Nicki's book blog

  The Gambler by Stewart Giles- Crime Wow! Another 5* thriller of a page turner from Stewart. This time DS Jason Smith and his team are finding bodies where a certain Kenny Rodgers track is playing on repeat (thanks for the earworm!). On further investigation “ the Gambler” is giving himself marks out of 10 and from a little digging knows that he’s aiming for a certain number- the why’s are yet to be found. It's an intriguing premise and one that kept me late into the night reading “ just one more chapter”. Jason is a wonderful character and says the things we all think but wouldn’t usually say and his brain appears to work tangentially giving him the edge on investigations. A brilliant, gripping read I more than highly recommend- and if you haven’t read the rest of the series- there are plenty to go at- all 5* from me. Stunning says it all. ------------------------ THE GAMBLER Heads I win, tail you lose. A new killer is stalking the streets of York, and its a killer that Detective...

  A Boy in Barcelona By R.W Mitchell Wow! A book written in letters- a fabulous concept and something that happens less and less these days. Will has arrived to live in Barcelona and knows no-one and barely speaks the language. One way and another he has to integrate himself and find a life outside of work- the one thing he has, and that isn't great due to his overbearing boss. He writes to his mother and his friends back home and they reply. Its a story of hope and bravery and finding fun in life whatever and wherever you may be. Life isn't going to come to you- you have to go and find it as we all well know through experience. Its funny, its poignant and uplifting with Richards own special touch and maybe even a little of what he has experienced himself. Letter writing is a dying art- if I could find Richards address (its somewhere!!) I'd have sent this in a letter. A very special book that hugely deserves 5 * and more. A treasure of a read.