The Catcher in the Rye by J D Salinger

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre

The Big Tomato by Raleigh Trevelyan

The Line of Beauty by Allan Hollinghurst

The Savage Garden by Mark Mills

One can instantly determine the calibre of a writer by his or her skillful use of intelligent vocabulary. Mark Mills is obviously a well-educated writer and one who has been blessed with the ability to write interesting and absorbing literary prose without getting too bogged down by blatant intellect. I suspect one may find such titles as the beautifully written, Booker prize-winning novel, 'The line of Beauty' on Mr Mills' own bookshelf. OK, so this isn't a book that your typical 'Mills & Boon' type reader will enjoy, nor is it for the Brookemyre fans, but I liked it. It is a smooth blend of artistic flair, historical romance and almost Dan Brown style investigation and complimented by a mysterious and murderous twist. Despite finding it a little heavy at times - I mean, not everyone has read Dante's Inferno - I found it a much more refreshing read than most modern-day crime novels and was carried through the entire book impressed with the writing. February 2007

King Henry - A Novel - by Douglas Galbraith, is due for release April 2007

King Henry - A Novel - by Douglas Galbraith

A historical novel set in America during the First World War. I was really looking forward to settling down to absorb the legend that was Henry Ford - 'inventor, industrialist, billionaire' and, for the most of us, 'the car guy'.

The book is written almost as a series of memoires, as recorded by the many people who were actively involved or were affected by the famous Henry Ford. The book certainly opened my eyes to previously unknown 'facts' and some sobering realities surrounding life, as it was, in the shoes of the great Henry Ford. But I was forever prevented from fully enjoying the book by the need to ask myself, 'so what?' I persevered through to the very last chapter and you know what? I cannot tell you how that book ends... I never even turned the last page. Sorry, this book completely failed to grab my attention and, more to the point, failed to hold my interest long enough to even finish it.

The Lovers' Room by Steven Carroll, will be available from April 2007

Don't miss this one!

The Lovers' Room by Steven Carroll

Every once in a while I read a really special book and it stays with me, enabling me to 'spread the good word'. I've listed some of my favourite reads at the top of this page, which is where this book belongs.

I'm not normally drawn to wartime novels and, having just (almost) read 'King Henry', I wasn't relishing the thought of another wartime slog. But this book stopped me in my tracks and taught me the ultimate and age old lesson that one should NEVER judge a book by its cover! I was expecting Geisha meets Pearl Harbour. What I got was an absolutely stunning read! Intricately written, this character perfect, semi-tragic romance should touch even the stoniest heart and, in my personal opinion, must be incorporated into the lists of any reading group. In fact, I can't wait to have someone else read this book just so we can debate it's full meaning afterwards! The story is perfectly summed up by the briefest of descriptions: 'A fragile love affair... a devastating betrayal'. The blurb on the back cover includes words such as, 'calmness, dignity, defeat, passion and unforgettable', but you, as the reader, are lead through the entire tale as though living a part of it. Truth and reality, supposition and illusion, I simply cannot wait to discuss this one and implore future readers to email me with their feedback.

The Sonnet Lover by Carol Goodman will be available from July 2007

The Sonnet Lover by Carol Goodman

Reading this right now, will get back to you soon.