Welcome back, fellow bookworms, to another exciting instalment of my reading journey! It’s been a while since my last reading update in June 2023. As you know, I had set myself a lofty target at the start of 2023 and missed it. This year, I set myself a target of 30 books and am more or less on track. Connect with me on Goodreads if you’d like to follow my journey.
Let’s dive into what I’ve read over the past nine months in no particular order. As usual, the Amazon links below contain my affiliate code which might bring me some revenues if you click through.
The Hades Factor (Covert-One, #1) by Robert Ludlum
Published in 2000, Ludlum allows the reader to dive into the heart-pounding realm of espionage and covert operations. Set against the backdrop of a deadly biological threat, The Hades Factor follows covert operative Colonel Jon Smith as he races against time to thwart a global conspiracy that threatens the lives of millions. How does he stop it in time?
Thirteen (Eddie Flynn, #4) by Steve Cavanagh
I purchased this book in January of 2021 and it sat on my virtual shelf for about two years before I finally decided to read it. At the time, I had not read any of the other books in the Eddie Flynn series. Steve Cavanagh has returned with another gripping instalment in this series with ‘Thirteen’. This novel takes the reader on a twisty, heart-pounding journey through the legal labyrinth where Eddie Flynn, a former con artist turned lawyer, finds himself defending a client in a murder trial with the real killer sitting on the jury.
Infinite by Brian Freeman
Imagine every life you could have lived, every choice you didn’t make – Brian Freeman’s “Infinite” explores these haunting questions within a gripping psychological framework. One rainy night, Dylan Moran’s car plunges off the road into a raging river, and his beautiful wife drowns as he struggles to shore. What happens next gets very confusing for Dylan (and for the reader). He finds out that every choice he makes creates a parallel universe, an infinite number. Can he make the correct choices to get back his stolen life?
Eagle Trap by Geoffrey Archer
He was head of an international drugs ring, a kidnapper and a ruthless killer. One night British Sea Harriers reduced his Beirut headquarters to rubble and his evil empire to ruins. But Abdul Habib still had money, and hate, enough hate to spare to construct an elaborate plan which would destroy Gibraltar and the British Aircraft carrier which had committed the fatal strike.
“Eagle Trap” takes us on an adrenaline-fueled ride into the heart of international intrigue. Archer’s protagonist, Captain Peter Brodrick of the Royal Marines, becomes ensnared in a web of revenge. It’s a story that reminds us that the past is never truly behind us, and sometimes it comes back with a vengeance.
The Shell House Detectives by Emylia Hall
I came across this book as one of Amazon’s First Reads. Set against the backdrop of the quaint coastal town of Porthpella, “The Shell House Detectives” introduces us to Ally and Jayden, two unlikely friends turned amateur sleuths. Hall’s narrative is a charming mix of mystery and friendship, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures can unfold in the most ordinary places.
John Grisham’s Legal Thrillers
No reading update would be complete without a nod to the legal masterpieces of John Grisham. I purchased several of his books when they were on offer.
A Time for Mercy is book 3 of the Jake Brigance series. This is probably Jake’s toughest case as he is selected to defend a 16-year-old boy accused of killing an abusive cop.
Then came The Firm which likely launched Grisham into fame. Mitch McDeere thought he had found his dream job, a fancy home, a shiny brand-new BMW along with an amazing salary. If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t.
I then entered the ruthless world of corporate law in The King of Torts followed by the harsh reality in The Appeal.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to his work, Grisham’s novels are sure to keep you turning the pages late into the night.
Damien Boyd’s Nick Dixon Series
I did an ad hoc purchase of most of this series when Amazon ran an offer and they didn’t disappoint.
Join Detective Inspector Nick Dixon on a series of gripping investigations that will keep you guessing until the very last page. From the tranquil shores of Somerset to the bustling streets of Bristol, Damien Boyd’s series offers a riveting blend of police procedural and suspense that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next instalment. I read most of these almost one after another.
Other reads
Besides the above, I also read Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg, Long Way Home by J. B. Turner, Scorpio by Marko Kloos and today I finished Hard Exit, the 11th book in the Jon Reznick series.
