Books I Have Read in September 2025

 

Here in my part of the world the weather has turned rather chilly. Still, I have a day at home today so plan on snuggling down with a book this afternoon.

I have read some lovely books this month and even read my first Christmas book this year. I am sure there will be more to come over the next couple of months.

Have you read anything good this month? 

The Vanishing Act by Jo Jakeman

What happens when a body is found and named as you? I enjoyed every page of this super book and was sorry when it ended. You can find my full review by clicking here.

The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It's Broken by The Secret Barrister

Written by an anonymous barrister, this account of what can go wrong in our court system was fascinatingly scary. It was easy to read and I enjoyed it.

The Irish Midwife by Seana Tinley

I enjoyed this novel, which is set in Belfast, very much. You can find my full review by clicking here.

A Keeper by Graham Norton

I just didn't have a free slot in which to review this book but it was probably my favourite book of the month. A well-written, dual timeline novel set in Ireland. Excellent.

The Figurine by Victoria Hislop

I have read several of this author's titles and really enjoyed them. However, this one disappointed me.

A Taste of Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan

A lovely feel-good Christmas story which I really enjoyed. You can find my full review by clicking here.

The Sitter by Caroline McGhie

This was a wonderful literary book to read. Beautifully written. You can find my full review by clicking here.

The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths

This book is a refreshing new take on this genre of books - crime and science fiction mixed together. You can find my full review by clicking here.

Tiger's Last Roar by Harriet Howe

This is a moving story about losing a pet. The death of a pet is a difficult enough experience when you are an adult, but for children, it can be a sad and confusing time. If you would like to read my full review please click here.

Reading Roundup for April 2024

 

Another month has passed us by. April has gone and what a wet and rainy month it has been. 

I am still working hard at training my puppy, Roxie. She is almost five months old now and her training classes are going well. It is very much still a work in progress though, although she is learning to let me get on with my work a little better!  It has been unfortunate that I sprained my ankle badly and so haven't been able to take her out for walks during the day. She is still getting out though as my husband takes her before and after work but I was enjoying my springtime walks with her. Never mind, my ankle is healing now.

I have read some great books this month. Have you read anything that you would recommend?

Books I Have Read

From Crime to Crime by Richard Henriques - This was a really interesting non-fiction book which I borrowed from the libraray. The author was both QC and later Judge in some of the biggest court trials in Britain. 

Murder on the Dancefloor by Katie Marsh - This is the second book in the Bad Girls Detective Agency series and was very enjoyable. You can read my review by clicking here.

Wise Up! Wise Down! by John Agard and JonArno Lawson - A delightful collection of poems for middle grade children. You can read my review by clicking here.

Red Runs the Witch's Thread by Victoria Williamson - I read this for the blog tour. Set in Scotland during the late 17th/early18th century. You can read my review by clicking here.

Before the Swallows Came Back by Fiona Curnow - This is a gorgeous novel teeming with nature, wild life and a great plot. You can read my review by clicking here.

Whitechapel Autumn of Error by Ian Porter - Set in London's East End during the late 1880's when Jack the Ripper roamed the streets. This is a good addition to the genre. You can read my review by clicking here.

Looking for Lucie by Amanda Addison - This title for young adults is about using DNA testing to find out about ourselves. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and a Horse by Charlie Mackesy - I'm a bit late to the part on this one but enjoyed it once I finally got around to reading it.

Hard Times for the East End Library Girls by Jean Fullerton - This is the second book in the series and I enjoyed it very much. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher - I loved this one. You can read my review by clicking here.

Takeout Sushi by Christopher Green - A collection of short stories which are mostly set in modern Japan. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods - This was a delightful book with a dual timeline, a mystery and magical realism. It's probably my favourite book this month. You can read my review by clicking here.

Dangerous Times on Dressmakers' Alley by Rosie Clarke - This was a great book in the saga genre. You can read my review by clicking here.

Books I Did Not Finish

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon - This has been on my TBR for so long and when I finally got to it I couldn't get into it at all.

Books I am Partway Through

The Book-Lovers' Retreat by Heidi Swain

Does My Dog Love Me? by Graeme Hall

Sleepers and Ties by Gail Kirkpatrick

Widows on the Wine Path by Julia Jarman

(header photo courtesy of Florencia Veadana)

(all opinions are my own)