Book Review Year 6 No 9

[smallhobbit]

Another six books, which brings my total for the year so far to 56.  I'm still making a point of trying to read a variety of authors, and not just the next book in a series - and at least I'm reading a selection of series.

Bats in the Belfry - E C R Lorac

Having discovered Lorac I then read another of her books from the library.  This one is again set in London, but pre-WWII and so not quite as atmospheric.  However, I continued to enjoy the London descriptions.  It's a fascinating puzzle and I've now bought a couple of her books which aren't available in the library.


The Diary of a Provincial Lady - E M Delafield

A book I've heard of on a number of occasions, and decided to read, following up mentions of the author on the Shedunnit podcast.  I realise this is supposed to be a spoof but I found it tedious rather than funny.


Storm in the Village - Miss Read

The third in the Fairacre Chronicles, just as enjoyable.  Definite nostalgia, but doesn't underplay the less easy side of village life.  There is a physical storm, and also various difficulties which run through the book causing emotional storms.


Aunt Dimity and the Wishing Well - Nancy Atherton

I get the feeling the author is running out of plausible plots, but it's an easy read and I shall continue with the series, there are only 5 left.


Bad Day at the Vulture Club - Vaseem Khan

The latest in the Baby Ganesh Agency books.  Yet another look at life in Mumbai, this time set within the Parsee community.  It's an interesting puzzle, which introduces more elements of life in the Indian city, and the contrast, and conflict, between the present and the past.


Three Women - Lisa Taddeo

This is a very popular book, and I'd had to wait several months before it was my turn at the library.  Although billed as a book about the sex lives and desires of three women, which it is, I felt in each case the women were doomed to dissatisfaction because they were looking at the wrong men to give them what they wanted.


All the above books were from the library, and I now have four more to read by Christmas, as well as my bought Christmas book.  This is all good!

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Lorac is still on my to-read list. It may have to be after Tuesday when I get new borrows on my online library account. They have about 5 of hers. Is there one you recommend more than others?

[smallhobbit]

So far I've only read two, just starting the third. 'Murder by Matchlight' was my favourite - atmospheric and great setting. 'Bats in the Belfry' is slightly odd and very interwar, but I did enjoy it. I know Shedunnit had 'Fell Murder' as their book of the month a few months ago.

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Yes, in addition to those 3, my library has Murder in the Mill-race and Fire in the Thatch.

[smallhobbit]

Fire in the Thatch is the one I'm currently reading. (Murder in the Mill-race is also in our library)

[luthienberen]

Glad you are having a super time reading a variety of books with different time periods! Happy reading ahead too! 😊

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - it is good to have the time to read :)

[luthienberen]

Definitely, I always feel refreshed having read something, even a few paragraphs and as much as I adore my kindle, nothing for me beats a paperback/hardback book. 😄

[margaret_r]

Another interesting collection. I have to have my library card renewed and you've reminded me to get it done!

[smallhobbit]

Glad to be of use! I've been so grateful for the library this year.

[moth2fic]

Again, it's only Miss Read who appeals to me - and I'm sure I've read all those but too long ago to recall details! Having a mother who was a village school headmistress made the entire series very real to me! The trouble with series is that once you're hooked you're hooked - and if you want greater breadth to your reading you have to read other things plus the next in the series - it's a rabbit hole, or maybe an entire warren.

[smallhobbit]

I'm really enjoying Miss Read. I now have a Christmas one out, which seemed appropriate.

I've got about five series I'm reading and may well indulge myself over Christmas.