Book reviews

The third book in this series, which I’d recommend reading in publication order if you want to make the most of it. At first glance this book feels like quite a departure from the previous two. The main character is bookseller Fern instead of loveable orc Viv. Instead...

The Shattering Peace is a fun, almost cosy tale about the possible extermination of a colony. I know, it sounds all wrong, but I'm right about this. Add in some super intelligent aliens and tricky politics, and you're in for quite the ride. This is part of the Old...

A humorous crime caper laser-focused on the world of sauna retail. Anni Korpinen is our main character. When Ilmo Raty is murdered in the opening pages, in his very own sauna, no less, she becomes both next in line to run the Steam Devil Stove Company (once Erkki...

This is a thoughtful novel about family, memory, and what makes us who we are. Cat lives in a flat with her teenager Ruby, when she takes her mum Minnie in. Minnie has Alzheimer's and her decline is sadly worsening. So when Cat uncovers a life-altering secret of her...

This is an extremely clever, well-written novel about every side of a court case - one that's focused on the murder of an old man in an alleyway, the accused three teen boys who are more likely to throw shade on one another than tell the truth. It's also slightly...

Ten years after a heatwave that killed millions of people, including his wife, journalist Marcus Tully is still investigating why it happened, and who might have been behind it. Meanwhile there's an election for a global dictator - one human candidate, one AI. Which...

This is overall a fun, cute and quirky take on a regency romance. Miss Lydia Hanworth is the granddaughter of a wealthy businessman, and her family are keen for her to marry well - meaning, in their case, a Lord. However, she only wants to marry someone she cares...

A really enjoyable crime, suspense and legal drama parcelled into a single package. This is the 9th book in the Eddie Flynn series, but I've only read a few and found it easy to jump in (nb. I am now going to look for the ones I've missed though!). It begins when...

This is an emotional read about navigating life's hurdles while in a long-term relationship - and about what happens when the rules you live by may not be working anymore. Jack and Jessica are the social media couple of the moment, with the followers and a self-help...

The Compound is a dystopian take on a dating/reality show, and a smooth, enjoyable read that may nevertheless leave you with some questions. Lily is our beautiful narrator and one of the first women to wake up at the compound. She's excited for the boys to arrive, and...

This is two stories in one as two women meet and share secrets. Mabel is in her nineties, and had a painful time growing up in the building that is now her retirement home, in the midst of World War Two. Whereas Belinda has just got out of prison for killing her...

My Friends is written in that classic Backman style - moving, portentous at times, often capturing real 'human' moments in just a handful of words. I'm unsure what rating to give it - I think the more Backman I read, the more often I see what's coming. Does that mean...

As you may guess from the title, Can You Solve the Murder is a 'choose your own adventure' take on the crime novel. As you read, you're asked to make choices (eg about who to interview next, or which location to go to). You need to make notes (essential, not optional)...

Julie Chan is Dead is not the book you think it is. Sure, when it begins, you'll run headfirst into into thriller/stolen identity territory, as Julie visits the twin she doesn't really talk to (separated as infants), finds her dead, then decides to become her. But...

While this is the 8th book in the Nosey Parker mystery series, you can quite happily jump into The Cornish Castle Murder whether you have read any or not. Saying that, it probably adds to the charm if you're at least a little familiar with the main cast.In this book,...