Rough Country

I didn't like Rough Country by John Sandford much. It seems to be set in "red-neck" country in America. A woman is murdered by a sniper and Det Virgil Flowers is sent to investigate. There seems to be an over-emphasis on the "lesbian community" and its connection to the murder - and other related murders. There is also a certain predictable outcome which I thought a bit lame. The final page provides some comic relief. 3/5

Wolf Hall

I quite enjoyed Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, the winner of the 2009 Man Booker Prize, despite its length. It was, of course, very well written and told the story of Thomas Cromwell up to the time of his elevation as King Henry VIII's advisor. The reader learns about Cromwell's early very humble life and his family. As his influence grows he makes some powerful enemies. He is instrumental in helping Henry marry Anne Boleyn and breaking from Rome. This book is a huge undertaking, but if you are interested in that period you will find it worthwhile. 4/5

The Death of Dalziel

I really enjoyed The Death of Dalziel by Reginald Hill though was initially disturbed by the title - Dalziel dead? unthinkable!! Pascoe investigates after a bomb goes off and finds a white supremacist group is working to deliver "justice" to those they feel deserve it. Lots of twists and turns as Pascoe is seconded to an anti-terrorism unit and wonders about his contribution. 4/5

On Beulah Height

I very much enjoyed On Beulah Height by Reginald Hill though the edition I read had very small print! Dalziel and Pascoe investigate the disappearance of a child which has similarities to an investigation 15 years earlier which Dalziel was unable to solve. Is the perpetrator the same? There are a lot of twists and turns and the ending was very satisfying with a good twist. 4/5