Somehow I've managed to fall behind on my reading logs - as well as on my actual reading! This is as much as I noted down for October, so is probably accurate. It was a difficult and stressful month, and I sadly didn't manage to retreat into books. I'm now well behind on the 52 Book Challenge criteria, and don't see any realistic chance of completing every category this year. That's a real shame!
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
Richard Osman's fifth novel introduces a new cast of characters, this time set in the New Forest, far from the cosy retirement village of the Thursday Murder Club. Amy works as a personal security officer, protecting the rich and famous; when several people that she has guarded are found dead in suspicious circumstances, it appears that she is being framed. Together she and her 'guardee' try to protect themselves and get to the bottom of the mystery. Steve, her ex-cop father-in-law is also pulled thoroughly out of his New Forest comfort zone, and ends up halfway around the world, helping almost against his will - much as his loves his daughter-in-law.
As usual, there is plenty of humour mixed in with the mystery, and characters that I found myself caring about. My relief when one person escaped the trouble ahead was absolutely real (and shared by my daughter who had also read the book), and I truly enjoyed getting to know these new people.
This was my 'buddy read' - although my daughter is definitely far quicker at getting through books than I am, so she has to wait impatently for me to finish so we can share all our favourite bits together. We're definitely both looking forward to reading more of their future adventures (and thinking just how well they would get on with the Thursday Murder Club people. Just imagine Amy and Elizabeth together!).
[19. A buddy read]
Death on the Cherwell by Mavis Doriel Hay
A rather charming whodunnit, set in the fictional St Persephone's College at Oxford University in the 1920s. When the Bursar is found dead in her canoe one winter afternoon, speculation is rife about the events surrounding her death. The group of students who found her decide to investigate, helping - or possibly hampering - the police's efforts. There are various possible suspects along the way, of course, as well as the intrigue about her niece and the reasons for the Bursar's determination to keep her away from Oxford.
I rather enjoyed the glimpse of Oxford in the past - and this is set in the area of the city that I know best. And of course, anything based around boats and the river will appeal to me! It's nicely written; there are pointers along the way (so much so that for once I suspected the right person before the big reveal!), but a few red herrings in there too to keep the reader guessing a bit.
Very much of its time, but definitely very readable. I might well look out for others by the same author.
[13. An academic thriller]
Bibliomaniac by Robin Ince [audiobook]
In 2021, when his planned tour with Prof. Brian Cox was cancelled due to COVID restriction, Robin Ince decided instead to arrange a tour of small events at a hundred bookshops covering the length and breadth of Britain. This book tells the story of that tour - the places visited, booksellers met, and books acquired. It's a gentle stroll (for the reader) through the country, although it was clearly considerably more demanding for the author.
A pleasant account - undemanding, meandering, and amiable.
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