Category Archives: Orenda Books

“A Dark Matter” by Doug Johnstone – Book Review

Posted on March 22, 2020 by

We meet the Skelfs on the day that they are saying goodbye to their patriarch, Jim. They are doing this in a somewhat bizarre way. Though they run a funeral home, they are having an illegal funeral pyre in their … Continue reading →

Posted in 1st in series, Book Reviews, Favorite books, Orenda Books | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

“Breakers” by Doug Johnstone – Book Review #Orentober

Posted on October 28, 2019 by

Tyler lives in a tower block in Niddrie, one of Edinburgh’s impoverished neighbourhoods. He lives with his Mum and his little sister, Bethany (aka Bean). His Mum is an alcoholic/addict so the responsibility of caring for her and his sister … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, Orenda Books | Tagged , , , | 33 Comments

“The bird tribunal” by Agnes Ravatn – #BookReview #Orentober

Posted on October 13, 2019 by

I thought I’d repost a review from 2017 in honour of Orentober. What is Orentober you ask? It is the October celebration of the books and authors represented by Orenda Publishing. “The Bird Tribunal” was my favourite read of 2017 … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, novels in translation, Orenda Books, Psychological thrillers, Scandinavian | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

“Block 46” by Johana Gustawsson – Book Review

Posted on May 22, 2019 by

“Outstanding, devastating, and memorable crime fiction” Originally written in French, it is brilliantly and seamlessly translated by Maxim Jakubowski.  The blurb: In Falkenberg Sweden, the mutilated body of a talented young jewelry designer Linnéa Blix is found in a snow-swept … Continue reading →

Posted in 1st in series, Book Reviews, Historical fiction, novels in translation, Orenda Books | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

“CWA Anthology of short stories: Mystery Tour” edited by Martin Edwards – Book Review

Posted on October 11, 2018 by

This exciting collection of short stories features crime writers working with a “mystery tour” or travel theme. Showcasing the diversity of the contemporary crime-fiction genre, these 28 compelling stories will take you on a memorable trip – and you’ll not … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, NetGalley, Orenda Books, Short stories | Tagged , | 6 Comments

“Exquisite” by Sarah Stovell – Book Review

Posted on July 13, 2018 by

Different recollections of the same events does not a liar make. Or does it? In this novel, when two people recall events from differing perspectives, what follows is ‘exquisite‘ betrayal… “Exquisite” features two female protagonists. Bo Luxton is a successful … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Orenda Books, Psychological thrillers | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

“Six stories” by Matt Wesolowski – Book Review

Posted on November 20, 2017 by

After reading myriad glowing reviews of this novel throughout the year, I had high expectations. I was not disappointed. An outstanding debut thriller that incorporates a cold case murder and folk legends in the rather unique format of a modern … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, NetGalley, Orenda Books, Page turners | Tagged , , , , , | 18 Comments

“In her wake” by Amanda Jennings – Book Review

Posted on April 30, 2016 by

Which is the worst punishment?  Living with guilt or living with hate?  Both can poison a person from the inside out. Both can ravage the soul… Henry Campbell, doctor, beset by guilt and walking on eggshells around his neurotically unstable … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Orenda Books, Page turners, Psychological thrillers, Suspense | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments