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?
On The Edge
By: Kate Horan ISBN: 9781038940384 HQ Fiction (2025) This is a highly readable crime novel; the story isn’t spectacularly new, but it’s compellingly told, with strong characters. It’ll engage your attention early, and not let go until the end. Sixteen years ago, Nel Foley became the last known person to see her best friend alive. … Continue reading On The Edge
For All The Dead Girls
By: Sherryl Clark ISBN: 978 1038963215 HQ Fiction (2026) This is a powerful crime novel which explores important themes. I enjoyed it immensely; it’s both an exciting narrative and a story which leaves you with a lot to think about. It feels very current, and frighteningly realistic. It’s the second novel featuring private investigator Lou … Continue reading For All The Dead Girls
Survival Show
By: Juno Dawson ISBN: 9781398558199 Simon & Schuster (2026) Dawson takes a handful of familiar ideas, and turns them into an entertaining and absorbing novel with enough energy that it feels fresh. The intended young adult audience should love it, and older readers are also likely to find a lot to enjoy. Taryn Beck is … Continue reading Survival Show
The Witch
By: Marie NDiaye ISBN: 9781529449396 Hachette (2026) This distinctly strange but also mesmerizing novel offers a lot to think about, although it certainly won’t be for everyone. I found it fascinating, and worth reading. The plot of this surrealist novel is almost impossible to summarise. Lucie is a witch, trying to teach her daughters the … Continue reading The Witch
Winter
By: Val McDermid ISBN: 9780802167811 Grove Atlantic (2026) This slim volume purports to be a meditation on the pleasures of winter; it’s also a glimpse into the memories which formed Val McDermid, and her writing habits. I found it thoughtful and interesting. It’s a departure from her crime novels, but should interest many. McDermid talks … Continue reading Winter
Go Gentle
By: Maria Semple ISBN: 9781399634229 Hachette Australia (2026) I unreservedly love this glorious novel. It’s funny, clever, insightful, wonderfully good fun, and slightly unhinged (in the best possible way). I had the best time reading this, and it immediately became one of my favorite books. Adora Hazzard is a professional philosopher, divorcee, single mum, and … Continue reading Go Gentle
Five
By: Ilona Bannister ISBN: 9780008770570 HQ Fiction - Juniper (2026) Wow. This is a book with real impact; it’s a distinctive writing style which in turns immerses you and deliberately jerks you out of the novel to think. And you will be thinking about this. It will come back to you in idle moments and … Continue reading Five
Nash Falls
By: David Baldacci ISBN:978-1035094837 Pan Macmillan (2025) Nash Falls is an excellent start to another series from David Baldacci. It is a fast paced and engaging thriller with a sympathetic lead character. Walter Nash is a middle of the road business man; not very interesting in lots of ways. But he’s good at his job, … Continue reading Nash Falls
Outlaw Planet
By: MR Carey ISBN: 9780356528045 Hachette Australia/ Orbit (2025) What a glorious mash up this is: a classic science fiction plot, a narrative tone reminiscent of pulp westerns, and the skeleton of historical events like the American civil war. This is a dense novel, and not a fast read, but it’s absorbing and ultimately very … Continue reading Outlaw Planet
Murder High
By: Lauren Munoz ISBN: 9781471416538 Hot Key Books (2025) This young adult murder mystery is a great read – I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are empathetic, realistic characters and a twisty mystery to solve. It’s one of those novels I read quite quickly because I wanted to know what happened next. Dulce attends J Everett … Continue reading Murder High