My Review (5 stars out of 5) In 1950s South Africa, Koba’s tribe are hunter-gatherers, following the traditional ways of life of an ancient culture. But when her family clashes with a group of white people, the outcome is tragic, leaving her orphaned. Taken to their home, the girl grudgingly learns to speak their language…
‘Before and Laughter’ by Jimmy Carr
My Review (5 stars out of 5) (Audiobook) Comedian Jimmy Carr’s autobiography is part memoir, part self-help and gives an insight into his outlook, background and overall view on life, the universe and everything. Stuck in a boring day job he made the leap into comedy, gathering useful tips and advice along the way. …
‘Arrow of Alba’ by Allan Webster
My Review (5 stars out of 5) Young warrior Odo escapes Paris (where his father is accused of plotting against the king) and joins a barbarian ruler’s army in northern Britannia. A Saxon slave girl takes his fancy, but another woman—the wife of his new boss—also has her eye on Odo. Caught in a difficult…
‘The Day of the Triffids’ by John Wyndham
My Review (5 stars out of 5) (Audiobook) In hospital for an eye operation, Bill Masen misses an unusually bright meteorite shower during the night. The next morning, disturbed that no-one has come to remove the bandages, he takes them off himself and discovers everyone who witnessed the phenomenon is now unable to see. Meeting…
‘The Moor’ by LJ Ross
My Review (5 stars out of 5) A 10-year-old girl appears at DCI Ryan’s house asking for help. She claims to have witnessed a murder – one that occurred when she was only two years old. On Newcastle Town Moor, the circus is in full swing, and the father of Ryan’s witness is the ringmaster.…
‘Rattle’ by Fiona Cummins
My Review (5 stars out of 5) Someone is on the hunt for new items to add to a grotesque museum – items that have something in common. A child with an unusual medical condition is in the killer’s sights, just waiting for the parents to make a mistake and leave their offspring at risk.…
‘Love You Dead’ by Peter James
My Review (5 stars out of 5) Audiobook Moving to a country cottage with Cleo and their baby son, Roy Grace gets a taste of happiness, but soon something comes along to spoil it. Recently discovered in a hospital, Roy’s missing wife Sandy, hasn’t finished messing with him yet. Meanwhile, a murderous woman leaves a…
‘Like Bottled Fire’ by Dominic Piper
My Review (5 stars out of 5) In Rome, Daniel Beckett takes on a risky assignment, using an attractive Italian waitress as cover. Unfortunately, Beckett’s plan goes askew, and he discovers his companion may not be what she seems… This short story is a prequel to the PI Daniel Beckett series and the first I’ve…
‘A Pact with the Devil’ by Anna Legat
My Review (4 stars out of 5) 1491, Cracow, Kingdom of Poland. University students Nicolaus Copernicus and his brother Andreas find themselves enmeshed in a devilish mystery when alchemist Doctor Faustus is found hanging over a crucible of boiling tar with a pentagon carved into his chest. A man is arrested on suspicion of murder…
‘Troubled Times for Tilly’ by Kay Seeley
My Review (4 stars out of 5) This is book 2 in the Water Gypsy series, though you don’t have to have read the first one to understand what’s already happened. Tilly and Sam strive to make a safe home for themselves and their children, though Tilly’s older son—Joey—is the offspring of a wealthy father,…
Colin Garrow 