Nero The Hero by Samantha Mattocks

Jun25

Helping Others

Nero The Hero by Samantha Mattocks is a delightful children’s book and just perfect for six years and over. It is the first book in a new series which promises to be very charming.

We meet Nero the hero who is a very special dog. He is the latest in a long line of Schnauzers who can communicate with their owners, and who are on high alert for those who are in trouble.

Twelve-year-old Jack meets Nero when he spends the summer holidays with his grandmother. The heroics of Nero rub off on Jack, as he too, wants to rescue others. We see that although Jack does indeed, perform a heroic act, he then needs rescuing!

The novel teaches us the value of kindness and care. We need to look out for others, and help where we can.

Nero The Hero is beautifully illustrated by Gerda Smit. She really brings Nero to life.

It was lovely to meet up with Mister Mishkins, the hero of his own series. The message of the book says that although we may be different – a dog and a cat – we can still be friends.

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F1 Racing: Drive by Rachel Brookes

Jun20

Perfect For The F1 Fan

F1 Racing: Drive by Rachel Brookes is the perfect companion for the F1 fan.

Rachel Brookes writes in a very personable style that draws the reader into her inner circle.

The book covers technical topics such as set up, choice of tyres, breaking, approach to corners etc. She presents them in a way that is easily understood by the lay person.

There are quotes from both racers and pundits alike, including Martin Brundle, Anthony Davidson, Valtteri Bottas, Oscar Piastri and more. All are familiar names and well respected by the F1 fan.

Drivers of the past are included too, as everyone tries to decide – who is their personal G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time)?

We learn about the dedication of the late, great Aryton Senna. And we see the comparison of Seb Vettel who “made it his business to know people, not just their job titles but their lives.” There is the belief that “people work harder when they feel they matter.”

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Can’t Judge A Book By It’s Murder by Amy Lilliard

Jun20

Cosy Crime

Can’t Judge A Book By It’s Murder by Amy Lillard is a contemporary cosy crime novel that I enjoyed. It is the first book in A Main Street Book Club Mystery which promises to be entertaining.

The reader enters small town America where a murder of one of their own has been committed. The clues all point in one direction – to a quiet, unassuming local despite the fact that strangers are in town. Local residents come together and begin amateur sleuthing looking for answers.

As I read, I was very much reminded of both Miss Marple; and also, Midsomer Murders, if both were set in America. Everyone knows each other; the police chief is a friend to all, and there are a trio of octogenarians plus two younger people, all trying to solve the crime.

I loved the inclusion of a traumatised cat, and also a noisy parrot who provided light-hearted entertainment with his random comments.

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