Novel Suggestions Rotating Header Image

Humorous Books

The Brandy of the Damned by JMR Higgs

Oct 22nd, 2012
by Des.
No comments yet

The Brandy of the Damned by JMR HiggsThose of you who have visited this blog previously, may have noticed that I do like an occasional dose of the unusual or off-beat in my reading. I jump between styles and genres as the mood takes me, but every so often I just feel the need for something that makes the brow furrow, makes you flip back a page to see if you actually read that bit correctly. The Brandy of the Damned certainly fits the bill in that respect, because although it made easy reading it was also deliciously unconventional.

Read on for a full review…

(more…)

Indian Maidens Bust Loose by Vidya Samson

Jun 8th, 2012
by Des.
No comments yet

Indian Maidens Bust Loose by Vidya SamsonIndependent and Self-Publishing are possibly the hottest and most contentious topics in the literary world today. Although I am wholeheartedly behind this trend, as a reader and reviewer, it is unfortunately the case that I do see far too many books of a standard that vindicates the argument of mainstream publishers that their old style gate-keeping is the last bastion of quality.

Thankfully, I also come across novels such as Vidya Samson’s Indian Maidens Bust Loose, which are as well written and edited as anything I read from larger publishers but may simply not meet their commercial requirements, or perhaps even the author’s own plans for their work.

I do have to point out before you read the review, that at the time of writing  Indian Maidens Bust Loose is only available in eBook format, so apologies to those without access to eReaders.

Read on for a full review…

(more…)

The Observations by Jane Harris

May 22nd, 2012
by Des.
No comments yet

The Observations by Jane HarrisThere is no getting away from the fact that there is a whole stack of recent fiction set in the Victorian era and, because of this, Jane Harris’ 2006 novel The Observations, like others in this arena, has its work cut out to be a little different and capture the reader’s imagination.

I got hold of a Kindle copy after receiving a number of recommendations, so my expectations were already set high for the book. Also, since there are a number of the aforementioned stack of books that I have not yet got around to reading, I was looking forward to getting stuck into its nicely weighty 548 pages without having to worry too much about that “oh god, not another” feeling. So, did it live up to all those recommendations?

Read on for a full review…

(more…)

Florence and Giles by John Harding

Mar 4th, 2012
by Des.
No comments yet

Florence and Giles by John Harding I actually read John Harding’s novel Florence and Giles late last year, and it is a book that I have really been looking forward to reviewing. In some ways it is tricky to review this type of book, as it would be so easy to spoil the suspense by giving too much away. The enjoyment in writing this one though, comes from the way in which it has revived my memories of its lead character, Florence. She really is a rather wonderful creation, and I actually found myself smiling broadly as I typed this.

Strong and creative characterisation is at the heart of the majority of the books I most enjoy reading, so John Harding was already half way there in having me hooked, but a truly good novel obviously needs so much more than this — did Florence & Giles deliver?

Read on for a full review…

(more…)

← Earlier Posts