Book Review: Little Hands Clapping by Dan Rhodes

Time for the review of the second of October's reading list (have a look here if you missed it!).

My review of Little Hands Clapping by Dan Rhodes

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

 

In a room above a bizarre German museum, and far from the prying eyes of strangers, lives the Old Man. Caretaker by day, by night he enjoys the sound of silence, broken only by the occasional crunch of a spider between his teeth.

Little Hands Clapping bring the Old Man together with the respectable Doctor Ernst Frohlicher, his dog Hans and a cast of grotesque and hilarious townsfolk who find themselves involved in a crime so outrageous it will shock the world.

From its sinister opening to its explosive denouement, Little Hands Clapping blends lavishly entertaining story telling with Rhodes's macabre imagination, entrancing originality and magical touch.

 

My thoughts on the book

 

I said, in my October reading list post, that I chose this book simply because the cover looked Halloweeny so it would be perfect for October. I had no idea what genre it was or what it was really about. I have now finished the book and I feel exactly the same.

I'm not sure if I have missed something, but the book centres around a man with no name and a Doctor. The man with no name delivers bodies of suicide victims to the Doctor who then eats them. The man with no name lives in a museum (I am yet to work out if h is supposed to live, is living there in secret or is in fact some sort of ghost) and somehow the exhibition makes people want to kill themselves. Again I am not sure if this is some sort of super natural power or if the exhibition is supposed to be that depressing.

 

Conclusion and rating

 

I think this book falls short of the mark. It could be truly terrifying. A museum exhibition wit supernatural powers that bring on suicide, an ambiguous man who lives there and a cannibalistic Doctor. However, it isn't scary. It doesn't even try to be. It lacks tension building and the descriptions of the death scene and the cannibalism are rather lacking.

I'm not sure if its supposed to be a bit tongue in cheek and satirical but it's not funny either. Maybe I have missed the point, but I really don't get this book. This is why people say don't judge a book by its cover. 1/5

 

Have you read this book? Did I miss the point? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

 

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Book Review: People Who Eat Darkness By Richard Lloyd Parry

Time for the review of the first of October's reading list (have a look here if you missed it!).

My review of People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

 

In the summer of 2000, Jane Steare received the phone call every mother dreads. Her daughter Lucie Blackman - tall, blonde and twenty-one years old - had stepped into the vastness of a Tokyo summer and disappeared forever. That winter, her dismembered remains were found buried in a desolate seaside cave.

Her disappearance was mystifying. Had Lucie been abducted by a religious cult? Who was the mysterious man she had gone to meet? What did her work as a "hostess" in the notorious Roppongi district of Tokyo really involve? And could Lucie's fate be linked to the disappearance of another girl some ten years earlier?

Over the course of a decade, Richard Lloyd Parry has travelled to four continents to interview those caught up in the story and been given unprecedented access to Lucie's bitterly divided family to reveal the astonishing truth about Lucie and her fate.

 

My thoughts on the book

 

This book gives a fantastic insight to the life of a foreigner in Tokyo. The lifestyle, the work etc all form an integral part of Lucie's story and I think the author documents the lifestyle very well.

From the point of Lucie's disappearance to the point of the trial (and a little beyond) the information is well presented, clear and easy to follow. The author has obviously done a lot of research and it shows. He comes across as someone who knows what they are talking about, and makes a clear distinction between fact and opinion.

 

Conclusion and rating

 

Very well written and researched, this is an informative, but interesting read. It is a little frustrating that some questions remain unanswered, but that isn't the author's fault, the questions remained unanswered by the police or any other authority. 4/5

 

Have you read this book? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

 

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Book Review: Trust Your Eyes By Linwood Barclay

Time for the (rather late) review of my last book from September's reading list. If you missed the list, you can have a look here. 

My review of Trust Your Eyes by Linwood Barclay

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

 

What would you do if you witnessed a murder - but no one believed you...

Map obsessed Thomas spends his days and nights on a virtual tour of the world. believing he must store the details of every town and city in his head. Then one day, he sees something that shouldn't be there: a woman being murdered behind a window on a New York street.

When Thomas tells his brother Ray what he has witnessed, Ray humours him with a half hearted investigation - until he realises Thomas may have stumbled on to a deadly conspiracy, which puts them both in danger...

 

My thoughts on the book

 

This book is told mostly from the perspective of Ray, Thomas's brother, but there is also some told in third person about events that Ray hasn't witnessed, but give us more information on the back ground of what Thomas has seen. The jump between narratives is seamless and easy to follow, which isn't easy to do, proving again that Linwood Barclay is a good writer. This is the second book of his I have read, and they have both been equally well written.

This story is full of twists and turns. I love how it is a crime book with a difference - there is very little mention of the police, and the investigation is carried out by Ray rather than a police officer which I think makes it unique.

I also enjoyed reading about Thomas, a diagnosed schizophrenic. I think the author does a very good job of showing his character in a tasteful, sensitive way, but doesn't gloss over the frustrating nature of his character. I also like that Thomas has a personality other than his disorder, something I often feel is missing in this sort of character.

 

Conclusion and rating

 

This book has fully developed characters that you will grow to love. I think te insights we get to the murder along the way definitely keep the story flowing and interesting and they are revealed at just the right times. Well written, fast paced. A must read for any crime fans that like something a bit different from the standard police investigation in the genre. 5/5

 

Have you read this book? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

 

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Book Review: Let The Devil Sleep By John Verdon

Time for the (rather late) review of my third book from September's reading list. If you missed the list, you can have a look here. 

My review of Let The Devil Sleep by John Verdon

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

 

Dave Gurney, a retired NYPD homicide detective, agrees to meet a young woman making a documentary on The Good Shepherd. A decade ago, a series of roadside shootings and a manifesto raging against the rich made the killer headline news. But then the shootings stopped and nobody could say for sure why.

Finding himself drawn back into the case, Gurney soon discovers new facts the original investigation missed. More troubling, it seems that someone is aware of his interest and they are not happy: a razor sharp hunting arrow lands in his yard, and he narrowly escapes injury in a booby trapped basement.

Realizing that this is one killer much too clever to ever be found, Gurney stakes his life on finding The Good Shepherd. He makes himself a target so that the killer will come for him...

 

My thoughts on the book

 

I love how this book has two profiles of the killer - the official one, and Dave Gurney's. Gurney challenges the FBI and obviously, they are not happy about it. I think it was a little far fetched in that the FBI are portrayed to look a bit stupid - like the profiler misses simple things that a detective spots, and the lead on the case refuses to accept there may be more to the case than meets the eye. Having said that, I liked the story and I found it interesting how Gurney thinks differently to the investigating officers.

I also enjoyed the sub-plot about the documentary, and how the media in the book makes a ratings grabbing scandal rather than the emotionally touching documentary Kim, the girl mentioned in the blurb, wanted to make.

 

Conclusion and rating

 

Although I quite enjoyed reading the book, I felt like the back cover gave too much away. It basically tells you the full story in three paragraphs rather than a taster. Gurney doesn't decide to make himself a target until chapter 42 of 51! 3/5

 

Have you read this book? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

 

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October's Reading List

My reading list for October:

1. People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry - A true crime book about a mysterious murder in Tokyo

2. The Dead Won't Sleep by Anna Smith - Fictional crime

3. Little Hands Clapping by Dan Rhodes - I'll be honest, I have no idea what this book is all about. I did the thing you're not meant to do and chose it by it's cover. The cover looked very Halloweeny, so it seemed perfect for October!

4. Charles Manson Coming Down Fast by Simon Wells - The chilling biography about Charles Manson

Which books are on your list this month? Let me know in the comments :)

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Book Review: Magnus Chase And The Sword Of Summer By Rick Riordan

A while back, I asked for some new YA recommendations. One of them (from The Mama from Poop Rainbows) was for the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. I added it to my reading wish list, but before I got around to acquiring it, I was approached to review the new Rick Riordan book! I was very excited about this - it must be fate!

My review of Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

 

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

 

The first book in the incredible new series from the author of Percy Jackson, the Kane Chronicles and Heroes of Olympus.
My name is Magnus Chase. I'm orphaned and living rough on the streets of Boston. And things are about to get much worse.
My day started out normally enough. I was sleeping under a bridge when some guy kicked me awake and said, 'They're after you.' Next thing I know, I'm reunited with my obnoxious uncle, who casually informs me that my long-lost father is a Norse god.
Nothing normal about that. And it turns out the gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Apparently, if I can't find the sword my father lost two thousand years ago, there will be doom. Doomsday, to be precise.
A fire giant attacking the city?
Immortal warriors hacking each other to pieces?
Unkillable wolves with glowing eyes?
It's all coming up.
But first I'm going to die. This is the story of how my life goes downhill from there...

My thoughts on the book

 

I think I have just found my new favourite YA author! Magnus Chase is a character everyone will love. He is a normal teenager who finds himself in this bizarre situation. I love the way Magnus is quite sarcastic and the way he adapts quickly and just kind of accepts everything that happens around him (and that is a lot of stuff!). I don't want to spoil the story, but the book follows the story of Magnus Chase, a teenager who finds out his father was actually a Norse god. Upon being killed, he finds himself in Valhalla and is thrown into the midst of Odin's army as the gods prepare for war.

Magnus goes on a quest to find the Sword of Summer, and is joined by some fellow misfits in his travels.

All the characters are well written and stay in character.

 

Conclusion and rating

 

This book grabbed me almost immediately and I'm still waiting for it to let go, two days after I finished it. At times witty, and at times utterly touching, this is the story of honour, bravery and friendship. I can't wait for the next one! 5/5

 

Available now on Amazon. Click here for more information and to buy!

 

Picture courtesy of Amazon

 

Still not convinced? Watch the video trailer below to see Magnus Chase's story brought to life!

 



 



 

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I was gifted this book in return for my review, but all opinions are my own. As an avid reader, I would never recommend a book I didn't really enjoy





Book Review: No Rest For The Wicked by Dane Cobain

My review of No Rest For The Wicked by Dane Cobain

 

The cover design currently on Amazon

 

Blurb from the back cover

 

When the Angels attack, there's NO REST FOR THE WICKED. Father Montgomery, an elderly priest with a secret past, begins to investigate after his parishioners come under attack, and with the help of Jones, a young businessman with an estranged child, Montgomery begins to track down the origin of the Angels. The Angels are naked and androgynous. They speak in a dreadful harmony with no clear leader. These aren't biblical cherubs tasked with the protection of the righteous - these are deadly creatures of light that have the power to completely eradicate. When Jones himself is attacked, Father Montgomery knows he has to act fast. He speaks to the Angels and organises a final showdown where he's asked to make the ultimate sacrifice.

My thoughts on the book

 

I enjoyed this book. I love how Dane Cobain portrays the Angels. They are definitely not the traditional angel. There are a lot of blurred lines between good and evil, which I liked. I also liked the way religion and science are combined in the book, and become intermingled, and the way the main character puts the pieces together.

The book has a few scenes where the Angels visit various people and pass judgement, plus a sub plot from the past, which all ties together nicely at the end. I won't spoil the ending, but there is a great twist.

It's well written and I love how the Angels are described.

If I had to be picky, I would have liked a bit more information in the back story, but I understand why that wasn't the case as I think it would have detracted from the main plot too much. There was still enough to understand what was going on and how it all tied in.

 

Conclusion and rating

 

This book is short enough to read in one sitting, which I liked as once you get going, you don't want to put it down. I think it's technically a novella, but I felt it was just the right length, if it was longer it would have been pointless padding, but at this length, it's fast paced and interesting.

After reading it, I'm still not sure whether I would categorise it as sci-fi or horror, I think probably a bit of both!

Overall, I enjoyed it, and I will be keeping a look out for Dane Cobain's books in the future! 4/5

 

The original cover design and title

Available now from Amazon, click here to purchase (not an affiliate link).

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I was gifted this book in return for my review, but all opinions are my own. As an avid reader, I would never recommend a book I didn't really enjoy!

 

 







Demon Road And Geek Girl Giveaway

Recently, I reviewed Demon Road by Derek Landy and Geek Girl All That Glitters by Holly Smale. They were both brilliant books, you can read the reviews here Demon Road and Geek Girl. And now, I have one copy of each to giveaway! How exciting is that?!

Entry is really easy, just see below for the different ways to enter! With Christmas fast approaching (sorry!), even if you're not a reader yourself, these would make great gifts for the book lovers in your life.

The giveaway ends on 2nd October. The winner will drawn at random from the valid entries and will be notified by email and announced on here and on Twitter!

Good luck guys!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Book Review: Geek Girl All That Glitters by Holly Smale

My review of Geek Girl All That Glitters by Holly Smale

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

 

Harriet Manners knows many facts.

*Toilet roll was invented by the Chinese in 600AD

*A comet's tail always points away from the sun

*The average healthy heart beats 70 times per minute. Even when it's broken.

But she knows nothing about making new friends at sixth form. And even less about being a glittering supermodel success. Which she now is - apparently...

 

My thoughts on the book

 

This booked is aimed at 11+, but even as an adult, it's a good, easy read. Ideal if you fancy a good book but don't want to have to concentrate too much. I love the central character, Harriet. She is someone I think young teenagers could very easily relate to. She is warm, kind and just wants to be liked, but as a bit of a misfit, she finds it hard to make friends. The story tells of Harriet's brief success as a model, and how she is instantly popular. A story of shallow teenage behaviour and true friendship. This is one of a series of books, and although I haven't read any of the others, I didn't feel lost or like I didn't know what was going on.

 

Conclusion and rating

Ideal for teenagers, this is a good book to teach kids that beauty isn't skin deep, and the importance of friendship. I also like the random facts that are often thrown in. Very interesting and overall a good read! 4/5

 

Available now! to buy your copy, click here.

 

Check back Friday, when I will be running a giveaway to win a copy of this book and a copy of Demon Road by Derek Landy. If you missed my review of that one, have a look here.





 

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I was gifted this book in return for my review, but all opinions are my own. As an avid reader, I would never recommend a book I didn't really enjoy!





Book Review: Demon Road by Derek Landy

I was really looking forward to reading this book. It's kind of a mix between horror and fantasy, although it's probably more horror, and I am a massive horror junkie! I haven't read any of Derek Landy's books before and I always like discovering a new author! I know the old saying about judging books by their covers, but I love the dark feel to the cover of this!

My review of Demon Road by Derek Landy

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

 

Amber Lamont is a normal sixteen-year-old. Smart but insecure, she spends most of her time online, where she can avoid her beautiful, aloof parents and their weird friends.

But when a shocking encounter reveals a horrifying family secret, Amber is forced to go on the run. Killer cars, vampires, undead serial killers and red-skinned horned demons - Amber hurtles from one threat to the next, revealing the terror woven into the very fabric of her life. As her parents close in behind her, Amber's only chance rests with her fellow travellers, who are not at all what they appear to be...

 

My thoughts on the book

 

So, as I said at the beginning of the post, this book is a lot horror and a bit of fantasy. I think the fantasy element comes from the journey - for some reason I always associate journey's with the fantasy genre. The book is officially categorized as YA, but it doesn't feel childish or watered down.

This is a long book, but there is more than enough going on to fill it. It gets straight into the story and never lets up!

I love how Amber, the main character, isn't a Barbie doll type. She is real and relatable. I love the characters in this book - they are all well written and I feel the author does a very good job of making the reader feel connected to them.

I really enjoyed this book, it's a definite page turner! This is the first part in a trilogy, and although I can't wait to read the next one, I still felt this book had a real ending. I hate when I feel like the book just stopped rather than ended and I didn't feel like that at all with this one.

 

Conclusion and rating

 







I think the fact this book has over 500 pages and I read it in two sittings says it all! 5/5

Available now! To buy a copy, click here!

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I was gifted this book in return for my review, but all opinions are my own. As an avid reader, I would never recommend a book I didn't really enjoy!

Book Review: Kisscut by Karin Slaughter

Time for my review of the first book from September's reading list. See the list here if you missed it.

My review of Kisscut by Karin Slaughter

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

 



When a teenage quarrel in the small town of Heartsdale explodes into a deadly shoot out, Sara Linton - paediatrician and medical examiner - finds herself entangled in a horrific tragedy. And what seems at first to be a terrible but individual catastrophe proves to have wider implications when the autopsy reveals evidence of long-term abuse and ritualistic self-mutilation.

 

Sara and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver start to investigate, but the children surrounding the victim close ranks. The families turn their backs. Then a young girl is abducted, and it becomes clear that the first death is linked to an even more brutal crime. And unless Sara and Jeffrey can uncover the deadly secrets the children hide, it's going to happen again...

 

My thoughts on the book

 

The book is very cleverly written, with a lot of twists, turns and red herrings along the way. There's plenty of tension both on and off the job. There's a lot going on, more than enough to keep you entertained, but not so much so you get lost. Very engaging, I couldn't wait to see how the book ended!

 

Conclusion and rating

 

I really enjoyed this book. Karin Slaughter is a superb writer, who knows how to build the tension up and never let off! She writes in a way that allows you to feel the characters frustrations, pain and victories along with them! Highly recommended! 5/5

 

Have you read this book? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

 

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Book Review: Broke by Mandasue Heller

Time for the review of the fourth book off August's reading list. You can check it out here if you missed it.

My review of Broke by Mandasue Heller

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

 

Amy only wants a happy family – instead, she’s in a nightmare of pain.

Her marriage to Mark isn’t the best – he can’t hold down a job, he’s got a bit of a temper. But she doesn’t want to know just how bad things are until his gambling habit brings Lenny Yates to her door. He makes it brutally clear how she can pay off Mark’s debts.

And Amy’s troubles are only beginning. Now there’s another woman in Mark’s life, who wants Mark for herself. She is ready to steal Amy’s man, her self-respect and even her children.

As the stakes rise, Amy will either lose everything, or she’ll have to learn how to stand up to her enemies…

My thoughts on the book

I really enjoyed this book. It tells the story of Amy. Amy is a normal woman with a normal family life, and this book shows how easy one mistake can send everything spiralling out of control. There was the odd point in the book where I wanted to shake Amy, but mostly, I imagined how I would feel if this was me, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

Conclusion and rating

This isn't what I would think of a typical crime book, but it's well worth a read. I think it's a little far fetched, but I guess that's the fun of fiction! 4/5

 

Have you read this book? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

 

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Book Review: I Knew You Were Trouble by Paige Toon

As you all know by now, I love reading YA fiction, so you can imagine how pleased I was when I was approached to review a new YA novel*. This book is YA fiction with a difference - it's not fantasy, or utopian. It's kind of like chick lit. I haven't read a good piece of chick lit since Sophie Kinsella wrote the first Shopaholic book, so I was definitely looking forward to diving into this one!

My review of I Knew You Were Trouble by Paige Toon

 

Blurb from the back cover

Jessie Jefferson's dad is a global superstar. But life as the secret daughter of a world famous rock god isn't easy.

After a whirlwind summer in LA, with celebrity parties and a certain hot guitarist to keep her occupied, Jessie's finding it hard to work out who she is. And who she wants...

The world's press is closing in, and LA is calling. How long can Jessie keep her secret life hidden?

Summer may be over, but this story's just beginning...

 

My thoughts on the book

The book centres around Jessie, a teenager who has just discovered her long lost dad is an international rock star. The main story is Jessie choosing between safe, dependable Tom from her former life, or hot bad boy Jack from her new life. There is much more to this than a simple love story though. The book touches on friendship, change, the growing relationship between Jessie and her father and step-mother, the relationship with her step father, loss, uncertainty and loyalty.

The characters are likeable, and although finding out your father is a rock star isn't something that happens to the average teenager, the story still feels real and relatable. Jessie is a likeable character and you can't help but feel for her.

 

Conclusion and rating

I loved it. It was a fun, easy read that kept me interested through to the end. It wasn't too long or too short - there was enough going on to keep the story moving at a good pace, but not so much that you would lose track of it. Ideal for a bit of light hearted escapism. 5/5

 



Available now!

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*I was gifted this book in return for my review, but all opinions are my own. As an avid reader, I would never recommend a book I didn't really enjoy!

 

Book Review: A Cold Season by Alison Littlewood

Time for the review of the third book off August's reading list. You can check it out here if you missed it.

My review of A Cold Season by Alison Littlewood

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

Cass is trying to rebuild her life after the loss of her soldier husband, and a renovated mil in the picture-perfect village of Darnshaw looks to be the idyllic spot to bring up her traumatised son, Ben.

But the locals aren’t as friendly as Cass had hoped, and Ben is beginning to display a hostility she can’t understand. Then the blizzards blow in, and Darnshaw is marooned in a sea of snow.

Now, threatened on all sides, Cass finds herself pitted against forces she can barely comprehend.

My thoughts on the book

This book is a definite page turner. From the start, there is an eerie, dark feeling to this book which builds consistently throughout to keep us guessing and wanting more.

Well written, with characters you will actually care about, I found myself drawn into this book and I couldn't wait to see how it would turn out.



Conclusion and rating

Well written, spooky and with plenty of tension and suspense, this book kept me hooked from the first chapter. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good horror. 5/5

 

Have you read this book? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

 

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Book Review: Never Saw It Coming by Linwood Barclay

Time for the review of the second book off August's reading list. You can check it out here if you missed it.

My review of Never Saw It Coming by Linwood Barclay.

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

 

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing …

Keisha Ceylon is a psychic. So she says. The truth is, she watches the news for stories of missing family members, gives it a few days, then tells these families she’s had a vision. She may be able to help. And by the way, she charges for this service, and likes to see the money up front.

Keisha’s latest mark is a man whose wife disappeared a week ago. She’s seen him on TV, pleading for his wife to come home, or for whoever took her to let her go. So she pays him a visit.

The trouble is, her vision just happens to be close enough to the truth that it leaves the man rattled. And it may very well leave Keisha dead…

My thoughts on the book

I really enjoyed Linwood Barclay's writing style. He gets to the point, but doesn't skimp on detail. I loved all the twists and turns along the way (which I won't spoil for you!). The character's were mostly believable and always relatable.

Conclusion and rating

A very good read. This was a new author for me to try, and I liked him very much. I will definitely be reading more of his books! 5/5

 

 Have you read this? Did you like it?

 

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Book Review: Grey by E.L. James

Time for the review of the first book off August's reading list. You can check it out here if you missed it.

My review of Grey by E.L. James

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

See the world of Fifty Shades of Grey anew through the eyes of Christian Grey.

In Christian’s own words, and through his thoughts, reflections and dreams, E.L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.

Christian Grey exercises control in all things: his world is neat, disciplined and utterly empty – until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tumble of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him – past the business prodigy and the pent house lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart.

 

Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?

 

My thoughts on the book

When I start a book, I like to go in open minded. That didn't happen here. Having read the original 50 Shades trilogy, it was never going to happen. I went into expecting very little to be honest. It was one of those books where you've read the others, so you have to read this one.

I was pleasantly surprised. First up, the character of Ana is so much less annoying when you're not inside her head. I didn't want to give her a good shake half as much in this book! The narrative was much more enjoyable in this book. Christian comes across as much more real than Ana did. And thankfully, he doesn't have an "Inner Goddess" which drove me mad in the original.

 



Conclusion and rating

I actually enjoyed it! It's still ridiculously far fetched, and its still not about domestic violence in any way (don't get me started on that!), but it's much more readable from Christian's view point. If you've read the original and it's put you off trying this one, give it a go, you might just be surprised. If you haven't read the original one, don't bother, just skip to this one! 4/5

 

Have you read it? Did you like it more or less than the original?

 

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