What I read in May 2019

May was a rare month where I actually read everything I planned to! Not that my TBR pile has shrunk a bit. Quite the opposite, in fact…

I’m noticing some definite themes in the kinds of books I pick up: smart and unconventional teenage girls; stories-within-stories; the blending of past and present; strange goings-on; previous generations’ sins and mistakes coming to haunt the present.

The Secrets of Gaslight Lane, by M. R. C. Kasasian - 4*

Their Little Secret, by Mark Billingham - 3.5*

London Rules, by Mick Herron - 4.5*

All Among the Barley, by Melissa Harrison - 4.5*

The Bird in the Tree, by Elizabeth Goudge - 4*

Finders Keepers, by Belinda Bauer - 4*

The Ghost Tree, by Barbara Erskine - 4.5*

Hell Bay, by Kate Rhodes - 4*

Pulp, by Robin Talley - 3.5*

The Rotters’ Club, by Jonathan Coe - 4*

Lowborn, by Kerry Hudson - 4.5*

Wakenhyrst, by Michelle Paver - 4.5*

The Dream Thieves, by Maggie Stiefvater - 4.5*

Looking ahead…

My June plans are quite crime and non-fiction heavy! Lots of crime authors bring out their new books in the summer months, probably to catch the holiday market. I always pre-order any new Stuart MacBride book as soon as I know it’s coming - his books are darkly hilarious treats. I’m really excited for the long-awaited new Jackson Brodie novel from Kate Atkinson, and the new Sarah Hilary release, Never Be Broken, sounds like an amazing addition to an awesome series.

I’ve also been waiting a long time for The Five, by Hallie Rubenhold, as I started at about 25th in the reservations queue, and Common People, edited by Kit de Waal, which I pledged for with Unbound quite a while ago now, and looks fantastic.