June Reading at Book Chat

The Liberation by Kate Furnival

The Liberation is set in Italy, 1945 as Allied soldiers have finally reached Naples. Surely now the war is over for Caterina and her family, but with her father dead, a new threat appears and she must find a way to clear his name of treason. But who can she trust? A historical novel that recreates post-war Italy with plenty of mystery thrown in.


Until Thy Wrath Be Past by Asa Larsson

A body surfaces in Northern Sweden when a river thaws, that of a young woman, but where is her missing boyfriend? Prosecutor Rebecka Martinsson teams up with the police to solve the mystery. Somehow there is a connection to a plane carrying German supplies from the war which never arrived. And what about those strange dreams Rebecka has been having? A must-read for Scandi-Noir fans.


Spirits of the Ghan by Judy Nunn

This story is told over several generations leading up to 2001 when Jessica Manning arrives in Northern Territories just as the Ghan railway is to be opened. Jessica’s job is to listen to the concerns of the Aborigine elders of the area and to reassure them their sacred sites are protected. Her encounter with surveyor, Matthew Witherton, throws up new mysteries and the story of an ancient wrong. Powerful storytelling and a wonderful outback Australia setting.


The Truth About You by Susan Lewis

Lainey Hollingsworth’s mother refused to reveal the origins of her birth and the reasons for her fleeing from Italy. Now that her mother is dead, Lainey plans to take her family to Umbria on holiday to find out more. However her world is turned on its head when she discovers her husband has been keeping something from her. A dramatic and moving relationships story with family secrets aplenty.


Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love by James Runcie

Another six stories in the Grantchester Mysteries series featuring Ely Archdeacon and amateur sleuth Sidney Chambers. It is 1971, the era of hippies, folk singers and a new permissive society, but there are darker undercurrents afoot it seems when Sidney discovers a body when out walking his dog. Further stories feature his old flame, Amanda, and of course drinking buddy and policeman, Geordie Keating, will require plenty of help. An unmissable series for cosy mystery lovers.


The Whole Town’s Talking by Fannie Flagg

There is something unusual about the cemetery at Elmwood Springs. It’s a resting spot for all the local residents, but it’s anything but still. A warm-hearted story of the extraordinary lives of ordinary people, beginning with Lordor Nordstrom, his Swedish mail-order bride, their descendants and neighbours. Oozing with wisdom and humour.

Posted by Flaxmere Book Chat