Monday 1 October 2012

Move Over Darling By Christine Stovell

Coralie Casey is haunted by her past, moves to the marvellous close knit community of Penmorfa, where she builds her business of Sweet Cleans, and all natural cleaning and beauty products based on her Grandmas formulas.

Gethin Lewis is an internationally acclaimed artist originally from Penmorfa now residing in New York, who returns to the village to settle his late father estate. The locals think that Gethin has betrayed them both in his work and also in they way he wants nothing to do with the village.

The village has a village hall that need renovating but they have no money. Gethin, feels attracted to Coralie, and knows from past experience if he can paint the girl he will work the attraction out of his system. Therefore he offers the village a painting that they can auction and get the money they so desperately need. There is only one catch, the subject has to be Coralie and she has to go to New York to sit for him.

There are many sub – stories running through this will they or wont they, roller coaster of a novel. Christine Stovell has the gift of interweaving the characters and getting the reader to care about all of them. She uses the colour of Coralies retro clothes to exenterate the happy and sad emotions of the story.

As the secrets of all become unravelled, the truth is exposed as are the true feelings of them all, they reader is rewarded with being the fly on the wall in this small village life, as if we there. A wonderful story by an amazing author who gives us her all.

The Commuting Bookworm 01/10/12

Thursday 27 September 2012

The Road Back by Liz Harris

The Road Back by Liz Harris
 When Patricia accompanies her father, Major George Carstairs on a trip to Ladakh, north of the Himalayas, in the early 1960s, she sees it as a chance to finally win his love. What she could never have foreseen is meeting Kalden – a local man destined by circumstances beyond his control to be a monk, but fated to be the love of her life. Despite her fathers fury, the lovers are determined to be together, but can forbidden love survive?

The story is classic, girl meets boy, controlling father forbids it, adversity needs to be overcome, and the rest as they say is history. However, this story takes the reader on so many twist’s and turns it becomes the ultimate emotional roller coaster. This book has all of the special ingredients we have come to expect from the Choc Lit library and does not disappoint. Im not going to give any spoilers but you will need the hankies along the way and a box of Malteesers, a cosy beanbag and the phone switched off would mean you really do get the full benefit of this wonderful novel.

Liz Harris has a degree in English and therefore the quality of the writing is excellent and it a real treat to enjoy. As well as following the story of Patricia, Kalden and others, the trip to Ladakh is insightfully picturesque and a fraction of the cost of going for real but no less vivid. 
The Commuting Bookworm 27/09/12


Thursday 6 September 2012

The Secret She Kept by Amelia Carr

As it was an Advance Reading Copy I was sent to review by Newbooks Magazine, there is no blurb on the back of my copy telling me what this novel is about, or what to expect.  This always makes for an exciting adventure within the pages and this book is no disappointment. I will focus on the barebones of the story but concentrate on how I enjoyed it, so as not to give any spoilers.
The story jumps between the 1950’s and the late 1980’s. We have Fliss and Jo who are sailing partners and best friends. When Fliss finds herself pregnant in the 1950’S she has no alternative but to marry Martin. We really get a bit of social history because the narrative tells us about the cars, the house and also people’s perception at the time. We also know about the emotions of heartbreak surrounding young girls who had to have babies adopted.
 In the 1980’S are introduced to Emma and we follow her journey for the search of the truth.  We follow her onto the Jubilee Sailing trust’s boat The lord Nelson, where she becomes a watch leader and becomes friends with a young disabled woman called Mel.  
Amelia Carr transforms us from one era, to another and keeps us attached to all of the characters in the most substantial way. I found myself being so attached to this book, I was even stirring the dinner whilst reading, so unable to leave it, it is a real page turner. I feel that Emma is my own personal  friend; I cared so very much about her and her story.
There is no disappointment in this emotional page turner, it has several ‘love stories’ for the romantics amongst us, lots of interest for those who like a bit of social history and plenty of emotional action and the twist and turns would make Agatha Christie jealous! 
Personal Read 5 : Reading Group 5
The Commuting Bookworm 06/09/12

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Police, Crime & 999 by John Donoghue

I was kindly sent a copy of this book by the author, however this in no way has influenced my review.

I found this book to be laugh out load funny in many places, John has a very wicked sense of humour and this comes out in his reminiscence of situations he has found himself in, whilst on duty as a Police constable some where up north in the UK.

Because of his location, I found some of the stereo types of people quite sad, but I do know from personal experience they are probably very true. I’m sure he has cleaned up many of the stories so that they do not cause offence and to protect the innocent (and those that could influence his career). 

A well written book that has been written in a narrative form and therefore sometimes John does digress, and you feel like you want to prod him back on track of his original story. However, this is a trait that so many ex-solders have, and it’s a bit endearing and reminds me of sitting in the pub listening to my dads (also ex-solder) stories. Because each chapter is a separate incidence, this is a great book for having by your bed side or in the bathroom as it is perfect for dipping in and out of when you only have a few minutes to read.

The Commuting Bookworm 04/09/12

Tuesday 14 August 2012

Vampire State of Mind by Jane Lovering

Jessica Grant knows vampires only too well. She runs the York Council tracker programme making sure that Otherworlders are all where they should be, keeps the filing in order and drinks far too much coffee. To Jess vampires are annoying and arrogant and far too sexy for their own good, particularly her ex-colleague Sil. When a
demon turns up and threatens the equilibrium they must work together. The stakes are high, the challenge is great and to top it all off she’s falling in love…

This is my first vampire novel and therefore I had no pre-conceived ideas as to what to expect, I also had no knowledge of what is excepted or known about vampires (They can drink synthetic blood, live forever ect) and I managed to stay in this story. Lovering explains the things that the reader needs and in a way that keeps the pace of the novel moving.

As expected (because it’s from the Choc Lit library) this story has you laughing, empathising, understanding and really feeling the emotions of the characters.  Lovering has a great knack at tying the reader in emotionally with all of the main characters and being able to see all points of view.

Terrific love story set within the Vampire world. Easily read and will make a great summer holiday read. Not to be missed. 

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Girl Reading by Katie Ward

The Blurb on the back tells us: An Orphan poses nervously for a Renaissance maestro in Medieval Siena, and an artist servant girl in 17th century Amsterdam snatches a moment away from her work to lose herself in tales of knights and battles. In a Victorian photography studio, a woman holds a book that she barely acknowledges while she waits for the exposure and in Shoreditch bar in 2008 a woman reading catches the eye of a young man who takes her picture.

What is perhaps not apparent is that this book is a collection of short stories; all have a woman at the centre, and man somewhere and emotion everywhere. Viv Groskop, The Times states this book “has a real beating heart”, and I would agree with that statement. The book as a piece of literature is brilliant. I could really have got an essay out of this for so many courses in the past and I am confident some course lecturer will pick this as content for one of their books. It’s brilliantly written and the change in voices could be compared to David Mitchell (The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet) without a doubt. Any women’s reading group that chose this book would not be disappointed and they would run over time in their discussions.

It is somewhat more intellectual than your average bestseller and therefore if you are after something a bit more stimulating to read this would make an excellent choice, curled up in the beanbag, in front of the fire whilst it is pouring down with rain.

The Commuting Bookworm 08/08/12

Tuesday 31 July 2012

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell

I was supplied this book by We Love This Book for review, However the review is my un-biased and not influenced by any one else’s  opinion.

A tiny man-made island in the bay of Nagasaki, for two hundred years the sole gateway between Japan and the West. Here, in the dying days of the 18th Century, a young Dutch clerk arrives to make his fortune. Instead he looses his heart but keeps his integrity.

This is one of those books that on reflection after reading it, when you go to list all of the things you have got out of it, you realise it’s a huge epic. To skate on but a few, we read about “Those Yankee leeches” and we realise that this was the time that the English were trying to get rid of the Dutch occupancy of New York in America. We also learn about the collapse of the Dutch East India company 1799. Mitchell also does a great honour to the culture of the Japanese of that period.

This book fits into so many boxes, it’s a love story, it’s a piece of social history, he covers the Dutch and Japanese trading exploits in much the same way as Dickens covered the social history of English childhood poverty in the 19th Century. However, due to Mitchells fluid voices of different characters, its not a dusty old history lesson but an escape through a portal just like all other time-travellers.

This read would suit anyone who likes their books with a bit more meat on the bones, something a bit more challenging than a top 10 casual BOGOHP (buy one get one half price) but not quite as heavy as a Dickens, Trollop of any of the great classics.

The Commuting Bookworm 27/06/12

Friday 13 July 2012

Lemon Sherbet and Dolly Blue The Story of an Accidental Family

Set in a part of Derbyshire (Chesterfield), the home to the Nash family and their corner shop, which served a small mining community. However this is no ordinary family. It’s a story about how three lost children of different generations found love and a home with people who had big hearts. The story starts with her great-grandfather, a fairground boy, given away when his parents left for America in 1865, then how her great aunt, who was rescued from an industrial school in 1909 and finally of her own mother was adopted as a baby in 1930 via the NCAA (National Children Adoption Association) and bought from London to Chesterfield.

The story spans three generations of attitudes regarding adoption and two world wars. Through the delightful story we learn from a social history point of view our changing attitudes to adoption, poverty, and what it is to be of a certain class. We learn about the tales of how the miners lived, the poverty, how they treated their wives and how the families survived. Along the way we get to know about how accepting often already a poor society can be regarding different people such as gypsies, teachers, bakers.  

We also get a snippet of attitudes of people during the Great War from a family perspective, of how families, wives and children coped with the restrictions, loss, injuries and aftermath of the both wars.

The tale itself trots along at the pace of life, at a rate to keep the reader interested but not so fast you think you have missed chunks of time. All characters are accounted for and no threads are left untied which is also nice. As with all families there are a lot of members to put into place, and it is necessary to remember who uncle_ is related to and therefore who auntie _ is married to, however by careful reading and remembering a few names this is not impossible.
There was sufficient depth to the book to make it a really good quality read and although I normally steer away from ‘memoirs’ I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this period.

The Commuting Bookworm 13/07/12 on behalf of Newbooks Magazine http://www.newbooksmag.com/

Tuesday 26 June 2012

Choc Lit's Ripple in time!

The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay

Melissa Granthem has split from her husband and  the father of her daughter, the promise of ‘to have and to hold forever’ was broken and not by her. Jake Precy, is a widower with a daughter the same age as Melissa’s and the two girls become friends through school once Melissa moves from London, into her ancestral home.

Sibell’s husband was killed in 1459 and she was then forced to move back with her abusive father and brothers until they signed the deal for her re-marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather. Sir Roger meets Sibell whilst he is on his quest to get his real father to acknowledge his existence and inheritance. Despite the odds, they fall very much in love but will they ever be together?

Through ghosts and love the two worlds merge into the here and now however will Melissa be at peace until it’s resolved once and for all?. Primarily this is a love story, first and foremost and as readers have come to expect from Choc Lit its all credible and the reader knows there is going to be a happy ever after ending. The journey to get there is enjoyable, intriguing and enlightening. 

Christina Courtenay must either study a thesaurus or she goes to bed with one. Some of the vocabulary in this story is wonderfully unique and delicious. Words such as sweeting, melee, guffaw, doppelganger to name just a few. The story is well written and delivered including the end that if it were a chocolate bar would be satisfying and silky all at the same time.

Out from Choc Lit 07th July 2012, treat yourself to a good read because you deserve it!

The Commuting Bookworm 26/06/12

Friday 22 June 2012

And So The Margaret James Trilogy Begins

The Silver Locket by Margaret James

This is the first book in the trilogy that follows the Denham family. It starts in 1914 and we meet the young head strong, wonderfully defiant Rose Courtenay who is not willing to confirm to her families Victorian wishes. Therefore rather than being married to her parent’s choice of suitor she runs away and becomes a nurse. Whilst working in France during the war, she meets Lieutenant Alex Denham who reminds me of a Lion Bar of chocolate. He has many layers and textures, some chewy, some soft, but over all very solid.

In Choc Lit true fashion, we are encapsulated into the story and characters, so that they become so vivid, bright and alive, we care about them and what happens to them. This novel has so many depths and layers, it’s a love story with muscles. The research is comprehensive and therefore every reader will learn something, they did not previously know about that time in our history.

One of the nicest feelings about getting to the last few chapters, is not only finding out how it all ends, but knowing that you have another two books to read afterwards, you do not feel like you are saying good bye to the characters. You know you are going to be able to catch up with them in  The Golden Chain and The Penny Bangle. 

In conclusion a lovely, romantic novel that every woman who loves chocolate will adore.

The Commuting Bookworm 12/06/12





Thursday 21 June 2012

No Wonder it was short listed for The Melissa Nathan Award For Comedy Romance


An Autumn Crush by Milly Johnson
Juliet is looking for a flat mate and Coco her friend is helping her look and interview possible flatmates. Floz arrives late because she had to take a hedgehog to the vets!  Juliet has a twin brother who has a best friend called Steve who is into wrestling and dreams of making it big in America. Coco is gay, and looking for the man of his dreams. In short they have all suffered heartbreak, they are all very individual personalities. It does not sound like it but you have some great ingredients for a fabulously funny, romantic, heart warmingly, Tragic, uplifting story.

Coupled with secrets, misunderstandings and pre-conceived ideas, a bully, an alcoholic, a death, the eternal optimism of Juliet, the love of Steve and the strong friendship they all build leads us through a wonderful tale to a happy ending.

I loved this book, it was easy to read, not pretentious and it is true to life with some great one liners. With many of the situations, it is easy to see one in the same fixes, because of the same actions. There is no real nasty violence, no swearing and nothing dark or sinister about this story. If anyone is feeling a bit down, they should read this book, not for any other reason, than its great, its happy, its funny, its romantic without being slushy.

Its one of those rare books that could be read and enjoyed again and again. It has made me interested in reading Milly Johnson’s back catalogue.


I would give this a rating of 5/5 for both a personal read and also as a reading group read as there is loads to get your teeth into in discussions and you really would be laughing all over again! 

http://www.melissanathan.com/Award/






 

A Commuting Bookworms Life: Independent Publisher Choc Lit scores again

A Commuting Bookworms Life: Independent Publisher Choc Lit scores again: Run Rabbit Run by Kate Johnson: Choc-Lit Sophie Green is an ex-spy. An MI5 officer has been shot dead with her gun, her fingerprints ...

Independent Publisher Choc Lit scores again

Run Rabbit Run by Kate Johnson: Choc-Lit
Sophie Green is an ex-spy. An MI5 officer has been shot dead with her gun, her fingerprints are all over his office, but she swears she is innocent. Her boyfriend Luke Sharpe is tall, tanned, sexy and does not do commitment, he is a MI6 spook, or was until his girlfriend Sophie kills, again.

Jack de Valera, English by birth, but lives as a bounty hunter in the US, until he is framed for the murder of a Supreme High court judge, Irene Shepherd, he is on the run, all the way into Sophie’s arms quite literally whilst she is camping in France, he steels her gun, ties her up, They connect dots and then they go on the run together.

This novel is a great read; it’s a cross between Chic Lit, Spooks and carry on spying. Its not to be taken too seriously but Johnson has done her research and treats her readers with respect. She pulls the strands in, with some great curve balls throw in to send you down the garden path.

There are however gaps, some could probably be plugged by reading her Sophie Green back catalogue, others like how does Sophie fly from JFK to London and then back again but keeping her gun? These need to be resolved or ignored in the readers mind.

Run Rabbit Run is Chic Lit with muscles, and therefore I would highly recommend it for a nice easy read, either whilst commuting, holidaying or just whilst soaking in the bath to relax. You will not be disappointed. 

The Commuting Bookworm 29/03/12

Friday 15 June 2012

The Hanging Garden – Ian Rankin

DI John Rebus chases a suspected Nazi criminal, gets involved in a turf war between two gangsters and suffers pain and anguishes when his beloved daughter Sammy is run over by a hit and run driver, this just about pushes him to his limit and he nearly falls of the wagon. 

This is my first Rebus novel, and as I do not own a TV, I have not seen it either. Therefore I had no pre-conceived ideas. I found reading it at a pace of 20/30 pages per sitting a great help, otherwise I think I could have lost some threads. The story becomes quite intricate when trying to follow which criminal works for who, and what position the different DI’s where in, and in what team. However this said, I confess, it did make for gripping reading and was sufficiently graphical that it was as good as watching it on TV.

I liked the fact, that although some of the characters where of the criminal fraternity, there was hardly any bad language in it and I find this makes for a more pleasant read. It also leaves room for more useful vocabulary relating to the story line. I also found that it was possible to build some attachment to some of the characters and even to feel sorry for them despite the fact they might be on the wrong side, such is Rankins writing talents. 

There were some instances where I feel it might have been beneficial to have read the Rebus back catalogue of stories in order and thus my understanding of some of the story lines would have been clearer. However as I have not and only have a friends husband’s comments suggesting that they follow in order to influence this hunch.

I did enjoy this book, and I did enjoy Ian Rankin’s style and would read another one at some time in the future.

Thursday 31 May 2012

The Penny Bangle by Margaret James


Its 1942 and the war is on. Cassie is a skinny young women who Gran is worried about her being in Birmingham with all of the raids. Cassie is persuaded to go down to a farm in Dorset and become a Land girl.  She meets Francis, the twins Steven & Robert.

Steve is funny, friendly and happy to train Cassie in what to do, Robert just thinks she’s too skinny, week and a city runt to be of any use when he and his brother have to return to active service. Things change, Cassie falls for Roberts charm, but soon gets bored of being a land girl. Her and Frances decide to join up together into the ATS. The result is that Cassie becomes strong, confident but still very much in love with Robert. They are both stationed in North Africa and get time together where he proposes. 

With Africa won, Cassie gets sent back to Blighty and Robert goes on to Italy, where he goes missing in action and is believed to be dead. Back in Blighty Steven is there and has fallen for Cassie. But he struggles with the fact he can not return to active service but instead is behind a desk in London.

The Penny Bangle is the third book in a trilogy (The Silver Locket (1) and The Golden Chain (2)) However, even though I have not read the 1st two I still was able to follow the story lines and this delightfully written book has inspired me to go back and read the 1st two.

Robert Denham who Cassie loves is somewhat like a Yorkie bar, he is solid, dependable and it would take a lot to break him. Steven, however reminds me of a Kit Kat caramel because even he’s not sure of who or what he is. The Penny Bangle is everything that you would expect from Choc Lit publications. It does not disappoint and exceeds all expectations.

The Commuting Bookworm 31/05/12

Wednesday 16 May 2012

A Commuting Bookworms Life: The Thief by Fuminori Nakamura

A Commuting Bookworms Life: The Thief by Fuminori Nakamura: The thief is a seasoned pickpocket, who is questioning his lifestyle, his choices and the consequences of his actions. It is written in the...

The Thief by Fuminori Nakamura

The thief is a seasoned pickpocket, who is questioning his lifestyle, his choices and the consequences of his actions. It is written in the first person narrative all the way through and therefore is easy to follow and read.

At 210 pages this is a small book with a mighty emotional punch. Nakamura slowly builds the readers attachment to the narrator, who although perhaps is behaving against acceptable normalities and living in a way that many of us would find disgraceful, you can’t help feeling a bond. Not in a sentimental slushy way, but in a real enlightening and respectful way.

We even feel the thief’s emotions when he is thinking about his old master and friend. I found the social insight to Japanese culture and their normalities, like cans of Coffee, Lunch Boxes both of which are purchased in supermarkets and vending machines both intriguing and different to ours.

Although the thief’s profession is despicable, his morels and aspirations are not.   You end of really wanting him to triumph and succeed; you believe that he can become everything you aspire for him.  You follow him on his emotional journey of mentally growing up.

When this book is published in August 2012 I predict that it will do great things and we will all be talking about it. I liked the fact it was short, easy to read but has a real depth and a fully emotional catharsis at then end.

It’s a fabulous read and you will not be disappointed.

The Commuting Bookworm 02/05/12

Friday 11 May 2012

To Turn Full Circle by Linda Mitchelmore

Emma Le Goff finds herself orphaned before her 16th birthday, both her parent’s dead in mysterious circumstances and the heartless landlord Reuben Jago turfs her out of the tied cottage the family were living in. His son Seth attempts to help Emma to the best of his ability but when the mysterious fisherman Mathew Caunter comes to Emma’s rescue things were bound to become complicated. Set in a small Devon fishing harbour in 1909, the scene is set for this debut novel from Linda Mitchelmore, the start of a trilogy.

Choc Lit always seems to find the very best of storytellers and this is no exception. Within the first chapter you love Emma, the reader is undoubtedly on her side. You feel her loss, and the unfairness of life. As the observer into this small community you are hooked, you can almost smell the fish, the salt air and hear the waves crashing against the beach such is Mitchelmore’s gift for storytelling.

Mitchelmore gives you enough for the vivid picture and experience, but not too much so that the reader loses interest or the thread of the story. Mitchelmore has the writing talent to capture the required emotional essence that can be compared to Jane Austin and the ability to paint a scene in words that Thomas Hardy would have found acceptable. Mitchelmore’s trilogy will do for the social history of this period the same as what Charles Dickens did for the 1800’s, such is the strength and accuracy of her story lines and description of events and surroundings.

Ultimately this is a delightful, page turning novel that makes the reader want more of Emma Le Goff et el, and although difficult to put down, I found myself not wanting to finish it, because then it would be the end and I wanted Emma to be part of my day, everyday. In conclusion, a wonderful epic novel that will become a timeless classic. 

Published by Choc Lit:  release date 7th June 2012
The Commuting Bookworm 11/05/12

Thursday 10 May 2012

The Thief by Fuminori Nakamura - Out in the UK Aug 2012

The thief is a seasoned pickpocket, who is questioning his lifestyle, his choices and the consequences of his actions. It is written in the first person narrative all the way through and therefore is easy to follow and read.

At 210 pages this is a small book with a mighty emotional punch. Nakamura slowly builds the readers attachment to the narrator, who although perhaps is behaving against acceptable normalities and living in a way that many of us would find disgraceful, you can’t help feeling a bond. Not in a sentimental slushy way, but in a real enlightening and respectful way.

We even feel the thief’s emotions when he is thinking about his old master and friend. I found the social insight to Japanese culture and their normalities, like cans of Coffee, Lunch Boxes both of which are purchased in supermarkets and vending machines both intriguing and different to ours.

Although the thief’s profession is despicable, his morels and aspirations are not.   You end of really wanting him to triumph and succeed; you believe that he can become everything you aspire for him.  You follow him on his emotional journey of mentally growing up.

When this book is published in August 2012 I predict that it will do great things and we will all be talking about it. I liked the fact it was short, easy to read but has a real depth and a fully emotional catharsis at then end.

It’s a fabulous read and you will not be disappointed.

The Commuting Bookworm 02/05/12

The Istanbul Puzzle by Laurence O’Bryan


Sean Ryan is horrified to learn that his colleague and friend Alek Zegliwski was beheaded whilst on a routine job in Istanbul. British diplomat Isabel Sharp is assigned to accompany Sean whilst he is in Istanbul to identify the body. It soon becomes apparent that Sean’s life is in danger and  together they must work to prevent the spread of a deadly virus being released by terrorist’s.

The Istanbul Puzzle is a literary oil painting bringing to the reader the colours and essence of this very old city with a very rich and varied history. The words paint a rich tapestry that makes you want to book the next plane and go and see it for yourself. O’Bryans literary descriptions enable the reader to almost feel the heat and smell the smells.

The blurb on the paperback, tells the reader “An Electrifying conspiracy thriller which will entice fans of Scott Mariani, Bourne and Dan Brown” this is the understatement and does a dis-service to Laurence O’Bryan’s storytelling abilities. I think this author has a great future as a bestselling author in the future.

I loved this book, it keeps you turning the page and you become eager to finish it to find out the ending. Its exciting, colourful without being too wordy or heavy to enjoy.

The Commuting Bookworm 01/05/12

Update: Waiting for the next one : The Jerusalem Puzzle our January 2013!

The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh

Set in the late 1800’s we follow Frances’s metamorphous from a spoilt child, into a capable woman, from when her father dies, though her passage to Africa and beyond, to having to choose husband or lover. We follow not only her trials and tribulations but also the love story. Oh boy what a love story!

McVeigh really has captured the essence of the period in this beautiful, exciting, descriptive novel. The vocabulary paints a picture with her words, the sights, smells and emotions are all here, in the same fashion as Bronte, Hardy and Gaskell would have conveyed.  However, she has one modern skill of editing, and therefore the book is not long winded where it’s not required. She also has us on the edge of our seats reading speedily to keep up with the pace and to know what happened next.

McVeigh made me care about Francis, Edwin and William and all of the other characters. I appreciated the hardships that the drought and the smallpox epidemic in 1878 would have caused in South Africa. I also felt the desperation for rain, and the consequences if it does not come in time. 

This novel left me with a thirst for McVeigh’s next book, and also for the next chapter in Frances’s life. I want to know what happened next.

The Commuting Bookworm 03/01/12

The Fall by Claire McGowan

Charlotte’s life could not get more perfect, she is to be married to her price charming, Dan in one weeks time, he a city trader and therefore money is not a problem and therefore the wedding was to be the fairytale day we all dream of. The diet was going well, her mother was driving her mad, but in one week it will all be happening, what she has lived for, planned for, her and Dan will become Mr & Mrs. But then the week before, Dan drags them off to a new club up town, where the events of that evening will see both of their lives turned upside down and inside out.

Keisha, is not a bad girl, just unlucky in love, but she loves her daughter, and in order to get her back she must make some tough decisions and complete the actions and just when she finally thought she got it all straight her mum dies in hospital. She is totally alone piecing together the events of one fateful night.

Keisha and Charlotte become reliant on each other for different reasons, and what with your friendly copper Haggerty this unwraps a psychological crime story that will have you staying up late, just to finish a bit more. McGowan knows how to slowly unwrap the story like a burlesque striptease, slowly, provocatively and she respects her readers and knows they are intelligent.

This a brilliant debut novel by someone who may well give Martina Cole a run for her money.

The Dead Sea Deception by Adam Blake

Kennedy is a cop who is suspended from the armed response team and therefore on attachment, but not only that due to her telling the truth two of her previous team will be sacked, therefore Kennedy is not liked by the other detectives.

Tillman was a double glazing sales man before his family mysteriously disappeared without trace; he joined the army, and then became a mercenary. 13 years on and he is still searching for Rebecca his wife.

Both damaged souls who will end up on the same quest but for different reasons, her for redemption, him for answers.  Add into this a plane crash in Arizona, several murders and mysterious melanin deficient people who are incredibly apt with a sica blade and you have yourself an adventure.  

Adam Blake is a master story teller, and this book is like a hybrid of Dan Browns The Da Vinci Code and Andy McNab’s The Grey Man, making a page turning jolly good read.

If you like your books to be a bit like onions, giving you lots of layers to peel back, and you are able to keep in perspective the fact it is a story and not fact, this book is for you.

This really is a book that should not be judged by its cover or strapline, it has been under-rated and if more people gave it a chance I could really see this being a bestseller.

The Commuting Bookworm 09/12/11

Run Rabbit Run by Kate Johnson: Choc-Lit out 07/04/12

Sophie Green is an ex-spy. An MI5 officer has been shot dead with her gun, her fingerprints are all over his office, but she swears she is innocent. Her boyfriend Luke Sharpe is tall, tanned, sexy and does not do commitment, is a MI6 spook, or was until his girlfriend kills.

Jack de Valera, English by birth, but is a bounty hunter in the US, until he is framed for the murder of a Supreme High court judge, Irene Shepherd, he is on the run, all they way into Sophie’s arms, nicks her gun, ties her up, connect the dots and then they go on the run together.

This novel is a great read; it’s a cross between Chic Lit, Spooks and carry on spying. Its not to be taken too seriously but Johnson has done her research and treats her readers with respect. She pulls the strands in, with some great curve balls throw in to send you down the garden path.

There are however gaps, some could probably be plugged by reading her Sophie Green back catalogue, others like how does Sophie fly from JFK to London and then back again but keeping her gun? These need to be resolved or ignored in the readers mind.

Run Rabbit Run is Chic Lit with muscles, and therefore I would highly recommend it for a nice easy read, either whilst commuting, holidaying or just whilst soaking in the bath to relax. You will not be disappointed. 

The Commuting Bookworm 29/03/12