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?
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
Bloodshed in the Bookshop
Book 23 of the Fethering mysteries By: Simon Brett ISBN: 9781448320851 Joffe Books / Severn House (2026) I enjoyed this book a great deal – it’s the latest in Brett’s long running Fethering mysteries. It’s a cosy crime with an acerbic edge, and thoroughly enjoyable both for new readers and established fans. Neighbours Carole and … Continue reading Bloodshed in the Bookshop
Tropesick
By: Lauren Okie ISBN: 9781399762809 Hachette Australia (2026) Well, this novel certainly pulled one out of the back pocket – the last few chapters go in a direction that will genuinely surprise most readers. That’s a good thing, though. It helps this interesting novel strike a unique note that makes it stand out. Although this … Continue reading Tropesick
Rain on a Hot Tin Roof
By: Stella Quinn ISBN: 9781038903945 HQ Fiction (2026) I have enjoyed every novel Quinn has written, and this is no exception. It’s a warm, funny and grounded story of two wounded adults finding not just love, but a new verve for life. Following a terrible accident, single dad Luke has moved himself and his son … Continue reading Rain on a Hot Tin Roof
For Better or Murder
By: Simon R Green ISBN: 9781448317509 Severn House (2026) This is the fourth in the Holy Terrors series, and like the earlier volumes it’s fun and spooky and a little bit unnerving. Green’s sardonic humor is deployed to good effect. Both existing fans of the series and new readers should enjoy this. As previous readers … Continue reading For Better or Murder
The Mother of All Calamities
By: Lisa Moule ISBN: 9781761472343 Allen & Unwin (2026) Reading this, I found myself appreciating some real strengths, but also wincing at some overt weaknesses. This is a novel with something to say, and unfortunately some of it is said rather clumsily. Even so, this is a novel which many mothers of small children are … Continue reading The Mother of All Calamities
