8th outing for the wonderful Bosch finds him first on the scene at the discovery by a dog of a human bone. The subsequent investigation puts pressure on a lapd under scrutiny after repeated scandals. When a love interest crops up Harry is as ever under scrutiny from bosses who struggle with his unflinching morality

In anticipation of an anniversary trip last wknd i rd this + it helped inform me of a terrible history. 2 men, a Czech + a Slovak parachute back to assassinate heydrich.An incredible tale of bravery, sacrifice, betrayal & cruelty. I struggled with the format of the author as a character explaining how he wrote the bk. I loved Prague, so plan to return to see the beautiful city + visit the cathedral where the final scenes occur, a remarkable tale

52 yr old Evelyn is a successful leading barrister with a much younger, beautiful wife, imogen . When he befriends older Blanche who is rich ,frumpy, but centre of countryside activity this friendship becomes something more as Imogen finds herself at the centre of a battle for husband son and marriage. Brilliant writing combined with a compelling plot I was totally absorbed by this book, which I found from a retro backlisted with Carmen calil.

A new series for me with a setting in 1952 Finland where one of newly appointed female police officers Hella Mauzer is sent to a remote northern village where a disappearance leads to possible connections to the ominous soviet neighbour and possible espionage. Hella is a complex but intriguing character and I'm looking forward to reading more about life in the frozen North both in climate and the reaction to women police.

When I was in the pub on Monday my second pint found me starting this interesting story of Hans, a Dutch advisor to finance whose marriage collapses immediately after 9/11. His life in New York is rescued by the discovery of cricket played on overgrown pitches across the city. He recounts the meetings with diverse characters while he tries to journey back to normality and finding himself as a father/husband.

Sat in pub on a wet Bank Holiday waiting for my wife to come over from hair appt + finishing off 10th Ruth Galloway. Another enjoyable story finds Ruth travelling to Italy to look at some bones that an old flame has dug up. As ever Ruth gets dragged into a mystery while her personal life as well that ofvthose around her gets ever more complicated.

@Cinfhen @alisiakae @Barbara #booked2023 A 1st fail in winter when I missed ya bk, so here goes for spring with #setintwotimeperiods.
Another great Carl Morck story, in which Carl + his 2 colleagues Assad + Rose investigate several disappearances in 1987 , while in present day the search focuses on a far right party moving into power. Thus is a very enjoyable series set in Denmark which combines great plotting with a brilliant sense of humour.

A story of the Tull family + how 3 children grow into complex adults after their mother Pearl is abandoned by their father. Angry/sly Cody is jealous of his gentle yngr brother Ezra, while clever jenny drifts through men looking to mother others both in life + work. Totally absorbing Anne Tyler weaves family dramas that you can not put down. Perhaps I've matured as yrs ago I 1st read her + found the minutiae annoying, now I love her storytelling

Set over 4 months in 1958, which culminate in riots across London as racial tensions erupt. This is a story told by a 19-year-old photographer relishing the glory of youth in a city emerging from its recent history. Colourful characters dominate as the narrator travels across a London, which is alive with new music and possibilities for both love, sex, and ambition. It was a great read, but I couldn't help constantly singing the Bowie refrain.

When Mrs palfrey, widow, seeks somewhere to retire after a life married and living in the colonies, she chooses a hotel in London where the residents are similarly aged. A young man Ludo helps her after a fall + becomes her 'nephew' when the real relative fails to visit. A story that is both witty but poignant in the depiction of life to which the residents are brought by age. Beautifully drawn characters + scenes make for a very enjoyable read.

Second of the Laidlaw series finds the aloof, intellectual detective following the trail of a missing student who is also being sought by two local gangsters. Pre dating the emergence of tartan noir this book from the early 1980s definitely seems the template for much of the future genre. I'm looking forward to book 3.

Another tram read last week picked up on a charity shop. Enjoyable code based story, mix btwn da vinci and magpie murders. When ex con gang member Steve starts leaving voice messages about a mystery contained within the books of an old children's author Edith Twyford, there ensues a dramatic mystery. A quick read, lots of twists and turns which kept me distracted on the hour long busy journey. Not sure, though, if I'll try another by the author

A bit of tram rdg last wk + also that constant daydream, what would it be like if I cd go back to university self knowing all i know now ? An enjoyable + easy rd in which that is the premise as Kate in her late 40s having been recently been widowed finds herself back in York 1992, day 1 of uni meeting luke again + her closest friends. I have a reunion in Aug in Cardiff after 40 yrs with a few uni friends. Would I go back , after this bk, big no.

Last weekend, I went back to Karen pirie, book 6, which was interesting after seeing the enjoyable adaptation and excellent actor in lead role, albeit not my image of the character. Here, Karen is investigating two unconnected murders while her boss hopes that it will blow up in her face. A page turner and another good outing for a well drawn character.

I was capitavated by the first half of this story evoking the joy of first love + the beauty of the English countryside.The descriptions of both were enchanting. The 2nd half tells of a woman's devotion to a talented but troubled man who struggles with depression + his place in literary society, which he often brings home to wife + children as well as potential lovers.The end is inevitable but so sad at the loss of their future @persephoneclub

A sprawling life story abt Roland Baines from childhood in the 40s to the aftermath of covid. Rolands life + adult relationships are affected by his female piano teachers sexual abuse of him as a 14 yr old. The story follows Roland over his 80 years +major events of the late 20th century. It was a well crafted piece of writing that I enjyd despite characters who I didn't particularly like. Some brilliant scenes. I put it down wanting to rd more 5*

I enjoyed this gothic horror story set in 2 time periods, late 19th century when newly widowed Elsie Bainbridge goes to the ancestral home of her husband, a run down property which is suitably spooky. The other narrative is in 17thc when the same house hosts Charles 1 while the mistress of the house seems to have premonitions. Captured the atmosphere well, + great characters but I had some misgivings about an aspect of the plot but good ending.

Finished this 10th in the robicheaux series last week and as ever an enjoyable and atmospheric story of Dave dealing with various baddies, a historic murder that evokes memories of racial issues, while a woman with connection to our hero causes mayhem. I do need to leave a gap as the formula is familiar, although the writing as ever is gripping and makes me want to sit on Dave's Dock, neck a beer, and eat some louisiana delicacy.

Another great story by one of the great chroniclers of the social mores of English Middle class. This is set in 1967 when a 40 yr old mother of 2 children commits the great taboo of leaving her family for a love affair with a younger man. I loved that this explores generational divides from both sides with the husband in his 50s having served in the war, with the 20+yr olds seeking to smash institutional norms, and children struggling to grow.

It's been a while since I last read a Zigic/ferreira novel, so I was delighted to return to this brilliant police procedural series with a political sensitivity set in the Cambs area. Here, a Dr working in an immigration detention centre is found murdered so the two police officers investigate a crime that exposes the treatment of vulnerable women while another villain is released due to a miscarriage and has his sights on revenge. A great series

Really good storytelling that lifts the stone of history to show the ugly side of racism in American society and institutions immediately post ww2. The fascinating factual basis behind this crime novel is the recruitment of the first 8 black policeman on to the Atlanta force so when a crime crosses the race boundaries tensions erupt as 2 officers seek the truth despite the opposition of corrupt white colleagues. Really good read.

Two families, the Pickles and the lambs, have had complicated years but the Lambs move into a Perth house inherited by Sam Pickles. This is a house haunted by its past so the subsequent 20 years up to 1964 find us watching the lives of parents + children as age catches up on them in this strange home. A captivating read in which character leap of the page so I was totally invested in what happens but with a strange ref to a real serial killer.

Third in the marvellous Cazalet series runs from 1943 to the end of the war ,focusing primarily on the 3 cousins Louise, Polly + Clary as they move from teenagers into young women and have to manage strange marriages (louise), love + the impact on war. The stories also are intercut with the wider family. This is a great set of books weaving brilliant storytelling with a unique picture of family life. The other 2 bks I found on a charity table.

I've been meaning to get to this, so #anypartofatrilogy #booked2023 was a perfect opportunity. Wonderful writing in which a writer travels to Greece + spends the novel simply listening to other people's life stories. These are tales of the frustration of family life and are woven like a spiders web, so that you are hypnotised by the tales as is the narrator. I definitely plan to read more of this series@Cinfhen @BarbaraTheBibliophage @alisiakae

After the backlisted ep on the sequel 'the weather on the streets ' I decided to read this 1st. The story of 17 yr old Olivia going to her 1st dance with sister Kate is in two halfs. On her birthday, the anticipation of the dance + family life is evoked so well, but the description of the dance is memorable.The writing describes diverse characters, snobbery, class, + the thrill of youth. Excellent bk, looking fwd to what happens next to Olivia

At the weekend + dashing off to visit my mum I grabbed this ex library bk off the shelf as a quick read and for #propernounintitle #booked2023
Overall a strange story abt a yng man who sees dead people + is pulled into a potential future terrible crime. Enjoyed it but not sure if I'll carry on with the series. Very Stephen King like. Another one taken off that looming pile in the spare bedroom.
@Cinfhen @BarbaraTheBibliophage @alisiakae

This books opens with Nadia Turner, a young woman whose mother has committed suicide, + whose father has retreated into his grief and is working for the local Christian Church. When Nadia falls for injured ftball star/son of the preacher she faces a decision
#aboutreproductiverights that impacts on the rest of her life. A compelling story about young lives, religion, grief, and paths taken @Cinfhen @BarbaraTheBibliophage @alisiakae @booked2023

It's been a while since I read bk2 in this series, so was really pleased to pick this one up and enjoy this Danish thriller with the grumpy but very funny detective morck. Here, a message in a bottle is washed up on a Scottish beach + eventually lands on department q's desk. With his two odd assistants, the investigation becomes a hunt for missing children and a particularly clever villain

Lester + Eva Knapp seem discontented with their family roles, + their children are lost. When an incident occurs, life turns upside down. I really enjoyed this book, which reflects on society's expectations of parental stereotypes, what children need from their parents, + the importance of Teddy bears. Another thumbs up for
#persephoneclub @LeahBergen @rubyslippersreads @quietjenn @Cathythoughts @Aimeesue @CarolynM @jlhammar @elkeOriginal @Gissy

One rainy day in a Scottish holiday village we meet several of the residents and through their individual voices learn of the frustrations and disappointment of life mirrored by the weather but with beautiful nature writing that is a stark contradiction. But it also references subtly through a child's voice the cruelty of intolerance post 2016. Sarah moss is a brilliant writer and I am sure she could make her shopping list poetic.

In 3 sections, the house, children, + the past, these dark, magical, + horrific short stories explore womens fears. I found these tales extremely creepy, echoing schweblin, Carter, + other similarly dark storytellers, which takes the domestic + undermines the security of safe places and memory. Not for everyone, but I really enjoyed it + instantly read a few of them again. Definitely a writer who I look forward to reading again, dark imagination

Last weekends reading included the discovery of a new crime series, which is always great if you enjoy the plot and characters, which I did. In this, Jimmy is a homeless former veteran who witnesses a crime one Newcastle night. The subsequent story explores life on the streets as Jimmy tries to help the victims daughter resolve the mystery, but Jimmy's back story suggests he may be a suspect. Definitely will read the next one soon.

Written in 93 about a 2024 America in which society has disintegrated + violence erupts on the streets with law enforcement corrupt + uninterested, the book feels incredibly unnerving. The author writes so easily creating a compelling narrative abt a yng woman Lauren who escapes a massacre ,leading a small growing band to the north. She's a sensor of pain+ has her own religious faith. Excellent storytelling but disturbing, will rd the next v soon

Cormac is an attractive single Dubliner, a photographer who drifts through relationships with little commitment while also dealing with family/brother scarred by a death. This novel follows this curious life through the art venues, beds, cafes/pubs and streets of the city hurting 2 women through his failure to treat them with care. The prose flows as if we are watching Cormac walk continuously across a screen. A really interesting piece of work.

9th Ruth Galloway book finds the archaeologist excavating in the underground tunnels below Norwich. The book expands into an investigation about the disappearance and murder of homeless individuals.
This is a series which is a step up from cozy but not gritty, the enjoyment now is in well known characters however the eventual resolution stretched credibility and is always a bit frantic but I'll read on as it is always a quick read.

The story of Edith, an artist who creates unique public works of art by preserving trees. Her childhood is fractured by her mother's brain injury + father's subsequent desertion, + by an abusive relationship. A pandemic leads to a lockdown which she shares with her new Turkish lover. Intimate, sensitive ,+ heart breaking the writing immerses you in life and loss.
#booked2023 #about pandemic @Cinfhen @alisiakae @Barbara

A complicated prose style made this short novel a long read. The narrator tells the story of Christa from when she meets her in a German classroom at the height of the Nazi rule to her death at age 34 in 1964 + references in a personal account, the transition from 1 totalitarian regime to another, friendship,fragility of life + identity. I put it down worrying that too much wine has dulled my intelligence + feel i need to reread + some guideance

1st week of the year, back to work, dark damp mornings , so this gentle book has added a bit of sunny sky back into my week as I fell in love with the story of two men in their 30's, somewhat at odds with the world but close friends bonding over board games, and with ancillary characters (esp Paul's parents). As changes happen to both men the relationship shifts slightly. Lots of so so reviews on litsy but already one of my bks of yr

@BarbaraTheBibliophage @Cinfhen @alisiakae
I picked this psychological thriller from my tbr pile for an easy post Xmas read + it was a roller coaster read + starts my #booked2023 with a #twist.
Sue is a mother whose 15yr old dtr is in a coma after what appears to be an apparent suicide, when sue finds Charlotte's diary she suspects something is wrong which triggers memories of her life 20 yrs earlier.

#12booksofchristmas #12booksof2022 @Andrew65 December- this has been a great thread and I've enjoyed seeing everyone's choices. My final choice has to be Trespasses which I'm still thinking about. A love story from 1970's Belfast in which the troubles, family, and religion brilliantly told. And what a great cover, although not this one featured but the other cover.

#12booksofchristmas #12booksof2022 @andrew65 November - Gosh that has gone quickly, is it nearly 12th night!
This was a favourite last year. I loved the panopticon and this didn't disappoint with the story of the occupants of an Edinburgh tenement over 100 years. Some spooky scenes, as well a cameo from William Burroughs who lived in the city for a while (sent me off searching about that). Can't wait to read her next book.

Book 1 of a new year is always fun and I finished this much loved persephone yesterday. The gentle tale of the Stevens family who set out on their much anticipated annual holiday to Bognor. The issues for each member are timeless as we learn of lost ambition , a marriage that has changed over time, and the changes in nearly adult children. There is so much in this book about pre ww1 society and it was a lovely start to the year.

#12booksofchristmas @Andrew65 October
The opening chapters of the book about the Aberfan disaster and how it impacts on the life of young embalmer are heart wrenching. One of my books of 2023.

#12booksofchristmas @Andrew65 September
I'm going with the final book in a great series that I've enjoyed over a few years. I'd love frieda to come back at some point.

#12booksofchristmas @Andrew65 August
It has to be this incredible piece of historical fiction about west Yorkshire coin counfeiters especially as I was discussing it with a friend last night who had also read it and we agreed at some point to do a walk in the area to discover the landmarks from the book. I know that there are some great pubs on the train line in that area so hopefully we will find the infamous fire place.

Here is my GR reading year.
Of the 117 books 60 were by women, 3 by a male/female collaboration (nicci french) + 54 by men. I am trying v hard to keep my reading equal between the sexes.
HAPPY 2023 EVERYONE, ENJOY YOUR READING .
@andrew65

#12booksofchristmas @Andrew65 July
I've put this down for July because it had been sat on my shelf for ages and I'm still not sure how much I enjoyed it as it was sprawling, small print and lots of pages. The story of the life of Letty was however an interesting look at female experience and the USA from the 20s to the 40s ,a fascinating era. And of course who can resist virago covers and those lovely green spines.

Definitely my last book of 2022 and finished with a bang in thus heist novel about Beauregard montage , a getaway driver trying to go straight but under financial pressure, who takes on a last job. The subsequent story moves like the 'hero's' driving fast paced, violent, and extremely tense. I'd never imagined that a car chase would work on page as it does on screen but the author achieves that as well as creating great characters.

#12booksofchristmas @Andrew65 june. Among the contenders were My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley, Looking for Mr Goodbar, and The broken shore by Peter Temple ( a great Australian crime novel), but I've got to go with a book that had me giggling to myself on the sofa to the annoyance of everyone else in the room. Definitely need to read more sue Townsend in 2023

#12booksofchristmas @Andrew65 I knew I would love this May choice and it had been sat on my shelf for a while until a booked2022 prompt made me pick it up and what a joy. This maritime adventure is set in the height of the Irish potato famine. A well told multi character story which had me turning the page and absorbing every word.