Kindle Audiobook: The Fallen Angel, Andy Maslen

So enjoying this series. In this one a guy is found crucified in a church.

4/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Country House Murders, Friday Turner

 A sweet, cosy murder mystery set during the Second World War.

I enjoyed the setting and the mystery, although there were a couple of things that didn't quite work for me.

One detail I struggled with was Freddie visiting Polly in her bedroom while they were staying at someone else's stately home, even sitting in there eating with her. They were "engaged", but still unmarried, and it just felt surprisingly relaxed for the period. Perhaps I'm being overly conservative on behalf of 1940s Britain, but it kept pulling me out of the story!

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator was good overall. At times, though, the slightly sing-song delivery, particularly when a character was uncertain or questioning something, started to grate on me.

Still, a sweet and enjoyable cosy mystery.

3/5 ⭐⭐⭐

Libby Audiobook: The Dalai Lama's Cat, and the Art of Purring, David Michie

Looking at the reviews, I am definitely in the minority with this one.

The content was sweet, and I understood and appreciated what the book was trying to do, but I just didn't particularly enjoy it.

My biggest issue was actually with the audiobook. The story is told from the perspective of a female cat, so I found the decision to have a man narrate it rather odd. At first I assumed perhaps the author was narrating it himself, which would have made more sense to me, but that wasn't the case.

The narrator was good, so this isn't a criticism of his performance. Because the story is told in the first person by a female cat, I found myself wishing the audiobook had used a female narrator. For me, it would simply have suited the character better.

Towards the end, I also started getting confused by all the different names and found myself becoming more irritated than engaged.

Clearly this book has connected with a lot of readers, but unfortunately it just wasn't quite for me.

3/5 ⭐⭐⭐

 

Kindle Audiobook: Until She Dies, Kendra Elliot

Thir

d in the Noelle Marshall series. It's ok. The one where Emma, is kidnapped by the same guy that kidnapped her mom. 

Kindle: Nesting, Roisin O'Donnell

 

I think this might be my favourite book of the year so far.

I genuinely couldn't put it down.

The beginning caused me a huge amount of angst as Ciara tried to navigate leaving her emotionally abusive husband. I was rooting for her throughout and became increasingly frustrated with Ryan and his manipulation and control.

The characters felt incredibly real, and I was completely invested in what happened to Ciara and her children. It's beautifully written, compelling and, at times, deeply uncomfortable.

There were also some wonderful observations about family, love and ageing. This one, when Ciara is describing her mother, particularly stayed with me:

"Is this the final act of love, refusing to see someone ageing?" 

Absolutely loved it.

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Libby Audiobook: A Home on Voster Street, Razina Theba

 

I don't usually enjoy short stories, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this memoir, but I really enjoyed it.

The short vignettes give you wonderful glimpses into different moments in the author's life. Some are genuinely funny, while others are incredibly sad and moving.

I also really enjoyed the insight into a culture and upbringing different from my own. Through the stories about family, traditions and everyday life, you get a very personal glimpse into the author's Indian-Muslim heritage and the world she grew up in.

Together, the stories build a lovely, heartfelt picture of a life, a family and a particular time and place.

A thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Libby: The Wilderness Between Us, Penny Haw

I so enjoyed this book.

The character development was wonderful. I became completely invested in the characters and their lives, and loved watching them develop as the story unfolded.

It was beautifully written, absorbing and one of those books I genuinely struggled to put down. I kept wanting to read just one more chapter.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐