May Books

Here's what I've been reading in May. I read 7 books!

Screams in the Dark by Anna Smith - this is the third book in the Rosie Gilmour series.  Crime Reporter Rosie is drawn into researching the case of missing refugees. A torso with body parts missing is found in the Clyde and Rosie throws herself into finding out more putting herself in danger..

Two Turtle Doves by Alex Monroe - a sweet and memorable book which jumps between the past and present.  Alex shares with us his childhood where he spent lots of time having fun with his siblings - go carts, booby traps, boating and lakes.  He shares with us family life with his wife and daughters, ideas for his jewellery, shows and in the workshop. There are lovely stories which stay with you, like when he sees Sophie Dahl and then a stranger on a train wearing his jewellery.  It made me laugh out loud lots. One of my favourite books this year.

The Rental Heart & Other Fairytales by Kirsty Logan - I read one of Kirsty's short stories in The Simple Things magazine and just loved it. I don't tend to like short stories as I find them too short! This is a mix of tales of love, loss and lust.  Some I liked better than others with some staying in my mind long after I finished the book like the boy with the tiger tale and the girl with antlers and a girl who seeks out Baba Yaga, a witch as a dare which fables have warned to stay away from and the twist in the tale.

The Book of You by Claire Kendal - Rafe works beside Clarissa at the University. He invites her to his book launch and the next thing she knows is he is beside her in bed.  He starts stalking her, following her and sending her gifts.  Clarissa is on Jury Duty and thinks this will keep Rafe away from her but he just won't take no for an answer.  The case is parallel to what is happening to her now. Super Creepy.

Betrayed by Anna Smith - the latest Rosie Gilmour instalment and I think her best yet! I raced through this book.  The case is a missing barmaid and Rosie is determined to find her.  It leads her to the dangerous world of the Ulster Volunteer Force and drug dealing.  The story goes to Utrecht and Seville and Adrian and Matt (who we have met in previous books) are there to help.  Can't wait for the next one.

Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson - the story is set during the Second World War. Saba is working overseas for ENSA - Entertainments National Service Association and meets Dom a young fighter pilot who is recovering in hospital after being shot down. Mysterious Mr Cleeve asks Saba if she will help the war effort as she is half-Turkish and can speak the language. A easy read with many twists and turns. You keep hoping all will turn out well for Saba and Dom.

Return to Mandalay by Rosanna Ley - Eve, an antique dealer is asked to go to Mandalay on a buying trip by her employer.  Her grandfather was in Burma during the Second World War and has fond memories of his time there.  He asks her to return a mysterious artefact - a chinthe - to its rightful owner. There are lots of twists and turns, memories, history and love. A great read.

What have you been reading this month?