My Review (4 stars out of 5) When Carl Lee Hailey kills the two white racists who raped his daughter, he has a lot of support from the people of the town, Clanton, Mississippi. But there are others who want to see him dead, and the case becomes a focus for extremists, corrupt lawyers and…
‘Yorkshire Ripper – The Secret Murders’ by Chris Clark and Tim Tate
My Review (5 stars out of 5) Known as the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe was convicted in 1981 of killing thirteen women. Though it’s long been understood that West Yorkshire police might’ve caught him earlier if they hadn’t only focused on murdered prostitutes, what is generally not known about are all the other murders that…
‘Murder at the Abbey’ by Frances Evesham
My Review (3 stars out of 5) A History Society picnic is interrupted when human bones are discovered in a nearby river, close to historic Cleeve Abbey. Amateur sleuth Libby and her husband, who just happen to be on hand, are keen to get involved, especially when the Society organise a ghost-hunting night at the…
‘Not Dead Enough’ by Peter James
My Review (5 stars out of 5) Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is faced with a possible serial killer when two women are found dead, but when a suspect comes under scrutiny, it seems the man has the ability to be in two places at the same time. Meanwhile, Grace is thrown a curveball when his…
‘Rebel Hearts’ by Kevin Toolis
My Review (5 stars out of 5) This book details the investigation by journalist Kevin Toolis into the lives of men and women who were part of the IRA’s efforts to oust the British Army from Ireland during the infamous ‘troubles’. Exploring the history of the cause and the republican (and loyalist) interpretations of it,…
‘Blowing the Bloody Doors Off’ by Michael Caine
My Review (5 stars out of 5) Written in his 85th year veteran British actor Michael Caine looks back on his life with a view to highlighting what he’s learned. Although primarily aimed at those with a yen for performance, his advice is useful for anyone wanting to better themselves. With stories and anecdotes from…
‘Insider’ by Owen Mullen
My Review (5 stars out of 5) With bad-boy Danny out of the way, the remaining members of the notorious Glass family prepare for war. Luke strives to find people he can trust to keep his empire safe, but with rumours of a police spy within the firm, he must tread carefully. To make matters…
‘A Wanted Man’ by Lee Child
My Review (5 stars out of 5) Sporting a newly busted nose, Jack Reacher isn’t hopeful of hitching a ride in Nebraska, but eventually, one car does stop. Though the three passengers—two men and a woman—have believable explanations for their journey and their slightly strange outfits, Reacher soon finds himself picking holes in their account.…
‘This Much is True’ by Miriam Margolyes
My Review (5 stars out of 5) (Audiobook) Known for memorable characters including Lady Whiteadder and Professor Sprout, roles in Little Dorrit and Oliver Twist, and a host of voice-overs for TV adverts, Miriam Margolyes is a national treasure. From her childhood in Oxford and posing naked for artist Augustus John to working with Martin…
‘Manson’ by Jeff Guinn
My Review (5 stars out of 5) How did ex-con and delinquent Charles Manson entice young people to join his ‘family’ and persuade them to commit murder? In this well-researched biography, Jeff Guinn interviewed childhood friends, cellmates, Manson’s own sister and cousin and even members of the Manson Family. Placing Manson firmly in the context…
Colin Garrow 