Books We Loved at Book Chat

Here are eight terrific books recommended by Flaxmere Library Bookchat. Click on the titles to see catalogue details.

The Quiet People by Paul Cleave
Our reader heartily recommends the latest by this popular New Zealand author. The story focuses on the disappearance of a young boy whose parents just happen to be crime writers. But could this be a publicity stunt to prove that they can commit the perfect crime? Both the police and the public can only wonder. A brilliant, twisty story that will keep you hooked.

The Lost Boy by Camilla Lackberg
Number seven in the popular Patrik Hedstrom series in which the policeman has to investigate the death of well-liked but secretive businessman, Mats Sverin. Can Sverin’s recently returned high-school sweetheart shed some light on the victim? But she’s got a secret too, which could cost her dearly if revealed. The island of Fjallbacka creates an evocative setting for the series, and this book is another well-crafted and satisfying mystery.

Island in the East by Jenny Ashcroft
Set across two time frames, Ivy, an intelligence officer in 1941 is happy to leave blitz-torn London for Singapore, only to have to deal with the looming threat of a Japanese invasion. Back in 1897, identical twins, Mae and Harriet are sent by their benefactor to Singapore where one of them will be chosen for marriage. The two stories merge to create a dramatic and emotional story.

The Midnight Hour by Elly Griffiths
The latest Elly Griffiths novel is number 6 in the Magic Men series. Now a private detective, Emma Holmes and her sidekick, ex-reporter Sam Collins, investigate the death of theatrical impresario Bert Billington in his retirement home. No one suspects foul play, but a post-mortem says it’s poison. Emma thinks the case has to do with Bert’s past in Music Hall; can Max Mephisto shed any light? A story that will have you hooked, while 1960s Brighton creates a colourful backdrop.

China: an epic novel by Edward Rutherford
Rutherford’s latest tome takes you to 19th century China, a proud and ancient empire forbidden to foreigners. It seems astonishing that the Opium Wars began over the English desire for tea, and the clash between east and west spreads wide to affect ordinary lives. From the young village wife struggling with tradition, Manchu empresses and warriors to Boxer rebels, artists, concubines and more, Rutherford takes you there and makes it all real with a riveting story.

The Colonial's Son by Peter Watt
This is the fourth in Watts’s Colonial series and brings us to 19^th century Australia where Josiah Steele, son of Queen’s Captain Ian Steele, dreams of studying at Sandhurst military academy. The reader is transported from the Australian bush to glittering London palaces, to arid lands of Afghanistan and a newly unified Germany with its militaristic ideals. Plenty of action makes this an exciting read but we wouldn’t expect anything less from this author.

Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith
The latest novel in the Cormoran Strike series has the private detective visiting Cornwall when he’s approached for help from a woman wanting to find her mother. Margaret Bamborough went missing in 1974 so this will be Strike’s first cold case, but it captures his curiosity. Meanwhile sidekick Robin Ellacott has problems with her personal life, and the caseload at the agency continues to grow. Tarot cards, a psychopathic serial killer and untrustworthy witnesses add plenty of tension. An engrossing read.

Outsider by Linda Castillo
Kate Burkholder returns to fight crime in Amish country, this time with the past rushing back to her when she comes across an old colleague, unconscious in a car caught in a snowdrift. Police college pal, Gina Colorosa, is wanted for killing an undercover officer, an accusation she hotly denies so Kate turns to state agent Tomasetti to help clear her friend’s name. A killer lying in wait and an approaching blizzard add plenty of danger. Riveting.

18 November 2021

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