What are you reading right now?

I have just 'discovered' detective novels by Dana Stabenow, set in Alaska, reminding me, up to a point, of that wonderful TV series, Northern Exposure. I think the book I have just read - A Deeper Sleep - was one of the Kindle 99p deals of the day. However, it is badly proofed and sometimes you have to re-read a line to work out what it's supposed to be!

Nonny; I loved the Clayhanger books as well [read them about the same time that I read The Country Girls]. I'm currently reading a new book about Foinavon who won the Grand National at 100/1 many years ago. I met the author, his jockey and his lad last week. I buy a lot of books on impulse and don't read them but this is very much a social history book as well, so I think I'm going to enjoy it.

Richard Holloway, Leaving Alexandria. Boy has that poor man got a burden of guilt and insecurity on his shoulders! Very interesting read though.

He is an ex-bishop from a Scottish slum who agonises about his faith in minute details and analyses our need for religion in interesting ways. At this point in the book he appears to have come to the conclusion that christianity is probably based on untruths, but that maintaining these as truths is beneficial to churchgoers. He is still at this stage of his life a practising clergyman.

The "social work" element of his life is commendable; but it is hedged round by his agonising over his motives and a sense that everyone else engaged in charitable work is doing it in a more genuine spirit than his.

I feel quite sorry for the poor chap, whilst fascinated by his tale.

I love Kate Atkinson too Orca I will wait until her new one comes out in paperback or is a bit cheaper on the kindle before buying it though. Can't wait.

Just started reading, 'Trains and Lovers: The Heart's Journey,' by Alexander McCall Smith.

Have just finished The Governor`s Wife, by Mark Gimenez. I`ve read 3 of his other books, and really enjoyed them, but wasn`t too enamoured with this one, until I got about two thirds of the way into it, then suddenly I couldn`t put it down. Am now reading Lost River, by Stephen Booth, but only read a few pages so far.

I am currently reading Peaches for Monsieur le Cure by Joanne Harris

I think t is fair to say I am a huge fan of Joanne Harris and thoroughly enjoyed Chocolat and its sequel Lollipop shoes . Her latest novel does not disappoint and typically provides a treat to the senses. Set in the fictitious French village of Lansquennet (in which the other novels are set) this book is a delight.

I`ve just read a quick read by Simon Kernick, called Wrong Time, Wrong Place, and for a short story it was really quite good. I certainly didn`t expect the ending.

I have been re-reading Clayhanger, Hilda Lessways and These Twain by Arnold Bennett. I really like his writing and have just started his Roll Call. I have also been unable to put down Elizabeth Jane Howard's first Cazalet book -The light years, and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Just finished Talk Talk, quite interesting to read a thriller without a killer for a change!
Have just read the first few pages of Phantom Evil, by Heather Graham, haven`t read her before.

Just read Life after Life and found it quite scary. I think Gracesmum that its the lack of trees in the landscape which bothers me. What's the new one called please? It wasn't on amazon when I looked the other day. I've just finished A House in Sicily by Daphne Phelps to give me some background for a holiday in Sicily other than Camilleri's Montalbano. I've still got a Norman Lewis one to read and I've got a rather plodding foodie one Bitter Lemons Sweet Honey which I might take with me.

Life After Life
by Kate Atkinson
Would recommend.

The even better news, Stansgran is that Ann Cleeves has written a FIFTH book to the quartet! Not sure why it made you understand why your ancestors emigrated, though. I think Shetland is abslutely beautiful and I envy them their strong sense of community.

I`m now reading Talk Talk, by T.C.Boyle. It`s about a young deaf woman who has her identity stolen, and her efforts to track down the culprit.

Just started to read Ann Cleeves Shetland Quartet. I now know why my ancestors emigrated

I'm glad you've said that JessM, she has two more in the pipeline in this series, next one to be published is about Elizabeth of York, wife of Henry VII and mother of Henry VIII. I'm guessing most of the characters criss cross each other in all of these books and as you say present a different point of view depending who the narrator is.

Yes is it great isn't it. i don't think it matters what order you read them as they are written from very different points of view. Extremely so.

ooops should have said Richard Duke of Gloucester not Duke of York in case any history buffs are reading!!

Just finished The Kingmaker's Daughter by Phillipa Gregory about the life of Anne Neville who marries Richard Duke of York, later to become Richard III, very much in the news at the moment which gave me the impetus to buy this book. I realise, I should have read The White Queen first, this is the 4th book in the Cousins War series about the Wars of the Roses. I've never read any of her books before and was completely captivated by this one, so much so, I'm going out tomorrow to get The White Queen which I hear is excellent. When I googled it recently I have just discovered it is being filmed for TV, to be aired this year I believe, so I must read the book first and then follow on with the others.

Thanks for the tip Sunflower. I would have turned to that book next on the strength of Cat and Mouse, which I'm half way through now. What a page turner! Highly recommended.

Hi whenIm, and anyone else .... just an update on my previous message - to say I've read more of The Blood Upon the Rose Tim Vicary, and I'm not now enjoying it that much, not half as good as Cat and Mouse or indeed his other books. It is set in 1919 at the start of the troubles, but has too much political information and not enough story for me.

Glad you are enjoying Cat & Mouse though.

Tired, weary, happy, grateful.

The Flesh Tailor was great, just starting another Kate Ellis book, same detective, called The Cadaver Game.

I started reading 'Cat and Mouse' by Tim Vicary on your recommendation yesterday Sunflower - it's a really good read. Thanks x

I've just started The Blood Upon the Rose by Tim Vicary (free on kindle) set in Nthn Ireland during the troubles. i'm enjoying it very much so far.