Crime

This book definitely makes me want to go to Malta. I read a book many years ago set in wartime (WW2) Malta and was intrigued. I know ancient monuments in Malta changed archaeological thinking as to when and how civilisations began. But I never really wanted to go there. The Information Officer brings fairly recent history to life, reminding us that people we know lived through incredible and unbearable situations. Mark Mills describes the island sympathetically and discreetly. Is it still the same? I want to know. Sixty plus years later things will have changed, but the island has such a long history. This book hints at this without labouring the fact.

Michael Connelly is one of my favourite authors. I am in love with Harry Bosch and have been for many years. Unfortunately I do not fit the profile of the women in his life (attractive, slim, brilliant card player...). Bum! I've held back from putting Mr Connelly on this site because I have read so many books set in Los Angeles that it's become almost too familiar without standing out as somewhere I MUST VISIT. This isn't a criticism. I suspect most of the western world feels the same. It's partly thanks to Michael and Harry that when I read other books in the same setting I think, 'Oh, yes, Van Nuys'. Other 'must read' writers set in Los Angeles include the Kellermans and Robert Crais.

You've got to love Kurt Wallander. Mr Misery. Henning Mankell has created my view of the Swede (do Swede's know that they have the same name as a turnip-like vegetable?) He's depressed, lacks communication skills but is basically a very good man! What's not to like? Finding Henning Mankell for me was one of those moments when I realised that I had a whole new set of books I knew I'd enjoy - and in PAPERBACK! Finding a writer you love later in his/her career.... hoohar!!! Sadly have eaten the lot and now await new books.

I must admit that I thought this was set in Denmark! So how good is the setting? It's much less obvious than Henning Mankell's books. Doesn't make the books less readable. This is, I think, Hakan Nesser's first book (at least with Van Veeteren) and it's really good. I love the humour - that fly in the court chapters and Van Veeteren himself ... This isn't a book trying to give the reader a taste of another culture, but for readers outside Sweden it at least proves that Swedes do have a sense of humour! Read it.

I've just started reading this book. It's the latest Guarnaccia story, and it's like meeting an old friend and finding you're still comfortable with each other. Can't tell you any more, as just started it. I've never been to Florence, but I can clearly visualise the villa where the murder has been committed. Outside the city I imagine. Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli gardens have already been mentioned. I'd love to see pictures.

OH no. I've just read the flyleaf at the back of the book and found out that Magdalen died last year. I'm so sad. I love her books and characters. Sincere condolences to her family.

'Charming' always sounds somewhat patronising to me, but this book oozes charm and I love it. The characters are exactly that; characters. The laid-back Lao coroner Siri and his team may be created to appeal to western readers, but I'm not complaining. This book certainly makes me want to visit Laos. Brilliant book. READ IT. And if there's anyone out there who's visited PLEASE send us pictures of Vientiane as you've experienced it.

This is a great writer. I love his characters and plots. The setting though, is key. I was disappointed to discover Algonquin Bay and Trout Lake don't exist (I google earthed them) but I'm sure they are based on real places. I'm rereading this book which is set in February. It's very COLD!!! Anyone out there know what it's like? Live somewhere like this?

I've enjoyed the books, but can Aberdeen be this dour?

One of the most unusual thrillers I've read in ages, it says on the back of the book and I couldn't agree more.