CANBERRA WEEKLY 7 APRIL 2022: APRIL READING
This week in the Canberra Weekly I reviewed three new books to get your April reading off to a good start.
Fiona McCallum is a popular Australian author of family dramas and novels of self discovery. Her latest, Her Time To Shine (HQ), follows on from her last book, Trick Of The Light, and is another engaging tale about overcoming adversity. Set in a small South Australian country town it is sure to appeal to Ms McCallum’s growing fan base.
In the Canberra Weekly I said:
“Fiona McCallum is one of Australia’s favourite authors, and Her Time To Shine is another inspiring tale about finding strength and overcoming obstacles.
Continuing the story from Trick Of The Light, this novel finds almost fifty-year-old, Erica adjusting to her new life as a widow in the small country town of Melrose, some 300 kilometres from Adelaide. Although she is enjoying immersing herself in the local community, and forming new relationships, she finds that she is being plagued by fresh bouts of anxiety. Putting aside her concerns, she has to step up and take on a new challenge. A heart-warming tale of self-discovery.”
I really enjoyed Robert Gold’s Twelve Secrets and thought it was a carefully constructed mystery that held your interest throughout.
In the Canberra Weekly I said:
“Effects of the past also feature strongly in Robert Gold’s outstanding solo debut Twelve Secrets.
Twenty years ago Ben Harper’s older brother, and his friend, were killed in horrific circumstances by two teenage girl classmates. The murders have long cast a shadow over Ben’s life, but gradually he has moved on and is now a successful journalist. A fresh murder, however, upturns all that he thought he knew about that day, and sets him on a quest to uncover long held secrets. This smoothly written crime novel will keep you eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next. A thoroughly enjoyable read.”
I also did a longer review a few weeks ago: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/march-reading-2022-new-books-by-harlan-coben-and-robert-gold/
Since her retirement as head of MI5, Stella Rimington has successfully turned her hand to writing about fictional spies. Her latest, The Devil’s Bargain, is another well founded story about about Russian moles and intrepid British and American spy catchers.
In the Canberra Weekly I said:
“Stella Rimington has made a smooth transition from her real life role as the head of MI5, to writing about fictional spies. Her novels have drawn good praise from around the world, and are noteworthy for their convincing spy craft and topical plots.
The Devil’s Bargain revolves around a deep cover Russian spy who has used his business successes to gain selection as an MP for Liverpool. However, he is recognised by the policeman who decades before allowed him to illegally enter Britain, and a deadly cat and mouse game erupts between the two. A tense and convincing spy thriller.
I also did a longer review here: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/silhouette-women-walking-away-new-books-by-stella-rimington-rae-cairns-and-sally-bothroyd/
So some good April reads that can also be enjoyed over the Easter break.
Thanks to the Canberra Weekly and the publishers for the books.
The above reviews, and others, can be also viewed on the Canberra Weekly site: https://canberraweekly.com.au/book-talk-april-reading/