BOOK REVIEW Book Review E MYSTERY & MAGIC
veryone loves a good crime novel and at this time of year they are often top of the holiday reading list with any good one devoured in one long sitting.
there’s no doubt they’re a good money spinner too, with many spawning sequels and series – bestselling author patricia Cornwell’s latest offering Flesh and Blood (Harper Collins) features the crusading forensic scientist Kay scarpetta returning for her 22nd
case! In July the theakston’s 2015 Crime
novel of the Year was awarded to debut thriller writer sarah Hilary for her book Someone Else’s Skin (Headline). the book’s central theme is domestic violence and sees the first outing for Detective Inspector marnie rome. by
all accounts it’s an engrossing read; “superbly disturbing, twisty, tricksy and seriously scary” (Observer) and as you’d expect the sequel – No Other Darkness (Headline) is hot on its heels, published on 30 July this year. this year we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the birth of Devon’s own Queen of Crime - Agatha Christie. she was a key element of the golden Age of Detective Fiction and remarkably still holds the impressive mantle of the world’s best-selling novelist. In september, the english riviera will be hosting the International Agatha Christie Festival which will celebrate her life, literature and legacy with an impressive 9-day programme of new and unique events. www.
agathachristiefestival.com Kiddy crime-lit also seems to be back in fashion and a number of new ones are hitting the shelves this summer with super-sleuthing girls taking centre stage. the tongue- twisting titles were enough to catch my attention with “The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place” by Julie berry and “Murder Most Unladylike - A Wells and Wong Mystery” by robin stevens. but the one that caught the eye of my 9 year old is by local author Dan metcalf. The Lottie Lipton Adventures – Secrets of the Stone (A & C Black) features a sparky 9 year-old who investigates and solves mysteries in the british museum. the books are short and packed with action, illustrations, adventure and puzzles – all vital ingredients for holding any young reader’s interest. budding young mystery writers also have the opportunity to join the author, Dan metcalf, in torre Abbey on september 12 at the Agatha Christie Festival.
by Emma Jones
Here he will be running a special workshop style session providing a fun and interactive introduction to writing imaginatively about mysterious and magical places. And to end on a local note (not so much mystery but a bucketful of magic) look out for the latest offering from bestselling novelist, marcia Willett. Summer on the River (Bantam Press) will be published during regatta on 27 August and there is no doubt when you see the cover that the setting is our much-loved river Dart. marcia Willett was one of our best-selling authors in the Harbour bookshop with readers avidly watching out for her annual new creations. she writes “heartwarming and captivating novels” about families and relationships always set amongst the enchanting backdrop of the West Country. some say her books are as good as any holiday and if you’re a fan of santa montefiore, Jojo moyes and Joanne trollope you should add this one to your ‘to be read’ pile. In short this new one is “a beautiful woven tale of extended families and their secrets…. Of love and loss – all wrapped in the glorious setting of Dartmouth.” (Liz Fenwick) Happy Holidays!
New books for adults and children from our community co-operative
Open all year but times vary seasonally
12 Higher Street (opposite The Cherub Inn) 01803 839571
info@dartmouthcommunitybookshop.co.uk www.dartmouthcommunitybookshop.co.uk
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