Moon Over Soho (Rivers of London 2)

 

Publication date: 1 March 2011
Published by: Gollancz
Genre: Crime / Fantasy

Blurb on the back of the cover

Something violently supernatural had happened, something strong enough to leave an imprint on the corpse of part-time jazz saxophonist Cyrus Wilkinson as if he were a wax cylinder recording.  He's not the first musician to drop dead of a heart attack right after a gig, but no one was going to let me start examining corpses to check for supernatural similarities.  Instead, it was back to old-fashioned police legwork.  It didn't take me long to realise there were monsters stalking Soho, creatures feeding off the gift that separates great musicians from those who can raise a decent tune.  What they take is beauty.  What they leave behind is broken lives.

And as I hunted them my investigation got tangled up in another story: a brilliant trumpet player, Richard 'Lord' Grant - my father - who managed to destroy his own career.  Twice.

Policing: most of the time you're doing it to maintain public order.  Occasionally you're doing it for justice.  And, maybe once in a career, you're doing it for revenge. 

My Review

The Rivers of London books are one of my favourite fantasy series.  I have read up to book 6.  I read that one recently and realised so much time had passed, I forgot some crucial details, so I decided to go back to the beginning.  

First Impressions
It was a while ago, but I recall that I loved the first book (Rivers of London) enough to buy the next two (Moon over Soho and Whispers Underground) at the same time.

The upside

Moon over Soho is a mystery about jazz musicians who are being killed just after they perform at clubs in the area of Soho.  No one knows how or why, but it's clear that something supernatural is going on.  Which is why PC Peter Grant is called to the case. 

Peter Grant is one of my favourite fictional characters.  He is a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter, with a sprinkle of Dr Who.  What's not to like?  Having gotten to know this character over the series, going back to the earlier books reminded me of the journey he has taken.  He was a new police officer in book one (and somewhat inept).  In this one he is still green - and still quite inept.  Which provides comedy value.  That said, he is nobody's fool and he delivers professionally when he needs to.  He makes for a better apprentice wizard, learning quickly from the master (his boss, Nightingale).

I like a good mystery and this one kept me interested all the way.

The downside

There was none

The verdict

Moon over Soho is a really fun read.  Amusing and hugely entertaining.

Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Publication date: 27 April 2021

Published by: Berkley Books
Genre: Contemporary Fiction (Romance with dark humour)

Synopsis
Meddelin Chan spends most of her time in the company of older women:  her mother and her aunts (they run a family business together in the wedding trade).  She is single and has not been in a romantic relationship since she left college.  Her mother and aunts are not even aware that she has ever had a boyfriend, as she kept her college relationship, the only romantic one she has had, a secret from them.  Meddy's mother becomes so concerned about her daughter's single status that she decides to find her a boyfriend.

When Meddy discovers that her mother has arranged for her to go on a blind date, she reluctantly agrees.  Unfortunately, she accidently kills her date, and in the panic, rather than call the police, she puts his body in the trunk of her car and takes it home to her mother.  Her mother calls her aunts who come over immediately.  Fearing that Meddy will be arrested and imprisoned for something that could happen to anyone, they hatch a plan to dispose of the body...

My Review

First Impressions
The book cover definitely pops - it certainly got my attention.  As someone drawn to dark humour, once I read the synopsis, I was sold.

The upside
This is certainly an original story.  I've never read anything quite like it.  I found it very amusing and highly entertaining.  The aunties' plan to dispose of the blind date's body seemed simple enough, but naturally, their plan goes awry.  In their attempt to get their plan back on track, a series of shenanigans ensue.  I was hooked, keen to discover where the story would go, and how (the hell!) they were going to get out of the mess they created. 

The stuff about the aunties' sibling rivalry felt real, as was the weight of Meddy's burden resulting from this family's back story and her close family ties. 

The downside

This is a romance, but I was not so convinced by it.  I was willing to buy into to idea that Meddy remained single since graduation, pining for Nathan (the one that got away all those years before).  But there is no way Nathan, who by the author's description is the perfect eligible bachelor, would have remained single (apart from a few blind dates) all those years.  It's just not realistic. I felt not enough time and attention had been given to the romantic plot.

It is fair to say that the aunties, as characters, are a bit exaggerated and somewhat stereotypical.  

The verdict

I would say certain aspects of the story needed a reality check.  I'm happy to suspend my disbelief, but for me the best stories are ones that are feasible.  If I am honest, by the time I got to the last few chapters I felt the plot twists and turns were verging on the ridiculous, and I was a little disappointed by that.  Even so, I don't regret reading this book.  In fact, I really enjoyed it.  

I suspect that this story being made into a movie is a matter of when, not if.  

There is a sequel coming out on 29 March 2022, and I intend to read it.

Magic or Madness Trilogy by Justine Larbalestier

Publication dates: Mar 2005 - 2007
Published by: Razorbill
Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis
Reason Cansino is a 15-year-old girl who has been on the run with her mother, Serafina in the Outback, Australia most of her life.  Serafina told her from a young age that her grandmother, Esmeralda, is a wicked woman; that she believes in magic and carries out despicable acts in its name.  Reason and Serafina have remained 'off the grid', hidden from Esmeralda until Serafina suffers a breakdown and is committed to a mental institution.  Reason is taken to Sydney by the authorities where she is left in the care of Esmeralda.

Reason is determined that, as soon as possible, she will run away.  She plans her escape.  One day, when Esmeralda is at work, she searches the house looking for money and valuables to take with her.  She finds a key which she discovers opens the back door in the kitchen.  When she opens it and walks through, she leaves the warmth of Sydney in summer and finds herself in New York in Winter. Dressed in a t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops, the cold begins to bite. The kitchen door had shut and is locked, so she can't go back.

Reason is 'rescued' by Jay-Tee, a girl her age who takes Reason to her New York apartment.  But, it soon becomes apparent that Jay-Tee does not have Reason's best interests at heart...

My Review

First impressions:
I first discovered and read this trilogy about 10 years ago, but I didn't remember much about the books, so this was a re-visit.  

The upside:

The first book, Magic or Madness, is the strongest of the 3.  Although I got influences from many well-known and loved sci-fi/fantasy novels, this is an original story, which was refreshing, as I found it unpredictable.   Reason discovers magic the hard way - having been told most of her life by her mother that it does not exist.  I felt sympathetic towards her because, although Serafina kept her in the dark for her own protection, when she is taken in by Esmeralda, she is completely ignorant about what she is and the implications, which leaves her more vulnerable than she would have been had she known.  

The story could be seen as a lesson in the harsh realities of teenage life.  Reason, who is innocent and quite naïve, always had the safety and protection of her mother - until she didn't. Although naïve, Reason is bright.  She catches on quick and responds, accordingly. 

I found some parts of this book to be an uncomfortable read. One that does not flinch when it comes to grown up subjects.  I believe one of the influences is Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials.  Where that series is seen to be a response to ones created by religious writers that use their stories to express their beliefs (namely, The Chronicles of Narnia and more recently, The Twilight Saga), I would say this one could be seen as a response to 'sanitised' YA fiction by authors who believe that, in doing so, they are protecting teenagers from subjects considered too 'adult' for them.  (Or at least, it was back when they were published.  The internet may have changed all that.)  

Spoiler Alert from here on.

The downside:

Unfortunately, for me, the series goes downhill from book 2, Magic Lessons.  There are some interesting ideas being explored but they aren't well executed.  The main plot about magic and the dangers it imposes on those who have it, is entwined with a contemporary YA story about innocence and teenage sexual discovery, which is fine, but I don't think both stories gelled successfully.  Instead, they go in different directions and compete for dominance.  I would have enjoyed it more if the plot of the latter demonstrated a stronger relevance to the former.  There is a subtle connection - old man Cansino wants to ensure the family line is carried on - but it is so subtle I almost missed it.  This is even more problematic in book 3.

Magic's Child was a disappointment.  I really struggled to finish it, but I had invested time in the series, so I did.  Reason's grandparents behave towards her and Serafina much like Lyra's parents did towards her in His Dark Materials.  There was drama and conflict - Reason's grandfather ups the stakes by taking Serafina out of the mental institution, but the impact is diluted by the heavy focus on teenage lust, that is, the scenes with Jay-Tee and Tom exploring their physical attraction for each other.  This goes on while Reason and Esmeralda go through the door to NY and attempt to rescue Serafina, who is in mortal danger. Jay-Tee and Tom are stuck in Sydney unable to do anything to help.  So what do they do?  They hook up! The chapters alternate between these events, and I found the chapters about Jay-Tee and Tom to be an unnecessary distraction.  It was tedious and boring, and I ended up skipping some of those parts.  This brings me back to my point about the main plot and the sub-plot going in separate directions.  

For me, the main plot - the stuff about magic - was puzzling. Given the stakes, it didn't make sense to me why characters were so desperate to hold on to their magic, particularly when, with the exception of Jay-Tee, they hardly ever used it.  Jay-Tee used it mostly to conjure money to live on, and for the buzz she got on the dance floor when she went clubbing (??).  WTF?

The verdict:
To be fair, I did like Magic or Madness.  Sadly, I wasn't keen on Magic Lessons and Magic's Child was excruciating, so as a series it was a disappointment. 

I realise that I could not finish the series, and so I abandoned it 10 years ago, which is why I couldn't remember it.  Now that I have read them all it feels like time wasted that I wish I could get back!  My advice is spare yourself the agony.

Read Between the Lines by Rachel Lacey

 

Publication date: 1st December 2021
Published by: Montlake
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance

Synopsis

Rosie Taft is the owner of an independent bookstore in NYC, which she took over from her mother, following her death.  

Rosie is a book lover, and her favourite genre is romance.  Because of her job, she knows and works with a lot of authors.  There is one in particular that she has developed an online friendship with - her favourite author, Brie.  Brie prefers to keep a low profile and does not do book signings, so they have never met in person.  Their exchanges are flirtatious, and Rosie has developed a crush on Brie.

One day Rosie receives a letter from a representative of a property development company informing her that they own the building where her store is located, and that they are serving her notice to vacate the premises.  

Soon after, a very attractive woman, Jane Breslin, walks into Rosie's store with her young niece.  Rosie chats to the girl and offers advice on what books might be of interest to her.  Jane purchases some of Rosie's recommendations for her niece.

Rosie is finding it hard to accept that she has to move her bookstore.  She decides to invite the property owner to the store during one of the regular events she organises for customers, convinced that if only this person could see the community spirit that the book store offers, the property developers may be willing to let her stay.  The property owner receives Rosie's invitation and is reluctant to accept, knowing how awkward (and futile) the encounter is going to be, but she accepts.  When she arrives, Rosie discovers that the person who is about to evict her from her store is Jane Breslin.  

What Rosie does not know is that, in Jane's spare time, she is a published author of lesbian romance who publishes her work under the pseudonym Brie....   

My Review 

First impressions:

The first thing that became apparent on reading it is that the story is not an original one.  It is based on a 90s movie called You've Got Mail, by the great writer and film maker, Nora Ephron (who also made When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle.)  Rachel Lacey is clearly a fan as the film gets a mention in the story. 

Of course there is nothing wrong with taking a story that is out there, being inspired by it, and then seeing where your own creativity takes you.  Ephron's script for You've Got Mail was not an original one, rather it was inspired by a Hungarian play called Perfumerie.    

Caution, although there are no plot spoliers, this review reveals a lot about the main characters

The upside: 
I really liked the character development of both protagonists. 

Jane is an introvert who would be happy to stay at home and write (and read books).  She does not have friends but is close to her sister (who is also her best friend).  You get the impression she would hardly ever leave her apartment, given the chance, but she cannot do that.  She has a senior executive position in her family's property development business.  Jane is someone who is living the life that is expected of her, rather than the life she wants for herself.  She dreams of quitting her day job and becoming a full time author, but can't because her book sales (and the royalties she earns from them) aren't sufficient to allow her to do so.  She would love to share with her parents and others that she is a published author, but she senses that, because she writes romance, she would be mocked, criticised and probably not be taken seriously, which is why she is so secretive about her writing, only revealing her identity to a few people.  

Many, if not most, authors can probably relate to her as a character, and her story.    It was enjoyable seeing her come out of her shell and flourish as her relationship with Rosie developed.

Rosie is an extravert who lives with 3 other girlfriends.  Even so, she seems to have given up on meeting someone and having a relationship.  The closest she is willing to come is her flirtatious online liaison with Brie.  Not having met her in person brings an element of mystery to the experience that she finds exciting.  She is a bookworm, and when she is not running the bookstore, she also seems content to spend much of her time at home reading.  

Rosie's ties to the store are very strong.  This is understandable as it belonged to her mother before it did her, and she grew up spending much of her time with her mother in there.  Having lost her mother to cancer, being there helps her feel a stronger connection to her and makes her passing a little less hard to bare.  So, the thought of leaving is devastating.  Needless-to-say it causes tensions in her relationship with Jane.

One thing I have complained about in romance novels - of the chick-lit variety - is how much they tend to 'fly the flag' in support of the patriarchy.*  We have become so conditioned that some female authors unconsciously (and some consciously) write female characters that reinforce patriarchal stereotypes. What I liked most about this book is that it does not do that.  I would go as far as to call this book antipatriarchal chick-lit, which I found novel and refreshing.  

The downside:
I would not call it a page-turner, since I did get a bit bored at times and was tempted to skip sections.  It does pick up again though, and - apart from it taking a while to get there - I had no issues once it goes from conflict to resolution. 

The Verdict:
I think Read Between the Lines is definitely worth reading. 

*Here is an example

The AI Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole

 

Publication date: 3 June 2020
Published by: Amazon Direct Publishing (Kindle)
Genre: Sci-Fi/Romance

 Synopsis

Set in the not-too-distant-future, my guess is around 2050, Trinity Jordan works for a high-tech government agency, called the Hive.  I got the impression that this is a company that has no regard for the well being of it's workers.  We learn that the only reason Trinity works for them is because she was coerced into doing so. 

Trinity was caught up in a major incident at work that caused an explosion.  She does not remember much about the event, but she believes that she must have been thrown on impact, because her knee was badly damaged and, ever since, she has been experiencing headaches, brain fog and (increasingly), memory loss.  Following a period of hospitalisation in the Hive, she has been discharged and is at home convalescing in her apartment, which is controlled by a central AI system called Penny.  Her employers have given her a low maintenance job that she is able to do at a computerised workstation in her apartment.

One day she goes to see her neighbour and Hive co-worker, Dr Zhang, who lives across from her apartment, and, instead of Dr Zhang answering the door, she is confronted with a young man.  Trinity observes that he is tall, muscular and very good looking, and that he is also staring at her in a strange way.   Dr Zhang appears at the door and introduces him as Li Wei, her nephew...

Caution, this review may contain spoilers

My Review
Anyone who is familiar with my blog will know that I am a massive fan of science-fiction.  When I saw that this novel was a sci-fi/romance hybrid I was curious.   

First impressions:
The book title and cover are quite revealing.  It told me that the female character is most likely human and (based on the red light in his left iris) the male character is some kind of cyborg (that is, a being made up of a combination of organic and mechanical material), leading me to come to a conclusion about the kind of ideas and themes that would be explored in the story.  I was sold!

The upside:
What lies at the heart of this story is a romance.  Trinity and Li Wei are drawn to one another from the moment they meet.  Li Wei is a new AI, and at the beginning he is sort of in his infancy, learning about who he is and the world around him.  Dr Zhang tells him that his purpose is to learn about humans, and to decide for himself what his ultimate purpose in life should be.  Trinity becomes his main subject for learning and in doing so, he discovers that being around her seems to activate all kinds of positive emotions in him.  As such, his desire to be in her company increases with time.  

Trinity can tell that there is something odd about Li Wei, but she does not clock that he is not human.  She too enjoys his company and a friendship develops, as well as an increasing mutual attraction. 

It becomes apparent fairly quickly that something untoward is coming, and whatever it is, it's going to be from Hive HQ.  Events that occur in that regard causes the truth to come out.  Trinity realises Li Wei is something other than human and Li Wei decides to trust her.  He reveals that he is in fact a biosynthetic humanoid, created by Dolores Zhang at Hive HQ.  I thought the scene was rather Twilightesque (the way it plays out reminded me of when Bella discovers Edward is something other than human).

As I suspected, the main idea explored in this story is around what it is to be human.  It reminded me of Blade Runner, in that respect.  Like Blade Runner, there are biosynthetic animaloids (for want of a proper word) and humanoids.  From what I can tell, most people are unaware of their existence, and would probably not be able to tell the difference, if they did.  Also like Blade Runner, the AIs show more humanity than some of the humans, demonstrating that being human isn't about being organic (or is it?).      

The conflict raises the tension in the story and takes us to a more 'Terminator' style story.  When the time comes to do battle against the machines, that thing happens in some stories where the male protagonist is made to 'disappear' so that the female protagonist won't be saved by him; instead she does battle and saves the day (because in the interest of gender equality no one wants a damsel in distress type of situation).  This can be tricky to execute and I have been critical about the clumsy way some authors have handled it.  Alyssa Cole provides a master class on how to do it in such a way that does not cause eyebrows to raise.  Fellow writers, read and learn. 

The downside:
There isn't one.

The Verdict:
I absolutely loved this story and I know it is one I will return to in future. I do believe it is my favourite read for 2021.  

Misguided Perceptions by Colleen C. Moore

Publication date: 30 October 2021 (E-book)
Published by: Hyacinth Books
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance

First, I would like to thank Hyacinth books who provided me with a free copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.  

Synopsis
The Prologue provides the 'meet cute'.  Darcie and her brother, Georgie, have been dragged along to a garden exhibition by their dad.  She is separated from them both and, while looking at a flower exhibit, runs into an attractive young distinguished-looking stranger.

The story begins two years later.  Darcie is a high-flying heart surgeon with the ambition of becoming the Head of Cardiac Surgery at the London-based university hospital where she works.

Darcie acquires a house that needs renovating.   Dave Bennet, the building contractor hired to carry out the work, arrives one morning to discuss plans for the project.  He introduces her to his son, Craig, who will assist him, and, to Darcie's horror, she recognises him.

Darcie is an elitist snob who looks down on anyone she considers to be uneducated and uncultured.  To her, the very idea of being romantically involved with a blue-collar worker is unthinkable.  Yet, once the building project is underway, the more encounters she has with Craig Bennet, the more attracted to him she becomes - much to her annoyance.

My Review

First impressions:
To quote myself: When I first heard about this book, I felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation.  Pride and Prejudice is a much-loved classic and one of my all time favourite books. I had decided 'not to go there', but curiosity got the better of me in the end.  I didn't expect it to be any good, but I hoped I would be wrong about that.  I was wrong about that.  Apparently, I went in with a prejudiced frame of mind, much like Elizabeth.  This was what I wrote for my review of Eligible (The Austen Project no.4) by Curtis Sittenfeld.  So, when I discovered Misguided Perceptions, I decided to give it a chance and to do so with an open mind.

I like the cover.  It definitely drew me in and raised my expectations. (Oh boy!)  

The upside:
Gosh!  Where do I start?

Eligible is set in the United States and, although has a modern day setting, the male and female protagonists, and the romance, play out much like Austen's original.  Misguided Perceptions is set in the UK and, although in essence the characters are very much the same as Austen's originals, the gender roles have been switched.  

Although I agree that the original story can be set in any country, being British myself, I felt that having this story set in the UK provided the opportunity for the author to explore aspects of the original story with greater authenticity.  Let me explain:

As well as being a great love story, P&P is very much a story about classism and gender inequality, presumably as Austen experienced them in her time.  Britain's history and it's obsession with social class has resulted in a class structure that is different to that of other countries, and one that is very difficult to emulate (although, strangely, some have tried).  For me, MP does a wonderful job of addressing the same British social class issues as the original - but adapting them for the 21st century, suggesting that although times have changed in some ways they haven't.

Darcie comes across very much like a modern female version of the original Mr Darcy.  She experiences the same emotional journey when she meets and gets to know Craig Bennet, that is, mortification, followed by indignation, followed by realisation, followed by acceptance.   I also recognised Elizabeth and Jane Bennet in the Bennet twins, Craig and Dean, and I found that even more interesting, as they both assume what is traditionally the role of 'the female character' of a romance novel - Craig in particular is pursued and sexually objectified in the same way, while female characters doing the pursing are the ones in control of the situation.  He is 'walking in someone else's shoes' and experiencing what it feels like - in this case a woman's shoes.  I found that very refreshing, and not something I have ever come across in a romance novel before.

There is an added bonus for readers who have read and are familiar with P&P, as Moore has done a nice job of adapting the plot for modern times - some of the scenes and dialogue seem to have been lifted from the original.  Very nicely done, indeed!

The downside:
I gather this is the author's debut novel, and like most first novels it isn't perfect.

It contains a lot of dialogue, which I didn't mind, but is not for everyone.  Also, unless you pay attention you may find it difficult to work out who is doing the talking in some scenarios.

I did have to suspend my disbelief because I am not entirely convinced that some aspects of this story are feasible.  In particular, I am not convinced that the British class divide in the 21st century is as stark as is suggested in this novel.  The pyramid is flatter than it once was.  For example: When dining, do people still use different types of cutlery for each course?  Maybe the Queen (?).  I do see that the stark class divide works better for the story, so perhaps it is exaggeration for impact (?).  

The verdict:
If you are a fan of P&P I would recommend you read this book.  Even if you aren't familiar with the original, it's novelty alone makes it an interesting read.  Misguided Perceptions is a treasure that I hope will not remain hidden.

FROM THE TREASURE CHEST: The Shadow of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

From the treasure chest features books that both stand out and stand the test of time. 

Publication date: 27 May 2004 (first published in 2001)
Published by: Penguin Books
Genre: Adult Fiction

Synopsis
The story begins in 1945 with bookseller, Mr Sempere, walking down the street with his 10-year-old son, Daniel.  He tells him that he cannot tell anyone about the place he is about take him.  They arrive inside a majestic building and Daniel learns that it is a secret place known as the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, and that when someone visits the place for the first time, they are allowed to choose one book.  It is then their responsibility to protect it and keep it safe.

Daniel choses a novel called The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax.  When he gets the book home he begins to read it and is so taken by the story and the characters that he stays up all night reading it.  When he finishes it, he wants to read more by the author and seeks out more of his works.  He discovers that not only are there no other books available in print, but that he has the last copy of The Shadow of the Wind, and that all other copies of the author's works have been destroyed.  He discovers that someone, who calls himself Lain Coubert, is tracking down the books and burning them.  Curiously, Lain Coubert is a character in Carax' novel who represents the devil.  Daniel is determined to find out about the author and why someone wants to burn all his books.  He begins investigating and in doing so digs up aspects of the past that many would rather were left buried... 

My Review:
The Shadow of the Wind is the first in a serious called The Cemetery of Forgotten Books.  I first read it about 10 years ago and was blow away.  It is an international best seller, and is said to be one of the best selling novels of all time - and no wonder.

The upside
I was captured by this story from the very beginning.  There is much in it that is heart-warming.  For example, in the opening scene when Daniel is 10 and his father tells him he must not tell anyone about The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, he asks if he has to keep it from his mother and his father replies, "Of course you can tell her, we have no secrets from her."  We then learn that Daniel's mother died several years previously.

In this story we get to see both the very best and the worst of humanity.  

The author, Carlos Ruiz Zafon said in an interview about the book that he wanted to create a story that would incorporate a mixture of genres: fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, etc.  This novel is all of these and the writing is superb.

The downside
I would like to say there is none, but, to be truthful, I was somewhat irked by the portrayal of female characters in the story.  I understand that it was set in the 1940s/50s, a different time (when the grip of the patriarchy was tight) and so for authenticity this can be justified, but the female characters reminded me of actresses in old movies (made around the same time this story is set).  For example, there is a lot of 'tearing up' for slightest of reasons, as if women in the past were more prone to crying than they are now (??).

The verdict
This is a great novel and one I recommend to all.  I truly believe it has something for everyone.  I daresay there are people who have read it and didn't enjoy it, but they are very rare creatures indeed!