Having had a bit of a slower reading month the last couple of months, I have finally finished a few and thought I’d share details of the ones that I found enjoyable, with summer on the way I know many like to grab a book for holidays so hopefully some ideas in amongst these.
Audio Books
I listen to a lot of audio books. Damian bought me an annual Audible plan for my birthday and I’ve only used four credits so far; have made use of the various 2 for 1 offers that come up. I also get a free audio book each month with my Amazon Music subscription so always make sure to use that each month to maximise the books I am listening to.
Favourites this month are the JD Kirk Books – these are based in Scotland and follow DCI Jack Logan on various gruesome murder hunts. I really like these and the narrator is absolutely superb. They can be read as standalone books but they do build each character and their relationships up so if you can, it is worth reading them in order. I think some of these books are available on Kindle unlimited too if that’s more your thing, but I can whole heartedly recommend the audio version, for the narration alone.
For a slightly ‘cosier’ and lighter read I am enjoying the Homefront Sleuth Mysteries. Again, these build up and the relationships between the characters grow as the stories progress. These are free as part of my audible sub so worth a look. They are super easy to listen to which make them good to pick up when I’m doing other jobs such as cooking etc. They’re not the most taxing reads and are suitable for older children who might enjoy the mystery element, I think Em would enjoy these stories.
Kindle Books
I am trying to clear some of my Kindle reads this month and next; I have a large list of books that I have downloaded and am slowly getting through them. Each month I get the free Prime reading books (two this month) and I have been pretty good at getting those read this year. I am also becoming more ruthless about DNF’ing anything that I’m struggling with. I have just finished Recipe for Second Chances, which I think may have been a Prime First Read book and I have had it since October 2023 which is a long while! Hence why I am trying to clear through my Kindle books. It was a really fun and easy to read book. I am now moving onto some that have been there an equally long time in a bid to try and clear another three or so this month. I like having my kindle to hand when I am waiting for the children. Being on bus and train pick up duties often means I am sat waiting in a car park for a little time, so having something that’s a relatively easy read means I’m not just scrolling through my phone.
Physical Books
I am being more disciplined and only having one physical book on the go at the moment in a bid to focus my energy on kindle books. I have just finished one (All Her Secrets) that I picked up at a local library sale. It was so so; it started well but then the resolution was a bit too convoluted and neat, but it was enjoyable and was my ‘bath book’ so something easy to read when I was having a long, hot soak 🙂
Next up is Moscow X by David McCloskey. I have read Damascus Station and have the third book. The Seventh Floor, which Damian and the children bought me and the latest one is on a pre-prder for when it’s published in paperback, I think that is out in the next few weeks so I am hoping to get Moscow X and The Seventh Floor read for when The Persian arrives with me. The fifth is due to be released in October but I will likely wait for the paperback version of that one before buying it. I really like David McCloskey’s work and he’s often credited with being one of the more realistic CIA Spy novelists.
Next month I plan a visit to the local Waterstones to stock up on books over summer and to spend my £40 voucher that I have collected through their points scheme. I have a few on my wish list for sure but if you have any recommendations to see me over the summer let me know.
