You've landed where I share my book reviews. I believe in being honest in a book review - although also, hopefully, tactful. I also believe that most books do have an audience somewhere. So if I dislike a book, I'll tell you so, but I'll also try to tell you why in such a way … Continue reading Where are you?
Played to Death
By: Mike Ripley ISBN: 9781448317684 Severn House (2026) This is a highly enjoyable sequel (of sorts) to Buried Above Ground. Like that novel, this one is acerbic and often cynically funny. It’s also a more classic crime plot than its’ predecessor. I enjoyed it immensely. Roly, one of the central characters from Buried Above Ground, … Continue reading Played to Death
Flowers in July
By: Anna Maynard ISBN: 9 781 786 588074 Echo Publishing (2026) This is a lovely romance, given some extra depth with its’ realistic portrayal of working as a doctor. It was further enhanced, for me at least, by a vivid depiction of Tasmania. Mary Roberts is a cautious person who tends to play it safe. … Continue reading Flowers in July
Peck & Peck
By: Bonnie Garmus ISBN: 9781786588821 Bonnier (2026) This novel is Garmus’ second, and although I found it enjoyable and interesting, some readers may find it just a little over the top. The novel tells the story of Batter Grey, a young man who loves poetry and finds himself working at Peck & Peck, a revered … Continue reading Peck & Peck
A Cold Night’s Dying
Holy Terrors Book 5 By: Simon Green ISBN: 9781448317523 Joffe Books/ Severn House (2026) This is a Holy Terrors novel, and Green delivers exactly what his many fans expect: a clever murder mystery mixed with a dash of the supernatural, broad humor, a fast pace, a sardonic tone, and strong characterisations. I loved it. Actress … Continue reading A Cold Night’s Dying
Murder at Charm School
Sonoma Witches 8 By: Gretchen Galway ISBN: 9781939872401 Eton Field (2026) I love the Sonoma Witches series – I happened across the first almost by accident some years ago, and I’ve been following it ever since. This latest instalment didn’t disappoint me. And if you haven’t read any of these novels, this is also a … Continue reading Murder at Charm School
Full Circle
By: Chris Hammer ISBN: 9781761820885 Simon & Schuster (2026) Hammer’s reputation as a writer of absorbing, complex crime novels will only be enhanced by this great read. A stand alone novel with only the vaguest of connections to his previously published series’, this ventures into slightly different territory but still has everything a crime reader … Continue reading Full Circle
One Night Band Stand
Get What You Need Book 2 By: Julia Kent ISBN: not provided Self published (2026) This is a novel which will delight Kent’s long time fans, while also offering something a little different to her usual novels. It’s the second in a series but very accessible for new readers and should bring Kent more fans. … Continue reading One Night Band Stand
The Season of Impossible Dreams
Book 1 of New Dreams By: Marianne de Pierres ISBN: 9781764494816 Victory Editing (2026) This contemporary young adult drama takes a hard look at realistic problems faced by teenagers. As you’d expect from something aimed at younger readers, it’s a fairly straightforward story. Still, strong characters and a strong sense of how teenagers might respond … Continue reading The Season of Impossible Dreams
The Sourdough Compedium
By: A.G. Slatter ISBN: 9781835415993 Titan Books (2026) This collection of dark and intertwined stories is memorable and intriguing. It’s substantial, and is likely to take you a while to work through, but you’ll be grateful you did. Unlike some anthologies, each story here is connected to the others. While each story is complete in … Continue reading The Sourdough Compedium
The Mortons
By: Scott Westerfeld & Justine Larbalestier ISBN: 9781761353529 Penguin Random House Australia (2026) This genre blurring novel is highly readable, memorable and unexpected. I enjoyed it immensely. It’s hard to slot this into any one genre, and the result is a novel that’s both grounded and realistic and a little bit out there. Although it’s … Continue reading The Mortons
