The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden Jonas Jonasson

 

Good points:

This had me laughing out loud - it is delightful, quirky with plot twists, and   hilarious, absurd moments

It clearly weaves historical facts around central characters.

Bad points:

At points it felt like it dragged a little, but then I read on and loved it again

I haven't read his first novel which some reviewers view as superior so I look forward to reading that! 

Sidney Chambers and The Shadow of Death (The Grantchester Mysteries) by James Runcie

 

I came across the book whilst reading about the ITV adaptation currently being filmed in Cambridge. This the first in a promised series of six novels starting in 1953, the year of the Queen’s Coronation, and closing in 1981, the year of the wedding of Charles and Diana.

Good points:
Sidney’s charming character and the marvellous cast of characters around him - think Agatha Christie style.
 I loved the setting of the book and seeing little details like the names of the local pubs and roads that I know well.

Negative points:
It's actually a collection of mini-mysteries rather than a one mystery novel.
It lacked humour - it could have done with one eccentric character.
 The author tries to squeeze too many historical issues in his short stories which can leave them a little cluttered.
 

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

 

I loved this debut book based on the last public execution in Iceland. 

Good points:

Beautifully written and exactingly researched

The details of life in rural 19th century 

Melancholy, atmospheric and haunting 

A book that leaves you thinking even when it has been finished. 

I really really loved this book and read it in two days - I couldn't put it down!

 

 

Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking by Susan Cain

 

Quiet is a book about being an introvert in a culture which rewards extravert’s. 

Good points:

As a book reading nerd this book makes me feel better about staying in and not going out.

I enjoyed Cain's adventures to  "life coaching" conventions.

I liked her relating her theories to real life stories and psychological studies - half way between a science book and a self-help book. 

Bad points:

Some of the arguments aren't backed up by the studies she cites.

All of the case studies she writes about are about business professionals.

Harvest by Jim Crace

 

I enjoyed this read. It is about the desire for belonging. It was a longlist nominee for the Man Booker prize

Good points:

Wonderful descriptions, often dream-like

It has a timelessness, it is very hard to place although clearly a piece of historical fiction

I enjoyed all the references to the land

Bad points:

The end itself was an anti climax. 

 

Brown Owl's Guide To Life Kate Harrison

 

Bought on a whim after middle daughter when on a brownie pack holiday. It is an easy read.

But

It didn't really have a engaging plot

I didn't like how it jumped between the 70s and now

There is a mystery in it and whilst the author concludes it it seems very brief and unsatisfactory. 

Dry Store Room No. 1: The Secret Life of the Natural History Museum by Richard Fortey

 

Good points:

The role of museums and their importance - the book reminisces, reflects on e and discovers what research is being carried out and why it is important

Once picked up it was hard to put down - I like Fortey's humour and writing style

 I love the topics

Bad points:

I would have liked more odd anecdotes about his fellow workers or events