Category Archives: Book Review

The Secrets of Happiness

The Secrets of HappinessBy Lucy DiamondSnappy ReviewStep-sisters and a crisis. A quick and easy read about perceptions and how they can cloud our judgements. A slight homage to the bossiness of older sisters which, as a younger sister, I found a little amusing.SynopsisThe best things in life . . . can be just around the[Read more]

Emma

EmmaBy Alexander McCall-SmithSnappy ReviewI’m split on the modern retelling of these classics, but at least Alexander McCall-Smith has kept the whimsy and dedication to the small details that mark the original. Emma is not my favourite however much I love the writing. A slow and languorous read.SynopsisBeloved and bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith lends his[Read more]

Nest

NestBy Inga SimpsonSnappy ReviewIt’s another beautiful tale. One that will put you right in the story, hearing the birds and smelling the forest. It made me yearn for a simpler life, despite the darkness that hovered at the edges.SynopsisA gripping and thought-provoking novel about finding the lost child in all of us. Once an artist[Read more]

The Blue Blazes

The Blue Blazes – Mookie Pearl 1By Chuck WendigSnappy ReviewAction from start to finish, more ups and downs than a roller-coaster, in an incredible subterranean world that lurks beneath the streets of NYC. So compelling I missed my bus stop….. And had a 30 minute walk home once I realised. SynopsisMeet Mookie Pearl. Criminal underworld?[Read more]

The Bookman’s Tale

The Bookman’s TaleBy Charlie LovettSnappy ReviewIf you love your Shakespeare, love your books, and adore a little bookish mystery, you will fall in love with this tale as easily as I did.SynopsisA mysterious portrait ignites an antiquarian bookseller’s search—through time and the works of Shakespeare—for his lost love. Guaranteed to capture the hearts of everyone[Read more]

The Mandarin Code

The Mandarin Code – Harry Dunkley 2By Steve Lewis & Chris UhlmannSnappy ReviewGreat read, especially as it’s set in a rather familiar landscape… Although I have to admit I did spend three quarters of the book trying to figure out who was who, and probably didn’t give the story the attention it deserved.SynopsisPolitics just got[Read more]

The Dirty Streets of Heaven

THE DIRTY STREETS OF HEAVEN

By Tad WilliamsThe Dirty Streets of Heaven – Hodder & StoughtonSnappy ReviewA change of scene from one of my favourites and I still love it! Urban fantasy. In this case; gritty legal wrangling between Heaven’s advocates and Hell’s, with your soul on the dock. And the big question? I think it’s still out there, happily[Read more]

A Few Right Thinking Men

A Few Right Thinking Men – Rowland Sinclair 1By Sulari GentillSnappy ReviewA new vintage crime writer, this time set in Sydney, tying in events that have become notorious. Less on the fashion of the day and more on the politics, a great weekend read!SynopsisRowland Sinclair is an artist and a gentleman. In Australias 1930s, the[Read more]

Kitchen by Mike

Kitchen by MikeBy Mike McEnearneySnappy ReviewFor two years I spent Saturday mornings lapping up their Eggs Royale as I caught up with my sister and 2 of the Grotts. Now that I’ve moved, it not only holds wonderful recipes, but more importantly memories. It hasn’t left my desk since. SynopsisKitchen by Mike is all about[Read more]

Skippyjon Jones

Skippyjon JonesBy Judy SchachnerSnappy ReviewI seriously have not had as much fun as I did when reading this to the Grotts! It may have been a little too long for them, but I was vastly amused, with plenty of opportunity for silly voices. No kid’s library is complete without it! SynopsisMy name is Skippito Friskito.[Read more]