Also Read

I've decided to start a separate post for the books I've read which don't really need a review of their own. I'll update this from time to time. These include so far:

• Build A Man, by Talli Roland (Book 158), a sort of love story where a wannabe tabloid journalist working as a receptionist for her plastic surgeon boyfriend meets the man of her dreams when he comes in for a complete makeover. The clash of ethics with the chance of her dream job makes for interesting reading, though the book is a bit lightweight.
• Three Ways to Die, short stories by Lee Goldberg (Book 157)
• Brilliant Book of Calm , short, thought-provoking and inspirational chapters on keeping a more centered life (Book 156)

Babylon Series - Books 154 and 155

The Babylon series of books is written by Imogen Edwards-Jones with the help of an anonymous source inside the industry she is profiling. Factual information and anecdotes that actually took place are compressed into the space of a week. Perhaps the best known of the series is Hotel Babylon which subsequently sparked a TV program, but other in the series include Air Babylon, Fashion Babylon, Pop Babylon and the two I've just read, Beach Babylon and Wedding Babylon. Believe me - you will learn more about the inner workings of these industries than you ever wanted to know, all told with the best of British humor. Hotel, Air and Wedding are my favorite of the series so far, but rumor has it that another expose is on its way. Can't wait.  Recommended.


Check them all out on the Imogen Edwards-Jones author page.

The Lonely Mile - Book 153

Next to Before I Go to Sleep, this is probably the best book I've read all year. The Lonely Mile by Allan Leverone tells the story of a truck driver and former soldier who gets in the way of a serial killer who is about to capture his next victim. He saves the girl, but thereby creates an undesirable connection. How that plays out is the subject of the book. While technically there were a couple of faults which might give away one of the surprises, I liked the characters and the plot twists and found the last few chapters absolutely gripping! Highly recommended.

Embody by Jan Tilley - Book 152

This sci-fi book is told from the perspective of an alien intelligence sent on a mission to find out as much as possible about humans by inhabiting their brains. The concept of two intelligences co-existing is an interesting one and you have to wait for the end to find out the point of the mission and the solutions to some ancient mysteries. While not great, it was quite readable and sci-fi fans will probably enjoy it.

Future Queens of England - Ryan Matthews - Book 151

Future Queens of England is a humorous tale of Tony a homophobic, thuggish lout who is sentenced to a year at a finishing school for gay men. Along the way he changes is thoughts, gets over his prejudices, makes new friends and finds love (with the only other straight person at the school). The author pokes fun at stereotypes and is not above lots of low but rib-tickling very British humor. A good read if you want something light and entertaining. Recommended.

An English Rose with Thorns - John Moralee - Book 150

This is a small collection of short stories of which the most interesting is the last - the tale of robbery and smuggling where nothing is what it seems. I can't say much more without giving it away, so if you get the chance to pick this one up for free, as I did, take it. Recommended.

The Lost Hero - Rick Riordan - Book 148

The Lost Hero takes us back to the world Rick Riordan made famous in the Percy Jackson series. This time Percy is nowhere to be seen but some of our old friends search for him while we are introduced a a new set of demigods, including Jason, whose memory has been mysteriously wiped. He (along with 6 other demi-gods - we don't meet them all now) is at the centre of a new prophecy about the usual sort of death, destruction and general mayhem as gods try to rise and conquer. I found the book readable but not compelling, though I'll probably read the rest of them since I like all that Greek and Roman god stuff. Recommended (if you like that sort of thing).

World Made by Hand - James Howard Kunstler - Book 149

World Made By Hand is another alternate future book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in a future where the fight for oil resulted in a war that pretty much wiped out all of our technological advances, it's the story of how people survive in the aftermath. They go back to doing things by hand, non-mechanized inventions (electricity supply is unreliable) and bartering services. As always there are opportunists, profiteers and those who retain their values. This is an enjoyable read. Recommended.

The Future of the Past - Adam Williams - Book 147

Danny Isham is a detective whose mother is dying. A couple of children's bodies are found on a building site. Could these be the world of child killer Matthew? And what do the local crime bosses have to do with it? As you can tell, The Future of the Past weaves a number of threads together, and the conclusion is surprising and a bit distracting. There's not much new in the style of writing and the villains are pale imitations of those made popular by the likes of Lynda LaPlante and Martina Cole, but nevertheless, the story maintains pace and interest and overall it's a good read. The ending is surprising (well, at least, I didn't see it coming). Recommended.

The Voice - Michael Whetzel - Book 146

The Voice contains linked stories that tell of the future after a mysterious voice speaks to humanity, leaving many people dead or injured. It's intended as a prequel to a series of novels set in this world - and it's a pretty good taster. Think of novels like The Stand or any other novel where perspectives shift to help you to build up an overall picture and you will get the idea. I found some stories interesting, others less so, but most of them readable. Whether that will carry through to a full novel from a single perspective remains to be seen. However, I am tempted to delve more into the scary future this author presents. Recommended for sci-fi/alternate future lovers.

Second Glance by Jodi Picoult - Book 145

Second Glance by Jodi Picoult is a strange tale including paranormal happenings, an Indian burial ground and a hidden secret (yes, all at the same time, believe it or not). Here's Amazon's description:

In a small Vermont town, an old man puts a piece of land up for sale, igniting a firestorm of protest from the local Abenaki Indians, who insist it is an ancient burial ground. To appease them the developer looking to buy the property hires a ghost hunter, Ross Wakeman. Ross is a suicidal drifter desperate to cross paths again with his fiancee, who died in a car crash eight years earlier. But after several late nights all Ross can lay claim to discovering is Lia Beaumont, a skittish, mysterious woman who, like Ross, is on a search for something beyond the boundary separating life and death.

While the characters are interesting, I never felt like there were any real surprises as the story developed so I worked out the identity of the mysterious old man pretty early as well as what had happened to the stillborn infant. This was readable but not enthralling. As a Jodi Picoult fan I had to read it, but I don't think my life would have been poorer if I hadn't.

Rescue by Anita Shreve - Book 144

I generally like Anita Shreve's books, and while Rescue was no exception, I wasn't transported to another world in quite the same way as usual. I could almost feel the grinding of the writing process. Paramedic Peter Webster rescues and later marries Sheila, a troubled woman with a drinking problem. When she nearly kills their daughter Rowan, the marriage ends and Peter raises his daughter alone. As she is about to go to college, their relationship seems to be deteriorating, so Peter tracks down Sheila to help sort things out. I liked the main character, disliked Sheila and could almost see the ending coming. I'd rate it as readable, but average.

The Postcard Killers - James Patterson - Book 143

James Patterson and Liza Marklund collaborate for the tale of a hunt to catch a pair of killers who are rampaging through Europe killing couples and sending postcards to the local newspapers to announce their victims. Detective Jacob Kanon has a personal interest in this one, as his daughter and her husband were among the killers' victims. Swedish reporter Dessie Larsson helps him when the killers are tracked to Stockholm, and they try to stop the killers from striking again. Though most Amazon reviewers pan it, this is a decent read, though not Patterson's greatest (maybe because he's no longer writing them on his own?).

The 7th Month by Lisa Gardner - Book 142

I'm a big fan of Lisa Gardner's work so I was prepared to enjoy this story of what detective D D Warren does while she is 7 months pregnant and on desk duty. In the 7th Month, a gig as a film consultant leads to the chance to solve a murder, which DD does in less than a day. Short and sweet, and a recommended read.

The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist - Book 141

When I read The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist, I couldn't help being reminded of another book set in a similar sort of world. In the world of main character Dorrit Wegner, childless people over a certain age, unless they are in protected occupations, are deemed 'dispensable' and leave the outside world behind to live out their days in a unit where all their needs are provided for. The catch is that they must take part in medical experiments and donate organs to help those who are 'needed' on the outside. Sooner or later, the idyll comes to an end with a final donation. At first, Dorrit finds a world that is infinitely more accepting of her than the world she left behind (after all, they are all in the same boat). She falls in love and finds happiness, but her will is often tested as those close to her reach the end of the donation cycle. This was an intriguing and slightly worrying book, but well worth reading. Recommended. I'd love to read some more of her books, but unfortunately this is the only one in English so far. (Oh, and the book it reminded me of?  Never Let Me Go  by Kazuo Ishiguro.)

Turning Point - Melissa Garrett - Book 140

I could not stop reading Turning Point, the story of a girl, Jenna, who leaves on vacation and wanders into a decade old unsolved mystery when her car breaks down. Her rescuer, Phil, may not be what he seems - and neither might his wife Myra and son Dominic. When Jenna finds out what's really happening, the story is even more horrific and the only question is whether she will get away before someone is seriously hurt. Absolutely gripping and highly recommended.

The Lost Ark - Book 139

Yep, it's the hunt for the Ark on Mount Ararat, joined with a missing persons search following in the footsteps of an Ararat scholar and enthusiast. Readable though not riveting. Here's Amazon's description:

In a lonely bar in eastern Turkey, ex-National Geographic photojournalist Sam Ward is hired to find an eccentric professor who disappeared high atop Mount Ararat, fabled resting spot of Noah's Ark. Accompanied by the professor's beautiful daughter, archaeologist Faye Roberts, Sam soon stumbles upon a secret stronghold — a base of operation for unleashing hell of earth. Now running for their lives, Sam and company are about to come face-to-face with the greatest archaeological discovery of all time....

The Witness - Dee Henderson - Book 138

The Witness is a complex novel and it's best to highlight Amazon's own description of it.

Police Chief Luke Granger's witness to a murder, Amy Griffin, has been on the run for years. Her family thinks she was murdered eight years ago, but Amy chose to accept a life in the shadows in order to protect her sisters' lives. Now unveiled secrets about their father have thrust the sisters into the public spotlight. The man who wants Amy dead now sees her sisters as the way to locate her. 

I found the characters likeable, and the premise interesting, but overall the book wasn't as compelling as I'd hoped. If you're able to pick it up second hand or as a Kindle freebie, you won't be disappointed, but don't pay full price.

Tuesdays with Morrie - Book 137

One of my favorite books from my first book club was The Five People You Meet in Heaven, so I couldn't wait to read Tuesdays with Morrie, which I'd heard so much about. Until I opened the book I had no idea that it was non-fiction, but the tale of Albom's past and present relationship with his dying college professor and the life lessons that he learns from him is as riveting as any novel. It's written in a simple and accessible style and is an easy read. Highly recommended.

The Anvil - Ken McClure - Book 136

The Anvil is a medical thriller. All of the people involved in the development of a wonder drug that virtually eliminates the need for facial reconstructive surgery die inexplicably - except one, who spends years on the run before deciding to fight back against the drug company that once employed him. Full of entirely believable scientific skullduggery, this book was a gripping read. Recommended.

A Dog Named Slugger - Leigh Brill - Book 135

I loved, loved, loved this true story of how Leigh Brill gets a working dog to help her deal with the challenges of cerebral palsy. The book examines their growing bond and you learn a lot about how such dogs are trained and work, too. An easy and excellent read - highly recommended.

The Litigators - John Grisham - Book 134

Finley and Figg are the partners in an ambulance chasing legal firm that is always on the edge of financial disaster. Then David Zinc walks out of a pressurted career at a much more upscale firm and joins them. The book follows the firms fortunes through two mass tort cases - one successful, one not. I didn't find this thriller particularly gripping - nowhere near the standard of Grisham's early work.

The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein - Book 133

The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of the most enjoyable books I've read recently - and the fact that it is narrated by a dog is part of its appeal. Enzo tells the story of life with his master Denny, a racing driver who experiences lots of family problems. It's a chance for the rest of us to get inside a dog's head - and if you have ever owned a dog, the thoughts and feelings Enzo expresses are entirely believable. Amazon describes it as 'A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope--a captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.' That about sums it up. Highly recommended (and in case you're wondering, it has a happy ending, sort of.)

A Change in Altitude Book - Anita Shreve - Book 132

Anita Shreve is one of my favorite authors, so I had high hopes of A Change in Altitude. It's the story of Margaret, from whose point of view the story is told, her husband Patrick and their sojourn in Africa. While it seems a romantic idea to visit Africa, and the fulfillment of a dream, it soon turns sour after a mountain climbing expedition results in the death of one of the party. They struggle to recover equilibrium after that. While I found the book mildly interesting, I wasn't gripped in the way I have been by some of her previous novels and found the characters kind of dull. If you're an Anita Shreve fan you'll probably read it anyway, but there's no need to rush.

Project Management Guide - Book 131

Jen Stakes-Roberts' Guide to Project Management was an eye-opener for me - and I'm no slouch at organization. This ebook, which I raced through in an hour or so, provided sound advice on taking a project management approach to your business. I have used the advice in the book to make some changes to my writing business and am trialing some of the project management tools she suggests. At the moment, this book is available here.

Afterlife Club - Jude Ryan - Book 130

In the Afterlife Club, the heroine is dead, but that doesn't stop her from being the kind of person that we can identify with. OK, so she's a bit whiny, but wouldn't you be if you'd been dragged under a truck while minding your own business on a bicycle? The Afterlife Club tells how the heroine finds a new purpose in the afterlife after finally learning to let go of the past. An easy read - and I'll be looking out for more from author Jude Ryan.

SEO School - Book 129

Looking to learn more about search engine optimization. SEO School provides an introduction to the subject with a series of easy tips that anyone can implement. Here's what it contains:

•  Your SEO Crash Course
•  The Only Moving Parts You Need To Pay Attention To
•  Setting Up Your Analytics So You Can See What’s Working
•  Fixing “SEO Leaks” On Your Site
•  Organizing New Content To Boost SEO
• Tweaking Existing Content To Boost SEO
• Getting Backlinks On A Regular Basis
•  On-Page Optimization Checklist

I found it a quick read and, although I know a lot about SEO, discovered a couple of new tips and tools. The handy checklist at the end makes a good guide for anyone setting up a new site. Recommended.

Before I Go To Sleep - S J Watson Book 128

Before I Go To Sleep is the story of Chrissy, who wakes up one morning and doesn't know who she is. The trouble is, that happens every morning. As a result of some past trauma, she suffers from a strange kind of amnesia - she can remember everything that happens during the day, but when she goes to sleep that - and much of her past life - is erased from her memory as if it has never happened. This novel follows Chrissy's attempts to piece her life together and it turns out that some of the people in her life may not be who they seem. This was a totally gripping read and the best book I've read so far this year. Highly recommended.

Anna of the Five Towns - Book 127

Anna of the Five Towns is by British novelist Arnold Bennett (1867-1931) and it's thought to be one of his best books (according to the Amazon bumph anyway). It's the story of Anna, a young woman just reaching her majority who lives with her domineering father and little sister. The story follows her from her birthday (on which she gains ostensible control of her fortune) to her marriage. I found her an interesting character, but like many novels of the period, the pages are full of richly drawn descriptions, which sometimes went on a bit too long for my liking. While it was a decent read, I won't be rushing out to stock my Kindle with the rest of Bennett's books. (link is the Kindle edition, as the other editions are quite pricey).

Thanks Mom (Chicken Soup series) - Book 126

In the last year, I've become a big fan of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, so I was really pleased when my daughter gave me 'Thanks Mom' as a Christmas present. Like others in the series it contains 101 moving anecdotes - this time of mother-daughter relationships. It's a great book to dip into daily to read a couple of inspirational chapters and in my experience you always get a lift from doing so - and sometimes food for thought. Recommended.

The Christmas Wedding - James Patterson - Book 125

I sometimes wonder if James Patterson writes any of his books any more, since he has a long series of coathors and is more prolific than Barbara Cartland. That said, I enjoyed The Christmas Wedding. Here's the description on Amazon:

The tree is decorated, the cookies are baked, and the packages are wrapped, but the biggest celebration this Christmas is Gaby Summerhill's wedding. Since her husband died three years ago, Gaby's four children have drifted apart, each consumed by the turbulence of their own lives. They haven't celebrated Christmas together since their father's death, but when Gaby announces that she's getting married--and that the groom will remain a secret until the wedding day--she may finally be able to bring them home for the holidays.

I really loved Gaby and her kids and their stories are told simply and effectively till they intertwine on Christmas Day. It's lightweight and somewhat implausible but somehow leaves you feeling happy.

A Long Way Gone - Ishmael Beah - Book 124

You might think that A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier would be a depressing read, but considering its subject matter it was surprisingly upbeat. Author Ishmael Beah tells of his life in Sierra Leone when he was conscripted into the army to fight the rebel forces. It helps that we know from the start - really from the blurb - that he made it out alive.

For those of us safely removed from daily violence, what he had to endure seems unimaginable, yet he is matter of fact about his actions and feelings through the horrors of war and the actions he is forced to take, then comes to accept as normal. The story of his rehabilitation is also moving. I thought this was an excellent read. Highly recommended. 

A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi - Book 123

A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi - Words We Pinched from Other Languages is a word nerds delight. I breezed through the book in a couple of hours, revisiting the origins of foreign phrases commonly in use in English. For each entry, there's a literal translation, an explanation and an example of it in use. Most of the examples are funny, making the book even better. If you love words and are fascinated by their origin, you will love this book as much as I did. Highly recommended.

I Before E - Book 122

I before E except after C (Old School Ways to Remember Stuff) gives exactly what it promises. If you're looking for word and number mnemonics that will help you to remember important rules, formulas and even historical facts (though these are UK based) then this book is for you. It's like taking a step back into your school days and is an easy read. Recommended.

Going the Half Hog - Spike Wyatt - Book 121

Just finished this excellent primer on freelancing. I'll be reviewing it in detail on my writing blog and will post the link here when it's done. Update: Here's the link to my Going the Half Hog review.

Short stories - Books 119 and 120

For a change, I decided to read a couple of books of short stories. The first, Dark Doses by Todd Thorne, contains several pieces of short science fiction, of which the first and last stories are by far the best but still not that exciting. I won't be going out of my way to read more by this author. Not recommended.

In contrast,Take Five by Renee Pawlish contains five excellent mystery stories, a few of them featuring the same main characters. I found it a great introduction to her work and will definitely be on the lookout for more from her, especially the Sarah Spillman stories. Highly recommended.

Mrs Jones - B A Morton - Book 118

Mrs Jones by B A Morton has a great story - Lizzie, a woman over from the UK on her first trip to the US, sees a hit-and-run and gets embroiled in a turf war among the police, the bad guys and the Feds, helped by cop Tommy Connell. There's lots of double and triple crossing - and it turns out that the mystery of her parentage is key to the case. The book has a full cast of likeable good guys and reprehensible bad guys, as well as a few who skate between the two and is a gripping read. There is just one jarring note - though set in the US and with mainly American characters, the language is very British and the disconnect between the two sometimes jars. It's still worth a read and I'll be looking out for the next book from this author. Recommended.