31.7.12

Book Review: Keeping the Dead by Tess Gerritsen

When an ancient mummy is discovered in the basement of a museum in downtown Boston, excitement starts to mount. Under the glare of a media frenzy, the mummy is taken to hospital for a CT scan. Forensic pathologist Maura Isles is invited to attend.
As the CT scan proceeds everyone in the room leans in- and gasps in horror as an image of a bullet is revealed. Maura declares it a possible homicide, and calls in Detective Jane Rizzoli.
When the preserved body of a second victim is found, and then a third, it becomes clear that taking lives is not enough for this terrifying killer. And that unless Rizzoli and Isles can find and stop him, he will soon be adding yet another chilling piece to his monstrous collection. 
I hadn't read a book from this series for quite a while but the fact that I read this book in just over a day, shows how much I still enjoy them.
I wouldn't say that Keeping the Dead is one of my favourites but I flew through the pages, Tess Gerritsen had me hooked from the very beginning.
An ancient mummy wrapped in 2000 year old bandages is found to have a modern day bullet embedded in its leg. Where has the victim come from and why has someone taken so much care to preserve her in such a way?
Tess Gerritsen is definitely a master of this genre, her books are so well written and she provides constant twists and turns. There was a big plot twist at the end which I really was not expecting.
Keeping the Dead isn't just your standard crime/thriller book, it asks questions about what evil is, how far would you go to protect the ones you love and how long can you keep running from something until it finally catches up with you?
I think that Keeping the Dead focused much more on the plot than giving us anything new about Rizzoli and Isles which is maybe why it's not one of my favourites.
A I always say, this is an excellent series of books. I can't recommend Tess Gerritsen enough, I will be very sad to get to the final one.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 4/5

30.7.12

Shadow of Night Winners

Sorry for the delay but I finally got round to putting entries into a hat at the weekend for the signed copies of Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness. Dr S performed the duty of picking two winners and they are:

jessicabookworm and hypnoloss

Please can you both email me your postal address so that I can pass it on to the lovely people at Headline who will be sending out the books! Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered!

24.7.12

Book Review: The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan

For two centuries Jacob Marlowe has wondered the world, enslaved by his lunatic appetites and tormented by the memory of his first and most monstrous crime. Now, the last of his kind, he knows he can't go on. But  as Jake counts down to suicide, a violent murder and an extraordinary meeting plunge him straight back into the desperate pursuit of life. 
This book is seriously good! Jacob Marlowe is over 200 years old and the last living werewolf. Knowing that his time is coming to an end he has to decide whether he will give into his fate or will be put up a fight? An unplanned and unexpected meeting leads him to want to live but how will he do that when he is literally being hunted down?
This book is completely fantastical, there are werewolves, vampires, demons, secret government agencies and so on. However, Glen Duncan makes it entirely believable by bringing in references to gritty, everyday life in the present and also looking back at the previous years of Jake's long life.
The pace of this book just doesn't stop, Jake's life span is literally getting shorter with each page and you can feel his desperation to live but also the weariness of constantly having to fight and look over his shoulder.
Glen Duncan uses language wonderfully in this book. He chooses his words carefully which makes reading the story even more enjoyable.
I would highly recommend The Last Werewolf as it was so interesting on many different levels. I particularly enjoyed the author's writing style and I will certainly be reading his other books.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 4.5/5

22.7.12

Book Review: A Walk in the Park by Jill Mansell

It's been a while, but Lara Carson's back in Bath and lives are set to change as a result. Because Lara left her family and boyfriend Flynn eighteen years ago without a word to anyone. Why has no one heard from her since? Her childhood best friend Evie is thrilled Lara's back and able to share her happiness. Evie's about to walk down the aisle with her dream man, Joel, or so she thinks... Then there's Flynn Erksine, even more attractive now and stunned to see Lara again. The spark between them is as strong as ever, but how's Flynn going to react when he discovers the secret she's been keeping from him? Oh yes, there's a lot of catching up to be done...
Jill Mansell's last book To the Moon and Back was simply lovely and A Walk in the Park is another excellent read.
The book is set in Bath which I really enjoyed as it is one of my favourite places to visit. Lara has returned after eighteen years. When she left she didn't say goodbye, instead she just disappeared, leaving everyone wondering what had happened to her.
One of the people who missed her the most was best friend Evie. They have a lot of catching up to do and Lara has arrived at the perfect time. Evie has just jilted her fiance at the altar and is single and homeless so Lara and her spare room are extremely welcome.
The other person who has wondered about Lara all these years is the gorgeous Flynn Erksine. They were together at school and then Lara vanished. He's incredibly happy to see her but will that change when he discovers that Lara has returned with some baggage that may belong to him.
A Walk in the Park is a brilliant story, the characters of Lara and Evie are particularly likable and believable. I think that Jill Mansell writes great chick-lit with a realistic edge, her characters struggle with decisions and don't always get the cliched happy ending. but I think this is what makes Jill Mansell's books so good. It only took me a few days to read A Walk in the Park, I always think Jill's books are like sitting down with a good friend for a gossip. I would recommend any books by this author and I am already eagerly anticipating her next one!

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

Many thanks to Headline for sending me a copy of this book to review, A Walk in the Park is out now.

15.7.12

See you soon!

Right my lovelies! I am off on my holiday, Dr S, Darcey and I have packed our suitcases and will be staying in Gozo for a week. We have rented a lovely house with my sister and her husband and lots of relaxing will hopefully be done! I shall be back soon with lots of reviews (lots of books in the case!)


See you soon!

Dot
xx

11.7.12

Book Review: White Wedding by Milly Johnson

They met on the search for the wedding dress of their dreams. But will they find more than they bargained for?
Heir to a chocolate dynasty, Bel is in the midst of planning her perfect wedding to Richard, the love of her life, when disaster strikes and everything she held dear starts to fall apart.
Ice-cream parlour owner Violet is engaged to Glyn though she fell out of love with him long ago. But, unhappy though she is, somehow she can't quite shake her childhood dream of a big fairy-tale wedding with all the trimmings.
All three women are brought together at the White Wedding bridal shop, on the search for the perfect dress for their big day. Its owner Freya guarantees that her gowns will bring them happiness though maybe not in quite the way they expected...
Milly Johnson has done it again, I really enjoyed this book and flew through the pages.
The story revolves around Bel, Max and Violet who all met at the White Wedding bridal shop when looking for their perfect wedding dresses.
Bel is heir to a chocolate dynasty but is in no way a spoilt rich girl.She is all set to marry Richard who appears to be the perfect groom. But when Bel discovers some skeletons in Richard's closet, she may have to rethink her wedding plans.
Max and Stuart have been together for seventeen years so getting married is more a formality than a romantic occasion. But when Max sees My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding on the TV, she is soon dreaming of big princess dresses and cakes in the shape of castles.
Violet is engaged to agoraphobic Glyn and rather than being excited about her upcoming nuptials, she is almost just going through the motions. Violet throws herself into her new ice-cream parlour business, especially the handsome artist she is paying to help her decorate.
I think my favourite aspect of Milly Johnson's books are the wonderful characters that she creates. I really took to Bel, Max and Violet and I wanted them to all have their own happy ending. Their friendship grows as they get to know each other, proving that men can come and go but you can always rely on your best mates.
As usual, Milly Johnson writes with a lot of humour and warmth. I loved the My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding aspect of the book; I am a big fan of the show and it was a lot of fun reading about Max's extravagant plans.
White Wedding is a great book about love, life, friendship and really big wedding dresses. I highly recommend this book, Milly Johnson never fails to entertain.

Dot Scribbles Rating 5/5

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of White Wedding to review, it is out now!

8.7.12

Book Review: A Passion for Baking by Jo Wheatley

Winner of The Great British Bake Off, Jo Wheatley delighted the judges with her raw talent, original ideas and delicious baking. Now, in her first book, Jo shares the tips, tricks and family recipes that she has developed in her own kitchen.
With the practicality of a busy mother but an eye for the pretty details, Jo's love of baking shines through this collection of over one hundred recipes. Including the family bakes which Jo raised her three boys on and the afternoon treats for her friends. A Passion for Baking also features chapters on breakfast, celebration bakes, savoury treats and tempting desserts.
Recipes include a perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding, a heartwarming Cinammon Swirl Loaf, indulgent Chocolate Mud Cake, and mouth-watering Mini Pistachio Meringues. From the tradition to new versions of family favourites, all of Jo's recipes will inspire you to develop your own passion for baking. 
I was rooting for Jo to win The Great British Bake Off so I have been eagerly anticipating her first recipe book ever since.
A Passion for Baking is one of my favourite recipe books of the year, it is jam packed with great recipes that will appeal to many a baker. Jo has split the book into ten clear sections ranging from Afternoon Tea and Celebration Cakes to Pastry and Desserts. There are some classics and some really interesting new ideas, it really does feel as though Jo has covered everything.
My favourite recipe from the book so far is the chocolate mud cake, I am not a huge fan of chocolate cake but this is simple to make and really delicious!
The Celebration Cake section  is  not too complicated, they are simple but extremely effective. You do not need to be a master baker or decorater to produce something for a special occasion and Jo's ideas could be tweaked to meet different requirements.
I loved the Baking with Children section. It was clear that Jo had really thought about what would be easy to make with children and more importantly, what they would actually like to eat.
Jo's section on bread is also excellent, she has some very basic recipes which I welcomed as some books just miss out the basic white loaf in favour of something fancier.
The only criticism I have is that there could have been more pictures. Personally I prefer there to be a picture with each recipe even if it is only small but there were a few recipes that left me wondering what the finished product would look like.
Next on my list to try from A Passion for Baking are Crumpets, Treacle Tart and Raspberry Iced Fingers, I seem to add new things to this list though every time I look through the book again.
Jo Wheatley's book is lovely and very well thought out, it's a book that I know I will come back to again and again, I highly recommend it.

5.7.12

Book Review: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness PLUS WIN A SIGNED COPY!!

Shortly after Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont timewalk to London, 1590, they discover that the past may not provide a safe haven after all. Reclaiming his former identity as poet and spy Matthew Roydibm the vampire falls back into step with a group of radicals known as the School of Night who share dangerous ideas about God, science and man. Many of his friends are unruly daemons- the creative minds of the age who walk the fine line between genius and madness- including playwright Christopher Marlowe and mathematician Thomas Harriot. Matthew himself is expected to continue to spy for Queen Elizabeth, which puts him in close contact with London's cut-throat underworld.
Together, Matthew and Diana scour the bookstalls and alchemical laboratories of London where they follow the elusive trail of Ashmole 782- and search for the witch who will teach Diana to control her powers.
Shadow of Night is the second book in the All Souls trilogy by Deborah Harkness. I read the first, A Discovery of Witches last year and really enjoyed it so I was looking forward to seeing what Deborah Harkness would do with the story next.
Shadow of Night begins exactly where A Discovery of Witches left off. I would highly recommend reading the books in order so you can get a full grasp of events so far.
Matthew and Diana have travelled back to Elizabethan England, the year 1590 to be precise. Here Matthew is Matthew Roydon, a spy for Queen Elizabeth and a member of the School of Night. Other members and friends include Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Harriet and Sir Walter Raleigh. I found this aspect of the book completely fascinating. Deborah Harkness brought these famous historical characters to life on the page; her background as a historian is evident and her attention to detail cannot be criticised in any way.
Matthew and Diana are in danger from the very beginning. There are only so many people that they can be completely honest with so it is vital that Diana can pass as an Elizabethan woman of the time or suspicions will be raised . Matthew and Diana have two main problems to solve during this book. They must find the text Ashmole 782 which is how their story began and they must also find another witch who can teach Diana how to harness her magical powers.
Shadow of Night is lengthy at 768 pages but I found that I flew through it. Deborah Harkness creates a fantastic pace, her descriptions are extremely vivid and she reveals a lot more about Matthew's past. I felt myself turning more and more pages as I wanted to know what was going to happen next and whether Diana and Matthew would get what they came for.
These books are wholly fantastical but I love the story that Deborah Harkness has created. She has added paranormal edge to historical fiction and in doing so has created an enchanting trilogy that will appeal to a wide variety of readers.

Dot Scribbles Rating 5/5

Many thanks to Headline for sending me a copy of Shadow of Night to review, it is published on 10th July.  Here is a video that Deborah recorded for bloggers and she gives a little teaser about some of her new characters.

The lovely and very generous people at Headline have offered me two signed copies to give away to the lovely readers of Dot Scribbles. All you have to do is leave me a comment by midnight on Thursday 12th July and I shall pick two names out of the hat. This competition is open to UK residents only. Good luck! 

2.7.12

Book Review: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

My name is August. I won't describe to you what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
Ten-year-old August Pullman wants to be ordinary. He does ordinary things. He eats ice-cream. He plays on his X-Box. He feels ordinary inside. But Auggie is far from ordinary. Born with a terrible facial abnormality, he has been home-schooled by his parents his entire life, in an attempt to protect him from the cruelty of the outside world. Now Auggie's parents are sending him to a real school. Can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them underneath it all?
Narrated by Auggie and the people around him whose lives he touches, Wonder is a funny, frank, astonishingly moving debut to be read in one sitting, to pass on to others, and to remember long after the final page.
I was intrigued by this book when it arrived, especially with it's extremely striking cover. I read Wonder in just two days and thought that it was brilliant!
August Pullman is the central character, Auggie as he is known, was born with a severe facial deformity; something that affects him everyday and those around him. The books focuses on Auggie starting 5th grade at a normal school. He has been home-schooled so far but his parents know that he must get used to the real world, they can only protect him so much. Auggie's experience of school makes for very difficult reading, he just wants to be normal, not the kid that everyone stares at, not the kid that nobody wants to touch.
R.J. Palacio tells Auggie's story form different perspectives including Auggie himself, his sister Via plus some of his new classmates. The different perspectives were really interesting, especially Auggie's sister. Via wants to protect her brother and couldn't love him more but what would it be like to have a normal looking brother, a brother who doesn't take up so much of their parents attention?
I think that R. J. Palacio has written a very brave and humbling book. She really puts you in the shoes of the characters she has created, giving you so much to think about. This book did not take me long to read but I know that the story of August Pullman will stay with me forever.

Dot Scribbles Rating 5/5

Many thanks to the lovely people at Transworld for sending me a copy of the book to review. I have also been able to send the author some questions so I shall post these as soon as they come back!

All change here!

I have made the decision to stop doing written reviews on here for a little while. I shall keep this page open but for the time being I sha...