Diary of a Young Girl Teenager Anne Frank’s record of life in a secret annexe for more than two years during World War Two, is a unique document, portraying innocence and humanity, suffering and survival in the starkest and most moving terms. This version of Anne’s diary brings together all the versions of the book,…
‘Doctor Zhivago’ by Boris Pasternak
Doctor Zhivago Boris Pasternak’s epic novel of love and war throws physician and poet Yuri Zhivago into the lives of two women. Epic is certainly the word, here, and knowing I’d never attempt this in book form, the audio version seemed like a good option. Although it’s basically a decent story, if somewhat improbable (all…
‘Seeking Mr Hare’ by Maurice Leitch
Seeking Mr Hare Following the hanging of his partner in crime Willie Burke, William Hare (having been offered immunity from prosecution) is set free and put on a coach to Carlisle. But the people of Edinburgh are unhappy that such a vile individual has escaped his crimes and Hare soon recognises the need to disappear…
‘Ghostland’ by Edward Parnell
Ghostland (Audiobook) Tormented by the nightmare of a family tragedy, Edward Parnell retreats into the ghost stories that entertained him as a boy. Embarking on a search for the authors, places and images from those stories, he travels across Britain, exploring the tales of a host of writers, including MR James, Algernon Blackwood, Lucy Boston…
‘Die Every Day’ by Gordon Bickerstaff
Die Every Day When Gavin Shawlens finds himself on a murder charge, he admits he’s to blame. With all the evidence pointing directly at him, it seems the only option is to plead guilty. But if he goes the other way, the consequences for the Government could be catastrophic, so to ensure Gavin doesn’t escape…
‘Wonder Boys’ by Michael Chabon
My Review (5 stars out of 5) Over-sexed, pot-bellied, pot-smoking, ageing novelist Grady Tripp struggles to finish the novel he’s been working on for several years. With an eager editor tugging at his coattails, and his long-time lover demanding a decision on their relationship, Tripp is faced with a series of challenges that could make…
Amateur Sleuth, Animals, Audiobook, Book Reviews, Children's Books, Classic, Crime, detective, Indie Authors, murder, mystery, Psychological
Best Reads of 2019
Over the course of the last twelve months, I’ve read 97 books. This includes paperbacks, eBooks, hardbacks and a few audiobooks, but doesn’t include those where I gave up after the first couple of chapters. What follows is a list of some of the more memorable reads, though isn’t intended to be definitive or in…
‘Storm of Divine Light’ by Ernesto San Giacomo
Storm of Divine Light When the Orb of the First Light is stolen from a monastery, the monks charged with guarding the powerful weapon are desperate to recover it. Teaming up with his friend Cyril the Wise. former ace rogue Dagorat takes on the dangerous quest. Travelling across the continent to his previous home of…
‘I Talk Too Much’ by Francis Rossi
I Talk Too Much I’ve been a Status Quo fan since the early seventies, and while I haven’t seen them live since 1980, I’ve always loved their music. Having said that, I did feel a little sceptical about reading this book, as whenever I saw them interviewed, Rossi often came across as a bit aloof…
‘Whiskey Sour’ by J.A. Konrath
Whiskey Sour As if sleepless nights, a failed relationship and a distinct lack of cash weren’t enough to deal with, life throws a curveball at Lieutenant Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels – just to keep her busy. When a serial killer calling himself ‘The Gingerbread Man’ starts dumping bodies on Jack’s patch, she finds herself not only…
Colin Garrow 