The Return - Victoria Hislop

I absolutely loved The Island and have looked forward to reading this book since its publishing was announced. Having had a family home in Spain both under Franco and since, and adoring flamenco,( if you can get to see Joaquin Cortes do) I was convinced I was going to love this book too. And I did up until about half way. When flamenco was involved there was passion but otherwise it just lacked something. I think that once we got into the civil war it read more like a history book. We did not learn any more about the characters, their motivation and feelings other than what we were told,it became a passive experience, in fact I just did not become invested in them as charcters. Yes I wanted to know what happened and it is a non demanding light read, but it lacks the depth of The Island. I also thought that the Ramirez family pushed credibility, one son a socialist teacher, one a fascist bull fighter, one a homosexual flamenco guitarist and the daughter an outstanding flamenco dancer hmm........

The Lying Tongue - Andrew Wilson

This book is a cross between Sleuth and The talented Mr Ripley. It was only half way through that intrigued I read the inside cover and realised that Andrew Wilson is a biographer of Patricia Highsmith. As such I assume that this is a "homage" to her. I enjoyed it, indeed read it non- stop Saturday to Sunday. The ending of the book is absolutely great and it is very difficult to review this book without spoilers. Best to say, think present day Venice, a crumbling Palace, a mysterious hermit like novelist, an amoral young man, oh, and murder, and you get the picture. It clearly is not in the same league as Highsmith but it is close. There in though lies the question is there value in imitating anothers work? It would make a good reading group read if say one of the Ripleys were read with this. I await to see what Andrew writes next with interest.

The Outcast - Sadie Jones

This book is stunning. It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel, the calibre of writing and plotting is so mature. She captures the claustrophobic, smug world of 1950's middle England so well. The issues that she deals with, self - harming, wife beating, child abuse are downplayed in a subtle manner, they are heart breaking but never sensationalised. It is a telling reminder that we never know what happens behind closed doors, but thank goodness these issues are out in the open today. This will make a fantastic reading group book, there is just so much to talk about. If you have the feeling from the review that this is a dark book, far be it, there is a strong message of hope and resilience, and that young people far from being victims can show us the way forward. Her characterisation particularly of Lewis is deft and carries depth, you really feel you get to know him, and above all can identify with him. Even when he spirals out of control , you never lose that empathy with him, this is the skill of an excellent writer.

Dead Man in Tangier - Michael Pearce

I enjoyed Michael's Mamur Zapt series but the books I have read of this series have left me cold. I really cannot find much about Seymour to like or dislike his character is so thinly drawn. It is the same for all the characters in this book. Frankly I was bored, it did not even have the advantage of having a travelogue aspect, there was no exploitation of the setting to help, and as for the whodunnit aspect, I just didn't care.

This book would have no interest for a reading group, in my opinion.

The Snake Stone - Jason Goodwin

The second book in this excellent series. It is a sort of Donna Leon set in Istanbul in 1838.

I love the sense of humour in these books, there are genuine laugh out load moments amid the murder and many wry smiles. You will also find your mouth watering, for, as well as being a eunuch, Yashim is also an excellent cook. I now want to make pilaf like him!

Having been to Istanbul, like Leon before him, Jason Goodwin also expertly weaves the sites of the city into the plots, his writing is so good that one can nearly smell as well as taste and hear the atmosphere of this great historic city.

White Nights - Ann Cleeves

This is the second book in the Shetland Quartet, and comes after Ann won the prestigious Dagger for the first novel in the series Raven Black, and it does not disappoint. I read a lot of crime and this is a glorious, who dunnit and I just did not see it coming. This is Agatha Christie set in modern times! The setting in Shetland is fantastic, very unusual and atmospheric. I enjoy the slow, careful plotting, with the suspense building and then the surprise! I cannot give too much away without spoilers. I am really enjoying her characterisation of the deyective Jimmy Perez.
We were very lucky last year to have an author event with Ann at Boscombe Library, she does a marvellous 'murder' evening - highly recommended, if one is coming to a library near you, do not miss it!

The Road Home - Rose Tremain

I took this book out on friday and was unable to put it down! I finally finished it last night at 11.30. I can well understand why this won the Orange Prize. It is utterly captivating. This book works on so many levels. It will make an excellent book group book. Her charaterisation is so finely drawn that you become completely invested in each one. It has supense and keeps you reading as you want to find out what happens next. The subtle commentary that takes place about the way we live in this country is excellently done, it is achieved with a deft, light touch but no less powerful for that. The scenes set in Lev's own country have both humour and pathos. I can't recommend this book enough! It will be coming to one of our reading groups very soon!