Five, Ilona Bannister

A fouth wall-breaking cracker of a thriller.

Five people, plus assorted witnesses, wait on a platform for a commuter train into London Victoria. In five minutes it’ll arrive and one of the five will die.

By the time the death occurs you will know all five of their stories, the gambler, the businessman, the old lady, the mother, her handful of a young son, and that should be enough to guess who the victim will be, but did you guess right? and even though only one dies, the lives of the remaining four (and the witnesses) will be forever changed in unexpected ways.

Little bit of housekeeping

 Just FYI folks this is a blog about books, any posts that aren't about books will be deleted. That's it. Have a wonderful day.

Guilty By Definition, Susie Dent

Back in 2010 Oxford PhD student Charlie Thornhill vanished without a trace, dealing a death blow to her family. Over a decade later her younger sister, Martha, newly returned from Berlin and now the new editor of the Clarendon English Dictionary receives an anonymous letter as do her staff and people who knew Charlie well. The letter writer calling themselves ‘Chorus’ hints at foul play, mysterious discoveries and ‘a labyrinth of monsters’ and Martha and her team are drawn into his (or her) web. 

Dent’s first novel (she has written many non fiction books) is a lexicographical whodunnit with a surprising amount of heart that has you solving clues alongside the team at CED.

Clown Town, Mick Herron

 Even though he’s dead, retired spy David Cartwright’s influence continues to plague MI5. His library- donated to the spooks college in Oxford - is down one book. River, his nephew still on medical leave after his brush with Novichok is determined to track it down. 

In Slough House Louisa’s being courted by an old pal of Emma Flyte. Shirley and Lech are trying not to kill each other and Roddy Ho has a new tattoo. Lamb is certain that Taverner has hatched an off the books scheme involving one (or all) of his circus of joes and a long buried operation known as Pitchfork which was not the services’ finest hour. 

If any slow horses don’t make it back to the stable Lamb is going to make sure Taverner pays for it.

Royal Gambit, Daniel O'Malley

If Torchwood, Monty Python and Doctor Who had a love child it would be this series. 

The long awaited (by me anyway) fourth book in the Checquy saga starts with a royal assassination which puts Pawn Alix Mondegreen in a bit of a pickle. Alix grew up around the monarchy, her supernatural ability both a cash cow for her venal parents and a boon for the Checquy Alix is foisted onto heir to the throne and former school friend Princess Louise as a lady in waiting to protect her whilst simultaneously working the investigation to track down Louise's brothers killer. Her loyalties will be tested to destruction and her social media profile makes her instantly recognizable- not the best asset for a century’s old secret organization.

If you only watched the TV series it honestly didn't do book one justice. Revisit 'The Rook' which segues straight into 'Stiletto'. 'Blitz' is a WWII/Present Day mashup but read it before Royal Gambit because some characters from Blitz are referenced or appear in the new book. 

Amazon=Goliath (2025 Edition)

 This still holds true (it's a post from 2014) Skip Prime Day and order from the closest indie bookstore to you - their E-commerce has come on a long way in just over a decade. You can even order from Blackwells in the U.K. They have reasonable prices and the shipping is pretty affordable too.

OK this is a weird title and normally I read the op eds and maybe comment on the side of the indies. This however is a whole different ball game. Hard ball. For those of you who are fans of Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series you will know who Goliath are and feel free to skip to the next paragraph. Goliath (in Fforde's books) is the global behemoth that has taken over the UK, they control everything they run a puppet government, they make TV shows, (in the books they aren't above killing people but hey that's fiction for you) When I think of Amazon, Goliath comes to mind so Fforde was going for a global monopoly a Walmart, or an Amazon or some other tech giant that wants to take over the world! (pause for maniacal laugh)

And we're back with everyone else. I speak as a recovering addict, twenty odd years ago I used Amazon for everything and then we moved to the US and I started working in a bookstore and writing a novel and everything changed. First I had access to the trades, the blogs and newsletters that booksellers and librarians use and I didn't like what I was seeing. Also Amazon moved from being just a supplier to a publisher (Create space) self publishing was exploding and they wanted some of that action. They also publish books under the Thomas and Mercer imprint. And the fact that they don't pay sales tax and bricks and mortar stores do, that turned the tide for me. The thing that made me kick my Amazon habit completely was an article. Amazon uses books as 'loss leaders' it makes no profit whatsoever on books, it actually loses money. It makes money on all the other things you can buy on that site. Then came the e reader, where you 'rent' books from Amazon, yes I did say rent and that is because even though you have purchased the title if Amazon chooses to, they can take it off your e reader without your permission. Don't believe me? hop onto Google and search 'Amazon 1984 kindle' (yes the George Orwell title, pause for irony) oh and while you're there look up the definition of a 'monopsony' because that is what is happening in the publishing world right now. Amazon is now so powerful that it thinks it can dictate terms to publishers to drive down the price of books even more. If Hachette falls, then Penguin Random, and S&S etc aren't going to be far behind. In the short term consumers get cheap books but what happens when there is no competition left? Think about that for a minute. Amazon breakfast cereal, Amazon pants, Amazon furniture, Amazon smart phones (I'm extrapolating from where we are now.)

Now the cynics among you will be saying, 'she's jealous of the competition' nothing could be further from the truth. My passion is books, bookselling is in my DNA, it took me a long time to realize that I am a born book seller. I read voraciously, I get behind authors you've never heard of because I love what they write, their inventiveness. Authors are like rock stars to me, and I get to interact with book lovers like myself every time I go to work ( which has changed to every time I go into the bookstore to drop off an arc or buy books or put my recommend cards in new releases.) Our dining room table is (still) covered in books. Do you know how long it takes to write a book? For some it can take years, each book, each writer is unique in their style of writing, in their plots, in the times and places they write. Their ideas can inspire new authors, change lives, there is no way to put words in a blender and come up with a book, one size is never going to fit all. I ended up writing seven - so far.

Just one last question before I pack up my soap box. Today, how many of you have commented on 'Goodreads', shopped on 'Zappos' bought second hand books from 'Abebooks', used 'IMDb' to look up a movie or tv show, purchased audiobooks from 'Audible.com' used 'Zyna', 'Netflix' ('LoveFilm' in the UK) 'Foursquare' or 'Dropbox'? In our 2025 edition lets add AWS. Then you have wittingly or unwittingly had an Amazon experience today. Do we really want a world where everything comes from or goes through Amazon? Bez-topia? Bor-ing!

Please note that this article has been researched and written by me, my opinions may not match yours but isn't that what debate is all about?

Stone & Sky, Ben Aaronovitch

The Aaronoverse expands yet again as the Isaacs go on a busman’s holiday - to Aberdeen.

An old friend of Dr. Whalid asks his advice on a big cat sighting and before you can say werelight he’s got a house full. DS Peter Grant concentrates on murder most drunken Scottish, Abigail and Indigo are hunting a huntress - with local assistance. River goddess Bev wrangles the twins and probes the locals myths of merfolk and selkies  all under the watchful gaze of Nightingale. Expect the usual combination of ‘weird bollocks’, laughs, thrills and spills as ancient north sea alliances clash with foreign wizards and hi-tech oily-garchy with the 'polis' and the Isaacs caught in the middle.

How to Survive A Horror Story, Mallory Arnold

Horror legend Mortimer Queen has passed away and left a rather unusual bequest. To get their share of his loot; seven writers are invited to his ancestral home for a weekend of fine food, good conversation and the reading of Queen's will. Queen may be dead, but his thirst for revenge - and his house - are still very much alive.

Will anyone survive this particular horror story?

We Live Here Now, Sarah Pinborough

If you thought ‘Behind Her Eyes’ was bonkers, let me introduce you to Emily and Freddie. Six months ago, Emily suffered a fall that put her into a coma. Her recovery has been both miraculous and slooow and now she and a guilt-ridden Freddie have left London for the wilds of Devon. Their marriage was shaky before Emily lost more than just her footing, but can it survive the gothic secrets of Larkin Lodge?

Side note, Behind Her Eyes contained such a killer twist (and if you haven't read it go get it) that I didn't think Sarah could top it. In 'We Live Here Now' the twist bar has been raised and you will not see it coming until it smacks you right between the eyes. When it hits, feel free to gasp, I know I did.

Language of the Birds, K.A. Merson

Arizona and her mom and Mojo the dog are scattering Arizona's dads ashes in Bodie State Park, when her mom vanishes, kidnapped by the same people who say they killed her father. Now Arizona must decrypt a series of ciphers that will lead a bunch of 'believers' to an alchemical secret so powerful it was hidden for the good of mankind, encoded in the legacy of a long dead president. Can Arizona get over her people allergy, outwit the kidnappers and save her mom?

Part national treasure style hunt, part coming of age story with so many kinds of ciphers thrown in that it may rekindle your interest in cryptography.

The Tennant, Freida McFadden

Blake Porter is in over his head he just doesn’t know it yet and the answer to his sudden money troubles is renting out a room in his and fiancée’ Krista's NY brownstone to Whitney Cross.

Yes, that Whitney Cross, the one who, oh you'll find out soon enough and so will Blake. Poor, poor, Blake...

A Drop of Corruption, Robert Jackson Bennett

Fantasy blends with Sherlockian intrigue in the second of the Ana and Din mysteries. The pair are dispatched to the far flung Canton of Yarrow to investigate the abduction and subsequent murder of a treasury officer.

What began as an impossible crime -solved quickly by Ana - morphs into a battle of wits between Din, Ana and an opponent whose enhancements have rendered them quite brilliant; not to mention functionally insane. With the fate of Yarrow at stake, Din begins to worry that Ana has finally met her match.

Library Game Gigi Pandian

Team Secret Staircase are working on a bequest; The Harold Gray Library will be a treasure trove of classic mysteries for the public to enjoy but there are complications. Someone is sabotaging the project, a nosy neighbour has started a petition against the building ever opening, Ivy has fallen for Cameron, the newphew of the deceased and Tempest Raj? The former stage magician is having mixed feelings about the imminent departure of Gideon, who is headed to France for a stonemason's internship - this project will be his last - for now.

On the eve of Hidden Creek's Summer Stroll a rehearsal for the mystery play written by Tempest and Ivy is derailed by a murder but then the body doesn't seem to want to stay put. Tempest finally convinces Detective Blackburn to investigate, landing Sanjay (The Hindi Houdini) in the role of main suspect. Could Tempest's close friendship with Sanjay be clouding her judgment or is there a most ghostly explanation.

This is book 4 in the series (Christmas Caper is a Novella so I'm not counting it here.) If you are new to this series start with Under Lock and Skeleton Key.

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage, Asia Mackay

Haze and Fox are the perfect couple, think Mr. and Mrs. Smith just killing really bad men. Until Haze falls pregnant with Bibi and they get into a suburban rut of play dates and the straight jacket of nine to five.

A series of mistakes by Haze and Fox’s soulless parents trying to steal Bibi away could bring everything crashing down. Can their marriage survive without them killing each other?

The Collaborators, Michael Idov

A geopolitical thriller with a sly sense of humour and a touch of Slow Horses to it. Ari Falk is too young for burnout but the failed exfil of an anti-Kremlin blogger could be the last straw and anyone close to the CIA op is being systematically wiped out. 

Maya Obrendt’s financier father just drowned himself in the Med. Seeking answers the former actress gets entangled - with Falk. The combo of civilian and spy threatens to expose a U.S cabal that would rather stay hidden. It’s a wild ride you’ll root for Ari and Maya but I want an Operation Flea Collar book next!

Deadly Animals, Marie Tierney

Ava Bonney is a grittier version of Flavia De Luce. It’s the 1980s and fourteen year old Ava’s obsession with animal anatomy causes her to stumble across the body of a classmate.

Kids are going missing in her north England village and Ava is determined to investigate alongside the local police, even if it means phoning in tips and preserving evidence. Ava is convinced that a killer has been hiding in the village for years - a wolf in sheep’s clothing you might say.

The Last One at the Wedding, Jason Rekulak

It’s the wedding of the year and Frank Szatowski’s going to be walking his estranged daughter Maggie down the aisle in a lavish three day shindig as she weds the son of a tech billionaire. Frank, his sister Tammy and her foster child Abigail travel to New Hampshire where Osprey Cove - Maggie’s world - awaits.

But something feels off to Frank, alien, twisted. He’s worried for his daughter and he has good reason to be.

What Time The Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust, Alan Bradley

The daughter of Buckshaw returns to defend Mrs Mullet whom Inspector Hewitt believes poisoned - albeit accidentally- a local man.

Flavia, ignoring orders not to investigate uncovers means motive and opportunity - unfortunately all point to her housekeeper. With Dogger at her side and Undine hanging off her leg Flavia sets after who she believes to be the real culprit, Asterion. 

We Solve Murders, Richard Osman

If you google ‘who is Francois Loubert’ the results will range from ‘international money smuggler’ to ‘scary killer who uses ChatGPT in emails’ Loubert is using influencers as mules and then having them killed. He/she is also trying to pin these murders on Amy Wheeler, whose current assignment is bodyguard to a famous novelist who used a Russian mobster as a character in her latest book and didn’t bother disguising him. After an attempt on her life. Amy, with colourful client in tow ropes in her widower father-in-law Steve. He’s a retired copper who has buried himself in the tiny hamlet of Axley, deep in the New Forrest.

The world is about to come knocking and it’s armed and dangerous and full of private jets and Van Halen fans.

If you loved the Thursday Murder Club’s quartet you’re going to fall for Amy and Steve, hard.

The Wrong Hands: The Next Detective Miller Novel, Mark Billingham

DS Declan Miller returns, still partnered with Xiu, unorthodox as ever, his foxtrot could use some work and five months on Dec’s no closer to solving his wife Alex’s murder although Alex’s ghost still pops in for a chat in the evenings.

But life goes on and at Blackpool station an undercover police operation is derailed when the target’s briefcase is stolen from the gents loos. It does result in crime boss Wayne Cutler receiving a concussion so, that's a plus.

Miller is enjoying the fallout from ‘Toiletgate’ when Alex’s daughter Finn asks him for a favour, involving some stolen goods which turn out to be rather er perishable.

If you missed the first Miller novel The Last Dance go and grab it in paperback.