Win, Lose or Draw by Peter Corris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There was a time when I would eagerly read a new Peter Corris novel. Cliff Hardy, the barely b grade private detective, strode the mean streets of Sydney and Bryan Brown played him in the cinema at the height of his career. Now both Corris and Hardy are getting on and have health issues so this is the final Cliff Hardy novel. It’s a quick read.
What the Raven Saw by Samantha-Ellen Bound
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Quirky story centring on a raven who lives in a church belfry. He views himself as the pre-eminent bird in his piece of the world and avoids revealing to humans that he can speak although he does talk to the parish priest who sees him as the voice of God. There are a number of ghosts in the graveyard of the church including that of a recently buried boy. The raven comes to bring comfort to the boy’s mourning sister, prevents a man from committing suicide and stops someone thieving from the church whilst maintaining a grumpy vain personality.
Humorous with many literary allusions which could be an interesting way of discussing the novel. Enjoyable read.
Love, Lies and Lemon Pies by Katy Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a charming book that will appeal to readers of Louise Rennison, Jacqueline Wilson and Holly Smale and the cover design establishes this. Lottie has had a tough year as she and her mother have tried to recover after the death of Lottie’s father in an accident. Concerned about her progress her school gets her seeing a counsellor and involved in an after school cooking club.
There is a gentle humour in this book and a romance as well but the characters also have problems to overcome whilst aiming to win a school bakeoff competition. Each chapter begins with a recipe and the book has been described as combining the Breakfast Club and the Great British Bakeoff. Fun read.