2026 - 50 Books a Year Challenge

#81. The Murder Road by Stephen Booth.

57 The Elephant Whisperer Lawrence Anthony (non fiction)

A wonderful account from conservationist, Lawrence Anthony who took on a herd of incredibly challenging elephants, mainly due to ill treatment and who were in danger of being shot due to their aggression. Their gradual rehabilitation on his reserve of Thula Thula, located in Zululand is fraught with problems along the way. Simultaneously uplifting and heartbreaking at times. Overall an incredibly interesting account, particularly as to the behavioural patterns, communications and the coordinated team work of the troop which points to their superior intelligence. A very special book, inspite of having me in tears at times, I'd highly recommend it, not only for the descriptions of the African landscape and wildlife but most of all the elephants themselves. Also an insight into the Zulu tribal communities and the interaction between the wildlife reserve and the Zulu's structured society and customs as Anthony's initiative to unite adjacent tribal lands into a collective conservation trust.

76-Foul Play at the Seaview Hotel-Glenda Young
Another humorous whodunnit set in Scarborough. Crazy golf championships are serious stuff to the team who stay at Helen's hotel, but when a member of the opposing team dies, everyone in the hotel is considered to be the possible murderer.
If you like Richard Osman crime books you'll love this series.

58 Claws Out Bella Mackie

Sunny day, after a walk and some household chores, I spent the afternoon in the garden finishing this book.

I loved How to Kill Your Family by the author, this was quite good, not as good as that imo but nevertheless entertaining. Essentially a satire and piss take about the North London elite's privileged bubble. I couldn't help laughing out loud at this line, apropos of the recent GM thread, relating to the DM "those who condemned that particular newspaper the loudest were usually the most avid, guilty readers"

Social climber, and thrice widowed but still very glamorous Diana Leyland is on the search for her next husband. She's set her sights on David Farrand author and eminent pyschiatrist but more importantly owner of a 4 storey house overlooking Hampstead Heath. The dye is cast when she manages to turn his head after only one meeting. Soon she's moved in with him. To the dismay of David's grown up and rather entitled daughter, who lives in a basement flat of her father's house, a hasty engagement announcement follows soon after that. It soon becomes apparent to Diana, Catriona (Cat) is going to be the fly in the ointment who makes it her business to find out exactly how Diana'a previous husbands had all met with their untimely end. Caught in the middle is Diana's grown up son, Zeb who becomes Cat's ally and eventual bedfellow to further complicate the lack of blended family dynamics. The race is on to try and stop the forthcoming nuptials.

#82. Waiting For Death by Jack Cartwright.

59 So I Met This Guy Alexandra Potter Audio

Two women, one who has been cheated out of all her money by a romantic fraudster, the other a journalist on to a scoop, unite to try and nail the villain of the piece. Their endeavours take them across Europe. I was a bit underwhelmed by it, all a bit trite for what is often a serious subject. Essentially a holiday book, light escapism.

77-J is for Judgment-Sue Grafton
Another great mystery for private eye Kinsey Millhone to solve.

TerriBull, glad you enjoyed the Elephant Whisperer as much as I did. A very moving account of life in the wild.

Diggingdoris

TerriBull, glad you enjoyed the Elephant Whisperer as much as I did. A very moving account of life in the wild.

Yes it was wonderful Diggindoris, very moving an insightful study of these incredibly sensitive and intelligent creatures.

43. The Weekend, T M Logan

Six 40-somethings shelter in a cave during a downpour on their Dales walking holiday and discover a hidden backpack stuffed with bank notes. At first they intend just to hand it in to the police, but then “what if” creeps in and some of them start to daydream about what they could use the money for and wonder how anyone would know if they kept just a little bit… It’s a rollicking good read, with lots of twists and turns.

44. I’ve Got a New Complaint, Laurie Notaro

An Amazon Prime freebie, reflections on her everyday life by a 60 year old. Not the gasping for breath, crying with laughter funny that most of the reviews claim, but a lot of it rings true and made me smile. I found many of the scenarios too American to relate to though.