Review: Familiar Strangers

Familiar Strangers by Jackie Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An excellent read.

One day, Becca visits her mother in the care home that she has been in since her early-onset Alzheimer’s deteriorated to the point where she needed full time professional care. During this visit, Nancy has a seemingly lucid moment where she declares that Becca isn’t her daughter, that she took her. This news is like a bolt from the blue for Becca, who has never suspected that her roots lie anywhere else than her family. As quick as the moment comes, Nancy disappears back into herself and cannot clarify the bombshell that she has landed. Becca is left confused by the whole situation and wonders rather this is nothing more than confusion from her mum, words that she didn’t mean – but there’s a part of her that is also questioning everything she knows.

To add to the difficulties that Becca is having with her mother’s health and her father’s subsequent withdrawal from enjoying anything in life – Becca receives a phone call from the police investigating the disappearance of a woman who was apparently off to find ‘Rebecca Wall’. A woman as to whom Becca has no recollection of every knowing or ever meeting. The police seem hell bent on proving that Becca is involved but unwilling to share any details with her.

Familiar Strangers is such a brilliant read, engaging right from the start with a brilliant, and at times completely annoying, protagonist. Becca is at times frustrating as she doesn’t help herself in her quest to find out the reason that Katie Collins went missing looking for her. What is clear is that there are lots of secrets but as to whether they are anything to do with Katie is far from clear.

Jackie Walsh’s writing makes you question everything and everyone – similarly to Becca, you are made to feel that everyone is a suspect! I got so drawn into the narrative and also wanted to know why Katie was searching for Becca and what happened to her that I pretty much read this book in one day – I just needed to keep reading, wanting to know more. I am so pleased that I had the opportunity to read this in a day (thanks to my husband’s cycling sportive!) as I definitely would not wanted to have put it down!

This is brimming with suspense and red herrings that takes its reader on the journey alongside Becca as the secrets unravel and the truth comes out. A fantastic read which I highly recommend – but make sure you have a clear diary to maximise your reading time! 

Review: Accused

Accused by Lisa Scottoline
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mary DiNunzio is in the process of just being made partner, has a lovely boyfriend who is serious about her and loves her. When a 13 year old girl named Allegra comes into the office wanting to hire a lawyer to reopen a murder case. Mary and her friend Judy take on the challenge of trying to help this young girl.

I listened to the audio of this book which IMO is just so special. The performer, January Lavoy, is absolutely Mary plus she has the other accents right down pat.

A thoroughly enjoyable story with a mix of serious and humour making these audio books by Lisa Scottoline my very favourite.

Review: Winter Garden

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This had nothing to redeem itself. Over the top surly Russian mom who hates her daughters but loves her super husband. Super husband who somehow overlooks a lot of emotional abuse and neglect. Stupid twin sisters who have no personality and nothing interesting or original. Irish boyfriend who has to use the words 'brilliant' 'love' and dropped g's at the end of verbs so we REALLY get that he is Irish. 

Just not my cup of tea at all.

Review: One Day in December

One Day in December by Josie Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A terrific story. I don't read many love stories, but this one was just so good. I know that if I have either laughed out loud or cried out loud that it was a good book.

How it starts; a girl is going home on a bus and spots a boy outside the bus and she just falls so in love with him, just like that. He doesn't get on the bus and she doesn't know who he is. Her friend and her spend the best part of a year trying to find out who he was.

The story takes us through nine years and many life changes of the two girls. But deep down, the girl from the bus has never forgotten that boy and has always loved him.

I really enjoyed this story.

Review: Peony: A Novel of China

Peony: A Novel of China by Pearl S. Buck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wanted to really love this book and it didn't quite meet that goal. However, it was a good read.

Peony is a bondswoman in China in the home of a Jewish family. She was bought to serve their young son, in caring for him and waiting on him and also helping with the household. It takes awhile to understand the lifestyle described in the book.

It becomes more complicated when Peony admits to herself that she loves David, the son of the house but can never let him know of that.

A good read.

Review: The Night Fire

The Night Fire by Michael Connelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Renee Ballard and Harry Bosch team up again to solve a cold case. The widow of a retired police officer handed over a file she found in her husband's desk, to Bosch and he felt there must be a good reason that he held onto that file. It was the unsolved murder of a young fellow in an alley that was used for drug deals. Harry can't quite decide if his old mentor wanted to work the file in his retirement or that he didn't want the case to be solved.

Renee and Harry make a fantastic team, each almost knowing what the other is doing and always watching each other's backs.

Excellent read and looking forward to the next installment from Ballard and Bosch.

Review: The Girl with a Clock for a Heart

The Girl with a Clock for a Heart by Peter Swanson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

George Moss was in love with a girl in university. She committed suicide. But years later he sees her in a bar. That is where the story takes off.

We hear about his love in his young years and he is on a quest to discover what actually happened to her. She has changed names many times and is involved in the underworld.

I listened to the audio of this book and found it a bit confusing, although well written. I would suggest that it be read in a paper book.