August Books

Here's what I've been reading in August:

England Expects by Sara Sheridan (A Mirabelle Bevan Mystery #3) - I'm a huge, huge fan of the series (and had the real pleasure of hearing Sara speak last week - I also picked up books 5 and 6) (happy face). In this adventure which is set in the heatwave of 1953 Mirabelle and Vesta investigate the murder of a racing journalist and a cleaning woman. Are the murders connected? Their investigations lead them to derelict Brighton Pavillion, Cambridge college and the mysterious underworld of Brighton's freemasonry. A great plot with lead characters I've grown to love.

British Bulldog by Sara Sheridan (A Mirabelle Bevan Mystery #4) which sees Mirabelle on the trail of an RAF pilot who went missing during the war and never came home. Her investigation takes her to Paris where she discovers an espionage operation. She also finds out things about her "perfect" lover Jack which surprise her and in turn she feels she can finally take him down from his pedestal that she's put him on, get on with her life and maybe find romance with Alan McGregor. Full of twists and turns and un-put-downable. Now can't wait to get stuck into books #5 and #6!

What she Lost by Susan Elliot Wright* (thanks very much to Susan for a copy of her book). Eleanor and her mother have never really bonded and as such have a difficult relationship. Marjorie has Alzheimer's and finds she needs to have Eleanor near to help her so Eleanor uproots her life and moves back home. Also a strong character in the book is neighbour, Peggy who has always been there for both Marjorie and Eleanor. 

Her mother tells her "there's something I have to tell you" but she just can't remember and with her memory fading will Eleanor find out the truth about what happened that day..or not. The storylines cover dementia, teenage pregnancy, mental health, families, love, heartbreak and friendship. A really moving read which I recommend.

Jo Malone - My Story - WOW what a read! A fascinating memoir of this inspirational lady's life. I just couldn't put it down. We learn about young Jo, the family business and all she does to make it successful, heartbreak when she leaves to set up on her own, the early years as a facialist, making products for select clients and being inspired to create her own range of perfumes and Jo Malone, the company being born. 

There are harrowing sections when Jo describes going through cancer treatments but her son and husband keep her strong and she comes out the other side. Selling the company to Estee Lauder and her frustrations about not being able to work in the industry for 5 years and then the creation of the amazing Jo Loves. It's an absolutely fabulous read and I highly recommend it. 

Greatest Hits by Laura Barnett** Singer/Songwriter Cass Wheeler is making a greatest hits album and taking a trip down memory lane - she's picking the sixteen tracks which have defined her life.

She's understandably a bit scared as she's had her fair share of heartbreak and sadness as well as intense happiness and love. Each chapter captures a period in her life and includes song lyrics. I was totally engrossed and found it a fascinating and interesting read. Highly recommend.

Robbing the Dead by Tana Collins which is the first in a new series featuring DCI Jim Carruthers. The story is set in a small Scottish University town.  

A young man who seems to know too much is brutally murdered. A lecturer at the University with a link to Northern Ireland and an interest in Welsh Nationalism was supposed to die when his car exploded but due to fate he wasn't there at the time he was expected to be. Was it a terrorist attack? And if so, who is behind it... 

The cases seem to be linked in some way and it's up to DCI Jim Carruthers and DS Andrea Fletcher along with terror expert McGee, Jim's old enemy to find out why.. An interesting, fast paced and enjoyable read. Looking forward to seeing the characters of Jim and Andie developing in book #2.

Cartes Postales from Greece by Victoria Hislop Postcards start arriving at Ellie's flat addressed to someone she doesn't know. They are always signed with an initial - A. She starts to fall in love with Greece and she looks forward to receiving the "cartes postales". After a short while they cease. She decides she must go and see this country for herself.

On the morning she leaves a notebook arrives which tells the mysterious "A's" story. We learn of his travels all over Greece and the stories he hears from the locals both real and mythical. While in Greece Ellie finds peace and realises she can live a different sort of life. An enjoyable read.

What have you been reading this month?

*copy from the author
**copy from netgalley