Challenge #1 2017 A-Z of Devon Authors

[Ian]

Elizabeth wrote: " Another one for the challenge. I've just posted this with 5*s on Amazon and Goodreads:

Lily meets Max and Henry in the 1960s on her first day at Oxford - a..."

you're on a roll Elizabeth

[Ian]

Anna wrote: "Finally found time to read! I read Death and deception by B A Steadman

It was great to have a detective story set in Exeter - I loved being able to visuali..."

Agree that - I very much enjoyed it too. Hope you left an Amazon review as well - as you know, it all helps

[Sue]

J. This is the first book in a new series set in London in 1554. It is told in the first person which took a bit of getting used to. However I felt
I was walking some of the streets, familiar even now, although not quite as described. There is a lot of intrigue - a tempestuous time. Enjoyed it.

[Sue]

C. . Read in a day! Just had to know what happened. Twists right to the end. Loved the way the author was not afraid of signposting something else was about to happen. At times this story is heartbreaking but so well written. I trusted the author to know what she was talking about as the harrowing scenes were written with authority and lightened by humour. Looking forward to reading her previous novel and the next one.

[Ian]

Sue wrote: "J. This is the first book in a new series set in London in 1554. It is told in the first person which took a bit of getting used to. However I felt
I was w..."

Micheal writes really well - and welcome to the challenge

[Ian]

Sue wrote: "C. . Read in a day! Just had to know what happened. Twists right to the end. Loved the way the author was not afraid of signposting something else was about to hap..."

My Husbands Wife is a great read too - I also read that in a day.

[Ian]

Just finished Amanda Craig book The Lie of the Land. - That makes 10 in the A-Z challenge - come on everyone, I am beating you!

" A panoramic, superbly plotted novel.... Craig is at the top of her game" - Helen Dunmore

The book tells the story of a family who relocate to Devon from London following marriage breakdown and loss of jobs - they have no money and decide to rent their house and live cheaply in Devon. But, although they don't know it the cheap rent hides the fact that the house they rent has a sinister past.

The story explores their adjustment, as they reconcile themselves to a different way of life, and their changed circumstances and changing family dynamics. It explores money, fidelity, loss, crime and vengeance.

The narrative is well structured and carried me along. It explores relationship issues, ageing and loss, with great sensitivity and, at times, generous doses of irony. It weaves an intriguing mystery that explodes into a fast paced and dramatic conclusion.

Amanda lives half her time in West Devon and half in London and has a long association with our county. I am looking forward to meeting her in August but was delighted when she sent me a copy of her new book to read.

I very much enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of Amanda's work.

You can find out more about Amanda and her work here http://www.amandacraig.com/

[Elizabeth]

Just finished the latest from T A Williams: . Another sparkling romance from T A Williams. A dream job, in a beautiful location, with friendly locals, LOTS of champagne, and the wonderful Marlon, especially for the dog-lovers among us. What more could we ask? This is a real feel-good novel , perfect for whiling away a few hours on the sun lounger. Happy holiday reading! To Provence, with Love

[Ian]

Elizabeth wrote: "Just finished the latest from T A Williams: . Another sparkling romance from T A Williams. A dream job, in a beautiful location, with friendly locals, LOT..."

Excellent - thanks very much - any idea where T.A. lives?

[Tonia]

Adding my read of Teresa Driscoll's I Am Watching You here.

A brilliant book I just had to read in one sitting. A great mystery, really gripping and enthralling.

[Ian]

Tonia wrote: "Adding my read of Teresa Driscoll's I Am Watching You here.

A brilliant book I just had to read in one sitting. A great mystery, really gripping and enthralling."

There's a recommendation!

[Ian]

I'm wondering what you are reading this Halloween - anything spooky? In another of my A-Z of Devon writers, I'm thoroughly enjoying Crone by Jeannie Wycherley, who I met at the Tiverton Festival earlier this year.

When Furies collide. A tale of murder, magic and salvation - myth and supernatural events combine with a pacy narrative to make this a very enjoyable read. Though my dreams may be unsettled for a while 😳😳😳😳

I love the cover too. The oak tree that circles the eye is very significant.

Any recommendations for a great Halloween read? Why not join us over on Twitter 8-9 this evening for #devonbookhour and tell us your book news?

[P.R.]

Better late than never, I've just finished: That Still and Whispering Place by Kathy Shuker. I thoroughly recommend it as a good Christmas read! I think it's my #6 in the A-Z of Devon Writers, so I'm way behind you, Ian!

Here's my review:

The title of this book perhaps does not do justice to how gripping the underlying plot really is. In the Kindle version you don't really see the cover (you can, but I never look!) which in the tactile versions more than hints at its genre, so it came as something of a surprise to find myself hooked right from the start.

This is a beautifully written and well structured novel. At times it seemed to dawdle, which I why I have deducted a star, but it picked up pace and raced along towards the end. I liked the main character and sympathised with her situation - something which not many authors achieve as well as Kathy Shuker does here.

Would I read it again? Yes, and more!

[Kathy]

Thank you for the lovely review, P.R. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :-)

[Ian]

P.R. wrote: "Better late than never, I've just finished: That Still and Whispering Place by Kathy Shuker. I thoroughly recommend it as a good Christmas read! I think it's my #6 in the A-Z of Dev..."

That's a great review - I'll post over on Facebook too

Ian

[P.R.]

Ian wrote: "P.R. wrote: "Better late than never, I've just finished: That Still and Whispering Place by Kathy Shuker. I thoroughly recommend it as a good Christmas read! I think it's my #6 in t..."

Oh thank you Ian, I keep meaning to do so and completely failed!

Kathy - it's my pleasure!

[Sue]

My 6th and last for this year is by Carol Anne Dobson. Set in and around Ilfracombe after the French Revolution. Lots of local atmosphere and history I knew very little about. Liked the characters and really did want to find out how it all ended! Is there a sequel? Hope so.

[Ian]

Sue wrote: "My 6th and last for this year is by Carol Anne Dobson. Set in and around Ilfracombe after the French Revolution. Lots of local atmosphere and history I knew very ..."

Thanks Sue - I have this downloaded and on my tbr list.

I'm going to roll this challenge into 2018 so plenty of time yet!

Happy Christmas