October 2013
Welcome to Fife’s libraries reader reviews newsletter. All books reviewed in this newsletter are available from Fife’s libraries. To find out which libraries have these books, to make a request or share a review, visit fife.libraries@fife.org.uk/readingroom What’s New? Save With Jamie by Jamie Oliver The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty Police by Jo Nesbo Never Go Back by Lee Child Books Reviewed this month Snake Road by Sue Peebles The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
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Accident Man by Tom Cain Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson Fat Chance Guide to Dieting by Claudia Pattison Defending Jacob by William Landay A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach All editions of Right Guid Read are available on www.fifedirect.org.uk
Reader Reviews Snake Road by Sue Peebles Snake Road is Sue Peebles second novel and focuses on love, loss and the legacy of the past. It is set in Scotland and is the story of Aggie, a young woman grieving both for her miscarriage and her Gran’s descent into dementia. Although these are both hard hitting topics the author adds a comic touch. The insight into dementia and the affects it has upon different members of the family is very poignant. This novel is a slow burner to begin with but keep reading because it is a great read. Reading groups across Fife are reading this novel and many others as part of Luminate (Oct 1st - 31st Oct) - Scotland’s creative ageing festival celebrating creativity as we age.
The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes This is a crime novel with a twist! This is the story of a serial killer who only kills 'shining girls', that is girls who have potential to make something of themselves. He finds them as children and only returns to kill them once they reach adulthood only he hasn’t aged. The reason? He is a time traveller………..I won’t give anything else away but this is an original , creepy, page-turner of a novel! This title is available in Spoken Word from Fife’s Libraries.
Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks Martha’s Vineyard, 1650s: Bethia Mayfield is a young girl growing up in the tiny settlement of Great Harbor, amid a small band of pioneers and Puritans. Restless, bright and curious, but denied the education that her brothers receive, she slips away as often as she can to explore the island’s wild landscapes and observe its native inhabitants. She encounters Caleb, the young son of a chieftain, and the children form a secret friendship that gradually draws each into the alien world of the other. …..This is a fascinating novel inspired by a true story with superbly drawn characters.
Fife Cultural Trust—Libraries, Arts, Museums & Archives
Reader Reviews Accident Man by Tom Cain Meet the Accident Man, Samuel Carver.Carver is a good guy who makes bad things happen to bad people. Drug-baron's helicopter develops mechanical failure mid-flight: Samuel Carver. Terrorist blown-up in his own bomb factory: Samuel Carver. Ex-SAS, now freelance mercenary he is the frontline weapon of the 'Consortium', a black-ops British government outfit, or is it? This is a new version of a conspiracy theory surrounding a famous death ( who I will not reveal as I don’t want to spoil it!) and is the best thriller I have read in ages.
This title is available in Large Print and Spoken Word from Fife’s Libraries.
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson Major Ernest Pettigrew is perfectly content to lead a quiet life in the sleepy village of Edgecombe St Mary, away from the meddling of the locals and his overbearing son. But when his brother dies, the Major finds himself seeking companionship with the village shopkeeper, Mrs Ali. Drawn together by a love of books and the loss of their partners, they are soon forced to contend with irate relatives and gossiping villagers…… Funny, enjoyable and heart-warming. It is slow paced but that is all part of its charm! Reading groups across Fife are reading this novel and many others as part of Luminate (Oct 1st - 31st Oct) - Scotland’s creative ageing festival celebrating creativity as we age. This title is available in Large Print from Fife’s Libraries.
Fat Chance Guide to Dieting by Claudia Pattison Holly, Naomi and Kate are determined to win the battle of the bulge. So it's down to the local slimming club, where carbs are strictly off the menu and there's no escaping the scales. But calorie-counting isn't the only thing on their minds. I picked up this book because of the cover - it looked fun and I wasn’t disappointed. A really good read that everyone can relate to!
Reader Reviews Defending Jacob by William Landay Assistant Defence Attorney Andy Barber, his wife Laurie and their son Jacob are very much a normal family until one of Jacob's classmates, 14-year-old Ben Rifkin, is murdered. Andy takes on the case until the time that evidence is found that shows his son may have been involved. At that point, the world as the Barbers know it comes undone. Ultimately, there is more substantial proof implicating Jacob, and he is arrested for the murder. An excellent book, one that constantly had me wondering what I would do in similar circumstances. Is Jacob the villain or is he being unjustly accused? In addition to an expert rendering of the family dynamics in a terrible situation, the author has created an unforgettable and suspenseful story with a powerful twist at its conclusion. This title is available in Large Print and Spoken Word from Fife’s Libraries.
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. This is the first in a trilogy , I have read the second and I can’t wait for the third novel! A great mix of action, romance, science and history. This title is available in Large Print from Fife’s Libraries.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach I loved this book and it is even better than the film! It is a light hearted comedy but it has so much more. It’s about friendship, love and family. Reading groups across Fife are reading this novel and many others as part of Luminate (Oct 1st - 31st Oct) - Scotland’s creative ageing festival celebrating creativity as we age. This title is available in Large Print, Spoken Word and DVD from Fife’s Libraries.
What’s New? Save with Jamie by Jamie Oliver Jamie gets the nation cooking clever, shopping smart and wasting less with his new cookbook, Save with Jamie. Save with Jamie draws on knowledge and cooking skills to help you make better choices, showing you how to buy economically and efficiently, get the most out of your ingredients, save time and prevent food waste. And there's no compromise - I'm talking big flavours, comfort food that makes you happy, and colourful, optimistic dishes.
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty Mother of three and wife of John-Paul, Cecilia discovers an old envelope in the attic. Written in her husband's hand, it says: to be opened only in the event of my death. Curious, she opens it - and time stops. John-Paul's letter confesses to a terrible mistake which, if revealed, would wreck their family as well as the lives of others.
Police by Jo Nesbo The police urgently need Harry Hole A killer is stalking Oslo's streets. Police officers are being slain at the scenes of crimes they once investigated, but failed to solve. The murders are brutal, the media reaction hysterical. But this time, Harry can't help anyone. For years, detective Harry Hole has been at the centre of every major criminal investigation in Oslo. His dedication to his job and his brilliant insights have saved the lives of countless people. But now, with those he loves most facing terrible danger, Harry can't protect anyone. Least of all himself.
Never Go Back by Lee Child After an epic and interrupted journey all the way from the snows of South Dakota, Jack Reacher has finally made it to Virginia. His destination: a sturdy stone building a short bus ride from Washington D.C., the headquarters of his old unit, the 110th MP. It was the closest thing to a home he ever had. Why? He wants to meet the new commanding officer, Major Susan Turner. He liked her voice on the phone. But the officer sitting behind Reacher's old desk isn't a woman. Why is Susan Turner not there? What Reacher doesn't expect is what comes next. He himself is in big trouble, accused of a sixteen-year-old homicide. And he certainly doesn't expect to hear these words: 'You're back in the army, Major.’