Books of the year 2023

 These are my top reads of the year. Those that have had that extra special something. They are in the order that I read them with my top book of the year. Links to the full review is under the title of each one. A huge thank you to all the authors for such brilliant reads that take my head away to a happy place. 

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1. Maybe Its About Time by Neil Boss 

 Nicki's book blog: Maybe Its About Time (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

  A very well thought out, cleverly crafted plot makes this very appealing and I found myself smiling just thinking about it. A stunning debut novel I can't recommend enough

2. The Viaduct By Stewart Giles

Nicki's book blog: The Viaduct (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

A book I just have to give my special 5**- those that blow me away and have that something extra. Wow doesn't cover this. I'm stunned. 

3. Death Warning by Andrew Barrett 

Nicki's book blog: Death Warning (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

A stunningly brilliant piece of writing, a cracking plot and Eddie. What more could a girl want?

4. A Good Mother by Patricia Dixon

 Nicki's book blog: A Good Mother (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

 A stunningly written and (and for some) evocative piece to perhaps make the reader stop and think of their own journey through life. Has it been your journey or that dictated by others so far? One life- live it.  A Powerful, dramatic, page turning, inspiring read. Wow, just wow. 

5. The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers by Sian O'Gorman  

Nicki's book blog: The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers (nickibookblog.blogspot.com

It’s a real positive, uplifting read and made me think about my own life and making the most of things.An inspiring, uplifting read I truly loved.10* if I could.

6. The Predators by Tony J Forder

Nicki's book blog: The Predators (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

A brilliantly written, very different crime read. Most certainly one to remember. Stunning doesn’t do it justice 10* if I could. .

7. The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

Nicki's book blog: The Light We Carry (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

I have huge respect for Michelle and her outlook on life. A down to earth lady who despite having been  First lady very much has two feet firmly planted on terra firma. Someone whom when I'm asked for my theoretical ideal dinner guests would firmly be at the top. Stunning doesn’t cover this. I'm in awe.

8. The Memory of You by Samantha Tonge

Nicki's book blog: The Memory of You (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

It’s a hug in a book. A wonderful story of life and its ups and downs and sometimes how perhaps taking a step back can propel us more forward than we ever thought possible. A truly stunning read and deserved every one of the 5*in spades. Loved it doesn’t cover it. 

9. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson

Nicki's book blog: The Last List of Mabel Beaumont (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

This is more than a book telling a story. It's about life, and sometimes moving on despite difficulties and taking a hand (or paw) of help to the next stage. Of friendship and laughter, of tears and memories and the little things we all treasure whether material or memory.

10. A Family Affair By Patricia Dixon       **Book of the year******

Nicki's book blog: A Family Affair (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

Of life and love, but more of being yourself and not being someone else’s idea of whom you should be. Of being your own champion and perhaps being someone else’s too. That kind word or gesture may mean the world of difference to someone. A stunning read I really won’t forget and plan to re- read once the sands of time have settled.

11. Wild Hope by Donna Ashworth

Nicki's book blog: Wild Hope (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

Thank you Donna, you really do bring hope and joy to so many. Your words are a strength we never knew we had.

12. What Dies Inside Us by Tony J. Forder

Nicki's book blog: What Dies Inside Us by Tony J. Forder (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

Oh boy! I can't say how much I love Bliss. I can't thank Tony enough for this series, it's one that stands out above all (and I read 200 books a year). A stunning, captivating belter of a read. There really aren't enough superlatives. I bow to the talent of a truly magnificent author.

13. A Festive Juxtaposition By Paul R. Stanton

Nicki's book blog: A Festive Juxtaposition by Paul R. Stanton (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

A stunningly beautifully written book that grabbed me from the outset. “The gentle snowflakes flurried, eddied and whirled, dancing in their oddly curious coruscation, before finally descending to earth where their individuality was lost amongst their earlier brethren” Wow- magical! A perfect winter read and a wonderful Christmas gift. Stunning doesn't do this justice.

14. The Bag of Secrets By Joy Ellis

Nicki's book blog: The Bag of Secrets by Joy Ellis (nickibookblog.blogspot.com)

Joy has the masterful skill of bringing the characters to life and Rory is one I’d love to meet if he was real! Books that are meticulously researched and calculated. A stunningly captivating read. I'm in awe of this. Wow, just wow!

In the Shadows by Tara Lyons

In the Shadows by Tara Lyons- Crime 

A murder has taken place of a young woman and DI Hamilton is called in to investigate. It's rather odd as all her belongings are found nearby so it's easy to identify who she is. All clues lead nowhere, and then there is another one. The link appears to be a theatre. Meanwhile Grace is having nightmares not helped by the alcohol she loves so much. She sees about the murders and realises that she knew the victims. Could she be next?

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It's a great premise and the start of a series with characters starting to show their personalities. In parts it's chilling with the tension very cleverly built between the pages. A stunning page turner of a read. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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The Brittany Murders by Anne Penketh

 

THE BRITTANY MURDERS by Anne Penketh- cozy crime

A group of friends, all expats, get together to arrange the local pantomime in a village in France. A short while later it is noticed that one hasn't returned from nipping outside. Further investigation finds him dead in the fish pond- what on earth has happened? Jennifer, Jonathan and their family have not long lived here and are trying to make a new life, despite their marital issues. Pippa is also starting anew, she is about to open a boulangerie- an English woman opening a bakery in France is a brave step to take. She is already trying the locals out on curry- something that is rather an anathema over there. When more people are killed what is the village coming to? Could it be that someone is against the Brits or is the wind farm to blame?

I very quickly took to this, it's a lovely easy read set around Christmas with a light-hearted feel. My only complaint is that I felt hungry reading about all the wonderful bakes! (I'm a keen home cook so may well be trying some!) I'm hoping that this will turn into a series, the characters developing well and I took to Jennifer and Pippa well. A brilliantly entertaining read for anyone enjoying a lighter feel crime novel. A word of warning- this book may contain delicious calories! 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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THE BRITTANY MURDERS by Anne Penketh Discover your new favourite cozy mystery series set in Brittanny. Jennifer and her family are starting their new life in a small village in Brittany. The views are stunning, the locals are mostly friendly, and the bread is amazing. But life in France still has its perils . . .It’s their first family Christmas in the village of Louennec and Jennifer decides to throw a Christmas party for some of the other expats. The wine is flowing and her new friend Pippa’s homemade biscuits are going down a treat. But before they can get started organising this year’s Christmas panto, they realise estate agent Adam is missing . . .They are horrified to find him sprawled face down in the fish pond. Adam’s death shakes the whole community. All the Brits in the area bought their houses from him. Who would want to hurt him? The French police are making slow progress. So Jennifer and Pippa start doing some digging. But can they solve the mystery before the killer strikes again? From bestselling author Anne Penketh, this is a warm and witty murder mystery full of twists. Perfect for fans of Martin Walker, Peter Boland, Fiona Leitch, Rachel Ward, Emylia Hall, Katie Marsh, and L.J. Ross’s atmospheric mysteries. MEET OUR AMATEUR SLEUTHS Jennifer and her family moved to France when she’d finally had enough of the rat race. With her husband, Jonathan, she took on a smallholding in the idyllic Brittany countryside — complete with chickens and rabbits and sheep. But the fresh start and change of scenery hasn’t fixed the problems in their marriage. Pippa is reinventing herself as a baker after leaving her old life as a City banker behind. She was delighted to meet fellow Brit Jennifer on the stalls at the weekly market. She lives next door to a friendly gendarme who inadvertently provides helpful tidbits for Pippa and Jennifer’s investigations. THE SETTING The remote village of Louannec lies in the far west of Brittany, where Atlantic storms sweep across the sheep-dotted hills and valleys. The countryside is beautiful, but earning a living as a farmer in this wild terrain can be tough, and the locals are not always so welcoming towards newcomers, or the British fondness for le curry . . . ALSO BY ANNE PENKETH BRITTANY MURDER MYSTERIES Book 1: THE BRITTANY MURDERS DI SAM CLAYTON SERIES Book 1: MURDER ON THE MARSH Book 2: THE BAD SISTER Book 3: PLAY DEAD Book 4: MURDER AT THE MANOR

ANNE PENKETH

Anne Penketh is originally from Lancashire, but her work as a foreign correspondent took her all over the world before she turned to writing fiction. Anne’s series of murder mysteries featuring DI Sam Clayton allowed her to return to Norfolk where her relatives live. Anne is currently based in London, but she’s such an inveterate wanderer that she has no idea how long she’ll stay.

The Trial by Rob Rinder

 

The Trial by Rob Rinder- crime

Loved this! A crime book from the perspective of a pupil barrister working towards a hopeful tenancy- one potential place and two candidates. A well known DI, a supposed hero from his work as seen on TV, has been murdered by poisoning and his nemesis has been out of prison for a fortnight. Strangely they met up for a drink, and hence the opportunity could have presented itself. Adam, the pupil, sees something in the accused that he saw in his father who sadly died before his trial for a crime he was surely innocent of. Can Adam make sure that justice is done when the rest of chambers and the world think the case is hopeless to defend?

Oh wow! I was hoping that I would enjoy this as I like books with a courtroom setting and most certainly wasn't disappointed. Rob Rinder is everything I could have hoped for in an author and more- his talent shines through sparklingly. It's gripping, it's clever, it's quite unique in many ways being led by a pupil and not one of the main players. I liked Adam and his tenacity and fight for seeing justice through against all odds. There is a huge twist cleverly woven in which took me by surprise. I can’t wait for the next one (*out June 2024 I believe). Loved it. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads  @nickisbookblog

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The Sisters

 

The Sisters By Ruth O’Neill- psychological thriller

Ava has just begun a relationship with Joel and can’t believe her luck. He appears to be very attentive, thoughtful and kind, just what she needs, until he begins to get a little controlling in some aspects. She also finds her sister Tanya popping up whenever she and Joel are together and finds Tanya flirting with him. Ava has another sister, her twin named Belle and the three sisters have a trip away planned, one it appears that Joel is keen to hijack and come with them when it was meant to be a bonding time for the busy girls. When the trip becomes something Ava could never have imagined, can she get herself and her sisters out safely and what on earth is going on?

This is a cleverly written psychological thriller where one minute there’s a budding romance with a possible interloper and the next- bang! Something way, way different and the whole thing has spun on its axis. I won’t say too much so as not to spoil the impact. It's strange and rather chilling and how we can easily fall for not only the wrong person but believe what they might say and do. A different, entertaining read with a mighty ending. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads  @nickisbookblog

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Death at the Dog Show by Peter Boland

 

Death at the Dog Show  by Peter Boland - Crime

Dog-lovers, please note none of our furry friends die in this book.

When a woman collapses at a dog show it is first thought that she has had a heart attack. The ladies from “Dogs Need Nice Homes” charity shop are there at their stall and soon get a visit from the local police who advise that it's looking like murder. As the ladies have rather a reputation for solving crime they set to investigating. The thing is they are better placed having been at the scene than the police as in the middle of a field there is no CCTV and little to go on, most things having been bought with cash so nothing is traceable. Who could have wanted the woman dead, how and why?

I adore this series- this book does stand alone. It's brilliantly written with wonderful characters, I can’t help but smile as I'm writing this. Peter has a special talent for making the characters leap off the page as if they are old friends. Partial Sue is a particular favourite (if you know, you know). The ladies balance each other very well, some more outgoing than others and each having different skills. To me these are far better than some more well known cozy crimes around, there’s something really special about them, I find them hugely entertaining and a real lift. A wonderfully thrilling read I can’t recommend highly enough.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads  @nickisbookblog

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DEATH AT THE DOG SHOW (Charity Shop Detective Agency #4) by Peter Boland A brand-new cozy mystery from a bestselling author! PUT THE KETTLE ON AND DISCOVER AN UTTERLY CHARMING MURDER MYSTERY SET IN A SLEEPY ENGLISH SEASIDE TOWN. Dog-lovers, please note none of our furry friends die in this book. It’s the day of the Christchurch Dog Show. The whole town is aquiver with excitement. The ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency are hoping to make lots of new furry friends. After a very dramatic Best Biscuit Catcher competition, Fiona, Sue and Daisy, from the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, come across a shocking scene. The dog show’s vet is performing CPR on a woman. The ladies rush over, but it’s too late. Back at the shop, the ladies are shocked to learn that the poor woman was murdered. Someone injected Sylvia Steadman with something very nasty indeed. Then our silver sleuths uncover that Sylvia was the owner of ex-Crufts-winner Charlie. She must have had lots of very jealous competitors . . .There’s barely time for elevenses. The charity shop detectives must roll up their sleeves — they have a killer to catch. Fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Janice Hallett, Simon Brett, Ian Moore and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett will adore this exciting new talent in cozy crime. THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVES Level-headed Fiona has found a quiet sanctuary volunteering at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes. A charity shop that raises money for dogs in need of nice homes. And she’s found firm friendship with the strong-willed Partial Sue (she’s ever so partial to a cup of tea) and the kindly and surprisingly tech-savvy Daisy. Together, these ladies, with Simon Le Bon, Fiona’s scruffy-haired terrier cross, investigate murders as the Charity Shop Detective Agency. THE SETTING The lovely coastal town of Southbourne is, on paper, little more than a small suburb hemmed in by Bournemouth to the west and Christchurch to the north. But it’s home to the prettiest avenues lined with gorgeous Georgian homes which lead to a grass-topped cliff standing guard over a sweeping bay of blond sand, soft as Demerara sugar. Some say it’s also home to the best charity shops in the country. The ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency maintain that Dogs Need Nice Homes — though musty and more than a little cramped — is certainly number one. Well, they definitely solve the most crimes at least! ALSO BY PETER BOLAND THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY MYSTERIES Book 1: THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY Book 2: THE BEACH HUT MURDERS Book 3: DEATH AT THE DOG SHOW

PETER BOLAND After studying to be an architect, Pete realised he wasn’t very good at it. He liked designing buildings, he just couldn’t make them stand up — a big handicap in an industry that’s partial to keeping things upright. So he became an advertising copywriter, the highlight of which was creating an ad featuring Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman. He then tried his hand at writing his own stories and quickly realised there’s no magic formula. You just have to put one word in front of the other (and keep doing that for about six months). It also helps if you can resist the lure of surfing and drinking beer in a garden chair. The first book in his Charity Shop Detective Agency series will publish in late 2022. BOOKS BY PETER BOLAND THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY MYSTERIES SERIES: THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY THE BEACH HUT MURDERS DEATH AT THE DOG SHOW FOLLOW PETER ON: GOODREADS FACEBOOK TWITTER

A Festive Verisimilitude. London, Christmas and the Devil returns By Paul R Stanton

 

A Festive Verisimilitude. London, Christmas and the Devil returns By Paul R Stanton. Seasonal fiction

 I love Paul’s books. There is something so wonderful, so simple in the premise ensconced cleverly in an evocative story. To me Paul is a modern day Charles Dickens. There’s that skill of the wordsmith that draws the reader in and puts them in the heart of the tale. Set in London this tells of the Devil's walk shortly before Christmas  encountering different folk as he goes. I won’t spoil anything by saying too much, other than expect the unexpected. It's clever and so very well crafted. This would make a perfect seasonal gift and although set at Christmas could be read at any time of year as it's a tour around the capital and possibly one of your thoughts simultaneously. Each chapter is one encounter and a story in itself so easily picked up over a coffee or two- that is if you can resist the next chapter! I smiled my way through this, one I wanted to last like a good wine- the reader's dilemma. It's thought provoking, it's amusing. It's brilliant and clever and more. A spirit (in more than one way) of human attributes and reflections, and verisimilitude (of being true or real). Stunning, ingenious, remarkable, exceptional. 

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Book Blurb:

It is Christmas, and the Devil is abroad – once again! And once again he has returned to one of his old haunts – London. Christmas is positively his most favourite time of the year: tinsel, mistletoe, presents, warmth and seasonal conviviality. And, of course, not forgetting good old-fashioned judgment, all of which comes wrapped up with a big red festive bow. There are those in the time-honoured city who will be getting a little more in their stocking than they had bargained for this year.

The Vintage Village Bake off

 

The Vintage Village Bake Off by Judy Leigh- women's fiction

Hattie was married to Geoffrey for forty nine years. Now he’s gone she has finally realised that it’s her time. Geoffrey wasn't a nice man to the point that family and friends wouldn't visit because of him and Hattie now wonders how she put up with him for so long. She is slowly changing her mindset and looking forward to doing all the things she wasn't able to previously because of his harsh criticisms. One day her sister Bunty arrives, suitcase in hand- she’s left her husband and wants to stay for a while to sort herself out. When it turns out that Bunty isn’t quite telling the whole story, Hattie ups and leaves to go to her brother Robert’s. Robert has been single all his life and loves his animals, gardening and baking which appears to attract the ladies of the village he lives in. Maybe baking could lead to romance finally, but he wants someone to love him for him and not just his scones. When there is a possible scone competition he is unsure whether he wants the limelight or to stay in the shadows as he always has.

This is another one of Judy’s terrific reads that is more than thoroughly enjoyable. It's more than a story- it's perhaps a message to all of us about “ Carpe Diem” and taking hold of life with both hands whilst we can. The characters are wonderful and leap from the page like old friends. There are plenty of smiles and of course lots of baking and cakes. There are a few wise words amongst the story about such things as “ breathing in hope and breathing out insecurities and fears”. An uplifting read that left me with a smile and more. I’m off to investigate raspberry and white chocolate scones! Loved it. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads  @nickisbookblog

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The Vintage Village Bake Off Now in his seventies, Robert Parkin is stunned to find himself the unlikely sex symbol of the village gardening club. Living in happy solitude with his cat Isaac Mewton in the Devon village of Millbrook, entertained by his mischievous chickens and goats, Robert has never figured out the rules of romance. But as the local ladies vie for his company, it soon becomes clear that Robert’s Victoria Sponge cake is the lure, and as his baking prowess grows, so does his confidence. Cheesecakes, meringues, puddings, Robert can do it all, but his real masterpieces are his scones – ginger, rosemary, coconut, fruit, his recipes are inspired and soon come to the attention of the local media. Which county does the best cream tea – Devon or Cornwall? It’s time for an age-old debate to be settled with a competition. Robert’s sisters Bunty and Hattie are both at crossroads in their lives, so news of their brother’s baking competition is the perfect excuse to bring them to Millbrook. And as the siblings relish each other’s company, and Robert relishes being at the heart of his community, a summer of scones may just light the way to long-lasting happiness for them all. Enjoy Judy Leigh’s wonderful world of family, friendship and feasting in this perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James. Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/villagebakeoffsocial

Author Bio – Judy Leigh is the USA Today bestselling author of The Old Girls’ Network and Five French Hens and the doyenne of the ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. She has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset. Social Media Links – Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005568258864 Twitter https://twitter.com/JudyLeighWriter Instagram https://www.instagram.com/judyrleigh/ Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JudyLeighNews Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judy-leigh

How Not to Murder Your Ex by Katie Marsh

 

How Not To Murder Your Ex by Katie Marsh- cozy crime  

Clio hates her ex-husband. He’s annoying, he’s left her homeless and skint and everything in between and she’s had enough. She spends a night out with her friends and can’t remember much of it. She wakes up in the morning and finds her ex on the doorstep, only he's dead. Very dead. It's not a secret how much she loathed him and this would make her the prime suspect. She rallies a couple of her friends and they try to make a plan as they have to find out who really did it to save Clio from going to prison for something she perhaps wished for but most certainly did not do. Who really did want him dead and why?

This is a fun read right the way through with twists and turns to keep the plot moving nicely. I'm smiling while writing this. Clio and her friends are slightly (but believable) larger than life characters who want to do the best for everyone, and do their level best to investigate what is happening. Alternate chapters take the reader back to just before Gary’s death and what he was up to. Gary was rather a dreamer and thought he could sort everything out- if he “ borrowed” money he had a scheme to pay it back which of course nine times out of ten it didn't work but he never lost faith in himself. A wonderful, escapist read I thoroughly enjoyed and one with a smile.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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How Not To Murder Your Ex

It is 5:30 am on Clio's forty-fifth birthday and her hated ex is lying dead on her doorstep. Even worse, this is no accident. Someone’s killed him... When single mum Clio’s ex Gary turns up dead on the doorstep of her caravan – the one she’s been forced to live in ever since he stole every penny she had – there’s only one suspect. Her. What’s more, she doesn’t remember much about the night he was killed – not just because of the forgetfulness that’s been plaguing her along with the hot flushes – but because she definitely had one too many cocktails with her two best friends Amber and Jeanie. Clio does remember them talking about how much they all hated him though. And, in the frame for murder, she has to ask herself – if she didn’t kill Gary, who did? One of his many enemies? Or someone a little closer to home? And can she and her friends find the real killer before it’s too late? Unputdownable mystery set on the English coast – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Bad Sisters, and How to Kill Your Family. Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/murderexsocial

Author Bio – Katie Marsh wrote five bestselling, uplifting women’s fiction novels before turning to cosy crime for Boldwood. Previously published by Hodder, the first in her new crime series How Not To Murder Your Ex, following the fortunes of the Bad Girls Detective Agency, will be published in December 2023. Social Media Links – Facebook https://facebook.com/KatieMarshAuthor Twitter https://twitter.com/marshisms Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katiemarshauthor/ Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KatieMarshNews

The Embers of Summer by J.R Sinclair

 The Embers of Summer by J.R Sinclair- Crime

When a man's body is found handcuffed to the steering wheel of his luxury car in his showroom completely burnt out DI Joseph Stone knows it's murder. He has an inkling through a contact that the man has links to a large organised crime syndicate which could take the investigation in a different direction. Joseph’s ex wife Kate has been investigating this and has already received a threatening email from the group. Could it be that the victim got on the wrong side of them or are there more fingers in the pie than at first glance?

Oh boy! This is a really gripping read, real life disappeared as I did so into the pages. I learnt a few things on the way (thank you!): Never EVER eat a chocolate cornflake cake without knowing and trusting the baker (read and you’ll understand why- bleurgh is all I'm saying) and that there is a gin made from milk- who knew? There’s a sense of humour which is wonderful and various mentions of food due to Joseph and Megan and the Prof’s love of all things culinary which makes for interesting reading. Food and books go sooo well together with a good cup of coffee as we all know! It's clever, it's so very well thought out and I can't help but love several of the characters. The Prof is very engaging  and I’m hoping that if the series continues he may become a more central character as he is a wonderful one to build on. A truly wonderful read I can’t recommend highly enough. Can't wait for the next one.

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