Review: The Charity Shop Detective Agency

The Charity Shop Detective Agency by Peter Boland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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An enjoyable read and on the whole, very well written. There were a few obvious (IMHO) observations that were missed by the amateur detectives, which did throw me out of the story a bit. As with a lot of crime stories, particularly "cosy" ones, one has to be lenient with some of the things that go on and this book is no exception. However, when it came to the denouement, the levels of surprise and peril were well worth waiting for. 

This is the first in a new series by the author and I look forward to seeing how it progresses.

Review: Night Shadows

Night Shadows by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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This is the third book in the series and the second by this author that I have read. In my review of the previous book, I commented "This is one of those books whose ending is not how you would want it to be." That was because of the way that the book had been plotted. In this case the ending was not how I would have liked it to be, but the reason was that three important things happened, and yet there was no explanation as to how/why they had happened. It felt like the author just wanted to finish the book. All through the rest of the book, the plot was slowly uncovered, with marvellous explanations and justifications. One was really able to get inside the minds of the characters. Such a pity that it ended so abruptly.

Although I have not read the first book in the series, I already feel that I know the main characters and am enjoying the background stories of how their lives are progressing.

Eva Björg Ægisdóttir is a very clever author and I look forward to learning how the main characters get on in the next book.

Review: The Daves Next Door

The Daves Next Door by Will Carver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is something very strange going on in Will Carver's mind, and I'm so glad that there is. If there wasn't, we wouldn't have books like this to read. This is the second Will Carver book that I have read and it reinforces the fact that his books are like no other books you are ever likely to read. It's almost as if he is reading your mind. I reached a stage in the book where I had a few recurring questions in my mind. Lo and behold, the beginning of the next chapter told me all the questions that I had in my mind! The way you are drip fed the information means that you are never quite sure where it is going, but you can't wait to find out.

This leads me to my only criticism of the book. The question about the screwdriver is never answered. Intrigued? You'll have to read it to find out.

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