Five great summer reads

When an attempted assassination sparks a chain reaction of explosive events across London, Britain’s elite security forces seem powerless to stop the chaos threatening to overwhelm the government. As the conspiracy unfolds, three strangers find their fates entwined: Joe Dempsey, a deadly military intelligence officer; Sarah Truman, a CNN reporter and Michael Devlin, a Belfast-born criminal barrister with a secret past. As the circle they can trust grows smaller they are forced to work in the shadows, caught in a lifeor-death race before the terrible plot can consume them all.

An absolute knockout debut novel from Tony Kent, a top ranking, Irish born barrister and former champion boxer. Able to bring a wealth of detail and personal insight to this unputdownable thriller, it is one not to be missed. I loved it, roll on number 2 and the subsequent film.

Five great Summer reads as recommended by Deepings Library volunteers

Jennie Deller

Review of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I only know about Liane Moriarty because the group I belong to (the Deepings branch of NWR – National Women’s Register) chose one of her books (The Husband’s Secret) as one of their books for their UK wide Big Read. I enjoyed the book and so decided to read another one by her – Big Little Lies, which I loved. (It’s also an awardwinning TV mini series). It is a story about three women all at a crossroads in their lives; Madeleine, Celeste and Jane.

A brilliant take on ex-husband’s and second wives; mothers and their children; school yard scandal and the lies we all tell ourselves in order to survive, the book is set in Sydney, Australia and has everything – real characters, a great plot, humour, suspense and is a rattling good read. The book manages to include some difficult issues (eg domestic abuse and murder) whilst being easy to read. Moriarty’s characters are so well defined that you feel you know them. The story hooks you in from the beginning and keeps you guessing to the very end.

A great summer read, entertaining, funny, thought-provoking and not too heavy. I really liked Madeleine. She reminds me of my youngest daughter. So, if you are looking for a couple of good summer time reads, I would recommend both The Husband’s Secret and Big Little Lies.

The Cotswold Mysteries, author Rebecca Tope

I discovered this series by being a volunteer on the Library counter, tried the first and was immediately glad that there was a series of about twelve. Each book is a complete story, all set in the Cotswolds’ small towns and villages. All have the same main character, Thea Osborne and some of her family and friends. They are from the Crime Section for they all revolve around the sudden death of one (and usually more), of the local population. Locations are sensitively depicted from the honey coloured stone of the local houses, churches and pubs, to the lanes, fields, wooded valleys and wild life - all beautifully brought to life in the varying seasons. It is a great way to get to know this lovely part of Gloucestershire and a good reminder if you already know this beautiful area of England. Equally perceptively portrayed are the characters, both physically and emotionally as the events of their days interweave, sometimes darkly, to reveal that there is fear, hatred and intolerance in this tranquil setting, with murder as a consequence. These are classic English village mysteries and remind me of Agatha Christie. I like their atmospheric settings, believable characters, intriguing plots, and do enjoy losing myself in their lovely but not always well ordered world.

Xxx

xxx Looking for a good summer read, a touch of romantic escapism? Then why not try Summer Secrets by Jane Green. It has a good storyline that kept my interest, having a few twists and turns along the way. The story is set in two time periods of the heroine, Cat’s, life. The first half is set in 1998 in London where Cat is struggling with life, partying hard. Discovering the identity of her father sends her life into a spin. Then sixteen years later in 2014, Cat wants to make amends to those she has previously hurt. This quest takes her to Nantucket in New England, which the author describes as a beautiful, idyllic holiday island where the sun always seems to be shining. The perfect place to imagine yourself to be in summer! I would recommend this book as an enjoyable read, great while relaxing on the beach, round the pool or in the garden. Bring on the sunshine!

Mary Simmons

My Not so perfect life by Sophie Kinsella

83 High Street, Market Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 8ED www.riversidebeads.co.uk 01778 344550

Pop in store for our Autumn workshop program Jo Jo Moyes’ comment on the cover “left me giddy with laughter…” attracted me to this book. I was drawn into this “warm hearted comedy” straightaway. Written in a fast paced conversational style, it’s witty and yes, I did chuckle out loud several times. Ambitious and hardworking Katie desperately wants to succeed in the glamorous world of Marketing/ Advertising in London, even changing her name and origin to fit in. She envies her successful boss Demeter, who appears to “have it all”. Then Katie’s “not so perfect life” ends abruptly when Demeter sacks her, forcing her home to help establish her family’s new glamping holidays business. Her relationship with her father has become strained because he wants her to relinquish her dream of a life in London. Katie doesn’t tell her family that she has been sacked, pretending to be on a sabbatical. I love this description of the tension between Kate and Biddy (her stepmother): “So even though I feel as if the subject (London) is dancing around us in the ether, demanding to be discussed, neither of us say a word….and it slowly ebbs away.” To Katie’s horror Demeter and her family arrive for a holiday, shortly followed by handsome, complex colleague Alex, bringing bad news for Demeter. Is this Katie’s opportunity to exact revenge on Demeter or will they become allies? Definitely worth a read! Keren Thomson

VHF

HAVING A BBQ? 13 flavours of Sausage n Over 6 flavours of Burgers n Kebabs n Gourmet Skewers n Ribs n and much more!