It's been a while. Reading has continued to be a major preoccupation; sadly I've not kept up with the recording. Such is life. Just as well there is a record on my library app telling me my loans, otherwise my wooly brain would be floundering right now. Kindle also ticks the books I've read so technology is keeping up for me.

As usual it's been heavy on the crime/thriller; nothing new there then. Although I'm reading a rather refreshing volume relating the journey over six years of a young doctor on his bike as he travels the world. I struggle to get down the lane on my bike these days so I'm truly in awe. Called 'Signs of Life', it describes unusual aspects of world travel in a light hearted way. Very readable and with lots of reflections on life.




Another non fiction volume that had me transfixed was Alice Robert's 'Ancestors'. You may have caught her on TV lately. She trained as a doctor specialising in bones, plus she is an archaeologist. One of those people who can explain something complex in layman's language. Through investigations of a variety of archaeological sites, she  explains how mankind has evolved over thousands of years. Using modern techniques such as DNA analysis she describes past diets and lifestyles, as well as migratory patterns. It sounds heavy going but she made it very readable.



Two authors who I have always loved, recently added new books to their crime series. Donna Leon writes about an Italian detective called Brunetti, set in Venice. Every one of her novels is a delight. As the series has progressed we learn more about this man and his family. About the corrupt Italian law system and his disenchantment , particularly as he ages. Each book is a little better than the last.

On the other hand Peter Robinson's crime series set in Yorkshire has begun to pale slightly. Inspector Banks is still ruling the roost but I'm finding the writing a little wooden. Almost as if someone else had taken over the prose. Curious how two such long running series can be so different. I'll be intrigued to see what others think of Robinson's latest. Maybe it is just me!


Peter May's crime series set in China is next up. I managed to get the first for 99p on Kindle. As usual his writing is superb, about an American pathologist's visit to China and solving a series of murders with a Chinese detective. All doesn't bode well as they get  off to a tricky start but as in all good series they resolve their differences, as well as the crime. I've already got the next one lined up.


Next a couple of crime novels set in the past. In fact they are both within several years of each other in 1660's London. The first is a series by Susanna Gregory called  'Conspiracy of Violence'. This is the first in the Thomas Chaloner series. Here is the amazon blurb:-

Charles II is well established at White Hall Palace, his mistress at hand in rooms over the Holbein bridge, the heads of some of the regicides on public display. London seethes with new energy, freed from the strictures of the Protectorate, but many of its inhabitants have lost their livelihoods. One is Thomas Chaloner, a reluctant spy for the feared Secretary of State, John Thurloe, and now returned from Holland in desperate need of employment. His erstwhile boss, knowing he has many enemies at court, recommends Thomas to Lord Clarendon, but in return demands that Thomas keep him informed of any plot against him. But what Thomas discovers is that Thurloe had sent another ex-employee to White Hall and he is dead, supposedly murdered by footpads near the Thames. Chaloner volunteers to investigate his killing: instead he is dispatched to the Tower to unearth the gold buried by the last Governor. He discovers not treasure, but evidence that greed and self-interest are uppermost in men's minds whoever is in power, and that his life has no value to either side.

Compared to my favourite series by Andrew Taylor this one was enjoyable but not quite as good. Taylor's latest, 'The Royal Secret' was excellent. The fourth in his James Marwood series.



Hopefully a few of those titles will whet your appetite. Time I got back to more pressing matters. Cat feeding of course!

What have you been reading lately?

Barbara xxx