Book Reviews and Recommendations
Reviews and recommendations of books in our library collections from library staff and West Lothian library members
With a prolific number of books to choose from, how do you select your next good read? To provide a little help, we will show you reviews and recommendations from our library staff and your fellow West Lothian library members, about books borrowed from our library collections.
We would really like to hear your reviews and/or recommendations about books you have borrowed from us, you can do this here (opens new window) . We will publish as many as we can each month.
Young adult digital book of the month - Multiple copies available to download FREE from 1st March
Three dark queens are born in a glen, sweet little triplets will never be friends.
'Three dark sisters all fair to be seen, two to devour and one to be Queen'.
Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.
But becoming the Queen Crowned isn't solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it's not just a game of win or lose...it's life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.
Adult e-Library
Check out the latest adult e-Books (opens new window) and e-Talking books (opens new window)
Adult digital book of the month - Multiple copies available to download FREE from 1st March
KILLERS DON'T JUST DISAPPEAR . . .
When an eccentric widow claims she is being stalked by her former lodger, Detective Jack Warr is the only person who believes her wild claims.
Days later, she is found brutally murdered in her home.
When the investigation uncovers an international drugs operation on the widow's property, the case grows even more complex. And as the hunt for the widow's lodger hits dead end after dead end, it seems that the prime suspect has vanished without a trace.
To find answers, Jack must decide how far is he willing to go - and what he is willing to risk - in his search for justice. Because if he crosses the line of the law, one wrong move could cost him everything . . .
Send us your book reviews and recommendations here (opens new window) and we'll publish them below to help your fellow library members choose their next good read!
Your reviews...
08/10/2021 - The Waiter Author by Ajay Chowdhury - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by J. Hendrie, Broxburn library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
This is the debut crime thriller from this author and is based on the Indian community in London. While it takes a bit to get used to the references to India, names etc, it is a great read and has twists right to the end. Truly excellent first book in what we are told is to be a series involving the star character.
Great read and first in a new and unique series.
21/09/2021 - Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb - Talking book. Genre: Crime - Reviewed by DH Oliver, Broxburn library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
This is number 14 in a series of over 40 featuring New York police lieutenant Eve Dallas. (It's not necessary to read them in order, but the Library does hold most of the series). The book is set in 2059 but if you're not a fan of science fiction don't let that put you off as Robb doesn't emphasise that aspect at all but rather concentrates on plot and character.
Dallas is a complex and fascinating creation and we are able to get inside her mind as well as enjoy the well written action. There's a great supporting cast too - especially officer Delia Peabody. The dialogue is punchy and often humorous. I could do without the love scenes, but others must enjoy them judging by how many books Robb has sold!
I usually prefer reading paper copies but this audiobook was really good - the reader does a fine job of making all the all characters distinctive.
Great characters and stories blending action, psychology and humour.
21/09/2021 - The mermaid of black conch by Monique Roffey. Genre: General Fiction - Reviewed by T Dickson, Linlithgow library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
A story of love and longing, but also of greed and betrayal. Steeped with culture, nature and small town living. This book draws you in and you fall in love with the characters and setting. Beautifully written, tender, cruel and heartbreaking - all rolled into one.
A book that captivates your heart. The main characters, David, Aycayia, Arcadia and Reggie draw you in.- each with a different story of love and compassion. Hard to put down.
14/09/2021 - 9th Judgement by James Patterson. Genre: Crime - Reviewed by John Donnelly, Broxburn library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes & No.
If it hadn't been for the people confessing to the crimes (robberies) and the part time sleuth trailing the murderer the police would never have caught them.
It was more of a romance story than crime. So for me a bit disappointing.
30/08/2021 - Poppy Day by Amanda Prowse - Talking book. Genre: Romance - Reviewed by Marilyn Devlin, Broxburn library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
Easy listening, very touching, very topical about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
06/08/2021 - Villa of secrets by Patricia Wilson - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by P. Logan, Broxburn library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
Great story!
13/07/2021 - The Murder List by T. F. Muir - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
I found this book a brilliant read. I love a crime mystery that can hold you from the first page to the last and this book did that!
25/06/2021 - The Coffin maker's Garden by Stuart MacBride - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by DH Oliver, Broxburn library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
An intricate and involving story to track down a serial killer after a coastal collapse exposes human remains, ex policeman Ash Henderson, now a consultant, takes the lead. Set in Northeast Scotland.
Great case of characters, very well drawn, Macbride manages to write about gruesome topics with surprising humour. His use of onomatopoeia is wonderful.
25/06/2021 - A Darkness more than Night by Micheal Connelly - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anon, Broxburn library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
From the start, it was a great read, my only gripe was too many words I hadn't heard off. I was constantly in the dictionary to find the meaning.
25/06/2021 - The Mistress by Danielle Steel - Genre: Family saga - Reviewed by Anon, Broxburn library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
I was grateful for the amount of detail that Steel goes into with describing the characters, I felt as though I knew that characters well. Overall I hated the relationship between Vladimir and Natasha, the relationship was a toxic one to begin with and I couldn't understand why she had let herself become in a loveless relationship with a man who was rich and controlling. Although, she would say that he had saved her life when she had pneumonia.
Theo is a down to earth man and absolutely deserved the world, he never flaunted his money and even though was a rich man, there was a clear contrast between Vladimir and Theo. I was intrigued by this book because I was left wanting more although, it was extremely fast paced and I felt the book never went into depth with twists and turns eg an assassination and a near miss of Pirates invading their boat. I wanted to know how Vladimir dealt with the pirates, I wanted point of view from Vladimir to add some action into his life although maybe, we as readers weren't supposed to know the extent of his work just like Natasha in the book. She knew the basics of his work but never asked questions.
As the book went on, I realised that there wouldn't be much interaction between Natasha and Theo which I had hoped for, it was a slight disappointment. They had only met four times in the passing.
This is the second Danielle Steel book that I've read and I do feel as though both of them were fast paced which isn't a problem but it left me wanting so much more- not with character development but more so in the depth of the story.
An easy read. True family saga book. Great author.
18/06/2021 - The Consequences of Fear by Jacqueline Winspear - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Mrs Moira Martin, Linlithgow library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
Another Maisie Dobbs investigation set during the beginning of the second world war with all its terrors but lightened by reuniting the reader with old friends from previous Masie Dodd's books. Well written and researched and grips the reader until the final unravelling of the plot on the last pages.
26/05/2021 - Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - Genre: Adventure thriller - Reviewed by Mary McCann. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
This was an unusual book, very descriptive and well written with a very sensitive storyline about a young girl deserted by her family and living a very solitary life in the swamplands. It is a story of loneliness overcome by love and acceptance. This book leaves a memory of peace against adversity and you can really connect with the main character.
22/05/2021 - Strangers at the Gate by Catriona McPherson - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library. Scored 2 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? No.
The plot of this book seemed hugely complicated, made more so by the plethora of characters many of whom have weird names and aren't who they say they are. The central characters are a couple called Paddy and Finnie, who I assumed for the first 2 chapters were a male couple, but it transpired they are a man and a woman. They go to visit another couple called Tuft and Lovett, who sound like non-human cartoon characters. Later on we are introduced to Sonsie (??) and a host of others, all of whom seem to have secrets buried in their past. The characters all act rather strangely, making them annoying, unlikeable, and lacking in credibility. Finnie is a church deacon, but does not sound or behave like any church deacon I have met. In the end, the twists and turns of the implausible plot became wearing, and I skipped to the end, but the denouement was so full of yet more twists and revealed secrets I was left exhausted and even more confused about who had actually murdered whom, though it seemed just about everyone had a motive. Which is understandable - I think I'd have murdered the lot of them if I'd been there, or at least I'd have locked them all up in a secure establishment.
If you do read this book, I suggest you keep a list of the characters and their part in the story so when the plot follows its tortuous twists and turns, you have a better chance of keeping up. Whether it's worth the effort though, is debatable.
21/05/2021 - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - Genre: Fantasy - Reviewed by Alison, Broxburn library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
I really enjoyed this book, and would love to visit the circus myself! I loved the descriptions of the different tents in the circus. It reminded me of Enid Blyton's Faraway Tree with the delightful "Slippery slip" and the different worlds at the top. This is however a book written for adults rather than children, with a love story threading through it.
Two recommendations for other readers would be: - make careful note of the dates at the start of each chapter - if your memory is poor like mine, make a list of characters and who they are/ what they do as you go along, as I had to look back a few times to check!
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy fantasy. It is a magical world to escape into, with a bit of dark mystery around the purpose of the "challenge". It is set late 19th - 20th century when there was a great interest in science, magic and spiritualism.
18/05/2021 - Villa of secrets by Patricia Wilson - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Philomena Logan, Broxburn library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
Good story could not put down. Great read.
18/05/2021 - Five ways to kill a man by Alex Gray - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Lynn Murphy, Broxburn library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
This author writes an engrossing story which kept me interested to the very end. I found it easy to relate too and they added another dimension to the main story.
18/05/2021 - Scotland and the Flemish People by A Fleming and R Mason - Genre: Non-fiction, History - Reviewed by Mr DH Oliver, Broxburn library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
Flemings arrived in Scotland from the eleventh century and this book traces their impact on all areas of Scottish life over the following centuries. Topics range from Art, Architecture and sport to Economics and war. Even if you think you know a lot about Scotland's History you will be surprised about the Flemish Legacy. There is also local interest with Freskin of Strathbrock.
06/05/2021 - Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
This is a very enjoyable up to date 'whodunnit'. There's a story - a book really, written by one of the characters - within the story, which supposedly gives all the clues to the murderer, but too cryptic for me. Still, very entertaining and well written. Very entertaining, a good variety of characters, and well crafted plot.
30/04/2021 - The Clutter Corpse by Simon Brett - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anon. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
An ingenious plot well up to the usual standard of Simon Brett's mysteries linked to current fashion to decluttering houses as shown on TV.
27/04/2021 - The Roots of Evil by Quintin Jardine - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anne Ross, Lanthorn library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
Exciting story written in Jardine's excellent style - setting in and around Edinburgh, a city I know. Good research for background and geography.
26/04/2021 - The Russian by James Patterson & James Born - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Pearl McCourt, Linlithgow library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
If you like James Patterson you will love this. Another good crime story featuring Michael Bennett. James Patterson does tell a good story. An easy, enjoyable read. Familiar characters in the Bennett Family.
22/04/2021 - No Fixed Line by Dana Stabenow - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by May Grier, Whitburn library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
I enjoyed everything about the book I like this Author. I like reading about Alaska and about the Alaskan bush people.
19/04/2021 - A Night too Dark by Dana Stabenow - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Rona McLeod, Whitburn library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
As good as the others, a good crime story and also and insight into Alaskan life in the National Park. the conflict in people wanting to preserve old traditions but needing to embrace the outside world, for the sake of the younger generation. I enjoy reading about Kate as her life changes and also her half wolf dog Mutt. This is now my 17th in the series and as enjoyable as the first. One of the only books my mother will read now and we both can't put it down.
16/04/2021 - A Beautiful Spy by Rachel Hore - Genre: Family saga - Reviewed by Anon, Linithgow library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
An unusual story about an exceptional young woman. Gripping narrative with surprising but happy ending. Didn't know until I read Authors' note that book was inspired by real life spy, Olga Gray.
14/04/2021 - Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks - Genre: Modern Women - Reviewed by Anon, Linithgow library. Scored 3 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
The book is written from the perspective of Russ, who is married to Vivian and has a 5 year old daughter London. Russ does his utmost to hold everything together but It transpires that Vivian is the wife from hell, and the first half of the book resembles a slow motion train crash as the marriage gradually unravels. Russ's endless desire to please is quite irritating and it is quite a relief when the inevitable happens and Russ finds himself single handedly juggling work, child care, looking after the home and visiting family. Incredibly, he does all of these things really well. Some of the characters seem too good to be true, and the epilogue seems a bit 'happily ever after', but an engaging story nonetheless. Recommended for those who enjoy family sagas, without too much action, if you don't get irritated by selfish and inconsiderate, or conversely saintly, characters.
09/04/2021 - Driving over Lemons by Chris Stewart - Genre: Non-fiction memoir - Reviewed by Isabel Drago Ferrante, East Calder library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
This book was a delight to read. Apart from being hilariously funny, this book also had lots of good development in terms of characters, plot and setting. Right at the start of the book, the farm's hellish nature was established and the further I ventured through this book, I was begging to see what would go wrong next. Despite being a non-fiction memoir, this book was incredibly funny and was written as if it was a fictional story.
06/04/2021 - The girl from Mersey View by - Lyn Andrews - Genre: Family saga - Reviewed by Joan Black, West Calder library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
Great Story a lovely story teller. Highly recommend from start to finish didn't want to put it down.
01/04/2021 - Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers - Genre: Family saga - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
This story, inspired by the book of Hosea in the Bible, describes the traumatic upbringing of Angel in 1850's California, who is sold into prostitution at the age of eight. We pick up her story about 10 years later when she meets Michael, a farmer, who has been instructed by God to marry her and deliver her from a life of exploitation. He shows endless unconditional love to her despite her dysfunctional and considerably damaged emotions and character. There are many twists and turns, as Angel struggles to adapt to life as a farmer's wife, and to overcome her feelings of unworthiness and fear, during which Michael's patience is tested to the limit many times. It is a moving and powerful story of love and redemption. A moving account of the power of love, without becoming sugary, sentimental or triumphalistic. The characters are down to earth, each with their failures, and the plot and setting come across as realistic. A book with more depth than many.
26/03/2021 - The Forgotten Orphan by Glynis Peters - Genre: Family saga - Reviewed by Joan Black, West Calder library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
Brilliant read from start to finish I mean this did happen people getting sent abroad at a young age. It had you gripped in the story from start to finish. With the current talks with what happened in homes yrs ago, I quite believe the people who cared for the kids were evil. Maisie in the story was courageous, tough and kind. Glynis Peter told the story well.
22/03/2021 - Robert the Bruce by James Robertson - Genre: Non fiction - Reviewed by Alistair Cowper, East Calder library. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
A great book well worth reading for all ages. Easy to read history. Written in an engaging style.
22/03/2021 - The Governess by Wendy Holden - Genre: Family saga - Reviewed by Anon, Carmondean library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
Very enjoyable read. I found it brings you into the way the Royal household runs. It was a good going back in time, remembering when I was young
17/03/2021 - The Dilemma by B A Paris - Genre: Suspense fiction - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
Livia has been looking forward to her 40th birthday party for years, and elaborate preparations have been made. But on the day, her husband Adam gets some terrible news and has to decide whether to tell Livia straight away, or let her enjoy a last few hours of happiness. It turns out Livia has also been keeping a secret from Adam, and daughter Marnie a secret from both of them, plus various other characters at the party have their own secrets, so there seems to be no-one who is open and honest which is a bit irritating. The book is written with alternate chapters told from the viewpoints of Livia and Adam, so we get to know what each of them is thinking about their own secret. The book is quite compelling, though the emphasis on feelings and emotions makes it rather intense.
A compelling read, though all the while you are hoping that the forthcoming metaphorical car crash doesn't happen, but it does.
17/03/2021 - Queen's Play by Dorothy Dunnett - Talking book CD - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library. No score provided. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
I enjoyed the story of Francis Lymond at the French Court of Henri II when Mary Queen of Scots was a little girl there with her mother, Mary of Guise. Since I wished to read the series of books but did not have this book of the next, I was grateful to be able to borrow the CDs from the library.
I found listening to CDs less involving than reading a book, I missed the opportunities of pondering words or situations. I hope to be able to borrow the next one in book form. Dorothy Dunnett brings history a wonderful depth of times and places, enhancing every scene with vivid interest.
12/03/2021 - Tainted Coin by Mel Starr - Genre: Historical - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library. Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
This is the fifth book in a series of historical crime novels by this author. The books are set in 14th century Oxfordshire, and give lots of historical detail amidst the action of the plot. Helpfully, there is a glossary included at the front, as many of the words are no longer in use. In this novel, a travelling salesman (chapman) is found murdered, with an ancient coin in his mouth, which reveals that the chapman had found a cache of treasure which his assailants were after. On the quest for the culprits is Master Hugh, the 'detective' in each of the novels. He is actually a bailiff to a local Lord, overseeing the workings of the estate, and collecting rents and fines. He is also a trained surgeon, which skill comes in very useful in each of the novels. En route to finding the murderers, Hugh encounters a kidnapped woman, a tyrannical abbot and a suffering monk. If you enjoy medieval mysteries, you will likely enjoy this series of books. If you enjoy medieval mysteries, you will enjoy the historical detail and suspense of the plot.
09/03/2021 - The Runner by Stephen Leather - Genre: Thriller - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library. Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
This is a fast paced thriller. The plot is very similar to 3 Days of the Condor so if you have read that, or seen the film, you'll recognise elements of the action. A woman who works for MI5 in London pops out to buy coffees for everyone and when she returns, all her colleagues in the office have been killed. There follows a run for her life, involving espionage, betrayal, drug cartels and much murder and mayhem. A real page-turner. If you enjoy fast-moving thrillers, especially UK based with recognisable locations, you should enjoy this.
04/03/2021 - The Sentinel by - Lee Child - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anon, Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Well written, fast paced and gritty without being too violent. People who enjoy a good crime story where the good guy (Preacher) always wins.
04/03/2021 - Camino Winds by John Grisham - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Margaret Moffat, Armadale library, Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
This book was in the selection I received from the library. I had never read John Grisham before, but I was delighted with the story. Checking up on his other titles; I saw he had written another Camino book, that was camino island, I requested that one and have finished reading it already! Both these books are a worthy read, they are, as far as I'm concerned, cant be put down books. I will try john Grisham again. Read island first if you can as it helps when you read winds.
04/03/2021 - Slade House by David Mitchell - Genre: General Fiction - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library, Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Spooky and unexpected. the book tracks through time, gradually hinting at and revealing its secrets. You root for every character, except the villains, who are revealed to be even nastier than they first appear. Great characters, great pace, full of suspense
04/03/2021 - Home Stretch by Graham Norton - Genre: General Fiction - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library, Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Very enjoyable - really got into the characters and story. Good believable writing
04/03/2021 - The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library, Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Excellent. Loved the time spent with each character. Great Story right to the end. Well written
26/02/2021 - American Dirt by Janine Cummins - Genre: Adventure - Reviewed by Anon, Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Engrossing and gripping. A compelling read. Gripping, fascinating but emotional read. Draws attention to the struggles people face to enter America.
25/02/2021 - The Roots of Evil by Quintin Jardin - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anon, Lanthorn library - Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Another good read from this author but I think he is coming to the end of ideas for good stories. I enjoyed the book but feel he is running out of ideas and just using characters from previous novels to pad the story out. Still a good read,
25/02/2021 - The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anon, Lanthorn library - Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Another great read from Michael Connelly. So many twists but good to try and work out what is going to happen. Very up to date ending!!!
I always enjoy Michael Connelly's books and this is another good one. Familiar characters, he really draws you in to the story.
24/02/2021 - Death in a desert Land by Andrew Wilson - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library - Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
At first plot was reminiscent of Agatha Christies Murder in Mesopotamia but then it developed in other directions. Characters are a mixture of real and fictional people. Good suppressing ending.
18/02/2021 - The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks - Genre: Romance - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library - Scored 3 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
This is a moving love story, though slightly too sugary/sentimental for my taste. I preferred A Walk To Remember by the same author, which is more down to earth, as well as humorous. The Notebook is somewhat ethereal and insular - telling the story of an enduring relationship but with few references to other characters or situations in the couple's lives, apart from illness. If you like a sentimental love story, you will enjoy the book.
18/02/2021 - The house of Lamentations by S G MacLean - Genre: Historical detective story - Reviewed by Anon, Carmondean library - Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Written by a Scottish author, it reads like an SJ Parris or CJ Sansom. Full of Cromwellian - intrigue.
18/02/2021 - Eeny Meeny by M J Arlidge - Genre:Suspense Fiction - Reviewed by Anon, Carmondean library - Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Gripping, from first page you want to find out what happened to the victim. You find out about D I Helen Grace the main character and the crime she has to solve. You want to read more of D I Grace's novels.
18/02/2021 - Dark Tides by Philippa Gregory - Genre: Historical Fiction - Reviewed by Anon, Carmondean library - Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Convincing, involving and interesting. The baddies are charming and menacing; the goodies are torn yet restricted. They all work together in an adventure involving smuggling and murder. Written in such convening detail, the history is exactly what you want in your own family tree.
18/02/2021 - Never Greener by Ruth Jones - Genre: Family Saga - Reviewed by Norma Bonnar, East Calder library - Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
This is the first book which I have read by Ruth Jones. I'm a fan of Gavin & Stacy and also Stella therefore I thought I'd try one of her books. I was not disappointed. The story covered London & Edinburgh and the ongoing relationship between a couple who had a past and considered kindling their relationship where they left off. Both characters were good and the storyline itself, left you thinking what was going to happen next. It's well written, funny, sad and sometimes - unexpected.
12/02/2021 - One August Night by Victoria Hislop - Genre: Family Saga - Reviewed by Dianne Elliott, Broxburn library - Scored 4 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
I enjoyed this follow up from "The Island" about after spinalonga closes and Maria & Anna come together again as sisters. The author makes you feel like you are one of the characters from the book. I have read all her books and for me "The Return "was the best but certainly once you read one you will be back for another. Victoria Hislop is a great a brilliant author , and you learn so much from her books.
I would recommend the book as it is written with great passion and researched really well.
11/02/2021 - Blood in the Water by Gillian Galbraith - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by Almondbank library member - Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes.
It is the first time I have read this author - this is her first book in the Alice Rice mysteries. Looking forward to reading more. It's a good mystery.
10/02/2021 - The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly - Genre: Crime - Reviewed by: Linlithgow library member - Scored 5 out of 5. Would you recommend this book? Yes
Another great read from Michael Connelly, So many twists but good to try and work out what is going to happen. Very up to date ending!!!
I always enjoy Michael Connelly's books and this is another good one. Familiar characters, he really draws you into the story.
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We will publish as many of your reviews and recommendations as we can below.
Your reviews...
11/05/2021 - Look for Ladybird in Plant City by Katherina Manolessou - Reviewed by parent of 3 year old library member, Linlithgow library.
Please rate this book -I really enjoyed this book.
Review: This is an amazing book for a three year old. 'Look for ladybird' and many more things that are mentioned in the story. Despite the plot- the pages can be read in any order. Amazing illustrations that make every read a new experience.
- Did reading this book make you want to read more books? - Yes
- Do you think other children would enjoy reading this book too? Yes
06/05/2021 - The worst witch all at sea by Jill Murphy - Reviewed by 6 year old Linlithgow library member.
Please rate this book -I really enjoyed this book.
Review: Funny. I loved it. Tabby cat. When Mildred got a prize- treasure chest covered by rock in the sea.
- How did reading this book make you feel? - I feel happy, excited, curious & imaginative:) !
- Did reading this book make you want to read more books? - Yes
- Do you think other children would enjoy reading this book too? Yes
16/04/2021 - Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, illustrated by Rob Biddulph - Junior Picture book - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library.
Please rate this book -I really enjoyed this book.
Review: Most interesting story with Stanley being flat and invisible! Favourite part is when rude Emma called Stanley a Flattie when she was being rescued. Favourite Character is Captain, Who's tiny alien but thinks he's big and invincible and trying to paralyse Arthur.
- Did reading this book make you want to read more books? - Yes
- Do you think other children would enjoy reading this book too? Yes
14/04/2021 - Cobalt Squadron by Elizabeth Wein - Junior fiction age 9+ - Reviewed by Anon, Linlithgow library.
- Please rate this book - I really enjoyed this book.
- Review: The book was very exciting and full of suspense. It was based on Star Wars and if you like Star Wars then you would love this. Reading this book wanted to make me read more and the further I got through the more I wanted to get to the end and see what happens.
- Did reading this book make you want to read more books? - Yes
- Do you think other children would enjoy reading this book too? Yes
