We Chase Shadows

We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman is the second book in the We Solve Murders series. This is another amusing crime novel following the adventures of Steve, a retired policeman, Amy his daughter-in-law who has worked as a security guard and Rosie, an author of crime novels, who have set up an agency to solve murders. This book covers their first official case.

In Italy, when a security guard is murdered, a threatening note is found in his pocket. Steve, Amy and Rosie are employed to discover who committed the murder and the intention of the note. When investigating they discover a world for selling cosmetic products, vitamins and 'health' products to customers online. Six people set up the scheme and one by one they are being murdered. 

The investigation takes Steve, Amy and Rosie to locations around the world including Spain, Palm Springs and Italy as well the village where Steve lives in England. During the investigation they discover that they are following shadows as suspects appear to have multiple back stories and may not be who they say they are.

We Chase Shadows is another entertaining crime book by Richard Osman.

The Forever War: America's unending conflict with itself

This book is largely a study of the extent of extremism and division in the United States of America and how it affects politics and daily living in that country. It is also a study showing that this situation is not new. In fact conflict has been rife in the USA for the past 250 years and the situation, unfortunately, is unlikely to change. In The Forever War: America's unending conflict with itself Nick Brant has written a history of issues which have always affected and divided American politics in the past and will probably continue to do so in the future.

The Forever War begins with a brief account of the events of 6 January 2020 when Donald Trump tried to over-rule the results of the election. Joe Biden was now the President and Trump had returned to Florida but would politics be the same again? 

Nick Bryant dispels myths that the confusion and mayhem occurring around Donald Trump and his followers was a new development. In this book he outlines the many events that have occurred in America involving assassinations and attempted assassinations, American gun laws, treatment and marginalization of people of colour and immigrants, slavery, women's rights particularly the right to abortion, the power of the Supreme Court, presidential electoral system, to name a few. 

The author examines the original documents on which American law is based and demonstrates weaknesses in the original documents which are interpreted in a different way from what was intended by those who wrote them. America has changed dramatically in 250 years and the founding fathers could never have foreseen how the original documents have been interpreted over time and certainly not in this century.

History and politics are intertwined and perhaps the world would benefit if more people examined past events in order to avoid continuing making the same mistakes. This particularly applies to the United States of America but also to the world in general. 

Nick Bryant is a British journalist who worked in the USA for many years but has now relocated with his family to Australia. In the final chapter of the book he describes this change in his career and the decision to now watch American politics from afar.

The Sunne in Splendour

The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Penman is a work of historical fiction based on the life of Richard III (1452 to 1485), the last Plantagenet King who reigned from June 1483 to 22 August 1485. The author has written a detailed family saga about Richard and his extended family plus the almost continual unrest among those who were competing to take the throne. Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field by a cousin, Henry Tudor who became Henry VII.

The copy of the novel that I own has more than 1,200 pages. I bought the book many years ago and started reading it when I attended cricket championships. I knew the story of Richard from reading British medieval history so this was a book that I could leave for months at a time and pick up again and continue reading. This week I decided it was time to finish reading the book.

As with much medieval history it is not always possible to locate reliable information and resources about life at the time especially as Richard's rivals spread propaganda about him before and after his death. After the Tudor victory it was in the interests of their subjects to recreate the story of Richard III in order to cement the hold of the Tudor family as rightful rulers. When William Shakespeare wrote his play Richard III he based his work on the propaganda stories about Richard and his reign. For many, these stories were considered to be true history. Recent studies of the life and times of Richard III have largely produced a different perception of his life than that provided by the Tudors. 

In this work of historical fiction Sharon Penman has tried to construct the story around more recent research suggesting that Richard, in the two years of his reign, was basically a decent king living and ruling in difficult times. She presents a story of what his life and the life of his family may have been like living in extremely difficult times.

Thus ended the War of the Roses. 

Richard III of England - Wikipedia  

The Mercian Chronicles: King Offa and the birth of the Anglo Saxon State AD 630-918

Max Adams, an archaeologist and historian, has written a detailed study of medieval history based on the limited files of information available about almost 300 years of the history of Mercia, a kingdom in England. Archaeological items, including remains of buildings, coins and items discovered in digs, contribute information in the telling of the story of this period of British history.

The period of British history after the Romans left the country is often referred to as The Dark Ages, not because nothing happened during this period of time but because little remains of documents and records that once existed. But some documents from the period or accounts written later do remain and the author in this book, The Mercian Chronicles, endeavours to make available the information that has been discovered which he then analyses to endeavour to discover what may be the true story. 

Some chapters largely provide a record of the limited information available while other chapters take the reader through the story of life at that time. During this period England consisted of a number of separate kingdoms, Mercia being a powerful one. In the book we learn of the relationship of Mercia with some of its neighbours and also with leaders across the English Channel. The relationship between leaders of the church and rulers of the kingdom are also explored. There is also the threat of the Viking invasion that is about to arrive in Britain and France.

Especially towards the end of the book there is information about the growing importance of Wessex and its rulers such as Alfred the Great and his family and the move towards the eventual establishment of one England in the future. There was also interaction with Charlemagne, the leader of the Franks as well as being Holy Roman Emperor. This all goes to show that parts of England were not as isolated from Europe as some believe and that there were definitely trade relations with other countries as well as general concern about the possible Viking threat.

Throughout the book there are a series of chronologies listing significant dates and events plus a list of main source materials. A series of photos and maps occur throughout the text. A detailed bibliography and index can be found at the back of the book. 

The Mercian Chronicles by  Max Adams is a must read book for those interested in this period of British history. He is also the author of Alfred's Britain: war and peace in the Viking Age. 

The Stationery Shop of Tehran

The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali is the story of the love between two young people who first met in a stationery shop in Tehran. Roya and Bahman meet in the shop on Tuesday afternoons and discuss poetry and the political unrest occurring around them in 1953. Bahman was involved in a political group supporting the elected prime minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh, who was eventually defeated in a coup staged by supporters of the Shah in August. The coup had the support of Britain and America who had interests in Iran's oil supplies.

Political unrest is not the only challenge encountered by Roya and Bahman in forming a relationship. Bahman's mother wanted her son to marry a woman from a family of high social status and did all she could to block her son's relationship with Roya. When Roya receives a letter from Bahman breaking  off their relationship she is devastated. Several months later she learns that he is married.

When Roya and her sister, Zari, move to the USA to study, Roya meets Walter who she marries. But she never forgets Bahman. In 2013 Roya learns that Bahman is in a nursing home in a nearby suburb and she is determined to discover why Bahman really left her.

Set against a background of Iranian politics, Marjan Kamali has written a novel about love and loss and the need to discover the real truth of how and why events occur.

The Lion Women of Tehran is another book by Marjan Kamali. 

Shellybanks

Kate Delaney is on holiday in Europe with Liam when she receives a message from her Aunt Dolores stating that her partner, Kevin, had died. Kate and Liam immediately travel to Dublin to help her aunt. One day, when with other family members, they go for a walk along Shellybanks beach to the Poolbeg Lighthouse, the walk revives memories of the past for Delores and she decides it is time to reveal her story to her niece.

Dolores reveals the horrific mistreatment that she and other girls received when they attended a supposed cookery school run by a group within the Catholic Church. She also reveals that she had a baby which was stolen from her and given to another family. That baby would now be thirty-five and Dolores wants to meet her.

Dolores and Kate take the story to the garda and an historical case investigation is undertaken. Kate, who is a journalist, also assists in part of the investigation. Obstacles presented by people involved in past events continually obstruct the revealing of the truth but, as more women tell their story, the mistreatment of young girls by organisations associated with the church is revealed. Just as she has lost all hope, eventually Dolores meets her daughter.

Many books have been written about past actions and power of the Catholic Church, particularly in Ireland but also in other countries, and Shellybanks by Louise Milligan can be added to the collection. Shellybanks is a novel about young women working for no pay and being treated as slaves. It deals with continued abuse by those in positions of power as well as forced adoption of babies. The crimes in the book are revealed but it is unlikely justice will occur. These events are hopefully now in the past but it is important that people are aware of these past actions of some church authorities which are part of Ireland's history.

Shellybanks in Dervla McTiernan's Book Club that isn't a Book Club for July 2026.

Ireland: when the Church is the state - Catholics for Choice 

Shellybanks Beach - Trip Advisor 

The Great South Wall Walk - Wild Irish Walks

Cold River

We first met Senior Constable Sally White, a police officer at Edenville, a small town in the Victorian High Country, in the novel, The Creeper, by Margaret Hickey. She had recently returned to work when the police were alerted that a young hiker was missing. Search parties were immediately arranged with little success. 

Then one morning Sally finds a woman waiting for her to open the police station. She is there with enquiries about her daughter, Astrid, who had disappeared when skiing in the mountains two years earlier. Were the police still looking for her daughter? Sally adds this cold case to her list of investigations. Could they be connected.

In Cold River, Margaret Hickey provides the reader with another fast paced tension driven crime novel with a range of dubious characters living in a sometimes dangerous environment. As Sally tries to find what happened to the missing people she uncovers a secret in part of the local community where money is made from chop chop, the illegal growing and selling of tobacco with links to crime gangs. Sally also discovers information that will impact not only the local community but also the police force. She has two choices - to keep the secret or release the information to authorities. The impact of the decision is left to the imagination of the reader.

For readers living in Victoria the setting for the book will bring back memories of the police search  for fugitive, Dezi Freeman, last year. 

Villa Coco

Set in Italy, Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer is the story of a young American who recently completed a course in archives and records management and takes on the job of recording a collection of objects and papers kept in a villa. At least that is what he thinks his project is. Instead he finds himself assisting a ninety-two year old lady in a variety of tasks in her house and garden. She also tells him to learn Italian.

During the novel the reader meets an array of family members and friends of the Baronessa and gradually learns stories about her life and the reasons for her sometimes bizarre decisions made from time to time.  The young man becomes the assistant to the Baonessa in a villa in need of repair and encounters a parade of often eccentric characters. He is eventually allowed to start working on the task he is employed to undertake but this work is continually interrupted with the need to work in the garden, help with the olive harvest and assist a neighbour make wine.

The story builds slowly and is revealed through descriptions of the house and the neighbouring environment as well as the observations of the Baronessa and her relationships, past and present. The young man learns that his employer has a mission she is determined to accomplish and he will learn of his proposed involvement all in good time. Meanwhile the young man begins to learn more about himself and to evaluate the path that his life may take.

Villa Coco is a novel to just relax and enjoy reading, allowing the story to reveal itself at its own pace. It is a story of love and compassion often told with a quiet humour as the Baronessa is determined to complete her planned task.

Murder at Thornwood Park

Set in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, historian, Rose McHugh, receives information that the museum that she manages has been provided access to historical records relating to Thornwood Park after the death of the estate's owner. Reading through some of the documents retrieved from the house, Rose discovers information suggesting the possible disappearance of young women who visited the house in the early 1940s. 

Rose and her friends, including Jazzy and George plus her sister Kim, endeavour to uncover what really happened at the property. As a historian she is particularly interested in the history of the hall and the family that lived there, especially in the early years of the Second World War when members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force training centre were housed in the district. The tension builds when  it is obvious that someone is determined to stop Rose and her friends investigating Thornwood Park's past.

Murder at Thornwood Park by Joan Sauers is the third crime novel featuring the investigations of Rose McHugh. The first two titles in the series are Echo Lake and Whisky Valley.

Henry Goes Bush

Henry Goes Bush by Wayne Marshall is a mad romp into the unknown, into unpredictable alternative worlds which look the same - almost. The novel is initially based on events that occurred in the life of Australian author and poet, Henry Lawson, in 1892 when he was sent to the outback city of Bourke by his editor to explore the outback and more importantly learn to control his alcohol intake. Then the author's imagination takes over inventing an almost wild west series of events that begin when Henry decides to explore a mysterious tunnel hidden in a back yard.

Like Alice in Alice in Wonderland Henry slides down the tunnel to discover that he has arrived not only in another version of Bourke but also another version of the people who live in the real world. He soon discovers that whenever there is an earthquake the entrance to the tunnel moves so consequently, during the novel, he encounters many aspects of the town and its people.

Henry Lawson was an alcoholic and the experiences in the book may reference Henry's mental state at the time. Who knows. Meanwhile the reader needs to just suspend belief and enjoy the adventure.

More about the real Henry Lawson:

Henry Lawson - Australian Dictionary of Biography

Henry Lawson: poet of the people -  State Library of New South Wales

Portrait of Australian poet Henry Lawson - National Archives of Australia 

About Henry Lawson - Henry Lawson Festival 

About Henry Lawson - Henry Lawson Society  

Henry Lawson - This is Australia

The Poet of Australia - National Library of Australia 

Book Reviews

Henry Goes Bush - Readings 

Henry Goes Bush - ANZ LitLovers 

Excerpt from Henry Lawson: a stranger on the Darling by Robyn Lee Burrows  

Land

Although primarily set in Ireland in the mid 1860s, Land by Maggie O'Farrell is in many ways timeless. The novel is primarily the story of a family in Ireland beginning in 1865. Tomás works as a surveyor for the British who occupy the country and want maps of the country updated with latest information. He takes his ten-year-old son, Liam, with him to assist in the project. Then, on the peninsula, Tomás enters a small copse and is never the same again. When Tomás and Liam return home the decision is finally made by Tomás that he will move the family to the peninsula to live. 

As well as telling the story of Tomás and his family over the following years, the novel takes the reader back to the time of The Great Hunger (1845-1852) when food was scarce in Ireland and it is estimated that more than one million people in Ireland died and approximately the same number emigrated to Australia, Canada or the USA. 

The family eventually accepts their life in the country but the children are aware of a supernatural presence in the area, especially near the copse. The author introduces another story that took place perhaps one thousand years earlier when Brith also encountered the mysterious copse and the events that take place continue their presence when Tomás moves his family to the region. The land is definitely a special place. Six members of the family move to the peninsula but by the end of the novel the family had dispersed with one person remaining. 

In Land Maggie O'Farrell combines a look at events in Irish history in the second half of the nineteenth century with a study of a family struggling to survive in harsh times. The novel is about the effects of loss, separation, reunion, colonization and tragedy. But throughout the novel the land is the focal point throughout its history, keeping its secrets intact. No matter what happens the land will remain.

Additional Information: 

Learn about the Great Hunger - Ireland's Great Hunger Museum

The Great Hunger - The Irish Memorial

The Great Famine -  UK Parliament

Irish Potato Famine - The History Place 

Some Reviews:

Maggie O'Farrell's Land - Oxford Review of Books

Land - Harvard Review Online 

Maggie O'Farrell flattens 19th century Ireland  into a theme-pub cliche in her new novel - The Conversation 

Land by Maggie O'Farrell review - The Guardian 

Domination: the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity

In Domination: the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity, Alice Roberts investigates changes in religious  beliefs during the Roman Empire, especially during the final two hundred years, and the possible causes for those changes. She examines how a small sect formed from within the Jewish religion grew to a major enterprise not only promoting religious beliefs but also influencing economic conditions and the power basis within ruling structures in many countries.

The book begins with a discussion about the early days of Christian beliefs which travelled between countries that traded with each other, in this case parts of Wales and southern England (especially Cornwall) with Brittany and parts of France once known as Gaul. Using results of archaeological digs and referring to some of the few written accounts that have survived from or about that time period, the author examines the spread of Christian beliefs in these regions before continuing the investigation in other regions of the Roman Empire.

Main topics include The End of the Empire, The Heart of the Empire and the Business of the Empire and how these aspects merged together to form a powerful and prominent force affecting the rule and decision making of most European countries.

A select bibliography and index is provided in this thought provoking book about how the Christian religion has influenced past history and, in many countries, is still doing so today.

The Lion Women of Tehran

The Lion Women of Tehran, written by Marjan Kamali, was published in 2024. The events occurring in that country in 2026 make the novel even more relevant. 

The novel begins in December 1981 with Ellie living and working in New York when she receives a letter from Homa who still lives in Tehran. Homa wants Ellie to phone her urgently. Ellie has not seen or heard from Homa for many years and reading Homa's letter causes Ellie to review her past life.

Part one of the novel is set in Tehran from 1950 to July 1953. Initially seven year old Ellie lived in a large house in a wealthy section of Tehran with her her parents. But her life changed when her father died and her uncle moved Ellie and her mother to a small house in a poorer part of the city. The upside of the move was that Ellie was now allowed to go to school where she met Homa who became her best friend. The two girls enjoyed school and vied for being selected top of their grade. Ellie also enjoyed visiting Homa's home after school where she was accepted as part of the family. 

However Ellie's mother is not impressed with her daughter associating with someone from the poorer quarter of town, even though they are no longer well off themselves. Then in mid 1953, Ellie's life changed again when her mother married her uncle and they moved back to a more exclusive location in Tehran providing Ellie with the opportunity to go to a better quality school and make new friends who do not live in the poorer section of Tehran. Ellie reluctantly said goodbye to Homa and Homa's family and the place where she felt at home.

Part two begins in late summer 1960 and continues to November 1963. Ellie has settled into her new school and made new friends, especially Niloo and Sousan. She has also met Mehrdad, a student at the local boys' high school. Then Homa appears in her classroom as a new student. It is not long before Ellie and Homa re-establish their former relationship. The girls must study hard to win a place at university as Homa wants to be a lawyer and then possibly a judge while Ellie plans to study English. Mehrdad wants to study science.

The politics of the country have changed. When the Shah took over power from the elected prime minister Homa's father was imprisoned for being a communist - a possible threat to the new regime. Meanwhile Ellie's mother enjoys once again experiencing her previous life. Women continue to have access to education and have relative freedom in their country however if they leave their husband they lose all access to their children. Men still have legal power over women. Homa joins the communist party but Ellie refuses to join her. 

At a party to celebrate Niloo's engagement Sousa's husband, a colonel in the army, seeks out Ellie and asks her lots of questions about her friends. When Homa is arrested, Ellie realises that the colonel is a spy.

Part three - November 1963 to 1977. Homa is imprisoned for six months. When in December 1964 Ellie learns where Homa is living she visits her. Homa has married Abdol, a friend of Mehrdad. Homa also has a daughter. The visit is not a success and Homa makes it clear that she does not want to see Ellie again.

In June 1965 Ellie and Mehrdad marry. Their plan to have five or six children, or even one, does not eventuate. Mehrdad continues his studies part time and when, in 1977, he receives an offer to study in the USA for two years they decide to accept. 

Part four - 1965 to 1981 - describes Homa's life in Tehran where she and Abdol look after their daughter, Bahar. Homa is determined that the events of the past will not define who she is now. Although her dreams of becoming an lawyer are over she enrolls in teachers' college and becomes a teacher at a local high school.

By 1977 protests have begun against the Shah and his regime. In January 1979 the Shah leaves Iran to be replaced by Ayatollah Khomeini. At first the people are jubilant until in March the announcement is made that women must wear veils outside their homes. On International Women's Day the women of Tehran march in protest. Homa and Bahar join them. Homa forms a group to protect the rights of women. In 1980 a war with Iraq begins. This is when Homa realises that Tehran is not a safe place for her daughter. 

Part five - 1977 - September 2022. Ellie and Mehrad settle into their new lives in America but are aware of what is happening in Iran. In 1978. Ellie's mother comes to visit her and during the visit Ellie finally gains information that her mother had withheld from her. Before returning to Tehran Ellie's mother advises the family to remain in the USA. Iran has become too dangerous, especially for women.

When Ellie contacts Homa she agrees to allow Bahar to stay at her home in New York so she can finish her studies. Bahar soon settles in. When Homa comes to visit Ellie shows her friend around the city, but she also wants to clear the air about events that occurred in Tehran. Ellie tries to convince Homa to apply for a visa to stay in America.

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali, as well as being about political events occurring in Iran since the 1950s, is also a novel about the value of lasting friendships, general relationships and culture. It is a novel about facing challenges and trying to survive in difficult times as the life you have known is no more.

The 'Lion Women' in the title refers to a discussion held in July 1953 when Homa tells Ellie that when they grow up they will both become lionesses. They will live their lives for themselves and help others. They will be strong women who make things happen (p38). The term lion women to describe determined women with strong ideals occurs several times throughout the novel.

This novel was the chosen title for discussion by the Monash University Book Club for October 2026.

References:

Iran in the twentieth century - Asia Society

Timeline: a modern history of Iran - PBS

The evil eye - My Persian Kitchen 

Discussion:

The Lion Women of Tehran - Reading Discussion Guide

 The Lion Women of Tehran - Supersummary.com

The Lion Women of Tehran - Bookclubs 

The First King of England: Æthelstan and the birth of the kingdom

David Woodman, a Professor of History at Cambridge University, has written a detailed study of the life of Æthelstan, the grandson of King Alfred the Great and son of King Edward the Elder, who became the first king of all of England in 927.  

The author has studied the limited number of original sources covering this historical period including versions of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, works of William of Malmesbury and Æthelstan's surviving diplomas (official documents recording decisions from royal meetings, particularly detailing grants made by the king and his dealings with the church) along with an extensive list of historical works about this time in England's history in order to compile his study about the life of Æthelstan.

The book looks at the history of England at the time of Æthelstan's grandfather and father when the country was divided initially into seven kingdoms and later four before becoming a united country. The book then examines the life of Æthelstan and how he endeavoured to keep the country as one. Chapters provide information about Æthelstan's interest in learning as well as supporting religious establishments in the country. As well as ruling England Æthelstan worked with leaders of parts of Wales and also Scotland. In at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937 Æthelstan's army had a decisive victory resulting in him ruling much of Britain, not just England. Æthelstan was well know as a leader throughout Europe. Æthelstan ruled England from 924 until 939.

The First King of England is a comprehensive work about the life of an important but not well-known king. The author suggests that he would have had a more prominent reputation if he had had a biographer recording his story as his grandfather, Alfred the Great, had done. Following the death of Æthelstan there was unrest again in parts of England, especially in the north with Vikings once again asserting themselves. But the creation of the country of England that evolved during the rule of Æthelstan became the foundation of England today.

At the end  of the book is a glossary of technical terms, list of historical figures appearing in the book, chronology of main events, two appendices, notes, bibliography and index.

The Keeper

Cal Hooper, a retired detective from the USA, is trying to establish a new life in the small Irish community of Ardnakelty. He has come to realise that there are many complicated alliances and relationships within a community that does not readily welcome outsiders. Cal lives in a small cottage where he spends his time crafting fine furniture and items of woodwork. He is assisted by Trey who plans to get a woodworking apprenticeship when she leaves school. Cal's fiancee, Lena, lives nearby.

The pattern of rural life is disturbed when the body of a young woman, Rachel, is found in the river. Rachel was about to become engaged to Eugene, the son of a wealthy landowner who tries to control the local residents. Did Rachel take her own life or was she murdered? There are many opinions as the villagers turn on each other with their theories and accusations and some of the residents receive threats of various kinds. Cal, Mart with a group of the other residents decide to investigate to discover how Rachel died and why?

The Keeper by Irish author, Tana French, is the third book featuring Cal and Lena and the other residents of Ardnakelty, but I have not read the previous two books. I found the first few chapters a little difficult to follow as I needed time to become used to the style of dialogue spoken as the author introduced the reader to the characters and the setting of the novel. However as the story evolved I enjoyed reading the book.

Another book recommended by Dervla McTiernan's Book Club which isn't a book club.

Between Sisters

Meghann (Meg) is a successful divorce lawyer living in Seattle. For many years she was a substitute parent to her younger sister, Claire. Then her mother left them and Meg located Sam, Claire's father, who did not know that he had a daughter. After a series of misunderstandings Meg established a life of her own with only occasional contact with her sister. When Meg learns that Claire plans to marry a country singer who she has only recently met, she visits her sister to find out what is happening.

Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah recounts the complicated past and present relationship between the two women as they encounter an unexpected life threatening challenge and renew the relationship that they once had. Meg also meets Joe who is struggling with past events in his own life. The book explores themes of friendship, family responsibility, love, regret and finding out what is really important in life.

Enough

Etta has invited her family to spend a family weekend together so her daughter and grand-daughter, her son and daughter-in-law come to visit her at her home near the beach. It is good to have the family together but Etta also has an alternative motive. Etta has decided that it is time that she should leave this world. However as the day progresses Etta has time to re-evaluate her plan.

Enough is a novel written by Dawn French. Although there are serious themes involving aging and thoughts of suicide, this is not a dark novel but instead is a sometimes amusing study of family relationships. Interwoven with the story of how the family members react to Etta's plan are chapters or slices of life which recount episodes in Etta's earlier life. As the story continues Etta realises that there is still more that she can give her family, especially her relationship with her grand-daughter, Pearl.

Nash Falls

Walter Nash, a successful executive in a large firm, lives with his wife and daughter in a luxurious house. But there are problems in his past, particularly his relationship with his father. After his father dies Walter learns more about his father's life since returning from the war in Vietnam and meets some of his father's friends. Walter also encounters the FBI when one of their agents approaches him about him helping them investigate staff in the company he works for. His settled life is turned upside down when his daughter is kidnapped and reports are circulated that Walter is responsible. A friend of Walter's father helps him to change his appearance and to prepare himself for revenge.

Nash Falls by David Baldacci is an intense crime thriller with an ending indicating that this is just the beginning of Nash's story which continues in the book, Hope Rises.

The Midnight Train

It is 1974 and Wilbur Budd and his wife, Maggie, are enjoying their honeymoon in Venice. As they explore the waterways of this city Wilbur briefly senses that there is another presence that looks exactly like him nearby. He looks away but then returns his attention to Maggie. Fifty-two years later, when Walter is 81, he dies. He has had a successful life in business building up a chain of bookshops but there have also been mistakes, especially in his relationship with Maggie.

At midnight the ghost of Walter finds himself boarding the Midnight Train which is a replica of a toy train he owned when a child. Aboard the train he encounters the ghost of Mrs Agnes Deborah Amaryllis Bagdale, the former owner of Bagdale's Bookshop which he loved visiting when a child. Agnes explains to him about the voyage he is about to take reviewing his past life. At times the train will travel quickly through time while at other times the train will stop so that he can have a closer look at previous events in his life. Wilbur is warned not to try and communicate with the people he sees and definitely not to try and change events. 

But halfway through the voyage Wilbur the ghost decides that he has to defy this instruction. He needs to warn the young Wilbur, who he is observing via the voyage on the Midnight Train, of mistakes that he made in his previous existence, especially in regard to relationships.

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig provides a sympathetic look at the problems that can be caused when a person is so focused on creating a successful business life for himself and his family that he neglects to see that he is destroying family relationships. The ghost Wilbur hopes that he is able to help his younger self avoid the mistakes that he made.

Like The Midnight Library, also written by Matt Haig, The  Midnight Train is also a book worth reading.

The Model Murder

The Tea Ladies reunite with many mysteries to solve in The Model Murder by Amanda Hampson. The book is set in Sydney in 1968 and when the tea ladies have their regular lunchtime meetings there is much to discuss, especially as they learn of murder of the Colin Cox in a nearby lane and the disappearance of his fiancee. Hazel decides that there is a cover-up and that the ladies should investigate. There are also other issues to investigate. Then when Irene discovers that a friend has been swindled she decides to find the culprit and get the money back. 

Meanwhile Merle learns that her presumed dead husband is about to visit her and their daughters and Betty decides to join the local drama group and learns new skills, useful in investigations. Hazel also learns that the clothing firm where she used to work is about to go out of business and she joins a group determined to restructure and jointly run the company. The Tea Ladies become very busy.

The Model Murder is the fourth book in the Tea Ladies Mystery series and once again takes the reader on an amusing adventure as these elderly ladies attempt to solve any challenges that they encounter. In the background we are reminded of life in Sydney in the late 1960s including the protest marches against conscription and Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War.

The Last of the Apple Blossom

7 February 1967 and bushfires ravage the area near Hobart. Catherine rushes home to check on her family and their orchard only to found their house and much of the orchard destroyed and her brother missing. Understandably her parents are devastated and Catherine makes the decision to give up her job as a teacher to assist her father restore the family apple orchard.

Catherine's friend, Annie, lives on the adjoining property with her husband Dave and their six children. Dave's friend, Mark, and his son, Charlie, also live on the property. Annie's house is OK but the fire has left other challenges for the family.

The Last of the Apple Blossom by Mary-Lou Stephens is the story of families trying to maintain a living on their properties in challenging times.  Throughout the book the author reminds the reader of challenges faced by Tasmanians, especially the orchardists and how adjustments needed to be made. England joining the European Common Market in 1972 was the last straw for many of the orchardists trying to grow and promote apples for which the island was famous. Changes needed to be made by those continuing to be involved in the apple industry plus the need to diversify. 

The affects of these changes on the lives of the orchardists and their families and friends is  a focus of a historical fiction novel that also explores the effects that secrets and lies have on those trying to survive in difficult times.

After Oscar: the legacy of a scandal

After Oscar: the legacy of a scandal is a detailed study of the attitude of scholars and the public to Oscar Wilde and his works after his death in 1900. The book is written by Oscar Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland, in order to refute the myths that surround the life and work of Oscar Wilde. Oscar Wild's mother changed the family name for herself and her to sons to Holland to protect them from public view. The book examines what life is like living in the shadow of an infamous writer and the difficulties encountered when your family story encounters fantasy created by other people.

Sections of the book include the time-frame 1897 when Wilde was released from prison until his death in 1900, then 1900-1918, 1918-1945, 1945-1967 and 1968-2024. The theme of society's attitudes to homosexuality over this period is outlined. The author looks at how his grandfather has been portrayed in the writing of others as well as in film. It is a long detailed work which I only looked at briefly, largely through lack of time to read it properly. There are detailed footnotes, bibliography and index as well as a section of photographs.

Mad Mabel

At 81 Elsie Fitzpatrick lives in her own home in a quiet lane in a Melbourne inner suburb. Elsie lives a quiet life but that is about to change when an elderly neighbour suddenly dies and Elsie discovers his body. We then learn that Elsie has a past which she has been hiding but, when events bring the stories of this past to the surface, the stories of Mad Mabel resurface and begin to haunt her again.

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth is Elsie's story of the past as well as the present day. As stories about Elsie's past begin to explode she decides to tell her story to two podcasters, Libby and Adeem, who arrive on her doorstep one day. Elsie decides that it is time that the truth about her past should be revealed.

Mad Mabel is a novel about relationships, especially the relationship that gradually develops between Elsie and her seven year old neighbour, Persephone. She also reluctantly adopts the dog of the neighbour who died or the dog adopts her. Those neighbours who initially shunned Elsie, due primarily to incorrect stories they have heard, come to realise her strengths and humanity.