Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh

This play is a comedy of manners - a social satire.

Beverly is the main character She thinks she is upper class, and adds a lot of pressure to her husband. She is a snob. She invites her neighbours to her house to show off.

For me, the play was boring in the beginning, but it grew more and more exciting, humorous and interesting. I found myself laughing, and I was amazed at the ending.

Recommendation: *****

Desree Jordan

The Dare by John Boyne

Published by Quick Reads Transworld

This is a heart warming story. The main characters are Danny Delaney and Rachel Delaney (Danny’s Mother).

When Danny’s mother is escorted home one night by two police officers, his life is turned upside down.

This is an easy read, with a believable, engaging storyline.

I would give this book a 4 star rating, as it is a moving story, sad at times and engaging.

Denise Collier

The Perfect Murder by Peter James

The Perfect Murder was the first book that I have ever read from start to finish in my life. I found it a very good read, “in deed”. I do find it very hard to get in the mood to just read anything at all “but” I only read a page or so a day, and I don’t get so bored with it.

Two of the main characters are Mr and Mrs Smiley, who are trying to kill each other. It has some very near-to-the-bone words and has some true to life comments. If you read this book, have an open mind.

I would recommend this book.

5*****

Robert Wells

Norton by Peter Gethers

This is a true story. Peter hated cats. Then he met a Scottish Fold kitten. He named him Norton. They traveled the world together on trains and boats, in planes and cars.

Nicolene Dutrieux

The Perfect Murder by Peter James

Published by Quick Reads.

The Perfect Murder is an amusing murder story. The main characters are Victor Smiley, and his wife, Joan, who have been married for nearly twenty years.

Joan has tried to change her appearance by using Victor’s credit cards, making her more attractive for Victor but doesn’t seem to get any attention. Soon he realises that the only way he can achieve his dream of setting up home with Kamila is to get Joan out of the picture. But unknown to Victor, Joan has also got something up her sleeve too.

I enjoyed this book as it has a twist to it and I didn’t expect what the ending turned out to be. It wasn’t too long to read and it was easy to read.

I would really recommend this comical and tongue-in-cheek book.


Rating: *****


Liane Corfield

I Can See Angels by Dawn Rawlings

This is a book about Dawn’s own experiences.

A true life adventure, Dawn Rawlings takes you on a journey to a magical world that can be yours. She shows you how to communicate effortlessly with your guardian angels. Dawn proves that seeing angels is possible.

When I began to read this book it felt like I was telling the story; I was experiencing it for myself, like a self-help book.

I would really recommend this book as it gives you reasons to believe that angels are looking down upon you.

Rating: *****


Liane Corfield

Clouded Vision by Linwood Barclay

This is a murder mystery and suspense story. The main characters are Melissa, Keisha Ceylon and Wendell Garfield.

The victim tells the reader of her injury and describes her whereabouts to set the scene. From then on, you are left in suspense as to who actually did the act; even at the end I was still confused.

I loved this book. I found it easy to read. Curiosity made me keep on reading to the next chapter even though I wanted to sleep! As for the ending, I was amazed – frightened, stunned, in fact a little disappointed.

The book excited me and when I told my husband and children around the dinner table, they said, “It was as though I was there.”
Recommendation and Rating (1-5 stars)
*****
Desree Jordan

Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh

Published by Penguin Books.

Abigail’s Party is a comedy. It involves 5 main characters, including: Beverly and Laurence Moss (married), Angela and Tony (married) and Susan Lawson (divorced) and Abigail who is Susan’s daughter, but we don't meet her.

Beverly invites all the neighbours to her house to show off and have a few drinks.


I would recommend this play if you enjoy dry humour and like old fashioned people.

Rating: ***

Liane Corfield

A Dream Come True by Maureen Lee

Published by Orion Quick Reads

This is a Romance, and the main characters are Maggie Holt, John Holt and Connor O’Reilly.

Maggie lives a pretty average life, until she is sent to Brighton for a work conference. There her new life begins to unfold.

An enjoyable, lifelike read with gripping twist and turns. This book has a lovely unexpected ending.

I would recommend this book as the story line is engaging and lifelike.

Rating ****

Denise Collier