More Ripping Reads from Flaxmere Library Book Chat

Book Chat has recently enjoyed quite a few old favourites, with books by J D Robb, Michael Connelly and Santa Montefiore rubbing shoulders with new authors like Katherine Kovacic and Vanessa McCausland. One reader’s favourite book of the year was by New Zealand prize-winning author Fiona Farrell. Read on for more.

The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman follows the story of Mia, who has been brought up in an oppressive cult. On the brink of suicide, Mia is rescued by a book. The Scarlet Letter seems to capture the same kind of life Mia has experienced, but was written two hundred years before. The novel brings Mia and author Nathaniel Hawthorne together through the magic of time travel in an enjoyable and interesting story.

Take a demented old lady, a psychopath and a person with psychic ability, then throw in a sentient house and you’ve got yourself a cracking read. The Missing Years by Lexie Elliot follows the story of Aisla who inherits an old house in rural Scotland from her late mother. The only trouble is the house is still half-owned by her father who vanished twenty years ago along with a stash of diamonds. Aisla has to negotiate tricky relations with her sister, some hostile locals as well as the strange feelings she gets from the house before she can get to the truth.

Try Not to Breathe by Holly Seddon follows the story of Alex, a journalist with a drinking problem. When she’s forced to write a piece about a coma ward she meets Amy, a victim of an attack that left her for dead. Alex is captivated by Amy’s story and as she investigates, she discovers they have more in common than she would have realised. But her discoveries could prove deadly. An absorbing thriller that has impressed two of our readers so far.

The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly brings two Connelly protagonists – Lincoln lawyer, Mickey Haller, back in the courtroom after an accident that put him out of work for two years, and Harry Bosch, a no-questions-asked cop. Haller has inherited the case load of a former colleague, including defending a Hollywood producer accused of killing his wife and her lover. Bosch and Heller are two loners who make unlikely allies as the danger mounts. A terrific read that isn’t as violent as some of Connelly's books.

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn is based on the true story of Mila Pavlichenko, the young mother who became the Soviet Army’s most deadly sniper in World War II. She finds an unexpected connection with Eleonor Roosevelt when she’s sent to the US on a goodwill tour to help convince America to enter the war. A brilliant read from the author that brought us The Rose Code.

The Deck by Fiona Farrell was rated by one of our readers as their favourite book of the year. The award-winning Kiwi author has written a pandemic novel following a group of friends who decamp to spend a lockdown at a country house. They each tell a story and each of their stories is linked, a little bit reminiscent of the movie How to Make an American Quilt. Inspired by Boccaccio’s Decameron, which also takes place during a time of plague, the book is beautifully written – a must-read.

Wait for Me by Santa Montefiore is a kind of reincarnation story which takes us back to 1944. Rupert Dash is declared missing in action, presumed dead, leaving his wife Florence bereft. A sign from her husband is left for her in an old book, promising his return. Meanwhile Max has had a recurring nightmare from childhood that has left him with the notion that he has an urgent task he must accomplish. He makes his way to Cornwall and a man named Rupert Dash in an attempt to find out what it is. Another brilliant read from a favourite author.

The Shifting Landscape by Katherine Kovacic is a murder mystery that’s just a bit different. We’ve got art dealer, Alex Clayton, asked to assess the McMillan family’s art collection. They live on their historic sheep station in western Victoria, but there’s tension between family members about the property’s future. Alex discovers an important painting, but then the family patriarch dies suddenly, a toddler goes missing and so does Alex’s dog. There’s a lot on her plate, and danger on the horizon. A nicely written and diverting mystery.

The Torrent by Dinuka McKenzie is the first in a mystery series following Detective Sergeant Kate Miles, also set in Australia, this time in Northern New South Wales. Kate’s a week away from taking maternity leave, and is counting down the days. There’s a bunch of cases to close first, including a hold-up at a fast food restaurant, then the review of a drowning in the recent summer floods. The second case isn’t as straight-forward as it seems and she’s soon drawn into a complex case involving betrayals and secrets. But Kate’s family have needs too adding extra stress for the detective. A promising new series with a ton of atmosphere.

Cold Blood is an earlier book by Lynda La Plante featuring ex-police officer Lorraine Page who has left the force after a shooting incident. Now working as a private investigator with a couple of side-kicks, this case involves a movie star’s daughter who has gone missing. The story includes Mexican voo-doo beliefs and mercifully not too much violence. The story of how Lorraine solves the crime is really well done.

The Heart’s Bidding by Kelly Irvin is an Amish romance that follows auctioneer, Toby Miller, who is yet to marry. His job keeps him travelling from town to town, which as his mother found, makes for difficulties in a marriage. Then there’s Rachelle, who has turned down two proposals of marriage, as she loves her job. But when Rachelle loses her teaching job and her school is closed down, Rachelle reconsiders her future. A warm-hearted and thoughtful read.

In Secrets in Death by J D Robb, detective Eve Dallas has to wade through a queue of suspects who might have been lining up to kill Larinda Mars. Larinda was a spiteful gossip reporter with a talent for uncovering secrets and sideline in blackmail. Some of those secrets are a bit close to home for Eve and her husband. The more Eve digs into Larinda’s investigations, the more she is heading into danger. A very enjoyable read from the author who also writes as Nora Roberts.

Return to Moondilla by Tony Parsons follows former journalist, Greg Baxter who has gone back to his old hometown to work on his novel. It’s just as well he’s a martial arts expert as he gets caught up in investigating a local drug ring that casts a shadow over the town. An enjoyable story that also has some pleasant interludes including fishing and cooking.

Dreaming in French by Vanessa McCausland has Saskia Wyle unexpectedly inheriting half a villa on a remote French island. Twenty years ago she spent a summer holiday there, befriending a French heiress. Now sharing the house with a reclusive movie star, Saskia must unpick what happened all those years ago particularly around a terrible tragedy. An engaging psychological mystery with an appealing sun-soaked setting.

Not Quite Nice by Celia Imrie follows a bunch of ex-pat Brits who have moved to the south of France. Theresa is approaching sixty but wants a fresh start away from demanding family. Bellevue-sure-Mer offers a new set of friends, all escaping something but all with their secrets. This was a nice read and lots of fun from an author who is also a very much-admired actress.

Pink Lemonade Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke is the latest book in this popular series featuring caterer and bakery owner Hannah Swensen. In this story, a body turns up at a summer solstice celebration who turns out to be a retired professional MLB player. The suspects list is endless, but includes Hannah’s mother. Our reader enjoyed the book, but thought it was more about the recipes than the stories. Although the recipes alone make this book well worth picking up.

16 November 2023

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