Mark Haddon: The Red House

Angela and her brother have spent twenty years avoiding each other. Now, after the death of their mother, they bring their families together for a holiday in a rented house on the Welsh border. Four adults and four children. Seven days of shared meals, log fires, card games and wet walks.

I looked forward to this book - having read The curious incident of the dog in the night-time. This story was more difficult to read though, especially as it was hard to see whose perspective you are reading... Still an interesting story.

Katherine Rundell: Rooftoppers

Everyone thinks that Sophie is an orphan. Found floating in a cello case and swaddled in a Beethoven score, she is the only recorded female survivor of a shipwreck on the English Channel. But Sophie remembers seeing her mother wave for help. Charles, a fellow survivor and an eccentric scholar, finds Sophie and brings her home to his London bachelor flat. Raised in a quirky home filled with music, words and love (though questionable diet), Sophie grows into a free-spirited tomboy with a taste for Shakespeare and the unshakeable belief that anything is possible. And you should never ignore a possible. So when the child welfare agency in its bureaucratic wisdom threatens to send Sophie to an orphanage, the optimistic girl and her odd guardian flee to Paris on a quest to find her mother, starting with the only clue she has - the address of the cello maker. Secured in an attic to evade the French authorities, Sophie escapes through the skylight and meets Matteo and his network of rooftoppers - homeless urchins who tightrope walk above the busy streets below, dining on pigeons and snails alongside the gargoyles and bell tower of Notre Dame. Together they set out on an unimaginable adventure, scouring the city for Sophie's mother before she is caught and sent back to London - and most importantly, before she loses hope.

Picked up from the library, as this was advertised as a modern classic in children's literature. I genuinely enjoyed the story, but would argue that this is a girl's adventure story. Of course, it might well be that some boys would enjoy this read as much as I did, but it is not quite what I would have expected for an adventure story.

Dan Brown: Inferno

Florence: Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon awakes in a hospital bed with no recollection of where he is or how he got there. Nor can he explain the origin of the macabre object that is found hidden in his belongings. A threat to his life will propel him and a young doctor, Sienna Brooks, into a breakneck chase across the city. Only Langdon's knowledge of the hidden passageways and ancient secrets that lie behind its historic facade can save them from the clutches of their unknown pursuers. With only a few lines from Dante's Inferno to guide them, they must decipher a sequence of codes buried deep within some of the Renaissance's most celebrated artworks to find the answers to a puzzle which may, or may not, help them save the world from a terrifying threat.

Reading about Florence and Venice is great. The links to Dante's Commedia dell'Arte are fantastic and interesting. The storyline is pacy, but at times a little far-fetched and confusing. The surprising turns are good, but there are too many agents and double-agents in this story for my taste. I still enjoyed the read, though.

Chris Kuzneski: Hunters 2 - The forbidden tomb

For over two thousand years, the legendary tomb of Alexander the Great - and the riches concealed within - has evaded discovery. Now, after centuries of searching, an ancient map has come to light that could hold the key to finding the fabled vault. Only one team has the skill and the expertise to solve the mystery once and for all. It's up to The Hunters to find the tomb. But on arriving in Alexandria, it quickly becomes clear that hostile forces are on their trail. And when one of the team is captured in cisterns deep below the city, what began as a treasure hunt becomes a deadly rescue mission. For there are some who will use any means possible to destroy The Hunters' efforts, and now there is more at stake than they ever could have imagined.

Although I prefer the Payne and Jones series, I genuinely enjoyed this Hunters book, too. With the Ulster archives becoming more prominent in this series I am waiting for Payne and Jones to join the Hunters at some point. Knowing that the anonymous benefactor is chasing several pieces of a puzzle, there is obviously scope for more books. The storyline is well thought through and thrilling with some surprising turns, especially where the historian is concerned.

Donna Leon: Brunetti 23 - By its cover

In "By its cover" Commissario Brunetti is better than ever as he addresses questions of worth and value alongside his ever-faithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra. When several valuable antiquarian books go missing from a prestigious library in the heart of Venice, Commissario Brunetti is immediately called to the scene. The staff suspect an American researcher has stolen them, but for Brunetti something doesn't quite add up. Taking on the case, the Commissario begins to seek information about some of the library's regulars, such as the ex-priest Franchini, a passionate reader of ancient Christian literature, and Contessa Morosini-Albani, the library's chief donor, and comes to the conclusion that the thief could not have acted alone. However, when Franchini is found murdered in his home, the case takes a more sinister turn and soon Brunetti finds himself submerged in the dark secrets of the black market of antiquarian books. Alongside his ever-faithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra, he delves into the pages of Franchini's past and into the mind of a book thief in order to uncover the terrible truth.

Another successful Brunetti!

Liane Moriarty: What Alice forgot

Alice has slipped in a step-aerobics class, hit her head and lost a decade. Now she's a grown-up, bossy mother of three in the middle of a nasty divorce and her beloved sister Elisabeth isn't speaking to her. This is her life but not as she knows it. Clearly Alice has made some terrible mistakes. Just how much can happen in a decade?

A feel-good story about how a little accident can change the worst things in your life. Alice is honestly trying to regain her memory, but then finds out that knowing what happened is perhaps not that brilliant, as she is aware of her mistakes leading to her marriage break-up.

Jane Fallon: Getting rid of Matthew

What to do if Matthew, your secret lover of the past four years, finally decides to leave his wife Sophie and their two daughters and move into your flat, just when you're thinking that you might not want him anymore. PLAN A: Stop shaving your armpits. And your bikini line. Tell him you have a moustache that you wax every six weeks Stop having sex with him. Pick holes in the way he dresses. Don't brush your teeth. Or your hair. Or pluck out the stray hag-whisker that grows out of your chin. Buy incontinence pads and leave them lying around. PLAN B: Accidentally on purpose bump into his wife Sophie. Give yourself a fake name and identity. Befriend Sophie. Actually begin to really like Sophie. Snog Matthew's son (who's the same age as you by the way. You're not a paedophile). Buy a cat and give it a fake name and identity. Befriend Matthew's children. Unsuccessfully. Watch your whole plan go absolutely horribly wrong.

This was a funny chick-lit story told from the perspective of a mistress who suddenly no longer wants the responsibility of a relationship, when her boyfriend suddenly leaves his wife and children. The characters are well described and it is easy to identify with all characters apart from Matthew who is a cheat and a liar, who never changes his ways. Having read "Sekeletons" I knew that I would enjoy this unusual perspective, too.

Donna Leon: Brunetti 5 - Acqua Alta

Jane Fallon: Skeletons

Jen has discovered a secret. It's not hers to share, but is it hers to keep? If she tells her husband Jason, he might get over the shock but will he forgive her for telling the truth? She might drive a wedge through their marriage. If she tells someone else in Jason's family - the family she's come to love more than her own - she'd not only tear them apart but could also find herself on the outside: she's never really been one of them, after all. But if she keeps this dirty little secret to herself, how long can she pretend nothing is wrong? How long can she live a lie? Jen knows the truth - but is she ready for the consequences?

This is a very interesting story about loyalty within a family and in-laws. Jen's feelings for her family and the members of her husband's family are well described and help identify with all characters. Ultimately, some parts are exaggerated, but overall a great read.

Jenny Downham: You against me

When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her, his world begins to fall apart. When Ellie's brother is charged with the offence, her world begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide. This is a brave and unflinching novel about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love.

Another young adult book that is demanding and challenging and links strong emotions.

Emily Barr: The perfect lie

For Lucy Riddick, Venice has always been the dream destination. A dream inspired by the pretty picture pinned to her mother’s kitchen wall. To Lucy, Venice seems the ideal place to lose herself. And now she needs to do just that. The secret she’s been keeping from her boyfriend and her friends has finally caught up with her and Lucy needs to disappear – and fast. There’s no better time to pack her bags and head for Italy. But what if, when she sets foot in Venice, Lucy finds that the one thing she has been running from, the one thing she has been trying to escape, is already there, lying in wait for her? Time to run away again? Or time to end the chase, once and for all?

This was a great read although in places it was a little slow and too predictable. The story around Lucy and her secrecy were perhaps far-fetched, but the characterisations made up for that.

Michael White: The Medici Secret

In the crypt of the Medici Chapel in Florence, palaeopathologist, Edie Granger, and her uncle, Carlin Mackenzie, are examining the mummified remains of one of the most powerful families in Renaissance Italy. The embalmers have done their work well in terms of outward appearance. But under the crisp skin, the organs have shrivelled to a fraction of their original size, which means it is difficult to gather a usable DNA sample. Edie and Mackenzie both have serious doubts about the true identity of at least two of the five-hundred-year-old bodies. And no one can explain the presence of an alien object discovered resting against Cosimo de Medici's spine. For Carlin Mackenzie, this is the most fascinating and the most dangerous discovery of his life. For Edie, it is the beginning of an obsessive, life-threatening quest.

Having just come back from a holiday in Tuscany, this was the best possible read. It was great to read about Florence and Venice and still having the great buildings in mind. I only didn't like the side-story about Jeff's daughter. I am looking forward to another Tuscany book some time soon.

Susanne Hanika: Und führe uns nicht in Versuchung

Lisa Wild hätte sich wirklich eine Menge Ärger sparen können, wäre sie nicht so unfassbar neugierig. Hätte sie nicht besser das verzweifelt vor sich hin klingelnde Handy ignoriert? Dann wäre sie nämlich nicht auf den toten Besitzer gestoßen, der wenige Zentimeter von seinem Telefon entfernt auf dem Waldboden liegt. Während Lisa Hals über Kopf den Tatort verlässt, stolpert sie über zwei unbestrumpfte Frauenbeine: die nächste Leiche...

Diese Geschichten rund um Lisa Wild sind nicht ganz so meine Sache, aber der bayrische Dialekt und das Dorfleben in Bayern sind unterhaltsam. Ich werde mir sicher keine Hanika-Bücher kaufen, aber sollte man mir welche borgen, dann lese ich sie schon...

Claudia Rossbacher: Steirerherz - Sandra Mohr 02

Abteilungsinspektorin Sandra Mohr und Chefinspektor Sascha Bergmann vom LKA in Graz werden in die Weststeiermark gerufen, um einen grausamen Mord aufzuklären. Die bildhübsche 19 jährige Studentin Valentina Trimmel wurde gepfählt und wie eine Vogelscheuche auf dem Kürbisacker ihres Vaters aufgestellt. Die Spuren führen zunächst nach Graz, wo der Freund des Opfers und dessen Vater, ein reicher Autohändler, ins Visier der Ermittler geraten. Sandra fürchtet, dass der Mörder ein weiteres Mal zuschlagen wird.

Eine unterhaltsame Krimigeschichte rund um Sandra Mohr. Ich habe zwar dieses Buch zu spät gelesen, und weiß schon wie sich so manche Beziehungen weiterentwickeln, aber dennoch gelungene Unterhaltung.

Susanne Hanika: Und bitte für uns Sünder

Ausgerechnet beim Kirchputz stößt die Journalistin Lisa Wild auf eine Kiste mit menschlichen Knochen. Gleich wird gemunkelt, es müssten die Gebeine des heiligen Ignaz sein, und schon bald planen der Gastwirt und der Metzger die Vermarktung der Reliquien. Bevor die Dorfbevölkerung auf dumme Gedanken kommt, nimmt Lisa den Fall lieber selbst in die Hand – zumal der Hauptkommissar, der dummerweise zugleich ihr Freund ist, die Sache nicht sonderlich ernst nimmt. Doch dann verschwindet auf einmal der alte Ernsdorfer, der ehemalige Bürgermeister, der eigentlich viel zu gebrechlich ist, um zu verschwinden, und wenig später erhält Lisa einen Drohbrief...

Obwohl ich Lisa als Figur nicht gut leiden konnte, war die Geschichte an sich recht nett. Der bayrische Dialekt und das Dorfleben in Bayern sind unterhaltsam geschrieben. Lisa war mir unsympathisch, weil sie sich selbst zu sehr bemitleidet. Ihre Großmutter "ah, geh" hingegen war umso sympathischer.

Gunter Haug: Hüttenzauber

Eigentlich wollte Kommissar Horst "Hotte" Meyer mit seiner besseren Hälfte Claudia nur ein verlängertes Wochenende in den Bergen verbringen. Als sie jedoch auf der Heidelberger Hütte in den Vorarlberger Alpen eintreffen, ist das Wetter zwar traumhaft, aber Ruhe finden die beiden keine: Eine Horde Mountainbike fahrender Yuppies sorgt für schlechte Stimmung und nächtlichen Lärm. Die Situation spitzt sich zu und Horst und Claudia merken bald, dass es zwischen ihren Miturlaubern nicht nur privat kriselt -- die gespannte Atmosphäre hat ihre Ursache auch in geschäftlichen Querelen. Und am nächsten Morgen treibt einer der Höhensportler ertrunken in einem Bergsee! Der österreichischen Polizei ist sofort klar, wer für die Tat verantwortlich ist. Horst Meyer dagegen misstraut dem Offensichtlichen: Mit Geduld und wachem Spürsinn versucht er, die verwickelte Geschichte zu entwirren und den wahren Mörder zu stellen.

Es dauerte lange bis ich mich durchringen konnte dieses Buch zu lesen. Aber eigentlich ist diese Geschichte ein wirklich unterhaltsamer Krimi an der Grenze zwischen Österreich und Deutschland, zwischen Tirol und Vorarlberg mit Ösis und Piefke bei Schweinsbraten und Tiroler Gröstl. Es ist zwar schon so, dass die österreichische Polizei als etwas dümmlich präsentiert wird, aber auch die deutschen Charakteren kommen nicht ungeschoren davon. Und es war auch nicht allzu sehr "schwäbisch", also recht gelungen. Nur das große Finale mit dem Showdown am Berg hätte besser ablaufen können...

Andreas Föhr: Karwoche

Autorennen am Achenpass: Mit 150 km/h rauschen Polizei­obermeister Kreuthner und sein Spezl Kilian Raubert den Pass Richtung Tegernsee hinab. Bei einem halsbrecherischen Überholmanöver fegt Kreuthner fast ein entgegenkommendes Auto von der Straße – am Steuer ausgerechnet sein Chef, Kommissar Wallner. Kreuthner versucht, die Wettfahrt als dienstliche Aktion zu tarnen, und führt spontan eine Straßenkontrolle durch. Dabei bietet sich den Polizisten ein schockierendes Bild: Im Laderaum von Rauberts Lkw kniet eine Tote, das Gesicht zu einer grotesken Fratze verzerrt...

Ein absolut gelungener Alpenkrimi. Der bayrische Dialekt und die typisch ländlichen Gesetze sind unterhaltsam und humorvoll geschrieben. Die Kriminalhandlung war gut durchdacht und geplant. Und die Charakteren rund um Wallner und Kreuthner waren realistisch. Das war sicher nicht mein letzter Föhr...

Robert Galbraith: The Cuckoo's Calling

When a troubled model falls to her death from a snow-covered Mayfair balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. However, her brother has his doubts, and calls in private investigator Cormoran Strike to look into the case. Strike is a war veteran - wounded both physically and psychologically - and his life is in disarray. The case gives him a financial lifeline, but it comes at a personal cost: the more he delves into the young model's complex world, the darker things get - and the closer he gets to terrible danger. A gripping, elegant mystery steeped in the atmosphere of London - from the hushed streets of Mayfair to the backstreet pubs of the East End to the bustle of Soho - The Cuckoo's Calling is a remarkable book. Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

This was a great read! The mystery story was well-developed, the characters were well-explored, but then what else could have been expected. It was a JK Rowling, after all! I loved Cormoran Strike, the old-fashioned type detective that we have all seen in crime films, one who is good at what he does, but who is troubled and by far not flawless. I look forward to the next Cormoran...

Saskia Sarginson: The Twins

Isolte and Viola are twins. Inseparable as children, they've grown into very different adults: Isolte, a successful features writer for a fashion magazine with a photographer boyfriend and a flat in London, and Viola, desperately unhappy and struggling with a lifelong eating disorder. What happened all those years ago to set the twins on such different paths to adulthood? As both women start to unravel the escalating tragedies of a half-remembered summer, terrifying secrets from the past come rushing back - and threaten to overwhelm their adult lives...

Although I found the changing perspectives slightly confusing at the beginning, I genuinely enjoyed the story and was keen to find out more about Issy and Viola. The stories around their mother Rose, their friends Michael and John and their little step-sister Polly were gripping and some twists weren't foreseeable either. The fact that the story is set in 1972 and 1987 makes for an interesting change, as modern technology hadn't got the hold it has nowadays. Some questions remain unanswered, but that makes the story more credible and less clichéd.

Claudia Rossbacher: Steirerkreuz - Sandra Mohr 04

Als Sandra Mohr und Sascha Bergmann ins Mürzer Oberland gerufen werden, erwartet sie ein seltsamer Leichenfund. Ein Mann und ein Hund wurden kopfüber an einem Baum aufgehängt. Ist der Tatort unweit des Pilgerweges nach Mariazell ein Hinweis auf einen religiös motivierten Ritualmord? Welche Rolle spielt die blinde Magdalena, um die sich im Dorf alles zu drehen scheint? Und was verbirgt Pater Vinzenz, der sich so rührend um sie kümmert? Die Spuren führen die LKA-Ermittler in die Vergangenheit.

Eine unterhaltsame Krimigeschichte rund um Sandra Mohr, obwohl einige der Charakterisierungen dieses Mal vielleicht etwas weit hergeholt sind. Oder gibt es tatsächlich noch Menschen, die an die Teufelsaustreibung und Exorzismus glauben? Sandras Privatleben ist ebenfalls ein wenig übertrieben, denn ein Julius würde seine Partnerin nicht so schnell abschieben, nur weil sie einen neuen Mordfall aufzuklären hat. Es scheint mir eher, dass die Autorin Sandra mit Sascha verkuppeln will. Gelungene Unterhaltung und ich lese auch den nächsten Fall von Mohr und Bergmann.