Marianne V.’s Reviews

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  Bloodstream
  Tess Gerritsen

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  a Gerritsen winner

  25/10/2011

  Bloodstream is Tess Gerritsen's 11th stand-alone novel. The action is set in the small town of Tranquility, Maine, where Dr Claire Elliott has relocated with her son, Noah, to remove him from less-than-desirable influences in Baltimore. After the discovery of some human bones at nearby Locust Lake, followed by a shooting at the high school Noah attends, Claire begins to suspect something is affecting the behaviour of the local youth population. Are they being affected by drugs, or is it some natural phenomenon? Claire even begins to wonder about a parasitic infestation. But the town displeased with her investigations, and Claire starts to feel persecuted. Tess Gerritsen is the master of medical detective drama, and once again shows her skill and knowledge in this novel. Characters, dialogue and plot are all excellent, and there are a few twists to keep it exciting. Another Gerritsen winner.
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  Gravity
  Tess Gerritsen

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  a Gerritsen winner

  07/11/2011

  Gravity is the 12th stand-alone novel by Tess Gerritsen. When Dr Emma Watson ends up on the crew of the Russian-American space station, its a dream come true for her. But nothing runs smoothly: the payload experiments are going wrong, crew are getting sick and dying and half the module is on low power due to problems with the solar array. Gerritsen is the master of the medical thriller, and this time, the scene is out of this world. Once again, she gives us an excellent plot with a few great twists; politics and intrigue, in a unique environment and under extraordinary conditions. A Gerritsen winner
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  No Footprints In The Bush
  Arthur W. Upfield

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  Classic Upfield

  25/10/2011

  No Footprints in the Bush is the 8th novel in the Bony series by Australian mystery writer, Arthur Upfield. The scene is set with Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte witnessing the bombing from a small plane of a car. The car was carrying the police sergeant that Bony was to meet in regard to the recent murders of two aboriginal stockmen during the theft of cattle. Bony makes friends with the Wantella tribe's chief, Burning Water, and, against the wishes of the local land owner, Donald MacPherson, sets about investigating the three murders. The motive and the culprit are discovered quite early in the book; Bony departs from his usual behaviour of leaving the capture to "real" police when he learns about the murderers parentage. Upfield makes some comment on the treatment of and future of the Aborigine in this novel. As usual, the plot is original: aeroplanes, kidnapping, mixed marriages, a power-hungry half-caste with delusions of grandeur, smoke signals, tracking, grass castles, snakebites, a beautiful niece and some disloyal workers all feature. Classic Upfield.
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  An Author Bites The Dust
  Arthur William Upfield

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  a great Bony read

  05/12/2011

  An Author Bites The Dust is the 11th novel in the Bony series by Arthur Upfield. Bony finds himself spending his vacation time incognito, much to the displeasure of his wife, at Yarrabo, in the Yarra Valley, because famous author and critic, Mervyn Blake, has died, and it looks, to some, like an interesting case of murder. There are very few clues: a cat, a ping-pong ball, a crystal whiskey glass, some shoe-prints and an alcoholic gardener, but Bony manages, as always, to solve the case. In this novel, a hybrid of a cold-case investigation and a closed-room murder mystery, Upfield uses his characters to make a running commentary about the value and popularity of capital L literature versus commercial fiction in Australia. This novel has an interesting plot with a great twist and some unusual characters. A great Bony read.
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  Small Wonder: Essays
  Barbara Kingsolver

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  the voice of reason

  28/02/2011

  Small Wonder, Barbara Kingsolvers second book of essays, was written after the events of 9/11, and touches on subjects as diverse as Terrorism, why the world doesnt like America, Genetic Modification, Teenagers, Mothers, and Self-Sustainability. While I may not have agreed with every single word of the essays, on the whole, I found Kingsolvers to be the Voice of Reason. As with her previous book of essays, High Tide in Tucson, there were some aspects that avid readers of Kingsolvers novels would have found reflected there. The essays are interesting and thought-provoking. The essay on Genetic Modification is particularly succinct. I would recommend this book, not just to Kingsolver fans, but to anyone who wants to read a reasonable point of view.
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  Three Wishes
  Liane Moriarty

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  heartwarming and enjoyable

  01/09/2011

  Three Wishes is the first novel by Australian writer, Liane Moriarty. It is the story of the Kettle sisters: triplets Catriona and Lynette (identical) and Gemma (non-identical). The scene opens at their 34th birthday party at a busy Sydney seafood restaurant. The celebration is a champagne-fuelled noisy, happy one until suddenly one of the sisters stands up, shouts You have both fucking ruined my life!, the fondue fork she has been wielding lands in her sisters very pregnant belly, and she then faints from the shock of what she has done, breaking her jaw on the table on her way down. Enough of a scene to entice any reader to read on! As we learn what led to this moment, and what came after it, we share the Kettle familys ups and downs. Moriarty gives us an original plot, interesting characters and credible dialogue, as well as humour and heartache. She touches on sibling relationships, especially those between triplets, mental cruelty, young parenthood, adultery, surrogacy, dreams and goals in life. A very enjoyable, heart-warming novel.
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  Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year Of Food Life
  Hopp , Kingsolver and Richard A. Houser

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  a very interesting read

  26/12/2011

  Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is the 7th non-fiction book by Barbara Kingsolver. Co-written with her husband, Stephen L. Hopp, and her daughter, Camille Kingsolver, this book details her familys experiences during the year they decided to become locavores, trying to obtain their food locally, either from their own garden or farms close by, and thus eat seasonally. But this book is much more than that. It gives us the low-down on many, often controversial, subjects such as GM foods, Mad Cow Disease, Free Range and Organic produce, evolution, vegetarians and vegans, as well as Farmers Markets, cheese making, canning and bottling, seasonal eating, and breeding chickens and turkeys. There are many delightful, illustrative, and often educational anecdotes that occasionally had me laughing out loud. There is a timely warning for those evolution-deniers, the creationists, as well as the ironic method the Slow Food movement has employed of saving rare breeds: getting more people to eat them. The ultimate aim of eating food which has been produced in a manner that means it tastes good and is good for both the eater and the environment seems like a worthy one. This book is thought-provoking, inspiring, and practical, with recipes and meal plans by Camille. The side-bars by Stephen L. Hopp are informative and, at times, revelatory. I dont know how much of what is in this book is applicable to where I am (Australia), but it will certainly have me looking at and thinking about where my food originates. A very interesting read.
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  Parlor Games And Other Stories
  Michaels and Swann

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  raunchy ganes

  02/02/2011

  Fallen Angel by Jess Michaels
  Arabella Nichols a stunning beauty and a notorious madam
  John Valentine handsome, sexy and a disgraced Bow Street Runner.
  Someone is stalking her: she hires him for protection. But they both have something to hide and will need to trust each other with the truth before the would-be killer can be unmasked.
  Jess Michaels brings us a romantic tale of intrigue with some highly erotic love scenes.
  
  Parlor Games by Leda Swan
  Sarah Chesham - a curates daughter, an innocent virgin, jobless, almost destitute and trying to avoid a life on the streets.
  Tom Wilde a rake and a gossip merchant who makes his living producing salacious pamphlets about prominent members of society.
  Tom encounters Sarah on her first day at Mrs Erskines coffee house (brothel), where parlor games to tempt the clientele are the order of the day. He is so taken by her that he pays for a month of her time. Sarah spends her time in his company indulging in these parlor games, at the same time, trying not to become a whore, thus frustrating Tom at every turn.
  Leda Swan brings us a very erotic romance with some rather graphic descriptions of explicit sexual encounters. Not all sweetness and light.
  
  Border Lord by Julia Templeton
  Terri Campbell discovers her fianc in the act of being unfaithful and escapes to Scotland to lick her wounds. She tours a priory where she enters a sealed chamber and somehow ends up in the 13th century as Annabelle MacLellan, the daughter of a Scottish Laird.
  Brochan Douglas is a Scottish Laird who is intent on revenge against Angus MacLellan for the murder of his brother. This revenge takes shape as the kidnapping of MacLellans beloved daughter Annabelle.
  Terri suddenly finds herself the captive of a handsome, sexy, green-eyed border lord who is intent on having his way with her.
  Julia Templeton brings us a truly sensuous romance. Throw in a bit of time-travel, and this becomes a delightful erotic tale. Easily the best of the three.
  
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  High Tide In Tucson: Essays From Now Or Never
  Barbara Kingsolver and Paul Mirocha

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  great background to the novels

  28/02/2011

  Barbara Kingsolvers book of essays, High Tide in Tucson, is an interesting and enjoyable read. Fans of Kingsolvers books will recognize many aspects of Kingsolvers life as described in the essays, from her novels. While her novels are not autobiographical, it is gratifying to know that some elements of her wonderful novels are derived from first-hand knowledge and experience. The title essay, about a hermit crab, is especially delightful and interesting. I recommend this book to fans of Kingsolvers novels as an excellent background read.
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  Sooner Or Later
  Debbie Macomber

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  feisty heroines

  13/11/2011

  Sooner or Later is the second of Debbie Macombers Deliverance Company novels and consists of two stories told in tandem. In the main story, Letty Madden, postmistress of Boothill, Texas tries to employ Deliverance Company mercenary, Shaun Murphy to go with her to the troubled Central American country of Zarcero to rescue her twin brother, missionary, Luke Madden. But Murphy has no intention of helping her out, and, to put her off, he tells her he will only agree if she spends a night with him, certain she will refuse. But Letty surprises him, and soon enough he finds himself in the jungles of Zarcero, avoiding rebel soldiers and trying to keep Letty safe as they search for her brother. In the background story, Jack Keller, another Deliverance Company mercenary, tries to win Marcie Alexander, the woman whom he has made a practice of using rather badly, when he finds her a changed woman with a suitor in attendance. This novel is a departure from Macombers usual format, quite a bit sexier and has a couple of tough heroes and feisty heroines. An enjoyable read.
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  Mrs. Miracle
  Debbie Macomber

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  sweet if slightly trite

  05/12/2011

  Mrs Miracle is the first of the Mrs Miracle series by Debbie Macomber. Widower of 4 years, Seth Webster, and his 6-year-old twins, Judd and Jason, are having a hard time holding onto a housekeeper. Seths in-laws, Sharon and Jerry Palmer, seem headed for divorce after forty years of marriage. Travel agent, Reba Maxwells mother is still insists on trying to reconcile her with her sister, Vicki, the sister who stole her fianc 4 years ago. Christmas is approaching, but nothing seems to be going right. And then Emily Merkle turns up: she seems to have the answer to everyones problems, with her cooking and advice and her reading to the boys. She seems heaven-sent, and the boys call her Mrs Miracle. Emily Merkle dispenses her wisdom in little bon mots. This is a sweet if slightly trite tale which explores the plight of the widower, a marriage gone stale and the need for forgiveness. An enjoyable tale for the holiday season.
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  Addition
  Toni Jordan

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  count me in

  02/02/2011

  Addition is a very funny novel. Its also witty and clever and moving. It is insightful about OCD and also about life in general. Addition made me laugh (a lot, out loud), it made me cry, and it made me think. Oh, and just to round things off nicely, there were a couple of hot sex scenes. I was so sorry to reach the end that I read it again, and I hope we dont have to wait too long before Toni Jordan writes another novel.
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  Enduring Love
  Ian Mcewan

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  better than Atonement

  12/12/2011

  Enduring Love is the 7th novel by Ian McEwan. The novel tells of the aftermath of a ballooning accident. Joe Rose and his partner Clarissa are on a picnic in a meadow when an unpiloted hot-air balloon with a small child on board drifts their way. Several men run to assist, and one of them dies. Joe encounters Jed Parry, who fixates on him and is convinced that they love each other and Jed is destined to bring Joe to God. This is an interesting novel which questions what legally constitutes harassment and stalking, and illustrates how obsessive love can be just as frightening as obsessive hate. I found McEwans Atonement irritating and annoying, so I picked this book up to give him a second chance, and I am not sorry I did. I enjoyed this much more than Atonement, although I did find some parts tedious or irrelevant e.g the procuring of the gun. I would suggest to readers who routinely ignore appendices that they read both in this case as they are an integral part of the novel.
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  The Time Traveler's Wife
  Audrey Niffenegger

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  wonderful

  19/06/2011

  The Time Travelers Wife is Audrey Niffeneggers second novel. This is the story of Henry DeTamble (the Time Traveler) and Clare Abshire (the Time Travelers Wife). Clare first meets Henry when she is six years old and he suddenly appears, naked, in the Meadow near her home: hes thirty-six at the time. On the other hand, Henry first meets Clare in the library where he works, when hes twenty-eight and shes twenty. Henry has a condition called Chrono-Displacement Disorder, which has him disappearing and reappearing into various times in the past and future. This is ultimately a beautiful love story with a time-travel twist, which adds a different dimension to the story: humour in some parts, horror or heartache in others. Whilst reading this book can be confusing at first, once you realise that Clares story moves forward normally in time, and you remember to pay attention to Henrys age in the headings, it all starts to make sense. Henry and Clares ardour and their attempts to lead a normal life, to have a family, in the face of his disorder, make for a memorable and deeply stirring tale. Niffenegger is skilled with prose and plot; the reader is held enthralled as her imagination is transformed into words. This novel has been described as enchanting, moving, extraordinary, haunting, compelling, a soaring love story: I agree with all of those. I laughed and cried. I so love this book: it is one of my all-time favourite novels. Writing this review has made me want to read it yet again.
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  Atonement
  Ian Mcewan

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  Mistitled

  28/02/2011

  For me, Ian McEwans book, Atonement, was mistitled. I think a better title would have been How to profit from ruining others lives. I was prepared to give this book a chance. A slow start, but good use of language, beautifully written, characters to love and hate and what seemed like a good story until the rather grim ending, which made a complete lie of the blurb on the back: Briony will have witnessed mysteries, and committed a crime for which she will spend the rest of her life trying to atone. If doing a bit of wartime nursing and then writing the story of your crime after all the people to whom it might matter have died, first changing the ending so that it will be more acceptable to the reader, then Brionys definition of atonement is something different from the accepted one. Atonement: amends or reparation made for an injury or wrong. I felt cheated by the ending for the time I spent on this book. Guess I don't need to try any more by Ian McEwan!
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  Cross Country
  James Patterson

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  unbelievably bad

  02/02/2011

  "....the Tiger disappears into thin air. Tracking him to Africa, Alex knows that he must follow. Alone. "
  Huh? Why would Alex Cross, a really smart guy up to now, go to Africa, where he has absolutely no jurisdiction and no support, to track a killer? Alone! Puhleese!
  What a disappointment this book was! It was just too far-fetched, beyond belief. Alex Cross was beaten up so many times, it was a surprise he was still alive at the end. I think that Patterson has run out of things for Alex Cross to do. Maybe the next one will be better..............but I sure won't be paying full price for it like I did for this one!
  
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  Cross Country
  James Patterson and Unknown

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  downhill cross

  02/02/2011

  "....the Tiger disappears into thin air. Tracking him to Africa, Alex knows that he must follow. Alone. "
  Huh? Why would Alex Cross, a really smart guy up to now, go to Africa, where he has absolutely no jurisdiction and no support, to track a killer? Alone! Puhleese!
  What a disappointment this book was! It was just too far-fetched, beyond belief. Alex Cross was beaten up so many times, it was a surprise he was still alive at the end. I think that Patterson has run out of things for Alex Cross to do. Maybe the next one will be better..............but I sure won't be paying full price for it like I did for this one!
  
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  Shame
  Salman Rushdie

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  Interesting and intriguing

  11/05/2011

  Shame is the third novel by Salman Rushdie. The narrator tells us novel is and is not about Pakistan. The main characters are Omar Khayyam Shakil (who represents shamelessness), Raza Hyder (read Zia-ul-Haq), his daughter Sufiya Zinobia (who represents shame), Iskander Harappa (read Zulfikar Ali Bhutto) and his daughter Arjumand Harappa, the virgin Ironpants (read Benazir Bhutto). Once again written in magical realism, the plot loosely follows events leading up to the reign of Bhutto and then the coup by Zia. A political novel, it sent me off to Wikipaedia to fill in my sorely-lacking background knowledge of these events in Pakistan. Not the epic length of Midnights children or of later novels, it is filled with satire, cynical intrigue and black comedy. Rushdie, as always, demonstrates his mastery of language and keeps the reader engaged to the last line.
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  Lady Susan: With The Watsons: And Sanditon
  Jane Austen

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  Austen fragments

  06/04/2012

  This is an omnibus of Jane Austens unpublished novel, Lady Susan, with two unfinished novels, The Watsons and Sanditon.
  Lady Susan was written early in Austens writing career, around the time she was writing Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey, and is in the format of letters. Lady Susan Vernon, finding herself in straitened circumstances after the death of her ailing husband, is forced to put her sixteen-year-old daughter into school and live with her brother-in-law, Charles Vernon, and his wife Catherine, at Churchill. Lady Susan is beautiful, charming and artful; her letters show she is also extravagant, scheming, manipulative and selfish, although she is adept at hiding this from those she seeks to influence. A very short novel, by Austen standards, and not a format that showcases her writing talent, this novel still amply illustrates her mastery of plot and character.
  The Watsons is a fragment of the novel written when Austens family moved from Steventon to Bath, an unhappy period in her life. Emma Watson, youngest of the Watson girls, has lived with her aunt and uncle for fourteen years. When her uncle dies and her aunt remarries, her expected inheritance disappears and she has to return to the family home: an ailing father, and three sisters she does not know. Invited by well-off friends, the Edwards, to town and a ball, Emma meets a cast of characters who are to influence her future. The Watson family is a humble one by Austens usual standards, although the heroine shows great promise and the plot has endless possibilities. While it is frustrating to not know the ending, the reading is, nonetheless, pleasurable.
  Sanditon is a fragment of the last novel Austen ever wrote, written at the time of Persuasion, Mansfield Park and Emma. A carriage accident in which Tom Parker sprains his ankle as he and his wife Mary are returning to the seaside town of Sanditon begins the long and important acquaintance between the Parkers and the Heywood family. The eldest Heywood daughter, 22 year old Charlotte, is exhorted to accompany the Parkers back to Sandition to benefit from taking the sea air and to bathe. What follows is Charlottes impressions of the extended Parker family and the residents of Sanditon who are committed to making their town a popular vacation spot for families. The characters are comical and the plot has great potential; a great shame that it was unfinished due to Austens illness and death. However short, the quality of the writing is still apparent.
  
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  Emma
  Jane Austen

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  classic Austen

  27/08/2011

  Emma is the fourth published Jane Austen novel. Emma Woodhouse is the spoiled, rich, younger daughter of the widowed Mr Woodhouse. Her father, Henry, is nave, self-centred, a borderline hypochondriac and the ultimate pessimist. Emma lives at home with him, looks after him and has no plans to ever marry because of this. She is a strong-willed and snobbish 20-year-old with a rather dull life who fancies herself an excellent matchmaker. Most of her friends and acquaintances indulge her. Only George Knightly, the elder brother of her sister Isabellas husband, John, is critical of her behaviour. He takes her to task for meddling in others lives. As with all novels of this era, compared with todays offerings, the reader has to be patient and allow the story to build. Theres also getting ones head around the language used. It took me a few instances of the word nice to realise that what it meant then (foolish, stupid, senseless) was not what it means today. The garrulous Miss Bates is a source of humour and there is plenty of talking at crossed purposes. This novel seems to point to the importance of status and appearance in Miss Austens world. Another Austen classic.
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  Sense And Sensibility
  Jane Austen

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  Classic Austen

  22/05/2011

  Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austens first published novel, is the story of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Marianne is young and flirtatious and has very set ideas about what sort of person her true love, her knight in shining armour will be. Elinor, much more restrained, mature and sensible, has quite a different attitude to life and love. Both meet the man they believe is for them, but for neither does the course of true love run smooth. This charming novel has some very likeable characters, as well as a few to despise or disdain, and plenty of muddles, misunderstandings and wrong assumptions. Altogether a delight to read: easy to understand why this is a classic.
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  Something Rotten
  Jasper Fforde

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  totally unpredictable

  06/04/2012

  Something Rotten is the 4th of the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. After 2 years as Bellman for Jurisfiction, Thursday has begun to miss the Real World, and decides to go back to Swindon with her two-year-old son, Friday, to see if she can get her husband Landen Parke-Laine, currently eradicated by the Chrono-Guard, un-eradicated. But life is never straight forward for Thursday: she is low on funds and needs her Spec-Ops job back; she wants to return a troublesome bookjumper, Yorick Kaine, back to the book he came from, before he succeeds in his campaign to leap from Chancellor and leader of the Whigs to Dictator of England; and she needs to organise Play Group and a speech therapist for Friday, whose first two years spent in the Fiction world have him talking Lorem Ipsum, the dummy text used by printers. Soon enough, Thursday also discovers she had an Officially-Sanctioned Stalker, Millon deFloss. On top of all this she has been saddled with Hamlet, on leave in the Outland to see if people really consider him a ditherer: rather untimely as Kaine is agitating for war against the Danish. Goliath Corporation, meanwhile, is attempting to switch to a faith-based operation management system. As always, Fforde peppers his narrative with wonderfully imaginative names for characters (Fawsten Gayle, Adam Gnusense, Commander Braxton Hicks, Brik Schitt-Hawse, Piarno Keyes, Tork Armada, Julie Aseizer, Alf Widdershaine, Ernst Stricknene), for bureaucratic entities (the Apologarium in Goliathopolis, St Septyks Hospital) and for TV game shows (Evade the Question Time, Celebrity Name That Fruit!, Toasters From Hell, Youve Been Stapled!). The titles of the journals quoted in the chapter introductions are similarly clever (New Oppressor, The Toad, The Mole, Gadfly, Portsmouth Penny Dreadful, Swindon Eevening Blurb, Arboreal Times, Swindon Daily Eyestrain) and the context is hilariously inane. In this instalment we see more of Thursdays family and learn more about the Chrono-Guard. Thursday survives several assassination attempts, smuggles banned books out of the country, plays World Championship Croquet, searches for cloned Shakespeares and makes a startling discovery about Granny Next. The Whigs, with their idiotic policies are way ahead in popularity, of the Commonsense Party, so in that aspect, Thursdays world is not so different from ours, although re-engineered Dodos, Mammoths, Thylacines and Neanderthals are unlikely to ever abound here. As always, Fforde provides many laugh out loud moments in a plot that is original, thrilling and totally unpredictable. I look forward to First Among Sequels.
• 

  Death Of A Swagman
  Arthur W. Upfield and Arthur Upfield

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  stil a great read after 66 years

  21/06/2011

  Death of a Swagman is the 9th of Arthur Upfields Inspector Bonaparte Mysteries. A swagman is found dead in a pool of blood in a hut near the Riverina town of Merino. Bony only sees a photo of the hut but is convinced the man did not die there, and is intrigued enough to take the case. He arrives in town incognito, gets himself arrested and, as well as painting the Police Station fence a sickly yellow, he investigates as only Bony can. During the course of the investigation, he befriends the Police Sergeants young daughter, and, at one point, momentarily doubts his usually infallible approach to crime detection. Bony pontificates several times about the difference between city crime solving and bush police work. As often happens in small towns, people may have more than one profession: to wit the wheelright who is also the funeral director, coroner and magistrate. And a secret noughts-and-crosses code for swagmen: whod have thought? A few twists before Bony solves the case. It may be from 1945, but its still a great read.
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  Battling Prophet
  Arthur Upfield

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  Excellent Upfield mystery

  25/03/2012

  The Battling Prophet is the 20th novel in the Bony series by Arthur Upfield. Having solved a smuggling case for the South Australian Police, Bony decides to mix business with pleasure by taking ten days leave to go fishing at the small coastal town of Cowdry, as the guest of one John Luton. Luton has requested Bonys presence as he is convinced that his good friend, unorthodox meteorologist and long-range weather forecaster, Benjamin Wickham, was murdered. Whilst the local doctor listed the cause of death as heart failure due alcoholic poisoning, Luton expounds his theory on the effects of different sprits on the DTs (hoojahs), and cites this as proof that his friend was murdered. As the body has been cremated without autopsy, Bony has to look at motive and means. Wickhams predictions were extremely accurate and he was both admired and detested; this accuracy also made him a target for those who wanted to obtain his methods for their own gains; the beneficiaries of his will are another source of suspects. Upfield touches on a myriad of subjects: the merits of binge drinking and abstinence; the value of accurate long-range weather forecasting for would-be world conquerors; trade unionism; communism; sectarianism. He is scathing of the Security Service and the Commonwealth Investigation Service. The reader will be intrigued when Bony makes the completely uncharacteristic move of following telegraphed orders to return to Brisbane before he has solved his case. Plenty of twists in the plot that will keep the reader guessing, and, of course, Bony constructs and smokes many alleged cigarettes. Excellent Upfield mystery.
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  Cake In The Hat Box
  Arthur W. Upfield and Arthur Upfield

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  enjoyable Bony installment

  14/08/2011

  Cake in a Hat Box is the 19th in Arthur Upfields Bony series. The story starts with the discovery by a long-distance truck driver of the body of Constable Stenhouse in his jeep on the road to Agars Lagoon. Stenhouse, a competent policeman but not a well-liked man, has been shot, and his native tracker is missing. At first, it looks like, the tracker, Jackie Musgrove, has shot his Constable and cleared out with his swag and rifle. But the local blacks are making smoke signals and gathering purposefully. Bony happens to be in the town of Agars Lagoon due to engine trouble in his flight home from Broome, and as the case gets more interesting, he relishes being asked to help with the investigation. This Bony book is filled with a collection of outback characters, some stoic, some downright bizarre. Despite Bonys occasional laconic attitude, Upfield gives us fast-paced novel with an original plot, a few twists, especially the motive and the murderer. Upfields extensive knowledge of the outback and the aboriginal shines through all his Bony novels. Is there really a cake in a hat box? Does Bony actually get his murderer his time? No spoilers here! Another enjoyable Bony instalment.
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  Bony Buys A Woman
  Arthur W. Upfield and Arthur Upfield

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  another great Bony read

  05/05/2012

  Bony Buys A Woman, also published under the title The Bushman Who Came Back, is the 22nd novel in the Bony series by Arthur Upfield. Some five weeks after Mrs Bell, the housekeeper on Mount Eden station, is found murdered, and her muchloved daughter, Linda, apparently abducted, Bony arrives to investigate. Footprints and sightings seem to indicate that Ole Fren Yorky, who has also disappeared, is the culprit, and the local aboriginal trackers have come up blank. In this excellent murder mystery, Upfield touches on smoke signals, hiding inside willi willis, dijeridoo songs, Kurdaitcha shoes, the importance of churinga stones and pointing bones in Aborigine culture and he even has Bony using dingo paths to cross to the centre of Lake Eyre. Bonys long list of possible suspects, which include the station owner, his stockmen, close neighbours and the local aborigines, is eventually whittled down by logic and clever deduction. As always, Bony constructs and smokes many alleged cigarettes (heroes didnt die of cancer in those days). I would have liked to know if Bony told his wife the whole story of this case (including the buying of the woman) when he got home. Another great Upfield read.
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  The Enchantress Of Florence
  Salman Rushdie

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  a very enjoyable Rushdie

  07/11/2011

  The Enchantress of Florence is the 10th book by Salman Rushdie. Set amongst the extremes and excesses of Renaissance Florence and in the city of Fatehpur Sikri in Mughal India, it tells the story of a hidden Mughal princess, Princess Qara Kz, the Lady Black Eyes, also known as Angelica, who had the ability to enchant both men and women. The story is told to the Hindustan Emperor Abul-Fath Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar, The Grand Mughal, grandson of Babar, by a Florentine storyteller dressed in a long patchwork cloak made up of bright harlequin lozenges of leather, the yellow haired Niccol Antonino Vespucci, who called himself Mogol dellAmore, and seems also to be an enchanter. Akbar, listening to him, thought: that witchcraft requires no potions, familiar spirits or magic words. Language upon a silvered tongue affords enchantment enough. This tale abounds with battles won and lost, villains and heroes, slaves and sultans, soldiers and sailors, witches and magic, lovers real and imaginary; the Medicis, Machiavelli, Argalia, various Vespuccis and Vlad the Impaler all make an appearance. While Rushdies usual wordplay and much of his magical reality are absent, this novel is full of luscious prose; there is much rich detail, the characters are memorable and the plot is excellent; it had some of the feel of Haroun and the Sea of Stories. I enjoyed this book much more than either Midnights Children or the Moors Last Sigh.
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  One Foot In Eden
  Ron Rash

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  more than just a murder mystery

  01/03/2011

  One Foot in Eden is Ron Rashs first novel. The tale is told in five voices; the setting is the Jocassee Valley in the Appalachian Mountains of South Carolina in the 1950s. It starts out as a murder mystery, but soon becomes much more. Characters that start out as simple farmers and law enforcement officers develop an unexpected depth. Underneath the main story is the current of peoples lives and the threat of the dam that will flood the valley.
  Sherriff Will Alexander believes that local thug and war veteran Holland Winchester has been murdered, but he has no body. He suspects that Billy Holcombe has committed the crime but has no proof. The crime and its aftermath are described successively by Will Alexander, Billy Holcombes wife Amy, Billy, his son Isaac and Deputy Bobby Murphree. The plot twists in unpredictable ways: more than once, the outcome is quite different from what the reader might expect.
  It is obvious from the rich descriptions and authentic dialogue that Rash is a native Appalachian: his love of the place and the people stands out.
  This is a tale of murder; of suspicion and superstition; of guilt and of love; of infidelity and jealousy; of choosing a path in life; of fatherhood; of attachment to place and community displacement. Beautifully written, it is a pleasure to read and hard to put down.
  
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  Evening Of The Holiday
  Shirley Hazzard

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  early Hazzard

  16/04/2012

  The Evening of the Holiday is the first novel by Australian author Shirley Hazzard and was written in 1966. It is set in Tuscany and the main characters are Tancredi, a Sicilian architect recently separated from his wife and children, Sophie, half-English, half-Italian, on holiday in Tuscany and Luisa Brandi, Sophies aunt. Tancredi and Sophie first meet at his sisters place. It is an inauspicious beginning to their love affair: he doesnt think much of her looks; she finds him not at all attractive. Tancredi comes across as vain and sexist; Sophie goes from rejecting his advances to resigned acceptance of the fact they will be involved, tinged with apprehension. They both know that, as there is no divorce in Italy, any future for their love affair is impossible. Hazard uses rich descriptive passages to set the tone and mood; she is able to evoke the feel of the Tuscan summer with consummate ease. There is some wonderful prose: Charity, talent, love were real, perhaps only to the sufferer and the beneficiary, and abstractions in the eyes of others. Hazard also paints some marvellous pictures: Seen together, these relatives, with their prominent, attenuated features and light colouring, resembled nothing so much as a group of collie dogs, lifting heir muzzles to greet one another and twitching their fine-boned shoulders or shifting about in their delicate, nervous way. As with her later novels, I found Hazzards characters hard to like or care about (except, perhaps, Luisa), but she does manage to convey the atmosphere well.
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  The Uncommon Reader
  Alan Bennett

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  uncommonly funny

  26/01/2012

  The Uncommon Reader is a novella by novelist and playwright, Alan Bennett. The story starts with the Queen coming across the mobile library van parked near Buckingham Palace, where Norman, a young man from the kitchens, is choosing a book. After making small talk with the driver/librarian and the kitchen hand, she feels duty-bound to borrow a book. Which she, of course, dutifully reads and returns the following week for another. Soon enough, she has Norman transferred from the kitchens to assist her in her new favourite pastime, reading. This delightful dose of British humour speculates on what happens to the royal duties and the royal household as the Queen gives in to her obsession. Full of laugh-out-loud moments, especially the last line.
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  Almost Moon
  Alice Sebold

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  powerful

  23/05/2011

  The Almost Moon is the second novel by Alice Sebold. Helen Knightly narrates the story, which begins when she murders her mother, Clair. As we follow events over the next 24 hours, we learn about Helens life and what brought her to this momentous act: her love-hate relationship with her mentally-ill mother; her career as an artists model; her failed marriage; her dysfunctional relationship with her daughters. Helen has spent her whole life exposed to mental illness so it seems almost inevitable that she will question her own sanity. Sebold explores loyalty and devotion, and the fine line that exists between the impulse and the act. This is a powerful and passionate story, full of black humour. I enjoyed The Lovely Bones: this one is at least as good, if not better!
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  Cross Country
  James Patterson

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  woeful

  02/02/2011

  "....the Tiger disappears into thin air. Tracking him to Africa, Alex knows that he must follow. Alone. "
  Huh? Why would Alex Cross, a really smart guy up to now, go to Africa, where he has absolutely no jurisdiction and no support, to track a killer? Alone! Puhleese!
  What a disappointment this book was! It was just too far-fetched, beyond belief. Alex Cross was beaten up so many times, it was a surprise he was still alive at the end. I think that Patterson has run out of things for Alex Cross to do. Maybe the next one will be better..............but I sure won't be paying full price for it like I did for this one!
  
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  Cross Country
  James Patterson

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  a poor Cross effort

  02/02/2011

  "....the Tiger disappears into thin air. Tracking him to Africa, Alex knows that he must follow. Alone. "
  Huh? Why would Alex Cross, a really smart guy up to now, go to Africa, where he has absolutely no jurisdiction and no support, to track a killer? Alone! Puhleese!
  What a disappointment this book was! It was just too far-fetched, beyond belief. Alex Cross was beaten up so many times, it was a surprise he was still alive at the end. I think that Patterson has run out of things for Alex Cross to do. Maybe the next one will be better..............but I sure won't be paying full price for it like I did for this one!
  
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  Venom House
  Arthur Upfield

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  clever plot

  08/01/2012

  Venom House is the 16th novel of the Bony series by Arthur Upfield. Bony finds himself in the coastal town of Edison, in south-eastern Queensland, investigating two bodies found in a man-made lake which surrounds the Answerth familys mansion known as Venom House. The bodies are those of Ed Carlow, the local butcher, suspected of rustling local cattle to augment his business; and the second wife of the late Jacob Answerth. The household is a strange one: Janet Answerth, the eldest sister, feminine and in charge of the mansion; Mary, the youngest sister, masculine and in charge of the stock and station; Morris, the young half-brother, simple and kept locked in his rooms; and Mrs Leeper, the cook and house-keeper, and also a trained nurse. A pair of strange brothers, Robin and Henry Foster, and Albert Blaze, the station cook, also make up the cast. Not a great deal of unique Bony skill in this one, except perhaps using his sense of smell in the dark, but a clever plot with a few twists and some interesting characters. I didnt guess the murderer before Bony revealed it, so I think readers will enjoy this one.
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  Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
  Douglas Adams

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  classic Adams

  05/05/2012

  Dirk Gentlys Holistic Detective Agency is the first in the Dirk Gently series by the late Douglas Adams. After the first few chapters, the reader may well ask: what do a faulty electronic monk with belief problems, a horse in a bathroom, a sofa stuck in a staircase, a computer programmer, a Professor of Chronology, a billionaire software company owner, a silver salt cellar stuck inside a 200 year-old Greek pot and the poems of Samuel Taylor Coleridge have to do with one another? Dirk Gently, owner of Dirk Gentlys Holistic Detective Agency, firmly believes in the fundamental interconnectedness of all things, and does, indeed, manage to prove that this is so. While he does so, he also manages to track down a visitor from another world and save our own. This novel is full of delicious, clever Adams humour of the same quality as Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, from the first to the very last page. Some of the things Adams dreams up (like Total Reason software to support the outcome you want, music from the form of things in nature and Zen navigation) are only a step from the truly realistic. Readers will look forward to whatever Adams has to offer in the sequel, The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul.
• 

  The Eyre Affair
  Jasper Fforde

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  just wonderful

  17/10/2011

  The Eyre Affair is the first novel by Jasper Fforde, and the first in the Thursday Next series. Thursday Next is a SpecOps 27 operative, a LiteraTec, who deals in crimes against literature. The novel is set in 1985, when England has been at war with Russia over Crimea for some 130 years, time travel is not uncommon and Wales has seceded from UK and is a Republic. Fforde includes delightfully ridiculous names and the inventions of Thursday's uncle, Mycroft Next are quite wonderful. I am glad I made the effort to read Jane Eyre before reading this. Reading this novel was unadulterated pleasure and I look forward starting on the next in the series, Lost in a Good Book.
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  First Among Sequels
  Jasper Fforde

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  excellent dose of Fforde

  12/05/2012

  First Among Sequels is the fifth novel in the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. The narration starts in 2002, some fourteen years after Something Rotten. Thursday, now 52 and feeling her age, is working at Acme Carpets, Spec Ops having been disbanded soon after the Commonsense Party came to power. Her sixteen-year-old son, Friday, destined to lead the ChronoGuard and save the world, is a typically teenage smelly, grunty bedslug. Landen and Thursday have two daughters, Tuesday and Jenny, and Landen writes at home whilst Thursday secretly runs her own Spec Ops branch and, in the Book World, trains cadet agents for Jurisfiction. Reality TV shows like Samaritan Kidney Swap have become popular, and read rates are dropping dramatically, a cause for great concern in the Book World. Tension is mounting between some of the genres in the Book World, and the Council of Genres is proposing to make books interactive. As things come to a head, Thursday finds herself, unthinkably, going to Goliath Corporation for help. While some of the pieces about time travel and the ChronoGuard almost had my eyes glazing over, things I loved in this excellent novel were the book refitters own language, the fictional Thursdays, the Stupidity Surplus, Schrdingers Night Fever Principle, the good ship Moral Dilemma on the Hypothetical Ocean, Aornis Hades timeloop prison, books whose genres change, piano exchange, the serial killer pun and the cheese smuggling. Landen has previously been very much in the background, but in this instalment his character is developed and we see more of Thursdays family life. Fforde is always inventive with names and this book is no exception: Mrs Berko Boyler, Daphne Farquit, Aflredo Traficcone, Anne Wirthlass-Schitt, Cherie Yogert, Hedge Moulting, Cliff Hangar, Irritable Vowel Syndrome, and the various cheese names; Salmon Thrustys The Demonic Couplets is worthy of Rushdie himself. Thursday makes a lovely speech about the importance of the reader. The cliff hanger ending will send readers in search of the next Thursday Next novel, One of Our Thursdays is Missing. Reminiscent of Douglas Adams, this is another excellent dose of Jasper Fforde.
• 

  Manhattan Is My Beat
  Jeffery Deaver

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  Refreshing

  28/02/2011

  Manhattan is My Beat is the first book in Jeffrey Deavers Rune series. The main character, Rune, is twenty and petite. She lives in a loft with a glass gazebo and her current employment is in a video store; she loves movies. Runes elderly friend is murdered and she becomes convinced he has found the million-dollar proceeds of a bank robbery in the 1930s. Determined to pursue this, she tangles with the NYPD, copywriters, actresses, hit men for the Mafia, illegal immigrants, screenwriters with Alzheimers and the US Marshals. Plenty of plot twists and quite a few laughs along the way. Rune seems to be a cross between Kinsey Milhone and Stephanie Plum. Refreshing!
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  Hell's Kitchen
  Jeffery Deaver

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  another excellent Pellam novel

  19/03/2011

  Hells Kitchen is the third (and so far final) Jeffrey Deaver Location Scout novel. Whilst doing research in Hells Kitchen, Pellam is caught in the fire that burns down a tenement building. The prime suspect is Ettie Wilkes Washington, the old black woman he has been interviewing for his oral history of Hells Kitchen. Convinced of her innocence, Pellam starts his own investigation. He mixes it with fire marshals, street kids, youth outreach workers, jaded lawyers, Latino and Irish gangs, land developers, high society and a pyromaniac. Who is telling the truth, and what are cleverly fabricated lies? Is anyone, including Pellam, being completely honest? Once again, plenty of twists in the tale, leading to a dramatic conflagration. An excellent Location Scout novel with room for sequels if Deaver decides to revisit this reluctant hero.
• 

  The Well Of Lost Plots
  Jasper Fforde

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  excellent Fforde

  26/02/2012

  The Well of Lost Plots is the third of the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. Having changed the ending of Jane Eyre, ended the Crimean war and had her husband, Landen Parke-Laine eradicated by the ChronoGuard, Thursday has joined Jurisfition and is currently taking a break, for the duration of her pregnancy, through the Character Exchange Program, inside a mediocre detective novel in the Well of Lost Plots. However, what she thinks will be a quiet sojourn is anything but, with Aornis Hades, sister of Acheron, out to take revenge for her brothers death by altering Thursdays memories, the detective novel under threat of demolition, the murder of a Jurisfiction agent, the escape of the Minotaur, Jurisfiction exams to take, the spread of the mispeling vyrus, a Rage Counselling session for the characters of Wuthering Heights, her fiction infraction trial coming up, the imminent launch of the new (and very Kindle-like) UltraWordTM and Nursery Rhyme characters on strike for better conditions. Miss Havisham continues to mentor her apprentice, and one-hundred-and-eight-year-old Granny Next comes to help Thursday out.
  Ffordes plot is highly original and imaginative. He shows us that politics, corruption and error as well as red tape and bureaucracy in their most irritating and frustrating forms thrive no matter which version of the world one inhabits. Junk mail and African money scams plague Ffordes version of the world too. Parasites, pests, acronyms and lofty-sounding names in officialdom also abound: an ImaginoTransference Device is, of course, a word. Fforde endows his characters with some hilarious names, gives us some comical book titles and his dialogue will have the reader snickering and often laughing out loud. The prefaces at the start of each chapter include handy Fforde-type explanations of the rules under which fiction exists, how books are actually written, plot recycling and some history of storytelling, writing and printing. We also learn about Literary Mechanisms like Plot Devices, Echolocators, Chapter-Ending Emporiums, Backstories built-to-order, Generic Characters and the Text Sea. In this instalment we finally discover what really happened in the Crimea with Thursday, Landen and Anton during the Charge of the Light Armoured Brigade in 1973. Ffordes writing strikes me as a cross between that of Terry Pratchett and the late Douglas Adams, and, as these are two of my favourite authors, from me this is high praise indeed. Readers will look forward to the next instalment, Something Rotten.
  
• 

  The Sleeping Doll
  Jeffery Deaver

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  Excellent Deaver

  23/04/2011

  The Sleeping Doll is the first of Jeffrey Deavers Kathryn Dance series. Special Agent Kathryn Dance, a brilliant interrogator and kinesics expert with the California Bureau of Investigation, made a brief appearance in the Lincoln Rhyme novel The Cold Moon. When Kathryn interrogates convicted murderer and cult leader, Daniel Pell, about a newly-discovered crime, she hopes to also learn more about the mass murder for which he was jailed. That case involved the murder of a wealthy family, leaving behind a survivor: the Sleeping Doll of the title. When Pell escapes after the interrogation, Dance finds herself in charge of the ensuing manhunt. What follows is a fast-paced tale with plenty of twists: feints and betrayals abound. Along the way, Dance deals with a clever and charismatic cult leader, his followers and ex-followers, a tenacious author is search of a story, a brave teenager, a less-than-supportive boss, shifts in her own familys dynamics, a possible love-interest and an FBI expert. Also featured are plastic surgery, disguise, car chases, near misses, gunfights, car-jacking, explosions, murder, theft and a surfeit of liars: this novel has it all. The kinesics angle is interesting without being overdone. Lincoln Rhyme even makes a token appearance. Id forgotten what a good read a Jeffrey Deaver novel can be: lots of I didnt see that coming moments. Im looking forward to reading the next Kathryn Dance, Roadside Crosses.
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  Born On A Blue Day
  Daniel Tammet

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  a fascinating read

  16/04/2012

  Born on a Blue Day is a memoir by Aspergeran, Daniel Tammet. Daniels Aspergers is an extremely rare form, Savant Syndrome, which means he sees numbers as shapes and colours, and is able to perform extraordinary maths in his head, as well as being able to learn to speak languages fluently in a very short time. What makes this book remarkable and worth reading is that Daniel is high-functioning and able to live independently, as well as articulating clearly how his mind works. Daniels analysis of his own behaviour and reactions shows tremendous insight and makes his story interesting and compelling. The reader is left with nothing but admiration for this determined individual and his very supportive family and friends. A fascinating read.
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  More Twisted
  Jeffery Deaver

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  definitely twisted

  23/04/2011

  More Twisted is a volume of sixteen tales of suspense by Jeffrey Deaver, including a previously unpublished Lincoln Rhyme story. Each of these tales, as the title suggests, has a twist. Most are set in modern times, but one is set in Victorian England and features Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. All are enjoyable, some are spine-chilling. An excellent read!
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  Roadside Crosses
  Jeffery Deaver

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  twists and red herrings galore

  27/04/2011

  Roadside Crosses is the second in Jeffrey Deavers Kathryn Dance series. The story starts with a roadside cross memorial which is dated for the following day, the day that police find a kidnapped teenager left for dead in the trunk of her car. Kathryns interrogation of the teen points to a blogging site where cyber bullying seems to have led to retaliation. More roadside crosses appear, and more victims follow. As Kathryn and her team race to identify those posting on the blogs to warn them of the danger, they find their efforts hindered by the blog owner and issues of free speech and anonymity. As if the case is not enough to deal with, Kathryns boss, Charles Overby, is playing his usual undermining role, her friend and colleague, Michael ONeil is acting strangely, a former murder case appears to be running into problems, Kathryn is threatened with a racial discrimination charge and her mother is arrested for euthenasing a policeman. Luckily, Kathryn is able to enlist the help of a UC Professor to unravel the world of computers and blogs and online gaming, and comes to realise that kinesics are not quite so useful in the cyber world, where the visual cues that usually accompany speech are lacking. Deaver uses this story to emphasise the plethora of lies, misinformation, rumour and gossip that is rife in blogs, as well as the lack of accountability for the information due to the anonymity of posters. Once again, plenty of twists in the tale, a few red herrings and some brand-name dropping. TJs clever versions of Overbys name provide some laugh-out-loud moments. The author blurb at the back says hes working on a new Kathryn Dance for 2011: nothing so far, but I will be interested to read more of these.
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  Apprentice
  Tess Gerritsen

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  another Gerritsen page-turner

  19/06/2011

  The Apprentice is the second novel in Tess Gerritsens Jane Rizzoli/Maura Iles series, and the first book in which Maura Iles makes her appearance. About a year after Rizzoli solved The Surgeon case and sent Warren Hoyt to jail, another hot Boston summer sees another serial killer on the loose. This killer is mimicking many of The Surgeons actions, but with some differences. As Warren Hoyt is safely locked up, is this a copycat? As well as dealing the with the psychological scarring the Surgeon inflicted on her, Rizzoli is once again up against her male chauvinist colleagues, but now theres also an (extremely attractive) FBI agent, Gabriel Dean, who has involved himself in her case (why?). The autopsies are performed by the very efficient Maura Iles, often dubbed The Queen of the Dead. Soon, to everyones dismay, Hoyt is no longer in custody, and it seems the killers are a team. Even as she is giving us a solid plot enriched with detail, Gerritsen once again touches on issues: women needing to prove themselves capable and strong; the victim role; the use of neuropsychiatry as a defence; is the hunting instinct in our DNA and if so, what stops us as humans from acting on our less appropriate instincts. The characters, the dialogue, the descriptions are all convincing. Plenty of suspense: another page-turner. Im looking forward to reading The Sinner.
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  Sinner
  Tess Gerritsen

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  more excellent Gerritsen

  23/06/2011

  The Sinner is the 3rd in Tess Gerritsens Rizzoli/Isles series. The action starts with a murder and an attempted murder in a convent of aging nuns. The murder victim is a young novice about to take her final vows, but during the autopsy Maura Isles finds that the novice has recently given birth. Another body turns up, a shooting victim without a face, hands or feet, and with some unusual nodules on the skin. Yet another body, this time in Providence, Rhode Island, shot with the same gun, brings FBI Agent Gabriel Dean into the investigation. Gradually, Rizzoli and Isles piece together the mystery. Rizzoli is somewhat distracted by a development involving Agent Dean, and Isles is similarly distracted by the reappearance of her ex-husband, Victor Banks. Whilst the first two novels were told through Rizzoli or Moore, much of this story is told from the point of view of Maura Isles. Once again, a great plot with a few twists. Gerritsen manages to include aid organisations, leprosy, chemical disasters and miracles in the subject mix. Another excellent read!
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  Sound Of Summer
  Annette Broadrick

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  a fun read

  07/11/2011

  Sound of Summer is the 2nd stand-alone romance novel by Annette Broadrick. When actress Selena Stanford takes a wrong turn on her way to Yosemite National Park and ends up bogged in the mud, she hikes up to Adam Conroys mountain cabin in the rain. He takes her in, but is suspicious about her arrival. His suspicion grows when, the following day, her vehicle is missing but her suitcase isnt. But when some men try to kidnap her from his cabin, he concludes she has seen something she shouldnt have, and is in danger. Conroy has retreated from his life as a spy, but he is very attracted to Selena and uses his old contacts to make sure she is safe. But their lives are so different: he a hermit, she an actress; surely they cant act on their mutual attraction? Broadrick gives us an original plot with a few twists, and a couple of feisty characters. A fun read.
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  Mansfield Park
  Jane Austen

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  excellent Austen

  26/03/2011

  Mansfield Park is Jane Austens third novel. Dr Ian Littlewood describes it in his introduction as her first fully mature work. The novel centres around Fanny Price, who, from the age of nine, is raised by her aunt and uncle, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, in the company of her cousins Tom, Edmund, Maria and Julia, and her aunt Norris. Austens prose gives us a clear snapshot of what life was like for the well-to-do and also the less well-off in Regency England. In this novel, Austen deals, as usual, with morality and, in this case, also with adultry. Austens characters are well portrayed and it is easy to see why her novels are still popular today.
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  Hot And Sultry Night For Crime
  Jeffery Deaver

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  some good stories

  04/04/2011

  A Hot and Sultry Night for Crime is a collection of twenty crime stories edited by, and including one written by, Jeffrey Deaver. All the stories are set on hot days or nights, although quite a few also involve ice and freezers, as well as a twist in the tale. The best of the twenty are probably Deavers own Ninety-eight Point Six, Tim Myers The Stay at Home Thief, Ana Rainwaters Night Rose, Mat Cowards Too Hot to Die, Ronnie Klaskins Child Support and Toni L.P.Kelners Old Dog Days. All readable, quite enjoyable stories, but nothing to really grab me and make me want to read more by that author.
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  Shakespeare's Christmas
  Charlaine Harris

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  a fun read

  25/03/2012

  Shakespeares Christmas is the third in the Lily Bard series by Charlaine Harris. Its almost Christmas and Shakespeares endless tinny carols and tacky decorations are driving her crazy, but when Lily Bard has to return to her hometown of Bartley for her sister Varenas Christmas Eve wedding, she is unenthusiastic. She loves her family but everyone in Bartley looks at her and remembers the traumatic events of seven years ago. Lily would much rather stay in her little cottage with Jack. In the midst of all the wedding preamble, Lily and Varena discover the local doctor and his nurse, bludgeoned to death at their surgery. Not much later, Jack turns up to see Lily, but also on a case: a baby was kidnapped eight years ago, and an anonymous tip has brought him to Hartley. One of the possible candidates for the abducted girl is Lilys prospective niece, Anna: is her sisters fianc, Dill, a kidnapper? Are the murders of the doctor and nurse related? In this instalment, Lily: apprehends a purse snatcher; babysits five children; attends two wedding showers; goes riding with an old boyfriend; takes part in a Christmas Parade; becomes a Maid of Honour; buys some really nice clothes; belches a baby without shoulder protection and even cleans a few houses. Lilys relationship with Jack takes a serious turn, and she proves, once again, that she can take care of herself. I look forward to Shakespeares Trollop.
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  Nerd In Shining Armor
  Vicki Lewis Thompson and Thompson Lewis

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  a bit slow

  17/07/2011

  Nerd in Shining Armour, Vicki Lewis Thompsons first book in the Nerd series, is set in Hawaii. Jackson Farley finds himself the third wheel on a plane trip to Maui when his boss Nick Brogan takes one of the firms secretaries, Genevieve Terrence, for a meeting and an overnight stay. At least, thats what the plan was. But apparently Nick had other ideas, and suddenly Jackson finds himself trying to land a plane in the ocean near a tiny island. Meanwhile, Genevieves mother, Annabelle, is convinced something has gone wrong and enlists Nicks business partner Matt Murphy to search for her daughter by sea. Jackson manages to be Genevieves Nerd in Shining Armour when they are wrecked on the island. Plenty of humour, some intrigue and quite a bit of hot sex. If it moved just a bit faster it would be perfect.
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  Dark Lover
  J. R. Ward

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  strangely compelling

  21/05/2012

  Dark Lover is the first of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R.Ward. The Black Dagger Brotherhood, are the elite of the vampire world in Caldwell, New York. Wrath, Darius, Rhage, Phury, Zsadist, Vishous, and Tohrment (yes, the names are a bit gimmicky) are dedicated to defending civilian vampires from an organisation of de-souled humans, the lessers, who are intent on slaying all vampires. When Darius is murdered, he leaves behind a half-human daughter, journalist Beth Randall, who is unaware of her parentage, her heritage and the fact that she is soon due to transform into a vampire herself. Much as he would like to avoid any involvement with her, Wrath has promised to look after her, but once he meets her, he finds his priorities changing. Add to the mix a human cop who is half in love with Beth, a female vampire who has been Wraths blood source for years and a vampire doctor who is trying to find an artificial blood source, and you have an interesting situation. In this different, modern take on vampires, Ward has created an alternate world on which to base her series. Part Mills & Boon, part paranormal/fantasy, this novel has enough plot and character to make it strangely compelling. While the males are, in places, a bit stereotypical, theres a nice camaraderie between them and the heroine is a strong character; theres plenty of romance and a few hot sex scenes. This paranormal romance tells Wraths story. A further seven books in the series concentrate on the other Brotherhood members, and I look forward to reading each one.
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  Man Of Her Dreams
  Tami Hoag

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  very enjoyable

  17/10/2011

  Man of Her Dreams is the 2nd in the Quaid Horses series by Tami Hoag. When Maggie McSwain gets a long desired marriage proposal from Rylan Quaid, the man she's been secretly in love with for 9 years, she had hoped for something better than "I suppose we could just as well get married". In fact, she's so dismayed, she throws her champagne in his face. She wants to marry him, but when he lays out all the practical reasons, she feels the most important one is missing: he has never told her he loves her. But she's seen that he has the capacity to love and is determined that he will realise he loves her, and is prepared to use all her feminine charms to get him to do just that. This romance is funny and sexy. It has horses and dogs and feisty old ladies and gorgeous men and a few very hot sex scenes between Rylan and Maggie. Very enjoyable.
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  Man Of Her Dreams
  Tami Hoag

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  very enjoyable

  17/10/2011

  Man of Her Dreams is the 2nd in the Quaid Horses series by Tami Hoag. When Maggie McSwain gets a long desired marriage proposal from Rylan Quaid, the man she's been secretly in love with for 9 years, she had hoped for something better than "I suppose we could just as well get married". In fact, she's so dismayed, she throws her champagne in his face. She wants to marry him, but when he lays out all the practical reasons, she feels the most important one is missing: he has never told her he loves her. But she's seen that he has the capacity to love and is determined that he will realise he loves her, and is prepared to use all her feminine charms to get him to do just that. This romance is funny and sexy. It has horses and dogs and feisty old ladies and gorgeous men and a few very hot sex scenes between Rylan and Maggie. Very enjoyable.
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  Keeping The Dead
  Tess Gerritsen

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  more gripping Gerritsen

  02/08/2011

  Keeping The Dead is the 7th in Tess Gerritsens Rizzoli/Isles series. Maura Isles is invited to be present for the CT scan on a mummy recently found in the basement of the Crispin museum. When the scan first shows a dental filling, and then a bullet lodged in the calf, a historical find becomes a murder investigation, and Jane Rizzoli takes the case. As more bodies, or parts of bodies, are uncovered, an association with archaeology becomes apparent. The target seems to be Josephine Pulcillo, an Egyptologist working at the Crispin. Frost thinks shes a victim, but Rizzoli has a gut feeling that Josephine is not all she seems, and this leads to tension between the partners. Gerritsen once again gives us a pacy plot with twists right up to the last chapter, plausible characters and credible dialogue. And a laugh-out-loud moment about hospital bureaucracy. Once again, we are treated to a wealth of interesting facts in easily-digestible morsels, this time about mummification, the process of making a shrunken head and preservation of bodies in bogs. Gerritsen explores lies and truth, how far a parent will go for a child, changing ones identity and spending a life on the run. Another gripping Gerritsen read.
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  East, West: Stories
  Salman Rushdie

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  a great taste of classic Rushdie

  28/06/2011

  East, West is the first collection of short stories by Salman Rushdie. There are nine stories, six of which have been published previously in magazines. In the East section: Good Advice Is Rarer Than Rubies, where a woman seeking a permit to London gets some good advice from an advice wallah, but uses it is a way he doesnt expect; The Free Radio, where a rickshaw driver maintains his faith in a government reward from the sterilisation clinic; and The Prophets Hair, where we learn that crime, especially in the form of theft of a holy relic, definitely does not pay. These have a decidedly eastern flavour. In the West section: Yorick, an interesting prologue to Hamlet that Shakespeare scholars might well enjoy; At the Auction of the Ruby Slippers, a speculation on what might be auctioned in an alternate world; Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella of Spain Consummate Their Relationship, a speculation of what Columbus endured at the Spanish court. Finally, in the East, West section: The Harmony of Spheres, which explores a friend with schizophrenia, and has quite a twist in the tail; Chekov and Zulu, which looks at Indian diplomats in Britain during the time of Indira Ghandis assassination and has very much the flavour of the Satanic Verses; and The Courter, a delightful tale of romance, cartoons and chess in the elderly, which has a slightly sinister edge to it. Rushdies mastery of the language means these are filled with wonderful prose. His mock-Shakespearean and mimic-Indian are particularly entertaining. If there was not an autobiographical touch in The Harmony of Spheres and especially in The Courter, then these are certainly written from close experience, and are definitely my favourites.
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  The Bookman's Promise
  John Dunning

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  a fun read

  27/11/2011

  The Bookmans Promise is the 3rd in John Dunnings Cliff Janeway series. With the windfall cash Cliff has from the Grayson business (see The Bookmans Wake), he decides to spend some serious money on a single book. He becomes interested in the work of renowned 19th century British explorer, Sir Richard Burton, and manages to spend $30,000 on a signed copy of Pilgrimage. Soon, he is contacted by Josephine Gallant, granddaughter of that books former owner, and Cliff finds himself making her a promise on her deathbed. Murder, violence and arson follow. Cliff hooks up with a young lawyer and a librarian in an endeavour to track down some unique books, a search that takes them to Baltimore, Charleston and Charlotte. Once again, Dunning gives us a great plot with a few interesting twists, characters that have the ability to surprise the reader and, of course, tidbits on rare books and the antics of unscrupulous book dealers. As well as this, he touches on hypnotism, biographers and bibliographers, and he gives the reader quite a dose of the Civil War. I look forward to the next in the series, The Sign of the Book.
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  The Bookman's Wake
  John Dunning

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  great plot

  16/11/2011

  The Bookmans Wake is the second in John Dunnings Cliff Janeway series. Cliff is approached by a former colleague from the Denver PD to bring back a skip from Seattle. The only reason he agrees is that hell be paid $5000 and theres a book angle: the skip, Eleanor Rigby, has stolen a rare edition of Poes The Raven, published by the famous and now deceased Darryl Grayson. Of course, nothing is as it seems: Eleanor is being stalked by a dark figure and Cliff soon realises he is really meant to find the elusive book. After he manages to lose Eleanor on his way to the airport, he joins forces with Trish Aandahl, the journalist who chronicled the life if the Grayson brothers after their deaths in a printery fire, which seemed suspicious at the time, to try to track down Eleanor and solve the mystery surrounding the Graysons and their books. Filled with fascinating tidbits about book publishing, book scouting, book binding and what makes a book rare and valuable, this novel has a great plot with plenty of twists, as well as some interesting characters and realistic dialogue. This was a great read and I look forward to the next in the series, The Bookmans Promise.
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  The Bookman's Wake
  John Dunning

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  great plot

  16/11/2011

  The Bookmans Wake is the second in John Dunnings Cliff Janeway series. Cliff is approached by a former colleague from the Denver PD to bring back a skip from Seattle. The only reason he agrees is that hell be paid $5000 and theres a book angle: the skip, Eleanor Rigby, has stolen a rare edition of Poes The Raven, published by the famous and now deceased Darryl Grayson. Of course, nothing is as it seems: Eleanor is being stalked by a dark figure and Cliff soon realises he is really meant to find the elusive book. After he manages to lose Eleanor on his way to the airport, he joins forces with Trish Aandahl, the journalist who chronicled the life if the Grayson brothers after their deaths in a printery fire, which seemed suspicious at the time, to try to track down Eleanor and solve the mystery surrounding the Graysons and their books. Filled with fascinating tidbits about book publishing, book scouting, book binding and what makes a book rare and valuable, this novel has a great plot with plenty of twists, as well as some interesting characters and realistic dialogue. This was a great read and I look forward to the next in the series, The Bookmans Promise.
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  The Bookwoman's Last Fling: A Cliff Janeway Novel
  John Dunning

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  Janeway's last fling too

  05/12/2011

  The Bookwomans Last Fling is the 5th (and, so far, last) in John Dunnings Cliff Janeway series. Cliff travels to Idaho, ostensibly to appraise Candice Geigers book collection, after the death of her thoroughbred trainer husband, H.R. Geiger, and to ascertain which books might be missing from the collection, and track them down. But he soon finds that the situation is a lot more complicated: he begins to look into Candices death, some 20 years previous, and finds himself working at a racetrack and encountering a range of characters, some good, some bad, and some decidedly crazy. In this very cold case murder mystery, Dunning offers us bookish tidbits on bibliomania, book care and storage, childrens books, book plates and private libraries. He also gives the reader lots of facts about horse rescue farms, horse training and racing. Perhaps a little slow in places, it is still filled with interesting characters, and the plot has a great twist at the end. It will be interesting to see if there are further books in this series.
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  The Secret Life Of Bees
  Sue Monk Kidd

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  heartwarming

  08/01/2012

  The Secret Life of Bees is the first novel by Sue Monk Kidd. Set in 1964, this is the story of Lily Melissa Owens, who lives on a peach farm in South Carolina. At four years of age, Lily accidentally killed her mother. Her father is a harsh and cruel man, and Lily craves her mothers love. She does have the friendship of Rosaleen, a Negro servant, but when events put Rosaleen in jail and in danger of her life, Lily decides they need to escape. Lily follows the scant trail left by her mother and they end up living with the eccentric Boatwright sisters, farming honey and learning to understand the world and themselves. Filled with facts and anecdotes about bees and beekeeping, this heart-warming tale has tears and laughter and much wisdom. For me, it was reminiscent of novels by Alice Hoffman and Alice Walkers The Colour Purple. The epigraphs about bees at the beginning of each chapter were a delightful touch.
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  Jewels Of The Sun
  Nora Roberts

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  timid Jude turns feisty

  27/02/2012

  Jewels of the Sun is the first of the Ardmore Gallaghers series by Nora Roberts. When psychology lecturer Jude Frances Murray feels herself heading towards a breakdown from the stress of her job and life in Chicago, she decides to spend six months in the cottage in Ardmore, Ireland, where her Grandma grew up. It will be an opportunity to research her paper about Irish mythology and legend, a subject that has fascinated her since her Grandmas storytelling during Judes childhood. Aiden Gallaghers youthful rambles are over, and hes now settled down to life in charge of the family pub in Ardmore. Jude goes to the pub looking for storytellers: she finds Aiden and his sister Darcy, his brother, Shawn and their friend, Brenna. Escaping her failed marriage and her failure as a teacher, the conservative Jude comes looking for solitude, trying to find herself: instead, she finds the sort of companionship she never had at home, laughter, foolishness and romance. And, while shes not looking for marriage, it seems to be looking for her. This is a sweet romance with some appealing characters. In the dialogue, you can hear that Irish lilt. Some enchanting Irish myths and legends are intertwined with the plot, which starts out looking rather predictable, but there are a few twists to keep it interesting. Roberts also sets the foundation for the next two books in the series in this instalment. A very entertaining read.
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  Isle Of Dogs
  Patricia Cornwell

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  lesser Cornwell

  02/02/2011

  I read the 3 Andy Brazil books against advice from more than one person. I wanted to see for myself if they really were that bad. I liked the Scarpetta books (although I thought that the endings of some of those books were too rushed, too contrived). The Andy Brazil books are nothing like those! Hornet's Nest is probably the best of the three, although the characters are shallow and unconvincing and the plot is weak and implausible. There is some humour and some sexual tension which is frustrating for lack of relief. 5/10. Southern Cross degenerates from this. Ms Cornwell seems to be having fun at our expense, but the result isn't really funny or vaguely satisfying. 3/10. Isle of Dogs, well, how much lower can you go? What were you thinking, Ms Cornwell? Or what drugs were you on? This book was ridiculous! I persisted to the end of these books because I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. Not sure why I bothered. Even if one reads these as tongue-in-cheek romps through the workings of a Police Dept, the final book is hugely disappointing. 1/10. Scarpetta fans who pay full price for these books will feel angry and very much cheated. Luckily I bought mine 2nd hand. Readers whose first taste of Cornwell is one of these books will never buy another. Whatever you do, don't pay full price for these books!
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  The Host
  Stephenie Meyer

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  Excellent non-Twilight Meyer

  28/02/2011

  Stephenie Meyers (so far) stand-alone novel, The Host, departs from her popular Twilight series and explores the theme of bodily possession of humankind by alien souls. As we follow the soul of Wanderer, who is implanted into the body of her host, Melanie Stryder, we gradually learn the history of this alien species and how their possession works. The spanner in the works for Wanderer comes when she realises that Melanies soul has not given up the body, and that they inhabit the body together. Having at first dutifully reported this to her supervisor/advisor, a Seeker, she begins, eventually, to have sympathy with her host and manages to escape. The real fun begins when she manages to track down a colony of humans who have so far escaped possession, including Melanies younger brother Jamie and her (pre-possession) lover, Jared. This is a thick book to read, but Meyer keeps the readers interest easily. The situation where Wanderers (Wandas) soul and Melanies soul, both inhabiting the same body, have fallen in love with two different men, creates an especially delicious dilemma. This was a great read, and, with the Twilight series complete, let us hope Meyer turns her talent to more like this one. There are rumours of sequels in the pipeline called The Soul and The Seeker.
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  Darkly Dreaming Dexter
  Jeff Lindsay

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  delicious

  26/12/2011

  Darkly Dreaming Dexter is the first of Jeff Lindsays Dexter series. Dexter Morgan, damaged by a Traumatic Event in his extreme youth, is now a blood-spatter expert with Miami-Dade PD. Dexter is also a serial killer, but he works according to the Code of Harry, Harry being his late foster father, a good cop and a great human being. Dexter only kills people who really need it: other serial killers, mostly. Dexters foster-sister, Deborah, also a cop with Miami PD, is sick of working vice and wants to advance to Homicide, but needs Dexters help solving the current series of prostitute murders, which, strangely, bear some resemblance to Dexters own work. The Dexter novels are full of black humour, excellent plot twists and interesting characters. Lindsay also manages to put in a good portion of the D section of the dictionary alliterating with the name of his main character. Readers who have seen the TV series of the same title will enjoy the novels even more, picturing the perfectly-cast Michael C. Hall as Dexter.
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  Dexter By Design
  Jeff Lindsay

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  murder as art

  08/01/2012

  Dexter by Design is the 4th of the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay. After his honeymoon in Paris, where a bizarre limb-mutilating art installation had Rita awed and Dexter intrigued, Dexter is back at work in Miami. As Sergeant Debbie drags him along to investigate the suspects linked to four bodies displayed in macabre fashion (maybe like an art installation?), she begins to confront the dilemma of her position as an agent of the law in regard to Dexters hobby. But before she can decide to arrest him, she is stabbed by a suspect and ends up in the ICU. Taking justice into his own hands, Dexter strays off the Harry Path with disastrous results. This installment of Dexter involves, amongst other things, an Internal Affairs investigator, an FBI agent, an attempted kidnapping, a rather bloody ending and a tantalising teaser for the next installment. Surprisingly, Dexter teams up with Debs boyfriend, Kyle Chutsky, and even gets to eat some Cuban food in Cuba (if only I knew where to get some Cuban food near my home!) Lindsay shows the reader he is skilful with similes: I especially liked It just seemed wrong, like washing your socks in the baptismal font at church. Fun plot, clever dialogue: another excellent read.
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  Transgressions: Forever/keller's Adjustment
  Lawrence Block, Jeffery Deaver, Block and others

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  quirky crime

  12/04/2011

  This volume of Transgressions, edited by Ed McBain, consists of two novellas by New York Times bestselling authors Lawrence Block and Jeffrey Deaver. Deavers contribution, Forever, concerns a statistician turned cop who becomes suspicious of double suicide. The cop, Tal Simms, blunders his way through an investigation until he is finally able to convince Homicide that it may be a case for them after all. The story builds nicely, but the ending seems a bit sudden. An enjoyable tale, nonetheless. Blocks novella, Kellers Adjustment, concerns a successful hitman who becomes philosophical about his life and lifestyle after 9/11 and the ensuing security measures. Block is able to present his hitman, Keller, as almost the opposite of a sociopath. Any writer who has the singular ability to get his readers sympathising with a hitman is worth reading. Blocks is arguably the better of the two novellas.
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  74 Seaside Avenue
  Debbie Macomber

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  entertaining

  06/04/2012

  74 Seaside Avenue is the address of Teri (Miller) Polgar and her chess champion husband, Bobby. Teri begins the narration in the 7th book in the popular Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber. Once again, we join our well-loved residents of Cedar Cove to find out what is happening in their lives. Teris story involves subtle threats and kidnapping and a surprise for Bobby, as well as some tactical chess moves; Teris friend from Get Nailed, Rachel Pendergast, whose navy boyfriend Nate Olsen has moved to San Diego, finds she has to make a choice between heartthrob Nate and his possible political career, and Bruce Peyton and his sweet and slightly needy daughter, Jolene; Linnette McAfee decides to leave Cedar Cove for parts unknown when she is rejected by Cal Washburn; Troy Davis, coming to terms with the recent death of his wife, Sandy, a victim of Multiple Sclerosis, reconnects with an old girlfriend, but fears his daughter Megans disapproval; Olivia Lockhart Griffin needs the support of her best friend, Grace, after her latest mammogram; her husband, Jack, finds his AA resolutions sorely tested at the news; Grace Sherman Harding, rejoicing at the birth of two more grandchildren, learns that honesty is the best policy when it comes to telling her husband, Cliff, about the reappearance in town of Will Jefferson; Anson and Allison, Jon and Mary Ellen make brief appearances; and the reader is left wondering if Will Jeffersons intentions are benign, and if Pastor Dave Flemming is all he seems. Macomber once again does what she excels at: people and relationships. Her characters are multi-faceted and her plots have a few twists (and in this case, a twister) to keep it interesting. An entertaining read that will have readers looking forward to 8 Sandpiper Way.
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  Cedar Cove Christmas
  Debbie Macomber

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  delightful Christmas tale

  12/05/2012

  A Cedar Cove Christmas is a novella in the popular Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber. As well as many favourite Cedar Cove characters, this tale features a few new ones: Mary Jo Wyse, very pregnant, arrives in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve in search of her babys father, David Rhodes. David, of course, has lied (again!) and that leaves Mary Jo stranded without a place to stay because, of course, there is no room at the inn. Macomber goes on to include as many elements of the first Christmas as she reasonably can, including a stable for Mary Jo to stay in, ox, ass and camel in that stable (for the Nativity Pageant), three Wyse men (Mary Jos brothers), a star (or two) to lead them to said stable, and a baby born that night. As well as Macombers endearing characters and usual feelgood plot, there was plenty of humour in this one in the form of dialogue between the Wyse brothers. A delightful Christmas tale.
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  The Manning Grooms
  Debbie Macomber

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  feelgood Macomber again

  05/06/2011

  Bride on the Loose: Jason Manning, middle Manning brother, confirmed bachelor, slob and sports fan. Charlotte Weston, prim and proper executive assistant and divorced mother of 9th grader, Carrie. What happens when Carrie offers to pay Jason to date her mom? While the sparks fly, so do Cupids arrows. Will Eric and Elizabeth manning finally get to organise the big fancy wedding they have so very much wanted to, but missed out on with two sons and two daughters?
  Same Time, Next Year: James Wilkens, almost a Manning groom, almost married Christie Manning. A year later, James is in Las Vegas on New Years Eve when he meets Summer Lawton, newly broken-hearted. He promises her she will be over it in a year, and they arrange to meet Same Time Next Year. Surprisingly for both of them, they end up married. But James is a Supreme Court Judge and budding politician, and Summer feels that her career as a singer/actress will adversely affect his future prospects. Elizabeth, Eric and several of the other Mannings make an appearance. Macomber leaves us feeling good, once again.
  
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  Right Next Door
  Debbie Macomber

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  another sweet Macomber romance

  02/08/2011

  Right Next Door is an omnibus of two full length Debbie Macomber romance novels: Fathers Day and The Courtship of Carol Sommars.
  Fathers Day is Debbie Macombers 42nd stand-alone romance novel. When widow, Robin Masterson, and her 10-year-old son Jeff move out of their apartment into a house with a garden, Jeff is looking forward owning a dog. Unfortunately, Robin feels they cant afford a dog just yet. Luckily, theres a lovely black labrador right next door. Trouble is, Blackie is owned by Cole Camden, and Cole seems to be the unfriendliest man in the neighbourhood. Jeff has a way with animals, and it seems, with unfriendly men, as well, as soon Cole is smiling more often, especially at Robin. But once Robin learns about the tragedy in Coles past, shes not sure of his motives when he asks her to marry him. Another sweet romance from Debbie Macomber.
  The Courtship of Carol Sommars is Debbie Macombers 41st stand-alone romance novel. Carol Sommars has been a widow for 13 years, ever since her husband Bruce died in a car accident. Her fifteen year-old son, Peter, is best friends with James Preston, and Jamess dad, Alex, has been a widower for three years. When they meet, Carol is not at her best, but Alex can see that she is much more the woman he wants to settle down with than the blonde bimbos his friend Barney keeps setting him up with. Carol is attracted to Alex, and the boys can see only positive things coming from their union, so they plot to make it happen. And even though Alex is not Italian and not Catholic, her mother Angelina is all for it too. But Carol has misgivings about remarrying. This is a sweet romance with some delightful characters and some snappy dialogue. Another enjoyable Macomber romance.
  
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  The God Of Small Things
  Arundhati Roy

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  moving and thought provoking

  23/04/2011

  The God of Small Things, the first (and so far, only) novel by Indian writer, Arundhati Roy, was written between 1992 and 1996. This (semi-autobiographical) story takes place in the village of Ayemenem and the town of Kottayam, near Cochin in Kerala, and is set principally during two time periods: December 1969 and 23 years later. The main characters are Esthappen (Estha) and Rahel, seven-year-old two-egg (i.e. non-identical) twins, and their mother Ammu. Ammu falls in love with Velutha Paapen, a Paraven (Untouchable) who works for the familys Pickle Factory, a man the twins already list amongst their most-loved. But even in 1969, with a Communist Government, parts of India are still firmly in the grip of the Caste system. By breaking the "Love Laws," or "The laws that lay down who should be loved, and how. And how much, Ammu and the twins set in motion The Terror. The manipulations of Ammus aunt, Baby Kochamma, are instrumental in bringing down The Terror, and her subsequent cruelty to Ammu and the twins will leave readers gasping.
  As well as commenting on the Caste system and Class discrimination in general, the novel examines Indian history and politics, the taboos of conventional society, and religion. But more than anything, this is a story about love and betrayal.
  The innocent observations of 7-year-olds, their interpretation of unfamiliar words and phrases, the (typically Indian) Capitalisation of Significant Words, the running together of and splitting apart of words , the phonetic spelling, all are a source of humour and delight in this novel. Its an afternoon-mare, Estha-the-Accurate replied. She dreams a lot. Even as Estha is being molested by the Orangedrink Lemondrink man in the Abhilash Talkies, his observations (Not a moonbeam.) bring laughter. Echoes, repetitions and resonances abound. Roy is a master of the language: So futile. Like polishing firewood. Her prose is luminous. This novel is powerful, moving, tragic. Beautifully written, with wonderful word pictures.
  This novel demands at least two reads: once to learn the story; a second time to appreciate the echoes and repetitions and understand what the early references mean. It deserves a third reading to fully appreciate the prose, the descriptive passages. On this, my third reading, I read parts I would swear I had not read earlier. And I had tears in my eyes very early in the novel. I loved this book when I first read it: I love it even more now. I remain hopeful that Arundhati Roy will share her considerable literary talents with her eager readers in the form of another novel.
  
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  Winds Of Evil
  Arthur W. Upfield

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  another Upfield masterpiece

  14/03/2011

  Gleeful anticipation describes the approach of Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte to an interesting case, and it also describes how any reader familiar with Arthur Upfields Bony series begins one of those novels. Winds of Evil is the fifth novel of the series. Bony arrives at the outback NSW town of Carie to investigate the strangling murders of an aboriginal girl and a white man, as well as the attempted strangling of a white woman. Under the guise of a farm labourer, Bony discovers that all the events occurred during fierce sandstorms. After himself having a narrow escape from the hands of the strangler, he eventually refines his suspects to eleven men. With an interesting cast of characters, Upfields usual eloquent descriptions of the surrounds, plenty of twists and turns, and the odd red herring, Winds of Evil is another Upfield masterpiece.
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  Scarpetta's Winter Table
  Patricia Cornwell

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  a bit light on

  28/02/2011

  This is a Christmas stocking filler. A feel-good story and a few recipes. The recipes leave a bit to be desired as the quantities are extremely vague.
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  The Lost Art Of Gratitude: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
  Alexander Mccall Smith

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  Truly Delightful!

  05/05/2012

  The Lost Art of Gratitude is the 6th novel in the Isabel Dalhousie series by Alexander McCall Smith. In this instalment, Isabel has to deal with an accusation by Christopher Dove of plagiarism in the Review of Applied Ethics, has to break the news of her engagement to Jamie to her prickly niece, Cat, is coerced into mediating with the father of Minty Auchterlonies baby, meets Cats new boyfriend (a tightrope walker), engages a professional to capture Brother Fox and has lunch (a salad) with Professor Lettuce. As usual, Jamie is the voice of reason when Isabel feels action is needed, and Isabels musings on many and varied subjects are a continual source of humour. And despite everything sent to try her, Isabel finds she has much to be grateful for. Alexander McCall Smiths novels are filled with gentle philosophy, charming characters and laugh-out-loud humour. This audiobook, skilfully abridged by Katy Nichol so that no relevant parts are omitted, is beautifully narrated by Hilary Neville. Truly delightful!
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  The Hunger Games
  Suzanne Collins

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  addictive

  14/08/2011

  The Hunger Games is the 7th book by Suzanne Collins and the first in the Hunger Games trilogy. It is set in a future time, in a country called Panem, situated in the remains of North America. Panem consists of the Capitol and 12 surrounding Districts, and is a place where life is decidedly less than pleasant for the majority of the population. Narrated by Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old from District 12, it describes a society strictly governed, lives of deprivation, reduced to illegal hunter-gatherer activities to avoid starvation, and tells of the hardship of surviving. Katniss is one of 24 tributes, picked by lottery in each District, to participate in a Survivor-type situation, the annual (and nationally televised for compulsory viewing) Hunger Games, a fight to the death with only one winner. It is clear that Collins has done extensive research into hunting, gathering and wilderness survival. The novel emphasises the contrasts between the sumptuous wealth of Capitol and poverty of the Districts. The story reflects real life in that it shows how important image, strategy and sponsors are to success. It is ultimately shows real life stresses condensed in time and magnified in intensity. Think reality TV mixed with wartime battles: this is where Collins got her inspiration. Definitely not Capital L literature, but a page-turner and addictive all the same: you will be seeking out the second instalment, Catching Fire.
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  The Last American Man
  Elizabeth Gilbert

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  much better than Eat Pray Love

  21/05/2012

  The Last American Man is the first non-fiction book by Elizabeth Gilbert, written four years before her highly-successful memoir, Eat, Pray, Love. It tells the story of Eustace Conway, an American Man who believes his mission in life is to show the American population that they can be strong and resourceful, grow their own food, fabricate their own clothes, make fire with 2 sticks, and save the planet. Eustace was taught and encouraged to learn the survival skills he needed to be able to live in the woods by his supportive mother whilst being constantly denigrated and ridiculed by his cruel and mentally abusive father. It is therefore a great wonder that he survived these opposing influences, that he was self-assured enough to become the living metaphor: the rugged frontiersman, explorer, pioneer that Americans could idolise. Gilbert describes a man who is passionate about what he believes to the point of having an uncompromising personality that fails to appreciate and encourage the efforts of good people around him. She does this with humour and insight, and the book is quite fascinating in places, even if the end is a bit light on. This is certainly a much better read than her later, hugely self-indulgent Eat, Pray, Love.
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  Devil Who Tamed Her, The
  Johanna Lindsey

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  romantic fun

  02/02/2011

  Ophelia Reid is an extremely beautiful woman. But she is also cranky, surly and self-centred. She appears to be a rumourmonger and is, by her own admission, impatient, tells lies when it suits her and has difficulty controlling her temper. She is bitter because she feels that people only act like her friends because of her looks.
  Viscount Lynnfield, Rafael Locke is an extremely handsome man. Hes a rake, enjoying his bachelorhood and not planning to get married anytime soon. He likes to champion the underdog, and enjoys a challenge.
  Rafe looks upon Ophelia as a challenge. He is convinced that he can change her anti-social behaviour, that he can transform her from a spiteful, spoiled ice queen into a sweet person. And, although the 100 pound bet with his friend (and Ophelias ex-fianc) is the impetus for this, he is motivated more by the noble idea that he can change her into a woman who will be happy, who will be loved for herself, find real friends and a husband during the Season in London.
  So he kidnaps her and takes her (chaperoned, of course) to his remote Northumberland property, intending to tame this hellcat. In doing so, he discovers, under the surface, a witty, engaging woman who enjoys laughter and simple pleasures. And someone with quite valid reasons for some of her behaviour. Having prepared her for the Season, he returns her to London, but then realises that he is not enamoured with the idea of another man marrying her.
  This is the first book by Johanna Lindsey that I have read, but I realised fairly early in the read that it would not be the last. Johanna developed a plot which seemed like it was going to be predictable, but a few twists kept the story interesting. The dialogue was witty and often funny, and there were some delightful scenarios. Rafes method of warming up the snow-bound Ophelia and later, defusing her temper tantrum were novel (ladies, try this at home if you have a Rafe handy!). Rafe was an immediately likeable character, and it was easy to empathise with Ophelia as her character developed from a spoiled debutante into a fuller person.
  This is a delightful book, very romantic! I really enjoyed reading it.
  
• 

  Broken Window Exp Export
  Jeffery Deaver

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  check your password!

  13/05/2011

  The Broken Window is the eighth of Jeffrey Deavers Lincoln Rhyme series. The tale begins with a plea from Judy Rhyme to help her husband, Arthur Rhyme, Lincolns estranged cousin, who has been arrested on a murder charge. Flawless evidence against him leads Rhyme and Sachs to suspect a set-up, and the discovery of previous similar frame-ups. Investigation directs them to Strategic Systems Datacorp, a data-mining company with incredible reach and power. In this novel, Deaver neatly demonstrates just how reliant individuals and corporations are on data and what can happen when the security of those holding the data is breached. The potential for good, in the form of crime fighting and education, and real possibility of harm, in the form of identity theft and terrorism, are made very clear. A very topical subject that will have everyone checking their passwords and online accounts. And plenty of twists and turns, the Deaver trademark, before the villain is finally identified. We are also treated to a bit of Lincolns history, and Ron Pulaskis character fills out. Looking forward to the next Rhyme instalment.
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  Bodies Left Behind
  Jeffery Deaver

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  classic Deaver twists and turns

  11/05/2011

  The Bodies Left Behind is Jeffrey Deavers 11th stand-alone novel. The scene is lakeside Wisconsin, where Brynn MacKenzie, a sheriffs deputy, responding to an aborted 911 call, stumbles into the aftermath of a double murder. Managing to escape from the murderers, she finds herself in the Wisconsin woods in the dark, in the company of Michelle, a would-be actress and pampered city girl, on the run from two felons who are determined to eliminate them. The heroine shows herself to be gutsy, clever and resourceful very early on, but shes up against some tough opponents. Hart, seemingly her intellectual equal, seems especially cold-blooded and unemotional. Filled with plot twists and red herrings, this is a gripping tale, a page turner that will have the reader on the edge of the seat. Deaver does it again!
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  Confederacy Of Crime
  Sarah Shankman

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  southern sultry stories

  26/03/2011

  A Confederacy of Crime contains twelve short stories by writers who, even if they are not natives of the states below the Mason-Dixon Line, have managed to capture the Southern Style of writing. Plenty of crime, sex and humour, dressed up with grace and good manners, sultry drawls and steamy weather. The stories by Jeffrey Deaver, Joan Hess, Michael Malone, Margaret Maron and Sarah Shankman are especially delicious.
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  David Sedaris Live At Carnegie Hall
  David Sedaris

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  classic Sedaris

  22/08/2011

  David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall is a recording of excerpts from Sedaris 2002 tour, recorded at Carnegie Hall. Repeat After Me is a piece that explores the use of family anecdotes, in this case, of his somewhat paranoid sister Lisa, for material in his books and essays. Hilarious throughout, the last line none-the-less brings a lump to the throat. Whos the Chef explores dinner party conversations and one-up-manship. Lesson Three explores going clothing shopping with Amy; Lesson Four, male accessories, in particular an external catheter. Six to Eight Black Men explores local gun laws and Christmas customs in foreign countries. As a Cloggie, this one was particularly entertaining. Throughout, Sedaris self-deprecating manner and original humour has the audience rolling in the aisles.
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  Catharine
  Jane Austen

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  early Austen

  12/05/2012

  The description of this edition of this early novel by Jane Austen is incorrect: this 64-page booklet contains only the fragment of one story, Catharine (or The Bower); it is not a collection; there are no prayers or verse; there are no annotations. The actual description on this 60p Phoenix booklet is as follows:
  Catharine, an orphan living with her maiden aunt in Devon and sorely missing her absent friends Cecilia and Mary Wynne, is delighted by the visit of her cousin Camilla Stanley, a spirited if somewhat silly young woman. The Stanleys bring a taste of high society, but the arrival of their unreliable son Edward introduces company of a different kind.
  Jane Austen's early unfinished novel is a delightful foretaste of the immortal novels and characters to follow.
  
  This lightly modernised edition published in 1996 by Phoenix a division of Orion Books Ltd.
  Written in 1792, when Austen was only 17, it nonetheless shows what enormous literary talent she already had. In just 62 pages, Austen manages to sketch the characters efficiently and well: Catharine Percival, thoughtful, intelligent, spirited and vivacious, if a little nave; Camilla Stanley, shallow, flighty and self-contradictory; Edward Stanley, young, handsome, very vain and provocative. The bower of the title was constructed by Catharine and her dear friends Cecilia and Mary Wynne, and is her refuge in times of unhappiness. It is a great pity that the reader does not get to see the plot unfold.
  
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  Lilian's Story
  Kate Grenville

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  a different look at a bag lady

  28/03/2011

  Lilians Story is Kate Grenvilles first novel. Lilian Una Singer was born on the first day of 1900 and we follow her lifes journey through childhood, maturity and into older age. Grenville weaves a tale around a figure whom all of us have encountered and probably tried to avoid (and whom some of us may even encounter daily), the bag lady, the mad woman who seems to talk to herself in the street or on the bus/train/tram. She presents a highly plausible history for Lilian which helps explain how an eccentric young woman from a middle-class family becomes a Shakespeare-quoting bag-lady. Along the way, we watch Sydney changing during Federation, two World Wars and a Depression. Lilian tries to make her own decisions in life and ultimately brings a sort of happiness to others by being the type of person they can look at, remark upon and tell their own stories about. Grenvilles descriptions are vivid; her characters, compelling and convincing; her dialogue, credible. Perhaps Lilians Story will make the reader look at the eccentric bag-people in another light. An excellent read.
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  Mrs.Cook: The Real And Imagined Life Of The Captain's Wife
  Marele Day

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  interesting, excellent read

  02/09/2011

  Mrs Cook: the Real and Imagined Life of the Captains Wife is the eighth novel by Australian author, Marele Day. Day takes existing Cook artefacts: letters, medallions, monuments, furniture, crockery, portraits and more, and builds a backstory for them, using her meticulous research into the life of Mrs Cook. A wealth of facts presented in an interesting and easily digestible form. We learn about things like the change of calendar in 1752, life in 18th century London, docks, ale houses, war, country fairs, charting coastlines, estimating longitude, and preparation for long sea voyages. Above all, we learn of the deep love the Cooks had for each other, and the heartache that Elizabeth Cook endured as her husband was gone for sometimes years without word. This novel is quite a departure from Days usual style, and is reminiscent of Geraldine Brooks technique of taking a few historical facts and embroidering them with a story. Two passages stood out or me: Elizabeth had two husbands the one who spent months at a time with her, with whom she had come to Yorkshire; and the imagined husband, the one who was by her side when the one in the next room was away. The one who was there every breath she took, who inhabited her body as much as she did herself. The husband made of air, and memories and yearning, who nestled into the bed beside her at night. From this passage comes the title. And What decision would Elizabeth have made if the Almighty had revealed His plan for her? I will send you a great man and you will love each other profoundly. But he will die, and so will all of your children. Your well of grief will be so immense youll think you cant bear it, but you will survive, living out the missing years of your loved ones lives. An interesting and excellent read.
• 

  Toyboy Diaries: Sexploits Of An Older Woman
  Wendy Salisbury

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  hilarious

  02/02/2011

  toyboy: noun (colloq) A young man who is usually considered physically attractive and who has someone much older and wealthier than himself as his lover.
  While not all of Wendy Salisburys boys fitted this description, we were treated to a smorgasbord of males from all walks of life: artists, cops, plumbers, sailors, wealthy businessmen, writers, yoga teachers, stock brokers, real estate agents.
  Starting and ending with holiday romances, Wendy takes us on a witty and highly entertaining romp through twenty years of her liaisons. Not limiting her sources of toyboys to bars, lectures and social occasions, Wendy also shares with us her experiences with ads in the personals, internet dating and some highly erotic emails and text messages. She tells it like it is, has an easy, unpretentious style, can be self-deprecating at times and has a brilliantly clever turn of phrase. She is brave enough to candidly recount her disappointments and errors of judgment as well as many very satisfying encounters, and the dominatrix scenario is simply hilarious! Wendy makes some perceptive observations about people and relationships and doesnt hesitate to bare her soul, all the while still keeping us laughing out loud. Wendy has done what most women of a certain age only fantasise about, and has come through it relatively unscathed.
  If my husband ever decides to leave me for a younger (or, for that matter, an older) woman, I now know I wont be sitting at home crying.
  A funny, witty, entertaining and highly readable book.
  
• 

  Rhubarb
  Craig Silvey

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  excellent Aussie debut novel

  11/05/2011

  Rhubarb is Craig Silveys first full-length novel. The main characters are the quirky Eleanor Rigby, a petite blind 21 year-old who lives with her reclusive mother, Estelle; and the equally reclusive Ewan Dempsey, aged 23, agoraphobic, maker and player of cellos. Eleanor is ably led by her guide dog Warren (who wishes he had a better name than a habitat for rabbits). Warren guides her by day and guards her by night, but cant guide her in her Dreams. Eleanor is always on the move through the places she knows, but feels shes going nowhere. One day, however, she hears Ewan Dempsey playing his cello on his front verandah (its almost Christmas, its Fremantle, its hot inside) and is drawn to the sound. Of course, Ewan withdraws and Eleanor has to take the initiative just to talk to him. This is a meeting of two people damaged by their past, who manage to connect and save each other. This novel is filled with genuine characters, clever dialogue, humour and even a bit of slapstick, as well as some elegant prose: The hazy fur of drygrass along the hills, quilted with dull granite and foliage.; To the east, the moon is out with a herd of early stars. As though they have crept from the ether to watch the sunset. The running together of words and the Capitalisation of Significant Words is vaguely reminiscent of Rushdie. A joy to read.
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  The Women In Black
  Madeleine St John

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  fifties feelgood

  02/02/2011

  The Women in Black is first of only four published novels by Madeleine St John. This edition includes a perceptive introduction by her contemporary, Bruce Beresford, and an obituary by Christopher Potter. Under the guise of a story about the staff of the Ladies Cocktail section at F.G. Goodes (the Women in Black), St John takes us back to Sydney in the late 1950s. St John manages, with very few words, to bring back the feel of those times, the ideas and attitudes, in full living colour. Nostalgia overtakes the reader at the mention of prices in guineas, frocks (as opposed to dresses), men and women in hats, shops closing at 5.30, local calls for four pennies, the school Intermediate and Leaving certificate results posted at the newspaper officesthe list goes on. With mention of reffos and continentals, and salami as a novel food, Sydney of the late 50s is perfectly depicted. The dialogue is so authentic, it has the reader alternately laughing out loud and cringing (dont say anythink). St Johns characters are convincing and easy to love. It was such fun to be a fly on the wall at F.G.Goodes (which was fairly obviously David Jones) and how lovely to realise that those formidable Women in Black were real people with the same insecurities as the rest of us!
  The Women in Black has been aptly described as an Australian Classic. It truly was a delight to read!
  
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  Dark Places
  Kate Grenville

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  a thought-provoking read

  27/11/2011

  Dark Places (aka Albions Story) is the prequel to Lilians Story by Kate Grenville, although it was published after Lilians Story. Albion Gidley Singer can be defined as: the son of George Augustus Singer and Angelica Singer; the brother of Kristabel Singer; an acquaintance of James Ogilvie; proprietor of Singer Enterprises and pillar of society; husband of Norah Singer; father of Lilian and John Singer. But who is he really? He cannot grasp his real self; he feels he is an empty, hollow shell. This novel is filled with beautiful, evocative prose and haunting characters. The story dovetails neatly with events in Lilians Story, and, after reading that novel, it is intriguing to see Albions point of view of events described in common. It is also interesting to come to understand how Lilians father came to be the way he was. A thought-provoking read.
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  Addition
  Toni Jordan

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  Count me in

  01/02/2011

  Addition is a very funny novel. Its also witty and clever and moving. It is insightful about OCD and also about life in general. Addition made me laugh (a lot, out loud), it made me cry, and it made me think. Oh, and just to round things off nicely, there were a couple of hot sex scenes. I was so sorry to reach the end that I read it again, and I hope we dont have to wait too long before Toni Jordan writes another novel.
• 

  Ten Thousand Miles Without A Cloud
  Sun Shuyun

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  informative

  26/12/2011

  Ten Thousand Miles Without A Cloud is the first book by Sun Shuyun. It details Suns experience as she tries to follow in the footsteps on Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk who, in the 7th century, made a pilgrimage through Central Asia and into India, to find the original sutras of the Buddha. Xuanzang made his trip during a time of political unrest, as does Sun; both confront obstacles and both come to understand Buddhism and themselves better for their encounters with others on the way. I found myself checking how many pages left and eyeing my next read with increasing frequency as the book progressed: never a good sign! Readers interested in Buddhism would find this book informative and enjoyable; readers with less of a fascination might find it somewhat repetitive and a bit slow. All those Chinese and Indian gods and historical figures had my eyes glazing over, but I did learn a few noteworthy facts. This was not my first choice of Suns books: I still hope to read A Year in Tibet.
• 

  March: A Love Story In A Time Of War
  Geraldine Brooks

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  an outstanding read

  21/05/2012

  March is the second novel by Australian author, Geraldine Brooks. It tells the story of Mr March, the absent father in Louisa May Alcotts classic novel, Little Women. But as well as giving the reader an idea of his experience at the war (the noise, smell, blood, cold and death are almost palpable), Brooks provides background on the Civil War: attitudes to slavery in the north and south, behaviour of soldiers on both sides of the war, and the experience of the civilian population. She touches on the Norths mixed record of high idealism, negligence and outright cruelty regarding the contraband (slaves who came within Union lines) and vividly illustrates the moral dilemma faced in war by pacifists who were also ardent abolitionists. A multitude of facts is incorporated into the story in a way that renders them easily absorbed. By having March narrate the first two thirds of the book, Brooks also gives the reader some of Mr Marchs history: his youth, his career, meeting Marmee, his involvement in the Abolitionist cause, the reason for his reduced circumstances. Marmees thoughts and feelings about her husbands actions are detailed when she takes over the narration: this wise, dignified, compliant woman is shown to have unspoken opinions while remaining the strength of the March family. All this Brooks meshes seamlessly with the events in Little Women. While Alcott would have been able to write from personal experience, the vast amount of research that Brooks has had to do is evident on every page. March adds some darker adult resonances to the voids of Alcotts sparkling childrens tale. An outstanding read.
• 

  The Blue Zone
  Andrew Gross

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  A good first attempt

  02/02/2011

  Kate Raab is 23 years old and life is perfect. She has a close relationship with her parents and siblings, a loving boyfriend, Greg, and a promising career as a biologist. Then things start to go wrong: her father is arrested for racketeering; he has to testify against a Columbian drug cartel; her family has to abandon their wealthy lifestyle and enter the FBIs Witness Protection Program. Allowed no contact, Kate learns to live without them: at least she has Greg to love and support her. But, just when things seem to be back on an even keel, her life turns upside down. Her best friend is shot and fighting for her life; her father has gone missing from the Program; her familys case worker is found brutally murdered. Is the FBI lying to her? Is someone trying to kill her? Then she stumbles upon a family secret that has her wondering if everything she has trusted in her whole life has been a lie. She needs to find her father, but she no longer knows in whom she can trust.
  Andrew Grosss debut into solo writing is a fast-moving nail-biter. His heroine is believable, and he makes it easy for us to identify with her thoughts, feelings and emotions. Having set the scene, he keeps the plot twists coming at full speed. Once you start reading, this one is impossible to put down. Lets see more from Andrew Gross!
  
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  Haroun And The Sea Of Stories
  Salman Rushdie and Paul Birkbeck

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  the best Rushdie so far

  14/03/2011

  Haroun and the Sea of Stories is Salman Rushdies fifth fiction book, and his first childrens novel. He dedicated this book to his 10-year-old son Zafar, from whom he had been separated for some time. The story concerns Haroun, the son of storyteller, Rashid Khalifa. Rashid is described as the Ocean of Notions, the Shah of Blah. When a tragic event stops the flow of his fathers stories, Haroun sets out to rectify the situation. In a journey that involves mechanical birds and blue-bearded Water Genies, Plentimaw Fish and Floating Gardeners, a King, Prince and Princess, Pages and Shadow Warriors, heroes and nasty villains, Haroun is faced with numerous challenges and learns much. This is a charming childrens story that has much to offer adults. As an allegorical tale, it appears to comment on bureaucracy: a skinny, scrawny, snivelling, drivelling, mingy, stingy, measly, weaselly clerk.; and .P2C2E, a Process Too Complicated To Explain. Coming not long after the publication of The Satanic Verses and the ensuing fatwa, it comments, too, on freedom of speech, independent thought and imagination, and censorship. Finally, it is a story about the love between a father and son, this being reflected in the dedication to Zafar. There are poems and puns to bring a smile to the lips; wordplay and pleasing repetitions that will have readers of every age chuckling. Delightful allusions to works as varied as Alice in Wonderland, The Beatles songs and the Tales of a Thousand and One nights abound. I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it more than any other Rushdie book I have read so far, and I look forward to his next childrens book, Luka and the Fire of Life.
• 

  The Memory Keeper's Daughter
  Kim Edwards

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  powerful and moving

  19/06/2011

  The Memory Keepers Daughter is the first novel by Kim Edwards. The story is set in the 1960s and involves a doctor, David Henry, whose wife, Norah, goes into labour during a snowstorm. Unable to get to the hospital, he takes her to his surgery, where his nurse, Caroline Gil, assists with the birth. Norah delivers twins, a boy, Paul, and a girl, Phoebe: the boy is perfect, the girl is obviously mongoloid. Convinced that his wife will be unable to cope with their daughters disability, he tells Caroline to take Phoebe to a childrens home, and later tells his wife the baby did not survive. Caroline, unable to bring herself to leave Phoebe as instructed, takes her away to another town and decides to bring her up as her own daughter. The events that flow on from that decision made by Dr Henry, and the one by Caroline Gil, show how a persons life can truly hinge on one moment. This is a truly moving novel, heartbreaking in places, heartwarming in others. A thought-provoking page-turner. An excellent read.
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  Little Women
  Shirley Hughes, Louisa M. Alcott and Alcott Louisa May

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  enjoyable classic

  21/05/2012

  Little Women is the first novel by Louisa May Alcott, written in 1868, and the first of the Little Women series. The story involves the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, their mother, Marmee, their neighbour, Laurie and his tutor, Mr Brooke, and is set at the time of the Civil War. Their father, Mr March, is away ministering at the war and his absence looms large for the family, whose circumstances are much reduced due to an unwise investment some years ago. Mrs March works dispensing charity to the poor and those affected by the war and does her best to hold together her family; sixteen-year-old Meg, who remembers how is was when they were better off and loves fine things, works as a governess, teaching the King girls; fifteen-year-old Jo, a budding writer, is employed as a companion for the formidable Aunt March; shy, thirteen-year-old Beth, the musical sister, helps at home while eleven-year-old wilful Amy, whose vocation is art, attends school. While the first chapter introduces a family that seem sickeningly good, each character soon enough becomes human, flawed and likeable for their individual faults and charms. As the war, penury and scarlet fever impact on their lives, each of the March girls has her own trials, faces challenges, learns lessons about vanity, selfishness, anger, change and love from the events of life and matures during the course of the twelve months over which the novel is set. The lessons may seem simplistic, but perhaps these were simpler times. After some time ago reading March, the excellent novel by Geraldine Brooks about the absent March father, I resolved to reread this novel. With only the vaguest of memories of the last reading, the plot and characters seemed relatively fresh. This very enjoyable and thought-provoking read now spurs me on to read Good Wives, and back to reread March.
• 

  Charmed
  Nora Roberts

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  enjoyable

  25/03/2012

  Charmed is the third of the Donovan Legacy series by Nora Roberts. Anastasia Donovan is one of three cousins born to triplets married to triplets: the Donovan brothers married the Corrigan sisters. Anastasia is a witch whose gift is empathy and healing. When widower and fairy-tale author, Boone Sawyer moved with his six-year-old daughter, Jessie into the house next door to Anastasia, he was at first suspicious of this serenely feminine woman. Before long, however, he was in love. Anastasia was afraid to accept Boones love, as hat would mean telling him what she really was, and she still felt sorely the effects of rejection by the last man she loved. Once again, romance with a supernatural twist, something Roberts does well. Some laughs, some heartache and an exciting climax. The characters have some depth, and couples from the previous two novels in the series play a large part. An enjoyable read.
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  Captivated
  Nora Roberts

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  early Roberts fare

  26/02/2012

  Captivated is the first of the Donovan Legacy series by Nora Roberts. Morgana Donovan is one of three cousins born to triplets married to triplets: the Donovan brothers married the Corrigan sisters. All have special gifts: Morgana is a witch and runs a shop called WICA in her hometown, Monterey. Nash Kirkland, a man with a troubled childhood, researches and writes screenplays for movies about the supernatural. He has just moved to Monterey and intends to use Morgana as a source for his next movie, one about witchcraft. Of course they fall in love, but Nash doesnt want to be in love, and is convinced she has cast a spell on him. Whilst I believe in recycling, the last chapter is virtually a carbon copy of that in The Perfect Neighbour, in the MacGregor series by Roberts, or, actually, this one must have been the template for that last chapter, as this one was published some 7 years earlier. The later work is definitely an improvement on this one. The characters and dialogue are good, the plot fairly standard if you ignore the witch part, but the action is a little bit slow. Interesting early Roberts fare.
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  Lost In A Good Book
  Jasper Fforde

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  hilarious

  27/11/2011

  Lost in a Good Book is the 2nd book in the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. Fresh from her adventures in The Eyre Affair, Thursday Next is enjoying married life until she is informed that her husband, Landen Parke-Laine, died 38 years ago: suddenly, he only exists in her memories. This turns out to be a ploy to convince her to get Goliath operative, Jack Schitt, out of The Raven, where she had previously trapped him. Can her ex-ChronoGuard father help? What has Miss Havisham from Great Expectations got to do with it all?
  Filled with hilarious names for characters and SpecOps divisions and witty, clever dialogue, this novel also has a highly original plot. Monty Pythonesque in parts, it is reminiscent of work by the late Douglas Adams, by Sir Terry Pratchett, and by Lewis Carroll. Fforde shows us that travel ports, courts of law, art exhibitions and employment reviews are essentially the same, no matter what version of universe one inhabits. And the alternate universe Thursday is offered towards the end is a cute twist. The chapter introductions, in the form of journal extracts or parts of manuals, give the reader pertinent background information in a unique way. The ending has the reader eager to read the next instalment, The Well of Lost Plots. Dont read this in public because you WILL laugh out loud, often.
  
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  Hard News
  Jeffery Deaver

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  Rune the trouble magnet

  14/03/2011

  Hard News is the third (and, so far, final) book in Jeffrey Deavers Rune series. Rune is still living on her houseboat on the Hudson, now working for a TV network and becomes convinced that a man convicted of murdering the network boss has been wrongly jailed. She is determined to prove him innocent and get him set free. In this book, Rune manages to attract the ire of a bitchy anchorwoman, become the target of a hitman (once again), and find herself with the custody of a three-year-old girl. While there are plenty of plot twists to keep it interesting, this book is not as flawless as the first two: the get-out-of-jail scenario is rather far-fetched. Plenty of room for follow-on books if Deaver is ever so-inclined.
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  Bloody River Blues
  Jeffery Deaver

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  plenty of hitmen

  15/03/2011

  Bloody River Blues is the second of Jeffrey Deavers Location Scout novels. Still working as a location scout, this time by the Missouri River, John Pellam accidentally witnesses a hitman preparing for a hit about to take place. In the aftermath, the local cops, the FBI and the hitmen are all after Pellaim, either for identification or elimination purposes. Although he didnt actually see the mob boss the law is after, convincing people you dont know something when they are certain you do is much harder than the reverse. At the same time, Pellam is trying to get his own movie into production, but is being hindered by having the cops and the FBI on his back. And a mysterious blonde wants his company as well. Pellam plays poker, makes chilli, drinks applewine, does a bit of motorcycle riding and fends off a couple of murder attempts before ultimately finding out just who he supposedly witnessed. Excellent plot twists: another great Location Scout novel.
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  Me Talk Pretty One Day
  David Sedaris

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  you may need continence pads with this

  21/08/2011

  Me Talk Pretty One Day is the 6th book of collected essays by David Sedaris. In part one, Sedaris touches on speech therapy for his lisp at school, guitar lessons from a midget, inherited traits, artistic talent, sibling swearing, family pets, working as a teacher, toilet legacies, odd jobs, eating out in NYC, visitors to NYC, outward appearances, and technophobia. Part two focuses mainly on his life with his partner Hugh in France and explores travelling to France, taking French language lessons, feast days, the sex of words, Hughs childhood in Africa, word puzzles, movie subtitles, the behaviour of vacationing Americans, epic daydreams, food economy and IQ tests. My favourite chapter was Jesus Shaves. I tried to read this to friends but dissolved into laughter every time. Sedaris has the reader constantly smiling, chuckling, giggling and often laughing out loud. Sedaris is witty and clever and reading his work is an unalloyed pleasure.
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  Hullabaloo In The Guava Orchard
  Kiran Desai

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  pleasure to read

  25/04/2012

  Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard is the first novel by Kiran Desai. In the town of Shahkot, in the shadow of the Himalayan foothills, lives Sampath Chawla, a bored, dreamy Post Office clerk distinguishing himself with lacklustre career ambitions. When he manages to lose his job, his father, Mr Chawla, despairs that his son will ever amount to anything; his mother, Kulfi, says little, but then, she did come from a mad family; his sister Pinky finds him irritating and exasperating; his paternal grandmother, Ammaji, however, is convinced he will come good. Overwhelmed by the attention, Sampath decides to climb a tree in the Guava Orchard to be alone, to clear his thoughts, a deed that, unfortunately for Sampath, has quite the opposite effect. Convinced he is a hermit, people gather to hear his thoughts: this sets in motion events that will affect not only Sampath and his family, but the people of the district, the Chief Medical Officer, the Superintendent of Police, the Army Brigadier, the University researcher, the District Collector and even a spy from the Atheist Society. This novel has a cast of amusing characters, a plot with a few surprises and is filled with wonderful prose like: A passing car sent its searchlight-glare crazy and liquid over the sides of the buildings and into the trees, revealing not the colours, the daylight solidity of things, but a world of dark gaps cut from an empty skin of light. Desai is skilled at creating atmosphere and this novel has a uniquely Indian feel. This novel was a pleasure to read and it is easy to see why it won the Betty Trask Award in 1998.
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  Cricket Kings: A Novel
  William Mcinnes

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  Aussie feelgood

  28/02/2011

  Cricket Kings, the first novel by William McInnes, is set in late summer in suburban Victoria. The Yarraville West Fourths, a team cobbled together by Chris Andersen, are playing their last game of the season against Trinity on the Cec Bull Memorial Oval. What happens immediately before, during and after the match, to the players, organizers and spectators, makes for plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as the occasional lump in the throat. McInnes does an excellent job of portraying these sportsmen and showing us their deeper thoughts and feelings. He touches on father-son relationships, immigration, war, love of music, reminiscence, teamwork and having a go. An altogether enjoyable novel.
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  Southern Cross
  Patricia Cornwell

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  Not the usual Cornwell

  02/02/2011

  I read the 3 Andy Brazil books against advice from more than one person. I wanted to see for myself if they really were that bad. I liked the Scarpetta books (although I thought that the endings of some of those books were too rushed, too contrived). The Andy Brazil books are nothing like those! Hornet's Nest is probably the best of the three, although the characters are shallow and unconvincing and the plot is weak and implausible. There is some humour and some sexual tension which is frustrating for lack of relief. 5/10. Southern Cross degenerates from this. Ms Cornwell seems to be having fun at our expense, but the result isn't really funny or vaguely satisfying. 3/10. Isle of Dogs, well, how much lower can you go? What were you thinking, Ms Cornwell? Or what drugs were you on? This book was ridiculous! I persisted to the end of these books because I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. Not sure why I bothered. Even if one reads these as tongue-in-cheek romps through the workings of a Police Dept, the final book is hugely disappointing. 1/10. Scarpetta fans who pay full price for these books will feel angry and very much cheated. Luckily I bought mine 2nd hand. Readers whose first taste of Cornwell is one of these books will never buy another. Whatever you do, don't pay full price for these books!
• 

  Portrait Of A Killer: Jack The Ripper - Case Closed
  Patricia Cornwell

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  Case closed? Not really

  28/02/2011

  Patricia Cornwells non-fiction offering, Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper Case Closed is filled with meticulous detail about Jack the Rippers murders. Cornwell brings modern forensic techniques into the investigation of this 122 year-old case in an effort to prove that Jack the Ripper was Walter Sickert, an artist and actor. Although the detail made the theory interesting, the book was quite slow-moving in parts. While the use of mitochondrial DNA and handwriting analysis may seem to implicate Sickert, I didnt find it convincing enough to merit the descriptor Case Closed.
• 

  Dearly Devoted Dexter: A Novel
  Jeff Lindsay

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  clever and very funny

  08/01/2012

  Dearly Devoted Dexter is the second in Jeff Lindsays Dexter series. Dexter Morgan, the serial killer with a conscience, is spending time at his girlfriend Ritas, acting like a devoted boyfriend and playing hangman with her kids, Astor and Cody. This is cementing his cover as a normal human being in the hope that Sergeant Noakes will stop shadowing him, but Dexters Dark Passenger is getting frustrated at the lack of fun they are able to have. Then, a killer leaves a victim so awfully mutilated that even Dexter is shocked. Someone is sent from Washington to take over the case and Dexters cop sister, Deborah becomes involved in more ways than usual. This novel has plenty of dark humour, both in the plot and Dexters inner monologue. Witty repartee and dry quips between the characters abound. The situation of Dexters accidental engagement is hilarious and there is a delicious irony in killers method. Of course Lindsay also gives the reader lots of clever D alliteration and a virtual Cuban diner menu of mouth-watering dishes. Most readers will be eagerly awaiting the next instalment, Dexter in the Dark.
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  Dexter In The Dark
  Jeff Lindsay

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  Plenty of fun

  08/01/2012

  Dexter in the Dark is the third in Jeff Lindsays Dexter series. Dexter Morgan, our favourite serial killer of serial killers, is about to get married. His intended, Rita, is in the throes of wedding and honeymoon plans; Astor and Cody are demanding some mentoring of the kind only Dexter can give; his colleague, Vince Masuoka, insists he can help with a famous (and very expensive) caterer. Dexter is handling it all well, as he and his Dark Passenger have their regular play dates. Then, at the scene of an unusual double homicide which involves incinerated, beheaded victims and ceramic bulls heads, his Dark Passenger cringes and goes into hiding. Dexters crime-solving instinct goes AWOL at the same time and he begins to experience life as ordinary humans do. In this instalment, Lindsay explores the idea that evil as an entity has existed since the beginning of time, and touches on the ancient god Moloch and demonic possession, all the while giving his characters snappy repartee, Dexter an entertaining inner monologue and still managing a bit of D alliteration. Plenty of fun.
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  Beastly Tales: From Here And There
  Vikram Seth

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  highly enjoyable

  26/01/2012

  Beastly Tales from Here and There is the 4th book of poetry by Vikram Seth. The book contains ten tales in verse, written by Seth on a day that was too hot for him to concentrate on his work. There are tales from India, China, Greece, the Ukraine and the Land of Gup. They are light-hearted and can be enjoyed by both adults and children. My personal favourite is The Goat and The Ram, which is a great choice for dinner parties, especially the lines: They ate with pride, as if to balance Their total lack of other talents. Highly enjoyable!
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  Under The Knife
  Tess Gerritsen

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  a good read

  25/10/2011

  Under the Knife is the 4th stand-alone novel by Tess Gerritsen. Dr Kate Chesne, anaesthetist, finds herself being sued for malpractice when a patient under her care dies on the operating table. To David Ransom, a lawyer specialising in medical malpractice suits, it seems to be an open-and-shut case. But when an attending nurse is murdered, and Kate is pursued after coming upon the scene, she becomes suspicious that the patients death was murder, and manages to eventually convince David of this. This novel is a medical murder mystery, Gerritsens forte, with some romance thrown in. Gerritsen gives us a plucky heroine who refuses to be silent or be a victim. While not her best work, there were a few plot twists and it was still quite a good read.
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  Whistleblower
  Tess Gerritsen

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  entertaining

  25/10/2011

  Whistleblower is Tess Gerritsens 5th stand-alone novel. When Victor Holland runs in front of Cathy Weavers car on a lonely California highway, she takes him to the local hospital, aware that he seems to be terrified, but unaware that he has been shot. While his ravings seem to be paranoid, the murder of Cathys close friend, followed by several other murders, has Cathy not just believing Victor, but depending on him for her own safety. What follows is a rollercoaster ride of pursuit and evasion as Cathy and Victor try to prove what he has uncovered without losing their lives. Plenty of action along with some romance makes this an entertaining read.
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  The Great Fire
  Shirley Hazzard

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  better than Transit

  02/08/2011

  The Great Fire is the 5th novel by Australian author, Shirley Hazzard. Set firstly in immediate post-war Japan and Hong Kong, then in England and New Zealand, this is the story of Aldred Leith, author, researching a book on China and Japan and Peter Exley, solicitor and fine art enthusiast, investigating Japanese war crimes. Leith encounters, whilst researching Hiroshima, a brother and sister, Ben and Helen Driscoll. Ben has a condition which is slowly killing him. Helen is on the cusp of adulthood. Essentially a love story, this novel is filled with beautiful, descriptive prose, but builds very slowly and Hazzard seems somewhat detached from her characters. Her love of literature is apparent. I liked the device Hazzard used to indicate thoughts during dialogue. this is what he said, and what he thought as he was saying it, and what else he said. It certainly made me pay attention to the quotation marks. As with the Transit of Venus, this novel is beautifully written and lovers of language will enjoy the experience. I found the plot and the characters much better than Transit and overall, certainly a more satisfying novel than The Transit of Venus.
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  A Suitable Boy
  Vikram Seth

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  a great read

  26/01/2012

  A Suitable Boy is the second novel by Vikram Seth. It is the story of Lata Mehra and her mother Mrs Rupa Mehra (Ma to her friends), who is intent on finding for her daughter a suitable boy. It is essentially a story of love and family, but set in the background of immediate post-partition India, the early 50s, and portrays vividly the tensions between races, classes, castes and religions at a time when the newly independent country was struggling to deal with the challenges of famine, mass poverty and uncertainty about its future. Among the many prospects for Lata are: the love match, the (Muslim) Kabir, son of a mathematics professor, whom Ma is decidedly against; the indolent poet Amit, with whom Ma is also unhappy; and the English-educated shoe businessman, Haresh, who seems ideal to Ma, although Lata is less than convinced.
  When the reader first picks up this brick (its almost 1500 pages and Seth even jokes in his Word of Thanks that it may cause wrist injury!), it may seem a daunting prospect, but the writing style makes it surprisingly easy to read. There are a lot of characters, but the family trees kindly provided at the beginning help to keep track of them. This book has humour, horror and heartache; there is tragedy and triumph, passion and politics, violence and victims, grief and guilt; Seths depiction of the Indian way of life at this time in her history is interesting and informative. This novel has an imaginative plot, and a range of fascinating characters: the emotional Ma; the arrogant Arun; the matter-of-fact Haresh; the precocious Aparna; the intelligent Bhaskar; the absent-minded Dr Durrani; the insouciant Chatterjis with their flippant couplets. Seth is a gifted poet and another delightful touch is that the Word of Thanks is in verse and the Chapter (Part) Headings are rhyming couplets. This novel had me laughing out loud many times, but moved me to tears more than once, as well. It may have taken me almost 2 weeks to read it, but I loved it, and I look forward to the imminent (2013?) A Suitable Girl.
  
• 

  The Transit Of Venus
  Shirley Hazzard

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  all weak or nasty

  28/02/2011

  Shirley Hazzards novel, The Transit of Venus is beautifully written: the language was wonderful, very descriptive. There were some excellent scenes. The characters, however, leave a lot to be desired. They all seemed to be either nasty or weak, or sometimes both. There wasnt anyone there to really love or believe in. For lovers of language, this would be a satisfactory experience, but if you value the story as much as the language, you might be disappointed. I got to the last paragraph and was completely confused, having dismissed an earlier vital clue as an extraneous detail. I had to go online to read some discussion groups before I had figured it out. Im not sure the reading experience, the quality of the writing, was worth the effort for the final outcome. I found it heavy going. Ill hesitate before devoting time to another Shirley Hazzard book.
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  The Transit Of Venus
  Shirley Hazzard

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  all weak or nasty

  28/02/2011

  Shirley Hazzards novel, The Transit of Venus is beautifully written: the language was wonderful, very descriptive. There were some excellent scenes. The characters, however, leave a lot to be desired. They all seemed to be either nasty or weak, or sometimes both. There wasnt anyone there to really love or believe in. For lovers of language, this would be a satisfactory experience, but if you value the story as much as the language, you might be disappointed. I got to the last paragraph and was completely confused, having dismissed an earlier vital clue as an extraneous detail. I had to go online to read some discussion groups before I had figured it out. Im not sure the reading experience, the quality of the writing, was worth the effort for the final outcome. I found it heavy going. Ill hesitate before devoting time to another Shirley Hazzard book.
• 

  One Thousand Chestnut Trees
  Mira Stout

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  engrossing and educational

  12/07/2011

  One Thousand Chestnut Trees, Korean/American writer Mira Stouts first novel, is semi-autobiographical and tells the story of a young New York artist, Anna, tracing her Korean roots. It is a stirring tale, told by Anna, her mother and her grandfather and combines Korea's epic history with a family legacy and a personal exploration. It was nominated for the IMPAC award, first runner up for the Shiva Naipaul Award and chosen for the New York Public Library 'Books for the New Year'. I was woefully ignorant of Korea, her history and her peoples before I read this book. I found the book enlightening and moving. The story is told stylishly and with great skill. Engrossing and educational: a great read!
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  Addition
  Toni Jodan

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  count me in

  02/02/2011

  Addition is a very funny novel. Its also witty and clever and moving. It is insightful about OCD and also about life in general. Addition made me laugh (a lot, out loud), it made me cry, and it made me think. Oh, and just to round things off nicely, there were a couple of hot sex scenes. I was so sorry to reach the end that I read it again, and I hope we dont have to wait too long before Toni Jordan writes another novel.
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  Browning P.I.
  Peter Corris

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  a great Corris read

  07/09/2011

  Browning P.I. is the 5th in the Richard Browning series by Peter Corris. Richard Browning is an ex-pat Aussie, part-time actor and part-time Private Investigator, living and working in Los Angeles in 1944. Hes hired by PI Pete McVey to help find missing scriptwriter Hart Sallust, last seen with an oriental beauty. When McVey and Browning manage to track her down, she seems distraught, claiming she was held at knife-point and Hart was kidnapped. As the investigation proceeds, Browning finds himself variously in bed with the exquisite May Lin, bound hand and foot in a remote cabin, in a church service with anti-Communists, talking to author Raymond Chandler, living in a luxury hotel, looking for Chinese treasure and falling in love. Theres plenty of booze, smoking and sex, along with some gunplay and fisticuffs. A great Corris read.
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  Dark Captor
  Lindsay Armstrong

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  Aussie romance

  29/05/2011

  Dark Captor is Lindsay Armstrongs 25th romance title. Stephanie married the powerful and attractive Dominic Rayburn to save her twin brother from prosecution. It was a marriage in name only. But there was a history between them that meant that on the few occasions when they did encounter each other, the results were passionate and explosive. Finally, Dominic offered her a chance to break freebut did she really want to? The initial premise of this story seemed a bit shaky, but the plot developed nicely and Armstrong manages to redeem the tale by the end, causing the odd lump in the throat on the way.
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  Look Me In The Eye: My Life With Asperger's
  John Elder Robison

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  interesting, insightful, funny

  13/11/2011

  Look Me In The Eye: My Life With Aspergers is the first book by John Elder Robison. Not diagnosed with Aspergers until he was forty, Robison describes himself as a misfit. In this book he tells of growing up in an extremely dysfunctional family. Some of the story has been told by his younger brother Chris, better known as Augusten Burroughs, in Running With Scissors. He goes on to tell of his life after dropping out of high school, his fascination with all things electronic, his life with the band, making smoking guitars for KISS, engineering at Milton-Bradley, and eventually becoming his own boss repairing European cars. All this is told in a matter-of-fact and totally unsentimental way (as you would expect from an Aspergian), and with the benefit of hindsight, Robison explains his actions and reactions. This book is interesting and insightful; it is also very funny: Robisons chapters on post-hole diggers, plastic cocaine and many other pranks, having a baby, and choosing a wife produce giggles, snickers and laugh-out-loud moments. An interesting comment on Aspergers and on life in general.
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  Idea Of Perfection, The
  Kate Grenville

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  favourite Grenville

  06/04/2012

  The Idea of Perfection is the fifth novel by Australian author, Kate Grenville. Set in the dying country town of Karakarook, NSW, pop.1374, the story revolves around the Bent Bridge: the Heritage mob (Karakarook Heritage Museum Committee) believes it can attract tourists; the Shire councillors want to tear this now-dangerous construction down. Enter divorcee Douglas Cheeseman, engineer from the Lands Office, in town to tear down the old bridge and start construction of the replacement. A self-confessed bridge bore who suffers from fear of heights, he can see a way to save the old bridge but lacks the guts to do anything about it. The other newcomer in town is Harley Savage, Consultant (Part-time) to the Curator (Textiles) at the Sydney Museum of Applied Arts, here to help establish the Karakarook Heritage Museum on a grant from the Cultural Affairs Board. Descended from famous artists, Harley, who has gone through three husbands, considers herself a danger to anyone who gets too close; she is big and clumsy, and lacks creativity, except when it comes to quilts. Felicity, neurotic wife of Hugh Porcelline, manager of the Karakarook branch of the Land & Pastoral Bank, believes that the local butcher, Alfred Chang, is in love with her. How their lives intersect is made into a mesmerising story by this talented novelist. Grenvilles descriptions bring her characters vividly to life and she conveys the feel of the country town and the bush so well, the reader almost feels the heat and the flies. City dwellers Harley and Douglas find this town different: But out here, she could see people went by different rules. You did not just pick out the best bits of life. You took the whole lot, the good and the bad. You forgave people for being who they were, and you hoped they would be able to forgive you. Now and again you were rewarded with the small pleasure of being able to laugh, not uproariously but genuinely, at a small witticism offered by someone who was usually a bore.
  More than the heat and the flies, that was what made the bush feel like another country, where anything was possible.
  Grenville has the power to made the reader laugh and squirm and think about life and being perfect, or not. Winner of the 2001 Orange Prize, this was a wonderful read, my favourite Grenville book so far, and I think it would make an excellent movie.
  
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  The Last Anniversary
  Liane Moriarty

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  hard to put down

  16/04/2012

  The Last Anniversary is the second novel by Australian author Liane Moriarty. The story starts with 39-year-old Sophie Honeywell finding out that she has inherited a house on Scribbly Gum Island on the Hawkesbury River. The house has been left to her by Connie Thrum, the Great Aunt of her ex-boyfriend, Thomas Gordon, and causes some commotion within the extended family on the island. Scribbly Gum Island is famous for the Munro Baby Mystery, a seventy-year-old unsolved crime involving a cake, a kettle, some bloodstains and a newborn baby. Sophie takes up residence on the Island and becomes involved in the lives of its eccentric inhabitants. Sophie views her life as a romantic comedy, but soon enough she feels it turning into a sitcom, what with her attraction to a married man, icy river swims with an octogenarian, the (rather loud) ticking of her biological clock and making fairy floss for the annual Anniversary celebrations. Moriartys characters have hidden depths and the plot has more than enough intrigue and twists to make this novel hard to put down. The wry inner monologues of some characters give the reader plenty of laughter, but there are also some thought-provoking and lump-in-the-throat moments. Moriarty manages to touch on a myriad of topical subjects: lesbianism, post-natal depression, nut allergy, parental cruelty, mothering instinct, suicide, support groups, childrens fiction and bonding with newborn babies. I especially loved Sophies thought: It doesnt seem good etiquette to help prove someone a murderer after theyve left you a house. And Graces comment on support group philosophy Every day is a gift, Jake. Of course sometimes its a really horrible gift that you dont want. I was sorry to reach the end of this novel: I loved the characters and really enjoyed this read.
• 

  Body Double
  Tess Gerritsen

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  thought-provoking

  28/06/2011

  Body Double is the 4th in Tess Gerritsens Rizzoli/Isles series. The story starts with Maura Isles arriving home from a conference in Paris, to find the police at her home, called to a shooting. The victim looks uncannily like Maura, so much so that Rizzoli, Frost and co thought it was her. Whilst Maura was an only child, she was adopted, and DNA tests prove that this woman was her twin sister. Maura endures the singular experience of seeing her own body autopsied. As Rizzoli and Frost investigate, Maura learns some horrifying truths about her past. Once again, Gerritsen gives us a fast-paced story with an excellent plot and quite a few twists. And a gutsy victim who decides not to be. Gerristen also provides a bit of humour, some of it quite black: the eight-month pregnant Rizzoli guarding Isles; Rizzoli giving Isles relationship advice; and Maura, who has never exposed more than her hands and face at work, present as her morgue colleagues, Rizzoli and Frost see a body identical to hers under the knife. Gerritsen also gives us food for thought about private adoptions and where those babies come from. Another excellent read.
• 

  The Double Comfort Safari Club
  Alexander Mccall Smith

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  a pleasure to read

  08/01/2012

  The Double Comfort Safari Club is the 11th in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. Precious Ramotswe, proprietor of the best detective agency in Botswana, is kept busy with fraudulent fiances, adulterous (or not) part-time reverends, jealous aunties and American legacies. Grace Makutsis well-ordered life is thrown into disarray when her fianc, Phuti Radiphuti, suffers a nasty accident; Violet Sephotho is up to new tricks that show her true colours; Precious has to mediate for a couple suspicious of each other; and Grace and Precious make a trip to Maun and the Okavango Delta to track down the recipient of a legacy from an American tourist. Precious bravely takes several canoe trips. As always, throughout, we are treated to the wisdom of Obed Ramotswe, Clovis Anderson, Grace Makutsis footwear and Precious herself. We learn why Batswana always speak of their dead as late, what Precious (and McCall Smith) think of Consultants, and more about the Old Botswana Morality and kindness. Delightful chapter headings, wonderful characters, charming and poignant. A pleasure to read.
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  The Double Comfort Safari Club
  Alexander Mccall Smith

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  a pleasure to read

  08/01/2012

  The Double Comfort Safari Club is the 11th in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. Precious Ramotswe, proprietor of the best detective agency in Botswana, is kept busy with fraudulent fiances, adulterous (or not) part-time reverends, jealous aunties and American legacies. Grace Makutsis well-ordered life is thrown into disarray when her fianc, Phuti Radiphuti, suffers a nasty accident; Violet Sephotho is up to new tricks that show her true colours; Precious has to mediate for a couple suspicious of each other; and Grace and Precious make a trip to Maun and the Okavango Delta to track down the recipient of a legacy from an American tourist. Precious bravely takes several canoe trips. As always, throughout, we are treated to the wisdom of Obed Ramotswe, Clovis Anderson, Grace Makutsis footwear and Precious herself. We learn why Batswana always speak of their dead as late, what Precious (and McCall Smith) think of Consultants, and more about the Old Botswana Morality and kindness. Delightful chapter headings, wonderful characters, charming and poignant. A pleasure to read.
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  Millionaire's Mistress
  Miranda Lee

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  sweet Aussie romance

  23/04/2011

  The Millionaires Mistress is about the 41st of Miranda Lees sexy romances. Set in Sydney, it revolves around Justine Montgomery, whose father has just died, leaving her and her mother penniless and in debt. She catches the eye of Marcus Osborne, a banker, at a party. He is convinced she is a spoiled little rich girl, but is attracted just the same, and cant help himself when she comes to see him about a loan. A sweet Aussie romance: an enjoyable read.
• 

  I Am The Messenger
  Markus Zusak and Unknown

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  not a children's book

  02/08/2011

  The Messenger is Markus Zusaks 4th novel. The story revolves around Ed Kennedy, an under-age taxi driver in a small town somewhere in rural Australia. Eds life seems pretty ordinary: he lives in a suburban shack, shares coffee with his smelly dog, The Doorman, and plays cards with friends Marv, Ritchie and Audrey (with whom hes in love). Things start to change when he inadvertently stops a bank robbery: the first ace, the ace of diamonds turns up in his letterbox, and it appears he has been chosen to affect the lives of certain others. But who is sending the aces? Who has chosen him to be the messenger?
  Zusak captures the feel of small town Australia very well, probably from his own experience. The story is a bit slow-moving in parts (just like small-town life). Zusak gives us characters to like, love and hate, dialogue that is authentic, some humour and an intriguing plot. Without giving anything away, some readers may be disappointed in the ending, but the last few pages bear rereading and contemplation. At first I felt a bit cheated, like I did after reading Ian McEwans Atonement, but I found it easier to read than that novel and, on reflection, I liked the ending. It is certainly not a childrens book, even though it was the winner of the 2003 Children's Book Council Book of the Year Award!
  
• 

  From Heaven Lake: Travels Through Sinkiang And Tibet
  

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  an interesting read

  26/01/2012

  From Heaven Lake is Vikram Seths first non-fiction book. First published in 1987, it tells the story of his travels through China, Sinkiang and Tibet in the summer of 1981. Seth was a graduate student at Nanjing University and decided to hitchhike home to New Delhi via Tibet and Nepal. He kept a journal during his travels, and this book is the result. With his command of the Chinese language and his garb, he was able to journey through places not usually accessible to tourists. His observations of the people, customs and modes of travel and his encounters make very interesting reading.
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  Hornet's Nest
  Patricia Cornwell

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  not the usual Cornwell

  02/02/2011

  I read the 3 Andy Brazil books against advice from more than one person. I wanted to see for myself if they really were that bad. I liked the Scarpetta books (although I thought that the endings of some of those books were too rushed, too contrived). The Andy Brazil books are nothing like those! Hornet's Nest is probably the best of the three, although the characters are shallow and unconvincing and the plot is weak and implausible. There is some humour and some sexual tension which is frustrating for lack of relief. 5/10. Southern Cross degenerates from this. Ms Cornwell seems to be having fun at our expense, but the result isn't really funny or vaguely satisfying. 3/10. Isle of Dogs, well, how much lower can you go? What were you thinking, Ms Cornwell? Or what drugs were you on? This book was ridiculous! I persisted to the end of these books because I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. Not sure why I bothered. Even if one reads these as tongue-in-cheek romps through the workings of a Police Dept, the final book is hugely disappointing. 1/10. Scarpetta fans who pay full price for these books will feel angry and very much cheated. Luckily I bought mine 2nd hand. Readers whose first taste of Cornwell is one of these books will never buy another. Whatever you do, don't pay full price for these books!
• 

  Seventh Heaven
  Alice Hoffman

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  loved it

  27/11/2011

  Seventh Heaven is Alice Hoffmans 9th stand-alone novel and tells the story of when attractive divorcee Nora Silk came to live in Hemlock Street, Long Island with 8 year-old Billy and baby James. Set in the late 50s, it captures the dispiriting feeling of suburbia. As a divorced woman, Nora found her presence posed a threat and prevented her from being part of the community. The story is told from several different characters perspectives. Hoffman gives us beautiful prose and evocative descriptions that bring the reader right into the moment, even if it is occasionally not such a pleasant one. When Hoffman writes, the reader feels all the anxiety, fear, frustration, joy, sorrow and wonder that her characters feel. I really enjoyed the incongruity of a brilliant butterfly like Nora selling Tupperware to the oppressed moths of suburbia. I loved this novel.
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  Seventh Heaven
  Alice Hoffman

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  loved it

  27/11/2011

  Seventh Heaven is Alice Hoffmans 9th stand-alone novel and tells the story of when attractive divorcee Nora Silk came to live in Hemlock Street, Long Island with 8 year-old Billy and baby James. Set in the late 50s, it captures the dispiriting feeling of suburbia. As a divorced woman, Nora found her presence posed a threat and prevented her from being part of the community. The story is told from several different characters perspectives. Hoffman gives us beautiful prose and evocative descriptions that bring the reader right into the moment, even if it is occasionally not such a pleasant one. When Hoffman writes, the reader feels all the anxiety, fear, frustration, joy, sorrow and wonder that her characters feel. I really enjoyed the incongruity of a brilliant butterfly like Nora selling Tupperware to the oppressed moths of suburbia. I loved this novel.
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  Shakespeare's Counselor
  Charlaine Harris

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  a fitting end

  25/03/2012

  Shakespeares Counselor is the fifth in the Lily Bard series by Charlaine Harris. Lily Bard, Shakespeares first-rate house cleaner, has decided to train as a Private Investigator, so is working for Jack Leeds. She has also finally admitted that she needs counselling for the trauma she suffered some years ago in Memphis, so joins a group of rape survivors moderated by therapist Tamsin Lynd. But Tamsin has some problems of her own, in the form of a persistent and dangerous stalker. When one of the group members is found, just prior to a therapy session, impaled by stake on the noticeboard in Tamsins office, Lily wonders if it is a case of mistaken identity, or a message, and if so, for whom. In this instalment, Lily works in a gym, takes part in a stake-out, lands in the hospital, does quite a bit of sleeping and learns the effects of a stun gun, firsthand. Lily Bard is a very human heroine, acknowledging her faults as well as her strengths, and with each book, she becomes less prickly and more sociable. Whilst I would love to read more of Lily Bard, in a way I am grateful that Harris has seen fit to stop before she has done a Jessica Fletcher and killed off everyone in Shakespeare. The Lily Bard series were my first taste of Charlaine Harris, but I will certainly read more of her work. A fitting ending to the series.
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  Shakespeare's Champion
  Charlaine Harris

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  a fun read

  12/03/2012

  Shakespeares Champion is the second in the Lily Bard series by Charlaine Harris. Lily Bards life in Shakespeare consists of the secure routine of her cleaning job and her martial arts workouts at Marshall Sedakas Body Time gym. Discovering the body of local bodybuilder, obviously murdered, at the gym, is the last thing she needs. Her role in a recent racially motivated fight in the town has not been forgotten, and this body is the third murder victim in the last few weeks. Added to that is the murmur of racial tension, hints of a white supremacist force and the appearance of several new faces in town, including a vaguely familiar, dangerous-looking, sexy man. Lilys relationship with Marshall takes a turn, and her association with Police Chief Claude Friedrich comes to a critical point. In this instalment, Harris adds depth to Lilys character and brings us many of the familiar characters from town and the apartment block on Track Street, as well as some new characters living in apartments of those who died or moved away. The plot has plenty of twists and a great climax. There is plenty of humour in the dialogue and interactions between the characters, quite a bit of violence and a few hot sex scenes. Another fun read that will have readers looking forward to Shakespeares Christmas.
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  Flash And Bones
  Kathy Reichs

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  filleted Tempe Brennan

  12/12/2011

  Flash and Bones is the 14th in the Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs. Just back from Hawaii, Tempe is called to a landfill site in Charlotte adjacent to the NASCAR circuit, where a body is encased in asphalt in a rusting metal drum. Its almost race week, so the pressure is on to deal with the situation quickly. But after she manages only a perfunctory examination of the corpse, the FBI steps in to confiscate the body and all the files. As the story progresses, the list of possible identities for the John Doe lengthens, and Tempe comes up against the FBI, the local cops, the track security team and a right-wing extremist group, the Patriot Posse, as she tries to solve the riddle. Reichs sticks to her formula of letting Tempe get into danger while investigating something thats probably none of her business. Usually, this works because she also gives the reader a good dose of forensic anthropology, and plenty of facts. This time the facts are about abrin, a systemic toxin (interesting) and NASCAR (maybe interesting for fans but left me cold). The forensic anthropology in this instalment is minimal: getting the body out of the asphalt ; putting together the skull of a known victim. Theres a plot with a few twists and some good dialogue in the form of dry quips between Tempe and Skinny Slidell, almost ex-hubby Pete, Kate and a possible new love-interest, Galimore. There may be bones in the title, but the story has been well filleted. Lets hope the next Tempe Brennan novel is an improvement on this one.
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  Sea Swept
  Nora Roberts

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  surprisingly good

  11/02/2012

  Sea Swept is the first of the Chesapeake Bay series by Nora Roberts. Cameron, Ethan and Phillip Quinn were all adopted by Ray and Stella Quinn as troubled teens. Now their widower father has died in a car accident that some suspect was suicide, leaving behind Seth, a difficult 10-year-old boy who looks remarkably like Ray, and whom he was in the process of adopting. His dying wish was that his three sons bring up Seth as their brother. Social worker Anna Spinelli is determined to realise the best outcome for Seth, but is strongly attracted to champion boat-racer Cam, extra prickly because of his suddenly curbed independence.
  There is plenty of humour in the situation of three men trying to bring up well a young boy, the clashes between Anna and Cam and the interactions between the brothers, but Roberts also touches on child abuse, the importance of honesty, finding your place in life and a childs need for security and love. Roberts gives us good-looking, likeable male characters with solid personalities and great dialogue between them, strong, intelligent female characters, some hot sex scenes and the mystery of Seths parentage. This instalment is the story of Cameron Quinn and the unsolved mystery will send readers looking for Rising Tides, the story of Ethan Quinn. I had in my head that Nora Roberts was all romance, but this was very un-Mills&Boon, and surprisingly good.
  
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  Rising Tides
  Nora Roberts

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  a heart-warming read

  11/02/2012

  Rising Tides is the second of the Chesapeake Bay series by Nora Roberts. Ethan, the quiet, crab-fishing middle Quinn brother, has been attracted to Grace Monroe since they were young, but first she was too young and then she was married and divorced and a young mother, and anyway, she couldnt want this damaged soul, could she? Except she does: and finally takes action to make it clear. But as far as Ethan is concerned, their relationship cant progress to marriage because of something that happened in his youth. Again, there is the underlying story of Seth DeLauter and the death of Ray Quinn, still unresolved. Roberts once again touches on child abuse, sexual, physical and emotional, as well as pride, trust, social work and the System and bad blood. Seths mother, Gloria, makes her unwanted presence felt by letter and phone. Not as much of the humorous interaction between the brothers as the first of the series, Sea Swept, but still filled with likeable characters, laughs, some lump-in-the-throat moments, it is, ultimately, a heart-warming read. The need for resolution of Seths parentage is not the only thing that will send readers looking for the third instalment, and Phillip Quinns story, Inner Harbour.
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  Chesapeake Blue
  Nora Roberts

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  entertaining read

  05/05/2012

  Chesapeake Blue is the fourth of the Chesapeake Bay series by Nora Roberts. It is the story of Seth Quinn, who as a ten-year-old , was bought from his mother (Rays estranged daughter, Gloria deLauter) by Ray Quinn and raised by Rays adopted sons, Cam, Ethan and Phil. After years of promoting his art around the continent, Seth Quinn wants to come home to St Christopher, to the security of the place he grew up in. When he arrives, he meets Drusilla Whitcomb Banks, granddaughter of a Senator, who has come to St Chris to get away from life in Washington and the stifling demands of her parents. Shes running a flower shop and loving it, and Seth wants to paint her, and more. But everyone has secrets in their past, and Seths is insisting on turning up like a bad penny, threatening everything he holds dear. Is there any way someone as sophisticated as Dru can be with someone like Seth with his history? Is Seth underestimating Drusillas strength? Has Seth forgotten he is a Quinn, and Quinns stand together? This final chapter in the Chesapeake Bay series will please fans who wanted to know how Seth turned out. Roberts knows how to create characters to love and hate, and a plot that is original. An entertaining read.
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  Life Support
  Tess Gerritsen

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  Another great Gerritsen read

  07/11/2011

  Life Support is the 10th stand-alone novel by Tess Gerritsen. Springer Hospitals night-shift ER doctor, Toby Harper, finds her job is on the line when she literally loses a patient. The elderly man presents with confusion and apparent seizures, but while the ER staff are dealing with another emergency, the patient disappears. When another patient with identical symptoms, from the same exclusive residential community, with the same doctor, dies in the hospital, Toby wants to investigate further, fearing an infectious cause. As Toby tries to find out more, she hits a brick wall with the admitting doctor and the residential community, which arouses her suspicions. But problems in her personal life complicate matters even further. Medical murder mystery is Tess Gerristens forte and she, once again, gives us a great plot and credible characters and dialogue. The ME in this novel can, in some ways, be seen as the blueprint for Maura Isles role in the Rizzoli and Isles series. Another great Gerritsen read.
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  The Mephisto Club
  Tess Gerritsen

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  Another Gerritsen winner

  12/07/2011

  The Mephisto Club is the 6th of Tess Gerritsens Rizzoli/Isles series. On Christmas Eve, Rizzoli and Isles are called to a horrific murder scene where the female victim has been decapitated and dismembered. During the autopsy, however, they realise there must be more than one victim as the left hand does not match the arm. And a call has been made from the victims phone to Dr Joyce ODonnell, the neuropsychiatrist who has made a career of defending serial killers. Before they can discover to whom the hand belongs, one of their own, a female police detective, is murdered in the backyard of a house where Joyce ODonnell is dining. Symbols and words at both crime scenes, made with an unusual ochre clay, point to a Satanic element; or do they? When events in Isles personal life coincide with the same symbols on her own front door, the action really starts to heat up. And Rizzoli has problems of her own with the way her parents are behaving. Gerritsen gives us two back stories which will have the reader convinced they know who the culprit is, although everyone but Rizzoli starts to wonder if their perp is, in fact, human. Gerristen touches on celibacy in the Church, secret societies, Satanic possession, mid-life crisis, and whether evil can have a physical form. Once again, Rizzoli provides some humour; the story is full of suspense and has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed. Another Gerritsen winner.
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  The Surgeon
  Tess Gerritsen

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  excellent thriller

  12/06/2011

  The Surgeon is the first novel in Tess Gerritsens Jane Rizzoli/Maura Iles series. In this novel we are introduced to Jane as the only woman on her Boston Police Departments Homicide team. She is hunting a killer who targets lonely women and tortures them before slashing their throats. His surgical skills lead to his being dubbed The Surgeon. As Jane and another member of the team, Thomas Moore, investigate, they notice similarities to cases in Georgia two years previous. A survivor of those murders, Catherine Cordell, shot dead her attacker, so is this a copy-cat or something else? This is a fast-paced thriller that keeps the reader enthralled. Gerritsen touches on issues of sexism in the police force, the privacy of sensitive medical information, sexual assault support groups, respect for cadavers and police/victim relationships. Hard to put down, this is a very enjoyable novel and I look forward to reading The Apprentice.
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  Vanish
  Tess Gerritsen

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  Gerritsen at her finest

  02/07/2011

  Vanish is the fifth of Tess Gerritsens Rizzoli/Isles series. The story starts with Maura Isles discovering a female in a body bag, an apparent drowning victim, who isnt dead. Transferred to the hospital, the woman becomes violent, shoots a security guard and takes hostages. Jane Rizzoli, about to give birth, happens to be in the wrong place and becomes one of the hostages. Her husband, FBI Agent Gabriel Dean, her Boston PD colleagues and Maura Isles spare no effort trying to track down the womans identity and her reasons for the siege. Once again, Gerritsen brings the reader a gripping drama, with Jane Rizzoli providing many lighter moments. In the court scene, Rizzoli conclusively proves that, even at 9 months pregnant, she is still a cop. As well as exploring Rizzolis doubts about her mothering ability and her concern with her lack of maternal instinct (topical for many first-time mothers), Gerritsen touches on subjects as diverse as sex slave trafficking, war profiteering and sieges and negotiators. As always, an excellent plot with a few twists makes this book hard to put down. Gerritsen at her finest.
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  The Lost Symbol
  Dan Brown

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  entertaining

  05/06/2011

  The Lost Symbol is the 3rd in Dan Browns Robert Langdon series. The story goes over 24 hours and starts with Langdon being flown by private jet to Washington to give a lecture as a favour to his long-time friend (and Mason), Peter Solomon. Soon enough, this turns out to be a ruse, and Langdon finds himself at the Capitols Rotunda where Solomons severed and tattooed hand is left by a mysterious man. Langdons expertise as a symbologist is demanded to find and solve legendary Masonic Pyramid. The CIA are involved, and soon the action hots up. This book is (of course, as a Robert Langdon novel) filled with symbols, codes and puzzles, religious icons, lots of technology, chases and escapes, a seemingly invincible villain who is not what he seems, plot twists, apparently impossible resurrections and a virtual travelogue of Washington DC. There are some obvious flaws, and we are asked to believe that some characters will bizarrely put up with lengthy and unnecessary inconvenience. It is fiction, after all. But it is, nonetheless, exciting and fast moving. There are many facts about Washington and Masons and Ancient Mysteries. I couldnt get the image of Tom Hanks out of my head for Robert Langdon, although he really doesnt fit this description. I thought the climax was a bit anti-. Entertaining, all the same.
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  The Killing Place
  Tess Gerritsen

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  more great Gerritsen

  02/08/2011

  The Killing Place is the 8th in Tess Gerritsens Rizzoli/Isles series. Its cold, its November and Maura Isles is in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for a pathologists conference. Things are less than ideal in her relationship with Daniel Brophy, and whilst at the conference, she runs into a college acquaintance, Doug Comley. She makes an impulsive choice to accompany his party to an isolated ski lodge and finds herself, their vehicle stranded in deep snow, in the deserted village of Kingdom Come. When Maura appears to have gone missing, Jane Rizzoli, Gabriel Dean and Daniel Brophy fly to Wyoming to investigate. Their crashed vehicle with four badly burned bodies inside seems to indicate the worst for Maura. Gerritsen departs from her usual crime committed, investigated and pathology done formula: this book has a bit of a Karin Slaughter feel. But once again, an original plot with twists to the end (if you think you know whodunit, you will get a surprise!), credible characters and authentic dialogue. Once again, we are treated to plenty of interesting facts in easily-digestible morsels, this time about the autopsy of poisoning victims, septicaemia and cult religious groups. Gerritsen touches on Stockholm syndrome, polygamy, paedophilia, police corruption, charismatic leaders, mass suicide, gangrene, amputation and toxic waste disposal. Another great Gerritsen read.
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  The Silent Girl
  Tess Gerritsen

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  thoroughly enjoyable Gerritsen page-turner

  03/08/2011

  The Silent Girl is the 9th book in Tess Gerritsens Rizzoli/Isles series. A severed hand found in a Chinatown alley leads Jane Rizzoli to the owner of the hand on a rooftop: a woman almost decapitated. Investigation eventually links the body with a murder/suicide nineteen years earlier in a Chinatown restaurant that left five people dead. As Rizzoli and her team review the case, it appears that one woman connected to the massacre, a martial arts master, is unconvinced about the conclusions made in that investigation. Gerritsen once again gives us an imaginative plot with twists to the very last chapter, realistic characters and authentic dialogue. The feel of Chinatown and the Chinese mindset are deftly portrayed, obviously from first-hand knowledge. Once again, we are presented with a wealth of interesting facts in an easy-to-assimilate form, this time about hair analysis, ancient Chinese weaponry, metal analysis, Chinese legend & folklore and running amok. Gerritsen touches on police brutality, prejudice, collective guilt of an ethnic group, sexual predators, Chinese language and the Irish Mafia. The antics of Rizzolis family once again provide some lighter moments, and Johnny Tam, a Chinese-born detective seconded to help out, makes a laugh-out-loud statement: I wish I could speak Cantonese, but its like Greek to me. I noticed that Mauras autopsy measurements were in centimetres rather than inches and I wondered if this is usual practice in this field in USA. A character from Mauras adventure in The Killing Place makes a welcome appearance. Once again, a thoroughly enjoyable Gerritsen page-turner: I look forward to the next Rizzoli/Isles instalment.
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  Why Dogs Sniff Each Other's Tails
  Michael Leunig and Michael Leunig

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  a delightful dose of Leunig

  21/05/2012

  Why Dogs Sniff Each Others Tails is the 15th book by Australian cartoonist, philosopher, poet and artist, Michael Leunig. Page 1 answers the question in the title with a cute short story (and the cartoon version appears on p 92). Make that a very short story. After that, its 103 pages of Leunigs unique cartoons. Some of the cartoons have also been featured in The Second Leunig, The Bedtime Leunig and A Bag of Roosters. There are cartoons that are hilarious, that are poignant, that are irreverent and some that are decidedly risqu. As always, some left me bemused, but I especially loved the Smell of Doom, the Missing Underpants, Hair Restorer, Blobby and Blotchy, Twelve Days of Christmas, Urinating on the Butterfly and Robinson Crusoe. A delightful dose of Leunig.
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  Bookman's Wake
  John Dunning

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  a great read

  27/11/2011

  The Bookmans Wake is the second in John Dunnings Cliff Janeway series. Cliff is approached by a former colleague from the Denver PD to bring back a skip from Seattle. The only reason he agrees is that hell be paid $5000 and theres a book angle: the skip, Eleanor Rigby, has stolen a rare edition of Poes The Raven, published by the famous and now deceased Darryl Grayson. Of course, nothing is as it seems: Eleanor is being stalked by a dark figure and Cliff soon realises he is really meant to find the elusive book. After he manages to lose Eleanor on his way to the airport, he joins forces with Trish Aandahl, the journalist who chronicled the life if the Grayson brothers after their deaths in a printery fire, which seemed suspicious at the time, to try to track down Eleanor and solve the mystery surrounding the Graysons and their books. Filled with fascinating tidbits about book publishing, book scouting, book binding and what makes a book rare and valuable, this novel has a great plot with plenty of twists, as well as some interesting characters and realistic dialogue. This was a great read and I look forward to the next in the series, The Bookmans Promise.
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  Bookman's Wake
  John Dunning

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  a great read

  27/11/2011

  The Bookmans Wake is the second in John Dunnings Cliff Janeway series. Cliff is approached by a former colleague from the Denver PD to bring back a skip from Seattle. The only reason he agrees is that hell be paid $5000 and theres a book angle: the skip, Eleanor Rigby, has stolen a rare edition of Poes The Raven, published by the famous and now deceased Darryl Grayson. Of course, nothing is as it seems: Eleanor is being stalked by a dark figure and Cliff soon realises he is really meant to find the elusive book. After he manages to lose Eleanor on his way to the airport, he joins forces with Trish Aandahl, the journalist who chronicled the life if the Grayson brothers after their deaths in a printery fire, which seemed suspicious at the time, to try to track down Eleanor and solve the mystery surrounding the Graysons and their books. Filled with fascinating tidbits about book publishing, book scouting, book binding and what makes a book rare and valuable, this novel has a great plot with plenty of twists, as well as some interesting characters and realistic dialogue. This was a great read and I look forward to the next in the series, The Bookmans Promise.
• 

  The Golden Gate
  Vikram Seth and Seth Vikram

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  a fun read

  26/01/2012

  The Golden Gate is Vikram Seths first novel. It is set in the eighties in California and tells of twenty-somethings: John, Phil, Janet, Liz, Paul, Claire, Sue, Ed, Rose, Chuck, Matt, Joan, Bjorn, Mike, Rowena and Schwartz, who are looking for love, pleasure and the meaning of life. Witty, funny and moving, the whole novel, from Acknowledgements, through Dedication, table of Contents, the body of the novel and even About the Author are all cleverly written in verse. This delightfully different novel showcases Seths talent as a poet. Described by Gore Vidal as The Great Californian Novel, this is a fun read.
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  Dreamhouse
  Kate Grenville

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  a compelling read

  25/03/2012

  Dreamhouse is the third novel by Australian author, Kate Grenville. Set in Tuscany, in the village of San Giorgio and later, Milan, the story is narrated by Louise Dufrey. Louise and her husband Reynold are in Tuscany on the invitation of a colleague of Rennies, Daniel, so that Rennie can complete his dissertation, Malthus and the Doctrine of Necessary Catastrophe. They are to stay at one of his villas, but, after a bizarre encounter with Daniels children, Hugo and Viola, find that the villa is little more than a crumbling heap. They are warned of Domenico, a seemingly demented old man living in the barn, who will bring them their daily bread. When Daniel turns up, they are invited to stay at the villa with him and his children, and, as events unfold, Louise begins to see their hosts in a different light. With some flashbacks and present day interactions, Grenville builds Louises character and the relationship with Rennie, which seems rather unsatisfactory for both. While the reader does not learn much about the other characters, with their true nature and relationships left ambiguous, Grenville conveys the atmosphere of Tuscany with consummate ease, and the mood of the characters comes across extremely well. There are constant sexual undertones in all the dialogue and actions of Daniel and his family. I liked the irony of the role reversal: Louises initial discomfort and paranoia became Rennies, while Louise gained Rennies initial ease and confidence. Perhaps not a pleasant as much as a compelling read.
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  Joan Makes History
  Kate Grenville

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  irreverent and imaginative

  08/01/2012

  Joan Makes History is the 3rd book by Australian author, Kate Grenville. Joan Redman(Radulescu) is a minor character from Grenvilles first novel, Lilians Story. From an early age, Joan has been determined to make her mark in history, and as we follow her life as she loved and was bored, betrayed and was forgiven, ran away and returned, those chapters of her life alternate with chapters that reflect or echo events in her life, and in which Grenville takes historical facts and inserts her characters into her own interpretation of events. We see James Cooks first sighting of the Great South Land as observed by his wife; the landing of the First Fleet through the eyes of a female convict; an encounter of Bass and Flinders through the eyes of an aboriginal girl; the hardships of taming the land, seeking gold, treatment of the blacks, war and rebellion, modes of travel, bushrangers, the late 19th century depression, and Federation, all through the eyes of women present at those events. There is humour and heartache; some chapters are quite thought-provoking, others are written very much tongue-in-cheek. Irreverent and imaginative.
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  The Time Trap
  Peter Corris and Corris

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  another excellent Corris offering

  16/04/2012

  The Time Trap is the seventh in the Ray Crawley series by Peter Corris. Crawley is in the position of Acting Director of the Federal Security Agency while his boss, Hector Bain, is overseas and the Assistant Director is ill. Not that he is Acting much like previous Directors do.. he is quite distracted by Carol Mainwaring, his cool, efficient and very attractive secretary; his old retired colleague, Huck, has brought the accidental death of two FSA archivists to his notice; his reliable computer nerd, Boris Stein, is acting strangely; and Ruth May, the daughter of one of the archivists, who looks remarkably like Crawleys wife, Mandy, appears to have been abducted. Corris gives us another fast-paced, action-filled tale of espionage and intrigue; there are cover-ups and kidnapping, quite a bit of sex and hard drinking, murder and violence, guns, knives and poison, a loyal dog, a useful halfwit and a resourceful heroine. The characters are realistic, the dialogue is authentic and the plot completely believable. Another excellent Corris offering.
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  In Bed With Jocasta
  Richard Glover

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  hilarious

  29/05/2011

  In Bed with Jocasta is Richard Glovers 6th book. If you have ever listened to Glover on the radio, then you will hear his voice in your head relating these tales as you read, which adds to the delight of the stories. Glover touches on topics as diverse as hiring the right (in Jocastas opinion) video from the video store, owning a pet mouse, shopping for furniture, bathroom DYI, testicle examination, whingeing and turning forty, all dealt with in his inimitable style. There are laugh out loud moments aplenty in this book. Guides (to being Australian, Lower-Shelf nosheries, Idiots Guide to Domestic Life), Regulations (home carpentry), Recipes (About-to-Expire-Eggs), Jokes, a Quiz and Sets of Rules (When Men Cook, TV, Life, Backyard Cricket, Food, Holidays, getting Engaged) abound. Enjoyable, hilarious, highly recommended.
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  Desperate Husbands
  Richard Glover

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  hilarious

  18/07/2011

  Desperate Husbands is Richard Glovers 9th book. Using examples from his life with his fabulous but formidable partner, Jocasta and his teenage offspring, Batboy and The Space Cadet, Glover explores subjects as diverse as wilful appliances, sport, purchases from late-night TV ads, moustaches, cleaning-obsessed mothers, exchange students, coping while the spouse is away, foreign languages, lead poisoning, hiring a DVD, studying for the HSC, specialty magazines, procreative urge, tying knots, garment cleaning, inventing Olympic sports, the war on terror, the Easter Show, Repetitive Joke Syndrome, ego, PINs, overused phrases, too much choice, ageing, thongs, Home Renovation TV shows, warning labels, holiday cottages, the census, needing glasses, first and subsequent children, everyday heroism, seventies food, snoring, uses for men and Christmas shopping.
  He gives us guides on: Men and housework; How to Write a Book; The Little Read Books; Water Conservation for Teenage Boys; The Dieters Code of Practice; The Real Road Rules; Ten Ways to Argue Like a Man; and The Blokes Supermarket;
  If you do not spend most of this book snickering, chuckling or laughing out loud, there is something seriously wrong with you. I did have to stop reading once or twice as I could not see the print for the tears (of mirth) in my eyes. In the chapter on warnings I was laughing so much, I had to stop reading to visit the bathroom to save myself from embarrassing incontinence. So heres my warning to add to those: dont read this book with a full bladder!
  
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  Eating Lolly
  Corrie Hosking

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  A moving Aussie tale

  02/02/2011

  Eating Lolly is the engrossing story of Mumma, Mister and Lolly, the integral part that food plays in their lives and loves, and the people who intersect with their everyday lives. As we watch their characters and relationships grow and mature, we are treated to evocative descriptions, descriptions so good you can smell and taste the food, feel the atmosphere and emotions, as well as the occasional laugh-out-loud moments. butterlove becomes a particularly resonant expression. This involving story is beautifully crafted, powerful and down-to-earth. It deals with relationships and obsession, everyday issues and those not so everyday, all with a uniquely Australian flavour. It will speak to people who love food, preparing and eating it. It is easy to see why Corrie Hosking won the Adelaide Festival Award in 2002 and SMH Best Young Novelist in 2005. Could Corrie Hosking be a downunder Anita Shreve, Anne Tyler or Jodi Picoult? She is certainly worth reading more of!
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  Keeping Luke's Secret
  Carole Mortimer

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  hohum

  21/08/2011

  Keeping Lukes Secret is the 115th romance novel by Carol Mortimer. Historian Leonie Winston has written her grandfather, Leos biography, and is then asked by aging actress Rachel Richmond to do the same for her. Leonie is uncertain about doing this, and more so when Rachels son Luke makes his feelings about the idea known. Rachel convinces her to take it on, but Luke is determined she will not learn his secret. When she eventually guesses it, it is much more of a shock than she expected. Despite Lukes behaviour towards Leonie, shes attracted to him, and, when he kisses her, she realises the attraction goes both ways. The plots a bit thin on this one and, despite the number of times Mortimer uses it, I am pretty sure that the word frowningly is not actually part of the English language.
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  After The Affair And The Reluctant Lover
  Miranda Lee

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  melodrama +++

  27/11/2011

  After the Affair is the first romance novel by Miranda Lee and it shows. Cassie Palmer has her 8-year-old son, Jason, to remind her not to trust a man like artist, Dan McKay, again. When he turns up to a local auction where she is bidding on one of his paintings, shes filled with panic that he will discover her son and upset her world. This novel is full of clich and melodrama, rather shallow characters and a plot that includes an unfaithful wife who neglects her daughter, a drowning, a motorbike accident resulting in paraplegia, and lots of people not saying what they mean. Much better work to come from Miranda Lee in later years.
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  Billionaire Bachelors: With A Rich Man's Revenge And Mistress For A Month And Sold To The Sheikh
  Miranda Lee

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  not Lee's best

  08/01/2012

  Billionaire Bachelors is an omnibus of three related Miranda Lee romances.
  A Rich Mans Revenge is the first of the Billionaire Bachelors series by Miranda Lee. Dominique Cooper was determined that her mothers fate, loving a man who was a drunk and soon jobless, would not befall her: she was going to marry for money. After one failed attempt, she had her sights set on Charles Brandon, only to be struck with love at first sight! Charless friend Rico was sure she was a gold-digger, and was determined to warn him. This romance sounded like it was going to be full of shallow characters and a thin plot, but the plot took an unexpected turn, and, except for the very clichd Rico, the characters were not too bad. It was a little melodramatic at the end, though.
  Mistress For A Month is the second of the Billionaire Bachelors series by Miranda Lee. Enrico Mandretti has been attracted to Renee Selinsky since the first time he saw her, even though he is convinced she married for money. Shes now widowed, rich and still very attractive, and he sees her every Friday night at Prince Alis poker night, along with his friend Charles Brandon. The way she treats him, hes sure she doesnt like him, but one night his poker hand is unbeatable and he manages to win Renee as his mistress for a month. Perhaps not as shallow as it first seems: Rico and Renee both show they have more depth of character than seems initially possible. The plot is a bit thin: this is not one of Miranda Lees best romances.
  Sold to the Sheikh is the third of the Billionaire Bachelors series by Miranda Lee. The first time top model Charmaine encounters Ali, she has no trouble refusing him (rather rudely). He is amazed: women dont refuse His Royal Highness Prince Ali of Dubar. But Charmaine knows he is just another good-looking overly wealthy man who thinks he can have any female he sees. The second time she encounters him, 11 months later, she can hardly refuse: after all, she offered herself up as a dinner date prize in her own charity auction for children with cancer, and he has bid 5 million dollars for the privilege. At that dinner, he makes an even more outrageous offer, one she ultimately finds impossible to refuse. But just because shes attracted to him, doesnt mean shell fall for him. But Alis intentions are a little more permanent than she realises. This final instalment of Billionaire Bachelors has some clever dialogue and some hot sex scenes, although the plot is a bit weak. I think the ultra-rich hero is wearing a bit thin, getting a bit more difficult for the ordinary reader to relate to.
  
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  Rent-a-Husband / Unexpected Bride / Lonesome Rider / Rescued By The Magic Of Christmas
  Heather Graham, Lisa Childs and Annette Broadrick

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  4 in 1 romance

  26/01/2012

  Rent-A-Husband, by Annette Broadrick, is a delightful romance. After career woman, Paula Mandrell, got the impression she needed to be married to keep her job, she invented a jet-setting husband. But when her employers intended to set her up in charge of the office in Austin, Texas, they wanted to meet her husband. At the last minute, she called Husband-for-Hire, a home-repair business, and somehow convinced Brad Anderson, the proprietor, to pose as her husband for the weekend. Of course, the attraction between them meant that some of the acting got a little real. Sexy romance with comic moments, tears and a happy ending.
  Unexpected Bride, by Lisa Childs is frustratingly slow-moving and tediously repetitive. Eight years ago, Abby Hamilton left Cloverville after events, some of which were not her fault, made it hard for her to stay. Now a successful business woman and single mother, she has returned with her 5-year-old daughter, Lara, to convince her childhood friend, Molly McClintock, not to marry the man she doesnt love. But it seems Mollys older brother Clayton, always the responsible one, still considers Abby a trouble-maker, even though hes attracted to her. So after reading, oh, about a hundred times that Abby realises that Clayton does not respect or trust her, so she cant stay in Cloverville, I think even the dumbest reader will get the picture. And then another 99 times Clayton thinks that he already has too many responsibilities to take on Abby and Lara as well, yawn.Watch for the hot sex scene in the hall outside the study: dont blink, or youll miss it. Coulda been a hundred pages shorter with the same effect. At least now I know I dont need to read any more by Lisa Childs!
  Lonesome Rider by Heather Graham is a romance novella set in the 1867 in Indian Territory. When half-breed Blade McKenna first sees Jessica Dylan walk into a saloon at a stage coach stop, he knows shes going to be trouble. After he saves her life, she wants to employ him to accompany her to her late husbands land, and shes willing to pay, even the price hes asking: her body at night. Following the stage coach at a distance, he soon has to save her life again. And is asked again to render his services. A few hot sex scenes, and a bit of melodramatic action at the end. The loose ends are tied up, but in a bit of a rush.
  Rescued by the Magic of Christmas by Melissa McClone is a romance in a Christmas setting. Carly Bishop has not celebrated Christmas since the fateful day, six years ago, when her fianc, Iain and her brother, Nick, died in a climbing accident on Mt Hood, the day before their Christmas Eve wedding. Now shes back in Hood Hamlet, from Philadelphia, to lend a hand to Nicks remarried widow, Hannah, whos just about to have her baby, and Jake Porter, mountain rescuer and Nicks best friend, is there to help out. She always had a thing for Jake, but shes wary about giving her heart to a mountain climber after last time. And here she is, in the middle of all the Christmas hype, trying to come to terms with loss. A sweet romance, but rather slow-moving, so perhaps a bit too long.
  
• 

  Booked To Die
  Dunning

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  very booky crime fiction

  14/08/2011

  Booked to Die is John Dunnings 5th fiction novel and the first in the Cliff Janeway series. As unlikely as it seems that a crime fiction novel about second hand books could be very exciting, this is a page-turner. At the start of this book, Clifford Janeway is a homicide detective with the Denver Police Department. When Bobby Westfall, a local penniless bookscout and cat lover, is found murdered in an alley, Janeway is convinced it is the work Jackie Newton, a local petty criminal with money and a knack for eluding the law, someone Janeway has been burning to put away for a long time. In the course of the investigation, Janeway learns that Jackie has a watertight alibi, but Janeways emotions end up putting him in a position that risks his police career. Meanwhile, valuable books keep turning up, and Janeway has always been interested in a good first edition... This is a very enjoyable novel: a great plot with a few twists, lots of action, a bit of romance, four murders, a fistfight, a smattering of sex and a good dose of literary titles and authors. I found it especially appealing as I am a trawler of charity bookshops, not for firsts but just copies I dont yet have. It is no surprise this is a winner of the Nero Wolfe Award. I look forward to the next in the series: The Bookmans Wake.
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  The Scarpetta Factor
  Patricia Cornwell

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  better than the last few years

  28/02/2011

  The Scarpetta Factor is Patricia Cornwells 17th Scarpetta novel. The Scarpetta novels have had a chequered history: they started out consistently good and then went downhill for a while. This one is quite an improvement on those of 5 or 6 years ago. While its a bit slow-moving in places, on the whole, it has something like the quality of the first novels. A lot of the subject matter is topical, the CSI bits are better than ever, and the characters have finally matured somewhat: they have gone from acting like self-indulgent and irritating juveniles to reasonably responsible adults, although Lucy could probably do with anger management classes. With regard to the plot, it helps if you can remember what happened around the time of Benton Wesleys disappearance, but its not essential. I enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading the next Scarpetta, Port Mortuary.
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  6 Rainier Drive
  Debbie Macomber

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  fans will not be disappointed

  26/01/2012

  6 Rainier Drive is the sixth full-length novel in the Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber. Once again, we join Olivia, Grace, Charlotte and all our favourite characters in Cedar Cove to learn whats happening in their lives: Seth and Justine Gundersen discover what it takes to come to terms with the destruction of their restaurant, The Lighthouse, by fire; Allison Cox finds her faith in her boyfriend, Anson Butlers innocence of fire setting is tested; Linnette McAfee begins to doubt Cal Washburns feelings for her; Ben and Charlotte Rhodes realise that they both have sons who have disappointed them; hair stylist Teri Miller falls for a famous chess player; Maryellens pregnancy puts a strain on the Bowman household until Jons estranged parents come to help out; Rachel Pendergast is forced to meet Nate Olsens disapproving mother; and after renting Graces house at 204 Rosewood Lane, Cecelia and Ian Randall find they have a tough decision to make. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in this novel, as well as a few tears, and the nystery of the fire is solved. This has been aptly described as good-spirited gossipy writing, and fans of the Cedar Cove series will not be disappointed.
• 

  Manning Brides: Marriage Of Inconvenience/stand-In Wife
  Debbie Macomber

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  classic Macomber

  11/05/2011

  The Manning Brides contains the 3rd and 4th stories in the Manning series by Debbie Macomber. In A Marriage of Inconvenience, Rich Manning is asked by his long-time good friend, Jamie Warren, to be a sperm donor so she can have a baby. After due consideration, Rich decides, yes, but only if she marries him. What follows is an assortment of messages not left, conversations at crossed purposes, and misunderstandings as Rich and Jamie independently realise they have always loved each other. Plenty of chuckles and laugh-out-loud moments, especially as Rich tries to understand the female sex. And, as with their daughters marriages, once again Eric and Elizabeth Manning are cheated of the big wedding they would dearly love to organise!
  In Stand-in Wife, Paul Manning, six months bereaved, his wife Diane having died of complications in the birth of their daughter Kelsey, is joined in his home by Leah, Dianes older sister, to care for his twin boys and Kelsey. Leah already loves her niece and nephews dearly, but after some time, she and Paul realise an attraction to each other. When Pauls parents suggest they marry for pragmatic reasons, they do, although once again Eric and Elizabeth Manning are cheated of organising a fancy wedding. But the path of true love never runs smooth and Leah decides she wants to be loved for herself, rather than be a Stand-in wife.
  Two more classic Macombers that fans of this author will enjoy.
  
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  Promise, Texas
  Debbie Macomber

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  more Macomber feelgood

  12/05/2012

  Some three or four years after the events of the first six books in the Heart of Texas series, Debbie Macomber takes the reader back to Promise, Texas. Dr Jane Pattersons friend, Annie Applegate, flees California where a car accident left her badly scarred and led to a nasty divorce, to live, at Janes urging, in Promise. Annie opens a bookstore and has soon captivated the town, including the local veterinarian, widower Dr Lucas Porter and his two young daughters. Eventually, what starts as a marriage of convenience occurs between them: is there any hope of turning it into the real thing? Schoolteacher Jeannie French isnt really interested in Sherriff Adam Jordan, although he seems to be somewhat enamoured with her. Trouble is, every time he comes near her, he manages to mess up, tearing her skirt, spilling sauce on her best blouse, locking her keys in her car. Until the annual Cattlemans Association Dance, she just wishes hed leave her alone, but there, she sees another side of Adam. Dovie Hennesseys sister-in-law, Nessa Boyd, has been living in Promise since her husband died. Looking after the store when Dovie and Frank go to Europe brings her in contact with an acquaintance of Dovies, Gordon Pawling, and they find they have much in common. Readers will welcome the return of much-loved characters from previous books: Savannah and Grady hear from their jailed brother Richard; Nell Grant is worried about the visit of her husbands ex-wife to Promise for purposes unknown; the Patterson brothers and their wives are concerned about the behaviour of their mother Mary; and Amy McMillens mother is making her life a misery. Once again, the ghost town of Bitter End features. Macombers forte is characters and relationships; her plots are mostly predictable, but have the occasional twist; above all, feelgood is the order of the day.
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  Ready For Marriage
  Debbie Macomber

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  sweet Macomber romance

  17/10/2011

  Ready for Marriage is the 52nd stand-alone romance novel by Debbie Macomber. It is linked by characters to Ready for Romance. Mary Jo Summerhill is a kindergarten teacher in love with Boston blue blood & political hopeful, Evan Dryden. When Evans mother subtly points out that Mary Jo is not the right kind of wife for him, Mary Jo makes up a story to get out of his life. But 3 years later, she needs his help, and discovers that their feelings for each other are as strong as they ever were. But can their love overcome the effects of meddling mothers and ambitious brothers? Another sweet Macomber romance.
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  Grimus
  Salman Rushdie

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  early Rushdie

  05/05/2012

  Grimus is the first novel by Salman Rushdie and it has been described as a science fiction/fantasy novel. The main character is an Axona Indian, Flapping Eagle, who drinks an immortality elixir and, after living for 777 years, 7 months and 7 days, proceeds through some sort of dimension gateway to a strange place called Calf (Kf) Island, inhabited by a community of bizarre immortals. Intent on regaining his mortality, he sets out to scale the mountainous peak, to find and destroy the source of the Grimus Effect.This novel does have the wordplay, puns and the original character names that Rushdie is known for, but these are not as clever or as numerous as in his later novels. Nor is the quality of the prose anything like that of later works. When interviewed, Rushdie said about this novel . the writing was garbagesometimes clever garbage, but garbage nonetheless. I think that also goes for Grimus. To me, it doesnt feel like my writing. Or only fitfully. It makes me want to hide behind the furniture. Much of the symbolism went over my head. Whilst not as good as his later offerings, this novel was interesting to read with the hindsight of knowing what his later novels achieved.
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  Baltic Business: Speed Level 8
  Peter Corris

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  the first Ray Crawley

  21/08/2011

  The Baltic Business is the first in the Ray Crawley by Australian author Peter Corris. This series is based on characters created by Peter Corris and Bill Garner for the ABC TV drama, Pokerface. Ray Crawley, a secret-service operative, working for the Federal Security Agency, attends a Nations in Chains lecture, where he encounters Latvian displaced persons, Dr Franz Gulbus and his beautiful daughter, Irina after a bomb scare closes the meeting. Meanwhile, Rays colleague, Graeme Huck is sent off on what seem to be wild goose chases. Very soon after he was sent to look into Nations in Chains, Ray is told to abort any investigation, which makes him all the more determined to follow up, especially as he wants to see more of Irina Gulbus. As he, and eventually, Huck, dig deeper, they find themselves in a web of intrigue and murder. Rays wife, Mandy, unwittingly provides him with some vital clues that her lover drops in conversation. Plenty of mystery, murder, alcohol, some hot sex, a bit humour and a plot with a great twist. Corris seems to be able to make Ray Crawley laconic and intense at the same time. I look forward to the next in the series: The Kimberley Killing.
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  Dexter Is Delicious
  Jeff Lindsay

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  delicious

  26/01/2012

  Dexter is Delicious is the fifth of the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay. Dexter, new father of Lily Anne, is dazed to find he no longer interested in indulging his Dark Passengers needs: a bit of a dilemma as Astor and Cody still need mentoring for their own needs. This new Dexter would, ideally, like to steer them in a benign direction. Codys insistence that someone is watching them proves right when Dexters brother Brian turns up, seeming all affable and family-oriented, and this cant possibly be good, can it? And work is proving interesting, with a couple of missing teenagers, one of whom turns up roasted and eaten, prompting ideas of vampires and cannibals. Deborah is behaving quite strangely, distracted, perhaps, by the ticking of her biological clock, rather louder since Lily Annes debut into the world. This instalment has Dexter hanging out in a nightclub refrigerator, a boarded-up trailer and an abandoned amusement park at dusk; all the while we are entertained by Dexters glib tongue and ready wit. The conversation inside the refrigerator is priceless. The reader is treated to vivid imagery and Lindsay is the master of juxtaposition of the incongruous. As always, Lindsay gives us sharp dialogue and an original plot with some twists I didnt see coming. I look forward to reading Double Dexter.
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  Heart Of Texas Vol. 3: Nell's Cowboy; Lone Star Baby
  Debbie Macomber

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  a pleasure to read

  16/04/2012

  Nells Cowboy is the fifth of the Heart of Texas series by Debbie Macomber. Nell Bishop, lives with her mother-in-law, Ruth, and her children Jeremy and Emma on Twin Canyons, the ranch she worked with her husband Jake until he died in a tractor accident. To make ends meet she has decided to turn it into a dude ranch and, during a storm, hers is the only accommodation available to New York writer of childrens novels, Travis Grant. He can easily overlook the very basic facilities, because the feisty Nell and her charming children have captured his heart. But hes here to find out about the ghost town of Bitter End, after a few tantalising hints dropped by the now jailed Richard Weston. Macomber gives the reader quite a good plot and brings in the characters from the four previous novels in the series. Fans of the series will be pleased to know that the mystery of Bitter End is finally solved. A pleasure to read.
  Lone Star Baby is the sixth of the Heart of Texas series by Debbie Macomber. Amy Thornton, six months pregnant to a man who doesnt love her, unsupported by her mother, gets off the bus in Promise, Texas because the town and its people look friendly. This proves to be the case, and the first person to be kind and friendly is Wade McMillen, Promises minister. She asks him for a miracle: a place to live, a job and a father for her baby. Wade manages the first two with ease, but it takes him a while to realise he can personally be the third part of her miracle. This is another heart-warming Macomber tale with characters to love (and despise) and a plot with some unexpected twists. The characters from the previous five books reappear, and the town of Bitter End features yet again. A delightful read.
  
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  Almost Home
  Lamb , Debbie Macomber, Mary Carter and others

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  a very small dose of Macomber

  11/02/2012

  Almost Home is an omnibus of 4 romance stories with Debbie Macombers name large on the cover, despite the fact that her contribution is very small.
  Whale Island is a romance novella by Cathy Lamb. Chalese Hamilton is an author of childrens books, living incognito on Whale Island under the guise of an animal lover who makes jams and jellies. Aiden Bridger, a journalist with the Washington Review, is determined to do a story on her. Chalese is worried that his expose will harm her standing on the island, but worse, will uncover some family secrets that Chalese and her mother and sister would rather remain hidden. Add to that the fact that Aiden and Chalese seem to be mutually very much attracted, and you have the basic premise of the story. The plots OK, but the characters are rather irritating, and some of the language made me want to throw up: long, lusty lashes my nervousness unnerved me UGH!! Dont need to read any more by Cathy Lamb!
  Queen of Hearts is a romance novella by Judy Duarte. Jennifer Kramer and her 5 year-old daughter Caitlyn are living with Jenns mother, Susan, who is in the throes of divorce, after Jenns marriage to problem gambler and high-school sweetheart, James, broke-up. Jenn is trying to make ends meet working part-time for the local paper as an agony aunt. Marc Alvarado, high-school geek with a crush on Jenn, is now a successful business man about to embark on a scholarship scheme for college students. Marc recognises Jenn immediately as the cheerleader who rejected him, but she doesnt know this rich and very hot tycoon, although she is very attracted to him. The Dear Diana emails are a cute touch: even if the plot is rather predictable, its a sweet romance and probably one of the best of the four stories.
  The Honeymoon House is the name of the cottage that maid-of-honour Kate Williams has been charged by almost-bride Amanda Bailey to de-romanticise in the romance novel of the same name by Mary Carter. The cottage belongs to Andy Beck, who has done his utmost to make it a romantic setting for his best friend Pete Deans honeymoon, and hes very annoyed to find this sexy bridesmaid undoing all his hard work, drinking the happy couples champagne and invading the privacy of his darkroom. A bit of a shaky start, but the novel eventually develops with a good plot, some likeable characters (and some irritating ones) and some sweet and sad moments. One of the better offerings in this omnibus.
  The Marrying Kind is a very short romance novella (only 69 pages) by Debbie Macomber. Ten years ago, after Katherine Kern had been married to Jason Ingram for all of 2 hours, her parents had separated the couple, had the marriage annulled and he never saw her again. Now, less than 2 days before he is to marry Elaine, he sees her in the bar of his hotel. When he eventually approaches her, stunned that he is still as attracted as he ever was, they both feel the need to discuss what happened. Before either of them knows what has happened, they have spent the night together, and things start to get very complicated. Unusually for Debbie Macomber, this book contains a rather hot sex scene about 15 pages in. Jase seems a bit self-centred, while Katie could do with a bit more spine, but love conquers all in this small dose of Macomber romance.
  
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  44 Cranberry Point
  Debbie Macomber

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  classic Cedar Cove

  11/05/2011

  44 Cranberry Point is the fourth novel in the Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber. Olivia and Grace and all our favourite locals in Cedar Cove make an appearance. Olivia returns from her honeymoon with Jack and tries to adjust to married life. Grace goes all out to win back Cliff Harding after having lost his trust. Maryellen and Jon tie the knot, and theres another surprise wedding.. The mystery of the man who died at the Thyme and Tide B&B is finally solved, but another mystery, this time involving Roy and Corrie McAfee, develops. The Cedar Cove series continues to leave the reader feeling satisfied: another Macomber classic.
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  Moon Over Water
  Debbie Macomber

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  a fun romance

  27/11/2011

  Moon Over Water is the 3rd in Debbie Macombers Deliverance Company series. After Lorraine Dancys mother dies, she discovers that the father she thought was dead is, in fact, alive and well in Mexico. Determined to find him, she travels to the Yucatan coast, where she ends up being framed for the theft of a priceless artefact. Her father begs Jack Keller, ex-Deliverance Company mercenary, to take her back to the US on his boat. Although Lorraine is engaged, shes attracted to Jack, even though she cant stand him. The background story tells of Lorraines fianc, Gary, falling in love with one of his salesladies. This novel has everything: drug lords, archaeologists, plenty of action, slapstick comedy, heartache and a happy ending. Lorraines departure from Pucuro dock is the best laugh-out-loud moment in the book. A fun romance.
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  Montana
  Debbie Macomber

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  packed romance

  11/02/2012

  Married in Montana is the 59th stand-alone novel by Debbie Macomber. Divorced from her pension fund-embezzling husband and barely eking a living in California with her two young sons, Molly Cogan gets a call from Sam Dakota, the new foreman on her grandfathers ranch in Montana. Her grandfather, Walt Wheaton, has heart trouble, and may not be long for this world: she needs to come as soon as she can. This is the impetus for Molly to sell up and bring 14-year-old Tom and his 10-year-old brother Clay to live on the ranch. Soon enough, Walt is suggesting that Sam and Molly marry: a marriage of convenience that will ensure the ranch thrives and stays in the Wheaton family. Neither Sam nor Molly are taken by the idea, but when he kisses her, sparks fly for both of them. But someone is out to get them to sell the ranch, and is making life difficult for them. Macomber manages to pack quite a lot into this romance: gang tag graffiti, Loyalist militias, ex-convicts, a corrupt sheriff, prostitution, murder, arson, kidnapping, vandalism, cattle rustling and rodeo bull riding. Romance, mystery and a few plot twists.
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  Can This Be Christmas?
  Debbie Macomber

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  goodwillstory

  26/01/2012

  Can This Be Christmas is novella with a Christmas theme by Debbie Macomber. A disparate group of people are stuck in an out-of-the-way railway depot on Christmas Eve due to a snowstorm, all wanting to be at their destination: the recently widowed Cathy on her way to visit her daughter; the submariner Len, with an engagement ring in his pocket for his girl in Texas; the cranky businessman Matt, whos not sure of his marriage; the new parents, Nick and Kelly, with their just-adopted baby; Elise, the divorced mum of 5-year-old Kathy. Everyone is tense and unhappy: no-one had planned to spend Christmas like this. Then the stationmaster, Clayton Kemper, drops in with a sorry-looking Christmas tree. Soon enough, the group begin to decorate the tree and share their food and gifts. A sweet story from Debbie Macomber about the effect that people can have on each others attitude by showing some goodwill.
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  Murder On The Ballarat Train: A Phryne Fisher Mystery
  Kerry Greenwood

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  always fun to travel with Phryne

  28/02/2011

  Murder on the Ballarat Train is Kerry Greenwoods third installment in the popular Phryne Fisher series. Ms Greenwood has Phryne dealing with, in her inimitable fashion, matters as diverse as chloroform poisoning, amnesic victims of the child sex trade, kidnapping, mesmerism and murder. Bert and Cec make a useful appearance, and Dot and the Butlers play their usual dependable roles. Phryne takes a youthful lover, adopts two young girls and still manages to solve the cases of amnesia, kidnapping and murder before the week is out. Phrynes train trip may not have been too pleasant, but your journey with her in this novel is guaranteed to be very enjoyable.
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  Blood And Circuses
  Kerry Greenwood

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  Greenwood masterpiece

  06/04/2012

  Blood and Circuses is the 6th of the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood. A bored Phryne is convinced by carnie friends to help solve the mystery of a series of strange happenings at Farrells Circus: happenings which have culminated in the murder of a performer in his bedroom at Mrs Witherspoons boarding house. Phrynes undercover role entails riding, standing and falling off horses, leading to a rather bruised heroine before she finally masters the art. As Phryne investigates, she encounters a myriad of characters as only a circus can harbour, as well as a cast of carnies and gypsies. How the rival gangs of Melbourne are involved in it all is something that Constable Tommy Harris and DI Jack Robinson need to discover, or the young, innocent ex-convict charged with the murder may be headed for the gallows. Phryne illustrates in this instalment just how sexually liberated she really is; she also discovers how happiness can be eroded by even a self-imposed exposure to reduced circumstances. Filled with bright lights, the big top, dangerous animals and interesting performers, is the circus all illusion? Another Greenwood masterpiece.
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  First Comes Marriage
  Debbie Macomber

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  funny and light-hearted

  12/06/2011

  First Comes Marriage is the 43rd stand-alone novel by Debbie Macomber. Janine Hartman is a well-off volunteer worker who lives with Anton, the grandfather who raised her after her parents were killed. Zach Thomas is a self-made man whose business has merged with Antons. When Anton tells Janine that he would like her to marry Zach, both she and Zach are shocked and surprised. This is the modern-day USA, not mid-century Europe! And anyway, they cant stand each other! Shes rich, spoiled, illogical and stubborn (he says) and hes arrogant, stubborn, rude, argumentative and unreasonable (she says). The marriage may look good in a practical and financial sense, but Janine wants to love (and choose) the man she will marry. And she wants grand passion. Anton says first comes marriage, then comes love. But somehow her interfering grandfather manages to throw Janine and Zach together a number of times, and things start to happen. This novel is filled with crossed purposes, misunderstandings and witty repartee. It is a lovely, funny and light-hearted Debbie Macomber classic.
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  The Prince And The Nun
  Jacqueline George

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  very hot!

  01/09/2011

  The Prince and the Nun is one of the earlier novels by Jacqueline George and is set in 1940 in the Slovakian village of Krasna Dolina. Therese von Falberg is Mother Superior of the Sisters of Magdalene, whose Convent is housed in Montebello Castle and also the Chatelaine of the Castle whilst the reigning Count Egerhazy and his family have fled to America at the first rumblings of war. When Captain Prince Franz Mefist of the Imperial Army turns up to establish his Army base at the Castle, he matter-of-factly informs Therese he will need a dozen of her nuns to entertain his officers in the Officers Club. At her shocked refusal, he orders some village women to be found for the purpose. Therese soon realises that, to save the wives and daughters of the village, she will have to agree to become the Madam of the nuns bordello. Mefists cousin Wanda turns up to help the nuns become courtesans and the girls are happy to follow orders. But as a nun, Therese finds her growing attraction to Mefist and her curiosity about sex disturbing.
  I have always enjoyed sexy romance and erotica, but what drew me to this novel was the plot. At first I was unsure about nuns in the 40s being so uninhibited, then I decided that with their vow of obedience to their Mother Superior and Franzs and Wandas charisma and after all, its the war, I could accept that and sit back and enjoy the story. Certainly, none of the nuns who taught me were like these: I guess I was taught by Sister Brigitte clones. I remain intrigued at where Therese drew the line on her own personal acceptable behaviour. This story has plenty of humour and romance and some very hot sex in different flavours. The backstory of the war goings-on give the plot realism and some lighter relief between the hotter scenes. The characters had some depth and novel asks some ethical questions about life during wartime. I would have liked a bit more of Therese and Mefist at the end. The name of the sisters order was a cute touch, considering the profession of Mary Magdalene. I enjoyed this novel and I think it would translate well into an adult movie.
  
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  The Green Mill Murder
  Kerry Greenwood

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  classic Phryne

  12/12/2011

  The Green Mill Murder is the 5th of Kerry Greenwoods Phryne Fisher series. Phryne is having a delightful time in her sparkling lobelia-coloured georgette dress at the hottest dancehall in town, The Green Mill, when the evening is shattered as a male dance-marathon finalist is stabbed to death on the dance floor. Shortly afterwards, her dance partner, Charles Freeman, disappears. Phryne is engaged by Charless mother to find him. In this episode, Phryne encounters some interesting jazz musicians, a dreadful , devious mother, a very talented blues singer, a hermit and some men who are described as unlikely to marry, that is to say, homosexual (gay, in those days, just meant happy). Phrynes best quote is Words are seldom given the respect they deserve As always, Dot, Mr and Mrs Butler, Bert and Cec play their dependable supporting roles. As well, Phryne flies her Gipsy Moth over the Australian Alps in a daring search for a young man, makes sure the dancers get their prize and solves the murder with time to spare. While Phryne makes a few dubious judgement calls at the end, overall, devoted readers will not be disappointed.
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  My Sister's Keeper
  Jodi Picoult

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  perfect end twist

  19/06/2011

  My Sisters Keeper is Jodi Picoults 11th novel. It centres around Anna Fitzgerald who has retained lawyer Campbell Alexander to sue her parents for the right to her own body. Anna was conceived to provide (initially) cord blood for her older sister Kate who has leukaemia. As she has grown up and as Kates disease has progressed, more and more has been demanded of Annas body for her sister. The story of what happens is told in several voices: Annas, her mother Saras, her brother Jesses, her father Brians, her lawyer Campbells, and her guardian ad litem, Julias. this is a provocative novel that does not shy away from the issues: conceiving a child to save another; who has rights over a minors body; is it possible to love a child too much; is it possible to love all ones children equally; teenage pyromania. As always, Picoult handles the court scenes with finesse, and the final twist makes for a perfect ending. A great read!
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  Bony And White Savage: 5 Spoken Word Cds
  Arthur W. Upfield and Arthur Upfield

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  Bony is his own CSI

  25/04/2011

  Bony and the White Savage is the 26th book in Arthur Upfields Bony series. This story, set on the southern coast of Western Australia, has Bony tracking down a rapist/murderer, formerly an upstanding theology student and the eldest son of a local family. Under the guise of a station manager on a fishing vacation, Bony tries to establish whether or not the killer is still in the area. Apart from actually doing some fishing and catching a lovely kingfish, Bony tangles with freak waves (sneakers), a shell collector, unusual rock formations, caves and tea-trees, six scents, and a suitcase hidden in a tree. With the help of the local constable and two aboriginal trackers, and with not a single mobile phone, SMS, computer or Crime Scene Investigator (apart from himself), Bony once again solves the case, and displays his intelligence and humanity whilst doing so. While Upfields Bony novels were all written between 1928 and 1964, they still manage to entertain today. This one has a twist at the end: Bony gets his man, but not quite how he imagined he would.
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  Cross Fire
  James Patterson

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  Excellent Cross

  30/05/2011

  Cross Fire is the 17th book in James Pattersons Alex Cross series. In this instalment, a sniper (or, more probably, a pair of them) are picking off victims with long-range shots. The victims are all hated public figures: corrupt politicians, judges, public servants and lobbyists are assassinated with single shots to the head. Alex has to take a break from planning his wedding to Bree Stone to investigate the case. He is forced to work with FBI agent Max Siegel, who, unbeknownst to Alex, is not what he seems. And just to round things off nicely, that pesky Kyle Craig rings Alex to let him know hes around and hasnt forgotten his promise to eliminate him and his family. After the absolutely woeful Cross Country, this Cross book is back up to the standard we have come to expect. Fast paced, excellent plot, a few red herrings, a twist or two: this is Patterson at his best. Who ordered the assassinations and their motive is left unresolved, leaving the way open for a continuation of this theme. Theres also a hint that the next book may see an appearance by Lindsay Boxer. A good read.
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  10th Anniversary
  Patterson , James Patterson and Paetro

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  disappointing

  26/02/2012

  10th Anniversary is the 10th book in the Womens Murder Club by James Patterson. This edition is co-written with Maxine Paetro, as were the last six. Just married to Joe Molinari, Sergeant Lindsay Boxer is investigating the whereabouts of a baby born to a 15-year-old found dazed and wandering the street dressed only in a plastic poncho. The victims story changes so often that Lindsay and her partner, Rich Conklin, are on a wild goose chase to find the baby. Journalist Cindy Thomas discovers a spate of attacks where the victim is drugged, raped and returned close to home with all their possessions but no memory of events. Assistant DA Yuki Castellano is prosecuting the case of a respected Cardiac surgeon accused of shooting her philandering husband dead, a case Yuki needs to win after her last few losses. Medical Examiner Claire Washburn, the fourth member of the WMC, stays much in the background in this novel. As always, Pattersons chapters are short, sometimes comprising only one page of print over two pages, and what is there is filled with descriptions that add little to the story except, perhaps, cringeworthiness: Yukis heart was pumping pure hot adrenalin On two occasions, a waiter in a restaurant warns diners that the plates are hot: to what purpose in the story is anyones guess. It seems that Patterson is so busy with TV series and his prolific co-writing of other novels, or possibly adding his name to ghost-written novels, that he has no time to spare to write well for the two series that made his a household name, Alex Cross and WMC. This instalment has three unrelated plots that could have been disposed with much more smartly and satisfyingly than they were; the dialogue is often wooden (Tell me about that, said LaVan. Dont leave out a word.); the one occasion where he could have dealt with an interesting issue, when Cindy did a very stupid thing and got herself into a bad situation, Patterson took the cowards way out and allowed her to escape scott-free. Whilst the first six or seven WMC novels were very good, they have gone downhill since then and faithful WMC readers will be seriously considering if they should outlay good cash for another disappointment.
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  The Murder Of King Tut
  James Patterson

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  not convinced

  28/02/2011

  The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson and Martin Dugard is described as the Ultimate Cold Case Re-opened. In the format of James Pattersons signature (extremely) short chapters, the story is set out over three time periods: modern day, where we follow James progress in writing the book; the late 19th and early 20th century and the discovery of King Tuts tomb; and 14th century BC, contemporary with King Tuts life. It makes for an easy way to assimilate some ancient history. Whether or not this cold case is solved by the James Patterson treatment is debatable.
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  The World According To Warren
  Craig Silvey and SONIA R. Martinez

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  not just for kids

  11/05/2011

  The World According to Warren is a childrens book by Craig Silvey, but it is a book that adults will also enjoy, especially if they have read his earlier work, Rhubarb. Warren is the guide dog from that book, a guide dog with attitude. This charming book is beautifully illustrated by Sonia Martinez. The littlies can do their own Wheres Waldo by looking for Ewan the Hermit Crab on each page. A delight to read for all ages.
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  We Need To Talk About Kevin
  Lionel Shriver

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  skilfully crafted

  26/02/2012

  We Need to Talk About Kevin is the 8th novel by Lionel Shriver. The format is a series of letters written by Eva Khatchadourian to her absent husband, Franklin, which are a sort of analytical reminiscence about their lives before the arrival of their son, Kevin, their reasons for having a baby, the prelude and then the immediate and long term aftermath of Kevins actions on that fateful Thursday two years previous. The Thursday consistently referred to in italics is when Kevin murdered seven of his fellow high-school students, a cafeteria worker and a popular English teacher. Eva examines the events of their lives trying to ascertain if and how she may have been at fault for Kevins actions, and what his reasons for them may have been. It is a very one-sided analysis that, at some points, will have the reader sympathising with Eva, whilst at other times she comes across as a selfish, self-centred, often thoughtless, opinionated snob. There is some black humour, but on the whole, the subject matter precludes this. It is certainly not an easy read, both for the subject matter and the writing style, which starts with long convoluted sentences, but the final chapters make it well worth persevering with. Shriver address many issues: the nature or nurture debate; the hysteria caused by school shootings; why people decide to have children; what constitutes negligent parenting; is there anything you cannot forgive your children for. The story is skilfully crafted and I did not see the twist at the end coming. Shriver effectively conveys the experience of the forgotten victims of these mass murders: the family of the murderer. The sense of tragedy is strongly communicated. This novel left me with an overwhelming feeling of sadness.
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  Orchard Valley Weddings
  Debbie Macomber

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  a delightful romance series

  03/09/2011

  Orchard Valley Weddings is an omnibus of Debbie Macombers three Orchard Valley books: Valerie, Stephanie and Norah. Each of the stories is linked, but can be read independently.
  Valerie Bloomfield is the eldest daughter of David and Grace Bloomfield, of Orchard Valley. David is a widower, Grace having passed on some four years ago, and he doesnt see much to live for. When he ends up in hospital with a heart attack, his daughters gather from near and far. Valerie has a successful career with an IT company in Texas, and work for a dynamic entrepreneur, Rowdy Cassidy. She has even thought she might marry him one day. But when she sees her father, he insists she will marry his heart surgeon, Colby Winston. Neither Valerie not Colby is amused by or agreeable to this idea. Sure, they are attracted to each other, but neither is what the other had in mind for a life partner. This romance has both humour and heartache. A sweet Macomber story.
  Stephanie Bloomfield is David and Grace Bloomfields second daughter. Stephanie ran away to Italy for 4 years after Charles Tomaselli, the local newspaper editor, left her hurt and embarrassed. By the time she finally makes it back to Orchard Valley, most of the drama of her fathers hospital admission is over, and hes ready to come home. But hes insisting he spoke to his wife, 4 years dead, when he was near death himself, and she told him he had much to live for: twelve grandchildren, in fact. Stephanies reaction to a recent newspaper article about her father has her once again embarrassing herself with Charles, when she had hoped to impress him with her poise and experience after her years away. And her father is predicting she will marry Charles! But every time they see each other, the sparks fly, and not only words are exchanged. Some heartache and plenty of humour in this romance: Charles eventual marriage proposal had me laughing out loud. A fun Macomber romance.
  Norah Bloomfield is the youngest daughter of David and Grace Bloomfield. Norah works as a nurse at the Orchard Valley Hospital and lives in the family home with her widowed father. When Rowdy Cassidy crashes his plane on the way to stop her sister Valeries wedding, he ends up in Norahs hospital. Though the demanding IT mogul soon turns the hospital routine upside down, Norah finds herself attracted to him. But hes still in love with Valerie, so why is he kissing Norah? She keeps having to turn down his proposals: first he wants her as his personal nurse in Houston; then he wants to marry her, but the whole thing is like a business proposal! Another delightful Orchard Valley tale, and the resolution of the Orchard Valley series.
  
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  Persuasion
  Jane Austen

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  truly enjoyable

  26/12/2011

  Persuasion is the 6th published novel by Jane Austen. Anne Elliott is a sweet 27-year-old woman of good breeding and integrity. She is intelligent, thoughtful, considerate. This may come as a surprise, given that, after losing her mother at 14, she has been encumbered with a father, Sir Walter Elliot, and an older sister, Miss Elizabeth, who are both vain spendthrifts and find her inconsequential; both of whom are blind to the fact that Elizabeths poorer friend, the fawning Mrs Clay, is intent on marrying Sir Walter to become Lady Elliot. Her younger, married sister, Mary is selfish and self-centred. The only person in her life who cares about her at all is a friend of her mothers, Lady Russell, who, when Anne was nineteen, persuaded her not to accept the offer of sailor Frederick Wentworth, as he had no position. Lady Russell tries to persuade Anne, when her estranged cousin, William, heir to the Elliot estate, reappears, that it would be prudent to accept his offer. But Anne is suspicious of his change of attitude. This is the last full novel written by Jane Austen, probably her most mature novel, and it is a great pity she died not long after this novel was completed. This novel has intrigue and humour and, of course, romance. Truly enjoyable.
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  Fever Pitch
  Nick Hornby

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  from a footie hater

  02/02/2011

  I pretty much hate all forms of football. The fact that I read a book about football (to the British, that is: the rest of the world calls it soccer) from cover to cover, smirking, chuckling and at times laughing out loud, attests, once again, to the talent of Nick Hornby as a wordsmith. This book is witty and clever, incredibly insightful about obsession and definitely worth a read!
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  Corduroy Mansions
  Alexander Mccall Smith

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  simply delightful

  02/08/2011

  Corduroy Mansions is the first of the Corduroy Mansions series by Alexander McCall Smith. This novel is along the same style as the 44 Scotland Street series: it was originally published on the Telegraph.co.uk website in daily chapters. The setting here is a run-down block of flats in Pimlico. The residents are William, a wine merchant and his lazy son Eddie; the girls in the first floor flat, Caroline, Jenny, Dee and Jo; and Basil Wickramsinghe. Associated characters are Williams friend, caterer Marcia; Carolines friends, fellow student James and photographer Tim Something; Jennys boss, MP Oedipus Snark; Oedipus girlfriend, publisher Barbara Ragg; Oedipus mother, psychologist Berthea and her brother Terence, an enthusiast of Sacred Dance; Barbara Raggs partner, Rupert Porter; and, last, but certainly not least, Freddie de la Hay, a Pimlico terrier, retrenched airport sniffer dog and eventual companion to William.
  I have read criticism of this book that it is the same as 44 Scotland Street. I dont agree and unless it was word for word and character for character the same, anything written by Alexander McCall Smith is worth reading. His books are about his characters, their foibles and virtues, and their interactions with each other and the world at large. Their comments about people and situations are what makes McCall Smiths books such a joy to read. His sharp powers of observation of the human race translate to characters and dialogue that we can all identify with, having had those thoughts ourselves or heard those comments from others. I spend the whole of these novels chuckling or laughing out loud. Cant wait for the second instalment, The Dog Who Came In From The Cold.
  
• 

  Cross Country
  James Patterson

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  terrible

  02/02/2011

  "....the Tiger disappears into thin air. Tracking him to Africa, Alex knows that he must follow. Alone. "
  Huh? Why would Alex Cross, a really smart guy up to now, go to Africa, where he has absolutely no jurisdiction and no support, to track a killer? Alone! Puhleese!
  What a disappointment this book was! It was just too far-fetched, beyond belief. Alex Cross was beaten up so many times, it was a surprise he was still alive at the end. I think that Patterson has run out of things for Alex Cross to do. Maybe the next one will be better..............but I sure won't be paying full price for it like I did for this one!
  
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  Palace Of Strange Girls
  Sallie Day

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  a taste of an English summer holiday

  02/02/2011

  Its summer, 1959, and we join the Singleton family for their annual week-long holiday at The Belvedere in Blackpool. On the surface, all seems well with Jack, Ruth and their daughters, seven year-old Beth and sixteen year-old Helen. But despite appearances, none of them is truly happy. Beth, not long out of hospital, just wanting to fill in her I-Spy book and fit in, is being smothered by an overprotective Ruth. Helen is basically a good girl but really longs for a bit of freedom: deceit may be her only option while Ruth holds the reins tight. Ruths burning ambition is a new semi-detached house on Boundary Drive, but Jack doesnt want to be saddled with a mortgage. And Jack is weighing up job offers against a sense of responsibility to his family and co-workers as well as mulling over a letter from Crete, a potential threat to his marriage if the secret from his wartime past is revealed.
  Sallie Days stirring descriptions of the town and its associated attractions and distractions take us back to that time with consummate ease. Her characters have real depth and she conveys their emotions and feelings so well that their joys, fears, insecurities, frustrations and guilt are palpable. This story will resonate with anyone who grew up in the late fifties. If they did that growing up in England, the mention of the various household names from that time will evoke the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of their childhood. This expertly crafted story takes some unexpected turns and keeps the reader captivated. The excerpts from I-Spy at the Seaside which head each chapter are echoed in that chapter: a delightful touch. Altogether a brilliant read!
  
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  The Secret Of Everything
  Barbara O'neal

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  a heart-warming story

  29/08/2011

  The Secret of Everything is Barbara ONeals second novel. This is the story of thirty-seven year old Tessa Harlow, who leads hiking tours for adventurous vacationers. After a freak injury in a hiking trip marred by tragedy, Tessa is drawn to the New Mexico town of Los Ladrones, once the setting of a childhood trauma that Tessa can only remember in confusing flashes. The story is told in several voices: Tessa, looking for her past; Sam, her ex-hippie, surfer father, running away from that past; Vince Grasso, a widowed search and rescue worker and father of three daughters; Natalie, Vinces troubled eight-year-old; Vita Solano, the proprietor of the towns most beloved eatery, 100 Breakfasts Caf; and Annie Veracruz, a recent prison parolee and employee at 100 Breakfasts. As Tessa explores the town on the pretext of setting up a hiking and gourmet cooking tour, she visits the Green Gate farm, the latest incarnation of the 70s commune when she spent her early childhood. A heart-warming story of family, food and love, this novel has some wonderful characters, evocative descriptions and a plot with a few surprises. Oh, and of course, mouth-watering recipes! I look forward to Barbara ONeals next novel.
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  The Bone Garden
  Tess Gerritsen

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  the ultimate cold case

  02/08/2011

  The Bone Garden is the 13th stand-alone novel by Tess Gerritsen. While it is not a Rizzoli/Isles book, Maura Isles does make a fleeting appearance at the beginning of the book. The novel tells two stories set in different time periods. The present day story concerns recently-divorced Julia Hamill who uncovers the skeleton of a female murder victim whilst digging the garden of her just-purchased home. It turns out the body has been buried sometime before 1840, and Julia is intrigued about the circumstances of the murder and burial. Then Henry Page, the elderly cousin of Hilda Chamblett, the recently-deceased former owner of Julias house, contacts her with information which may solve the puzzle. As they sift through the letters and newspaper clippings Hilda left behind, the main story comes out. It occurs in 1830 in Boston, where medical student Norris Marshall is engaging in grave robbing to pay for his tuition. When two nurses and a doctor are brutally murdered, Norris becomes a suspect. Somehow, Irish seamstress Rose Connolly and her newborn, orphaned niece, Meggie are involved. Oliver Wendell Holmes, one of Norriss fellow med students, joins him in an effort to prove his innocence.
  Gerritsen gives us a gripping plot with quite a few twists, interesting characters, some of whom are not what they first seem and credible dialogue. Add to this a gutsy 19th century heroine and you have a great tale. Gerritsen also drops in snippets of information about the discovery of infection control, surgery in the 19th century, Rosicrucians and abolitionism. Julia manages to discover the identity of her skeleton, and the murderer, making this the ultimate cold case. A great Gerritsen read.
  
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  And Another Thing ...: Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy: Part Six Of Three
  Eoin Colfer

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  a worthy effort

  19/06/2011

  No, it's not Douglas Adams (although bits of it very likely are), after all, he (sadly) died in 2001. It's Eoin Colfer, doing his best to be true to Douglas Adams' style, bringing our favourite H2G2 characters back to us for another episode, trying to put a little something into the awful vacuum that Adams' death created.
  Was it worth buying and reading? I certainly think so. I enjoyed it, perhaps not as much as the first ones, but I liked it. For me, it'll be a keeper.
  Would I buy volume seven of the trilogy if Colfer wrote it? Sure. Although I think I'd like Terry Pratchett to have a go..........
  I'll definitely be reading all six again.
  
• 

  That'd Be Right: A Fairly True History Of Modern Australia
  William Mcinnes

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  fun with pollies

  02/04/2011

  Thatd Be Right is the third book by William McInnes, and is subtitled A fairly true history of modern Australia. McInnes reminisces on thirty years of Australian life. This book is filled with politicians, cricketers, Olympians, politicians, media moghuls, greenies and dams, elections, action figures, lawn mowing, politicians, blind dates, politicians, elections, Anzacs, cricket wars, swimmers, yacht races and turds. Through it all, we are treated to his father Colins comments (and usually his mother Iriss retorts) on a broad range of subjects. Plenty of laugh out loud moments: an enjoyable read.
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  Addition
  Toni Jordan

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  count me in

  02/02/2011

  Addition is a very funny novel. Its also witty and clever and moving. It is insightful about OCD and also about life in general. Addition made me laugh (a lot, out loud), it made me cry, and it made me think. Oh, and just to round things off nicely, there were a couple of hot sex scenes. I was so sorry to reach the end that I read it again, and I hope we dont have to wait too long before Toni Jordan writes another novel.
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  That Holiday Feeling
  Debbie Macomber, Woods , Robyn Carr and others

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  romance with a Christmas theme

  16/04/2012

  That Holiday Feeling is an omnibus of three novels: Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber, The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods and Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr.
  Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber is the last of the Manning Family series and features Charlotte Mannings daughter Carrie Weston, now 26 and living in an apartment in Seattle. She runs into new residents Mackenzie Lark and her single dad, Phillip, in the elevator. The apartment blocks resident fortune teller, Madame Frederick, has already predicted that Carrie will meet the man of her dreams when he moves into the building, but Phillip Lark has been burned in his marriage to Laura, and has no intention of hooking up with another woman. However, in a charming parallel to Carries own actions with her mother and Jason Manning, Mackenzie is determined to get Carrie and Phillip together. This is a sweet romance with a Christmas theme that brings the Mannings together again.
  The Perfect Holiday is a short story with a Christmas theme by Sherryl Woods. When Mae Holiday passed on, she left her inn, Holiday Retreat, to her great-niece, Savannah. As Savannah had not long ago divorced from her workaholic husband, she and her daughter Hannah welcomed the move from Florida to Vermont, and, although the inn needed a lot of work, they were happy to experience a white Christmas at Holiday Retreat. Toy magnate Trace Franklin had made Mae a deathbed promise that he would spend the holidays at Holiday Retreat, but he wasnt expecting any company. Savannah is attracted, but is Trace, with his laptop and briefcase full of work, just another workaholic who will have no time for the important things of life? Sweet Hannah and sexy Savannah soon had him reconsidering his intention to do paperwork Before long, the trio are reviving old traditions and making new ones together. This sweet romance with a Christmas theme has some charming characters and a heart-warming ending.
  Under the Christmas Tree is a short story in the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr. When Annie McKenzie decided to stop in Virgin River just after Thanksgiving on her way to see her folks, she was hoping to see the towns legendary Christmas Tree. What she wasnt expecting to find was a box of abandoned puppies, hungry, dehydrated and hypothermic. Soon enough, she has them established in Jacks bar, where the townsfolk volunteer to care for them to avoid an Animal Shelter over the holidays. Vet Nathaniel Jensen comes to check the puppies over, and checks Annie over at the same time. When the pups need to go to Nates house to be looked after, Annie is forced to call in there, too. A sweet romance with a Christmas setting that will be even more enjoyable for fans of this series.
  
• 

  Heart Of Texas Vol. 1: Lonesome Cowboy; Texas Two-Step
  Debbie Macomber

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  heart-warming

  25/03/2012

  Lonesome Cowboy is the first of the Heart of Texas series by Debbie Macomber. Since her parents were killed six years ago, Savannah Weston has done all she can to help her brother Grady in working to keep the Yellow Rose, the Weston family ranch, after their younger brother Richard stole their inheritance. Her one joy, especially as she has managed to turn a profit on it, is her cultivation of antique roses. When, against Gradys wishes, Savannah employs wrangler Laredo Smith to help with her roses, she finds herself more attracted to this man than any one before. But Grady is highly suspicious of Laredo, and is sure he will hurt Savannah. Richard returns to complicate matters even more, and Savannah is determined to go to the eerie ghost town of Bitter End to look for roses, despite warnings to the contrary. Macomber introduces residents the town of Promise Texas with this volume: some sweet characters, some feisty and some despicable ones. Theres intrigue, happiness and heartache. The foundations are laid for several further books in the series: an enjoyable Macomber read.
  Texas Two-Step is the second of the Heart of Texas series by Debbie Macomber. After the death of her father, Ellie Frasiers mother moves away and Ellie takes over the feed and supply store in Promise, Texas. Still in mourning, she appreciates the support of her lifelong friend, rancher, Glen Patterson. The irresponsible, debt-ridden Richard Weston appears to be courting Ellie, but is it really love, and should Glen be concerned for her? Surely hes not jealous, after all they are just friends! As Macomber leads us through the lives of the inhabitants of Promise, she does what she excels at, people and relationships. There are characters to like and to mistrust, the dialogue is realistic and the plot has some intrigue in the background of the main romance. The first marriage proposal is especially funny. The ghost town of Bitter End features again, and the characters for the next instalment are set up in this story. Another heart-warming Macomber read
  
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  Minding Frankie
  Maeve Binchy

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  Maeve still magic

  16/04/2012

  Minding Frankie is the 16th book by popular Irish author, Maeve Binchy. When Noel Lynch, an alcoholic in a dead end job, is told he is the father of Stella Dixons baby daughter, Frankie (Frances Stella), it turns out to be a major turning point in his lacklustre life. He makes some big decisions and, with the help of his American cousin Emily, his parents and a multitude of friends, he is determined to raise Frankie to the best of his abilities. His friend from night college, Lisa Kelly, needs to escape from her family home and helping out with Frankie seems a small price to pay for sharing the flat with Noel. Of course, Moira Tierney, the unfriendly social worker, is convinced that it will all end badly and maintains a dogged surveillance on Noel, Lisa and everyone involved in Minding Frankie. In this novel, Binchy illustrates beautifully that saying it takes a village to raise a child. While this story can be enjoyed without reading Binchys prior novels, fans will be rewarded with appearances (some cameos, some major) of characters from previous novels including Scarlet Feather, Evening Class, Tara Road, Quentins, Nights of Rain and Stars, Heart and Soul and The Whitethorn Woods. This novel has births and deaths, weddings and funerals, long lost sons, major bequests, happiness and heartache. Reading a Maeve Binchy book is like coming home: it feels comfortable and youre coming back to people you know and love. Binchy must have been close to seventy when she wrote this novel, but her characters and plots have moved with the times: she has lost none of her magic.
• 

  Catching Fire
  Suzanne Collins

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  fast paced

  17/10/2011

  Catching Fire is the second book of the Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Set some six months after the end of the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are required to take part in the Victory Tour through each of the Districts to keep the power of the Capitol and the consequences of rebellion uppermost in the minds of the people. Relations between Katniss and Gale Hawthorne are strained. There are some rumours of uprisings in the other districts. The repulsive President Snow gives Katniss an ultimatum. Once again, fast-paced and filled with action, Collins leaves the reader wanting more. Can't wait for Mockingjay
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  The Sea Bed
  Marele Day

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  a pleasure to read

  17/10/2011

  The Sea Bed is Marele Days 9th novel. The story is that of Yugen, a Buddhist monk who sets out from his mountain monastery into the world to fulfil his mentors dying request; and of Chicken, the granddaughter of an abalone diver, who worries that the way of life lived by generations of her family is becoming extinct; and of Lilli, the sister/cousin of Chicken, who escaped island life to live in the city. As each persons story slowly unwinds, secrets are revealed and the connection between the monk and the diving women becomes apparent. The novel is part stream of consciousness, part memories, part tales of the past. It is beautifully written, filled with wonderful imagery, ultimately joyful, a pleasure to read.
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  Inner Harbour
  Nora Roberts

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  enjoyable resolution

  11/02/2012

  Inner Harbour is the third of the Chesapeake Bay series by Nora Roberts. Phillip, the third Quinn brother to be taken in by Stella and Ray, has come about as far as possible from the teenage thief who did drugs and prostituted himself: hes now an urbanite, a respected executive in a Baltimore advertising firm. But hes spending his weekends in the village of St Christopher on the promise to look out for the latest Quinn, Seth DeLauter as well as helping out in the new boat building business, Boats by Quinn. When attractive anthropologist, Dr Sybill Griffin, turns up in St Chris, Phillip is pleasantly surprised that shes interested in him. But the outwardly friendly Sybill has a cold, calculating side and appears to have another agenda involving Seth, something of which none of the Quinns are aware. This instalment resolves the issue of Seths parentage and the circumstances of Rays death, and ties all the loose ends neatly together. The likeable characters from the first two books expand (Phillip has a few surprises for the reader), there are some hot sex scenes and the dialogue between the characters is, as before, a real source of humour. Readers keen to know what happens to Seth will want to read his story in Chesapeake Blue.
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  Forbidden Fruit
  Kerry Greenwood

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  Christmas, Corinna-style

  12/04/2011

  Forbidden Fruit is Kerry Greenwoods fifth novel in the Corinna Chapman series, and features all our favourite characters from the Earthly Delights bakery and Insula, plus a few new ones. Corinna is suffering the December heat and dreading the Christmas chaos; the delectable Daniel is on the hunt for a pair of teenage runaways, the girl heavily pregnant; Jason is on a quest for the perfect glac cherry, falls in love with a blonde and becomes the temporary carer of a large Dutch rabbit; resident witch Meroe threatens to curse a few offensive characters; Horatio performs with his usual feline grace and Heckle of the Mouse Police performs a manoeuvre that makes his a starring role; also featured are the Freegans (living on free food and accommodation as they can), the carolling choristers incorporating a few animal libbers, a sect of fanatical Christians, some gypsies and a rosewater-addicted donkey. A few charming Christmas analogies appear. Mouth-watering muffins and cakes abound; one can almost smell the bread baking. As with all the Corinna novels, this one is a delight to read, will leave the reader feeling good and probably the best so far. Readers will be looking forward to Cooking the Books to continue their Corinna fix.
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  Of Marriageable Age
  Sharon Maas

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  a joy to read

  26/01/2012

  Of Marriageable Age is the first novel by Sharon Maas and tells the stories of Nat, Saroj and Savitri. The stories are set in British Guiana and England and India, in time periods ranging from the 1920s to the 1960s, and the lives of these three characters are inextricably linked, but the mystery of exactly how only becomes clear as the stories progress. Maas uses this enchanting love story to explore subjects like Indians living abroad, arranged marriages, prejudice, cultural boundaries, war and poverty. There is laughter, tears and heartache in this novel, the characters are wonderfully complex and there is a brilliant twist in the plot that will take the reader by surprise unless they are paying attention to the smallest details. This is the first novel I have read that is set in Guiana, and I found that aspect very interesting. This novel was a joy to read.
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  The Gourmet
  Muriel Barbery

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  a treat

  13/11/2011

  The Gourmet is the first novel by Muriel Barbery. Pierre Arthens, Frances greatest food critic, is dying. As he lies on his deathbed in his Rue de Grenelle apartment, he is tormented by his inability to recall the most delicious food to pass his lips, long before he became a critic. The story is narrated by Arthens himself, as he recalls meals and times in his life in an effort to identify the elusive dish; the people and things in his life also recount their experiences and opinions of him. Barberys own childhood in Morocco is in evidence, and the apartment building and the concierge make a further appearance in Barberys next and very popular novel, The Elegance of the Hedghog. I wondered how the musings of a dying man could make much of a novel, but this is a feast of words, a banquet of mouth-watering and evocative descriptions. Alison Anderson has done a first class job of translation. This is truly a treat to relish.
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  The Beach Hut
  Veronica Henry

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  not just chic lit

  02/04/2011

  The Beach Hut is Veronica Henrys 5th stand-alone novel. It consists of 14 inter-related vignettes, each one named for a beach hut on the Everdene Sands beach front. In this excellent novel, Henry examines the unique culture that is characteristic of society in these holiday dwellings. At the same time, she touches on subjects as diverse as alcoholism, adultry, self-made women, unrequited love, financial advisers, mental cruelty, jealousy, loss of a life partner, ticking biological clocks, first love, job redundancy, loss of innocence, heartbreak, revenge, overprotective mothers and building sand castles. Family tradition and the dynamics of extended families also form an important part of the stories. It may seem a big ask to draw all these disparate elements together, but Henry is more than up to the task: she does so admirably. This novel with make you laugh and cry, and leave you feeling good.
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  The Hand That First Held Mine
  Maggie O'farrell

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  O'Farrell does not disappoint

  01/03/2011

  The Hand That First Held Mine is Maggie OFarrells fifth novel. Two stories are told in parallel: Lexie Sinclair quits Devon for London when the charismatic Innes Kent arrives on her doorstep, and starts her life at the heart of the 1950s Soho art scene; Elina and Ted are coming to terms with the changes wrought in their present-day lives by the birth of their son. As we follow lives separated by fifty years, wondering how they might be connected, we learn that Ted has been having flashes of memory of his childhood which seem at odds with his parents version. OFarrell weaves her usual magic with authentic dialogue and evocative descriptions: the feel of 1950s London is expertly conveyed. This novel is filled with elegant prose, characters to love and to despise, humour and heartbreak, poignant moments and enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing. Fans of Maggie OFarrells previous novels will not be disappointed.
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  Home For The Holidays
  Debbie Macomber

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  Christmas feel-good

  26/12/2011

  Home for the Holidays is an omnibus of two Debbie Macomber novels.
  The Forgetful Bride was first published in 1991 and tells the story of stockbroker, Cait Marshall, in love with her boss, Paul Jamison, since she started working for his investment firm. Paul seems not to notice her at all. When building contractor, Joe Rockwell, turns up to oversee the refurbishment of the offices, he looks a little familiar to Cait. Soon enough, Cait discovers who he is, and he manages to embarrass her in front of her colleagues by recalling that they were once married, omitting to add that this was when Cait was only eight, and in exchange for a kiss that Joe wanted to experience. Joe is an inveterate teaser, and keeps referring to their marriage, even as he courts her, until Cait finally realises what her heart is telling her. This is a fun romance, with plenty of laughs, some sad moments, a Christmas connection and a heart-warming ending. Debbie Macomber always manages to leave the reader feeling good.
  When Christmas Comes was first published in 2004 and tells a story of trading homes at Christmas time. When Emily Springer learns her daughter Heather is not coming home from college in Boston to Leavenworth, Washington for Christmas, she pours out her tale of woe to her friend, Faith Kerrigan in California. Eventually, Emily decides to go to Boston to see Heather, and does a house-swap with Harvard academic and curmudgeon, Professor Charles Brewster. Meanwhile, Faith decides to surprise Emily by coming to Leavenworth to cheer her up. When Heather learns Emily is in Boston, she is not at all pleased, having planned to ride to Florida for the holiday on the back of her new friend, Elijahs Harley, leaving Emily on her own. When Emily answers the phone at Charless condo in Boston, his mom, Bernice, sends Charless brother, Ray, from New York to investigate. Theres enough humour here for plenty of laugh-out-loud moments: it would make a great Christmas TV special! There are some loveable characters and a fun plot, and of course Macomber does what she always does best: feel good romance, with a Christmas theme.
  
• 

  Tricking Of Freya
  Christina Sunley

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  Icy revelations

  02/02/2011

  The Tricking of Freya is the story of Freya Morris, daughter of sober and responsible Anna, niece of wild and unpredictable Birdie, and granddaughter of the revered poet Olafur, who fled Iceland to Canada after the massive volcano eruption of 1875. Freya grows up with her mother in Connecticut, and her extended family in the Icelandic community of Gimli, Canada. A series of events leaves Freya with a sense of shame and loss: a freak accident, Freyas kidnapping, a return to Iceland, and the accidental discovery of a long-hidden family secret.
  Christina Sunleys debut novel is filled with information about Iceland: modern-day Iceland, its history, mythology and folklore as well as Icelandic traditions, customs, food, language and landscape. The novel also touches on genealogy, mass emigration and bipolar disorder. In isolation, so much information might have been dry, perhaps difficult to assimilate, but Christina Sunley has woven it all skillfully into an engaging story about families and secrets, coming-of-age, relationships and tragedies, making it very palatable indeed.
  If the secret Freya is trying to uncover becomes obvious to the reader long before Freya herself solves it, this in no way detracts from the tale: if anything, the urge to follow Freya in her voyage of discovery is strengthened by it.
  Christina Sunleys characters are believable and well-developed, her descriptions are evocative and she has some wonderful turns of phrase and analogies. The novel left me wanting more: more of Iceland, more of Christina Sunley. I very much enjoyed this novel.
  
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  Addition
  Toni Jordan

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  count me in

  02/02/2011

  Addition is a very funny novel. Its also witty and clever and moving. It is insightful about OCD and also about life in general. Addition made me laugh (a lot, out loud), it made me cry, and it made me think. Oh, and just to round things off nicely, there were a couple of hot sex scenes. I was so sorry to reach the end that I read it again, and I hope we dont have to wait too long before Toni Jordan writes another novel.
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  50 Harbor Street
  Debbie Macomber

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  another enjoyable read

  30/06/2011

  50 Harbor Street is the 5th in Debbie Macombers Cedar Cove series. Once again we join the residents of Cedar Cove in their daily lives. The mystery of the anonymous postcards being sent to the McAfees is finally solved as someone from their past returns to their lives. Olivias determination to get jack fit backfires on her. Newly married Charlotte Jefferson-Rhodes and her family have encounters with her new stepson, David. Graces relationship with Cliff Harding continues on a rollercoaster ride. Maryellen and Jon Bowman run into financial difficulties. Linette McAfee goes on the date her mother won for her, with Cal Washburn, and has to make a choice. Rachel Pendergast, of Get Nailed fame, reconsiders her relationship with sailor Nate Olsen when she learns of his family background. Allison Cox takes up with a young man who looks like a bad boy. And finally, a tragedy befalls Justine and Seth Gunderson. As usual, Macomber solves some mysteries, tantalises the reader with further cliff-hangers, and dispenses small doses of wisdom and romance along the way. Another enjoyable read.
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  Rawhide Ranger
  Rita Herron

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  confusing

  29/05/2011

  When I started reading Rawhide Ranger by Rita Herron, my first impression was confusion. All these characters and talk of all these murders in the first few pages: I felt like I was wading into a story already in progress. And checking my favourite book info website www.fantasticfiction.co.uk, I discovered that this book was the last of three in the Silver Star of Texas: Comanche Creek series. Little wonder I had no idea what was going on. The plot seemed to have a lot of holes in it. Everything (I guess) was neatly resolved at the end, if perhaps a little too quickly and conveniently. Probably good if you have read the first two.
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  David Sedaris: Live For Your Listening Pleasure
  David Sedaris

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  hilarious

  21/08/2011

  David Sedaris: Live For Your Listening Pleasure consists of David Sedaris reading five of his essays. Cat and Baboon is one of his animal fables, a cat being groomed at the baboons salon before a party; Author, Author details some of Sedariss book tours, including a hilarious visit to CostCo; Innocence Abroad, a hysterical piece on people who pronounce foreign names authentically; Laugh, Kookaburra is an amusing description of his visit to Australia, his interaction with a kookaburra and the childhood reminiscences that ensued; and Diary Entries, random diary entries detailing some more of his interactions with book tour attendants, and observations on his travels. Sedaris manages to do hilarious and poignant at the same time. Reading Sedaris is unadulterated pleasure: listening to him read his work doubles the pleasure.
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  Half The Sky
  Kristof , Wudunn , Nicholas D. Kristof and others

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  a must read

  29/05/2011

  Half The Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, is a must read. It is by no means an easy book to read; it is sometimes quite confronting; in places you will cry; you will be disgusted by the actions of some members of the human race, both male and female; the words and actions of some medical personnel, aid agencies, churches and governments will leave you gasping. But ultimately, this is a hopeful book. The authors explore causes of, and possible solutions to, maternal mortality, human trafficking, sexual violence, discrimination against girls and female genital mutilation. This book tells us that at least part of the answer is gender equality: educate and empower women. It is full of data, but also full of humanity. It has a few surprising facts about diverse things such as sweatshops, about Rwanda, about what interventions are and arent effective, about TV and about salt. It demonstrates how local knowledge and grassroots programs are most effective in educating and empowering women.
  I found myself frowning, smiling, crying and, quite a few times, laughing out loud! I especially enjoyed the way the Huichol tribe in Mexico ensure that the pain of childbirth is shared. If you despair at whether you can make a difference to the plight of women in the Third World, this book shows that you can. If the only action a person can take is to donate money, then this book guides the reader to where that will be most effective. We owe it to every woman who has ever suffered in the Third World to read this book.
  
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  The Tulip Virus
  Danielle Hermans

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  Flowers to die for

  01/02/2011

  From the very first page, Danille Hermans has us intrigued. A murder in 1636 in an Alkmaar tavern, and another nearly 400 years later in an exclusive area of London: how are these related? What do the dying words of second victim mean? The two story lines develop independently, but are woven together beautifully. Danille has obviously done quite a lot of research and we learn a great deal about tulip cultivation and trade, but in an easily digestible manner. She intertwines fact with fiction to produce an entirely believable tale. Danille uses some clever analogies and pleasing echoes, the action is fast-paced, the dialogue, credible, and there are several plot-twists leading to a gripping climax. This novel is hard to put down: many will be compelled to read it in one sitting. David MacKay deserves praise for a first-rate translation. An excellent debut novel: lets hope we are treated to English translations of Danille Hermans subsequent novels soon.
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  The Burning Wire
  Jeffery Deaver

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  an invisible weapon

  22/05/2011

  The Burning Wire is the ninth novel in Jeffrey Deavers Lincoln Rhyme series. This time Rhymes target is a killer who utilises the power grid to cause arc flashes and set his victims on fire, or electrifies a building or an elevator to electrocute them. It seems that the people of New York are under threat unless the Algonquin Power company acquiesces to demands made by letter. The authorities fear terrorism, eco- or other. Whilst Amelia Sachs, Ron Pulaski, Mel Cooper and Lon Sellitto work at a frantic pace to process the crime scenes and investigate further, and Fred Dellray makes a dubious move to get information from one of his CIs, Rhyme is also monitoring the progress of the possible apprehension in Mexico of Richard Logan aka The Watchmaker. Once again, Deaver gives fast-paced action with a few plot twists. Apart from one or two false notes (uncharacteristic behaviour that should have been obvious to those present), once again, a great read.
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  Forbidden Fruit: A Corinna Chapman Mystery
  Kerry Greenwood

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  Christmas, Corinna-style

  12/04/2011

  Forbidden Fruit is Kerry Greenwoods fifth novel in the Corinna Chapman series, and features all our favourite characters from the Earthly Delights bakery and Insula, plus a few new ones. Corinna is suffering the December heat and dreading the Christmas chaos; the delectable Daniel is on the hunt for a pair of teenage runaways, the girl heavily pregnant; Jason is on a quest for the perfect glac cherry, falls in love with a blonde and becomes the temporary carer of a large Dutch rabbit; resident witch Meroe threatens to curse a few offensive characters; Horatio performs with his usual feline grace and Heckle of the Mouse Police performs a manoeuvre that makes his a starring role; also featured are the Freegans (living on free food and accommodation as they can), the carolling choristers incorporating a few animal libbers, a sect of fanatical Christians, some gypsies and a rosewater-addicted donkey. A few charming Christmas analogies appear. Mouth-watering muffins and cakes abound; one can almost smell the bread baking. As with all the Corinna novels, this one is a delight to read, will leave the reader feeling good and probably the best so far. Readers will be looking forward to Cooking the Books to continue their Corinna fix.
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  The Manning Sisters
  Debbie Macomber

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  sweet romances

  23/04/2011

  The Manning Sisters is an omnibus of the first two novels by Debbie Macomber in the six-part Manning series. The first novel, The Cowboys Lady, has rancher Russ Palmer falling in love with the new teacher in town, city-girl Taylor Manning. Neither are convinced they are right for each other, although to everyone around them, it is quite plain to see. The second novel, The Sheriff Takes a Wife, has the sheriff (and Russ Palmers friend), Cody Franklin falling for Taylors sister Christy when she arrives to help out as Taylor gives birth. The spanner in the works is that Christy is already engaged. In both novels, the parents are denied the elaborate wedding they hoped to give their daughters, city girls who end up living in Custer County. Another two delightful Macomber romances.
• 

  The Charming Quirks Of Others: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
  Alexander Mccall Smith and Alexander Mccall Smith

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  thoroughly enjoyable

  27/11/2011

  The Charming Quirks of Others is the 7th in the Isabel Dalhousie series by Alexander McCall Smith. Isabel has quite a bit on her plate: getting another edition of the Review of Applied Ethics published; looking into a poison-pen letter making accusations about applicants for the principals position of an illustrious boys school; dealing with a pretty cellist who has taken a fancy to Jamie; deciding whether to publish an unsolicited review by Professor Lettuce of Professor Doves latest book; and, not the least, organising her own wedding. As always, Isabel manages to jump to unfounded conclusions whilst being her unpredictable, clever, kind and occasionally exasperating self. On the way, she touches on book reviewers, verb tenses, forgiveness of oneself, politics, punishment, hatred, skateboarders, gossip magazines and ancestors, and gives us an excellent definition of vulgar curiosity. Isabel manages to show some insight into her tendency to misunderstand situations, and towards the end of this novel, has a Mma Ramotswe moment when she reflects on her love for her country. McCall Smith has an uncanny ability to write from a womans perspective, and many of the conversations his characters have are filled with wisdom and humour. Another thoroughly enjoyable instalment in the Isabel Dalhousie story.
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  The Importance Of Being Seven
  Alexander Mccall Smith

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  a delight to read

  17/10/2011

  The Importance of Being Seven is the sixth in the Scotland Street series by Alexander McCall Smith. Once again we join the residents and friends of 44 Scotland Street. Domenica and Angus go to Italy with Antonia; Bruces new leaf seems to have ended as he reverts to type; Matthew and Elspeth get some life-changing news; Bertie longs to be 7, or better still, 18; Elspeth shows she has backbone; Irene gives Bertie a lesson in the meaning of always; Pat reappears with some sage advice for Mathew; and Bertie gets some moments of pleasure with Stuart. Throughout, McCall-Smiths gentle philosophy provokes thought and often, laughter. A delight to read.
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  The Dog Who Came In From The Cold
  Alexander Mccall Smith and John Michell

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  leaves you feeling warm and snug

  07/09/2011

  The Dog Who Came In From The Cold is the second in the Corduroy Mansions series by Alexander McCall Smith. Once again we join the people of Corduroy Mansions and their friends. An acquaintance who works for MI6 visits wine merchant William French, and his Pimlico terrier, Freddie de la Hay, is drafted to serve his country. Berthea Snarks brother Terence Moongrove finds his new Porsche makes him feel amorous and is excited about water memory and morphic resonance. Caroline tries to decide whether she wants a relationship with comfortable James or exciting Tim. Barbara Ragg goes on vacation to Scotland with her new fianc Hugh Macpherson and meets her future in-laws. Berthea Snark has to take action against a pair of charlatans out to fleece Terence. Dee lies and steals and tries to market her goods in a new way. Barbaras partner at the Ragg Porter Literary Agency betrays a trust and is caught out. Aussie flatmate Jo gives Caroline some very sound advice. There is a delightful piece on homeopathy and risotto gets a few mentions. Williams feckless son Eddie berates him, with justification. And William effects a dramatic rescue. And throughout the happenings, we are treated to McCall Smiths gentle philosophy and wry humour. I found myself constantly smiling, chuckling, giggling and many occasions, laughing out loud. McCall Smith manages to examine issues in everyday life and still leave the reader feeling good and wanting more. I loved this book.
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  Jane Eyre
  Bront� and Bronte Charlotte

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  an unforgettable classic

  10/07/2011

  Jane Eyre is Charlotte Brontes first novel, published under the pen name of Currer Bell. Jane Eyre, orphaned at a very young age, suffers at the hands of her aunt and cousins when her maternal uncle dies. At the age of ten, she is sent to a charity boarding school, where her life is also filled with privation until an outbreak of typhus exposes the austere measures imposed by the manager of the school. At the age of eighteen, she leaves the school to become a governess to Mr Edward Fairfax Rochesters ward, Adle. Here, Jane seems to find happiness: beneath Mr Rochesters moody exterior, there appears to be kindness and perhaps even love? But further events may destroy her chance at happiness.
  The use of words that seem to be nowadays obsolete, such as: unclose (doors etc); undraw (curtains); undeceive; benignant; show how much can change in a language in a mere 200 years. Described as a classic, it is easy to see why Jane Eyre is one of the most unforgettable of English novels.
  
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  House Rules
  Jodi Picoult

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  Another excellent Picoult

  14/03/2011

  House Rules is Jodi Picoults seventeenth novel. The story involves Jacob Hunt, a young man with Aspergers Syndrome and an obsession with forensic analysis, who is charged with and tried for the murder of his tutor, Jess Ogilvy. Five voices tell the tale: Jacobs own; his brother, Theos; his mother, Emmas; his lawyer, Olivers; and the investigating police officer, Richs. As always, Picoults research is meticulous, and she presents controversial issues even-handedly. The tension that builds throughout the novel is occasionally alleviated by the jokes and puns the characters themselves make. While the reader may conclude the truth about Jesss death well before the denouement, this in no way detracts from the enjoyment of the journey towards the revelation. The view from within a person with Aspergers is very well described, and Jacobs frustration with the inability of those around him to recognise the truth is expertly portrayed. As well as educating about autism, Aspergers and aspects of crime scene investigation, Picoult deals with motherhood and brotherhood and what truth really is. The conclusion demonstrates the pitfalls of relying solely on physical evidence, or, for that matter, on appearances and /or behaviour alone. Once again, an excellent read!
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  Mockingjay
  Suzanne Collins

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  thought-provoking

  06/04/2012

  Mockingjay is the final exciting instalment of the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. Katniss Everdeen, having survived her first Hunger Games and been plucked out of the Quarter Quell by the rebels living in District t13, is now required to become the symbol of the rebellion, the Mockingjay. But while her mother and her sister Prim were rescued by her best friend, Gale, her own District 12 has been destroyed and Peeta Melark is a captive of the Capitol. It takes a reminder of President Coriolanus Snow to cement her resolve to become the Mockingjay. But while the revolution gains strength, Katniss is torn by the number of people dying for the cause she is heading: she is beginning to wonder if the regimentation of District 13 and President Alma Coin are any better than the Capitol and Snow. In this thrilling finale, Collins uses her main character to comment on: the power of the media and those who control it; how circumstances can turn gentle people into warriors; how power corrupts; the futility of war; and how those who develop weapons have no control over how they will be used. Collins gives the reader believable characters and an electrifying plot with plenty of twists. This may not be capital L literature, but it is nonetheless a gripping and thought-provoking read.
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  The Tulip Virus
  Danielle Hermans

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  Flowers to die for

  01/02/2011

  From the very first page, Danille Hermans has us intrigued. A murder in 1636 in an Alkmaar tavern, and another nearly 400 years later in an exclusive area of London: how are these related? What do the dying words of second victim mean? The two story lines develop independently, but are woven together beautifully. Danille has obviously done quite a lot of research and we learn a great deal about tulip cultivation and trade, but in an easily digestible manner. She intertwines fact with fiction to produce an entirely believable tale. Danille uses some clever analogies and pleasing echoes, the action is fast-paced, the dialogue, credible, and there are several plot-twists leading to a gripping climax. This novel is hard to put down: many will be compelled to read it in one sitting. David MacKay deserves praise for a first-rate translation. An excellent debut novel: lets hope we are treated to English translations of Danille Hermans subsequent novels soon.
• 

  Jasper Jones
  Craig Silvey

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  excellent Aussie literature

  12/04/2011

  Jasper Jones is Craig Silveys second novel. It is set during a hot summer in 1965 in a small West Australian town, Corrigan, and narrated by thirteen-year-old Charlie Bucktin. Charlie is surprised by Jasper Jones appearance at his sleepout window: Jasper needs his help. Jasper, mixed race, rebellious and solitary, represents danger and intrigue for Charlie: he is desperate to impress him and so goes along with Jasper. This action unleashes a sequence of events that will change Charlie, Jasper and the people of the town of Corrigan. Silveys elegant prose touches on racism, adultry, truth and lies, human weakness, falling in love, trust, small-town boredom, cricket, coming of age, love of literature, hope and despair and long-kept secrets. Silveys characters are compelling, his dialogue is credible and his plot takes a few unexpected turns. The subject matter could have been heavy going, but Silvey provides us with exceptional comic relief in the delightful Jeffrey Lu, Charlies best friend. Jeffreys conversations with Charlie provide many laugh-out-loud moments. Charlies relationship with his father, Wes, and later with his prospective girlfriend, Eliza, provide a heartening contrast to some other aspects of the story. Jasper Jones is an outstanding and decidedly enjoyable novel: let us hope for more like this from Craig Silvey.
• 

  The Byron Journals
  Daniel Ducrou

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  Schoolies week well described

  02/02/2011

  In Daniel Ducrous novel, we follow Andrew as he makes the schoolies pilgrimage to Byron Bay. Andrew is trying to escape various things in his life in Adelaide. He hooks up with a girl like no-one hes come across back home and things seem to be going great for a while. But escaping home, family and life in Adelaide is not so simple.
  Ducrou deals with quite a few topical issues and ideas: music, drug use, violence, sex, family, relationships and guilt. These are handled in a very realistic way and given to us through they eyes of a young adult.
  Ducrou has crafted his novel with an interesting plot, believable characters with depth, and credible dialogue. The result is hard to put down. Lets hope we see more of his work.
  
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  Marriage In Peril
  Miranda Lee

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  Aussie with Italian flavour

  21/08/2011

  Marriage in Peril is Australian author Miranda Lees 49th romance novel. Happily married to Leonardo Parini for five years, and mother to his two children, Brooke was happy until she overheard a conversation between her in-laws. It seemed that Leo had been engaged to his sister-in-law, the beautiful and now widowed Francesca, before she married his brother. And on this visit to Italy, he had been behaving unusually: was he betraying her with Francesca? Brooke decided to fight for the man she loved, and she still had one weapon he couldnt resist. A perfect example of what a lack of communication can do to a relationship. A very sexy Aussie romance with an Italian flavour.
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  Bedroom Surrender
  Emma Darcy

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  not Darcy's best

  11/02/2012

  The Bedroom Surrender is the 4th of the James Family series by Emma Darcy. It was written some 11 years after the first in the series and features Rosalie James, the Philippino member of the large adopted family of Edward and Hilary James. Rosalie is a high class model who spends all her spare time working with orphans in the Philippines. Adam Cazell, a divorced playboy father of Cate, is a billionaire businessman. After sighting Rosalie by chance on a few occasions, and being captivated, he finally meets her at her sisters home in England where his daughter is spending time with her best friend. Adam becomes a determined pursuer, and Rosalie eventually succumbs. The rich and famous intent of doing some charity work. Adam is fairly realistic, but Rosalie seems a bit too perfect, and the ending is too rushed.
• 

  Boss's Secret Mistress
  Alison Fraser

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  witty Britty romance

  23/05/2011

  The Bosss Secret Mistress is the 13th romance novel by Alison Fraser. When American Lucas Ryecart takes over the UK publishing firm Tory Lloyd works for, she is completely unprepared for the physical effect he has on her. Trouble is, he seems to know it, and not only that, but Tory has some history with his brother-in-law as well. As Lucas pursues the unwilling Tory, plenty of snappy dialogue and quite a bit of hot sex ensue. This novel has an excellent plot, a feisty heroine, a strong male lead and some unexpected plot twists. This was one of the first Mills and Boon romances I read: it showed me just how enjoyable some of these novels are. They are never going to be capital L Literature, but they are great for a light read in between the heavier stuff. Its still one of my favourite romance novels! What a pity Alison Fraser has written so few of these.
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  Greek's Blackmailed Wife: The Greek Tycoons
  

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  soooo slooow

  02/08/2011

  The Greeks Blackmailed Wife is the 13th book by Sarah Morgan. Zander Volakis is a very rich, very arrogant, chauvinistic Greek playboy. Lauranne ONeill, a supposedly intelligent, independent Brit, was employed in the London branch of Volakis Industries. Five years ago, on a two-month posting to the Caribbean, Lauranne met her boss and promptly fell in love. After a quick seduction, their marriage lasted all of 4 weeks, 3 days & 6 hours, at which point circumstances, and a bit of plotting by the evil Marina (who had her eye on Zander), led both of them to assume the worst about each other. Xander fired her from her job (but never actually divorced her) and she set up her (now highly successful) PR business with her good friend Tom Ferrar (the man Zander caught her kissing 5 years ago). Now he needs her to change his image so he can buy an island. Shes none too keen as her brain still goes to mush every time he looks at her.
  I read so many times how his shockingly potent masculinity mesmerised her, how vulnerable she was to his overwhelming virility, I dont know how I refrained from throwing the book into the corner. Irritatingly slow-moving, this is 187 pages of shallow characters, wooden dialogue and transparent plot: 186 pages too long!
  
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  Stolen By The Sheikh
  Trish Morey

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  Aussie romance in Arabia

  14/08/2011

  Stolen by the Sheikh is Trish Moreys 3rd romance novel. When a tall, dark and handsome man walks into Sapphy Clemengers fashion boutique in Milan, shes immediately attracted. But the man she knows as Khaled wants her to design a wedding dress for his bride-to-be. And he insists she come to his home city in the small independent desert state, Jebbai, to design and make the dress. Sheikh Khaled Al-Ateeq has very personal reasons for virtually kidnapping Sapphy, and the dress is just a pretext. At first I thought this romance was going to be all swooning at his powerful masculinity, etc, but actually, the dialogue proved to be quite snappy and the plot was better than I had expected. An Aussie romance located in the Arabian desert.
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  Man In The Mist: Secret Sister
  Annette Broadrick

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  sweet sexy romance

  27/11/2011

  Man in the Mist is the first of the Secret Sisters series by Annette Broadrick. The prologue explains that the triplets, needing to be protected from their murderous uncle when their mother dies, are separated at birth. In this story, Greg Dumas has been hired to find his client, Kelly MacLeods parents in Scotland and learns that she is one of the triplets. He tracks down Fiona Macdonald, the daughter of doctor who delivered the triplets, but by the time he finds her, hes just about collapsing with pneumonia. After he recovers, their attraction is obvious, but he returns to New York. This is a romance with a fairly good plot. The truth about Fiona is obvious fairly early in the book, but this doesnt detract from the story. It can be read as a stand-alone, but the last page leads into Kellys story. A sweet, sexy romance, up to Annette Broadricks usual standard.
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  Too Tough To Tame Secret Sisters
  Annette Broadrick

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  secret sisters #2

  27/11/2011

  Too Tough To Tame is the second of the Secret Sisters series by Annette Broadrick. Portrait artist, Kelly MacLeod, has painted a less-than-flattering portrait of business tycoon, Dominic Chakaris, thinking he is responsible for ruining her familys company and indirectly causing her parents deaths. Nick insists on meeting her and sparks fly. At the same time, Kelly discovers she was adopted, and hires Greg Dumas to look for her parents in Scotland. This romance has a couple of feisty characters and some fairly hot sex scenes. The story dovetails very nicely with Man in the Mist and ultimately Kelly meets her sister, Fiona. The plot is strong enough to have the reader looking forward to the third instalment, MacGowan Meets His Match.
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  Macgowan Meets His Match
  Annette Broadrick

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  secret sisters 3

  12/12/2011

  MacGowan Meets His Match is the third of the Secret Sisters series by Annette Broadrick. Orphan Jenna Craddock travels from Australia to the UK to find her family, only to be told by her evil aunt that she was adopted. But something her aunt says before she slams the door has Jenna travelling to Edinburgh in search of a man named Dumas, who is apparently looking for her. While she searches, she takes on a job, transcribing tapes of a spy novel for Sir Ian MacGowan, in Stirling. This conclusion to the Secret Sisters wraps the story up nicely with the reappearance of Fiona and Greg, Kelly and Nick, and reunions all round. Ian and Jenna are a feisty pair and its a fun romance. I was just a little disappointed this one wasnt set in Australia.
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  Entranced
  Nora Roberts

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  satisfying

  26/02/2012

  Entranced is the second of the Donovan Legacy series by Nora Roberts. Sebastian Donovan is one of three cousins born to triplets married to triplets: the Donovan brothers married the Corrigan sisters. Sebastian is a witch with psychic abilities. Mel Sutherland is a private investigator whose close friend, Rose, has decided, in desperation, to ask for Sebastians help to find her kidnapped baby. Mel doesnt trust the sexy seer and is sure he will take her friend for a ride, so shes going to keep a close eye on him. But hes telling her things he shouldnt know, eventually things he couldnt know. Soon they are trailing kidnappers, involving the FBI and posing as a happily married couple as bait in a trap. This romance with a supernatural twist is much better than the first book of the series: the characters are deeper, the dialogue more realistic, the plot more interesting and the story moves much faster. All round, a more satisfying experience.
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  Unexpected Bride
  Lisa Childs

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  slow and repetitive

  26/12/2011

  Unexpected Bride, by Lisa Childs is frustratingly slow-moving and tediously repetitive. Eight years ago, Abby Hamilton left Cloverville after events, some of which were not her fault, made it hard for her to stay. Now a successful business woman and single mother, she has returned with her 5-year-old daughter, Lara, to convince her childhood friend, Molly McClintock, not to marry the man she doesnt love. But it seems Mollys older brother Clayton, always the responsible one, still considers Abby a trouble-maker, even though hes attracted to her. So after reading, oh, about a hundred times that Abby realises that Clayton does not respect or trust her, so she cant stay in Cloverville, I think even the dumbest reader will get the picture. And then another 99 times Clayton thinks that he already has too many responsibilities to take on Abby and Lara as well, yawn.Watch for the hot sex scene in the hall outside the study: dont blink, or youll miss it. Coulda been a hundred pages shorter with the same effect. At least now I know I dont need to read any more by Lisa Childs!
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  Back In Fortune's Bed: Dakota Fortunes
  Bronwyn Jameson

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  Aussie flavour romance

  12/06/2011

  Back in Fortunes Bed is Australian author Bronwyn Jamesons 12th romance and is part of the Dakota Fortune series. The story starts 10 years after Max Fortune, Aussie cousin to the Dakota Fortunes, had a sizzling hot affair with photographer Diana Fielding when she was holidaying in Australia. When Max returns to South Dakota to do some horse trading, he runs into Diana again and vows to get her back into his bed to make her regret leaving him. Diana isnt prepared to settle for being a short-term fling, however. A charming romance with an Aussie flavour.
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  Fantasy
  

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  he's tied to the bed

  23/04/2011

  Fantasy, another Blaze novel, is Lori Fosters 4th novel. When pretty, man-shy Brandis gorgeous sister Shay gives her a five-day resort stay with hunky, sexy Sebastian as a birthday gift, shes reluctant, but is ultimately convinced to participate. It turns out Sebastian is a sensitive guy who allows her to tie him to the bed and explore him at her own pace until she has overcome the fears that are a hang-over of a past trauma. Talk about self-sacrifice! His restraint pays off, of course, and they enjoy a few days of hot sex before the vacation ends. Another week or two at crossed purposes (I could never be the woman he needs; I dont have enough money to keep her happy) before they finally realise they are made for each other.
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  This Matter Of Marriage
  Debbie Macomber

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  mistress of feel-good romance

  26/01/2012

  This Matter of Marriage is the 60th stand-alone novel by Debbie Macomber. Hallie McCarthy suddenly finds herself, at almost thirty, a career woman who wants to have a family. So she sets out to achieve that, like she does in her successful business. First she loses weight, then she starts dating. But the dates are disasters: lucky she has her new next-door-neighbour, Steve Marris, to commiserate and, occasionally, come to the rescue. She gets on well with his kids and counts herself lucky to have him as a friend. Anyway, hes not her type, and hes still hung up on his ex-wife. This is a light-hearted romantic comedy, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as a few lump-in-the-throat ones. Debbie Macomber is the mistress of feel-good romance and this is no exception.
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  This Matter Of Marriage
  Debbie Macomber

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  mistress of feel-good romance

  26/01/2012

  This Matter of Marriage is the 60th stand-alone novel by Debbie Macomber. Hallie McCarthy suddenly finds herself, at almost thirty, a career woman who wants to have a family. So she sets out to achieve that, like she does in her successful business. First she loses weight, then she starts dating. But the dates are disasters: lucky she has her new next-door-neighbour, Steve Marris, to commiserate and, occasionally, come to the rescue. She gets on well with his kids and counts herself lucky to have him as a friend. Anyway, hes not her type, and hes still hung up on his ex-wife. This is a light-hearted romantic comedy, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as a few lump-in-the-throat ones. Debbie Macomber is the mistress of feel-good romance and this is no exception.
• 

  Watchlist: Two Serial Thrillers In One Killer Book
  Barnes and Deaver

  Online Price: $11.99

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  1 page turner 1 disappointment

  25/04/2012

  Watchlist is an omnibus of two thriller novels in the Harold Middleton series: The Chopin Manuscript and The Copper Bracelet.
  The Chopin Manuscript, a novel based on an idea by Jeffrey Deaver, was written, initially as an audio book, by Deaver and 14 other thriller authors for the International Thriller Writers organisation. The main character is Harold Middleton, a former war crimes investigator who now lectures in music in Washington DC. Middleton is given a previously unknown Frederic Chopin manuscript, a document he believes to be a forgery, by a piano tuner in Warsaw, who is found murdered the next day. Soon enough, Middleton has good reason to worry about the safety his family and his former war crimes investigative colleagues. This is a novel where the plot twists so many times, it will leave the reader dizzy; very few of the characters are what they first seem; subjects as varied as artwork purloined by the Nazis, war crimes, nerve gas, embedded secret codes, terrorism, airport security, abortion drugs and of course, music, are all touched on. I found it fascinating how each different author took the story and ran with it for their chapter, yet the story moved seamlessly forward. Definitely a page-turner.
  The Copper Bracelet is the second in the Harold Middleton series by Jeffrey Deaver and 15 other thriller authors. Like The Chopin Manuscript, it was first published as an audio book. It is set two years after The Chopin Manuscript and features characters from that novel: Harold Middleton, Charlotte Middleton, Eleanora Tesla, Jean-Marc Lespasse and Felicia Kaminski. The story this time centres on Devras Sikari, the Kashmiri recipient of educational support from someone only known as The Scorpion. After the events of the Chopin Manuscript, Middleton has reformed his Volunteers, and they actively seek Sikari as they are convinced of an international terror plot with dire consequences for Pakistan and India and possibly the rest of the world. This time, authors touch on the subjects of copper poisoning, heavy water, patent legislation, thermobaric explosives, chicken breeds and coding and encryption. The action jumps from Nice to London, Moscow, Paris, Tampa and Kashmir. The plot is convoluted and the politics rather intricate; the melodramatic climax is rather contrived. And it seems that several of the authors didnt read the previous book (giving Charlotte a late husband instead of an imprisoned one) or even the previous chapter (crediting Felicia with knowledge of events that happened while she was unconscious). Altogether, rather a disappointing sequel to The Chopin Manuscript.
  
• 

  The Lieutenant
  Kate Grenville

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  wonderful

  02/02/2011

  Kate Grenvilles latest novel, The Lieutenant is a beautifully crafted work. The Lieutenant in question, Daniel Rooke, is based on William Dawes, a soldier in His Majestys Marine Force on the First Fleet which arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788. Dawes accompanied the First Fleet as an astronomer, to record the predicted reappearance of a comet in late 1788/early 1789. The story is thus based on historical events: Grenville fills in the blanks of everyday life around these events in a way that makes the historical facts a pleasure to assimilate. Whilst waiting alone in his observatory for the comet to appear, the lieutenant interacts with the indigenous population, his intention being to make a study of the native language. This interaction with the natives, in general, and his friendship with a young girl, in particular, appears to be a pivotal point in Rookes life. Subsequent events prompt Rooke to re-evaluate his priorities and lead him to the conclusion that the service of humanity and the service of His Majesty were not congruent.
  Grenvilles skill is such that we cannot help but feel empathy with the young Rooke from the very first page. Her characters are realistic, although Silk is perhaps not what he first appears to be. The dialogue takes us very effectively back to the 18th century. Grenville conveys the feel of the place and the time with consummate ease.
  This is a novel about language and communication, solitude and loneliness, duty and integrity. Grenville explores friendship, truth, a mans place in the universe. And what is worth risking ones career or even ones life for. The end leaves a lump in the throat.
  What a pleasure this novel was to read. Let us hope for more from Kate Grenville soon.
  
• 

  Postcard Killers
  Patterson , James Patterson and Marklund

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  sex and violence

  28/02/2011

  Postcard Killers is the first novel co-authored by James Patterson and Liza Marklund. Its a thriller about young glamorous killers traveling around Europe murdering couples. Plenty of sex and violence, in the short chapter format that James Patterson seems to love. The villains are nasty and theres a bit of a plot twist to keep it interesting.
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  Port Mortuary
  Patricia Cornwell and Patricia D. Cornwell

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  disappointing

  25/04/2012

  Port Mortuary is the 18th book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. As the chief of the new Cambridge Forensic Centre, Scarpetta has been away for 6 months at Dover Air Force Base training in CT-assisted virtual autopsy. She is rushed back to the CFC by Marino and Lucy to handle a bizarre case that could shut down her new facility, an apparent arrhythmia victim who may have been alive when he was locked in the centres cooler. While she has been absent, her second in command, Jack Fielding, has been behaving very strangely. Her husband, Benton, is involved in a case where a young man with Aspergers has made a patently false confession that he murdered a young boy with a nail gun. And a young footballer was shockingly tortured and dumped in the nearby harbour. It seems these events are all connected. After 6 novels narrated in the third person, Cornwell returns to first person narration by Kay Scarpetta for this book, which I found easier to read, although the constant analysis of Kays feelings and borderline paranoia did become tiresome. As with previous Scarpetta books, Marino is still doing and saying stupid things; Lucy is still acting wilfully; Benton is still being evasive about what he tells Kay, and Jack is letting Kay down, once again. As with many James Patterson books, the text of the first chapters is littered with brand names, something that might have the reader wondering if Cornwell profits materially or financially from this. What was interesting information: the concept of CT scanning autopsy; blade wounds; MRI scanning and metals; posthumous sperm harvesting; nanotechnology applications for surveillance and drug delivery; GSR testing for different types of bullets; robotic vehicles and flybots. The plot was original and thought-provoking so it is a pity Cornwell chose to pad the text with technical details of things like helicopter flight procedures and CT scans, which might only be of interest to technophiles, as well as trivial mintuae of driving a car and walking on icy surfaces. Some of the information was delivered by one character to another lecture-style; some of the dialogue between Benton and Kay was so wooden, they could have been casual acquaintances instead of husband and wife. The story was very slow-moving and the book would have been much improved by having the padding edited out.
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  Farewell My Ovaries
  Wendy Harmer

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  a fun read

  12/03/2012

  Farewell My Ovaries is the 5th book by Australian humourist Wendy Harmer. Forty-five year-old Claire Sellwyn Wallace, happily married to Charlie, step-mum to Rose, mother of 6 year-old Madeline, is having a midlife crisis. The crisis has been brought on by a close encounter in a toilet with young Connor Carmody, seemingly half her age, former school mate of her newly acquired son-in-law Dermott; the crisis intensifies when Claire learns she is peri-menopausal. Claire has suddenly realised that there will be no more exciting sex for her with different men in stimulating situations: Charlie is it, for ever and ever. Her rebellion to this event crystallises into a plan for a farewell to her ovaries: 24 hours of the best sex ever, with Connor, if hes amenable. This plan is spilled to her best friend and sounding-board, Meg, who, whilst understanding and supportive, warns her off the whole idea. Claire acknowledges she is physically attractive, healthy, happily married mother of a divine 6 year old with a lovely home in a wealthy suburb, who has a successful singing career, so why is she toying with the idea of sleeping with Connor, a landscape gardener/surfie half her age? Claire considers herself the mistress of fucked-up smart-arse observations, and also says that considered thoughtfulness and reckless defiance war within her. The novel takes place over eleven days as Claire makes plans for her farewell party with tantalising fantasies and erotic phone calls to Connor, and the reader learns of her life as it is now and her sexual history: what she refers to as her coitus vitae. While there is plenty of humour, Claire initially comes across as selfish, self-centred and irresponsible. She is witty and clever, quick with smart remarks and sharp observations, but I found the emphasis on the hormonal aspect of Claires reckless behaviour a bit demeaning to peri-menopausal women. Still, there were plenty of clever quips and lots of interesting philosophising about men, women, sex and relationships. The characters are realistic, the dialogue authentic, the plot has a few twists to keep it interesting and the ending is a heartwarming one. A fun read.
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  Chant Of Jimmie Blacksmith
  Thomas Keneally

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  Aussie Classic

  05/06/2011

  The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith is the 7th novel by Thomas Keneally. Set around the time of Federation, it tells the story of half-caste Jimmie Blacksmith, initiated into tribal manhood by his aboriginal elders, he was, at the same time, taught by a Methodist minister. Under the ministers influence, his criteria denoting the value of human existence were home, hearth, wife and land. And a white wife, say a farm girl, would mean his offspring would be quarter-caste, theirs but an eighth. Jimmie works hard to achieve his goals, but fails through no fault of his own, and the situation becomes explosive and violent. Keneally tells a great yarn, and manages to deftly convey the forces that battle inside Jimmie, as well as the attitude of whites to blacks and of blacks to whites at that time in Australian history. The story is told mainly from Jimmies perspective, but also from the view of the Methodist minister, the hangman, Jimmies maternal uncle Tabidgi and the fianc of one of Jimmies victims. The debate about Federation rumbles in the background. Excellent prose, vivid descriptions, characters of depth and authentic dialogue. It is no wonder this tragic tale has become an Australian classic.
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  Luka And The Fire Of Life
  Salman Rushdie

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  a pleasure read

  25/03/2012

  Luka and the Fire of Life is the 11th novel by Salman Rushdie, his second childrens novel and the sequel to Haroun and the Sea of Stories. He dedicated this book to his second son, Milan, born 18 years after Zafar, to whom the first was dedicated. The story centres around left-handed Luka, second son of storyteller, Rashid Khalifa, and younger brother (by 18 years) of Haroun. Now that he is 12, Luka longs for an adventure like his big brother had 18 years ago, and, through casually cursing a cruel circus owner, he suddenly finds himself in the World of Magic, on a quest for the Fire of Life, needed to save Rashid, comatose and close to death. Soon enough, he realises that he is in the middle of a life-sized video game, amassing lives, losing them, reaching higher levels and saving his progress. Throughout his quest, he is accompanied by Bear, his dog, and Dog, his bear, as well as Nobodaddy, a being resembling Rashid, which is waiting to take Rashids life force and implode. Luka travels along the River of Time, towards the Lake of Wisdom and the Mountain of Knowledge, surmounts terrifying obstacles and meets a myriad of magical beings including Elephant Ducks, the Insultana of Ott, Prometheus, the Old Man of the River, Respecto-Rats and the ancient ex-gods of a great many civilisations. Rushdie is a master of clever word play, riddles and delightful puns; he makes thinly-veiled references to many well-known time travelling icons of film and TV like Dr Who, Time Bandits and Back to the Future. He has Luka watching a Beauty Contest of a very different kind, berating former deities, riding a magic carpet and battling the Lords of Time. We learn how Karaoke began and how Slackweed overran the Waste of Time. Ultimately a story about the love between a father and his son, the book is aimed at adolescents, but any adult who enjoys fantasy will find it a pleasure to read.
• 

  La's Orchestra Saves The World
  Alexander Mccall Smith and Alexander Mccall Smith

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  heartwarming

  06/06/2011

  Las Orchestra Saves the World is a stand-alone novel by Alexander McCall-Smith. It is set around the time of the Second World War in England. Lavender Stone (La to her friends) leaves London for a Suffolk village in the wake of a disastrous marriage. When the war starts, she becomes a part of the small community in her village. She sets up an orchestra which brings the village and the men on the nearby airbase together and gives them some hope for the future. She also meets Feliks, a shy Polish pilot who has an unexpected effect on her. For me, this book somehow has the feel of Mary Ann Shaffers Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, perhaps because it is set in the same time period. The end seemed to be headed for a let-down, but the last page was a pleasant surprise. As with all Alexander McCall-Smiths books, filled with gentle philosophy: it was a joy to read.
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  Death Of A Blue Movie Star
  

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  Quirky, funny

  14/03/2011

  Death of a Blue Movie Star is the second book in Jeffrey Deavers Rune series. Rune is living on a houseboat and working at becoming a film-maker. Following bomb attacks on adult theatres and studios, she decides to make a documentary about the life of a blue movie star. As usual, she gets involved in far more than she intends, including porn stars, the NYPD bomb squad, religious fanatics and leathergoods ads. Runes naivet is truly entertaining. With an excellent plot twist at the end, this a great read
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  A Secret Vengeance
  Miranda Lee

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  an excellent Lee romance

  07/11/2011

  A Secret Vengeance is the 59th romance novel by Miranda Lee, and first of the Secret Passions series. When Lionel Freeman and his wife die in a car accident, he leaves behind his son Luke, who idolised him, and a very secret, not very wealthy and very heartbroken mistress, Jessica Gilbert. Celia, her daughter, had come to hate Lionel for the way he used her mother for twenty years, so she was surprised when Luke turned up on the doorstep of the lakeside cottage her mother had lived in, rent-free, to gift the cottage to Jessica. What surprised her even more was her fierce attraction to Luke. And despite the fact that he was engaged, Luke acted on his own attraction to Celia: was this to turn into a repeat of his fathers behaviour? Another excellent Miranda Lee romance with a great plot and realistic characters and dialogue. Some hot bedroom scenes too.
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  Boss's Baby
  Miranda Lee

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  enjoyable Aussie romance

  11/05/2011

  The Bosss Baby is Miranda Lees 47th (approx) novel. After Olivias fianc leaves her commenting that she lacks spontaneity, she seduces her boss, Lewis, after a bit too much champagne at the firms Christmas Party, partly to prove to herself that she isnt dull and boring. Lewis then wants her as his mistress, until he discovers she is pregnant from their encounter, when he decides he wants to marry her. Of course Olivia doesnt want to marry a man who doesnt truly love her, and shes convinced Lewis is still in love with his ex-wife. The sparks fly as two headstrong Aussies clash. Another enjoyable Aussie romance from Miranda Lee.
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  Virgin Bride
  Miranda Lee

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  sweet romance

  06/07/2011

  The Virgin Bride is Miranda Lees 51st romance novel. Owing to a crisis of conscience, Dr Jason Steel abandons the prestigious job in a gung-ho bulk-billing Sydney medical practice and Adele, the beautiful, brilliant, sexy doctor hed been about to marry, for a share in a GP practice in the sedate southern NSW country town of Tindley. And when his patient, elderly sweet shop owner, Ivy Churchill, passes on after succumbing to cancer, he decides that marrying Ivys niece, Emma, would be a sensible thing to do. He understands that Emma is still in love with the towns bad boy, Dean Ratchitt, even after he betrayed her with another woman, but he decides love is not necessary for a marriage to succeed. But both Emma and Jason have something to learn about trust before they can be happy. Another sweet romance from Miranda Lee.
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  Blackmailed Bridegroom
  Miranda Lee

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  lovely Aussie romance

  14/08/2011

  The Blackmailed Bridegroom is Miranda Lees 52nd romance novel. The man in question is Antonio Scarlatti, initially the efficient PA to wealthy Film & TV entrepreneur Conrad Fortune, now in line to become the CEO of Fortune Enterprises. The blackmailer is Conrad Fortune, who is dangling the CEO position in front of Antonios nose if he beds and weds Conrads wayward daughter, Paige. Will it be a hardship for him to do the bosss bidding? He could always divorce her later But Paige has been in love with Antonio since she first met him. And she is going to grab her chance at happiness with both hands. Another lovely local romance from Miranda Lee.
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  Wedding-Night Affair
  Miranda Lee

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  enjoyable Aussie romance

  02/08/2011

  The Wedding-Night Affair is the 50th romance novel by Miranda Lee. Fionas ex-husbands snooty family had made sure she realised she was from the wrong side of the tracks. Now a successful co-owner of an exclusive wedding co-ordinator business, Fiona found herself organising her ex-husband, Philips wedding. Only Philip had recognised her, and it seemed the attraction was still there on both sides. Fiona was convinced his bride-to-be didnt love him, but what could she do about it. Quite a good plot, feisty characters, and a nice twist. An enjoyable Aussie read.
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  Marriage At A Price
  Miranda Lee

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  sparks fly

  17/10/2011

  Marriage at a Price is Miranda Lees 40th novel. Courtney Cross is the independent, spirited owner of the Crosswinds horse stud farm. But after her mothers death, she finds she is deep in debt and may lose the farm unless she finds a silent business partner. When investment broker, Jack Falconer, says he knows just the man, Courtney isnt expecting the deal that is offered. Sparks fly between Courtney and Jack, with each determined to get their own way. The legacy that Courtney has from her single mother, Hilary, is not just the Crosswinds stud, but her independence and her opinion of men, however flawed that may have been. Another great Aussie romance with a few hot sex scenes.
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  Secret Love-Child
  Miranda Lee

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  fun romance

  13/11/2011

  The Secret Love-Child is the 61st romance novel by Miranda Lee, and the second of the Secret Passions series. When Luke Freeman broke his engagement with Isabel Hunt to marry Celia, she was devastated. Not because she was so in love with Luke: shed given up on love after falling more than once for the wrong type of man; but Isabel liked and respected Luke, and she felt he would make a good husband and father. When it came to her bought-and-paid-for honeymoon on Dream Island, she immediately thought of Rafe Saint Vincent, the stand-in and now cancelled wedding photographer: there had been instant attraction when they met, even if he was also the wrong type of man. Rafe couldnt say no to the offer of a holiday with sexy Isabel. But when the condom failed, he was stunned to find that he hoped Isabel would be pregnant with his baby. Now he only had to convince her to marry him. Another excellent romance from Miranda Lee with an original plot and some great characters.
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  At Her Boss's Bidding
  Miranda Lee

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  enjoyable

  05/12/2011

  At Her Bosss Bidding is the 63rd romance novel by Miranda Lee and the third of the Secret Passions series. When Rachel Witherspoon, Isabel Hunts best friend since school days, takes a job as Justin McCarthys PA, she purposely dresses down because she knows hes sick of man-hunters throwing themselves at him. All goes well until they go together on a work-related excursion to a 5-star Gold Coast Hotel. There, Rachel runs into her ex-fianc, Eric, the man who left her for a real-estate agent. Suddenly vulnerable, Rachel is given the support she needs by Justin, and he sends her for a make-over to prove to Eric that hes the loser, not Rachel. But after a few drinks, Justin finds himself seducing his new PA, exactly the thing he was so disgusted with his ex-wife and her boss over. While some of the characters lack depth, the plot is quite good and it is another enjoyable romance from Miranda Lee.
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  Man For The Night
  Miranda Lee

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  Classic Miranda Lee

  12/12/2011

  A Man For The Night is the 60th romance novel by Miranda Lee. Five years ago, at her high-school reunion, newly-divorced Josie Williams was a mess. Shes determined that this reunion, she will impress, but her current boyfriend lets on hes bisexual (would she like a threesome?) and Josie needs a man for the night. Enter Callum McLeod: hes only doing his actor brother a favour, and the escort agency has a no sex rule, but he soon realises that Josie is going to be hard to resist. When circumstances force him to spend the night with her, he gives up trying, and the next morning, Josie wants to hire him to fulfil her fantasy list. Sweet characters, a fun plot and some hot sex scenes. Classic Miranda Lee.
• 

  Mistress For A Weekend
  Susan Napier

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  Kiwi-flavoured romance

  25/10/2011

  Mistress for a weekend is Susan Napiers 33rd romance novel. After making the dismaying discovery of her boyfriend and her flatmate together, Nora Lang needs distraction, preferably by a good-looking dangerous male. Enter Blake MacLeod, tycoon, trouble-shooter and playboy. Shes not his type, but somehow she gets under his skin. Nora is unable to fight her attraction for him, and somehow ends up at his coastal hideaway for a long weekend. Surprisingly, it takes these two quite a while to get into the real action, but when they do, some very hot sex scenes follow. An enjoyable romance with a Kiwi flavour.
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  Still Missing
  Chevy Stevens

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  A real page-turner

  02/02/2011

  Chevy Stevens debut novel, Still Missing is definitely a page turner.
  The story, about a 32-year-old female realtor who is abducted and held captive in a mountain cabin for a year, is told in the first person narrative as sessions with the victims psychiatrist. Chevy has created an original plot, with plenty of twists and full of tension, which keeps the reader enthralled and eager to see what happens next. The dialogue is realistic and the characters are so well crafted that sometimes the reader will feel like grabbing them by the shoulders and shaking them. There are occasional moments of black humour, especially the disposal of the body scene. Chevy shows a great deal of insight into state of mind of victims. She gives us a gutsy heroine whose endurance and attitude cannot fail to garner admiration. Add to this a climax that leaves the reader gasping. Set aside some time to read this book and dont be surprised if you read it in one sitting: once you start reading, it is almost impossible to put down. Chevy Stevens? More, please!
  
• 

  Addition
  Toni Jordan

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  count me in

  02/02/2011

  Addition is a very funny novel. Its also witty and clever and moving. It is insightful about OCD and also about life in general. Addition made me laugh (a lot, out loud), it made me cry, and it made me think. Oh, and just to round things off nicely, there were a couple of hot sex scenes. I was so sorry to reach the end that I read it again, and I hope we dont have to wait too long before Toni Jordan writes another novel.
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  Three's A Crowd
  Dianne Blacklock

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  excellent Aussie chicklit

  29/05/2011

  Threes a Crowd is Dianne Blacklocks sixth novel. It starts with three friends, Catherine, Lexie and Rachel having lunch without their friend Annie, wondering how they will fill the void she has left, unsure if their friendship will survive without the glue that was Annie. Blacklocks characters are so real you feel you know them; theyre people you could run into in the shops or at the local caf. Catherine is a high achieving lawyer who insists on being in control of her world, even if she is less than successful at this with her teenaged daughter. Lexie seems to be the prototypical wife (of Scott) and mother (of Riley and Mia), but her life is not as perfect as it appears. Rachel, seemingly without any concrete goals, finds herself, unexpectedly in an exciting relationship, but worries how her friends will react. While the plot may at first seem predictable, there are, none-the-less, a few twists, surprises, revelations and a bit of table-turning. Blacklock deals with matters as diverse as relating to teenagers, grief, life goals, achievement, teenage pregnancy, maternal overprotectiveness, how friendships can change, communicating what you really want and, of course, love. Catherine, Lexie and Rachel all prove to be women of strength and depth. Blacklocks dialogue is authentic and the ending is heartwarming and wonderful. Chicklit this may be, but this is Aussie chicklit at its absolute finest.
• 

  The Body In The Clouds
  Ashley Hay

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  Luminous is right

  02/02/2011

  The Body in the Clouds, by Ashley Hay, has been described as a luminous novel: this is an apt description. It is full of rich imagery which captures the mood of the place and the time. The characters, while often looking at life and events with quite a different perspective from the rest of us, are realistic and full of depth. Set in three different centuries, the stories are entwined by common threads, places and objects. Within those stories, more stories, some centuries old, some more recent, which resonate with the three main characters.
  Ashley takes small pieces of history and legends, and fills in the everyday bits: the descriptions, the thoughts and feelings of the participants. A bit like taking a line drawing and adding the colour and shading to make it real for us. Ashleys depth of research into that history and legend is evident.
  In addition, Ashley introduces the singular concept that certain events leave a trace, an imprint of themselves, as it were, both before and after they happen.
  The Body in the Clouds was an absolute pleasure to read. Let us hope Ashley will continue to share her literary talent with her readers.
  
• 

  The Right Time
  Dianne Blacklock

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  a wonderful read

  17/07/2011

  The Right Time is Dianne Blacklocks 7th novel. Once again set in Sydney, this novel deals with the lives of the four Beckett sisters. Ellen, the eldest, a teacher, surviving her marriage breakdown from husband, Tim and wary about dating again; Emma, a personal stylist, waiting for boyfriend Blake to propose so she can have the dream wedding she has spent her life planning; Elizabeth (Liz), a successful dermatologist, conducting a long-term affair with Andrew, a married surgeon, is having doubts about her career and her relationship; and Evie, married to Craig and mother of three, feels her marriage needs saving but wonders whether Craigs solution is really the answer. All are facing life-changing decisions: is it the right time to make them? As always, Blacklock touches on many issues: divorce, pornography and swinging clubs, being the other woman, cosmetic dermatology, teachers and public schools, over-the-top weddings and letting go of the childhood family home. This novel asks the question: how far will you go to save your marriage and when is a marriage broken beyond repair. Blacklocks characters are all people you will be familiar with from the caf or the school P&C meeting. The dialogue is easily recognisable for anyone who has brothers, sisters or parents. There are many laugh-out-loud moments and a few lump-in-the-throat ones. I loved the dad, Edward, and I thought the idea of the fixed-term marriage contract with the option to renew could be further explored. A heart-warming read.
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  Socialite And The Cattle King
  Lindsay Armstrong

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  a Queensland romance

  27/08/2011

  The Socialite and The Cattle King is the 67th romance by Lindsay Armstrong. Holly Harding (socialite turned journalist) needs a big scoop to cement her career. Infamous cattle king, Brett Wyndham would do nicely. But when they meet at a pair of A-list functions, the sparks fly: shes not sure she likes his attitude. He likes the look of her, however, and grants an interview, as long as she is prepared to accompany him to his cattle-station in the gulf country. Somehow, they manage to control their attraction to each other, until the return journey, when the plane goes down. A sexy romance with humour and heartache and a decidedly Queensland flavour.
• 

  Call Me Mrs. Miracle
  Debbie Macomber

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  more Macomber feel-good

  12/12/2011

  Christmas Angel (probably) Emily Merkles assignment from heaven this time: Jake Finley, heir to the Finley department stores, toy department manager, nervous about his order of 500 Intellytron the SuperRobot retailing at $250 each; Jakes father, J.R. Finley, widower after his wife & daughter were killed in a traffic accident on Christmas Eve 21 years ago, has never celebrated Christmas since; Holly Larson, dropped by her last boyfriend as not being the right person to mother his son, now looking after her nephew; Gabe Larson, living with his Aunt Holly while his National Guard dad, Michael, is in Afghanistan, desperately wants a SuperRobot for Christmas; Lindy Lee, fashion designer, Hollys bad-tempered boss, not giving out the Christmas bonus Holly is counting on this year. Somehow, Mrs Miracles presence in the toy department of Finleys brings everyone together at the right moment. Debbie Macomber is the mistress of feel-good, and this is, once again, an uplifting tale, just in time for Christmas. This instalment certainly has more depth than the first.
• 

  Fall Girl
  Toni Jordan

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  Jordan does it again: clever, funny, sexy.

  01/02/2011

  Fall Girl, the latest novel by Toni Jordan, is the sort of book you cant stop reading, yet you dont want it to end. This book has a bit of everything: humour, intrigue, romance, sexual tension, witty dialogue, characters you cant help liking, even a chase! When I read the summary on the back cover, I thought I could predict which way the plot would go, but I was in for a few surprises. Jordan deals with a few issues on the way: knowing who you really are; what you tell yourself about your past; family loyalty and how people justify their (mis)deeds. Full of con artists (but who is really being conned?) who may (or may not) get their comeuppance. I thought it would be difficult to maintain the standard of Toni Jordans excellent debut, Addition, but Fall Girl does so with ease. I look forward to Toni Jordans next novel.
• 

  The Death Of Bunny Munro
  Nick Cave

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  charisma can be deadly

  02/02/2011

  After a hiatus of 20 years, The Death of Bunny Munro is Nick Caves second novel. From the first page, Cave very effectively puts us inside the depraved mind of Bunny Munro, a middle-aged salesman of beauty products. He confirms for us that some men are thinking non-stop about sex, no matter how appropriate it may (or may not) be. This makes for some very black humour. As we follow Bunny through a death, a funeral and a road trip, we may well wonder, how did he get to be this way? Perhaps Cave is making a commentary on the power of charisma. Bunnys charisma has everyone elevating him to hero status: the friends who think hes great; his female customers who open their cheque books (and often their legs) for him; his wife, who stays despite his infidelity; his intelligent but impressionable 9-year-old son, who puts his father on a high pedestal indeed; and even himself, justifying his wanton behaviour, believing he still has it.
  Cave is a master of description: He feels like the flensed blubber a butcher may trim from a choice fillet of prime English beef... The novel is full of rich imagery, some of it delightful, some grotesque. A novel with humour, horror, heartache, haunting and humanity. The authors cameo in Bunny Munros death scene is a cute touch. We are left wondering if his son will survive his influence. Comedy and tragedy both, this is a powerful read.
  
• 

  Wyatt
  Garry Disher

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  Disher does it again

  02/02/2011

  Incredible as it may seem, I had never read any of Garry Dishers Wyatt series, so I had no idea of the depth of reading pleasure in store for me when I started his latest offering, Wyatt.
  Wyatt has been away; now hes back. The plot begins with a planned jewel heist but takes many a twist and turn before the final page. Wyatt seems to be a crook with principles, but he doesnt hesitate to kill if thats whats needed. And there are plenty of dead bodies strewn throughout this novel. The action is fast-paced and the goods change hands with dizzying frequency.
  Disher is a master of description; this novel is full of realistic, down-to-earth, gutsy characters; the dialogue is razor-sharp. Wyatts theory about words: The words had a job to do and were not to be squandered could apply equally to Disher himself. He may be economical with them, but he certainly chooses the right ones and strings them together in a most satisfying order.
  There are some delicious ironies: one set of thieves referring to the people who robbed them as the thieves; the robbing, at one stage, being done by a cop.
  It is easy to see why this novel has won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction 2010. Readers will have difficulty putting it down. There was a 13 year hiatus between the last Wyatt novel and this one: lets hope we dont have to wait as long for the next one. This was my first Wyatt novel, but certainly not my last.
  
• 

  The Sound Of A Wild Snail Eating
  Elisabeth Tova Bailey

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  slow down and hear the snails

  02/02/2011

  Elisabeth Tova Baileys latest work, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating has a title that naturally intrigues. Is this book really about snails? And if so, how interesting or exciting can that be? Is reading this book going to be like watching paint dry or grass grow? And can you actually hear a wild snail eating? The answer to the last question is yes, but dont leave it at that. This book is worth your time: you will very likely read it in one sitting.
  Bailey finds herself in a situation of enforced inactivity. It is the readers good fortune that she uses her time to share her observations of Neohelix albolabris, the White-lipped forest snail. Bailey displays a great insight into her own situation. She identifies with her snail: they are both homebound; both prisoners; both displaced from their usual familiar environment. Baileys isolation is kept at bay by her snail (as hard as this may be to believe!). We are treated to quite a different perspective of the world. This book is full of easily-digestible information about snails and delightful quotes and anecdotes about snails from various literary sources. And, as unlikely as it may seem, there is also philosophy, humour and sex.
  This book is truly a pleasure to read. And after reading it, you may well hesitate as your hand reaches for the snail pellets, next time you go into the garden.
  
• 

  One Foot In Eden
  Ron Rash

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  More than a murder mystery

  01/03/2011

  One Foot in Eden is Ron Rashs first novel. The tale is told in five voices; the setting is the Jocassee Valley in the Appalachian Mountains of South Carolina in the 1950s. It starts out as a murder mystery, but soon becomes much more. Characters that start out as simple farmers and law enforcement officers develop an unexpected depth. Underneath the main story is the current of peoples lives and the threat of the dam that will flood the valley.
  Sherriff Will Alexander believes that local thug and war veteran Holland Winchester has been murdered, but he has no body. He suspects that Billy Holcombe has committed the crime but has no proof. The crime and its aftermath are described successively by Will Alexander, Billy Holcombes wife Amy, Billy, his son Isaac and Deputy Bobby Murphree. The plot twists in unpredictable ways: more than once, the outcome is quite different from what the reader might expect.
  It is obvious from the rich descriptions and authentic dialogue that Rash is a native Appalachian: his love of the place and the people stands out.
  This is a tale of murder; of suspicion and superstition; of guilt and of love; of infidelity and jealousy; of choosing a path in life; of fatherhood; of attachment to place and community displacement. Beautifully written, it is a pleasure to read and hard to put down.
  
• 

  1222
  Anne Holt

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  Murder in the snow

  02/02/2011

  Anne Holts latest novel is 1222. The numbers refer to the height above sea level of the town where this modern version of the classic crime story takes place. The story starts with a derailment just as the train leaves Finesnut on its journey from Olso to Bergen. Plenty of injuries, but the train driver is the lone casualty. Amongst the 269 passengers who are evacuated to the nearby century-old mountain hotel are self-indulgent teens, German tourists, a church group, a sports team, the unseen occupants of a mysterious extra carriage, a group of doctors (conveniently for those injured) on their way to a conference and retired police inspector Hanne Wilhelmsen. Add some locals and hotel staff, a snowstorm to ensure everyone has to stay put, a murder (or two) and you have the definitive locked room mystery. Hanne is not Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot: theres no rubbing of hands together with glee at the challenge; she doesnt want to get involved. Hanne is paralysed, confined to a wheelchair, limited to the lobby level. Whilst relying on those around her for some pertinent information, her powers of observation and deduction are obviously acute and she has the case solved in time for the classic denouement when the cops finally arrive.
  Anne Holt gives us a prickly heroine. Shes cynical, perceptive, has a very dry sense of humour and an incisive wit. Hannes inner monologue is a delight; her other characters and the dialogue are realistic and the action is non-stop. Holt touches on several topical issues and throws in a bit of philosophy. The Beaufort scale chapter headings are a fitting touch. 1222 gives the reader undiluted pleasure throughout: this novel is hard to put down. Marlaine Delargys excellent translation certainly deserves a mention.
  
• 

  Room
  Emma Donoghue

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  hard to put down

  28/02/2011

  Emma Donoghues latest novel, Room, is told from the perspective of Jack, a five-year-old boy who has lived his whole life inside Room with his mother, Ma. Having Jack narrate is a clever device: through his innocent eyes and ears, we gradually learn how he and Ma come to be in this situation and what fills their days. We share Jacks thoughts about daily life and his fear at the thought of escape and the attempt to carry it out. Altogether, it makes for horror, humour, hope, suspense and sadness. I really enjoyed this book. I laughed, I cried, and at one stage, the tension was so high, I did the reading equivalent of putting your hands in front of your eyes in a scary movie: I had to walk away for a break. Apart from that, I found it hard to put down and I am sure many will read it in one sitting. Heartbreaking in parts, it was ultimately a truly uplifting novel.
• 

  Dream Of Ding Village
  Yan Lianke

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  will leave you gasping

  28/02/2011

  Yan Liankes latest work, Dream of Ding Village, is narrated by Ding Qiang: I was only twelve, in my fifth year of school, when I died. I died from eating a poisoned tomato I found on the way home from schoolI died not from AIDS, but because my dad had run a blood collection station in Ding Village ten years earlier. He bought blood from the villagers and resold it for a profit.
  Qiangs narration details how the dirt-poor villagers were coerced into selling their blood at Government-sanctioned collection stations and even, literally, in the field: the flattery or the appeal to patriotism that formed not the soft or hard sell, but the hard buy. Interspersed throughout the narration are the dreams of his Grandpa, Professor Ding Shuiyang: seemingly surreal but increasingly accurate and premonitory, from them we learn how, in the midst of abject poverty, bitterness and increasing hopelessness, some peoples behaviour sinks to breathtaking greed, corruption and short-sightedness.
  Qiang gets to see both sides of the coin as his father, Ding Hui, was a bloodhead, who used criminally negligent blood collection practices, whilst his uncle, Ding Liang, contracted AIDS in the self-same place. Hui profits initially from buying and selling blood, then from selling Government-issued coffins to the families of the AIDS victims and developing Funeral Parks, then from matchmaking the dead so they will not be lonely in the afterlife. Dream of Ding Village portrays the death of the villagers and ultimately, the death of the village.
  Filled with elegant prose, rich imagery, strong characters and allegory, Yan Liankes work exposes the nepotism and greed rife in China whilst at the same time giving us poignant moments of love, self-sacrifice and humanity between the villagers. It may be difficult to imagine that this subject matter could evoke humour, but the absurdity of certain situations (a free coffin from the Government as consolation for dying from AIDS; an AIDS couple arguing about who should die first so that a nice coffin and a good funeral will be assured; matchmaking the dead) does not fail to raise a chuckle.
  Yan claims that Dream of Ding Village is a sanitized version of the documentary he intends to write. If only a fraction of the events portrayed had truly happened, then it would already be a tragedy of epic proportions: it is easy to see why the Chinese authorities have banned this book. The lack of responsibility taken or reparation made would certainly warrant a cover up. Dream of Ding Village is a powerful read: in places it will leave you gasping and it will stay with you long after you turn the last page. It will also make you grateful that you donate blood under conditions so vastly different from these. Cindy Carters excellent translation deserves a special mention.
  
• 

  Fall Girl
  Toni Jordan

  Online Price: $24.99

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  Jordan does it again: clever, funny, sexy

  01/02/2011

  Fall Girl, the latest novel by Toni Jordan, is the sort of book you cant stop reading, yet you dont want it to end. This book has a bit of everything: humour, intrigue, romance, sexual tension, witty dialogue, characters you cant help liking, even a chase! When I read the summary on the back cover, I thought I could predict which way the plot would go, but I was in for a few surprises. Jordan deals with a few issues on the way: knowing who you really are; what you tell yourself about your past; family loyalty and how people justify their (mis)deeds. Full of con artists (but who is really being conned?) who may (or may not) get their comeuppance. I thought it would be difficult to maintain the standard of Toni Jordans excellent debut, Addition, but Fall Girl does so with ease. I look forward to Toni Jordans next novel.
• 

  The Distant Hours
  Kate Morton

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  a great read

  19/06/2011

  The Distant Hours is Australian author, Kate Mortons third novel. The novel plays out over two time periods: the early 1940s and 50 years later. The story begins when Meredith Burchill receives a letter that has been delayed by 50 years. The letter is from one of the Blythe sisters of Milderhurst Castle in Kent, to where Meredith was evacuated from London during the war. Her daughter Edith watches her reaction and is inwardly sceptical when her mother dismisses the letter as unimportant. Sometime later, Ediths publishing job takes her near Milderhurst Castle, where she is drawn to know more about the place her mother stayed, the place that was also home to the famous author, Raymond Blythe. She meets the elderly sisters Blythe: the twins, Persephone (Percy) and Seraphina (Saffy) and the much younger (and mad) Juniper (June), during a tour of the Castle. Whilst there, she hears something of the events of 50 years previous that have left Juniper stuck on October 29th, 1941. Juniper still waits for the expected fianc who never arrived. This book is filled with wonderful prose (And then had come the rain, great sobbing drops that brought an immediate sheen to the world. and The room bore an unmistakeable signature of stillness). The characters develop well: Morton binds the sisters in an intricate tangle of love and duty and resentment. The plot is involved and interesting enough to keep the reader turning pages. By about a third of the way through I was convinced I had figured out who dunnit, as I think many readers will be. It was such a lovely read, though, that I kept going and was duly surprised by the twist at the end. The epilogue was a superb touch. A very enjoyable read.
• 

  Tick, Tock
  James Patterson

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  quite a good plot

  13/11/2011

  Tick Tock is the 4th book in the Michael Bennett series by prolific author James Patterson. Bennett is on his summer holiday at Breezy Point with his ten children, nanny, Mary Catherine and Grandpa Seamus. With a romance possibly budding with Mary Catherine, Bennett is called back to work as a series of bomb attacks starts in New York City. As the action escalates, with murders and explosions and a kidnapping, Bennett enlists the help of FBI agent, Emily Parker. It seems that the perpetrator is copy-catting notorious New York crimes from the past. As Bennett and Parker try to track down the killer, Bennett also finds himself attracted to Parker. The pace of this novel is fast, once again with Pattersons trademark short chapters. Quite a good plot: I will look forward to the next Michael Bennett instalment.
• 

  1222
  Anne Holt

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  Murder in the snow

  02/02/2011

  Anne Holts latest novel is 1222. The numbers refer to the height above sea level of the town where this modern version of the classic crime story takes place. The story starts with a derailment just as the train leaves Finesnut on its journey from Olso to Bergen. Plenty of injuries, but the train driver is the lone casualty. Amongst the 269 passengers who are evacuated to the nearby century-old mountain hotel are self-indulgent teens, German tourists, a church group, a sports team, the unseen occupants of a mysterious extra carriage, a group of doctors (conveniently for those injured) on their way to a conference and retired police inspector Hanne Wilhelmsen. Add some locals and hotel staff, a snowstorm to ensure everyone has to stay put, a murder (or two) and you have the definitive locked room mystery. Hanne is not Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot: theres no rubbing of hands together with glee at the challenge; she doesnt want to get involved. Hanne is paralysed, confined to a wheelchair, limited to the lobby level. Whilst relying on those around her for some pertinent information, her powers of observation and deduction are obviously acute and she has the case solved in time for the classic denouement when the cops finally arrive.
  Anne Holt gives us a prickly heroine. Shes cynical, perceptive, has a very dry sense of humour and an incisive wit. Hannes inner monologue is a delight; her other characters and the dialogue are realistic and the action is non-stop. Holt touches on several topical issues and throws in a bit of philosophy. The Beaufort scale chapter headings are a fitting touch. 1222 gives the reader undiluted pleasure throughout: this novel is hard to put down. Marlaine Delargys excellent translation certainly deserves a mention.
  
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  Hidden Mistress, Public Wife
  Emma Darcy

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  another excellent Emma Darcy romance

  19/06/2011

  Hidden Mistress Public Wife is Emma Darcys 2011 romance novel. Ivy Thornton, daughter of flamboyant Sydney artist Sacha Thornton, is happy on her rose farm, in her overalls, tending her roses and sending out orders. Many of those orders are sent out to billionaire playboy Jordan Powells current mistress, a position held by an ever-changing array of society beauties. When Jordan spots Ivy at one of her mothers gallery shows, he becomes intrigued and, as he has just farewelled his latest mistress, decides to pursue Ivy for the position. But while shes attracted to Jordan, Ivy resists: shes not interest in becoming one of his gallery of mistresses. And after a close call with a gold-digger, Jordans not interested in anything more. His method of chasing her is ironic, and what happens when he woos her surprises both Jordan and Ivy and their families. With dramatic revelations in the final scene, this is another excellent Emma Darcy romance
• 

  Fall Girl
  Toni Jordan

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  Jordan does it again: clever, funny, sexy

  01/02/2011

  Fall Girl, the latest novel by Toni Jordan, is the sort of book you cant stop reading, yet you dont want it to end. This book has a bit of everything: humour, intrigue, romance, sexual tension, witty dialogue, characters you cant help liking, even a chase! When I read the summary on the back cover, I thought I could predict which way the plot would go, but I was in for a few surprises. Jordan deals with a few issues on the way: knowing who you really are; what you tell yourself about your past; family loyalty and how people justify their (mis)deeds. Full of con artists (but who is really being conned?) who may (or may not) get their comeuppance. I thought it would be difficult to maintain the standard of Toni Jordans excellent debut, Addition, but Fall Girl does so with ease. I look forward to Toni Jordans next novel.
• 

  Get Even
  Peter Corris

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  Luke Dunlop 3

  21/08/2011

  Get Even is the 3rd in the Luke Dunlop series by Peter Corris. Once again, ex-cop and Witness Protection Unit officer Luke Dunlop is on the job. This time the subject is another ex-cop, David Scanlon, corrupt and about to turn whistle-blower on some of his Police colleagues and publishing mogul Thomas Kippax. Lukes task is to keep David and his wife, Lucy, and 16-year-old daughter, Mirabelle, safe until David can testify to the State Counter Corruption Authority, then organise identity change, re-documentation and relocation for them. Lukes problems start in earnest when Mirabelle goes missing from the Safe House. Corris gives us a great plot, believable characters and authentic dialogue. As always, his descriptions of police procedure and witness protection are very realistic. Police corruption forms a major part of the story: I do hope theres at least a few cops left in NSW who arent. This novel has more golf than Id like, quite a bit of sex, violence, some humour and several deaths, not all of them murders. I wonder if there will more Luke Dunlop adventures.
• 

  Shame Travels: A Family Lost, A Family Found
  Jasvinder Sanghera

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  an eye-opener

  08/01/2012

  Shame Travels is the 3rd book by Jasvinder Sanghera, a sequel to her first two books, Shame and Daughters of Shame. Jasvinder Sanghera is an activist and advocate for women's rights who was born in Derby. She is the co-founder of Karma Nirvana, a community-based project where several refuge centres across the United Kingdom serve as safe-housing for South Asian women fleeing forced marriages. This book details her journey to India, to the village in rural Punjab where her father was born, and to her mothers fabled Golden Temple at Amritsar. This was a journey she had hoped to make with her father, but, after fleeing at fifteen to escape a forced marriage, her family disowned her, citing the shame she brought to them, and, even after a reconciliation of sorts, her father refused to let her accompany him, telling her Shame travels. Challenging 30 years of rejection by her family in the UK, Jasvinder decides to find out if she has any family who wont reject her. She finds her Punjab family, makes discoveries about the lies her UK family has told, learns about the Sikh religion, and is ultimately vindicated for her youthful actions. This book is more than just a memoir: it is also powerfully enlightening about forced marriage and honour-based crimes in the UK. This book is inspirational, uplifting and revelatory: quite an eye-opener. And for those who dont usually bother with the appendix, this is certainly a sobering one: details of known honour killings in the UK. I found one observation particularly insightful: sometimes survivors cant forgive their families, because the person who could have forgiven them no longer exists.
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  A Man's Got To Have A Hobby: Long Summers With My Dad
  William Mcinnes

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  reminiscing can be fun

  28/02/2011

  A Mans Got to Have a Hobby is the first book by William McInnes, better known, perhaps, for his acting roles in Seachange and Blue Heelers. This book is a memoir of his father, Colin McInnes, and takes us back to the 70s on a battleaxe block in Queensland: cane toads, stubbies, backyard barbies, cricket and footy games. McInnes style makes for easy reading: there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as a few that may move the reader to tears. The second half is perhaps a little slow, but this book is, nonetheless, a very enjoyable read.
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  Shallow Graves
  Jeffery Deaver and William Jefferies

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  Small town drama

  14/03/2011

  Shallow Graves is the first of Jeffrey Deavers Location Scout novels. John Pellam is the location scout in question, and his job is to scout for suitable locations at which to shoot movies. He is doing just that in the small upstate New York town of Cleary when he is injured as a pedestrian and his assistant, researching a different location, dies when the gas tank of his hire car explodes. The speed of the investigation and the hasty disposal of the burnt car wreck cause Pellam to suspect foul play. The presence of bullet holes in the car body near the gas tank firm these suspicions. In the course of his own investigation, Pellam encounters a hippy, an attractive real estate agent, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, an apple fair, a junkyard, a jealous land developer, guns, drugs and quite a few fists at close range. Plenty of plot twists keep it exciting to the very end.
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  Follow The Money
  Peter Corris

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  Cliff Hardy is back!

  01/02/2011

  Incredible as it may seem, I had never read a Peter Corris novel, so I had no idea of the depth of pleasure in store for me when I began to read his latest Cliff Hardy offering, Follow the Money.
  The GFC in full swing, ex-PI Cliff Hardy has managed, not only to lose all his money, but also to end up with a future debt, thanks to the actions of an unscrupulous and now possibly (or possibly not) deceased financial advisor. Less than enamoured by the idea of bankruptcy, Cliff decides to follow the money.
  If, as I did, you are wondering how a novel concerning a financial advisor and the GFC could be anything but boring, let me assure you that Peter Corris has succeeded admirably in producing both humour and excitement. I would add that I am very grateful that my financial advisor is nothing like this one
  Corris has created a likeable hero in Cliff Hardy. He gives us a clever plot with a few twists, credible dialogue with plenty of chuckles and laugh-out-loud moments, lots of action and a great climax.
  This was my first Peter Corris novel: it is, without doubt, not my last
  
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  Fall Girl
  Toni Jordan

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  Jordan does it again: clever, funny, sexy

  01/02/2011

  Fall Girl, the latest novel by Toni Jordan, is the sort of book you cant stop reading, yet you dont want it to end. This book has a bit of everything: humour, intrigue, romance, sexual tension, witty dialogue, characters you cant help liking, even a chase! When I read the summary on the back cover, I thought I could predict which way the plot would go, but I was in for a few surprises. Jordan deals with a few issues on the way: knowing who you really are; what you tell yourself about your past; family loyalty and how people justify their (mis)deeds. Full of con artists (but who is really being conned?) who may (or may not) get their comeuppance. I thought it would be difficult to maintain the standard of Toni Jordans excellent debut, Addition, but Fall Girl does so with ease. I look forward to Toni Jordans next novel.
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  The Time Traveler's Wife
  Rachel Mcadams

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  enchanting

  19/06/2011

  The Time Travelers Wife, adapted from Audrey Niffeneggers enchanting second novel of the same title, is the story of Henry DeTamble (the Time Traveler) and Clare Abshire (the Time Travelers Wife). Clare first meets Henry when she is six years old and he suddenly appears, naked, in the Meadow near her home: hes thirty-six at the time. On the other hand, Henry first meets Clare in the library where he works, when hes twenty-eight and shes twenty. Henry has a condition called Chrono-Displacement Disorder, which has him disappearing and reappearing into various times in the past and future. This is ultimately a beautiful love story with a time-travel twist, which adds a different dimension to the story: humour in some parts, horror or heartache in others. Whilst no movie can encompass all of a book, this one is none-the-less fairly faithful to the book. While I might not have picked Eric Bana for this role, he portrays Henry very well, and Rachel McAdams brings Clare to life beautifully. I loved Tatum and Hailey McCann as Alba and Brooklynn Proulx as the young Clare. I enjoyed this movie enough at the theatre to buy the DVD.
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  My Sister's Keeper
  Sofia Vassilieva, Jason Patric, Cameron Diaz and others

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  disappointing

  19/06/2011

  This movie is based on Jodi Picoults bestselling novel of the same title. The story begins with Anna Fitzgerald seeing a lawyer, Campbell Alexander, to sue her parents for the right to her own body. Anna was conceived to provide (initially) cord blood for her older sister Kate who has leukaemia. As she has grown up and as Kates disease has progressed, more and more has been demanded of Annas body for her sister. While a movie can never encompass all the content of a book, many of the main issues were covered in this film. Fans of the book will, however, very likely be disappointed with the ending: the twist that gave Picoult s book the perfect ending was changed to a more Hollywood ending. Another drawback was the absence of one of Picoults delightful humour devices in the book: all the purposes that Campbell comes up with for his dog, Judge. It also misses completely the angst of Anna and Kates older brother, Jesse, as his life is put on hold for his sister. If you havent read the book, you may well enjoy this movie. If you have read the book, only watch it if you dont mind Picoults perfect ending being tampered with.
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  Her Not-So-Secret Diary
  Anne Oliver

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  Oops!

  22/05/2011

  Her Not-So-Secret Diary is Anne Olivers tenth novel. Sophie Buchanan accidentally emails her dream diary (with a rather hot dream) to Jared Sanderson, a boss she is temping for. This cute little device sets the scene for each of them to consider the other as a bed-partner. Jared, hunky and sensitive, wants a wife and family. Sophie, divorced and with a deep secret, wants to escape to her Europe holiday. Plenty of sparks fly between this spirited Aussie pair before they realise they are made to be together.
  The Princes Mistress, by Sandra Marton, is a bonus 40-page novella included in this volume. Prince Nicolas of Karas is at the end of his half year of anonymity in New York, before taking the throne of Karas, when he meets Chloe, a seemingly seducible society girl, in reality the daughter of a Calistan Sheikh. Instant attraction is followed in the usual manner, until Nicolas is led to believe Chloe is simply a gold-digger. A cute romance about very rich people.
  
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  Me And Mr Booker
  Cory Taylor

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  funny, sexy, moving

  01/03/2011

  Me and Mr Booker, Cory Taylors first novel, has been described as a coming of age novel. Martha is sixteen and tells people she is emotionally scarred from her parents marriage break-up. She considers her unemployed (and seemingly unemployable) father, Victor, mad, and in a frightening rather than an amusing way. Her mother, Jessica, a teacher, throws parties every weekend to ward off the boredom and loneliness of weekends, and her older brother Eddie is away in New Guinea. In this dysfunctional atmosphere, Martha finds herself waiting for something to happen in her life. As luck will have it, that something is Mr Booker: English, sophisticated, charming and impossible to resist, despite the fact that he comes complete with a wife. Very little is learned about Mr Booker (and never his first name) until the last chapter: the very last line of the book reveals much.
  Taylor expertly captures the feel of the dull country town, the sense of boredom and even hopelessness. She lets us inside the mind of a sixteen-year-old girl, one who feels old because of her parents attitude and the way men have started to look at her. Her affair with Mr Booker seems inevitable, and Taylor builds the tension throughout the book, giving the reader a sense of this cant end well. This tension is regularly eased by the witty repartee between the characters. As well as this, Victors delusions and his letters to Jessica, full of inappropriately grandiloquent language, are quite a source of humour. Some of his later letters are, unintentionally, truly hilarious.
  Taylor gives us believable characters and authentic dialogue. As we join Marthas journey towards adulthood and maturity, it is hard not to hope she finds her way without too much heartbreak. The last page, a touching ending, has the reader wondering who really has the power over whom? Me and Mr Booker is funny, sexy, moving: altogether a great read. Let us hope Cory Taylor has more like this one to share with her readers.
  
  
• 

  Blue Skies
  Helen Hodgman

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  Aussie classic

  01/03/2011

  Blue Skies is Helen Hodgmans debut novel, written in 1976. This edition includes an insightful introduction by Danielle Wood. The setting is 1970s Tasmanian suburbia. The story is narrated by a young wife and mother who finds herself unable to muster any enthusiasm for the life she and her neighbours are leading. She avoids the daily gathering of mothers and children at the beach by hiding in her home. Her only respite from the despair in her life and the oppression she feels from the relentless blue skies are the days when she leaves her daughter with her mother-in-law and conducts her affairs with Jonathan the restaurateur (Tuesdays) and Ben the artist, her oldest friends husband (Thursdays). As events unfold, her perception of the world around her seems increasingly surreal. More and more, she comes across as either vague or selfish. Suspicions the reader has formed about her may be firmed in the final pages.
  Hodgman has crafted an extraordinary novel. With an economy of words, her descriptions are vivid and powerful; the atmosphere of 70s suburbia is brilliantly conveyed; the mood of the narrator is clearly felt. It is easy to see why this Australian classic novel met with high acclaim when it was first published.
  
• 

  Shakespeare's Landlord: A Lily Bard Mystery
  Charlaine Harris

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  keeps you guessing

  12/03/2012

  Shakespeares Landlord is the first in the Lily Bard series by Charlaine Harris. Lily Bard has lived in Shakespeare, Arkansas for four years, working as a cleaning lady, trying to sweep away the secrets of her dark and violent past. But when Lily finds the body of her irritating, gossipy former landlord in the local park, she draws the attention of the rather shrewd local police chief, Claude Friedrich, and her history in Memphis threatens to put her under suspicion. She soon realises she will have to solve the murder if she is to save her own life. As the list of possible suspects lengthens, it seems that Lily and Claude are the only ones in Shakespeare not on it.
  Lily Bard is a feisty if reluctant heroine, reminiscent of Kinsey Millhone, V.I.Warshaw and Claudia Valentine. Harris skilfully captures the small town Arkansas feel, her characters are interesting and their dialogue makes for some laugh-out-loud moments, as does, at times, Lilys inner monologue. I was kept guessing to the very end. A very enjoyable read that had me looking forward to the next in the series, Shakespeares Champion.
  
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  Shakespeare's Trollop: A Lily Bard Mystery
  Charlaine Harris

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  excellent murder mystery

  25/03/2012

  Shakespeares Trollop is the fourth in the Lily Bard series by Charlaine Harris. Lily Bard has the misfortune to discover the naked body of Shakespeares trollop, Deedra Dean, in her car in the woods. As the new sheriff, Marta Schuster, investigates, the list of possible suspects seems daunting, given Deedras promiscuity, and includes her own brother, Marlon, lately close to Deedra. Lilys cleaning job leads her to talk to many Shakespeare residents, and she begins to wonder if the staging of the body to look like a sexual crime is intended to mislead: is it really Deedras wantonness that led to her death? Is the murder motivated by her family connections? Has she learned something in her job at the County Clerks office that put her in danger? The manner of her death leads to anyone with martial arts abilities coming under suspicion. In this instalment, Lily: washes a dog; attends a funeral; kisses (really kisses) another man; watches some pornographic videotapes; rescues an old man from the work of an arsonist and attends the wedding of a close friend. Jack and Lilys relationship progresses enough for her to declare her love. Lilys character is further developed: she comes to realise she wants to stay in Shakespeare, she likes having friends and a steady relationship, she is stronger and sees herself less as a victim. Harris has created a very likeable heroine with standards and principles, wisdom and thoughtfulness. The plot had enough twists to keep the reader engrossed, and the dialogue is realistic and often humorous. Excellent murder mystery.
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  Fallen
  Karin Slaughter

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  best Slaughter yet

  08/06/2011

  Fallen is the third in Karin Slaughters Georgia series. The story starts with Faith Mitchell returning to her mother, Evelyns, place after work to collect her 4 month-old daughter Emma. When she arrives, she finds a bloody handprint on the door and Emma locked in the shed. Evelyns gun is missing from the gun safe. Faith arms herself and enters a ransacked house. Theres a dead body on the laundry floor and lots of blood in the kitchen. Soon, two more men are dead, and Evelyn is missing. Does this have to do with the reason Will Trent was investigating Evelyn when she was head of the drug squad? Will, his boss, Amanda Wagner and Sara Linton are soon trying to piece together the evidence. In this novel, we get to learn a bit more about Faiths past and her family; Angie Polaski/Trent proves beyond doubt that she is a nasty piece of work, a manipulative monster; Amanda shows that while she can be a bitch, she has a depth not previously apparent; and we can probably forgive Faith her occasional bad judgement in some measure due to her fluctuating blood sugar levels. Slaughter does not shy away from issues. Police corruption, drug gangs, and prisons all make an appearance. The story is well researched. The plot and dialogue are excellent. Just when you think you know where the story is going, theres another surprise. This book has lots of strong women and a strong, but flawed, man. Slaughter uses Will to ease some of the tenser moments by putting him into situations that create humour e.g. locked in a car boot with a rifle. He becomes the source of quite a few laugh-out-loud moments, especially his exchanges with Amanda. This book is a page turner, filled with gripping, edge of the seat crime drama. The dilemma with a book like this is you cant stop reading but youre enjoying it so much, you dont want it to end. I wonder, each time I pick up a new Karin Slaughter book, how she can keep up the standard, but so far, I have not been disappointed. I really enjoyed this book and I am sure Slaughter fans will love it.
• 

  Follow The Money: A Cliff Hardy Novel
  Peter Corris

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  Cliff Hardy is Back!

  01/02/2011

  Incredible as it may seem, I had never read a Peter Corris novel, so I had no idea of the depth of pleasure in store for me when I began to read his latest Cliff Hardy offering, Follow the Money.
  The GFC in full swing, ex-PI Cliff Hardy has managed, not only to lose all his money, but also to end up with a future debt, thanks to the actions of an unscrupulous and now possibly (or possibly not) deceased financial advisor. Less than enamoured by the idea of bankruptcy, Cliff decides to follow the money.
  If, as I did, you are wondering how a novel concerning a financial advisor and the GFC could be anything but boring, let me assure you that Peter Corris has succeeded admirably in producing both humour and excitement. I would add that I am very grateful that my financial advisor is nothing like this one
  Corris has created a likeable hero in Cliff Hardy. He gives us a clever plot with a few twists, credible dialogue with plenty of chuckles and laugh-out-loud moments, lots of action and a great climax.
  This was my first Peter Corris novel: it is, without doubt, not my last
  
• 

  The Knitting Diaries
  Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, Mallery and others

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  heartwarming romances

  07/11/2011

  The Knitting Diaries is an anthology of three stories with a knitting theme. And, of course, there are knitting patterns included with each story.
  The Twenty-First Wish, by Debbie Macomber, is a short story in the Blossom Street series, and centres around Blossom Street Books proprietor Anne Marie Roche and her adopted daughter Ellen. The title refers to an earlier book in the series, Twenty Wishes; Ellen has added a secret twenty-first wish to her list: that her adopted mother will fall in love with her father Tim. But Anne Marie caught Tim in a lie, and is now going out with Mel. Does Ellens wish have a chance? Another sweet Macomber romance.
  Coming Unravelled, by Susan Mallery is a short story set in the small town of Georgetown, Texas. Robyn Mulligan has come back to Georgetown to help out her grandmother, Eleanor, with her yarn shop, Only Ewe, when Eleanor needs to have knee surgery. Robyns acting career in New York has stalled, and she wants to make a fresh start in Texas. But T.J. Passman, handsome and hot-tempered, doesnt trust her to not take advantage of Eleanor. T.J. has a tragic past to overcome and has found succour with Eleanor and her friends. Will Robyn and T.J. eventually stop being enemies? A passionate romance from Susan Mallery
  Return to Summer Island by Christina Skye is a short story set in Summer Island, Oregon. Caro McNeal returns to her childhood home on Summer Island when she has a devastating car accident in Chicago which causes her to lose the use of her right hand and arm. As well as being unable to do her victim advocate work, she cannot knit, and find this the most heart-breaking of all. At the home of her grandmother, Morgan, she encounters a handsome Marine, Lieutenant Gage Grayson, about to return to duty in Afghanistan. Somehow, she finds herself looking after his pets, drawing them and sending him emails, all of which seems to help her rehabilitate. But when the pets seem to sense something is amiss, she begins to worry if Gage will make it home. A heart-warming tale.
  
• 

  Edge
  Jeffery Deaver

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  page turner

  05/05/2012

  Edge is the 12th stand-alone novel by Jeffrey Deaver. Set in Washington DC, this gripping tale starts with a prologue in which a lifter, Henry Loving, tortures and kills a government personal security officer, Abe Fallow, for information about locations of people in the witness protection scheme. Fast-forward six years, and Loving has targeted DC police detective, Ryan Kessler and his family; Fallows protg, Officer Corte is the one assigned to protect (shepherd) the family. Under Cortes care are Ryan, his daughter, Amanda, his wife, Joanne, and her sister, Maree. Matters are complicated by the fact that no-one can quite figure out what information Loving is intent on lifting from Kessler and for whom, but Corte has the able assistance of Claire duBois, his own protg. He also has mostly useful help from FBI agents and interference from the Attorney Generals department, as well as a Senate Enquiry into unwarranted wiretaps threatening. In this riveting novel, Deaver gives the reader a plot with plenty of twists, lots of tension, convincing characters and credible dialogue. He provides a wealth of interesting information about witness protection: the nicknames used, like hitter, lifter, clone, principal, primary and shepherd; the use of behaviour psychology, observation and communication; the resources used, like electronic devices, technical backup, accommodation, vehicles, weapons and surveillance equipment. Deaver also touches on game playing and tactical moves. Corte is perhaps a little too unemotional, but the plot ensures this is a page-turner.
• 

  Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party: The New No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Novel
  Alexander Mccall Smith

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  Mma Ramotswe makes you feel good again

  23/04/2011

  The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party is the twelfth book in Alexander McCall Smiths No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Mma Ramotswe has plenty to keep her busy as someone is killing cattle on a southern cattle-post, Charlie the apprentice seems to have fathered twins and Grace Makutsis wedding to Phuti Radiphuti is fast approaching. She also has to wonder if she is seeing a ghost when her tiny white van makes an appearance. Mma Makutsi is faced with a shoe dilemma and shows her usual indignance at Violet Sephothos latest antics: standing for election. Clovis Andersons Principles of Private Detection is freely quoted (where can I get hold of a copy?) and Mma Ramotse manages to resolve the issues, big and small, in time for Grace to (finally!) get married. This audio edition is (once again) beautifully read by Adjoa Andoh (takes me back to kindergarten story time..). Truly a delight to listen to, it will leave the reader feeling good.
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  Sing You Home
  Jodi Picoult

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  another excellent Picoult

  23/04/2011

  Sing You Home is Jodi Picoults 18th novel. As always, Picoult deals with big issues. This time it is homosexuality and the attitude of society, government and, in particular, organised religion, to those who are openly homosexual. But other issues also make an appearance: as Picoult herself says, this book is about a lot of things. This novel details the single-mindedness, the almost obsessive lengths to which some people will go to overcome infertility. It asks about the fate of frozen embryos: are they people or property? Who has rights over them when a marriage breaks up? It touches on the importance of music in our lives. It examines in detail the arguments of certain religious leaders against homosexuality: the faulty logic, the quotation of scriptures out of their historical context, the convenient interpretation of biblical quotes, the power of charismatic preachers. Most of all, this novel asks the question: what is a family? As she usually does, Picoult tells the story in voices: in this case, Zoe, who has spent ten years trying to have a baby; Max, her husband, who has finally had enough, divorces her and finds God; and Vanessa, a guidance counsellor who becomes Zoes friend and eventually, her lover. As with all of Picoults novels, this one is thought-provoking and highly enjoyable: an excellent read!
• 

  Kill Alex Cross
  James Patterson

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  a mistitled disappointment

  11/02/2012

  Kill Alex Cross is the 18th in James Pattersons Alex Cross series. The action starts immediately with the kidnapping from the Branaff School of Zoe and Ethan Coyle, the children of President Edward Coyle and First Lady Regina. This is followed very quickly by a cyanide contamination of part of Washington DCs water supply and the apparent suicide by cyanide ingestion of a Saudi couple in a hotel room. While Alex Cross manages to question a suspect involved with the kidnapping, he is kept out of the case for the vital first 24 hours. He only learns some time later of communication from the kidnapper: no ransom, just a personal threat to the President. Patterson gives us an interesting, if perhaps a bit clichd, perspective on life in America from the viewpoint of a Saudi terrorist. As well as the cyanide contamination of the water supply, Patterson touches on Sarin gas and Semtex explosive in Subway trains. Alex Cross seems a bit arrogant first off, but shows hints of the character we came to love in earlier books. The plot, however, is rather anticlimactic, the kidnapper is a lamentably shallow character, and much of the dialogue is wooden: Tell me whats happened, Ron, the president commanded Director Burns. Tell me everything, right now. How Cross & co actually located the children is skimmed over; Cross is not involved in the terrorist aspect at all, and this seems to fizzle out; and as for Kill Alex Cross, nothing is mentioned of this until 17 pages from the end. This novel still has Pattersons trademark short chapters, and there is liberal use of exclamation marks, but it feels like Patterson isnt really interested in Alex Cross any more, like hes not putting much effort into a hero who has made him a lot of money and has (or, rather, had) a large following. This mistitled instalment of Alex Cross is a disappointment and not even close to the quality of the early titles.
• 

  The Amateur Science Of Love
  Craig Sherborne

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  a revelation

  01/06/2011

  The Amateur Science of Love is Craig Sherbornes first novel. At 21 years of age, Colin Butcher escapes the family farm (and a lovers angry husband) in New Zealand to pursue his acting dream in London. His stalled career takes an abrupt turn when he meets the beautiful Tilda Robson (older, artistic and exciting), and falls in love. Together, they return to her Melbourne studio and are soon living her artists dream: a studio in a dilapidated old bank building in the small town of Scintilla, some distance from Melbourne. As they deal with life in an isolated small-town and their own fluctuating passions, they also face the prospect of unexpected pregnancy, serious illness and eventually, infidelity.
  Colin narrates the tale, secretly typing it in his nook above Tildas art studio. He comes across as self-absorbed, immature and with an inflated opinion of his own self-worth. This delusion he maintains to the very end, a source of some humour. The male point of view of the relationship is truly a revelation: an insight into how a man thinks about sex, love, jealousy and marriage vows. These unvarnished male thoughts, some quite shocking, are presented with candour and honesty: Colin freely admits to having thoughts others might have but would be unlikely to divulge, like wishing for a miscarriage. He justifies it by describing a miscarriage as more natural than abortion. Colins self-preservation seems instinctive: he holds onto the idea of returning to the family farm as his back-up plan, should he decide to leave Tilda. It would certainly be interesting to know what a male reader would make of this novel.
  Is this a tale of two self-absorbed people careening through lust, love, infidelity and jealousy? Are they flawed people, a flawed couple, having an inevitably flawed relationship? Whatever this is, the story, and the way it is told, draws the reader in. There is some very black humour; lots of excellent prose; an unexpected pursuit; in places it is hilarious (Tilda burning Colins new underwear in the bath); some of the action is almost slapstick. The ending is indefinite: it leaves the reader wondering which path Colin will take. A most enjoyable novel: I feel it will be much-discussed by book clubs.
  
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  Caleb's Crossing
  Geraldine Brooks

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  enlightening, engrossing, emotive

  17/07/2011

  Calebs Crossing is the fourth novel by Geraldine Brooks. As with her other novels, fiction is built on fact. In this case the fact is the life of Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk, the young son of a Wampanoag chieftain, who, in 1665, was the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College. The story is narrated by Bethia Mayfield, the daughter of a Calvinist minister living on the island of Noepe (Marthas Vineyard), and begins when twelve-year-old Bethia meets Caleb whilst she is out gathering clams. Bethias diary paints a vivid picture of life in an English Puritan settlement in the 17th century, and the effects on both cultures of interaction with the Native population. As events unfold, we watch Bethia, in her innocence and ignorance, using faulty logic, come to incorrect conclusions and thus suffers unwarranted guilt. As Bethia grows and matures, so does her narrative voice. The struggle between the English ministers and the Native medicine men for the acceptance of their beliefs amongst the native population is well portrayed. Calebs stubborn uncle, medicine man Tequamuk, seems remarkably prescient on the subject of the future of Native Americans.
  Each time I pick up a book, fiction or non-fiction, by Geraldine Brooks, I look at the description on the jacket and wonder if I am going to like this one. By now, I should have learned that, no matter the subject matter, this author does not disappoint her readers. The depth of her research stands out. Her characters are always well developed, the dialogue is authentic, and she manages to convey the mood and atmosphere perfectly. Brooks manages to squeeze a wealth of facts into an easily-digestible package. I laughed and cried. I especially loved Calebs explanation and opinions on the native and English gods. I enjoyed this novel more than I expected to. It was engrossing and enlightening. The afterword was especially interesting. Once again, Brooks gives us a wonderful read.
  
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  Red Dog
  Louis De Bernieres, Louis De Bernieres and De Berni

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  a heart-warming tale

  17/10/2011

  Red Dog is the 5th book by Louis de Bernieres and was inspired when de Bernieres visited the West Australian town of Karratha for a literary dinner and came across the bronze statue to Red Dog outside the town of Dampier. As the author learned more about the dog, he formulated the novel, which is essentially an amalgamation of the anecdotes told about this much loved animal, his endearing and also his annoying habits, his ability to get under the guard of the most hardened characters, and his eventual search for the master he loved and missed and seemed determined to track down. It is a heart-warming tale.
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  The Midwife's Confession
  Diane Chamberlain

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  thought-provoking page-turner

  17/10/2011

  The Midwifes Confession is the 21st book by Diane Chamberlain. Tara and Emerson are close friends whose beloved friend and midwife, Noelle, commits suicide. As they struggle to learn the reason for it, they discover that the person they thought they knew so well was not who Noelle was at all. They also discover some dark secrets that will affect their lives and those of their husbands and daughters. The Midwifes Confession is a story about deep and abiding friendships between women which also deals with some tricky ethical questions. The characters and well rounded, the dialogue is realistic and the plot has a few excellent twists. A thought-provoking page-turner.
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  The Girl He Never Noticed
  Lindsay Armstrong

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  enjoyable

  26/01/2012

  The Girl He Never Noticed is the 69th romance novel by Lindsay Armstrong. When dowdy Diary Secretary temp, Liz Montrose, accompanied her boss, tycoon Cameron Hillier, to a party in place of his date, she didnt expect to catch sight of the father of her five-year-old daughter, Scout. She soon found herself scaling a fence and landing in Cams backyard, somewhat the worse for wear, and caught in the beam of his headlights. So begins the latest offering from Lindsay Armstrong. Liz thinks Cam is arrogant and opinionated, so why do all his staff love him so much? When she sees the man he is with his orphaned nephew, Archie, she seriously considers his attractive job offer. Set in Sydney and the Blue Mountains, this Aussie romance is once again, up to Armstrongs high standard. The characters have some depth, although, as usual, her heroine tends to over think things a bit, and the plot is quite original. An enjoyable read.
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  Double Comfort Safari Club
  Alexander Mccall Smith

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  a pleasure to listen to

  08/01/2012

  This is the talking book version of The Double Comfort Safari Club, the 11th in the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. Precious Ramotswe, proprietor of the best detective agency in Botswana, is kept busy with fraudulent fiances, adulterous (or not) part-time reverends, jealous aunties and American legacies. Grace Makutsis well-ordered life is thrown into disarray when her fianc, Phuti Radiphuti, suffers a nasty accident; Violet Sephotho is up to new tricks that show her true colours; Precious has to mediate for a couple suspicious of each other; and Grace and Precious make a trip to Maun and the Okavango Delta to track down the recipient of a legacy from an American tourist. Precious bravely takes several canoe trips. As always, throughout, we are treated to the wisdom of Obed Ramotswe, Clovis Anderson, Grace Makutsis footwear and Precious herself. We learn why Batswana always speak of their dead as late, what Precious (and McCall Smith) think of Consultants, and more about the Old Botswana Morality and kindness. Delightful chapter headings, wonderful characters, charming and poignant. Once again skilfully abridged so that no important detail is missing, Adjoa Andohs evocative narration is a pleasure to listen to.
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  Fury (export)
  Salman Rushdie

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  not my favourite Rushdie

  21/08/2011

  Fury is Salman Rushdies 8th novel. Professor Malik Solanka, historian and doll-maker, is living in New York, alone, voluntarily celibate, angry and afraid. He has left behind in England, Eleanor, his wife of fifteen years and his beloved young son Asmaan. He fled when he found himself standing over their sleeping forms with a knife. Theres a fury in him and he fears hes become dangerous to those he loves. Hes the creator of a doll, Little Brain, of which, when it became a phenomenon, he lost control: it now stands for everything he despises. We follow Solankas tale as he tries to overcome his fury by losing himself in America at a time of unprecedented plenty. We learn some of his own backstory and watch his encounters with a young woman in a baseball cap, his acquaintances in New York and then a woman with whom he falls in love. This novel contains some self-deprecating seemingly semi-autobiographical snippets of Rushdie. There is some lovely prose worthy of this author, but much of the novel is Maliks stream of consciousness which is sometimes amusing or interesting, but is sometimes rather tedious. I enjoyed the backstory of the Puppet Kings and the way it blended into the real world. Not Rushdies best work and certainly not my favourite.
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  The Sense Of An Ending
  Julian Barnes

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  a powerful read

  21/05/2012

  The Sense of an Ending is the 11th novel by Julian Barnes. In his sixties, retired, Tony Webster sees his life as pretty ordinary: career, marriage, amicable divorce, one child, two grandchildren. So the letter from a lawyer, informing him of an unexpected bequest of money and some documents, is surprising and intriguing. A blast from the past, it has him thinking back to high school friends, Adrian Finn in particular, and his first girlfriend at college, Veronica Ford. As Tony examines his memories of 40 years ago, present day events have him wondering just how true his memories are, and how justified his actions really were. Quotes from his sixth form History class come to mind: Is history the lies of the victors? Or the self-delusions of the defeated? Tony decides its the memories of the survivors, who are neither victorious nor defeated. Barnes has given the reader a clever plot and realistic characters. I found the suicide philosophy (life is an unsolicited gift you can refuse to accept) thought-provoking and the twist at the end left me gasping. I found it very reminiscent of Ian McEwans writing. This is a short but very powerful read.
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  No Rest For The Dead
  David Baldacci and Jeffrey Deaver

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  a great crime read

  21/05/2012

  No Rest for the Dead is a crime fiction collaboration by 26 crime authors, some big names ( Jeffery Deaver, Kathy Reichs, Tess Gerritsen, Jeff Lindsay, Alexander McCall Smith, Sandra Brown, Diana Gabaldon, Marcia Talley, Lisa Scottoline and Faye Kellerman, to name a few) included. The plot centres around Jon Nunn, a police detective whose testimony helped to convict Rosemary Thomas of the murder of her husband Thomas, leading to her execution by lethal injection. Museum curator Thomas was found, several weeks after a loud and public argument with Rosemary, inside an Iron Maiden that had been shipped back to Germany from his museum. Nunn is plagued by doubt as to Rosemarys guilt and, ten years after her execution, is intent on uncovering the truth. The narrative is split into two parts: the time of the murder (1998) and the present day, 10 years after the execution. The plot is very creative, the action fast paced and there are plenty of red herrings, enough to have the reader wondering about the possible guilt or innocence of each major character and a few minor ones. Always a fascinating exercise to give multiple authors a story to construct together, this one, as befits a crime novel, has it all: killers in disguise, art theft, instruments of torture, a hidden diary, a careless medical examiner, plastic surgery, a car chase, forensic anthropology, embezzled trust funds, a botched execution, sex, drugs, shootings, yachts, expensive cars, rich people, hookers, drug addicts, alcoholics, crooked cops, reporters and lots of blackmail. I found that, about a third of the way through, I had figured out the what, but not the who, the how or the why. Written to raise funds for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society, the reader gets their moneys worth with this one. A great crime read.
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  A Turn In The Road
  Debbie Macomber

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  Very enjoyable

  12/12/2011

  A Turn in the Road is the 8th of Debbie Macombers Blossom Street series. In this episode, we depart from Blossom Street to travel to Florida. Bethanne Hamlin, from the very first of the series, The Shop on Blossom Street, now six years divorced from Grant and with her own successful events management business, is suddenly confronted with the dilemma of whether to reconcile with her ex-husband, lately divorced from Tiffany and now remorseful of his actions. When Bethannes ex-mother-in-law, Ruth Hamlin, decides to drive across the country to attend a high-school reunion (and possibly reconnect with an old sweetheart), Bethanne decides that the trip will give her the distance she needs to think about things. And when Bethannes daughter, Annie discovers her boyfriend has planned a trip to Europe for a year without considering her, she decides to come to Florida too. The three women manage to have a few adventures, lots of laughs and some romance on the way. Debbie Macomber is great at writing about relationships and shows her talent here by bring a fresh new plot and some interesting characters to the Blossom Street series. Most enjoyable.
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  The Delta
  Tony Park

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  makes me want to go to Africa

  02/08/2011

  The Delta is the 7th fiction novel by Tony Park. Once again set in Africa, the main character this time is a female mercenary, Sonja Kurtz. After an attempt to assassinate the President of Zimbabwe goes wrong, Sonja escapes to Botswana. There she intends to look up her first love, Stirling Smith, at the safari lodge he still manages. Against her better judgement, her boss, Martin Steele, involves her in a plot to help the Caprivi Liberation Army and to blow up the newly-constructed Okavango Dam which appears to be destroying the Okavango Delta. Throw into the mix American actor Coyote Sam Chapman and his World Wildlife film crew, and you have a great story.
  I was interested to read and review this book for several reasons. I have read other books by Park, but the main characters have always been men, so I was interested to see how he dealt with a woman in that spot (very well!). I was also interested because it was set in Botswana. I am a very big fan of a particular series by a male author, also set in Botswana, where the main character is also a woman. Alexander McCall-Smith manages to portray Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi so well in his No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series that readers could be forgiven for thinking the author was female. This book, however, is a world away from that series!
  Parks dialogue is authentic, the descriptions are highly evocative, the plot has plenty of twists and turns, and the characters are quite believable, although many are not what they first seem. There are some delightful turns of phrase. Park even manages to have the reader sympathetic with a hired assassin! There is lots of action, quite a bit of violence and an exciting finish with a laugh-out-loud last line. Parks first-hand knowledge of Africa is evident in every line of text and his love of the African landscape and many of her people is very obvious. Unlike James Pattersons superficial offering, Cross Country, Tony Parks books make you want to go to Africa to experience it for yourself. I am looking forward to his next work, African Dawn.
  
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  Thief Of Hearts
  Tess Gerritsen

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  great Gerritsen intrigue

  11/05/2011

  The Thief of Hearts is Tess Gerritsens 10th stand-alone novel. Jordan Tavistock, doing a favour for a friend, encounters a very attractive female thief whilst himself trying to steal some letters from a local wealthy playboys bedroom. Soon, Jordan chances upon Clea Rice again, and after a narrow escape from an exploding car, their destinies seem to become irrevocably entwined. While Clea thinks Jordan would be safer leaving her to fend for herself, Jordan isnt about to let that happen. Lots of pursuit and escape, surveillance and betrayal, hair dye and wigs. Missing expensive artwork, Lloyds, sinking ships, a bit of sexy romance and hitmen all make an appearance. An enjoyable novel: Tess Gerritsen always does intrigue well.
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  Black Painted Fingernails
  Steven Herrick

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  heart-warming tale

  02/08/2011

  Black Painted Fingernails is the 6th book by Australian writer Steven Herrick. The story starts with James Spalding, a student teacher, setting out west to the town of Hillston for his first teacher-training round. Hes setting out with a cut lunch from his mother, Angela, a gleaming new red BMW M3 from Michael, his dad (a well-off surgeon) and also with a definite lack of enthusiasm. Sophie, owner of the Black Painted Fingernails, is twenty-one, looks gorgeous, wild and unconventional and is hitching a ride back home. She approaches him at a petrol station for a ride. James, young, inexperienced and (by his own admission) a bit geeky, is overwhelmed by her cockiness, and finds himself with a passenger. The story is told in several voices: James is detailing what happens to him and to Sophie on the trip west; Sophie details what has happened in her life to bring her to this point; Angela and Michael separately detail their anxieties about James on this, his first time away from home. At Sophies suggestion, they enter the Truth Factory, and learn a great deal about each other. James admits that he doesnt know what he does want, but he is quite certain he doesnt want my mother to tidy my room or buy my underwear or find me a suitable girlfriend. I dont want to be a teacher. Herrick sets a great scene: the reader feels present in the story from page 1. The dialogue is authentic, the characters quickly become people you care about and the plot is realistic. This novel has some lessons to teach: decide what is really important in your life; think carefully about burning all your bridges, as you may want to use them to go back home; stay connected with the people you care about and tell them you love them, they could be gone tomorrow. This is a heart-warming tale and an easy read. I did wonder if the author used chaise lounge (three times!) intentionally, tongue-in-cheek, or if both authors and proof-readers cant spell these days. Am I showing my age? This novel is described as Young Adult Fiction. I am not a Young Adult, but I very much enjoyed it, none-the-less.
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  The Colour Of Tea
  Hannah Tunnicliffe

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  a remarkable first novel

  08/01/2012

  The Colour of Tea is the first novel by New Zealand-born author Hannah Tunnicliffe. Set in present-day Macau, this novel tells the story of Grace Miller who is trying to come to terms with some devastating news that will change the future she thought she had. Her marriage is fraying and she is having difficulty holding her life together. Finally, she makes a bold move, something her Mama might have done: she opens a small caf, where she serves tea and macarons. As it grows in popularity, she encounters other broken souls and finds friendship and the beginning of fulfilment. But then her husbands uncharacteristic act threatens her happiness, and old ghosts come to haunt her. I found Grace, at first, rather self-indulgent, self-pitying, but her character grew on me, so that, by the end, I was completely absorbed in her story. As the story progressed, we kept getting hints of her life with her mother, which obviously influenced her behaviour and kept the reader entranced. This novel has an original plot, some wonderful characters and authentic dialogue. Tunnicliffe touches on the sense of where you belong and also on the plight of migrant Filipino workers in Macau. This is a wonderful, evocative novel that is reminiscent of those by Barbara ONeal. I thought that using macaron names and descriptions as chapter headings which echoed events in that chapter was a delightful touch. A remarkable first novel.
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  The Forgotten Affairs Of Youth
  Alexander Mccall Smith and Alexander Mccall Smith

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  McCall Smith never disappoints

  12/03/2012

  The Forgotten Affairs of Youth is the 8th of the Isabel Dalhousie series by Alexander McCall Smith. As always, Isabels life is full: she has articles to read for the Review if Applied Ethics, an instance of nepotism by Professor Lettuce to deal with, decisions to make about rising journal production costs, and 2 year-old Charlie has started swearing. Learning of her niece, Cats latest liaison and wondering how many boyfriends is too many, Isabel mulls over her own forgotten affairs of youth: this segues neatly into the main plot, tracking down the long-lost parents of visiting Australian philosopher and adoptee, Jane Cooper. This time, however, Isabels intermeddling is, surprisingly, encouraged by Jamie, even though he wants her to realise she is not always right. Ultimately, she recognises she has once again done the right thing for the wrong reason. Along the way, we are treated to Isabels philosophical musings on many diverse subjects: being polite, or saying what you really feel; landscape painters taking artistic licence; the purpose of art; adoption; head lice; which bodily afflictions are too personal to talk about; sarcasm; swearing; wind turbines; jumping to conclusions; religion; childrens literature; dogs dreaming; metaphors; how to end arguments and knowing who you are. Cat is her usual superficial, difficult self; Isabel finds herself in the Emergency Department at the hospital; some humorous crossword clues are conceived; Isabel learns more about Professor from his nephew, Max; and, finally, a long-awaited event occurs. My favourite quote is Its very therapeutic for men to iron. Therapeutic for women, that is. Plenty of gentle philosophy and bon mots like people seek your advice only to confirm they are doing the right thing. The dialogue between Isabel and Jamie and between Isabel and Grace is a wonderful source of humour: I almost had a coffee accident reading about Max Lettuce. I wonder, each time I start reading another McCall Smith book, if he can keep up the incredibly high standard he has set: so far he has not disappointed me.
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  The Christmas Wedding
  James Patterson

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  very light read

  21/05/2012

  The Christmas Wedding is a Christmas-themed romance co-authored by James Patterson and Richard Dilallo. The basic story is that fifty-year-old Gaby Summerhill is getting married at Christmas, but isnt telling her family (or even any of the three men who proposed to her) who the groom will be until the wedding day. Since Peter Summerhill died three years ago, Gabys four children have drifted apart and shes hoping that her Christmas wedding will draw them back together. Each of her four children, and their families, are facing their challenges, and these are sketched in as background to the wedding/Christmas preparations. Theres not much of a plot. Except for the unbelievably nasty alcoholic, pot-smoking, irresponsible Hank, all the characters are unrealistically Nice, even teenaged pot-smoking, part-time delinquent Gus. And, once again, the format is Pattersons trademark ridiculously short chapters: 64 chapters which means there are 64 empty half pages at the beginning of each chapter and a total of 31 empty pages at the end of the chapters, all up, 63 pages of empty space out of 266 pages. Doubling the chapter length would result in a more realistic 235 pages. I cant work out the purpose of this. Is it to make the reader think they have more of a story than they really do? To make it seem like the story is moving faster?(good in an action novel, but hardly necessary in a light romance). A very light read.
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  The Help
  Kathryn Stockett

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  a wonderful moving tale

  12/03/2012

  The Help is the first novel by Kathryn Stockett. Set in the early sixties in Jackson, Mississippi, the story is narrated in three voices: two black maids (help) and a young white woman. Aibileen Clark is a wise Negro woman who has raised 17 white children, and lost a son of her own. She works for Elizabeth and Raleigh Leefolt and derives great joy from their Baby Girl, Mae Mobley, although she is under no illusion that this will last. Minny Jackson is a sassy young Negro with a talent for cooking who has trouble keeping her opinions to herself, a trait that has seen her fired from a great many positions. Her latest job is for newcomers, Celia and Johnny Foote, whom she hopes wont hear of her reputation; Celia, though, is too busy keeping her own secrets. Eugenia (Skeeter) Phelan has just graduated from college, where her Mama hoped she would find a husband, but Skeeter wants to be a writer much more than a wife. She misses her beloved Negro maid, Constantine, who has disappeared and no one will tell her where. When Skeeters writing ambition crystallises into a book about the experiences of black maids in white households, Aibileen and Minny decide to become involved despite the enormous risk.
  This novel touches on many topics, including racial segregation and civil rights and the relationship between Negro employees and their white employers. The feel of the sixties is beautifully evoked with the inclusion of many icons like the Pill, Valium, space exploration, ring pull cans, the Vietnam war, the introduction of Zip codes and sex before marriage. The characters are multifaceted and the dialogue is pitch-perfect. There is humour and heartache, cruelty and kindness, romance and suspense. We learn that revenge is sweet, especially in the form of Minnys Chocolate Pie. The prose is, on occasions, luminous: If chocolate was a sound, it wouldve been Constantines voice singing. The ultimate lesson is that the lines between black and white, between quality and trash, between employer and employee are not as definite as they might at first seem. And, as Aibileen says Kindness dont have no boundaries. One of the dangers of reading a novel with so much hype is the very real possibility that the readers expectations will be too high, and disappointment follows; the exception is, of course, when the novel lives up to the hype, as this one assuredly does. I loved this wonderful, moving story.
  
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  Cooking The Books
  Kerry Greenwood

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  classic Corinna

  02/08/2011

  Cooking the Books is the 6th in Kerry Greenwoods Corinna Chapman series. Its January, and Corinna Chapman, baker and reluctant investigator, is on holidays. Her apprentice, Jason, has gone to the beach to learn to surf. Daniel is busy on a paper chase. Kylie and Goss have secured parts in a soap opera series, Kiss the Bride, being filmed at a Docklands studio. But Corinna is bored, and when her old school classmate and caterer, Thomasina, convinces her to assist, she finds herself (not quite unwillingly) baking bread for the film cast and crew. Another turn of events and she is also at the studio (but less willingly) in the role of pastry chef. A busmans holiday, as it were. As the story unfolds, Corinna and Daniel find themselves looking for missing bearer bonds, long lost sons and someone playing tricks on the star of the series. The story touches on bullying, weddings, dieting for work, actors (an excellent description), crooked accountants, job security, brides (compared with politicians), sexual orientation and gender reassignment. Somehow woven seamlessly into the plot are Nursery Rhymes and quotes and a tiger named Tabitha. Once again we are treated some interesting characters and a great plot, this time with an ending befitting a soap opera. Many of our favourite Insula residents make an appearance (Mrs Pemberthy, who is there to curdle the milk of human kindness). The feel of Melbourne in summer is well rendered and there are some marvellous feline descriptions that make me want to be owned by another cat. Reading the earlier books in the series is not a prerequisite, but most readers who have not done so will seek them out after reading this one, for a guaranteed delightful read. The dilemma with all of Kerry Greenwoods books is that you are enjoying them so much (from dedication to afterword you will smile, chuckle, laugh out loud) that you cant stop reading, but you dont want the pleasure to end. And the recipe for Gyngerbrede? Yes, I made it: yum!
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  Here Comes Trouble
  Debbie Macomber

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  feisty characters

  03/07/2011

  Here Comes Trouble is Debbie Macombers 52nd novel. Streetwise Seattle newspaper columnist Kramer Adams writes an unflattering article My evening with the debutante. about Maryanne Simpson of the New York Simpsons, currently working at a rival Seattle paper owned by her father. While she is angry about his interfering opinions, she decides he is right about one thing: her life has been too easy. She wants to earn Kramers respect, so she quits her cushy job, her luxury apartment and her trust fund, determined to earn her own living. Kramer tries to talk her out of it, feeling shes a babe in the woods, and hes responsible for her safety. Sparks fly between them, but something else happens between them as well: he cant resist kissing her. But no way is he the right man for her: hes not an appropriate match for the daughter of magnate Samuel Simpson. Maryanne has other ideas. An enjoyable romantic tale with two feisty characters, lots of snappy dialogue and the power to bring a tear to the eye.
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  The Unremarkable Heart
  Karin Slaughter

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  will leave you gasping

  19/06/2011

  The Unremarkable Heart is Karin Slaughters latest short story, published exclusively as an e-book. June Connor is dying of lung cancer; her ex-convict husband Richard is caring for her on her death bed. As she thinks back on how she has arrived at this stage, she mourns her teen-age daughter, Grace, and tries not to allow her last thoughts in this life to be depressing and negative, but thinking back to the events of twenty-one years before makes it difficult. And her husband decides, on this, her last day, to tell the shocking truth. Slaughter once again leaves the reader gasping.
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  Great Expectations
  Dickens Charles

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  a brilliant read

  11/02/2012

  Great Expectations is the 19th novel by Charles Dickens. The story is narrated by Pip, brought up by hand by his sister, Mrs Joe Gargery, commanded to attend Miss Havisham, jilted bride now in decay, where he falls in love with the beautiful Estella and decides he wants to be a gentleman. Eventually, apprenticed to Joe Gargery, blacksmith, he comes into a fortune, and is convinced his benefactor is Miss Havisham, intending him to become a gentleman so he can marry Estella. Miss Havishams intentions for Estella, of course, differ markedly from this. Dickens includes a rich cast of characters: the guilty and regretful Pip; the cold and cruel Estella; the warm Herbert and Clara; the kind-hearted and faithful Joe and Biddy; the capable Jaggers; the split-personality Wemmick; the nasty Orlick; the single-minded Magwitch. Great Expectations is a much easier and funnier read than the only other Dickens book I can remember reading, and this books immediate predecessor, A Tale of Two Cities, and I noted the echo of the knitting women at the gallows in Estellas actions. The notes are a useful addition, as is the introduction by Angus Calder. A brilliant read.
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  Sign Of The Book
  John Dunning

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  great climax

  05/12/2011

  The Sign of the Book is the 4th book in the Cliff Janeway series by John Dunning. Cliff agrees to help Erin determine if her estranged childhood friend, Laura Marshall, really killed her husband, or confessed to protect her troubled son. The tempter for Cliff is the opportunity to do a little police-type work, but the bonus comes in examining the dead mans book collection. Another excellent Dunning novel filled with booky tidbits about signed copies and what makes a rare book valuable, about book fairs and book sales, and which also touches on autism. As always, realistic characters and dialogue, and this time a completely unexpected plot twist and a heart-stopping climax. Readers will look forward to the (so far) last of the series, The Bookwomans Last Fling.
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  Northanger Abbey
  Jane Austen

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  the funniest Austen

  07/11/2011

  Northanger Abbey is Jane Austens 5th published novel, although it was actually written before her earlier novels. Catherine Morland is an impressionable, innocent and nave seventeen-year-old from the country, in Bath for the first time in her life. She is grateful to be befriended by the lovely Isabella Thorpe, but less than pleased to be pursued by Isabellas brother John. Henry Tilney and his sister Eleanor appear to be more genuine in their friendship, and Catherine is invited to be a guest of their father, General Tilney, at Northanger Abbey. Catherine is an avid reader of novels, and, believing life to be an adventure, gets the wrong end of the stick on more than one occasion. Austens style is a little different in this novel; she occasionally mentions, as the author, her readers, her characters and the plot. She has her characters make some quite strong statements about novels and novelists. Catherines plight towards the end of the novel brings a lump to the throat, but much of the novel is filled with humour. Probably the funniest Austen.
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  Stella Makes Good
  Lisa Heidke

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  uplifting

  16/11/2011

  Stella Makes Good is the 4th novel by Australian author, Lisa Heidke. Stella Sparks, librarian and mum of two teens, is amicably separated from her husband Terry, even though he left her for the voluptuous Amanda. They remain friends, both caring about their kids, and Stella even looks out for Terrys mum, June. Stellas closest friends, Jesse, another librarian, and Carly, a stay-at-home mum, wish they were as together as Stella seems to be. But Jesses husband, Steve, is a control freak who sends her anxiety sky high, while Carly suspects her husband, Brett, of infidelity. At a school speech night, Stella meets Mike, a handsome, apparently single dad: he seems interested and interesting, but Stellas not sure she wants to get involved. When Stella and her friends meet for drinks one night, they somehow end up with Mike and his mates at a sex party. What they see there exposes a secret and sets in motion a chain of events that has tragic consequences.
  Heidke gives us an original plot that manages to touch on many topics: sexual games, drugs, empty nesters, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and getting old. Cocaine, social media, a coma and a dominatrix are all part of the mix. The Sydney setting gives it a great local feel and the dialogue is very natural, just what you would hear at the neighbourhood pub, supermarket or caf. The writing style is lovely, almost conversational and very easy to read. There are some great characters to love, hate, pity, admire and laugh at, and some worthwhile messages. Thought-provoking and funny, this is ultimately an uplifting tale about families, love, secrets, guilt, forgiveness, the unpredictability of life and the importance of friendship. I very much enjoyed this novel. It is the first of Lisa Heidkes that I have read but it wont be the last!
  
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  Stella Makes Good
  Lisa Heidke

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  uplifting

  16/11/2011

  Stella Makes Good is the 4th novel by Australian author, Lisa Heidke. Stella Sparks, librarian and mum of two teens, is amicably separated from her husband Terry, even though he left her for the voluptuous Amanda. They remain friends, both caring about their kids, and Stella even looks out for Terrys mum, June. Stellas closest friends, Jesse, another librarian, and Carly, a stay-at-home mum, wish they were as together as Stella seems to be. But Jesses husband, Steve, is a control freak who sends her anxiety sky high, while Carly suspects her husband, Brett, of infidelity. At a school speech night, Stella meets Mike, a handsome, apparently single dad: he seems interested and interesting, but Stellas not sure she wants to get involved. When Stella and her friends meet for drinks one night, they somehow end up with Mike and his mates at a sex party. What they see there exposes a secret and sets in motion a chain of events that has tragic consequences.
  Heidke gives us an original plot that manages to touch on many topics: sexual games, drugs, empty nesters, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and getting old. Cocaine, social media, a coma and a dominatrix are all part of the mix. The Sydney setting gives it a great local feel and the dialogue is very natural, just what you would hear at the neighbourhood pub, supermarket or caf. The writing style is lovely, almost conversational and very easy to read. There are some great characters to love, hate, pity, admire and laugh at, and some worthwhile messages. Thought-provoking and funny, this is ultimately an uplifting tale about families, love, secrets, guilt, forgiveness, the unpredictability of life and the importance of friendship. I very much enjoyed this novel. It is the first of Lisa Heidkes that I have read but it wont be the last!
  
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  The Hypnotist's Love Story
  Liane Moriarty

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  hooked from page 1

  27/11/2011

  The Hypnotists Love Story is the 4th novel by Australian novelist, Liane Moriarty. The hypnotist is Ellen OFarrell, actually a hypnotherapist who helps clients deal with addictions, phobias and confidence issues. Ellen falls in love with Patrick, but before the relationship goes far, he warns her he is being stalked by his ex-girlfriend, Saskia. Ellen finds that she is more intrigued than frightened by this, and in fact, would love to meet her. Saskia, however, has been posing as one of Ellens clients, and has a more intimate knowledge of Ellens relationship with Patrick than either of them is aware. As events unfold, Ellen, who believes herself to be an upstanding, moral, compassionate person, finds herself tempted to act unethically. She also discovers, to her surprise, that she has to work at her relationship with Patrick. Ellen is perhaps a little over-analytical, and her thoughts certainly provide some humour in the story. Saskias tale is told in the first person, giving the reader the stalkers perspective on this sort of behaviour, and this was a very interesting and powerful aspect of the story. Moriarty gives us an imaginative plot that explores hypnotism and stalking (of course), as well as touching on addiction, obsession, internet dating, falling in love, professional ethics, the power of the press, knitting and the effects of pregnancy hormones. There are characters to love, hate, admire and laugh at, and the dialogue is just what you hear at the local caf, bar or supermarket. Ellen had me snickering, giggling and laughing out loud from the start. This romance with a hint of psychological thriller had me hooked from the first page, and I look forward to reading more of Liane Moriartys work.
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  The Secret Ingredient
  Dianne Blacklock

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  a pure pleasure to read

  26/12/2011

  The Secret Ingredient is the eighth book by Dianne Blacklock. The first sign that Ross Corcorans second wife, Andie, has that something is amiss with her marriage is when he introduces her as his current wife. Andie gave up a lot to be Rosss wife: her dream of being a chef, of being a mother, of being something more than a trophy wife. She has her gourmet deli, but shes restless, wanting more. When Ross uses his influence to get her a trial with renowned chef Dominic Gerou at the exclusive Viande, suddenly her whole life takes a turn, and not for the better. Blacklock once again gives us realistic characters and credible dialogue and an excellent plot with a twist or two to keep it interesting. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as lump-in-the-throat scenarios and the irony of the first wife/ second wife situation is delicious. Blacklock touches on topics as diverse as being the other woman, how grief affects ones perspective, Catholic guilt, arrogant chefs, the power of charisma, and the responsibilities of the ex-wife. Each time I pick up another book by Dianne Blacklock, I wonder if she can maintain the standard of her previous books, but she seems to do so with ease: this one is her best yet. The worst thing about Dianne Blacklocks books is that eventually you reach the end: The Secret Ingredient was pure pleasure to read.
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  'Beverly Hills' Browning: From Tapes Among The Papers Of Richard Browning
  Peter Corris

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  a fun read

  16/04/2012

  Beverly Hills Browning is the second of the Browning series by Australian author, Peter Corris. Browning, having deserted from the army and returned to Sydney, has stowed away on a ship with the intention of becoming a film star in Hollywood. Of course, in his inimitable way, Browning manages to get himself into a lot of hot water, both on the way to Hollywood and when he gets there. In this instalment, Browning manages to: lose all his money gambling with the ships crew; jump a freight train; join some Mexican rebels; shoot a chicken; not get killed in a Mexican battle; drive a stolen Hispano Suizo while being chased by airplanes; star in a Douglas Fairbanks film; play tennis doubles with Douglas Fairbanks and a pair of Davis Cup winners; run some bootleg booze past the coastguard; sabotage a film set; steal a yacht and encounter a mounty. As usual, Corris gives the reader non-stop action and plenty of laughs; his hero(?!) is a laconic Australian, if with questionable morals. The atmosphere of the various locations is well conveyed, and the characters and dialogue are believable. The endnotes and editorial comments lend an authentic touch. A fun read.
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  Lindsay Armstrong Classic Romances: Enter My Jungle / Finding Out / The Heart Of The Matter / One More Night
  Lindsay Armstrong

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  early Armstrong

  16/04/2012

  Enter My Jungle is the 4th romance novel by Lindsay Armstrong. When Miranda Smith, recently in Brisbane from Goondiwindi, ends up in court after a traffic accident, shes angry, embarrassed and out of her depth. And when she overhears barrister Nicholas Barretts opinion of her, she is even more angry and humiliated. Yet, somehow she ends up working for him as a housekeeper. Before long shes in love with Nick, even though shes way out of his league. Attracted as she is, she turns down his first proposition (to go to bed with him) with difficulty, but is later unable to refuse his marriage proposal, even though she is quite sure, from the way he treats her, that he doesnt love her. Im not sure about Nick: I feel that even in 1982 (when the book was written) he would have been charged with sexual harassment for his actions in the bathroom. Miranda, like most of Lindsay Armstrongs heroines, tends to overthink the situation, often to her disadvantage. This early Armstrong romance does have quite a good plot, evokes a range of emotions including frustration and sadness, and she manages to tie it all up neatly in the end.
  Finding Out is the 8th romance novel by Lindsay Armstrong. Popular model Lineesa Creightons best friend, Piers Marchmont, died in a speed-induced car accident after she refused his marriage proposal. She was devastated by the loss, and moreso, because his very wealthy older brother, David, blamed her, was sure she was a gold digger and was determined to punish her. By threatening to evict her penniless mother, he forced a marriage in name only upon Lineesa: a marriage to prevent her from hurting another man. A year later, her poise and good character in evidence, he begins to wonder if he may have been wrong about Lineesa. But David has his own guilt to haunt him. Armstrongs heroines often tend to overthink things, drawing conclusions instead of asking questions. The plot is a bit thin, the premise of revenge by marriage is rather bizarre and the ending is high on melodrama. Armstrongs later works are better. This novels main characters make a cameo appearance in The Heart of the Matter.
  The Heart of the Matter is the 14th romance novel by Lindsay Armstrong. Clarissa Kingston was a shy, sensitive young girl, growing up on her fathers vast sheep station, Mirrabilla, protected by her brother Ian and his older friend, station hand Rob Randall. Robs fortunes changed when his grandfather died, and at eighteen, Clarry found herself married to Rob. It should have been a dream come true, except that she discovered, in a shocking manner, that Rob only married her to save her from her mothers efforts to marry her off to a rich man, to save Mirrabilla. Armstrongs heroines tend to overthink and make assumptions, neglect to communicate and generally tie themselves in knots. Clarissa would have to be one of the most irritating heroines she has produced: weak, self-pitying, tearful and naive. Rob isnt much better, going along with a farce for two years without ever taking steps to resolve the issue. This is, without doubt, one of the worst Armstrong romances I have read. Thank goodness her later works improve.
  One More Night is the 22nd romance novel by Lindsay Armstrong. Evonne Patterson, the other woman in The Heart of The Matter, has left the employ of the man she fell in love with, Robert Randall, and now works for Amos Doubleday. Amos convinces her that his young nephew, Rick Emerson, currently recuperating from a broken ankle, needs help organising his manuscript, a job for which Evonne is eminently qualified. But Amos is less than forthcoming with other details about Rick, like the fact that he is in his thirties, very rich and a baronet. Whist Evonne finds him attractive, hes also highly aggravating and way out of her league. Rick seems determined to cure Evonne of the effects of Rob Randall, and have her for himself. Yet another Armstrong heroine who spends a lot of time thinking and utters lots of broken sentences with unclear meaning. Plenty of melodrama, although the hero seems likeable enough. Better Armstrong romances to come after this one.
  
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  The Passion Price
  Miranda Lee

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  Lee at her best

  11/02/2012

  The Passion Price is the 32nd of the Australians series of romance, and the 6th of this series written by Miranda Lee. The first encounter that seventeen year old Jake Winters had with Angelina came to an abrupt end when her father, Hunter Valley winemaker Antonio Mastroianni caught them in the act and expelled him from the winery. He was a bad boy then, but, after he was taken in by Judge Edward Landsdale and his wife, Dorothy, he turned his life around and became a wealthy and respected Sydney lawyer. Sixteen years later, the widowed Dorothy decides to buy a winery and Jake accompanies her to check it out. This stirs memories of Angelina, who, unbeknownst to Jake, has a lasting souvenir of their youthful encounter: her son Alex, who is intent on meeting his father. This excellent secret baby romance has some likeable characters, quite a good plot and realistic dialogue. A good example of Miranda Lee at her best.
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  The Key, The
  Rosamunde Pilcher

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  classic Pilcher

  26/01/2012

  The Key, the 25th book by Rosamunde Pilcher, is a booklet of three short stories. In The Key, Australian nurse, Ruth Conway, travels from London to the Cotswolds one weekend, looking for Stenton, the house her grandmother owned, the house her mother grew up in, the house she feels she knows so very well from her mothers many stories. But she is in for a disappointment when she finally finds the house. However, meeting Gavin Armitage, the owner, goes a long way to making up for it. A sweet, evocative tale about family and the power of memories.
  In The White Birds, Eve Douglas is suddenly called to her daughter, Janes home in Scotland, to look after her grandson Jamie, as Jane goes into early labour. What sort of omen are the white birds she keeps seeing? A heart-warming tale about the importance of family and friends.
  In The Tree, Londoners Jill and Ian Armitage are somewhat annoyed to give up a weekend in the country when Ians godfather, Edwin Makepeace comes to London for a funeral. But their kindness in showing him their humble home, feeding him a meal and keeping company with him has unexpected rewards. A touching tale about being kind to those around you.
  These three short stories vividly illustrate why all of Rosamunde Pilchers works became best-sellers.
  
• 

  Ruddy Gore (tv Tie-In Edition)
  Kerry Greenwood

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  Another Greenwood masterpiece

  12/05/2012

  Ruddy Gore is the seventh novel in the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood. In an eventful night attending a gala performance of Gilbert and Sullivans Ruddigore at His Majestys theatre, Phryne and Bunji Ross first rescue an old Chinese woman and her grandson from thugs, then witness the effects of two attempted poisonings. The theatre manager, Sir Bernard Tarrant, implores Phryne to investigate the strange goings-on that have the cast spooked: missing gloves, faked notes, torn up telegrams, whiskey dyed green and the appearance of the ghost of the long-dead Dorothea Curtis, who played the first Rose Maybud. As Phryne works behind the scenes to find answers, she is confronted by a large cast of possible suspects. The Chinese grandson, Lin Chung, keeps turning up, and Phryne finds herself being observed by Chinese wherever she goes. Whilst a working knowledge of Gilbert and Sullivan plays is not essential, it might be helpful for the reader. In the course of her investigations, Phryne attends a spiritualists meeting, searches for lockets and missing babies, looks for birthmarks on several backs, gets a Welsh letter translated, drinks lots of tea and narrowly misses being flattened by a curtain counterweight. Bert Hinkler makes a brief appearance. As usual, Phryne manages to unravel the clues and solve each mystery. Another Greenwood masterpiece.
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  Double Dexter: A Novel
  Jeff Lindsay

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  double delight

  26/02/2012

  Double Dexter is the 6th in the popular Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay. When his latest playdate is witnessed by an unknown man, Dexter, our favourite serial killer with a conscience, suffers a great deal of anxiety, wondering if life as he knows and loves it is over. But it seems his witness chooses to follow in his footsteps, then blog about it, and Dexter decides he needs to remove this copycat from the land of the living, if only he can find him. But Dexters understandable arrogance leads him to underestimate his quarry. While the first paragraphs are a bit repetitive, all that waxing lyrical about the moon, we can forgive Lindsay this when we know what is coming will be good. And it is. Dexters inner monologue is always entertaining, even if he appears to be a self-pitying, inactive Dexter, performing at less than his usual Dexter standard. Not even motherhood has tempered the creative standard of insult and put-down that Dexters ever-scowling sister, Deborah, manages to achieve. Lindsay reaches new heights with the scatter-brained Ritas hilarious disjointed dialogue, and Dexters exchanges with Masuoka are always droll. Dexters complete inability to read human emotions is highlighted and contrasts with his very human total lack of impartiality about his own offsprings abilities. Lindsay skilfully captures the feel of Miami, the humidity, the mindset, and gives us a good dose of irony with Dexter being suspected of a murder he didnt commit. As always, brilliant imagery and plentiful, imaginative D alliteration abound. The only problem with the Dexter series is waiting for the next one to be published.
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  The Expats
  Chris Pavone

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  impressive debut novel

  12/03/2012

  From an uncorrected proof copy
  The Expats is the impressive debut novel by American author, Chris Pavone. Set mainly in Europe, the action switches between Paris in the present day and Washington DC and Luxembourg two years previously. Kate Moore quit her undercover job with the CIA, a job that was secret even from her husband, Dexter, to move to Luxembourg with him and their young sons, Jake and Ben. There, Dexters job as a systems security expert for banks could afford them a better income and an enviable lifestyle which included weekends in places like Paris and Amsterdam. As expats, they socialised mainly with other expats, and had soon formed a friendship with Julia and Bill Maclean. But Kates CIA training leads her to suspect that Julia and Bill are not what they first seem and she begins to wonder: are they are assassins? Are they investigating her for unlawful actions in her CIA career? Or are they after her husband? Which leads her to start wondering if Dexter has been completely truthful with her. As Kate makes certain discoveries in the present day narrative, she flashes back to two years ago, her exit from the CIA and their early months in Luxembourg, and certain events and conversations suddenly become startlingly clear.
  This novel has a superbly clever plot full of twists and turns that has the reader guessing to the last line. Without giving away too much of the story, Pavone uses the present day narrative to sow enough seeds of intrigue to keep the reader engrossed in the action two years previous. Interestingly, Pavone writes from Kates point of view, something he does very competently. As the suspense built, I found myself more and more on the edge of my seat. Proof of Pavones excellent descriptive talent is that as I sat reading the window ledge scene, my legs were aching, my bodys usual involuntary reaction to being at unsafe heights. Occasional lighter moments are provided by the children and social interactions with other minor characters, but for most of the novel, the tension is high. Pavones first-hand experience as an expat is apparent from the way he effectively conveys the atmosphere of European cities and expat life: his characters are realistic and his dialogue, credible. The novel poses a few pertinent and topical questions: When is it OK to steal 25 (or 50) million euros? Are we deluded in thinking that our money can ever be safe? Who guards the guards? Is anybody ever what they seem to be? Does anyone ever tell the whole truth? This novel has been described as Brilliant, insanely clever, and delectably readable. I wholly concur.
  
• 

  Claudia's Big Break
  Lisa Heidke

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  very enjoyable

  26/02/2012

  Claudias Big Break is the third novel by Australian novelist, Lisa Heidke. When Claudia Taylors boss, fine food importer, Marcus Cassoli, sends her to Greece on a simple errand, he sweetens the deal with two weeks holiday in a 3 bedroom apartment on the idyllic Santorini. Sounds almost too good to be true? Claudia figures its to soften the blow that her illicit affair with Marcus is about to end, so she invites her two best friends since school, Tara and Sophie, to share her free holiday. Claudias life needs direction: shes deep in debt and likely to lose her job and she is looking forward to using the time away with her friends to think about new possibilities. Divorcee Tara, a frustrated budding novelist who is bored with her unsatisfactory job on a lifestyle magazine, is looking for inspiration. Sophie, once a high-flying corporate lawyer who gave up her career to marry and have a son, is finding that life as a second wife to workaholic Alex and mother of Levi is not all she had dreamed of. As Sophie holidays with 3-year-old Levi in tow, she is hoping to find new direction in her life. Once in Athens, Claudia just needs to deliver her package and get a signature, then she can really start enjoying her holiday. But each time she tries to deliver to her contact, Con Kafentsis, events get in the way. A near-miss with a scooter and the ransacking of their apartment has Claudia suspicious that all is not above board. And the encounters at the airport, in Athens and on Santorini with Akubra-wearing Jack Harper from Yackandandah are just coincidence, surely.or is there more to Jack than meets the eye?
  While the novel seems to move rather slowly at first, Heidke uses this part to establish the history and depth of her characters friendship, then throws in a few dramatic events to test the bonds of that friendship. For much of the novel, 39-year-old Claudia comes across as immature, nave, shallow and rather irresponsible, but as events unfold, she realises the consequences of her behaviour and matures a great deal. Heidke manages to touch on many subjects, including anorexia, lesbianism, the difficulty of parenting, mid-life crisis, loyalty, love and post-natal depression. The novel also asks some thorny questions: Can you tell your best friends everything, even hurtful facts of life? Is having a husband and 2.2 children the only way a woman can be happy? Is it ever OK to have an affair with a married man? And of course, Why are toddlers so fascinated with poo? Heidke gives the reader characters to like, laugh at, despise and be irritated or impatient with, as well plenty of realistic dialogue between the friends, the couples and the adults and children. The atmosphere of the Greek holiday town is palpable and theres also intrigue, drama, lots of laughs and a few unexpected twists. This is ultimately a novel about the importance of friendship, something Heidke renders beautifully in this very enjoyable read.
  
• 

  Escape
  Barbara Delinsky

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  original and unpredictable

  25/04/2012

  Escape is the 41st stand-alone novel by popular author, Barbara Delinsky. One Friday morning, New York lawyer Emily Aulenbach takes stock of her life and realises it has strayed so far from her dream that she needs to escape. She takes off her watch, turns off her Blackberry, leaves behind her laptop and, without telling anyone or having any firm plans, heads north. After a few days, she finds herself in Bell Valley, New Hampshire, a place where her life changed radically one summer, ten years ago, and a place where she hopes to, once again, find herself. In Bell Valley, she renews a neglected friendship with Vicki Bell, submits to the healing powers of the Animal Refuge and reconnects with the mystical coyote of that long-ago summer. But an old lover, Vickis brother Jude, has also returned to Bell Valley; Emily is wedded to James, but the problems she ran away from include her unfulfilling job, her demanding family and friends and her dysfunctional marriage, so is Judes presence a help or a hindrance? In this novel, Delinsky gives the reader characters with depth, spirit and integrity and a plot that is original and unpredictable, with an exciting climax. Delinsky touches on a range of topical subjects: the pressure of modern-day life; damage claims against large corporations; animal refuges; trust funds; intimidation and stalking; infertility and life balance. I had not read any Delinsky novels for quite some time, so I had forgotten what a pleasure these are to read. I really enjoyed this one.
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  Lone Wolf
  Jodi Picoult

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  a brilliant read

  25/03/2012

  Lone Wolf is the nineteenth novel by Jodi Picoult. The story starts with the road accident that puts 17-year-old Cara Warren into hospital with a broken shoulder, and her father, Luke, into a vegetative state in the ICU. Luke Warren is a brilliant conservationist and wildlife researcher who has written a book, Lone Wolf about his two years in the Canadian wilderness living with wolves as part of their pack. When his ex-wife, Georgie Ng, is contacted, she reaches out to their estranged son, 24-year-old Edward, who is living in Thailand teaching English. After an argument with Luke six years ago, Edward disappeared from their lives. Now he is back, and he and Cara have to decide whether to let their father die and donate his organs, or keep him alive and hope he will recover. Trouble is, they dont agree on the best course of action. Once again, Picoult uses several voices printed in different fonts to narrate the story. Luke provides, through what seems to be his tattered journal or the well-worn pages of his book, a wealth of fascinating information about wolves and their behaviour, and how this came to be his lifes work. The other family members show how Lukes passion affects everyday family life, often referring to parallels in wolf behaviour and human actions. Picoult creates characters the reader can invest in without feeling short-changed: characters with depth and emotion, secrets and guilt. By using the different voices, she also illustrates different ways that people remember their conversations and interactions with each other. Picoults depth of research is apparent, she gives us a glimpse of what it would be like to be consumed by a passion, and engineers situations that have the reader intrigued and enthralled. There are enough plot twists to keep the ending from being predictable, and some pieces of wolf wisdom that can readily apply to our own lives like The highest-ranking wolf in the pack isnt the one that uses brute force. Its the one who can, and chooses not to. As always, a brilliant read.
• 

  A Tiger In Eden
  Chris Flynn

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  excellent debut novel

  26/02/2012

  A Tiger in Eden is the first novel by Irish/Australian author, Chris Flynn. Set in 1996, the story is told by Billy Montgomery, a 23-year-old Loyalist hard man plucked from the harsh environment of his youth and lying low in Thailand, on the run from the Belfast police. We follow Billy through bus-trips, brawls and one-night stands as, after a year on the run, he begins to consider his future and his violent past. We watch as he is transformed, in this paradise, by his encounters with tourists, acquaintances from his former life, Thai locals, wildlife and the Buddhist religion.
  Billys voice comes through strongly with the use of Belfast street fighter idiom: some readers may be initially put off by the liberal use of strong language but persistence is richly rewarded with a moving tale. Billys descriptions of his many sexual encounters are explicit and matter-of-fact, with, perhaps, a hint of masculine bragging, and the brawls are described in similarly graphic manner. The surprisingly likeable Billy seems to be full of contradictions: he admits to being poorly educated but actually reads Proust, Camus and Kerouac, and not just to impress the honeys; hes been a terrorist but is respectful of women, the environment and the Thai locals; he appears to feel more guilt about the possibility of having inadvertently ruined the reputation of a Thai woman than about all the maiming and killing he did in Belfast. While there is horror, there is also the odd dose of irony and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments: Billy asks Tony ..are you a Catholic Buddhist or a Protestant one? Billys check-in to the Buddhist monastery is absolutely hilarious!
  A Tiger in Eden has an original plot with a cute twist, realistic dialogue and genuine characters. Flynn touches on several interesting topics: sex tourism; how a persons context can change their values and standards; respect for the beliefs of others; what lies beneath the mask that tourists wear; whether it is possible to change the direction of your life. Flynns knowledge of his subject is evident. This excellent debut novel has been described as uplifting and I wholly concur. I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed this unique perspective on life.
  
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  Six Geese A-Laying (mini Christmas Short Story)
  Sophie Kinsella

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  a short fun dose of Kinsella magic

  27/02/2012

  This cute little free Kindle offering from Sophie Kinsella will keep fans going until Ive Got Your Number comes out, especially as it has the first chapter of that novel included. The Six Geese are Ginny (the narrator), Grace, Gina, Georgia, Geraldine and Gabby, all mums-to-be, all personally chosen by the famous Petal Harmon for her exclusive pre-natal classes and all, except Grace, feeling smug about it. Ginnys husband Dan is useless at everything from putting the cradle together to finding the street the classes are in, and she lets him know it. Petal Harmons classes are supposed to be life changing, but so far, Ginnys not all that impressed. But tonights the last class, and this will be something different. A short, fun dose of Kinsella magic.
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  Limpopo Academy Of Private Detection
  Alexander Mccall Smith

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  delightful

  16/04/2012

  The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection is the thirteenth in the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. In this instalment, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi find themselves investigating not for clients, but rather, for themselves and their friends. Precious and Grace are delighted to find that Clovis Anderson, author of their much-consulted bible, The Principles of Private Detection, is visiting Botswana and decides to stop in for a chat. Precious uses the opportunity to get his advice on a troubling situation affecting her dear friend, Matron of the Orphan Farm, Mma Potokwani. It seems the Orphanage Board has decided to institute changes which Mma Potokwani feels will be detrimental to the orphans, and her dissension is to cost her her job. In an uncharacteristic move, the usually forthright matron retreats to her lands: is this the end for Mma Potokwani? Fanwell, the irreproachable apprentice at Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, reluctantly agrees to help an old acquaintance and finds this decision has unforeseen serious consequences. While Mr J.L.B. Matekoni and Mma Ramotswe give him their full support, a surprisingly resourceful Charlie demonstrates unexpected loyalty and comes to the rescue. And newlyweds, Grace and Phuti, find that building a house can be complicated, especially when the builder is not completely honest. As always, the lives of our favourite Gabarone residents keep the reader engrossed; their dialogue, especially that of Mma Makutsi and even Puso, provide many light moments; Mma Ramotswes inner monologue is full of gentle philosophy and it was a lovely surprise for the reader to meet the much-quoted (and apparently very human) Clovis Anderson. Another delightful novel, conveyed with consummate ease in the evocative voice of Adjoa Andoh.
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  An Offer She Can't Refuse
  Emma Darcy

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  secret baby 21st century style

  16/04/2012

  An Offer She Cant Refuse is the 68th stand-alone romance novel by Australian author, Emma Darcy. This is the much-told secret baby story: innocent virgin (Tina Savalas) seduced by rich playboy (Ari Zavros), falls in love, is discarded, left pregnant (unbeknownst to Ari) with baby Theo. However, Darcy manages to give it a bit of a modern twist by setting his first re-encounter with Tina and Theo at the magnificent Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and then forcing the couple together again on the beautiful island of Santorini when it turns out Tinas sister Cassandra is marrying Aris cousin, George. Aris parents are desperate for an heir; Ari wants Theo, and his mother, but Tina knows he doesnt love her: he could easily abandon her again (like he did after their first charming episode) and take Theo. Can Ari somehow overcome her resistance? Darcy gives us the classic secret baby plot updated for the 21st century, with an intelligent and feisty heroine and a hero who admits his faults and understands the value of family. Apparently the Greek financial crisis hasnt affected these rich Greeksstill an enjoyable Darcy romance.
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  Snatched
  Karin Slaughter

  Online Price: $3.95

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  does not disappoint

  21/05/2012

  Snatched is an ebook short story in the Will Trent/Georgia series by Karin Slaughter. Will Trent is on airport toilet duty, hiding in a cubicle waiting for gay cruisers, as punishment for refusing to get a haircut. Bored almost senseless, when a man brings a little girl into the restroom, his cops intuition kicks in, telling him something is amiss. With nothing more than a hunch, he tails the pair, alerts authorities and has one of the busiest airports in the country heading towards lockdown. While this is a short story, Slaughters plot, characters and pace are first class; Will is his usual understated but competent self; Faith Mitchell manages to inject a little dry humour into a tense situation. This is a small dose of Will Trent to hold faithful Slaughter fans until the next full length Georgia novel, Criminal (of which there is a tantalising taste included in this ebook), comes out. Once again, Karin Slaughter does not disappoint.