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.
I've never read The Shining although I've seen both films.
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