Author: Libby Price

Book Review: The Impossible Fortune (The Thursday Murder Club Book 5) by Richard Osman

Posted on by Libby Price

I have declared before that I love Richard Osman – and the fan girling has only got worse. A family member has changed jobs and now works with Mr Osman and I am beyond jealous. I think even the aforementioned family member was quite concerned that Richard could be my specialist subject on Mastermind! Obviously when the next book in the Thursday Murder Club series was to be released, it was a no brainer that I’d need to read it immediately – I’d said as such when reviewing book 4! Here’s the blurb:

“Who’s got time to think about murder when there’s a wedding to plan?
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who fears for their life, the thrill of the chase is ignited once again. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into their most explosive investigation yet, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?”

It was lovely to be back with the gang! As always the story is told by different points of view – with Joyce’s chapters remaining my favourites. And different members of the supporting cast had bigger and smaller parts this time around. For example, Joyce’s daughter Joanna (who is played by Richard’s wife Ingrid Oliver in the film adaption of the first book, which came out on Netflix in August!) had a more central role – whereas their police friends had more minor roles (Chris was far too busy learning how to handle his weapons!) – but everyone was still in and around the storyline.

This time there were codes and puzzles to crack – as well as murder(s) to solve – and each of the gang brought their own skills to the team.

As ever it is funny, clever, heart warming – and all of the things you’d expect from a Richard Osman book.

My absolute favourite ‘Easter Egg’ was when Ron is discussing his favourite James Bond – who he says is Pierce Brosnan. Now, as Mr Brosnan plays Ron in the film – it will be interesting to see how that is dealt with in film 5 (as surely there will be films of each books, there just has to be – even if the first one had some deviations from the original plot).

Another master piece from Richard Osman, which I am sure will take over the best seller lists yet again (even if it is released on the same day as the new Dan Brown (not on my TBR list) and Elizabeth Day books!)

Book Review: Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk

Posted on by Libby Price

“Is a fake boyfriend really just for Christmas?

One fake romance. One magical Christmas. One chance to fall in love.|
Laura was all set for a quiet solo Christmas – just her, a bottle of wine, and flat-sitting for a stranger. But when the stranger’s parents mistake her for his mystery girlfriend, she’s swept off to the snowy Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family.
Between the cosy sleeper train, charming pubs and breathtaking views, this could be the no-strings-attached Christmas of Laura’s dreams.
But stranger Callum is hot, hilarious and their ‘fake’ chemistry is off the charts.
So is this just a Christmas fling? Or the start of something more?”

As my multiple previous posts will attest, I love a Lindsey Kelk novel – and so was delighted to be granted an advance review copy of her latest book which is out in October – and makes a perfect festive gift / read!

The ‘fake relationship into actual lovers’ has obviously been done many times before – but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Laura being a neurosurgeon was certainly unusual for a main character in a rom com (although I do wonder if her speciality changed during the writing process, as at one point the lack of ‘cardiac’ unit was mentioned) and I liked the different ‘vibe’ that gave the book. Callum was lovely – even though he could do with a shake sometimes!! Laura’s friends Desi and Joel were brilliant (definitely reminded me of Bridget Jones and her gang of mates) and really added to the colourfulness of the storyline.

The Scottish Highlands are described beautifully – and you could almost feel the chill off the page. I also liked the modern issues – phone reception (or lack of) and a major life incident in an M&S petrol station! It has also made me think I never want to the Caledonian Sleeper train!

It was a fabulous escapist read – and would be PERFECT to read over the Christmas holidays all cosy and warm curled up in a comfy chair with a hot chocolate (or mulled wine!) There were laugh out loud moments, scenes of great sexual tension – and the chaos of an extended family festive season.

A huge thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for my ARC.

Book Review: This Book Made Me Think Of You by Libby Page

Posted on by Libby Price

Having enjoyed previous books by Libby Page, I was delighted to be granted an advance review copy of her next book, due out in January 2026 (but available for pre order now if you like the sound of it!) Here’s the blurb:

“Twelve stories. Twelve months. Once chance to heal her heart . . .
When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her fiancé waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. Mainly because Joe died five months ago . . .The gift is simple – twelve carefully-chosen books from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.
Tilly sets out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to vlog her journey, her story becomes more than her own. With help from Alfie, the bookshop owner, her budding new following and her friends and family, can Tilly’s year of books show her how to love again?”

This book is so lovely – and quite emotional – you really feel for what Tilly / Matilda is going through having lost her husband, Joe, a few months before. Whilst he wasn’t a book lover – he fully appreciated that Tilly was and set up this wonderful plan to give her a new book each month. The start of each chapter also has the book shop’s recommendation for the coming month too (and I loved that there were a mixture of books I had and hadn’t already read).

The thought that Joe has put into each month is really lovely – and you see how Tilly grows and changes over the year. There are flashbacks to Tilly’s life with Joe – and her relationships with family and friends (old and new) are also evolving. Clearly grief is an important issue throughout the book – and at times it was incredibly moving (quite embarrassingly I ended up snotty sobbing at the end whilst my daughter and her friend enjoyed splashing around at an Aqua Park!)

Whilst the book is primarily set in London – there are trips to Bali, Italy, Paris and New York – and each setting is described beautifully. Escaping metaphorically into the pages of a book, as well as escaping physically to other parts of the world are cleverly compared and contrasted.

The book also describes the importance of a physical book shop – and the difficulties they have to survive in an era of online purchasing. To be honest I think it’s the same for many independent shops on our high street nowadays – so let’s try and support them whenever we can!

One premise of the storyline is clearly a love for books. I love it when people recommend books to me – or send me book post – it’s so thoughtful (although when I sent a friend a book I thought she’d like, she didn’t see the gift note, and thought she’d been drunk shopping on the internet!!!)

Overall it’s another triumph for Libby Page – she writes such beautiful, emotive books – I’d definitely recommend pre ordering (maybe from your local bookshop) for when this is out in January 2026.

A big thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for my ARC.

Book Review: One of Us by Elizabeth Day

Posted on by Libby Price

I always enjoy Elizabeth Day’s books, both fiction and non fiction, and when I saw she’d written a sequel to The Party, I was delighted to be granted an advance review copy from Net Galley. Here’s the blurb:

“In this compulsive story of betrayal, old bonds and buried scandals, one British establishment family comes face to face with the consequences of privilege and the true cost of power.
Martin and Ben were friends for decades ― best friends, Martin would have said ― before the terrible events at Ben’s 40th birthday party tore them apart. So when Martin receives a surprise invitation back into the inner sanctum of the dazzling Fitzmaurice family after seven years of silence, he can’t resist the chance to get his revenge.
Ben has risen through the ranks of power, and is now touted as the next Prime Minister. But Martin can’t help but notice certain flies in the ointment… Ben’s wife, Serena, for instance, whose privileged existence is beginning to feel like a gilded cage. Or their daughter, Cosima, an environmental activist fighting against everything her parents once stood for. Or the disgraced MP Richard Take, determined to make his big comeback. And then there’s Fliss, the Fitzmaurice black sheep, whose untimely death sparks more suspicion than closure. Through their intertwined stories, we see a family – and a nation – unravelling under the weight of its secrets.
With everyone watching, the stage is set for a reckoning. It’s time for Martin and Ben to confront what love truly means when everything―family, power, and loyalty―is on the line.”

Having said in the opening sentence that I was excited this was a sequel to The Party, I’d then forgotten about this before starting it – and so I hadn’t read back the synopsis of the initial book in the series – and I actually think this would stand alone as a book – as the relevant elements of the back story are explained in summary as and when required – but equally it was interesting to revisit old ‘friends’.

The book is told from multiple points of view – and I quite like that, as it keeps momentum – and you see different ‘takes’ on the same situation.

There were lots of unlikeable characters in the book – and seeing how their unpleasantness interacted and unfolded was interesting! I fundamentally liked both Martin and Cosima – although they could have done with a good talking to sometimes.

Whilst the main threads of family, power and loyalty are fairly timeless – this did feel like a book of the moment with regards to politics, sexual politics and environmental issues all thrown in.

I always feel that a lot of care and attention has been made in both the writing – and editing – of Elizabeth’s books – it’s incredibly unusual to find a typo / grammar / continuity error – and I was not disappointed.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed ‘One Of Us’ and would definitely recommend you pre order before it’s release in late September 2025.

A big thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for my ARC.

Book Review: Pastures New by Clare Balding

Posted on by Libby Price

I have to confess to having a bit of a girl crush on Clare Balding! I think she comes across on TV as a thoroughly nice person – and some years ago I attended an International Women’s Day event that she spoke at, and she was wonderful in person too. When I knew her first adult fiction book (as in book for adults rather than kids, not some erotica!) was being published, I was chuffed to be given an advance review copy from Net Galley. Here’s the blurb:

“The delightfully down-to-earth debut novel from Clare Balding. Sometimes home is where you least expect it…
Alex has perfected the art of dodging responsibility during her almost 40 years — until an unexpected letter turns her life upside down.
She’s inherited a crumbling sheep farm in wildest, wettest Wales. This was not her life plan. Not at all.
Now, her closest companion is a stubborn Welsh terrier, she’s speed-reading The Idiot’s Guide to Farming, and her arrival has set the village gossip mill spinning. With the farm near collapse and its community now relying on her, Alex sets out to uncover the truth behind her mysterious inheritance. Then she can finally get back to the carefree life she thought she wanted.
But as secrets surface, Alex finds her heart pulling her in a direction she never saw coming.
Will she pack her bags – or has she landed exactly where she’s meant to be?”

I have to say I loved this book! I was rooting for Alex from the start. I have a little bit of knowledge of horsey circles, so that element was interesting – and having just got our first puppy, I also loved the relationship between Alex and her new dog. Plus having watched ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ I feel, like most people, that I am aware of how tough making a living from farming is – and this is portrayed well in the book.

The supporting cast of characters are also wonderful – Alex’s family and friends – old and new – are fabulous, and their relationships evolve during the storyline.

I’ve just described this book to my hairdresser as being exactly what you’d expect from a Clare Balding book – a lovely easy comforting read with a heart.

A huge thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for my ARC – if you like the sound of it you can pre order now for when the book is out next month, and I highly recommend you do.

Book Review: Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver

Posted on by Libby Price

I have thoroughly enjoyed Josie Silver’s back catalogue, and so was delighted to be granted an advance review copy of her new book Slow Burn Summer. I actually read it much earlier in the month and totally forgot to post a review – but that means it’s now out, so if you like the sound of it you can order it immediately for your sun lounger!

“Sometimes pretending to be someone else helps you figure out who you really are…
Freshly divorced and in need of a job – Kate Elliot’s life needs a rewrite. So when she unearths an old letter from her ex-talent agent, Jojo Francisco – she takes it as a sign from the universe to brush off her old acting skills and become someone else entirely.
Meanwhile, Charlie Francisco is back from LA, leaving his dumpster fire of a life behind. He may be well over his head in filling the shoes of his late eccentric father but he is determined to prove he can, and he might just have the job for Kate: to pose as the author for a novel that the real writer wants nothing to do with. It’s not quite the glamorous gig she was hoping for, but he’s looking for a nobody and she needs cash fast.
When Kate and Charlie meet they’re all friction and sparks, but they have one thing in common – they’re determined to play their parts. But as the summer heat ups and the lies get bigger and bigger, can they stick to their lines or will they go off-script?
A steamy and sweet love story set in the heat of a London summer, from the queen of the ‘what if?’ romance Josie Silver.”

Yet again Ms Silver did not disappoint. Whilst she writes lovely romances – and you’re rooting for Kate and Charlie to get it together throughout the book – it’s the supporting cast, the humour and the storyline that all wraps it up into a perfect summer escapist read.

I loved Katie’s relationship with her brother and sister in law, and Charlie’s with his new business partner – who’d previously worked with his Dad for many years. And Katie has a 19 year old daughter – so very similar in age to some of my children – and the interactions between them was written brilliantly too. I even enjoyed the sports fans on the train! The sexual tension builds brilliantly along the way as well – so I can definitely see where the title came from.

Overall a fabulous easy read (and I don’t say that in a derogatory way, and I’m not implying an easy read is an easy write) it’s just perfect when reading for fun on holiday after drinking a cocktail or two!

A big thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for my ARC.

Book Review: The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith

Posted on by Libby Price

Sometimes I get a bit confused with Net Galley! I was granted an advance review copy of this in January 2025 for publication in August 2025 – but it appears it’s been out for AGES. I can only assume it’s a different geographical market that it’s being released in next month – but I have read and reviewed it none the less – and at least if you like the sound of it you can purchase it immediately!

“In a shockingly twisty, addictively dark, engrossingly intense psychological suspense for readers of Freida McFadden, Adele Parks, and B.A. Paris, a woman’s world is shattered when her sister returns 16 years after she was abducted from their childhood bedroom.
“Do you have a sister, Ms. Fairview?” The little girl’s question, in all its buttery innocence, slices through me, and the answer catches in my throat. It isn’t as simple as yes or no. It hasn’t been, in nearly sixteen years.
The evening Caitlin and Olivia’s parents leave them to go to a dinner party, both girls are bubbling with excitement. At ages 10 and 13, they are at last old enough to stay home alone. After all, in their idyllic town no one even bothers to lock their doors.
As the summer light fades, after TV and popcorn, the sisters finally put themselves to bed. They’re unaware of the figure watching them through an open window. Or of the back door opening once they’ve fallen asleep.
When their parents return, they will find Olivia’s bed empty. Their golden-haired, long-limbed, eldest daughter gone. Never to return. Until now.
But is the woman who claims to be Olivia all she seems? Is everything Caitlin said she saw that night the whole truth? Their family have dreamed of this moment, but both sisters are keeping more than one secret. What price will they all pay if they end up believing the wrong daughter?“

The book starts around the anniversary of Caitlin’s sister Olivia being kidnapped at knifepoint 16 years ago when Caitlin was just 10, and her sister 3 years older. This has clearly changed the trajectory of the entire family’s lives – as nothing has been seen of Olivia since that night.

Then, intertwined within the chapters about Caitlin, is a story from the point of view of Elinor. She is an orphan, living with her older brother in a remote hall in the middle of the countryside, where their Uncle comes to visit them at weekends. Clearly these stories are going to have to merge at some point – otherwise it would be a very strange book!

It twists and turns hugely – in both timelines – and I was wondering for almost the entire book how and when it would be explained how they meet up! I have to say some of it was pretty far fetched, and the double / triple crossing quite confusing – but that didn’t stop me enjoying the book.

It explores Caitie’s relationships – with family / friends / boyfriend – and how easily external factors can influence these – I have to say I felt very sorry for her quite often during the storyline and was rooting for her throughout.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for my review copy – be it advanced or not!!

Book Review: A Month In The Country by J L Carr

Posted on by Libby Price

I have mentioned my love of ‘The Rest Is Entertainment’ podcast before, and recently read one of Marina’s book recommendations, and now it’s Richard’s turn. He recommended A Month In The Country when specifically short novels were being discussed – but has reiterated his love of the book subsequently. Here’s the blurb (although I have to say I didn’t read it – as ‘recommended by Richard Osnam’ was enough for me!):

“One summer, just after the Great War, Tom Birkin, a demobbed soldier, arrives in the village of Oxgodby. He has been invited to uncover and restore a medieval wall painting in the local church. At the same time, Charles Moon – a fellow damaged survivor of the war – has been asked to locate the grave of a village ancestor. As these two outsiders go about their work of recovery, they form a bond, but they also stir up long dormant passions within the village. What Berkin discovers here will stay with him for the rest of his life . . .”

This book is lovely – Richard was not wrong! It is written beautifully and is really evocative of the location and situations Birkin and Moon find themselves in They’ve clearly both had an awful time during the First World War and are now pursuing interesting new careers. Whilst quite serious in places – there were also really funny moments too. It felt like a comfortable, Sunday night escapist drama – with beautiful prose thrown in.

The supporting cast of characters in Oxgodby are fabulous – particular favourites are the Station Master’s family who really take Tom under their wing. The vicar’s wife is also intriguing.

I also like the fact that as Mr Osman said himself, if you recommend a short book and someone else doesn’t like it – it’s not the end of the world. (As I’ve definitely said before, some friends I don’t think will ever forgive me for my The Goldfinch recommendation…………..)

Book Review: The Protest by Rob Rinder

Posted on by Libby Price

When I saw Net Galley had the latest Rob Rinder book in the Adam Green series, I was delighted to be granted an advance review copy. I then realised I’d missed the second book in the series, The Suspect, so had to read that first! Here’s the blurb for book three:

“A world-famous artist. A fatal brush with death.
At a star-studded opening night for the Royal Academy’s celebration of renowned artist Max Bruce, someone is hiding a dark secret.
As the night reaches its climax and Max addresses his admirers, the occasion takes a shocking turn when a protester runs from the crowd and sprays the artist with blue paint.
Max collapses and it soon turns out that the paint was laced with cyanide. Someone has been plotting to kill him.
All evidence points to the protestor – and newly qualified barrister Adam Green is assigned the impossible task of their defence.
But could there be others who wanted Max dead?”

The book starts exactly as per the blurb – and again Rob has characters which you immediately recognise from popular culture (a nepo-son with a hot sauce brand remind you of anyone?!) The book also follows the skeleton of the previous books with Adam working on a high profile case, interweaved with another case – and I quite enjoyed the light and shade, or shade and shadier, that this brought to the book.

I felt that this time Adam’s Mum didn’t feature quite as much – which was a shame, as I love her!! But she’s always there in the back ground – and her phonecalls are classic.

This book would stand alone – but knowing the back story of all of the characters definitely adds to it – and it’s interesting to see how they all develop. It also emphasises just how overworked young barristers are.

There are lots of twists and turns in the book as the story progresses – some of which I have to confess guessing in advance (but that does make me feel smug and clever, so isn’t necessarily a bad thing!)

My one niggle is there were quite a few grammatical errors and odd inconsistencies – for example Adam quotes a text from his Mum and says why would she use 1 emoji when she could use 3 or 4 – but in the text he quoted, she’d only used 2! I suspect that this may be because I read an early proof copy – and some anal editor (my dream job!) will have picked these up before the book is actually published! And it didn’t detract from a great book.

The Protest was out a few days ago, so if you like the sound of it – or would like to reconnect with Adam Green from the previous books – then you can buy it right now!

Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for my advance review copy.

Book Review: The Accidental Soldier by Owain Mulligan

Posted on by Libby Price

I have mentioned before my love of the podcast The Rest Is Entertainment with Marina Hyde and Richard Osman. I enjoy their recommendations of entertainment delights that may not have previously hit my radar. In this instance, it was a book called The Accidental Soldier by Owain Mulligan – here’s some more information about it:

Book Description
A searingly honest and darkly funny account of what it was really like being in the British Army in Iraq (including all the bits they probably hoped you’d never find out).

About the Author
Born in London in 1982, Owain Mulligan grew up in the UK and Germany, read history at Oxford, followed by about eleven minutes as north London’s worst teacher before mobilisation with the Territorial Army for a tour of Iraq in 2006. He then spent 3 years in government service, before rejoining the Army in 2010 for 18 months’ language training and two tours of Afghanistan attached to UK Special Forces. He completed an MBA in 2014 and has spent the last 10 years as a management consultant. He lives in London with his wife and two children, who make Iraq and Afghanistan seem like an afternoon at the bowls.

Review
This book is absolutely incredible. It made me laugh more than any book in so many years. I found the writing just so unbelievably brilliant and hilarious and affecting. I realised it was brilliant within three or four pages. I am crazy about it as you can see! ― Marina Hyde

I loved it . . . relentlessly funny and really well written ― John Oliver

Authentic and compulsive ― Richard E. Grant

A fascinating insight into the often farcical chaos and catastrophe of war. Reads like a non-fiction Catch-22. Compelling, enlightening and bleakly funny. A jaw-dropping read. ― Matt Haig

An instant classic – a deeply funny and mordant book about war. ― Richard Curtis

In a time of global conflict, The Accidental Soldier catapults you into the heart of active duty. Terrifying, exhilarating, life-shattering and profoundly sobering, Mulligan takes you through the clumsy brutality and “raging bin-fire” of war, witnessing the quiet heroism of its foot soldiers. This book is a fitting and vital memorial to all those lost. I could not put it down. — Abi Morgan

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the start. It’s really well written – and in a self deprecating and amusing style from the off. The descriptions of life in Iraq are brilliant – and the camaraderie between the soldiers is great. A family member was also involved in similar tours – although not quite as front line – but it really brought it to life for me, and reminded me of things I’d forgotten (like complete radio silence when there had been a death, so that the family of the victim could be notified before it was accidentally revealed by someone else).

I loved the insights into regular Army vs Territorial Army life (in the acronyms beloved of the British Armed Services, the author was known as a STAB – Stupid Territorial Army B*stard!) and the way the showing / sharing of emotions were shown between the soldiers.

It was witty and warm – but equally very moving at times, and eloquently portrayed some of the frustrations of the people on the ground with the decision makers higher up the ranks.

I don’t often read non fiction – but am delighted Marina pointed me in the direction of this fabulous book.