Seascraper - Benjamin Wood

 A story about a young man who spends his life working at the sea. A man barely 20 but who feels like he has aged more. A man with a talent that is dormant but of no use in his current situation. 

And then one day a visitor turns his life around. It makes him look at his life again, the people in it with a new lens, truths that he had never known, lies that feel like the truth. 

A novel about art, its viability and value and its mesmerising potential.

A superb story, I shall be cheering for this longlisted Booker prize novel. 

P.S. I listened to Thomas Flett's recording on the author's website after reading the novel.

It felt like the cherry on the sumptuous cake that is Seascraper. 

The Blue of You - Amanda Huggins

The Blue of You is about past loves and present lives and everything in between.

Seventeen-year-old Janey leaves her coastal hometown with a plan to pursue her dream of a life in the big city with her boyfriend. But when she returns to her hometown 12 years later, she is all alone. 

But something has happened in the past - one Christmas eve - that Janey must resolve before she moves on with her life. And she tries to do that, she discovers how unreliable memories can be and that things have a way of turning out different to plan. The story floats along seamlessly taking the reader back and forth in time before revealing how the past anchors the present.  

The motif of painting over a new wall turns up at various points as a constant reminder of smoothing over the past before building the future. The tug of war between the ancient and the modern, of new residents calling out traditional practices and the past distorting the present, reverberates throughout the story.  Huggins infuses the topical remarkably well in a taut narrative within the tight space of a novella. 

As someone who is familiar with the short stories that inspired this longer version, it was delightful to see past characters from her Japanese short story collection make an appearance too. It felt like meeting a familiar face among the pages, leaving the reader to marvel at the scope of Huggins’ body of work and craft.

As the festive season rolls around and the book lovers are inundated with high profile hefty volumes to choose from, this slim novella sneaks in with promise.

The Blue of You can easily become a comfort read – one of those well-loved festive movies that we like to watch many times over, just to enter that world and relive the emotions once more. With its resonating characters and defining moments, the Blue of you is a treat you don’t want to miss.

Thank you to the author for my copy. The Blue of You is published by Northodox Press and is available to pre-order.

Bournville - Jonathan Coe

 

I loved reading about this place which is not far away from where I live. I often wondered about Bournville, the place where Cadbury chocolate comes from and have been fascinated by what its story might be.

Bournville chronicles a family's journey through time and in a way West Midlands as well through the political discourse that underlines the plot. Right from the time the village was carved into the existence to the sweeping changes of the war and its aftermath, to the coronation, EU inclusion and later Covid, it takes a reader on a fascinating rollercoaster through time.

Love his writing and realised he is a prize winning author for his previous one. Must catch up on that one next!

The Blue Monsoon - Damyanti Biswas

A gritty rewarding read just like its prequel 

Tara and Arnav are happy to be together but they are still reeling from the events of the previous book. Life is finally coming back to normalcy and they have a reason to be optimistic for the future. But it takes on a threatening hue when Arnav finds himself dealing with a mutilated body in a temple. It carries overtones of casteism, hitting it closer to home for Arnav.

A bit of a slow burn, this sequel demands some patience before the story takes off. Biswas takes her time to lay out the plot but once it picks up pace, it turns into a page turning frenzy to race towards the conclusion. 

Once again Biswas turns the city into a character. The spirit of Mumbai permeates through the story this time in the form of its characteristic raging monsoon. Add it to an action packed plot and well drawn characters and the reader is in for a nail biting ride of guessing the who and the why.

The Blue Monsoon is not an easy read. It deals with some dark themes, laced with characters facing the challenges of living in a poverty stricken environment and oppressors who inhabit that setting. The Kinnar community finds representation here and it is a testimony to Biswas' skill that it is woven with sensitivity. The characters are all drawn well with a distinct eye even peripheral ones like Kamble.

Like mentioned before, it is a tough read but if like me, you enjoy a thriller with substance, then this is it.   

Thanks to netgalley for an advance copy. All views are my own.

Becoming Liz Taylor - Elizabeth Delo

Love Loss, and Optimism dominates this immensely readable debut   

Elizabeth Delo's Becoming Liz Taylor is a touching tale of love, loss and fractured family relationships. I was lucky enough to win a proof copy and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Val as she travelled around the country both literally and metaphorically.  

Blurb:

Val looked around. The baby appeared to be all on its own. There was no sight of a mother. No sign of anyone. 

Val didn't think aout it. She didn't even break her stride. She kicked the brake off the pram and pushed it as if she did it everyday.

My review: 

  

The intrigue in the premise is followed by a routine yet unusual scene in the opening chapter that pulls the reader in, straight away. The reader learns more about Hal and her journey, her reasons for the impulsive act and how she ends up where she does. The reader feels invested as she follows the travels of the unlikely pair all over the country.  

Delo delivers a convincing character in Val, and although she introduces Val to the reader in an unusual situation, she immediately garners sympathy.  Val's actions are impulsive and yet she acts with a conviction that is justified, driving the story forward and opening up a range of possibilities. 

The story moves back and forth in time and Delo's skill comes to fore as she maintains a good balance of nostalgia and emotions in the face of real life situations. This well judged balance makes for an immersive reading experience.

There is also Rafe, an interesting character with a story of his own. Once at the top of his game, Rafe now exists on benefits, living on the fringe of poverty. Just as the reader is wondering how the two different stories will come together, Delo skills comes to fore as she turns the story in a way catching the reader offguard. As both their individual stories merges into one narrative, Delo delivers a compelling story that explores ordinary lives and injecting it with an optimism that is desperately needed in today's world.    

It is a heart warming story that reflects life in its varied colours and hues. Delo brings out dynamics of a family, the imposed loneliness as a result of a fractured past yet laced with underlying optimism. 

That for me, really worked in this compelling debut novel and why the story stuck with me much after turning the last page. 

A feel good read that would make an immensely watchable TV series!   

 

 

Elizabeth Delo's debut novel Becoming Liz Taylor is published by Allen and Unwin and is out on August 3, 2023 

I am Pilgrim - Terry Hayes

What a read! I don't know where to begin from. I picked up this recommendation from twitter and was surprised that is was not a recent publication but way back in 2014. I loved the premise, where some seemingly disparate incidents in Syria, Manhattan, Saudi Arabia had some kind of connection and it was upto this man who called him "The Pilgrim" to make this journey and find out the truth.

It is a hefty book at 700+ pages but once I got in, what a ride it was. It is not so much about how brilliant the story is, but more a case of how brilliant the storytelling is. The voice and the way we are taking through a childhood tragedy in Saudi Arabia or a random police investigation in Turkey for me it was the places that did it. 

One minute I was walking down the streets to the World Trade Centre memorial, the next minute I was in Lebanon, travelling through the Hindu Kush mountains, I had never been to these places in fiction. That was what kept it going for me.

Secondly it was the voice as well. There was something dispassionate about the voice that fills the reader in about Pilgrim and Saracen, two personas who are similar and yet different. I loved the way these characters, their backstories which is so comprehensive that I felt like I lived in their heads. Hayes' knowledge of the Muslim world, his explanation for their actions come across as so genuine that it feels like a great privilege to be reading this novel from a storyteller like him.

By the time I finished this one, I was happy to discover that it carried chapters from Hayes' next one too. The Year of the Locust. Cannot wait to read that one!

This is How You Fall in Love - Anika Hussain

I enjoyed this rom-com where the protagonist is a South Asian, since such characters not often seen in this genre. The characters are well drawn and I loved getting to know Zara and Adnan and enjoyed reading about their camaraderie and the confusion that gets the plot going.

Hussain has a good grasp of the young adult mind and their dilemmas. She skilfully balances the idiosyncrasy of the families and the peer pressures, in How to Fall in Love. I found it to be a good balance of a well told story with some great characters and themes.

Zara and Adnan have known each practically all their life and it is a given for their friends and families that they will get together. However, Zara and Adnan don't feel that way. And then when Zara steps in to help Adnan out of a small fix, they don't realise that things may quickly spin out of control which can create complications not only for them but also for those they love!

The narrative style especially the use of text messages is employed well and I enjoyed racing through the story to find out "will they, won't they".

An enjoyable read. My teenage daughter and I read it together and had a great time talking about the book. I am already making plans to buy more copies for some YA readers I know!

The Murders at Fleat House - Lucinda Riley

I remember reading Riley years ago, the Olive Tree and enjoyed it immensely. She is a great storyteller and I was curious to see how she handled this crime thriller genre since I saw her as a contemporary fiction writer. Plus when I learnt that this was a posthumous publication it added to the novelty factor as well as the interesting premise of a murder mystery set in a Norfolk.

Gist:

Fleat House is a boarding school for the privileged. Big names send their children here and with any other boarding school, it smacks of wealth, bullies and nasty secrets. But when a pupil is found dead under unusual circumstances, the school wants to hush it up as an accidental death. However when one of the teaching staff is found dead, the school is forced to allow the police into the school to find out what is happening.

Investigating office Jasmine Hunter is stepping away from her police career for private reasons. However she decides to take up this case as a favour to her boss. With her trusted right hand Alistair Miles, they plunge into this dark world of priviledge, grudges and unsavoury truths.

My review:

I liked the atmospheric boarding school setting. A slew of characters are introduced at first, as Riley takes us into their lives. In her true engaging style, the reader is invested in the characters and settles well into the story straightaway.

There are a lot of disparate threads and Riley navigates through them skilfully. These threads have their own subplots and it is a while before they all come together and fuse into a singular narrative, but it is hugely entertaining and a delightful read.

I couldn't put it down and found myself snatching a few minutes just to find out what happens next. There were times when the story took a different path, throwing the reader offguard. The twists and turns were so nicely done, throwing the seasoned armchair detective off, with its red herrings and then the reveal which loops the story very well bringing it into a whole circle.

Thoroughly loved this read and it is a shame that the readers won't get to read more of Riley. Her talent will be truly missed. 

My review:

Wrong Place Wrong Time - Gillian McAllister

 I had heard lots of great things about this book and was intrigued. I had never read Gillian Mcallister before and was keen to discover this writer who was local to me. So happy when I finally managed to pick up a copy and what a treat it was.

Gist:

One Halloween night a mother looks out of the window, waiting for her teenage son. She sees him come up the drive but then right in front of her eyes, she sees a murder happen. She knows what she has seen, and wakes up the next day which is the day before, only this time she knews what is going to happen. 

How do you stop a murder once it has happened? 

My Review: 

This one really blew my mind. The premise did sound a bit ambitious and I was not sure what to expect, but the way Mcallister unfolds the story and takes us back and forth, I enjoyed every bit of the ride. Twitter which is my primary source of book recommendations was raving about this one, and I was a bit cautious. Especially in crime thriller genre, the premise is very unusual and shocking and then once you get past the shock factor, the story fails to live up to the build of  the premise. 

This is not the case here at all. As a reader I was cautiously waiting to see how the story panned out, it is a tough one to pull off and I marvelled at the way the reader is taking through the story in a reverse narrative, each scene revealing the past at the same time taking the story forward.

The story is so smoothly told that the reader feels well placed with as layers are revealed with some well defined characters in the story.

A great read. I picked this one up from the library and just saw the paperback is out. I am going to get a copy for myself now!

The Catch - T M Logan

Its is amazing how T M Logan picks the most routine of events in a person's life and turns them into fascinating stories. Curfew, Trust me and The Catch are all based on situations that starts with a simple what if which spirals into a such an engrossing tale.

The Blurb:

Ed meets his daughter's boyfriend, Ryan for the first time. Smart, successful, handsome, he seems perfect.

The only problem is Ed feels Ryan is lying to them.

He gets the feeling his daughter is in danger but no one else can see it. The wedding date is approaching fast and Ed sets out to uncover Ryan's secrets before it is too late...

My review:

• This book was on my TBR for a long time and I picked it up after seeing that the TV adaptation was out soon. I loved how the story moves and how it makes the reader change sides.

• In classic Logan style, the conflict is introduced on the first page and slowly as Ed's doubt takes centrestage, the multiple POVs help in keeping the suspense going, as the reader gets that nail biting edge of the seat feeling.   

• The characters are sharply drawn which makes it easier to connect to their actions. Logan doesn't give a lot of details but enough to explain their past and their present. Fast paced and racy, this is the sort of comfort read that I resort to when I just want to be entertained with a good plot.

The TV series is out and although it clearly states that it has been adapted meaning the setting has been changed to allow those who have read the book to experience the story in a different light. However, I felt the series took it for granted that the viewers knew the characters already. Which is why it was easier for me who had read the book but not my husband who felt some of the scenes did not justify the plot. 

My thoughts? The TV series is really good, but the book is better.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo- Taylor Jenkins Reid

 A story about the world of Hollywood of a bygone era but with a story so universal about fame, ambition and happiness.

When an ageing Hollywood diva Evelyn Hugo asks for a newbie reporter Monique to interview here, the reporter cannot believe her luck. It is only when Monique gets there that she realises that Evelyn wants her to write her biography. Monique is thrilled at the prospect but once she gets down to it, she finds parallels in her own life and realises that there is more to this assignment than what it seems like. 

Apart from a well structured narrative Reid's ability lies in the fact that she is able to conjure up a world and inject emotions that are so universal. The work culture of hollywood, the way female ambition has to make tough choices in order to survive and thrive. 

Reid writes with great maturity when she describes life experiences and how it changes a person. The level of insight that she brings to her characters is amazing and I was hooked to the story from the start to finish.

The writing is very compulsive and the way glides over decades is mesmerising. It is amazing how she uses stylistic devices to further the plot. The back and forth storytelling, the news paper cuttings and the narrative voice are so beautifully used to deliver a top story. 

I came across rave reviews about it and can confirm that it truly lives up to the hype. 

Highly recommended. 

The Couple at No.9 - Claire Douglas

A twisty thriller told from different perspectives, it had been hovering on my radar for a long time and when finally I got down to it, finished in a couple of sittings.

Gist:

Tom and Saffy have just moved into their grandmother's cottage. They are in the process of building an extension when bodies are discovered in their garden. Questions arise and soon fingers start pointing towards their grandmother, who has Alzehimer's. It set events in motion that makes Saffy worry for her family and for her unborn child...

My review:

• The story kicks off with a solid hook and within pages the reader is flung into the lives of the characters. The story is told from different perspectives - one of my favourite ways of telling a story and Douglas uses it well as disparate threads slowly come together in a well constructive narrative.

• The characters of Lorna and Saffy were well presented, their motivations and feelings for Rose had the depth, imperative to tell such a complex story. Overall, the story seems simple with its premise of family secrets and domestic relationships, but as the story traverses to the conclusion, the intricate working of the character mindset is well revealed as it sheds light on the relationship between Saffy and her grandmother Rose and her mother Lorna and Rose. 

• I had an idea of how the story would progress but for me the highlight was how Douglas portrays the relationship dynamics between the characters. 

• The setting of the story, a small sleepy town hidden away from the world is beautifully portrayed. I could imagine this place with its tight-knit community, the country lanes and the proximity to nature. The setting is a foil to the story that unfolds, which adds to the reading experience. 

Overall, a great read, well plotted and carefully drawn characters.    

    

The Blue Bar - Damyanti Biswas

I enjoyed reading this book and yet I struggled to come up with this review. Found it to be such an great read and was acutely conscious of articulating my reading experience well. It took me a while to get into the story but once I was firmly ensconced in that world of gritty, understaffed world of the justice system, I was caught in by how the story moved and turned as events unfolded and lead to an action packed climax.

Gist:

Tara, a bar dancer in Bombay is waiting at the Borivalli station in exchange for a hefty payout. Little does she realise that this outing will change her life forever.

Thirteen years on, her boyfriend, InspectorArnav Singh Rajput is still struggling with her disappearance. But then there is something else that demands his attention. Bodies of women are surfacing in different parts of the city and soon Arnav gets caught up in it. A serial killer seems to be on prowl and Arnav must act fast if he wants to save loved ones from falling victim to his antics.

My review:

I enjoyed this book and here's why:

• The initial chapters took me straight to Bombay and I found myself hearing and breathing the city as I turned the pages.

• Tara and Arnav are relatable characters , Biswas makes them very accessible and the reader feels a kind of kinship for these people caught in complicated situations.

• The story is a bit of a slow burn. It  takes time to get into the world, to immerse oneself into the lives of the characters. But then, it is a complicated world where passion coexists with bureaucracy, evil and distorted mindsets. The story is well layered, narrating a tale of crime, passion in contemporary Indian society, within a framework that is entertaining and offers insight at the same time.

• I see it as a novel that engages and educates the reader about a certain section of the society, not often seen in fiction. Corruption of power is a conventional theme, but in Biswas' hands it is delivered it in a manner that tugs at heart strings. 

• And this element of realism continues till the very end, which I think is commendable. Biswas could have easily turned it around into a palatable, neat conclusion but the fact that she doesn't, makes it all the more compelling.

• It is a slowburn read but once the story takes off, the reader is on a rollercoaster ride following Tara and Arnav, trying to work out the mystery in the story. The twist was unexpected, and I got that feeling of being hoodwinked, which bears testimony to Biswas' control over the craft. 

Overall, recommended for crime thriller lovers who dare to pick up something different. 

The Marlow Murder Club

 

What happens when a set of women, unlikely combinations come together and decide to solve a murder mystery in their town. Marlow Murder Club is a cosy crime mystery where some interesting civilians decide to solve a murder in their town of Marlow. 

Gist:

One evening 77 year old Judith Potts in swimming out on Thames river when she sees a brutal murder. When the local police don't believe it Judith decides to to figure it out for herself after some help from her friend. But then another body turns up and they realise that things were not as straightforward as they thought...

My review:

• I haven't read Thursday Murder Club so not sure if it is in anyway similar but I loved this one. It has a nice cosy feel to it. Midsommer Murders comes to mind.

• Seventy seven year old Judith is the leader of the pack. I loved how Thorogood uses the accessories of an senior citizen; crosswords, jigsaw and focus on keeping fit and uses it to create a formidable persona who is bold, sharp and quickwitted like Judith. 

• The story moves so well, meandering at first, introducing the knots and suspects in the story and then racing towards a conclusion, reminiscent of a Death in Paradise episode. Since this is the writer who has written the famous series as well, there is a particular delight in knowing what to expect. However, I like the book more than the series, purely because of the space to delve into the minds of the characters and their backstories which is not possible in an hour long episode. 

• This is not only a cosy crime mystery. The personas of the women characters are well developed, each distinct with their own set of traits and characteristics. There is some sharp observation and insight into these women's minds and their circumstances . The way these women come together to pool in their talents to solve mysteries is quite ingenious and enjoyable. I also liked the character of the inspector, a woman grappling with her own work-life balance as she joins forces with the murder club.

A well plotted mystery although the reveal reminded of me of a crime story with a similar murder. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable treat! Just heard that the Marlow Murder club is ready with their next case and I cannot wait to read it!

Highly recommended for fans of Midsommer Murders or Marple stories.

In the Blink of An Eye - Jo Callaghan

There have been so many series and books have about how technology is raiding our lives either through surveillance (BBC series - Capture), medical advancements  or even our social interactions on digital platforms.  

Jo Callagan's In the blink of An Eye takes on the challenge of exploring the concept of technology - in the form of an AI Hologram - taking on the role of an assistant police detective to solve a cold case.

Blurb:

When DCS Kate is asked to head a pilot exploring the use of AI in policing, she responds with extreme resistance. How can technology compare with years of experience and gut instinct? However, unable to resist a challenge she takes it on. But things take an sinister turn when the cold cases they have been working on suddenly become active and danger seems to be much closer than ever.

Between human instinct versus calculation, logic versus experience, who will get there first?

My review:

• In this debut, Callaghan introduces DCS Kate, an officer with years of experience who finds herself saddled with a hologram to solve a cold case. The persona of DCS Kat is well etched,  her battles - on professional and personal fronts - hits a chord with the reader.

• I enjoyed the office humour, the work tensions and how the adhoc team finds a way to settle into their roles. Callaghan captures the difficulties of handling a team, the tensions between colleagues with humour and sharp observation.        

• I enjoyed the tussle between Lock and Kat and how they played to their strengths. Callaghan does a great job of balancing out both viewpoints while keep the plot moving - brilliantly juggled.

• Once I took to DCS Kate and her team and settled into the narrative, I was really enjoying the ride, so much that I was beginning to feel smug thinking that I could see what the story was moving towards. But then the finale, oh gosh the blink of an eye, that really got me. That was my wow moment!

An intelligent thriller that handles a very topical theme within the trappings of a good old thriller - the kind that keep us turning pages. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster for an advance copy.

In the blink of an eye is published by Simon and Schuster and is out now.

 

   

The Curfew - T M Logan

 

T.M.Logan's latest is a great read. Especially since I was looking for a racy, engaging thriller and knew I was in good hands when I picked it up. What I love about his books is the compelling narrative with a set of characters to care about. And I was totally taken in by Andy, the father of a boy who broke his curfew which is where the story begins. Gosh what a hook of a premise to delve into!

Gist:

Andy and Laura love their kids. Their son Connor has just completed his exams and is out with friends. The parents have been assured that he will be back by midnight. 

Except when he doesn't, it sets off a series of events that shake the families up completely.

Because five teenagers went into the woods and only four came back.

Telling the truth may not be a good thing at this point after all.

My review:

• I picked it up at a time when I wanted a comfort read. This read which paints a parent's worst nightmare brought me out of a reading slump.

• I love the characters and the relatable situations. I loved how Andy the calm and composed GP functions as a rattled father. His quest to get his son out of trouble, the Boyd family with their quirks and traits, the way old insecurities surface in the face of this difficult situation has been beautifully portrayed.

• The storytelling is amazing, very plot driven and even as the reader is trying to guess what or who had done what, the twists keep coming and surprising the reader.

• I had an inkling of what could have happened and yet was taken aback by the twists in the story. Wow, loved the way the story turns.

I finished this in two sittings, such is the compelling nature of the narrative.

Highly recommended if you are looking for a good contemporary thriller story that keeps you racing through the pages.

  

Ajay and the Mumbai Sun - Varsha Shah

Varsha Shah's debut has all elements of a crackling read. A page turning adventure about a boy and his friends work hard to tackle corruption and greed.

Gist:

Ajay has always lived on the railway platform. He doesn't know who his parents are but he knows what he wants to be a journalist. He is fascinated by the world of news and together with a group of friends brings out a printed edition. But then Ajay quickly discovers that in his quest of news, danger is lurking around the corner and he will need the help of his friends before it gets too dangerous.

My review:

• The setting of the railway platform is truly amazing. Mumbai trains are an intrinsic part of the city's identity and Shah does a good job of panning out the story in the initial pages.

• The story is beautifully laid out and the character of Ajay is etched out well. Love Shah paints a flawed character rather than picture perfect and allows the reader to accompany him on his learning curve. 

• The story moves very fast is very pacy, great for young readers.

A great read. Have already bought copies to gift!

Best of Friends - Kamila Shamsie

I love Shamsie's writing. She has a very understated way of building worlds and bringing readers into it. I enjoyed learning about the two teenagers from different social strata and their friendship with ample foreshadowing in the initial chapters, as the atmosphere builds up for the reader to know something is going to happen.

However, I struggled with the London part of th
e story. Found lots of elements jostling for space; as role of technology in society, gender roles, relationships, immigration, politics. Shamsie's skill comes to fore at balancing all these elements and yet sometimes I struggled to keep up. Maybe it's just me, but the pace felt forced and it slowed it down for me.

I did not see the story turning the way it did. I loved being surprised as a reader and it is at this point that the story really started working for me, for by then I was fully invested in the characters.

Shamsie's ability to manoeuvre language and her sharp observations make for a great reading experience. Besides, she tends to be quite topical, and her stories are a reflection of contemporary society, yet another big plus.

Overall a great reading experience. Recommended.

The Last House - R G Adams

This is RG Adams' second novel after The Allegation. I really enjoyed reading about this character who is raised by the same social care system that she eventually works for. This new novel is an engaging read about a family, that seems like a low profile case for the department until Kit decide to get involved.  

Gist:

When a call comes to Sandbeach Child services about a 17-year-old boy Dylan Meredith, Kit remembers how her brother who was let down by the same services 10 years ago. In a bid to investigate she finds herself in an area that takes her back to her childhood. 

Perhaps it is gut instinct or just her personal experience clouding judgement but Kit feels something is not  right. Her superiors do not support Kit especially with their team being scrutinised through a staff inspection. Will Kit give in to the pressure or go against her bosses and risk consequences?  

My Review:

• Adams' debut novel The Allegation introduces Kit, a social worker who goes out of her way to discover the truth. It was great to meet Kit again and learn some more about her turbulent life in this latest novel.   

• The character of Kit with her fallacies is perfectly placed to investigate the cases that come through to her team.

• The juxtaposition of Kit's personal life with her professional life layers the story well. At one point it feels that there are two narratives and Adams's skill ensure that the two disparate threads echo similar sentiments.

• The psychological theory behind Dylan and Rhian's behaviour is not an easy one to explain and there are times when the information tends to bog down the story. However, it picks up pace once Kit defies the system to follow her gut instinct to save the family.

• Adams deftly weaves in her work experience in the sector to deliver a story about a system as fascinating as the NHS and yet never gets the attention it deserves.  

Kit as the protaganist is truly an unusual character and with each book, I feel a bit more invested in her life and cases. I will certainly be looking forward to Adams' next one and I am sure you will too if you like engaging and enlightening reads. 

The Last House is published by Riverrun books and is out now. 

    

  

Black Cake - Charmaine Wilkerson

A fabulous book that is easily one of my best reads of this. A story that is haunting and unravels so beautifully while working at so many levels.

Gist:

It begins when Benny and Byron discover their dead mother has left them a voice recording to listen to a special Caribbean black cake in the freezer.

What happens then is unravelling of secrets and some truths of the past sixty years and over so many continents.

My review:

A magnificient story about family, relationships and how time plays a role in deciding what our truths are. 

Loved the characer of Byron, Benny and Eleanor and the way it takes the reader through islands, countries and continents sweeping through so many lives as they tell their story.

The narrative flows so smoothly that one can only admire Wilkerson's ability to create so many different worlds and stay true to them. The short chapters are packed with information and skill and the way the story is told is amazing.

One of my favourite chapters is How to become a college dropout, a chapter of a few lines but which encapsulates the character's life and motivations in a one single paragraph. Amazing.   

A fantastic read. If you are a reader, then this is a book you shouldn't miss out on.