April's reading

For some reason I don't seem to have finished very many books in April, though I'm sure I've been reading more than just these! Anyway, here they are, including two new authors to me:

Tim Sullivan, TheBookseller: I’ve jumped a few volumes in this series, can’t remember why, but I hope to go back and fill in the missing ones as the background, Cross’s family life, is fascinating. This episode takes us into the surprisingly murky world (or should I be surprised?) of second-hand book dealers, with some intriguing and well-layered characters.

David Gatward, Stone Cold: This one begins with someone rashly kidnapping Grimm and holding him prisoner in a mine, while the rest of the team have to tackle a couple of murders without him. There is the usual terrific teamwork and good humour, mostly fuelled by excellent food, but the conclusion is very sad. I still miss Gordy from these books, and I haven’t really successfully got into her spin-off series in quite the same way. I’ll persist.

Tendai Huchu, The Library of the Dead: Set in a somewhat dysfunctional future Edinburgh and environs, this book follows Ropa, a ghost-talker, as she discovers a hidden library under Calton Hill and tries to investigate the disappearance of a small boy whose mother’s ghost is concerned for his safety. Ropa is an energetic narrator, with a forthright teenage view of the world, and reminded me of the narrator in the Rivers of London series. Exciting and amusing by turns, this was a book that makes me want to read on in the series.

S.J. Richards, Fog of Silence: I think I’ve had enough of this series for a bit, though I might well come back to it. I found the characters weren’t really talking to me, somehow, but there’s the odd flash of interest or depth (does depth flash?) that makes them appeal. This one wasn't awfully exciting, despite the subject matter, and perhaps because I kept picking it up and putting it down again I couldn't remember which boy was which.

Janice Hallett, The Twyford Code: I haven’t read her first book and was not sure what to expect, but found this series of audio clips surprisingly readable and the whole plot very intriguing. As for the puzzles, some I got, some I didn’t, some I saw coming and some were surprises, a good mixture. However, looking back on it it’s a puzzle without characters – any character you think you might understand or sympathise with turns out … well, I’ll try not to spoil the ending! More like doing a crossword than reading a novel, in the end.

The first draft of Murder on the King's Jaunt is complete, so it's time for a heavy edit! Then, all being well, and if three other projects don't distract me too much, it's on to Hippolyta 8. Unfortunately I had what I thought was a great plot idea for it which, on inspection the other day, turned out to be mostly dud, so it's back to the drawing board for that one. Hoping for inspiration!