Jan 13, 2010 Posted by booktiger

The Bookwoman’s Last Fling – John Dunning

From an intensely likeable hero in Jack Reacher, I then turned to a significantly less likeable hero in Cliff Janeway. I picked up The Bookwoman’s Last Fling because the blurb on the back sounded intriguing – a crime, to do with books and with horses – two things I absolutely love. When I started reading I wondered what could go wrong? I soon found out. The main character of this book... read more

Dec 23, 2009 Posted by booktiger

Ritual – Mo Hayder

I like to read everything. I will sit down and read Dostoyevsky as soon as I will read James Patterson. Ritual was at the James Patterson end of the spectrum and that doesn’t mean its a bad thing. It was an easy read, with a page turning plot, characters that weren’t too complicated or deep and an ending that kept you guessing most of the time, although the false clue was a little obvious. Two... read more

Apr 20, 2009 Posted by booktiger

The Bethlehem Murders – Matt Rees

The truly wonderful thing about reading fiction is that it can transport you to places that you might otherwise never go to, and give you an insight into a culture, a country or a conflict which you simply cannot gain if you just read the news. The Bethlehem Murders is a murder mystery set in modern day Palestine, with a backdrop of violence, injustice and religious and political unrest. You might wonder... read more

Dec 20, 2008 Posted by booktiger

Mistress of the Art of Death – Ariana Franklin

As the author states at the end of Mistress of the Art of Death: It is almost impossible to write a comprehensible story set in the twelfth century without being anachronistic, in part at least. Nevertheless, Ariana Franklin has managed to do just that, and irrespective of anachronisms, has produced a fabulous tale with pace, great characters and a fascinating storyline. The story is set in Cambridge in... read more

Jul 21, 2008 Posted by Nancy Williams

Jack and Jill – James Patterson

I started writing this review more than three weeks ago and then stopped. I am not sure why, although I do put it, and my reading hiatus, down to a change in routine for me. The problem with coming back to finish a review is the book isn’t nearly as fresh in my mind. Therein lies a lesson, and one which I have constantly considered and never undertaken – take notes when you read so that the... read more

May 27, 2008 Posted by Nancy Williams

In Cold Blood – Truman Capote

It is said that In Cold Blood is the first and finest of the genre of true crime novels, and if it was first, I don’t know, but it was certainly fine. It told the story of the horrific murder of the Clutter family in 1959 by two ex-cons, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock. One night, the two entered the Clutter house and shot Herb, his wife Bonnie and his two children, Nancy and Kenyon, with a view to... read more

Apr 23, 2008 Posted by Nancy Williams

Child 44 – Tom Rob Smith

Child 44 is Tom Rob Smith’s first novel, and it is an incredible way to launch one’s career as a suspense writer. Set in the Soviet Union in the 1950s and connected with real events, the book is intensely disturbing and totally gripping at the same time. What struck me most was how terrible the life was for every citizen of the Soviet Union under Stalin. It was like a different world and it... read more

Mar 28, 2008 Posted by Nancy Williams

Plea Of Insanity – Jilliane Hoffman

This is a courtroom drama with a difference. It is a courtroom drama with a definite purpose. The author actually seeks to teach the reader something and open their eyes as well as entertain them. It was an interesting combination which I really enjoyed, but which could take the average reader who is just looking for a bit of escapism by surprise. Plea of Insanity starts out as a story of a rookie... read more