The Quick and the Read

Book 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.

(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…

Blog 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.

June 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…

Book 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.

‘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.

WWW 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.

Book Review: ‘Yours Cheerfully’ by A J Pearce

I loved the first book in this series, ‘Dear Mrs Bird’, and couldn’t wait to get back into the 1940s world of Emmy Lake and her friends. Thanks to Camilla Elworthy and Picador Books for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: ‘Nighthawking’ by Russ Thomas

My review today is on the fabulous ‘Nighthawking’ by Russ Thomas, the second in the series of crime novels featuring DS Adam Tyler. Thanks to Jess Barratt at Simon and Schuster for the proof copy in exchange for an honest review – all opinions are entirely my own. This book is out now!