April reading round-up

Welcome to my April reading round-up! This month, I read three very different books that explored complex themes and kept me engaged until the very end. From a thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics to a thrilling spy novel and a captivating work of historical fiction, I covered a lot of areas in my reading.

“Lone Wolf” by Jodi Picoult

“Lone Wolf” by Jodi Picoult is a novel about a family grappling with difficult decisions in the aftermath of a car accident that leaves the father, Luke Warren, comatose. The Warren family must decide whether to continue life support or let Luke die, but they are divided on what the right choice is. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including those of Luke’s children, Cara and Edward, as well as his ex-wife and even Luke himself. “Lone Wolf” is a thought-provoking novel that explores complex family dynamics and ethical issues surrounding end-of-life care.

The first half of the book was slow but it did pick up at the end, and I’m glad I stuck with it. There were some good twists in there, and I liked that they didn’t feel like they were out of left field—they all made sense within the context of the story. The characters were interesting (if not always likable), and I thought it was a good exploration of how people react when something terrible happens to them. Overall, I’d recommend this book if you have time on your hands and want something to read over a few days or weeks—it’s not something you can finish in one sitting!

“The Man Who Died Twice” by Richard Osman

“The Man Who Died Twice” is the second book in the Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman. The novel follows the story of Elizabeth, a retired spy, who is pulled back into the world of espionage when her former husband Douglas turns up. As she navigates through the dangerous world of international espionage, Elizabeth must also confront her past and the secrets she has been keeping from herself.

Like any good cosy mystery, it kept me guessing until the very end—but there was enough humour thrown in to keep things lighthearted even when things were tense.

Richard Osman’s “The Man Who Died Twice” is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story is well-written, with engaging characters and a plot that twists and turns until the very end. Fans of spy novels and thrillers will not be disappointed.

“The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock” by Imogen Hermes Gowar

“The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock” by Imogen Hermes Gowar is a captivating historical fiction novel set in 18th century London. The story follows the lives of merchant Jonah Hancock and courtesan Angelica Neal, whose paths cross when Jonah acquires a mermaid and Angelica becomes intrigued by the creature.

The novel is rich in historical detail, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of London in the 1700s. The characters are complex and flawed, making their journeys all the more compelling. Gowar’s writing is beautiful and lyrical, drawing readers into the story and keeping them engaged until the very end. The novel also reawakened my interest in mermaids.

I loved the way that this book brought to life the world of London in the 18th century while also exploring themes like love and loss, identity, greed, loyalty and redemption. I especially enjoyed how much historical detail was woven into each chapter without ever feeling overwhelming or dry—the author clearly did her research!

Overall, “The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock” is a beautifully crafted novel that will transport readers to another time and place. Fans of historical fiction and literary fiction will find much to enjoy in this book.