Mrs Pankhurst is a talented writer, descriptive and good at theatrical story telling which might explain her gift as a speaker as well. Sometimes there are too-long sections of speeches, but for the most part it is horrifying, hilarious, tragic and rousing. It makes the work that went into women's suffrage tangible and awe-inspiring.

Amusing satire from 18th Century. Similar its contemporaries, it uses a rambling, confiding style which is a struggle for today's reader as it delays the action. Lots of razor sharp observations about human nature that still prevail today.

A tightly written novella that does an excellent job of building up tension. Arthur is a realistic horror protagonist - you understand when he is terrified and when he is not. The words and descriptions accurately build up a cold, coastal and remote picture in your mind and you are pulled in to the mystery of what happened there many years before. If you like the book, then please watch the stage show which is even better.

In might a man, a youth in years,
Of boisterous valour...
Quicker to a field of blood
Than to a wedding
Quicker to a ravens' feast
Than to a burial.

"Dead is the most alone you can be."

The beginning sentence to this fab collection of ghost stories. The quality of each is truly outstanding, from hilarious PG Wodehouse to concisely chilling from Neil Gaiman to haunting from Rudyard Kipling. Perfect build up to #Halloween

"she sounds like someone who spends a lot of time in libraries, which are the best sort of people"

I was just just tagged in this, *swoon* a library in a hotel in Japan, how delicious.

It started with an involving relationship between Charles and Sebastian at Oxford in the 1920s. There is so much discussion of, but no direct mention of, their homosexual feelings to one another. However, as the book (and their lives) goes on, there is less drama and more reflection. I didn't feel particularly invested in the plot.

From the perspective of Margaret, Queen of Scotland and Henry VIII's older sister, this novel creates a well-rounded picture of 16th century Scotland. Unfortunately Margaret is unlikeable and her continuous mistakes and moaning make this book drag on a bit.

A man reflects on his life - an absent father, a world war, a lost love, a study of psychiatry. It ambles along with much to think over - themes and concepts abound. A good one to take to Book Group for discussion.

I feel that an entire person's life is within the two covers - rather than a book. A testament to good writing.

This is well written, very comprehensive and easy to sail through. An endless onslaught of the history of English Queens. I loved it. Lots of research, context and suggestions of personality. Can't wait to read the next.

As the previous books - plenty of dark and repulsive imagery. Robin and Strike's r'ship brings the book to life again, and we find out more about Robin's past.

It's better than the second, but not as good as the first.

Part historical drama, part sci-fi. Dick is taking a drug that allows him to 'time travel' to 14thC Cornwall. He is soon fixated with the past.

His present-day life holds the most intrigue; his r'ship with his wife, his infatuation with his friend Magnus and his unravelling into addiction. However, he is an unpredictable and unlikeable protagonist. There are many clunky moments. Du Maurier's talent for tone and atmosphere saved it, but only just.

A really strong collection of short stories. Instantly you are connected and immersed without having to force it. The characters are all easy to relate to and so much is carefully hinted at and revealed through actions in a way that lets you draw your own conclusions.