May Books
20: Den of Thieves David Chandler
First of a trilogy - and I am definitely looking out for the rest. Good plot and characters - particularly the central character, and interesting use of magic. It is clear the politics/practicalities of the world have been well thought out.
21: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Agatha Christie
This was my choice for the May book group. Mixed reactions, but a good discussion. I still agree with most critics that this is a classic.
22: Drakenfeld Mark Charan Newton
New fantasy series, this time based on ancient Rome, rather than the more common psuedo-medieval setting, and it works well. The characters are well written, and the world is well thought out. I enjoyed the mystery very much too.
23: Half a War Joe Abercrombie
Brilliant end to the trilogy - and just enough interesting people left alive to let us hope for more stories in this world. Will never forgive him for one death though, no matter how important to the plot/potential future stories.
24: The Messenger Mark Charan Newton
Short story prequel to Drakenfeld.Nicely crafted with a lovely twist.
25: Sidney Chambers and the Problem of Evil James Runcie
Third novel in the series, and again a set of interlinked short stories. I do like the development of his family life, and of his friendship with Geordie. Not to mention the mysteries are good.
26: Song of Achilles Madeline Miller
Wonderful retelling of The Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus. Beautifully written, and so sad. I cried my eyes out at the end, even though I knew what was coming.
27: The Girl on the Stairs Louise Welsh
June's book group discussion. Billed as a psychological thriller. I was un-thrilled. I kept waiting for something to happen. Some of the writing was very good, it was very atmospheric in setting, but the characters were very disappointing, as was the plot. I appear to be in the minority though, as everyone else liked it a lot.
First of a trilogy - and I am definitely looking out for the rest. Good plot and characters - particularly the central character, and interesting use of magic. It is clear the politics/practicalities of the world have been well thought out.
21: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Agatha Christie
This was my choice for the May book group. Mixed reactions, but a good discussion. I still agree with most critics that this is a classic.
22: Drakenfeld Mark Charan Newton
New fantasy series, this time based on ancient Rome, rather than the more common psuedo-medieval setting, and it works well. The characters are well written, and the world is well thought out. I enjoyed the mystery very much too.
23: Half a War Joe Abercrombie
Brilliant end to the trilogy - and just enough interesting people left alive to let us hope for more stories in this world. Will never forgive him for one death though, no matter how important to the plot/potential future stories.
24: The Messenger Mark Charan Newton
Short story prequel to Drakenfeld.Nicely crafted with a lovely twist.
25: Sidney Chambers and the Problem of Evil James Runcie
Third novel in the series, and again a set of interlinked short stories. I do like the development of his family life, and of his friendship with Geordie. Not to mention the mysteries are good.
26: Song of Achilles Madeline Miller
Wonderful retelling of The Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus. Beautifully written, and so sad. I cried my eyes out at the end, even though I knew what was coming.
27: The Girl on the Stairs Louise Welsh
June's book group discussion. Billed as a psychological thriller. I was un-thrilled. I kept waiting for something to happen. Some of the writing was very good, it was very atmospheric in setting, but the characters were very disappointing, as was the plot. I appear to be in the minority though, as everyone else liked it a lot.