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None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
It had been a long time since I had read a book by Lisa Jewell. So when I treated myself to a few books recently, I included None of This...
authorvalpenny
Aug 30, 20252 min read


Ruby's Last Chance by Joy Wood
I have just finished a novel written by my dear friend, Joy Wood. This most recent book, Ruby's Last Chance , is a departure from her...
authorvalpenny
Aug 23, 20254 min read


Finding the Souce by Joan Livingston
Every now and again you find an author whose work just sings to you. I found this in the books by Erin Kelly, Peter Robinson and Joan...
authorvalpenny
Jun 21, 20253 min read


Ash (Bratva Blood Brothers Bk1) by Jax Knight
I was lucky enough to win a copy of Ash (Bratva Blood Brothers Book 1) by Jax Knight recently. The author generously offered me a choice...
authorvalpenny
May 24, 20252 min read


Writer's Block and How to Get Past It
The first time I voiced me fears about writer's block was when I asked my mentor, the late great Peter Robinson how he dealt with it....
authorvalpenny
May 10, 20254 min read


Bad for Good by Graham Bartlett
I met up with Graham Bartlett again at Newcastle Noir, in December. The festival is run by the inimitable Jacky Gramozi Collins (aka Dr...
authorvalpenny
Feb 1, 20253 min read


Whatever it Takes by Joy Wood
When an author makes a gift of a book, it is a generous gesture. Joy wood gave me a copy of her new novel, Whatever it Takes, without...
authorvalpenny
Oct 30, 20243 min read


The Little Ice Cream Shop by the Sea by Lizzie Chantree
I have always enjoyed books by Lizzie Chantree and was delighted when I had the chance to meet her when she lectured at a conference...
authorvalpenny
Oct 2, 20243 min read


The Lady's Favour by A.J. Roberts
The Lady's Favour is comprised of three novellas written by A.J. Roberts and combined to produced a satisfying novel. This book includes...
authorvalpenny
Aug 10, 20242 min read


Find You First by Linwood Barclay
I usually like Linwood Barclay's books. They are nicely plotted with an overtone of humour and when I see one I haven't read I will pick...
authorvalpenny
Apr 20, 20242 min read


A Whisper Through Time by Melanie Robertson-King
I am thrilled to have been included on the blog tour for the new book Whispers Through Time by my good friend and fellow author, Melanie...
authorvalpenny
Mar 27, 20245 min read


Missing The Deadline by Joan Livingston
I have read every book in Joan Livingston's Isabel Long series so it will not surprise anybody that I enjoy the books. The author is...
authorvalpenny
Feb 10, 20242 min read


The Sick Rose by Erin Kelly
I often say that I don't like novels where the time line jumps about, and this novel ceratinly does that! However, I will forgive Erin...
authorvalpenny
Jan 27, 20243 min read


Funeral Note by Quintin Jardine
I have read many of Quintin Jardine’s books and much prefer his Bob Skinner character to his Oz Blackstone series. In Funeral Notes, a...
authorvalpenny
Jan 6, 20242 min read


The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell
The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell was book of the month for our village book group. There was a wide variety of views about it, but...
authorvalpenny
Nov 15, 20233 min read


A Gentle Nudge by Mason Bushell
For a long time, short stories seemed to be out of fashion. Occasionally,well-known writers like Ian Rankin, Agatha Christie and Jeffrey...
authorvalpenny
Aug 28, 20232 min read


The Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
The book was recommended to me by my nephew, Mathew because he had enjoyed the book so much. The Blurb Nine-year-old Bruno knows nothing...
authorvalpenny
Aug 5, 20233 min read


The Mission Song by John le Carre
Joining a book group is a great way to read outside your usual genres and away from the authors you normally choose. When my book group...
authorvalpenny
Jul 29, 20232 min read


The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
A friend bought and read The Thursday Murder Club for her group but didn't want to keep it, so gave it to me. I should have known... The...
authorvalpenny
Jul 22, 20232 min read


Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S Thompson
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S Thompson has a cult following and was recommended to me by the co-ordinator of the first book...
authorvalpenny
Jul 12, 20233 min read
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