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A bit confusing at the start and one that I was unsure whether I should carry on reading, but I’m really glad that I did.
We swap between events of the present (where Elizabeth has lost her mother and goes back to Ireland and ends up discovering things about her past) and events of the past (where we find out how things actually played out and not just how they were told), finding out things from the past that are clearly not known in the present but really should be.
The story kept me engaged after the first 50 pages and that’s when I knew it would become a book that I wouldn’t want to put down and, when I did, one that I couldn’t wait to pick back up again. It’s quite a short story, and kept me guessing about what had happened in the past throughout. Even until the end I was guessing about what had happened before it was revealed - some things were easier to guess than the rest.
Graham Norton’s writing was a dream to read, it was so easy to find yourself immersed in the story and not realise how long you had been sat reading it. My only problem with it was it was a little slow to start for my liking and a little bit confusing until you got into the rhythm, but overall one that I would recommend and I’m glad that it was recommended to me.
We swap between events of the present (where Elizabeth has lost her mother and goes back to Ireland and ends up discovering things about her past) and events of the past (where we find out how things actually played out and not just how they were told), finding out things from the past that are clearly not known in the present but really should be.
The story kept me engaged after the first 50 pages and that’s when I knew it would become a book that I wouldn’t want to put down and, when I did, one that I couldn’t wait to pick back up again. It’s quite a short story, and kept me guessing about what had happened in the past throughout. Even until the end I was guessing about what had happened before it was revealed - some things were easier to guess than the rest.
Graham Norton’s writing was a dream to read, it was so easy to find yourself immersed in the story and not realise how long you had been sat reading it. My only problem with it was it was a little slow to start for my liking and a little bit confusing until you got into the rhythm, but overall one that I would recommend and I’m glad that it was recommended to me.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated The Christie Affair in Books
Apr 1, 2022
The Christie Affair is a reimagining of the real disappearance of Agatha Christie - I actually had to do a quick internet search to see if any of this novel was true. It’s not. Agatha Christie really did go missing for 11 days, though. Her husband really did leave her for another woman (I have no idea if she was younger). But I thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless!
This novel tells the story from the point of view of the mistress. Nan O’Dea (Nancy Neele in real life) gives her version of events: who she is, her past, why she became Archie Christie’s mistress, and why she is destroying their marriage. It’s all compelling reading. She has her reasons, and you can see why she has done what she has - but is it true?
It was fascinating hearing the story from the mistress’ point of view, and I really enjoyed reading about Nan’s early years, even though they were tragic. We see her going to help on a family farm in Ireland as a teenager, and a stay at a convent, reminiscent of a Magdalen Laundry (not quite). Then she returns to London and tries to rebuild her life.
You can never be quite sure as the reader, whether Nan is really telling Agatha’s side of the story, or whether she’s making it up. She’s a thoroughly unreliable narrator - but I liked that. The characters were really well developed, and it was an exciting story. Recommended!
This novel tells the story from the point of view of the mistress. Nan O’Dea (Nancy Neele in real life) gives her version of events: who she is, her past, why she became Archie Christie’s mistress, and why she is destroying their marriage. It’s all compelling reading. She has her reasons, and you can see why she has done what she has - but is it true?
It was fascinating hearing the story from the mistress’ point of view, and I really enjoyed reading about Nan’s early years, even though they were tragic. We see her going to help on a family farm in Ireland as a teenager, and a stay at a convent, reminiscent of a Magdalen Laundry (not quite). Then she returns to London and tries to rebuild her life.
You can never be quite sure as the reader, whether Nan is really telling Agatha’s side of the story, or whether she’s making it up. She’s a thoroughly unreliable narrator - but I liked that. The characters were really well developed, and it was an exciting story. Recommended!
Lirahlu (37 KP) rated Dread Nation in Books
Mar 1, 2019
Amazing Alternative History Horror
In a post-Civil War America where neither side won because of the Zombie Apocalypse, Jane McKeene studies to become an Attendant – part body guard, part chaperone – as part of the Native and Negro Reeducation Act due to the breakdown of institutionalized slavery. While she excels at the fighting and weaponry, Jane continually fails her etiquette lessons despite being the daughter of a wealthy, white plantation owner. While other girls at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore County, Maryland desire an Attendant’s life with a wealthy family, Jane’s one goal is to return home to Rose Hill Plantation in Kentucky. Just weeks shy of graduation, Jane, her ex-beau Red Jack, and her light-skinned “frenemy” are sent West to a “Survivalist” pioneer town where blacks are still very much treated as slaves and forced to fight “shamblers” on the front lines with rusty, ineffective weapons. Though segregated with the rest of the blacks, Jane refuses to accept the town’s ingrained injustice – even when the price of resistance is death.
Dread Nation is a fantastic mashup of the alternate history and horror genres. Ireland’s characters are intricate and flawed, and therefore believable. Ireland does not shy away from the horrific history of slavery and racism in the United States and the characters and world she’s built around them are stronger for facing these issues head-on. An absolute must-read for anyone who is not shy about gore and loves a strong female character who can hold her own in a fight.
Dread Nation is a fantastic mashup of the alternate history and horror genres. Ireland’s characters are intricate and flawed, and therefore believable. Ireland does not shy away from the horrific history of slavery and racism in the United States and the characters and world she’s built around them are stronger for facing these issues head-on. An absolute must-read for anyone who is not shy about gore and loves a strong female character who can hold her own in a fight.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Darkest Truth: She refused to be silenced in Books
May 22, 2019
He'll do anything to protect his secrets. She'll stop at nothing to expose the truth.
It only takes one person to break the silence.
When solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick is approached by a man to investigate the death of his daughter, her first instinct is to refuse.
The father is grieving, and unable to accept that his daughter committed suicide. And yet something about the mans story chimes with Finn.
Why did a bright, confident, beautiful young girl suddenly drop out of school? Could the answer lie in her relationship with Ireland's most famous film director?
The deeper Finn goes into the case, the more dark, twisted and dangerous the picture becomes.
Because these are powerful people she is trying to expose. And they're willing to do anything to keep the truth hidden.
This is a brilliant crime thriller debut from Catherine Kirwan featuring Finola 'Finn' Fitzpatrick, a solicitor, set in the small town of Cork in Ireland
This is a fast-paced and gripping novel.
This one's written from a really interesting perspective of a slightly eccentric solicitor rather than a cop.
The story is written very well and the characters are interesting and jump off the page.
Kirwan hits on one of the hottest issues in our contemporary world, and handles it sensitively as she weaves a hugely compelling novel around it.
Definitely a worthwhile read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Catherine Kirwan/Random House UK, Cornerstone for a digital copy of this title.
It only takes one person to break the silence.
When solicitor Finn Fitzpatrick is approached by a man to investigate the death of his daughter, her first instinct is to refuse.
The father is grieving, and unable to accept that his daughter committed suicide. And yet something about the mans story chimes with Finn.
Why did a bright, confident, beautiful young girl suddenly drop out of school? Could the answer lie in her relationship with Ireland's most famous film director?
The deeper Finn goes into the case, the more dark, twisted and dangerous the picture becomes.
Because these are powerful people she is trying to expose. And they're willing to do anything to keep the truth hidden.
This is a brilliant crime thriller debut from Catherine Kirwan featuring Finola 'Finn' Fitzpatrick, a solicitor, set in the small town of Cork in Ireland
This is a fast-paced and gripping novel.
This one's written from a really interesting perspective of a slightly eccentric solicitor rather than a cop.
The story is written very well and the characters are interesting and jump off the page.
Kirwan hits on one of the hottest issues in our contemporary world, and handles it sensitively as she weaves a hugely compelling novel around it.
Definitely a worthwhile read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Catherine Kirwan/Random House UK, Cornerstone for a digital copy of this title.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Bongo Fury Novella Collection in Books
Nov 11, 2019
Meet Jimmy Black, a man with family connections to both organised crime and, historically, the Troubles in Northern Ireland. But apart from maybe a little light drug dealing the thing Jimmy wants most is to be left alone to run his music shop (the titular Bongo Fury), spend time with his family and maybe do a little private detective work on the side. Unfortunately fate has other plans for Jimmy as helping a friend in need spirals very much out of control.
Although this is three novellas, the first two already published separately plus a third first released in this volume, this really is a book in three parts. Plus there's a soundtrack as well, how many novels can say that? And what a book it is. Despite his slightly shady connections, Jimmy is the perfect narrator. Funny, irreverent, tough, likeable and well versed in popular music he engages right from the start, keeping his sardonic tone throughout. He might run afoul of some very dangerous characters but he is a tough customer himself.
The writing is a joy, easy to read between Jimmy's swear-word laden musings, the laugh out loud humour, the tense encounters when the stakes are raised and the rapid and efficient action scenes. And the story doesn't let up either as Jimmy's life threatens to be turned upside down from asking too many questions, the fall out from which carry the plot through all the three novellas.
Bongo Fury the Collection is one of those books that you shouldn't allow to pass you by.
Although this is three novellas, the first two already published separately plus a third first released in this volume, this really is a book in three parts. Plus there's a soundtrack as well, how many novels can say that? And what a book it is. Despite his slightly shady connections, Jimmy is the perfect narrator. Funny, irreverent, tough, likeable and well versed in popular music he engages right from the start, keeping his sardonic tone throughout. He might run afoul of some very dangerous characters but he is a tough customer himself.
The writing is a joy, easy to read between Jimmy's swear-word laden musings, the laugh out loud humour, the tense encounters when the stakes are raised and the rapid and efficient action scenes. And the story doesn't let up either as Jimmy's life threatens to be turned upside down from asking too many questions, the fall out from which carry the plot through all the three novellas.
Bongo Fury the Collection is one of those books that you shouldn't allow to pass you by.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Murphy's Heist (John McBride #1) in Books
Nov 21, 2019
Murphy's Heist is the first of the John McBride series of thrillers. Eamonn Murphy used to be a big man in the shady world of terrorism in Northern Ireland during the troubles. Now more-or-less retired and living in Cheshire he cannot resist planning a bullion robbery on the mainland. However John McBride, artist and former soldier, stumbles upon the plot. Murphy has to quickly change his plans as the net tightens.
As with the other McBride books the emphasis is on realism rather than spectacle. Although there are explosions, gun battles and chases they are very low-key which lends an air of authenticity which is missing from more adrenaline-fuelled thrillers.
The book is paced well, alternating between Murphy and associates attempting to get away with the crime and McBride and the authorities attempts to apprehend them. Murphy is a slippery and wily customer and McBride must use ingenuity and not a little luck.
This definitely shows as the first book in the series - McBride is just an ex-soldier, not ex-SAS and farms out the more 'special forces' duties to an ex-colleague, the extra developments of his past and his occasional desire for adventure beyond the sedate world of watercolours comes later and allows him to operate independently in challenging environments. But this is a good solid opening gambit clearly layout out the template for a more realistic thriller.
As a novel this isn't as good as my favourite so far - Find My Brother - but it certainly makes for a good read.
As with the other McBride books the emphasis is on realism rather than spectacle. Although there are explosions, gun battles and chases they are very low-key which lends an air of authenticity which is missing from more adrenaline-fuelled thrillers.
The book is paced well, alternating between Murphy and associates attempting to get away with the crime and McBride and the authorities attempts to apprehend them. Murphy is a slippery and wily customer and McBride must use ingenuity and not a little luck.
This definitely shows as the first book in the series - McBride is just an ex-soldier, not ex-SAS and farms out the more 'special forces' duties to an ex-colleague, the extra developments of his past and his occasional desire for adventure beyond the sedate world of watercolours comes later and allows him to operate independently in challenging environments. But this is a good solid opening gambit clearly layout out the template for a more realistic thriller.
As a novel this isn't as good as my favourite so far - Find My Brother - but it certainly makes for a good read.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Halloween Cupcake Murder in Books
Aug 23, 2023 (Updated Aug 23, 2023)
Grab a Treat to Read with These Three Novellas
Kensington is back with another Halloween anthology for us, this time featuring three different authors. Up first, Carlene O’Connor takes us Home to Ireland as a trip trying to find Halloween decorations for Tara Meehan’s shop leads her to find a dead body. Our next stop is the North Pole with Liz Ireland’s Mrs. Claus. It’s the second Halloween in Santaland, and April Claus is dealing with missing candy corn, the themed ingredient for the bakeoff, and a murder in a bakery. Finally, we travel to Salem to spend time with Carol J. Perry’s Lee Barrett. The town’s favorite baker is missing, and Lee can’t help but get involved, especially when her visions show her where he might be.
As if often the case with these anthologies, I only read one of the authors. I love the Mrs. Claus series, and this was easily my favorite in the book. The other two were good, although they did leave me with some small questions I wish had been answered. Still, they were good introductions to the characters, as I had no problem following who all the characters are. All three stories kept me guessing until sleuth figured things out. While there’s obviously a culinary theme to the collection, we only get one recipe at the end. If you are looking for some new series, this is a fun way to try three new to you authors. If you are already a fan of these series, you’ll enjoy these between books check ins.
As if often the case with these anthologies, I only read one of the authors. I love the Mrs. Claus series, and this was easily my favorite in the book. The other two were good, although they did leave me with some small questions I wish had been answered. Still, they were good introductions to the characters, as I had no problem following who all the characters are. All three stories kept me guessing until sleuth figured things out. While there’s obviously a culinary theme to the collection, we only get one recipe at the end. If you are looking for some new series, this is a fun way to try three new to you authors. If you are already a fan of these series, you’ll enjoy these between books check ins.
Adam Colclough (3 KP) rated Harry's Game in Books
Mar 6, 2018
Dangerous Games
London at the height of the IRA’s campaign on the British mainland and a government minister is assassinated, orders are send down from the highest level that retaliatory action must be taken. Gerald Seymour’s ground breaking 1975 novel tells the story of the resulting operation, in which a British agent is sent undercover in Republican Belfast.
For the most part thrillers are the literary equivalent of Danish pastry, enjoyable but not made to last. A few, and ‘Harry’s Game’ is one, are more substantial fare, food for the mind that may give you indigestion.
On one level it is a book in the tradition established by Frederick Forsythe, fiction played out as fact allowing the author to draw on his journalistic background. Seymour goes beyond this by creating characters who aren’t simply stock heroes and villains. Instead they are human beings engaged in a struggle that is squalid and futile rather than heroic and purposeful.
This combines to give a grimly believable picture of daily life in Northern Ireland at a time when a single word or action out of place could have deadly consequences. He also writes well about the machinations behind the scenes on both sides, with the British political and military establishment struggling to fight an undeclared war they don’t understand; and the IRA high command masking the brutality of their actions behind misty eyed romanticism.
Brutal, believable and still relevant more than forty years after it was first published this is a novel that is very much worth reading, even if doing so can be unsettling.
For the most part thrillers are the literary equivalent of Danish pastry, enjoyable but not made to last. A few, and ‘Harry’s Game’ is one, are more substantial fare, food for the mind that may give you indigestion.
On one level it is a book in the tradition established by Frederick Forsythe, fiction played out as fact allowing the author to draw on his journalistic background. Seymour goes beyond this by creating characters who aren’t simply stock heroes and villains. Instead they are human beings engaged in a struggle that is squalid and futile rather than heroic and purposeful.
This combines to give a grimly believable picture of daily life in Northern Ireland at a time when a single word or action out of place could have deadly consequences. He also writes well about the machinations behind the scenes on both sides, with the British political and military establishment struggling to fight an undeclared war they don’t understand; and the IRA high command masking the brutality of their actions behind misty eyed romanticism.
Brutal, believable and still relevant more than forty years after it was first published this is a novel that is very much worth reading, even if doing so can be unsettling.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Wonder in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Also read my review here: http://bookbum.weebly.com/book-reviews/the-wonder-by-emma-donoghue
<b><i>It came to Lib then that the question to ask was not how a child might commit such a fraud, but why?</b></i>
<i>The Wonder</i> is an absolutely beautiful and thought-provoking novel and by far one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Set in towards the end of the 19th century, we meet one of Ms Nightingale’s own nurses, shipped out to Ireland to investigate a so-called miracle. Young Anna O’Donnell hasn’t eaten since her 11th birthday, which passed four months ago. Lib begins a frustrating journey into learning whether Anna is truly a modern day Saint.
She is determined to prove the miracle a hoax, but being faced with old Irish superstitions she doesn’t understand, sexism and strong Catholic faith, she has a hard time getting to the truth.
It’s a bit of a slow ride, but it’s interesting enough to keep you wanting to know more. Donoghue creates a beautifully vivid story for you to really lose yourself in, you’ll find yourself reading this book within a couple of days (or hours, depending on when you’re reading it). Not what I’d classify at a mystery novel - the story is so much more than just working out the story behind Anna’s apparent loss of appetite. It’s a story of faith, believing in yourself and following your heart.
A really enjoyable book, with a wide array of likable and dislikable characters, beautiful scenery and heart warming lessons to take away, this is a must read for any historical fiction lover.
<b><i>It came to Lib then that the question to ask was not how a child might commit such a fraud, but why?</b></i>
<i>The Wonder</i> is an absolutely beautiful and thought-provoking novel and by far one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Set in towards the end of the 19th century, we meet one of Ms Nightingale’s own nurses, shipped out to Ireland to investigate a so-called miracle. Young Anna O’Donnell hasn’t eaten since her 11th birthday, which passed four months ago. Lib begins a frustrating journey into learning whether Anna is truly a modern day Saint.
She is determined to prove the miracle a hoax, but being faced with old Irish superstitions she doesn’t understand, sexism and strong Catholic faith, she has a hard time getting to the truth.
It’s a bit of a slow ride, but it’s interesting enough to keep you wanting to know more. Donoghue creates a beautifully vivid story for you to really lose yourself in, you’ll find yourself reading this book within a couple of days (or hours, depending on when you’re reading it). Not what I’d classify at a mystery novel - the story is so much more than just working out the story behind Anna’s apparent loss of appetite. It’s a story of faith, believing in yourself and following your heart.
A really enjoyable book, with a wide array of likable and dislikable characters, beautiful scenery and heart warming lessons to take away, this is a must read for any historical fiction lover.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Dark Room in Books
Jan 14, 2021
Mystery (2 more)
Characters
Storyline
Kept me guessing
A mystery that keeps you guessing. It starts off from two completely different women’s point of view until they are brought together in a hotel in the beautiful setting of a little village in Ireland.
There are ghosts and murders which keep both the characters and the reader wanting to delve deeper into the story and the mystery of what happened at Hare’s Landing 30 years ago.
When I finally found out the identity of who the body they found was, I was then kept guessing right until the last couple of chapters as to who was responsible. And it definitely was not someone that you would guess straight away, it came as a complete shock to me!
I was a little disappointed that everything seemed to happen very quickly about 50 pages from the end, as the author could have picked up the pace of the investigation a little earlier in the book. However, I did enjoy the book overall and would be interested in reading more of the authors work as it was extremely well written. I really fell in love with the characters and their stories that brought them to Hare’s Landing, and although Caroline’s problem at work did get solved, it felt a little disappointing given that so many other things were going on in the story at the same time.
Overall, it was a great book to read and one that was easy to follow and easy to dip in and read a couple of chapters when you have time!
There are ghosts and murders which keep both the characters and the reader wanting to delve deeper into the story and the mystery of what happened at Hare’s Landing 30 years ago.
When I finally found out the identity of who the body they found was, I was then kept guessing right until the last couple of chapters as to who was responsible. And it definitely was not someone that you would guess straight away, it came as a complete shock to me!
I was a little disappointed that everything seemed to happen very quickly about 50 pages from the end, as the author could have picked up the pace of the investigation a little earlier in the book. However, I did enjoy the book overall and would be interested in reading more of the authors work as it was extremely well written. I really fell in love with the characters and their stories that brought them to Hare’s Landing, and although Caroline’s problem at work did get solved, it felt a little disappointing given that so many other things were going on in the story at the same time.
Overall, it was a great book to read and one that was easy to follow and easy to dip in and read a couple of chapters when you have time!