This month I've been reading...

This is Tempe Brennan tale number 16, and I found it quite disappointing. There were two disparate strands to the story, both of which had promise, but which were woven together in a way that was totally unbelievable, with some very loose ends left hanging. There were also some disappointing/frustrating things going on in Tempe's personal life. Book 17 is out now, and I will be keeping my fingers crossed that it is back to classic Kathy Reichs form. Please don't go all Kay Scarpetta on us, Tempe.

*****

Here we have another of those 'bargains' that have been sitting unloved on my virtual bookshelf for months. But HOORAY- when I finally read it this month I really enjoyed it! Set both during the Spanish Civil War and in the 21st century, this story is well-written, with well-crafted characters, and is part romance, part family mystery. If you have enjoyed Katherine Webb, Kate Morton and Victoria Hislop's writing, you'll like this. I mention Victoria Hislop because her book The Return is pretty much by only previous education on the Spanish Civil War, to my shame. I won't give any spoilers, but the ending of The Perfume Garden is really pleasing in the way that it links together lots of key incidents that occur during the story. A fab read.

*****

I am very nearly at the end of Entry Island, and it is completely brilliant. Partly murder mystery (set on Entry Island in the Gulf of St Lawrence in Canada), and partly a man's experience of the forced clearance of crofters the Scottish Highlands, it is a very cleverly woven story with lots of atmospheric detail about the islands. If you have read and enjoyed The Lewis trilogy you will also enjoy this. I am really hoping that the ending of the story is as good as the first three quarters have been.  If so, it is my book of the month!

*****

Ahem. Remember me?

*waves* I'm the one who hasn't updated her book blog since June. School holidays, sunshine, lazing around etc etc- I won't even bother to try and make excuses. Strangely enough I HAVE read quite a few books over the summer though, so behold a quick whizz through my summer reading library. Many of these had been languishing on my kindle for quite a while, so don't expect anything 'currently popular' (I have been making a conscious effort to read the books that I bought thinking "just £1.99- what a bargain!" and then promptly forgot about). Also, I don't profess to be someone who picks a high-brow book to read on a sun lounger, but for the most part these books kept me gripped and/or entertained during the glorious summer of 2014.

Lisa Jewell is one of my favourite authors when it comes to writing about families and relationships. The Third Wife contains a host of brilliantly realistic characters and complex family dynamics. I loved it from that point of view- first class. I found the ending really frustrating though. I won't say anymore for fear of spoiling it for anyone reading.

*****

This book is focused on a period of European history that I knew nothing about- 1970's Italy, when the Red Brigades were attemping to destabilise the country through sabotage, kidnappings and assassinations, including that of the prime minister Aldo Moro in 1978. The story switches between the 1970's and modern-day Florence, where an American girl has disappeared. Of the two I preferred the historical sections of the book, but the story has something for everyone- crime, romance and political history. I recommend!

*****

I had been meaning to read this for ages, and quickly followed it up with the sequels Tuesday's Gone and Waiting For Wednesday. Part four of the series, Thursday's Children, has also been published and awaits me. Now, I enjoy a psychological thriller, but not one that hits too close to home or is too creepy. This series is perfect for me from that point of view- some other Nicci French books that I once enjoyed (I'm thinking in particular of Secret Smile and the Safe House) are a bit too creepy for my tastes now. Frieda Klein is a really interesting character and I enjoyed reading the books one after another, which heightened the tension of one particular storyline that runs through the series. Something about the books niggles me and stops me from rating them more highly, but I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.

*****

I feel a bit controversial here- Amazon is full of rave reviews for The Rosie Project, and although I liked it, I didn't love it. I'm sorry. If you know lots of scientists or geeks, there is a lot that feels familiar here. It's funny and sweet, but it just didn't hit me. I must have a heart of stone.

 ***** 

By contrast, I loved this book. I had few preconceptions about it, other than that it was American and black in humour, and that can go one of two ways for me (no one EVER mention Vernon God Little to me please). After about two chapters I was utterly confused about where on earth the bonkers story was going to go next, but in the end I loved it. I really grew to like Harold, the Silver family and the raft of associated characters. Despite the crazy plot and the blackness of the humour it is heart-warming and ultimately about a family learning to work together to deal with whatever life throws at it. There are a lot of clever little observations about modern life. There's also quite a lot of awkward grubby 'action' too (if you get my drift)- don't say I didn't warn you! Anyway, moving on. I was sad to finish this and say goodbye to the Silvers.

***** 

And there you have it- my holiday reading (I might have missed some-I will have a look through my 'read' folder and check). And I'll be back later in the week (honest!) with what I've been reading in September. If you've read any of the above or anything brilliant over the summer, do let me know!