For the James Bond fans out there, the news that William Boyd was planning to pen a followup Bond novel was probably pretty exciting and, for the most part, he has delivered something that stacks up quite favourably against Ian Fleming’s original books. This story takes place in 1969 and, while it spans three continents, […]
Plot a little out there at times – but it’s Bond Read Post »
This little book offers a fascinating trip down the memory lane of pills, potions and, in some cases I am sure, snake-oil treatments. We would all like to think we are a pretty enlightened bunch, and that we can easily separate the dodgy from the useful. However, a quick flick through this book shows that
A little something to cure what ails you Read Post »
As is probably obvious from this blog, I read a lot, and a lot of the books I read are crime novels. It seems like Ruth Rendell has been around forever, and given the fact that her first book (From Doon With Death, the first book in the Inspector Wexford series) was published two years
Surprisingly fresh murder mystery Read Post »
The preservation of our historic buildings is often a topic of debate in this country, with passionate arguments for (it’s our history) and against (usually the cost). We haven’t always had a great record when it comes to keeping our bricks and mortar – or indeed weatherboard – history in tact, and in this book
Trio of books look at NZ’s architectural heritage Read Post »
Much has been written about New Zealand’s attempts to find its place in the world as a fledgling nation and the role of rugby and war in creating a sense of nationalism in and around World War I. But a more important portion of our nation’s history has occurred post-World War II, and it’s this
Ordinary Kiwis tell our country’s story Read Post »
This is an almost local novel with part of the story set in Dunedin and Central Otago. It follows the adventures of Lockie Steele as she travels to Argentina in search of material for a new book. It is here that she comes in contact with the Mabon family. Seriously wealthy and connected, they persuade
Confusing but interesting tale Read Post »
In the final thriller in the Mak Vanderwall series by former model Tara Moss, the focus is on revenge and survival. When ex-model turned private investigator and forensic psychologist Mak Vanderwall goes missing in Paris she is presumed dead. A hit man had been hired to do her in, after all, so there’s little reason
Heroine out for revenge in edge-of-seat series finale Read Post »
