Madeleine

Strange Magic by Syd Moore - this is the first in a new trilogy focussed on the Essex Witch Museum and it's new owner, Rosie Strange, who has inherited it. When she goes to see the museum, which she hasn't seen since she was a child, she finds a rather tired-looking establishment with shabby exhibits and a dated feel, but it's current curator, Sam, is keen to keep it going and has several ideas, not knowing that Rosie intends to sell it as soon as she can. But then they're asked to help a young boy who's been in hospital after falling out of a tree, and despite not having any sign of a head injury, not even a mild concussion, seems to be fading past and speaking in strange voices. An expert discovers that the boy, Max, may be possessed by the son of a famous Essex witch, Ursula Cadence, who was executed for witchcraft, and Rosie and Sam are enlisted to help recover Ursula's remains and re-unite them with her son's spirit, which will hopefully help Max recover, but other people want Ursula's remains as well. This was a fast-paced, enjoyable read, which breezed along, and although the spiky relationship between Ursula and Sam is predictable, it was a fun read and a bit different to the usual urban fantasy genre which can sometimes take itself a bit too seriously. I've ordered the second book which has just come out in paperback. 8/10 Skylarking by Kate Mildenhall - set in Australia in the late 19th century, this is based on a real-life incident and tells of the friendship between two girls, Kate and Harriet, whose fathers are lighthouse keepers on a small, windswept cape. Kate is in awe of the older, more sophisticated Harriet, especially when Harriet goes off to Melbourne for a few months, and comes back even more worldly. It's a tale of friendship and rivalry, especially after a new fisherman takes up residence in the area. It's well-written, but difficult to say anymore without giving anything away! 7.5/10

That's lovely, he must have been thrilled. As you say they are often overlooked so it's nice he's got the recognition he deserves.

Nice one!

Finding out via Google's doodle of the day that it's the 131st birthday of the humble hole-punch. As office workers we were all quite amused at that fact.

Lost in France - Bonnie Tyler

Why? Why don't they do something different?

Hayley, I got very confused by the events you mention in A Second Chance as well, and like you think it's a bit of a cop-out how she handled those events. However I still enjoyed it and it didn't stop me reading the next one, which does sort of expand a bit on those events, but I agree it is a bit muddled and I've lost track of the timelines a bit now. Still good fun though.

Bright and cold.

Have you tried the British Library? It's near Kings Cross if you're anywhere near London, or have a look at their website to see if they have any hints. Sounds fascinating!

I loved the first book but sadly was bored stiff by the second one! Looking forward to the TV series though.

Back to cold and wet.

Thanks for that, I'm taking the one prescribed but bought it over the counter as it was cheaper than paying for the scrip (as advised by the pharmacist). apparently you can OD on supplements though!

Devil Woman - cliff Richard

Hi Matt and welcome. Good luck with your books.

It's a bit milder today, but must have rained heavily overnight and still a bit drizzly when I came in this morning.

Yes the website I looked at (Boots so not a dodgy one!) said the same thing, I suppose it's inevitable with our notoriously grotty climate. Thanks for your help!

Black Velvet - Alannah Myles

I got it cheap in a discount book shop, so I'm glad I didn't pay full price for it!

Just discovered that I have a Vitamin D deficiency, hmmm guess that comes from a) being stuck inside for most of the week and b) living in a country with a rubbish climate. Will have to move somewhere warm (but not too warm though).

Quite mild and sunny, meant to get colder though.

I'm with Chesilbeach on this one, most poetry does nothing for me at all!

Our old lab was a bit like that with her bladder, she once went 12 hours straight without going out, one NYE when there were loads of fireworks. I don't know how she did it! Bit warmer and very wet today, meant to get colder again though. The plants were on their way out anyway, and will make way for spring bulbs! When I get round to planting them....

Well I spoke too soon! Woke up to a thick frost this morning, had to go for a blood test so had to de-ice and scrape the car windows, the frost was really thick and the electric windows froze shut. It was a lovely sunny morning, though I had to get my gloves out. And it's killed all my summer plants!

I think the dance off was a bit of a travesty this week, and the one who was sent home should not have even been in the dance off, but heigh ho, it happens every year.

Sounds like it, I thought we did this topic quite recently? Characters who you love to hate, or something similar?