Nothinghappeninghere

 23: A perfect red: empire, espionage and the quest for the colour of desire Amy Butler Greenfield 

A fascinating subject matter, but very badly let down by cost-cutting in the paperback edition - the photograph section was printed in black and white, and on normal paper, not glossy, which rendered most of the pictures as blurry blobs. What made it worse is the use of colour in the pictures is referred to in the text - and of course you can't get any of that benefit. This is a real shame, as cochineal has had quite an impact on world history. 

24: The book of lost things John Connolly 

This was May's read for the book group - and a re-read for me (rare with book club books). If anything I loved it more on this second reading. But then again, dark mashed up fairy stories are very much my thing, especially with the touches of humour. I also love the comprehensive end matter in this edition. It wasn't universally liked though, which did lead to a good discussion (although I am more convinced than ever that when it comes to fantasy, my book group are a bunch of philistines)

25: The Canterbury Tales by Night Omnibus Paul Doherty 

Three books in one (which explains the low numbers this month) - one of which I had read before, but so long ago I couldn't actually remember that much about it. I did enjoy all three mysteries, and I very much like the connections he is drawing between the pilgrims. My main complaint is that, because these are quite old, there are some historical myths in there that jar a little. 

17: High Rise J.G. Ballard [Kindle]

This was April's choice for the book group. The premise of the plot was really interesting, but sadly the writing let it down. Not only was it appallingly sexist, but there were gaping holes in the decisions the people in the high rise made. Good discussion though.

18: The Vanishing Witch Karen Maitland

Good story and twists, loved the little snippets of folklore at the start of each chapter. Very well written characters, who even if you didn't exactly like, you were interested in.

19: Mornings in Jenin Susan Abulwaha

Heartbreaking. Devastating. But so good. So well written. Not one to read in public though, as I cried on the bus, the train, at the bus stop. But so worth having read. 

Slightly delayed because of holiday - and I didn't do as much reading on holiday as I sometimes do, due to late night flights, and late nights out1

8: The Secret River Kate Grenville

Although this has been on my to-read list for a while, I struggled with it a bit. Possibly due to my tiredness, as it was a good story, with well written characters that held your interest.

9: The Monogram Murders Sophie Hannah

First new Poirot story that the family have authorised. Was lucky enough to attend a talk by her at work, which was excellent - she is very funny.

It took me a while to get into the story, but once I got going I really enjoyed it. Brilliant new sidekick, good characters and plot twist. She has got Poirot down pat :)

10: Dead Beat Val McDermid [Kindle]

One of her early novels, and I picked this up because it was partly set in Leeds and Bradford (and cheap on Kindle). I enjoyed it, it was a good murder, with a great plot, and characters I liked. Would read more in the series.