Kindle Audiobook: The Family at Number 1, Caroline Mitchell

 

As always, a fan of Caroline Mitchell with loads of twists!

Laura, an estate agent gets an interesting listing to sell. It's a house where Bruce had killed his wife and daughter...

4/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Rebel Son, Andy Maslen

 

It’s not exactly a literary masterpiece, but I do enjoy this series. In this one, Kat’s husband and son are caught in a bomb blast at a concert. She’s also saddled with an over-eager mentee, Abbey, while Tom is drinking on the job. A journalist is murdered with a Scorpion, and there are Middle Eastern connections that add intrigue. At least this time, Kat isn’t engaged in something questionable that needs to be covered up.

4/5

Libby Audiobook: Commando, A Boer Journal of the Ango-Boer War, Deneys Reitz

 

This was a fascinating listen. As someone whose great-grandmother was in a concentration camp during the Anglo-Boer War, I have always been intrigued by this part of history, and this account gave an unusually close view into the life of a young Boer soldier.

While riding the Gautrain recently, I sat next to three boys Libby Audiobook: Commando, A Boer Journal of the Ango-Boer War, Deneys Reitz who could not have been older than 17 or 18. I could not help but think that those were the same ages as many who went off to fight in the war, both Boer and English. So young, so eager for the idea of war, yet so unaware of what it would really mean.

I would have preferred to listen to it in Afrikaans for a more authentic experience, but John Maytham’s narration was clear and well-paced.

One drawback was the lengthy foreword or preface, which unfortunately reveals most of the story before it even begins.

The early parts of the book portray what almost felt like a gentleman’s war, where there was an understanding that wounded Boers would be cared for by the English. That tone shifts drastically once Kitchener becomes involved, with the scorched earth policy and the destruction of farms and homes.

Overall, it was a deeply interesting account. I am now particularly curious to learn more about Deneys Reitz’s later time in Madagascar.

4/5

News24 Audiobook:The Shadow State: Why Babita Deokaran Had to Die, Jeff Wicks

 

 Sob our beloved country. Incredibly sad. The corruption. The assassination of a whistleblower.

4/5

Libby Audiobook: Permission to Screw Up, Kristen Hadeed

 

A good reminder about working on the business not in the business. The importance of processes and fostering relationships with your team.

4/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth 3/5

 

This book was meh. I wanted to give up on it fairly soon but, according to Goodreads reviews it is got really high ratings. It was lost on me.

Victoria, recently divorced, accompanies Mariah, a former Olympic skier recovering from a severe injury and trauma, on a trip to London, Paris, Morocco and Infia to research a book on cafés that Mariah's mom was working on. Henry, a photographer, joins them along the way. It had all the makings of an intriguing story, yet it felt rather insipid and unfocused.

I also struggled to connect with Victoria. Her questionable choices and affairs (including with two married men) made her difficult to root for. On top of that, the author seemed to try weaving in too many threads and themes, which never fully came together.

It also irritated me that she used the term 'noob' in 1995, the term only stated being used in the 2000s.

Expected more.

3/5

Libby Audiobook: André Du Ruyter, Truth to Power

 

Just shocking, pun intended. While the corruption and sabotage laid bare were deeply unsettling, prompting more than a few audible gasps, the book was so well written that it kept me enthralled from start to finish. What stood out most was de Ruyter’s sense of humour woven through the narrative, which helped balance the weight of the subject matter. I genuinely enjoyed the read, even if parts of it left me reeling at the state of affairs.

5/5

Libby Audbook: It.Goes.So.Fast, Mary Louise Kelly

 

It. Goes. So. Fast. by Mary Louise Kelly. Sweet. It's a deeply personal memoir in which the journalist documents her son’s final year of high school. What begins as a chronicle of juggling school runs, college applications, and the bittersweet milestones of parenting soon expands into a meditation on time itself, and how fleeting it feels.

Kelly balances her identity as a war-time journalist with her role as a working mother. The book feels intimate, almost therapeutic, as she also weaves in the grief of losing her father. 

 

I like that she narrates the book.

3.8/5

Libby Audiobook: Britany Spears, The Woman in Me

 

I have never really paid too much attention to Britney Spears, but listening to her memoir has been heart-wrenching. The level of abuse imposed by her family is shocking. She was given a mere $2,000 weekly allowance while her father paid himself millions, and instead of supporting her, her mother chose to write a book. Also, being sent to rehab for taking energy drinks seemed excessive.

What really struck me is the glaring unfairness of being a woman in the industry (in fact, in any industry). Men can get away with philandering and questionable behaviour, yet women are scrutinised and criticised for every detail of their lives and choices.

At times, the book felt a little thin in certain areas, leaving me wanting more depth. Yet it was still very powerful and moving to gain an inside look at her life, her struggles, and her resilience. 

3.8/5

Libby Audiobook: My African Conquest, Julia Albu

 

I really wanted to love this book, as I enjoy stories about African adventures. Unfortunately, it did not quite capture me in the way I had hoped. That said, I have huge admiration for Julia Albu. At the age of 80, she drove solo from Cape Town to Cairo in a Toyota Conquest, which is an incredible feat of determination and courage.

Quite interesting that she also worked for Adele Lucas! That's where I cut my PR teeth. 

Rating: 3.8/5

Libby Audiobook: Dolly Parton Storyteller

Oh this was such a sweet audiobook. Narrated by Dolly Parton interspersed with snippets of her songs. Quite different to other bios and audiobooks. Really like her and her sense of humour.

She also does not have children, and her godchild is Miley Cyrus.

5/5

Kindle Audiobook: In the Deep by Loreth Anne White

In the Deep by Loreth Anne White is a gripping psychological thriller set along the wild Australian coast, where a woman’s seemingly perfect new life begins to unravel after her husband’s brutal murder. 

Secrets, lies, and betrayals emerge as investigators dig deeper, showing that what you think is happening is not what it really is.

The tension is superbly crafted, though I did not enjoy the narration style, as every last word was drawn out, which became distracting. Still, the story itself is so good, layered with twists that keep you questioning right until the end.

Rating: 4.5/5

 

Libby: The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins

 

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Instead of getting tense about what other people are doing, the Let Them Theory reminded me to simply let them, and focus instead on myself and what I can do. It is such a refreshing mindset shift.

I especially appreciated the chapter about friends and the trap of comparing yourself with others. It was both grounding and liberating.

Key takeaways:

You cannot control other people’s choices, only your response to them.

Comparison steals joy. Your focus should be on your own growth and priorities. Although comparing can motivate you to do better.

Letting go of control is not weakness, it creates peace of mind and frees up energy for what truly matters.

Relationships improve when you stop managing other people’s behaviour and start managing your own perspective.

A simple concept, yet surprisingly powerful.

5/5

Libby Audiobook: Rise, Siya Kolisi

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am not a rugby fan, but I do enjoy starting my day with coffee and an inspirational leader.

Before reading, I knew very little about Siya and Rachel. The rugby match descriptions were not really my thing, yet there were moments where I found myself deeply moved, almost swept up in the elation and pride of those stadium victories.

What felt a little misaligned for me was that, early in the book, Siya emphasises his commitment to uplifting South Africa, yet later he moves to France. 

Still, any book that can elicit genuine emotion from me deserves top marks.

5/5

Kindle Audiobook: Snowflakes, Ruth Ware

 

I am not a fan of short stories, and this one did not change my mind. It was a little sad and, honestly, just meh. It didn’t blow my hair back.

3/5

Libby Audiobook: Making It So, Patrick Stewart

 

When I saw that this audiobook was almost 19 hours long, I thought, oh my goodness, how am I going to get through this? I am by no means a Star Trek fan, nor did I know much about Patrick Stewart beforehand, but I do love starting my mornings with a memoir. Over the past few mornings, it has been Sir Patrick Stewart keeping me company, and what a treat it has been.

The 19 hours flew by. What made it even more special is that he narrates it himself, which brings an intimacy and authenticity to the story that you would never get from print alone. His candour, humour, and honesty make the journey completely engaging.

Absolutely loved it. Really, really enjoyed it. 5/5.

Kindle: One Midnight With You, Shari Low

I liked that the book included a list of characters at the start, as there are quite a few to keep track of. At times I found the story a little long winded, but it was still an enjoyable read.

**SPOILERS*****

I did see two of the twists coming, that Minnie’s husband had passed and that Cormac would ask Ellie to marry him, but it did not take away from the charm.

A very sweet and cosy family drama overall. One Day With You is still my favourite from this author.

3.8/5

Libby Audiobook: A Fever in the Heartland, Timothy Egan

 

Eye-opening read! I always assumed the KKK targeted only black people, but this book shows how they were also fiercely anti-Jewish and anti-Catholic. The hypocrisy is staggering: preaching "purity" while indulging in drinking, affairs, and assault. Their push for a so-called “pure” or “great” America, building a wall to keep people out feels disturbingly familiar in today’s rhetoric. The narrative wandered a little at times, but overall, it was an incredibly interesting and thought-provoking book.

Rating: 4/5

Libby Audiobook: Dying of Politeness, Geena Davis

When I started listening and Geena Davis dropped the f-bomb twice in the first chapter, I was not sure whether to continue. I am glad I did. I realised that, too often, I also prioritise other people’s happiness and comfort over my own.

I also enjoyed that she narrates the book herself, it adds warmth and authenticity.

Rating: 4/5

 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab

 

I am not usually a fan of fantasy, but much like The Time Traveller’s Wife, this one drew me in. I decided to enjoy it for what it is rather than fight the genre. The premise is clever and at times beautifully executed. While the narrative occasionally felt repetitive, and I am generally not a fan of present tense writing, it did suit this story to some extent. A smart and memorable read.

Rating: 4/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Boy from Tiger Bay, Ceri Jackson

 

True crime ✅

Lots of research ✅

Important story to be shared✅

Everything should work. It just did not. The pieces never quite aligned and I found it meh, perhaps because there were too many names to keep track of.

Rating: 3/5.

Libby Audiobook: Crash and Burn, Glenn Orsmond

 So interesting to learn more about the low cost airlines, and especially the downfall of Comair.

Weak leadership being a key contributor.

Appreciate and respect Glenn Orsmond's transparency and for taking accountability for his part. 

4/5

Kindle: Angels in the Moonlight, Caimh McDonnell

 

Prequel & Bunny McGarry's back story.

I love his sense of humour. Just a lot of names to try and keep track of.

4/5

Libby Audiobook: Think Again, Adam Grant

 

This was ok. 

3/5

Libby Audiobook: The Art Thief, Michael Finkel

 

Review of The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

The Art Thief is a fascinating true story that reads like fiction, yet every detail is grounded in reality. Michael Finkel follows the extraordinary criminal career of Stéphane Breitwieser, a Frenchman who stole over 200 artworks from museums across Europe, often in broad daylight. What makes this account particularly compelling is the contradiction at its heart: despite amassing a collection worth millions, Breitwieser lived modestly, almost in poverty, driven not by profit but by obsession.

At his side was Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, his girlfriend and frequent accomplice, who helped him carry out thefts with astonishing boldness. Their partnership was both romantic and criminal, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that obsession clouded judgement on all sides.

After being caught and serving time, Breitwieser was offered a remarkable opportunity to work with museums to improve security. Inexplicably, he squandered this chance by returning to theft. Finkel explores the psychological complexity of a man whose love for art was as real as it was destructive.

Initially wasn't too sure about the book, but once I got into it, enjoyed it.

4/5

Kindle Audiobook: Three Mothers, Hannah Beckerman

 

I am fast becoming a super fan of Hannah Beckerman.

This one was a bit confusing in the beginning with who is who and all the names, but once sorted, very good!

3.8/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Forgetting, Hannah Beckerman

 

So good!

We meet Livvy living in Bristol and Anna in London. 

Livvy is married to a d**s they have a baby Leo.

Anna was in a car accident and has consucion and memory loss. She is married to doting Stephen. 

5/5

Libby Audiobook: Alas of the Heart, Brené Brown

 

Belonging and fitting in: Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be in order to be accepted. Belonging, on the other hand, doesn't require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.  

Brené Brown

4/5

Libby Audiobook: The Vacancy in Room 10 by Seraphina Nova Glass

 

Urgh. Eyeroll.

The Vacancy in Room 10 is told from the viewpoints of two very different women. Both ended up at The Sycamore apartment complex, the dead-end, run-down motel-turned-apartment complex on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico, because of tragic events in their life which they had no control.

2/5

Kindle Audiobook:The Sideways Life of Denny Voss By Holly Kennedy

 

Rating: 4/5

So sweet and tenderly told. At first, I thought it might echo The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time or The Rosie Project; however, this story quickly found its own charming voice.

We meet Denny, a young man with cognitive challenges due to complications at birth. Raised with love and fierce loyalty by his Nanna Jo, Denny navigates the world with innocence, honesty, and a gentle humour that stays with you. 

He gets  arrested for murder. What stands out most is the purity of Denny’s perspective. It is a quiet, moving read about love, and resilience.

Libby Audiobook:Another Life by Kristin Hannah

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.8/5)

This was my first  Hannah read, and I can see why she is so widely loved. Another Life offers a quietly powerful story about second chances, grief, and finding purpose when life takes an unexpected turn.

I had always thought Kristin Hannah only wrote historical fiction, so the contemporary setting was a surprise. It was not what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are rich, relatable, and written with care. You feel drawn into their world and invested in their healing.

A gentle, character-driven story that lingers quietly in your thoughts.

Synopsis:

Angie and her husband long to become parents, but after years of heartbreak and disappointment, their marriage begins to unravel. Following their divorce, Angie returns to her large, boisterous Italian family and helps out at the family restaurant while grappling with the grief of losing her father. At the same time, Lauren, a bright and ambitious teenager raised by an indifferent mother, is preparing for college and dreaming of a future with her boyfriend, David. When their lives intersect, a new kind of hope begins to emerge for both women.

Kindle: Child Missing, Lynn Miclea

 

I wanted to enjoy this, but unfortunately, Child Missing fell quite flat for me. The writing felt dry and bland. I’ve been spoiled with richly written mysteries full of twists and layered characters, this simply did not compare. The narrative was repetitive.

On the plus side, it was a quick read, so I do not feel I wasted too much time. I kept reading in the hope for a big twsist. Spoiler alert, the detectives suspected the teacher, and it was him.

Summary:

Detective Matt Holden investigates the mysterious disappearance of a young boy from a park. As the search intensifies, the case uncovers potential suspects and hidden secrets in the community. The story follows the detective’s step-by-step investigation, aiming to find the child before it is too late.

Meh.

2/5

Libby Audiobook: Edda Mussolini, Caroline Moorehead

 

Despite the title, this book is far more about Benito Mussolini than his daughter Edda. I was hoping for an in-depth look into Edda. Instead, what I got was a long, often dry political biography of Mussolini himself.

At the halfway mark, I was still waiting for Edda’s voice to come through. By 90%, I thought we might finally focus on her... but no. The narrative continued to orbit around Mussolini’s regime, with Edda remaining more of a shadowy side figure than the main subject.

I found the book long, labour-intensive, and misleadingly titled. If you are interested in Edda as a standalone historical figure, this one will disappoint.

2/5

Kindle Audiobook: Grave Water Lake by A.M. Strong and Sonya Sargent

 

Oegh, meh. This one had all the ingredients for a chilling page-turner: a frozen lake, an isolated cabin, and a nameless woman shivering in the deep of night. The premise is strong, initially really enjoyed it. Could have gone in so many ways.

But it started to irritate me more than anything.

Synopsis:

A woman awakens beside a remote, frozen lake with no memory of who she is or how she got there.

Bleary‑eyed and frightened, she stumbles to a nearby house where a man named Gregg offers shelter. As a brutal winter storm traps them together, she adopts the name “Anna” after the initial on her bracelet  . Strange noises, phantom footsteps, whispered voices and odd hints erode her sense of safety. Flashbacks to another woman, Adria, run parallel—hinting at hidden connections. As Anna pieces together her identity, she must decide if Gregg is protector or predator—and whether her regained memories are truth or threat.

(*Spolier* she's an author and confuses the book she is writing with real life because of a concussion.)

Kindle Audiobook: Follow Me: A Thriller, Elizabeth Rose Quinn

 

Follow Me: A Thriller by Elizabeth Rose Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3.8/5)

The story started off a bit slow, and I wasn’t sure if it would hold my attention. It picked up as it went along, and I found myself keen to hear how it would all unfold. The plot was fairly standard and didn’t quite blow my hair back, but the writing was strong. It was well crafted and easy to listen to. I didn’t love it, but I enjoyed it overall.

Libby: Counterfeit, Kristen Chen

 

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Counterfeit sets out to be a smart, stylish story about two women caught up in the world of fake designer handbags. What it becomes is a tale of manipulation, deceit, and getting away with it – and that did not sit well with me.

Ava, a quiet, seemingly respectable lawyer, is drawn back into the orbit of Winnie, an old college acquaintance with a commanding presence and a shady plan. Winnie steamrolls everyone in her path. Ava plays the victim, but she is just as complicit. The dynamic felt toxic. I don’t enjoy stories that glamourise crime or reward bad behaviour – and this one certainly did.

The writing was slick, and the world of counterfeit goods was interesting to explore. But I couldn’t get past the fact that there were no consequences. No redemption. Just two morally bankrupt characters dressed in designer lies.

Final thought: Stylishly written but ethically empty. If you are looking for something with substance and integrity, this one might leave you cold.

2.8/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Surfacing, Claire Ackroyd

 

★★★☆☆ 3/5

The Surfacing started with promise but quickly became slow and drawn out. It felt like it was trying too hard to be suspenseful, with only a few twists that didn’t land as powerfully as intended.

The present-tense writing style made it harder to get into, and overall the pacing lacked momentum. That said, the narrator did a good job and kept me listening even when the plot dragged.

Not terrible, but not memorable either.

Premise:

It’s been twelve years since teenager Peter Ferguson drowned in Loch Ness while Stephanie’s family were camping by the shore. Now, as her estranged sister Aurélie prepares to wed, Stephanie returns for the wedding—only to find old suspicions bubbling back up. As drink flows and long‑held secrets start to surface, the festive weekend becomes a tense battleground of guilt, silence, and the search for truth .

Libby Audiobook: Anxious For Nothing, Max Lucado

 

"Today, I will live today. Yesterday has passed, tomorrow is not yet. I am left with today, so, today I will live today. Relive yesterday? No. I will learn from it. I will seek mercy for it. I will take joy in it. But I won't live in it. The sun has set on yesterday. The sun is yet to rise on tomorrow. Worry about the future? To what gain? It deserves a glance, nothing more. I can't change tomorrow until tomorrow. Today, I will live today. I will face today's challenges with today's strength. I will dance today's waltz with today's music. I will celebrate today's opportunities with today's hope, today. May I laugh, listen, learn and love and tomorrow if it comes, may I do so again. A new day awaits you my friend, a new season in which you will worry less and trust more. A season with reduced fear and enhanced faith. Can you imagine a life in which you are anxious for nothing? God can, and with his help, you will experience it." Max Lucado

Kindle Audiobook: Hold Strong, Robert Dugoni, along with Jeff Langholz and Chris Crabtree

 

Wow. Just wow.

Although Hold Strong is presented as a novel, knowing it is based on true events makes it all the more compelling. It is one of those rare reads that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go.

The resilience, courage, and raw humanity captured in this story are extraordinary. Robert Dugoni, along with Jeff Langholz and Chris Crabtree, masterfully weaves a tale that is both heart-pounding and deeply moving.

An unforgettable tribute to endurance and the indomitable human spirit. 

5/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Aftermath, Gail Schimmel

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

I thoroughly enjoy Gail Schimmel’s writing and always love supporting a talented South African author. 

The narrators were good. Daniel was very grating. Julia too. (Which they were supposed to be!) I do feel a bit sorry for Julia, but she brought it on herself by getting involved with her best friend’s husband.

A sweet story with emotional depth.

4.5 stars from me.

Libby Audiobook:Magda: My Journey, Magda Wierzycka

 

Magda: My Journey is a bold, brilliant and deeply human story of one of South Africa’s most formidable business leaders.

I listened to the audiobook and felt as though Magda was speaking directly to me, sharing not just her rise from political refugee to powerhouse CEO, but also the raw, real moments that shaped her. She does not shy away from her vulnerabilities, which makes her resilience all the more powerful.

From fighting corruption to challenging the status quo in the financial services sector, Magda is a force. What struck me most was her unwavering sense of purpose and her refusal to look away, even when doing so would have been easier.

This is more than a business memoir. It is a masterclass in grit, integrity and the courage to lead with both head and heart.

Highly recommended for anyone navigating leadership, ethical entrepreneurship, or just needing a reminder of the power of standing up and speaking out.

5/5

Libby Audiobook: No Return, No Surrender, Oscar Chalupsky

 

🌊 Book Review: No Retreat, No Surrender by Oscar Chalupsky with Graham Spence

★★★ ★☆

What an inspiring story. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Oscar Chalupsky, a man who refuses to let obstacles stand in his way. He meets challenges head-on and uses them as stepping stones to become even better.

I listened to the audiobook, and a great feature is the “Lessons Learnt” Q&A with Oscar at the end of each chapter. It adds depth and makes the experience feel personal and engaging.

What I did not enjoy as much were the sound effects. While they were clearly intended to set the scene, the waves and background music sometimes overpowered the narrator and became distracting.

Still, an excellent and motivational listen. Highly recommended for anyone needing a reminder of the power of perseverance.

4.8/5

Libby Audiobook: Across Borders, Ton Vosloo

 

Across Borders – Ton Vosloo (Libby Audiobook)

★★★☆☆

In a word: deurmekaar.

While Ton Vosloo’s life is undoubtedly rich with fascinating experiences, the structure of Across Borders left much to be desired. The timeline jumps were jarring—jumping from the 1960s to the 1990s and then back to the 1970s—making it difficult to follow the narrative thread. I usually enjoy memoirs, especially when they unfold in chronological order, offering a sense of journey. This one felt more like flipping through a scattered photo album than reading a story. Interesting at times, but ultimately disappointing.

3/5

Kindle: The Day That Never Comes, Caimh McDonnell 3

 

★★★☆☆ 3.8/5

Second in the Dublin Trilogy, The Day That Never Comes brings another brilliant blend of chaos, crime, and Caimh McDonnell’s razor-sharp humour. I am such a fan — his writing never fails to entertain, and this instalment had me grinning more than once.

The story dives straight into Dublin’s murky depths with protests, corruption, and colourful characters galore. Bunny and Paul are back, and the banter is as brilliant as ever.

My only (minor) challenge? The sheer number of character names. But to be fair, this was my bedtime read… so nodding off mid-chapter may have left me a bit plot-lost now and then!

If you enjoy crime fiction with wit, warmth, and a wicked sense of humour — you’ll be right at home here.

Kindle Audiobook: The Patient's Secret, Loreth Anne White

 

★★★☆☆

I usually enjoy Loreth Anne White’s writing, she’s vert good at crafting gripping who-dunnits with unexpected twists and layered characters. The Patient’s Secret has all the ingredients: a mysterious death, an idyllic coastal setting with dark undercurrents, and a network of secrets waiting to unravel.

The story follows Lily Bradley, a respected therapist in a small town, whose carefully controlled life starts to fall apart when a woman is found dead at the base of a cliff. As the investigation unfolds, Lily’s connection to the victim and the secrets she’s buried start to come dangerously close to the surface.

It’s a well-written slow burn, but I didn’t enjoy this one as much as some of the author’s other titles. The pacing felt a bit off at times, and while the twists were there, they didn’t quite land with the same impact.

Still, if you like psychological suspense with a few red herrings and a moody atmosphere, it’s worth a listen.

Libby Audiobook: The Gift of Imperfection, Brené Brown

 

I am a big Brené Brown fan.

Beautiful quote on authenticity.

4.5/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Birthday Party, Shalini Boland

 

The Birthday Party by Shalini Boland

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

I am a fan of Shalini Boland’s work—her thrillers usually deliver those lovely, juicy twists that keep me hooked. The Birthday Party had all the right ingredients, but this one stretched credibility a bit too far for me.

(Spoilers ahead!) Jo, the Mom of Elle that disappears' decision not to tell the police about Mateo felt inexplicable, and the DNA test twist just did not hold water. These plot holes made it harder to stay fully invested.

That said, I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator did a great job—engaging, well-paced, and added to the overall atmosphere.

A twisty tale with potential, but not quite as satisfying as her other books.

Libby Audiobook: Caster Semenya, The Race to be Myself

 

Beautiful. Great insight given.

5/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Lying Man, Andy Maslen

 

Book Review: The Lying Man by Andy Maslen

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

I can’t believe I’m already on the fourth instalment — these books feel like catching up with old friends. The Lying Man is not a literary masterpiece, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable. Fast-paced, entertaining, and filled with familiar faces, it’s the kind of read that keeps you turning the pages without overthinking it. A solid 3-star read if you’re after something sharp, snappy and satisfying.

Libby Audiobook: For My Country, Themba Maseko

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down.

What stood out most for me was the theme of integrity, and the reminder of why governance structures exist in the first place. State capture, as Maseko so clearly shows, takes root when people are driven by greed and disregard the rules.

He shares his journey with honesty and depth — from his early years as an activist, through the hopeful days of our new democracy, and into the harsh reality of state capture. I’m deeply grateful to him for having the courage to be the first whistleblower. It could not have been easy, especially being ostracised by former friends and social circles. His entire family felt the impact.

The book is sensitively written and genuinely moved me. It reminded me that there are still people who have fought — and continue to fight — for the soul of our beautiful country.

That said, I am still left wondering: how is it that the Guptas have not been brought to book?