2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

Read 58 last year hope to keep it up!

First book read...Our Little Secret by Dan Taylor

I have not read any other books in this series but this was light and fun. I quite like the way its written, a chatty style.looking forward to something meatier though!

Book 2. Elizabeths rival the tumultuous tale of lettice knollys countess of leicester.
This was an excellent but long book very well researched. In the beginning i was worried the author was going to keep going off on tangents as she had so much info to impart, but it seemed to settle down and i got very involved in lettices interesting life. Gripping to me. Loved it. Would read more by this writer.
5*****

Good luck with your reading challenge!
Elizabeth's Rival sounds good - I may have to take a look because I like the Tudors

Book three : Ready player one by Ernest Cline.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not normally a sci-fi fan but this was a great adventure. The story revolves around our hero Wade in the not too distant future. The world is not a very nice place, power and fuel are running out, jobs are scarce. Most people including Wade spend most of their lives in an online virtual world called the oasis. Wade even goes to virtual school there. The inventor of the oasis dies leaving a message for the world saying he has hidden a virtual Easter egg in the oasis and whoever finds it will inherit everything. Wade then joins most others in becoming a gunter, spending all free time researching his life and favourite books, movies, computer games and music. Lots of lovely references to the 1980s which is fun. The book is way better than the film which i only tried to watch after reading this. It was nothing like it. Enjoyed very much!

Book Four: Brandon Tudor Knight by Tony Riches

I have never read anything by this author before and I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction as opposed to historical fact, however this was a very well researched book. there are lots of lovely historical facts hidden in it, lots about jousting, archery, food, clothes. It paints a very realistic look at Tudor life. I knew about Brandon of course but had never read a book written from his point of view. He had a very interesting life coming up from nothing really to marrying henry 8ths sister Mary. Overall I enjoyed it, but there were one or two repetitions in descriptions which jarred with me a little. I was sorry to reach the end though so overall a good read.

Book Five:- Katherine Of Aragon The true Queen by Alison Weir

I want to thank Alison Weir for this great book. I have always been interested in the Tudor period but as a lot of people I really identified with Anne Boleyn. This book however really makes you feel Katherines story from her point of view. I feel I got a great insight into her views and life. She put up with so much. Her marriage to Henry 8th started so well, he was so in love with her but gradually it went wrong finally Anne Boleyn finishing their marriage once and for all. Katherine lived for years being bullied by Henry, living under threat and possible poisoning the stress must have been terrible. The book is so well researched too I really did learn more despite having already read so much on this period. I felt genuinely sorry for Katherine and the terrible time she had and was sorry when the book ended. 5 *

Book Six:-An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen

This is a very gripping, suspenseful twisty psychological thriller. The story is told by two people, our hero, for want of a better word, and a psychiatrist. They tell the story in alternate chapters.
Jess gets herself into a physiological study on morality as she needs extra money, after all how hard can it be? Answer some questions and get paid for it. However it soon becomes clear that the psychiatrist in charge f the study has something rather different in mind. She soon has Jess wondering whats real, whats not and just how dangerous is her Dr?
I absolutely loved the way this was written, beautiful language, well written you could really "hear" it. Clever twists and you aren't sure what will happen. I had to take one star off though as I didn't like the ending...it was sort of boring after the rest of the book. However I would read more by these authors it was really good.

Book Seven :- The Royal Art of Poison: Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul
by Eleanor Herman

This is a very good non-fiction book. Given the subject matter it wont be for everyone, but personally I really enjoyed it. The writer has certainly researched the subject well and relates the stories in a really accessible way and there is a lovely sense of humour running through it too.
The book studies well known and not so well known cases in history where the victim was thought to be poisoned. Gives us an account of their life and why perhaps they were poisoned. Autopsy results from the time then modern analysis which proves or disproves the poisoning. There are many names you will know here and if you are a history lover the stories of the various peoples lives are totally absorbing. There are also many you wont have heard about but are equally as fascinating.
She also brings the art(?) of poisoning right up to date with accounts from this century. Finally a list of known poisons and the symptoms they cause. I really enjoyed it. Would also read more by this author as her writing and tone was excellent.

Book Eight- Her Last Secret by Barbara Copperthwaite

I have never read a book by this author so wasnt sure what to expect. It is well written but I have to say for me its a bit like a very slow car wreck, you can see whats coming but are helpless to stop it! The book opens with something shocking happening on Christmas day and then follows various strands of the story back in time to what has happened.
Its quite depressing, full of online bullying, infidelity and embezzlement. The seemingly perfect family of Ben and his wife Dominique, and their two girls Ruby and Amber have more than a few cracks which slowly get worse as the novel goes on. The twist at the end saves this book from being too mundane for my liking and earns it another star from me of it would have been only three stars, so it gets four!

Book Nine:- Courage in a White Coat: A Novel
by Mary Schwaner,

This is a really good book. Its a little bubble of history. Its about Dr Kinney who becomes a missionary in India and some of her adventures there. Then she meets and marries a widower and together they embark on a new life in The Philippines. Dorothy wants to continue as a Dr despite being married and her husband is glad to help her. Together they start a family but then war starts. The couple decide to leave their future in Gods hands and be captured by the Japanese.
The book is a mixture of novel story telling and real excerpts from Dorothy's diaries, letters and her husbands letters,also pieces from contemporary papers. This all adds to the immediacy and realness you feel when you read it. It really is a bubble in history. I enjoyed reading it very much and you could feel what she felt living through it.
Excellent book.

Book Ten :-Caligula: A Biography
by Aloys Winterling,

I was looking forward to reading this book. I was both pleased and disappointed in it. I will explain why. I love history facts and I love that this book was making the argument that Caligula was not mad as has been handed down to us in history, but rather he was really clever and was making a point about the way the upper classes told all kinds of lies, or flattery to try and win favours from the Emperor. Caligula was making a joke of them, making them look foolish as that was how he saw society.
The arguments and basis on historical records is fantastic and I loved seeing all the evidence of stories we have heard garbled versions of.
What disappointed me though was there was very little reference to his early life, especially the time spent with Tiberius which I can only imagine being very scary as he must have been near death a lot I think it might have shown how he became the uncaring person he was later in life. He had to rely on himself. I was also disappointed in his assassination as it sort of referred to it as we all knew it happened and it did not give it the proper coverage it deserved. Hence 4 stars from me.

Book eleven:-Cut and Run by Mary Burton

I read this book without knowing any other work of the author so I had no idea what to expect. It is a thriller first and foremost. Quite an unbelievable plot really but the author draws you in and makes you believe it.Its mostly about siblings, but there is a love story element too, which I personally don't normally go for but it seemed to work well in this book. The characters were good, Faith the medical examiner, FBI agent Macy and Hayden.
I enjoyed the story and couldn't wait to see what happened in the end. Good twists and suspense. Three stars from me.

Book Twelve:- Treasures of the Forgotten City (Ultimate Ending #1)
by Danny McAleese, David Kristoph

I came across this book while having a browse and it reminded me of books I had as a teen, where we had adventures in books with choices and fighting using dice. I couldn't resist buying and having a read to see if as an adult I still liked the idea and if modern versions were good. The answer to both was yes! I do not read much fantasy, bar the odd Harry Potter, but I really liked this book. I read it in one evening even taking in a few variations. You are on a quest to find a hidden city in the desert. You do this with the aid of your companion, who saves you more than once. The book starts on the adventure right wy and I was gripped immediately. Its like the old fashioned point and click adventures but of course your mind paints greater pictures than you can ever see on screen. There was a map at the start and although I didnt copy it I managed to find my way round. The book has riddles and clue, and you make choices every now and then that affect the story and direction you go. It was clever and I dont think just for kids! It was light relief from the type of books I normally go for.
Recommended for kids, teens and even adults if you like adventure! Would read more.

Book Thirteen:- A Year In Treblinka by Jankiel Wiernik


A tough read about the concentration camp at Treblinka. What the survivors witnessed, well hell doesnt even begin to describe it. Its important to remember what happened in the holocaust, it must never be forgotton so that it is not repeated.
This book is fairly short, but it packs a punch. Very emotional.

Book fourteen:- Two books actually. The Orlando File books 1 and 2 by Ian C.P.Irvine

Mr Irvine is a relatively recent discovery for me, and I have loved every book I've read so far. They are all unique, exciting and beautifully written. This is a great book but I have to say not my favourite one so far. It is a medical mystery and the adventure is fast paced. Its definitely worth reading but I don't give it 5 stars which I'm beginning to expect from his books. This is a 4 stars form me!

Book Fifteen:-Vengeance (John Hayes #1)
by Mark David Abbott

A very good start of a new series of books. The story is fairly straight forward but the writing is good and gripping so that you go on reading. I enjoyed it. Not many twists but the character is interesting and I cared what he did.
Will read the next one!

Book sixteen:-Craig's List Chronicles: byte-size tales
by Kim Masson

A very light and frothy book. Lots of funny stories based around the ads that Kelly either places on Craigs list or answers there. I found it very amusing and enjoyable. A very good break from the meatier things I often read. I loved the way it was written too. Kellys voice was good and you could imagine what happened in her stories. I would read more by this author. Great work!

Book seventeen:-Bestial: The Savage Trail of a True American Monster
by Harold Schechter


An excellent account of the life of the first serial killer in America/Canada. The research is so well done. The books lays out the killers early life and how he got started. Shows you how he met his victims and background of their lives, then how he managed to escape justice for a couple of years. It shows how basic the police systems were then and how just by moving away a bit someone could continue killing so long. He killed over 20 people, before being finally caught and tried. All of this is recounted in the book. If you like real life crimes you will enjoy this. Also if you appreciate good research in history ditto as this is set in the 1920s. Scary but good book.

Book Eighteen:-Identity Thief
by Rachel Rosenthal

Short read and quite upsetting what happens to Rachael. Someone is accessing her bank balance even if she changes it or the passwords it keeps happening. Thank goodness for her amazing fiance who really helps.
i cant say I thought a lot about this...sort of ok, but not fantastic!

Book Nineteen:-A Million Reasons
by Mark David Abbott

I read the first book Vengeance and it was good but not great this book is way better! Very exciting story full of twists and turns. The pace is fast and you are swept along in it.Good complicated plot. I couldnt put it down! Will look forward to the next one. The descriptions of Hong Kong were lovely too. I really felt I could see the scenes and feel the atmosphere. Really great work! Full marks for me!

Book twenty :-A Little Bit Witchy (A Riddler's Edge Cozy Mystery #1)
by A.A. Albright

I dont tend to read cosy books but i was intrigued to try a witch book! I enjoyed it. It was light and funny, and also set in Ireland which I loved, being Irish myself! Aisling goes to a new town to try out for a reporters job but all is not what it seems. Fun! Would read more by this writer.

Book Twenty-one:-
Professor K: The final quest by Gabriel Farago

I have to say firstly that this is the first book I have read by this author and although it is the fourth in the series I believe it stands alone perfectly well.
Exciting, thrilling, clever are just some of the words I would use to describe this book. The author takes all kinds of threads from all over the world, history and such and somehow weaves them together into an exciting thrilling story-line.
I often can see where a plot is leading and guess what is going to happen next but not with this novel! There are so many twists and turns and I love that.
Also a lot of writers will pad out a book with a story that could have been told in a short story, again not in this book. This book is rich with plots and interwoven story lines that grip you and make you read on. The characters are interesting, diverse and you learn a lot of things in the reading. I love a book like that- intelligent and well written.
I think its safe to say I totally loved it! I will be reading all his books from now on. Fabulous book.

Book Twenty-two:- Deadly Games: A Cavendish & Walker Novel
by Sally Rigby

A very enjoyable first novel in a new series about a police detective, Whitney, and a forensic psychologist George. Set in a British University town female students start being bumped off. This unlikely pair band together to find the murderer.
I have not read anything by this writer before but I really enjoyed the easy going style of this book. The story was good, and I couldn't put it down! Really enjoyable and I look forward to more in the series.

Book Twenty-three:- Sometimes I Lie
by Alice Feeney

This is a really good psychological thriller. How does someone even plan a book like this, its got layers and twists and makes you read on and on. Its a totally gripping novel and I read right through the night being unable to put it down. Amber, the main character, starts out in a coma, and like her, the reader doesn't know what has happened. Gradually she remembers the happenings recently in her life and also memories of long ago and starts to place the pieces back together. The tension is fantastic and as I said there are many layers to the story that make you think and wonder about it long after you have stopped reading. i would certainly read more by this author. I was very impressed with it.

Book Twenty-four:-

You Let Me In
by Lucy Clarke


I love a book with beautiful language and wonderful descriptions and this book has both! It paints the most wonderful pictures in your head of Cornwall where the plot is set. Add to this an intensifying, growing, worrying, tension created by the clever plot and you have it all! I really enjoyed it.
Elle an Author is reaping the benefits of a best seller first book and has built a beautiful house in Cornwall near her sister. But when she rents it out for a couple of weeks things start going very very wrong.
The only reason I made it 4 star not 5 is I wasn't so happy with the ending but I guess that's just a personal thing. After such an intense story I wanted something more...
I would read more by this author as it was so beautifully written.

Book Twenty-five:-
Museum Attack (A Layne Parrish Thriller Novella)
by Jim Heskett

I hadn't realised this was a "short story" when I started reading. The original idea for the book is really brilliant. Layne is visiting an art gallery with a new girlfriend when all hell lets loose. Jasmine and he get stuck with a lot of other hostages in the museum. Can Layne get them out of there before they all get murdered?
I did like the tension in the book, it built up well as Layne creeps around corridors trying to avoid running into the "baddies", but in the end something was lacking for me. It ended quite quickly and I felt let down, like the writer had not made enough of the plot. It was also very very gory...so beware anyone who doesn't like that! I would read more by the author in the hope that a full novel would be better.

Book twenty-six:- The Sea Sisters by Lucy Clarke

Im not sure what to write about this book. I guess its thought provoking. We follow the lives of Mia and Katie a pair of twins who are very different. Katie is told at the start of the book that her beloved sister has just died. The book is then her journey to try and understand what happened to Mia, her sister and the travels she was on when she died.
I love the way Lucy writes, some of the descriptions pain pictures in your head of real beauty. You actually can feel yourself there. Im a sea lover so was in heaven at those points. However, I found it hard to like the relationship between the sisters. Well I dont have one! There is such utter pain in the pages of this book it is not always a pleasant read, so I guess its very emotional. I both loved and hated it but had to see the ending too. I also loved hearing about all the places she visits.
I would read more of her books. and it is definitely worth a look.

Book twenty-seven:-
The Empress Holds the Key (Jack Rogan Mysteries, #1)
by Gabriel Farago

This is a very clever start to a series of modern adventure books. This one has numerous threads that are cleverly worked together into the plot which spans biblical times, Egypt and the second world war. I like the writing and the characters are engaging. You can feel you are actually there. This author is a new discovery for me after reading the last in this series but already a firm favourite! If you like the blend of adventure, action and history then you will like this. Fantastic research Mr Farago!

Book twenty-eight:
The Babylon Idol (Ben Hope #15)
by Scott Mariani


15th book in Scott Mariana's series about Ben Hope. I love these books. You can always be sure of an adventure, excitement, some incredible well researched history and just a darn good read. This time its personal. Some past friends from previous books make a return in this book. The pace is fast and furious and it keeps you turning the page! All these books do stand alone but I think when you know and love Ben Hope it makes them even better. Always find it hard to wait for the next book in the series.

Book twenty-nine:-

Hell's Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men
by Harold Schechter


Very well researched book on the true life story of Belle Gunness. Was she a dreadful butchering woman serial killer or were there other factors. This book looks at all the papers, newspaper stories, personal accounts and rumours about the story. The beginning is particularly good as the writer paints the scene of the time for us in a remarkably vivid way. It made it come alive, then into that he started adding the story of Belle. I like reading the odd true crime story and this does not disappoint. I know some will not be happy with the end but hey this is real life! I liked it. It was very well researched which I hugely appreciate and well written. Good book. Oh and loved the moving pages and illustrations in the kindle book.!
Hell's Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men

Book Thirty:-
Kathmandu (Leo Keane International Thriller Book 1)
by Luke Richardson


Just finished Kathmandu. It was a very gripping well written book. The story is interesting and has twists and turns. I have only taken one star off as the ending is not the ending! You have to read the next book to find out what happens, and I always feel thats a bit of a cheat. Having said that I was very taken with the book and couldnt put it down, so I guess it has me gripped for book 2! I enjoyed how well it was written too. This is not true of many books, so big plus there. Great new writer.

Book Thirty one :- Valley of Death (Ben Hope, #19)
by Scott Mariani


The Ben Hope books by Scott Mariani never fail to deliver excitement and great story lines. This is one of the best. A friend from Ben's past comes back looking for help to find out what is happening in India and from then we are on a fast paced adventure full of twists and turns. The characters are as always very good, and believable. The research in the book is flawless and you do learn a bit of history that you didn't know before. I always love these books they are dependably exciting. So if you love thrillers, adventures and a little history with a twist I can thoroughly recommend these!

Book 32:- The Golden Icon
by Janet Pywell


There were a few things that irritated me about this book at the beginning, mistypes, missing letters, use of "draw" instead of Drawer and over use of the description of "okra coloured" .These things jarred me which was a shame as I love good language and don't want to be distracted by mistakes. Despite the not so great beginning I got into the story and then really got to enjoy it. Sometimes things are repeated too much but the story is good and gripping, you really want to know what happens. Some descriptions re very beautiful and paint pictures in your head. Good twists in plot too. Would I read more by this author? Yes I definitely would!

Book Thirty three:-
Fatal Justice: A Cavendish & Walker Novel - Book 2
by Sally Rigby

Very enjoyable second book in the series of police thrillers with George ad Whitney. The story is to do with online grooming and its quite gripping. The characters are fun and believable. I enjoyed the first book very much and this is as good. Just want to read more! Fantastic detail on police procedure and its very believable. Great writer.

Book thirty Four:-
Adrian Mole: The Prostrate Years (Adrian Mole, #8)
by Sue Townsend


Just finished this great book. Ive been reading about Adrian Mole since the first book many years ago. This book is quite sad in many ways as things continue to go wrong for him. I did find it gripping wanting to read on and see if things improved. As always there is a lovely sense of humour in all Sue Townsends books. Im quite sure she was going to write a further book, but sadly due to her death we will never know.If you have read all the other books in the series then this is a must. Still fun, still thoughtful, still interesting things to think about.

Book thirty five:-

3 Seconds in Bogota: The incredible true story of two lives balanced on the edge of a knife (True stories from around the world. Book 1)
by Mark Playne


I have to start by say I totally LOVED this book. Its unusual, gripping and clever. Mark paints pictures in your head so you can really feel like you are the one travelling in South America. I felt like I was there.The characters are believable and well rounded. Its very well written and the concept clever. I cant wait for more by this author.I recommend this book if you like fast paced thrillers.

Book Thirty six:- I Am Watching You
by Teresa Driscoll

Clever gripping book. A missing young girl, a woman who saw her on the train. What happened to her? Is the family involved or the two ex crims on the train perhaps? I enjoyed this story. It was easy to read and hooked me immediately. Very enjoyable thriller.My mind kept working away at it when I wasnt reading and I love a book that does that- makes you think and weigh up the facts given. I would definitely read more by this author. Well written and clever.

Book Thirty Seven:- The Friend Who Lied
by Rachel Amphlett


I've just read this book and sadly I don't seem to be so keen as many people on here. I did not get sucked into the story. Yes the set up is clever, she needs a transplant ad wakes up to find a good friend has died and also saved her life by doing so. We want to know what happened all through the book. To me it didn't read well. The police didn't seem to do a lot or anything as fast as would really happen. I didn't like the characters and I kept getting confused as every chapter was by someone different. So lots of back reading to try not to get lost. Not my cup of tea Im afraid.

Book Thirty Eight:- Steel Force: A Jack Steel Action Mystery Thriller (A Jack Steel Thriller Series Book 1)
by Geoffrey Saign

Totally brilliant new book series. I enjoyed the whole thing. Characters-tick, plot-tick, Twists-tick and adventure, excitement and action- tick tick tick! Im a great fan of Scott Marianis Ben Hope books and this is up there in that genre. I will be eagerly waiting for the next in the series. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Book thirty Nine :- Top secret corpse
by Andria Stone

Really good little book. I read it quickly as the story was exciting and hard to put down. What happens if you come home to find a corpse in your swimming pool? This is what happens to Jack Bennett. What happens next? Very enjoyable if short book. Loved it.

Book Forty :-
Tokyo Black (Thomas Caine #1)
by Andrew Warren

This book is a real mixture and I have been thinking long and hard how to review it. There are Pros and cons

Pros
The story is fast paced and there is a lot of action. You get such a great view of what modern Japan is like it s like being there. The characters are good and there are enough twists to make the story a good page turner.

Cons
They are small but I guess because the rest of the book is so good and well researched and visualised these small faults jump out as huge to me. For example at one stage he is stilling in a car and he mentions seeing flowers on the back seat of the car behind him...how? You cant see that from a car?
In another scene he is checking into a capsule hotel and he doesn't change his clothes but he puts on slippers and comments that he wouldn't run and i think fight in them. After a fight he escapes the hotel into a huge fight, but no mention of the slippers or how hard it is to fight in them. As I say sorry probably trivial but I get so into the story they jump out like glaring mistakes. There are others.

Having said all that and weight it up I would still want to read the next one in the series. So not a fail for me.

Book Forty-one :- Death track (A Cavendish and Walker novel 3)
by Sally Rigby

Another brilliant book in the Cavendish and Walker series. This is book three. Exciting clever plot which has the detectives scratching their heads. Who s committing murders on trains?
I love these books. The characters are likeable and the story and police procedures all seem realistic.

Book Forty-two:-Say youre sorry Book one Ian C.P Irvine

I love all of Ian Irvines books, all are different and unusual clever plots. This one is about a Scottish crime war, but tied up with call centres and the morality of what insurance companies do. It is a clever twisty plot, but you have to buy book 2 to know what happens!These are all good books and I highly recommend them.

Book Forty-three:-Say youre sorry Book one Ian C.P Irvine

I love all of Ian Irvines books, all are different and unusual clever plots. This one is about a Scottish crime war, but tied up with call centres and the morality of what insurance companies do. It is a clever twisty plot, but you have to buy book 2 to know what happens!These are all good books and I highly recommend them.

Book forty-Four:- Time travellers guide ot Restoration Britain by Ian Mortimer

I have read other books in this series and enjoyed them very much. This time it took me a while o get into t but then I couldn't put it down! I love facts and all the little stories and examples throughout this book, its fascinating. Its quite a long book but I learned so much, I hated when it was read! I do have an appetite for historical facts and this is so beautifully done and categorised. Highly recommended

Book forty Five

Steel Trust by Geoffrey Saign
I was given a free copy of this book to leave an honest review

This is another great book by Geoffrey Saign. Im already a fan of the Steel series and this one is how it all began. It is gripping from the first page and works well as a read before the rest or even like me after reading some of them . Its an exciting plot, plenty of action, likeable characters and great descriptions. You can visualise it in your head like a movie! Highly recommend these books. Five stars from me.

Humm haven't been very good the last few months with my reading. Mostly because Ive been really busy. I suffer from Me but managed a trip to the Uk for a month and then had the whole family here in Ireland for Christmas. Ive done a lot, but now back to reading I think!

Ok so Goodreads says I completed my challenge so I have some books #I forgot to post here...Sorry folks!

Book forty six

A year in Treblinka
by Jankiel Wiernik

A tough read about the concentration camp at Treblinka. What the survivors witnessed, well hell doesnt even begin to describe it. Its important to remember what happened in the holocaust, it must never be forgotton so that it is not repeated.
This book is fairly short, but it packs a punch. Very emotional.

Book Forty Seven. The lost relic Scott Mariani

As always a great read. Exciting and hard to put down. I love these books always good!