I have read some excellent novels in January, I hope you have too. Here are a few highlights:

Tana French:

I have fallen in love with Tana French’s writing (what took me so long?). I have previously read a couple of her novels, but then for some reason forgot about her.

This month, I read ‘The Likeness’ and ‘The Secret Place’ which are both from her Dublin Murder Squad series. What I most love about her writing is her characters. They are so beautifully developed and fascinating. French has cited Donna Tartt’s ‘The Secret History’ as an influence, which rings true as both these books have ‘dark academia’ vibes – one of my favourite, favourite things. ‘The Likeness’ was about a group of university students sharing an old house, while ‘The Secret Place’ was set in an exclusive girls’ boarding school. Let me tell you, you do not mess with teenage girls!

Movie and book pairing:

By chance, I read ‘Rouge’ by Mona Awad shortly before watching ‘The Substance’ starring Demi Moore. Both were extremely weird takes on the beauty industry and how women are made to fear losing their looks as they age.

If you’ve read ‘Bunny’ by Mona Awad, and enjoyed it, then ‘Rouge’ is for you. It’s a pretty out-there story about a sinister beauty cult.

I came to ‘The Substance’ without much of an idea what to expect and wow! It was way more horrific than my usual taste, but I found it compelling viewing. Only for those who like it weird.

Writing news:

I am working on both an adult and young adult novel at the moment and hope to share an exciting development soon!

Best wishes,

Lisa