Nicki's book blog

  Hakuna Matata by Stewart Giles-Crime   A new series from Stewart and one that already looks like it is going to roll.  We have a Norwegian DC Jan Norge and a no nonsense DS in the form of Hilda Baker (those of a certain age may remember the name). A family are on holiday in Zanzibar however the father is very distracted by goings on in his company. The daughter has a relationship that her parents may not totally approve of and the mother is doing her best to hold it all together but has secrets of her own. When a body is found in a burnt out car, the duo have the start of an investigation. When things begin to link to the family who went to Zanzibar it’s rather more complex. Who has done this and why? Oh wow! Another one of Stewart’s books I raced through. There’s a great mix of plot and characters, in fact the plot is multi-dimensional (but easy to follow) and makes for a thrilling read. I may be cautious of going to Zanzibar any time soon! A read I didn’t want to put...

  Six Little Words by Sally Page -women’s fiction Six little words- the first ones from the Bard himself- Shakespeare- “ To be or not to be”, those immortal lines we all know. Pinned on a notice board in a café. Each day there is a new one. Inspirational in a way and most definitely thought provoking. Kate has had a rough ride in recent times and is coming to terms with her life. She was a successful artist- a secret she keeps close. She develops friendships and finds a community wanting to explore their creative selves, but without the confidence to develop it. Together they can take the first steps perhaps. This is a tender piece of writing, let me explain. Each of the characters, just like real life, has their own issues in one way or another. They are from a range of backgrounds and ages and for  now the common thread is being creative. Through getting to know one another slowly they find they have more in common then they ever thought. A book about courage and living for...

  The House of Mystery by Joy Ellis- Crime A young boy is missing and DCI Bob Foreman and his team have little to go on other than he was seen with another boy with a limp- someone they have yet failed to find. The Surrey healing centre deals with the unusual. Each of the staff members has a special gift. Some can see aura’s, others even the dead occasionally, some have synaesthesia and all have found they know there is something brewing- something they have experience of. A boy of five is brought to them who is drawing like an aircraft engineer and speaks as if he has flown the ones in his pictures. Another wants to write a book but due to his age can't get the words down. When he dictates to them it is as if he is a mature adult. What is going on and why? This follows on from Joy’s two other novels with the same characters, A Colour of Mystery and An Aura of Mystery. It would probably stand alone, however I more than thoroughly enjoyed the other two so why miss out? It is a crim...

  The Spider by Stewart Giles- Crime The Spider- a parkour athlete like no other, flitting in and out and murdering quickly and quietly. Murdering those who are victims- hard done to by their partners. Jason Smith has little to go on other than that the man has been seen climbing like his arachnoid namesake. What is he achieving and why? Wow! Yet another brilliant concept from Stewart that kept me in its web (!) right the way through. Its tense, its spellbinding and tantalising. There is a domestic thread to Smith which gives a nice contrast from his work life with drama of its own. I love Stewart's characters- they are ones you can't help but like, and Smith is one that says it as it is, no messing! A fabulous, clever, brilliant, more than highly entertaining read.  __________________ THE SPIDER (Detective Jason Smith #36) by Stewart Giles From bestselling author: Stewart Giles comes another brilliant addition to the Detective Jason Smith series. If you're in his web, you...

  Golden Girls On The Run by Judy Leigh- women’s fiction Sadie and Bronagh have entered a charity bake off at the local pub, but when things take a turn for the worse they end up on the run. They first go to Dublin having taken a grandson’s Ferrari and then decide to go and see a relative in Devon- one who is almost famous for bake off’s. What transpires is an adventure for two octogenarians with a zest for life. This is a wonderful uplifting read, one of sheer escapism that brings a smile throughout. The ladies balance each other well and being sisters know each other inside out. A cheerful plot with lots going on around baking, animals and life, all with a sense of humour. Another fabulous read from Judy I most thoroughly enjoyed.  ----------------- Golden Girls on the Run Age is just a number. Trouble is a lifestyle. When octogenarian sisters-in-law Sadie and Bronagh find themselves at the centre of a scandalous (and slightly explosive) bake-off fiasco, there’s only one thi...