Sara Garland
Red Rain, by R L Stine
Reviewed on October 29, 2012
For those in any doubt, I can confirm that this is the same R L Stine, (often referred to as the Stephen King of children’s horror fiction), who has very successfully thrilled and scared our children with such as the Goosebumps and Fear Street reading series. Indeed given that Goosebumps launched in 1992 you might [...]
A Wanted Man, by Lee Child
Reviewed on October 19, 2012
Jack Reacher is back….. Lee Child’s 17th novel published on 30 August 2012, features the huge, hulking and incredibly versatile Jack Reacher character. Starting the novel with a very beaten up broken nose, his face covered in blood, Reacher is trying to hitch a ride in wintry Nebraska. (Where Worth Dying For left off).
Turn of Mind , by Alice LaPlante
Reviewed on October 14, 2012
A winner of the Wellcome Trust Book prize, this debut novel from LaPlante portrays the fragmented consciousness of Dr Jennifer White, a once brilliant orthopaedic hand surgeon, now suffering with the degeneration of her mind via dementia. It’s an excellent plot using someone with the intelligence and belligerence that an individual with a medical background [...]
Getting to Yes: Negotiating an Agreement Without Giving In, by Roger Fisher & William Ury
Reviewed on September 18, 2012
With over 2 million copies in over 20 countries, this book has a repetition as an international best seller. Initially published 30 years ago, the authors are both Havard Professors with backgrounds in Law and Communication and negotiation. This slender book however I suspect may create something similar to the Marmite effect; that is you’ll [...]
Liminal States, by Zack Parsons
Reviewed on September 17, 2012
I have quite eclectic reading tastes, but have never quite ventured into science fiction before. Realising I wanted to give the genre a try I was particularly attracted by this novel as it managed to offer a blend of historical fiction, a sense of horror and a whisper of something almost paranormal as well as [...]
Split Second, by Cath Staincliffe
Reviewed on September 5, 2012
This latest book from the very talented Kath Staincliffe starts with a murder scene that takes place without true thought of the consequences, and then traces the fallout and emotional aftermath on the family and a key witness involved in this senseless crime. It begins with three unruly youths boarding a bus and ganging up [...]
Sleepwalkers, by Tom Grieves
Reviewed on August 30, 2012
Tom Grieves has worked in television as a script editor, producer and executive producer. His work includes The Bill and Being Human This is however his debut novel. It’s a sharp psychological thriller, which was an original television script idea that couldn’t sell. The book seeks to explore the cited demons associated with the nanny [...]
The Shadowed Sun, by N K Jemisin
Reviewed on August 7, 2012
This is the second book in the dream blood series, which is set 10 years after the first novel, The Killing Moon. As such it starts initially as a story with completely different characters. As with the first book, I found I needed a high level of concentration for the first few chapters as you [...]
The 500, by Matthew Quirk
Reviewed on July 22, 2012
Mike Ford in his youth was a thief; forced to live a less than honorable life because his father went to jail leaving him and his mother needing to find their own way to survive. After having to meet the medical bills to treat his mother’s cancer by taking out loans, Mike resenting his father [...]
The Sister, by Lynne Alexander
Reviewed on June 26, 2012
Stories told in the first person are by nature just one person’s point of view and prone to be unreliable. But they offer a wonderful conundrum, does the reader believe the storyteller in their entirety or query if they have a distorted view-point. In other words is everything as at first it may seem? Written [...]
A second look at Then, by Julie Myerson
Reviewed on June 22, 2012
Picture London wasted, in a blanket of freezing snow, with fires and smog which prevents all sunlight reaching you. Amongst the squalor and darkness with frozen corpses lining the streets, no electricity or heat, paucity of food and only moderate signs of life, you have a fractured memory. You can’t quite recall who you are [...]
The Killing Moon, by N K Jemisin
Reviewed on June 16, 2012
This is the first of a fantasy duology by the author of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, a debut novel which won the Locus Award. Inspired by her fascination with Egyptian magic and mystery, this book is set in an exotic world, and whilst steeped in ancient Egyptian culture, it’s unlikely to be anything you’ve come [...]
The Coffee Table Book of Doom, by Steven Appleby & Art Lester
Reviewed on June 11, 2012
This book is intended just for what it says on the cover, acting as wonderful lighthearted, yet theoretically correct look at all things related to doom and the end of the world! Left on my coffee table, we’ve had quite a few visitors whilst my husband has recovered from surgery and it has acted as [...]
Hanging Hill, by Mo Hayder
Reviewed on May 22, 2012
When you pick up a Mo Hayder novel, you know you’re in for a tense and gripping read, which is crafted in such a manner that you don’t quite know how things will end. Renowned for her research with a number of police forces, and personal encounters with criminals and prostitutes, she loves to get [...]
Vengeance, by Ian Irvine
Reviewed on May 16, 2012
I have a huge respect for fantasy writers. They have to develop kingdoms, the geography and geology of the land, the inhabitants, their laws, political and social values as well as invariably inventing new words and concepts. On top of that is the need to compose and interweave an intricate, captivating story that has to [...]
Dead to Me, by Cath Staincliffe
Reviewed on May 1, 2012
I read this book having never seen the television crime drama Scott and Bailey. This novel being the prequel to the successful ITV1 drama, which I note is now in its second series. This I was glad of , as I rather read a book ahead of seeing the televised production, so that I can [...]
Pariah, by David Jackson
Reviewed on April 24, 2012
If you’re looking for a new criminal writer that has a central character destined to feature in a series of novels, the debut author David Jackson may be about to meet your requirements. Nominated for a CWA Debut Dagger, Jackson has created a central character called Callum Doyle, a New York Police Department Detective, who, [...]
A second look at The Gallows Curse, by Karen Maitland
Reviewed on April 21, 2012
This is the third novel by the highly talented Karen Maitland in her historical novels. Her debut novel, Company of Liars has sold over 70,000 copies, and was followed by the similarly successful Owl Killers. Set in the early thirteenth century, it recounts a time when King John having fallen out with the Pope has [...]
Advent, by James Treadwell
Reviewed on March 28, 2012
This debut novel is the first of a fantasy trilogy set in Cornwall which is a very impressive read. The blurb reveals that magic locked away is rising to the world once more and the first chapter gives a prologue about the origins of magic and of the greatest magus in the world, who, you [...]
Unclean Spirits, by M. L. N. Hanover
Reviewed on March 6, 2012
I have to say that I hate the term urban fantasy. For me, whether it’s the covers of these types of books or the polluted shelves of terrrible romantic urban fantasy novels, but it creates an image of twee and trashy, similar to that which Mills and Boon evokes for me. This is such a [...]
77 Shadow Street, by Dean Koontz
Reviewed on March 1, 2012
With over 55 published books, as well as screenplays and short stories, Koontz is a seriously established internationally best-selling, predominantly thriller and horror writer. How he sustains such innovation, whilst remaining disciplined writing 10 hours per day to meet his publishing deadlines is incredibly impressive. Some readers do as a result feel the quality of [...]
A Death in the Family, by Karl Ove Knausgaard
Reviewed on March 1, 2012
Knausgarrd is a Norwegian writer, who has published three books which have all been heralded critical successes. His first novel Out of this World won the Norwegian Critics’ Prize, (the first time ever awarded to a debutant author), his second A Time to Every Purpose Under Heaven, also widely acclaimed. A Death in the Family, [...]
Mrs Moneypenny’s Careers Advice for Ambitious Women
Reviewed on February 17, 2012
More often than not leadership and career advice books are padded out and written in an unpalatable and dry non-motivational style. They have a tendency to test your endurance and tenacity to be able to regularly pick up such books or dare I say even finish them. This book, I’m very glad to be able [...]
V is for Vengeance, by Sue Grafton
Reviewed on February 11, 2012
Readers of the Sue Grafton series will already be familiar with Kinsey Millhone Private Investigator themed books. This is the 22nd of the alphabetically titled crime related novels, set in the fictional town of Santa Teresa, California. Kinsey, consequently is a well-formed character, always with a nose for trouble and an insatiable appetite for risk. [...]
The Diviner’s Tale, by Bradford Morrow
Reviewed on January 25, 2012
Cassandra Brooks leads a somewhat insular and refrained social life, because she has a calling as a diviner. Although her skill is in water divination, she sometimes has pre-sight where she can visualise/sense something that’s about to happen to people. This included the death of her brother, which despite voicing her concerns was unable to [...]
Finders Keepers, by Belinda Bauer
Reviewed on January 24, 2012
‘You Don’t love him,’ the first message the kidnapper leaves at the scene after the abduction of the first Exmoor victim, 8-year-old Charlie Peach. A seemingly plotted and deliberate act with inside reason. But the suspense unfolds as more children are snatched without a trace and a similar note left – not all of them [...]
The Map, by T S Learner
Reviewed on January 17, 2012
Following on from the success of her début novel Sphinx, selling 100,000 copies Learner, a British born playwright, has produced The Map, a similar style tome of a novel that combines history, politics, espionage and mysticism. It is set in the 1950′s following the Second World War and on the fringes of the Cold War. [...]
Fated, by S G Browne
Reviewed on January 8, 2012
‘Rule 1 – Don’t get involved with humans’ – to be followed by the immortal beings working for Jerry, or as most people know him, God. From Greed, to Destiny, Karma, Integrity, Hope and Death, humans have some pre-assigned fates and destinies; some are also given choices about how they go about their lives. Fate, [...]
The Prague Cemetery, by Umberto Eco
Reviewed on December 17, 2011
The Italian author (and established semiotician, thereby studying symbols, language and communication), Umberto Eco has crafted a fictional nineteenth century conspiracy embedded with actual historical characters, albeit the times lines are not strictly accurate.What he has created is a complicated puzzle, layered with red herrings intended to test the reader. Quirky from the outset, the [...]
At Sea, by Laurie Graham
Reviewed on November 21, 2011
This is the type of novel you don’t come across much anymore. It’s quirky and eccentric, beholden of the old style English language most typical of the well-to-do do in the 1930′s, where one is inclined to express how splendid everything is, cleverly mixed into a modern-day cruise ship holiday. Packed with mirth and a [...]
The Haunted, by Niki Valentine
Reviewed on November 14, 2011
This story follows Martin and Sue, a professional childless couple in their 40′s that take a break in a hotel in the Scottish Highlands. As part of that break they decide to take a trek up to a secluded bothy, which Martin once visited with his parents as a child. Whilst they don’t have the [...]
Silent Voices, by Ann Cleeves
Reviewed on November 10, 2011
Once a book has been transformed to the screen, it isn’t something I then seek out to read, feeling that those involved in its production will cast the characters differently to those I would depict myself and that I won’t enjoy it in the same manner. However I may just need to re-visit my own [...]
The Traitor’s Wife, by Kathleen Kent
Reviewed on November 5, 2011
I do love to indulge in the English language of the time period covered in historical novels. The descriptions are expressed so explicitly and the colloquialisms usually endearing and enchanting. Not only this but you benefit from a wealth of research characterised in an absorbing tale. Kathleen Kent’s second novel, a prequel novel to The [...]
Don’t Let Me Go, by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Reviewed on October 26, 2011
From the cover of this book and its hook lines, it looks very much like a Jodi Picoult novel. I anticipated an emotive story, perhaps a little sugary, but this was not the case. Although not a million miles apart from Picoult, Hyde definitely has her own style. The book although aimed at women contains [...]
Out of Sight, by Isabelle Grey
Reviewed on October 11, 2011
Patrick Hinde is a complex character, who has had an odd and irksome childhood. His mother obsessive and unable to cope with day-to-day life and decision-making, a father undemonstrative, dismissive and intolerant. Their unity bringing out the worst of each other. Already married and in a somewhat unusual relationship, whereby his wife, albeit intuitive and [...]
Solstice at Stonewylde, by Kit Berry
Reviewed on October 2, 2011
With a level of energy and intensity held throughout the previous books, Kit Berry keeps the powerful drama and tension going throughout her third novel tracking the turbulent events at Stonewylde and the unfolding Stonewylde prophecy. Yul has been deemed guardian of the Earth Magic, favoured by the Godesse, but at the end of the [...]
Moondance of Stonewylde, by Kit Berry
Reviewed on September 29, 2011
This is the second novel in the Stonewylde series, which reflects the magical, mystical and sometimes sinister goings on at the fictional Dorset pagan community of Stonewylde. Possibly because it was originally self-published, the author Kit Berry, starts the novel exactly where she left off at the end of her first novel. This is refreshing [...]
Magus of Stonewylde, by Kit Berry
Reviewed on September 25, 2011
Initially self published by the author Kit Berry in 2005 through her self-created Moongazy Publishing, it left her little time to write; Orion Publishing now having the worldwide rights to the Stonewylde series have (via Gollancz) republished all the books. This is great news, as the pagan based novels are continuing to be discovered by [...]
The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Reviewed on September 11, 2011
If you’re looking for a contemporary read, that’s just that bit different, I think I might have found something for you. By its title you can determine that the book is about communication and reflects how diverse and difficult this can be, especially if you’ve had a difficult start in life. Moreover it’s about finding [...]
The Storm at the Door, by Stefan Merrill Block
Reviewed on September 5, 2011
Whilst this maybe only Stefan Block’s second novel, he has taken a candid yet inspiring decision to create a fictional story using real life family events and memories at its foundation. This provides the setting for a generation spanning engaging account of mental illness and the profound impact on the family. Block’s grandfather underwent admission [...]
The Borrower, by Rebecca Makkai
Reviewed on September 2, 2011
Meet Lucy Hill, a 26 year old Missouri children’s librarian, who knows that she hasn’t quite made the best choices in life, but doesn’t really know how to do anything about it. She’s in a rut, with no proper love interest, not much of a social life, living in a shared theatre run by larger [...]
A Summer of Drowning, by John Burnside
Reviewed on August 12, 2011
This is an ethereal, eerie and quirky book, much because it is set in Kvaloya, a small North Norway island in the Arctic Circle, exposed to white nights and a captivating spectral atmosphere. It follows the reflections of Liv, now 28 years old, retelling her memories from the summer 10 years ago, when two male [...]
Forgetting Zoe, by Ray Robinson
Reviewed on August 10, 2011
Following two previous award winning books, Ray Robinson’s third novel will not disappoint. It features the abduction, capture, cruel and manipulative treatment of a young girl, which he describes as a story inspired by real events. Thurman Hayes has led a disconnected and tormented childhood. Following the death of his parents and in particular upon [...]
The Forgotten Waltz, by Anne Enright
Reviewed on August 2, 2011
There’s always something special about the wit and humour of the Irish, which makes for a very entertaining read. Anne Enright in her 5th novel has set about telling the ordinary story of Gina Moynihan, a modern day Dubliner in her mid-thirties who commits adultery with Sean. Both end up separating from their spouses living [...]
Mice, by Gordon Reece
Reviewed on May 1, 2011
What starts as a benign adolescent tale about being the victim of bullying and controlling behaviour at school, swiftly and deftly unfolds into a complex story which reflects the paradox of suffering as a victim to the impact a chance turn of events has on our most primal instincts. Two women, sixteen year old Shelley [...]
The Terror of Living, by Urban Waite
Reviewed on April 30, 2011
Follow the story of Hunt, an ex-convict of 20 years with troubles that have been nurtured by his loving wife and a life caring for magnificent horses. But caring for such sturdy beasts costs money; the amount of money not always easy to find. To gain enough money quickly involves risks. Meet Drake, the local [...]
Anatomy of Ghosts, Andrew Taylor
Reviewed on April 23, 2011
An intelligent, layered, historical novel set in beautiful 18th Century Cambridge. Although essentially a crime novel, it takes you on a well crafted journey, with complex characters amongst a lot of smoke and mirrors. The rhythm within which it is written, allows you to enjoy it without losing flow or pace. It follows the story [...]
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The Bookgeeks Interview
Mark Oldfield
Mark Oldfield has worked in criminological research for over 20 years. He has a PhD in Criminology from the University of Kent and has carried out research in the areas of risk assessment and prediction and as well as evaluative research on policing, prisons and probation. He has also taught in various Universities on research, crime and criminal justice.
