Here’s a selection of the books I’ve read this year which stand out in the memory. Not all are ‘new’ as I read what I come across. These are all books read for pleasure, and many were recommended by friends.
My favourite book of the year, gripping from start to finish and the only one that came close to ‘can’t put it down’. I have a soft spot for road trips so this Australian-set piece was a corker.For the first time I’ve started listening to audio books and the BBC audio adaptation entertained me on long drives through Thailand. An interesting set-up and a challenging look at the publishing world, identity politics and ‘cancel culture’.I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of this gem by Fiona Veitch Smith. The third outing for 1930s investigator Clara Vale takes her to Egypt via sites and museums I know well.Another book I was sent as an advance copy. The first in a new series by Sarah Ward featuring an archaeologist as investigator – what’s not to like? Its new England setting also opens up new possibilities, away from familiar domestic heritage settings.A challenging read about childhood neglect and abuse, to be experienced rather than strictly ‘enjoyed’.I don’t normally read ‘cosy’ crime so picked this one up out of curiosity over what makes Osman’s books so popular. It’s an entertaining romp with engaging characters, but belief needs to be suspended at the outset.Another cosy, which I read as it’s set in Alderney at a book festival the author makes clear isn’t the “Alderney Literary Festival”, which he spoke at before coming up with the idea. Its interesting to see the island from an outsider’s eye but as I know the place so wellI did find myself mentally moving from here to there. A gripping book, as Ian Rankin says on the cover. I don’t read many police procedurals but this gives an idea of the size and complexity of an investigation. The changes of viewpoint, snatches of media reports and twitter chatter make for an interesting structure but does rather push the notional lead character into the background.A non-fiction work about the Iranian Embassy siege of 1980, which I found compelling as I was a student living close by during the drama and joined the ‘counter protest’ outside. I listened to the BBC audio version mostly while in a hotel room in Marrakesh.
And as for the books read purely for research, I’ll be covering those when my next book is bubbling under.
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