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The Fallen Angel by David Hewson – Book Review

Posted on February 1, 2011
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When I began reviewing books in August last year, one of my main goals was to challenge myself and explore titles I wouldn’t normally read – on the whole I think I’ve done quite well but I need to do better as an old and inspirational teacher once said to me! – Think outside the box lad!

With that in mind I received an ARC of David Hewson’s “The Fallen Angel” from Pan Macmillan a few weeks ago and although a crime thriller and well within my comfort zone – it was my first Italian mystery and one I was sure would offer the challenge I was seeking!

Set in its entirety in the ghettos of Rome, “The Fallen Angel” is marvellous blend of historical and fictional narrative – one Hewson carries off remarkably well I may add – as we follow Detective Nic Costa and his colleagues in their quest to solve another crime.

I must confess before I began reading Hewson’s book I had very little interest in Italian history – sure most of us have studied Roman history at one point or other in school or university – but I honestly wouldn’t have gone out of my way to pick up a book that for the greater part spent time revisiting 16th century history in Rome.

However, once I began reading, and bear in mind this is my introduction to David Hewson’s work, I was mesmerized by the Italian beauty contained within. Hewson’s captivating prose and his obvious passion for all things Italian is clear for all to see – it ignited an interest I really didn’t expect; the author’s passion is certainly infectious.

The first half of the book explores the fascinating history surrounding the events that lead to the tenuously legal …

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My Top 15 books of 2010

Posted on December 15, 2010
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A top 15 is a relative thing and I thought long and hard about what I considered to be my definitive list of the best books published in 2010. To coin the phrase “One man’s meat is another man’s poison” and all that malarkey! I can’t tell you how close the top three titles were changing position on numerous occasions before I settled on the result!

All the top publishers are represented including Orion, Penguin, Transworld, Random House and Headline. One independent made the top 15 – never easy competing against the main publishing houses. So without further ado and in reverse order I give you my top 15 books of 2010 ….

And before I forget – if you’d like to win a signed copy of my number 1 book then check out the competition at the end of the chart!!

…

15
 Sacred Treason James Forrester – Sacred Treason [Book Review] 

Sacred Treason is at times a brutal reminder of how much of a struggle life was in the 16th century. A powerful, evocative and gripping tale with an abundance of historical facts, the book is a sure fire winner.

Published by Headline
14
 Cut and Run – Matt Hilton [Book Review]  

Joe Hunter is more than a match for Jack Reacher – what would happen if they both ended up on opposite sides, the mind boggles – let’s hope that never happens. Highly recommended. If it’s action you want, Cut and Run will not disappoint.

The Book is published by Hodder
13
 Kevin Lewis – The Kid [Book Review] 

“The Kid” is without doubt a tail of triumph over adversity, incredibly moving and a harrowing tale of one kid’s struggle against an oppressive mother and father. If you read one book in 2010

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In The Shadow of Gotham by Stefanie Pintoff – Book Review

Posted on December 10, 2010
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Stefanie Pintoff’s “In The Shadow of Gotham”, a classy and taut historical crime novel, is set at the turn of the 20th century. Winner of The Edgar award for best first novels in America, “Gotham” is a wonderfully atmospheric tale of greed, betrayal and dogged detection.

The book spans seven days in November 1905 and is a two centre story; New York City and 17 miles north in the small town of Dobson, Westchester County where Detective Simon Ziele now plies his trade as a detective.

Simon Ziele lost his fiancée in one of the greatest disasters ever to hit New York when in excess of a thousand passengers lost their lives to a fire on board the General Slocum Steamboat. In a bid to recover from his loss and the ever increasing violence of New York City he escapes to Dobson to begin a new career, thanks in part to the monetary support from the local Mayor.

Available from Amazon & The Book Depository

Two months into his new job Sarah Wingate, an accomplished mathematician, is brutally murdered in her bedroom in the middle of a winter’s afternoon. The first murder to occur in Dobson for 12 years Ziele has his work cut out for him – a shortage of witnesses, lack of evidence and a partner who remains unconvinced – the cards are heavily stacked against him.

That is until he receives word that the eccentric and highly distinguished criminologist from Columbia University, Alistair Sinclair, knows who committed the murder. Michael Foley, a dangerous criminal with a violent past is the key suspect. Ziele, together with Sinclair and his daughter-in-law Isabella face a frenetic race across New York’s underworld in a bid to solve the murder before the murderer kills again.

As I’ve mentioned in …

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Headline acts of 2011 – A Sneaky Peek

Posted on December 9, 2010
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Christmas is almost upon us, the season of goodwill etc etc and I make no apology whatsoever following exalted inspiration from Amanda’s post at Floor To Ceiling Books – I thought I too would take a look at what publishers Headline will be offering in 2011. Before I do however, please allow me a moment to reminisce….

When I began reviewing books in August this year I had no idea how enjoyable, rewarding and social the project would prove. I must admit I didn’t think anyone would be remotely interested in what I had to say about the wonderful array of titles to grace bookshelves up and down the country this year. I honestly thought I’d review a handful of titles and that would be that – five months and 63 reviews later I still love it – a wonderful and rewarding experience.

So where was I?

Headline’s catalogue concentrates on the first half of 2011 and judging by the quality of books they’ve listed I’d be here until Christmas listing everything that appears even remotely interesting!

Christmas festivities over, headaches nursed, let’s kick off the new year with a few titles!…….

I’ve not had the opportunity to read any Karen Rose novels this year and the fact that she has two novels out in early January rather excites me! “You Belong to Me” – a tale of revenge and mutilation and “Have You Seen Her?” where a serial killer is targeting cheerleaders in North Carolina – chilling!

February brings us an eclectic mix of books and none excite me more than Andy McDermott’s “Empire of Gold” – Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase are back doing what they do best – just in case you missed it I reviewed their latest adventure …

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A Capital Crime by Laura Wilson – Book Review

Posted on December 1, 2010
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My first introduction to Laura Wilson, “A Capital Crime” is one of the most intriguing books I’ve had the pleasure to read this year. Set in the early 1950’s and based on the notoriously tragic true story of Timothy John Evans and John Reginald Halliday Christie, Wilson blends fact and fiction with consummate ease producing a rather beguiling novel.

Timothy John Davies, a semi-literate van driver, walks in to the Merthyr Tydfil police station (in Wales) and admits to murdering his wife and 14 month old daughter.

On receipt of a telegram from the local constabulary and still smarting from the loss of his pregnant wife Jenny, Detective Inspector Ted Stratton is called in to investigate the murder of the young woman and baby in Notting Hill, London – the last thing he needs.

Available from The Book Depository & Amazon right now.

Stratton and his partner Sergeant Ballard set out to prove his guilt but first they have to find the missing bodies. Upon calling at Davies’s house they meet Norman Backhouse, the ground floor neighbour and former wartime special constable. The ever so helpful Backhouse aids the police and they eventually find the bodies, wrapped in a tablecloth, hidden away in the wash-house situated in the restricted back garden.

Following inconsistent and confusing statements they escort Davies to London for further interviews. The detectives, positive of his guilt, eventually guide Davies to a solid statement of guilt. Despite offering numerous scenarios and attempting to apportion blame onto his neighbour Norman Backhouse for the murders, Stratton and Ballard take the case to trial – Davies is found guilty and hanged in 1950.

Things aren’t always what they seem as we discover later in the book when a further six bodies are discovered, clearly the work of …

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Heresy by SJ Parris – Book Review

Posted on October 30, 2010
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In Heresy, SJ Parris (pseudonym of journalist Stephanie Merritt) introduces her readers to Giordano Bruno; a Dominican Friar and philosopher armed with his incredible memory, charismatic persona and determined investigative powers.

When we first meet Giordano Bruno in 1576 at the San Domenico monastery in Naples, the friar has been locked in the privy for two hours reading Erasmus. Deep in thought, his private seclusion is rudely interrupted by a furious knocking on his cubicle and his extended absence noticed by fellow Monks. Bruno feigns an illness blaming his condition and absence on “something I ate”.

Before exiting the privy, Bruno drops his copy of Erasmus into the cesspit in the vein hope of hiding his true reason for calling on the privacy of the aromatic cubicle. The Monks, unshaken, find the book and call for the Father Inquisitor. Bruno returns to his tiny cell and faced with heresy claims he climbs through the narrow window and escapes. available from UK Amazon and US Amazon

When next we meet our hero, time has advanced seven years, Bruno has escaped religious justice in Italy, been excommunicated and has decamped in the French court of Henri III. He travels to England staying at the home of the French Ambassador. There he meets up with his good friend Sir Philip Sidney and the pair escort a Polish prince to Oxford – giving Elizabeth I some much needed rest from the travelling dignitary.

Sir Francis Walsingham, secretary of state and trusted advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, enlists Bruno’s guile to spy on possible Catholic conspirators at Oxford University. Receiving no purse from France and a promise of payment for information from Walsingham, Bruno accepts and leaves for Oxford in late May.

Following a late supper hosted by John Underhill, rector of Lincoln College, …

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The Lazarus Vault by Tom Harper – Book Review

Posted on October 28, 2010
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The Lazarus Vault by Tom Harper, current chair of the CWA (Crime Writer’s Association), is a wonderful adventure spanning eight centuries beginning in early 12th century England.

I have to admit I was captivated by the jacket cover, a vibrant yellow/cream design with a dynamic golden key invoking bountiful treasures held within the pages of Harper’s novel. In an era where book jackets and videos are having a greater impact on book sales, an alluring first impression is vital, certainly for the authors readers have yet to discover – it can mean the difference between buying the book or choosing a more enticing book further along the shelf.

Available at the Book Depository Now

The story intriguingly follows two timelines, the 12th century written from a first person narrative and the present day following the trials and tribulations of Ellie Stanton. When I first began reading the book I wondered how I would cope with such an obvious divide, but it soon became apparent that the two stories were intertwined; it was just a case of figuring out how!

The narrative is slick and the unusual mix of first person past (12th century) and third person present works remarkably well. The Lazarus Vault is without doubt a prolific page turner, written in an adventurous Dan Brown style, you’re guaranteed an endless journey full of twists, turns and discovery – I couldn’t put the book down, finishing the 470 pages in two sittings.

Ellie Stanton, an impoverished graduate student, has recently begun a PhD in the subject she loves. Out of the blue comes an invitation from the director of the Monsalvat bank in London to discuss possible career opportunities. The bank is a small and highly secretive concern – it offers privilege and wealth beyond Ellie’s wildest …

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The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt – Book Review

Posted on September 29, 2010
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Howard Carter in 1922, along with three companions including the Earl of Carnarvon, walked down the newly discovered steps in the bedrock of the Valley of Kings. The 26th November will long be remembered for one thing only, the day Carter brought Egyptology to the masses by discovering King Tutankhamen’s tomb.

Although discovered weeks earlier, Carter had to wait for Carnarvon’s arrival before he would step inside the tomb for the first time. Days later Carter went in search of the burial chamber and after digging a small hole crawled through the various chambers to discover the stone sarcophagus.

We owe a lot to Howard Carter determination and Carnarvon’s money – we know money was running out and had it not been discovered on the final dig, who knows if Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus would have been found – ever. The discovery led to a fascination with Egyptology that is unparalleled in modern history.

Toby Wilkinson’s “The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt”, along with its wonderful narrative and beautiful imagery is a stunning look at life from the dawn of civilisation to the death of Cleopatra in 30 BC aged just 39 years old.

Although a massive book, which in itself can be rather daunting, Wilkinson’s narrative is refreshing. He makes Egyptology approachable as we welcome a relaxed style that educates and entertains throughout.

Wilkinson’s passion for Egypt is evident from the outset, his enthusiasm and knowledge for hieroglyphics is contagious, his narrative coming to life as he shares the historic complexity of centuries old.

The River Nile is one of the most widely known rivers in the world and the banks hold centuries of secrets, betrayal, and discovery, the pyramids, religion, violence and beauty.

I can’t begin to tell you when I was first introduced to …

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Beneath Hill 60 by Will Davies – Book Review

Posted on September 26, 2010
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On the 7th June, 1917 nineteen massive mines erupted beneath the Messines Ridge, smashing open the German frontline. It was the largest man-made explosion in history, ten thousand German soldiers died.

“Beneath Hill 60” is a poignant reminder of how brutal, horrific and primitive conditions were on the front during World War one. Written by historian Will Davies, the book pulls no punches and vividly relates the dangers of tunnelling metres from enemy lines.

Captain Oliver Woodward, a member of the Australian Imperial Force and No 1 Company of the newly formed Mining Battalion is a key figure in this true story but the book offers so much more.

Davies would have been forgiven in concentrating solely on Woodward’s part in the capture of Hill 60 beneath the Messines Ridge but he does a remarkable job in recounting the background history to the skirmishes and tunnelling.

The use of tunnellers in the military had a long history even though it had been for decades neglected.  The main purpose was to build hospitals, underground storage and billets and if designed and built correctly with a constant supply of water and food the military could hold out against the enemy almost indefinitely.

Not only were tunnels designed to store and protect but they also allowed a way to attack fortifications by digging below a structure. However the introduction of gunpowder in the mid-13th century rendered tunnelling an obsolete skill.

Following savage attacks from German tunnellers killing thousands of soldiers and a distinct lack of technical ability from the British to retaliate Field Marshal Lord Kitchener called upon the services of Conservative MP John Norton-Griffiths. Three months after his initial request, Griffiths and his “moles” began digging their way towards the German front heralding a new professionalism to the …

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Sacred Treason by James Forrester – book review

Posted on September 2, 2010
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Set in 1563, four years into the reign of Elizabeth I (7 September 1533 – 24 March 1603), the last of the Tudor dynasty, Sacred Treason delves deeply into troubled England during times of political and religious unrest.

Written by historian James Forrester [The Pen name of Ian Mortimer], Sacred Treason surprised me. I know it’s an often overused cliché but I couldn’t put the book down. I was instantly transported back to Elizabethan times, deep in the heart of a cold and rain soaked London, I never left until the book’s conclusion – to be honest I’m not sure if I’ve actually left the muddy streets of London such was its mesmerizing hold!

Highly contagious, the book flows from beginning to end, the characters all lending a sense of realism as a battle between right and wrong, good and evil and Catholics v Protestants played out.

At the forefront of the plot is the highly respected William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms and hero of a fascinating tale of treason, murder and an unrelenting quest for justice. As the rain and snow fell in a bitterly cold December my imagination ran riot making a mockery of my senses. This is what books are all about.

Although set in the mid to late 16th century I had to keep reminding myself of the deep, black darkness that would have surrounded London under restrictions of curfews. We are so used to bright street lamps illuminating the darkest of streets in the 21st century but as William Harley and his enemies walked the streets of London they had no such luxury. This obviously had its many benefits and drawbacks but if you were an angry Herald trying to avoid the gaze of the constabulary and watchmen it would certainly …

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No Way Down by Graham Bowley – Book Review

Posted on August 20, 2010
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I’ve never climbed in my life, never had any intention of climbing and probably never will; quite a bold statement considering the subject matter on review! Don’t get me wrong I don’t have anything against climbing; in fact, I have a great deal of respect and admiration for mountaineers who risk their lives in the name of adventure and dreams. “No Way Down:Life and Death on K2”, written by New York Times journalist Graham Bowley, looks back on that fateful day in early August 2008 when so many lives were lost ascending and descending K2.

K2, along with Everest has always captured my imagination and until I read this book I was always under the distinct impression that the pinnacle of any mountaineering career was to conquer Everest, the highest mountain on earth it stands to reason it’s the hardest to climb. However, as Bowley writes it appears that K2 is a tougher and more dangerous climb despite being 778 feet lower than Everest.

“Yet K2′s deadliness was part of the attraction. For a serious climber with ambition, K2 was the ultimate prize. K2 had retained an aura of mysteryand danger and remained the mountaineer’s mountain. Only 278 people had ever stood on K2′s summit, in contrast to the thousands who made it to the top of Everest.”

Also known as The Savage Mountain, K2 has a peak elevation of 8,611 metres (28,251 ft) and is part of the Karakoram Range located on the border between China and Pakistan. Thomas Montgomerie made the first survey of the Karakoram from Mount Haramukh, some 130 miles (210 km) to the south, and sketched the two most prominent peaks, labelling them K1 and K2. For every four people who have reached the summit, one has died trying.

One thing that …

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Berlin at War: Life and Death in Hitler’s Capital – Roger Moorhouse book review

Posted on August 16, 2010
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Most of us have at one time or another read about the atrocities that occurred during World War 2, few of us witnessed the War first hand and even fewer still were living in Berlin at the time. Roger Moorhouse’s book “Berlin at War: Life and Death in Hitler’s Capital 1939-1945” gives the Berliner a voice, for so long seldom heard outside of the epicentre of Nazi power.

Berlin at War is a fascinating, sympathetic and well balanced account of what it was like to live in Berlin from the outbreak of war in 1939 to its conclusion in 1945. One thing that is evident from the outset, the level of research it has taken to put such a book together is nothing short of miraculous.

We hear from a variety of sources, some named, some anonymous that include the then British Ambassador to Germany (Sir Neville Henderson) and Adolf Hitler’s valet Heinz Linge. Berliner’s were apathetic to war in 1939 and even though news had broken that Germany were fighting Poland most citizens believed peace would be close at hand and went about their daily routines. An air of apathy surrounded the city; no one believed the skirmishes with Poland would lead to war. However when war was eventually declared, it was greeted with eerie silence and incredulity. Buy Now

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and we are well aware of the final ultimatum issued by Neville Chamberlain’s government which eventually led to all-out war. Hitler’s interpreter Paul Schmidt took the ultimatum to his Fuhrer:

“Hitler sat immobile, gazing before him. He was not at a loss, as was afterwards stated, nor did he rage as others allege. He sat completely silent and unmoving. He turned to Ribbentrop who had remained standing at the window. What now?

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