The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

 

I had difficulty getting into the story and found the first 100 pages slow going but I was quite glad I struck with it as the second half of the book really worked for me. But I did fine the main character unbelievable - it was unconvincing that an eighteen year old girl would have wisdom and assurance. I also felt disappointed we never learnt more about the Miniaturist.

 

French Leave by P.G. Wodehouse

We read this for our book club.  It was based on typical Wodehouse humorous misunderstandings, but was not as good as the Jeeves story.  I felt nothing very much happens to the main characters, I got a bit in muddle with who was who and the plot twists are predictable. 

The Shadows in the Street: Simon Serrailler Book 5 by Susan Hill

This is an absorbing mystery with many layers to the plot but there the victim who is recovering from an attack conveniently remaining unable to speak until the plot has almost run its course is a bit far-fetched

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot Series Book 1) by Agatha Christie

 

 I do love an Agatha Christie as I never can work out "whodunit" until the big revel. 

Meadowland: the private life of an English field by John Lewis-Stempel

I loved this book where John Lewis-Stempel charts a year in the life of a field on his farm on the Herefordshire. It is amazing how much goes on at all levels of flora and fauna. He weaves nature, folklore, geography, history and meteorology with vivid and beautiful description. 

Aunts Aren't Gentlemen: (Jeeves & Wooster) by P.G. Wodehouse

 

 I love Jeeves and Wooster - it makes me laugh out loud!  I did enjoy this one (the last) but it it wasn't as funny as some of the earlier ones. 

The Vows of Silence: Simon Serrailler Book 4 by Susan Hill

I am really enjoying this series, although it is starting to feel a little formulaic.  The most enjoyable bits of the book are the interpersonal relationships.