I don't seem to have written a post on recent reading for some time. So these are the books I have read since I last did a post on the subject.
I am still really enjoying the Cadfael Chronicles by Ellis Peters.
The Farlington Marsh Murders was the next book I read in the Solent Murder Mysteries. If I am honest I did get a bit confused with the plot in this book - there were just far too many characters!
"The Cuckoo's Lea" is a beautifully written book which has been really well researched. The author writes about many places that were named long ago after bird species. The book is a really good mix of ornithology, history, walking and exploring using maps, medieval charters etc.
I read the first in the series of the North Norfolk Murder Mysteries - "Under Violent Skies". This was a new author for me. I enjoyed this book although at times I wasn't keen on some of the violence shown towards two of the characters.
I thought I would enjoy "The Swimming Club" as I have really enjoyed many of Rachel McLean's books but to be honest I found the book too lightweight. Sadly, I had already bought the second book in the series although I doubt I will read it!
The next two books I read throughout 2025 as you are meant to read a chapter a month as the year progresses. I really enjoyed The Blackbird's Song which has some lovely ideas to get you immersed in nature. This was the second year I have read the Tree Almanac and I was hoping there would be a new version for 2026 but sadly I can't find one.
A good selection there. I have been reading a JD Kirk book my friend sent. Gosh that chap is a prolific writer! I got a couple of Prof. Alice Roberts' books from the library too - Crypt and Buried - and have been dipping into those. Upstairs I have another Library book, by Ann Cleeves this time. By the time I got to bed these past few days though, I have been too tired to read.
ReplyDeleteThank you BB. I haven't read any J D Kirk. My son has some of the Prof Alice Robert's books. I've enjoyed Ann Cleeves in the past.
DeleteIt is always disappointing when a book is so looked forward to but then fails to live up to our expectations. The Tree Almanac looks interesting, but a pity there isn't another one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie. I struggled to finish "The Swimming Club" to be honest. I had the Tree Almanac in 2024 and 2025 and it was really good each year.
DeleteThe Cuckoo's Lea sounds nice book to read as does The Blackbird's Song. Like you I found one of the Swimming Club books, a Christmas one, a little lightweight after the Dorset Crime books. I did finish reading it but probably won't bother with the other's in that series. I'm reading a series of books set in Derbyshire at the moment and enjoying them. Like Rachel McLean their author Jane Bettany write a separate more cosy series as well:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosie. I enjoyed The Cuckoo's Lea very much and the Blackbird's Song you could read any year. Glad you felt the same about the Swimming Club. I will check out the Jane Bettany books set in Derbyshire but try and avoid the "cosy" series :)
DeleteJust slogged through some "Dark Academia" novel, and now about to start something about a Japanese cafe run by cats. Which will be a mercy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Simon. Sometimes it is difficult to make yourself finish reading a book although recently there was one I stopped reading a quarter of the way through! Enjoy the new book.
DeleteThe two nature books sound lovely and it's a good way to read them. I haven't read a book in ages though and still haven't finished the orchid book!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandy. I don't read as much as I used to - feel too tired most of the time! Deleted comment about notify button just so you know. I hope you finish the orchid book :)
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ReplyDeleteYou have reminded me that I need to post about my 2026 reads.
ReplyDeleteThanks CherryPie. I look forward to seeing what you have read this year.
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