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Finished reading: The Distant Echo by Val McDermid π
For a book in the Karen Pirie series, I expected more Karen Pirie. A good mystery to solve nevertheless.
Finished reading: Matrix by Lauren Groff π
An enjoyable read but was left feeling I wanted something more.
Finished reading: Big Sky by Kate Atkinson π
Bit meh. A few too many characters to get really attached to anyone or their story.
Read in 2025: Crudo by Olivia Laing π
Read in two sittings which was probably best as I didnβt get in with it. Will stick to Laingβs non-fiction.
Finished reading: Mongrel by Hanako Footman π
The story of three women getting to know themselves and each other. Surprising. And challenging. And tender.
Finished reading: Union Jack by Val McDermid π
Think Iβve gone as far with Lindsey Gordon as I can for now.
Finished reading: The Unfolding by A.M. Homes π
As ever from A.M. Homes, an engaging and witty story that pulled me in from the first few pages. I needed this to find some flow to my reading again.
Finished reading: Babel by R. F Kuang π
Thoroughly enjoyable. Some good twists along the way. Got a little pedestrian in the final third though which has tempered my enthusiasm a little.
The bookend to my day yesterday, walking home via the Quayside. Spot Venus πͺ

Mad sky this morning on my commute

Iβm kinda glad I donβt get annual podcast stats, otherwise youβd know how much time I spend thinking about my fantasy premier league team π
Currently reading: Babel by R. F Kuang π
I enjoyed the authorβs note at the beginning of this, which outlines all her sources for the details of Victorian Oxford and the artistic licences she has taken. The last sentence in particular made me chuckleβ¦
If you find any other inconsistencies, feel free to remind yourself this is a work of fiction.
Finished reading: Report for Murder by V. L. McDermid π
Sometimes you just need the comfort of a classic crime procedural and Val McDermid is always a sure bet.
Finished reading: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver π
It took me two goes, but I did it. Skipped a few chapters in the late 30s/early 40s where the story felt it just got stuck. Enjoyed the rest of it.
Currently reading: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver π
Encouraged by my friend, Iβm picking this up again. She said itβs worth getting through the middle slump, so I skipped a few chapters from where I left off and started again. So far, so good.
Abandoned reading: Daisy Jones & The Six (TV Tie-in Edition) by Taylor Jenkins Reid π
Canβt seem to get through a book at the moment. The interview style, and the lack of any connection developing with the characters, didnβt work for me.
After saying our goodbyes to the family today, my eldest nephew sidled up and gave me an extra squeeze. The smallest gesture topped off a wonderful Christmas π₯°
Note to self: A walk at the coast puts everything in perspective
