Redemption Falls by Joseph O'Connor

A natural sequel to Star Of The Seas, though barely linked to it. Interesting novel set in the the untamed territories of America just after the civil war. The same victorian style that makes it hard to read - not a quick read - but strong portrayal of characters and relationships make it worth reading.

7/10

Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs is the real-life pathologist who also writes novels and is aclaimed - if that's the right word - as being a better writer than Patricia Cornwell. But her books are becoming formulaic and this one certainly is. It was OK but I wouldn't recommend it.

4/10

Once Upon A Time In The North by Philip Pullman

Hmmm.

Lovely to see and hear him talk about this book in Oxford. But as a read it was quick and simple and stylised - as he said, a western set in the cold north. It pre-dates the Dark Materials trilogy and introduces a young Lee Scorsby who meets the bears and particularly Yorek Berinson (apologies if the name is not right) for the first time.

So, a short story which is a quick and easy read but it is not in the same league as any of the Dark Materials books. Bit sad, that.

4/10

The Life And Times Of The Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

If you like Bill Bryson you'll love this. An extensive and very sweet run through Bryson's childhood in 50s small-town America. Great for anyone old enough to recognise and appreciate nostalgia. And a good easy read for anyone who just likes his style. Thank you sarah.

8/10

Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs

Very good murder mystery told by another forensic pathologist/coroner like Patricia Cornwell's books. I'll read more Kathy Reichs books - at least until I get bored of the genre.

Score? 8/10

Fatal Voyage by Cathy Reichs

A new author for me. A pathologist like Patricia Cornwell, writing murder/mystery books with a strong pathology thread, and where the pathologist and her family/friends are an integral part of the story. A good read if you want entertainment rather than quality literature. I'll read more of her books.

Mark? 7/10.

The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford

Like an early version of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections. The characters grab you but their actions frustrate you. Written in 1910 (the only book that Ford MadoxFord is famous for), a story about two moneyed couples who's lives collided and crashed. Hard to get into the style and rhythm of the writing at first, but well worth the read.

A Mark? 8/10.