My recent reads… highs and lows

My recent reading has been a mixed bag. When I’m writing, I tend to avoid books in the same genre as mine – so that I can’t be unwittingly influenced by what I’m reading.

There is no hesitation as I give the book of the month(s) award to….

Terry Pratchett – Snuff

Terry Pratchett is a national treasure. There’s nothing more to say. This book features my favourite Discworld character and I think one of the great heroes of modern literature – Sir Samuel Vimes. The book was funny – as Pratchett’s always are – but there was a depth to this one that surprised me.  The Discworld books have always dealt in their own humorous and light handed way with some very real issues and problems. This book has a surprising depth of feeling. I felt a sense of anger in this book – at injustice in all its forms. For me – that only made it a better book. One of his best.

Peter O’Donnell – Cobra Trap

This is comfort reading for me. I was introduced to Modesty Blaise many years ago by my father – and these books have had a special place in my heart ever since. Yes – the books are dated. No – they are not politically correct. But I don’t care. Modest Blasie is the original kick-a**** heroine and I love her. This book of short stories contains the very last Modesty Blaise story – and it always brings a tear to my eye.

Louise Allen – Forbidden Jewel of India

This book was shortlisted for an RNA Award. I am not usually a Mills and Boon reader but I do love Louise Allen’s books. She writes well, with a spark of humour and the setting of this book appealed to me. Full disclosure here – Louise once told me she was reading one of my books as she travelled through India researching. That made me certain to read this one of hers – but I recommend it purely because I enjoyed it.

PD James –  Unnatural Causes

I’m not a big crime reader – but I do like the odd murder. When I do read crime, it tends to be from the US – so I thought it was about time I read one of the UK’s premier crime writers. The book is very well written – and very English. The opening premise was wonderful … but… this book was not for me. It was a bit gentle. I like my crime to be in the mean streets of the big apple. I think I might stick to US crime. But if you like a slightly gentler walk on the wild side – you couldn’t go far wrong with this.

Jean Fullerton – All Change for Nurse Millie

One of the great pleasures in life is watching your friends succeed. Jean Fullerton and I have shared our writing journeys for more than a decade. Every time I read one of her books, it is with the great satisfaction – not just because my friend has done well – but because she is a great storyteller. I enjoyed this journey into the heart of post-war London at a time of great change. The historical detail is fascinating – but the heart of the book is the characters. Well done, my friend.

Joe Hill – Horns

I first encountered Joe Hill in a book he co-wrote with his father – Stephen King. I am a big fan of King’s books, and in that collaboration, I fancied I could tell who wrote what. I was probably wrong. Horns is all Joe Hill. He is his own writer – not just a clone of his father. It’s a bit hard to know what to write about this book. Did I read it quickly – yes. It was gripping and I had to read it through to the end. Was it well written – absolutely. Did I like it?  I’m not sure. It was most definitely NOT a gentle read. It made my flesh crawl in places. But then – it’s a horror novel, so it’s supposed to. Not an easy read – but a very powerful one. Still – not for the faint-hearted.

Robyn Carr – The Hero

No surprises here – I went into the fourth book of Robyn Carr’s Thunder Point series expecting to like it. And I did. I’m not sure exactly how many of her books I have read – I suspect more than twenty. Have not yet met one I didn’t like. Modern romance – touching on real issues. Exactly what I look for. And a delight after the very creepy Joe Hill book.

Beverley Eikli – The Maid of Milan

A few weeks ago, I shared a book launch with Beverley – another Choc Lit author. Of course I was eager to try her book. It’s a regency romance with a difference. There’s a harder core in this book that many of its genre – and I liked that. It gave the story substance. This is not your cookie cutter regency romance – it’s not all rakes and ruined reputations. It takes a slightly deeper look at actions and their consequences. I enjoyed it.

Giselle Green – Falling for You

Giselle Green’s books always make me cry – and this one was no exception. It’s a masterful work. She has stripped the book bare of unnecessary detail – limiting the interaction between the characters to just one small place and one short time. Thus does she delve deep into their hearts. I made a very real connection to the characters in this book – and I recommend it highly.