The Magic of Terry Pratchett by Marc Burrows

Many thanks, as always, go to NetGalley and to the publisher, White Owl, for kindly allowing me to read an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Those of you who know me personally will probably know by now that I love Terry Pratchett's books. Having read every one of his books, I was delighted to have the opportunity to read this biography of Sir Pterry. 

I will state now that this is not an official biography, but Marc Burrows is a fan who has done his research very thoroughly. Interviewing people who knew the great man, he brings us closer to knowing what Terry was like as a person, as well as talking about the success of each book individually. The book also has some fantastic photographs throughout and is, in my opinion, a great tribute to a writer who always makes me smile, even when I'm not feeling at my best. 

This clearly read as a fan biography, but you can feel the writer's love for Terry Pratchett on every page of this fascinating book. In my opinion, it's one for people who are already fans, but if you have always wondered what the life of a writer is like, this could be for you as well. It's the first biography about Pratchett, and certainly not the last. 

Star rating: 5/5

This book will be published on 30th July 2020

Castle Skull by John Dickson Carr

Huge thanks as always go to NetGalley and to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for granting me access to an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The first classic crime novel I've read in a long time, Castle Skull is written by one of the greats of the golden age, John Dickson Carr, the king of locked room mysteries. The setting for this book is the Rhineland in Germany, between the two world wars, and has a really international feel to it.

"That is the case. Alison has been murdered. His blazing body was seen running about the battlements of Castle Skull.

And so a dark shadow looms over the Rhineland where Inspector Henri Bencolin and his accomplice Jeff Marle have arrived from Paris. Entreated by the Belgian financier D'Aunay to investigate the gruesome and grimly theatrical death of actor Myron Alison, the pair find themselves at the imposing hilltop fortress Schloss Schädel, in which a small group of suspects are still assembled.

As thunder rolls in the distance, Bencolin and Marle enter a world steeped in macabre legends of murder and magic to catch the killer still walking the maze-like passages and towers of the keep." (Blurb from the book)

This book had me hooked from page one! The detective, Bencolin, is smart but also a humanitarian, trying to understand the killer as well as trying to solve the mystery. Marle is like his Watson...someone to help him solve the case but not to confide all the details in until the reveal. A second detective was also involved in this book, in competition with Bencolin when it comes to who can solve the case the quickest, and their interactions with the suspects are very much like chalk and cheese. I was kept guessing about the murderer all the way to the end, and the reveal, when it came, had me shocked!

There is also a short Bencolin story included in this volume and it was also really intriguing. It gave me more of an understanding of the detective involved and I would definitely like to read more books in this short series.

Star Rating: 5/5

This book is available now

Bryant & May - Oranges and Lemons

This review may contain spoilers

Many thanks to NetGalley, and to Random House UK for sending me an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome back to my blog, everyone. I'm sorry for not reviewing anything in the last 17 months or so, but I have had several major changes in my life and, unfortunately, I couldn't find the time or opportunity really to get back to it...until now! I hope that I will be able to be a lot more regular with my reviews these days, especially while the world is still in lockdown.

So, to restart my blog, we have a return of some very old friends...

Bryant & May - Oranges and Lemons

One Sunday morning, the outspoken Speaker of the House of Commons steps out of his front door only to be crushed under a mountain of citrus fruit. Bizarre accident or something more sinister? The government needs to know because here's a man whose knowledge of parliament’s biggest secret could put the future of the government at stake?

It should be the perfect case for Bryant & May and the Peculiar Crimes Unit, but unfortunately one detective is in hospital, the other is missing and the staff have all been dismissed. It seems the PCU is no more. But events escalate: a series of brutal crimes seemingly linked to an old English folk-song threatens the very foundation of London society and suddenly the PCU is offered a reprieve and are back in (temporary) business!

And if the two elderly detectives, ‘old men in a woke world’, do manage to set aside their differences and discover why some of London’s most influential figures are under life-threatening attack, they might not just save the unit but also prevent the entire city from descending into chaos . . .(blurb from the book!)

This was a typical Bryant & May book. Firstly, they are recovering from the events in the previous book in the series, when May had been shot and Bryant seemed to lose trust in him. However, events brought back the whole PCU which had been closed down by the Home Office. The plot was quite easy to follow, as with all of this series, but it was clear to me that the main suspect probably wasn't the killer from the very beginning. Fowler lead me on a merry chase across London to it's churches featured in the Oranges and Lemons nursery rhyme and they atmosphere of each area was distinctly different, yet still true to real life.

The two new characters introduced were mysterious and clearly both had something to surprise. Both of their surprises were unexpected, however, and that made for an extra puzzle throughout the book.

Over all, this book is excellent. I would have liked more suspects to be involved, but that didn't distract me from an enjoyable read.

Star rating: 4.5/5

This book will be published on 23rd July 2020

A Graphic Double

Many thanks go to NetGalley and to the publishers, NBM Publishing and BOOM! Studios, for allowing me to read advance readers copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews.

I decided to end my this year's blog with two graphic books, one a graphic novel about a new drug, the other a biography about one of the 20th Century's best Sci-Fi writers.

Philip K. Dick by Laurent Queyssi and Mauro Marchesi

Philip K. Dick, one of the greatest Sci-Fi writers of the last hundred years, is one of those writers that I come back to from time to time. Many of his stories and novels were later made into movies, for example Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep (filmed as Blade Runner) and Minority Report. I knew little of his real life, except that some of his stories were semi-biographical in nature.

This comic biography, artistically, is quite typical of modern comics. The lines are clear, the colour is there, and they tell the story in actions not words. However, I would have preferred more detail about how and why he wrote the books he did. It is a very quick telling of his life from a baby to his death, and that makes it lack a little something. On the other hand, the vividness of the hallucinations, given through the art work, is quite special.

Star rating: 3/5

This book will be available from 15th January 2019

Bone Parish Vol. 1 by Cullen Bunn

The premise behind this graphic novel is simple. A family has created a new drug called Ash, made from the ashes of the dead. They cause you to hallucinate that you are that person, seeing what they saw. However, the business is very successful and has attracted the attention of several large drug cartels who want to buy the business, whatever the cost.

The kind of story that I think PKD would have loved to write in his darkest of moods, this was perhaps not quite my cup of tea. The idea was excellent, and the artwork was really good, however I found the actual story to be a bit flat, maybe a little boring. I'm sure, however, that many people would enjoy it more than I did, but I wouldn't rush out to buy it. Maybe I will look at part two in the future, just to see what happened next, but I'm unsure.

Star rating: 2.5/5

You have to wait until 7th May 2019 for this one!

The Sect Of Angels

Many thanks go to Net Galley and to the publisher, Europa Editions, for allowing me to read an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Andrea Camilleri is one of those writers I can't stay away from too long. I'm always looking for his next Inspector Montalbano books, and have read one of two of his others. I had no idea that The Sect Of Angels was coming out, so the second I saw it on NetGalley, I requested it, thinking that I wouldn't have a chance of getting it. Later that day, I had a nice early Christmas surprise in my email, thanks to the good people at Europa Editions.

When lawyer Matteo Teresi discovers that several young, unmarried, underage girls are all two months pregnant, he sets out to find out who the fathers are. During his investigations, he finds out that there is something sinister going on at several of the local churches. Based on a true story and set in 1901, Camilleri describes the story with humour, pace and quality. The plot is fantastic, and very fitting with today's society as well. The main characters are very vivid and believable, and the rest of the cast, although large in number, are not just background artists.

I have no negative things to say about this book. I loved it from start to finish. I will admit to getting quite angry at the end of the story, but I don't want to spoil the book for you! Enjoy it!

Star rating: 5/5

Unfortunately, you have to wait until March 12th 2019 for this book!

This is my final review before Christmas. I hope you enjoyed it!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Matthew

Queen: Album by Album by Martin Popoff

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Quarto Publishing Group - Voyageur Press, for allowing me to read an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a fan of Queen for many years now, buying my first album when I was at university at the age of 19, up to the present. Queen: Album by Album is very much a book for fans, as it dissects each album in order with the help of industry experts and big names, such as Sir Paul McCartney. But if you like this band, you'll find this to be a fascinating read.

It is difficult to review a book of what are basically album reviews, but I think it has been put together well, in the format of interviews, lead strongly by Martin Popoff. The opinions differ greatly, but for the most part love the early stuff and kind of dislike the mid 80s albums. Also, across th page are some amazing photographs, album covers and single covers from around the world, as well as several memorabilia items that were always a good edition.

I enjoyed the experience of reading this book, and it made me start re-listening to the albums when possible. By the end of Made In Heaven, I was a bit of a wreck emotionally, but that, in my opinion, was the joy of that album experience.

Star rating 5/5

This book is available to buy now

The Librarians and the Pot of Gold by Greg Cox

Many thanks go to NetGalley and to the publisher, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, for allowing me to read an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A few years back, I watched three TV movies all about The Librarian, a swashbuckling treasure seeker somewhere between Indiana Jones and George of the Jungle. He was a clumsy, funny, and yet strangely engaging character who wanted to rescue relics and return them to The Library. I enjoyed all of them and was disappointed at there only being the three. I later discovered a series that was made following three new Librarians, which kept the same charm of the books but added new dimensions to character as everyone was different. Again, this was an excellent series. This book, The Librarians and the Pot of Gold, is based on the TV series, and is the third such book to be published.

The basic premise is the the Serpent Brotherhood are back and this time they are seeking for the mythical Pot of Gold at the end of a rainbow, the Leprechauns pot that has unlimited gold. After a series of Irish-related mysteries come knocking at the Library annex in Portland, Oregon, it's up to the Librarians to put the pieces of the mysteries together and, of course, to stop the Brotherhood getting the pot first.

I could rally picture the characters from the series in the book. They way of speech and their mannerisms were perfectly clear to me which is very important in a book based on a TV show...imagine reading a Star Trek book where Spock has emotions, and you'll understand the importance! The plot is lively, there is humour in the conversations and the writing style makes for a fast paced book which is sure to hold the attention of most readers.

On the negative side, the plot is a little predictable in places, and would also not be a good place to start for new comers to the world of the Library. Once you've watched the TV movies and the series, you'll appreciate the charm this book has to offer a whole lot more.

Star rating: 4/5

This book is available now

The Book of Humans

Many thanks go to NetGalley and to the publisher, The Experiment, for kindly allowing me to read an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

All my life, I've had a love for animals and all the ingenious ways they have of surviving and fighting for the future. Yet, I've never had the opportunity to fully compare their behaviour to our own, and also to find out about us as a species. Well, The Book of Humans, by the British biologist Dr Adam Rutherford, was a great book for finding out more.

The book is divided into a few simple parts: Tools; Sex; and The Paragon of Animals. The first part compares our use of tools with those of differing species of animal. I knew about chimpanzees using tools to get termites or ants out of holes, but I didn't realise that some birds even use fire to help them hunt, and will start fires to do so! It was fascinating!

The second part was also interesting, especially when it talked about different aspects of sexuality in animals...for example bears performing fellatio, and the ever promiscuous bonobos! This is the chapter where Rutherford's humour most stood out for me.

The final part is more about the genetics and evolution of our species and, from that perspective helped to understand how we evolved art and speech, among our many attributes.

We our not as unique as you think, that's the overall message of this book, and I would return that this book, although itself not unique, is a very good popular science book. It is well written, easy to read and very engaging. Rutherford's humour shines brightly throughout, yet doesn't outshine the very nature of...well, nature!

Star rating: 5/5

This book will be published on 19th March 2019

Scoundrels

Many thanks go to NetGalley and to the publisher, Farrago, for allowing me to read these books in exchange for honest reviews.

This double review is all about Scoundrels, an exclusive gentlemen's club where even King George was the barman, and they follow the memoirs of two or the members, Major Victor Cornwall and Major St. John Trevelyan. Both books were sold to me as being funny and historically inaccurate fiction. What's not to love?

Scoundrels

Meet Major Cornwall and Major Trevelyan, two British ex-spies whose exploits are legendary...or are they? This book tells their history in their own words, and often they have very different memories of the same event. They exaggerate everything and argue all the time. Constantly trying to out-do each other, they tell the reader about their WWII, their pranks and about their sexual exploits. This is definitely a book for adults!

I really enjoyed this book. The humour is quite infantile at times, but also brilliantly clever, and pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle. The Major's differing views on events lead to some clearly embarrassing moments, and it all worked well together. The characters are believable in a Bertie Wooster kind of way, if he were a lecherous spy without Jeeves to help him. I'm not saying this is on a par with Wodehouse, because it's not, but I can see a very tenuous connection between the characters.

On the downside, perhaps the unpredictable nature of the book makes it almost too predictable. The writing itself isn't the most amazing, but I still really, really enjoyed this read.

Star rating: 4/5

 

This book is out now

Scoundrels: The Hunt For Hansclapp

Following straight on from the events in the first volume, the Majors find that their nemesis, Hansclapp, is at large and is after a very slow, very serious revenge. With the help of Anais, Trevelyan's newly adopted daughter, and Titan, Cornwall's son/gorilla, they travel all over the world in their quest to bring him to justice...but their club has a rat, and they constantly find themselves one step behind.

I'm actually in two minds about this second volume. Overall, I think it is much better than the first, with better plotting and new, believable characters. However, it seems that the Majors writing became too focused on something they would lose, and on their problems, rather on the mission and the pranks. For me, this distracted me from the pleasure the story generally brought to me.

That said, this is still an excellent read, and well worth a go. I can't wait for part three!

Star Rating: 4/5

This book is out now

A Graphic Double

Many thanks go to NetGalley and the publishers, Diamond Book Distributors and Udon Entertainment, for allowing me to read advance readers copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews.

This double bill is focused on a graphic novel about a world famous fictional spy, and a manga version of one of the most famous plays Shakespeare wrote. We're talking James Bond and Macbeth,,,a very unusual combination, I must admit!

James Bond The Body

This is really a collection of short stories that eventually interweave into one, all focusing on different body parts that are either injured or used metaphorically. It follows 007 through several different dangerous missions, stopping assassins, being chased down and attacked, and generally saving the world on a daily basis.

Artistically, I found it refreshing. The drawings are sharp and you can tell easily who is who, a problem I've had with some graphic novels in the past. It is very clear what is happening and the stories are very easy to follow. The action is typically fast paced, as with all James Bond stories.

However, I expected something with more pizzazz, more strength to the story. It seemed to be purely about the action with very little build up time. I understand that it is always a problem with short stories of any kind, but I think it was too rushed in places. Otherwise, no complaints!

Star rating: 3.5/5

This book is available now

Macbeth

Do I need to describe to you what happens in Macbeth? Ok, here goes! After being given a prediction by three witches that he would be king, Macbeth and his wife decide to kill the king so the prediction should become real. However not everyone believes their version of events and, plagued by the past, the couple slowly slip towards madness and destruction.

I really found this to be a great way to get into the story. I read the play in school when I was a ot younger and the lines follow exactly. The most important thing, for me, was being able to see the story unfolding, not just trying to decipher what Shakespeare wanted his actors to do. In my opinion, his plays are meant to be seen and not just read, and this is one of the formats that a lot of people who don't like going to the theatre will be able to enjoy the story more.

On a negative, well, maybe the sheer number of different characters got confusing in the manga format for me, with similar faces etc, but it is a personal thing, not a real criticism of the book as a whole.

Star rating: 4/5

This book is also available now

A Murder Mystery Medley

Many thanks go to NetGalley and to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for letting me read advance readers' copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews.

It's time for another dose of murder most foul and diligent detectives as we once again dive into the British Library Crime Classics collection. This time, they are three rather different books...

The Arsenal Stadium Mystery by Leonard Gribble.

When an amateur football player collapses and dies during a match against Arsenal, it's up to Inspector Slade, who has his work cut out, to try to find the murderer among the players and coaching staff of the amateur team, The Trojans.

I liked this book, even though it was nothing special. The writing is really engaging, especially when describing the match at the beginning. The suspects are a typically mixed bunch but are quite believable. Several of them were real people at and around Arsenal FC in the late 1930s, when the book was written.

However, I found the resolution to be a little too forced for my liking. It seemed to come out of the blue, as it were, and let the rest of the book down.

Star rating:3.5/5

This book will be released on 4th December 2018

The Division Bell Mystery by Ellen Wilkinson

When an American financier is found dead with his gun at his side, suicide is the first thought of everyone, including Robert West, parliamentary private secretary. But when the American's granddaughter claims it wasn't murder, West sets out to try to get to the truth, before it spells doom for the government.

This was a really good read. The details of the workings in the Houses of Parliament are really interesting, especially as the writer was an MP herself. The plot is fast paced, the characters believable and the style of writing is easy to read while keeping the reader engaged.

On the negative side, although the reveal was simply brilliant, what came after did let the book down a bit. It seemed too cheap a way to end.

Star rating: 4/5

This book will be available from 4th December 2018

The Belting Inheritance by Julian Symons

Lady Wainwright's health is failing. Her two surviving sons and her great nephew are slightly at odds over the inheritance that could be coming their way. But then a letter arrived, claiming to be from David, one of Lady Wainwright's sons, believed dead in the second world war. Nobody, except Lady Wainwright herself, believes him so it is up to the family to discover the truth about the mysterious stranger when he turns up at their home.

So, obviously this was not a murder mystery, but was a truly enjoyable read nonetheless. The plot was clever, apparently based on a real life Victorian case from many years previously. The solution is brilliant and the characters were very much alive.

Any negatives? Maybe simply the later style made it read a bit strangely this time. It didn't do quite enough to get 5 stars, but was still well worth a read and I would recommend it maybe as an entry point for people new to the genre.

Star rating: 4/5

This book will be released on 8th January 2019