My Review of "The Girl who Walked in Shadows"

Europe is in the grip of an extreme Arctic blast and at the mercy of a killer, who leaves no trace. His weapons of choice are razor-sharp icicles. This is Jack Frost.

Now a fully qualified criminologist, Georgina McKenzie is called upon by the Dutch police to profile this cunning and brutal murderer. Are they looking for a hit man or a frenzied serial-killer? Could there be a link to a cold missing persons’ case that George had worked with Chief Inspector Paul van den Bergen – two abducted toddlers he could never quite give up on?

How can you not get excited about a book which begins with "Black hearts so easily hidden beneath bespoke Jermyn Street clothing. Lies. Corruption. Evil. A day of reckoning was nigh"? This novel throws you straight into the action with writing that immediately conjures up a scene of tension and an atmosphere of anticipation. I was gripped. The description of the men who "had the entire week diarised satisfactorily by their P.A.s" so there were "no unwelcome surprises for these masters of the universe" ironically made me feel less sympathy for them -almost siding with the anonymous voice of someone we can only guess is about to commit a terrible crime. I loved the sentence "An unwitting child stumbled though the wardrobe...into a hard, white world, waiting to be lured into the shadows by a ragged, destitute Tummus." It implies so much; such impressive imagery. 

After wasting no time in introducing us to "Jack Frost" and his murder with a ten inch icicle, we then move to a women's prison where George McKenzie, criminologist, is interviewing inmates for her research project. Again, Riches skilfully creates very visual characters with phrases and short sentences, focussing on details that paint authentic pictures and subtly convey personality: "a gingivitis grin.....thin hair scraped back....look like a ruined child." It seems effortless and yet so controlled and clever at the same time. It was almost poetic in places with lines like "Bedbugs. Beatings. Braless and behind bars. Blotted life." I found it impressive that, throughout the whole novel, Riches is able to use such basic adjectives and sentence structures to invent strong characters and unpleasant situations in a very eloquent manner. I really admire the way she uses a collection of simple, single words to reinforce the realistic and gritty tone of the book. 

George is a great character. Clearly affected by her work, she is sensitive and stressed. She is emotionally vulnerable and shows some fragility and there are suggestions of a troubled past. I think this gives her more depth and intrigue. 

The novel is well paced with several threads of storyline established early on. There are clues and the characters and plots are linked. There are constant hints of intrigue but the reader is never given enough time to join up the dots as more and more information presented. The switches in time and locations of Amsterdam and London, where similar crimes are evading both police forces, keeps adding layer upon layer to a complex murder investigation. 

My favourite chapter was the introduction of Piet and Gabi Deenen from a past unsolved crime where their children were abducted. I loved to hate Gabi! She was so obnoxious and so palpable and I loved the way this storyline unveiled itself through flashbacks, slowly bringing itself up to present day. The description of Piet as he looked after his children was so authentic and captured the way parents watch children while trying to multitask with the endless mundane tasks- spilling coffee, unable to finish a sentence on the phone, eyes constantly flickering from children to task while also trying to defend or argue or listen. Piet's thoughts and actions were so well captured and I read this scene as if watching it live in front of me. 

And Gabi's feeling of being like "Alice, trapped on the wrong side of the looking glass, falling down the rabbit hole where her children may or may not lie broken at the bottom" demanded some empathy for a woman who loved her children but thwarted and judged by her ambition. Her suffering doubled by the fact that the press don't like a "ball breaker" and each of her decisions criticised when she is simply desperate to find her missing toddlers. 

The second part of the book is really exciting. There is a twist and the tempo increases. Its action packed, clever and a real page turner. I read it quickly but actually this really helped me keep up with the characters, events and locations. 

The novel is bleak. This is a thriller about murder, child trafficking, pedophillia. It is a sophisticated novel. There are lots of pieces of the jigsaw to concentrate on and the narrative moves backwards and forwards between the last twelve months, switching location between Denmark, Berlin, Amsterdam and Cambridge for starters. It is literally chilling. The freezing arctic temperatures and snowy weather are ever present and permeate every part of the story. Metaphors like "she felt like he had thrown a snowball squarely in her face" help reinforce the physical and emotional coldness of the book. 

The blurb and reviewer compare Riches to Jo Nesbo and Stieg Larsson. I very much admire these writers but I think I prefer Riches work - for me, I felt more of a connection with it and maybe I was able to relate to the character of George more than some of those in other Nordic books. I liked her a lot. She is flawed and fallible but I admired her. She is honest, genuine and a positive representation of a female character. 

The only small criticism I would have is that I don't think the cover really does it justice. To me it suggests a less sophisticated read. Although this is hugely accessible book that should definitely adorn the best selling stands and will be a very mainstream, popular read, it shouldn't sell itself short! 

I thought this was an ambitious novel; it covers a lot of difficult issues but it feels slick, fluid and well crafted. I have not read the first two books in this series but it did not affect my enjoyment or understanding - I will be tracking down these pervious titles! I would recommend  "The Girl who Walked in Shadows." 

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for a fair and honest review.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat, follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications of future posts. 

My Review of "Flying Fergus" by Chris Hoy (5-8yo)

Meet Fergus Hamilton, a boy with a big imagination! Living with his mum, granddad and Chimp the dog, he dreams of a Sullivan Swift bike and becoming the most brilliant boy cyclist in the world. So when he gets a second hand rusty bike for his 9th birthday he can't help feeling a bit disappointed. How would he ever become the next Steve "Spokes" Sullivan if he didn't have a 24 gear, hydraulic brakes, state of the art suspension bike to practise on? But then he takes it for a ride and discovers something amazing.......

This is a really fun read for ages 5-8 years olds (and their parents!). To date, there are currently two books in the series and a third on the way. They are 104 pages long with a clear font and short chapters. Every page has some cartoon style illustrations- akin to that of Pixar Animation- making it a wining combination for both reluctant and confident readers alike. Clare Elsom has cleverly made the comic style pictures appropriate for younger readers but still trendy and entertaining enough to appeal to 8 year olds.

Fergus is an ordinary boy who "likes football (when his team won) liked fish fingers and chocolate cake (but not on the same plate) and didn't like broccoli (but he ate it)". He uses his excellent imagination to hide in and build a better life. He wants to join "Wallace Winner's" cycling team and beat bully Wesley Wallace.

The writing is fast, punchy, humorous and energetic. Fergus is a really engaging and likeable character. On the morning of his birthday, I loved the way he searched for the Sullivan Swift bike he was so sure of getting even though he couldn't find the "swift shaped package anywhere even after looking in the fridge!"

His friend Daisy is bright, optimistic and always full of encouragement. In answer to Fergus's reluctant "Well......" she wittily replies: "Wells are for falling down.....haven't you always said you want to build your own bike?" And so the adventure begins!

Without sounding patronising or condescending, the book is full of positive messages like "there's no such thing as magic, just hard graft," and to Fergus's assertion that he's a born loser the retort "No one's born a winner or loser....might have talent but that's just the beginning." Great messages from a professional athlete and gold medal winner. "You've got your imagination," says Granddad, "Dream big."

So Fergus takes his rusty second hand bike and transforms it. Then, on his first outing with it he discovers something magical. Suddenly transported to "Nevermore" where Chimp can talk and cycling is banned, Fergus is given the chance to prove to himself that he has what it takes to be a champion. His guide to Nevermore, Princess Lily (who is nothing but princessy - thankfully!) shows him the challenge. He has to do one lap of the Enchanted Forest. He has to beat the stealth shield, the smoke generator, the well of everlasting torment, the gruesome glade and the swamp of certain death..... Yes, this is a book of big imaginations!

Although reluctant to sound like my Great Auntie Beryl, the word that sums this book up is delightful. It is warm, funny, action packed and authentic. It is about dreaming big, holding on to hope and believing in yourself. I look forward to reading the next book with my two children (5 and 7 years old), once I have retrieved it from my 9 year old's bedroom! This is a series which is sure to become very popular with its entertaining balance of laughter, magical adventure and cycling!

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for emails with the latest blog posts.

My Review of "Girl at War" by Sara Novic

I saw this title in the longlist for the Bailey's Women's Prize for Fiction which was announced on the 8th March. I was also, a little superficially, enticed by the haunting cover.  I was delighted when I was approved by NetGalley to receive an advanced copy to review.

Novic's debut novel is about Ana and her attempts to reconcile herself with her experience of the Yugoslavian Civil War in the early 1990s. It begins with a 10 year old Ana whose first experience of the war is from the shopkeeper asking "Do you want Serbian cigarettes or Croatian ones?" when she is sent on a errand for her uncle. Divided into four parts, the novel moves to New York where we find Ana as a 20 year old college student, then back to the war in Yugoslavia and finally, the journey of Ana returning to her home country in search of the people she had to leave behind.

The first part is narrated in a simplistic style which effectively captures a ten year old's view of their immediate world. "Now we were landlocked," she says, "the weekend dinners had become an anxious charade of normality." She is aware of how life is changing as a consequence of war but still childlike enough to reflect a confusion and lack of understanding about exactly what is happening around her; "What colour are we again?" she asks when looking at the map. Life goes on for tomboy Ana and her best friend Luka, increasingly more peppered with air raids, blackouts, ID checks, blockades and food shortages, but they seem untouched by the implied brutality creeping into the country around them. In fact, war is providing opportunities for adventure and new games; "blockades begged to be climbed....might have been a jungle gym" and maybe it's even more unreal for them while they have the "peculiar privilege of watching destruction of our own country on tv."

Rahela, Ana's baby sister then becomes desperately ill. She has kidney failure and cannot be treated effectively in Zagreb so her parents plan to travel to Sarajevo. Ana's description of her parent's preparation and subsequent discussions demonstrates that life is more complicated and problematic than Ana is fully aware and imparts the level of poverty, hardship and dilemmas with which they are presented. Novic's decision to relate this section of the family's story from Ana's position as a young child is effective. It keeps it frank rather than overly emotional and hysterical - which considering the events it is recalling could have been sorely tempting, but would probably have upset the controlled understated style that permeates throughout the whole novel. This final section of Part One and the events it recounts is powerful. The child like voice and her "realisation that my parents too felt fear and pain frightened me more than any stranger could," creates more tension. It is an incredible way to end the opening section.

It is necessary to start the second part ten years later in a new location. It allows the reader to recover from the tragedy and trauma of the war and stops the book from becoming too bleak and sentimental. However, Novic is quick to remind us that even after the end of war, the suffering continues. Ana says that when she is asked about the war she speaks "truthfully" but is often met with "uncomfortable shifting of eyes as if waiting for me to take things back, to say that war or genocide was no big deal....", they find "an excuse to end the conversation." She is frustrated by people questioning why people stay in a country under such terrible conditions and how they couldn't understand how a place of such danger could also still be one that harbours feelings of love. So she stops talking about it. She passes herself as an American - it's easier. And so marks the start of Ana's continuing anguish of trying to come to terms with who she really is and where she actually belongs. She feels caught between two worlds, two cultures, two lives - belonging to neither. She feels guilt about the fact that she is now in a new family as if she has "traded one for another like a car." In trying to move on, it means forgetting, denying a past, processing deeply buried memories and shows how incredibly hard it is to adapt and cope in a new country.

After the 9/11 attacks she is angered that American's consider themselves at war but they can ignore its impact for days and it's more of an idea than an experience. In America, war did not "constrain me, did not cut my water or shrink my food supply...the misuse of the word is so incongruous with what happened in Croatia." Ana is equally disturbed by people's use of the word "starving", especially at college where "every night was a buffet ....then thrown away." These are thought provoking observations.

Ana decides to return home to Croatia after reading an inscription in a book about the Civil War which resonants deeply with her: "no one knows who I am, not even me."

On her return it is her candid statements that continue to convey so much more. Reunited with Luka she learns of the death of his grandfather from old age. "We were expecting it," Luka informs her. "I'd never come across death when I was expecting it," considers Ana. Novic's blunt, uncluttered words impart so much more. Once back with Luka's family, Ana is reminded how much superstition is part of the culture here and I liked her observation that she couldn't think of a single American superstition. She wonders whether the immigrants had deliberately forgotten about the less desirable pieces of their culture as they reform a hybrid version or whether it was just that life wasn't difficult enough to warrant an adult's belief in magic. Indeed.

The next section takes us back to Ana's experiences during the war. Again, brutal and full of gravity, retaining the more factual and informative tone of voice rather than anything gratuitous.

I really liked the ending. There was something thematically circular about ending the book with Luka asking simple questions about the migration of birds. It reminded us of the young Luka, the Luka before the war, whose constant curiosity had dominated their games and conversation. It evokes a time before his questions became threatening or indicated the reality of their dangerous situation; it takes us back to a time of innocence and safety. It offers hope.

The last word of the book is "home". This encapsulates Ana's mental and physical journey of self discovery and the key theme of a compelling and serious novel.

This is a quick, memorable read and an impressive debut. I liked its understated, authentic narrative which I was hard pushed to believe was historical fiction and not a memoir. This would make a perfect Book Club choice, would suit a YA audience too and I'm sure it will be nominated for a plethora of awards and prizes.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in return for a fair and honest review.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications of future posts.

My Review of "The Crow Girl"

It's a good job I received this wirelessly to my kindle so could forget the fact that it's an overwhelming 750 pages long! Initially published as three separate novels, it has now been combined into one book of three volumes. To be honest, I think this works well as it allows you to become totally engrossed in the complex narrative and as each volume ends on a real cliffhanger, it would have been frustrating had I not been able to read on straight away. I don't think I've immersed myself in something so long and so disturbing, shocking and gripping since "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" trilogy!

This book will be compared to Larsson's tour de force, and rightly so. It is written by Jerker Erikson and Hakan Axlandar Sundquist and billed as the "newest crime novel sensation" set in Sweden. Psycological Thrillers from this part of the world are very popular at the moment and I'm sure this book will continue to give readers good reason to seek out "Nordic Noir". This is more than a psychological thriller; this is a masterpiece in crime fiction.

The opening had me completely hooked. An anonymous voice immediately creates a sense that something ominous is about to take place with their preparation for something where "nothing would be left to chance....Fate was a dangerously unreliable accomplice and an unpredictable enemy." It is evident that a room is being made ready- a hidden room in which to keep someone hidden.

We then switch to Detective Jeanette Kihlberg who is in charge of investigating a murder scene where a mummified and abused child's body has been found. There is no gentle introduction to this thriller; there is no where to hide from the heinous crimes you are going to be exposed to over the next 790 pages. This is not for the faint hearted. It is a gritty and incredibly dark novel. By 12% of my way through there had been a handful of pedophile cases, psychiatric cases, high crime rate and at least two murders. And it just kept increasing.

Jeanette Kihlberg comes from three generations of police officers. She has fought hard to get there and she is constantly suffering from a lack of respect from a work place dominated by men. She is the main breadwinner in her marriage, her husband stays at home to look after their son. Kilhberg is caught between guilt, obligation, resentment and ambition throughout the novel. She is a very strong, determined woman. I thought she was a very interesting, well developed character and this novel is very much about women, keeping them at the centre of the storyline.

Another key character is Sofia Zetterlund. She is a therapist specialising in dealing with psychopathic perpetrators. She is a brilliant creation. She is an absolutely absorbing character and I was truly gripped by her. She is complex and fascinating. She spends her life interviewing and working with pedophiles and criminals of the most twisted nature. She gets called to the most harrowing crime scenes. The way her character and her role in the novel develop was totally captivating. It unfolded and evolved in a way that showed Erikson and Sundquist to be skilled writers. Their execution of events, emotions and revelations is one of real genius.

There are lots of characters to keep track of and narratives switch between different voices and locations. The novel travels through Sweden, Denmark, Sierra Leone to name a few and also uses flashbacks and backstories to further layer up the intertwining threads. Each chapter is clearly headed which is really helpful and actually the chapters are relatively brief which means you keep turning, unaware of the length of the overall book. There are plenty of cliffhangers and I kept finding myself saying, "Just a bit more...."

There is some fantastic writing and some excellent lines like, "Can you be evil if you don't feel guilt? Or are feelings of guilt a precondition for evil?" and "How simple everything could be. And simultaneously how complicated." The sentence structure is often short and thoughts and statements are presented with brevity and drama, creating tension and suspense and also implying more about that particular character. For example: "Killing someone is easy. The difficulties are mental.....Empathy, conscience and reflection usually function as hindrances against outbreaks of fatal violence." This is good writing and craftsmanship. It is focussed and fluent. The second volume picks up the pace with shorter chapters, shorter sentences, more drama and an increased sense of urgency.

I'd like to write more and talk about the characters in more detail but can't without spoiling the plot or giving anything away. It's tricky to review such a long, complex novel.

In summary, this is a psychological thriller of the most truest sense. It is psychologically intense and a real exploration of the brain and how it processes past memories and experiences; how it can trick, forget, repress and invent things. It is a novel about abuse, dysfunction and control. It is a novel with a cast of deeply twisted perpetrators, a complex criminal investigation, a high body count and where nothing is straight forward. It is a highly sophisticated and well conceived piece of work which is expertly delivered and proficiently conveyed. It is a box set waiting to happen! It's going to take a while to recover from this read!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications of future posts.

Book Advisor: What can I read to the boys this weekend?

I love a biblio-challenge! This time the request was suggestions for bedtime reads around the campfire for 8-10 year old boys ....... I hope some of these will suitably warm their toes - or chill them to the bone!

Short Stories:

Kevin Crossley Holland is an established children's author and this is a collection of very short stories - all about 2 pages long. The stories cover a good range of themes including ghosts, shopping, adventure and animals and are entertaining and fun. 

Campfires and storytellling - it's the place for sharing ghost stories right?! Including folk tales, urban myths as well as original stories, this collection has over 40 stories all about 2 pages long. A good introduction to "spooky" tales and also quite a lot of fun!

Billed as a collection of "short stories and poems about football, by a fantastic line up of children's authors, football writers and players" this has got to be a hit with any young boys!


My son really enjoyed this collection of stories - the Second World War seems to be another subject which truly captivates young boys. These stories are a bit lengthier and so they would suit a longer session but my 9 year old has read and reread this collection.


Most famous for his "Alex Rider" series for slightly older boys, this book contains the complete collection of his short horror stories. Horowitz is a talented writer and I used these stories when I was teaching as thought they were chilling, unnerving, full of clever twists, unexpected endings and suspense. I did use them with Years 7 & 8 (ages 11-13) so it might be worth reading through yourself first to check suitability for a younger age group but he's definitely an author to encourage your boys to read! He has also written a series of detective stories which include titles like "The Devil and His Boy", "The French Confection" and "South by South East" which are all about 180 pages long and very entertaining and humorous mystery stories that would suit 8-11 year olds.

I like the use of brackets around the words "& girls"!! I haven't read this but it includes 10 short stories about adventure, animals and historical settings and sounded like it would be worth adding to the list.

Books for the Campfire:


You can't go camping without taking a bit of Bear Grylls with you! All the boys I know are fascinated by this slightly unhinged adventurer! This is the first book in a series of 8 featuring 13 year old Beck Granger who is stranded in the jungle with no food, no compass and no hope of rescue. But, luckily, he is the world's youngest survival expert........


Again, if you're off for a weekend of surviving in the outside world, who better to take along with you! My son is flying through these titles - this is the first in the Falcon Chronicles, there are 3 to date. The story is about Saker and Sinter (a boy and a girl) who are on the run from India to the Himalayas and China, pursued by hunting dogs, mercenaries, spies, thieves and assassins in his quest to set free the tigers. I'm exhausted already!

Other Books For Boys:


This is a brief 64 pages long so could be easily read in a couple of sittings. Cornelia Funke is an established children's author with a gift for story telling and her titles are always popular. This tale is about Matt and Lisa and the mysterious change that seems to be coming over Matt as the moon rises....


Another great children's author who can always be relied on for an entertaining read! This is a kind of reimagining of "Danny Champion of the World" - in lycra! Jake's dad, George, is a builder. Spends all week knocking down buildings, all weekend knocking down wrestlers! Then Jake spots a competition in the USA....... This is a funny, humorous book full of jokes and a good book to be shared between father and son. It's about 190 pages long and is well illustrated.


Another highly acclaimed author-and possibly with the most titles under his belt - is the great Morpurgo. This book is 90 pages long so again could be read with the children over a weekend. Robbie McLeod and his wolf cub are both orphans searching for somewhere to call home. Set against the backdrop of the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie and a land full of rebellious fighters this is another spellbinding tale from the master!


Made to look like Blyton's "Island Adventure" series and feeling a bit like her Famous Five / Secret Seven books, this is a book packed with mystery, suspense and adventure. There is a whole series of them and we have them all! My son raced through several of them on holiday and keeps the others in a pile, making them last and saving them for when he wants a real treat or for school holidays! I think that's enough of a recommendation in itself!


This is an hilarious read full of brilliant illustrations, comic interjections, witty asides and a good storyline with vivid characters. This is Michael Rosen's slightly crazy and suitably madcap novel about Malcolm and his awful, boring and bossy uncle. You'll want to read it as much as your son!

More Traditional or Classic Books


I bought these at a bargain price from "The Book People" and they have been a real hit. I love Marcia William's books - they are always spot on and always captivate young people making traditional stories completely accessible; bringing them alive with spirit and humour. The illustrations are equally appealing. When I was teaching, I always used to use her versions when introducing Shakespeare, Chaucer or Greek Myths with all the year groups from 7-13 (ages 11-18) as they extract the key events and most interesting details so affectively. Each tale is 40 pages long, with lots of small illustrations on most pages making them a quick read, condensing the plot and characters into something bite size and enticing.


This is a really lovely. The "Classic Collection Box Set for Boys" by Ronne Randall includes "Gulliver's Travels", "Robinson Crusoe", "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", "Robin Hood" and "The Three Musketeers." Each book is 48 pages long with illustrations accompanying the text. They are very readable and great introductions to these timeless stories of adventure and bravery. Have been a really great buy and a great way to make boys familiar with traditional stories without being put off by dense text or complex vocabulary.


This is Michael Rosen's favourite book! Originally printed in 1929, this is the story of Emil who sets off on a train journey to Berlin and ends up meeting with a group of detectives and having all sorts of adventures. This is a text revered and respected within the world of Children's Fiction. It's appeal seemingly still as strong as nearly a hundred years ago!

I hope this provides a few ideas for something to read around the campfire - or while the water is boiling for a brew!

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat, follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notification on future posts.

Book Advisor: Bibliomaniac designs a reading list for Rachel's trip!

My friend Rachel is doing something amazing this Easter! She is running the Palestine Half Marathon for the Amos Trust. Rachel is not a runner. She only went on her first run in October! She has never been to Israel. This is more than a holiday, and more than just a run.

Rachel has just commandeered her daughter's kindle ready for the flight (Rachel has not travelled on a plane in over 20 years) and for the week she will be away from her family, doing last minute training, travelling around the Holy Land taking in historical sights, running and recovering. She hasn't had time for much reading lately. What should she load onto her kindle to accompany her on this once in a lifetime trip?

Books about Running
I can't personally vouch for these titles as haven't read them - but have researched and considered their appeal as a runner and reader myself before including!

This is currently free on kindle so really, what's not to try?! It is 26 very short stories about running and is designed to inspire you to get up from the sofa, get your trainers on and get out. The reviews are a little mixed but all say it does inspire you to run and motivate you to jeep going. The stories are criticised for being a little too short but maybe for Rachel's trip, a short burst of motivation at the end of each evening or over breakfast might be just what she needs as the big day looms nearer?


This has much better reviews and is highly praised for being "wonderful", "hilarious" and "inspiring." Heminsley couldn't run around the block - now she can run marathons. I think this would be perfect for Rachel - maybe she could write about her own running journey after reading about this one? One reviewer posted the following comments:
this isn't just about running: it's about achieving more than you ever thought was possible. It's really inspirational. My favourite line: when people asked her how she managed to start running, she answered: "I decided to be able to." Couldn't we apply that to everything in our lives?
I think this sums up what Rachel is doing as well and therefore think she would enjoy this read. I'm tempted to order it as well!


This is just 180 pages long and is comprised of training logs, travelogue and memoir. It is about Murakami's preparation for his 2005 New York Marathon and is reviewed as "inspirational". From the comments I've read about this book, it sounds as if the writing style might be a bit impenetrable at times but generally worth pursuing as it appears to be regarded as a bit of a "classic" amongst the running community.

Unfortunately this book isn't out until June but it sounds like a great read for all female athletes and sports fans. Anna Kessel is a  sport's writer and this is her "engaging and inspiring call to arms for women and girls to reclaim sport on their own terms." Kessel asks as exercise for women has finally gone mainstream, why are there still so many obstacles in their way? Why is there still a distinct lack of female sport celebrities, lack of women in the stadium audience at football matches and missing from the park during friendly kickabouts?

Books about Travel / Lifetime Goals


Alright, this wasn't a big hit at Book Club (even after we had treated ourselves to the film afterwards!) and it is a bit cliched. The narrator is a bit self involved with not as much insight as the blurb and reviews imply, but it is about a woman searching for a deeper meaning within her life and answers to the "big" questions. It is a book about travel and meditation. It felt like it ought to have a position in this reading list. It's a very straight forward read which you'll fly through. It was a bestseller and was very popular when it was first published, receiving lots of press coverage so there is obviously something within it that appealed to people! Some of you may enjoy it.......!!



This is much more well received with 4/5 star ratings on Goodreads and a 5/5 star rating from a friend who is widely read and whose judgement I trust implicitly so even though I haven't read it, I feel confident including here. I have added the blurb from Goodreads which seems to sums up the novel about the 22 year old author's journey of self discovery:
Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

Books Set in "Foreign" Locations


I read this in 2008 for the BookClub I was in at the time. It made a terrific impression on me. I was recovering from a minor op and with childcare in place, I was left to lie in bed reading- absolutely gripped and completely transported to the world it was describing, totally bound up in the lives of the characters. Some of it is harrowing, a lot of it thought provoking and all of it is beautifully written. Engrossing. It was a hit with BookClub and scanning through Goodreads, it has 5 star ratings from nearly all of my friends - and all the reviewers too! A tremendous accomplishment. This is a stunning novel about women, friendship and love. It is haunting, spellbinding, heartbreaking and a must read.


Patrick Gale's novels are always to be relied on for an intelligent, thoughtful, tender story. This is the story of Cornwall based artist Rachel Kelly and her family as they come to terms with her death. Each section is told from a different viewpoint as they piece together the mystery of her life and the legacy of secrets that she has left behind. It is touching, humane and witty. I recommend any of his books.


This was another "BookClub" read from a while ago, but actually it was the discussion I had with a friend about it which really sticks in my mind and reminds me that this is a book worth recommending. Rose Tremain is a talented, skilled and much admired author whose books often take an interesting idea or explore marginalised or ostracised groups of people. This book is more conventional and accessible that some of her others and tells the tale of Lev, a 42 year old immigrant from Eastern Europe who comes to London to seek his fortune. Seeing London through his foreign and unfamiliar eyes is really thought provoking and the novel is full of insight. It is a great book for discussion and also as a reflection on our changing society.


I am drawn to novels set in Victorian Australia that deal with the arrival of the colonials. It is an emotive period in history but I'm fascinated by the harshness of the country, the absolute fight for survival in a country not designed for the Western World and the daily futile struggle of the white people to try and make a living there. This book has haunted me since I read it. It's set in 1806 and tells of William Thornhill who is deported, with his wife, to New South Wales. The story is about their adaption (and the adaption of the whole colonial community) to their new life and the attempts to secure a successful way of life there. There are some traumatic events portrayed in the book but what is really resonant is the complete lack of understanding between the two groups of people; it wasn't just a language barrier that separated them from the indigenous people but an entire way of life. A fascinating, thought provoking, historical read.


All three of Dinah Jefferies novels are beautifully told stories set in exotic locations with convincing historical detail and well crafted characters. Set in the 1920s, this is about 19 year old Gwen who arrives to join her new husband at his tea plantation in Ceylon and sets out to be the perfect wife. But life on the plantation is not as she expected. There is resentment, secrets, hidden pasts and Gwen has to try and make sense of her new role, her new relationship, her new position and her new life in a new, foreign country.

I would also add "The Help", "Americanah", "A Man Called Ove" and "Shoes for Anthony" here - all previously recommended on earlier posts!

Books on 99p Offers  / Gripping Thrillers for a Complete Slice of Escapism and Relaxation! 

Here's a list of thrillers currently on offer that I highly recommend for a great, fast, psychologically thrilling read!

"The Hidden Legacy" GJ Minett
"Into the Darkest Corner" Elizabeth Haynes
"Chosen Child" / "The Attic Room" Linda Huber (£1.99 currently)
"The Good Girl" Mary Kubica (99p)
"The Good Girl" Fiona Neill
"The Girl in the Ice" Robert Bryndza (99p)
"The Good Mother" A L Bird (99p)
"The Accident" C L Taylor (99p)
"After You'd Gone" Maggie O'Farrell (99p)
"The Girl with No Past" Kathryn Croft (£1.99)

Fiction Books inspired by the Bible


A  fast paced, sensationalist religious conspiracy thriller which will be an easy, page turning read full of twists, mystery and excitement. This will be something to caught up with during the flight or moments of nervousness!


This book was published in 1996 and I borrowed it from the library a couple of years later to take on a holiday to Rome. It's light, contrived in places, romanticised at times and full of cliffhangers, secrets, revelations and adventurers. It's probably more one to borrow or buy second hand but as these escapist "guilty pleasures" reads often are, it's memorable and enjoyable. It's a significant 430 pages long but I remember becoming immersed it in and that it a very quick and easy read. Here's the blurb to see if it tempts you!
For a thousand years her existence has been denied. She is the legend that will not die–Pope Joan, the ninth-century woman who disguised herself as a man and rose to become the only female ever to sit on the throne of St. Peter. Now in this riveting novel, Donna Woolfolk Cross paints a sweeping portrait of an unforgettable heroine.


This book was an absolutely massive success when it was published in 2005 and to be honest I don't know many people that haven't read it! It is based on Dinah from Genesis and is an affecting story about the lives of biblical women. It is one book which everyone I know has rated a 5 star read. It is incredibly well written, evocative piece of work full of masterful story telling and historic detail. Well worth a reread if it's already on your shelves!


This is a mere 81 pages long - easily a one sitting read, from the talented Colm Toibin. This novel explores Mary from a more unique and unheard perspective as she reflects on her torment and grief over her time as a mother and tries to reconcile herself with events and her emotions. Toibin can always be relied upon for a provocative and haunting read.

While we're talking about different interpretations of Mary, I want to include this poem by the great Carol Ann Duffy here - it's based on a Max Ernst painting showing Mary smacking the infant Jesus. Food for thought........

The Virgin Punishing the Infant

He spoke early. Not the goo goo goo of infancy,
but I am God. Joseph kept away, carving himself
a silent Pinocchio out in the workshed. He said
he was a simple man and hadn’t dreamed of this.

She grew anxious in that second year, would stare
at stars saying Gabriel, Gabriel. Your guess.
The village gossiped in the sun. The child was solitary,
his wide and solemn eyes could fill your head.

After he walked, our normal children crawled. Our wives
were first resentful, then superior. Mary’s child
would bring her sorrow … better far to have a son
who gurgled nonsense at your breast. Googoo. Googoo.

But I am God. We heard him through the window,
heard the smacks which made us peep. What we saw
was commonplace enough. But afterwards, we wondered
why the infant did not cry, why the Mother did.

A bit of a mammoth list but hopefully lots for Rachel to choose from - and something to suit whatever frame of mind she finds herself in!

www.amostrust.org
www.justgiving.com - Rachel Wakefield

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat, follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications of future posts

Books that caught my eye over the last fortnight

I have been completely distracted over the last two weeks by some absolutely brilliant books!

 

Fever At Dawn by Peter Gardos
I was lucky enough to get a copy of "Fever at Dawn" through NetGalley after having heard previews about it from several sources. What initially interested me was the premise and the setting (Sweden, just after WW2) as it was a slightly different angle from other WW2 based stories I'd read. What completely held my attention was the tender, compassionate and affecting love story. It is published on the 7th April. My full review is available in a previous post.

Five Rivers Met On a Wooden Plain by Barney Morris
This is a story which celebrates language, imagery, stories and the imaginary world. Five rivers running into one; five people each with their own story but all linked by one event. If you love words, you'll love this book which comes out in April. My full review is available on a separate post and I would highly recommend this literary novel.

183 Times A Year by Eva Jordan
I lost a whole day to this - appropriately (or inappropriately!) it was Mother's Day and I saw a photo of the cover on Twitter while having breakfast. It was 99p on kindle and I fancied a light, humorous read. I love the way you can discover a complete gem of a book so unexpectedly! I haven't stopped recommending this book to my friends since! I usually approach books about mums with a little trepidation, but this book really hit the spot. Funny, poignant, authentic and entertaining. Full review accessible on this blog site.

The Finding Of Martha Lost by Caroline Wallace
I was explaining this novel to a friend. She interrupted me (it needed to happen) and said, "You're a little bit in love with Martha aren't you?" I am. Fantastic concept and so imaginative. Martha has inspired me enormously this week. For my full review check out my separate post.

I'm getting carried away again - I could add a couple more but this post is supposed to be about other things I've spotted not an advert for all my other reviews! So what else is new?



The Light Between The Oceans
I read this book a long time ago but it has to be one of my favourites and several friends since have agreed it was their best read for 2015. So I was delighted to see it is coming to the big screen soon. Check out the trailer at culture street.com or via @CultureStAus and see it for yourself! Make sure you read the book before you see the film!

Dr Thorne
Sticking with adaptations  - the TV series of Anthony Trollope's book began last week. I enjoyed it - good cast, good costumes and historical setting, good plot and perfect for a Sunday night. I hope it encourages you to have a go at the books  - they are very readable.


Six Four by Hideo Yokoyama
This is a Japanese Crime Fiction novel which sold over 1 million copies in six days in Japan when it was released. It is a huge 635 pages and 81 chapters long and the review I read described it as like "binge watching a box set, this is binge reading!" It is about two missing girls from crimes separated by fourteen years. The blurb says it is "the nightmare no parent could endure, no detective could solve and a twist no reader could predict." It may be one for the summer holiday due to its length but I'm definitely interested!

I read a review of this via bibliophilebookclub.com and think it sounds like a great read. Another psychological thriller - I just can't resist them! Here's the blurb from Goodreads - see if it captures you as well!
When Autumn fails to return home from school one day, Laura goes looking for her. She finds a crowd of older children taunting her little girl.

In the heat of the moment, Laura makes a terrible choice. A choice that will have devastating consequences for her and her daughter...


Margaret Forster's final novel was published last week following her recent death. The reviewer in the Guardian said this "portrait of a stigmatised, headstrong and fractured woman was compelling," with a "taut and suspenseful narrative" and characterisation that was "complex and dynamic". Sounds like a captivating read.


This is another author of whom we are all very familiar and probably like me, always excited when they produce a new novel! There have been some great reviews and blogs about this book and it seems as if it is another engaging and beautifully written tale. One reviewer claimed it to be her most graceful and richly imagined work yet. Can't wait to read it - think it'll be a real treat!




I'm off now to read this - curtesy of NetGalley. I requested it after reading a blog post about the next best psychological thrillers of 2016. It's a staggering 784 pages long so rest assured, there won't be many tweets or blogs next week - this is going to take a while I think, however gripping it is!!!

Happy Reading! For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat, follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications of future blog posts.