Good morning everyone and happy Tuesday. We have four more days until the Easter holidays so I’m making the most of the peace and reading while I can.
Today on Two For Tuesday I’m featuring two new Non Fiction Books I’ve bought recently. Tomb With A View is our book club pick this month and I’m excited to read it as I’ve heard lots of good things about it. The Seven Ages Of Death is a book I saw reviewed on here and I was instantly intrigued as I’m always fascinated by pathology in books.
Do you read Non Fiction?Any recommendations for me?
A Tomb With A View by Peter Ross
Enter a grave new world of fascination and delight as award-winning writer Peter Ross uncovers the stories and glories of graveyards. Who are London’s outcast dead and why is David Bowie their guardian angel? What is the remarkable truth about Phoebe Hessel, who disguised herself as a man to fight alongside her sweetheart, and went on to live in the reigns of five monarchs? Why is a Bristol cemetery the perfect wedding venue for goths?
All of these sorrowful mysteries – and many more – are answered inĀ A Tomb With A View, a book for anyone who has ever wandered through a field of crooked headstones and wondered about the lives and deaths of those who lie beneath.
The Seven Ages Of Death by Dr Richard Shepherd
Dr Richard Shepherd, a medical detective and Britain’s top forensic pathologist, shares twenty-four of his most intriguing, enlightening and never-before-told cases.
These autopsies, spanning the seven ages of human existence, uncover the secrets not only of how a person died, but also of how they lived.
From old to young, murder to misadventure, and illness to accidental death, each body has something to reveal – about its owner’s life story, how we age, justice, society, the certainty of death.
And, above all, the wonderful marvel of life itself.
A highly topical thriller about a Russian plot to cut the undersea communication cables linking the US to the UK. Also, a passionate love story between two people determined to stop this cataclysmic act.
Clive Franklin, a Russian language expert in the Foreign Office, is summoned unexpectedly to Moscow to act as translator for the British Prime Minister. His life is turned on its head when, after more than a decade, he discovers that his former lover, Marina Volina, is now the interpreter to the Russian President. At the embassy, Clive learns of a Russian plot to cut the undersea cables linking the US to the UK which would paralyse communications and collapse the Western economy. Marina stuns Clive with the news that sheās ready to help stop the attack, betraying her country for a new identity and a new life. Clive becomes the go-between, relaying Marinaās intelligence to MI6 back in London. What are the odds that two lovers, running the Moscow marathon with the FSB on their backs, can save Western Europe from economic meltdown?
My Review:
The Translator is a fascinating, gripping spy story from a new author for me.
Firstly I’ve always been a bit intrigued by Russia and it’s history so I really enjoyed the author’s fabulous detail of life there. I loved experiencing the country alongside the characters, enjoying the famous sights and learning a little bit about Russian culture on the way. When I was younger my dad was in the army so we weren’t allowed to travel to Russia (not that we would have then anyway) so Russia has always seemed a fascinating, forbidden place to me.
The characters were fantastic creations that I enjoyed following throughout the book. I was very fond of Marina and Clive and I really wanted them to be successful. I was firmly on their side from the start and was routing for them the whole way. There were also some characters I loved to hate like the horrible General who I was praying wouldn’t win.
I thought the plot was pretty fast paced and very intriguing as there always seemed to be something happening to keep my attention. The intrigue slowly built up until I was thoroughly gripped by the story and unable to put the book down. There was lots of action,some of it a bit unrealistic but still very fun and thrilling to follow. It felt a bit like an action film at times as there was so many dramatic things happening at once. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’d definitely be interested in reading more from her in the future.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to the publisher for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Harriet Crawley has been a journalist, writer, and art dealer, worked in television and radio, and she stood for the Westminster and European Parliaments. A fluent Russian speaker, Harriet was married to a Russian and sent her son to state school in Moscow, where she worked for almost twenty years in the energy sector. She speaks five languages andĀ The TranslatorĀ is her fifth book.
An isolated castle, a deadly crime. Is this real or a nightmare?
In a remote castle high up in the Tuscan hills secrets are simmering among its glamorous English residents:
The ailing gentleman art-dealer His dazzling niece Her handsome Fascist husband Their neglected young daughter The housekeeper who knows everything andĀ Connie, the English widow working for them.
Every night, Connie hears sinister noises and a terrible wailing inside the walls. Is she losing her grip on reality?
Or does someone in the castle want her gone?
My Review:
Murder Under The Tuscan Sun is an absorbing, gripping book from one of my favourite mystery writers.
Firstly I loved the author’s stunning descriptions of Italy that were often so vivid I felt like I was actually there, walking the gardens and seeing all the beautiful scenery for myself. I’ve always wanted to visit Italy and this book has definitely made me more determined to get there – though I might not stay in an isolated castle.
I really liked the main character Connie, not least because she was a slightly older lady who I enjoyed watching get a new lease of life after her husband’s death. It was initially exciting to watch her explore her new life and learn to discover who she was outside of her family. I did feel sorry for her at times though being in the difficult situation of companion and not knowing if she was a servant or a friend. It was heartbreaking to see her doubt herself or her ability and I wished I could go into the book to give her a hug. Her relationship with Nora, the somewhat neglected daughter, was heartwarming to read about and I enjoyed watching it develop throughout the book as the two became closer.
The story starts off slowly as the author sets the scene but gradually gets faster as it becomes clear that everything is not as idyllic as it first appears. I liked the gradual way the author puts doubt into the readers mind as strange things happen in the castle. The tension gradually increases as Connie starts investigating what’s going on and my heart was in my mouth in some of the scenes as she puts herself in precarious positions to try to discover the truth. The story kept me guessing until the end which I always love. I had plenty of different theories and think I suspected everyone at one point, unable to completely decide on one until the very end.
The ending was brilliant and I liked the way everything is gradually revealed to the reader. It was especially nice that the author includes an epilogue so the reader can discover what happened to all the characters. I’m very excited to read more from this author in the future.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Transworld for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Rachel RhysĀ is the pseudonym of psychological thriller writer Tammy Cohen. Her debut,Ā Dangerous Crossing,Ā was a bestselling Richard and Judy Book Club pick and was followed byĀ A Fatal InheritanceĀ andĀ Island of Secrets.Ā Rachel’s latest novel,Ā Murder Under the Tuscan SunĀ is once again superb historical suspense crime, this time with an irresistible Italian 1920s setting. She lives in North London, with her three (allegedly) grown up children and her neurotic rescue dog.
Good morning everyone and Happy Sunday. I hope you all remembered the clocks going forward – not that it made any difference in our house as you can’t reset children’s clocks sadlyā¦.
Below are some of the books I’ve added to my tbr pile this week. Huge thanks to all the publishers for sending me the proofs and to my lovely book bloggers friends Kelly and Joanne for forwarding their proofs to me it’s really appreciated!
Any of these on your radar?
End Of Story by Louise Swanson
Too much imagination can be a dangerous thing
It has been five years since writing fiction was banned by the government.
Fern Dostoy is a criminal. Officially, she has retrained in a new job outside of the arts but she still scrawls in a secret notepad in an effort to capture what her life has become: her work on a banned phone line, reading bedtime stories to sleep-starved children; Hunter, the young boy who calls her and has captured her heart; and the dreaded visits from government officials.
But as Fern begins to learn more about Hunter, doubts begin to surface. What are they both hiding?
And who can be trusted?
The Vintage Shop Of Second Chances by Libby Page
Among the cobbled streets of the Somerset town of Frome, Lou is embarking on the start of something new. After the death of her beloved mother, she takes a deep breath into the unknown and is opening her own vintage clothes shop.
In upstate New York, Donna has just found out some news about her family which has called into question her whole upbringing. The only clue she has to unlock her past is a picture of a yellow dress, and the fact it is currently on display in a shop in England.
For Maggy, she is facing life as a 70-something divorcee and while she got the house, she’s not sure what to fill it with now her family have moved out. The new vintage shop in town sparks memories of her past and reignites a passion she’s been missing…
Together, can these three women find the answers they are searching for and unlock a second chance at a new life?
It’s never too late to start again…
The Dive by Sara Ochs
Welcome to paradise. We hope you survive your stay…
Escape to paradise. Scuba diving instructor Cass leads her students out for their first dive off the beautiful coast of Koh Sang, Thailand’s world-famous party island. It’s supposed to be a life-changing experience, but things quickly spiral out of control…
Leave your secrets behind. By the time she gets back to the shore, one of her students is dead, another badly injured, and she knows that her idyllic life is about to be smashed to pieces on the rocks.
But don’t get lost for ever… Someone has discovered Cass’s secret, and on an island as remote as this, accidents happen. Plenty of backpackers choose to stay here for ever – but some are never heard from again…
Shanghai Immortal by Ay Chao
This richly told adult fantasy debut teems with Chinese deities and demons cavorting in jazz age Shanghai.
Half vampire. Half fox-spirit. All trouble.
Pawned by her mother to the King of Hell as a child, Lady Jing is half-vampire, half-hulijing fox-spirit and all sasshole. As the King’s ward, she has spent the past ninety years running errands, dodging the taunts of the spiteful hulijing courtiers, and trying to control her explosive temper – with varying levels of success.
So when Jing overhears the courtiers plotting to steal a priceless dragon pearl from the King, she seizes her chance to expose them, once and for all.
With the help of a gentle mortal tasked with setting up the Central Bank of Hell, Jing embarks on a wild chase for intel, first through Hell and then mortal Shanghai. But when her hijinks put the mortal in danger, she must decide which is more important: avenging her loss of face, or letting go of her half-empty approach to life for a chance to experience tenderness – and maybe even love.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice For Murderers by Jess Sutanto
Tea-shop owner. Matchmaker. Detective?
The Hidden Letters by Lorna Cook
As the storm clouds of war gather, Cordelia seeks refuge in the grounds of her family estate.
Handsome landscaper Isaac has recently arrived to tend to the gardens, and the connection between him and Cordelia is as immediate as it is forbidden.
Isaac begins to secretly teach her how to cultivate the gardens, so when he and all the young men are called away to war, Cordelia takes over.
From the battlefields of Europe, Isaac sends her letters, that give her hope for their future in peacetime.
But when these messages abruptly cease, Cordelia must face up to the worst and take her future ā and the fate of the garden they both loved ā into her own handsā¦
An epic, sweeping tale of love, war and the strength of the human spirit. Fans of Lucinda Riley and Kate Morton will be absolutely gripped by this historical page-turner.
The Enemy Of Love by Annabelle Thorpe
1943. Wartime Italy.
Casa Maria sits at the heart of the small Umbrian town of Amatino, famous for its food, wine and the di Luca and Capaldi families who run it. But now Italy is consumed by war and everything must change.
For talented cook Sophia di Luca, the discovery her father has left the trattoria not to her, but to the volatile and charismatic Giorgio Capaldi, is a bitter disappointment. Still grieving the sudden death of his wife, and in no mood to compromise, Giorgio’s return to Amatino threatens everything Sophia has struggled to achieve.
As Mussolini falls and the Germans march in, the two families find themselves in conflict not only with a terrifying new enemy, but also with each other.
Annabelle Thorpe’s gripping novel does for wartime Italy what Victoria Hislop does for Greece.
Good morning everyone and happy Saturday. It’s been a while since I did a reading update so I thought I’d share what I’m reading at the moment.
āLast- The Sinister Booksellers Of Bath by Garth Nix āNow- Murder Under The Tuscan Sun by Rachel Rhys ā The Clockwork Girl by Anna Mazzola
I absolutely loved The Sinister Booksellers Of Bath and hope that there’s going to be more books in this fabulous series. I posted my review on my blog a few days ago. Rachel Rhys (Tammy Cohen) is one of my favourite authors and I’m really enjoying Murder Under The Tuscan Sun so far. I then have The Clockwork Girl by Anna Mazzola to read as part of the Historical Bookclub I’m part of. We’re discussing it Wednesday so nothing like leaving it to the last minuteā¦
It’s going to be a busy day as we’re trying to paint the kids rooms and my daughter has a birthday party later. My mum is back from her holiday and I’m excited to go round to hers tonight for some yummy food. Tomorrow looks quieter so I’m hoping to fit in some reading while my husband takes the kids on a bike ride.
‘I’ll remember Elizabeth Finch when most other characters I’ve met this year have faded’ The Times
Elizabeth Finch was a teacher, a thinker, an inspiration. Neil is just one of many who fell under her spell during his time in her class. Tasked with unpacking her notebooks after her death, Neil encounters once again Elizabeth’s astonishing ideas on the past and on how to make sense of the present.
But Elizabeth was much more than a scholar. Her secrets are waiting to be revealed . . . and will change Neil’s view of the world forever.
My Review:
Elizabeth Finch is a thought provoking, intellectual read with some intriguing characters .
Firstly I thought Elizabeth was a great main character and one I enjoyed getting to know more about throughout the book. She was a very intelligent, strong lady who wasn’t afraid to argue her point in intellectual discussions. We learn about her mainly through Neil, the mature student tasked with clearing her things after her death, and through her notebooks as Neil goes through them. She’s a lady I’d love to have had as a teacher as I think she would have been fascinating to listen to.
The author has included some interesting philosophical and historical subjects in this book which we mainly learn about through Elizabeth’s notes. I did find these interesting, particularly learning more about Julian the Apostate who I’d not heard of before and how history could have been different if people had listened to him. Some of this section was a bit difficult to read at times though and I think some of the ideas went over my head a bit but I don’t think I’m this author’s target reader to be honest.
This was a book of two halves for me. I loved Elizabeth and enjoyed learning more about her but I did struggle with the middle and end bits as I found it difficult to keep up with all the ideas being discussed. I do wish there had been a bit more about Elizabeth and Neil but then I think it would be a completely different book and perhaps not one this author would have written. If you are a fan of Julian or like intellectual, thought provoking reads then you’ll love this book.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Vintage for my copy of this book.
There is often trouble of a mythical sort in Bath. The booksellers who police the Old World keep a careful watch there, particularly on the entity who inhabits the ancient hot spring. Yet this time it is not from Sulis Minerva that trouble starts. It comes from the discovery of a sorcerous map, leading left-handed bookseller Merlin into great danger. A desperate rescue is attempted by his sister the right-handed bookseller Vivien and their friend, art student Susan Arkshaw, who is still struggling to deal with her own recently discovered magical heritage.
The map takes the trio to a place separated from this world, maintained by deadly sorcery performed by an Ancient Sovereign and guarded by monstrous living statues of Purbeck marble. But this is only the beginning, as the booksellers investigate centuries of disappearances and deaths and try to unravel the secrets of the murderous Lady of Stone, a serial killer of awesome powers.
If they do not stop her, she will soon kill again. And this time, her target is not an ordinary mortal.
A wintry return to the somewhat alternate 1980s England ofĀ The Left-Handed Booksellers of London.
My Review:
I absolutely loved the first book in this series so I was hugely excited to receive a copy of The Sinister Booksellers Of Bath. Once again the author has written a gripping, absorbing and magical book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It was great fun to be back with the wonderful booksellers solving another mystery alongside Merlin, Vivien and the reluctantly involved Susan. They make such a wonderful team and I loved how they all had different strengths that they use to their advantage. They are people I’d love to be friends with in real life, not least cos I’d happily be pulled into a magical adventure with them.
The world the author has created is absolute brilliant and I loved exploring it alongside the characters. There’s something tantalising about a magical world that might be just out of our reach and I enjoyed learning more about it, particularly about the different types of magic that the Booksellers have to deal with. The alternative reality the characters find themselves in was fascinating with some almost fairy tale aspects to it cut through with a much darker side. The author definitely has an amazing imagination and I loved all the vivid details he includes in the book that makes the world seem so realistic at times.
This book was pretty fast paced and there always seemed to be something happening to keep me reading. Even the slightly slower parts of the book were enjoyable as it gave me the chance to explore the world more or just hang out with the marvelous characters. I really hope this isn’t the end of this series as I’d love to spend more time in this wonderful world.
Huge thanks to Ellen and Jenna from Gollancz for my copy of this book. If you like magical adventure stories I highly recommend this book.
About The Author:
Garth Richard Nix is an Australian writer who specialises in children’s and young adult fantasy novels, notably theĀ Old Kingdom,Ā Seventh TowerĀ andĀ Keys to the KingdomĀ series. Before becoming a fantasy writer, he worked his way through the publishing industry, as a bookseller, sales rep, publicist, editor and then literary agent. He is a multiple bestselling author, and winner – twice – of the Aurealis Award. He lives in Sydney, Australia.
Good morning everyone I was tagged by the lovely Jo Wright from Books And Lovely Things to share some books or authors that make me happy.
From this stack I’ve read The Reason, Icebreaker and My (Extra) Ordinary Life. These were all books that made me smile as I read and that I really enjoyed. The other three are from authors that I’ve loved in the past and that I still rate as some of the best books I’ve read. I think I must have lent them out at some point as I don’t have them any more but I hope to get to these books very soon.
What books or author’s make you happy?
The Reason by Catherine Bennetto
How much is the smile from the person you love worth to you?
Brookeās life has derailed. Her social life and career have evaporated, her daughter is desperately unhappy and being bullied at school, and, for a 43-year-old, she probably spends way too many weekends at her parentās. But the reason for all this is no mystery. A year and a half ago, Brookeās husband died.
But Brooke does have one secret. Her husbandās death, the worst thing that has ever happened to her, has made her unbelievably rich.
Despite her despair, Brooke suddenly realises she has the power to make her daughterās life, and the world a little brighter.
IceBreaker by Hannah Grace
A TikTok sensation! Sparks fly when a competitive figure skater and hockey team captain are forced to share a rink.
Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team.
Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins.
Nateās focus as team captain is on keeping his team on the ice. Which is tricky when a facilities mishap means they are forced to share a rink with the figure skating teamāincluding Anastasia, who clearly canāt stand him.
But when Anastasiaās skating partner faces an uncertain future, she may have to look to Nate to take her shot.
Sparks fly, but Anastasia isnāt worriedā¦ because she could never like a hockey player, right?
The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan
Two years into the Second World War, and German U-boats are frequently disrupting Britainās supply of food. In an effort to help housewives with food rationing, a BBC radio programme calledĀ The Kitchen FrontĀ launches a new cooking contest ā and the grand prize is a job as the programmeās first-ever female co-host.
For young widow Audrey, winning the competition could be a chance to pay off her husbandās debts and keep a roof over her childrenās heads. However, her estranged sister, Gwendoline, is equally set on success even if her own kitchen maid, Nell, is competing against her. And then there is Zelda, a London-trained chef desperate to succeed in a male-dominated profession ā and harbouring a secret that will change everything . . .
My (Extra) Ordinary Life by Rebecca Ryan
Have you ever wondered how normal you are?Ā What if you wereĀ perfectlyĀ average?Ā More than anyone else.Ā
For EmilyĀ ā it’s true. When she watches a documentary on the average human she seesĀ her life. Her job, her hair, her favourite food. All of herĀ ā plainly, horrifically average. Even her blood group.Ā Right there and then, she decides she wantsĀ more.Ā
She’ll travel the worldĀ (i.e. venture out of her hometown)
She’ll become a veganĀ (it’s interesting to hate cheese, right?)Ā
She’ll do something daringĀ (As long as it’s safety tested)Ā
Nothing will stand in the way of Emily living her best life. Not even Josh and his dimples.Ā Because she absolutely can’t fall in love… that would be too ordinary.Ā
The People On Platform 5 by Clare Pooley
Every day at 8:05, Iona Iverson boards the train to go to work with the same group of people who she makes assumptions about, even giving them nicknames. As a seasoned commuter, she knows there are rules that everyone should follow: Ā· You must have a job to go to Ā· Don’t consume hot food Ā· Always pack for any eventuality Ā· You mustĀ neverĀ speak to strangers on the train
But then, one morning, Smart-but-Sexist-Surbiton chokes on a grape right in front of Iona. Suspiciously-Nice-New Malden steps up to help and saves his life, and this one event sparks a chain reaction.
With nothing in common but their commute, an eclectic group of people learn that their assumptions about each other don’t match reality. But when Iona’s life begins to fall apart, will her new friends be there when she needs them most?
One Good Thing by Alexander Potter
In life, nothing is certain. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something can happen to change the course of everything . . .
Liv Brooks is still in shock. Newly-divorced and facing an uncertain future, she impulsively swaps her London Life for the sweeping hills of the Yorkshire Dales, determined to make a fresh start. But fresh starts are harder than they look and feeling lost and lonely she decides to adopt Harry, an old dog from the local shelter, to keep her company.
But Liv soon discovers she isnāt the only one in need of a new beginning. On their daily walks around the village, they meet Valentine, an old man who suffers from loneliness who sits by the window and Stanley, a little boy who is scared of everyone, hides behind the garden gate and Maya, a teenager who is angry at everyone and everything. But slowly things start to change . . .
Utterly relatable, hilarious and heart-breakingly honest, this is a novel about friendship, finding happiness and living the life unexpected. And how when everything falls apart, all you need is one good thing to turn your life around and make it worth living again.
I just got sacked. I’m permanently drunk. I have cancer. I’m inescapably gay. I was hit by a bus. And, incidentally, I’ve fallen in love with a stranger whose life I saved.
My name is Andrew Thomas, newly-unemployed Sherlock Holmes scholar, and I don’t know how to do any of this.
I know only Holmes can help me untangle this madness, and he isn’t real. Except he absolutely appeared in my house, told me I’m in love with a man I just met, and then in a fit of pique I sent him away.
Maybe he’s a hallucination or a specter or a ghost (pick one?), but now I desperately need Holmes’ help.
So to find the answer to my case and the man of my dreams, I’m chasing a fictional character through London with my very own Watson (hi Mina).
Business as usual.
My Review:
A Case Of Madness is an original, heartwarming and slightly quirky read from a new author for me.
Firstly I absolutely loved Andrew and enjoyed following him throughout the book. He’s the kind of person I’d love to be friends with in real life as he’s such a lovable character. He’s got a lot of stuff happening in his life but is always there for his friends and willing to stand up for what he believes in.
The book covers a range of LBGTQ topics that I found fascinating to learn more about. It was shocking at times to realise what the community has to deal with and it’s definitely opened my eyes to the problems or prejudice that the LBGTQ community face.
I thought this book was very fast paced and there always seemed to be something happening to keep me reading. I really enjoyed following Andrew and his best friend Mina through London with some of their exploits making me laugh out loud. The ending was beautiful and hints at a possible sequel which I’m excited about as I’d love to spend more time with the characters.
Huge thanks to Kelly from Love Book Tours for my copy of this book and to the publisher for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Yvonne is a bi and nonbinary writer who dedicates their free time to extending the secret Gay Agenda ā in part through their debut novel A Case of Madness.
Although born and raised in the north of Germany, Yvonneās passion for Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who, their sassy humor, and aversion to talking on public transport made them suspiciously British from early on.
As a natural matter of cause and effect, Yvonne moved to London in 2014 and started to write (a novel for the drawer). No word was written until 2017 when the sudden question of āWhat if I could talk to Sherlock Holmes?ā came up to them.
Conducting PhD research in the worldās most extensive Sherlock Holmes collection, located in Minneapolis, USA, was a great help for answering that question. The result was not a PhD, but their debut novel A Case of Madness, originally written in German and in a bold move translated by the author themselves when nobody in Germany understood a word they were saying.
Like circles of a Venn diagram, Mimi and Art Brotherton have always come as a pair. Devoted siblings, they’re bound together in their childhood home by the tragic death of their parents.
ArtĀ believes that people – including his sister – are incapable of making sensible decisions when it comes to love. Thatās what algorithms are for.
MimiĀ knows that her brother is a mathematical genius. But she believes that maths isnāt the answer to everything. Not quite. Especially when it comes to love.
Still, when Mimi begins her search for a soulmate, Art’s insistence that she follow a strict mathematical plan seems reasonable. The arrival of Frank, however – a romantic stargazer who is definitelyĀ notĀ algorithm-approved – challenges the siblings’ relationship to breaking point. As their equilibrium falters, Art’s mistrust of Frank grows, but so do Mimi’s feelings. Something about Frank doesn’t quite add up, and only Art can see it . . .
The Theory of (Not Quite) EverythingĀ by Kara Gnodde is a tender, intelligent and uplifting novel about brothers and sisters, true love in all its forms, and how life is more than just a numbers game . . .
My Review:
The Theory Of (Not Quite) Everything is an emotional, quirky read about family and secrets.
The story is told from the point of view of two siblings Art and Mimi who share a very close bond. It was lovely to see how close they were and how much they cared for each other. The pair could not be more different to each other with Art being fantastic at Maths and Mimi trying to find love to distract herself from her parents deaths. I liked Mimi but my favourite was definitely Art who I had a huge soft spot for. He reminded me a bit of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory and I often wished I could reach into the book and give him a big hug. Some of his attempts to help his sister were hilarious and made me laugh out loud though as he doesn’t always go about them the best way.
It took me a few chapters to get into the book but I was soon really invested in the characters and very intrigued by the mysteries that Art is trying to unravel. I enjoyed following Art as he tried to find out more about his parents deaths but also discover if Frank, his sister’s new boyfriend, is hiding anything. There were lots of surprising twists during his investigations which took me by surprise and I liked the gradual revealing of secrets that I felt was realistically done.
Overall I really enjoyed this book which I can’t believe is a debut novel. I will definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future, especially if we get more from the wonderful Art!
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Pan Macmillan for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
About The Author:
Kara Gnodde (pronounced āNodderā) grew up in Johannesburg on a diet of Dr. Seuss and no television. After working in advertising for Saatchi & Saatchi in London and living in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, she settled in the UK, where she lives with her husband and their three children. This, her debut novel, was inspired by a radio program about a math problem that could change the world.
Over The Rainbow Blog 