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The Graveyard Killings by Wes Markin

Marvellous Parallel Plotlines

The Graveyard Killings by Wes Markin is a fabulous contemporary murder suspense that completely consumed me. It is the fourth book in The Yorkshire Murders series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the previous books first for continuity, understanding and character progression.

Once more, I returned to Bradford and Knaresborough as I met up with familiar faces. Policing is in safe hands as we see the relentless pursuit of justice and for answers.

The search for closure is not just found within the law enforcement agencies but individuals need answers too.

A cold case is quite literally unearthed as the search for the truth continues.

We meet a father who has been guilt-ridden and grieving for years after a terrible accident robbed him of his daughter. Time is running out as his health is deteriorating and he needs to know the truth before he dies.

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The Last Day In Paris by Suzanne Kelman

Keep The Fires Burning

The Last Day In Paris by Suzanne Kelman is a marvellous dual timeline novel that I loved. It is the first book in The Paris Sisters series which promises to be fantastic.

The novel is set in present day and Paris during World War II. We ‘see’ the Nazis collecting and collating works of art to be shipped back to Germany. These treasures are more than their canvases and their worth, they are the very heart of the French people. Art speaks to souls. We witness the lengths some will go in order to protect it.

There are those who want to preserve the art for future generations to enjoy. In contrast, we see black marketeers who merely want the art for personal wealth. These unscrupulous people come in some surprising forms.

We follow a family of three generations. They are strongly bonded with each other and also have a bond with a painting done by their father. This is a microcosm for the value placed on art by the French people as a whole.

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Kasper Prince Of Cats by Michael Morpurgo

The Good Luck Cat

Kasper Prince Of Cats by Michael Morpurgo is a most delightful children’s historical novel that I loved. It is suitable for ages eight years and over.

This book will educate you as you read. It is set at the Savoy in London in spring of 1912. The action continues into April where the characters board the ill-fated Titanic on its maiden voyage to New York – and we all know how that ended!

Kasper is the star of the show. He is a regal black cat, all the way from Russia. Although beautiful, he is also aloof until he decides where his loyalties lie!

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The Other Edie Trimmer by Jacqueline Wilson

Fabulous Tale

The Other Edie Trimmer by Jacqueline Wilson is a fantastic dual timeline and just perfect for ages ten years and over.

The novel is set in present day and Victorian England. It will educate you as you read about the awful conditions facing children and the poor in Victorian England. The landscape comes alive under the author’s descriptive pen.

We hear about the mudlarks, young flower girls and the appalling treatment within the workhouse. Families were split up as males and females were segregated. People were cruelly treated and food was scarce.

We witness children as young as five years old, scrambling through the mud. Children were not treasured as they should be.

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