Portobello Book Blog

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been catching up on a few books from my own to-be-read pile as well as beginning a few of my January read. Today I’m sharing mini-reviews of four of my recent reads.

I sneaked in one final festive book just before Christmas and what a lovely read it was. I think this is the first Jules Wake book I’ve read but it won’t be the last as I loved every Christmassy feel-good minute of it. From the moment clueless and somewhat spoiled Siena was met at the airport by grumpy Jason and mistook him for a chauffeur, I loved watching the relationship between the two develop. The book had everything I enjoy in a romantic novel from lighter, funny moments, to misunderstandings, to people saving the day, to a last minute airport dash. And with a trip to Paris near Christmas thrown in, what could be better? Highly recommend this heart-warming novel and will definitely be seeking out more by this author.

It’s a while since I read a Dorothy Koomson book and I don’t know why as as soon as I started reading this book, I was gripped by its central mystery. She is brilliant at keeping her readers’ attention with all the twists and turns and little bits of information she drips into the story. In this one, Nell, has been obsessed with finding out the story behind The Brighton Mermaid an unidentified body she and a friend found on the beach 25 years previously. The young woman was never identified, other women were found killed in a similar way and her friend disappeared just a few weeks later. Determined to finally find the truth, she soon discovers that she and perhaps those she loves are at risk. This was a fast paced book where it wasn’t clear who could be trusted. It kept me guessing till the end when there were more than a few surprises! 

This is an excellent murder mystery with the added spookiness of apparent hauntings, suggestions of witchcraft and mysterious messages appearing in a diary. Clare Cassidy is an English teacher at Talgarth High, a school with past mysteries associated it. As well as teaching creative writing, she is also researching Victorian author RM Holland who used to live there. He was famous for his scary story The Stranger and rumours that he killed his wife. But when the present starts reflecting the story, it seems Clare could be in serious danger. Brooding, creepy and a real page-turner, particularly during the fast paced final chapters. Would make a fantastic drama series for the dark, winter nights.

Really enjoyed this entertaining tale about the grown up Famous Five helping their Gran (or is she??) solve her computer problems. Having recently been helping my mum with similar things, they have my sympathies! I like the inclusion of the original illustrations. In these books, I also enjoy the fact that the Five have grown up into exactly the kind of adults you would expect. Good fun!

So I have made a very small dent in my to-be-read pile but with plenty books still sitting at the side of my bed and many more on my Kindle, I’m sure I’ll have lots of reviews to share with you all in 2019!