I managed to get through quite a few books over the last month and have already started planning what I’d like to read in January.
What I’ve Read:
Poirot and Me – by David Suchet
I absolutely loved this book about David Suchet’s time playing the famous Belgian detective. It went into great detail about each episodes production as well as exploring Christie’s original plots. It was beautifully written and engaging from start to finish. I was really sad when it was over, it was just like reliving the last episode of Poirot all over again. This is a must-read for any Poirot fan.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot) – by Agatha Christie
My recent obsession with Poirot continued with Christie’s first ever Poirot novel which I read with The Vintage Book Group. This was not nearly as polished as some of her later works, however it was fantastic seeing how she developed Poirot as a character.
Poirot’s Early Cases (Poirot) – by Agatha Christie
I love short stories and this is a fantastic collection. It was great reading these at the same time as re-watching the television series and seeing how they adapted each story and what changes where made. This is an excellent collection.
Briefs Encountered – by Julian Clary
I spotted this in my local library ages ago and popped it onto my ‘to-read’ list, where I forgot about it until a couple of weeks ago when I needed something to read. This book is set in both modern day and in the 1920’s – 50’s and covers the life of a fictional modern actor and Noel Coward in the early 20th century. The book has a great mix drama, humor and romance, although some of the sex scenes made even me blush! I really enjoyed this one and sailed through it.
Death Comes to Pemberley – by P.D James
Read the review I posted yesterday here. This is another one which had been on my ‘to-read’ list for ages and I finally picked it up without even realising that it was about to be on TV.
Currently Reading:
Rivers of London (Rivers of London 1) – by Ben Aaronovitch
I started reading this after seeing Tanya Burr mentioning it in a video. I fancied something completely different and this was a great choice. It’s set in modern London and is a mix of police crime fiction and magical fantasy. It may sound odd but it works a treat. I’m about a third of the way through and I’m totally gripped. I rarely read anything too gritty as I’m really sensitive and only tend to read ‘feel good’ stuff and this does feature a few distressing elements but I can’t help but love it. This is great reading for any Londoner as the book goes into so much detail about the places, that when you know them all it makes the book all the more real.
What I Plan to Read Next:
Rivers of London – by Ben Aaronovitch
I know I’m going to want to move onto the next book in the series as soon as I’ve finished this one.
Less Than Angels – Barbara Pym
I’d like to read some more Barbara Pym books in the new year. Pym is a fantastic hugely witty author from the 1950s whose stories are simply yet pack a punch. Everything I’ve read by her so far has been really enjoyable.
What have you been reading this month? Do you have any recommendations?
I’m linking this post up to It’s Monday What Are You Reading on Book Journey
6 Comments
Jade @ Bits & Bobs
December 29, 2013 at 4:22 pmI read Rivers of London some time ago now and really enjoyed it, so much so that I’ve reread it once since the first reading! I haven’t moved on to any of the other books in the series yet though.
Happy reading in January! 🙂
Bits & Bobs
shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
December 30, 2013 at 11:02 amEnjoy your new year of reading!
Kathy Martin
December 30, 2013 at 3:16 pmRivers of London sounded so good that I wanted to add it to my reading stack. It took a while to figure out it was also titles Midnight Riot. Now it is on my Kindle. Come see my Monday Report here. Happy reading and happy new year!
Tea Time with Marce
December 30, 2013 at 4:00 pmI read a Agatha Christie Christmas novel and loved it. I will read another next year for sure.
Sheila (Book Journey)
December 30, 2013 at 10:05 pmYou had some fun reads in December!
Laura Fabiani
December 31, 2013 at 11:58 pmI haven’t heard of any of these books, although I’ve heard of Poirot, of course. Death Comes to Pemberley caught my eye.