Chrissy

Best and warmest wishes to all our NZ friends. Stay safe.

Isn't it funny how aspects of a book can appeal to one reader, but repel another? I really enjoyed the notes, and loved how they contributed to the unfolding nature of the story - although I must admit that had I been Myfanwy I would have locked myself in a room until I read the lot of them!

If it is about a Mr Bean book, then in the General section on The Library Shelves, and if it's about the television series / film then in the relevant section in General Chat that's found in The Lounge.

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed The Rook by Daniel O'Malley, I have moved on to Stiletto by the same author. So far, so readable.

Grey clouds, chill wind and lotsa rain.

So very glad that you and yours are OK. I just hope that recovery is rapid, and this is the last one to be experienced. Stay safe.

58) Summer Shadows by Joss Stirling Summer lives under a terrible shadow. It drains her, manipulates her and threatens to steal her future. A high-stakes mission offers a temporary escape. She must use her mind-shadowing abilities to hunt down her target and find the truth. (Amazon UK) I love the Savant stories by Joss Stirling. They share a central premise that is played out in each book, but somehow I don't tire of them. Each protagonist has their special talent, their friends and family and usually a certain fiestiness that has evolved through negative life experiences. Great stuff! 59) The Rook by Daniel O'Malley 'The body you are wearing used to be mine.' So begins the letter Myfanwy Thomas is holding when she awakes in a London park surrounded by bodies all wearing latex gloves. With no recollection of who she is, Myfanwy must follow the instructions her former self left behind to discover her identity.(Amazon UK) The two books of the Checquy Files; The Rook and Stiletto were bought on the recommendation of BCF's Raven and while they were on special kindle offer. I was not certain of what to expect with The Rook, and had approached it with an open mind. Have to say I loved it! It is a compelling story that deftly unfolds for the reader through Myfanwy's experiences, and the letters and files left for her to read. It is active and witty and you cannot help but like the character of Myfanwy, and her marvellous PA, the discreet and sardonic Ingrid. Have decided to move straight on to the second book from The Checquy Files straightaway.

I've read a lot of Val Mcdermid's books, and have really enjoyed them. She is a good storyteller who doesn't shy away from the crimes she is describing. At times graphic, she is also skilled at the psychological aspects of crime, especially murder. Over the years I have seen/heard her in a number of interviews and think she is funny, engaging, super smart, and someone with whom I would love to share an evening.

I have no book suggestions for you, but thought I would mention that you may find a few similar authors/ books by using Literature Map. Pop her name into the box, and similar authors names will be brought up. It can be a pretty good tool. Good luck finding something.

Rainy rainy rain rain!

Hey M. If your are in the mood for supernatural YA shenanigans based in the UK (I've just made it sound like Scooby Doo haven't I? ), then I would read them; The Name Of The Star The Boy In The Smoke (Short Story) < It would be better to have a feel for the characters before you read this back story. The Madness Underneath The Shadow Cabinet I liked that the story and characters developed across the books, so it wasn't the same book story told in 3 different ways - been there. I hope that you enjoy them if you give them a try. Just so you know, I bought Arcadia based on your review - am looking forward to reading it in the next few months.

The Boy In The Smoke by Maureen Johnson This is the prequel story to the series 'Shades Of London'. A moving story that recounts the teens years of Stephen Dene. I'm not sure if its because I'm a parent, but I felt so tense reading this, and wanted to reach into the book and hold Stephen and Gina close and tell them that all would be well. Achey heart short read indeed. 55) The Name Of The Star by Maureen Johnson A killer is mimicking the murders of Victorian London's Jack The Ripper. American student, arriving to attend boarding school in the London gets caught up in the investigation. Life will never be the same for Rory in this supernatural story. This is my second reading of the Shades series, and I felt I got more of the nuances of the book this time around. Creepy, without being too scary, the author manages to convey the atmosphere surrounding Rory well, without resorting to tired and lazy descriptions. The characters are developed well across the books, although there is always that feeling that we have more to discover in each case. 56) The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson Rory is with her parents in Bristol, but fate steps in to help her return to London, where a series of murders appear to have a tenuous link. Rory is encouraged to meet with an unconventional therapist, but her involvement leads to a tragedy by the close of the book. The book was somewhat less satisfying than the first, but I think was written more as a scene setter for the rest of the series. Some clever and original ideas are threaded into the story, enough to intrigue the reader. 57) The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson A book that examines the meaning of loyalty, what death really means, what we would do to protect or save the one's we love. New characters are explored, and new supernatural encounters occur. A fast paced and original premise. I hope that this is not the last book, as it feels that there are more stories to be told by Rory and the others. I enjoy the series, the are quick to read while retaining a textual meatiness!

Just heard the news. A beautiful choice of song Poppy. A prayer of sorts. Just lovely.

Chilly, wet, windy and gloomy. Lots of puddles everywhere. On the plus side, the local blackbirds are loving it!

49 and loving it. I cannot wait to arrive at 50 next year.

Misty start, sun shiny day, dull evening.

Sofa, bed, at the table, on a park bench, on a train, on a bus. If I have a book I can read than wherever I am is my favourite place.......sad huh?

I have seen coupe of the episodes, which is why I thought I would enjoy the books, and confession time......I did 'see' Derek Jacobi in my as I read the book. Great casting!

Hand on heart? I love books whether they are hard backs and paperbacks on shelves or electronically on my kindle, so no I don't really think my TBR mountain is too big. I may not get to read them all in my lifetime, but having them makes my heart and soul feel good, so I will continue to add to them and read them, and just lurve them.

I bought the entire series when they came up on special offer a few years ago, and although I have only read the first, I was captivated by Cadfael. It is so good to read that you enjoyed all of them so much and that their appeal does not diminish.

S M Reine has written some good urban fantasy books, and I know her Tarot Witches series does have explicit sexual content, so although it may be an area you are tired with. The action outside of the fruity ( ) stuff is pretty fast paced and there is a story there, although I have only read the first in the series. Good luck finding some books that appeal.

Lovely book choices. I love getting an unexpected book buying session handed to me like that! Re Bob Dylan, I'm 'fraid I'm with your boss on this one! I am delighted, and think it is great to include all flavours of wordsmith into the prize.

I was surprised, but when I stopped to think about it thought it was appropriate. Bob Dylan is a great lyricist, and if you remove the music (which I prefer not to do) we are talking (in my opinion) great modern poetry. I was awash with songs from which to choose to showcase his lyrics for those who may not be familiar, but decided on this one, It's Alright Ma, I'm Only Bleeding (lyrics courtesy of bobdylan.com). The Nobel should be far reaching and forward thinking, and should expand to include anyone who 'works' with language and words. Or, I may be talking utter nonsense, and am just a Dylan fan! Darkness at the break of noon Shadows even the silver spoon The handmade blade, the child’s balloon Eclipses both the sun and moon To understand you know too soon There is no sense in trying Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn Suicide remarks are torn From the fool’s gold mouthpiece the hollow horn Plays wasted words, proves to warn That he not busy being born is busy dying Temptation’s page flies out the door You follow, find yourself at war Watch waterfalls of pity roar You feel to moan but unlike before You discover that you’d just be one more Person crying So don’t fear if you hear A foreign sound to your ear It’s alright, Ma, I’m only sighing As some warn victory, some downfall Private reasons great or small Can be seen in the eyes of those that call To make all that should be killed to crawl While others say don’t hate nothing at all Except hatred Disillusioned words like bullets bark As human gods aim for their mark Make everything from toy guns that spark To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark It’s easy to see without looking too far That not much is really sacred While preachers preach of evil fates Teachers teach that knowledge waits Can lead to hundred-dollar plates Goodness hides behind its gates But even the president of the United States Sometimes must have to stand naked An’ though the rules of the road have been lodged It’s only people’s games that you got to dodge And it’s alright, Ma, I can make it Advertising signs they con You into thinking you’re the one That can do what’s never been done That can win what’s never been won Meantime life outside goes on All around you You lose yourself, you reappear You suddenly find you got nothing to fear Alone you stand with nobody near When a trembling distant voice, unclear Startles your sleeping ears to hear That somebody thinks they really found you A question in your nerves is lit Yet you know there is no answer fit To satisfy, insure you not to quit To keep it in your mind and not forget That it is not he or she or them or it That you belong to Although the masters make the rules For the wise men and the fools I got nothing, Ma, to live up to For them that must obey authority That they do not respect in any degree Who despise their jobs, their destinies Speak jealously of them that are free Cultivate their flowers to be Nothing more than something they invest in While some on principles baptized To strict party platform ties Social clubs in drag disguise Outsiders they can freely criticize Tell nothing except who to idolize And then say God bless him While one who sings with his tongue on fire Gargles in the rat race choir Bent out of shape from society’s pliers Cares not to come up any higher But rather get you down in the hole That he’s in But I mean no harm nor put fault On anyone that lives in a vault But it’s alright, Ma, if I can’t please him Old lady judges watch people in pairs Limited in sex, they dare To push fake morals, insult and stare While money doesn’t talk, it swears Obscenity, who really cares Propaganda, all is phony While them that defend what they cannot see With a killer’s pride, security It blows the minds most bitterly For them that think death’s honesty Won’t fall upon them naturally Life sometimes must get lonely My eyes collide head-on with stuffed Graveyards, false gods, I scuff At pettiness which plays so rough Walk upside-down inside handcuffs Kick my legs to crash it off Say okay, I have had enough, what else can you show me? And if my thought-dreams could be seen They’d probably put my head in a guillotine But it’s alright, Ma, it’s life, and life only

I had bought the first three books as a cheap 'bundle' some time ago, and finally got around to reading them. I then went and bought the rest! The mix is spot on, just enough of everything to keep it all balanced, and all deftly handled. I love immersing myself in a good series of books, and I have been lucky this year to stumble into some well written series that have hit my reading spot right on target.

The Chronicles Of St. Mary's by Jodi Taylor I can honestly say that I love these books. The perfect balance of wit and humour, action, drama, sadness and intrigue. Great leaps through history, a marvellous cast of central and peripheral characters, and just the right dose of baddies. Having immersed myself in the series, including the short novellas/stories I felt happily sated by the end and am very much looking forward to the Christmas novella (all author proceeds going to Help For Heroes) and next year’s eighth book. The Very First Damned Thing Where it all began. This novella offers a glimpse into the openings weeks, months and years of the establishment of St. Mary’s. A lovely short to enhance your reading of the Chronicles, although best read after reading the first couple of books – it makes more sense and you have a stronger bond with the characters by then. 46) Just One Damned Thing after Another We are introduced to St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research through Max, a young historian who has been encouraged to apply for a job with this motley crew of historians, technicians etc. Behind the strait laced façade of a conventional academic institution, the secret of time travel is being used for ground breaking and daring historical research taking the historians on a roller 47) A Symphony of Echoes Having established the central premise of the series in the first book, this second one carries on the Chronicles with great heart. When a Child is Born We can never truly know the significance of our actions or interactions, but history has a way of making sure those that delve about in it’s waters for a living keep things on track. A terrific short story just for Christmas. 48) A Second Chance The third instalment takes the St. Mary’s team off on a huge operation, one that will have repercussions for everyone involved. It all changes here. Roman Holiday They only meant to dress the part and then go look. They certainly didn’t plan on getting involved………. 49) A Trail Through Time Things have been turned on their head, yet it’s all so familiar. Chasing up and down the timeline, A Trail Through Time really is the book that does that. Time Police, love lost and found, are things ever going to become what they should? Christmas Present Their names are recalled with sadness at St. Mary’s, will this short story of a ‘mission impossible’ make things better or worse? 50) No Time Like The Past Why has Mr Markham started to see ghosts? Why has no one returned or contacted, and why did you have to spend a penny then? All these questions are asked and answered in this fifth book of the St Mary’s Chronicles. 51) What Could Possibly Go Wrong? New blood at St Mary’s as new recruits are trained and treated by Max and Peterson. Machinations and manipulations are never far from the Institute, and they come in many forms. Ships and Stings & Wedding Rings Christmas as come around again. To stop a mistake developing into an historical catastrophe an illegal jump takes place, with the accompanying chaos that is generally abound this time of year. 52) Lies, Damned Lies & History “……it only takes the smallest step to find you have stepped over the line altogether. That you have done the wrong thing for the right reasons.” A line that came near the close of What Could Possibly Go Wrong? In Lies, Damned Lies and History that step is taken and it all falls apart. Can things ever be restored? Can amends be made, or trust regained? The Great St. Mary’s Day Out A holiday has been declared by Doctor Bairstow – a working holiday for those that volunteer. Three sensible groupings lead to a street brawl, a misunderstanding with some sailors, an unconscious playwright and the disappearance of a large bar of chocolate.