It's an awful long time since I read a children's book or perhaps this should be called a tweenie's book. I'm not sure of the exact target age of the book. Nevertheless, I want to say right off the bat that The Witch With The Glitch was a pleasant, fun and short read. 

There were some aspects of Maxwell's writing that I found particularly endearing. The first of these was the "breakout" from the story, where the author addresses the readers directly. This is almost like a narrator speaking directly to the camera, in a movie. I found this enjoyable and felt it worked well and would work well for the target audience. The other aspect of Maxwell story was his allusions to other stories and fairy tales, which were peppered throughout the tale. Some of these would no doubt go straight over the top of the young people's heads, but provided a nice "aha" moment for any adults who might be reading the story to their children or grandchildren. A nice touch Mr Maxwell. 

The whole idea of a mystery room in Uncle Bill's bookshop where the books come alive and suck the children into the story, is probably one that's been done before, but that doesn't make it any the less endearing. Our three heroes; Nina, Ivy and Oswald regularly rendezvous at the bookshop to undertake another journey literally into the literary world. In this particular iteration the three end up in a land that bears a more than passing resemblance to that of Hansel and Gretel. 

I enjoyed this book as a small distraction from my usual heavier fare of books. As a children's book The Witch With The Glitch certainly succeeds in telling a fun tale, with some interesting dialogue and arcs. All in all, a satisfying read and a good four star book. Well done! ​

The is the third Griffith's book that I've read and the second in the Fenton Sagas. Frankly, they just get better and better, the more I read. I think I've commented before that Griffiths is a consummate story-teller and that he is. The quality and readability of his books improves with every one. There is still some way to go, but what I particularly like about this author is he has taken on board and corrected some earlier criticisms directed at his work. He is a work in progress, but the quality of his story-telling ability far outweighs any misguided perceptions of his style. 

His style really is unique and for me that's one of the more endearing features of reading a Griffith's book. Being unique does not make his books wrong, in fact it makes them VERY special. His characters are prone to do or say the most unexpected things at the most unexpected times. He sucks you into his stories and you simply are unable to extricate yourself from them, until you have read the final page. Even then, he manages to keep you wondering what will happen next? There is more to come in the Fenton Saga, of that I have no doubt and I look forward to reading more about this fascinating and strangely talented family. 

In this iteration of the sage, we find Madison, desperately believing that her brother Todd, whom she has only just met, is somehow still alive. As she keeps repeating to anyone who will listen: There Was No Body! We meet the evil, old patriarch of the family and follow his attempts to destroy his grandchildren, once and for all. 

This really is a cracking good tale and one that rollicks along at a fantastic pace. For lovers of the paranormal, this is an absolute MUST READ! 

I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to the sequel, whenever Griffiths gets around to writing it. The Fenton's are a fascinating, fun and totally enthralling family. This book absolutely deserves the five stars that I'm thrilled to give it.          

I would start by saying Malbed Mews is without a doubt one of the very best novels (of any sort) that I have read. Horror is certainly not my preferred genre and yet this wonderful book dragged me in and kept me totally captivated from the first page to the last. 

I was actually disappointed when this book ended because I had become so involved with the characters, action and events surrounding Malbed Mews. The basic plot is I'm sure one that has been covered before, but Panayi has brought her own special touch and at times sardonic humour to this story. 

The plot revolves around a converted building that has been turned into a modern block of flats in London. As the first residents begin to take up residence in their shiny, new, modern homes, it is clear something is not as it should be. Our main character Guy does some research and discovers that the old building, much of which has been retained in the redevelopment was once a mental hospital. 

Between the spirits of the previously dead patients and the evil that lurks in the basement of this building there is non-stop action and excitement from the opening page. 

I absolutely loved this novel and would recommend it to anyone who likes horror and mystery.

​I will definitely be checking out more of this author's work. She is clearly talented. No questions here, this book rates a resounding 5 stars! Excellent work May J Panayi.    

​When I See Your Face by Devika Fernando is a relatively short, but very enjoyable romance, with an interesting twist that lifts it above your average romance stories. It is sweet and well-written - certainly a pleasant enough read. 

Our hero Cathy escapes an abusive marriage to a very successful real estate broker and runs for her freedom. To outsiders she has the perfect marriage, wealth, success and the handsome, successful husband Mark, but only she knows the pain and suffering she has had to endure at his hand during their marriage. 

Running away from the big city to a little village, she is determined to start her life again, without her husband's overbearing presence. The drama begins when she meets Michael, in the local supermarket - Michael is the spitting image of her abusive husband. Why does she feel so attracted to this man who looks so much like Mark? The ensuing drama lifts this book above your average romance. 

I enjoyed this book for what it was. Fernando's writing style is simple and relaxed - very easy to read. This is a fantastic book to while away a couple of hours on a wet afternoon. I would definitely recommend it. 

One real bonus with this kindle edition was a further work by Fernando titled Kaleidoscope of Hopes. I was pretty excited to have got two excellent stories for the price of one. I should have known better of course and once I was well and truly into the second book, I realised it was just a sample of the story - albeit a full 50% of the novel. I was enjoying the second story very much so it has probably done its job in tempting me to buy the book, so I can find out how it ends. 

A good, solid romance by a talented author. Highly recommend it and pleased to give it the full 5 star treatment. Well done Devika Fernando.