Please note that due to the coronavirus situation and government advice, all Book Group meetings have been cancelled until further notice.

The meeting that was scheduled for Monday 6 April 2020 at Steve and Shirley's house is cancelled. The subject "an autobiography" will be picked up when meetings resume.
Mon 24 Feb 2020, Jean and Richard's. Apologises for the cancellation of the January meeting. 
Discussions took place regarding the dates of future meetings and the possibility of extracurricular activities. Further details will be sent by email.
If anyone wants to comment on meeting dates or visits and talks please contact me by email.
The subject for the meeting was "a book of choice".

Chris read "The Thirst" by Norwegian novelist Jo Nesbø, the eleventh in the Harry Hole series. "Harry is inextricably drawn back into the Oslo police force. A serial murderer has begun targeting Tinder daters." One of many excellent books that come under the umbrella of "Nordic Noir" Scandinavian detective thrillers. 8 out of 10.

Les chose "Gold Fever: One Man's Adventures on the Trail of the Gold Rush" Steve Boggan's true story of prospecting for gold in 2013 following the financial crash. A gripping story of adventure, history, geology, science, economics and self-discovery. 9½ out of 10.

Jean had read "The Sleep Quilt" by Tracy Chevalier. Chevalier commissioned the creation of a quilt of 63 squares representing sleep to be made by prisoners in British jails. The book is a poignant essay with the thoughts of prisioners and what sleep means to them. It is introduced by Katy Emck of Fine Cell Work, the charity that made the quilt possible. 8 out of 10.

Sally's book was "Murder of a Straw Man", the first of the Dancing Detective Mysteries by Robyn Beecroft. A murder mystery in the Fens with Morris Dancing at the core. As the Straw Man is set alight at the climax of the festival onlookers suddenly realise that there's a real man inside! 7 out of 10.

Brian read "The Hollow Tree" by James Brogden. A horror, science fiction, ghost story, not normally the genre of choice for Brian, but, from how he described it, a real page-turner! Severed hands, a corpse in a tree and dark, other worldly forces! A rare 10 out of 10.

Shirley's book was "The Traitor", the second book in the Mitchell's & O'Hara series by Kimberley Chambers. Pregnant Frankie is thought to be responsible for her mother's death with her father in prison awaiting trial for her murder. Forced to lead a gypsy life with her violent boyfriend and his mother can Frankie find a way out. Do we care? It doesn't look like it, 4 out of 10!

Sue had read 2½ books out of a recently acquired group of 6! Although my notes are a little confused I think the two completed ones were "A Mother's Trust" by Dilly Court and "Three Letters" by Josephine Cox. Sue is enjoying them. 7 out of 10 each for these two.

Richard's book was "Call for the Dead" by John le Carré. This was Le Carré's first book, written at the height of the cold war in 1961 and the one in which he introduces George Smiley. Although very much the same formula as a lot of his books, it is a winning formula and it keeps the reader hooked through the twists and turns of murder, double agents and the old boys network running the secret services. 8 out of 10.
Fri 20 Dec 2019, Chris and Sue's. 
The meeting itself was a bit short and sweet as it was a Christmas Special and Sue had laid on drinks and nibbles for the Group and invited guests. Mmmmmm!
The subject for this meeting was a book with Christmas in the title or on the theme of Christmas.
Congratulations to all for finding such an interesting selection, and no duplications.

Steve and Shirley had both "read a Christmas Carol". I'm not sure if this meant the version by Charles Dickens or just... a Christmas carol!!

Liz's book was "The Nightshift Before Christmas" by Adam Kay. This is about the goings on during a hospital night shift. Kay is a writer, screen writer, comedian and former doctor. His first book, "This Is Going To Hurt", about his time as an obstetrician, was the Sunday Times top best seller for over a year. Highly recommended by Liz but not for the squeamish! Score: 8 out of 10.

Sue had started reading "The Christmas Sisters" by Sarah Morgan. It's the heartwarming story of three sisters, whose parents were killed in a climbing accident, returning to their adopted mother's highland home for Christmas. Although not very far in Sue is looking forward to finishing this book.

Jean, making a welcome return to the group, had read "The Atheist's Guide To Christmas" some years ago!! A bestseller from 2009, it's a collection of pieces written by 42 atheist celebrities, comedians, scientists and writers who give their funny and serious tips for enjoying the Christmas season. Edited by Ariane Sherine.

Wendy had read "Christmas With Mr Darcy" on her Kindle. It's a sequel to the "Austen Addicts" trilogy. Christmas is being celebrated at Purley Hall with a Jane Austen Conference. A rare first edition of Pride and Prejudice goes missing and it's up to the guests to solve the mystery. Score: 6 out of 10.

Sally's book was "On Strike For Christmas" by Sheila Roberts. Published in 2007, it was made into a film in 2010. It tells the story of a group of women who were fed up of doing all the work in preparation for Christmas so decided to go on strike and let the men take over! "Forced to confront deeper issues in their marriages, it's a funny, heartwarming novel that touches the very core of Christmas spirit!" Sally loved it, 9 out of 10.

Brian read "A Father Before Christmas" by Neil Boyd, a catholic priest who penned the TV series Bless Me Father. Rather unimpressed, Brian gave it 4 out of 10.

Richard had started "The Spy Who Came For Christmas" by David Morrell. It starts with an assassin stalking his target. The target is carrying a baby destined to change the course of history. Sounds good, I'll definitely carry on, when time permits!
Mon 25 Nov 2019, Jean and Richard's. 
We were pleased to welcome Penny to the meeting, and other villagers after the meeting, for drinks and nibbles. It was a bitter-sweet occasion as we were saying goodbye to Penny who is moving away. Penny has been the driving force behind many local activities in recent years and will be sorely missed.
The subject for this meeting was "a book of your choice" with all members giving glowing reports of their selections!
Sue - "The Witness" by Nora Roberts 2012. A romance with suspense plus intrigue and mystery. A 16 year old girl witnesses a Mafia murder. She eventually settles down with her dog in a rural American town and tries to rebuild her life, at least that's what she thought! Sue really liked this book though she wouldn't recommend it to a male reader. A short debate on gender issues then took place! Score - 8 out of 10.

Sally - "Lady in Waiting" by Anne Glenconner 2019. The true inside story of the Royal Family from Princess Margaret's Lady in Waiting. She was a Maid of Honour at Queen Elizabeth's coronation and married Colin Tennant, later Lord Glenconner, who bought the Caribbean island of Mustique. It was a life of privilege, drama and tragedy. When Lord Glenconner died in 2010 he left his entire £20 million Caribbean estate not to Lady Anne, his wife of 54 years, but to Kent Adonai, his illiterate manservant of 30 years who came from a St Lucian shanty town. The character, Lady Anne Clenconner, will be appearing in the latest series of "The Crown". Whatever you think of the aristocracy, the truth appears to be much worse! Highly recommended by Sally. Score - 8 out of 10.

Brian - "The Fist of God" by Frederick Forsyth 1994. A novel but littered with factual references - Saddam Hussein, weapons of mass destruction, the invasion of Kuwait, secret agents, seduction and more. Will the the search for Saddam's ultimate weapon, The Fist of God, succeed? Although this genre is not usually Brian's cup of tea, he has rated it very highly. Score - 9 out of 10.

Richard - "Agent Running in the Field" by John Le Carré 2019. Le Carré's latest novel is a contemporary spy thriller that references Brexit and Donald Trump. It's a bit "more of the same" with well over half the book setting the scene of characters, relationships and situations, but it did keep you hooked. I was left feeling a bit disappointed by the ending, it could have done with another chapter to tie up some loose ends and tell you what happened next. That's a frequent problem for me, authors just seems happy to stop after the big finish or big reveal without clearing up the sub-plots and relationships that have kept you gripped. Laziness I suspect! Good, I read it in two days. Score: 7 out of 10.
Mon 28 Oct 2019, Shirley and Steve's. 
Rescheduled from the previous Monday due to sickness. An alternative activity (!) took place due to lack of attendees.
Mon 14 Oct 2019 2pm. Visit to Watton Abbey Farm. 
Grateful thanks to Liz for arranging and Tony for hosting a most interesting visit to the pig unit at Watton Abbey Farm. Tony gave us a very informative guided tour of the unit and covered a wide range of farming topics and issues as well as the life cycle of the pig from conception through to the table.
Monday 16 September 2019, Chris and Sue's. 
Good Morning,
 
After yet another enjoyable book club meeting with the exception of the unfortunate absence of Penny to keep us in line and by whose instigation this group got to together in the first place, her presence will be sadly missed and we wish her well for the future.
 
The book we reviewed was Unnatural Causes by Dr Richard Shepherd. Not all present had read the entire book and some were at various stages in the book, however from the reviews of those that had finished it comments like gripping and a good read I think inspired the rest of us to read on.
 
We decided that the next book would be one of a personal choice so we could each give an appraisal of that book at the next meeting which should be interesting.
 
I am also happy to report that the chair for the group will be done on a rotational basis in the future, phew!
 
Shirley and Steve have kindly agreed to be the host of the next meeting which will be held on the 21st October.
 
See you there.
 
Chris