Two Girls Down by Louisa Luna

 The author was new to me and though it sounded good I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out but I really enjoyed this one.

There are some interesting characters to get to know, Vega (private investigator) is a tough cookie, but we get an insight into her softer side as her relationship with "Cap" (retired police officer) and his daughter Nell, develops.

This is the kind of story where you think you know where its going, only to be pleasantly surprised by how it all unfolds.

If you are into mystery/suspense novels I would recommend you give this one a try. I am delighted that Luna has chosen to write another novel featuring Vega and Cap, they make a refreshing duo.

The Library Enthusiasts Quote of the Day ....

Who is Maud Dixon by Alexandria Andrews

Some elements I liked, some I found irritating in this tale. If you like books that give a glimpse into the world of publishing and writing and all the weird and wonderful insecurities it often involves this might work for you. 

I found the story and secret of who Maud Dixon is/was unbelievable at times...and as for Florence, I just wanted to give her a shake and tell her to wake the f@#$k up!

The Library Enthusiast suggests when in doubt....

1979 by Val McDermid

Val McD offers us her latest series, which is apparently inspired by her time as a young reporter in the '70s.

In her first book of the series, 1979, we meet Allie Burns, an ambitious reporter who knows she has to work twice as hard as any man if she wants to be allowed to decide which stories she is allowed to report on...

Ms McD explores many issues in her latest series, including class, gender and sexuality. As with all McD's books, this one delivers the atmospheric and often heart-pounding moments we have come to expect.

The Library Enthusiast on....

Ghosted by Rosie Walsh

 

Ghosted tells the age old story of falling in love...

...but this love story is set in the 21st century, where we as a society are unable to function with out sharing every element of our lives on our devices...

...Sarah and Eddie meet and have a whirlwind of a romance, they make plans to meet up again but Eddie completely disappears.

Walsh manages to capture the madness of dating in a world where our every movement can be traced and viewed not only by friends but complete strangers.

Yes technology makes it so much easier for us to connect, but when it comes down to it, it is up to us to remember nothing can replace the very things that make us human...

The Library Enthusiast & the Problems of Loving Books...

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

An engaging story, plenty of suspense and compelling characters to keep you invested. Once again Hepworth chooses to tell this story of twin sisters, Rose and Fern, in alternating perspectives, allowing us to appreciate their very different memories of their childhood.

Yes it may have been somewhat predictable at times and possibly some situations came across a little too 'convenient', but having said this Hepworth is an excellent storyteller, with an acute understanding of the social and domestic nuances of families...

The Library Enthusiast & Thoughts....

 

Half a World Away by Mike Gayle

Again Mr Gayle gives us another emotional rollercoaster of a ride in this tale of family, love and loss and how the roots that connect us are deeper than we can ever truly know...

...written from the points of view of Kerry and Noah, which Gayle does extremely well, we get to understand the complexities of the two characters and the very different paths that life has offered them. 

We become submerged in their highs and lows, we get to know and genuinely feel for their situations and how their very different upbringings influence the way they cope with life's many obstacles.

There is a great deal to love about this story, it is uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time and I will happily say....

...yes I cried.

The Library Enthusiast & books...

When I Was Ten by Fiona Cummins

Fiona Cummins allows us to watch from the side lines as each element of this story unravels, although we know it is fiction, Cummins talent is in how she manages to transport us into the very centre of her story...we feel the vibrations of the emotions, we can almost taste the iron in the blood...we are in one word...there...

When I was Ten is a tale of two sisters, Sara and Shannon and their childhood friend Brinley...

...but when Sara was ten, she killed both her parents with a pair of scissors....or did she? 

What I particularly enjoyed was how Cummins kept the narrative fast paced, without too many unnecessary characters or wild cards. The focus is on the sisters and Brinley, and for me it really helped to give the story its realistic dimension.

The Library Enthusiast & Book Collections....