David Scrimshaw reviewed Real Tigers by Mick Herron
London’s Slough House is where disgraced MI5 operatives are reassigned to spend the rest of …
The fun continues
5 stars
As always with Mick Herron and the slow horses, a completely satisfying read.
Reviews and Comments
An avid sci-fi and fantasy reader who sometimes does historical fiction or even mainstream.
You might notice that most of my reviews are 5 stars. That's because if I start reading a book that doesn't engage me, I stop reading it. Life is too short. I've realized that it's not fair to review a book I haven't read and nobody really needs to hear why I didn't get into a book especially when they might like it.
My goals with reviews are to be brief and give other potential readers an idea of why they might like the book. I leave it to the marketing people and other reviewers to describe the plots.
This link opens in a pop-up window
David Scrimshaw reviewed Into the Windwracked Wilds by A. Deborah Baker (The Up-and-Under, #3)
When the improbable road leaves Avery and Zib in the land of Air and at …
Seanan McGuire keeps it interesting
5 stars
I guess Seanan McGuire writes so much that someone thinks she needs more than one name.
I have to say I'm glad I found this one, because the Up-and-Under is a great series and #3 is a fine new volume.
David Scrimshaw reviewed Along the Saltwise Sea by A. Deborah Baker
After climbing Over the Woodward Wall and making their way across the forest, Avery and …
Magic and pirates!
5 stars
A great #2 in a great series. And we get pirates in this one!
David Scrimshaw reviewed Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker (The Up-and-Under, #1)
Avery is an exceptional child. Everything he does is precise, from the way he washes …
A. Deboarah Baker = Seanan McGuire
5 stars
A fun new story - but no wonder when Seanan McGuire is actually the author.
McGuire has a real talent for crafting believable characters who don't think like each other.
The Improbable Road is a great invention and the friends our two Earth children meet are fascinating.
David Scrimshaw reviewed Destroyer of Worlds by Matt Ruff
In this thrilling adventure, a blend of enthralling historical fiction and fantastical horror, Matt Ruff …
I want more
5 stars
Solid fun. I hope there will be more. A quick scan of his blog and Wikipedia page gives no clue.
David Scrimshaw reviewed A man without a country by Kurt Vonnegut
A Man Without a Country is Kurt Vonnegut's hilariously funny and razor-sharp look at life …
It's Kurt Vonnegut!
5 stars
It's hard not to despair given that so much of what Vonnegut was concerned about in 2005 is as bad or worse today in 2024.
But at least he gives a model on how to live.
David Scrimshaw reviewed Escape from Yokai Land by Charles Stross
Regular readers of Charles Stross’s Laundry Files might have noticed Bob Howard’s absence from the …
It's always good to spend time with Bob Howard.
5 stars
Even though he does run into the most unpleasant circumstances.
David Scrimshaw reviewed A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers (Monk and Robot, #1)
It's been centuries since the robots of Panga gained self-awareness and laid down their tools; …
A good time
5 stars
An engaging and satisfying read with captivating robots. I cannot ask for more.
David Scrimshaw reviewed Angel Mage by Garth Nix
More than a century has passed since Liliath crept into the empty sarcophagus of …
Garth Nix wins me over again
5 stars
It took me a long time with borrowing this book twice to get into this, but it was worth it once I did.
I initially put the book aside because it starts on Liliath as the main character and she's not likeable to put it lightly.
But then I remembered that Garth Nix has a talent for getting me to really like his main characters so I gave it another chance. And Simeon, Dorotea, Agnez and Henri won me over.
As one of the few witches in Britain, Mika Moon knows she has to hide …
A charming read
5 stars
This was a fine place to visit.
David Scrimshaw reviewed Spook street by Mick Herron (Slough House, #4)
"What happens when an old spook starts to lose his mind? Do the Services have …
Hang in there River!
5 stars
Solid Slough House action
David Scrimshaw reviewed JOE COUNTRY by Mick Herron
If Spook Street is where spies live, Joe Country is where they go to die. …
It's a Slough House book
5 stars
If you started this series and don't have to read all of them, there's nothing I can say.
David Scrimshaw reviewed Slough House by Mick Herron
Brexit is in full swing. And due to mysterious accidents, the Slough Houses ranks continue …
Another must read
5 stars
Another great read about the slow horses. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that this one's plot is a good argument for reading the novels in the order they came out.
David Scrimshaw reviewed Bad Actors by Mick Herron
A governmental think-tank, whose remit is to curb the independence of the intelligence service, has …
Total Slow Horses fun
5 stars
This has everything I want in a Slough House book including tasty surprises.
David Scrimshaw reviewed The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
In an Ireland doubly ravaged by war and disease, Nurse Julia Power works at an …
A fabulous big-hearted book
5 stars
This was a moving story with characters that stayed with me long after I read the book.