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Picture it – you’re roaming the library of your dreams, on the hunt for books with two-word titles.
Never fear, fancy make-believe you! We’re on the case!
Whether you’re tackling a prompt, craving a fast-paced thriller, or just looking for your next great read, we’ve got you covered.
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby is a high-octane heist story with heart, Real Tigers by Mick Herron delivers espionage and razor-sharp wit, and Old Bones by Preston & Child offers an eerie blend of archaeology and mystery.
Three books, two word titles, one gripping reading experience! Oh, and you!
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Happy Reading, Friends!
Series or Standalone?:
This is a standalone novel.
"Blacktop Wasteland" Book Blurb:
“Bug” Montage: honest mechanic, loving family man. He’s no longer the criminal he was – the sharpest wheelman east of the Mississippi. But when his respectable life crumbles, a shady associate comes calling with a one-time job promising a huge payout. Inexorably drawn to the driver’s seat – and haunted by the ghost of his outlaw father – Bug is yanked back into a savage world of bullets and betrayal.
What did we think?: 4 Stars!
This was a gritty and violent story, but well written and well paced. Not sure who I’d recommend it to as it does get quite violent, however I liked that Bug was a strong and capable main character and had motives other than greed – that sunk a lot of the other players in the book. He stays true to character throughout too, which doesn’t make for a hugely happy ending, but a real one. I’d definitely read more from S.A. Cosby. Their writing gives me Dennis Lehane or James Lee Burke vibes in places. I did spot another reference to a character ‘sucking their teeth’ which always weirds me out. Recommended for readers looking for damaged characters with not a lot left to lose.
“A blacktop wasteland haunted by the phantoms of the past.” (p4)
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Series or Standalone?:
This is Book One in the ‘Nora Kelly‘ series.
"Old Bones" Book Blurb:
Nora Kelly, a young curator at the Santa Fe Institute of Archaeology, is approached by historian Clive Benton with a once-in-a-lifetime proposal: to lead a team in search of the so-called ‘Lost Camp’ of the tragic Donner Party. This was a group of pioneers who earned a terrible place in American history when they became snow-bound in the California mountains in 1847, their fate unknown until the first skeletonised survivors stumbled out of the wilderness, raving about starvation, murder-and cannibalism. Benton tells Kelly he has stumbled upon an amazing find: the long-sought diary of one of the victims, which has an enigmatic description of the Lost Camp. Nora agrees to lead an expedition to locate and excavate it – to reveal its long-buried secrets. Once in the mountains, however, they learn that discovering the camp is only the first step in a mounting journey of fear. For as they uncover old bones, they expose the real truth of what happened, one that is far more shocking and bizarre than mere cannibalism. And when those ancient horrors lead to present-day violence on a grand scale, rookie FBI agent Corrie Swanson is assigned the case… only to find that her first investigation might very well be her last.
What did we think?: 4 Stars!
Wasn’t sure if I was going to get along with this one initially, as I was listening to the audio and we jumped between a few different players. Eventually I caught on, and was in for the adventure. It was interesting learning a bit more about the Donner Party and their descent into cannibalism. We’ve got some ye olde gold coins in play too, to ramp up the stakes while uncovering the bones of unlucky adventurers. I get the feeling that a lot of characters from Preston & Child’s other books will pop up now and then. This is our first foray into the ‘Nora Kelly’ novels, however the rookie FBI agent Corrie Swanson, appears to have appeared before. I did guess a twist towards the end, but it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the book. Recommended for readers who have a secret hankering to go digging for old bones and the secrets they keep. I’d read more from Preston & Child.
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Series or Standalone?:
This is Book 3 in the ‘Slough House‘ series.
"Real Tigers" Book Blurb:
Slough House is the Intelligence Service outpost for failed spies, former high-fliers now dubbed the ‘slow horses’. Catherine Standish, one of their number, worked in Regent’s Park long enough to understand treachery, double-dealing and stabbing in the back, and she’s known Jackson Lamb long enough to have learned that old sins cast long shadows. And she also knows that chance encounters never happen to spooks, even recovering drunks whose careers have crashed and burned. What she doesn’t know is why anyone would target her. So whoever’s holding her hostage, it can’t be personal. It must be about Slough House. Most likely, it’s about Jackson Lamb. And say what you like about Lamb, he’ll never leave a joe in the lurch. He might even be someone you could trust with your life.
What did we think?: 5 Stars!
I’m loving spending time with Jackson Lamb. In this story, we follow along as one of the ‘slow horses’ is kidnapped and the gang have to come together to save one of their own. I love the interactions between Lamb and the big wigs at Regents Park and surprisingly, the political aspects and jockeying for power behind the scenes doesn’t bore or annoy me as I thought it might over time. I get a kick out of the socially awkward agents in their ‘administrative oubliette’ (p7) and love seeing them shine when things come together. This is an entertaining read that gave me a giggle. Will definitely keep up with the series. Recommended for readers who want to follow a gaggle of crime-solving misfits with heart, trying to get back into a game they’re not really sure how to play.
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