Our latest reviews

Ever: Gail Carson Levine

Reviewed by Jo Boyce, freelance reviewer

Olus is the Akkan god of wind, and the youngest god on Mount Enshi. He is lonely. Olus leaves in search of more – in search of friendship and acceptance. On his journey in the mortal lands, Olus becomes a…

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Dark Places: Gillian Flynn

Reviewed by Kate O'Mara, Readings Carlton

Ben Day had aterrible Januaryin 1985. First hewas accused ofmolesting aschoolgirl, thenhe went downfor the horrificmurder of his mother and twoof his sisters – a murder blamedon Satan and heavy metal. Hisonly surviving sister Libbyfingered him in court, and thatwas…

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Italian Shoes: Henning Mankell

Reviewed by Kate O'Mara, Readings Carlton

It’s only fair to salute theman whose KurtWallandermysteries pretty much introducedScandinavian crime tothe modern English speakingworld.

Italian Shoes is not aWallander novel – it’s not evena crime novel. It’s simply abeautifully written meditationon loneliness and attempts torebuild and make amends…

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The Redeemer: Jo Nesbø

Reviewed by Kate O'Mara, Readings Carlton

The week beforeChristmas, aSalvation Armyofficer is neatlydispatched by aprofessionalhit-man in abusy Oslo street.The shooter’s plans for a quickescape are foiled by a snowstormand a cancelled flight,and while trapped in the city herealises he has killed theintended target’s brother bymistake. Hungry…

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Worldshaker: Richard Harland

Reviewed by Holly Harper, Readings Malvern

When your grandfather is the Supreme Commander of the juggernaut city Worldshaker, you’re not expected to fraternise with the lower classes. And being the well-brought up boy that he is, Colbert Porpentine wouldn’t dream of making friends with the subhuman…

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The Weight of Silence: Catherine Therese

Reviewed by Kath Lockett, freelance reviewer

Catherine Therese’s family all describe her as ‘unusual’ (pronounced ‘un-you-sual’). In this unique memoir, she tells us of her pride in having an outie belly button, being greedy for choosing the names of two saints and seeing her first doodle…

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Secret Son: Laila Lalami

Reviewed by Dimitri Gonis, freelance reviewer

Youssef El Mekki is a 19-year-old who lives with his mother in the slums of Casablanca. Like anyone of his age, he struggles for an identity. His poverty and the absence of a father compound this need. He feels rejected…

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The Selected Works of T.S.Spivet: Reif Larsen

Reviewed by Kath Lockett, freelance reviewer

Tecumseh Sparrow Spivet might only be 12 in human years but with his genius for map-making and observation, he could very well pass for 100. His intricate notebooks cover such pressing issues as how many corn cobs are shucked before…

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Atlas of Unknowns: Tania James

Reviewed by Kabita Dhara, Readings Carlton

Sisters Linno and Anju are brought up by their grandmother, Ammachi, and their father, the good-hearted but somewhat bumbling Melvin, after the death of their mother, Gracie. They share an idyllic childhood and a close bond, but when Anju betrays…

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Ways of Escape: Hugh Mackay

Reviewed by Emily Laidlaw, Freelance Reviewer

Academic Hugh Mackay has a distinguished career bringing sociology to the masses. His latest work, Ways of Escape, sees him turn his hand to fiction while still delivering his acute observations about contemporary middle-class society. The novel follows the…

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