Mad Mike's Writing Blog, Book of the Year 2015

This isn't about books written this year, or even books published this year; this is about the books I have read this year, and there are thirty or so to choose from (a recent record for me). So, where does one start?

I won't bore you with a big long list and go through each book individually, suffice to say that many of the books I've read this year have already been reviewed, right hear on this blog, so you'll probably have a good idea where this is going.

For those of you that are new here, or just flitter in and out from time to time, you can always look back through my historic posts or look at my Amazon reviews; for all the others, I'll skip the chaff, the mediocre, and move straight to the top five.

In at number 5, with its intriguing, dystopian alternative to an England never known, is: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Better than the film and well worth a read. 

In at number 4, with its sense of isolation and quirky French spookiness is: The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse. Left me feeling cold and alone, but warmed through. Go figure! (Blog post 17/02/15)

In at number 3 is another book by Kate Mosse, the second in the Languedoc series, Sepulchre. Just as good as the first, if not better. Can't wait to read the third book in the series. 

In at number 2 is: An Officer and a Spy, by Robert Harris. So, so good, you just need to read it, but not quite my favourite book this year. (Blog post 13/10/15)

My favourite book of the year, the one that works on so many different levels, that keeps popping back into my subconscious; the one whose characters are yet to fade, is: The Casual Vacancy by J K Rowling. All that a book should be, intrigue, passion, subterfuge, and a great cast. Enjoy, and see you all next year.

The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse. A fantastic, moody and thoroughly entertaining read.

Labyrinth.

Worldwide best seller, the first of the trilogy that takes the reader from the twelfth century right through to the modern day, a TV mini-series and a tough act to follow, right? 

Well don't worry, because Kate Mosse has written another blinder. 

Set in the same southern French region as Labyrinth (I was lucky enough to holiday in Perpignan for a couple of years recently) The Winter Ghosts, charts the journey of a lost-sole as he meanders through life, looking for closure on his brother’s death in the Great War. 

Ten years have passed since he heard the news that his brother was gone and all is not well. We get flashbacks of our main character's mental state over those intervening years, and the book draws on the atmosphere of that sorrow and regret, expertly. I would read this book in my car at lunchtime, or in bed at night and feel the cold fear emanating from the pages, excellent work from Mosse. 

I won't put any spoilers in as I want to encourage you all to read this most excellent book and it's only short, so it won't take you long, but so worth it. 

I have Kate Mosse's Sepulchre and Citadel to dive into now, so I'll do just that and report back in due course with the results.

Inspiration for the day goes to all those who still fight for the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. (If you know or read Kate Mosse's work then you will know the connection, if you don't then grab one of her books and read, read, read. You won't be disappointed.)