacobs

[happyanddandy]

Which I loved, shades of Virgin Blue (Tracey Chevalier ) and Labyrinth
Friday Night Knitting Club Kate Jacobs


Is that a recommendation for knitters Louise? :smile2:

[Louiseog]

Is that a recommendation for knitters Louise? :smile2:
Could be as the world's worst its certainly making me think about it again]!

[Louiseog]

Here is the link (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Friday-Night-Knitting-Club/dp/0340922192/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195757629&sr=8-4).
To blatantly steal a Librarything review, loved the book (or liked it certainly) made me realise that knitting was a lot more sophisticated than I thought but HATED the ending! Did not fit at all.

What to read next....... I love this feeling

[Louiseog]

The House of Dust Paul Johnston. I really enjoy this series of books about Edinburgh in 2028, clever and thought provoking

[Louiseog]

Good story but not quick!
Sara Gruen Water for Elephants (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Water-Elephants-Sara-Gruen/dp/0340935464/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196355615&sr=8-1)which I am loving

[Louiseog]

I really enjoyed this, light but painted a picture of an age that was vivid and understandable. Fantasitc, I cried at the end.

[Louiseog]

Fiona Walker something about Cheeks

[Louiseog]

Agatha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryham

[Roland Butter]

I've just finished Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death. I'd be interested to know what you think, Louise.

[FishAndChips]

I've just finished Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death. I'd be interested to know what you think, Louise.

Wow I thought you were joking with that book title. I had to go and look it up!

[Roland Butter]

Good title, eh? It was the first of the Agatha Raisin series. Someone whose opinion I respect suggested these books and told me I wouldn't stop laughing.

[Louiseog]

I do love this series, have read the first ten but tend to do it as light relief.
Very easy to read and straightforward, except suddenly there are layers emerging!

Prefer Simon Brett Fethering Mysteries which are in a similar vein

[Janet]

Prefer Simon Brett Fethering Mysteries which are in a similar vein
I've read a couple of those - they were enjoyable. I've also read his 'Mrs Pargeter' books - not so good but an easy read - they were perfect for when my children required more attention than they do now!

[Louiseog]

I think Agatha Raisin is more like Mrs Pargeter.

Susanna Gregory 'Blood on the Strand' second Thomas Chaloner story.
I love her Matthew Bartholomew books set in Medieval Cambridge about a doctor, this is a similar theme in that it is set around a man who is a bit different to the norm but he is a spy in Restoration London. Listened to the first and wasn't that bothered so read this one, and am still a bit confused, lots of characters, very few of them from the first book and I found myself forgetting who they were!
Having said that not much to think about, good story, goodies mainly win and its an interesting view of a period in history about which I know little of the social aspect.

A Sunday in the pool in Kigali - Gil Courtemanche

[Angel]

I blame you for the Matthew Bartholomew series!!! :lol: They are very good and I'm now looking out for them in the librar - a very good recommendation Louise!!!

[Louiseog]

I blame you for the Matthew Bartholomew series!!! :lol: They are very good and I'm now looking out for them in the librar - a very good recommendation Louise!!!
Phew!

I am really enjoying Sunday by the pool in Kigali. Not fun and very sad but thought provoking.

My reading challenge for 2008 is to try and read these (http://www.worldbookday.com/spreadtheword/)books. Have just started the list (alphabetically) will start a new 2008 log when it is (2008 that is).

[Louiseog]

Sunday at the pool in Kigali was fantastic, will review but not before Christmas.
Now Philippa Gregory, Wise Woman

[Angel]

Enjoy that one Louise! Whilst not her best - it still cuts a good read