When I finally realised, a few pages in, that all characters in A Pocket Full of Pie were cats (this is my first in the series!), everything began to When I finally realised, a few pages in, that all characters in A Pocket Full of Pie were cats (this is my first in the series!), everything began to flow properly. And I enjoyed the fun and entertainment. The characters' names were crazy fun - Marzi Pan is one which made me laugh! - but the two detectives from The #2 Feline Detective Agency, Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, had their wits about them, and soon their long suspect list was shortened to just a few. There was plenty of food in A Pocket Full of Pie, especially with the bake-off competition, as well as a cricket match (can you imagine cats playing cricket in their cricket whites?!), a radio station - Whisker FM - and the reading of Agatha Crispy's novels! A delightful read which amused me....more
Tatiana Caldwell was devastated when first her father died, then her mother. Alone - except for the family cook and her charge - and destitute, seventTatiana Caldwell was devastated when first her father died, then her mother. Alone - except for the family cook and her charge - and destitute, seventeen year old Tatty emigrated from London to Australia in 1864. Her main goal was to eventually own her own business, but she knew it would take time and determination. When Tatty was hired by Titus Crowe, owner of Crowe Funeral Services to be his apprentice, Tatty watched diligently as Titus worked, learning embalming and the other necessary parts of the funeral business. But Titus had no intention of letting Tatty perform the relatively new embalming - she was a woman, and it was men's work.
When she married Titus, the staff of both home and funeral services were shocked. But Tatty was still working toward her dream, and although she didn't love Titus, and knew he only wanted a male heir from her, she bided her time. Titus wasn't a nice man, but he'd taken her in when she needed work. When Titus died after a long illness, Tatty inherited Crowes Funeral Services, and gradually she made changes. There were other funeral businesses in Sydney, but Crowes was the only one owned and run by a woman. And Elias Nuttall wanted her business to add to his own. Trouble lay on the horizon and Elias was at the forefront. Would he let Tatty continue as the only female undertaker? Or would he do his best to get rid of her?
I was so excited to see a new book coming out by Aussie/NZ author Deborah Challinor, and Black Silk and Sympathy is up there with her very best! 1st in the Tatty Crowe series, Sydney in the 1860s is raw, filthy and filled with enthusiasm, and I was thrilled to catch up with Friday Woolfe, Sarah Green, Harrie Downey and Aria Te Kainga-Mataa from the Convict Girls series. Tatty is an independent, strong and determined character and I'm looking forward to #2 very much. Highly recommended....more
When Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer was called from Melbourne to Echuca on the Victorian/New South Wales border, she and her service dog Harry, were accWhen Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer was called from Melbourne to Echuca on the Victorian/New South Wales border, she and her service dog Harry, were accompanied by her partner, Detective Charlie Shaw. The three hour journey saw them arrive at the river's edge where the body of a heavily tattooed man with gunshots wounds to the head, was found. His body had also been burned. Once the victim was identified as bikie Freddie Jones from Moama, their investigation began in earnest.
Stopped from every direction, with bikies supporting one another, and family members not saying anything of consequence, Zoe began to feel frustrated. But when the second body was found at the same spot the first victim was killed, it was obvious the two were connected. Was it drugs and bikie warfare? The answers were elusive - but they would find them...
Wild Card is the 2nd in the Detective Zoe Mayer series by Aussie author Simon Rowell and it was brilliant! Fast paced, filled with energy, it had everything. Corruption, lies, secrets, drugs - you name it, it was there. I'm looking forward to #3, The Good Dog, when it comes out in the new year. Highly recommended....more
When Geneva Leighton's sister Amber disappeared after a harrowing phone call, her four year old daughter Lily and baby Charlie were secure in Gen's caWhen Geneva Leighton's sister Amber disappeared after a harrowing phone call, her four year old daughter Lily and baby Charlie were secure in Gen's care. Now, twelve years later Gen was still caring for her niece and nephew, but when Amber's remains were located, their lives shattered once again. The children's father, and Amber's husband, Hugh, was a volatile and hateful man, who was also suffering, Gen had to admit, but the kids were scared of him when he drank, and when he wasn't home, working in Melbourne within his family business, the small family of three - plus Bentley, the dog - were at peace.
As Gen searched for answers, sometimes with Jesse Johns, the original policeman from Amber's disappearance, sometimes by herself, she became frustrated with the lack of evidence, and the secrets that she knew were well hidden. But slowly she came closer to the truth, and while she knew she herself was in danger, she would let nothing harm the kids. And not knowing who to trust was turning her inside out - would she find Amber's killer? And could she unearth the many secrets that surrounded her?
Dying to Know is the first I've read by Aussie author Rae Cairns and it was outstanding crime fiction set in Sydney! Fast paced and electric, I found myself so absorbed in the story that I had no idea what was going on around me. Gen is a fabulous character, with Lily (at times a typical teenager) and Charlie (filled with unstoppable energy) all written so well I felt I knew them. I'll be looking for the author's debut, The Good Mother now. Highly recommended....more
It was 1941 in Poland when Roza and Shira's life changed. Hiding in the closet as the Germans took her grandparents in their round up of Jews, Roza knIt was 1941 in Poland when Roza and Shira's life changed. Hiding in the closet as the Germans took her grandparents in their round up of Jews, Roza knew she and five year old Shira needed to leave the area. A farm where Roza knew the owners, and a barn with plenty of hay to hide under became their refuge. As Roza marked the days on a piece of wood, she found inventive ways to keep Shira quiet. Shira loved music - she came from a musical family - and she could compose tunes in her mind. The yellow bird kept her company while her mama whispered stories to her at bed time. The owners of the farm gave them what they could spare, but it wasn't much. While hunger gnawed at their stomachs, the Germans continued their rampage.
After more than a year and a half in the barn, Roza was forced into making a decision. Packing Shira away to a convent where nuns were caring for children misplaced by the war, broke Roza's heart. But at least she knew the address of the orphanage, and also knew Shira was safe. As Roza spent her days hiding in the forest, digging bunkers to hide in, stealing food, she wondered if she'd ever see her daughter again...
The Yellow Bird Sings is an exceptional read by Jennifer Rosner which I devoured over a few hours. Centred solely around Roza, Shira and the yellow bird for the majority of the book, narrated first by Roza, then by Shira once she's at the convent, then back and forth between the two as their lives changed, I was captivated. The unbreakable bond between parent and child shines from this moving and poignant novel, and I recommend it highly....more
No Footsteps in the Bush, otherwise titled Bushranger of the Skies is the 8th in the Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte series by Arthur W. Upfield, and wasNo Footsteps in the Bush, otherwise titled Bushranger of the Skies is the 8th in the Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte series by Arthur W. Upfield, and was originally published in 1940. It began with Bony sheltering from the midday sun as he had a meal and cup of tea, when an aeroplane arrived overhead at the same time as a police officer was driving back to his small village of Shaw's Lagoon. The plane dropped a bomb, first on the area Bony was hidden, then on the vehicle, which burst into flames, rolling into a gully. Chief Burning Water was by Bony's side in an instant, while Illprinka men were also seen not far from the wreck.
And so began the most dangerous of Bony's cases, as he set to learning the identity of the pilot who'd killed a police officer, while operating from the homestead of McPherson's Station. What he learned made him realise they were facing a madman who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. But could Bony and Chief Burning Water succeed?
I've had a thoroughly enjoyable encounter with Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte in this, my first of the series. Set in outback Australia, the plot was original and Bony was exceptional. I think I'd better search for more in this series! Highly recommended....more
Pediatrician Sara Linton was at the skating rink with her sister Tessa when the unthinkable happened. A teenage girl stumbled from the rest rooms withPediatrician Sara Linton was at the skating rink with her sister Tessa when the unthinkable happened. A teenage girl stumbled from the rest rooms with blood on her clothing and when Sara followed her outside, she was in the middle of a group of hostile boys. Chief Jeffrey Tolliver was also trying to diffuse the situation but when two more police officers arrived - Lena and Brad - the shootout that followed saw one teenager dead, the one who'd passed Sara inside. When Sara - in her other job as ME - saw what had been done to her victim, she was shocked and horrified. And so began a case of incidents that Jeffrey couldn't believe had been happening in his home town...
Kisscut is the 2nd in the Grant County series by Karin Slaughter and it was brutal! The pacing was fast, the writing good, but the content was sickening. There was a lot going on with Lena again, and the involvement of other jurisdictions satisfying. I'm looking forward to #3 next month. Recommended - but...
Sara Linton, paediatrician and Grant County medical examiner, was meeting her sister, Tessa at the local diner for lunch, and she was twenty minutes lSara Linton, paediatrician and Grant County medical examiner, was meeting her sister, Tessa at the local diner for lunch, and she was twenty minutes late. When she went to the bathroom to freshen up, she received the shock of her life when confronted by the body of Sibyl Adams in one of the stalls, dead. So began an investigation into what turned into a serial killer who was brutalising young women; Sara's ex-husband, Chief of Police Jeffrey Tolliver, was on the case along with his team, determined to catch the killer before anyone else was murdered.
Blindsighted is the first in the Grant County series, as well as Karin Slaughter's debut novel (first published in 2001) for which she received awards. A fast-paced plot with brutal, cruel and sadistic murders, along with well-crafted characters in Sara, Jeffrey and others. I first read this novel back in mid 2011, consequently had no memory of the plot (so no spoilers in my head!) I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to #2 next month (February) Highly recommended to fans of gritty thrillers....more
Pippi Longstocking was the owner of Villekulla Cottage and her friends, Tommy and Annika would visit her daily for fun and entertainment. When Pippi'sPippi Longstocking was the owner of Villekulla Cottage and her friends, Tommy and Annika would visit her daily for fun and entertainment. When Pippi's father arrived on his ship, all the way from Canny Canny Islands where he was king, Pippi and her two friends - with the approval of Tommy and Annika's parents - climbed on board the Hoppetossa and sailed away. The fun they had when they arrived, with exploring secret caves, swimming in the ocean while Pippi kept the sharks at bay, keeping company with the island's children - all would come to an end though, when they sailed back home. But would they make it in time for Christmas?
Pippi Longstocking in the South Seas is the 3rd in Pippi's story by Astrid Lindgren and remembering how much my daughter loved Pippi Longstocking when she was a little girl, and needing a translated fiction read for a challenge, I was happy to take up with Pippi again myself. Pippi is a magical character who is and has been loved by all children over the years - she was created in 1945 when the author was 38 years old, and her daughter was ill with pneumonia. Pippi has seen far reaching popularity since then....more
It was 1629 when Mayken, having just lost her mother, departed on the Batavia with her nursemaid, Imke, bound for Batavia and Mayken's father. Seven mIt was 1629 when Mayken, having just lost her mother, departed on the Batavia with her nursemaid, Imke, bound for Batavia and Mayken's father. Seven months into the long, arduous and brutal journey, the Batavia was stuck on rocks and taking on water.
1989 saw Gil, alone after the death of his mother, taken to a small island off the coast of Western Australia to live with his grandfather Joss. The fishing community comprised of mostly men, with feuds between some, anger between others. Joss wasn't happy to see Gil and barely spoke to him in those first weeks. In his loneliness, Gil spoke to Silvia who told him a little about a shipwreck over three hundred years prior. The Batavia had recently been discovered on the seabed near an island called Batavia's Graveyard, and as Gil learned more about it, his interest grew...
The Night Ship by Jess Kidd is a fascinating account based on the true story of the Batavia and the horrors that followed the wrecking of the ship. The parallel journey of two children over three hundred years apart, and the author's note at the end describing what happened... Highly recommended....more
David Knoff arrived with the new season team members on the Aurora Australia in November 2019 to work their way through the normal twelve months of reDavid Knoff arrived with the new season team members on the Aurora Australia in November 2019 to work their way through the normal twelve months of research at the Davis station in Antarctica. David was station leader, a position he was well qualified for, and one he was looking forward to with great excitement. After the change over of the previous team, David watched as the Australis sailed away for her last voyage and 30 years of service. A new ship would take them home the following November.
With blizzards, sea ice, freezing temperatures and more, the team weathered Christmas on the station, then with preparations for winter in full swing, the news filtered through of a pandemic hitting the world. With no idea how bad it would be, or if it would even affect them, David continued with work among the 24 people residing on Davis. But when David was informed international borders had closed and no ship - or aircraft - would be arriving in November to take them home, morale on the station dropped to its lowest ebb. Mental health was always an issue and David needed to know how to help his team keep their spirits up. And when an urgent medical evacuation was needed, the complex and detailed event took place against all odds.
537 Days of Winter is an intense, fascinating, non-fiction (and could easily pass as fiction!) read by Aussie author David Knoff and is set in the coldest place on earth, Antarctica, where Mother Nature dictates everything one does. No chances can be taken and with blizzards, strong winds, snow and ice pummelling the buildings and vehicles, any job which needed to be done, just had to wait. Frustration and anger, challenges galore, men at their mental limit - David was determined to get his team home safely. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Rowan for his exceptional review, which saw me requesting a purchase into my library, and thoroughly enjoying the read....more
Sydney, 1900, and Patrick O'Reilly's days at the docks were over so when the priest suggested he line up the following morning for a job as rat catcheSydney, 1900, and Patrick O'Reilly's days at the docks were over so when the priest suggested he line up the following morning for a job as rat catcher - the plague had just arrived on Sydney's shores - Patrick wasn't sure. He didn't want to kill anything, even a rat. But he got the job, and as the plague worsened, his number count of caught rats multiplied.
Rosie Hughes was caring for her injured father, along with her three year old nephew when she met Patrick. His immediate affection for this wonderful girl saw him daydreaming about her as he worked. But circumstances saw them part and when Patrick had to go to the Public Lending Library to eradicate one rat - the one they called Old Scratch - his life changed for the better. Was there a future for the rat catcher and his Rosie?
The Rat Catcher by Aussie author Kim Kelly is a fun, tongue-in-cheek look at Sydney in the days of suffragettes, sewerage and survival. Entertaining and heartwarming, The Rat Catcher is a delight and one I recommend. ...more
Ridgeview Station in the vast outback of Western Australia had many head of sheep, run by Pete and Kelsie Dalton and Kelsie's mum Lisa and dad Jack. TRidgeview Station in the vast outback of Western Australia had many head of sheep, run by Pete and Kelsie Dalton and Kelsie's mum Lisa and dad Jack. The stockmen had their own quarters and Ash was one of the permanent staff. As the summer season approached they turned to the local Aboriginal community to get Murray to work for them with the upcoming muster, and their neighbouring property sent a backpacker from Estonia over to help out. Alexi was a hard worker, and knew her way around the bikes they used in the musters. She was also a shock to everyone, as they were expecting a male. With the light plane and three capable pilots, Pete, Jack and Kelsie, they had it under control. Mork and Mindy, their two dogs, were also excellent workers and could almost do the rounding up by themselves.
With the weather warming more, the first muster done and the semis removing the stock for sale, they were looking forward to having money in the bank. But when a violent electrical storm started small fires, the tension in the homestead rose. Kelsie and Alexi, Ash and Murray, Pete in the plane spotting for them, and Jack headed for the fire to build a break which they hoped would stop it in its tracks. But would it work? Could they save the remaining stock or have to move them? Fire had never been a danger where Ridgeview Station was located...
Ridgeview Station is the debut novel by West Australian author Michael Trant, and it was excellent. I read his second book earlier this year - Wild Dogs - which I loved, and it amazes me that Ridgeview Station is this author's first novel. A thoroughly enjoyable, tension filled (at times), authentic look at the sometimes harsh rural living in Australia's bush, and the wonderful characters that inhabit it. Highly recommended....more
Monty, a Golden Retriever, loved his owner Detective Constable Rose Sidebottom and would do anything for her. Together they made a good team, with herMonty, a Golden Retriever, loved his owner Detective Constable Rose Sidebottom and would do anything for her. Together they made a good team, with her interpreting his woofs and paw lifts as messages for her. Rose was on sick leave from her previous case, with her anxiety levels and panic attacks debilitating for her. She was (reluctantly) seeing the force psychologist, but Monty was her calming device. When a stranger asked Rose for help locating a missing young woman, Rose had to do it behind her chief’s back. Would she find the woman before it was too late?
Meanwhile, dogs were being dognapped and hidden away. Monty and his backup team – Betty the rat, Nigel the squirrel and Dante the magpie – sent messages throughout the animal community. Monty’s howling messages disturbed the hoomans, but he soon had results. But the fear Monty felt when he picked up a scent which had terrible memories for him – was it the Bone Ranger who was causing the trouble?
The Bone Ranger was lots of fun and 2nd to Monty & Me, published in 2015 by Aussie author Louisa Bennet. The Monty Dog Detective series looks to be enticing and I hope there’s not too long a wait for book #3. Monty is a typical Golden – loves his food, is caring and adores his owner, prepared to attack to protect her, and loyal to his friends. The author has fashioned Monty on her own pet, Pickles, which is pretty cute. I did find some editing errors in the paperback copy I borrowed from my library, which is a shame, but didn’t take away from my enjoyment. I love the cover too! Recommended. ...more
The 3rd and final episode in the Elementals trilogy, Battle Born by Aussie author Amie Kaufman was every bit as good as the first two, with a brillianThe 3rd and final episode in the Elementals trilogy, Battle Born by Aussie author Amie Kaufman was every bit as good as the first two, with a brilliant conclusion to this one. Twins Anders and Rayna, wolf and dragon, have done all in their limited power to stop the war between the ice wolves and scorch dragons, but it’s now time for the finale. As they sheltered in Cloudhaven where their mother Drifa had worked, their plan was simple but dangerous. Could they finally engineer peace between the three warring factions – ice wolves, scorch dragons and humans? An excellent trilogy, aimed at middle grade, but adults will enjoy it as well. Highly recommended....more
The Hanged Man in the Garden by Aussie author Marion Halligan was originally published in 1989 and is, in places, very politically incorrect. For the The Hanged Man in the Garden by Aussie author Marion Halligan was originally published in 1989 and is, in places, very politically incorrect. For the era though, everything was said and done as it is in this book.
Richard and Martha went to New Zealand from their home in Canberra, to have a driving holiday and while they were there, called in to see Richard’s brother Ron and his wife Cecily, and their children, a boy and two girls. Ron was very “hands on” with Martha, upsetting Cecily (and Martha) when he wouldn’t stop. Bruce, their son, wanted to go into theatre, not what his father wanted for him – his father labelled him with names that are completely incorrect nowadays. The book continues on after Richard and Martha arrive home in Canberra...
Not my sort of book I’m afraid – I picked it up from the library as I needed a book set in Canberra for a challenge. Fortunately it’s not long so I was able to wade through it....more
The call to counter terrorism expert Sid Allen at 5am wasn’t good. As he headed to the site, he thought about up and coming politician Dan LeRoi,3.5★s
The call to counter terrorism expert Sid Allen at 5am wasn’t good. As he headed to the site, he thought about up and coming politician Dan LeRoi, whom he knew quite well, and the effect his murder would have on things. His body was beside his luxury car, while inside the boot an unknown man lay dead, also hit in the same manner as LeRoi – four bullets to the head. Sid joined his partner, Detective Senior Sergeant Kelvin Rice, as they assessed the crime scene, taking note of all the agencies attending.
Zephyr Wilde was a journalist who was tenacious, not letting things get past her. She also was looking into her mother’s murder which was now a cold case. Zephyr and Sid occasionally helped each other out, although he didn’t know a lot about her. But learning that she was in contact with LeRoi and his wife Cherie – friends, but there was more to it – Sid wondered whether he should cut contact. As the depth of the investigation into the politician’s death, and the upcoming federal election took over front page of the papers, the secrets which went back a long way began to rise to the surface. Was it terrorism? Corruption? And was Shirley Wilde’s murder connected?
Dead Letters by Aussie author Michael Brissenden is an intriguing, political crime read, filled with corrupt politicians, murder, dirty cops and terrorism. Set in Sydney and Canberra, I quite enjoyed it but found myself skimming in places (the political push for elections!) I liked Sid and Zephyr’s characters, AJ some of the time – but Rice was weird! Recommended. ...more
With Anders and his twin, Rayna, finally reunited in among the dragons of Drekhelm, the only thing keeping Anders and Lisabet, both wolves, safe, was With Anders and his twin, Rayna, finally reunited in among the dragons of Drekhelm, the only thing keeping Anders and Lisabet, both wolves, safe, was what Anders had done to save the dragons’ lives. With the leader of the dragons, Lief - Drekleid and head of the Finskol – in their corner, both Anders and Rayna knew it was up to them to find a way for peace between the wolves and the dragons. It had been ten years since the great battle where many lives had been lost, but if the war which was looming was allowed to start, many more lives would be lost. With the stealing of the Snowstone by the wolves, it was up to the youngsters to find the Sun Scepter which would counter-balance the two weathers and keep everyone safe.
As Anders and Rayna, along with Lisabet and Ellukka began the quest to search for the Sun Scepter, the danger from the Dragonmeet council, as well as the wolf pack on Holbard was high. But they knew it had to be done.
Scorch Dragons is the 2nd in the Elementals trilogy by Aussie author Amie Kaufman and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The main characters are twelve years old, so this is obviously a young adult novel, but there’s plenty of intrigue to keep this reader (who hasn’t been 12 years old for a long time) very interested. Highly recommended. ...more
Kip and Tommy’s father favoured Tommy, belittled Kip and on occasion, beat him as well. Harold had been in the war and it had changed him. Now he and Kip and Tommy’s father favoured Tommy, belittled Kip and on occasion, beat him as well. Harold had been in the war and it had changed him. Now he and his wife Jess lived and worked on the farm in Mole Creek, Tasmania, with the two boys. Not far from the homestead was a labyrinth of caves and tunnels – many a local had been lost in them. Consequently, the boys were forbidden to enter them. But Tommy was eleven, Kip nine and they had no fear. Entering the caves was a game, one they’d always win. Until one day Kip returned without Tommy and fearful of his father, lied about what had happened…
Kip had left home as soon as he was able – his studying had paid off and as a scientist in Holland, his work was renown. It was fifty years since Tommy had gone missing, but guilt still crushed Kip. His wife Ilse and eleven-year-old son Rueben knew something bothered Kip but couldn’t reach him. When Kip decided to return to Tasmania and his old home, he was determined to right the wrongs in his life. But would he? Could he?
The Better Son by Aussie author Katherine Johnson was an excellent read. Gritty, intense, heartbreaking as Harold laid into Kip, as Kip shouldered responsibility and grief, as Jess grew more withdrawn. But there was also enlightenment, hope and fragile love blended through the story. One character I didn’t mention in my review, Squib, had my admiration and respect. I thoroughly enjoyed The Better Son and have no hesitation in recommending it highly. A great book of the month read! ...more
Starting a new school was always going to be daunting, but for Justice Jones, who had only ever been homeschooled by her Mum, Highbury House Boarding Starting a new school was always going to be daunting, but for Justice Jones, who had only ever been homeschooled by her Mum, Highbury House Boarding School for Daughters of Gentlefolk looked forbidding. With her Mum’s death from cancer a few months prior and her dad a busy QC, she knew she had to make the best of it. The first thing she heard – from the taxi driver – was of the recent death of a maid. Justice’s suspicious mind – from her father’s profession and her mother’s crime writing career – had her wondering at murder.
The rules were strict, the corridors freezing, the food disgusting, but when Justice made a new friend in Stella, she was happier. She knew the other girls in her dorm would be harder to get to know, especially Rose. Mystery and intrigue had Justice questioning everything and when a ferocious storm hit the isolated school, surrounding them with snow, blocking the entrances and paths, as well as bringing down the telephone lines, Justice knew they needed help. The discovery of a body was shocking – who was the culprit? It was obviously someone at the school….
A Girl Called Justice is #1 in the Justice Jones series by Elly Griffiths and it was light, fun and entertaining. Although I mistakenly read #2 first, all is easy to pick up and enjoy. Justice is a mature girl, older than her years because of her upbringing, and has a great determination to solve puzzles. Recommended for the youngsters in our lives. ...more
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