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What are you reading now?

(1001 Posts)
loopylou Sun 22-Nov-15 20:09:17

Thanks are due to the lovely GNs who, some months ago, suggested books that might rekindle my love of reading.
I'm hooked on CJ Sansom's Shardlake series, utterly engrossing.
I'm really surprised just how much I'm enjoying reading historical 'Whodunit', probably the last thing I'd have chosen a few months ago.

Alima Thu 29-Sept-16 09:04:46

I have nearly finished "If I Should Die" by Matthew Frank. It was recommended by annodomini on another thread. Really enjoying it, the characterisation is brilliant and it is set in an area I know well, Greenwich/SE London. Am off to the library soon to reserve the next in the series. Thanks anno!

starbird Thu 29-Sept-16 11:55:37

Just read the Kindness of Enemies by Leila Aboulela. A university student accused of terrorism and a parallel story of a Caucassian warlord in the 19th century, tied together by the Narrator, a mixed Russian/Sudanese University lecturer. But this description does not do it justice, if you like learning about other cultures and a bit of true history, you'll love it.

CWilly Fri 30-Sept-16 05:50:38

Reading Chicken Soup for the Soul. I love reading chicken soup. It's really peaceful.

Greyduster Fri 30-Sept-16 13:49:40

I have just started by fourth Game of Thrones book. In each case I have said I wouldn't read another, but have been consumed by curiosity to see what happens next! I found myself wondering the other day what method George Martin used to keep up to speed with the bewildering array of characters in the seven books he has written in the series. I would love to ask him.

Elrel Sat 01-Oct-16 01:17:50

Finished Simon Michael's 'The Brief' which I very much enjoyed. Some interesting characters, on both sides of the law, appear. There is a steady build up via barristers' chambers and criminal courts to as rollercoaster a conclusion as I've ever read. I could just see it on screen!
Now into Guy Fraser-Samson's 'Death in Profile', promising so far!
'Comfortingly old school crime fiction with a modern twist' Chris Brookmyre

The author has also written a series of Mapp and Lucia novels. This is his debut work of detective fiction and the first title in the Hampstead Murders series.

NanKate Sat 01-Oct-16 15:59:39

I am a great fan of Elly Griffiths' books and having read them all was recommended to books by Christopher Fowler, especially the Bryant and May series. Has anyone read these books and what do you think of them ?

Luckygirl Sat 01-Oct-16 16:45:32

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman - exquisite book - I loved it.

numberplease Sun 02-Oct-16 00:05:00

I`ve just finished Pride and Joy, by Dee Williams, a lovely tale set in Rotherhithe in the mid 30s. My next book will be Stone Cold, by David Baldacci, I usually enjoy his books.

TerriBull Sun 02-Oct-16 19:55:14

I'm halfway through "Missing Presumed" by Susie Steiner, as the title suggests a missing person thriller. Enjoying it so far.

Grannyknot Sun 02-Oct-16 20:25:29

terribull I just read that and I enjoyed it. I liked the female cop.

Grannyknot Sun 02-Oct-16 20:29:14

I've also just finished reading "Born a Crime" by the South African comedian Trevor Noah. He was born to a Xhosa mother and a white Swiss father in a time when it was illegal to have inter-racial relationships. (I was interested to read that the Immorality Act was since 1927 when South Africa was still a Union, I just assumed it was an apartheid government law).

Trevor and his mother went through a lot of hardship when he was growing up but this is not a "misery memoir" it is written with humour and an acute sense of observation of social history and not a trace of bitterness, self-pity or resentment. His mother is a great character in her own right, feisty, progressive and independent and that shines through in the book. It is a great read.

Floradora9 Mon 03-Oct-16 11:37:10

Just finished " Fool Me Once " by Harlan Coben I have never read any of his books before but certainly will look for more. Set in America a crime story with a difference , well worth reading.

annsixty Mon 03-Oct-16 12:10:19

Just had that passed on Flora will start it tonight. I like most of his books.

Nelliemoser Mon 03-Oct-16 23:01:50

I haven't properly read a novel for ages but I have just finished a Book by Charity Norman
"Freeing Grace."

I went back to the library and picked another one by the same author this is "After the fall" Very well written.

www.goodreads.com/author/show/4126111.Charity_Norman
Having just read her profile on the link I can now see where her stories are coming from.

numberplease Wed 05-Oct-16 02:01:23

I loved Stone Cold. I`ve just read the first few pages of Hidden Bodies, by Caroline Kepnes, not sure I`m going to enjoy it. The hero is really an anti hero, and I dislike him already.

pattiesplum Wed 05-Oct-16 08:50:29

Loving the Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid. More of a novella than a novel but wonderful.

Flossieturner Wed 05-Oct-16 22:15:52

I am really enjoying the Lollipop Shoes, one of the Chocolat sequels.

Marmight Wed 05-Oct-16 22:37:37

Sweet Caress, the many lives of Amory Clay by William Boyd. Well worth a read . Was this month's book at my book group and only 2 out of 13 of us did not enjoy it!

Claudiaclaws Thu 06-Oct-16 00:18:00

For those of you who like Sansom's books,try Winter in Madrid it's excellent.Not a Shardlake story though!

Morgana Thu 06-Oct-16 21:22:29

I did not like sweet caress very much although I really like his other books. Lucky girl I too loved the light between oceans. Beautifully written. Understand they are making a film of it.

Elrel Sun 13-Nov-16 20:32:07

Finally tackled 'The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher' short stories by Hilary Mantel. So far I've read 7/10 and not one I'd recommend. The title story is last.
Has anyone enjoyed this book? Maybe I'm just not a short story person!

callgirl1 Mon 14-Nov-16 00:10:44

I`ve just finished The Secret Diary of Hendrick Groen, aged 83 and a quarter, the Gransnet October book. It was oka-a-a-y, but not exactly the comedy it was made out to be, in fact I found it rather sad.
I`m now reading Turn Left at the Daffodils, by Elizabeth Elgin, set during WW2, alright so far. Apparently it was her last book, and she died before it was finished, and her family finished it for her.

Greyduster Mon 14-Nov-16 09:31:53

I have just finished reading "The Tea Planter's Wife". It was okay, but very predictable. I was going to go on to "The Silk Merchant's Daughter" but I'm not sure I'll bother now.

rosesarered Mon 14-Nov-16 10:28:35

Claudia Winter In Madrid is my favourite book.smile
Am half way through Great Britains Great War ( Jeremy Paxman) who is an excellent author.The first world war, and many interesting insights and nuggets of information I hadn't known about.A good read for those who like NF.

SFrncis Mon 14-Nov-16 14:52:36

I'm just about to start After You. I'm not sure it will be as good as the first one, but looking forward to giving it a go anyway.

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