‘The Man Who Died Twice’ is the exciting sequel to The Thursday Murder Club and I have to say, possibly, even better than it’s predecessor!

This book was so much fun! Osman is the king of cliffhangers, with each chapter leaving you desperate for more - which makes putting the book down nearly impossible.

I adore these characters. I can’t think of a single book that has made me care so deeply for imaginary characters. The fact that our protagonists are a hodgepodge group of pensioners is both original and adorable. When I read about their exploits I think of my own grandparents and hope they’re similarly carefree and full of life.

And despite the romance plot lines and comedic breaks, the actual crime stuff is genius too. It’s painfully clever and no matter how much you think you’ve got figured out, you usually end up dead wrong. This book keeps you guessing until the very end - exactly what I want from a crime novel. I highly recommend picking this one up!

I chose ‘Windsor Knot’ on a whim after seeing it on my libraries BorrowBox and what a decision! This is a delightfully cosy murder mystery starring Queen Liz.

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel reading a fiction, written from the perspective of a very much real and public figure. But S. J. Bennet writes a brilliant, charming and lovably Queen who you can’t help but adore. And the real life aspects just make the novel even more immersive.

The actual crime plot line was interesting and original. There weren’t necessary plot twists, but the facts of the night do slowly become clearer throughout. It did feel much slower and simpler then many other crime books, mostly due to the investigative approach being more ‘gently nudge the police in the right direction’.

All in all, if you like the sound of an original crime series that sits more firmly in cozy, couch crime than thriller then this is one for you. I, for one, am looking forward to listening to the second book.

I’m not sure exactly what I expected from The Starless Sea, maybe a pirate story, but the novel that unfolded was beautifully surprising. Books meet video games in the dark academia style world, with secret, magical underground societies and sweeping plots. It’s a truly magnificent read.

The characters are brilliant. We mostly follow Zachary, an anxious, queer, book and video game lover that I immediately connected with. His character is perhaps the most relatable character I’ve ever read. And let’s not talk about Dorian with his mysteriousiousness and his rugged charm.

I found the first half a little slow. I wasn’t desperate to read more but I wasn’t struggling to read either. But once I hit halfway, I physically struggled to put the book down! The crux of this story will suck you in and leave you desperate to find out more.

Only one part of the book truly frustrated me : the ending. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I found the ending so abrupt and sudden. You never want to leave this world or these characters and I would have loved to find out more.

This book is brilliant and I highly recommend giving it a go. Make sure you go in with an open mind and really expect the unexpected with this one. It’s lyrical and fantastical and will take you on an epic journey, if you choose to open the door.

I loved this but also finished it wanting more.