Ruth

Fox Evil by Minette Walters, and Land of the Living by Nicci French.

I love the London that Dickens wrote about! I also think writers like Sarah Waters and Andrew Pepper portray historical London very well.

Only one at a time. Although I have occasionally been reading one book, and have had an audiobook in my car, but in general, I can't get along very well with audiobooks.

My earliest memory is my dad teaching me to read - I can't remember how old I was, but it was before I was at school. He used to read those Peter and Jane ladybird books with me. Once I could read, my mum bought me a new book every week. I always remember when it was bedtime, I would sneak a little torch under the bedcovers with me, so that I could carry on reading after 'lights out'.

I find it very very hard to part with books, and only very occasionally will I give them away.

I've had this on my tbr for ages, and must get around to it. We have a crazy Labrador of our own, so I am sure I will be able to recognise some of the mischievous situations which Marley gets himself into!

There were several books I loved in 2008, but the one that stands out most of all is Betty Blue, by Philippe Dijan. I just thought it was such a passionate, tragic story. I loved it.

I'm reading it at the moment. It's just a lovely lovely book. My copy has the other Christmas writings in as well, which is a nice bonus.

I second Kell's post - I have also read the first four, but have the next two on my tbr. I really liked them all; haven't seen any of the series though.

Is on my tbr - I think I have earmarked it for reading next year. I read A Patchwork Planet, by Anne Tyler, earlier this year, and enjoyed it very much.

Anyone can add me - the link is in my signature:)

It was a good year overall. I discovered some wonderful books: All Quiet on the Western Front (Erich Maria Remarque), Betty Blue (Philippe Dijan) and Mudbound (Hillary Jordan) were the best books I have read this year. There have been numerous books which I have enjoyed, but too many to list here! However, as always, there have been a couple of ones I haven't liked. Working Knowledge (Petr Kral) and The Almost Moon (Alice Sebold) are a couple that immediately spring to mind, but I can't complain - there have been far more good than bad.

Frankie, as far as I'm aware, there is no limit to the amount of books you can add (but please someone correct me if I've got that wrong). I use both LT and GoodReads, for different purposes. I list all of my books on LT, and review and rate them. On GoodReads, I just list the books I have read, or the books I plan to read in the coming year. I rate them, but don't review them.

I need to have a good think about this - there have been so many bad adaptations! However, one that immediately springs to mind is Killing Me Softly - the book by Nicci French was great, but the film (Joseph Fiennes and Heather Graham) was beyond awful.

Hi Biffo:) Have you read anything by Madasue Heller? She is very similar to Martina Cole. You might also like Minette Walters. Hope this helps!

[quote name='Los Ping

I thought this was a great book overall.

Yes, I think that's right. Although I personally hated reading Shakespeare at school, but do love to see the plays on stage (certain ones anyway). As for lying about what I read - I don't! I'm not surprised that people do, but I don't see the point myself.

have you read Love All The People, by Bill Hicks? That's a great read - I will have to reread it soon (I miss Bill).

Thanks Sue:) The part you mentioned is quite upsetting, but it is a very small part and isn't dwelt on. I hope you enjoy the book!

This book, set in London in 1829, is the first book in a series about Pyke, a Bow Street Runner, and sometime crook of questionable (to say the least) morals. The book is set at a time for great change for the policing system: Home Secretary Peel had his plans to set up one ruling Police Force, and thus put Runners like Pike, out of work. His plans were opposed by many, and this conflict is very well illustrated in this book. Pyke finds himself caught up in trying to solve a brutal triple murder, and his investigations uncover a web of deception which perhaps goes as high as the Government itself, and which threatens Pyke's livelihood and even his life. Aided by an enigmatic society beauty (which comes across far less cliched than that sounds), Pyke has to stay one step ahead of the powers that be at all time, as he faces danger from known and unknown persons. I really enjoyed this book. The action moves along at a fair old pace, and I never found myself getting bored. 1820s London is brought vividly to life, with detailed descriptions of the way of life. However, the historical references did not detract from the main storyline; they merely served to help set the scene. Pyke is a terrific main character. He is a cruel and brutal man, who I felt I should dislike, but there was just enough goodness in him to make me want to root for him all the way. As a character who was very believable, his actions still took me by surprise on many occasions. There is a lot of violence and bloodshed in this book, and I can certainly see that that in itself would turn a lot of readers off. I wouldn't recommend it to a squeamish friend! However, if you want a good crime mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and don't mind some blood and gore, this is a great read. I look forward to reading the next installment.

Oh, I love Persuasion - my favourite Austen book. I'd take Wentworth over D'arcy, any day!

Rebecca's Tale is on my shelf, waiting to be read. I have earmarked it for reading next year. Sally Beauman wrote the introduction to the copy of Rebecca which I read.

The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. It made me sob, but it was worth it - it's a wonderful book.

I finished reading Rebecca a few days ago. I thought it was absolutely fabulous, and even though I already knew the ending, there was still a real sense of tension and brooding throughout the novel. I have The Scapegoat on my tbr, and I definitely want to check out more Daphne Du Maurier.