I saw a call for teacher-bloggers on Twitter – I’m an English teacher and my response led me to a proof copy of this book, a memoir by a secondary school English teacher-turned-journalist. Thanks to Kate Neilan and Penguin Random House for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Continue reading Book Review: ‘Let That Be a Lesson’ by Ryan WilsonCategory: Book Review
Blog Tour: ‘Lying with Lions’ by Annabel Fielding
I love historical fiction and so jumped at the chance to read this book, set in Edwardian England. Thank you to NetGalley and Annabel Fielding for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, plus the chance to join the blog tour.
Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Lying with Lions’ by Annabel FieldingBook Review: ‘Meet the Georgians’ by Robert Peal
I’m always in the market for some engaging historical non-fiction and jumped at the chance to read ‘Meet the Georgians’ by Robert Peal. Although my preferred historical period is the Victorians, I am intererested in what came before – especially, as an English teacher, key Georgian literary figures such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Lord Byron, both of whom feature here.
Continue reading Book Review: ‘Meet the Georgians’ by Robert Peal(Audio)Book Review: ‘This is Your Mind on Plants’ by Michael Pollan
As an avid reader of books about the Victorian era, I’m no stranger to opium – purely in the context of reading, you understand, rather than personal experience! I am, however, a confirmed and accepting caffeine addict so this book – focused on opium, caffeine and mescaline – sounded absolutely fascinating. I duly downloaded the audiobook and got stuck in…
Continue reading (Audio)Book Review: ‘This is Your Mind on Plants’ by Michael PollanBlog Tour: ‘Arrowood and the Meeting House Murders’ by Mick Finlay
I’ve been with Arrowood from the start of the series so I knew just what to expect in this fourth instalment – a fiendish mystery, grimy Victorian London and some great characters. Thanks to Mick Finlay and HQ for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, plus the invitation to join the blog tour.

Blog Tour: ‘A Cut for a Cut’ by Carol Wyer
It is my stop on the blog tour for ‘A Cut for a Cut’, the second book in the series to feature DI Kate Young. I loved the first book and so couldn’t wait to read this one!
Thanks to Damp Pebbles for inviting me on the blog tour and for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is out now! It was published on 29th June, 2021 by Thomas & Mercer.
Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘A Cut for a Cut’ by Carol WyerJune Wrap-Up and July TBR
This hasn’t been the best reading month for me – work has been busy and my evenings haven’t been spent with my nose in a book, sadly. Instead, I’ve spent far too long on Book Twitter and adding to the TBR without clearing many of the books already on there!
I’ve read 9 books this month, putting me on 65/100 for my Goodreads Challenge. All have been at least 4 stars (I’m getting good at picking books I know I’ll love), with two getting the full five stars from me…
Continue reading June Wrap-Up and July TBRBook Review: ‘The Tattoo Thief’ by Alison Belsham
Regular visitors to The Quick and the Read know that I’m kind of obsessed with crime fiction – specifically, I love pacey, engaging police procedurals. Even better if the lead characters are distinctive or quirky in some way, plus an interesting setting is hugely important to me.
Continue reading Book Review: ‘The Tattoo Thief’ by Alison Belsham‘Truth or Dare’ by M J Arlidge
A new book by M J Arlidge is always a cause for celebration and this one – the tenth in the excellent police procedural series to feature Detective Inspector Helen Grace – is no exception.
Continue reading ‘Truth or Dare’ by M J ArlidgeWWW Wednesday: 23rd June, 2021
WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Taking on a World of Words. Anyone can take part and it is a great way of sharing what you have just finished reading, what you are currently reading and what is next on the TBR.
It’s been a busy week but I’ve finished 2 books. I’m now at 63/100 on my Goodreads Challenge.
Continue reading WWW Wednesday: 23rd June, 2021