Manchester-based indie publisher Confingo publishes beautiful books, and this volume is the latest in their series of collaborations between authors and artists. It’s a slim little flapped paperback (13 x 16 cm) with quality white pages and full colour illustrations between the five stories. Elizabeth wrote a super novel, which I reviewed for Shiny New Read More
Month: May 2026
Two Shorter Reviews – Li and Michaelides
My review pile overfloweth, so some shorter write-ups are in order to reduce it a little. Bad Asians by Lilian Li I really enjoyed Li’s 2019 debut, Number One Chinese Restaurant, which was longlisted for the Women’s Prize, an intergenerational comedy which followed the family owners and staff of a Chinese restaurant in Rockville, Maryland. Read More
Twenty Books of Summer 2026, #20BOS26 – My planning post!
Today, I’m sharing my plans for my #20BOS26. I shall go for the full 20 books. (Find the details and sign up for the challenge HERE) As always, I refuse to pick a pile of twenty books in advance – I know some of you do do that, and anyone who can (mostly) stick to Read More
Two Golden Age Greats – Sayers v Westmacott (Christie)
A two-in-one review for you today, as this pairing offered a brilliant chance to compare and contrast. The first book was read for my Galley Beggars Critical Reading Class, the second filled our ‘Y is for’ slot at Book Group. Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers This was the fourth pick of six for my Read More
Announcing 20 Books of Summer – #20BOS26
Having got the May day weekend out of the way, it’s time to announce this year’s 20 Books of Summer challenge. Yes, it’s back! I’ll be going it alone this year, but many thanks to Emma for co-hosting last year and letting me re-use her material, and of course, Cathy for starting it all off. Read More
The Sauna Elf by Aki Mäkiaho
Self-translated/rewritten from the Finnish I rarely read self-published books, and treat direct approaches by authors with some trepidation. However, Finnish author Aki did his research before approaching me. He read my review guidelines, noted my caveats, but checked his novel would be up my street before sending me a lovely email asking me if I’d Read More
Six Degrees of Separation: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
It’s time for the super monthly tag Six Degrees of Separation, which is hosted by Kate at Booksaremyfavouriteandbest, Six Degrees of Separation #6degrees picks a starting book for participants to go wherever it takes them in six more steps. Links to my reviews are in the titles of the books chosen. The starter book this month is: Wild Read More
