The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Cemetery of Forgotten Books #1)

Synopsis:

Barcelona, 1945: A city slowly heals in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, and Daniel, an antiquarian book dealer’s son who mourns the loss of his mother, finds solace in a mysterious book entitled The Shadow of the Wind, by one Julián Carax. But when he sets out to find the author’s other works, he makes a shocking discovery: someone has been systematically destroying every copy of every book Carax has written. In fact, Daniel may have the last of Carax’s books in existence. Soon Daniel’s seemingly innocent quest opens a door into one of Barcelona’s darkest secrets--an epic story of murder, madness, and doomed love.

Review:

Once in a while, there is a book that takes your breath away and does not give it back until the last word on the last page. This is one of those books. I could count on fingers of one hand the books that I know I will want to re-read sometime in the future and this one is on the list. It makes me want to go the Barcelona and explore the streets and alleyways that Daniel explored whilst looking for Julian’s past.

Daniel is a very young, motherless boy, when his bookshop owner father takes him to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. That visit changes his life, and all those around him, forever. Daniel is allowed to take one book home and that book is The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax. He devours the book that same night and it leaves in him hunger for more, but mainly it pushes Daniel on the path of finding out everything he could about Julian Carax.

Throughout the treacherous journey of discovery, Daniel makes friends (I absolutely love Fermin – what a character!), enemies and finds love where he least expects it. In the end Daniel’s own story is not that much different from Julian’s own life. The are great differences between the two men, but some things are pulling them together.

I am in love with this book and just sorry it took me so long to pick it off my bookshelf and read. The setting is stunning, descriptions of places have just the right amount of details, characters are believable and more importantly likeable. Daniel’s father, his best friend Fermin, Tomas, Clara and Bea – they are all captured perfectly into Daniel’s story. Just bravo – this is perfect.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Legacy of Elizabeth Pringle by Kirsty Wark

Synopsis:

Elizabeth Pringle lived all her long life on the Scottish island of Arran. But did anyone really know her? In her will she leaves her beloved house, Holmlea, to a stranger - a young mother she'd seen pushing a pram down the road over thirty years ago.

It now falls to Martha, once the baby in that pram, to answer the question: why? Martha is coping with her mother's dementia and the possibility of a new life on Arran could be a new start.

Review:

This lovely novel was passed to me from my mum-in-law who, like me, enjoys a good book and reads quite a lot. I remember her telling me about this book whilst she was reading it and what a great story it was so I had to see for myself.

The book is written in the form of two main characters, each chapter either written from the life of Elizabeth or Martha. As the story grows, so do the characters and little by little the reader discovers how closely the lives of these two women are linked.

Book starts with Elizabeth’s death and her strange bequest to Martha’s mother Anna. She leaves her beautiful house Holmlea and all her belongings to Anna, who expressed her love for the place years ago whilst on holiday on the island of Arran. Elizabeth remembers Anna walking past the house with a little girl in a pram and the bond that was clearly between the mother and daughter.

However, the little girl Martha is all grown up and dealing with Anna’s progressing dementia. Anna is losing her memories fast so Martha decides to investigate the house herself.

From here the story develops into a journey of new friendships, love and mystery surrounding Elizabeth’s life. Elizabeth and Martha have a lot in common and would clearly get on well, have they known each other.

It’s an emotional story, with some unexpected turns that shown the true cost of real love and friendship and how important they are to have in life.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Death of Jessica Ripley by Andrew Barrett (CSI Eddie Collins #5)

Synopsis:

Jessica Ripley didn’t kill her ex-husband. But everyone thinks she did. After serving twelve years for his murder, it’s time to get her own back on those who put her inside.

During those twelve years, Jessy’s son, Michael, has turned against her. Whatever mercy Jessy had for her intended victims, has gone.

CSI Eddie Collins is having a hard time watching his father enjoying life. He’s also having it tough in the form of two new recruits to his office. One is off his tree on drugs and the other wants his job.

And then the murders begin.

Can Eddie trust the evidence, or is someone out to get even?

Review:

Another cracking, gritty novel from Andrew Barrett, which most certainly did not disappoint. Andrew has the perfect knowledge and skill to engage reader in his story and he doesn’t let them go until the very last page.

Eddie Collins is a marmite character – you either love him or hate him. I love him, he says what he thinks, he’s rude and ruthless and he gets the job done. Those closest to him are loyal because they know what a good CSI he is. He’s also very funny. Just the sort of sarcastic person I like. Eddie also hates strangers, which doesn’t help when he’s forced to accept two new recruits into his team. He doesn’t trust either and for good reasons as it turns out. Eddie knows something fishy is going on and it doesn’t take long for things to take turn for the worse for him, once again.

And then we have the fab character of wronged mother Jessica, who has just been released from a 12 year sentence for a murder she didn’t commit. In that time, her son got estranged from her and is fighting against accepting any knowledge of his biological mum. And so Jessica is lonely, devastated and very angry. Around the same time of her release, the murders start.

Eddie must once again fight against everyone to ensure the victims get the justice they deserve and that his personal feelings don’t cloud his judgement. He needs to see clearly what’s right in front him. I am also thankful for the fab insight into his relationship with his dad as it brings super humour into the story.

This is a fast-paced thriller that grips you with both hands and doesn’t falter until it’s spent.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US