Day 1 – 20th May

Book 1 – The Liar in the Library (Simon Brett, 192 pages)

[A book that takes place in a library]

So, I was able to (just about) stay awake to see the beginning of borrowathon on Sunday morning (20th May). I started with the Liar in the Library by Simon Brett, thinking it would be a cosy mystery that would mean my tiredness would be kept at bay. Unfortunately, the issue with being an adult is you sort of become a permanently exhausted zombie that has too much to do but not energy with which to do it, so 44 minutes later I give up and go to bed.

The following morning, I carried on with the Liar in the Library as was able to get it done before mid-day. You can read my review on this blog at the tab above, but essentially the story is good apart from the ending which is rushed and a little disappointing. However, based on the strength of the rest of the book I will probably get more in the series just because it may be a one off and there is a lot of potential. On to book 2.

Book 2 – The number 1 ladies’ detective agency (Alexander McCall Smith, 235 pages)

[A book that everyone has read except you]

The book was started on a bus on my way into town as my other half has agreed to take me book shopping as he is awesome. We also need to get him a new phone but BOOKS!

We got home with only 7 books from my local Waterstones which is quite reserved for me really considering my SO did not give me a budget to stick to. I got a few books that I have been after for a while so am excited to get into them (once I have read my other books of course). We have also managed to do some gardening today meaning SO did the work and I read my book, occasionally helping by getting tea (an important role I am sure you will agree)

I finished the book at around 9/9:30 - A fun and easy read that I really enjoyed. It reads more as a set of interwoven short stories, but that ending was just beautiful and rounded everything off nicely. My review full can be found on the blog at the Book Review tab.

Day 2 – 21st May

Started and finished – The Eyre Affair [Someone else’s favourite book}

Started and DNF’d (Audiobook) – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel [Not for borrowathon]

Started (Audiobook) – Magpie Murders [A book in your favourite genre (2)] Added to TBR after start of borrowathon

I started the day with the audio book on for the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (I have already seen the film and I loved it). I don’t think I listened to much, probably about an hour, before I decided that this really was not for me, too much “toilet humour” and I was not relating to any of the characters. It did not strike me as having the same amicability as the film and decided that since I was not enjoying it there was no point in continuing on. It was a shame, as the plot sounded good however, the focus in the first few chapters on Ravi and his attitude to his father-in-law, along with the father-in-law himself was awful due to the amount of description and the attitudes of the characters towards each other. I then discovered on GoodReads that this was only going to get worse, and I would like to like at least one of the main characters.

On my commute into work (train) I read The Eyre Affair by Jasper FForde and I am currently 100 pages in with the hope of getting half way through by the end of the day. So far, the book is enjoyable with some laughs but a writing style that takes some getting used to.

During work, I was able to listen to one of the audio books that I have downloaded from the library using the RB Digital app, which I love. I am making my way through the Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. An interesting premise that is so far holding my interest, with a book within a book one of which is a murder mystery. I am intrigued as to where this is going, as I am going into this with barely any information on the storyline.

I chose this book based purely on the author, who happens to be one of my favourites. His book Moriarty must be one of my favourite Sherlock Holmes spin-offs with a twist that I did not see coming. If you get a chance to read it, I would definitely recommend it if you like thrillers.

When I got home I was able to finish The Eyre Affair by around 10:30, as the last third was the most engaging. Tomorrow I will start Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts. I will also be continuing the Magpie Murders audiobook.

Day 3 – 22nd May

Started – Blood Brothers [Favourite genre]

Continued (Audiobook) – Magpie Murders