Death On All Hallows Eve by Rita Mistry

Oct30

Amusing & Entertaining

Death On All Hallows Eve by Rita Mistry is an absolutely splendid debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book in The Four Tragedies Series and I cannot wait for the subsequent books.

Rita Mistry has constructed a unique plotline, and has well executed it. The reader is drawn in and engaged from the start.

The lead characters are friends who love nothing more than a chat – but one of them is dead and the other is ‘dreaming’!

Other departed people pop up in Bridget’s dreams, one with an unusual request.

The novel is light-hearted, amusing and fun. It could be classed as a comedy of errors.

All the characters were well drawn and believable – even the dead ones!

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Traces Of Alys by Sarah Reynolds

Oct29

A Complex Plotline

Traces Of Alys by Sarah Reynolds is a compelling dual timeline psychological suspense that gripped me from the start.

The novel is set in 1995 and 2015, alternating between voices and time periods. It is set in both Surrey and West Wales. At first, I found the action confusing (maybe because it was a kindle copy and not a paperback) and wasn’t sure of the connections – but by halfway through, I was totally invested, and read greedily to the end.

As I sped towards the final pages, my heart rate rose and my palms were sweaty, as the pieces all slotted together. The summing up of the action was superb – I believe that Traces Of Alys would make a marvellous television series.

The novel was partly in Welsh, with English translations. It celebrates the Welsh language. I imagine that Welsh speakers would enjoy the novel.

There were missing girls. And girls who were found. Just who was who is revealed at the end.

Within the book there were some hard to read scenes as some of the men in the book, were very unsavoury creatures.

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The Fairy Doll & Other Tales From The Dolls’ House by Rumer Godden

Oct28

A Delightful Collection

The Fairy Doll & Other Tales From The Dolls’ House by Rumer Godden is a delightful collection of seven tales all about dolls.

Each tale is unique and very charming. The dolls at the heart of each story, are all very different.

In Miss Happiness & Miss Flower, and in Little Plum that dolls are Japanese and therefore, we learn about some Japanese customs.

The children within the stories are from all walks of life. My favourite was little orphan Ivy in The Story Of Holly & Ivy.

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The Ghost Of Downing Street by Mervyn Lovatt

Oct28

Entertaining & Thought Provoking

The Ghost Of Downing Street by Mervyn Lovatt is a gripping psychological suspense designed to make the reader think.

The novel is set in the near future but has its’ roots in the past. The premise is – can we go back in time to alter history? Can we prevent World War I? And therefore, prevent World War II as there would be no grievances for Adolf Hitler to hang his policies on, and therefore preventing him coming to power and destroying the Jewish nation.

The reader glimpses the past. We see a colonial Britain; and learn about British allies and politics.

The Ghost Of Downing Street is designed to make the reader question historical events. We see that actions today have roots in the past. Alter one small thing, and there can be huge ramifications for good or evil.

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