It looks like I spent an awful lot of time with my nose in a book this past month – well you’d be sort of right…..but the truth is most of these (apart from one) were fairly short, easy to read or ‘gallop through the pages’ page turners
Starting with a Seasonal Read, followed by Travel – Crime – Passion. All of them published a while ago
Spring in September – Ursula Bloom 1983 Timeless Classics Collection * When Janet meets a fascinating older man, she thinks he is the answer to all her problems. But they are only just beginning
What you might call a ‘sweet read’ following along as young Janet – just finished her final term at boarding school with her life opening up in front of her – finds out that all is not as it appears when our ‘grown up’ ideas don’t pan out the way they should have…..a coming of age story with a happy ending
The Accidental Tourist– Anne Tyler 1985 * How does a man addicted to routine – a man who flosses his teeth before love-making – cope with the chaos of everyday life
A twisty turny humourous tale – my first Anne Tyler read – which I thoroughly enjoyed
Death of an Airman. – Christopher St. John Sprigg 1934/2015 * In full view of a half dozen witnesses, the flying instructor of the Baston Aero Club goes into a tail spin, crashes, and is killed.
I usually enjoy these old ‘golden age’ crime novels but this one was a slog. The first few chapters flowed along nicely but then it seemed like too much was going on and the reader ( me) became quite confused – once an international drug smuggling operation entered the plot it got even more confusing so that in the end I never really cared how George Furnace came to die ( because it wasn’t the way it seemed in the beginning)
Harnessing Peacocks – Mary Wesley 1985 * Living happily alone in a seaside town in Cornwall, lovely Hebe supports her son at an expensive boarding school by cooking and discreetly making love for profit, until the unexpected happens
Witty and unconventional is how I’d describe Mary Wesley’s writing – never fails to please me. The 1993 ‘made for TV film’ (John Mills) is based on the novel…..similar but not the same.
Then onto ‘the next instalment’ which reignited my completist leanings……I’m determined to finish those series I’ve begun – recent ones as well as those begun a few years ago and left floundering in the TBR spreadsheet (of which there are quite a few!)
I had a serving of tartan noir last month (Stuart MacBride) – this month I’ve been bingeing on outback noir…….continuing with more from Garry Disher’s ‘Hirsch’ series featuring Constable Paul Hirschhausen’s life in a one-man station in a small, dusty South Australian town where amongst the ordinary day to day some very extraordinary can appear. If you can find them – pick up and enjoy.
******* My next was one of those elusive books, the ones you look for but can never find – the first of a series I began quite a few years ago now. A surprise find at the library when I popped in to pick up a reservation. What’s the betting all the others turn up now – I read somewhere recently they are all now available online so that might be my next move
Kakadu Sunset – Annie Seaton 2015 The Porter Sisters #1
And to be able to finish another Australian series, I’ve just begun the last of Jane Harper’s books featuring Aaron Falk. Unlike many in my ‘reading group’ I didn’t exactly rave about the first two so I’m hoping to find this one holds my interest.
So rather than asking watcha reading I’ll put it another way…..because I’m sure our Mums wouldn’t like the watcha word
What have you read recently….
After enjoying my first Stuart MacBride stand alone early last month I found this 3 book series (online at Hoopla) which I devoured one after the other in quick succession. With the same characters appearing – much humour injected into unthinkable situations along with police procedures (of good bad and ugly proportions) they were enjoyable- couldn’t put downable but enough for the time being I think
****** I’m not sure what the problem has been with my attention span recently, several books from various sources came into the cabin over the past few weeks but I couldn’t settle on any of them so resorted to looking online for older unread publications – comfort reading!
The Far Country – Nevil Shute 1952. This and others available to download free here at Faded Page
One of Shute’s Australian novels. Set in England and Australia it looks at life in both countries during the 1950s. Jennifer Morton is given the chance to visit some distant relatives living on a sheep station where she discovers she is capable of far more than she ever anticipated I enjoy Shute’s style of writing in a very understated way yet understandable on many levels
**** Those two winter reads from last month I had lined up for this one didn’t happen- one had a dual time line that became more confusing the more I read and the other lost it’s appeal after a few chapters……so I chose this instead
The Woods in Winter – Stella Gibbons 1970. Hoopla Republished by Furrowed Middlebrow/Dean Street Press 2021 A different sort of read about a ‘take me as I am, basic, no nonsense, see the bright side of everything’ person- left a small (very dilapidated) cottage in a village close to where she was born and raised. She moves to live a solitary (by choice) life in the cottage taking a rescued dog plus very few belongings. AI Overview The Woods in Winter” by Stella Gibbons, is a novel focusing on Ivy Gower, a middle-aged charwoman who inherits a cottage in the English countryside. Despite her initial desire for solitude, she finds herself impacting the lives of her neighbors in unexpected ways, including a runaway boy, a mourning spinster, and the local gentry. The story blends humor and poignancy, exploring themes of old age, solitude, and the unexpected connections that can form in a rural setting.
***** Lots of smiles when I found another Mary Wesley on line……I’m definitely a Wesley reader and will be on the lookout for more….listed here
Not That Sort of Girl – Mary Wesley 1987/2006 Internet Archive Ned Peel has died, Rose his widow has left the house (which now belongs to their son) and has gone to a hotel where she reflects on her life……lived with two men. One completely oblivious of the other. Recommended reading
****** I’m not sure where I first saw this authors name but books by her came up on an online site….this one sounded interesting
Time of Flight – A. C. (Christina) Koning 2016 Internet Archive republished as Murder at Hendon Aerodrome 2023 It is 1931, and the world has taken to the air: ’You couldn’t switch on the wireless these days without hearing news of the latest feat by Miss Johnson or Commander Kidson; the newspapers, too, were full of their exploits…’For blind First World War veteran Frederick Rowlands, the craze for flying holds little interest – after all, he is unlikely ever to set foot in an aeroplane himself.
Then I saw reviews of what sounded like the same book under a different title, (same author similar name) and realised it was part of a series. The Blind Detective. Part of a series that really definitely should be read in order. Lots of early aviation details – good……lots of social history relevant to the post WW1 years in England- good……several murders – the author obviously thought they were necessary- then several characters and events that were part of earlier books appeared/ were alluded to. I had no idea who what or when it was all about so much so it meant lots of page flipping yet wondering if I’d missed anything I finished the book but only because I wanted to reassure myself I’d sussed out the murderer correctly
****** What are you reading now…….
Another piece of light relief found in the laundry room
Death of an Airman – Christopher St. John Sprigg 1934 British Library Crime Classics 2015 * The Accidental Tourist- Anne Tyler 1985 Reissued by Vintage 2016
Once again slow speed and dodgy whatevers have kept me away
So what are the watchasin your life at the moment ? Have you read any of mine?
Does anyone remember the big bag of blue yarn I had trouble with last year……when trying out a new to me pattern….it turned out much smaller than I expected
July 2024
So I found something else and began again…..
But once again it just wasn’t right and (once again) ended up like this….
November 2024
So since last November it’s been a case of let sleeping dogs lie (and rest out of sight) because it seemed whenever I touched the yarn it wasn’t happy……until early June this year when a little Aran jumper caught my eye. And you do know I just love the combination of stitches that go into that style
Peter Pan Baby Book 210. Sweater T213
Use 4ply it said, well, as the old saying goes….nothing ventured nothing gained …..so out came the needles and the blue yarn. Start with a sleeve – not so many stitches – use suggested 3.25/ uk 10 and see how it goes. Yes I could have knit a swatch but you know me….all or nothing
But, just for curiosity I did do a little row/stitch count when I arrived at the decrease spot and wouldn’t you know it…..it had knit to gauge. Maybe it was 4ply after all.
So it all came along with me and the rest of my supplies on the premis – ‘use it this time or definitely lose it’. Both sleeves and the back are patterned in a rather monotonous 4 x 4 box stitch and surprisingly knit up quite quickly…..it’s funny how when you have a regular stitch count like that you tend to count them in your head – so I’m not missing the little insistent voice saying knit 234, purl 234 over and over…..necessary because I’d forget to change from knit to purl/vice versa and end up with a half row of 4 x 4 and the rest in knit or purl!
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This week I’ve reached the armhole shaping on the front, just a few rows off dividing for the neckline so hopefully it’ll be a fast finish. Of course it’s still to be made up and the neck band sorted – picking up stitches neatly is not one of my talents so there might be a few choice words spoken. There’s also a little tidying up to do on the wrong side….some of the crossovers seem to be gaping a bit so a little sewn stitch here and there pulling them together will solve that problem
These two Fiona Lowe books were a ‘laundry room’ find……an Australian author I’ve never read before so aren’t quite sure whether it’ll be a ‘flick through- nah, not for me’ or sit down with coffee and become engrossed. Her about me pageshows mention of Ruby awards (Romantic writers) so I’ll open the books with an open mind. Both have mixed reviews on various sites so that’s another reason for an open mind, and if they turn out to be a bit too chick lit I’ve another Stuart MacBride waiting to be picked up. And of course, you never know what’s to be found in the ‘drop and swap’ book exchange in the laundry room 📚📚
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Unraveled Wednesday at Kat’s happens weekly on the First Wednesday – last Wednesday- and any Wednesday in between. Why not pop over and see what’s going on
I written very little about what I’ve read recently so here’s a look at some from the past few weeks – or couple of months if you’re really pedantic🙂
June arrived with its seasonal changes… Winter with its short days was a coming in so I decided on a couple of shortish reads to begin with…..
Great Granny Webster – Caroline Blackwood 1977 * I’ve no idea where I heard about it but this little book was a fun read about a larger than life character – available on Libby
Jumping the Queue – Mary Wesley 1983 Matilda Poliport, recently widowed, has decided to End It All. But her meticulously planned bid for graceful oblivion is foiled, and when later she foils the suicide attempt of another lost soul – Hugh Warner, on the run from the police – life begins again for both * An interesting read that flowed along from one ‘scene’ to another with no wondering why did that happen. It’s one of those books you can’t put down and are a little disappointed when it ends but realise it really was the right length after all. With an ending I hadn’t anticipated at all. Mine was a library copy but it’s available on Internet Archive. If you’re interested there’s also a 1989 film version (Sheila Hancock as Matilda) HERE
***** Then it was on to thinking about what was coming up in the months ahead with two very aptly named seasonal reads
A Winter Away – Elizabeth Fair 1957 Republished by Furrowed Middlebrow/Dean Street Press 2017. Hoopla
This was one of those very English books from the mid ‘50s about life in a country village – Maude who is staying with her cousin Alice (and her ?companion) has become secretary to Alice’s landlord – a very eccentric ‘lord of the manor. It was an easy gentle read, full of fun and misunderstandings, which filled the task of a seasonal read. I enjoyed it.
(Discovered while looking for something else) Winter Holiday – Arthur Ransome 1933 Swallows and Amazons #4 – free download (faded page.com)
Two new children meet the Swallows and Amazon children and with a little bit of longing as well as trepidation take part in adventures they never dreamed about. Sharing skills, boosting self confidence, accepting differences – no sailing on water involved but because it’s set in winter (one harsh enough to freeze the local lake) there’s lots of sledging as well as ice skating also a planned expedition to an imaginary nearby North Pole.
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Which then brings us up to the end of that month- time to make our way north to the winter sunshine in a Queensland coastal town
See below 😎
Still thinking of the season these are what I’ve been working through since getting to Bowen
Winter Solstice Rosamunde Pilcher 2000 * A longish but quite interesting read by an author I’ve struggled with previously. This time I enjoyed most of the wordy descriptive chapters dealing with Elfrida’s family & friends plus all the emotions, decisions and more that cropped up.
The Dead of Winter Stuart Macbride 2023 * A novel by a brand new to me author shelf picked for its title…… Detective Constable Edward Reekie (plus his new boss DI Montgomery-Porter) set off on a cold snowy journey to deliver a dying prisoner to a small village in Scotland ……where they become snowed in along with the rest of the ‘ankle tagged’ community of ex convicts…….
Definitely a ‘couldn’t put it down, wonder what on earth is going to happen next, page turner’. A humourous crime novel is certainly a first for me so I’m on the lookout for more of Stuart Macbride.
Two down- two to go…..one more month of winter so both of these below have been renewed ready to see the season out
AND in case you didn’t know…..the yearly JANE AUSTEN JULY event is in full swing again. She was born 250yrs ago this December and (by coincidence) died exactly 208yrs ago today – 18 July 1817. As usual it involves various reading watching discussing challenges…..my book club decided we’d go easy this year and each do our own thing and then chat (me included) afterwards…….FaceTime is a wonderful thing!
So with school holidays bringing children to the van park last week I was able to share this little book about Jane Austen with a young girl staying next door.
She chatted away about loving to read and wanting to write – and was really interested in the ‘simple story’ about Jane’s life. Her mum wouldn’t allow photos so I took (and forwarded to the mother) this collage showing Jane ‘reading and writing’ ……there’s the note book I gifted her (for her little stories) plus the sand dollar she gave me ‘for being her friend’
My little neighbour was definitely a little person with big dreams – hopefully her dreams come true
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Years ago I watched reruns of the tv series Sanditon (Season 1) on iView – love a period drama – knowing it was based on the unfinished book Jane began writing in 1817
This year I thought I’d refresh my memory of the storyline by chasing up and finding the actual words to read – a big hooray for Project Gutenberg! A free download of the manuscript can be found HERE. Like Dickens, the language of Austen is a language of its own and the download actually has ‘clickable’ notes/explanations off to one side of words and phrases used/ added/substituted.
Something else I did find online was this free audiobook – for some readers listening to the words could be more helpful than trying to understand the language used in the written word.
It’s Wednesday again – what I think of as the halfway point of the week Some days have been and gone- some have yet to arrive It’s the 3rd Wednesday in July….middle of winter here – middle of summer elsewhere
Did you know January 1st this year was on a Wednesday so it’s 28 weeks since 2025 began Or put another way July 16th is the 197th day of the year (198th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar; 168 days remain until the end of the year. It’s past the halfway point already (and I’m still asking what year it is when I date a form😊)
And here’s another little piece of information for you all – Christmas Eve is on a Wednesday this year….in 23 weeks time!
🎄🎄🎄😊😊😊 🎄🎄🎄
There are times when my grey cells works in strange ways…..you’d think with all those ‘supplies’ I packed I’d have been clear in what I wanted to do up here. Mackay (190kms/2hrs south on the Bruce) is the last ‘big town’ we pass through before reaching Bowen. About an hour before we got there I had a sudden feeling I wasn’t going to be content with my planned projects (all children sized rather than ‘baby/toddler’) so decided we’d drop into Spotlight-to see what they had – well we had to drive past so weren’t going out of our way (and they had a sale on) and you can never have too much….can you?
Luckily I had brought my ‘online ideas folder’ along – this simple boat neck pattern is sized for a 20” chest/18 mths but with the body being straight up and down (no shaping) it’s easy to make larger …more stitches/wider….more rows/longer…plus add extra stitches/length for a larger sleeve. With both sides the same – no front or back, I call them me do its. Those favourite words of 2/3yr olds (apart from No and Why🤭)
As you can see the pattern is actually worked in a decorative stitch but often, like with these three from a while back, I make something that looks entirely different.
This time I’m working it the way the designer suggested, yes, in acrylic but so soft and definitely not scratchy.
The alternating 2×2 knit/purl interspersed with 2 rows stocking stitch is giving it a warm puffy/squishy feel that I hope looks just as good on the body – the yarn colour also has a rich warm look about it.
****** Because of the recent weak signal in this part of town I’ve missed out on everyone else’s news….so I’m going to remedy that (in a cheeky way) by asking ‘what are you all doing?’
What are all you other crafters and readers up to – I’m interested to know what’s on your needles or hooks – under your sewing machine needles or even on your hoops – as well as beside your couches and chairs and on your bedside tables
Oh and Wednesday is also the day Kat hosts ‘Unraveled Wednesday ‘…….if you’d like to see what others are knitting, reading and talking about just click on the link
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May is the third and last month in our autumn, a time when some days are still ‘shiny bright’ compared to others which are cooling down (definitely colder overnight) preparing for the real go slow part of the year. I’ve been feeling a bit that way this past few weeks – some days were great with a bright and shiny go get ‘em attitude evident from morn to night……others a bit cold and dreary, need to stay home and hibernate. Mind and body have played up so (as per usual) I retreated mentally as well as physically ‘into my shell’ until I felt safe enough to face the world (IRL as well as online) again.
As you can see, the charity box was going to benefit from my sit down and rest calming knitting sessions (top photo) then our youngest nephew became a father…..of a daughter instead of the predicted son….I gifted them a couple of newborn sized cardigans (lower photo) and laughed at their remarks about babies not being concerned about boy/girl clothes as long as they’re warm and comfortable so followed up by sending them a slightly larger one in a traditional girly pink shade. ‘Love it, so pretty’ was the new mother’s reply……sounds like she isn’t as modern as I thought! **** What has been on my mind is that the garden certainly suffered over the hot summer months. There’s still so much ‘catch up’ to do outside which is going to have to wait a while because even though things are slowly improving I still can’t get down enough to clear and weed….those forecast rainy days haven’t been that rainy out our way but the soil has softened a fraction so once mobility becomes a little easier let’s hope rose pruning and maybe a bit of ground clearing will be achieved
We’re on track to make our way up north about the middle of next month and if the pruning is done that’ll keep them happy until growth begins again in the spring – and honestly what’s a few weeds between friends😊 *****
As well as needing ‘simple easy’ craft to occupy my mind during that time I also wanted – what else but – something ‘uncomplicated’ to read so ended up rummaging around various online sites (going to the library meant I had to actually socialise with people) and found these with a seasonal flavour- that is they had autumn in the title
Quartet in Autumn – Barbara Pym (Libby) An easy to read, relatable 1977 Pym novel about the lives of four people in late middle-age – Edwin, Norman, Letty and Marcia – who work in the same office, are all nearing retirement and suffer the same problem – loneliness. A really good read!
A Breath of Autumn – Lillian Beckwith (Internet Archive) A ‘delightfully soft, humorous at times and very descriptive’ story by a new to me author of life on a small island in the Hebrides owned and inhabited by Kirsty McDonald along with her small son plus a stepson. The regular pattern of her solitary slow life changes with the seasons and as strangers appear needing her help and involvement in their lives other changes happen. Some she slowly welcomes- others she spends a great deal of time contemplating. One of those ‘could not put down’ books where even though the pace is slow you can’t wait to read more https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Beckwith
The Autumn After Next – Margaret St Clair (Project Gutenberg) What can I say – this is exactly what it is about … a different, interesting sort of read that makes you think
Famous and Classic Science Fiction Novel Being a wizard missionary to the Free’l needed more than magic—it called for a miracle!
The Autumn After Next” by Margaret St. Clair is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The story explores themes of magic and cultural dissonance through the experiences of Neeshan, a wizard missionary trying to teach a lazy and indifferent tribe called the Free’l about the proper use of magic. The novella highlights the challenges of bridging different worldviews, especially when one party lacks the motivation to engage with the teachings being offered.source
And look here, as well as being able to read the very short story on screen – you are also able to listen to it being narrated by William Sky
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This post has become rather on the long side – word brevity has never been my strong point – so thank you to anyone who has reached here.
I have to say that one thing that helped me a lot over these past weeks were the simple thoughts of loving kindness meditation (directed to myself) and I often found myself muttering or repeating them silently ‘in my head’ adding love into the mix ~ it’s strange how unloved one can feel even when surrounded by it.. The Golfer would have a fit if he heard me say that because supportive is definitely his middle name
My love to you all – thanks for reading- see you soon Cathy
I know this isn’t exactly whimsical or crafty but I’m joining Min’s link up as well as Kat’s as a way of saying ‘I’m back’
So what do you do when you think the longed for rain is on it way but when some actually arrives it fizzles out two seconds later leaving everything slightly damp but not wet…….and not as warm as you’d like it to be?
Looking for something to do sounds good (wash clean cook iron…..no definitely not those sorts of things 🤭 ) something like rustling up a book plus something to keep your hands busy while you wait a while in a comfy armchair until the front has passed and some warmer air plus sunshine arrives
I gave up on A Lesson in Dyingvery early on. Couldn’t relate to it at all, picked it up – put it down- after a while decided I wasn’t in the least bit interested in who did the headmaster in. So……chose Lying beside You from ‘the pile’…..see this post
Here it is propped up by contents of my knitting bag (a very handy book rest – if the balls of wool wouldn’t move each time I turned a page).
Starting to renew my acquaintance with Cyrus and Evie (this is book 3 in the series) it’s been a while since I read the first two so some revision in the form of glancing at online reviews had to take place. The back of Mia’s jumper also got an airing and some rows added. The pattern says knit 102 rows then shape shoulder……by golly it seems to be taking forever to knit them. But then my mind has been elsewhere ……concentrating on the charity knits from a couple of weeks ago
Ta Da……Two boy’s shirts are finished – there are plans for more when I get round to it
Slightly off topic…..
Not me…
Our cooler Autumn nights now mean changes to nightwear…..sleeveless cotton nighties have been retired, arms (and legs) need covered so my silky pyjamas have made their seasonal appearance once more. Why the emphasis on silky ones?
So I can roll over in bed is the answer 😊
For some reason other pyjamas cling to the sheets which means I’m waking up feeling a bit ‘strangled’ in places, floundering about straightening tops and bottoms and having to sit up to roll over. Any attempt to do it lying down often results in some strong language coming out of my mouth as twisting can cause discs and nerves to come in contact with each other – I’m certainly not happy when that happens
It’s a different story when I wear my slippery silky pyjamas – they just slide and glide over the bottom sheet so there’s no friction at all. And they have a smooth sleek s*xy feel to to them as well…..nothing wrong with that is there🤭😉
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Unraveled Wednesday … ..hosted by Kat encourages bloggers to chat about their craft, reading and life in general – pop over, see who’s come to visit- stay and say hello.
(To comment please click on post title and scroll down)
Well, what it was all about is the fact that some of the books that were ‘on order’ at the library…..yes, you’ve guessed it. They all turned up together! A mix of old….. in publication dates and new ……in previously unread series So, it’s been eyes down reading, that way I didn’t have to try to renew and be disappointed when I discovered someone else wanted to read the same one and it had to be returned
Several of Ann Cleeves older works were reprinted recently so there’s been a renewed interest which is why I had a very long wait for the first of her Inspector Ramsay series. The version I picked it up on Wednesday (see below) only has 165 pages so I’m looking forward to an Easter weekend in Northumberland finding out ‘who dunnit’!
What did you recently finish reading ? Not sure why but not a great deal at all. Just these three plus The Chocolate Factory which I spoke about HERE
Oh, you must have…the reaction from someone at book club when I admitted to not having read any of Australian author Garry Disher’s books. Nor Chris Hammer – oh the shrieks of dismay when I said that…..which changed to smiles when I said yes to Michael Robotham, Christian White and Mark Brandi. Shame about the blank looks I got when I mentioned Peter Temple, John Marsden and Peter Carey (all Australian)…….tastes vary I suppose. So to keep them happy (and satisfy my curiosity) and because I’m in a series mood I chose the first book in Disher’s Paul Hirsch mysteries. .
A modern western set in an isolated Australian bush town with a soaring crime rate, where a local constable with a troubled past must investigate the death of a teenage girl whose murder threatens to set the dusty streets ablaze.
It reminded me of the Raymond Chandler I read recently, Disher’s writing was direct, easy to read and to the (at times humorous) point, might be short on words but I loved every one of them, the ones he wrote counted. They told the story without it being padded out, uncovered a whole lot of unusual happenings in the rural town and surrounding district and definitely left me wanting to know more. As the saying goes ‘do yourself a favour’……and read this book. You won’t regret it! #2 is on order!
A ‘chance remark’ with a friend about knowing an author, knowing you’ve read them but can’t remember what had me trawling the library and online for books by Evelyn Anthony. I’ve still no idea what I’d read previously but the library came up trumps with this unread series!
A man and a woman have arrived at an English country house to spend a quiet weekend in the depths of Wiltshire. The man is top KGB agent Ivan Sasanov. The woman is Davina Graham, one of British Intelligence’s key operatives. Between these two very different people a strange, emotion-charged relationship has developed. The only person with whom Ivan feels any rapport is Davina and Davina is falling in with him. Leading to an almost impossible mission, ringed by treachery and counter-treachery.
Take happenings during the Cold War era, MI5 agents – spys , double agents, mix them all up, put them all together and you have a great read. Twists and turns with secrecy, trying to keep the news of a spy ‘coming over’ out of the news at the same time as trying to get him to reveal information about ‘the other side’ Well written, had me hooked from page 1
Libby has a search feature where the reader can look for the ‘first in series’ and this caught my eye…..something that definitely wouldn’t have crossed my path beforehand. Seeing the book cover I’d have walked on past the library copy but seeing it on my screen I thought……why not give it a go
Book Blurb:-
In 1985 in a North Texas backwater, two teenage boys made a chilling pact that would unite them forever in a dark and twisted loyalty. Now one lies dead. And the man responsible is going to pay.
In this electrifying thriller—Alex Barclay creates a stunning array of contrasts—from the violence of a cop’s world to the fragility of an embattled marriage, from the danger of New York’s gritty streets to the quiet of a seaside Irish village. With brilliance and subtlety, Barclay delivers a nerve-wracking tale of a troubled family, facing a brutal danger rushing relentlessly out of the past.
Another novel about an American police officer moving to a small village in Ireland to ‘heal’ after a traumatic incident. Quite strangely the disappearance of his son’s Irish girlfriend and what happened in Texas become linked. Even with all the different storylines taking your mind in different directions it ended up being one of those ‘couldn’t put it down’ books. If you have access to Libby I recommend looking for it Darkhouse by Alex Barclay
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And what will I read next…
Well there’s a few here to choose from – a little pile I was gifted last week – Plus my ‘just arrived’ Ann Cleeves
eeny meeny miny mo…..which to pick I do not know
Suggestions anyone?
I’m interested in knowing what your answers are – Now Then & Next You could let me know in the comments
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Click the link below to see what others have been reading
I know I said I wasn’t going to get involved in any reading challenges this year but this is March (the month connected to Ireland and all things Irish)……and there is an actual challenge called Reading Ireland Month ☘️
Just by chance in amongst my reads these past few weeks were some by female Irish authors….a young ‘un and an older one (now sadly no longer with us) The well established Maeve Binchy and the now becoming very well established Claire Keegan – so when I was made aware of Reading Ireland I picked out a few more authors from my TBR list that I knew would fit the bill…..and my library happened to have available😊
So late in the day – Claire Keegan 2023. Three previously published very short stories. All different, could be described as ‘dark’, certainly not pleasant. So late in the day:- Poor man, got what was coming to him A long and painful death:– Some people have a knack of taking the pleasure out of everything. Antarctica:- What you want is not always what you get
Foster – Claire Keegan 2010. A short story about life in rural Ireland with a lot to say in very few words. The little girl goes to stay with what is implied to be foster parents but what I actually thought was her aunt but maybe I misunderstood……a place where life is so very different to what it is like at home. Then the new baby is born and it’s time to go home – where life and the attitudes of her parents are so very different. Has a ‘strange’ ending that is open to individual reader’s interpretation/imagination
This year it will be different – Maeve Binchy 2008. Short stories with Christmas (and relationships) as the common theme.
Christmas…..that time of the year when people are supposed to be on their best behaviour and things just have to be ‘perfect’ but we know life isn’t like that…….and that’s just what’s covered in these very readable and relatable stories. They include the problems of Grannies coming to visit – mothers deciding they’ve had enough and this year it will be different – overseas visitors wondering what Christmas will be like in another country – lovers thinking about each other while separated, then reaching slightly different decisions about their future – plus others that will make you feel happy….and sad
The Searcher – Tana French 2020. Cal Hooper #1
American ex police officer Cal Hooper hoping to get away from a previous life has bought a run down cottage in a small village in Ireland. Getting to know the community but remain anonymous has been a hard task, then a young boy turns up asking for help and much to his better judgement he agrees to look for a missing brother. Easy to read, first half flowed along nicely……then after a twist in the storyline I sort of lost interest. The mystery was solved in the end – after we learn many of the secrets of locals plus the boy isn’t what you think he is
The Transatlantic Book Club – Felicity Hayes – McCoy 2019. (I’d actually had my eye on another of this author’s books but saw this and thought the idea of an ‘international’ book club rather novel (yes I know 😊) so it came home with me.)
Eager to cheer up her recently widowed gran, Cassie Fitzgerald, visiting from Canada, persuades Lissbeg Library to set up a Skype book club, linking readers on Ireland’s Finfarran Peninsula with the US town of Resolve, home to generations of Finfarran emigrants.
A fun easy read – part the Finfarran Peninsula series – characters and backgrounds were (re)introduced slowly so it wasn’t difficult to get acquainted with everyone. The Skype sessions were more visual general get togethers with hello’s and past differences making appearances plus the choice of book to be read caused problems. A little romance was added….. well, a long distance ‘will he be there on screen tonight’ does he feel the same as me even though we’re an ocean apart. All’s well in the end…..life in the little Irish town settles down again
*********. And because life has got in the way a bit I’ve only just begun to read this one…..
The Country Girls – Edna O’Brien 1960. Debut novel turned into a series
Kate and Baba are friends, live in the same village in entirely different environments, go to the same school, need each other’s company but treat each other differently……being short in length it’s not going to take me too long to finish……I’m hoping Baba will stop being a bully
To provide a little distraction from that heavy weigh me down feeling of sadness I’m prone to at this time of the year plus all the other happenings that cropped up, quite a bit of resting and much reading went on during the past few weeks ……our last month of Summer. And in the spirit of a certain games show I read (at least) 4 large and 4 small😊
After a couple of disappointments (which I’ll tell you about sometime) I moved on to others in the pile of books on the table
and began with Monica McInerney’s because it sounded a little bit crazy…….followed by one that began on an imaginary island in the South Atlantic then moved along to a much much larger real one called Australia. ***. On to a bit of fun (found in a street library) a book featuring a book blogger, finishing with a surprise loan from a friend (who does not usually let her books out of her sight). *** These ‘four large ones’ were interspersed with the ‘short ones’ making interesting reading all round. Family Baggage – Monica McInerney 2005. A funny, warm and moving novel of family secrets, dilemmas and dynamics
Such an easy ‘gentle’ read about family that sounded like fun with a little bit of ‘mystery’ to it as well. About a family who deal in travel, a family who stand up for each other, who have each other’s backs……the travel part was right but after one of them goes missing things turn out to be a bit more complicated than they originally thought.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first part, almost like a magical mystery tour of life on a remote island ‘run’ by females where single girls can claim shipwreck sailors as their husbands (once the men wear socks knit by the girl) – but lost interest when the storyline moved to Australia. It became more of a history lesson on times as they were, the thoughts and activities of ‘those times’ had to be added because the author seemed to need to write about everything she’d researched.
Main character Arwen Lark moves across country to be independent. Known locally as Winnie she’s become a successful book blogger (using a pseudonym) when her brother Strider (now a ‘famous movie star’) comes to visit. Unfortunately his visit coincides with the murder of a local newspaper reporter…..who he just happened to be with that very same evening. So she and a couple of friends set out to clear Strider’s name and find the killer. Easy to read, maybe a little too wordy at times but all added to the story. I certainly didn’t suspect the actual killer!
A comment from me about always trying to read the first book in a series first and how discovering it was the author’s actual first novel was like icing on the cake resulted in a friend loaning me her very old copy of this book. “It was my father’s” she said. “I know you will enjoy it but I do ask that you look after it”. Which I most certainly did! Last year it was my first Western…this year my first old style Private Eye
Delightfully drole, deliciously descriptive in simple sentences with acts and subjects that would’ve had any censors of the time scratching their heads. No wonder it was made into a movie – twice.
The full 1946 version (Humphrey Bogart) can be watched HERE. The 1978 colour version (Robert Mitchum) – similar but not the same- can be viewed HERE
📘📘📘📘📘
Blind Spot – Paula Hawkins 2022. (Mystery thriller) A short story by the author of The Girl on the Train – part of The Reading Agency Quick Reads series. Began well, slowed down then lost its way…..sort of had an inkling of ‘who dun it’. Didn’t see the ending though, wondered if better fleshed out as a full length novel.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s- Truman Capote 1958. (Classic/romance) A good read that flowed along and had you wondering…..”Oh Holly what are you going to get up to next”…..each time you turned a page. Like many things in life – sadly nothing lasts forever
Lastly two very short stories by female New Zealand author Katherine Mansfield (1888 – 1923). I’d seen her name mentioned on other book blogs and as I’m finding I really do enjoy the shorter more concise length I thought I’d see what I could find online.
January is the middle of Summer here in Australia…..when most of us sit back, relax and just enjoy life. Barring wondering if we’re going to have extreme heatwaves, bushfires or floods – which can always be just round the corner – many could be wondering how the cricket/tennis is going….. Or if you’re anything like me – what am I going to eat read next
There are three age old questions readers often ask friends and family
What are you currently reading ? What did you recently finish reading ? What do you think you’ll read next ?
As well as …..What have you been watching ?
Maybe you could pass on ‘your’ answers in the comments.
Because it’s the beginning of the year and see above 👆 it’s Summer……..most of what I’ve been reading lately has been short – not too taxing – Summer related (being the season) – found in my library catalogue or online using the keyword Summer However unread authors, new series, debut novels, novellas/short stories, Irish authors……these (and more) are what I have in mind for this year. No particular challenges like last year…..just see if it fits the bill.
On the go at the moment is:-
Shabby Summer – Warwick Deeping 1939. A struggling landscaping nursery owner fights to keep his business alive during a severe summer drought. His wealthy neighbor plots to drive him out of business so as to purchase the nursery land at a low price. A beautiful woman takes up residence across the river on Folly Island, adding spice to the story. That’s the Goodreads blurb however the ‘blurb’ on Amazon reads much differently- it sounds like a far more interesting and complex story HERE
Have just begun this which I’m enjoying so far. Set between two wars, small village gossip, a bit of obvious class distinction, older versus younger generation attitudes, The early seasons have been strange causing a bit of concern to the farming community.
(This quote makes me smile because it could be echoing words that many gardening bloggers have been known to come out with…)
……“this was one of those sanguinary years when the weather went mad, and played every sort of devilish trick on you. Evil spirits were abroad. The ruddy spring was bewitched“. “There ain’t no sense in it. A March like June, and an April like January. And dry at that,” and Bob spat to show his opinion of the weather.”
*****
What I finished ….over the past month
Summer – Edith Wharton 1917 This is the summer that 19yr old Charity Royall could not have predicted. Living in the small community of North Dormer in New England it’s the summer she meets Lucius Harney and becomes a woman. Filled with all the emotions of a young confused girl, the highs and lows of a passionate first love, descriptions of flora and fauna ……which might have seemed out of place to some readers but definitely added to the storyline…… plus social history of the time (early 1900s) An easy to read short book, one that made you ponder (about small town living, attitudes to women, unmarried mothers, abortions, marriages ‘because’…..and whether they have changed at all) one I enjoyed reading. *******
The Greengage Summer – Rumer Godden 1958. A summer of discovery. For the four children left in the care of an unknown adult after their mother becomes ill, the trip to France became a summer of discovering that some places are better than others, that growing up is not fun, that everybody has a private side, that all adults are not the same and do not always behave the way you expect them to. Another of those books that passed me by….one I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to others.
The novel is based on a summer the author and her sisters spent in France when her mother took sick and they were allowed ‘to run free’ . If you are interested This link takes you to an interesting article about BBC journalist Hugh Schofield’s ‘search for Rumer Godden’s French summer’.
I also discovered this 1961 full length film adaptation of the book (called Loss of Innocence in other parts of the world). Starring Kenneth More and a young Susannah York – like all adaptations…..similar but not the same
Mrs Lorimer’s Quiet Summer – Molly Clavering 1953. Mrs Lucy Lorimer (a successful published author) was looking forward to a nice quiet summer to enjoy with her friend (another female author) who lived in the same village….but her children along with young families (plus their various ‘problems’) were coming to visit for a week – all at the same time – and there just wasn’t enough room for all of them at her house. She rather liked the look of one (house not child) just down the road, which would have been large enough for them all but The Colonel (husband) wasn’t and then it was sold. In amongst sorting out sleeping arrangements, marriages, car crashes, accepting single son falling for girl from house down the road (notthe right sort), returning order to the lives of ‘downstairs staff’ there was also sections of the local show to organise. All this and more meant it ended up being a very busy sometimes stressful time, thankfully with an ‘all’s well that ends well’ ending One of those lovely easy family oriented reads with descriptions of country village life in a different time also proving that mothers never stop caring….and are a dab hand at giving advice and solving problems.
(Loosely based on the friendship of authors Molly Clavering and D.E.Stevenson who lived close to each other in a Scottish village) *******
Murder by the Seaside (Classic Crime Stories for summer). 2022 Edited by Cecily Gayford. It’s the height of summer. As the heat shimmers on the pavements and holiday makers depart for the coast, tempers begin to rise and old grudges surface. From an impossible murder on a remote Cornish beach to a coastal honeymoon gone horribly wrong, it’s not just a holiday that’s on some people’s minds…..it’s murder.
A set of short mystery stories – some longer than others – to be enjoyed during the summer….. the first one is The Boscombe Valley Mystery by Arthur Conan Doyle. Good reading – especially as it concerns a couple of fellas from Ballarat…..just two hours up the road from here! And here for your enjoyment is the dishy Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes
******* And now for something different – because of a recently ‘found’ photo taken on a trip we made back in 2006…..
Green Gables, ‘Anne’s’ home in Cavendish PEI – September 2006
…..I remembered a book that has been on my ‘must read sometime’ list – a downloaded version courtesy of Project Gutenberg has been sitting in my Books folder for a long time and thought maybe this summer is when I should actually get around to reading it
Anne of Green Gables – L. M. Montgomery 1908 A debut novel that turned into a series. What a fabulous way to close off this month’s post. This story (which had me chuckling more than once as well as a bit teary in places) about a little orphan girl sent to Green Gables by mistake, who never seems to stop talking, whose mind/imagination just keeps on working, who sees the bright side of her mistakes, who gives so much of herself to Marilla & Matthew as well as the people around her has to be one of the most ‘feel good’ books I have read for a long time – if ever. However I do wonder if it would have had the same effect/ if I’d felt the same way…..if I’d read it as a child rather than an adult.
….” there was no help for it; Anne, clinging to Gilbert Blythe’s hand scrambled down into the dory, where she sat drabbled and furious in the stern with her arms full of dripping shawl and wet crêpe.
Chapter XXVlll. An unfortunate Lily Maid
What might I read next:- . I’m not quite sure yet- it could be any one from this little pile that came home with me a few weeks back. I see Australian authors, historical fiction, a debut novel, a novel about a book club plus a mystery/thriller. I’ll let you know sometime 😊
They came from my ‘cup of coffee and biccy book club’….a gloriously casual very special group that I wrote about when I first joined them back in 2015
Which is so very different to my ‘read – think – discuss’ one. The one I enjoy in a different way because I get to read books I might not have read otherwise and where afternoon tea comes later
Still Waters 