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?
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
Based on a True Story
By: Sarah Vaughan ISBN: 9781398502093 Simon & Schuster Australia (2026) This is a tense and twisty domestic thriller which blends unexpected moments with a few you see coming, which in turn nicely distract you from some of what’s going on. I found it absorbing and more thought provoking than your average thriller. Famed writer Dame … Continue reading Based on a True Story
Group Chat
By: Zoe Foster-Blake ISBN: 9781922928122 Allen & Unwin (2026) This is a familiar story, told with warmth and appealing characters. Although it doesn’t break any new ground, it will entertain and satisfy readers. When Farah’s husband has an affair, the girlfriends in her group chat come together to support her. Before long, this turns into … Continue reading Group Chat
