Conspiracy: A history of bollocks theories and how not to fall for them - Tom Philips & John Elledge ***
I have always found conspiracy theories really interesting while not really believing any of them (not all of them anyway 😉). We seem to be living in a golden age of conspiracy theories and so it was interesting to learn about some of them and also about why people believe them. The authors were quite clear from the start that they’re all nonsense and can be easily explained if one is willing to listen. It wasn’t quite what I was hoping for in the sense that I think I wanted an encyclopaedia of all the conspiracy theories known to man, what they are and where they came from. This book wasn’t that but rather a forensic analysis of some of them and why so many people are convinced by them. I did learn about some familiar ones and those I’d never heard of such as the belief Paul McCartney died in the sixties, the CIA murdered JFK, the earth is flat and Finland doesn’t exist. There was also a lot of emphasis on the all-powerful and ubiquitous illuminati. The authors obviously poke fun at the theories and those who believe them, but they make some serious points too. Sometimes belief in these things can be harmful and encourage a widespread abdication of responsibility. For example, it’s far easier to blame the ills of society on a malign cabal of sinister miscreants than it is to take a genuine look into the social problems that plague our societies. All in all, an interesting book and one for those who’d prefer to take a more sober look at conspiracy theories.
The Devil's Novice - Ellis Peters ***
I’m always up for a good murder mystery and if it’s set in a medieval monastery, even better! I have only recently heard of Cadfael and the long-running TV series that was apparently very popular. This was a good read but not a great one. I wasn’t wild about the plot but I liked the writing style though it took a few pages to get used to. It wasn’t a classic murder mystery but I loved the finale which left me feeling good about the book and want to read another one. Meriet is an unusual young man with an unfathomable desperation to take the monastic vows. His bizarre behaviour leads Cadfael to investigate why but he soon becomes embroiled in a mystery that involves murder and treason. If you like a medieval mystery, I think you’ll like it.
Jack Finney - The Body Snatchers ****
Now I know why the original film adaptation (1956) of this book is so good. It is one of my all-time favourite films and now I know it is very faithful to the novel. I was all set to give the book a five-star rating but then the ending isn’t quite what it could have been in my opinion. The film absolutely nailed the finale and so I was expecting the book to do the same but alas, not. Otherwise the book was a really fun and at times terrifying read. The author did a great job of helping me imagine what it would be like if this happened for real. In the small town of Santa Mira, California reports start coming in that people aren’t who they appear to be. They look, act and talk like them - but it’s not them. What follows is an unnerving adventure in which the small town doctor and his girlfriend try to figure out what the heck is going on. I haven’t read a lot of science-fiction but this was right up my street. I loved it.
Stephen King - Misery ***
A well-known author crashes his car in a snowstorm far away from the comfort and safety of the civilised world. Fortunately for him he is rescued and dragged to safety by a local woman. She feeds him, bathes him, treats him nurses his wounds and provides the medication he so desperately needs. Unfortunately for him, she’s a raving lunatic and manic psychopath. In his crippled state, with two shattered legs and broken body, he is bedridden and utterly at her mercy. This is something she has little of, as she unleashes a terrifying reign of terror upon him. It’s OK though because she’s his number one fan! I found this book better than the last few Stephen King books I’ve read but I didn’t love it. The suspense was there throughout; it was shocking and at times terrifying. More so than the film which I haven’t seen for years. I enjoyed it more than his classics It and The Shining but it’s nowhere near as good as my all-time favourite King novel: ‘Salem’s Lot.
Ian Fleming - Live and Let Die ***
Another heart-pounding adventure from Britain’s most famous spy. His investigation begins in Harlem where a man known as Mr. Big wields extraordinary power over the locals. In his command is the beautiful Solitaire whose prophetic gift he prizes highly. With her help he escapes the clutches of the sinister boss and his vile henchmen. Their train journey to Florida is fraught with danger but this is only the beginning of their troubles. What lies ahead in Jamaica is more dangerous still. We all know what to expect from Bond so if you’re a fan and haven’t read this one yet, you’re bound to enjoy it.
Heroes - Stephen Fry *****
This is the second instalment in Stephen Fry’s series on Greek mythology. I loved the first one (Mythos) so much I couldn’t wait to delve into this one too. It’s just as brilliant, full of fantastic stories, great characters and tonnes of good humour. I listen to the audiobooks and love Fry’s narration especially all the different accents. He really brings the stories to life and makes them accessible for people like me who don’t know a lot about the world of Greek myth. I loved hearing about the adventures of Heracles and Perseus, Theseus and Oedipus. The tales are just brilliant and Fry tells them with verve and flair. He’s brilliant and so is the book.
Colin Dexter - Last Seen Wearing *****
Detective Chief Inspector Morse and his faithful sidekick DS Lewis are asked to investigate the disappearance of schoolgirl Valerie Taylor. First of all they need to establish whether or not she’s still alive which proves a tricky task. Then, from a small ensemble of characters, they need to figure out why she’s vanished. When one of these is murdered, the investigation becomes more complex still. Morse gets it wrong sometimes too which I found refreshing. I love these detective stories and think Morse is such a fun and interesting character. His relationship with Lewis is endearing and the author writes with style, wit and good humour. A thoroughly enjoyable whodunnit.
Jeremy Bowen - The Making of the Modern Middle East ****
I have always been interested in the history of the Middle East because it is such a fascinating and hostile part of the world. The recent Israel-Palestine war is the latest in a long list of reminders that the area is a tinder box liable to blow up at any moment. The author has reported from across the Middle East for decades and has a good understanding of what makes the people there tick. The religious and cultural fault lines run deep and the leaders are often culpable for the misery that seems to constantly engulf the region. The interference of the west has exacerbated an already explosive collection of problems and challenges. From Israel across to Afghanistan and from Yemen up to Turkey, the author covers a lot of ground. I enjoyed learning about all the different leaders and their desperation to cling onto power. But the endless tragedy of millions across the region was sometimes hard to take in. It was often quite a depressing read but also entertaining and hugely informative.
Agatha Christie - N or M? *****
We’re all familiar with Miss. Marple and Hercule Poirot but perhaps not so much with Agatha Christie’s lesser-known protagonists. I find the adventures of Tommy & Tuppence a bit hit and miss but this was a definite big hit with me. I absolutely loved it and was thoroughly intrigued from the off. It had all the clever twists, turns and surprises you’d expect from the Queen of Crime but it’s not a murder mystery. Tommy & Tuppence are on the trail of German spies and so take up residence incognito in a guest house on the south coast. What follows is their exciting endeavours to uncover the dirty mole! Loved it and highly recommend.
James A. Michener - Journey ***
I bought this book for my Dad who was Canadian and loved hunting, fishing and exploring the great outdoors. He travelled across Canada too but not in the way the men in this story did, thankfully. Four English aristocrats and their Irish servant set out for the gold mines of northern Canada at the end of the nineteenth century. It’s a long, perilous and ultimately tragic journey through the arctic wilds and frozen tundra of North America. The men brave untamed rivers, freezing temperatures, psychotic mosquitoes, scurvy, starvation and incompetence. It is the latter that proves most depressing as one by one the brave men succumb to the elements. It was an interesting read though definitely not a jolly one. I think I prefer the adventures of H. Rider Haggard and Jules Verne but I will read more from this author who I know is a legend of historical fiction.
Robert Ludlum - The Bourne Identity ***
Jason Bourne. This is the book that began the ever-popular series of films starring Matt Damon. I am always interested to see how the film and the book differ. This was a fast-paced twisty thriller very much like the film. I found it interesting and well-written with layers of complexity and lots of action. There were times when I wasn’t 100% sure of what was going on but knowing the film helped. At times it was repetitive and a bit tiresome but overall a good read. ‘Jason Bourne’ is floating in the Mediterranean when he wakes up and has no idea who he is. When well-trained strangers try to kill him he realises he has the skills and knowledge to defend himself. What follows is a race to discover his identity and why he is being hunted by an infamous assassin. A popular thriller from a well-known master of his craft. Worth your time if this is your bag.
Bill Bryson - Notes from a Small Island **
I’m quite partial to a good travelogue. In this one, the famous American author known for his wit and good humour travelled around much of the UK, a place he once called home. Had it not been for the fact that he is very funny, I probably would have packed it in after a few chapters. He travels all over the place but doesn’t really do much. Nothing really exciting or interesting happens and every town or village he visits seems very much like the one before. Were it not for the warmth and humour with which he writes, it would all be very mundane and boring. I enjoyed two of his other books much more than this one (1927 and the Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid). Overall, I am sad to say it was a disappointment.
Richard Matheson - I am Legend ****
The world has been overrun by vampires and Robert Neville is the last man standing. He has managed to survive against overwhelming odds, alone and under siege. Every night they come for him, surrounding his home and beckoning him to join them. During the night, he hides. During the day, he hunts. Then, out of the black, a woman appears who’s just like him. I really enjoyed this short novel which provides an interesting addition to vampire lore. The author introduces a scientific spin to explain the emergence and existence of vampires; an explanation which is sometimes at odds with the traditions we’re familiar with. I wasn’t so keen on that side of things but I loved the rest of it. This book is a classic of the sci-fi genre and rightly so. It bares little resemblance to the film and defo worth your time.
Frank Gardner - Outbreak ****
Despite not being what I thought it was going to be, I enjoyed this modern thriller. I was hoping for a pandemic-disaster, world -wide outbreak of something sinister and deadly. If you’re looking for that too, The Stand by Stephen King is the closest I’ve come. Outbreak moves at 100 miles an hour which I really appreciated. There are over 100 chapters but they’re all very short which gave the book a really fast pace. Luke Carlton is the MI6 agent tasked with investigating the outbreak of a lethal, man-made pathogen. He travels to Norway, Lithuania and Russia in a desperate bid to track down the sinister forces behind the plot. It is exactly what you’d expect this kind of book to be. If you like this kind of thriller I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one too.
Stephen Jones - Zombie Apocalypse *****
I haven’t read a book about zombies before and almost didn’t read this one. I put it back on the shelf when I realised it wasn’t a traditional novel but rather a collection of interconnected eye-witness narratives. For example, there are texts, blogs, radio and tv transcripts, emails, diaries and special reports among other things. The whole story of the zombie apocalypse is told through this series of first-person accounts. I am so glad I decided to pick it up again and give it a chance. I was looking for something a bit different and it definitely was. I absolutely loved it, got drawn in very quickly and didn’t want to put it down. There are few books that have that effect on me these days so it’s so fun and refreshing when it happens. If you’re into zombies or, like me, you want to try something different then I wholeheartedly recommend this book to you.
Anne Petersen- Scandals of Classic Hollywood ***
I read this to help with my research into a book I’m writing about Marilyn Monroe. Her iconic and tragic story doesn’t feature here but the lives of many other Hollywood legends do. And while much of the content is not really scandalous, it definitely gives you a flavour of what life was like for the stars of the silver screen. I am familiar with all of the book’s protagonists but certainly learned a lot more about them, why they rocketed into stardom and how many of them were tortured souls who died while still young. The book feels like more a collection of summaries about the film stars rather than a detailed look into specific Hollywood scandals. I was expecting the latter, but never mind, it was an interesting read nonetheless. My favourite sections were those on Dorothy Dandridge and Montgomery Clift. Overall, a quick, easy read that was entertaining and informative.
Wilbur Smith - The Seventh Scroll ***
This is the second book in the author’s acclaimed Egyptian series. It wasn’t what I was expecting as unlike the first, it is set in the present day, not in the days of ancient Egypt. The first book, River God, is a classic of historical fiction starring Taita, the genius advisor to Pharaoh Mamose and Queen Lostris. This book relies heavily on the story of Taita and his hiding of the Pharaoh’s tomb. Today, two archaeologists endeavour to solve the clues and riddles of Taita to find the ancient tomb. Much of the book is set in Egypt and the jungles of Ethiopia. The Nile is at the heart of the adventure as is an ancient Coptic monastery. Though at times long-winded and baffling, it was a fun and interesting adventure and right up my street. It was part thriller, part adventure, part historical mystery. If those are your genres, I’m sure you’ll love it.
Agatha Christie - A Murder is Announced ****
I’ve read almost all Agatha Christie novels so am well versed in all the attributes which make them so beloved. Small country setting ✅ enclosed scenario meaning only a few possible culprits ✅ a seemingly obvious suspect ✅ a continually rising body count ✅ a cracking twist at the end ✅ the clues were there all along ✅ Miss. Marple ✅ This one has all the details Christie fans love, and as always, I didn’t see the twist coming and had no idea who was responsible for the murder. It’s always such a thrill toward the end of the book when the author reveals who it is and takes you completely by surprise. In this book, a murder is announced in the local paper. When the intrigued villagers attend, A mysterious masked figure appears and the house is plunged into darkness. When the chaos subsides, a body is found - the first of several. Fortunately for all but the murderer, Jane Marple is close at hand.
George R. R. Martin - A Clash of Kings ****
Book two in the Song of Ice and Fire series is just as epic as the first instalment. All the main protagonists are back (apart from the ones who have already been brutally murdered) and their trials and tribulations move to the next level. Tyrion’s exploits are my favourite as he gets embroiled in the political machinations of Kings Landing. But Bran, Arya, Davis, Catelyn, Theon, Danerys and Jon Snow all get their own chapters too. Through them we learn what all the others are up to such as Cersei, Sansa, Stannis and a host of others. Westeros is riven with war as myriad pretenders all believe their claim to the iron throne trumps all others’. And don’t forget: winter is coming! It has everything you’d expect from an epic fantasy saga: battles, politics, violence, sex, incest, adventure, mystery and characters galore. I loved the first one and this is great too. If you’ve seen the series but never read the books, they’re fantastic and definitely worth your time.
Stephen King - Night Shift ****
I’ve been disappointed with the last few novels I’ve read by this author and so thought I would give a short story collection a whirl. I’m pleased to say I enjoyed it more than It, The Shining and Misery. This was his first collection of short stories and contains some of his most famous works such as The Boogeyman, The Lawnmower Man and Children of the Corn. I don’t really find any of this stuff scary but the one I found most disturbing was I am the Doorway. The last story was just miserable and depressing and I wish he hadn’t included it. Lots of them though were interesting and fun to read with twists, surprises and all sorts of crazy things happening. I shall read more of his short stories and may even tackle another novel or two. If you’re a King fan and haven’t tried any of the short stories I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this collection.
Anthony Horowitz - Magpie Murders *****
Let me say first that I have read a lot of whodunnits, but this is the closest yet to the quality of an Agatha Christie novel. High praise indeed, for the Queen of Crime is in a league of her own and is endlessly copied and referenced. None more so than in this novel which constantly references and outright mentions Christie and many of her works. If you’re a fan of hers (she’s my favourite author) you’ll love this. There are two whodunnits in this novel, separate but intricately linked. In the first, detective Atticus Pund investigates the murder of a wealthy landowner and his secretive housekeeper. In the second, the author of the novel in which this takes place is himself brutally murdered. We get to read both and accompany both the fictional detective and the real-life one solve the murders. I found this book genuinely unputdownable and found myself reading it for hours when I’d only planned to devote to it a few minutes. That is the truest sign that a book is a really good one. As with all good whodunnits, the denouement was fantastic, with lovely twists and a thrilling big reveal. I absolutely loved every aspect of it and am now quite sad it’s come to an end. Another trusted sign that you’ve just read something special.
Colin Dexter - The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn ****
The old colleges and antique streets and buildings of Oxford are the setting for many a classic whodunnit. Detective Chief Inspector Morse and his hapless assistant, Lewis are perhaps the most famous. When a member of the Oxford Examinations Syndicate is murdered, it soon becomes clear that it must have been one of his closest colleagues. Morse is a fun and interesting character, quite brilliant too at solving murders. This was written in the seventies and you can tell by some of the words and phrases the author uses not to mention some of the content. It’s well-written, with a clever plot. Perhaps too clever. Even at the end I wasn’t 100% sure what had happened. Maybe I’m just a bit thick. Otherwise another cracking whodunnit from the world of Morse.
John Wyndham - Day of the Triffids *****
Strange and beautiful lights flash across the sky all over the world. People gaze in wonder at what appear to be the effects of a passing comet. When they awake the following morning however, they find they are completely blind. Only a few were lucky enough to avoid the lights and retain their vision. Also, over the last few years a new plant has been discovered, the oil extracts of which are a game-changer. They have been biochemically engineered in gardens and nurseries all over the world. Now, with most of the human race blind and in disarray, this aggressive and intelligent new species are in prime position to take over. The triffids are violent and bloodthirsty, attacking and targeting their victims in relentless, remorseless fashion. This book was right up my alley and I loved it. A post-apocalyptic world of disaster, survival and utter hopelessness. My only very small gripe is that I would have liked more triffids, and I was hoping for an ending more akin to The Birds or Kingdom of the Spiders. However, the denouement was still strong and I really enjoyed what is rightly considered a sci-fi classic.
Agatha Christie - Towards Zero ****
For me, part of the genius of Agatha Christie’s books is the simplicity of them. They’re essentially nothing but conversation but she keeps you interested, gripped even from start to finish. I remember reading once that she said one of the secrets to a good murder mystery is the build-up to the murder. Most of the story should happen before the murder takes place. That’s certainly true of this book because you’ve got to read over one hundred pages before anyone dies. It’s all good though. I was never bored, impatient or yearning for the death blow to fall. When an old woman is brutally murdered in her bed, Chief Superintendent Battle discovers it could only have been one of a handful of people staying with her in the house. Classic Christie. There were some nice little twists in there too though I did correctly guess who the killer was this time which is very unusual for me. If you’re already a Christie fan, you’ll know what to expect and you’ll not be disappointed.
David Baldacci - The Last Mile ****
I love a good thriller. Something which is easy to read, requires no thought or concentration, can be read quickly with minimal cognitive exertion and above all is simply fun and entertaining. All of this author’s books are like that and I love them for it. Amos Decker, the lead character is supposed to be slightly autistic I think. He has a perfect memory and limited social skills. I much prefer him to Jack Reacher whom I tired of very quickly. They’re quite dissimilar though. Decker is more thoughtful, less violent and not constantly on a revenge mission. I prefer the Baldacci thrillers and this one was as good as any other.
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