Review: Lisey's Story by Stephen King

When I unwrapped Stephen King's Lisey's Story at Christmas, I couldn't wait to get started on the 560 page novel. Believe it or not, after 100 pages I was ready to put it back on the shelf. The beginning was dull and boring and the writing style was completely different to any other King book I've read. In addition to that, the main character's use of the word 'smucking' instead of 'fucking' was driving me crazy!

The only reason I persevered was because it was Stephen King, and in the end I wasn't disappointed. A crime plot eventually emerged which was mildly interesting, however when the 'supernatual theme' surfaced I was hooked, and stayed up until 3.00am in the morning ploughing through the pages.

The beginning and ending are slow, but the body of the novel is an absolutely thrilling read!

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

Comet McNaught

Over a couple of nights this week, I had the pleasure of watching the brightest comet in 40 years. I must say, watching the comet (known as McNaught) certainly reminds you how small we are in the universe. It was an absolute privilege.

That's my four bucks!

Review: The 5th Horseman by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Reading a book by James Patterson is always a pleasure because it is so quick and easy to read. The 5th Horseman is another crime fiction novel in the Women's Murder Club series, and although I prefer the Alex Cross series, this book was ok. The last few James Patterson books have been co-authored, and this one was co-authored by Maxine Paetro.

The best Patterson co-author book I've read so far would have to be The Jester, co-written with Andrew Goss. The Jester was set in medieval times, (instant plus) but Goss seemed to add so much to Patterson's easy writing style to make for a spectacular plot.

It was disappointing that Paetro didn't seem to add anything to this plot, except perhaps for the 'girlie' influence which drove me nuts. I don't know any girl that refers to her friend as 'butterfly' or who goes for a run after 30 hours without sleep and then has a pizza.

I'm committed to reading every Patterson, but if you aren't already a fan, this book won't convert you.

My rating = **

Carpe Librum!

Review: Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris

Hannibal Rising was high on my Christmas wish list simply because it's the story of Hannibal's life as a child, and the circumstances that shape his development. We know him as the popular Hannibal Lecter of The Silence Of The Lambs fame, however his experiences as a child during the Second World War growing up in Lecter Castle, are very different from medical school later in life.

Perhaps not as thrilling as I was hoping, there are several pieces of writing that have stayed with me long after finishing the book, which is a rarity for me. I will leave the 'scary bits' for you to discover on your own... however one funny line I will share: 

"Are you looking for sympathy? You'll find it in the dictionary between shit and syphilis."

Thomas Harris certainly has a way with words, and a macabre flair for plot.

I enjoyed this book.

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!

New Format for New Year

I've changed the look of my blog for the New Year, so hope you like it!!!


Another book review coming very soon.


Happy New Year!!


That's my four bucks!