~V~

No clue but it sounds like a good read Sorry I can't help

I haven't, no. I quite like her writing style as she demonstrates her intelligence by keeping it clear and non-patronising. She swears a lot but I suppose that's indicated by the title, it's all st***ed out though

I liked that one too - I have the next one on my bedside table waiting to be read

I used to use Jiffy bags too - then I wondered about the expense so stopped. I then recycled buggle wrap or whatever came to mind, they changed the way the post work so they were then always (as opposed to often) too thick. Now I've got a stack of plain brown A4 envelopes. I just put one in, fold it down and put a bit of sellotape on it (I can't bear getting parcels that I can't open), I've had nothing but positive feedback so it must be ok Plus it's kinder to the planet and that's the big thing at the minute isn't it?

18. Janet Street Porter - Life's Too F***ing Short! Forget all those self-help books. Ditch all the misery/victim books. This is where it's at. JSP is a woman who takes responsibility for her own happiness and this book just reminds us that we can too. I've read it cover to cover but have left it somewhere where I can dip into it whenever I'm in need of a laugh or some grounded sense. JSP - I salute you! 10/10 2/3 books read off Mount TBR - I can't buy a book yet

17. Robert Barnard - Last Post I wasn't going to read any more by RB for a while as I've read so many lately. However, this is a brand new book and I saw it at the library. How could I resist? Most of the books I've read of his are older so it was great to get a really up-to-date story from him. This one deals with lesbianism, blackmail and so forth with the ubiquitous murder cropping up too. I love this author, but I've already told you all that (several times no doubt), I read the book in a day which is pretty good going for me as a 'quick-read' usually takes me three days or so. I just couldn't put it down. So, if you like one-off stories that are easy to read, short, very British with some 'whodunnit' elements and always a twist or two - do give him a try. 9/10 1/3 books read off Mount TBR - I can't buy a book yet

16. Alexander McCall Smith - Morality for Beautiful Girls Ooh this is a bit darker than the previous two. AMS examines the concept of values and morality and brings up matriarchal societies as probably the best way to be. It also deals with mental illness so is not nearly so fluffy as previous offerings. It's still a good book and a great easy read. 8/10 1/3 books read off Mount TBR - I can't buy a book yet

I've read most, if not all, of Agatha Christie's books a number of times. Other than that, there's only a handful of books that I've re-read despite keeping books forever just in case I want to

I got 'After You'd Gone' a while ago off RISI. When I started to read it, it all felt far too familiar so I flicked through to the end (spoiling it for myself if I haven't read it) and some bits felt familiar and other bits didn't. Anyway, I'm sure I've read it years ago but didn't clock the author and title. I hate doing that

15. David Mitchell - Ghostwritten His first book. To me, this is apparent as it appears more like an exercise in 'Six Degrees of Separation' than a novel. There is much less linking the stories than in his subsequent works and although his prowess as a wordsmith as astonishing and the voice of each character is so full and individual, the book somehow seems far too disjointed. In reality, this is a collection of short stories with small links such as breath on the nape of the neck (but I'm not convinced even that is in each story) and mention of other characters from previous stories. I'm sure none of what I've written above makes no sense whatsoever 7/10 because reading his work is an experience regardless of the sory

Glory hunter That's more like it - a proper Tennant fan. He was lovely in that but hysterical in Casanova.

Plus she sings out of the side of her face. I think she could be aiming for the mic. I liked little Sarah tonight and Ashleigh

It makes sense, I'll give it a go (maybe tomorrow) and let you know. Thanks Echo

I know I'm probably being really really dim, but I can't see how you get to submit reviews. I figured I'd post the ones I do in my blog list here

Probably a good quick-read too

Is that a teen book Michelle?

14. Malcolm Pryce - Aberystwyth Mon Amour A 'comic thriller' set in Aberystwyth but not the Aberystwyth we know. Well to be honest, I didn't find this either 'comic' or 'thrilling'. It was mildly amusing in parts but read like a collection of 'funny names for shops' that had been cobbled together to form a story. Almost as if the author had lots of soundbite ideas and had to weave them into this in order to sell them. I then found out that he had previously worked in advertising! So having made sense of that, and bearing in mind this is his first book, I shall give him another go at some point. It would appear that he is quite popular and so maybe his writing style improves or the characters flesh out a little better rather like a TV series after the first couple of episodes. So, regarding the thriller aspect of it, well there have been murders and there are a few gruesome scenes, but there's absolutely no sense of jeopardy at all through the story. I wouldn't deter people from reading this though, it's different and quite light so give it a go if it appeals. 6/10

Are you wearing specs? If so would you like me to hold them for you? I'll be stood holding Prospero's coat anyway

Did none of you notice Nick voting for the Bollywood theme too? I'm sure that swayed at least a couple of them that may have been undecided. I quite like Sweary Sara, even if she is a bit squeaky. I think (from the clips of next week) that Lucinda may be shown to be a bit of a victim. Worse than a bully in many ways. Bah! Looks like they split the genders too. Good. We get to see them a little better when that happens

Yeah, I like him too. He really showed some leadership in that task and yet was said to be negative. I remember him firmly stating that they needed costs before they set prices and also in the tomato buying facade (can you believe that idiot is a Bank Manager?) he also suggested buying a huge sack of tomatoes as that would be in everything. In the end the 'Head Chef' bought loads of jars of sauces and ready-made pizza bases. Doh!

I know. That's why I asked

Who's Sam? I thought Kevin should have gone as Ian was prettier. They both made an equal hash of it though

The sherpa's carrying the spare tank

I shall consider that a compliment from you

Just to explain why I'm a worthy joiner-inner .. 381 books on my visible Mount TBR. That does include six library books but doesn't include some hidden boxes of books which is a mixture of read and unread and I have no chance of estimating how many are in there!