This page is where I tell you about what books I’ve been reading and what I’m hoping to read next, for no other reason than it’s fun to let my inner book geek run wild. I’ve been utterly spoilt recently by books from a couple of my favourite authors. Here we go!
This is the fourth instalment of the Slough House/Jackson Lamb series and for me, the best of the bunch. If you’re not familiar with it, the concept for the series is great. Slough House is where MI5 dumps their trash. The members of staff who screwed up massively who they can’t just fire. Jackson Lamb is their uncouth, unkind and utterly uncaring leader and he is a beautiful example of an anti-hero. He is utterly repulsive and yet wonderfully compelling. I’d recommend reading the series in order. They’re dark with a very dry wit as everyone in Slough House is trapped in the nightmare their own career has become and yet they have some wonderfully plotted run-ins with unexpected foes. Dark comedy mixed with real high stakes. Herron is a master.
Want You Gone – Chris Brookmyre
Chris Brookmyre has had a quiet fascinating career which is oddly mirrored by the character he is most famous for, the wonderful Jack Parlabane. In his earlier books, Parlabane was a devil-may-care risk taker and the books were fast-paced and full of hilarious set pieces. In recent years though, Brookmyre has moved into darker more serious territory. Last year’s Black Widow was a very strong book, albeit much more of a psychological thriller than a traditional Jack Parlabane adventure. Want You Gone, is probably my favourite Brookmyre book for a long time. The man can’t write a bad one but I love the elements he draws together here. The narrative is split between Parlabane and a young female hacker and the action comes thick and fast. Brookmyre writes hackers in a more believable yet engaging way than I’ve seen anywhere else. This feels like a book where the author has not only done his research but found a way to present it to the reader that grips you from start to finish. The plot twists and turns with that trademark dry Brookmyre wit laced through it, and a real affection for the characters. I defy anyone to read this and not find themselves totally drawn into it. It’s the kind of book you keep having to read just one more chapter of.
Note: Apparently this is published in the States as The Last Hack. Does anyone know why publishers give the same book two different titles in two different territories?
To Be Read:
As for what’s up next on my To Be Read list, well here are three recommendations I’ve had from readers that I’m going to give a whirl.
I’m not all about the crime 365. I’ve heard great things about this book and it is apparently a superhero sci-fi thriller. I’m looking forward to the change of pace.
Another reader recommendation, I’ve seen Malcolm Mackay’s name around and I get the feeling this is going to be right up my street.
The third of my recommendations for this month. This sounds like a Tarantino shoot’em’up so let the bullets fly.
While I’m taking a punt to a greater or lesser degree on the first three, this one I’ve been saving up as a treat. I love McKinty’s work and the Sean Duffy series has been consistently great.
Thanks for reading. If you’ve got any recommendations then do drop me a line at caimh@whitehairedirishman-com.stackstaging.com – or if you’ve read any of the above and would like to have a virtual watercooler moment, then feel free to drop me a line. No spoilers though please!
Cheers,
Caimh