RetroReview’s top Autumn reads…

The nights are drawing in, the pavements are strewn with orange and brown leaves. It’s getting nippier outside and we’re huddling up in our coats, boots, scarves and woolly hats. So what’s going to keep us company on a dark autumn night, curled up on the sofa? Here are a few little suggestions from the RetroReview:

‘Death in Holy Orders’ by P.D. James.

Anything to do with monasteries and windswept coastlines will make me blissfully happy on a dark and stormy evening. This book has a great ‘feel’ to it, wonderfully dark and atmospheric. It’s a great yarn set within an enclosed and claustrophobic religious community. Dalgleish also meets someone who is to become quite important in his life…

  Other great P.D James’ for this time of year: ‘Devices and Desires’ and ‘The Lighthouse’.

 

‘The Box of Delights’ by John Masefield.

Yes, I know it’s a childrens’ book but it is so wonderfully evocative of the festive season I just had to add it to the list. I used to start reading this book during the October half term holidays so I would be reaching the end in the run up to Christmas and therefore get myself right into the spirit of noel. (I did this for about five years on the trot, pretty sad but hugely enjoyable)

 

Other tips for great Autumnal page-turners:

‘The Babes in the Wood’ by Ruth Rendell (see my review)

‘The Woman in Black’ by Susan Hill

‘The Mysterious Affair at Styles’ by Agatha Christie. This is Hercule Poirot’s first case and a stunningly well-written debut.