I'm trying to read more this year and
spend less time on the time thief that is social networking. (What do
you mean, good luck wi' that?)
Anywho, here's wot I read in January.
Black Feathers by Joseph D'Lacey
– first in a fantasy/ horror series. A cracking read. And the good
news is that I don't have long to wait until book 2 is available. Book of the Crowman is out on the 7th March. Yes!
Water Music by Maggie Orford –
another excellent crime writer from South Africa. She was on my radar
after her appearance at Harrogate Crime Fiction Festival a couple of
years back. Absorbing and well written. Released 27 Feb.
A Mad and Wonderful Thing by Mark
Mulholland - a debut novel from the clever Aussie publisher,
Scribe. In turns elegaic and disturbing. Pulls of that trick of
making you sympathise with a character who does some truly awful
things. Has a genuine OMG moment. Out in April. One to watch.
The Shining by Stephen King –
for some reason I haven't ever read this. Needed to be rectified
after reading Doctor Sleep in December. Genuinely chilling. He is the
master. 'Nuff said.
Mongol by Uuganaa Ramsay – if
you don't shed a tear while reading this you need to see a heart
surgeon like pronto. Ask for a scan just to make sure you don't have
a breeze block in there instead of a heart. Provides a fascinating
glimpse into an alien culture, pays tribute to a dead infant and
kicks off a campaign about the use of the word “mongol”. No
wonder Uuganaa was previously voted Mongolian Woman of the Year.
The First Rule of Ten by Gay
Hendricks & Tinker Lindsay – A former buddhist monk/ ex-cop
becomes a P.I. in L.A. As unlikely as it sounds, it works. Thanks to
a light touch on the Buddhist stuff and sharp dialogue and plotting.
Great stuff!
The Fault on our Stars by John Green
– teens and cancer don't make a comfortable reading and could
easily turn out to be mawkish. But not for a writer as talented as
this guy. You will laugh and you will cry.
I'm sure there's something among that lot to interest you?
Laters.
