TOP READING 2019

It's only a week out from a New Year, and I thought a reflection on the favourite books I have read in 2019 was worth thinking about.
I managed to read quite a lot over the year, exceeding my Goodreads reading challenge. Many excellent books were read and some not so noteworthy. Towards the latter half of the year, I indulged my love for crime fiction which produced some new and fabulous authors for me to try. Some I loved and are now firm favourites, Denzil Meyrick, Craig Robertson, James Oswald and I can't ignore the amazing C.J Tudor.

I also have a passion for History and was not disappointed in the Non Fiction I chose to read this year. Alistair Moffat continues to be a favourite with me alongside Peter Ackroyd. The past few years my Non Fiction selections have been influenced by my travels and this year was no exception.
Finding my favourite read of the year is usually hard to choose, but there was a definite standout for me. THE SEA KINGDOMS by Alistair Moffat was my choice as I loved this book so much that after finishing I just wanted to go back to the start and reread all over again. For me that's the sign of a good book. This is an amazing book about the history of Celtic Britain and Ireland via the sea routes of the west coast of Scotland and east coast of Ireland.

As hard as it was I have come up with my Top 5 Fiction and Non Fiction of books I have read during 2019. I am excited as always at what wonderful books await me in 2020 and the anticipation of finding new authors to explore. There really is nothing better than losing yourself in a book, maybe embarking on an adventure that was inspired by something I have read comes very close.
HAPPY READING 2020.

TOP 5 - FICTION

The Whisper Man - Alex North                      
The Chalk Man - C J Tudor
The Long Drop - Denise Mina
Coffin Road - Peter May
The Photographer - Craig Robertson



TOP 5 - NON FICTION

The Sea Kingdoms - Alistair Moffat
The Sea Birds Cry - Adam Nicholson
Thames - Peter Ackroyd
The Explorers - Martin Dugard
Ritz and Escoffier - Luke Barr

IN THE CLEARING - J P POMARE

I was very excited to receive a pre release copy of "In the Clearing" by J P Pomare . After being blown away by his debut novel "Call Me Evie", I was hopeful of another brilliant story from this Australian author. I was not disappointed at all.

This work of fiction is obviously inspired by "The Family" a well documented and notorious cult situated in the state of Victoria. When young cult member Amy is entrusted to look after a new member things take a turn for the worse and Amy's life
of isolation from the outside world is changed forever. In the meantime, Freya a single mum with a young son she fiercely protects finds her world of security and privacy is shattered when a young child goes missing. Freya believes her secrets and her son are no longer safe.


This is a well constructed novel that just powers along and keeps you guessing. This is an excellent
psychological thriller from a brilliant author. I also highly recommend you give "Call me Evie" by J P Pomare a read as it is an exception debut novel.

LAIDLAW - WILLIAM MCILVANNEY

Jack Laidlaw is the original damaged Detective.
When a young girls body is found it is up to Laidlaw to travel through the muck that is gangland Glasgow, and lurking in the shadows are the hard men and petty villains.

This is the first in the Laidlaw trilogy. I had heard that McIlvanney was the godfather of the Scottish Crime novel and the origin of "Tartan Noir" so was intrigued to read what all the praise was about. Laidlaw was first published in 1977 and is an outstanding book on so many levels. The plot itself is not what makes it gripping, it is the incredible way McIlvanney writes the story. It is the sharp, dry wit of the lead character and the exceptional descriptive prose that makes this novel a classic crime read.The characters are a blend of gritty, hard men and Glasgow city is beautifully described in all the dirty, seedy glory of the time.

I love the writing style and will savour reading the next two instalments in the series. I encourage any lover of crime fiction to read this trilogy. Brilliant stuff!