Hutchinson Library
Adult Book Reviews
Key to 'star' ratings;
* * * * * Excellent - order this book now!
* * * * A very good read, add this to your list
* * * Worth giving it a try
* * Wasn’t my cup of tea, but you might like it
* Leave on the shelf!
Unforgettable Places to See Before you Die by Steve Davey * * * * *
This book makes you want to pack your bags and travel the world! Stunning photographs are accompanied by an interesting and informative text. Inspirational.
Haunted Castles of Britain and Ireland by Richard Jones * * * * *
An interesting and enjoyable guide to 100 haunted castles – a blend of travel, history and ghostly goings on. Great evocative photographs.
A Portrait of Durham by Philip Nixon * * * * *
Stunning photographs and interesting snippets of information make this a must for any lover of the great Cathedral City. Includes some of the surrounding villages.
Fat, 40 and Fired by Nigel Marsh * * * * *
Honest and amusing tale of how Marsh lost his job and found his sanity. Easy and enjoyable read. (Occasional swearing).
The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler * * * * *
The lives of 6 people – connected in their love for Jane Austen – are viewed in a witty yet sympathetic light. A modern comedy of manners. Also includes synopsis of and comments on the 6 Austen novels. An enjoyable read. (Shortlisted by Richard and Judy’s British Book awards 2005).
Thud! by Terry Pratchett * * * * *
You don’t have to like Sci Fi or Fantasy to enjoy Discworld. Pratchett has a knack for writing good stories – they just happen to have dwarfs, trolls and the odd vampire in them! Slightly darker than previous books, but if you haven’t read one before, this is a good one to start with – especially if you like ‘who-done its’.
White Gold by Giles Milton * * * * *
An interesting and accessible, yet thoroughly researched, book telling the largely forgotten story of the white slave trade of North Africa, focusing on slaves of the imperial Moroccan court, and the extraordinary story of Thomas Pellow, captured when only 11years old in 1716 he was not to see England again for 23 years. (326.10961)
The Illustrated Olive Farm by Carol Drinkwater * * * * *
An illustrated companion to her bestselling trilogy, I think I would have enjoyed it better if I’d read the trilogy first – which are now on my ‘to read’ list! Good photos.
The Brontes’ Howorth by S.R. Whitehead * * * * *
Interesting as asocial history of a large northern village during the industrial revolution, this is made doubly interesting because of its connection with the famous family.
The Veiled Kingdom by Carmen Bin Ladin * * * * *
A unique insight into Saudi society and the Bin Laden family. Interesting in its own right, this book is given further fascination by the notoriety of the author’s family ties.
The Border Line by Eric Robson * * * * *
An interesting and enjoyable read, as Eric Robson (veteran TV presenter) walks the border between England and Scotland, explaining its history and landscape. A ood read, but would have benefited from photos.
The Codex by Douglas Preston * * * * *
An enjoyable adventure yarn, set in the jungles of Honduras, where the race is on to reach a stash of priceless treasure, the most vital of which is an ancient Mayan herbal codex.
The Chocolate Lovers’ Club by Carol Matthews * * * * *
An enjoyable ‘chick-lit’ story about the lives and loves of four women, united by their love of chocolate. Forget diamonds –chocolate is a girl’s best friend!
The Mobile Library: The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sanson * * * * *
An easy, enjoyable read, introducing Israel Armstrong, a most unlikely detective, who arrives in the Irish provincial town to become librarian, to discover the books have all gone! (May I point out, librarians aren’t really like this, or at least not the ones in Bishop Auckland!)
The Villa in Italy by Elizabeth Edmondson * * * * *
When 4 strangers are summoned to a villa in Italy in the will of a mysterious widow it sets in motion events that will change their lives for ever. Edmondson has written a magical evocation of time and place.
Warrior Angel by Margaret and Lizz Weis * * * * *
From the author of the Dragonlance chronicles comes a new hero – Derek, the warrior angel, who is willing to risk everything to save the world, … and the woman he loves.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling * * * * *
The last and arguably the best of the Harry Potter novels – will Harry succeed in his battle against ‘He Who Must Not Be Named’?
Mr Jones: Rules for the modern man by Dylan Jones * * * * *
From the editor of GQ magazine comes this guide for the 21st century man. Everything you could every need to know, from how to ask for a pay rise to buying the right type of flowers for someone; how to wear ‘black tie’ to how to jump start a car. It’s an entertaining book to browse, rather than necessarily reading from cover to cover. And for women readers it gives an interesting insight into a whole new world!
Edinburgh: 40 town and country walks by Kerry Nelson * * * * *
A pocket size guide with a good variety of walks, covering the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, as well as some areas further afield.
The Dark Horse by Marcus Sedgwick * * * * *
Although in theory this is classified as a ‘junior’ read, it’s an enjoyable and entertaining story set in a distant time and place where magic, mystery and intrigue are very real.
The Unofficial Guide to the Science of Doctor Who by Paul Parsons * * * * *
Whilst I have to admit that some of the science was beyond me, I did enjoy this book. The style is easy read, rather than academic, and even the bits I didn’t fully understand kept me wanting to read to the end. Overall, a good read for anyone interested in modern science and new theories.
Bloke Miles by Matthew Ravden * * * * *
The life of 3 men, best friends, all 30-somethings, who decide to earn ‘bloke miles’ from their wives to enable them to the Rugby World Cup in Australia. Good read, but it helps if you like rugby a little! A chick-lit from the blokes point of view.
Murder at Deviation Junction by Andrew Martin * * * * *
A Jim Stringer Steam Detective. It’s Christmas 1909 and Jim Stringer, Detective in the Railway Police, based at York finds himself in the middle of murder enquiry. Brings vividly to life the railways of the north east at that time, as well as the wider social setting, including the ‘Ironopolis’ that was Middlesbrough.
An Otter on the Aga by Rex Harper * * * * *
An enjoyable read, tales from an animal sanctuary, from it’s initial struggles to becoming the first RSPCA centre in Cornwall.
The Family That Couldn’t Sleep: unravelling a Venetian * * * * *
medical mystery by D.T. Max.
Focusing on one family’s rare, inherited disease, the author considers other prion diseases, including scrapie, kuru, BSE and CJD. An enlightening read, this explains new scientific research in an accessible manner.
An unofficial companion to the novels of Terry Pratchett * * * * *
An interesting book for fans to ‘dip’ into. I found the way he abbreviates the titles of the novels irritating, but judge for yourself. Found the list of webpages useful.
Terry Pratchett: The Wit and Wisdom of Discworld compiled by Stephen Briggs * * * * *
If you like Pratchett, read this book! All the best bits out of all the books.
The Observations by Jane Harris * * * * *
Scotland, 1863. When Bessy Buckley takes a job as a maid her mistress asks her to undertake a series of bizarre tasks. When Bessy retaliates she’s led on a path that will change her life.
Constant Vigilance: The RAF Regiment in the Burma campaign by Nigel W.M. Warwick * * * * *
A forgotten air force in a forgotten war. Draws on the operations record books, diaries and recollections of servicemen, strongly supported by maps and diagrams. Fully illustrated.
The most amazing places on Britain’s coast. * * * * *
Readers Digest guide to captivating and curious spots around our coast. Interesting whether you’re an armchair traveller or actually planning a trip.
Easy-care Garden by Jenny Hendy * * * * *
RHS simple steps with fully illustrated guides to basic garden techniques and ideas. Complete with plant suggestions.
1001 ways to be a better gardener by Pippa Greenwood * * * * *
Packed with practical tips and ideas. Even the most experienced gardener will find new ideas to try.
No Place for Ladies by Helen Rappaport * * * * *
Poignant and inspirational, well-researched yet thoroughly readable this is the untold story of those women, from nurses to countesses, army wives to ‘lady tourists’, who went out to the Crimea.
The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld * * * * *
A thriller set in 1909 Manhattan. Sigmund Freud arrives to give a series of lectures, but they are overshadowed by a murder, which Dr Stratham Younger, Freud’s most committed American disciple, is determined to solve.
The Blackest Streets by Sarah Wise * * * * *
Concentrating on the last 15 years of the 19th century, Wise focuses on the life and death of the Nichol, one of London’s most notorious slum areas.
Any of the above items may be reserved for a fee of 30p.
Please remember that popular items may have quite long waiting lists, and your patience is appreciated. You will be informed by phone, post or email when the item is available.
* * * * * Excellent - order this book now!
* * * * A very good read, add this to your list
* * * Worth giving it a try
* * Wasn’t my cup of tea, but you might like it
* Leave on the shelf!
Unforgettable Places to See Before you Die by Steve Davey * * * * *
This book makes you want to pack your bags and travel the world! Stunning photographs are accompanied by an interesting and informative text. Inspirational.
Haunted Castles of Britain and Ireland by Richard Jones * * * * *
An interesting and enjoyable guide to 100 haunted castles – a blend of travel, history and ghostly goings on. Great evocative photographs.
A Portrait of Durham by Philip Nixon * * * * *
Stunning photographs and interesting snippets of information make this a must for any lover of the great Cathedral City. Includes some of the surrounding villages.
Fat, 40 and Fired by Nigel Marsh * * * * *
Honest and amusing tale of how Marsh lost his job and found his sanity. Easy and enjoyable read. (Occasional swearing).
The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler * * * * *
The lives of 6 people – connected in their love for Jane Austen – are viewed in a witty yet sympathetic light. A modern comedy of manners. Also includes synopsis of and comments on the 6 Austen novels. An enjoyable read. (Shortlisted by Richard and Judy’s British Book awards 2005).
Thud! by Terry Pratchett * * * * *
You don’t have to like Sci Fi or Fantasy to enjoy Discworld. Pratchett has a knack for writing good stories – they just happen to have dwarfs, trolls and the odd vampire in them! Slightly darker than previous books, but if you haven’t read one before, this is a good one to start with – especially if you like ‘who-done its’.
White Gold by Giles Milton * * * * *
An interesting and accessible, yet thoroughly researched, book telling the largely forgotten story of the white slave trade of North Africa, focusing on slaves of the imperial Moroccan court, and the extraordinary story of Thomas Pellow, captured when only 11years old in 1716 he was not to see England again for 23 years. (326.10961)
The Illustrated Olive Farm by Carol Drinkwater * * * * *
An illustrated companion to her bestselling trilogy, I think I would have enjoyed it better if I’d read the trilogy first – which are now on my ‘to read’ list! Good photos.
The Brontes’ Howorth by S.R. Whitehead * * * * *
Interesting as asocial history of a large northern village during the industrial revolution, this is made doubly interesting because of its connection with the famous family.
The Veiled Kingdom by Carmen Bin Ladin * * * * *
A unique insight into Saudi society and the Bin Laden family. Interesting in its own right, this book is given further fascination by the notoriety of the author’s family ties.
The Border Line by Eric Robson * * * * *
An interesting and enjoyable read, as Eric Robson (veteran TV presenter) walks the border between England and Scotland, explaining its history and landscape. A ood read, but would have benefited from photos.
The Codex by Douglas Preston * * * * *
An enjoyable adventure yarn, set in the jungles of Honduras, where the race is on to reach a stash of priceless treasure, the most vital of which is an ancient Mayan herbal codex.
The Chocolate Lovers’ Club by Carol Matthews * * * * *
An enjoyable ‘chick-lit’ story about the lives and loves of four women, united by their love of chocolate. Forget diamonds –chocolate is a girl’s best friend!
The Mobile Library: The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sanson * * * * *
An easy, enjoyable read, introducing Israel Armstrong, a most unlikely detective, who arrives in the Irish provincial town to become librarian, to discover the books have all gone! (May I point out, librarians aren’t really like this, or at least not the ones in Bishop Auckland!)
The Villa in Italy by Elizabeth Edmondson * * * * *
When 4 strangers are summoned to a villa in Italy in the will of a mysterious widow it sets in motion events that will change their lives for ever. Edmondson has written a magical evocation of time and place.
Warrior Angel by Margaret and Lizz Weis * * * * *
From the author of the Dragonlance chronicles comes a new hero – Derek, the warrior angel, who is willing to risk everything to save the world, … and the woman he loves.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling * * * * *
The last and arguably the best of the Harry Potter novels – will Harry succeed in his battle against ‘He Who Must Not Be Named’?
Mr Jones: Rules for the modern man by Dylan Jones * * * * *
From the editor of GQ magazine comes this guide for the 21st century man. Everything you could every need to know, from how to ask for a pay rise to buying the right type of flowers for someone; how to wear ‘black tie’ to how to jump start a car. It’s an entertaining book to browse, rather than necessarily reading from cover to cover. And for women readers it gives an interesting insight into a whole new world!
Edinburgh: 40 town and country walks by Kerry Nelson * * * * *
A pocket size guide with a good variety of walks, covering the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, as well as some areas further afield.
The Dark Horse by Marcus Sedgwick * * * * *
Although in theory this is classified as a ‘junior’ read, it’s an enjoyable and entertaining story set in a distant time and place where magic, mystery and intrigue are very real.
The Unofficial Guide to the Science of Doctor Who by Paul Parsons * * * * *
Whilst I have to admit that some of the science was beyond me, I did enjoy this book. The style is easy read, rather than academic, and even the bits I didn’t fully understand kept me wanting to read to the end. Overall, a good read for anyone interested in modern science and new theories.
Bloke Miles by Matthew Ravden * * * * *
The life of 3 men, best friends, all 30-somethings, who decide to earn ‘bloke miles’ from their wives to enable them to the Rugby World Cup in Australia. Good read, but it helps if you like rugby a little! A chick-lit from the blokes point of view.
Murder at Deviation Junction by Andrew Martin * * * * *
A Jim Stringer Steam Detective. It’s Christmas 1909 and Jim Stringer, Detective in the Railway Police, based at York finds himself in the middle of murder enquiry. Brings vividly to life the railways of the north east at that time, as well as the wider social setting, including the ‘Ironopolis’ that was Middlesbrough.
An Otter on the Aga by Rex Harper * * * * *
An enjoyable read, tales from an animal sanctuary, from it’s initial struggles to becoming the first RSPCA centre in Cornwall.
The Family That Couldn’t Sleep: unravelling a Venetian * * * * *
medical mystery by D.T. Max.
Focusing on one family’s rare, inherited disease, the author considers other prion diseases, including scrapie, kuru, BSE and CJD. An enlightening read, this explains new scientific research in an accessible manner.
An unofficial companion to the novels of Terry Pratchett * * * * *
An interesting book for fans to ‘dip’ into. I found the way he abbreviates the titles of the novels irritating, but judge for yourself. Found the list of webpages useful.
Terry Pratchett: The Wit and Wisdom of Discworld compiled by Stephen Briggs * * * * *
If you like Pratchett, read this book! All the best bits out of all the books.
The Observations by Jane Harris * * * * *
Scotland, 1863. When Bessy Buckley takes a job as a maid her mistress asks her to undertake a series of bizarre tasks. When Bessy retaliates she’s led on a path that will change her life.
Constant Vigilance: The RAF Regiment in the Burma campaign by Nigel W.M. Warwick * * * * *
A forgotten air force in a forgotten war. Draws on the operations record books, diaries and recollections of servicemen, strongly supported by maps and diagrams. Fully illustrated.
The most amazing places on Britain’s coast. * * * * *
Readers Digest guide to captivating and curious spots around our coast. Interesting whether you’re an armchair traveller or actually planning a trip.
Easy-care Garden by Jenny Hendy * * * * *
RHS simple steps with fully illustrated guides to basic garden techniques and ideas. Complete with plant suggestions.
1001 ways to be a better gardener by Pippa Greenwood * * * * *
Packed with practical tips and ideas. Even the most experienced gardener will find new ideas to try.
No Place for Ladies by Helen Rappaport * * * * *
Poignant and inspirational, well-researched yet thoroughly readable this is the untold story of those women, from nurses to countesses, army wives to ‘lady tourists’, who went out to the Crimea.
The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld * * * * *
A thriller set in 1909 Manhattan. Sigmund Freud arrives to give a series of lectures, but they are overshadowed by a murder, which Dr Stratham Younger, Freud’s most committed American disciple, is determined to solve.
The Blackest Streets by Sarah Wise * * * * *
Concentrating on the last 15 years of the 19th century, Wise focuses on the life and death of the Nichol, one of London’s most notorious slum areas.
Any of the above items may be reserved for a fee of 30p.
Please remember that popular items may have quite long waiting lists, and your patience is appreciated. You will be informed by phone, post or email when the item is available.