Friday 7 October 2022

Catching up

So, I'm about 83 books behind on reviewing... OK, '3'... it just feels like 83. So I'd better get on with the task of catching up with some brief reviews.

First up, from September, The Ghost Slayers: Thrilling Tales of Occult Detection, edited by Mike Ashley. This was sent to me by The British library for review.

The theme of this anthology is occult detectives. I was very pleased to see that this was a Mike Ashley collection because I find his choices to be very reliable. And so it turned out to be, this is easily one of the best weird anthologies I've read from the British Library. There are nine stories in all which is less than usual but this is because many of the contributions are quite long. I had several favourites. The Story of the Moor Road by Kate and Hesketh Pritchard is a 'Flaxman Low' tale. He goes in to investigate when people report being attacked by something unseen on a lonely road on a moor. This was so atmospheric and the outcome very creepy. A Psychical Invasion by one of my favourites, Algernon Blackwood, concerns an author who makes his living writing humorous books. The wife goes to John Silence for help because her husband has suddenly lost his sense of humour and can't write. I loved the use of a cat and a dog in this one, used because they sense things humans cannot. Blackwood was clearly an animal lover. The Valley of the Veils of Death by Bertram Atkey is a 'Mesmer Milann' story. He can apparently project his soul from one place to another. The man needing help here has just walked across Australia from North to South. This is a bit of a ripping yarn story of something guarding jewels in a valley in the desert but it's also a very good study of human nature. So those were my favourite three stories in this collection but every story in it was very well written and very readable. Highly recommend and I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.

Next, and also from September, Mark of the Lion by Suzanne Arruda. This is book one in the author's Jade Del Cameron series, set in the 1920s in different regions of the African continent. 

Jade Del Cameron is an American woman who drove ambulances in WW1. She lost someone very close her, David, a pilot, was there at his death in fact, and his dying words were to ask Jade to find his brother. In London the pilot's mother denies the existence of another brother so off Jade goes to the Kenya Colony to dig around and see what she can discover. There's quite a large ex-pat community around Nairobi and Jade makes friends quickly but none of them seem to be able to tell her much about David's father and who he might've had a child with. She soon realises someone knows though and that her life is very much in danger: it's a good job Jade can look after herself. Well, this is another ripping yarn, full of adventure and daring do. Jade is great character, fiesty and intelligent and not willing to bend to the will of anyone. The setting of Kenya just before it actually became Kenya is superby depicted and I very much felt I was there. A word of warning, attitudes to big game hunting back in the 1920s were 'very' different to what they are now. It's not overdone in this book but there are one or two scenes which might upset some. There are seven books in this series, the last one written in 2015 and I gather the author is not writing any more. I don't know why. I will definitely be reading all of the books that have been written though as I thought Mark of the Lion was a very promising start.

Lastly, A Time of Torment by John Connolly, book 14 in his Charlie Parker series.

Yes, book 14 and my love for this series never seems to wane. The minute I pick up one of John Connolly's books I am sucked in, hook, line and sinker. In this instalment an area called The Cut in the mountains of West Virginia comes to the attention of Charlie Parker. First though he has to work out the mystery concerning James Burnel who at first was a hero in a gas station robbery and then finds himself accused of being a paedophile and serving time in prison. Parker believes him to be innocent and that perhaps darker forces are at work. When Burnel disappears, this is confirmed but Parker, Louis and Angel have their work cut out discovering the source of the evil until one of the suspects let's something slip about The Dead King. To my mind John Connolly is the best horror/crime writer writing today. I suppose there's something about the way he writes that is perfect for me personally but how he manages to hit the spot with his Charlie Parker books, every single time, I do not know. But he does and every book is beautifully written, full of secrets to be discovered, excellent historical detail, and creepy enough to keep me happy. I have said before that this series is not for all, it is violent and has some strange ideas about it. But for my money, the longer Connolly keeps writing these books, the better.

So that's me up to date. I hope your autumn reading is going well and that you're finding some good books to read.


30 comments:

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

After a few months, I am managing to stick to my new rule of not moving on to read a new book until I have written the review for the one just finished. I am finding that works okay in keeping on top of my reviews, however it means I don't get to read so many books, as the reviews take me a while to get right. A bit of a Catch 22 situation really!!


I quite like the sound of the Suzanne Arruda series and I did wonder if it was the references to big game hunting and the changing attitudes to it, which caused her to end the series. However, the last couple of storylines seem to be more about black magic than game hunting, so I assume that wasn't the reason. In fact, she doesn't seem to have written any books at all since 2017, so perhaps life has just moved on for her.


I always think that I have read more of John Connolly's books than I actually have, although I couldn't tell you why! I shall definitely aim to refresh my mind by re-reading the first book in this series, then see where I go from there. If you are book #14, you are a mere 6 books behind, so good luck catching up!

Happy Reading :)

Harvee said...

Three different books, all quite interesting, especially the historical fiction set in Africa. Have a good reading week.

Margot Kinberg said...

You have such a great variety here, Cath! I always think that's more interesting than reading only one genre, or only (non)fiction. And you've reminded me that I haven't read a John Connelly in a while. One of these times, I need to do a spotlight on one of his books. At some point I will...

TracyK said...

Cath, I always feel like I am 83 reviews behind nowadays. Actually I would say that there are still about 20 books that I would like to review from this year that I have not reviewed, and I won't be able to do them all, but I am learning to live with that.

I like Yvonne's idea of not moving on to a new book until getting the last book reviewed (assuming I want to review it) but I have to read every night before bed so not sure how I would work that. Maybe read short stories. Oh well. You would think now that I am retired that I would have tons of time but it doesn't seem to work that way.

The book of weird stories does not appeal to me, but that is probably a good thing because I have too many short story books already. My husband would probably like it though.

I have often wondered about trying the Jade Del Cameron series, don't know why I haven't. I don't think I would be bothered about the big game hunting, since it is set in a different time. These don't seem to pop up at the book sale, who knows why.

Every time I see the Charlie Parker series and then investigate it I decide it would be too much for me, too scary. This one doesn't sound so bad. I have heard that he writes really well.

Lark said...

Yep...Mark of the Lion does sound like one I would really like. And I really need to read more of Connolly's Charlie Parker books. I loved the first one. Other books just keep getting in the way. ;D

Cathy said...

I'm glad you enjoyed meeting Jade del Cameron; I read every book in Arruda's series and was sad to see it end. For some reason, I tend to enjoy books set in what I call the Out of Africa time period and Arruda brought it to life for me. I especially appreciated the "companion" she gained in later books.

Margaret @ BooksPlease said...

Well done on catching up! Like Tracy I have 20 books this year still to review, but I'm not going to write about all of them, especially those I read months ago.

I haven't read any of these books but all three sound very good, especially the 'weird anthology' - I enjoyed one of Blackwood's short stories in another anthology of ghost stories, so I'd like to read more by him.

Cath said...

Yvonne: That's an excellent plan and I have wondered about it myself but I don't think I could keep it up.

Yes, I wondered that too about the reason for the end of the series, or possibly timewise she got towards the second world war and didn't want to take her characters into that. And I can understand that. And yes, I can understand if the author has just moved on in her life or there could be health issues. It could be anything.

At some stage I plan to go back and reread all the John Connolly books, but first, as you say, I have six more books to catch up on. I haven't been very good at keeping up with his books so that's something I want to do this year.

Have a good weekend!

Cath said...

Harvee: Thanks, you too! :-)

Cath said...

Margot: It would be wonderful if you could feature one John Connolly's books in your excellent Spotlight series! I went to see him speak a few years ago when we were staying in Swansea. He's so entertaining.

Cath said...

Tracy: Yes, I think it's the best idea to learn to live with the fact that you just can't review everything you read, it's not, after all, a paid job. We do this for pleasure.

My problem is that once I finish a book I'm too eager to move on to the next one so I don't think I could stop reading until I'd written the review. It's a good idea though.

I had not even previously heard of the Jade del Cameron series so perhaps they're just not well known enough for people to buy them and put into book sales.

John Connolly does write really, really well. His books are not so much terrifying as rather creepy with the ideas that he has, more psychological. And they are rather violent.

Cath said...

Lark: Yes, I would think you would like the Jade del Cameron books, they strike me as your kind of thing. It's a good problem to have... too many other books getting in the way. :-)

Cath said...

Cathy: If you like that time period a non-fiction book, West With the Night by Beryl Markham, is really good if you haven't already read it. I'm looking forward to reading more of the JdC books now you mention a 'companion'.

Cath said...

Margaret: Well, I have caught up but there are books further back in the year that I did not and probably will not review now. I tend to just mention them in my end of month wrap-up posts. When you read a lot it's just impossible to review everything.

Algernon Blackwood is one of my favourite ghost story writers from the 20th. century. I gather he did broadcasts on the radio so I must see if I can find some on Youtube. You never know.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

Cath, (3) books behinds with reviews is nothing! I am having the same problem. These books sound like really good fall choices as well. I'm just finishing (2) brief reviews I was behind on. I want to try and limit what I'm reading at the same time to (1) audio and (1) print as I've started too many book at the same time and that gets confusing for me sometimes. Hope the rest of October goes well for you.

Cath said...

Diane: LOL... I know lots of people are further behind than that. The thing I have to convince myself of is that I don't have to review every book I read. I am getting there with that but it's not easy. I hope October is going better for you than September.

Cathy said...

I read West With the Night years ago and absolutely loved it. Markham led an amazing life.

Cath said...

Cathy: Ah... I thought you might've done.

Judith said...

Hi Cath,
I absolutely must get a hold of John Connolly's (sp.?) Charlie Parker novels. Do you suggest starting at the beginning, or do you have a particularly good one to get Ken and me hooked on the series? Very intrigued!
Thanks!

CLM said...

I like that you read some spooky stories leading up to Halloween! Publishers try so hard to offer these seasonal tie-ins and they would be disappointed if no one participated!

I definitely want to try that Suzanne Arruda series. My library doesn't have the first one but I can probably get it from interlibrary loan by and by.

I picked up my new bookcase today! I had to borrow my mother's car and I have been waiting all day for one of my nephews to come over and help me carry it inside. It is frustrating to have to wait. Unfortunately, when I looked behind the couch where it is supposed to go I found six boxes of books (did they multiply when I wasn't looking?) so I am afraid it won't even make a dent. However, my sister added a very elegant bookcase behind her couch and I immediately wanted one like it to make better use of the space.

Sam said...

It's sort of like John Connolly has carved out his own specialty niche and thoroughly dominated it. When I first stumbled upon his books, I thought...no this is just a silly combination (horror and crime investigation) and it will never work or hook me. Well...I was definitely wrong about that. I don't read him as often as I do some of my favorite detective writers, but he's never disappointed me yet.

Susan said...

I think I actually am 83 reviews behind. At least! Ha. Moving houses and remodeling the new one have been big distractions in my life. I need to get back on track one of these days.

The Arruda series sounds excellent. I'd never heard of it before. As for John Connolly, I enjoyed one of his books way back in the day and haven't read anything else by him. I need to try this series.

Cath said...

Judith: I didn't actually start at the beginning, I started with book 2 because Peter said that was a good place to start. I wish now I'd started with book 1 because I'm pedantic 'but' it has made no difference to my enjoyment as most of what happens to Parker in his new life happens after book 1.

Cath said...

Constance: Yes, I always enjoy spooky reading in October and right up to Christmas and beyond in fact. It's a winter thing with me. It's interesting to hear that publishers like that so much.

I love your bookcase story and the discovery of six boxes of books behind the sofa. Yes, they must've been breeding behind there.

Cath said...

Sam: I think your first Charlie Parker book was actually this one wasn't it? I found your post about it last week but didn't read it all as I was still only halfway through the book. I'll go back and read that in a minute. I completely agree that Connolly has carved out his own speciality niche, I can't think of anyone who has another ongoing series exactly the same, or of the quality, as this. I don't read him as frequently as I should and I think now I'll make an effort to catch up on the six books I'm behind with.

Cath said...

Susan: Moving house and then undergoing renovations is a tremendous upheaval and it's no wonder you're behind on book reviews. The Arruda series looks like it will be excellent and I highly recommend the first book. I'm always careful about recommending Charlie Parker though, as the series is not for everyone.

Cassie said...

ooh The Ghost Slayers sounds amazing - and I'm finding myself intrigued by the John Connolly books.

Cath said...

Cassie: Don't forget to send me your address. :-)

Verushka said...

John Connolly is an author I've wanted to try, but got a bit intimidated by his backlist. Do you think I could start with the Charlie Parker series at any point?

Cath said...

Verushka: To be honest, I think it's best to start at the beginning with Charlie Parker. Such a lot happens to him.