WHAT I'M READING

 I am a self-confessed book-aholic!  It has been said that "she doesn't read 'em, she INHALES 'em!"  and that's probably correct!  I have an eclectic taste, but after spending 25years in the corporate sector, reading for; qualifications, self-improvement, career progression, etc etc, I am now fully dedicated to Reading For Pleasure Only!  Here are a selection of novels (and authors) that I have thoroughly enjoyed ...month by month.

December 2025: *"Mad Mabel" the newest Sally Hepworth novel and I inhaled it! The little twists and turns kept coming but she left the very absolute clangers to nearly the end. I just love this authors work, her words and the way she weaves her tale. And this was an engrossing yarn to end the year on...Thank you, Ms Hepworth. 

November 2025: Just one to recommend this month - and highly recommend! *"The Lost Bookshop" by Evie Woods. A quirky tale but it did something that few books do - it didn't allow me to race through! Rather, it said, 'pace yourself, Maureen, and enjoy this journey.' I did, and it was. Loved it from start to finish. This month I've also read a few non-fiction books, well, ploughed through more like! None I want to recommend. 

October 2025: *"Mischance Creek" the latest novel from Gary Disher. A gripping new tale with Senior Constable Paul Hirschhausen - or Hirsch. The master of outback noir - is a truly fitting descriptor for this author.   *"Bulldozed" by Niki Savva ( #note; I'm not 'recommending' this one - it's a political read and I was taken by the content but the writing style mightn't appeal to those who read novels. It's quite a 'dry' read and hard work in places. But it's a worthwhile read if you're politically minded - a decade of LNP leadership.)    ...    *This month I've also re-read a couple of books from the library that I'd forgotten I'd read! By another of my Fav authors - Barry Maitland - creator of the Brock & Kolla series of crime fiction. (and definitely recommended)

September 2025: *"Safe Place" by Anna Downes. What a tale she weaved! A gripping, on-the-edge-of-your-seat read that engrossed me right to the very end. Whew!  *"Dust" by Michael Brissenden his latest release is a bewdy, set in the hot dry country of SW NSW... Life is a river. Change is inevitable...is a quote from the book which resonated with me.    ...  Now I've picked up 7 books this month, I've part completed 5 ...that's just TWO books that I can recommend this month!...and that's quite a number of wasted hours I can't get back! Disappointing.  

August 2025: *"Nightshade" a new novel from Michael Connolly - with a new character. I've long been a huge fan of Michael Connolly and the characters he so excels at. Nightshade, a crime novel, introduces a brand new character, and I suspect he's going to be another new favourite. As always, the author weaves an intriguing tale around his believable characters.This one is set on Catalina.  *"Palazzo" by Katye Nunn an engaging read with a good plot, interesting characters, and a surprise twist at the end.

*"Strangers in Time" by David Baldacci his newest release and so very different from anything else I've read from him, I didn't expect to enjoy it. I was wrong. An intriguing war story, well crafted. *"Lyrebird" by Jane Caro what a gripping read! Set in the Hunter Valley, the tale weaves around the discovery of a skeleton in Barrington tops, reviving a cold case and involving multiple murders. 

July 2025: * "The Unquiet Grave" by Dervla McTiernan she has a way of weaving a tale like braiding hair! Strands intersect then intersect again and when you get to the end, there's a little unexpected twist you just didn't see coming!  *"An ill Wind" by Margaret Hickey an enjoyable little murder mystery set in rural Victoria and involving wind farms. A good plot and plenty of twists 'n turns.

June 2025: *"The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife" a debut novel by Anna Johnston a light and funny read with some lovely messages ...   #NOTE: although I've read 4 other books this month, 2 of them I couldn't finish, and none I could recommend.

May 2025:  * "The Last Days of Kira Mullan" by Nicci French  I found this one hard to put down!    * "The Women" by Krisin Hannah  a compelling read about women serving in the Vietnam war  * "What Happened to Nina" by Dervla McTiernan

Jan - April 2025:  * "Famous Last Words" by Gillian McAllister /  * "The Youngest Son" by John Byrne if this doesn't become an Australian Classic, I don't know why not!  / * "The Grey Wolf" by Louise Penny the latest in her Armand Gamache series - I just love these  / * "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus so good I'm reading it again!  /  * "One Moment" by Linda Green  / * The Librarians of Rue De Picardi" by Janet Skeslien Charles an absolutely outstanding read with an extensive authors research notes  / * "Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens" by Shankari Chandran  a challenging and thought provoking read, well worth the effort

SO MANY BOOKS SO LITTLE TIME!  And some of my all time favourite classics;  *The Dictionary of lost words by Pip Williams /  * The Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak / * Khaled Hosseini; The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, And The Mountains Echoed /  *Amor Towles: A Gentleman in Moscow, Lincoln Highway / *Judy Nunn: Sanctuary and Khaki town (but most of her books are pleasing to read) .......more to come as I remember them!😉