Release Date: 26/09/13
Publisher: Random House Books
SYNOPSIS:
As long as there has been crime there has been crap crime. From the Garden of Eden onwards, most criminals must ave been at least a bit crap - or else they wouldn't have been caught, right? OK, some real-life rogues like Bonnie and Clyde, or fictional villains like Moriarty, make breaking the law seem pretty glamorous. But not the failed felons banged up inside this book. Crap Crimes is a hilarious compendium of criminal stupidity - from the woman who went to the police to complain that she had been sold poor-quality cocaine, to the burglar who left his phone charging in his house. If you need proof that crime does not pay - or you just want a good laugh - then this is the book for you.
REVIEW:
This title for me, is what I would call a bathroom book, a title that you can quite happily leave in the smallest room of your house to dip into whenever you need (and a great way to distract guests). The stories are all from the real world and when you see how incompetent some of these “masterminds” are you cannot believe that the book wasn’t made up. (Think of this as perhaps a non-death Darwin Award for Criminals.)
It is fun, it has a good few bits in there to make you laugh and with some moments that will have you scratching your head wondering why these people did the things they did. Finally throw into the mix the chance to see this as the Jerry Springer Book of Crime (if you want to describe it to friends) and you’ll find that the odd break you take from day, can be something to cheer you right up. Great stuff.
Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Random House have let us know about a two day writing course taught by renowned Audrey Niffenegger held at the Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells between the 12th and 13th of April 2013 with applications to attend closing on 3rd April 2013.
Here's the details:"If you’ve started your novel but aren’t sure how to progress then this two-day course will give you the impetus you need to move forward. Two of the key elements of novel-writing are structure and characters. Structure is sometimes referred to as plot, but Audrey Niffenegger prefers to talk about structure or architecture to give a sense of building things, as it’s about how the parts of the book relate and support each other.
This is the first time that bestselling author and experienced creative writing teacher Audrey Niffenegger has ever taught in the UK.
Friday 12th April
10am - Tea, coffee, pastries
Introductions. Discussion of what each student is working on and an overview of the class schedule.
Discussion of structure in the novel: What is possible? What is easy to achieve? How do you develop structure as you write?
1pm - Lunch
2pm - Continue to discuss structure using the example of The Great Gatsby (copies will be sent out prior to the course)
Discuss fluidity vs. rigidity in writing. How do you tear something down and repurpose its parts? How do you control the rate of reveal?
Tea and coffee will be served at approximately 3pm
5pm - Conclusions for the day
5.30pm - Finish
Followed by an optional drinks reception with Audrey
Saturday 13th April
10am - Tea, coffee, pastries
Characters: What makes a memorable character? How do you build relationships? How do you get a character up-and-running? Work on character questionnaires.
1pm - Lunch
2pm - Discussion of morning’s exercise
How does character tie in with structure?
Tea and coffee will be served at approximately 3pm
3.30pm - Q & A: what novel writing issues are you most concerned about?
5pm - Conclusions for the course
5.30pm - Finish
For more information and costs on attending please visit here.
Release Date: 04/10/12
SYNOPSIS:
"Capital Crimes" tells the shifting story of crime and punishment in London through vivid re-creations of a series of murders that stretches from the killing of Roger Legett, a notorious 'questmonger', during the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, through to the hanging of Styllou Christofi in 1954. Some of the murderers, such as the political assassin John Bellingham, are still remembered. Others, including the eighteenth-century highwayman John Davis, are largely forgotten. But all their lives and fates have much to tell us - about London's changing underworld, about the slow evolution of policing in the capital, and about the sometimes strange workings of the law. Above all, they provide a fascinating sideways view of London over the centuries - from the crime-ridden alleyways of the Georgian capital to the supposedly respectable suburbs of Finchley, where the notorious 'baby-farmers' Amelia Sach and Annie Walters operated at the beginning of the twentieth century. Illustrated throughout with contemporary engravings and photographs, this is an essential read for all devotees of London - and of crime.
REVIEW:
As a fan of true crime I love it when a new book lands that brings the seedy hidden underbelly of a cityto life, a chance to see that its not just a modern thing but something that exuded from beneath for centuries, since groups of people decided to live together for protection alongside profit.
So all in, this book should have been something spectacular, yet whilst it had some stories from London that I’ve heard before alongside others I hadn’t it felt more like a text book than a title to read for the pleasure, the sensationalism that I’d have expected was missing and rather than increasing the notoriety it seemed to dumb it all down into pure facts rather than giving the reader a story to stay with them.
All in an OK book but not one I’ll be reading again in a hurry.
Release Date: 02/02/12
SYNOPSIS:
In the winter of 1952, Isabel Carey moves to the East Riding of Yorkshire with her husband Philip, a GP. With Philip spending long hours on call, Isabel finds herself isolated and lonely as she strives to adjust to the realities of married life.
Woken by intense cold one night, she discovers an old RAF greatcoat hidden in the back of a cupboard. Sleeping under it for warmth, she starts to dream. And not long afterwards, while her husband is out, she is startled by a knock at her window.
Outside is a young RAF pilot, waiting to come in.
His name is Alec, and his powerful presence both disturbs and excites her. Her initial alarm soon fades, and they begin an intense affair. But nothing has prepared her for the truth about Alec's life, nor the impact it will have on hers ...
REVIEW:
Hammer is a relatively new imprint and is setting the standard high with their releases. None perhaps more so than this release which is a cracking ghost story from well-known author Helen Dunmore. The story centres around the character of Isabel who develops as the story wends it merry way with a touch of the macabre, solid atmosphere and of course well developed plot line. Add to solid world building, character development that works well for the reader and of course the authors renowned ability to give the reader multiple hooks which also allows you suspend some of your doubts.
All in a wonderful read and one that I had a lot of fun with. I’ll definitely be looking at reading more of Hammer’s offerings.
Release Date: 19/01/11
SYNOPSIS:
In historical terms we know very little about Spartacus the man - partly because most contemporary Roman historians were keen to obliterate his memory and prevent him from attaining mythic status. This ofcourse is grist to the novelist's mill. Ben Kane's brilliant novel begins in the Thracian village to which Spartacus has returned, after escaping from life as an auxiliary in the Roman army. But here he quickly falls foul of his overlord, the Thracian king, who has set his heart on Dionysian priestess, Ariadne - later to become wife of Spartacus. Betrayed again to the Romans by his jealous king, Spartacus - and with him Ariadne - are taken in captivity to the school of gladiators at Capua. It is here - against the unbelievable brutality of gladiatorial life - that Spartacus and Crixus the Gaul plan the audacious overthrow of their Roman masters, escaping to Vesuvius, where they recruit and train a huge slave army - an army which will keep the might of Rome at bay for two years and create one of the most extraordinary legends in history. "Spartacus: The Gladiator" takes the story up to the moment when the slave army has inflicted its first great defeat on Rome.
REVIEW:
I’ve enjoyed Ben’s writing for quite some time so when I heard he was tackling Spartacus I had to hope that he was bringing something new to the fore especially when most people will be thinking either of Kirk Douglas or the recently deceased Andy Whitfield. Also tricky when theres seems to be a whole host of Spartacus titles out there from other authors for the Young Adult market.
So what has Ben produced? Is it worth the money? And perhaps most importantly, is it any good?
Well to be honest it’s a title that has a realistic feel which isn’t surprising when you consider that the author has done a lot of in depth research and when blended with a feel of David Gemmell’s Connovar (from the first Rigante Book, Sword in the Storm) and the reader is in for a real treat.
Add to this great prose, top notch action and when backed with Ben’s own authorly voice, it’s a story that, in subsequent books, will help bring the rebel to life.
Release Date: 17/11/11
SYNOPSIS:
Following hot on the heels of last year's best-selling edition, "Ripley's Believe It or Not! 2012" offers an entirely new compendium of bizarre facts and features in a stunning new design, including a section on the wacky and amazing feats of the Olympic games past and present, and an 8-page pull-out featuring Ripley's first ever odditorium, which opened in 1933. For the legions of dedicated Ripley's fans, and anyone else on the planet who loves unbelievable facts and jaw-dropping images, the latest annual in the bestselling series is a feast of delights. Meet the man who chews molten lead, the cat that can predict death, the vending machine that dispenses live crabs and the artist who paints portraits with burger grease. Intriguing interviews with some of the astounding individuals who feature in the book spotlight their achievements and reveal their motivations, and informative 'Ripley's Research' boxes give the scientific explanation behind some of the most incredible tales, such as how people have turned their fingers into magnets.REVIEW:
Every year when a new Ripley’s arrives I can’t wait to have a look through at the weird and the wonderful things that they’ve discovered and updated this year. There’s images of the weird, the unusual and the macabre although to be honest I’m never a hundred percent sure of the market to which its aimed as for me, children would get a lot out of it yet some of the content such as the chicken heads isn’t suitable.
Likewise with everything on hand with the internet you do wonder if perhaps they’re missing a trick or two such as splitting the book into sections and having more pictures and greater depth stories. All in, it’s well-done title, the factoids are interesting and the book is a lot of fun to flick through just be careful if you’re letting anyone under twelve flick through.
Release Date: 08/09/11
SYNOPSIS:
In "It's Only a Movie", the incomparable Mark Kermode showed us the weird world of a film critic's life lived in widescreen. Now, in "The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex", he takes us into the belly of the beast to ask: 'What's wrong with modern movies?' If blockbusters make money no matter how bad they are, then why not make a good one for a change? How can 3-D be the future of cinema when it's been giving audiences a headache for over a hundred years? Why pay to watch films in cinemas that don't have a projectionist but do have a fast-food stand? And, in a world in which "Sex and the City 2" was a hit, what the hell are film critics for? Outspoken, opinionated and hilariously funny, "The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex" is a must for anyone who has ever sat in an undermanned, overpriced cinema and asked themselves: 'How the hell did things get to be this terrible?'
REVIEW:
I’ve been more that familiar with Mark’s snark and smart accurate comments for years about the cinema and film in general. It is witty, it has great points (most of which I agree with) and when backed with a thorough understanding of the audience as well as the film industry it gives the reader a book that is not only informative but one that was a real joy to read.
Whilst it won’t be long before we lose the skills of the heroes of the cinema (the projectionists) the book pays homage to these unsung champions as well as helping to explain to the layman what happens in the film process alongside things like how some films become blockbusters whilst also panned by many. Finally add to this a well-deserved nomination in the Galaxy Nation Book Awards and it’s a title that you really have to get for that film aficionado in your life.
Release Date: 13/10/11
SYNOPSIS:
In this major new history of English food, Clarissa Dickson Wright takes the reader on a journey from the time of the Second Crusade and the feasts of medieval kings to the cuisine - both good and bad - of the present day. She looks at the shifting influences on the national diet as new ideas and ingredients have arrived, and as immigrant communities have made their contribution to the life of the country. She evokes lost worlds of open fires and ice houses, of constant pickling and preserving, and of manchet loaves and curly-coated pigs. And she tells the stories of the chefs, cookery book writers, gourmets and gluttons who have shaped public taste, from the salad-loving Catherine or Aragon to the foodies of today. Above all, she gives a vivid sense of what it was like to sit down to the meals of previous ages, whether an eighteenth-century labourer's breakfast or a twelve-course Victorian banquet or a lunch out during the Second World War.
Insightful and entertaining by turns, this is a magnificent tour of nearly a thousand years of English cuisine, peppered with surprises and seasoned with Clarissa Dickson Wright's characteristic wit.
REVIEW:
England is a country that has been invaded and amalgamated by many nations so far that we no longer know what is traditionally an English dish and what has its inspiration from farther afield. In this book by Clarrisa, we explore the dishes down the ages through well researched documents and where possible, suggestions so that the reader can get a taste of the past in the modern age.
Readers will be astounded by the sheer variety and whilst for some reason we have a reputation amongst other countries for tasteless food that’s boiled to mush, I’ve yet to find out where that originated especially considering that we’ve had access to spices for centuries that have not only added to our own stock of treasures but also to our larders in many varieties. Look at dishes such as almond cream which was available in the High Middle Ages or even Hippocras, a wine spiced with ginger and cinnamon, honey and Chinese pepper. We have exotic tastes and yet we’re still stuck with the rather poor reputation.
Add to this influence from expanding of the Empire (with the first Curry shop opening in London in 1810 by Sake Dean Mahomed) alongside other migrant’s dishes and it’s a country of variety, of adventure and something new around every corner. A wonderful book all in and one that I’ll enjoy reading time and again especially with the additional extra of some of the recipes in the appendices. Cracking.
Release Date: 06/10/11
SYNOPSIS:
What is the difference between a dog and a fox? About 9 pints
What do you call a man with a 2 inch penis? Justin
What’s pink and hard in the morning? The Financial Times crossword
Did you hear about the consignment of Viagra pills stolen from a warehouse? Police are on the lookout for hardened criminals
An aeroplane is about to crash, when a female passenger jumps up frantically and announces, 'If I'm going to die, I want to die feeling like a woman.' She removes all her clothing and asks, 'Is there someone on this plane who is man enough to make me feel like a woman?'
A man stands up, removes his shirt and says, 'Here, iron this!'
The greatest ever collection of filthy jokes guaranteed to offend and outrage the prudish. Full of hilarious gags, it’s totally politically incorrect, unashamedly x-rated and downright dirty. Definitely one to keep well out of the way of the mother-in-law…
REVIEW:
As an adult I love to have a laugh and I’m always on the hunt for a good joke so finding them, when you do is like gold dust. What this title by Llewellyn and Phil does is give the reader a huge amount of jokes to tell and whilst a lot of them are colourful there are some crackers within, the main problem is that like Louis Lamour said about gold “… you have to dig through a ton of dirt to find the yellow stuff.”
Add to this a number of jokes that I didn’t get and whilst it is catagorised so you can flick through it, you have to remember that the humour is subjective. After all what makes one laugh will have others stony faced. All in a good attempt but you might be better seeking out a comedian that you like and looking through one of their titles to get a real humdinger.
Release Date: 06/10/11
SYNOPSIS:
Joe Clayton thought the dangers of his undercover career were behind him. He was wrong. One grey October morning, while working in a quiet Bristol street, he hears the voice of the man who has sworn to destroy him. Minutes later Joe is running for his life again.
Desperate for sanctuary, he heads for the small Cornish town of Trelennan, and the home of Diana Bamber, widow of a former police colleague. But Diana reacts strangely to his arrival, and gradually Joe discovers that Trelennan is far from the idyllic, law-abiding resort it claims to be.
The town is in the grip of one man. Leon Race doesn’t welcome strangers, especially ex-cops who start asking questions about missing women. Soon Joe is caught up in another undercover role, but as he penetrates the web of secrets that ensnares the town’s elite, his own secret is at risk of discovery. And all the time his old enemy is circling ...
REVIEW:
If you love a gritty UK based drama then this book is an absolute must read as Ex-Copper Joe Clayton has a close call and goes on the run for his life. It’s cleverly constructed, beautifully thought out and with a main character that the reader can’t help but associate with, it’s a book that really was hard to put down.
Add to this a wonderfully woven story, with a tapestry of deceit, shame as well as crime within a small community, it takes a special kind of “sheriff” to come into town to get to the root of the problem whilst worrying about his own survival from the gang that refuse to let him go. Finally add to this great pace and some clever twists which overall made this title a real joy before bed. Just expect a late night or two.
Release Date: 21/07/11
SYNOPSIS:
'This is where all stories start, on the edge of a dark wood...'
Ever since moving to Fairwick to take up a teaching post at the local college, Callie has been having vivid, erotic dreams about a man made out of moonlight and shadows. Dreams she begins to fear as well as anticipate...
She learns that her home – a Victorian cottage at the edge of a wood she bought on a whim – is supposedly haunted. And then her new – and rather strange – colleagues tell her a local legend about an incubus demon with a human past who was enchanted by a fairy queen...
REVIEW:
Having read Carol’s writing in the series she cowrites with husband Lee Slonimsky entitled Black Swan Trilogy, I was interested to see what she would come up with in a tale all of her own. It’s cleverly done and if you love Urban Fantasy Romance this title will give you all of that alongside a story of mystery, longing and discovery within this books pages. Add to this some twists as well as some neatly concealed sleight of hand and overall it’s a satisfactory title.
I look forward to seeing what else may arise from this series published by Ebury and will continue to enjoy this authors work for quite some time.
Release Date: 02/06/11
SYNOPSIS:
The Modern Pantry restaurant serves some of the most exciting food in London. Anna Hansen’s flavour combinations are wholly original; her dishes combine the best of seasonal western ingredients with the freshness and spice of Asian and Pacific Rim cooking.
In this, her first cookbook, Anna introduces the reader to his or her very own 'modern pantry', a global larder of ingredients to use at home. Recipes include snacks and sharing plates like crab rarebit and grilled halloumi and lemon roast fennel bruschetta, salads such as wild rice with charred sweetcorn, avocado, feta and pecan, and delicious main courses like miso-marinated onglet steak. Other highlights are her luscious desserts: honey-roast pear, chestnut and oat crumble and home-made coconut sorbet, and cakes and bakes including date and orange scones and banana and coconut upside-down cake.
Anna aims to broaden the everyday home cook’s ideas of what he or she can prepare, to create simple, inspiring dishes for family and friends. The Modern Pantry Cookbook is stylish and groundbreaking, and the innovative recipes are illustrated with beautiful colour photography.
REVIEW:
Whilst most people think of food as fuel these days and don’t like to take their time to enjoy it, for me food is a celebration of life and one of the few remaining pleasures that we’re allowed to have, so as such I feel we should enjoy it to the max with a whole set of spices, herbs and of course complimentary ingredients.
Here in this title by Anna Hansen, is a book that brings together some unusual combinations that not only work but do so on a level to take the humble basics and turn them into a magical concoction that works. Such as pickled watermelon rind which works with cold cuts and salads and makes use of an ingredient that most people would have usually binned. Add to this a whole host of flavours from a variety of styles and it’s a book that really will generate something unique in your own kitchen as well as the table. That for me is good cooking in a nutshell, something special out of easy to find ingredients that work not only on their own but together create something unique.
Finally add to this an easy to follow set of instructions, wonderfully set out sections so you can find what you want and the flair of someone who’s not afraid to experiment and it’s a book that may well surprise as well as give you something that you’d never thought would have tasted so good.
Release Date: 01/06/11
SYNOPSIS:
British food has not traditionally been regarded as one of the world's great cuisines, and yet Stilton cheese, Scottish raspberries, Goosnargh duck and Welsh lamb are internationally renowned and celebrated. And then there are all those dishes and recipes that inspire passionate loyalty among the initiated: Whitby lemon buns and banoffi pie, for example; pan haggerty and Henderson's relish. All are as integral a part of the country's landscape as green fields, rolling hills and rocky coastline. In Food Britannia , Andrew Webb travels the country to bring together a treasury of regional dishes, traditional recipes, outstanding ingredients and heroic local producers. He investigates the history of saffron farming in the UK, tastes the first whisky to be produced in Wales for one hundred years, and tracks down the New Forest's foremost expert on wild mushrooms. And along the way, he uncovers some historical surprises about our national cuisine. Did you know, for example, that the method for making clotted cream, that stalwart of the cream tea, was probably introduced from the Middle East? Or that our very own fish and chips may have started life as a Jewish-Portuguese dish? Or that Alfred Bird invented his famous custard powder because his wife couldn't eat eggs? The result is a rich and kaleidoscopic survey of a remarkably vibrant food scene, steeped in history but full of fresh ideas for the future: proof, if proof were needed, that British food has come of age.
REVIEW:
Whilst I’m just an amateur cook, I do love to hear about regional delicacies and where to get the best to try. As such whilst some have been on my scope for a while (such as Mr Fitzpatrick’s Cordials in Rawtenstall) some I’d never heard of such as the Manchester Sausage.
As such to have a title that details some special treats to look out for when I’m out generates something a little special for your own culinary pursuits. After all finding that something special not only increases the options you have at your own meal times but also allows you to discover a few thing that you never know about (or are regional secrets) prior to reading this title.
All in this book was a wonder and I’ve more than got a few things that I want to try and with friends visiting from other area’s I know what to ask them to bring for me to utilise which makes this, whilst not a book of recipes, one that brings the joy of quality products that are lovingly prepared that aren’t available in the supermarket which not only keeps local business alive but tradition as well. Great stuff from Andrew Webb and a title that I’ll have to guard as I already know one or two who are eyeing it up for “borrowing” on a permanent basis.
Release Date: 12/05/11
SYNOPSIS:
Orient Express is for busy cooks who want a touch of the light, beautiful cuisine of the eastern Mediterranean. Following her acclaimed Purple Citrus and Sweet Perfume , Silvena Rowe turns her focus to the delicious small dishes that you would find in the bustling street markets of Damascus or Istanbul - koftes, falafels and pilafs - as well as delicious puddings such as vanilla baklava, and chocolate and pistachio mousse. In this treasure trove of a book she presents 100 light, enticing new recipes, perfectly balanced for mezze-style summer meals. This is a cuisine both for celebrating and sharing: Ottoman-inspired food, based around stunning combinations of sweet and sour - honey and cinnamon, saffron and sumac - and given a brilliant modern twist by one of the most exciting chefs working in Britain today. Silvena Rowe has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the foods and culinary traditions of the eastern Mediteranean. Her cooking is light and the presentation of her dishes is elegant and sophisticated, while the flavours are powerful and the textures balanced. Her enthusiasm for the food of her heritage is evident on every page.
REVIEW:
Whilst most people would automatically think that this title is a quick and easy way to create Asian dishes, it’s not. It brings the flavour and culture of the eastern Mediterranean to the palette of the western world and whilst some of the dishes may seem quite exotic they have a wonderful taste sensation all of their own.
Taking influences from as far afield as North-Eastern Africa as well as Turkey, it has something for all palettes. It’s accomplished, it’s easy to follow and above all else it will give you a set of flavours that are not matched anywhere else in the world where savoury dishes vie against the sweetness of some of the ingredients. Its creative, it will give you something special for a dinner party and with a quick turn around on their creation, can be something that will wow a surprise party that very few will have experienced before.
Release Date: 25/03/11
SYNOPSIS:
The language of crime has a long and venerable history - in fact, the first dictionary of words specifically used by criminals, Hye-Way to the Spittel House, dates from as early as 1531. Jonathon Green is our national expert on slang, and in Crooked Talk he looks at five hundred years of crooks and conmen, from the hedge-creepers and counterfeit cranks of the sixteenth century to the blaggers and burners of the twenty-first. Not to mention a substantial detour behind bars into the world of prisons, and, of course, the swag, the hideouts, the getaway vehicles and allied 'tools of the trade' - not forgetting the cops, peelers, fly cops and all other varieties of the boys in blue. Arranged thematically, the book shows where particular words came from, how they have evolved and why they mean what they do. If you have ever wondered when the police were first referred to as pigs (the eighteenth century), why prison guards became known as redraws ('warder' backwards), or what precisely the subtle art of dipology involves (pickpocketing), then this book has all the answers.
REVIEW:
From what I know of a lot of fantasy readers, many have a secret yearn to be a writer (I know I do) and whilst my own efforts are more for personal pleasure than to ever see the light of day, I’m always looking for something a little different that can help add not only authenticity but also add a unique cast upon the characters. Whilst this usually requires a great deal of research there are occasional titles that not only jump out but also are books that are pretty hard to put down. Such is the case with this title by Jonathan Green which whilst aimed more as a factual curiosity for the coffee table is one that’s going to be utilised time and again by myself.
Split into helpful chapters, I can easily flick through and locate thief parlances that will add a flavour of something dangerous as well as believable to the characters and once you have your timeline to hand (roughly the time period to which the technology has advanced within your writing) you can pick up some cracking phrases to utilise that add another flavour to your work. Add to this a wonderfully fascinating look at a section of humanity, answers to curious questions (for example I always thought a Grass was a shortened version of snake in the grass, however it actually comes from 1920’s Rhyming Slang for Grasshopper meaning shopper) and all in it’s a cracking title that you really can’t pass by.
Release Date: 09/06/11
SYNOPSIS:
In the First Punic War, the Roman legions defeated and humiliated Carthage, their only serious rival for power in the Mediterranean. Now a brilliant young Carthaginian general, called Hannibal, is out for revenge. Caught up in the maelstrom are two young boys, Hanno, the son of a distinguished soldier and confidant of Hannibal, and Quintus, son of a Roman equestrian and landowner. A disastrous adventure will see Hanno sold into slavery and bought by Quintus' father. Although an unexpected friendship springs up between the two boys - and with Quintus' sister, Aurelia - the fortunes of the two warring empires once again separates them. They find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict and an alliance forged through slavery will be played out to its stunning conclusion in battle.
REVIEW:
With the conclusion of Ben’s Forgotten Legion trilogy, it was always going to be interesting to see what he’d tackle next. After all when you’ve marched the legions across to the East and backed the soldiers to the hilt in an unfamiliar land then there are only so many other places you can go.
Thankfully for us, Ben takes the reader into the Second Punic War and whilst the outcome is never in doubt in hindsight, at the time it was a case of whose empire would fall which Ben does a cracking job of bringing to the fore to the reader. Add to this some great characters, a wonderful understanding of combat which when blended with cracking pace and decent dialogue will more than satisfy the reader. In conclusion, Ben’s writing has improved with each successive title and its going to be interesting to see into which arena he throws himself for the next brutal and bloody round.
Release Date: 03/03/11
SYNOPSIS:
It is fall in Philadelphia and the mutilated body of a man is found in one of the poorest neighbourhoods of the city. The victim has been viciously tortured to death. It's the work of a sadistic mind in free fall. When homicide detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano investigate, they soon realise that their crime scene is linked to the past. Eight years ago, another body was found in the same place, in the same position, killed in the same manner. That case was never closed. Apart from their killer's unusual calling cards, the crime scene photos - past and present - are identical. As another brutalised body appears, then another, it becomes horrifyingly clear that someone is recreating unsolved murders from Philadelphia's past in the most sinister of ways. And the killer is closer than they think...
REVIEW:
Crime has never been so good as it has recently. Within this title you get scares, you get chills and above all else you get a tale that keeps the reader glued to the last page especially when you back it with some cracking backstory to reveal more about one of the principle protagonists. It’s well written, it’s definitely a title that has a great overall arc and its one that adds to the characters previous adventures in such a way that it keeps it moving at its own pace.
Finally add some great prose, a good sense of dialogue backed by believable characters and the reader really is in for a treat. Richard is back to form so please ignore The Devil’s Garden and turn straight to this title. A real faith restorer.
Release Date: 06/01/11
SYNOPSIS:
Would you like to get the most out of your slow cooker? Do you want to create healthy home-cooked meals with the minimum of effort? Do you want to save money and time without compromising on taste? Perfect Slow Cooking is an indispensable guide to this healthy and economical way of preparing meals. Covering everything from how to choose the right appliance to advice on the most affordable cuts of meat, it walks you through every aspect of the slow-cooking method and offers tried-and-tested tips that will help ensure all your meals taste fantastic. With a selection of mouth-watering recipes for soups, curries, roasts and desserts, alternative options for those occasions when you don't have all the ingredients, and useful advice on finding the time to cook during a busy day, Perfect Slow Cooking has all you need to prepare delicious, healthy home-cooked meals on a budget. The Perfect series is a range of practical guides that give clear and straightforward advice on everything from getting your first job to choosing your baby's name. Written by experienced authors offering tried-and-tested tips, each book contains all you need to get it right first time.
REVIEW:
As an owner of a slow cooker, I’ve always stuck to the basics such as a hot pot or a good old casserole and I’ve always wondered exactly what else could be accomplished with this wonderful cooking method. What Elizabeth’s book does not only helps you to learn how to make the most from your slow cooker but also gives you tips on looking after it, helping to convert other recipes to this method as well as accompanying a whole range of delicious recipes to get you started.
There’s something for everyone’s taste within whether you like vegetarian food or a soup, some deserts or a good solid main course with cuisine from around the world to cite a Lamb Tangine or a Jambalaya as well as solid British favourites like Lucky Irish Stew with Dumplings for example. It’s a wonderful addition to anyone’s kitchen and as such I can’t recommend it enough especially if you love the idea of a throwing everything into one pot and coming back to a beautifully cooked hearty meal. Great stuff.
Release Date: 20/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Nathan Stiedowe is seeking perfection - and he has been learning from the best. Recreating some of the most sickening murders in history, his objective appears chillingly simple, but his true motive remains unclear. On the trail of this sadistic monster is FBI Special Agent Dana Whitestone. Driven by the brutal childhood slaying of her parents, Dana's relentless pursuit of the most evil and twisted criminals has seen her profile many violent cases. But never has she encountered a maniac as demented as Stiedowe, or a mind as horrifyingly disturbed...
REVIEW:
In a world that’s chock full of fictional crime titles that centre around a serial killer, new authors have to find a way to give the reader something special that not only chills them to the bone but horrifies as well as frightens them. Many readers seek solice within the thrill that they get from titles that explore the case through pathology, others by reading titles where the detective is key. However one element that has not been as explored as it could have been is the tale from the point of view of the serial killer.
This is what Jon Osborne has done, in this his debut title that seeks to launch him up there with the likes of Karin Slaughter, even so far as following a punishing schedule that will see the second title in the series published in the next six months. It’s going to be tough but with the characters within this first novel, the author has a real chance of creating something special. Within this story the characters are believable, the dialogue realistic and the prose alongside pace really keeps the reader glued as each element is revealed which makes this a great first title and one that demonstrates that this year has some cracking new talent breaking out.
Release Date: 12/08/10
BOOK BLURB:
Having survived the perils of a journey across half the world, Romulus and Tarquinius are press-ganged into the legions, which are under imminent threat of annihilation by the Egyptians. Meanwhile in Rome, Romulus' twin sister Fabiola lives in fear for her life, loved by Brutus, but wooed by Marcus Antonius, his deadly enemy. Soon after, Romulus fights at Zela, the vicious battle where Caesar famously said, 'Veni, vidi, vici'. Tarquinius, separated from Romulus in the chaos of war, hides in Alexandria, searching for guidance. But mortal danger awaits them both. From the battlefields of Asia Minor and North Africa, to the lawless streets of Rome and the gladiator arena, they face death daily, until on the Ides of March, the twins are reunited and must decide either to back or to betray Caesar on his day of destiny.
REVIEW:
As a reader of this series from the beginning, I’d hate to think how new readers would react to trying to start from here. Not that they couldn't but they really will have a large number of problems putting things together alongside having missed a lot of development for the characters concerned. It is a great overall arc and whilst this tale is just a small snippet of the story of the twins Romulus and Fabriola along with their companions you know that it’s a key part of their development. Beautifully written and with enough action to keep the blood thirsty happy its definitely a tale that will impress those who’ve followed from the beginning as Ben keeps developing alongside improving his weaker area’s of writing. A great overall offering and one that will definitely have me baying for the next title sooner rather than later.
