Dear friends. As I mentioned last month, the months leading up to Christmas are lean for new fiction. Not many new books are published at this time. Fortunately I do have a handful of good new books for you,
I've mentioned before that I mostly read books that I get via NetGalley. I thought I'd explain what this is, and why it exists.
NetGalley reviewers receive digital copies of upcoming new titles. These cover all genres, and you select titles that interest you. If the publisher approves your request, you download the book, read it and then post a review to NetGalley and Goodreads, plus on your blog if you have one) and Amazon, at the time of publication.
It sounds great and usually is. Occasionally the books are proof copies and very poorly formatted for a Kindle, which can make reading a nightmare. You don't get the chance to see a sample, so sometimes you find you can't get into a book. NetGalley allows you to notify the publisher "DNF" and why. DNF stands for Did Not Finish.
This brings me to NetGalley's reason for existing. It's funded by book publishers. They want to create buzz and hype for upcoming titles. The early reviews give them an indication of how a book will be received. You don't have to be a blogger to review NetGalley books.
In the two years I've been reviewing, I've been thrilled to discover new authors and also to award 5 stars to books which subsequently became blockbusters, including Yellow Face and Strange Sally Diamond.
I've already read books which won't be published until June 2025, which feels like an incredible privilege.
Without further ado, here are my latest reviews for newly published books.
Fire by John Boyne - General Fiction, Women's Fiction, Literary fiction (5 stars)
Fire is the third novella in the series about the elements by best selling writer John Boyne. Each is a standalone story but with common themes of people questioning elements of their character. Are they the person they always believed themselves to be?
Fire is the darkest book yet, as we study the life of a plastic surgeon specialising in burns victims.
On the surface Freya is a successful, attractive woman in her mid 30s with all the trappings of success. But no-one really knows her, or what happened to her at 12 year old. We discover Freya has a secret life based on cruelty and revenge. We find out the reason why. Boyne then poses the ultimate cliff hanger, as the book ends with Freya needing to make a decision. Our verdict will determine whether or not we believe she is a sociopath versus someone who regrets her actions and can feel empathy.
I literally dropped everything to read this book and I wasn't disappointed. Boyne parses his writing to be economical in description and unnecessary emotion, yet the book pulsates with fury and barely concealed restraint. Once again I am blown away by the writing. This is the tragedy of a person with so much potential. Was it nature or nurture that determined her future?
Ice Town by Will Dean - General Fiction / Mystery and Thrillers (4 stars)
This was my first introduction to the feisty deaf reporter Tuva Moodyson. She gets caught up in the hunt for a missing teenager. The setting is Sweden, and Will Dean is an expert in creating tension and atmosphere. The remote town where the only access, a tunnel, is closed at night is a perfect setting, as is the creepy hotel at the top of the valley with its defective and creaky chair lift, and equally creepy owners.
It was difficult to spot the perpetrator among so many likely subjects.
I found some of the references to Tuva's past a bit confusing, having not read the other books, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment. I enjoyed it so much I've now downloaded the other books in the Tuva Moodyson series.
A Deadly Flame by Doug Sinclair - Crime Thriller/Police Procedural (4 stars)
This is the 3rd Malkie McCulloch thriller but the first time I've encountered the Scottish detective sergeant.
A body has been spotted by the fire service as they tackle a blaze at a whisky warehouse. McCulloch's team are at the scene to investigate, mindful of fire service codes.
I enjoyed Sinclair's realistic approach in writing a warts and all police procedural, including the profanities that would routinely be used. He clearly knows his way around the police force and takes fun in telling us how foolish the TV detectives are when they make a point of assigning certain routine checks to their team, outlining each one just for the benefit of the viewers.
Not knowing Malkie's full history I didn't have a full sense of him as a person. I liked his loyalty to the team, although it went to extraordinary lengths. Gucci and Steph are both excellent characters and Malkie acknowledged he'd probably be working for them in the future, but didn't mind the idea.
The plot was unusual as it combined the efforts of police and fire service, and I liked the tension that created. It ended with me hungry for more, particularly as two enticing angles have been left unexplored, ready for book 4.
Last Witness by Lucie Whitehouse - Crime Thrillers/Police Procedurals (4 stars)
This is the 3rd book in the DCI Robin Lyons series, and I bought it, having enjoyed the previous two.
These are crime thrillers with real depth, great characters and humour. The tension builds and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
DCI Lyons has moved to Birmingham, which makes a change as a location.
She's filled with dread when the body of 18 year old Ben Renshaw is found in woods. A previous case, involving his family and others, resulted in witness intimidation and controversy. Meanwhile her own daughter Lennie also has a secret that could threaten her liberty.
NON FICTION
Captive Queen by Jade Scott
Newly discovered encrypted letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots are the basis for this new book. It gives new insights into the thoughts and daily routine of a woman who was imprisoned for 18 years.
During this time she was moved between properties and passed between jailers. Letters were her life line, but she knew they were always read by those imprisoning her. She and her supporters devised codes and alphabets.
Mary was born at Linlithgow Palace, to James V, King of Scots, and his French second wife, Marie de Guise. She was the only legitimate child of James to survive him. She was also the great-niece of Henry VIII of England, giving her a claim to the English throne, which was why Elizabeth I had her imprisoned.
Mary's life reads like a work of fiction. Her first husband was heir to the throne of France, Francis II. Their son James would become first ruler of both England and Scotland. Her second husband, Lord Darnley, was assassinated. Mired in controversy over a cover- up around his death, Mary made matters worse by marrying a man who had been implicated in Darnley's death, James Hepburn, Earl of Boswell.
This is a fascinating and very readable book, essential for those interested in Tudor and Scottish history.
BOOK BLOG TOURS IN NOVEMBER
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