metalman   21 #2569 Posted May 16, 2017 Just finished 'Little Ripper' by Charles West, an Australian-set crime novel form 1991. It was the third in his Paul Crook series. If you get hot under the collar about racist and sexist language this probably isn't one for you, but I enjoyed it and it had a somewhat unexpectedly downbeat ending. I was surprised to find that the author is actually British.  Now regressing to childhood with 'Just William's Luck' by Richmal Crompton. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
gomgeg   10 #2570 Posted May 16, 2017 I know I'm a bit late on reading this one as it's been out a few years, but I bought it in a charity shop last month, at the moment I'm reading Bill Bryson's 'A short history of nearly everything'. Different from his usual travelogues of which I've read quite a few but still a good read, explaining some of the things I've never had any idea about so that even I can understand some of it (I think). Mind you there's been quite a bit of going over the last few pages. But I finally understand what 'half life' means.(I think). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Alex_B Â Â 10 #2571 Posted May 22, 2017 - Different Class by Joanne Harris. Â Turned out to be a twisty crime type novel, told through diary entries from two parties across two periods in time. Well written, good build-up of plot twists without losing credibility; but nothing outstanding for me. Â Just started Art & Lies by Jeanette Winterson. Â Some incredible writing and accessible exploration of themes of art / identity / philosophy (?) ... but not sure I fully get it just yet Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
taxman   12 #2572 Posted May 22, 2017 Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer. Meh, it's getting somewhere interesting but I'm already spotting some manipulative plot devices. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
nikki-red   308 #2573 Posted May 22, 2017 The Stand - Stephen King  Ive read it before but many moons ago, really enjoying it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
top4718   838 #2574 Posted May 22, 2017 The Stand - Stephen King Ive read it before but many moons ago, really enjoying it.  I've sporadically read a few of Kings books but can't say I've really enjoyed any of them fully. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
fatrajah   10 #2575 Posted May 24, 2017 I'm a little over half-way through The Last Templar by Raymon Khoury. It's in the same vein as The Da Vinci Code but does not have the page-turning quality as the Dan Brown novel. On the plus side, the dialogue is not as excruciating. The momentum builds well until about the half-way mark, but after that it starts to dissipate in a series of minor adventures. I doubt if I can be bothered to finish the book. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Olec   10 #2576 Posted May 27, 2017 I heard someone a while ago talking about some sort of psychology book about a soldier in a Japanese work camp and his daily struggles and the mental effect it had on him, does anyone know what this book might have been? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
mickw   10 #2577 Posted May 27, 2017 Zombie Apocalypse, written in the same vain as World War Z it's a series of communications email, letters, text messages etc... Recalling a personal veiw of the events in London of the Zombie plague. Quite good actually. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
metalman   21 #2578 Posted May 30, 2017 Just finished Old Man's War by John Scalzi. I'm not usually a great fan of militaristic SF but this is really good - clever ideas, good dialogue, well structured.  Next on the list is Cat among the Herrings by L.C. Tyler, the latest (sixth) in his series of crime novels about failed crime novelist Ethelred Tresidder and his more down-to-earth chocolate-loving agent Elsie Thirkettle. This whole series has been very amusing as well as really cleverly done and I'm sure this one will be no different. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
focemal   10 #2579 Posted May 31, 2017 A review copy of leisure and pleasure in the 19th century by Stella Margetson from 1969. An interesting history only spoiled by her use of lots of French terms that can easily be conveyed in English. Is that how writers tried to appear more sophisticated in the late 60's or is she emulating 19th century snobbery? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
lectrolove   10 #2580 Posted June 5, 2017 Sculptor's Daughter by Tove Jansson. The author's recollections of childhood. No Moomins. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...