Tag: A year in books 2020

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Crime fiction has often been my genre of choice in February. I am not sure why, but it just seems to have been the theme.

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ has been on my tbr pile for a little while but, as it has been nominated for the ‘Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2020’, I thought it was about time I picked it up.

This is a great piece of crime fiction – that all readers can enjoy, it does not need to be defined by YA.

Pip decides to tackle a cold case as part of a college project. She is convinced that Sal was not responsible for the disappearance of Andie. As Pip investigates the case, with the help of Ravi, Sal’s brother, she uncovers far more secrets and mysteries that she was expecting.

Although, I solved a small part of it as I read the book (too many crime novels and TV shows in my formative years), there was plenty I did not work out; plot twists galore.

Pip is a great lead character. A strong-minded, determined young lady – who values education and is loyal to those that matter to her. It is great to see another strong female lead in a novel who can be an inspiration, although of course I would not expect us all to go off and investigate cold cases.

I really enjoyed this book and wish it lots of luck in the ‘Waterstones Children’s Book Prize’. I, also, can not wait for the release of ‘Good Girl, Bad Blood’ later in the year to join Pip on her next escapade, and enjoy more of Holly Jackson’s writing.

Conviction by Denise Mina

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was given the chance to review ‘Conviction’, so I jumped at the opportunity, as I always love discovering new authors and new books. Now, judging by the endorsements from crime-writing royalty such as Ian Rankin and Val McDermid, I may be a little late to this party, but as the saying goes, better late than never.

I know that you should not judge a book by its cover, but this is another where the cover does not do it justice.

‘Conviction’ is a pacy page-turner. A great tale that intertwines more than one mystery to reach a gripping conclusion. It cleverly plays on the current love and obsession that the public has with tales of true crime, as out heroine ends up involved in a tale from a true crime podcast just as the life she knows (or at least created) is falling apart. However, could this investigation she ends up starting in fact give her the closure she has needed all along?

This is a clever novel and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good crime story and a strong female character. There are twists and turns that keep the story engaging and an excellent touch of humour as the book reaches its conclusion.

So, go on, tru a new author – they might just become a new favourite.

Random Attachment by Gertrude T Kitty

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was lucky enough to win a copy of ‘Random Attachment’ by Gertrude T Kitty. And, what can I say, I am so glad I did. My copy arrived in a parcel of lovely goodies, but the loveliest touch was the inscription at the front of the book.

This is a YA crime thriller (although definitely for the older YA audience) and a real page-turner. Dark. gripping and chilling, it takes you on quite a rollercoaster ride.

Mia, a council estate girl, has a troubled background she is keen to escape. Fynn, a posh boy, has been born into a wealthy background, although not without its own troubles. They are drawn together, but in the shadows is The Wolf, stalking and kidnapping local girls – if not worse. Mia and Flynn find themselves in this dark world as Mia is keen to find the truth – or is she the target?

I am so glad that, through the great Bookstagram community, I have managed to find Gertrude T Kitty’s work. She has a real passion for sharing her stories with the world, and I hope that this little blog post will help other keen readers discover her work. Especially as her second novel, ‘The Rebirth of Henry Whittle’, has just hit Amazon.

If you are a fan the gritty crime thriller then ‘Random Attachment’ is a book you will enjoy and want to dive into. So, why not support an author who has a real passion for her work and a love of bringing her to readers?

Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

This is a book that I have seen all over social media and front of store in all the bookshops. So, of course, I was influenced to give it a go, even though it is probably something that I would not have picked up without the hype. However, the hype was totally correct – this novel is pure joy.

A translated novel – although you would not realise – there is none of the clunkiness you sometimes have with books when they are not in their native language.

This novel is full of emotion from the very first moment. One seat, in one cafe, can transport you to moments in the past (and the future on one occasion) and, although you can not change the past (or the future), it leads the characters to reflect and react. Throughout the story, there is a strong theme of love and respect, which leads to all sorts of emotional encounters and – at the same time – is truly wonderful.

This is a book that I want to tell everyone to read, because it is thought-provoking and beautiful. A modern twist on simple fantasy that is impossible to put down. Take a risk, try something new, you won’t be disappointed.

Taking a Chance on Love by Erin Green

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I am lucky enough to be able to call the author Erin Green a friend. This January brought us her newest offering, ‘Taking a Chance on Love’, and what an absolute delight to read it was. Absolutely perfect to read to brighten these dark winter days – or any day, to be honest.

Our adventure in love introduces us to Dana, Carmen and Polly. 3 fabulous ladies who all have their opinions of love – and what will make them happy but each of them takes a very different path to get there. Carmen, successful businesswoman, is sure that she and Elliot should walk down the aisle – after all, she helps so many other women with their perfect day. Polly is determined that her relationship is just how she wants it – or is it? Dana, an independent single mother, is pretty sure she is ready to let a man share her life (and Luke’s) again – just how will she find that perfect man?

Erin creates wonderful female lead characters who you just find yourself rooting for as she knits words into tales.

This novel is full of warmth, humour and has the odd emotional moment. I laughed, I may have shed a tear but, most importantly, it really made me think about taking chances – whatever they may be – and really making the 29th February something special, as we are all gifted that extra day.

So, thank you again Erin Green, for writing a book that is a joy to read and creates so many happy memories.

One of Us is Next by Karen M McManus

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

January was supposed to involve a book-buying ban – a promise to myself that I would finally clear some of those unread books – however, ‘One of Us is Next’ came out and I had to know what was going to happen next. So, bam – there went my book-buying ban.

‘One of Us is Lying’ was such a great piece of YA fiction, I was so excited to know how the story continued. We returned to Bayview as ‘Truth or Dare’ game appears to have taken hold of the community. Suddely, it appears to end in tragedy. Again the teens of Bayview are brought together to try and work out who ‘Intense Guy’ is and what the connection is to their little community.

The conclusion of this novel is a good one – I was honestly surprised by the outcome but, to me, that is simply the sign of a wonderful mystery book. Yet this is not just about the mystery, it also explores relationships – between family members, peers and strangers – as the friends also establish their place in the world. There was one moment between father and son that even caused me to shed a tear.

This is a well-written tale that should not be defined as a YA novel but also one that adults will enjoy too. I hope there is more heading our way from Karen M McManus as she certainly has a talent for the mystery book.

Aurora Floyd by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Since taking on my book blog just over three years ago, I have found some lovely bookish-minded people on Bookstagram – and it was such a collection in the ‘Victorian Sensation Book Club’ who encouraged me to read ‘Aurora Floyd’. Throughout January, we read and discussed the novel, even naming the actresses we would have loved to have seen (or even see) in a film adaptation of this gloriously melodramatic novel.

Aurora Floyd is from the pen of Mary Elizabeth Braddon, who also brought us ‘Lady Audley’s Secret’. A classic Victorian novelist who embodies the sensation genre with her wonderful tales. Aurora Floyd has a secret; a secret she really is not willing to share. However, as the tale develops and tragedy strikes, the secret is revealed – but not all mysteries are solved.

I could not put this novel down, and I was glad I was enjoying it as part of a read along, as I may have been tempted to rush through rather than savour the novel. As well as the beautiful writing, it has all the ingredients if a great mystery story. You have a secret, a cast of colourful characters – in the foreground and the background – and a murder…what more do you need? As well as a wonderful setting in the North of England and a nod to the racing word.

I am going to put it out there, despite (possibly) being a lesser-known novel, I preferred it to ‘Lady Audley’s Secret’. Do not get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed that book, but I felt this one had characters who were a little more relateable overall – especially Aurora herself.

So, if you fancy a novel that you may not normally have picked up – this is it!

The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

From the pen of the author who gave us Percy Jackson is another adventure based on the mythology of ancient civilisations. This time, we are immersed in the beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians. Our heroes, Sadie and Carter, are connected to gods of the ancient world in way they never knew.

Of course, after a visit to the British Museum on Christmas Eve does not quite go as they expect, Sadie and Carters world is turned upside down. They find themselves on quite the mission to prevent Set from unleashing chaos on the world. Of course, they have to meet a real collection of characters from the ancient world and make some quick decisions about how they can save the world.

Magic, mystery and history are all entwined to create a great adventure. For me, although I am not the target audience, the start and end are strong but at times the middle was a little slow. Yet, this was a book I was encouraged to read and I do think it could get some reluctant readers to pick up a book. After all, who doesn’t wish they can go on a huge adventure and discover that they, in fact, have royal blood?

The Love Child by Rachel Hore

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Bookstagram made me do it – as I was lucky enough to be selected by ‘Darkroom Tours’ to read and review ‘The Love Child’. Now, to be honest, if I judged this book by its cover, I would probably have decided that ths novel was not for me. However, that would have been completely the wrong decision to have made – this novel was completely for me.

This book swept me away as I followed the story of young Alice Copeman and Irene Burns. Two strong female characters in a time when society dictated the roles and expectations of women, which would not always lead to a happy ending. As we follow Alice’s story as she attempts to break into the field of medicine. So often dominated by men, she carries with her a secret that is also her inspiration and fuels her determination to be successful.

Simultaneously, Irene Burns is growing up in Suffolk. Always not sure she fully belongs, Irene wants to know her people because she believes it will complete her if she knows the past. It takes her on a journey of self-discovery – although maybe she always was with her people?

This is a beautifully written novel, which evokes all the emotions. However, it also tackles some of those tough issues of the early 20th century, which led to the displacement of children, because it was what society dictated – and reputation was everything.

I found this novel a wonderful page-turner and I am so glad to have discovered a new author through this wonderful bookish community.