November 2023 Reads

 

All of my November reads were fantastic. Most of them were from well-established authors whose books I know I’ll enjoy. I made a conscious effort to take a break from my usual diet of thrillers midway through the month. I think this probably helped reset my brain (if that makes sense). Rave reviews I read online also resulted in me moving away from thrillers with my last book of the month and I’m so glad I did; it was such a joyful and uplifting read.

The Secret by Lee Child and Andrew Child sees a return to form for the Jack Reacher series. Set thirty years ago, Reacher joins a task force investigating the mysterious deaths of a group of scientists linked to a top-secret project in the late 1960s. Lots of questions about who is responsible, why they are killing scientists, and what their ultimate aim is.

I used to devour everything James Patterson released, particularly the Alex Cross series. It eventually became impossible to keep up so it’s been a few years since I read anything by the author. The title and description of Holmes, Marple And Poe, however, caught my attention. Three modern-day private investigators, with names similar to literary detectives, solve seemingly unsolvable crimes in New York. The trio have skills similar to their namesakes and mysterious backgrounds. An excellent start to what I hope is a new series.

Tess Gerritsen is another author with an extensive catalogue that I would jump on with each new publication. The Spy Coast is the start of a new series and features a group of retired CIA agents living in a small town in Maine. When a ghost from the past reappears it looks as if the life of one of the group is in danger. The fact that the book features a group of retirees means that it is likely to be compared to The Thursday Murder Club, however, there is no comparison. The Spy Coast delivers menace, adventure and a twist I certainly didn’t expect.

Deciding to take a break from all the thrillers I have read my next book was chosen for some light relief. Why Mummy Drinks by Gill Sims certainly didn’t disappoint. We meet Ellen, wife and mother, who struggles to juggle the demands of family and work. As Ellen lurches from one disaster to the next you can’t help but laugh, however, I certainly found myself identifying with her on more than one occasion.

The Murder After The Night Before is the second novel from Katy Brent. I absolutely loved this story of a young woman waking up after a party to discover not only does she have no memory of the previous night’s events but a video of her has also gone viral. She then goes on to discover her best friend is dead. The novel shines a light on some of the more questionable aspects of society today such as social media, misogyny and press control.

I raced through After The Fire by Jane Casey, book six in the Maeve Kerrigan series, as there were so many questions raised following an arson attack on a tower block. As the team investigates who the intended target was they uncover so many secrets. Alongside this Kerrigan is dealing with a stalker who is getting closer and closer.

A Death In Diamonds by S. J. Bennett is the fourth book in the “Her Majesty The Queen Investigates” series. This time around we go back to 1957 and meet a young Queen trying to figure out who is trying to sabotage the monarchy. Alongside this is a shocking double murder that has possible links to a member of the royal family. An engrossing cozy crime that is a little darker than previous books in the series.

Last book of the month was the wonderful Joe Nuthin’s Guide To Life by Helen Fisher. Joe-Nathan, a neurodiverse young man is trying to navigate his way in life. He takes everything at face value and doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. This was a joy to read, seeing how Joe-Nathan gets to grips with major changes in his life and how he slowly wins over some of the people who are hostile toward him.

My first audiobook of the month was The Holiday by T. M. Logan. A couple are holidaying with a group of friends when the wife discovers her husband is having an affair with one of her friends, but which one? The more she investigates, the more she discovers everyone has secrets they are hiding.

The second audiobook of the month was The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict. Perfect for the Christmas season, we meet Lily Armitage returning to her family home for the holidays. Lily is reluctant to return as it is the scene of her mother’s unsolved murder. However, this year the traditional family game of solving clues has added bonuses. The winner will inherit the house and the clues will reveal the identity of the murderer. When one of the family is murdered we realise that someone will stop at nothing to be the winner.

Publication dates to watch out for are:-

Holmes, Marple And Poe by James Patterson  and  Brian Sitts will be published 4/1/24 in hardback, ebook and audio format.

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen will be published 18/1/24 in hardback, ebook and audio format

The Murder After The Night Before by Katy Brent will be published 1/2/24 in paperback, ebook and audio format.

A Death In Diamonds by S. J. Bennett will be published 1/2/24 in hardback, ebook and audio format.