In Senior Gap Years, you have the time to catch up on all the books you missed. These are independent reviews of books that I am enjoying in retirement (yes, I used the “R” word!). Please free to comment on the reviews.
A wartime historical novel set in Italy and the Vatican city. Set in World War II, the novel cleverly mixes fact with fiction. The research is excellent and the wartime raids and strategies are described in detail. There are many heroes and villains. These wartime exploits convey the true horror of war and the nature of the Nazi war crimes. The Pope’s role is an interesting theme in this novel.
Altar of Resistance (by Samuel Marquis) Read More »
Triple Cross is the thrilling finale to Tom Bradby’s Secret Service trilogy. There is a mole at senior level in the UK spy service. The PM is facing a no confidence vote, and Kate undertakes a dangerous mission in Moscow to save his skin!
Triple Cross (by Tom Bradby) Read More »
This is a stunning debut novel from Mateo Askaripour. He has an original voice and style full of racial angst. Not only are the racial observations very pertinent but his own journey is challenging. The final outcome is unexpected. The whole story is well written with many wry observations and witty episodes: a book for modern times.
Black Buck (by Mateo Askaripour) Read More »
As you approach the end of a good book, you almost do not want it to end. You have a good feeling and are captivated by the story. In the same vein starting a new read can be disappointing as it does not live up to expectations of the previous novel. So after reading Wisdom
The Perfect Life (by Valerie Keogh) Read More »
As a thriller this story grips from start finish. It is a pacy novel and the tension is relentless from the beginning. Jess has been working as a researcher for a potential US presidential candidate. Her research reveals a terrible secret about the candidate, and big business is going to eliminate her
Wisdom Spring (by Andrew Cunningham) Read More »
His Irish detective, Bunny has relocated to New York. For background on Bunny you need to read the Dublin Trilogy. Bunny is supposedly dead and needs to keep a low profile. Of course, keeping a low profile is anathema to Bunny. From the off he gets mixed up with a student, Amy who sidelines as a S&M performer.
Disaster Inc (by Caimh McDonnell) Read More »
Oh dear families! The strife seems to be exaggerated in rich families abetted by the quest for power. This novel set in Connecticut is full of twists and turns and the tension increases as the story develop. Will Claire survive the chase or will the investigator come to the rescue in time?
The Shadow Box (by Luanne Rice) Read More »
A stylish gripping read with the inevitable twist at the end which I did not see coming. Clever plot, revealing flashbacks and suspect friends and neighbours. Just who is looking for revenge?
You Let Me In (by Lucy Clarke) Read More »
Doppelgangers is the theme running through this story. If you think the idea is far-fetched then do not read this. It is an intriguing book with plenty of thrills and spills. Kate has a special skill called super-recogniser. She has the ability to pick out criminal faces from crowds. After a serious car accident, she has left the force, and moved in with Rob who she met at the hospital. Does he have a mental doppelganger?
The Other YOU (by J.S. Monroe) Read More »
