just finished reading . . .

This is the first Dan Fesperman novel I have read and the verdict is: I like his work! The Amateur Spy is a great read set predominantly in Jordan, not the safest place for an American ex-aid worker who has been blackmailed to dig around an old friend's fund raising business in search for possible terrorist connections.

Mr Fesperman weaves an intricate tale taking the reader to many interesting places including Ramadan in Jordan, violence in the Bekaa Valley, shady dealings in Jerusalem, and a politician's demise in Washington D.C.

I definitely enjoyed the read, but I also think Dan has better novels in him, which is an exciting prospect - and with novels such as The Prisoner of Guantánamo, The Warlord's Son and his new one, The Arms Maker of Berlin, I am looking forward to the prospect of sitting down to another Dan Fesperman modern thriller sometime soon.

three more to the pile

Courtesy of a Waterstones Gift Voucher and a handy bit of internet shopping, the following books landed at my front door last night:

The TBR pile is growing and growing - good for two years worth of reading now - at least!

just finished reading . . .

Third in John Connolly's excellent Charlie Parker series: long buried bones of a religious cult; shadowy figures waiting in the shadows; arachnids biting exposed skin; evil men and the evil things they do.

Don't count on a restful sleep with this one.

just finished reading . . .

A well written mystery set in Scotland surrounding the reunion of old RAF buddies and the emergence of a sinister secret. A good enough read, albeit one that doesn't live up to its potential, considering the subject matter. Slightly better than run-of-the-mill.

just finished reading . . . quickly

This is Ian Rankin's effort for the Quick Reads line of books - novellas aimed at sparking people's desire to read books again.

This is an entertaining yarn in true Rankin style (sans Rebus) and is well suited to the shorter format (although, the ending seems a little incomplete). I expected something a little different from Rankin though, but maybe, if he publishes another shorty, he might venture out into other genres / topics, just to challenge himself a bit.

Check out the Quick Reads - there's something for everyone!!

just finished reading . . .

You know you've enjoyed a book when you finish that last page, slap the front cover with an open palm and hold it aloft. An inspirational story about faith and belief, finding out who you are, and striving for goals that seem out of your reach. A must read and perfect for any book club, as I discovered a year ago when I bought the book in Baltimore.

just finished reading . . .

My first Japanese crime novel and it wasn't too bad, although some sections of the novel dragged. More comments and discussion over at the BTZ Book Club here. Beware of Spoilers though.