Maureen's 2007 reading blog

[Maureen]

A new year - started off with a new book - Memoirs of a geisha, which kept me up late last night. This year I shall be a bit time-constrained, and I know I shall not be doing as much reading as I would have liked, so I hope that I will enjoy what books I manage to read.

[Louiseog]

This was one of my favourites last year, really liked the way it got you into a different world

[Maureen]

Have now started Ruth Rendell's Adam and Eve and Pinch me. It could be because the book is a hardback and the type is slightly bigger than usual, but the first chapter seems a bit childish............

[Purple Poppy]

I've never read and Ruth Rendall. She's at the back of my mind. Should I bring her to the front?

PP

[Maureen]

Well it's my first (I got 2 of her books), but she has been recommended before. Will let you know what I think....at the moment I am not ovetly impressed..........but I have just started the book.

[Purple Poppy]

Ok. We'll see what you think after you've read it.

PP

[Maureen]

Have now started Ruth Rendell's Adam and Eve and Pinch me. It could be because the book is a hardback and the type is slightly bigger than usual, but the first chapter seems a bit childish............

It has not gotten any better, unfortunately. The whole plot is childish, and every one can see what is coming next.......the liking graph is curving downwards fast...............

[Purple Poppy]

Oh dear...not very encouraging...she's such a well-known name too. Or matbe we are all getting more sophisticated...needing cleverer plots all the time?
Keep us informed anyway.It might be that I just listen to her on audio.
PP

[Maureen]

Finished this yesterday....all I can say is Oh dear Oh dear Oh dear!! Have another one of hers waiting to be read, which I will do asap - that will decide whether it was just one book I did not like, or the style of the author.

[Janet]

Have another one of hers waiting to be read, which I will do asap - that will decide whether it was just one book I did not like, or the style of the author.
Just out of interest, which one?

I've read a few RR books (if I'm not confused and it is her who writes Wexford) and they were okay, but I don't think I've read any of her non-Wexford ones.

[Purple Poppy]

Just checked on http://www.librarything.com/. Ruth Rendell was Inspector Wexford author as well. Plus loads of other novels.

PP

[Maureen]

Just out of interest, which one?

.
Piranha to Scurfy. Liked the few pages I managed to read so far. It is a collection of short stories.

[Maureen]

Finished this late last night.....honestly have not made up my mind about this author. I enjoyed some of the stories - some were too short for the characters to develop..and the story was more like a short essay............a forgettable book though.

[Louiseog]

She (Rendell) writes as Barbara Vine) They tend to be more spooky

[Maureen]

Started on the Winter King. Liked the start of the book.

[Maureen]

I finished this yesterday. It is such a different type of book from that that I usually read! However I must say that I enjoyed most of it, although the place names and language style made the going quite tough! I also thought it drags a bit in places.

[Maureen]

Should be starting on the Interpretation of Murder for the reading Circle later on tonight

[Liz]

I'm over a third of the way through Interpretation.
It's not too bad - quite enjoying it.

[Maureen]

It's not too bad .
Oh! Hope it is not bad at all!:lol:

[Liz]

:lol: Yeah, I didn't mean it was bad. But it will be good to see how others find it.

[Maureen]

Finished the Interpretation. I enjoyed it. Very different stuff from the previous Reading Circle book, but that's what's nice about here - the mixture of different types and styles of books.

[Maureen]

Am currently reading Blood on the Tongue by Stephen Booth. It looks as if I found another author to look out for.

[Maureen]

I finished this book - it did keep me away from my textbooks! The characters are likeble, and the author has a very nice way of describing things - he has a knack for making a scene come to life in the imagination, which I loved.

[Maureen]

At last - I can read again - and I did - I just read THe Mathematics of Love by Emma Darwin - almost at one sitting.
My review (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=3243) here

[Michelle]

I'm glad to hear you liked it Maureen, as a couple of people here didn't. I'm sure I'll get to it soon. :)

[Maureen]

It's not my "normal" kind of book, but I enjoyed it. And the interweaving of the stories was well done in my opinion.

[Maureen]

Finished Crackdown by Val Mcdermid.
There are different reasons for reading. Having a laugh and wishing you were the "hero" in the story is one of them.(Or else at least lead a similar life) This is a book that lets you do that! Kate Brannigan is a female 007!

[Maureen]

I am currently reading Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde, after hearing good things about this book in this forum. I have only read a couple of chapters, but can see that it is not a type of book I'd normally go for, and it is going to take a bit of getting used to...........but it has made me smile once or twice........hmmm.

[Kell]

I am currently reading Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde, after hearing good things about this book in this forum.Have you read the others in the Thursday Next series? I have the first one, The Eyre Affair, on my shelf, waiting to be read once I've finished Jane Eyre... I've read the Nursery Crimes ones though - really enjoyed those!

[Maureen]

I got the Eyre Affair from the library. It;s next after SR. I know it should be the other way round, but I guess I'll manage not to get too mixed up ;-)

[Maureen]

I have a problem with "fantasy" books.

[Maureen]

Something Rotten, finished today. I must say that altough I could not get into this book at first, I really got interested half way through, and enjoyed it. In fact I am now looking forwards to reading THe Eyre Affair - which I should start this evening.

[Kell]

In fact I am now looking forwards to reading THe Eyre Affair - which I should start this evening.I'm about 1/2 way through and loving it. I can't believe I took so long to read it! (Although, the only thing that kept me was my own silly reluctance to read Jane Eyre any sooner than I did - which I also adored!)

[Maureen]

I have never read Jane Eyre, but should hope it would not make a difference. Do you think you are you going to continue with the sequels Kell?

[Kell]

Do you think you are you going to continue with the sequels Kell?Does the Pope wear a big hat & drive round in a Popemobile? :lol: Definitely! If the others are anything as good as the first one, I'l be in for a barrel of laughs from start to finish. I really like Fforde's style - his humour really appeals to me, and I like his cleverness (which is very similar to Pratchett's style of satire).

[Liz]

I'm really glad you guys are enjoying Fforde's books. I've loved all of the Thursday Next series. They're strange old books, but quite enjoyable once you get used to them and their style.

[Maureen]

I must say - against all odds - I enjoyed The Eyre Affair. As I mentioned before, I have a problem with fantasy type stories - have never read any HP, LOTR, and all the other (very popular) fantasy books. I tried a Terry Pratchett novel last year, but it was like trying to eat a bull testicle as a house guest at the Palace - you really want to try, at least to see what the fuss is all about, but even with your eyes closed, and breathing through your mouth, you still cannot do it.
That's why when I got Jasper Fforde's novels, (which I grabbed off the shelf without even thinking as I had to dash and pick up my son from school )- and started one of them (did not even check the sequence!), I felt disappointed when I realised that it was fantasy.
However after reading two, I can safely say that I want to read all of the Thursday Next series. These books are great! I will also not hesitate to recommend to people who do not normally like fantasy - if you want to read something different - give these a try. The way Fforde writes these stories is seriously neat!

[Maureen]

I have since read Lost in a Good Book, the second in the sequence (after the Eyre Affair). Will certainly look out for the others - need to know what happens to Thursday Next!

Now on to Mr Brookmyre's Country of the Blind

[Maureen]

Have not yet finished Country of the Blind - the dialogue is rather difficult to read sometimes (Scottish),and at other times totally uncomprehensible (sanny-staun-mingin-skelfs...), there is a lot of politics in the book - which obviously I cannot appreciate - Thatcher and Tories and Liberals. One thing I am noticing however, is that Brookmyre seems rather disenchanted about some European countries - i have already come across less than sterling references to them in another book of his - EuroTrash seems to be one of his over used words.....

The story's great though.

[Maureen]

Finished Country of the Blind this morning, and although I cannot really appreciate it fully, I enjoyed the book. Have since started Boiling a Frog - same author. The first couple of chapters are really good.

[Maureen]

1. Memoirs of a geisha
2. Adam and Eve and Pinch me
3. Piranha to Scurfy
4. The Winter King
5. Interpretation of Murder
6. Blood on the Tongue
7. Mathematics of Love
8. Crackdown
9. Something Rotten
10. The Eyre Affair
11. Lost in a Good Book
12. Country of the Blind
13. Boiling a Frog

[Maureen]

Kell's article (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/christopher-brookmyre.php) about Brookmyre is a great intro. I have grown to like Parlabene - his main character in these books. Unfortunately, as I always do, I never manage to pick them in the right sequence, and will be reading Quite ugly one morning later!

Now I have started on the Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde - (another book out of sequence - have read the previous and the sequel!)

[Maureen]

Finished the Well of Lost Plots. I must say the JAsper Fforde books were the only fantasy books I can think of, that I have enjoyed, and that i would recommend esp to someone who does not do fantasy!

[Maureen]

Oh I forgot to update this! After Well of Lost plots I read Quite Ugly one Morning by Christopher Brookmyre. The first book of his I read last year left me quite indifferent - that's not saying I did not enjoy it, but I was not about to tear my hair out if I did not read any more of his work. However, after Kell's waxing lyrical I read some more of his stuff, and I have come to love his one liners, his hero Parlabene, and and the way he tells his story. Some stuff floats over my head - like his descriptions of British Politics - Tories, Thatcher, for whom he really seems to have it in etc. I will definately be reading more of his stuff.
1. Memoirs of a geisha
2. Adam and Eve and Pinch me
3. Piranha to Scurfy
4. The Winter King
5. Interpretation of Murder
6. Blood on the Tongue
7. Mathematics of Love
8. Crackdown
9. Something Rotten
10. The Eyre Affair
11. Lost in a Good Book
12. Country of the Blind
13. Boiling a Frog
14. Well of Lost Plots
15. Quite ugly one morning
16. Lady Chatterly's Lover
17. The five people you meet in heaven
18. Cloud Atlas
19. e

[Kell]

Glad to hear you're enjoying the Brookmyres. I don't think I've found one yet that I didn't love. My favourite to date has been The Sacred Art of Stealing - very clever! :)

[Maureen]

I just finished, and loved, the five people you meet in heaven. It is a really great story - original, sad at times but really unique. Had never heard of the author before - perhaps I need to read more of his stuff.

[Maureen]

I have finally started on Cloud Atlas. i've been meaning to read this book for more than a year - on Andy's recommendation.

[Freewheeling Andy]

I don't think I've ever succesfully achieved anything before by nagging. I feel a sense of great achievement.

[Maureen]

I don't think I've ever succesfully achieved anything before by nagging. I feel a sense of great achievement.

Andy, it's called gentle persuation, and it's a revered art.:tong:

[Maureen]

I finished Cloud Atlas. In Shrek (2, i think) Shrek tells Donkey - ogres are like onions - they have layers. This can be said of this book too. There are six stories, all set in a different time, all written in a different style, but there are subtle links throughout. The book is sort of split into two parts, first all the stories start, one after the other, leaving you frustrated for more, and then you get the endings. The style was brilliant and unusual.

[JudyB]

Glad to hear you're enjoying the Brookmyres. I don't think I've found one yet that I didn't love. My favourite to date has been The Sacred Art of Stealing - very clever! :)


I've seen these at the library but not really taken much notice of them apart from noting their quirky titles - what kind of books are they? genre etc.

[Maureen]

Thrillers seasoned will a sense of dark humor. He has a particular style of writing though.

[JudyB]

That's intriguing as I steer well clear of fantasy also - might well have a look at these though.

[JudyB]

Am I going mad or was there a reply that said 'fantasy normally I steer well clear of them' below me?

[Michelle]

Yea.. I thought so too!
(I think Maureen got her authors mixed up! hehe)

[Gyre]

Looking good Maureen, you are one heck of a reader. x

[JudyB]

Yea.. I thought so too!
(I think Maureen got her authors mixed up! hehe)

LOL - it really threw me as it changed while I was replying making my reply look a bit wierd - really thought I'd gone mad for a moment!:lol:

[Maureen]

Am I going mad or was there a reply that said 'fantasy normally I steer well clear of them' below me?

LOL Judy.At first I thought you were referring to the Jasper Fforde books - then I re-read the quote and amended my reply. Sorry about that!!

Looking good Maureen, you are one heck of a reader. x

When I have time - yep!;-))

[Maureen]

read a book called e by m@tt.beaumont. It is basically a collection of emails between employees of the same company - rather reminded me of work. light and easy stuff - perfect for the beach.

Not a book that is re-read though. Ever.

[Maureen]

Started on The secret purposes, by Daviel Baddiel. Looks like a good read.

[Kell]

I hope you enjoy it, Maureen - it was one of my favourite reads of last year - really a surprisingly refreshing story that proves Baddiel can do serious as well as light-hearted.

[Maureen]

I am enjoying the Secret Purposes immensly. I think it is up there with the best books I've read. I would certainly recommend it.............so i was rather puzzled as to why so very few people took part in the reading circle/discussion of the book. I hope more people will "find" it!

[Maureen]

Finished the Secret Purposes. Great Read!! Hey, if anyone is reading this - try it. It is a great story, told with a touch (or more) of humor, and a few unexpected twist, to keep it interesting!

Have now started on The Painted House by John Grisham

[Maureen]

Finished The Painted House. A couple of people had told me that this book was quite boring, so I was prepared to be disappointed. However, i must say that I enjoyed the story, and feel quite satisfied to have chosen it.
1. Memoirs of a geisha
2. Adam and Eve and Pinch me
3. Piranha to Scurfy
4. The Winter King
5. Interpretation of Murder
6. Blood on the Tongue
7. Mathematics of Love
8. Crackdown
9. Something Rotten
10. The Eyre Affair
11. Lost in a Good Book
12. Country of the Blind
13. Boiling a Frog
14. Well of Lost Plots
15. Quite ugly one morning
16. Lady Chatterly's Lover
17. The five people you meet in heaven
18. Cloud Atlas
19. e
20. The secret purposes
21. A painted house
22. The king of torts

[Maureen]

The King of Torts was one of those predictable story, boring books........

Time for The Life of Pi

[NiceguyEddie]

The King of Torts was one of those predictable story, boring books........

Time for The Life of Pi

You'll love Life of Pi.

I liked King of Torts. I like Grisham's court room dramas. Better though is Richard North Patterson. A bit more intelligent than Grisham.

[angerball]

The King of Torts was one of those predictable story, boring books........

Time for The Life of Pi

I read The King of Torts a while back, and I don't really remember being impressed with it. In fact, I'm sure I skimmed a lot of it.

The Life of Pi is a fantastic read, especially towards the end. ;) I hope you enjoy it. :D

[Maureen]

A have read the beginning....and it sure looks as if it will be a good read!


I like Grisham's court room dramas. .

Did you try his A painted house? it is not the usual formula - no courtrooms - and imo, it worked a lot.

[Icecream]

Did you try his A painted house? it is not the usual formula - no courtrooms - and imo, it worked a lot.

I have got that one, and was wondering whether it would be different. Thanks Maureen.

[Maureen]

I loved Life of Pi. It is a really great book. I would certainly recommend it to more readers on here.

[FishAndChips]

I've added it to my wanted list.

[angerball]

I loved Life of Pi. It is a really great book. I would certainly recommend it to more readers on here.

Glad you enjoyed it, Maureen. It really is a great story. :)

[Maureen]

Yes it is. Some pictures will be with me for a while though!

[Maureen]

This is due for an update!
I have recently started reading for pleasure again - after about 9 months.
I have finished Common Murder and Clean Break - both by Val McDermid - nothing special - same old plot.
Labyrinth - Kate Mosse - Which I enjoyed. The story is different and unusual. At first I thought I would not enjoy reading it, as it was set in the past (Usually when I read a book set in another century, I get a sense of darkness which sometimes gets me 'down' and makes me rather sad.) However I enjoyed this book, and would read Ms Mosse again.
I have just finished Blackberry Wine, by Joanne Harris. I also enjoyed this book, which is narrated by a bottle of wine....:) The story it tells is romantic and magical, and I loved reading the descriptions of village life in France. Some of the people who were introduced in Chocolat, Joanne Harris's earlier novel, are re-enacted in Blackberry Wine. People who loved Chocolat should get hold of this book asap! Just the right dose of fantasy, adventure and mystery.

[Janet]

I think I should try to reread Blackberry Wine one day as I read it years ago and the details are a bit sketchy.

I know I loved it though!

My Mum, who has a very similar taste in books to me, just couldn't get on with it.

[Maureen]

Just finished Thyme Out by Katie Fforde. A nice easy summery book...:))

[Maureen]

Read The book Thief, by Markus Suzak, and Black Dog by Stephen Booth. Both enjoyable.
The book Thief took me a while to get into, but after the first two chapters, I was devouring this book like a bag of M&Ms. Black Dog was highly enjoyable too - a good old mystery, seasoned with a pinch of romance, a dose of sex, and peppered with clues. KEpt me reading way past bedtime.

[Maureen]

Finished Blast from the Past by Ben Elton. The story is great - except for the ending - which did not convince me at all :). It seemed rather unrealistic!

[Maureen]

Have started on "The other woman's shoes" by Adele Parks. Have never read any of her books before, but it looks like an enjoyable summer's read.

[Maureen]

Finished this - nice quick enjoyable read. Started The Kite Runner, which is proving to be a fantastic book. Had me in tears a couple of times.

[Maureen]

Finished The Kite Runner. A lovely book, about a tragic story - one of many - in war torn Afghanistan.

Started on Predator, by Patricia Cornwell. I last read Trace of hers, and was really disappointed about what she did to Pete Marino. Hope she manages to pick up some of the pieces in this book.

[Maureen]

Started on Predator, by Patricia Cornwell. I last read Trace of hers, and was really disappointed about what she did to Pete Marino. Hope she manages to pick up some of the pieces in this book.
..finished this - it is better than Trace, but still not as good as her earlier Scarpetta Novels. IMO Marino was boosted up a notch too - perhaps she got some bad reviews about that....

...have no idea whether there is another book after this, but the story certainly does not end here...

[Maureen]

Managed to read a chunk of Dead Famous by Ben Elton. Definately gets the thumbs up from me - and I have now gotten a new author to look out for - I think I would have read a couple more of his books before the year is up. IMO this whodunnit is better than the first book of his I read - this being 'A blast from the past'.

[happyanddandy]

I enjoyed 'Dead Famous' too - 'Chart Throb' was also good :smile2:

[Maureen]

I have just finished Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman. My thoughts : http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=165878#post165878

[kelly2008]

I'm dying to read 'Neverwhere' I,ve been looking out for it for ages :(
I love Ben Elton, I read 'Dead Famous' a couple of months ago and since then I've read 'Popcorn' which I thought was good and 'Blast From The Past' which was my least favourite.

I do have 'Gridlock' on my TBR but it doesn't really say pick me up :mrgreen:

[Maureen]

On holiday I read Entertaining Ambrose, by Deirdre Purcell, which is a sweet story about May, a normal housewife and mother, married to a criminal. May has a lovable character, and I was rooting for her before long. Nice story.
I also read Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs, which, as usual for this author, did not disappoint me. Tempe was on top form, and the story was great. I also noticed that she has a new book just out ;)

[Maureen]

Just finished Triptych, by Karin Slaughter. Not part of the Grant County series, this is a brilliant stand alone, with a story that kept me turning the pages.

[Angel]

I really enjoyed that one Maureen. Her books never disappoint.

[Maureen]

You're right Angel, they don't.

I am currently reading The Quiet Game, by Greg Iles. The name of the book is somewhat boring, however the book is not. This is about a lawyer (Penn Cage) and writer who returns home to Natchez - Missisippi with his daughter after the death of his young wife, but gets caught up in a 30 yr old murder, in which famous, powerful and well known figures seem to be involved. A dash of spice comes from the attraction which flares up between Penn and Caitlin, who is a beautiful newspaper journalist.

[Charm]

I also read Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs, which, as usual for this author, did not disappoint me. Tempe was on top form, and the story was great. I also noticed that she has a new book just out ;)

I have read all the Tempe series by Kathy Reichs as well and thought they were brill! I would consider them books which I dont even have to get an opinion on now as I'm sure they're gonna be a good read. Her new book is called Devil Bones I believe - I'm waiting for it to come out in paperbak form!;)

Just finished Triptych, by Karin Slaughter. Not part of the Grant County series, this is a brilliant stand alone, with a story that kept me turning the pages.

I have Triptych on my TBR list. Good to hear its a great read too!:D

[Maureen]

Have not updated this for a while!

I have read Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. It is 'the memoires of a childhood' during the war, where hardships and poverty where the norm, and childhood was over by the time you're 5 years of age. A lovely book, although heart wrenching at times.

I also read Tess Gerritsen's The Mephisto Club. A page turner, which i managed to devour in two days! TG has yet to disappoint me. :)

[Charm]

Have not updated this for a while!

I have read Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. It is 'the memoires of a childhood' during the war, where hardships and poverty where the norm, and childhood was over by the time you're 5 years of age. A lovely book, although heart wrenching at times.

I also read Tess Gerritsen's The Mephisto Club. A page turner, which i managed to devour in two days! TG has yet to disappoint me. :)

I read Angela's Ashes a few years ago and thought it was a lovely book too, a bit depressing sometimes and sometimes I thought my goodness surely this hardship couldnt get any worse, but I thought it was interesting and well written. There is a film of the same name based on the book with Robert Carlisle as the main character, although I haven't seen it.

Looovvvvveeed The Mephisto Club and have just finished Keeping the Dead so am posting it to KB tomorrow. Did you join this bookring? Think I'll start The Bone Garden tonight. :lol:

[Janet]

There is a sequel to Angela's Ashes called 'Tis, which is well worth a read too. :)

[Charm]

There is a sequel to Angela's Ashes called 'Tis, which is well worth a read too. :)

Yes I vaguely remember hearing of that but I don't know what its about. Does it carry on from Angela's Ashes or is it a stand alone novel?

Btw loving your penguin! (It is a penguin right??? lol)

[Janet]

It's about Frank's experiences after he goes to the USA at the end of the book (it's not a novel - more of an autobiography :) ).

And yes, it's a penguin. :D I took the photo at Bristol Zoo. I'm glad you like it. :)

[Charm]

Oh yes I'd forgotten he went to the US! Do you know its that long ago since I read the first one I can just barely remember snippets of it :blush: now i know why people re-read books. :smile2:

[supergran71]

Wasn't there a further sequel??

[Janet]

Teacher Man, I believe. :) As much as I enjoyed them, I was all 'Franked out' by the time I got to the end of 'Tis!

His brother (Malachy?) also wrote a book!

[ii]

There is a sequel to Angela's Ashes called 'Tis, which is well worth a read too. :)

Yes I vaguely remember hearing of that but I don't know what its about. Does it carry on from Angela's Ashes or is it a stand alone novel?

It's about Frank's experiences after he goes to the USA at the end of the book (it's not a novel - more of an autobiography :) ).

Wasn't there a further sequel??

Teacher Man, I believe. :) As much as I enjoyed them, I was all 'Franked out' by the time I got to the end of 'Tis!

Having read them all, I think Angela's Ashes was the most novel-like of them. As Janet said, 'Tis is more like an autobiography. Then again Teacher Man is more about, well, like the title suggests, about being a teacher in the US. So I found it a bit preach-y at times. But I really did enjoy them all! Teacher Man was closer to your "normal" novel, there wasn't that gut-twisting feeling you got when you read Angela's Ashes, and made it so special.

[Maureen]

Looovvvvveeed The Mephisto Club and have just finished Keeping the Dead so am posting it to KB tomorrow. Did you join this bookring? Think I'll start The Bone Garden tonight. :lol:


I do not join in the book rings as I am from Malta, and I would think postage to here would be more expensive.



Originally Posted by Janet http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=179017#post179017)
There is a sequel to Angela's Ashes called 'Tis, which is well worth a read too. :)


I heard 'Tis is not as good as Angela's Ashes.

[Maureen]

Have since read bits of Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman. This is a collection of short stories - some even only a few paragraphs long. Have not made up my mind about this book yet - some of the stories are rather bizzare, and a few i could not even finish. As I have metioned before I have a problem with fantasy - so this might be one factor - but, well, if stuck on a desert island I hope this is not the only book I have with me.

[Maureen]

Finished Linda La Plante's Above Suspicion. A nicely woven story - classic good guys vs bad guy....easy read.

[Maureen]

Just read Harlan Coben's Gone for Good. Wow! i loved the story. It kept twisting and turning like a big roller coaster. Mr Coben really knows how to spin a tale. For those who love thrillers, this book is a must read.

[Maureen]

Finished Harlan Coben's Darkest Fear. Well I read it in under 24 hours, so I'll let that speak for itself. Another one for spins and turns, although perhaps Gone for Good was a better story.

[Maureen]

...and have been reading Ben Elton's Gridlock eversince. It is a good book, but for some reason I can only take it in small doses.

[frankie]

Finished Linda La Plante's Above Suspicion. A nicely woven story - classic good guys vs bad guy....easy read.

Have you read Lynda La Plante's Trial and Retribution -series? I've read one of them (a great read!) and have two others waiting in my bookshelf. The tv-series are also great, I think they are the best British detective series (along with Minette Walters's series). I might try Above Suspicion too if it's good.

[The Library Nook]

I have never read anything by Harlan Coben but your reviews have tempted me!

[Maureen]

Have you read Lynda La Plante's Trial and Retribution -series? I've read one of them (a great read!) and have two others waiting in my bookshelf. The tv-series are also great, I think they are the best British detective series (along with Minette Walters's series). I might try Above Suspicion too if it's good.

The only other book of La Plante's which I have read is Bella Mafia, and it was ages ago. I did not know that there was a tv series, either.

[Maureen]

I have never read anything by Harlan Coben but your reviews have tempted me!

I don't think you would be disappointed. I will certainly look out for more of Coben's books.

[Charm]

Just read Harlan Coben's Gone for Good. Wow! i loved the story. It kept twisting and turning like a big roller coaster. Mr Coben really knows how to spin a tale. For those who love thrillers, this book is a must read.

I have 'anything by Harlan Coben' on my wishlist as I've never read anything my him before but they seem to come highly recommended so I shall narrow it down to 'Gone for Good'. :smile2:

[muggle not]

...and have been reading Ben Elton's Gridlock eversince. It is a good book, but for some reason I can only take it in small doses.
And, what are you reading now. :readingtwo:
I may get out my switch. After all, you promised. :)

[Maureen]

I am still gridlocked in 'Gridlock'.
I did promise - but I have to buy 'Wish you well', and as there is a book fair this w/end, I was hoping to get it there.

[muggle not]

I am still gridlocked in 'Gridlock'.
I did promise - but I have to buy 'Wish you well', and as there is a book fair this w/end, I was hoping to get it there.
I was hoping the library may have it for you. However, whenever and wherever you can get a copy, I have patience. :) When I enjoy a book that I think my friends may also enjoy I sometimes get carried away as I want them to have the pleasure of reading it.

[Maureen]

Nope, they have other books by David Baldacci, but not that one. I did not manage to buy it at the b fair. There were too many people for comfortable browsing, and my son was going crazy with wanting to buy this, that and the other, :) so I was helping him with his choices. We managed to get a good 6 or 7 books for him.

[Maureen]

I finished Gridlock....phew. Although the book was okish, it seemed to drag on and on for me....
Then I read J Harris's Five quarters of the Orange - in less than two days. Good story, strong and likable characters. (and I loved the food descriptions) IMO this is the best Harris I've read so far.

[Angel]

I haven't read that one yet - I have read most of her other books.

[pipread]

Then I read J Harris's Five quarters of the Orange - in less than two days. Good story, strong and likable characters. (and I loved the food descriptions) IMO this is the best Harris I've read so far.

I really enjoyed this book but, Blackberry Wine, is still my favourite book by Joanne Harris. :)

[Maureen]

Read Lucy Talk, by Fiona Walker. Chicklit. Nothing much to say about it...

Also read Ben Elton's High Society. This is a tongue in cheek look at drugs in today's world, politics, and the law. At times amusing, but also heartbreaking, there is the ring of truth throughout the narration, as the reader gets a look at the lives of those members of society that are usually ignored, the drug addicts, prostitutes and sex slaves. Quite enjoyable.