by Ken Bruen
Mysterious Press/S&S
Ken Bruen's Jack Taylor novels are an acquired taste - darkly poetic and violent, but leavened with Bruen's sense of humor and Taylor's sense of justice. If you're trying to stop drinking or smoking, these are not the books for you. Sadly, Mr. Bruen passed away this year, so this may be the last of Jack Taylor.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place bookshop.org
by Ian McEwan
Knopf/PRH
There is a large part of this novel which is a terrifying, post-apocalyptic warning, perhaps set a bit too distantly considering the state of our world. But another part is a look at marriages - several from several different perspectives - none completely happy, but all fascinating in their own ways. McEwan writes characters who are so real that you want to know them better, or not to know them at all.
I've enjoyed many of his novels, Machines Like Me, Atonement, Enduring Love come immediately to mind. This may be his most disturbing, lovely and erudite yet.
The discussion of the word hopefully is not something you want to miss.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place bookshop.org
The Predicament
by William Boyd
Atlantic Crime/IPG
It's great to have Gabriel Dax - world traveler, unhappy spy - back. This is an engaging espionage tale as well as a wonderful character study. Even if you don't usually read spy stories, this is not to be missed.
Boyd has other very fine novels - Any Human Heart and Love is Blind are both whole-life stories that are moving, funny and well worth your time. But don't miss Restless either. Hell, just read all he's written.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place bookshop.org
by David Greig
Europa Editions/PGW
The early Middle Ages were clearly not an easy time - the brutality of a Viking raid on a monastery begins this delightful and often very funny book. It's not all just warfare - there's also quite a bit about faith, love and tolerance. A great read.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place bookshop.org
