My blog celebrates its first anniversary on 4th December. I thought it was a good opportunity to reflect on its success – or lack of it. I created this blog for me, as a record of the books I’ve read and to develop my book reviewing skills. I wasn’t looking to find lots of followers and the thought of sharing it made me nervous – but maybe something to aspire to.

My posts haven’t been as frequent as I planned at the start of the year, but who could have predicted what a year 2020 would turn out to be? As I write this, England has been in Lockdown Number 2 for just over a week.

Reading has been a huge part of my life since I can remember. I think I was born loving books. I was lucky to have a father who read – and still reads – all the time. He would give me books that were always more advanced than I should have been reading for my age.

I had my nose in a book all the time. The most terrible punishment from my mother was not to go to my room (I could read all I wanted there – bliss!), but to stay downstairs and watch TV.

Since 2006 I have kept a record of all the books I’ve read; writing down what I thought of them. When I read through these notebooks I can remember most of them, and sometimes where I was when I read them. This year I am on target to beat my record of most books read in a year, so maybe 2020 hasn’t bee all bad.

I don’t know what I would have done this year without books and reading. Its the perfect activity when you’re alone. Books can transport you to the most amazing places, get you inside the heads of fascinating characters and let you witness unlimited real and imagined events.

What I have really come to appreciate this year is that reading is a social activity too. I have been a member of a book club for over 10 years. We have over 15 members – all of us very different but with a love of books and reading in common. As soon as we went into Lockdown in March we set up a zoom meeting and agreed to meet once a fortnight, instead of once a month. The invitation was and is open to everyone and there is no pressure. The library was closed so we didn’t have our monthly book, but we soon discovered the library’s online offer, Borrowbox and we shared recommendations with other.

One of the things I do to help me cope with everything is walking. I walk 2 hours a day before starting work. I’ve been listening to audio books and I love them. All kids love being read to – and that joy doesn’t change as an adult. As Stephen King says its not the delivery mechanism – paper, e-book or audio – its the story that counts. He’s right.

I considered deleting my blog and giving up, but I’ve decided to keep going. I’m going to aim for a weekly update – but if I don’t, or can’t, stick to it I’m not going to give myself a hard time. I’m going to write about the books I’ve read, the books I’m reading and the social side of my reading life – book club news, Radio Cumbria book club, podcasts I listen to, books on my list to read next.

Writing this I feel the same excitement and nervousness as I felt this time last year when I had just created the blog and thought of its name. This is the Pixie Chronicles – my adventures through reading.

Dominicana by Angie Cruz

This book featured on the Women’s Prize for Fiction and is about a 15 year old girl from the Dominican Republic. The author says she based the story on her mother’s life and what happened to her. When her mother heard she wanted to tell her story she didn’t believe anyone would want to hear it. Sometimes the gateway to history is through fiction.

Ana marries a man twice her age and goes to New York for a better life. She is to send money home to her family. Life is very difficult for her – she cannot speak English, has nothing to do other than clean the apartment. Its not until her husband has to go back to the Dominican Republic that she has a chance to live properly.

I really enjoyed this book. It shows the limitations of women’s lives in the 60’s.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I watched the TV series before reading (or listening) to the book. I usually prefer to do it the other way around. Even though I knew what was going to happen I still really enjoyed listening to this book.

It felt a little different as it was set in Australia rather than USA, but the story was the same. Its about a group of friends, who all have children in Kindergarten. A young woman joins the group when she moves to the area – but their friendship is tested when her son is accused of bullying – physically assaulting a girl in the class.

As the story develops you find out more about the women – and in the end there are tragic consequences. Its about friendship, family domestic violence and the impact it can have.

The Curator by M W Craven

This is the third book in Mike Craven’s Washington Poe series. In this book there are a series of brutal murders, with fingers cut from the victims and left in various places.

Poe and Tilly have to find and identify the victims, and then find the murderer – with Poe fighting against a clever murderer, as well as the Cumbrian winter weather.

The plot is complex and clever, but there is always something to make you laugh out loud mixed in with the gore. Its fast paced and its the type of book you can’t put down.

I was lucky enough to speak to Mike Craven on Radio Cumbria. I asked him about his ideas – particularly some of the complicated and technical elements that happen and whether he discovered them by accident and wrote them down in order to use them, or if he researched to solve a particular problem in the plot. His response – a bit of both!

If you can find a book, especially a crime book, that is set in your home town I highly recommend it. Its fun – if a little scary – to read about familiar places.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but this is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever seen. Its stunning. The contents were pretty good to.

Danny and his sister live with their father in the Dutch House. Its just the three of them after their mother left them. Life is good until their father marries another mother, Andrea. Andrea never really warms to her step-children and when their father dies she makes sure the children have no access to the house of their father’s fortune. The only thing they have is a trust fund for their education – so Danny’s sister insists he goes to medical school – which he does even though he doesn’t want to be a doctor. Danny, and especially his sister, are obsessed with the Dutch House and it almost ruins their lives.

I really enjoyed this book, its well written and the characters are well developed.

Black Summer by M W Craven

Mike Craven is a local author who sets his books in Cumbria. I find it particularly exciting to read about places I know well, although Mike’s books are exciting enough in their own right. This is the second book in the series featuring Washington Poe, who lives in Shepherd’s Hut on Shap Fell.

In this book a man Poe arrested in connection with the murder of his daughter. The man is sent to prison only to be released after his daughter unexpectedly shows up. The man is out for revenge against Poe so its a race against time – Poe has to find out what’s going on before he is arrested himself.

I really couldn’t put this book down. Mike’s plots are complex and challenging, but he manages not to loose the reader. The technical parts of the plot are explained well, without talking down to the reader or lecturing them. Its quite dark and brutal in places but there’s some humor every now and then to lighten things up.

Definitely one to recommend.

The Evidence Against You by Gillian McAllister

Izzy’s father, Gabe, was convicted of killing her mother and was sent to prison for life. After 17 years he is released and at first she wants nothing to do with hi, but eventually she agrees to hear his side of the story. She begins to doubt he’s guilty and begins to investigate. She uncovers a terrible secret about her mother and what really happened in the past.

There are lots of twists and turns in this book. I found myself really caring about the characters and understanding the terrible mistakes they made. The ending wasn’t what I wanted but it felt real.

The Dilemma by B A Paris

I came across this book after listening to the “Writer’s Routine” podcast and an interview with the author. I like the idea of the book being set in a 24 hour period and it was interesting to listen to how the author managed to do this.

The 24 hour period is the day of Liv’s 40th birthday part. It’s a very important day, and something – for personal reasons – she has been planning for 20 years. She has a secret and its something that will destroy her husband if he found out. Her husband, Adam, also has a secret which will destroy the entire family. He doesn’t want to spoil the party so he keeps it to himself.

The book alternates between the point of view of Liv and Adam. Each chapter covers one hour. Gradually the reader finds out about their lives, how they met and their family. The story builds until the secrets are revealed.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the tension built nicely.

The Shepherd’s Hut by Tim Winton

I’m a fan of Tim Winton. I first came across him at my book club – for many years “Dirt Music” was our favourite book and the one to beat. When I saw this on the Library’s Borrowbox online service I had to download it.

Winton is an Australian writer and most of his books are set in Australia. He creates vivid landscapes – you can almost feel the dry heat coming off the page.

This one is set in the Australian Outback and is about 16 year old Jaxie. Jaxie has a miserable and abusive homelife and when his father is accidentally killed he runs away before he can be accused of murder. He’s going to see Lee-Ann, his cousin, who he’s in love with – but to get to her he needs to travel through hundreds of miles of Australian Outback with minimal equipment.

It is the story of Jaxie’s life, what happened to him, his journey to see Lee-Ann and the old man he meets along the way.

The story is told from Jaxie’s point of view and is written in Austrian dialect, how Jaxie would speak. I found it difficult to read at first, but I’m glad I stuck with it. This is an excellent book and one that stays with you for a long time.

Platform 7 by Louise Doughty

This book was recommended by someone from book club. I admire her taste so took the opportunity of reading this book through the library’s online service, Borrowbox.

The narrator of this story, Lisa, is a ghost. She committed suicide by throwing herself in front of a train, so her ghost is stuck on Platform 7. At first, because she cannot remember very much about her life, she watches the train station staff as they deal with what they have witnessed. Gradually she starts to remember her life and the events that led up to her death. She explores the abusive relationship she had with her boyfriend, Matt.

There were parts of the book I really enjoyed. I liked the concept of the main character being a ghost, but there were parts where I felt the plot drifted a little.

However, the domestic abuse/partner element was done very well. The author showed how it gradually developed over time, before getting worse and trapping the woman. I could relate to many of the situations Lisa and Matthew found themselves in. Definitely worth a read.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

I listened to an interview with the authors of this book and it was interesting to learn how they wrote it. Normally authors take it in turns to write a chapter but Greer and Sarah wrote the book at the same time.

The book is about Vanessa and her marriage to Richard. She seems obsessed with him once the marriage breaks down and she’s stalking his new fiancé. Things are not what they seem and the details of the relationship are gradually uncovered. There are lots of twists and turns.

I liked Vanessa. She isn’t a perfect person and has plenty of flaws. She makes poor decisions and gets lots of things wrong, but this makes her more real.

I listened to this book and the narrator was very good. Another recommendation.

Looking for Eliza by Leaf Arbuthnot

I got a pre-published copy of this book from Radio Cumbria’s “The Arty Show” host, Helen – who made us promise to review it on the show. Helen invite Leaf to the show too and we had the pleasure of talking to her. Its nerve wracking speaking to an author. I am always in awe of them and worry about hurting their feelings if you didn’t enjoy their book.

I didn’t have to worry in this case. “Looking for Eliza” was entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. The two main characters retired widow Ada and university student Eliza are complete opposites. They live on the same street and for different reasons are very lonely. Ada starts her own business, “Rent a Gran” to try and meet new people but it doesn’t stop her from feeling lonely until she meets Eliza and they develop a friendship – and ultimately save each other.

This book made me think about the impact loneliness can have on people and that anyone can be lonely. Its not about having lots of people around you, its having the right people who you can connect with.

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Another book for the Radio Cumbria Book Club though I don’t think the author will be joining us this time.

Sally Rooney is in her 20’s and some people have said the narration lacks emotion because young people are so used to communicating by text, but it didn’t feel like this to me at all.

It follows Marianne and Connell and their deep attraction to each other. They get together at school but for various reasons are unable to have an actual relationship, but this makes their experience all the more real. They are together and apart due to miscommunication and a need to work through their personal demons.

I recognised the difficulty in talking to a boy at school, how much easier it is on neutral territory. There are so many rules about being cool and fitting in. It was a relief – and rather sad – to know that some things haven’t changed.

I loved the ending, even if it wasn’t what I wanted.

The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel

This is the final instalment of Mantel’s novels about the life of Thomas Cromwell. The book starts and ends with an execution – beginning with execution of Anne Boleyn and ending with Cromwell’s own. It covers Henry’s marriages to Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves, and finally Cromwell’s downfall.

This isn’t for the faint hearted – its over 870 pages and I know people who have really struggled with it. All three books are detailed and well researched. I loved the Tudor world that Mantel creates – it completely draws you in. Of course there is no way of knowing if Thomas Cromwell was actually like that – all Mantel, or any historian, has to go on are letters and other accounts from the time.

What does come across is the volatile nature of the Tudor court and how quickly things can change and tumble out of control.

After the Party by Cressida Connolly

This book is set just before the start of the second world war. Phyllis has returned to England after a period of time in Europe. She lives near her sisters and gets involved in politics and a protest against the war.

When war breaks out Phyllis is arrested, along with a group of other women who have lose connections with the protest, and is sent to jail for over a year. Up until this point the book reminded me of “Downton Abbey” and I enjoyed the characters. It was interesting to see how Phyllis and the other women coped with prison. It was something about the war I knew nothing about.

The Dirty Streets of Heaven by Tad Williams

I found this book after reading an article by George R R Martin, who recommended this author as the best fantasy writer he had come across. I had to try it for myself.

This is the first in a trilogy – not set in a fictional world – but on Earth. The main characters are angels and demons and the war is between heave and hell. Bobby Dollar is an Advocate; when someone dies it is his job to argue the case for the dead person’s soul to ensure it gets into Heaven. He’s an angel, but not a very good one. He doesn’t follow the rules and frequently gets in trouble.

Bobby uncovers a dangerous conspiracy – the Third Way, an alternative to Heave and he realises he’s in serious danger.

This is a lot of fun – lots of sex, action, wise cracking angel heroes and I really enjoyed it.

Trap Door by Dreda Say Mitchell

Trap Door is about Rachel, a young woman in serious debt. She’s on the verge of being homeless and desperately needs a job. When she’s offered a position at a successful company its almost too good to be true. Things in her new job gradually become more sinister but she’s trapped – she needs that pay check.

Then one day she sees a funeral programme for an old friend – someone she thought had died 10 years ago. She starts to investigate and begins to uncover the terrible truth about her past, her family and the people she works for.

I liked the main character and felt her desperation caused by her debt and the situation she was in, but the plot was a little far fetched at times. Saying that I did enjoy it and it was entertaining – sometimes you have to let the little things go.

Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben

This is the story of Maya, an ex army special ops pilot. She leaves the army following a serious helicopter accident and is trying to adapt to life on the outside. One day she sees the image of her husband on the nanny cam which is terrifying and shocking because she buried him just two weeks earlier. To add to her personal tragedy, Maya’s sister was also murdered.

Maya is alone, looking after her two year old daughter – and trying to work out what happened to her husband and sister.

There are lots of twists and turns in this book – the pace is fast and there is always something happening. However, some of those twists, especially towards the end seemed a little far fetched.

The Wayward Girls by Amanda Mason

This was an audio book and it was definitely my favourite audio book so far. In fact I would highly recommend it; the narrator was amazing. Maybe not one to listen to after dark…or on your own…Definitely gave me more than one fright.

Its the story of Luci and her family, who live in an old farmhouse in the mid 70’s. Luci is a young girl and is the middle of 5 children. At first the banging and the noises are annoying, but they soon become terrifying and they call a group of paranormal investigators to look into the situation.

Luci is possessed by a poltergeist so the interest and investigation really steps up.

There are lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing and wanting to know what’s going to happen.