In November, I read:

• One Way Out by A A Dhand
• Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton
• The Babysitter by Phoebe Morgan
• Dead to Her by Sarah Pinborough
• The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie (Poirot #1)

The stand-out title for me was Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton which is the story of a high school siege in the UK. At first, I wasn’t sure how realistic this was, but I found myself drawn into the narrative and couldn’t put it down. The story of the two refugee brothers from Syria was very compelling and sensitively done.

Also recommended was One Way Out by A A Dhand. His plots are always so fast-paced, and this was no exception. Another story about a terrorist attack, although quite different from Three Hours. I work in Bradford, so I like the way he uses places and buildings I know very well in his books. I also like the way he weaves big issues into a thrilling plot.  

After signing up to Sophie Hannah’s email newsletter and getting a free guide to the Poirot novels, I decided to revisit the Queen of Crime Fiction and start reading the Poirot novels in order. I must admit I got a bit lost with The Mysterious Affair at Styles. Christie clearly knew her stuff when it comes to poison, but I found that aspect a little over-complicated. She had me going down completely the wrong path when it came to ‘whodunnit’ though!  

If I have time in December I am going to read the next Poirot novel, The Murder on the Links.

In December I plan to read:

• Expectation by Anna Hope
• The Confession by Jessie Burton
• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
• A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier