Adult Fiction
Pagans – James Alistair Henry: 21st Century Britain – the country is divided into tribes (it’s like the Norman conquest never happened) – there are the dominant Saxons, the poorer Celts in the West and the independent Nordic Scotland. Tension rise all the time and in this febrile atmosphere a gruesome murder is discovered. He is a prominent Celt who was attending the re-unification summit. Can the fragile peace continue? Detective Aedith Mercia, daughter of a powerful Saxon leader must, initially reluctantly, join forces with a Celtic Tribal Detective Inspector Drunstan to solves the murder. Is it a one off or are they facing a serial killer and what does the strange fish-like tattoo mean?
I usually do not read other world fiction and so was surprised how pacy this book was. After getting used to all the unusual names it was a cracking read, funny, gripping and explores ideas such nationalism and prejudice really well. I am definitely asking for the next book in this series for Christmas.
Burning Grounds – Abir Mukerjee: This is the latest in the series by Abir Mukerjee featuring Captain Sam Whydman and his friend Surendranath Banerjee in 1930’s India, under the Raj. A body has been found in the burning ghats of Calcutta where the dead are laid to rest. The victim is a popular Indian businessmen – a patron of the arts and education. Detective Sam Wyndham is assigned to the case and is brought into the glamourous world of Indian Cinema, in particular the beautiful actress Estelle Morgan. Meanwhile Surendranath has reluctantly returned from Europe and is searching for a missing relative – Dolly. She is photographer – is her disappearance and the murder linked? There is a tense railway journey, chases through the narrow streets of Calcutta and glamorous cocktail parties. A great read!
Adult Non-Fiction
The Greatest Traybake Cookbook Ever – John Gregory-Smith
Who doesn’t like a traybake. There are a number of traybake recipe books out there and this one is pretty delicious with some classic dishes but also recipes from Korea and the Middle East. There is an easy introduction with explanation on the best baking tray and every recipe is easy to follow, with great pics. So how about sticky mushroom bao buns, tandoori roast chicken bake; a fabulous chilli con carne or a swanky Keralan-style monkfish curry!
Young Adult Fiction
The Cat who saved the Library – Sosuke Natsukawa, as reviewed from the BANES virtual library
The Cat Who Saved The Library is about thirteen-year-old Nanami Koskake who loves books and reading. Her favourite place is the local library where she is a frequent visitor. But when books start disappearing from the shelves without being borrowed or returned, Nanami gets suspicious about who could be taking them. She then notices a mysterious man in a grey suit taking the books of the shelves and disappears. Just as she is about to follow him, a talking ginger tabby cat called Tiger appears and warns her that it would be a very dangerous thing to do. Nanami is very determined to save her beloved library books. So she and the cat go on an exciting adventure to find out where and why the books are disappearing.
I read this book as it is the second book that the author has written that involves Tiger the talking cat. I have read the first book The Cat who Saves books that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was curious to find out about the second book in the series.
I thought that the story was good, I liked Tiger the cat, as he can be very sarcastic, funny, but he is also very wise. I also thought that there is a strong message that the author is trying to tell through the story. That books are very powerful and can offer strength and companionship. The story gets quite adventurous and a little weird nearer the end, and it felt like you where there in the action. If you love cats and books then I think this is a story that you will enjoy.
Children’s Picture Books
Here are a couple of really cute picture books for under 4s:
I’m (almost) ready to start school – Anna Milbourne
I think for many families this September this book might be really helpful. The little girl is having a super summer – from bug hunting, to making pancakes, to walking the dog Ludo and playing board games with her Grandpa. She definitely does not want to go to school. But Grandma tells her of all the wonderful things she can get up to at school and adventures she may have. This is a lovely reassuring book for little ones.
Friends: everyone is welcome – Alison Green
This book is illustrated by Axel Scheffler who drew The Gruffalo so all the characters are great. A host of animals welcome you to the story and show you around all the fun the friends get up to. The friends are big or small, a little bit shy or a bit noisy. They make funny faces that make them laugh; they play lots of games and sometimes they get cross and have arguments but then one of them says sorry and soon they are all friends again. Delightful.
Library News
2026 is the national Year of Reading. Look out in all the local Libraries for some exciting displays and great book suggestions. As always there is so much going on in all our libraries, and it’s all free. So drop in and see what’s on offer. Tuesday 9.30-10am & 10.30-11.00am term time only 0-5 years, for families with children, sing along at Baby Bounce and Rhyme, or get comfy whilst listening to stories at our ever-popular Storytime. Thursday at 10.30am at Keynsham Library – term time only and for 0-4 years. Joining the library costs nothing, so pop in or visit www.librarieswest.org.uk to also access thousands of eBooks.
Moorland Road Community Library
Did you know the library is a Registered Charity. Library services are provided by a group of enthusiastic local volunteers. The library is currently open for 20 hours a week for 51 weeks a year. We have around 5000 books on our shelves, and you can also order books from anywhere in the LibrariesWest region, covering 7 counties.
For more on the library including opening times visit https://www.moorlandroadcommunitylibrary.com/
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