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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