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.

January 2026:  *"The Proving Ground" the latest novel by Michael Connelly, and for those fans of the  Mickey Haller/Lincoln Lawyer series, this one is a cracker! Couldn't put it down. This is his first case moving into Corporate law from Criminal law and you won't be disappointed.   *"The Valley" by Chris Hammer. This was my first taste of this author and I have to say I engrossed by this prolific Australian writer. An intriguing plot with a number of clever twists. Highly recommended and can't wait to read more. 

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. And just one last one I squeaked in to finish off the month and the year, *"The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris" another very curious tale by Evie Woods who has a talent for weaving magic and mystery in past and present, characterising strong women at the centre of the tale. 

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 indeed a journey. 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!😉