The Reading List #26
You know that pause?
It went on longer than expected. I’ve been in a bit of a
strange place over recent months, and trying to sort out about a million things
at once, including a new job, thinking about moving house when my current
contract comes to an end, and working on the old panic I’ve discussed on here
before.
Anyway, there’s something I find very satisfying about the
fact today is both a Monday and the beginning of a new month, and it feels time
to get back to my little internet space, and a new reading list feels as good a
place as any to re-start…
Skin and Bones, Tom Bale
When a tiny Sussex
village plays host to a shooting rampage, only one victim is left alive.
Meaning only one person knows there’s a second killer still on the loose.
This book started brilliantly. The suspense was
well-maintained, and the characters and the lifestyles of those in the village
were established quickly. The description of the killing spree was very well
done, and some descriptions as clear as if I had been watching a film. However,
the second half, I felt, let it down. I think the plot got a bit too
complicated for its own good. Too many clipped voices were getting involved in
the plans and it left so many characters tangled in the story that the
believability was lost. Worth reading even for the first half of the book,
though, and Bale gets that just right.
Named of the Dragon, Susanna Kearsley
Literary agent Lyn heads to Wales for a holiday, still haunted
by the death of her baby five years earlier. There she meets Elen, a fragile
widow who sees Lyn as her son’s saviour. Myths, prophecies and Celtic legends
surround the child as the story takes on a surreal, dream-like quality.
I had mixed feelings on this one, as it almost felt like two
stories running alongside one another. Some parts, like Bridget’s
relationships, really didn’t interest me, and I was left wanting more when it
came to the sections on myth and legend, as it was so intriguing. I also felt
the way Lyn’s grief was handled throughout the novel was really excellent.
Definitely an unusual one, and I’d be tempted to give it a re-read.
The Eternity Project, Dean Crawford
CIA agents have been hunted and killed in bizarre
circumstances, and the blame is pointing to defence intelligence operatives
Warner and Lopez, along with the missing Joanna Defoe. Warner and Lopez are
caught up in their own mission to find Defoe, but agree to help their old boss
in an attempt to clear their names.
This isn’t the type of book I’d usually find myself leaning
towards – a ‘mystery thriller’ with potential supernatural elements… But
something caught me. I couldn’t stop turning the pages. It was fast-paced,
high-action, good escapism, and I just enjoyed the way it was written.
Back Spin, Harlan Coben
When a boy disappears from a downtown hotel, Myron Bolitar
is sent to investigate. Set in the world of professional sports, it’s a novel
full of family secrets.
This one was ok. I did like some of the characters, but
overall it was just a very average mystery.
On reflection, there was definitely a lean towards the world
of thrillers in this list. It’s a genre I’ve never read much of but have come
across a few good ones in recent months.
Have you read any of these, or anything I might like?
I'm actually going to check one of the books out.... ahhaha i don't think i've touched a book in years besides textbooks after textbooks. thanks for the list!
ReplyDeletehttp://crownmealreadyy.blogspot.com/