August Reads 2025

The Whisper Man, Alex North

Not as scary as purported, but with a few deliciously creepy touches blending a thriller with the possibility of the supernatural, I found this book to be entirely enjoyable. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author (his debut), but I’d be open to reading more of his growing backlist.

Descent (The Walking Dead), Jan Bonnasinga

I felt the first four of the series worth reading because the stories added to the background of a character viewers already know (that of the Governor). The second set of four books seems to focus on the events surrounding Lily Caul’s life in charge of a small group of survivors. The storyline here wasn’t so interesting, or surprising but there were enough ‘it’s not fair’ (But when is life, especially after the dead rise ,ever fair?), and enough moments leading from the light just to find more shadows to make this entertaining enough. For me, the best character was the boy, Tommy. I’ve the rest waiting to be read, so I’ll try to find the time to speed through them, but I no longer feel taken with the series.

Go Set a Watchman, Harper Lee

I was surprised this took one hundred pages to take off for me — I couldn’t help thinking this is no Mockingbird — but once it did [take off], it’s like a bullet between the eyes. Watchman feels uneven in places, but I understand this was possibly originally an earlier draft for Mockingbird set at a different time — this being the first book handed in to a publisher, and with encouragement became Mockingbird. In Watchman, set twenty years after Mockingbird, we see Scout take a major step in her development. Her waking up to the real world, at the conclusion of some ripping (thought-provoking) arguments, and opening her eyes to a world where even the most clear-cut disagreements have flaws. Flawed people, flawed applications, flawed victories. Winning an argument isn’t always the end but a beginning. Answering one question, even if it’s the right way, can throw up others, leading to more questions and necessary action…. And people needed to take that action. Change takes time, patience, and most importantly the right people, of which Scout is one… something those around her are eager for her to see for herself.

Sadly, there’s been much controversy over both books, but I prefer to remember a legacy of great literature delivered in such a short body of work as an achievement most writers can only dream of. If I could keep only one of these books, it would have to be To Kill a Mockingbird, not because this book is shoddy, but it is vastly different, though with purpose. This is not only about winning, but bending to win, and so, so much more. It’s complicated and addresses how life can be complicated. I can still think ‘wow’ without loving this, without viewing it with the same affection as I do Mockingbird. But a word of warning — I can also see how this book may sully that affection somewhat. Yet even that teasing edge of disquiet where one book abrades the other… I can see where that’s something the author may have set out to do.

Agatha Raisin and The Witch of Wyckhadden (audio), M.C.Beaton, (read by Penelope Keith)

Agatha stumbles across murder in her indomitable way, but suffers a more personal injury involving unrequited love, and various suitors.

July Reads 2025

 gh my favourite was The Dark Ways. Note: the books seem also to be available under different titles.

I came across Joe Donnally’s adult books and enjoyed the first read so much I bought his other books. I got this children’s trilogy with it in mind to donate to the local library after I read them, which needs such books. This series definitely shows imagination. I would have loved Jack’s adventures when I was a child, and I would have hated the parts where the horses get hurt. Filled with strange people and beasts, portals to other universes, giants, trees that come to life in different forms, magic, and threat, along with bravery, loyalty, and love. Jack, Kerry, and Corriwen form an excellent trio for this trilogy, with weaknesses and strengths that balance them out well. They’re listed as children’s books, but the amount of violence and killing may therefore surprise some, even though it’s presented lightly. Jack seems to be the only one who feels deeply sorry, and they all seem to handle the trauma too easily for 15-year-olds. It’s a difficult balance in a book to master and is unlikely to please everyone. Still, I was reading much darker books by the time I was a similar age (Herbert, King, and I’d read books like Oliver Twist when I was 8), so for a modern audience such details are likely tame now.

The Changing Man, Tomi Oyemakinde

I’m uncertain what to say about this book, except I’m clearly not its intended audience. I picked it randomly from my to-be-read mountain, not knowing it was Young Adult. Overlooking the rather awkward way the teens interact, for the first half I felt as though I was settling into a cosy horror of the urban legend variety. Is that how teenagers talk these days? I’m at a loss. Even so, the dialogue and action seemed erratic age-wise, so sometimes I struggled to keep in mind how old these teens were reportedly supposed to be. Usually, the age of the protagonist goes a long way to show the age of the intended reader, but to me these ‘children’ seemed alternately older, or younger, and finding time to giggle in a moment of crisis made their behaviour odd and childish. The pacing fluctuates almost as much, though it’s an easy read. The big reveal… well, admittedly, I did not see that coming. It’s so bizarre it’s definitely surprising. At that point, I almost decided not to finish, but curiosity won out. Not creepy or scary, and in the end pages as it was wrapping up, I’m sorry to say I was laughing. It’s not a terrible book, and will find a readership, but I’m guessing that target audience will be as varied as the plot. I even checked to see whether this was self-published, but no, it’s from a well-known publisher. I’m surprised this made a splash in the market, though I can see potential in the author.

June Reads 2025

Not a lot of reading this month owing to being busy and time away.

What You Are Looking if Is in the Library (audio), Michiko Aoyama, read by various

A charming pleasant listen with some life advice told by various characters who all visit a library, given guidance by the enigmatic librarian. Not sure what I was expecting, and I wouldn’t usually have chosen this, but some elements resonated and had me nodding. It’s too easy to get wrapped up in the worst occurrences when things go wrong, and these stories give us that much-needed poke to remember there’s more than one way to look at many situations.

The House That Horror Built, Christina Henry

I liked a lot about this book, though I guessed the way it was going, and even though it seemed to take a couple of twists, I predicted the ending. The style strikes me as YA and if that’s the intended market, then the book is excellent, though there’s enough light entertainment here for adults. I’ve another book by this author to get to.

Old Country, Matt Query & Harrison Query

I enjoyed this much more than I expected to as I often dislike books told in first person in two or multiple points of view, but this worked well in this book even though third person POV remains the best. The parts I disliked were more to do with the realities of living in the wilderness, farm life, and having to hunt. There were also moments when I was silently screaming in worry for the dog, the best character in the book. I cared much more about what happened to any animal than any of the humans. Much about Harry actually irritated me, and I cared least about him… until late in the book. This novel is the perfect example of why flawed characters are not only interesting but necessary. The plot wouldn’t have worked without the juxtaposition of Harry and Sasha’s relationship. People do things without thinking or with the best intentions that affect the lives of others, and sometimes, this applies to Harry. The ending is satisfying although I feel it has a slight plot hole if one wants to be pedantic, but I can’t say why without giving everything away. Delightfully creepy in expected places, scenes that would make a decent film. 

Cry Havoc

 I know I’m behind even with my monthly reading reviews (sincere apologies, but life, health, and other demands got in the way), but I’ll catch up on those soon, and I have something more interesting to announce.

I can at last confirm the writing news I’ve had to sit on for longer than any writer should be required to (seriously, that can be a torturous part of the job).

A quite long ‘short’ story of mine will be in Candy Jar’s popular Havoc Files featuring authors from the Lethbridge-Stewart range to celebrate anniversaries. The editor approached me to be one, and I’ll be delighted to share more information when able. For now, you can check out the press release.

April Update 2025

Hi Everyone!

AT HOME:
We have far too much to do at home, but I’m happy to report we revamped the top tier of the garden over a weekend. So nice to see one project done. I was so tired of having no green on the ground even though I like the aggregate we have (and much prefer it to slabs), but Hubby has a grass pollen allergy, so we had to opt for fake grass. Not great environmentally, but any other type of lawn here would just be a slug buffet. They even eat hydrangeas! And slugs aren’t meant to eat those. Just a little more work to do by the path at the end, but we can sit out.

I’ve also been having a huge clean up, tidy, sort out, and have various piles for charity. Quite cathartic in its way. I wasn’t well enough to keep on top of things for a while, so it’s lovely to see the house clean and tidy, and my study — with no books on the floor! — is calling me back.

WRITING:
Alas, I can give you no more news on the anthology yet. I returned edits but we’re not at contract stage yet (more on why another time), so until it’s a done deal, I can’t say anything except the editor was delighted. I’ve been itching to write, which is a good sign; have just been far too busy lately, but I’ve got a lot done, and will get there.

Stay happy and healthy!
Sharon x

April Reads 2025

 The Book of the Dead, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

A thriller with a blend of other genres makes this a highly imaginative difficult to predict book almost right up to the end, and then I only guessed a small part. When the truth behind the mummy’s curse at a museum comes to light, it’s as amazing as the curse itself, and the story didn’t end there. I didn’t realise this was one and the last of a series, but that made no difference to my enjoyment. I would read the rest if not for my toppling to be read mountain, but confess I picked this up as part of a book swap in a library, and I’m glad I did or I would never come across this. The only negative is it felt a little overlong in parts; I felt reminded of things I already knew a few times, but that in no way distracted from the fun.

Things We Lost in the Fire, Mariana Enriquez

I delved in and out of this book over a few weeks. The stories are heavy-going in the sense of their content because they are disturbing. The translator’s note at the end perfectly describes why. Hinted at as it begins with “A shadow hangs over Argentina and its literature.” The author's subtle blend of reality and fiction make her stories resonate like a susurration in your ear, leaving the reader unsettled. Categorised as Gothic Horror, they are not that easy to define. I’m not saying I loved or even liked every story, but I could understand what the author has done and admire her skill.

Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes

It’s easy to see why this is a classic. The story is as poignant today as when written, making even the least bigoted reader look at the issues of those with mental or physical ailments anew. The way people question Charlie’s worth by his level of intelligence is as important today as it’s ever been. Maybe more so, because now we truly should know better. I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this book, but am pleased to say I ended up loving it. An amazing novel, one that touches the heart and is well worth shedding a few tears for at the end.

Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham (audio), M.C.Beaton, read by Penelope Keith

At first, this didn’t seem to be your typical Agatha Raisin murder mystery, and it left me wondering whether anyone was going to die. I should have known better. Agatha ploughs headlong into mystery, murder, and mayhem as always, and, although sometimes you feel she should know better, as always, it’s a giggle to see how she solves the case.

The Husband, Dean Koontz

Another re-read for me. This book has a similar feel to Velocity. The action doesn’t let up, which creates the promised suspense. However, the protagonist’s bizarre childhood and one especially crazed kidnapper of the bunch require more than a modicum of suspended belief. One of them happening in a lifetime? Maybe. Both crossing paths stretch things, as does one convenient fortuitous event, towards the end, but this doesn’t distract from the overall enjoyment. The surprising twists make this book stand out, although I wouldn’t say this is the author’s best.

Feb/Mar Reads 2025

I haven’t read all that much in the last couple of months, partly owing to health reasons and partly because we’ve been away, so I am clubbing February and March together.

Gwendy’s Magic Feather, Richard Chizmar
In this, the second instalment in the Button Box trilogy, not a lot happens, though Gwendy’s certainly dragged through the mill emotionally. As a middle novel, this works well enough, although the tension in this one has a different feel to the first. On to the third.

Gwendy’s Final Task, Stephen King and Richard Chizmar
The most surprising detail about this book was the setting, and despite initial reservations as to the choice, I happily put belief aside and enjoyed the ride into space. Given the difficult task of saving the universe, Gwendy has to come up against a new adversary, this time her declining mental health. Highly imaginative, with timely references to what’s happening in the world now, and to King’s other works, this book was the best of the trilogy. I loved following Gwendy’s adventures with the Button Box throughout her life to a conclusion that requires a tissue or two, but I found the outcome wholly satisfying and the trilogy well worth the read. This also proves what I’ve always said, King is a storyteller capable of working in more than one genre, so if you’re expecting to be scared the only horror here has more basis in reality than in a horror novelist’s mind.

Velocity, Dean Koontz
A reread for me as enjoyable this time as the first. An easy thriller to get into and with a steadily increasing pace with a satisfying plot and conclusion. Having said that, the ending felt a little abrupt, even though I enjoyed it, mainly to the long buildup. That’s not a reason to avoid it. The pages easily turn and nothing about the story feels weak. Nothing is missing or overlooked. Neither is the story padded at all. An excellent idea perfectly written with a well-picked title. Once the initial hook grabs the reader, the book picks up speed in well-thought-out degrees. Enjoyable.

The Moon’s a Balloon (audio), David Niven (read by author)

This is an excellent insight detailing how Niven became an actor, and a nostalgic history lesson. The book carries the same charm as the author, but also shows a man who was as human as the rest of us, softening the clean-cut image of Niven and men of that time. I was surprised, bordering on shocked, at how fast he seemed to fall in love, and the swiftness with which he remarried after his first wife died, a situation I found peculiar, leaving me to question whether it was a sign of the times, or a gut reaction somewhat motivated by grief. There are some motivations it’s hard to pin down, and having loved Niven’s film work for so long, I had to accept I simply can’t possibly know. This is an enjoyable, witty and charming account of a young man finding his place in the world, though not as in-depth as some might wish. 

January 2025 Reads

But before then, I will slip in the two reads, I rounded off 2024 with. They were:

The Radleys, Matt Haig
Aside from some small idiosyncrasies in the plot, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought it would be my least favourite of the author’s that I’ve read so far from the blurb alone. In some ways, this is true. But I liked it far more than I expected to. I think this is in part because I watched the film first, which is an okay watch, but not a patch on an excellent book. Saying that, I found this a slow build, with an ending that is worth the wait. It’s at heart a family drama, but one that sheds on light on the power of true love and whether and when we should forgive. The questions and answers it raises may well differ by reader, but it’s the part of the book towards the end that makes an unusual book effective.

The Burning Girls, C.J.Tudor
A well plotted mystery with supernatural, atmospheric elements and enough twists to keep the reader gripped. Yes, some things seem obvious, but you’re given enough choices to keep one guessing as to the truth with a cast of interesting and surprising characters. I enjoyed every moment spent with this book. At no point did I feel disappointed. The story has remained with me after I closed the last page. So far, I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read by this author.

January

Life Expectancy, Dean Koontz

A reread for me told in first person, so the tone of this book differs from most well-known Koontz books, yet I found the story as entertaining this time around as I did the first time. Although once I finished the book, I laughed a little over how crazy the plot actually is, I still found it entertaining and mostly gripping, as well as being a good example of what an author can come up with thinking outside the box. I like an author’s work when it can be as surprisingly different as this book is, and who doesn’t love to hate murderous clowns?

Firefly: Coup De Grace, Una McCormack

Another good story in the world of Firefly. Whether everything matches the characters, what they would say, and how we expect them to act is no doubt for the individual to decide. A couple of things jarred here, but overall I enjoyed this one and it was nice to see some characters acting strongly and with determination in situations they hadn’t been so forceful in before. I also found the parts of the novel written in first person by someone who isn’t part of the crew took me out of the story a little, but I can’t see how else the author could have written the book. I was also sorry to see quite a few typos and even missing words in sentences; even though I could work out what was missing, it spoils the experience and I’ve never come across so many in a Firefly novel before. This made the book feel a little sloppy.

The Night House, Jo Nesbo

A hard book to review without giving too much away. In one way, this book’s quite inventive. But it’s in three parts, each of which reads different from the other, and the intended age of the reader seems to grow up with the progressing stories. I’ve seen something similar before, told in a way I enjoyed better, although both books are different enough. I enjoyed each section, but there’s a part of me that remained a little ‘incomplete’ I guess is the best way to describe it. The story ties up, but left me with this stop/start feeling, which isn’t the same as disappointment. I’m glad I read it, and the story format definitely sticks in the mind.

Mothlight, Adam Scovell

If it’s possible to be compelled and repelled by a book while reading it, I’d say that’s how I felt reading this. Not a lot happens and the story being told is quite basic, but it’s the excellent writing and many subtle nuances blending death, gruesomeness, obsession, and various kinds of haunting that make this book. I felt myself reluctantly warming to the characters, occasionally bored, sometimes repulsed. I found it difficult to care for people capturing poor innocent creatures, be they moths, to stick pinned in frames on the wall, although clearly this is part of being a Lepidopterist — one element of the book I didn’t realise before I began reading. Expertly composed, still the big reveal isn’t so big — indeed, some elements remain deliberately vague — and I can’t say I enjoyed the read. The best I can say is that the story lingers, which is down to the writer’s skill.

Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O’Dell

This is a book I would have loved to come across as a younger reader, although I imagine what children want from a book now may well differ from the Treasure Island type of adventures I adored. When the moments of sadness arrive, they are heartfelt. There were other times when I felt uncomfortable hearing what Karana had to do to survive, but such would be the way of life when living on an island surviving in the wilds. What the ‘civilised men’ do, shattering Karana’s world, is far worse, and she learns to temper killing with mercy. I feared for her more at the prospect of her leaving her island than what happens to her while alone, though the author addresses this by the ‘fact behind the fiction’ note at the end.

Gwendy’s Button Box, Stephen King and Richard Chizmar

I’ve had this book for ages buried in my TBR mountain. I knew nothing about it and the first image to come to my mind — that of my grandmother’s box of clothes buttons — couldn’t be more off. Gwendy’s box of buttons is something far more menacing. I wouldn’t usually like a book written in this style, but I found it so easy to read, I didn’t mind so much. On to the second and third book.

James Bond, Diamonds are Forever (audio), Ian Fleming, Read by Damian Lewis

My least favourite James Bond book so far, possibly because of the subject, which involves a lot of gambling, horse racing and the like. There seemed to be a lot less action in this, or maybe it only seemed that way because of the pacing. This one struggled to hold my attention. I am pleased the women are often stronger than they come across in the films. However, the way Bond notices their clothes down to the smallest degree amuses me. But most irritating... if Bond ‘shrugs his shoulders’ one more time, my eyes might roll out of my head. There’s no need to ‘shrug shoulders’ as a shrug on its own works fine — what else do you shrug but your shoulders? Still, letting that go, even back when the books were written, it’s amazing no one picked up that Bond goes around shrugging his shoulders just about everywhere at everything. Other characters shrug their shoulders, too, though not as much as though the habit is catching. This has irritated me in every book so far.

A Belated Happy New Year

To be honest, I’ve not had an auspicious start to the year and it would appear so many others haven’t either. I’ve not felt like checking in. Had some personal issues, most ongoing, and it will be some months before I can feel anything like my old self again. This has meant I’ve taken something of a hiatus... well, from everything, but I’m pushing back and trying my best.

On that note, I plan to resume something of an appearance here. To, at least, update my recommended reads... or not so recommended, as I simply let you know what books I spent time with and roughly what I thought of them. I also hope to return to writing soon, although I’m focused on taking some better and much-needed care of myself.

I hope this finds you having a better start to 2025 than many have reported. Here’s to things improving for all as the months pass by. Although there’s so much going on in the world, there’s good reason people are suffering a general feeling of everything being so bleak to so many.