Merry Crimbo!
In an effort to get the hell out of the way while Wonderwife writes Christmas cards, I’ve decided to share a selection of my favourite books and TV shows from the second half of the year. You’re welcome world!
Books
Babes in the Woods – Mark Stay (The Witches of Woodville)
If you’ve watched any of our online events, then the odds are good you’ve already met Mark Stay. Well, I’m thrilled to say that book 2 in his Witches of Woodville series is an absolute corker. Having established the world in the first book – witches in World War II, rural England, it really takes off and spreads its wings here. The writing is snappy as you’d expect, but the research is really impressive too – both in how much Mark clearly knows about the era, but also in how he uses it to deftly compliment the story rather than impeding it. A perfect feel-good and fun Christmas read.
Something More Than Night – Kim Newman
Raymond Chandler and Boris Karloff investigating supernatural crimes in 1930s Los Angeles, sign me up! This is a joyous homage to the writing style of Chandler while telling a story that I guess I would best describe as a supernatural twist on LA Confidential. There are some joyous turns of phrase and a wit sharper than a stiletto heel at play. Loved it.
Run, Hide, Die – Ian Sainsbury (The Jimmy Blue Series)
This is another book two in a series, but consider this a recommendation for the whole thing. I previously recommended the first book back in its old guise as the Bedlam Boy novellas. Those novellas have now been repackaged as the first novel in this series, with books two and three being entirely new publications. Got it? Good. You know how nearly every damn thriller seems to get pushed as ‘perfect for fans of Lee Child’? Well, I am a fan of Lee Child and I’ve not enjoyed any thrillers this much in ages. Ian is a taut writer, but what really elevates these books are the moments of inspiration where he finds a totally fresh way to approach the genre. In book one (Winter Falls) there’s a truly ingenious escape sequence and in this one there is an incredible assassination. I won’t say any more to avoid spoilers, but it’s well worth a read.
Dolphin Junction – Mick Herron
Anyone who has read my previous posts knows that I’ve long been a fan of Mick’s incredible Slough House series of books. In fact, it’s coming to Apple TV as a series in 2022 which I’m really excited about. In the meantime, while I of course recommend those books, I’m currently loving Mick’s recently released short story collection, Dolphin Junction. He’s a fantastic writer, so I knew it would be good but what’s impressive is that Mick is a master of the last sentence twist which is an incredibly hard thing to pull off.
Hard Time – Jodi Taylor (Time Police)
I’ve been a big fan of Jodi Taylor for a while, her Chronicles of St Marys series are a firm favourite with fantasy fans everywhere, but I am particularly enjoying the Time Police spinoff. They’re a hoot as you’d expect from The Queen of Time™ and as if that wasn’t enough, I believe the ebook of Hard Time is on offer in the UK at a scandalously cheap 0.99p until the end of December.
All Systems Red – Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries)
I’m not really a big reader of sci-fi but I came across this series of novellas thanks to a reader’s recommendation (thank you whoever you are!) – they are wonderful. The idea is an android starts to question its own programming and ends up becoming quite the independent thinker. Along the way there are some exciting adventures, philosophical queries and genuinely funny lines. I love these books and they’re a great length in that even I can finish it in a couple of late night reads before nodding off, happy having enjoyed some exceptional storytelling.
TV
Ted Lasso
To be fair, I’m a little late to this in the sense that I assume everyone has heard of the show by now. The breakout hit is really the very best reason to use that free six-month subscription to Apple TV that you’ve had knocking about for ages. Yes, it’s funny and warm and genuinely has an uplifting message at the heart of it, but it is also a wonderful top-class drama too. Also, side note: I know Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent) from our days on the comedy circuit and it is genuinely thrilling to see a good bloke having such deserved success. This show is that good, Wonderwife and I have already agreed that if we ever get bad news, we’re just going to start rewatching it. That rarest of things – TV that is good for the soul.
The Offenders (BBC – UK)/The Outlaws (Amazon Prime – rest of world)
While this show confusingly has two different names depending on where you live, it is absolutely worth seeking out, even if they’ve renamed it, chucked it in a sack and buried it in someone’s back garden. Written by Stephen Merchant and Elgin James and featuring Christopher Walken and a cast of outstanding British actors, it’s one of the very best things I’ve seen on TV in years. It follows a ragtag group who are doing community service to pay for their relatively petty crimes. Wonderwife and I came to it after watching a run of pretty mediocre programs and wow, ten minutes into this I distinctly remember turning to her and going ‘Now this is well-written TV.’ Yes, the characters start off as stereotypes and in the hands of a less skilled writing team they might have stayed there, but here they quickly develop wonderful depth. The laughs are very real and come from character and the story has you on the edge of your seat throughout. I can’t wait for series two.
Misfits
Finally, a bit of a blast from the recent(ish) past, Misfit is still one of my favourite ever TV series. OK, it’s not from the last six months but come on, it’s Christmas – don’t be so pedantic! The premise, oddly enough, isn’t that dissimilar to The Offends/The Outlaws mentioned above, in that it also features a group of offenders doing community service to avoid prison – only in this show, a strange storm imbues them with superpowers. Now, if that sounds like yet another superhero show then you are dead wrong. It is such a wonderfully fresh take; it is honestly perfect for people who aren’t interested in the genre. The writing is whip smart and several of the cast have gone on to big things after their breakout performances in this (The Umbrella Academy, Game of Thrones, The Good Doctor and Candyman, to mention a few). I’ve seen every episode about five times now and just writing this makes me want to watch them all again.