People of the Book

I've very much enjoyed People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. It is the story of a 600 year old Jewish book which conservator, Hanna Heath, is asked to assess. Within it she finds things that might give clues to its history, but these stories are revealed only to the reader. We learn how the book was created and the stories of many of those who possessed it. In doing so, we also learn something about the history of the Jews in Europe and how they were welcomed then driven out of some countries, including Spain. This book is well-written with wonderful individual stories about periods in the life of the book. 5/5

Burning Bright

I found Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier a rather dull read. The story is based around William Blake and the time he was living in Lambeth, London towards the end of the 18th century. He is seen through the eyes of two families - the Kellaways, newly arrived from the country; and the Butterfields, a London family. As revolutionary events unfold across the Channel in France, Blake's radical views are seen as being disloyal to the monarchy. The children of the families become close and they are introduced to Blake's art and writings. 2/5

White Cargo

This history book White Cargo by Don Jordan and Michael Walsh was certainly an eye-opener. Sub-titled The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America, it tells how Britain colonised the Americas with its unwanted people, including criminals, former soldiers, rebels, and street kids. Some went voluntarily but gave away their freedom in return for promises that were mostly never kept, or they died before they could receive their "reward". Ruthless entrepreneurs made fortunes out of human misery. Children were "rounded up" and confined before being shipped out and if found by their parents, they could not retrieve them. This began in the early 17th century, long before the African slave trade. Later, when the Africans began to be traded, white and black slaves worked and lived side by side. This little known and shocking history shows how America was really established. 4/5

Red Leaves

Red Leaves by Paullina Simons was a good murder story about the mysterious death of a young college student, Kristina Kim. Her three friends come under suspicion as Detective Spencer O'Malley investigates. They did not report her missing after not seeing her for 9 days and they are the beneficiaries of her will. O'Malley uncovers the secrets of Kristina's past and the motive for the murder is revealed as the story reaches its startling conclusion. This is a good story with many twists before it reaches the shocking end. 4/5

The Trout Opera

I've enjoyed the epic tale of The Trout Opera by Matthew Condon. The story spans the 20th century in Australia as a "man from Snowy River", Wilfred Lampe, born in 1900 is commandeered to participate in the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics. Wilfred's great love is trout fishing. The book moves back and forth with different time periods so we learn about Wilfred's life. The book also moves between characters such as Wilfred's great niece, Aurora; Aurora's former boyfriend Wynter and Featherstone, a late night radio broadcaster. These characters are interwoven and connected and flesh out the story. Well written and hard to put down. 4 1/2/5

Lunch with a Soldier

I've enjoyed Lunch with a Soldier by Derek Hansen, the last in the "lunch" series when Neil tells his story about growing up in the NSW outback with his brother Billy. There are three threads - childhood, Billy's Vietnam experience, and Billy's romance with a woman escaping a violent husband - as well as the present with Neil meeting his friends each Thursday to tell his story. The story is well told and keeps you guessing till the end. 4/5

The God Delusion

I've read The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins and found it a very interesting and intelligent book arguing the case for the non-existence of God. Dawkins, an unapologetic atheist writes that God is an invention of mankind and the Bible was written by men, not God. Similarly for other religious texts. People have been brainwashed from earliest times by the clergy for their own ends, usually to make their own fortunes. Dawkins examines all religions and says religion is responsible for most of the problems in the world, especially wars. The book was a bit ponderous to start with but well worth reading, though not all will be convinced by what he has to say. 4/5

The Unknown Terrorist

I've read the disturbing The Unknown Terrorist by Richard Flanagan which tells the story of Gina (The Doll), a pole dancer who unwittingly gets caught up in a terrorist scare in Sydney. The story reveals society's paranoia regarding terrorism and the laws that govern it which strip citizens of their rights. Also shown are the characters who seek to benefit from creating fear, including the media, politicians and some security services. A great thriller. 41/2/5

The Book Thief

This gem, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, was a great pleasure to read. The story, set in World War II Germany is narrated by Death. A young girl, Liesel Meminger, comes to live with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, after the death of her young brother as her mother is taking her to the Hubermanns. At the boy's funeral, Liesel steals her first book and her foster father (Papa) teaches her to read it. She steals a few more books and is given some as gifts and she develops a passion for books and words. Meanwhile the horrors of the War are going on around her and she and her family meet many challenges. This book is beautifully written - an absolute treasure that will stay in your mind for a long time. 5/5

China Witness - Voices from a Silent Generation

I've read this wonderful book of oral histories, China Witness by Xinran and enjoyed it very much. Xinran spent many years on her research into Chinese history and sought out living (now elderly) witnesses to the historic events that shaped China. Each chapter covers an interview subject, but before the interview text begins, Xinran contextualises the subject's story so the reader understands the significance of the subject's place in that historic moment. Her interview skills are beautifully evident in the transcripts and she gets to the heart of the person. There are so many poignant stories of personal sacrifice as this generation of Chinese people believed it was their duty to build their nation. For many, their relationships with their children suffered as they pursued their "higher cause." This book is one of the best examples of the use of oral history I've read that augments the written history. 5/5

Dangerous Games

I've very much enjoyed Dangerous Games by Sally Spencer. Set in 1965 Lancashire, a headless body is found in a waterway and later is found to be a murder victim, killed then hanged from a bridge. When another victim is hanged DCI Woodend and his team look for a connection and find it with a group of soldiers who served in Cyprus seven years earlier. Eventually the reasoning behind the killings is revealed as relating to an incident on Cyprus during their service that was then "covered up". I enjoyed the Woodend character. He had great wit and humour and did not suffer fools gladly. I will read more of Spencer's books. She also writes under pseudonym of Alan Rustage. 4/5

Skin and Bone

I've enjoyed Skin and Bone by Kathryn Fox which has Det Kate Farrer investigating the murder of an unidentified young mother in a house fire. At the same time she is compelled to look into the disappearance of a young woman from a wealthy family. It stretched things a bit to find that there is a connection, but there are lots of twists and turns along the way that still made it a good read. Even the ending was surprising, but almost predictable. 3 1/2/5

Fire in the Blood

I've read Fire in the Blood by Irene Nemirovsky, the author of the wonderful Suite Francaise. This is a short novel about love, regret, adultery and honour. An elderly man looks back on his life and his great love. He is forced to confront his past as he deals with a family situation in the present which has connections to the past. The marriages are not what they seem and decisions must be made on how to deal with the present and remain "respectable". A good story. 4/5

Someone Knows My Name

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill is a novel set in the mid 18th century following the life story of Aminata Diallo. As a young girl she is stolen from her village by slavers and spends much of her life as a slave in America. She learns to read and write and builds a life for herself, but always yearns to return to her childhood village. In her later years, she becomes a symbol for the anti-slavery movement and tells her story to champion that cause. It is a good story, long saga about Aminata's life which touches on real events in that historical period. 3 1/2/5

Dead Cold

I've read Dead Cold by Louise Penny, a murder story set in a cold Canadian modern village. A nasty and unpopular woman dies mysteriously in a rather complicated murder scenario. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache eventually unravels the mystery which has many twists and turns before its final outcome. I found the story hard to follow in places. This author was not known to me before and I won't be reading another of her books, as it was disappointing. 2/5

Annie May's Black Book

Annie May's Black Book by Debby Holt was a fun read - a romantic comedy, in which I could see Hugh Grant in the starring role of Ben who leaves Annie at the altar and comes back in to her life 17 years later. Annie has moved on from her initial "disappointment" and created a happy single life for herself then Ben "returns" and she must decide how she will deal with him. 31/2/5

Churchill's Triumph

I've enjoyed Churchill's Triumph by Michael Dobbs which is a story based around the Yalta Conference in 1945 where Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin met to decide the future of Europe. The story begins in 1963 when Churchill is holidaying on Onassis' yacht and meets a Pole who claims to have met him at Yalta. The story then flashes back to Yalta and the events and personalities at that conference. The then young Pole pleads his case for Poland as he fears his country will be overwhelmed by Stalin's Russia. The tragic events of the closing stages of the war are told and Churchill must accept that some sacrifices will have to be made. The main players in this story are given a life away from the history page and presents them as human beings. This is a good story well told. 4/5

Gardens of Water

Debut novel Gardens of Water by Alan Drew is fine story and relevant to our times with the themes of clash of culture between Christian and Islamic values. Set in Turkey, a Kurdish family headed by Sinan, survive an horrific natural disaster which tears his community apart. As Western aid workers move in to help, Sinan, a proud man, fights to maintain his independence and support his family. His teenage daughter, Irem, falls in love with Dylan, the son of an aid worker. Irem must decide between remaining with her family and the unknown consequences of being with Dylan as she is attracted by the apparent "freedom" in Western culture. 41/2/5

A Partisan's Daughter

I've enjoyed A Partisan's Daughter by Louis de Bernieres. This is an unusual "love" story about the relationship between Chris, a frustrated middle-aged man and Roza, a young woman from Yugoslavia, as they meet in London in the late 1970s. Chris is looking for excitement and becomes fascinated by Roza's stories and frustrated by the nature of their relationship. Roza is pleased to have a "nice" man interested in listening to her tell her stories about her life growing up as a Serb in Yugoslavia. How will their story end? Read the book to find out. This was well written and the two characters interesting and believable. 4/5

In The Country of Men

In The Country of Men by Hisham Matar is an insight into the Libyan dictatorship from a child's perspective. This novel is set in 1979 Libya, where 9 year-old Suleiman struggles to understand his beloved Mama and his aloof Baba. Some "counter-revolutionaries" dare to meet and discuss democracy and the oppression under Gadafi, however, if caught they pay a heavy price. The reader sees how these develpments affect Suleiman and changes his life as the author explores the themes of betrayal, redemption and freedom. This book was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2006 and is worth reading. 4/5

THe Spare Room

I've read the touching novel The Spare Room by Helen Garner. A dying friend comes to stay and her hostess does her best to accommodate her and help her. Nicola, has travelled from Sydney to Melbourne to attend a "clinic" promising to eradicate her cancer and her friend Helen is torn between helping her and trying to convince Nicola that the "clinic" is a con and offers her only false hope through its dubious "procedures". The novel explores friendship and what is expected of a friend. Should Helen force Nicola to face the truth about her illness? This is beautifully written and makes the reader happy to see the bond of friendship, sad to see the tragedy of terminal illness and angry to see those that exploit these vulnerable people. It is a small book, easy to read and highly recommended. 4/5

How The Soldier Repairs The Gramophone

How The Soldier Repairs The Gramophone by Saša Stanišić is the fictional story of a boy, Aleksander, growing up in Višegrad in Bosnia as the war begins in 1992. He and his family escape the violence to live in Germany and 10 years later Aleksander returns to see what has changed, find people from his past and capture his childhood memories. The story is told in an unusual way with flashbacks and imagination. As the story begins, Aleksander's beloved Grandpa dies suddenly and through the book there are references to him and to other characters in the town. As a child it is hard for Aleksander to make sense of the changes in his life as the "ethnic cleansing" begins in his town and he learns that your name determines whether you survive or not. Based around real events, the author has written in a beautiful and innovative manner, (sometimes challenging - but stick with it!), whimsical at times, as the reader understands better than Aleksander (as a child) what is happening. When he returns as an adult, he finds change but his love for his town and the River Drina on which it stands, remains constant. 4/5

Somme Mud

Somme Mud by E.F.P. Lynch was originally written by the author when he returned from WWI, in 20 school exercise books, now published in paperback. The first hand experiences of an Australian private on the battlefields of the Western Front in WWI are told well in this excellent book. The tension is high as we see the battles through Ted Lynch's eyes. There are moments of horror, humour and tragedy. The story shows the awful waste of young men's lives, on both sides of this war and the terrible conditions in which they fought. This is not a dry historical account of this conflict, but a personal story in which the reader feels and imagines what it was like to be there. This is a "must read" for anyone interested in WWI or war stories generally. This is one of the "Books Alive 2008" books. The editor, Will Davies, has written a follow up In the Footsteps of Private Lynch, telling of Lynch's life after he returned from the War. 5/5

The Lights of Alborada

I very much enjoyed The Lights of Alborada by Gianni Riotta. An Italian POW, Nino Manes, escapes from an American prison camp intent on returning to his island fishing village to prevent the wedding of his sweetheart. He teams up with a mysterious "American Lieutenant", who has a different reason for travelling. As they cross the USA to New York, they are hunted by American intelligence. They have many adventures along the way before the final showdown in New York. The story is narrated by Nino as he looks back on this episode of his life and we learn about his youth before the war and the circumstances that led to his capture. This is a beautiful story. 4 1/2/5

September Book Club

I had the pleasure of hosting book club this month and part of that fun was buying the new books, which are featured in an earlier blog page. I tried out my new three tiered cake plate and made some pretty cupcakes for it. All the ladies came tonight, except Ulla who unfortunately was unable to. Everyone had read some great books such as Gardens of Water, Life in His Hands and many others. Liz is very excited as she is off travelling to Greece, Spain and Portugal next week and Sandy is off to a wedding in Adelaide. Next meeting is at Kathy's place.

The Witch of Portobello

I've enjoyed The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho which is about the spiritual journey of a young woman, Athena. She is adopted by a Lebanese couple at an early age from an orphanage in Romania. As the situation in Lebanon deteriorates, the family moves to London where Athena grows up and is educated. Through contacts with other people, she gradually learns of the spiritual power within herself and uses that gift to help others. However, she faces opposition from conservative forces branding her a "witch". The story is told in the form of "interviews" with people who knew Athena, so the reader learns her story and there is a hint of mystery as to what may have happened to her. This is a book that makes you think about the value of your everyday life and the beauty that surrounds us in "ordinary" pursuits. We should take joy in doing those things, however mundane they may seem to be. 4/5

Panic

I've just finished Panic by Jeff Abbott. A young man, Evan Casher, has his world turned upside down when he finds his mother murdered. He is then sent on a fast-paced path to find out the truth about the murder and about himself in a world of spies and counter-spies, he must decide whom he can trust. This book was okay, but I wouldn't have read it if I'd realised it was about spies, counter-spies in CIA etc etc but it was fast-paced with a high body count, but a bit unbelievable in parts. 3 1/2/5.

The Good Husband of Zebra Drive

The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith is another in the delightful No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series as Mma Ramotswe's husband, Mr J.L.B. Matekoni dabbles in detective work. There are also mystery deaths at a hospital and thefts at a printing company. These are all characters we've come to know and love. 4/5

New books for September

It's my turn for Book Club this month, so I had the best fun buying the new books for the month. I'd collected several clippings over the last year of books that had excellent reviews and made up a "long list" of those I wanted to buy. Firstly, I headed for Big W, where they have the best prices, then to Myer where they have 35% off their top books. The rest I bought where I could. The following made it to my "short list". They are all novels except for Somme Mud. For more information on each book, click on the book title link.

Somme Mud by E.F.P. Lynch was written by the author when he returned from WWI in 20 school exercise books, now published for the first time. The book captures the horror of WWI from the perspective of an ordinary soldier. The editor, Will Davies, has written a follow up In the Footsteps of Private Lynch, telling of his life after he returned from the War. This is one of the "Books Alive 2008" books and came with a free book - see below.

Bombproof by Michael Robotham came free with the Books Alive promotion and published this year. Sami Macbeth has just been released from prison and when his train blows up, he's carrying a rucksak through London's West End, turning himself into the most wanted terrorist in the country.

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer is a charming story about the German occupation of the island told through letters from the island's "characters" to newspaper columnist, Juliet Ashton, in 1946. Juliet then visits the island to "meet them properly-- and unwittingly turns her life upside down." Sadly the author died earlier this year before her book was published so "what a shame it is that we won't have any more delights from this author's pen."

Radiance by Shaena Lambert is the story of 18-year old Hiroshima survivor, Keiko, who in 1952 is sent to the USA to have treatment for her radiation scars. This is "a mesmerising novel about guilt and intimacy."

The Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer is set in 1950s San Francisco when Pearlie, a dutiful housewife cares for her husband and son. Her world changes when a stranger appears on her doorstep. The story "portrays three people trapped by the confines of their era, and the desperate measures they are prepared to take to escape it."

The Seance by John Harwood is a "gripping tale" set in Victorian England - "a world of apparitions, disappearances, unnatural phenomona, betrayal, blackmail and murder." In an effort to comfort her mother, grieving for a younger sibling, Constance Langton takes her to a seance, with tragic consequences. The story is "chilling, page-turning and unforgettable."

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith is set in the Soviet Union of 1953. Officer Leo Demidov investigates the apparent murder of a boy, which the State is trying to cover up. At risk to himself and his family Demidov pursues his investigation of the "horrifying and gruesome killer."

Fractured by Karin Slaughter finds Abigail Campano returning home unexpectedly to find her teenage daughter dead, and the killer standing over her. "The struggle which follows changes Abigail's life forever."

Fire in the Blood by Irene Nemirovsky is another gem from this author who died so tragically in a Nazi concentration camp. The manuscript was discovered with her editors where it had been placed for safekeeping. The story is narrated by an old man as he recalls the passions of his early years.

An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor has been likened to James Herriot's books as a young doctor begins his practice in an Irish village where there are plenty of "characters".

How the Soldier Repairs the Gramophone by Sasa Stanisic is set in Bosnia of the 1990s when Serb soldiers force a young Bosnian refugee named Aleksandar Krsmanovic to flee with his family to Germany. As Aleksandar remembers the terrible times, he must try and make sense of it all to live a normal life.

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff is set in late 19th century USA in a Mormon community where Ann Eliza Young has recently separated from her powerful husband, Brigham Young, prophet and leader of the Mormon Church. Expelled and an outcast, Ann Eliza embarks on a crusade to end polygamy in the United States. This is the story of a family’s polygamous history, including how a young woman became a plural wife. The story is intertwined with a modern day murder mystery, as a young man, Jordan, who was thrown out of his family years earlier, fights to return to discover the truth about his father's death. "As Ann Eliza's narrative intertwines with that of Jordan's search, readers are pulled deeper into the the mysteries of love and faith."

Mistress of the Art of Death

I've enjoyed Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin. The serial crimes are set in 12th century England shortly after Henry II had Thomas a Beckett killed. A fiendish murderer is abducting and killing children in Cambridge and Henry requests help from the King of Naples to find the murderer. A female doctor, Adelia Aguilar, is sent to England to use her knowledge of forensics to investigate the murders. She must conceal her true occupation for fear of being branded a witch and she encounters other prejudices. The Jews of the town have been blamed for the deaths and they have been persecuted. Finally the awful truth is revealed as Adelia discovers the murderer and also love. 4/5

Pomegranate Soup

I very much enjoyed Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran. It is set in a "quaint" Irish village in the mid-1980s, where three Iranian sisters who have escaped the turmoil of their country, start a cafe. They encounter some resistance and suspicion from some of the villagers. One man who sees himself as the "leader" of the village particularly resents their presence as he had his own plans for the shop they occupy. There are a number of "quirky" characters in the village, but the sisters settle in. At the same time we learn of their troubled past in Iran. A lovely book, which includes recipes. Many chapters are introduced with a recipe which then becomes part of that chapter. 4/5

Cold Relations

I've read Cold Relations by Gerald Hammond and liked it. Det Sgt Honey Laird investigates the disappearance of two dogs following a hunt and then a man who attended the hunt also disappears. Is there a connection? Honey pursues the investigation which later leads to find another connection, this time with an armed robbery. As she unravels all of these crimes to find where the connections are, the reader is treated to a story with good characterisation and tight dialogue. 4/5

Two For The Road

I very much enjoyed Two for the Road by Amanda Hampson. Cassie Munro returns to her home town, Bilkara, to see her ill father. She has lived in London for 10 years after "running away" with the man who was to become her husband, as she sought to escape from the terrible consequences of a tragic accident. Cassie's father has a towing business and she soon learns that this is a very competitive business. Cassie is forced to confront the truth about her husband as well as the effects of the accident that happened in her teens, as she establishes a new life for herself. There are some wonderful characters in this book, incuding Kingi, Cassie's Maori mentor and friend; Avril, the long-suffering daughter of a hypochondriac mother; and Josie, Cassie's mother. 4/5

August Book Club

We met at Liz's place for our book club this month. As I'd missed the last two meetings because I was overseas, it was good to catch up with everyone. Sandy, Leonie and Kathy were absent this time. Ulla had also recently returned from overseas as well. We talked about the joys of travel and the deflated feeling when returning home. It is such a terrific "high" to be exploring all those wonderful places. Liz is looking forward to travelling next month. Bev told us about the grim situation in Zimbabwe where her mother lives. Liz is doing some work, despite her retirement but she seems to be enjoying it much more now. She made us a delicious supper, including some brownies which were to die for!! It's my turn next month so I've now got the books - like a kid in a lolly shop.

Conflict of Interest

I quickly read Conflict of Interest by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg for our Crime Club meeting today. DA Joanne Kuhlmann becomes personally involved in a robbery case she is prosecuting when doubts emerge about the mental fitness of one of the defendants. She is also dealing with problems with her children who had been abducted by her husband and she hadn't seen them for 2 years. Now she is trying to rebuild the relationship with them. Meanwhile, the robbers turn on each other and two of them mysteriously disappear - have they been murdered? There are many "different" characters in this book, some of them entirely unconvincing, for example, Kuhlmann's 12 year old son. Most of the ladies at our meeting agreed that the book had the potential for a good story but the poor writing let it down. It certainly promoted some lively discussion.

Paula

My mother gave me a copy of Paula by Isabel Allende to read on my recent holiday to Europe. I was reluctant to read it as I had been to a talk by the author a few years ago when, among other things. she told us about the writing of Paula. It sounded much too sad a book to be reading. However, as I was given it, I felt compelled to read it and I did like it very much. It is a sad story of the slow dying of Paula following being in a coma, the consequences of porphyria. The book was a memoir dedicated to Paula (written after her death) telling her about Isabel's life and those of her other relatives and the military coup in Chile. It is a heart-wrending story for any mother to read, and it is told well so that the reader becomes quite fond of Isabel's family. The insight into the terrible coup was interesting to learn to more about as well. This is a story I'm now glad to have read. 4/5

Firewall

I've just returned from nine weeks overseas and only finished one book, Firewall by Henning Mankel, which I very much enjoyed.  There are mysterious people dying suddenly or being murdered and Inspector Wallender must find the connection as he battles with his colleagues and superiors.  Throughout the story, Wallender "consults" his former mentor, Rydberg (now dead) - "What would Rydberg do?"  When he finally learns the truth, he must act quickly to avert disaster.  The story makes you think about the world's vulnerability and dependency on computers.

Wash This Blood Clean From My Hand

I've taken a couple of weeks to read Wash This Blood Clean From My Hand by Fred Vargas as I've been very busy preparing for our holiday and coping with a family illness. I enjoyed the book. The serial killer was very sophisticated and there were lots of "twists and turns" as Commissaire Adamsberg struggled to make others understand how the same killer could be operating after 60 years. Adamsberg's brother was accused of one of the murders and in finding the murderer, he will clear his name. The reader goes on a journey to Quebec and back to France as we learn more about the murderer. There are some wonderful characters. 4/5

May Book Club

We had a lovely time at Di's place. She had been busy baking some delicious treats for us and brought out her very beautiful teasets collection, which we always look forward to seeing. We've all had a busy month with work or holidays. Liz, Leonie and Ulla weren't able to come. Marilyn and Bev went to Sandy's daughter's wedding in the Cook Islands. Sandy's photos showed that it was a really beautiful wedding in a romantic tropical island setting where all had a great time. Bev also holidayed in New Zealand on the way to the wedding. Marilyn is off to Brazil soon but will then be travelling back and forth while her husband works there. Marilyn was proud to see her daughter graduate as a policewoman recently. Jenny has had dramas with her bathroom renovations which have dragged on for a month and still not completed. I'm off overseas later this month so will sadly miss a couple of book clubs. Di got some great books including one from her favourite genre Wash This Blood Clean From My Hand by Fred Vargas, which I'm reading now.

Exit Music

I've finished Exit Music by Ian Rankin the last in the Rebus series?? I hope not. Rebus is days away from his retirement and hopes to crack the murder of a Russian poet before then. He continues to be a thorn in the side of management right till the end as he struggles to find a motive and a murderer. When other attacks point to a connection to the Russian and Scottish MPs, as well as Rebus' nemesis Big Ger Cafferty, things get really interesting. Siobhan Clarke brings in a young rookie, Todd Goodyear, to help out and he is also tenuously connected to some of the characters involved in the murders/attacks. Rebus must solve the case while contemplating his future post-retirement. 4/5.