Nicki's book blog

  Darren, Andrew and Mrs Hall by R J Gould- humorous literary fiction/women’s fiction Two very different couples have just moved into new properties on the same day. One Emma and Andrew into one that has retained its period features which they appreciate, the other property has been more modernised to most peoples horror. Andrew is just about to become a published poet and has received an advance making the move possible. The other couple Darren and Kelly have downsized to raise some much needed funds for Darrens business which is struggling, Kelly thinks because of his attitude. The women soon become close friends and begin to take breaks together. When Mrs Hall moves into the house in between them the new balance is thrown off kilter as things between the couple themselves have changed. Can both sets put things right? A very different read for me and one where I found myself smiling. A story of life's ups and downs and how sometimes the genders differ, or not. Of realising that s

  T he Good Patient by Alex Stone- Psychological Thriller  Trigger warning: domestic abuse Lauren is in hospital yet again. Her life seems to have been once incident or another leading to hospital visits first with her mother and then about her boyfriend Josh. This time Lauren was on a jet ski, a trip Josh usually took with her but she insists she was alone. Josh, however, is missing and the police want to know what is going on. Lauren has formed a friendship with one of the doctors treating her and he is doing his best to make her realise that all these hospital visits are not about her, they are about Josh and her now deceased mother. Oh wow! I quickly thought of Munchausen's by proxy  (now known as FII) as the relationship between Lauren and her mother rang bells. The doctor, Abhilash, is convinced of Laurens innocence as he has seen what she has been through and has got to know her, seeing her as a survivor. Alternate chapters take us to then and now,  then being when Lauren wa

  Duck for Cover by Barbara Venkataraman- short stories A wonderful book of short stories, each to enjoy over a coffee or two. The first one made me smile, a story of revenge- a dish best served cold. I don’t want to say too much so as not to spoil things. Each one of the fourteen stories may either leave you with a smile or perhaps pause a moment to think. I found myself smiling several times at the end of these. There’s life lessons and wistfulness maybe. My favourite was          “ Brave New World” - which may appeal to those of a certain age. Kudos for doing something that is a little bit different- tipping a hat at life perhaps. An absorbing, entertaining read that's easy to pick up and put down. Go get a coffee and enjoy! For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog _____________________

  Murder at the Willows by Jane Adams- Crime An elderly woman has died in her garden, seemingly of natural causes however a couple of those close to her think there are a few odd things but nothing specific enough to ring alarm bells. When there is a burglary a short time later, this escalates things. Rina Martin is a retired actress and has a large house where she has several permanent guests. She is soon employed by the dead woman's grandson to investigate what exactly has happened, the main investigation being done by DI Mac and a wonderful DS Yolanda who came across reality well.  Who would want to kill a 93 year old lady and take all of her painting supplies?  This is a wonderful, easy, leisurely read. There’s nothing to put you off your dinner and it's easy to pick up and put down again- if you can! A very cleverly thought out plot that has lots of twists to keep the grey matter active and the pages turning. There are lots of characters and a very interesting unusual plot