In 1612, ten people from Pendle were executed as witches. Most of the information known comes from Thomas Potts’ Wonderfull Discoverie of W(Audiobook)
In 1612, ten people from Pendle were executed as witches. Most of the information known comes from Thomas Potts’ Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches, but now true-crime author Carol Ann Lee takes an in-depth view of the case, exploring the lives of the people involved, their backgrounds and the communities they came from.
I’ve read several books by this author, including those concerning the White House Farm murders, and her biography of Ruth Ellis, so I’m familiar with her accessible writing style and eagled-eyed attention to detail. Subtitled The Lives, Crimes and Deaths of the Pendle Witches, this is a comprehensive and well-researched book that delves into the reality of the two main families involved in the trial, unpicking Potts’ jaundiced view of the proceedings and suggesting possible alternatives to his ‘history’ of those events. It’s true to say that the book is a long one, unearthing a huge amount of information that could easily overwhelm the casual reader. The audiobook comes with a PDF showing the Southerns/Device and Whittle/Redfearn family trees, the main and subsidiary characters, and a glossary of some of the more obscure words used in the book.
Superbly narrated by Emma Gregory, this is a fascinating, scary and troubling account of one of the most notorious witch trials in British history....more
A diplomatic reception at a Bangkok university would normally be pretty tiresome, but when a lone gunman appears, the scene becomes one of mass murderA diplomatic reception at a Bangkok university would normally be pretty tiresome, but when a lone gunman appears, the scene becomes one of mass murder. Former detective Sam Tay – now feeling his age and worrying about the future – is approached by Interpol to help with the investigation. Sam discovers the detective in charge is being pressurised by his bosses to come up with a result – even if it isn’t the right one. The murder of several ambassadors and the American chief of mission looks like a terrorist plot but as the guest of honour – the Chinese foreign minister – wasn’t even there, Sam begins to wonder if a major piece of the jigsaw is missing.
This is book eight in the Samuel Tay series and it’s an absolute stonker. As usual, the story centres not only on an investigation, but on Sam Tay’s views on life and death, as well as his concerns about the ageing process. Could it be that this might be the last case Sam tackles before he shuffles off his mortal coil for good? An appearance by Sam’s dead mother does nothing to change his mind, as it seems that even she is moving on. In Bangkok Sam meets the detective he’ll be working with along with an attractive cop known as Beer. As the investigation progresses and Sam discovers the identity of some of the murdered people, the mystery only deepens. Following a near-fatal collision on the road, Sam realises that both his own and his companion’s lives may be in danger.
There’s a couple of nice surprises later on in the book when former associates become part of the story. As the pieces of the puzzle came together, it reminded me what a damn good storyteller Mr Needham is.
A stonking good murder mystery that ticked all the right boxes for me. Nice one, Jake....more
Oldest daughter of musician Frank Zappa and his wife Gail, Moon Zappa tells the story of her life from childhood to adulthood. She delves i(Audiobook)
Oldest daughter of musician Frank Zappa and his wife Gail, Moon Zappa tells the story of her life from childhood to adulthood. She delves into her film career, her sudden celebrity status following her inclusion on one of her father’s records, and her often bizarre relationship with her parents.
Narrated by the author, it must be said that this book is a bit of a rant. Moon’s childhood with her parents Frank and Gail, along with her weirdly named siblings, is bizarre in many ways and perhaps deserves to be ranted about, but her narration style—almost shouting in some sections—gets a tad irritating after a while. Much of the book focuses on Moon’s desire to be loved by her father, who seems to have ignored his oldest daughter most of the time. However, it’s her mother, Gail, who comes out of it as the villain of the piece and probably the worst parent in history. Even after Frank’s death, Gail kept secrets from her children, refusing to allow them to see their father’s will (even denying it existed) and more importantly, from knowing his wishes for them. It all comes out in the end, of course, and eventually Moon seems to accept her mother for the person she was. It’s fair to say Moon’s story is told frankly and honestly, though her writing style is a little clunky at times (if I’d read this as a paperback, I’d have likely stopped halfway through).
Interesting and a little disturbing, this is a frank (excuse the pun) and enlightening account of life as part of one of America’s most infamous and dysfunctional families....more
A series of murders committed thousands of miles apart sets Kay Scarpetta on a path to find the connection. But discrepancies with the most recent corA series of murders committed thousands of miles apart sets Kay Scarpetta on a path to find the connection. But discrepancies with the most recent corpse suggest someone else may be behind the killings. When another body is found, however, the body points to a sinister and deadly threat that fills Scarpetta with terror – the killer is armed with the smallpox virus.
This is book 8 in the Kay Scarpetta series and this time we find the good doctor with a possible epidemic on her hands. As usual, the depth of the research relating to the medical details are what make the book stand out. The development of the characters, too – Marino, Lucy, and Wesley in particular – is always interesting and we get a nicely rounded picture of how their relationships with Scarpetta have altered over the years. Nevertheless, while the plot has plenty of suspense, the book doesn’t have the same tightly plotted feel as her previous books, and the rather irritating Detective Ring is a little too generically prejudiced for belief.
When she meets cabbie Steve, young mum Kat Riley sees him as a means of escaping both her family and her own troubled past. Taking her baby, she sets When she meets cabbie Steve, young mum Kat Riley sees him as a means of escaping both her family and her own troubled past. Taking her baby, she sets off for a picturesque cottage in the Durham countryside. But the house on Derville’s Lane reveals its own dark story – weird shadows, noises in the walls, and the influence of paranormal podcasts, have an effect on Kat and soon pose a threat to her new life.
This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author, so I thought I knew what to expect. Unlike her other books, this one gets off to a slow start, but soon begins to build tension as the heroine discovers her new abode isn’t quite what she imagined. Her new partner, too, seems to have secrets of his own that do nothing to reduce Kat’s worries. Strange noises and shadowy figures reinforce the house’s spooky history, and there are some truly creepy sequences that point to paranormal activities. Kat’s troubled history is gradually revealed as she strives to uncover the truth about the house, her neighbours, and her new partner.
A few formatting issues with the Kindle version were a tad irritating, but otherwise this is a suitably creepy and atmospheric tale....more
While lecturing in the US, forensic psychologist and criminal profiler Dr Alexander Gregory is invited to help the New York State Homicide Squad. The While lecturing in the US, forensic psychologist and criminal profiler Dr Alexander Gregory is invited to help the New York State Homicide Squad. The wife of a notorious Mafia boss has been admitted to a private psychiatric hospital. The FBI is concerned she won’t be able to follow through with her promise to testify against her husband. In a bid to extricate her from the hospital, Dr Gregory is also admitted, masquerading as an inmate. But how will Alex cope with being on the other side of the doctor/patient divide?
Set in a remote hospital in the Catskill Forest, this is book three in the Dr Alex Gregory series. It’s interesting to see how he deals with the daily round of sessions with the psychiatrist – especially given his own difficult relationship with his mother. But the real trouble starts when Alex finds his contacts on the outside have stopped answering the phone. Unable to talk to anyone, and not knowing who to trust, Alex is eventually forced to confide in someone. But things take a dangerous turn when the Mafia boss’s wife is attacked.
This was a bit of a slow burner to begin with but nevertheless an enjoyable tale that has an exciting denouement amid a gradually unravelling mystery. The author keeps the plot bubbling away as Alex is thrown from one dangerous situation to another.
An interesting and entertaining tale that sheds more light on Dr Gregory’s troubled past....more
About to start a new job, Louis moves his family from Chicago to a rambling house in Maine, where his kids will have room to play and explore. The onlAbout to start a new job, Louis moves his family from Chicago to a rambling house in Maine, where his kids will have room to play and explore. The only downside is the main road between the house and the elderly neighbours across the street, where heavy trucks hurtle past with little care for the safety of pedestrians. The family’s daughter is keen to explore the woods behind the house, so guided by new neighbour Jud Crandall, Louis discovers the Pet Sematary – a place where local children have buried their dead pets for many years. But further on, through the dark woods to land once owned by the Micmac Indians, lies a more sinister burial ground…
I had the feeling I’d read this book many years ago, but though I knew the story from the original movie version (1989) – very different from the rubbish one they knocked out in 2019 – I didn’t remember the ending at all. Anyway, following the death (and ‘rebirth’) of a family pet, there’s a long build up to the finale, making the most of King’s superb scene-setting skills as our hero struggles with the death of his young son and the urge do something he’s already tried with a dead cat. Though it’s not the scariest book I’ve ever read, it’s certainly creepy and disturbing, and not one I’d recommend to anyone who struggles with fictional children dying horrible and bizarre deaths.
Great story with loads of atmosphere and an unsettling creepiness that leads to a horrific finale....more
Three childhood friends – Sean, Dave and Jimmy – are thrown together again when the daughter of one of them is murdered. Now a cop, Sean is part of thThree childhood friends – Sean, Dave and Jimmy – are thrown together again when the daughter of one of them is murdered. Now a cop, Sean is part of the investigation and finds himself regurgitating an incident from the past involving Dave, while Jimmy struggles to get his life back on track after a spell in prison.
This is the first book I’ve read by Dennis Lehane but I’m happy to say I absolutely loved it and he’s now in the top slot as my new favourite author. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to get around to Mystic River, as it’s been on my to-read list for years. The story revolves around three pals and a murder that leaves the police considering several suspects. Lehane’s writing is an absolute treat and had me re-reading some passages for the sheer pleasure of his dialogue and wordplay. His use of language is clever and witty and reminded me of James Ellroy (another fav author). Lehane creates well-rounded and thoughtful characters, with authentic detail that places them firmly in their working-class community. Some reviewers have pointed out plot holes in the story, but I didn’t notice any (though it’s fair to say the denouement is a wee bit surprising).
An exciting and enjoyable crime thriller that left me gasping for more....more
A team of art fraudsters at the Buckmaster Gallery in London plan an exhibition of work by Derwatt – a dead artist whose works they’ve been forging. TA team of art fraudsters at the Buckmaster Gallery in London plan an exhibition of work by Derwatt – a dead artist whose works they’ve been forging. Tom Ripley’s part in the scam requires him to help perpetuate the myth. Travelling to England from his home in France, Ripley masquerades as Derwatt in an attempt to fool the press and an American collector.
Set a few years after the second book in the Tom Ripley series (The Talented Mr Ripley) we find our hero living the high life in France with his wife. His part in an art fraud drags Ripley into dealing with an American collector who doesn’t quite believe all the hype about Derwatt and is keen to probe Ripley on his own collection by the artist. Inviting the man to his home to view the paintings, and finding the doubting fan isn’t easily taken in, Ripley is forced to take drastic measures. Dealing with a visiting member of the Greenleaf family as well as an English detective and the neurotic forger Bernard, keeping a lid on the deception leads to a mad chase from one hotel to another, in an effort to conceal the truth. And if that means killing a few people in the process, so be it.
Following on from the first book, this one has a good story, but the quality is poor. It’s as if Highsmith couldn’t be bothered to make a good job of it, or simply churned out a first draft and left it at that. Amid clunky dialogue and lazy writing, it’s all a bit disappointing. Having said that, I’ll persevere with the next book in the series, just in case things improve. ...more
A disturbing case sets Detective Superintendent Roy Grace on the trail of a serial killer. Someone is targeting young women who all have similar featuA disturbing case sets Detective Superintendent Roy Grace on the trail of a serial killer. Someone is targeting young women who all have similar features. Bizarrely, those bodies that have been recovered have been branded with the words, ‘U R Dead’. Following the abduction of Logan Somerville, Grace tries to find links with murders from thirty years ago, before the killer strikes again…
This is book 11 in the Roy Crace series and gets off to an exciting start when a young woman is faced with a mysterious figure in a darkened car park. A frantic call to her fiancée gets the police involved, but by the time they arrive there’s no sign of the woman. This is an interesting story with what appears to be more than one killer at its centre, but who these people are and what their connection is to each other leads the police down several avenues that don’t help the investigation. As always, there’s the on-going saga of Grace’s missing wife Sandy and a call from Germany places unwanted pressure on him. Meanwhile, the investigation leads to the house of a possible perpetrator where the team get to work searching for evidence. But it’s Grace himself who finally works out where the killer’s lair is.
This is a gripping tale with an exciting final section that had me chomping at the bit. ...more
In the 1660s, bubonic plague sweeps through the Derbyshire village of Eyam. New rector, William Mompesson and his family, must try to work with the coIn the 1660s, bubonic plague sweeps through the Derbyshire village of Eyam. New rector, William Mompesson and his family, must try to work with the community to combat the disease but his faith is at odds with that of the people and their Puritan rector Thomas Stanley. Eventually, the village isolates itself to prevent the plague spreading to neighbouring villages and towns.
I remember watching a BBC drama about the village of Eyam many years ago. This book brought it back to life for me, highlighting the place the village has in English history. The story revolves around Rev William Mompesson and his Puritan predecessor Rev Stanley, and how they instigated a plan to quarantine the village. Much is made of Mompesson’s position as a Church of England priest trying to win over the Puritan village and we really get a sense of the difficulties faced by both men.
The central characters are likeable on the whole, and while I didn’t particular identity with any of them, I can appreciate the struggles they must have had, coming to terms with their situation and the possibility of an horrific death. There’s a lot of attention to detail focusing on the lives and daily habits of the villagers, with the Mompesson family at its centre. The regime of prayers, sermons and hymn singing did get a little tiresome at times, but it does portray how the lives of the villagers were bound up in religion and the belief that God would somehow save the day. The pace of the story is occasionally a little slow but also reflects the endless routine of village life. Overall, this is a solid piece of historical writing that highlights an important event in history....more
In West Auckland, County Durham, in 1872, Mary Ann Cotton was arrested and charged with the murder of her stepson. Married four times and supposedly hIn West Auckland, County Durham, in 1872, Mary Ann Cotton was arrested and charged with the murder of her stepson. Married four times and supposedly having borne twelve children, she was found guilty and hanged in Durham Goal. Charting the details of the trials and claims she may have murdered up to twenty people, this book highlights the problems with Mary Ann’s defence, and asks if she really did commit murder, or was simply the victim of rumour, gossip, and an unfortunate set of circumstances.
Martin Connolly has written a highly researched and very detailed book, including newspaper reports, photographs, and witness statements from the two trials. Some of this detail makes for unpleasant reading, as it deals with the deaths of several individuals from initial illness to death. What the author makes clear are the many instances of missing or unexplored evidence which may have had a bearing on the outcome. These include several possible sources of arsenic, such as the wallpaper in the house, and the prepared medicines provided by Dr Kilburn (which may have contained arsenic). Issues with the postmortem (carried out on a table in Mary Ann’s house), lack of defence representation, and the various statements made by witnesses who then changed their stories, point to—at the very least—an unfair trial.
A fascinating account that questions the legitimacy of Mary Ann’s trial and therefore her guilt....more
Writer, director, and actor Bryan Forbes has contributed much to British film-making, and in this informative autobiography he recounts insights into Writer, director, and actor Bryan Forbes has contributed much to British film-making, and in this informative autobiography he recounts insights into the industry, including his time as head of production for EMI at Elstree.
I’ve long been a fan of Bryan Forbes as an actor and director, though I wasn’t aware of the large number of screenplays and novels he’d written. This is a very readable narrative of his working life in films and theatre, as well as his long-term relationship with his wife, the actor and writer Nanette Newman. The book jumps around quite a bit and is not a chronological account, so his early years as an actor are only touched on later in the book. I was a little disappointed that he barely mentions some of my favourite films (The League of Gentlemen (which he starred in and also wrote), Whistle Down the Wind (directorial debut) and An Inspector Calls (Actor). As you’d expect, there are a great many anecdotes about his work in films and the theatre, his friendship with actors, writers and directors, and his take on Hollywood and the British film industry.
A team of art fraudsters at the Buckmaster Gallery in London plan an exhibition of work by Derwatt – a dead artist whose works they’ve been forging. TA team of art fraudsters at the Buckmaster Gallery in London plan an exhibition of work by Derwatt – a dead artist whose works they’ve been forging. Tom Ripley’s part in the scam requires him to help perpetuate the myth. Travelling to England from his home in France, Ripley masquerades as Derwatt in an attempt to fool the press and an American collector.
Set a few years after the second book in the Tom Ripley series (The Talented Mr Ripley) we find our hero living the high life in France with his wife. His part in an art fraud drags Ripley into dealing with an American collector who doesn’t quite believe all the hype about Derwatt and is keen to probe Ripley on his own collection by the artist. Inviting the man to his home to view the paintings, and finding the doubting fan isn’t easily taken in, Ripley is forced to take drastic measures. Dealing with a visiting member of the Greenleaf family as well as an English detective and the neurotic forger Bernard, keeping a lid on the deception leads to a mad chase from one hotel to another, in an effort to conceal the truth. And if that means killing a few people in the process, so be it.
Following on from the first book, this one has a good story, but the quality is poor. It’s as if Highsmith couldn’t be bothered to make a good job of it, or simply churned out a first draft and left it at that. Amid clunky dialogue and lazy writing, it’s all a bit disappointing. Having said that, I’ll persevere with the next book in the series, just in case things improve. ...more
Robert Neville believes himself to be the last living man on Earth – except, he’s not alone. It seems that the only other inhabitants of the planet haRobert Neville believes himself to be the last living man on Earth – except, he’s not alone. It seems that the only other inhabitants of the planet have become blood-hungry vampires. Spending his days hunting and his nights locked into his fortress-like house, Neville carries out experiments, trying to find a cure for the disease that has afflicted everyone else.
So, first of all, this is not ‘a stunning blend of science fiction and horror’. To be fair, the book was written in 1954 and from that point of view alone, it’s pretty groundbreaking in its ideas and in the development of the zombie/vampire genres. However, when compared to something like Shane by Jack Schaefer (admittedly a cowboy novel, but stay with me here), written five years earlier, the quality of the writing and use of language is very different. Unlike Schaefer, Matheson’s writing could do with another edit with a focus on taking out the crap bits. For instance, he has a habit of needlessly repeating the same words and phrases over and over (I’m not talking about using repetition for effect), and while the story does pick up from the half-way point onwards, this is not what I’d call great writing.
At best, it’s an okay read but I won’t be dipping into Matheson’s back catalogue any time soon. ...more
With programmable chips implanted into every human brain, there should be no reason why anyone has to be sad, worried, angry or distressed. But not evWith programmable chips implanted into every human brain, there should be no reason why anyone has to be sad, worried, angry or distressed. But not everyone wants to have their emotions controlled, and eighteen-year-old Raissa sets out change things, ending the power wielded by the mysterious Petrov and his regime. But can she change the world without jeopardising her own hopes for love?
This is an interesting tale by indie sci-fi writer Scot Cramer. He’s taken a George Orwell-type look at a possible future where humans are controlled by implants that can be updated or changed by the powers-that-be. It’s a thought-provoking read that pits the inevitable ‘rebels’ against a domineering government. That said, although I enjoyed it, I did find myself starting to lose interest towards the end, due to what felt like a slightly drawn-out denouement. Other than that, it’s a great read.
Merged review:
With programmable chips implanted into every human brain, there should be no reason why anyone has to be sad, worried, angry or distressed. But not everyone wants to have their emotions controlled, and eighteen-year-old Raissa sets out change things, ending the power wielded by the mysterious Petrov and his regime. But can she change the world without jeopardising her own hopes for love?
This is an interesting tale by indie sci-fi writer Scot Cramer. He’s taken a George Orwell-type look at a possible future where humans are controlled by implants that can be updated or changed by the powers-that-be. It’s a thought-provoking read that pits the inevitable ‘rebels’ against a domineering government. That said, although I enjoyed it, I did find myself starting to lose interest towards the end, due to what felt like a slightly drawn-out denouement. Other than that, it’s a great read....more
Out of work and out of money, Dawson pursues the woman of his dreams – Rachel Whyte. But Rachel is otherwise engaged to someone who isn’t out of work Out of work and out of money, Dawson pursues the woman of his dreams – Rachel Whyte. But Rachel is otherwise engaged to someone who isn’t out of work and money. Then a job offer drops into Dawson’s lap which involves Australia, the underworld, the police and various intelligence agencies…
The cover and the premise drew me into this book and initially I enjoyed it. True, it’s a bit silly but that’s no barrier to a fun read. Unfortunately, while the plot is interesting, it does take quite a long time to get interesting. Also, the author’s writing style isn’t quite to my taste – too many examples of telling and not showing, and some truly irritating dialogue tags. As regular readers of my reviews will know I find it difficult to ignore things like this, especially when they could so easily be rectified.
Occasionally enjoyable, but ultimately disappointing....more
Berengaria of Navarre is destined to be the wife and queen of King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart). This story relates how Berengaria’s future motheBerengaria of Navarre is destined to be the wife and queen of King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart). This story relates how Berengaria’s future mother-in-law, Eleanor of Aquitaine, took her on a journey to meet up with the young woman’s future husband, Richard.
I’d never heard of Berengaria, so this story is all new to me. Set in the 12th century, the author weaves her tale with lots of detail – about the people, their day-to-day lives, and the changing landscapes – as well as the many hazards of such a long journey that were commonplace at that time in history. It also demonstrates the wealth of research that has gone into recreating Berengaria’s life. Written from the perspective of two women (one of whom is Berengaria) the writing occasionally felt a little heavy-handed and I found the pace a bit slow at times, but it is the attention to detail that makes the book interesting and kept me reading. A fascinating tale about strong women, packed with adventure, pirates and would-be assassins....more
During the 1980s, a killer stabbed six women in the Connecticut River Valley, between New Hampshire and Vermont. Despite rigorous investiga(Audiobook)
During the 1980s, a killer stabbed six women in the Connecticut River Valley, between New Hampshire and Vermont. Despite rigorous investigations, the murderer has never been caught. Author Philip E. Ginsburg reveals the pioneering forensic methods police and FBI agents used to track the killer.
The only negative comment I can make about this book is that it leaves us without a conclusion. Ginsburg’s highly detailed research highlights the work of all the investigators, particularly that of psychologist John Philpin, who gave up his time voluntarily and risked his own mental health in a bid to track down the culprit. Ably narrated by Stephen Bowlby, the book brings the investigation to life, revealing the torment of victims’ families and the handful of women who survived the killer’s attacks.
A fascinating insight into a series of unsolved murders, that still haunt the area today....more
Cricket-loving and thrill-seeking A. J. Raffles and his old school pal ‘Bunny’, embark on a series of burglaries in a bid to stay financially solvent.Cricket-loving and thrill-seeking A. J. Raffles and his old school pal ‘Bunny’, embark on a series of burglaries in a bid to stay financially solvent. This is the first of two collections of 16 stories, including The Ides of March, Nine Points of the Law, and The Fate of Faustina.
The first of the Raffles stories appeared in Cassell’s Magazine in 1898. The characters were supposedly inspired by Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas, though the real inspiration clearly comes from Arthur Conan Doyle’s infamous consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes and his side-kick Doctor Watson. The stories are very similar in style, though to my mind lack the suspense and excitement of ACD’s tales. The cricketing references, too, go on way too long for my liking and I found if difficult not to skip ahead to find something interesting.
Probably came across as rather good at the time, but this collection has not worn well....more
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