Blogger-Inspired Wishlist is a feature where I post recent additions to my wish list, which had been inspired by reviews from my fellow bloggers. It includes some synopsis, as well as some excerpts of the review which have intrigued me, complete with a link to the blogger's original post.
This episode is rather special. Last week I've had fun with #1962Club hosted by Simon and Karen. Not only I got to read three new-to-me authors, I have also found a lot of interesting books, read and reviewed by fellow participants. And today's episode is all about those books I'm adding to my wishlist, inspired by those amazing reviews!
Unlawful Occasions by Henry Cecil
Synopsis:
Mrs Vernay and her husband live in a flat above the Chambers of Brian Culsworth Q.C. in the Temple. One day Mrs Vernay receives a visit from a Mr Sampson and she gets the impression that he is a blackmailer. She then immediately seeks advice from Mr Culsworth in his chambers below. Mr Culsworth's client, a Mr Baker is bringing an action to recover his share on a win on the pools. The story of these people becomes inextricably linked in a brilliant novel of suspense and humour.
From Mallika's review:
"The answers to all these questions and the predicaments of the various characters provide the element of suspense in the book and keep one engaged and reading (and indeed guessing) right till the end. There is a fair bit of humour (wry humour) as we do this, mostly in Mr Baker’s thread, and many instances find the reader at least smiling even if not laughing out loud."
Birds (Poems) by Judith Wright
From Brona's review:
"Birds is Wright’s personal, reflective collection that evokes a similar response upon her readers. We all have our own experiences and memories of certain birds that these poems bring to life. By capturing such precise details and describing the mannerisms of each bird, Wright allows the reader to bring to mind the birds that they know intimately, finding their own connection through her words."
The Twelve and the Genii by Pauline Clarke
Max discovers that the wooden soldiers which once belonged to the Brontes are alive and determined to return home.
From Liz's review:
"Where nowadays we’d read of social media posts, in this fine book we’re treated to a brisk debate in the local paper’s letters pages about whether they are the soldiers and where they should go, and when Philip gets involved and sends off to let an American academic know, the peril increases. The whole village gets a sort of collective excitement about it all, with many of the inhabitants longing to see what there’s rumoured to be seen, not all for financial gain."
Hand in Glove by Ngaio Marsh
Synopsis:
The April Fool's Day had been a roaring success for all, it seemed - except for poor Mr Cartell who had ended up in the ditch - for ever. Then there was the case of Mr Percival Pyke Period's letter of condolence, sent before the body was found - not to mention the family squabbles. It was a puzzling crime for Superintendent Alleyn.
From Reese's review:
"Though not her best, still a pretty strong entry in the series, I thought. I find her later ones a bit weaker as a rule, but this was amusing, and the obfuscation worked on me--I'd picked the wrong person for the murderer."
Mine for Keeps by Jean Little
Synopsis:
Away at school, Sally Copeland has always dreamed of going home, but now that she’s there, she feels frightened and unsure of herself. Will her brother and sister accept her? Will she be able to do things for herself? And what will it be like to go to a regular school and be the only one with cerebral palsy?
From CLM's review:
"Mine for Keeps was Little’s first book and immediately established her as a talented children’s author, skilled at depicting young people with disabilities or other issues without sentimentality. However, they weren't "problem books" per se because her characters were so universal. Mine for Keeps reflects her own experience transitioning from classes for the visually impaired to a mainstream school at about the same age as Sal."
The Wells of St. Mary’s by R C Sherriff
Synopsis:
The trouble began when Lord Colindale, millionaire newspaper-owner and ‘strong man’ of British politics, came down for a week-end to Colonel Joyce’s country house. For a year Colindale had been forced out of public life by crippling rheumatism which neither the specialists nor the watering-places of Europe had been able to alleviate. By chance they had visited the Wells of St Mary’s , once famed for their cures, now derelict on Joyce’s land. At Henry Hodder’s insistence Lord Colindale had drunk the flat, metallic water.
When it was announced in the newspapers that Colindale had been cured by the waters and Colonel Joyce had given the well to the town, there was no limit to the exploitation which the people, under Jim Blundell the mayor, could envisage. But Henry, who had come to regard the well as his own, knew the secret of its healing power. All set to put money in his purse, he waited until the Casino was half-built before demanding his share of the profits – as the price of silence.
From Ali's review:
"Although there is a murder in this novel it is not a crime novel – it has the pace of a thriller in parts but is also really quite funny. The committee is wonderfully portrayed – and various moral conundrums brilliantly explored. This was a real treat."
The Moonspinners by Mary Stewart
Synopsis:
Young, beautiful, and adventurous Nicola Ferris loves her life as a secretary at the British Embassy on the lush island of Crete. Then on her day off, she links up with two hiking companions who have inadvertently stumbledupon a scene of blood vengeance. And suddenly the life Nicola adores is in danger of coming to an abrupt, brutal, and terrifying end . .
*Actually, this book didn't impressed Rosemary much, but somehow, something tells me I might find it quite entertaining. So, I'll give it a try!
Apple Bough by Noel Streatfeild
The Forums are a musical family, and one child, Sebastian, shines out as a prodigy. He is a brilliant violinist and when his talent is recognised, he is wanted the world over. Myra, Wolfgang (named after Mozart) and Ettie thought it was wonderful at first, but after four years of touring the world with their brilliant brother they've changed their minds. Now, what they long for, is a home of their own, not a hotel in Vienna or Venice or Moscow.
But to their mother and father, a life of travel is exciting - all any child could want. How can the children make the grown-ups see sense?
Myra makes a plan - 'Operation Home' - and is determined to make it succeed.
From Gareth's review:
"A tiny part of the appeal of The Growing Summer was that it centred around four children with the bizarre surname of Gareth, which made it special to me. Apple Bough is about four children with the no less bizarre surname of Forum.
...If it seems unusual to name a book after a house that’s hardly ever glimpsed, it seems less so as you come to realise how closely the children’s dreams of stability are bound with the memory of their old house. Apple Bough is not just their home, it’s an emblem of home."
Have you read any of them? Spotted one or two of your favorites?
Thank you for including my review, I really enjoyed 1962Club and the huge range of books that were covered!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's nice to see variative books read & reviewed during the week.
DeleteGlad my review inspired you to have a look at it. And thanks for mentioning it.
ReplyDeleteNow I need to go look for that Mary Stewart. I somehow missed that review and I agree with you--it does sound appealing. I read a bunch of Mary Stewart once upon a time, but I'm pretty sure I've never read that one.
I can't wait to read my 1st Stewart!
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