The Man in the Picture - Susan Hill 2007 ****

Susan Hill is probably one of the last 'true ghost story' writers of our generation. Here she delves deep into the subconscious with a terrifying story about a Venetian painting that possesses people who stand in it's path.
The story is told to an ex pupil named Oliver by his old Cambridge Don in his study one wild and windy night. Really the sort of thing that should be read in the Autumn months. It's very haunting, and stays with you long after the end.

Started 23rd January
Finished 26th January

The Matchbreaker - Chris Manby 2007 ****1/2

A lot of people found Chris Manby's main character Lindsay infuriating in this. And I must say I was amazed at how arrogant and self-centred she was. However, I have to say that I did warm towards her about half way through. Lindsay has always been a daddy's girl, even to the extent of sabotaging all of her father's relationships, and when he becomes engaged to his latest 'squeeze' Karen, she is determined to ruin that as well.

Deciding to take her future mother-in-law to Ibiza for her hen weekend, Lindsay plans to give her a send off she will never forget.

One of my favourite things about chick lit is when the author is describing London. I like taking a virtual trip along Oxford Street or Hyde Park with the character and this is what happened here.

Worth a read.

Started 16th January

Finished 20th January

In the Miso Soup - Ryu Murakami 1997 ****

'In The Miso Soup' is nothing like I've read before. It's not until near the end that you understand and appreciate the title. Otherwise just picking the book up makes no sense.
Kenji is a young guide in Tokyo, who's job is to take unsuspecting tourists around the 'Red Light District' and encourage them to seek out the various women.
He meets Frank, a strange American who is keen to explore the darkest areas of the sex district, and happy to drag Kenji along with him. As Kenji learns more and more about Frank he realises that there's something dangerously wrong with him.
I particularly liked the descriptions of Tokyo at night.
I have another of his books to read which I'm also looking forward to.

New Years Resolutions: Bookwise of Course

New Year's Book Resolutions?
Well, the main one appears to be to make a small dent in what I can only describe as a leaning tower of novels on my TBR pile.
I have accumulated a huge number of books in the last few years. And even more at Christmas time.
I also appear to have a complete disregard to all these books the minute I approach the book stall on the market, which draws me to it like magnet. I ALWAYS come away with at least one book, even if it means having to rush back to my office to count out the change.
Although I go through phases of saving money and going to the library, there is nothing quite like coming away with a book from a shop/market/Amazon that you know you can keep forever.
Also I tend to be put off going to the library if it doesn't have the type of books I am after, or if the only books it does have are huge hardbacks which you couldn't carry about anywhere except your bedroom.
Added to which, when you go on Amazon (my favourite online shopping place EVER) it's hard not to be tempted to buy a virtually unmarked and brand new book for 1p (plus £2.75 for postage and packaging). I always find myself loading up book after book into my virtual shopping trolley or wish list, desperate to secure a bargain.
I must stop however, as I am not made of money, even though I feel that having an addiction to books is probably more acceptable than something like drugs or alcohol.
Having read my first Japanese horror book and being suitably scared, I have decided to try to read a few more Asian horrors this year. Something very unnerving about Japanese horror, both on screen and in print.

The Orphan Choir - Sophie Hannah **** 1/2

'The Orphan Choir' was recommended to me by someone who has read all of Sophie Hannah's psychological thrillers. I read the first of her thrillers (Little Face) but was put off reading anymore.
I was quite curious to read this (mainly because of the blurb, the fact it's set in Cambridge where I live, and mainly because I love ghost stories) and I found myself charging through it, eager to get to the end, but also keen to never finish.
Louise and her husband Steve live in Cambridge. Their son Joseph is a boarder at the prestigious St Saviour's, which specialises in choristers and Louise misses him dreadfully. For a long time now, the next door neighbour has been causing havoc with his late night music playing, causing Louise to make many trips next door to complain. In particular, he appears to be favouring choir music, very like the type her son sings which causes her great upset.
Feeling like there is no way out, and heading for what can only be described as a nervous breakdown, Louise persuades Steve to buy them a second home in a beautifully tranquil gated community where noise is not an issue. Soon after moving in however, Louise starts to experience the same haunting choir music playing night after night; surely her neighbour from Cambridge hasn't tricked her or driven her mad? If so, why can't her husband hear it also? The twist is completely unexpected.
I loved it, and found it easy to read, although there were times when it was hard to empathise with Louise's frankly teenage mood swings and personality.


Started Saturday 11th January
Finished Monday 13th January