Do Fear the Reaper...

I'm sucker for a good story idea, so when someone recommended a book about a vicar who also happened to be a serial killer, it certainly got my attention. I had to read 'The Reaper' by Peter Lovesey.

Walk this Way

'Tales from the Big Trails' by Martyn Howe

Hello again!  Sorry for the delay, but, y'know, life...

My latest read was 'Tales from the Big Trails' by Martyn Howe, a personal story of one man's attempt to walk 19 of the most famous - and challenging - long-distance walking routes in England, Scotland and Wales.

Reaching New Heights

'Ring the Hill' by Tom Cox (Unbound, 2019)

One of my absolute favourite books last year was the audio version of '21st Century Yokel' by Tom Cox, so when I heard he was writing a follow up on the themes of walking, landscape and hills, I couldn't wait.

In 'Ring the Hill', Cox explores the lumps and bumps of the landscape, from tors and mumps, to cliffs and knolls.  Starting with the iconic Glastonbury Tor in Somerset, his exploration of these landmarks leads to musings on wildlife, history, language and folklore, as well as an insight into the background to his collection of folk-horror stories 'Help the Witch'.  There's even a bit of social commentary and the odd ghost story thrown in.  As with its thematically-linked predecessor, this book is a wander through countryside and culture, wide-ranging, all-embracing and rarely dull.

Simply Wander-Full!

Ah, the glorious days of summer are upon us!  Which is why I've been hiding indoors, listening to the audiobook version of '21st Century Yokel' by music journalist and writer Tom Cox.  Well, you don't want me getting sunburnt, do you?

Released by the innovative, crowd-fund publisher Unbound, '21st Century Yokel' is as genre-defying as it is lovely.  Part-memoir, part-travel book and part ode to the British landscape, it meanders through tales of creatures and countryside, family and folklore to weave a charming narrative that you just want to wrap yourself up in.  Cox uses gorgeous, lyrical language to capture the important places, pets and people in his life with humour and optimism.  From his native Nottinghamshire, via Devon, Derbyshire and Norfolk, '21st Century Yokel' takes the reader on journey that is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply thoughtful, but never, ever dull - especially if his Mr Cox Senior is around.

Mild, Mild West

At this time of year, and especially with the rotten weather we've been having, it's very easy to suffer a bit of the winter blues.  In the hope of a pick me up, I started reading 'Once Upon a Time in the West... Country' by fridge-towing funny man Tony Hawks.

'Once Upon a Time in the
West... Country'
by Tony Hawks
(Hodder & Stoughton, 2015)

In his early 50s and on holiday with the love of his life Fran, Tony has an epiphany: He doesn't have to live in London any more!  As a writer, radio show panelist and frivolous bet accepter, he can live anywhere, not just the Big Smoke.  In search of something more than the anonymity of the city, Tony and Fran make the move to Devon to start a new life.  But how will Tony cope with the sudden friendliness, expansive scenery and unexpected demands of country living?