I have read three books this week and all of them have been very different, which is good. My book pile next to the bed is almost finished, so a visit to the library is needed very soon. What would I do without our public library when I am reading two to three books each week? There is no way that I could afford to buy this many, even from charity shops. Also, the requests/reservation service is invaluable.

Dead Cold by Louise Penny

The first read was a totally new author for me, Louise Penny. This is my Goodreads review of her book Dead Cold:

Such an interesting read! Another crime novel, but written in a really different way to the usual run of books. I loved the cold, snowy setting and the village of Three Pines. I loved the characters of the villagers, particularly the women. The murder-mystery was gripping but I also loved the touches of slightly weird humour. I have already put in public library requests for the first and third books in the series.

The village kind of reminded me of the very rather cheesy pictures I have seen by Thomas Kincade, although I must admit that I would rather like to live there, if I could cope with the cold winters. I gave the book four stars.

The Gray Man by Mark Greaney

The second book was given two stars, although I did enjoy reading it in a way:

How do I describe this? On the positive side: exciting, cliff hanging, gripping, quick and easy to read. On the negative side: very badly written, full of clichés, poor character development, verging on racist, completely unbelievable. But it was fun to read in many ways – undemanding, predictable, as it was. Oh, and how much does this writer want us to know his knowledge of weapons! How many injuries and almost fatal wounds can a man bear and still manage to fight?

The book read a bit like the script for one of those macho action-hero films, all gleaming weapons and glistening muscles. I don’t think I will read any more books in the series, but never say never!

Silent Creed by Alex Kava

My third read of the week was an improvement and I gave it three stars on Goodreads. I think I will almost certainly keep and eye out for the author, Alex Kava. This book, Silent Creed, is the second in her Ryder Creed series (why do I keep finding second books rather than firsts?). Creed is a rescue dog trainer and the series appears to be based around this.

An enjoyable thriller. Although I am not a dog lover, I found that aspect of the book to be interesting. The main characters were good and the plot kept me reading. In fact, I read it all in one sitting. Good enough to make me want to read more by this author.

Kava also has a series about an FBI agent, Maggie O’Dell, which looks interesting and has been quite highly rated on Goodreads. I will look out for these books when I next visit the library.

Spartacus the Gladiator by Ben Kane

I am about to begin Ben Kane’s Spartacus the Gladiator – more gleaming or glistening muscles I expect! I will let you know next week 😄😄😄.

Best wishes,

💜💛💙❤️💚