Review: Last Bus to Woodstock

Last Bus to Woodstock by Colin Dexter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have watched and loved the Morse TV series over and over for many years but to my shame this is the first time I have read one of the books.
I was sucked right into the story. Dexter is a master storyteller. His way of setting you and Morse off on the wrong track then bringing you back makes for a wonderful reading experience.
I have the whole box set of these books and am looking forward to many pleasurable hours in the company of Morse and Lewis.

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Review: Funeral in Berlin

Funeral in Berlin by Len Deighton
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book just did not happen for me. I got way too confused with the story jumping about between East and West Germany and London. The characters did not seem real and I could not bond with any of them.
I listened to an audio version from my library and the narrator seemed determined to channel Michael Caine throughout which was very off putting as he kept slipping into bizarre other accents.

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Review: Want you dead

Want you dead by Peter James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another excellent outing through Brighton and it's environs with Roy Grace and his team.
Never before have I ever felt such hatred for a character as I did with the bad guy in this book. James managed to really push all my negative buttons with this Bryce cretin and from very early on in this book I wanted the absolute worst for him.

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Review: Dead Man's Time

Dead Man's Time by Peter James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A return to form from Peter James with this latest outing of Roy Grace.
The story was interesting and engaging and even though I worked out quite early who would be involved there was still a twist in tale which I had never imagined.


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Review: Not Dead Yet

Not Dead Yet by Peter James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Had it not been for the peripheral ongoing story of Roy Grace's missing wife and the stunning evil twist right at the end I would only have given this three stars.
I found the story lacking the usual grip these books have over me and was quite happy to put it aside for a few days. What kept me going was as I said the ongoing saga of Grace and his wife and I will keep reading further books in the series to find out what happens.


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Review: Life of Pi

Life of Pi by Yann Martel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am not really sure what I thought of this book. On the one hand it was a delightful tale of fiction, on the other it was an introduction to three religions and to how a zoo works. One thing is for sure, it gave me much food for thought.

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Review: One Hundred Years of Solitude

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this book but I got so confused that in the end it was a chore to finish. I did finish it but I am not looking forward to reading any more by this author.

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Review: Classic Love Stories

Classic Love Stories by Media Books Audio Publishing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lovely collection of short stories from great writers including Oscar Wilde and Lucy Maud Montgomery to name just two. A nice break from some of the heavier works I have been reading lately. All the stories were excellently read by the narrators.

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Review: The Road

The Road by Cormac McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was mesmerizing. Although we no not where the road is we are still taken on a journey which is compelling to follow.
Father and son are in a fight and flight for their lives, they are the good guys but there are bad guys out there and they must be avoided at all costs.
I cannot begin to list all the emotions I felt listening to this, it would seem that both hubby and I shared many of the same and we were so touched by this book that we listened to it in just two straight sittings. This is one of those books which will stay long in both our memories.

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Review: Dead Like You

Dead Like You by Peter James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As we expect this was a fun romp from the author.
I had never heard of the Appalachian Trail before and now I am sure that although it sounds like a wonderful adventure I shall never ever be tempted to walk any part of it. I will be fully contented with the journey I took with Bryson and Katz.
A most enjoyable travel journal.

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Review: Dead Simple: Roy Grace, Book 1

Dead Simple: Roy Grace, Book 1 by Peter James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After enjoying a later book in the series hubs and I went back to the beginning of the Roy Grace series. This 1st book was amazing. Just when you thought you had the answer along came a huge twist that totally threw you off the scent. A real page turner. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good detective story.

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Review: Dead Man's Grip

Dead Man's Grip by Peter James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bloody brilliant!!!
This was gripping from the off. So much so that hubby and I listened to it in just over 24 hours. One of those books that I would deem un-put-downable.
Roy Grace is in my eyes the perfect policeman, caring, organised, and talented but with a bit of an edge. The side story about his missing wife is also fascinating whilst not being overpowering to the main story.
I am now off back to the very beginning of this series to gather the whole picture and am looking forward to many more happy hours listening while I knit.

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Review: The Little Prince

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet little tale which I enjoyed very much.

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Review: The Beat Goes On: The Complete Rebus Stories

The Beat Goes On: The Complete Rebus Stories by Ian Rankin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful collection of short stories with Rebus at it's heart. If you like the full length novels you will love this book.

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Review: Dead Gone

Dead Gone by Luca Veste
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A serial killer is on the loose in Liverpool, can they be found?
This was an intriguing thriller which certainly led me to surmise quite wrongly who I thought the killer was. Even once the killer is found, is it really them? Or is there still a final twist in the tale?
I will leave you to find out for yourself.
A most enjoyable listen.

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Review: Murder at the Vicarage

Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Review: The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book will certainly be going down as one of my all time favourites.
The emotional roller coaster that is the story of Edmond Dantes has it all. Love, betrayal, revenge, greed and hope to name but a few of it's characteristics.
Mere words cannot describe my feelings as this narrative progressed.
At over 50 hours it was a long listen but truly worth every second.

Read as part of my 1001 books and BBC Big Read challenges

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Review: Gray Redemption

Gray Redemption by Alan McDermott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again we are thrust into the world of dark politics, treason and espionage as we rejoin Tom, now with a new name, and his buddies as they fight the bad guys. That is once they figure out who the bad guys are.
Another page turning beauty from the pen of Alan McDermott.

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Review: Paid In Blood

Paid In Blood by Mel Odom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: The Girl Who Played with Fire

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not quite as good as The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
This the second instalment of the Millennium Trilogy felt somewhat weaker than the first. It seemed to be disjointed in places which spoiled the flow of the narrative. It was not until the last quarter of the book that things began to gain pace and kept me wanting to know what happened next.

Read as part of my Library challenge

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Review: Rebecca

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow!!
I have seen the TV adaptation of this many times and I did read it years ago but listening to it now brought a new depth that I had not noticed before.
The late Anna Massey was the perfect choice to narrate this.

Read as part of my 1001 books and the BBC Big Read Challenges

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Review: Gray Justice

Gray Justice by Alan McDermott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am lost for words as to how much I loved this book. It was one almighty page turner, which shows in the fact that I read it in less than 24 hours and also fitted in a day at work. It has been a long time since a book has gripped me this much.
Tom Gray is an excellent character with whom you can relate easily. At the beginning you feel sorry for him but as time goes on you realise his strength and become completely on his side no matter how you feel about what he is doing.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

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Review: The Falcon at the Portal

The Falcon at the Portal by Elizabeth Peters
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Review: Games Traitors Play

Games Traitors Play by Jon Stock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MI5, MI6, the CIA, the SVR, they are all here. A delve into the world of spies and traitors. At times I struggled to figure out who were the good guys. So many twists confused the mind.
Paul Panting's narration was easy on the ear and kept the interest alive.

Read as part of my Library challenge.

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Review: Ovid Metamorphoses

Ovid Metamorphoses by Ovid
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I tried so hard to like this. I really did. Maybe this type of book is just not my type of book. However I did finish it and was somewhat taken aback when towards the end there was a very early reference to vegetarianism.

Read as part of my 1001 books challenge.

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Review: Daddy's Girl

Daddy's Girl by Lisa Scottoline
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A thrilling ride from a staid University classroom through a prison riot and out the other end with the central character, Nat - a law professor, becoming a fugitive and running from the law to prove her innocence. Some good twists and turns in this novel kept me entertained and guessing right till the end.

9 hrs 38 mins of fantastic listening.

Read as part of my Library challenge.

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Review: A Better Quality of Murder

A Better Quality of Murder by Ann Granger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having never read anything by this author before I was unsure as to how I would enjoy this book. I should not have been worried. The story and characters were engaging from the get go.
I particularly enjoyed that the narration had been broken into the male and female lead parts and the two narrators complimented each other beautifully.
Even though the narration was split the story remained linear and the little twists and turns kept me guessing right to the end.
I will be on the lookout for more stories about this pair.

This audiobook was just over 10 hours long.

Read as part of my Library challenge

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Review: A Bunch of Sweet Peas

A Bunch of Sweet Peas by Henry Donald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An absolutely endearing true story of a Minister in the Scottish Borders who in 1911 entered a national newspaper sweet pea competition. Beautifully read by Dame Judy Dench and just the thing to brighten a dull afternoon.

Read as part of my Library challenge.

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Review: Sexing the Cherry

Sexing the Cherry by Jeanette Winterson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Fantasy is just not my bag. I like a book to have a linear direction and whilst I can appreciate this was well written it was not for me.
Juliet Stevenson narrated it very well and at around 5 hours it was not a long listen.

Read as part of my 1001 books challenge.

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Review: Bryant and May Off the Rails

Bryant and May Off the Rails by Christopher Fowler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enthralling listen.
The two old codgers at it again. The Peculiar Crimes Unit does live to to it's name. In this outing they are mostly in the London underground around Kings Cross station chasing after ghosts, or what appear to be ghosts.
Just under 11 hours long and wonderfully narrated by Tim Goodman.

Read as part of my Library challenge.


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Review: The Game

The Game by Laurie R. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful tale of daring-do as Mary Russell and her husband Sherlock Holmes travel across continents and countries, in this case India, in search of a grown man who has disappeared from the face of the earth. This man is no other than Kimbal O'Hara, better known to us all as Rudyard Kipling's Kim.
Laurie R King weaves together the protagonists with an enchanting story which keeps the reader engaged and wanting to know what will happen next.
At just over 13 hours this was a great listen.

Read as part of my library challenge.

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Review: California

California by Ray Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is a California in Scotland and this short book is set there.
At just under 2 hours long this was an easy listen however if you do not like swearing this is not for you. Some sensitive souls may find the use of profanity excessive but, coming from the East of Scotland as I do the language is not unusual.
The story tells the tale of Shug, newly released from prison, of his dreams and of his issues.

Read as part of my library challenge.

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Review: B. 24

B. 24 by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: A Bank Fraud

A Bank Fraud by Rudyard Kipling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet little tale from a master story-teller which I found on my local library download list. Very well read by Martin Jarvis

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Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am struggling to find adequate words to describe this book.
Staggering, pacey, engrossing, engaging, I could go on and on. Yes, some passages made for disturbing images in one's mind but in all honesty they were soon forgotten and replaced by some more soothing scenes.
Both hubby and I could not get enough of this book and we listened to it over just 3 sittings.
I seem to be drawn to crime novels set in Sweden and find them most fascinating. I am looking forward to listening to the rest of the trilogy in time.

Read as part of my library challenge.


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Review: 2nd Chance

2nd Chance by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The 2nd outing of the Women's Murder Club from James Patterson.
Whilst this did not grip me right from the off it did grow and I listened to the second half in one sitting. The story took a few twists and turns which kept me guessing right to the end which is what I like with a story like this.
By no means is this a cosy murder/mystery, rather it is a gripping thriller with the ladies right at the heart of the action.

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Review: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I think the best thing I can say about this book is that I finished it.
At 6 hours listening it was not a long book but it felt like months. I just did not get it. Maybe I do not know enough about the drugs culture to understand the story or maybe as my hubby said "you need to be on drugs to appreciate it". Either way I am glad it is over and it is one more book I can tick off on my list.

Read as part of my 1001 books challenge.

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Rays of Sunset Shawl

A few weeks ago I told you about a test knit I was doing. Well now the test is over and the pattern has been released.

Rays of Sunset Shawl  is an addictive sideways knit with the border knitted on as you go. The pattern is very easy to follow and I found that I memorised the lace section very quickly.
The pattern is on sale now with an introductory discount of 20% until 7th June 2016.
If you are looking for a relaxing knit which looks much harder than it is then give this shawl a bash.

Review: A Fatal Fleece

A Fatal Fleece by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say? I just love these cosy mysteries set in fictional Sea Harbour and featuring 4 keen knitters as sleuths.
Whenever I am in need of a pick-me-up these ladies are the ones I turn to.

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Review: 11.22.63

11.22.63 by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At around 36 hours long this book seemed a daunting listen. The first 8 hours or so seemed to be such a slog for us and at a few points we were getting to the point of giving up. Then things began to gain pace and the rest of the book was, for us, engrossing. It became one of those books that as soon as I came in from work, hubby was saying lets get the story on.
Told in the 1st person from the point of Jake/George the tale takes you through the lead up to the happenings on that fateful day.
A nice touch at the very end of this audiobook was Stephen King himself telling why he wrote this book.


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Review: Summer Secrets

Summer Secrets by Jane Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable summer read.
This was a delve into how the life of an alcoholic affects both themselves and others around them. Whilst this may sound very heavy it was not. There were quite a few spots in the book where both hubby and I laughed out loud. It transported us beautifully to the glorious sounding island of Nantucket and we both felt that we could feel the island breeze and spray of the sea.

Read as part of my library challenge.

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Review: Aesop's Fables

Aesop's Fables by Aesop
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These short stories, written some 2500 years ago, are as relevant today as they have been throughout the entirety of the book's life. The morals of the stories include greed, lust, and gluttony to name but three. Many people name The Bible as the book to take life's lessons from but I would put Aesop's Fables right up there too as a guide to living a good simple life.
A most enjoyable listen.

Read as part of 1001 books challenge.

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Review: Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Timeless.
Even though I have seen the TV adaptation numerous times I had never before now read the book. The story grips you and hauls you in and you can just imagine being a fly on the wall as Poiot goes about his investigations.
David Suchet's narration is faultless.

Read as part of my personal library challenge.

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WIP Wednesday

Having finished the test knit I was working on, (I will share finished photos when the designer allows), I decided that once again it was time to stretch my knitting skills and try something new. I have never knitted anything which starts in the middle before and my eye was caught by the beautiful India Stole free pattern on Ravelry.
Using the ever helpful Google I found the Provisional Cast On  on Knitty.com and proceeded to give it a go. I used a spare interchangeable cable rather than waste yarn to make life easier later on and off I went. I am using Drops lace in baby blue with tiny silver lined blue Matsuno beads.

Today finds me almost at the end of chart 1 and enjoying this project immensely.
My companion book today is Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie narrated by David Suchet from my local library.

Review: Bite Me

Bite Me by Christopher Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

K so, while I totally understand this was about vampire kitties on the loose in San Francisco and the like I totally lost the thread of the plot around chapter 3. I did however thoroughly enjoy the narration and laughed out loud a fair few times.
Truly not a book I would have enjoyed to eye read but the audio was very entertaining.

Read as part of my library downloads challenge.

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