What’s on your bookshelf: June

I have always enjoyed reading, ever since I could make sense of words on a page. My first foray into detective fiction was, I believe, Dorothy Sayers, picking up one of her books when I was about 10. There was nothing else to read (we were on holiday staying with my older brother) so I gave it a go. Many years later, I still love the genre, as you will see from this month’s reading.

First up, a modern queen of detective fiction, Ann Cleeves early novel, A Day in the Death of Dorothea Cassidy, first published in 1992. The story takes place over one day after the discovery of a woman’s body in a park. We learn more about the woman herself, married to the local vicar, about a whole circle of people who impact on each others’ lives, and of course, find out who committed the crime. A great read for a wet Sunday afternon.

I found another book by Keigo Higashino in the library, Silent Parade. This is was such an intriguing book with all sorts of plot twists and breadcrumbs to follow through the story. There are murders, years apart, but somehow connected, a cast of interesting characters and an annual street festival. You can read the plot here, but really, you need to read it to really understand this book.

Moving to New Zealand, I picked up J.P. Pomare’s 17 Years Later back in January. A wealthy family is found murdered and the chef (who happens to be Māori) is accused. Years later, a true podcast creator investigates the crime…and of course uncovers the truth. Another good read (one review here) for when you just want to get immersed in a story.

For Marsden Books book club this month, we read the latest Catherine Chidgey The Book of Guilt, which will definitely be going on my list of top books this year. The plot? Well, imagine a world where World War II ended in 1943 with no ‘winner’. In England in 1979,

thirteen-year-old triplets Vincent, Lawrence and William are the last remaining residents of a New Forest home, part of the government’s Sycamore Scheme. Each day the boys must take medicine to protect themselves from a mysterious illness to which many of their friends have succumbed. Children who survive are allowed to move to the Big House in Margate, a destination of mythical proportions, desired by every Sycamore child. Meanwhile, in Exeter, Nancy lives a secluded life with her parents, who never let her leave the house. As the government looks to shut down the Sycamore homes and place their residents into the community, the triplets’ lives begin to intersect with Nancy’s, culminating in revelations that will rock the children to the core (ref here).

While some critics have compared it to Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, there is a lot more here I feel with strong overtones of nurture/nature, prejudice, and what drives people to do inexplicable things to each other. Not a cosy read, so plan on having something light to enjoy after.

As a complete change, I read another of the Lotte Meerman series, Death at the Orange Locks by Anja de Jager. Yes, of course, another detective novel, with a body found washed up but a canal who just happens to be the father of Lotte’s ex husband’s new wife….lots of intrigue and a satisfactory end. Another holiday or long weekend read.

I had seen Atsuhiro Yoshida’a Goodnight Tokyo recommended on a social media group and ordered it up from the library. This is a lovely book with interwoven tales of people up and about during the night. Each chapter begins at 1am, and we follow the lives of different people from a taxi driver to a woman who works with film props. A lovely read and antidote to all the murder mysteries!

It is back to New Zealand authors for the last two books. Dice by Claire Baylis is also a novel that will stay with me for some time. A court room drama, told from the perspective of the jurors and their experiences and lives, this is a powerful work that deserves more recognition. I have only been on a jury once, and quite honestly, never want to again, and this book brought it all back.

There was also a spot of non-fiction in chef Ben Shewry’s memoirs, Uses for Obsession, which I have yet to completely finish. Shewry is a New Zealand chef who has mostly worked in Melbourne at the restaurant Attica. It’s a good read, and quite funny in parts, such as when he writes about critics.

So…the books rated

• Ann Cleeves A Death in the Death of Dorothea Cassidy 4 funfairs
• J.P. Pomane 17 Years Later 4 chefs
• Keigo Higashino Silent Parade 4 restaurants
• Catherine Chidgey The Book of Guilt 5 children
• Anja de Jager Death at the Orange Locks 4 bicycles
• Claire Baylis Dice really 5 jurors but there were too many memories of being on a jury reduced it to 4.5 🙂
• Atasuhiro Yoshida Goodnight Tokyo 5 taxis
• Ben Shewry Uses for Obsession 4 chefs

Entered in the what’s on your bookshelf challenge is hosted by fellow bloggers Deb, Sue, Donna and Jo. The idea is to share what you’re reading, what you’ve enjoyed lately and share – why they resonated with you, how they made you feel, who are your favourite authors and what you recommend.

Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer, good food and pretends to garden.

You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistlesandkiwis.