H. R. F Keating - Under a Monsoon Sky

My mother in law bought this book but couldn't get on with it so it was passed to us unread. Actually it's not a bad little book, easily and quite quickly read in a few hours - I really ought to counter that by saying I'm a fast reader, but even so....

If you like the Alexander McCall Smith books then you'll enjoy this. In fact Mr Smith writes a preface in my copy of this book in praise of the author. The detective story is a simple (but a tad drawn out in my opinion) tale of a police trial, but it's the setting in India that adds the necessary detail. Cultural differences from our western ideas are an important layer, as ordinary Indian life (and it's staggering inequalities) is painted along with the traditions and superstitions around the monsoon season as well as the etiquette of Indian society. I think it's these details that lift the story from unremarkable to a good read. It's interesting to muse after reading it on how the story would have ended differently had it been set in this country.

Would I read another Inspector Ghote book? Possibly.. As I said not a bad read, but I'm not a huge crime novel reader. I usually enjoy them if I've found one in a holiday cottage or been given one as in this instance, they're just not my 1st choice when it comes to fiction.

Carole Matthews - A Cottage by the Sea

It's not that I've not read. I have. But family stresses means I've either read more articles, magazines and blogs (stress = short attention span as well as shortness of time) or I've read things that link in with my current studies which seem too niche for a general blog about books.

But a series of bank holidays recently have allowed for a little more relaxation and a tackling of the book pile.

I found this book in Oxfam as we were donating a bag of books to them. It's fatal to 'just have a quick look' isn't it? But I have to recommend the joys of a good charity bookshop. Novels for under £3 (that's less than the price of a magazine these days) that once read can be re-donated to do good all over again.

But of this book - need something romantic and light for the beach this summer? Do find space in your bag for this one. That almost sounded derogatory didn't it. This book isn't a trashy airport novel of fluffy characters and predictable plot though. I found this a well thought out book which drew you in from the beginning with believable characters, a good pace of story but not something too taxing or gloomy for a sunny day when you don't want to be struggling to make sense of too many people and their relationship to each other.

I'm tempted to look up more Carole Matthews books on the strength of this one, ready for my real holiday later in the year.