Book Review - Empire of Pain - The Secret History of The Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe
This is a meticulously researched, infuriating and astounding book about the opioid epidemic in the US.
Book Review - Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Kingsolver’s updating of ‘David Copperfield’ is transposed to the modern day American South, told in the first person with exuberance and wit, is about surviving grinding poverty.
Book Review - Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
Notes on an execution is a superb literary thriller about a serial killer on death row, his story largely told by the women in his life.
Book Review - Exiles by Jane Harper
Another superlative mystery thriller from Jane Harper, the third outing for Detective Aaron Falk. This time the setting is the lush wine country of South Australia, where a young woman has gone missing at a country fair, leaving her child in a pram.
Book Review - A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney
Rob Delaney’s memoir is a deeply personal account of the short life and death of his much loved son Henry, who died just before the age of three with a brain tumour. This is a raw, emotional, darkly funny and deeply moving book.
Book Review - I May Be Wrong: And Other Wisdoms From Life as a Forest Monk - Björn Natthiko Lindeblad
Bjorn Natthiko gives up a promising career as an economist to live 17 years as a forest monk in the buddhist tradition. He shares what he has learnt in this wise and moving book.
Book Review - Camp Zero - Michelle Min Sterling
Dystopian sci-fi thriller about a group of people trying to establish a new life in North America, as climate change causes society to break down. Set in 2049, this is a chilling look at the near future but there is hope in solidarity.
Book Review - Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
‘Birnam Wood’ by Eleanor Catton is a page turning literary thriller driven by complex characters for whom the balance of power is constantly shifting.
Book Review - Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention - And How to Think Deeply Again - Johann Hari
‘Stolen Focus’ by Johann Hari is an impressively researched & passionately argued book about how our attention spans have collapsed, but it’s not our fault. Time to put the phone down and start the fight back.
Book Review - My Father’s House - Joseph O’Connor
Strong and atmospheric work of historical fiction that is loosely based on the true story of Hugh O’Flaherty, at the centre of a clandestine operation to smuggle Jews and escaped allied prisoners out of Nazi occupied Rome.
Book Review - All the Broken Places by John Boyne
‘All the broken places’ picks up where ‘The boy with the striped Pyjamas’ finished. Older sister Gretel and her mother are hoping to start again in Paris, but can they escape the past, and do they deserve to? This is an engrossing, thought provoking follow up from John Boyne that is another masterclass in empathetic storytelling.
Book Review - The Night Man - Jørn Lier Horst
Compelling and superior ‘Scandi Noir’ thriller that covers some realistic issues such as migrant children, international drug networks and crime gangs. A gritty and current thriller with plenty of twists and turns.
Book Review - Desert Star - Michael Connelly
Ballard and Bosch are working in the cold case unit, this time investigating the murder of a young girl, sister of the councilman who is sponsoring the department. Harry Bosch has another case on his mind - the Gallagher family, found buried in a hole in the Mojave desert. Another superior thriller from Micheal Connelly.
Book Review - Foster - Claire Keegan
Book review of ‘foster’ by Claire Keegan, a novella about a young girl who goes to stay with her mothers people during the school summer holidays. Both fragile and heart rending, it inspired the recently Oscar nominated ‘An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl).
Book Review - Sea of Tranquility - Emily St. John Mandel
Emily St. John Mandels most recent book is a beguiling mix of the contemporary, historical and science fiction, in a story that arcs over the centuries.
Book Review -Bret Easton Ellis - The Shards
Sharp and engaging work of autofiction about a group of wealthy teenagers in 80’s LA, with a serial killer on the prowl. Dark and disturbing as you’d expect, but a page turner and great fun.
Book Review - Moonflower Murders - Anthony Horowitz
Another successful outing for Susan Ryeland and Atticus Pünd, in a follow up to the acclaimed ‘Magpie Murders.’ With two detective stories for the price of one, it feels like a tribute to the classics of the genre. Complex and labyrinth, this is hugely enjoyable.
Book Review - Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - John le Carre
In ‘Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy’ George Smiley is on the trail of a mole. It’s a battle of wits between him and Karla, his nemesis in the Russian secret service. Le Carré is a master craftsman and this is superb tale of betrayal and espionage.
Book Review - The Glass hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
‘The glass hotel’ is a lyrical and haunting novel, with overlapping stories and a multi textured narrative. It’s about surviving grief and loneliness and searching for meaning.
Book Review - The Almanac - A Seasonal Guide to 2023 by Lia Leendertz
A practical and useful guide to the year ahead, beautifully illustrated. Packed full with nature tips, celestial events, gardening advice and recipes, a great read to realign ourselves with the seasons.
