As always, the problem with compiling a list of 'Best Reads' is in deciding what to leave out! There are so many great books and great writers.
For example, having become a 'Lion Hudson' author myself this year, there are a lot of wonderful writers with that publisher who deserve a mention. Such as Elizabeth Flynn for her clever and very contemporary crime novels; Fiona Veitch Smith (who was on my list in 2012) with her excellent historical crime novels, reeking with 1920's atmosphere, and C .F (Claire) Dunn's wonderful blend of history and mystery in her 'Secret of the Journal' series.
I've also enjoyed good reading by favourite authors: Vivienne Tuffnell (The Moth's Kiss, The Hedgeway), Jean Gill (Bladesong), Gev Sweeney(Ferial Day, Master Warrick) and Tom Winton (The Voice of Willie Morgan). But, purely in order to keep the list managageble, I've decided to concentrate on some of the writers I've discovered in 2016 - the ones that are new to me but who I definitely want to read more of!
For example, having become a 'Lion Hudson' author myself this year, there are a lot of wonderful writers with that publisher who deserve a mention. Such as Elizabeth Flynn for her clever and very contemporary crime novels; Fiona Veitch Smith (who was on my list in 2012) with her excellent historical crime novels, reeking with 1920's atmosphere, and C .F (Claire) Dunn's wonderful blend of history and mystery in her 'Secret of the Journal' series.
I've also enjoyed good reading by favourite authors: Vivienne Tuffnell (The Moth's Kiss, The Hedgeway), Jean Gill (Bladesong), Gev Sweeney(Ferial Day, Master Warrick) and Tom Winton (The Voice of Willie Morgan). But, purely in order to keep the list managageble, I've decided to concentrate on some of the writers I've discovered in 2016 - the ones that are new to me but who I definitely want to read more of!
Shades of Smoke
(Graham Buckby, Alan Denham)
One thing that a good fantasy needs is a well developed background. 'Shades of Smoke' has that in abundance. Its history, politics, religion, economics, etc. are all well thought through and have an authentic feel to them. They provide a rich background against which the story develops at a good pace. However, they are not intrusive: they aren't forced into the story through heavy-handed information dumps - with the possible exception of the prologue, which I thought didn't provide the best possible start. Though to be fair, the information was both interesting and helpful in understanding the rest of the story.
And an excellent story it is as well! Cormell, the main character discovers that his artistic talent is actually evidence of a latent magical ability. (The system of magic is another area in which the writers have effectively combined vivid imagination and logical thinking to excellent effect). Armed with this talent, he sets out on a quest for justice and finds a great deal more besides. Along the way he learns how to use his gift in all sorts of unexpected ways – and also learns a great deal about himself and life in general.
Overall, one of the best written and most enjoyable fantasy novels I've come across in a while.
Winter Glory
J. M. Ney-Grimm
An excellent fantasy - well written and absorbing, with a lot of depth in both background and characters. It would be worth reading just for the fascinating details of life and different cultures in this cold landscape, but the characters are people you can care about. I greatly enjoyed this, and will certainly want to read more by this author.
Involuntary Witness
Gianrico Carofiglio
If someone mentions Italian Crime Fiction, the chances are your first thought will be ‘Mafia’ - or if not that, then it would be about the Vatican. Perhaps both. At least, that’s what I would have thought before reading this deep and absorbing legal thriller. However, even though Carofiglio knows a thing or two about the Mafia, having been an anti-Mafia prosecutor for many years, he soon shows us that there’s a lot of other crime happening in Italy!
It took me a few pages to get used to the style and flow of the words – perhaps because it’s translated from Italian – but once over that minor hurdle I became deeply immersed in the story of Guido Guerrieri, a lawyer trying to defend an apparently hopeless case whilst also dealing with some deep personal issues.
In fact the personal issues take up the whole of the first section of the book. Because it’s so well written, and because Guerrieri is an engaging character who you want to know more about, this is not a hardship. But I did wonder what the point of this was, and how it fitted in to the rest of the story.
As things move on, and the legal case develops, Guerrieri digs deep into the evidence and into the complexities of the Italian court system to develop his case for the defence. But developments in his personal life are also woven smoothly into the plot.
It wasn’t until the end, though, that I finally realised that this was not just for character development (important though that is). It was what the novel is really about – this crisis of Guerrieri’s life, which runs parallel to the courtroom drama but which started before it and continues afterwards. With that new perspective, the purpose and importance of the opening section became clear. It’s essential groundwork for the story which develops to a powerful and poignant conclusion.
All in all, ‘Involuntary Witness’ is a surprisingly deep, often fascinating and beautifully told story. I got the next in the series as soon as I could!
Slow Horses (Slough House #1)
Mick Herron
A very absorbing story, which had me fully engaged from the first page and never lost my attention. The basic premise is of a dumping ground for failed spies, which is promising in itself, but the way that Mick Herron develops the idea is truly impressive. The story has great pace, excellent characters and - something often overlooked - a clever structure to support the intricate plotting. One of the best reads I've found this year, and I certainly hope to read more books in this series.
(Graham Buckby, Alan Denham)
One thing that a good fantasy needs is a well developed background. 'Shades of Smoke' has that in abundance. Its history, politics, religion, economics, etc. are all well thought through and have an authentic feel to them. They provide a rich background against which the story develops at a good pace. However, they are not intrusive: they aren't forced into the story through heavy-handed information dumps - with the possible exception of the prologue, which I thought didn't provide the best possible start. Though to be fair, the information was both interesting and helpful in understanding the rest of the story.
And an excellent story it is as well! Cormell, the main character discovers that his artistic talent is actually evidence of a latent magical ability. (The system of magic is another area in which the writers have effectively combined vivid imagination and logical thinking to excellent effect). Armed with this talent, he sets out on a quest for justice and finds a great deal more besides. Along the way he learns how to use his gift in all sorts of unexpected ways – and also learns a great deal about himself and life in general.
Overall, one of the best written and most enjoyable fantasy novels I've come across in a while.
Winter Glory
J. M. Ney-Grimm
An excellent fantasy - well written and absorbing, with a lot of depth in both background and characters. It would be worth reading just for the fascinating details of life and different cultures in this cold landscape, but the characters are people you can care about. I greatly enjoyed this, and will certainly want to read more by this author.
Involuntary Witness
Gianrico Carofiglio
If someone mentions Italian Crime Fiction, the chances are your first thought will be ‘Mafia’ - or if not that, then it would be about the Vatican. Perhaps both. At least, that’s what I would have thought before reading this deep and absorbing legal thriller. However, even though Carofiglio knows a thing or two about the Mafia, having been an anti-Mafia prosecutor for many years, he soon shows us that there’s a lot of other crime happening in Italy!
It took me a few pages to get used to the style and flow of the words – perhaps because it’s translated from Italian – but once over that minor hurdle I became deeply immersed in the story of Guido Guerrieri, a lawyer trying to defend an apparently hopeless case whilst also dealing with some deep personal issues.
In fact the personal issues take up the whole of the first section of the book. Because it’s so well written, and because Guerrieri is an engaging character who you want to know more about, this is not a hardship. But I did wonder what the point of this was, and how it fitted in to the rest of the story.
As things move on, and the legal case develops, Guerrieri digs deep into the evidence and into the complexities of the Italian court system to develop his case for the defence. But developments in his personal life are also woven smoothly into the plot.
It wasn’t until the end, though, that I finally realised that this was not just for character development (important though that is). It was what the novel is really about – this crisis of Guerrieri’s life, which runs parallel to the courtroom drama but which started before it and continues afterwards. With that new perspective, the purpose and importance of the opening section became clear. It’s essential groundwork for the story which develops to a powerful and poignant conclusion.
All in all, ‘Involuntary Witness’ is a surprisingly deep, often fascinating and beautifully told story. I got the next in the series as soon as I could!
Slow Horses (Slough House #1)
Mick Herron
A very absorbing story, which had me fully engaged from the first page and never lost my attention. The basic premise is of a dumping ground for failed spies, which is promising in itself, but the way that Mick Herron develops the idea is truly impressive. The story has great pace, excellent characters and - something often overlooked - a clever structure to support the intricate plotting. One of the best reads I've found this year, and I certainly hope to read more books in this series.