Review of: The Blackhouse by Peter May

Title: The Blackhouse

Author: Peter May

Hardback, library book

I started reading this book expecting it to be a crime novel, something different for me to read to challenge myself. But although there is a murder that needs to be solved, more attention is given to Finn Macleod's past. Finn Macleod does investigate the murder but at the same time his past is unfolded as he meets his old friends and enemies. It's a slow story that although disappointed me (as I expected something different) did intrigue me and I continued to the end. I loved the way the author presented the emotions and feelings of the characters, the tiny details of the past. How themes of loss, regrets and nostalgia are touched upon in a profound if subtle way. I enjoyed the setting and discovering Finn's story. 

However, the end and the resolution did not meet my expectations, I felt that there were not many clues to the resolution in the story and I'm not sure whether it is believable or not because of that. Maybe things should be hinted at more so we can think something's going on, so that when the solution is presented you don't wonder at it. Unless I missed something?

 After such a long drawn out story it did seem to end abruptly, all the information given quickly and I did not like the pacing at the close of the book. 

I expected a fast pace conclusion, I feel that it was just a quick end to a long tale.

I did enjoy this story and I would recommend it, I'm just not sure about the end and would be interested to know what others make of it?

Review: Did You See Melody? By Sophie Hannah. (Ebook from netgalley in exchange for review)

To say this book is a riveting read would be an understatement, I read this book within two days because I didn’t want to stop reading.

Cara’s arrival in Arizona and the initial mystery that surrounded it hooked me and then as she becomes intrigued by the story of a missing girl so did I.

I felt like I was being pulled along as slowly but with perfect pacing the story unfolds and answers are given. At times I wanted to scream because of the shift in the narrative at a moment I thought I was going to find something out, but that’s all the fun of this type of book, it keeps you gripped to the page.

The story of the missing girl is told using transcripts of a TV show and articles which Cara watches/reads. I thought that this would put me off at first but it didn’t because I needed answers and found myself eagerly reading page after page.  

I don’t usually read crime novels and I expected to read a plot driven thriller. But this novel has not only a gripping plot but likeable realistic characters; I even liked- to my surprise- the outspoken ‘Tarin’, (I think she’s my favourite).

Towards the end of the story my interest started to wane because the viewpoint changed-but I urge anyone not to be put off by this (if you are)  because any negative opinions I had quickly changed by the time I reached the conclusion.

The solution to the mystery was very clever! And the ending: woah!

But you’ll have to read it and find out for yourself. I’m trying hard not to give the best bits away.

I need a breather after reading this book but I enjoyed it and will be reading more like it in future.

Challenge! Reading out of my comfort zone. Review of Little Beach Street Bakery

I think that everyone should read out of their comfort zone. Sometimes it helps to read something different when you are stuck in that dreaded reading slump. I'm not in a slump but:

 I have set myself a little challenge to get out of my comfort zone and expand my horizons. I've decided to read a romantic/chic-lit book to start with.
Next I will be reading some crime novels.

So here's the first book:

Name of Book: Little Beach Street Bakery
Author: Jenny Colgan
Type/genre:  Romantic, paperback, library book
Why I chose it: I was looking for books to read set on an island and this was recommended to me on http://readitswapit.freeforums.net/ (thanks). It appealed to me because of the idea of moving somewhere new and starting afresh. Especially moving to the coast, what a lovely idea.

Review:

Who hasn't wanted to run away from their hectic job or their unfulfilling life when they've hit a rough patch? Polly relationship is ending after the business her and her boyfriend were running fails and are bankrupt. Who hasn't wanted to start over somewhere new by the sea? Polly didn't plan on moving to the Cornish tidal island Polbearne but she desperately wanted to start over and find a place of her own that she could afford, then she sees the advert for a place to rent in Polbearne. And that's how the story begins...

'Little Beach Street Bakery' is a sweet story and an effortless read. A story to uplift you or a lovely escape. Reading this was like going on a holiday, it's a charming story and you feel like you're actually there. It draws you in until the very last page, leaving you wanting more.

I didn't expect to like this book but I quickly became engrossed in the story and couldn't stop reading. I fell in love with the characters, instantly feeling sympathy for Polly. I forgot about the genre reading this book, who cares what genre it is if the story is good and the characters so lifelike?  

There were some characters I couldn't relate to: the rich ones with their expensive cars and the life that Polly's friend lived. This story didn't always feel very realistic to me, some parts stood out that were very real and hit me to the core, (this book is realistic and does have it's serious moments) but at times I felt that the story was a little cheesy. Maybe because I'm not used to reading books like this. But: it's no more cheesy than those British romantic films that we all love. And what's wrong with a book having a lighter side and lifting you up!

 The end was very satisfying, you feel like you've gone on a journey with Polly. You feel that so much has happened and you  sailed through the book completely riveted. All the loose ends are tied up realistically. There's just so much to this book than simply 'chic-lit' as people call it. It was charming and: I'm going to miss Polly and Neil!