The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

My third read of the year was picked from a huge pile of old books I have recently inherited. The book is so old it was practically falling to pieces and I had to do a DIY repair job half way through. It also is so old that it was making me ill. I coughed and spluttered my way through it because it is full of dust and probably some kind of mold.



As for the book itself it is apparently the first ever modern detective novel ever written. First published in 1868 it is surprisingly easy to read, I have read newer books that have given me a headache, I enjoyed it and kept my interest to the very last page. It had just enough twists and turns and red herrings to keep me guessing and even though I had a feeling I wasn't going to be any wiser. by the time I read the last page, it all made sense and it was nicely tied up.



I wouldn't say it was the most exciting thing I've ever read but it certainly wasn't dull and boring.




I'll give it a 7.5 out of 10. Well worth the coughing and spluttering.

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire

My second read of 2017 is the fourth in the Harry Potter series. I am slowly working my way through them.



This one, just like the others, is pure fun escapism. It is imaginative and contains lots of clever twists and turns. I especially like the way that all the loose ends are tied up at the end, even the ones you've forgotten about. It's nice to go back to Hogwarts to catch up with all of the characters again. It's like visiting old friends, even if they are old imaginary friends.



I would probably enjoy the book even more if I was a child or a young teenager but I still enjoyed the read.




8/10

The Grumpy Old Gits Guide To Life - Geoff Tibballs

My first book of 2016 was a Christmas gift because my wife thought it would be funny because she thinks I am turning into a grumpy old git.




It is funny and a great read to kickstart hopefully at least 52 books this year. The book has a funny cover and is a good laugh throughout.  I also love all of the funny quotes that it contains. It's well worth a read and although I don't normally read this kind of a 'novelty' book, I enjoyed it.



And yes I am turning into an old git. It's the world you see. It gets you that way.





7.5/10

Here Be Dragons by Ray Daley

There are dragons up above in the sky and it's time for their return.


But it's different this time.





I stumbled upon this via a Facebook group and found it on Smashwords. It's only a short E Book but it filled a gap.


It's a little bit of Sci Fi and it was a great read.


It's difficult to give it a star rating because it's only a short E Book but I enjoyed this quick read so maybe



8/10

Captured By The Hawk by Aurora Springer

A space romp across the galaxy with a splash of romance.

I read this while I'm still in the middle of reading a much bigger book so that I don't fall behind on this year's 52 book reading challenge. It's quirky, it's fun and it's a decent read. It's a been a while since I've read a Sci Fi book and this didn't disappoint me. The characters are great and the whole thing is just a fun piece of escapism. I see it more as an adventure book than a comedy.

Harmless fun and a cool way to spend a few hours.

3/5

Finding Home : A Charlotte Island Story by Jason Patrick

                A woman starts a new life with her son.

This is a pretty decent quick read if you want to fill in a bit of spare time with something that's easy reading.

It's not going to win any awards and it's not the most exciting plot you'll come across but it's a nice gentle read that I enjoyed for what it is. It's a little bit of escapism. A little bit of romance to add a sparkle to your day.

3/5

A Little bit Of Everything by Helen Minazza

This book of poetry by up and coming Author Helen Minazza has exactly what it says on the tin.



A little bit of everything for everybody. A bit of humour mixed with a dash of heartache and add a splash of imagination. And this collection is very accessible. A good little collection and I'm sure there is much more to come from Helen Minazza.