Ben

So I finished Emotional Geology by Linda Gillard and I thought it was wonderful (I most certainly regret not getting to it when everyone else on here did). In any case, I want to review this properly, because it deserves it, and I'll reserve this post for a later review. For the moment, however, I will say that it was haunting, but beautifully so. Linda has such an elegant, poetic ("lyrical" as Isla Dewar puts it) style of writing, and the story for me was very touching. I'll elaborate more in the near future, but this is definitely a novel I'd recommend away.. ★★★★☆.

I saw that on twitter last night - hilarious. Ooh Kell, I do hope so..

Decided to read Linda Gillard's Emotional Geology which I've heard great things from on here. I can't believe I haven't ever gotten around to it before now - but better late than never. Also, added thanks to Hayley (chaliepud) for sending this out to me what seems like a very long time ago. I'm finally doing your efforts justice. Synopsis: Rose Leonard is on the run from her life. Taking refuge in a remote island community, she cocoons herself in work, silence and solitude in a house by the sea. But she is haunted by her past, by memories and desires she'd hoped were long dead. Life and love are offered by new friends, her lonely daughter, and most of all Calum, a fragile younger man who has his own demons to exorcise. But does Rose, with her tenuous hold on life and sanity, have the courage to say yes to life and put her past behind her? -- Excited to get start with this, I have a feeling I'll enjoy it immensely..

Already finished Broken Angels. I think that's all you need to know about the pulling power of Montanari's novel - once again completely unable to put it down and I read rapt all night. If I'm honest, I can't be bothered reviewing this one, but it was another taut, pacey thriller that had me gripped and guessing throughout. Once again my theories were all totally wrong.. next time I'm carrying a notepad with me while I read so I can write down a character list. That way I'll eventually get one right. Will be buying and reading more of the Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano novels when I eventually get this TBR pile down a little (sorry Montanari my friend, that could take a while).

Yeah, Benioff and Weiss definitely know where it's going to end up. I was watching a cast Q&A at Comic-Con and they couldn't answer who they thought would end up on the throne because Martin had already told them.

Decided on another one of Montanari's books, Broken Angels, as I so very much enjoyed the last couple. Synopsis: When the first body is found, mutilated and strangled on the riverbanks, Philadelphia homicide detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano suspect yet another case of random urban violence. Then it happens again. And again. Carefully dressed and posed, each victim seems to tell a story so gruesome that Byrne and Balzano struggle at first to make sense of the killer's dark and twisted imagination. But when they stumble upon a collection of old fairy tales, the fragile link between the murders suddenly becomes clear - and with it the terrifying conclusion of the killer's plan. Desperately, they try to anticipate the madman's next move, but as the body count rises, the killing spree spirals out of control ... Sounds delightfully gruesome and intriguing once again. *tries to keep mental notes of all suspects as he reads*

I did the same. I was reading it on my Kindle so for a moment I thought that there had somehow been a problem with my download *laughs*. I'm glad I persisted, it's a clever little narrative pause. Apparently he doesn't employ the technique very often (in the other stories) so that's interesting.. Montanari is excellent. I've just started Broken Angels and I'm desperately trying to keep all the suspects in my mind already.

At least we're not spoiling, just teasing.. Enjoy!

Finished A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Short read, nothing taxing (but what do you expect when Holmes is their to do all the work). Thoughts: A Study in Scarlet is the novel that introduced the world to our favourite pipe-smoking, consulting detective (well, he is the only one after all) and his side-kick Dr John Watson. Sherlock Holmes, of course - that cold, calculating, logical, violin-playing genius who can observe what others do not see. A wealth of knowledge on certain subjects, but happily ignorant with minor details - such as knowing the earth orbits around the sun - Watson quickly learns that Sherlock Holmes is no ordinary fellow lodger. When a man is found dead with the word RACHE written in blood upon the wall, and the detectives come to Sherlock for help, John will soon learn the true extent of his new acquaintance's capabilities. Now, as I already knew this story for the BBC's excellent adaptation in the first series of Sherlock, I was already expecting the story to be ruined for me. Of course, in a way, it was: the result for the most part is the same, it is just the particulars that differ. Obviously with a contemporary updating, Moffat does not follow Doyle's text to the letter, but instead cleverly picks from it throughout. It's evident that the producers knew their source material, but that's enough about Moffat, he gets enough of my praises at the best of times. In the middle of A Study in Scarlet we are offered a change in pacing; a pause in the narrative just as we're on the verge of having our questions answered and the mystery resolved. Interestingly, I have heard people say they have skipped the middle section of 'history' that we're given, but I think that is utterly daft. It is possible, and it wouldn't ruin the conclusion, but it ruins the bigger picture. It offers a clever back-story, a motivation, and sets up the conclusion much better than it would if it wasn't included. Conan Doyle is a master of the detective fiction (not that I have read much of that genre, I just have a feeling he is *shrugs*) and this is an entertaining nudge into the world of Sherlock Holmes. The novel is cleverly written (of course) and I would recommend anyone that hasn't already attempted to read a Holmes story, to do so in the foreseeable future. I mean, the BBC adaptations are good - okay, great - but the source material is brilliant too, and well worth the read. ★★★★☆.

Just reading some of the reactions on twitter - absolutely priceless. I remember it being one of my favourite scenes in the book so I'm glad they've got it across to screen well.

Still haven't got around to watching season three yet but I think I'll wait until next week's episode has aired and watch them all in one go. I've read the third book so unfortunately there'll be no surprises, but I'm interested to see how things come across on screen..

Next time.. words that bring joy to my ears. So, this weekend good for everyone, yes?

I think I'm going to resume my Sherlock Holmes challenge which admittedly didn't get very far last year. I've only ever read the first collection of tales The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and the novel The Hound of the Baskervilles - both of which are great. I want to get through some more of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's splendid tales, and have decided to thrown myself in at the beginning with the first novel A Study in Scarlet. Synopsis: A Study in Scarlet is the genre-defining work with which popular crime fiction was born. A potent mix of serial murder, suspense, cryptic clues, red herrings and revenge, the novel introduces us to the world-famous characters of Sherlock Holmes, Dr Watson and Inspector Lestrade and sees Sherlock and Dr Watson meet and join forces for the first time as they track a mysterious killer that stalks London's streets. -- Interested to read how it all started off, and how it'll compare to the BBC's first episode of the series Sherlock. I mean, obviously it'll be completely different because the television series was a contemporary updating, but I'm still interested nevertheless. At least I know that when I enjoy it (bound to!) there's plenty more stories with our pipe-smoking detective left for me to get my teeth into..

Finished On the Road by Jack Kerouac earlier (if you cast your mind's back you may just about remember me starting it in the distant past, but because of exams and whatnot it's remained unfinished until now). Hundreds of people have already wrote everything there possibly is to say on Kerouac's text, but anyway.. Now, I can see why this is a marmite-type book *laughs* - the free-flowing, 'stream-of-consciousness'-style narrative is not to everyone's liking, and I can understand that. However, this furiously-paced, sprawling narrative - covering the length and breadth of 1950s America - is a quite splendid exploration of frivolity and adventure (at least, it was to this reader). Energetic, jazz-inspired, random, we're treated to pulsating images of crazy hitch-hiking, wild, sleepless nights, drunken antics and a seemingly never-ending high-speed journey across the great winding roads of America. I personally enjoyed it. Kerouac's writing style isn't easy to grasp by any means, but once you allow yourself to submit to it, it's easy to lose yourself (in the same way that I feel our protagonist Sal Paradise has the potential to be a simple, unadventurous writer but submits to the lunacy of Dean Moriarty). I wouldn't recommend this to everyone, as it can sometimes be a struggle and definitely isn't to everyone's tastes. Yet I'd recommend everyone to try it. It's fun, carefree, and for me it was at times laugh-out-loud hilarious. Overall an entertaining exploration of travelling without a single care in the world. ★★★★☆.

Definitely don't need to read the Discworld novels first, Good Omens is a stand-alone and certainly isn't set in the same world (although in my humble opinion it's just as daring, witty and hilarious as Pratchett's books).

Hey Kylie, we forgive you. Only because sitting down to watch just one episode of Gilmore Girls we all know is asking for trouble.

American Gods is a wonderful book. Also, Good Omens co-wrote with Terry Pratchett is a cracker if you haven't read that already.

Blimey Athena, I know you feel like you haven't read as much as you could have this weekend, but I hardly think that total is to scoff at. Congratulations to everyone that's participated in this - I've had oodles of fun and Athena's reminiscing of 'reading all day as a kid' is the same feeling I've had this weekend. It's been nice to just abandon myself to the world of literature for an extended period of time, and we should definitely do this again - soon. My own reading totals as follows (with a possible hour or so left of reading a bit later). 1. Inconceivable by Ben Elton. Time spent reading: 4 hours, 30mins (roughly). Pages: 272. 2. The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker. Time spent reading: 5 hours, 15mins (roughly). Pages: 370. 3. The Rosary Girls by Richard Montanari. Time spent reading: 7 hours (roughly). Pages: 533. 4. Stardust by Neil Gaiman. Time spent reading: 3 hours, 15mins (roughly). Pages: 272. Time spent reading (total): 20 hours. (Perhaps a tiny bit more). Pages (total): 1447. In terms of progress, I'm quite happy. I could have got much more reading in if I'd have sat down and committed myself during the day-time, but the insomnia kept me rattling on nicely in terms of numbers. More important than statistics though (I know.. bear with me!) is the fact that it's really helped me rediscover a bit of lost motivation and has helped me relax this weekend (hopefully a good prospect for tracking down this rapidly-escaping 100 total). So, thanks Athena for organising this - can't wait until we can all do this again soon.

Ooh, I'm glad to be of service. I do hope you enjoy both of the books. In the case of The Rosary Girls if you're a fan of this genre you should have absolutely no problems with Montanari's novels. I'm not a huge reader of crime/thriller, and certainly no expert, but I get the impression this guy certainly knows a thing or two about writing in this genre. Just finished it. Shall type up some thoughts properly later tomorrow *laughs* but Gaiman has such a wonderful talent. So magical and effortless. American Gods had already convinced me of this, but this little gem of a novel reasserts the fact in its own way. I'd definitely recommend as a quick read that isn't too taxing but at the same time is full of delights.

Colin Morgan? Benedict Cumberbath? (This one, please) It'll more likely be someone unknown, though.

Next up Neil Gaiman's Stardust. This has been on my to-read pile for a long time too. Have seen the film and enjoyed it but have always (as usual) wanted to read the source material. Synopsis: A breathtaking and magical novel from master storyteller Neil Gaiman. Life moves at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall - named after the imposing stone barrier which separates the town from a grassy meadow. Here, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the beautiful Victoria Forester and for the coveted prize of her hand, Tristran vows to retrieve a fallen star and deliver it to his beloved. It is an oath that sends him over the ancient wall and into a world that is dangerous and strange beyond imagining.. Doesn't sound like something I'd normally read but Gaiman is magical so I'll here him out.

Really enjoying reading everyone's progress on here - it's so cool to see we're all really getting stuck into some good books. Keep it up for today, everyone! This has been great fun. For me, another (*sigh*) sleepless night got me through The Rosary Girls by Richard Montanari last night and I'm disappointed I've left his books for so long. I need to remember to dip into a crime/thriller/'whodunnit' now and again, because if they're done right its great fun. 3. The Rosary Girls by Richard Montanari. Time spent reading: 7 hours (roughly). Pages: 533. Time spent reading (total): 16 hours, 45mins (roughly). Pages (total): 1175. Mini-review The Rosary Girls introduces us to veteran cop Kevin Byrne and his new partner Jessica Balzano; the first book in a series that has already spanned six books and has a seventh coming in July with The Stolen Ones. This is good news, as the two have an instant and easy-going camaraderie. Recently split from her husband Vincent, Jessica must juggle her three year old daughter Sophie with her job. A job that from day one apparently isn't going to be easy - they've found a girl dead in an abandoned house, and with the circumstances that surround it, the death is the least of their problems. There is a serial killer on the loose. Cold, calculating, logical, he's taunting Homicide with each move, leaving the bodies of young, Catholic girls in his path. A rosary on each of the dead girls, mysterious clues such as a Dante painting and a lamb's leg - teasing the department, always one step ahead. Kevin, at the same time, faces his own demons of the past; forced to take pills just to ease the pain and banish the visions. One thing is for certain: Jessica, Kevin and the rest of the detectives on the case are running out of time to catch this cold-blooded killer before he kills again. Montanari's strength is in keeping you guessing as the plot moves at a furious pace. Throughout the novel, clues begin to unravel, hints are dropped - even if they're just clues that we get, not the detectives. You scrutinise every character, believe nobody, question all motives and explanations. No wonder this is a real page-turner of a thriller - like any good reveal, the answers lay in the novels final pages, when you think you have already solved the mysteries. The Rosary Girls is dark always, and at times particularly gruesome. The author keeps you utterly hooked in your quest for answers, and he flips and twists the narrative expertly as he goes. It has all the elements of a good thriller, and the main characters are likeable. With this, it seems very likely that I'll pick up another of Montanari's books in the near future. ★★★★☆.

Another (*sigh*) sleepless night got me through The Rosary Girls by Richard Montanari last night and I'm disappointed I've left his books for so long. I need to remember to dip into a crime/thriller/'whodunnit' now and again, because if they're done right its great fun. Won't bother giving this one a full review, but I will write down some of my thoughts below. Mini-review The Rosary Girls introduces us to veteran cop Kevin Byrne and his new partner Jessica Balzano; the first book in a series that has already spanned six books and has a seventh coming in July with The Stolen Ones. This is good news, as the two have an instant and easy-going camaraderie. Recently split from her husband Vincent, Jessica must juggle her three year old daughter Sophie with her job. A job that from day one apparently isn't going to be easy - they've found a girl dead in an abandoned house, and with the circumstances that surround it, the death is the least of their problems. There is a serial killer on the loose. Cold, calculating, logical, he's taunting Homicide with each move, leaving the bodies of young, Catholic girls in his path. A rosary on each of the dead girls, mysterious clues such as a Dante painting and a lamb's leg - teasing the department, always one step ahead. Kevin, at the same time, faces his own demons of the past; forced to take pills just to ease the pain and the visions. One thing is for certain: Jessica, Kevin and the rest of the detectives on the case are running out of time to catch this cold-blooded killer before he kills again. Montanari's strength is in keeping you guessing as the plot moves at a furious pace. Throughout the novel, clues begin to unravel, hints are dropped - even if they're just clues that we get, not the detectives. You scrutinise every character, believe nobody, question all motives and explanations. No wonder this is a real page-turner of a thriller - like any good reveal, the answers lay in the novels final pages, when you think you have already solved the mysteries. The Rosary Girls is dark always, and at times particularly gruesome. The author keeps you utterly hooked in your quest for answers, and he flips and twists the narrative expertly as he goes. It has all the elements of a good thriller, and the main characters are likeable. With this, it seems very likely that I'll pick up another of Montanari's books in the near future. ★★★★☆.

Thanks Athena. There has been a few complaints about the lack of explanation, but personally I thought it didn't detract from the story. It was more a tale about a young girl suffering through the problems of childhood with this horrible threat hanging over all their heads. No science as such, but the feeling and emotion of the situation was still spot on.