In the depths of winter – it’s cold and wet here – what better read than a feel-good novel set in the warmer climes of Burgundy, France. Even better when the book was free. Amazon does have many free books to discover so daily newsletters from the likes of BookBub, Book Raider, and The Fussy…
Category: 5 Star Reads
These are the books that I have thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to you.
Agent Running in the Field (by John le Carré)
Nat is put out to pasture in a local London spy centre (The Haven – a complete misnomer) by his “friends” in Head Office much to his chagrin. Spies, like author John le Carré, refuse to grow old gracefully! This is John le Carré at the top of his game. Nat has many connections, friends…
The Guardians (by John Grisham)
I have been rather disappointed in recent novels by John Grisham, so “The Guardians” was a pleasant surprise. “The Guardians” is bang in form, and back to the strengths of his earlier novels. The “Law is an Ass” seems an appropriate cliche. The book is based on some true events and illustrates the ease that…
The Thursday Murder Club (by Richard Osman)
This is the Richard Osman of Pointless (and other TV quizzes and Chat shows) so you can expect an off-beat novel! You will not be disappointed – there are plenty of pithy observations, and tangential quips which are off the wall in typical Osman style. His characters, primarily located at a top-end care complex, offer…
The Truants (by Kate Weinberg)
Lorna once asked: “What is it about an unsolved mystery that captures us so that makes us lean forward looking for an answer?” At the heart of this mystery is Agatha Christie. There are references to her and her novels throughout the story. I am not familiar with Agatha Christie novels! Does she have heroes…
The Birdwatcher (by William Shaw)
I am beginning to be a big fan of William Shaw! I recently read his Salt Lane novel and got the bug. Salt Lane features DS Alexandra Cupidi and her daughter. So The Birdwatcher is a prequel to Salt Lane? OK, the main character is Police Sergeant William South but Cupidi and her daughter especially…
The Fox (by Frederick Forsyth)
Frederick Forsyth The Fox Review Many famous authors have a successful formula – Dan Brown comes to mind – and Fredrick Forsyth is another with a well-established formula. It all started with his book about the assassination attempt on General de Gaulle. Today so many books seem formulaic – perhaps they have all been to…
Salt Lane (by William Shaw)
Came across Shaw at a speaker event at the Firle Vintage Fayre. The plot sounded interesting and as it was located in an area close by it seemed worth investigating The plot is centred around Romney Marsh and Dungeness – places we know well. He captures the remoteness but beauty well. His lead detective has…
The Parisians (by Marius Gabriel)
The novel is set in World War II and in 1940 the Nazis have occupied Paris and taken over the Ritz for their senior officers and mistresses. The cast of characters includes an American Olivia Olsen, working as a chambermaid, the famous Coco Chanel and Arletty, one of France’s best-loved actresses. Hitler’s right-hand man moves…
Once Upon a River (by Diane Setterfield)
Lovely atmospheric story dripping in melancholy. Everyone is a storyteller and the plot meanders just like the Thames. Characters weave into the book with their own back story. Beautifully written and observed. An enchanting story – perhaps the ending is a little disappointing but do not be put off. The writing is magic.