Review round up...

Private Lives by Tasmina Perry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

jaffa's rating 4paws

Just imagine, a summer’s day, a cool white wine and this huge blockbuster of a novel taking you on a roller coaster of a journey through the lives of the rich and famous. Part murder / mystery, and part celebrity gossip, this novel just oozes appeal, and opens a fascinating dialogue between the bored rich, and the undeniably famous, and the lawyers who attempt to defend them from public censure. From the super famous who get down and dirty, to the heartbreak of a family caught up in the murder of a loved one, this story capture the imagination from the opening page. The characters are finely drawn, and whilst not always likeable, they add a kaleidoscope of colour to a rich and varied story. This is my first real taste of a Tasmina Perry novel, and from the enjoyable experience of this book, I’m sure I will now go on to read more from this talented author.

I read and reviewed this book for http://www.realreaders.co.uk/

Agent 6 by Tom Rob Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

jaffa's rating 5paws - he loves spy novels !!

Spanning the Cold War years from the Sixties to the Eighties, this sweeping novel, told from a Soviet spy's viewpoint, accurately and chillingly conveys the deep mistrust and brutality of Russia's ruling Communist Party. Written in a clinical, cold, hard style to accurately portray the harsh environment and living conditions, the leading character's life is expertly told in gripping language. From poverty stricken Moscow slums, to fashionably emerging New York, then to war torn backwater Afghanistan under Russian invaders, the story envelops the reader in its realistically woven tale of faceless State versus individual feelings and longings. All the characters emerge believably, and the storyline sweeps the reader along at an ever-increasing pace to its conclusion. An excellent read, full of emotion,adventure and intrigue. Recommended to all interested in spy/adventure novels.

I read and reviewed this book for http://www.realreaders.co.uk/ and http://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/