My favourites in each category

ND
This section only contains novels that I love, by neurodivergent authors, featuring genuine neurodivergent protagonists.
Science Fiction
The Tomorrow Project by H Critchlow: fast paced, accessible dystopia with many unexpected twists.
My Love Life and the Apocalypse by Melissa Welliver: brilliant YA for all ages.
Fantasy
Havock by Dan Forrester: Hilarious, thrilling, keeping you on the edge of your seat to the final page.
Crime and Thriller
Dark Island by Daniel Aubrey: Brilliant plot, likeable and relatable neurodivergent protagonist. And Orkney...? Just wow!
Literary
Boys Don’t Cry by Fíona Scarlett: Captivating, beautifully written and sensitive.
Other
The Fisherman’s Gift by Julia Kelly: I’m not a fan of historical, usually, but this is an absorbing read; moving and quietly emotional.
Bob the Robin: A love letter to Britain’s favourite bird by Tony Putman: Non-fiction, cosy, heart-warming, will put a smile on your face.

Neurodivergent protagonists, by neurodivergent authors

TThe Unlikely Heroes Club by Kate Foster
MG, Contemporary Fiction, Action/Adventure

This book will grab you from page one. It does away with autistic stereotypes and demonstrates that autism is a spectrum, that "If you’ve met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." (Don’t know who said that first, and personally I prefer ‘autistic person’ rather than ‘person with autism’, but it gets the message across).

The protagonists in The Unlikely Heroes Club are autistic, and they are all unique. Some are loud, some are quiet; some are all over the place, some are withdrawn. But they band together and use their unique strengths and skills to save a stray dog’s life.
If you are looking for a story about acceptance, about growing together, for yourself or for your child (whether you or they are neurodivergent or not), then The Unlikely Heroes Club is one of the best. I say ‘one’ of the best, because Kate Foster’s other novels (‘Paws’ and ‘Harriet Hound’) with neurodivergent protagonists are all brilliant. They take a sledgehammer to harmful stereotypes and misinformation. Read one book by this talented author and you’ll be left asking for more.

Please note: Kate Foster is an autistic mother of an autistic child. If you are looking for a combination of authentic ND representation and quality fiction, it doesn’t get better than this.
Five stars.

The Bravest Word by Kate Foster
MG, Contemporary Fiction

What can I say about The Bravest Word by Kate Foster?
With some writers it’s hit and miss, but with Kate Foster it is hit after hit after hit.
The Bravest Word is sensitive without being condescending. Reading this novel, you experience Matt’s feelings of despair, his doubt – can a kid his age be depressed? The answer is, of course, yes. Depression can hit everyone, regardless of age, gender or race.
The Bravest Word is heart wrenching, at times, uplifting at others.

This book, The Bravest Word, should feature prominently in every (school) library.
Five stars.

Underdogs by Chris Bonnello –
YA, Apocalyptic Science Fiction, 4-book series

United by our differences

Chris Bonnello’s Underdogs series had me hooked from the start. THis review is for the fourth and final instalment, Uprising, which doesn’t disappoint.
It took me longer to read Uprising than any of the first three books, for the simple reason I didn’t want it to end. It was exciting and an emotional rollercoaster, not just an adventure but a rare insight in neurodivergent minds. I will miss these heroes of Spitfire’s Rise. Their strengths and their weaknesses, their flawed perfection.

This is neurodiversity and disability representation in fiction at its best. Six stars – for the entire series – and the Underdog’s motto:

‘United by our differences’

On the Edge of Gone by Corinne Duyvis
YA, Apocalyptic Science Fiction

Brilliant apocalyptic science fiction

Set in Amsterdam, with a comet about to hit Earth, autistic protagonist Denise must prove she has the skills to earn herself a place on a generation ship that is about to leave the planet – for herself and for her mother and sister.
Imperfect, recognisable protagonists, whom you'll root for from the first to the last page.
Five stars.

Dark Island by Daniel Aubrey –
Adult, crime fiction

What to say when a novel has it all?

Dark Island by Daniel Aubrey is a crime thriller, and a brilliant one at that, the first one in ages which I wasn’t able to say who’d-dun-it one-third in. This novel keeps surprising you until the last chapter. I loved the twists and turns, which felt natural rather than made to confuse the reader. Then, from an autistic’s perspective, Freya was believable and likeable. Her journey anticipating/craving/fearing her autism diagnoses, and responses to events, were extremely recognisable. There should be more, many more, novels like these, featuring neurodivergent protagonists, by autistic authors.

Finally, Orkney. I’ve never been that far up north, to a place that feels so remote, but Daniel Aubrey’s description brought it to life. He takes the reader onto the island, he lets them feel the bite of the weather, the short winter days, the all-encompassing dark, the natural beauty and roughness.

In short, six stars for this exceptionally brilliant debut novel by Daniel Aubrey. I can’t wait to read Dan’s next book.

Science fiction

The Tomorrow Project by H Critchlow –
Best novel about the downfall of human civilization I’ve read in a very long time

Thank you, Canelo and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of H Critchlow’s, The Tomorrow Project.

Is there anything I don’t like about H Critchlow’s, The Tomorrow Project? Hell no!
All characters were so vivid: main characters Marianne and Maia, and side characters. Fast paced but never rushed. Many twists that I didn’t see coming. This is the best novel about the downfall of human civilization I’ve read in a very long time. Accessible dystopia that doesn’t resort to a shoot-’em-up ruckus, but concentrates on the human story. Reminding me of classics like The Day of the Triffids and The Chrysalids by John Wyndham, but of this day and age. Maia and Marianne will stay with you long after you finished this novel.

I dearly hope H Critchlow will write more science fiction novels, she’s bloody good at it.
6 stars for H Critchlow’s, The Tomorrow Project. This novel has firmly landed on my ‘Want to read again’ stack, and I pre-ordered a hard copy.

My Love Life and the Apocalypse by Melissa Welliver –
Dystopia, romance, action and humour ... What’s not to like

Or... love. My Love Life and the Apocalypse is, so far, my favourite novel by Melissa Welliver. It is not only perfect YA science fiction, but it will also appeal to adults.

The dual POV, Echo and Pandora, is brilliantly executed, never confusing and the pace never slacks. Both main characters are well likeable and recognisable. This is not a ‘backseat’ novel, you will be walking alongside main characters Echo and Pandora – and, if you are anything like me, cheering, and mumbling the occasional warning (may get you some strange looks on public transport).

My Love Life and the Apocalypse is post-apocalyptic and dystopian, but not oppressively dark. As Melissa says in her bio: ‘the End Of The World is never really the end of the world’.
You guessed it, six stars for Melissa Welliver’s My Love Life and the Apocalypse, and the novel goes on my ‘Want to read again’ stack.

Soulmates and Other Ways to Die by Melissa Welliver
She did it again

There isn’t a lot of (new) science fiction published these days – it almost feels like publishers are shying away from it –, but here is a good one: Melissa Welliver’s latest novel, Soulmates and Other Ways to Die.

The premise is original: KinTwins, soulmates not only linked for life, but with their lives.
Main characters Zoe and Milo are well-rounded and have depth of character. There are loads of twists and turns in this fast-paced story. Soulmates and Other Ways to Die tackles the notion of that ‘one, perfect brand of romantic love’, demonstrating there is so much more to soulmates. It has a diverse cast, and dialogues and interactions feel genuine and recognisable.

I loved this novel, Soulmates and Other Ways to Die. A big fat five stars, and added to my ‘Want to read again’ stack.
The second, Melissa Welliver announces a new novel, I will pre-order.

The Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J. Klune
Makes perfect sense in a weird kind of way

I have been looking forward to this book for months, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
The Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J. Klune is a science fiction thriller with plenty of romance, a love that grows and blossoms. A rarity inscience fiction thrillers [gentleness in love].

There is also, of course, TJ Klune’s trademark humour. Art’s guilelessness: fresh and frank views on humans and human culture, what’s in her mind comes out of her mouth, no filter. There’s Nate, so recognisable, and tough guy Alex, both with a past that made them into the men they are when they first meet. There is the unlikely family, which in a weird kind of way makes perfect sense.

Five stars for Bones Beneath My Skin, it’s on my want to re-read shelve, and I’m looking forward to TJ Klune’s next novel.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
Loved this

There is both desperation and quietness in Jacqueline Harpman’s, I Who Have Never Known Men.
Published in 1995, but still relevant. The plot is intriguing, keeps you guessing all the way through. The narrator is likable and relatable and, even if the setting is (thankfully) unfamiliar to readers, it is not too difficult to put yourself in her shoes. To any book clubs out there, this would be an excellent choice.

A firm 5 stars for Jacqueline Harpman’s, I Who Have Never Known Men.

Awakened by Laura Elliott
Pulled me two ways

Thank you, Angry Robot and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of Laura Elliott’s, Awakened.

Laura Elliott’s Awakened pulled me two ways. I loved the plot, and the voice – though verbose in places – was beautiful and vivid. But I somehow never managed to really connect with main character Thea, and turning the final page, I was surprised there wasn’t any more.

Because of these mixed feelings I rounded 3.5 stars. But Laura’s other novels are on my TBR stack, because the good parts in Awakened were really good.

Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel
Heels dug in

Thank you, Guppy Books and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of Kenneth Oppel’s, Best of All Worlds.

Kenneth Oppel’s, Best of All Worlds, is thought-provoking and well balanced YA science fiction. It explores the fine line between conspiracy theory and doubt. Two families, two opposing believes, heels dug in, in a seemingly impossible situation. Main character, 16-year-old Xavier, is caught in the middle. Great plot, good pace. A brilliant ending, which begs for a sequel.

My only criticism might be that, in the opening I found Xavier’s voice a bit young for YA. Although in those chapters, which introduce the events, he is three years younger than the sixteen he is in the rest of the book.

Five stars for Best of All Worlds, without hesitation.
As an aside: Gorgeous cover.

The Quiet by Barnaby Martin
A good read

Thank you, Pan Macmillan and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of Barnaby Martin’s, The Quiet.

The Quiet is an interesting read, good voice, with an excellently executed double timeline. The plot is intriguing. From one day to the next, a Soundfield emitting a constant hum, appeared above Earth. Solar intensity and UV levels increased to (near) lethal, and humans had to turn night into day and day into night. There is quite a bit of science (musical and scientific jargon) in this science fiction novel, which I like. I would have welcomed more worldbuilding – this near-future version of our planet is alien enough to warrant it. And more background. How did governments slip into the autocratic, militarised state they are in, for example. The Quiet is a good science fiction novel, around the theme, how far will a parent go to protect their child.
Still, I can’t escape the feeling it could have been much more than good, if Isaac’s connection with the Soundfield had been expanded, given more prominence.

Four stars for Barnaby Martin’s, The Quiet, and if there’s to be a sequel, with Isaac as the main character, I will definitely want to read it.

Silver by Olivia Levez
A decent YA science fiction romance

Thank you, Bonnier Books and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of Olivia Levez’s, Silver.

Overall, a decent YA science fiction novel. Great concept, well written, themes of loneliness, belonging and love. A central romance.
It could have benefitted from a bit more nuance. It was a straightforward good versus evil: humans being good (and vulnerable) vs thoroughly evil aliens. That, some plotholes and a bit too much naivety all around, brought it down to 3 stars for me in the end.
All in all, Silver is a good choice, if you are looking for an entertaining YA science fiction romance.

Artificial Artifacts by John Fennec
Confusing and Intriguing

First of all, I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Artificial Artifacts by John Fennec.

This book wasn’t for me, and then again, many ways, it was.
My first impression: intriguing theme, good research, good voice, but confusing and too many characters. The first part felt like a collection of short stories which formed a loosely connected story in a backward timeline. The second part consisted of three short stories, the final of which looped back to part one of the book.
On the plus side, the ‘dependency on tech’ theme is intriguing and contemporary, and raises some significant questions – I loved that bit of it. The novel has been researched thoroughly: another big yes.

That left me in doubt between three and four stars. Hence the 3.5 stars for Artificial Artifacts.

Hum by Helen Phillips
Not what I expected

I would like to thank Atlantic Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Hum by Helen Phillips.

Hum is a strange novel, odd even. It is about May, who loses her job to AI, and her complicated family life, motherhood and parenting. It is less about Hum (the A.I. robots). It is literary fiction, rather than science- or dystopian fiction. It was confusing at times, and it took me a while to get into the story.

With that in mind, I awarded Hum 4 stars. Hum is by no means a bad novel, quite good actually, it’s just not what I expected from the blurb.

Gone by Michael Grant
Not for me

I bought this book because I liked the premise and because of the many good reviews, but I just can’t get into it.
There are too many stereotypes: an autistic boy who rocks, is unresponsive, obsessed by video games and occasionally ‘loses it’; girls are for care, boys are for fighting. It is also too predictable.
And, although I usually like multiple points of view, I prefer it actually, here it is confusing.
‘Gone’ is not necessarily a bad book, many people like it, it’s just not for me. Two stars.

All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown
On my ‘Want to read again shelf’

I love post-apocalyptic fiction, and this novel in that genre is a keeper.
Characters and plot are well thought through and balanced. I loved to see the relationship between Jamie and Andrew grow. This is going on my want to re-read shelf. And ordering any new books by Erik J. Brown is a no-brainer.
Five stars.

Swan Song by Robert McCammon
One of those novels you should reread

I reread this novel several time since I was in my teens, and I keep discovering new things. This is one of the best post-apocalyptic novels about.
Five stars, still.

The Chrysalids by John Wyndham –
My favourite classic by John Wyndham

I find this by far John Wyndham’s best book. There are so many layers, and it is a brilliant insight in what it means and feels like to be different.
Six stars for this classic.

Fantasy

Havock by Dan Forrester
Brilliant debut, fantasy adventure, up there with the best

I suspected I’d be in for a treat, and I certainly wasn’t wrong. Dan Forrester’s writing is up there with the very best. It will appeal to fans of the great Terry Pratchett. Havock is an adventure with well-rounded, engaging characters. It is thrilling, filled with a good dose of humour, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the final page. Havock is a standalone novel, but I wouldn’t mind hearing more about young warrior Dill, and his friends, wizard Wuzzbright and dwarf Colossus.

The moment Dan announces a new novel, it will be added to my pre-order list.
Five stars for Havock.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, #2) by T.J. Klune –
A brilliant sequel

When I read the mixed reviews for Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune, I decided to reread The House in the Cerulean Sea after finishing Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Then I read Somewhere Beyond the Sea again. And ... I had the best time ever.

Yes, book number two is different, the tone is different, the main character is different, the situation is different. Arthur Parnassus and Linus Baker are two persons, distinct, with their own personalities, perspectives and backstories. The House In The Cerulean Sea was more light-hearted. Somewhere Beyond the Sea addressed contemporary, serious issues. Issues of trauma, and of being different. Is Marblemaw a one-dimensional villain? Possibly. But, hey-ho, sometimes all you get to see is one side of a (nasty or otherwise) person. They keep you wondering what made them as horrible or as like or loveable as they are.

Despite addressing some serious issues head-on, Somewhere Beyond the Sea retains T.J. Klune’s light-hearted and gentle touch. I fell in love with the inhabitants of The House In The Cerulean Sea and Marsyas all over again.
Six stars for this sequel.

The House in the Cerulean Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, #1) by T.J. Klune –
Sensitive, diverse and laugh out loud funny

This is the first book I read by T.J. Klune and I loved it.

I loved Linus Baker and Arthur Parnassus and all the children who lived in The House In The Cerulean Sea. This book is light-hearted, still, it addresses some serious contemporary issues of acceptance of people who are different.

Six stars, and fingers crossed there’ll be a sequel.

Nettle by Bex Hogan
Not just for kids

Thank you Head of Zeus, Zephyr and Netgalley for the ARC of Bex Hogan’s Nettle.

Nettle, the protagonist, is a lovable and relatable from page one.
The worldbuilding in this novel is mesmerising: nature and magical creatures. Dialogue and interactions are beautiful and believable This is an enchanting, timeless fairy-tale, a modern Grimm Brothers story. It is dark, at times, there is a quest, deception, trickery and friendship.

Nettle, the novel and the protagonist, made me think of the colours and smells of autumn. So, if you’re looking for a shortening days novel for your teen or young adult, Nettle is perfect. Then, read it yourself; after all, fairy tales are not just for kids.
Five stars for Nettle.

Cursed Under London by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch
A cosy, romantic and funny. And one hell of an adventure

First of all, I would like to thank Farrago for providing me with an ARC for Cursed Under London by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch.

There are more novels depicting an Upper and a Deep London, and some of them are a hard act to follow. Cosy, and with a diverse cast, Cursed Under London does not disappoint. The balance between dark, light-heartedness and pulling heartstrings is just right. Fang and Lazare, the two main characters, carry the plot perfectly. Together with apothecary Nell, tiny dragon Amber and young Tem, they take on gangs of living and undead thugs in Upper and Deep London. And then there is a surprising villain, who you can’t help but despise.

So yes, cosy, romantic, funny, one hell of an adventure, it’s all there. I’d have no hesitation buying Cursed Under London 2, if and when it is published.
Five stars for Cursed Under London.

Crime and Thriller

Dark Island by Daniel Aubrey –
What to say when a novel has it all?

Dark Island by Daniel Aubrey is a crime thriller, and a brilliant one at that, the first one in ages which I wasn’t able to say who’d-dun-it one-third in. This novel keeps surprising you until the last chapter. I loved the twists and turns, which felt natural rather than made to confuse the reader. Then, from an autistic’s perspective, Freya was believable and likeable. Her journey anticipating/craving/fearing her autism diagnoses, and responses to events, were extremely recognisable. There should be more, many more, novels like these, featuring neurodivergent protagonists, by autistic authors.

Finally, Orkney. I’ve never been that far up north, to a place that feels so remote, but Daniel Aubrey’s description brought it to life. He takes the reader onto the island, he lets them feel the bite of the weather, the short winter days, the all-encompassing dark, the natural beauty and roughness.

In short, six stars for this exceptionally brilliant debut novel by Daniel Aubrey. I can’t wait to read Dan’s next book.

The Girl In Cell A by Vaseem Khan
Not just for kids

First of all, thank you, Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an arc of Vaseem Khan’s new novel, The Girl In Cell A.

The Girl In Cell A is a champion of twists and turns. It will keep you second-guessing yourself, constantly, but in a natural way.

The characters are well-rounded. Orianna, who has been in jail for 18 years, for a murder she insists she didn’t commit. Annie, the forensic psychologist, excavating her long-buried memories. The powerful Wyclef patriarch and his family.

The Girl In Cell A is a thriller that will keep you reading and on the edge of your seat. Five stars, and I’m looking forward to reading more by Vaseem Kahn.

The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
Didn’t work for me

First of all, thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an arc of Laura Dave’s, The Night We Lost Him.

This is a solid mystery, which by all accounts I should have enjoyed it more than I did. But somehow, I couldn’t connect to the protagonist and the dual timeline didn’t work for me. I was torn between 3 and 4 stars. In the end, I rounded it down to 3.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
Cleverly, slowly twisting

Believe it or not, The Reappearance of Rachel Price is my first Holly Jackson book (no, I never read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder).

The Reappearance of Rachel Price is a slow burner at first – a calm before the storm –, and ... I kind of loved that. Too many novels dive right in, not providing the reader the opportunity to get to know the characters and bond with them. The finale is a big wow, after main character, Bell, in a steady trickle of clues and revelations, unravels the past.

Five stars from me (although it would've been good if Bell’s stomach had tied into a knot a bit less often).

Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent
A mystery and cryptic messages add up to a brilliant crime debut

I would like to thank Bonnier Books for providing me with a review copy of Susie Dent’s fiction debut, Guilty by Definition.

The use of unusual words can quickly become pretentious and forced, making a reader feel, how should I say this ... Less than up to literary scratch. Not here, though, in Susie Dent’s crime fiction debut, Guilty by Definition.

Beautiful and intriguing words lend colour and mystery to this novel, when anonymous letters start arriving at Clarendon English Dictionary’s Oxford office, where main character, Martha, has just started a new job. Letters, which contain curious hints and clues about her sister’s disappearance many years ago.

Guilty by Definition is a brilliant crime novel which avoids stereo types (no grumpy, dismissive police officers here, no chases through dark alleys or deserted carparks). This is a novel which takes the reader seriously.

If you love puzzles, cryptic messages, mysteries, crime novels, well-developed characters – a combination of all of the above –, then Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent is for you. I’m sure, it’ll leave you wanting for more.
Five stars for Susie Dent’s Guilty by Definition.

Lunch with the Deadly Dozen (The Deadly Dozen Mysteries #1) by Peter Berry
Brilliant, daring and different

Twelve pensioners who help the police catch the nastiest criminals in London, an organisation which has existed in secret for two centuries. Latest recruit Thomas arrives just in time to join the hunt for a brutal serial killer.
This is a brilliant crime novel, a daring theme, a touch of romance. Well written and completely different from whatever else is on the crime fiction market. Diversity at its best.

I can’t wait for Peter Berry’s next novel; five stars.

Literary

May All Your Skies be Blue by FÍona Scarlett –
Brilliant, moving, simply beautiful

I would like to thank Faber and Faber Ltd. and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of May All Your Skies Be Blue by FÍona Scarlett. Ever since Boys Don’t Cry, I’ve looked forward to Fíona Scarlett’s next novel, hoping she’d deliver the same brilliance.

After reading May All Your Skies Be Blue, I can tell you, she doesn’t disappoint.
FÍona has a rare talent. For writing, beautiful and sensitively, without resorting to sentimentality. For making characters come to life. For representing the working classes as they are, as a diverse group; not glorifying, not putting down, not condescending. I won’t give away any of the plot. But if you like love, loss and real people, then make this your next read.

This novel is going on my ‘want to read again’ stack, hardcover pre-ordered.
No surprise then, that I’m giving May All Your Skies Be Blue the maximum of six stars.

Fíona, I’m already looking forward to novel number three.

Boys Don’t Cry by FÍona Scarlett –
This will stay with you for a very long time

Captivating, beautifully written and sensitive. Finn, Joe, Ma and Da are going to stay with me for a long time. Amazing read.
What more can I say then, an unreserved six stars for Boys Don’t Cry by FÍona Scarlett.

And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
Simply perfect

Beautiful, sensitive and heartfelt. A moving tale of relationships, growing older and loss. A short novel to read in one sitting.
Five stars.

Other genres

The Fisherman's Gift by Julia Kelly –
See and smell the sea, the rocks, the village

Thank you, Random House and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of Julia Kelly’s, The Fisherman's Gift.

1900, a Scottish fishing village. Mysticism, love shared and rejected, and the reality of 20th century Scotland. Gorgeous worldbuilding – you’ll hear, see and smell the sea, the rocks, the village, the villagers, Copse Cross Street, Dorothy’s cottage, the manse, Mrs. Brown’s grocers. Moving, and quietly emotional. Stitch by stitch unravelling secrets. Beautifully crafted, this is a novel that grips you, holds you, long after reading the last paragraph.

Julia Kelly’s debut novel is on my pre-order list; I want a hardcopy to read and reread.
Six stars, because The Fisherman's Gift is worth it.

Bob the Robin: A love letter to Britain’s favourite bird by Tony Putman
Warm, cosy, heart-warming, delightful

Bob the Robin: A love letter to Britain’s favourite bird by Tony Putman is a deviation from my usual science fiction diet.
But as someone who was a photographer in a life, long passed, and has their own daily chats with robins (and a few more avians), I couldn’t resist Tony Putman’s book.
I know Christmas 2024 has passed, but for anyone who wants to keep the season of cheer and goodwill going, read this novel ... and then keep it close.
The story and the photos are warm and cosy and heart-warming. Tony’s voice, delightful.
I started following the author on Facebook (‘Putman and Robin’, for anyone who is interested in receiving a daily dose of smile on your face).
Bob the Robin: A love letter to Britain’s favourite bird by Tony Putman, and five stars.

The First Move by Jenny Ireland
Brilliant and unique

Teenager Juliet must deal with arthritis on a daily basis. At first sight, she and new boy, Ronan, at school appear to have nothing in common. But then there is ... chess.
This is not simply another book about the complexities of disability and acceptance. It is about family, friendship and love. About growing up. About presumptions vs lived experience. About looking beyond.

Five stars.

Nephthys by Rachel Louise Driscoll
Egyptology, curse and mystery

Thank you, Harvill Secker and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of Rachel Louise Driscoll’s, Nephthys.

Rachel Louise Driscoll’s debut novel, Nephthys, is an engaging blend of Egyptology (Nephthys, Isis, Osiris and Set), a curse and mystery/crime. The plot is solid, and from page one, Rachel Louise displays a sound grasp of Egyptology. One negative: the pace was a bit too slow for my liking.

Rachel Louise Driscoll’s debut novel, Nephthys, will appeal to fans of Victorian and ancient Egyptian myth alike.
Four stars for this intriguing debut.

Ghost Story by Elisa Lodato
Creepy rather than ghostly

Thank you, Bonnier Books and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of Elisa Lodato l’s, Ghost Story.

Creepy rather than ghost-y, I would say this is a psychological thriller rather than a ghost story, as the title suggest. As such, I echo the concerns of one other reviewer that a trigger warning re. psychological and physical abuse may be called for. As well as for stalking.
This novel starts promising, with a decent plot. I’m not going to give anything away, but half-way through it becomes regrettably rather predictable with a few plot-holes. That said, I enjoyed the voice and the setting (an abandoned Outer Hebrides island).

All and all, 3 stars for Elisa Lodato’s Ghost Story.

How To Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
Five septuagenarians who aren’t done with life yet, not by a long chalk

First of all, I would like to thank the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this eARC.
This was my first Clare Pooley novel, and, oh boy, was I in for a treat! Five septuagenarians who aren’t done with life yet team up with a teenage dad, an orphaned dog and a fifty-something, empty nest mum.
A mysterious past may or may not catch up with main character Daphne, when there is a community centre to be saved and lives to be put back on the rails. This heartwarming novel does very effectively away with macramé–ing, tottering granny preconceptions. But, readers beware: be prepared for laugh-out-loud humour, a brilliant plot, and lovable, well-rounded characters.

How To Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley is well worth five stars.

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
After reading all the good reviews, I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn’t work for me. I just couldn't connect to the protagonist, and it was too flippant and farcical for my liking.
Two stars.